bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in angiotensin II-induced responses in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Truong Vanessa , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B. , Srivastava Ashok K.
Published: October 2020

Cyclic AMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates the transcription of several genes containing the CRE sites on their promoters. CREB is activated by phosphorylation on a key serine residue, Ser311, in response to a wide variety of extracellular stimuli including angiotensin II (Ang II). Ang II is an important vasoactive peptide and mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that in addition to regulating the contractile response in VSMC also plays an important role in phenotypic switch of VSMC from contractile to a synthetic state. The synthetic VSMC are known to exhibit proliferative and migratory properties due to hyperactivation of Ang II-induced signaling events. Ang II has been shown to induce CREB phosphorylation/activation and transcription of genes implicated in proliferation, growth, and migration. Here, we have highlighted some key studies that have demonstrated an important role of CREB in Ang II-mediated gene transcription, proliferation, hypertrophy, and migration of VSMC.
Construction of the numerical and analytical wave solutions of the Joseph–Egri dynamical equation for the long waves in nonlinear dispersive systems
Authors: Alharbi Abdulghani R. , Almatrafi M. B. , Seadawy Aly R.
Published: October 2020

The Kudryashov technique is employed to extract several classes of solitary wave solutions for the Joseph–Egri equation. The stability of the achieved solutions is tested. The numerical solution of this equation is also investigated. We also present the accuracy and the stability of the numerical schemes. Some two- and three-dimensional figures are shown to present the solutions on some specific domains. The used methods are found useful to be applied on other nonlinear evolution equations.
Quantum relativistic cosmology: Dynamical interpretation and tunneling universe
Authors: Vieira H. S. , Bezerra V. B. , Muniz C. R. , Cunha M. S.
Published: October 2020

In this work, the wave functions associated to the quantum relativistic universe, which is described by the Wheeler–DeWitt equation, are obtained. Taking into account different kinds of energy density, namely, matter, radiation, vacuum, dark energy and quintessence, we discuss some aspects of the quantum dynamics. In all these cases, the wave functions of the quantum relativistic universe are given in terms of the triconfluent Heun functions. We investigate the expansion of the universe using these solutions and found that the asymptotic behavior for the scale factor is [Formula: see text] for whatever the form of energy density is. On the other hand, we analyze the behavior at early stages of the universe and found that [Formula: see text]. We also calculate and analyze the transmission coefficient through the effective potential barrier.
COMPLEXITY-BASED DETECTION OF SIMILARITY BETWEEN ANIMAL CORONAVIRUSES AND SARS-CoV-2 IN HUMANS
Authors: NAMAZI HAMIDREZA , HERRERA-VIEDMA ENRIQUE , KREJCAR ONDREJ
Published: October 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the most dangerous type of coronavirus and has infected over 25.3 million people around the world (including causing 848,000 deaths). In this study, we investigated the similarity between the genome walks of coronaviruses in various animals and those of human SARS-CoV-2. Based on the results, although bats show a similar pattern of coronavirus genome walks to that of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, decoding the complex structure of coronavirus genome walks using sample entropy and fractal theory showed that the complexity of the pangolin coronavirus genome walk has a 94% match with the complexity of the SARS-CoV-2 genome walk in humans. This is the first reported study that found a similarity between the hidden characteristics of pangolin coronavirus and human SARS-CoV-2 using complexity-based analysis. The results of this study have great importance for the analysis of the origin and transfer of the virus.
In vivo phototoxic effects of a tetraethyleneglycol-substituted Zn phthalocyanine in tumor bearing rats at an enzymatic level
Authors: Aykota Muhammed Raşid , Yılmaz Sevda , Erbiş Halil , Kabay Nilgün , Kostakoğlu Sinem Tuncel , Ahsen Vefa , Dumoulin Fabienne , Yenisey Çiğdem , Kabay Burhan
Published: October 2020

TEG-Pc, a Zn(II) phthalocyanine tetra substituted in non-peripheral position by tetraethylene glycol chains, proved to have good efficiency during in vitro photodynamic experiments. Its in vivo phototoxic effects have been investigated in tumor-bearing Wistar albino rats at an enzymatic level. The evolution of different oxidative markers are reviewed 6 h after the treatment.
Equivariant Benjamini–Schramm convergence of simplicial complexes and ℓ2-multiplicities
Authors: Kionke Steffen , Schrödl-Baumann Michael
Published: October 2020

We define a variant of Benjamini–Schramm convergence for finite simplicial complexes with the action of a fixed finite group G which leads to the notion of unimodular random rooted simplicial G-complexes. For every unimodular random rooted simplicial G-complex we define a corresponding [Formula: see text]-homology and the [Formula: see text]-multiplicity of an irreducible representation of G in the homology. The [Formula: see text]-multiplicities generalize the [Formula: see text]-Betti numbers and we show that they are continuous on the space of sofic random rooted simplicial G-complexes. In addition, we study the induction of random rooted complexes and discuss the effect on [Formula: see text]-multiplicities.
Extreme nonuniqueness of end-sum
Authors: Calcut Jack S. , Guilbault Craig R. , Haggerty Patrick V.
Published: October 2020

We give explicit examples of pairs of one-ended, open [Formula: see text]-manifolds whose end-sums yield uncountably many manifolds with distinct proper homotopy types. This answers strongly in the affirmative a conjecture of Siebenmann regarding nonuniqueness of end-sums. In addition to the construction of these examples, we provide a detailed discussion of the tools used to distinguish them; most importantly, the end-cohomology algebra. Key to our Main Theorem is an understanding of this algebra for an end-sum in terms of the algebras of summands together with ray-fundamental classes determined by the rays used to perform the end-sum. Differing ray-fundamental classes allow us to distinguish the various examples, but only through the subtle theory of infinitely generated abelian groups. An appendix is included which contains the necessary background from that area.
Banach–Mazur stability of von Neumann algebras
Authors: Roydor Jean
Published: October 2020

We initiate the study of perturbation of von Neumann algebras relatively to the Banach–Mazur distance. We first prove that the type decomposition is continuous, i.e. if two von Neumann algebras are close, then their respective summands of each type are close. We then prove that, under some vanishing conditions on its Hochschild cohomology groups, a von Neumann algebra is Banach–Mazur stable, i.e. any von Neumann algebra which is close enough is actually Jordan ∗-isomorphic. These vanishing conditions are possibly empty.
Editorial: Autonomy and Intelligence in Neurorehabilitation Robotic and Prosthetic Technologies
Authors: Farokh Atashzar S. , Tavakoli Mahdi , Farina Dario , Patel Rajni V.
Published: October 2020

Neurorehabilitation robotic technologies and powered assistive prosthetic devices have shown great potential for accelerating motor recovery or compensating for the lost motor functions of disabled users. The functioning of these technologies relies on a highly-interactive bidirectional flow of information and physical energy between a human user and a robotic system. Thus, key factors are integrity, intelligence and quality of the interaction loops. As a result, research in this field has focused on (a) enhancing the quality and safety of the physical interaction between disabled users and robotic systems while providing a high level of intelligence and adaptability for generating assistive and therapeutic force fields; (b) detecting the user’s motor intention with high spatiotemporal resolution to provide bidirectional human–machine interfacing; (c) promoting mental engagement through designing multimodal interactive interfaces and various sensory manipulation strategies. This Special Issue has collected papers that contribute to these three research areas, highlighting the importance of different aspects in human–robot interaction loops for augmenting the performance of neurorehabilitation robotic systems and prosthetic devices.
Data on the outside versus data on the inside
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: October 2020

Data kept outside SQL has different characteristics from data kept inside.
A career unfolds in phases
Authors: Rohlfing Celeste M.
Published: October 2020

Computing enabled me to …
Bringing industry back to conferences, and paying for results
Authors: Patterson David , Bugayenko Yegor
Published: October 2020

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

http://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

David Patterson wants to boost industry submissions to conferences, while Yegor Bugayenko suggests productivity should govern coders' pay when they work from home.
Using data and respecting users
Authors: Van Alstyne Marshall W. , Lenart Alisa
Published: October 2020

Three technical and legal approaches that create value from data and foster user trust.
It is time for more critical CS education
Authors: Ko Amy J. , Oleson Alannah , Ryan Neil , Register Yim , Xie Benjamin , Tari Mina , Davidson Matthew , Druga Stefania , Loksa Dastyni
Published: October 2020

By which 'critical' means an intellectual stance of skepticism, centering the consequences, limitations, and unjust impacts of computing in society.
Review—State-of-the-Art Organic Solar Cells based on Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Xie Zhemiao , Yeow John T. W.
Published: October 2020

In the 21st century, photovoltaic (PV) is an emerging renewable energy source. According to its low production cost, organic solar cells (OSCs) exhibit huge potential in the commercialization market. Low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials with superb electronic, optical, mechanical properties have been proposed to serve as different functions in organic solar cells. In this paper, we systematically summarize the progress of carbon nanotube (CNT)- and graphene-based OSCs, including the photoactive, electrode and interfacial layers. It concludes that CNTs and graphene can play a crucial role in OSCs. Also, this review provides a summary and outlook on improving the performance of OSCs. At present, the device is in the direction of the hybrid system, high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long lifetimes.
Trap Density Assessment on Multilayer WS2 using Power-Dependent Indirect Photoluminescence
Authors: Leonhardt A. , Nuytten T. , de la Rosa C. J. Lockhart , Sergeant S. , Mootheri V. K. , Huyghebaert C. , De Gendt S.
Published: October 2020

Material or interface defectivity assessment of 2D materials remains a challenge, specifically in terms of simple techniques which can be integrated in a CMOS process line. Here we demonstrate an optical technique that assesses interface trap densities, based on the indirect photoluminescence emission. We achieved that by demonstrating the modulation of the indirect/direct photoluminescence peak intensity ratio by the exciton concentration and then linking the modulation to the trap-sensitive non-radiative Auger recombination. Calibration is achieved through theoretical modeling of the recombination mechanisms and, as an example of the methodology, a trap density between 1.6 × 1010 cm−2 and 1.2 × 1011 cm−2 is extracted from (hBN/)WS2/SiO2 structures.
Forced expiratory time: a composite of airway narrowing and airway closure
Authors: Skloot Gwen S. , O’Connor-Chapman Kieley L. , Schechter Clyde B. , Markley Daniel J. , Bates Jason H. T.
Published: October 2020

Forced expiratory time (FET) has long been felt to reflect important physiological information about lung function but exactly how has never been clear. Here, we use a model analysis to assess the contributions of airway narrowing versus airway closure to FET in a population of individuals and find support for the theory that FET correlates positively with FEV1 if the amounts of lung emptying over a forced expiration vary from predicted values more than variations in the rates of lung emptying, whereas the correlation is negative in the opposite case.
Catalytic Allylic Chlorination of Natural Terpenic Olefins Using Supported and Nonsupported Lewis Acid Catalysts
Authors: Mekkaoui Ayoub Abdelkader , Laayati Mouhsine , Orfi Hamza , El Firdoussi Larbi , El Houssame Soufiane
Published: October 2020

A mild and convenient method for the allylic chlorination of naturally occurring terpenic olefins was investigated in the presence of different supported and non-supported Lewis acid catalysts. The reaction has been tested on carvone as a model substrate in the presence of sodium hypochlorite as chlorine donor. The scope and limitations of transition metal-based Lewis acid catalysts, stoichiometry, and substrate structure were evaluated. Among the iron precursors used, FeCl3 and FeCl2 provide the promise of a general approach to allylic or vinylic chlorination reaction. Various terpenic olefins were examined in the presence of FeCl3/NaOCl combination system. The catalytic chlorination proceeds under mild conditions with short reaction time and shows a high selectivity affording the corresponding chlorides in good to excellent yields.
A New Method to Handle Conflict when Combining Evidences Using Entropy Function and Evidence Angle with an Effective Application in Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Lei , Diao Ling , Sang Jun
Published: October 2020

Addressing the problem of fusing highly conflicting evidences in Dempster–Shafer theory is one of the most necessary, important, and difficult research directions all the time, and so far we have published two papers related to it. In this paper, another novel method to handle conflict when combining evidences is proposed, where evidence distance, evidence angle, and improved entropy function, three key tools, are used for constructing the final weight of each body of evidence. This newly proposed approach mainly consists of three steps: firstly, both evidence distance and evidence angle determine the initial weight together; secondly, making use of the improved entropy modifies the initial weight to get the final weight; lastly, the classical D-S combination rule will be applied to obtain final fusion results. Still a classical numeric example and a real fault diagnosis application both demonstrate its effectiveness and efficiency, and compared with other current popular methods including two of our previous works, this new approach can converge fast and reduce most uncertainty of decision-making when fusing highly conflicting evidences.
Evaluation of Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Intravitreal Injections and Associated Risk Factors Related to the Disease
Authors: Herranz-Heras Juan-Carlos , de-Pablo-Cabrera Almudena , Alonso-Martín Beatriz , de-Lucas-Viejo Beatriz , de-Castro-Liébana Marta , Mencía-Gutiérrez Enrique , Ferro-Osuna Manuel-Jesús , Romero Carmen , Sambricio Javier
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To analyze patients’ anxiety levels using the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VASA), in regard to intravitreal injection treatment and to determine possible associated risk factors related to the disease and treatment characteristics. Methods. Cross-sectional observational study with consecutive sampling of patients who were going to receive an intravitreal injection. Subjects completed the VASA prior to the procedure, and afterwards, their data were collected from the electronic medical history. Analysis was performed through a linear regression model. Results. Fifty-five men and forty-seven women were enrolled. The mean age was 73.9 ± 12.4 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), and the mean ± SD of previous injections was 12.8 ± 12. The most frequent pathologies found were age-related macular degeneration with 46.1% and diabetic macular edema with 36.3%. The median of anxiety levels measured in millimeters (mm) was 16 (interquartile range: 0–48). In univariate models, women presented a mean of 10.8 mm of anxiety more than men (

p
=
0.03

). The adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that younger patients declared higher anxiety levels (

p
=
0.036

). No significant association was found between the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on the day of the injection, the change in BCVA since the beginning of the treatment or the number of injections received, and the registered anxiety levels. Conclusions. Sex and age may have an influence on anxiety levels. BCVA and the number ofinjections received did not seem to have an influence on our patients anxiety levels.
Physicians’ Characteristics Associated with Their Attitude to Family Presence during Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Al bshabshe Ali A. , Al Atif Mohammad Y. , Bahis Mohammed A. , Asiri Abdulrahman M. , Asseri AbdulAziz M. , Hummadi AbdulRahman A. , Al-omari Awad , Almahdi Yasser M. , Malik A. Rauoof
Published: October 2020

Healthcare providers have disparate views of family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; however, the attitudes of physicians have not been investigated systematically. This study investigates the patterns and determinants of physicians’ attitudes to FP during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. A cross‐sectional design was applied, where a sample of 1000 physicians was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in the southern region of Saudi Arabia for over 11 months (February 2014–December 2014). The collected data was analyzed using the Pearson chi‐square test. Spearman’s correlation analysis and chi‐square test of independence were used for the analysis of physicians’ characteristics with their willingness to allow FP. 80% of physicians opposed FP during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The majority of them believed that FP could lead to decreased bedside space, staff distraction, performance anxiety, interference with patient care, and breach of privacy. They also highlight FP to result in difficulty concerning stopping a futile cardiopulmonary resuscitation, psychological trauma to family members, professional stress among staff, and malpractice litigations. 77.9% mostly disagreed that FP could be useful in allaying family anxiety about the condition of the patient or removing their doubts about the care provided, improving family support and participation in patient care, or enhancing staff professionalism. Various concerns exist for FP during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which must be catered when planning for FP execution.
On Highly Dimensional Elastic and Nonelastic Interaction between Internal Waves in Straight and Varying Cross-Section Channels
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A. , Zheng Qiang , Qin Haiyong , Attia Raghda A. M.
Published: October 2020

This manuscript studies the computational solutions of the highly dimensional elastic and nonelastic interaction between internal waves through the fractional nonlinear (4 + 1)-dimensional Fokas equation. This equation is considered as the extension model of the two-dimensional Davey–Stewartson (DS) and Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) equations to a four spatial dimensions equation with time domain. The modified Khater method is employed along the Atangana–Baleanu (AB) derivative operator to construct many novel explicit wave solutions. These solutions explain more physical and dynamical behavior of that kind of the interaction. Moreover, 2D, 3D, contour, and stream plots are demonstrated to explain the detailed dynamical characteristics of these solutions. The novelty of our paper is shown by comparing our results with those obtained in previous published research papers.
An Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Hyperchaotic System and Variable-Step Josephus Problem
Authors: Zhang Xuncai , Wang Lingfei , Wang Yanfeng , Niu Ying , Li Yinhua
Published: October 2020

In this paper, an image encryption algorithm based on a hyperchaotic system and variable-step Josephus problem is proposed. Based on an in-depth analysis of the classic Josephus problem, a new variable-step Josephus problem that combines the pseudorandom sequence with the Josephus problem is proposed. Firstly, the hash value of the plaintext image is calculated, which is converted to the initial value of the chaotic system. Secondly, the chaotic system is iterated to generate four pseudorandom sequences X, Y, Z, and W. The sequences X, Y, and Z are input as parameters into the variable-step Josephus function to scramble the positions of the rows, pixel bits, and columns of the image, respectively. Finally, the elements of the sequence W and the image pixels are used to perform the addition operation. According to the experiments, the information entropy of the encrypted image with size 256

∗

256 reaches 7.997 and the adjacent correlations in three directions are within ±0.01. The experimental results show that image encryption algorithm proposed in this paper has plaintext sensitivity and can resist the common attacks.
Approximate Controllability for a Kind of Fractional Neutral Differential Equations with Damping
Authors: Du Jun , Cui Dongling , Sun Yeguo , Xu Jin
Published: October 2020

This paper gains several meaningful results on the mild solutions and approximate controllability for a kind of fractional neutral differential equations with damping (FNDED) and order belonging to

1,2

in Banach spaces. At first, a new expression for the mild solutions of FNDED via the (p, q)-regularized operator family and the technique of Laplace transform is acquired. Then, we consider the approximate controllability of FNDED by means of the approximate sequence method, and simultaneously, some applicable sufficient conditions are obtained.
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw with Spontaneous Hemimaxilla Exfoliation: Report of a Case in Metastatic Renal Cancer Patient under Multidrug Therapy
Authors: Bennardo F. , Buffone C. , Muraca D. , Antonelli A. , Giudice A.
Published: October 2020

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a well-recognized complication of drug therapies for bone metabolic disorders or cancer related to administration of antiresorptive (bisphosphonates and denosumab) and antiangiogenic drugs. This report describes an advanced and unusual case of stage III peri-implantitis-induced MRONJ involving the right upper jaw which was attempting to self-exfoliate. A 61-year-old male patient, rehabilitated with the placement of two implants when he was still healthy, was suffering from metastatic renal cancer previously treated with bevacizumab, interleukin-2, zoledronic acid, denosumab, cabozantinib and nivolumab. He had been under treatment of nonsurgical therapy over a year, based on antibiotic and antiseptic mouth rinse, without improvement of oral conditions. Surgical treatment consisted of massive sequestrectomy and complete surgical debridement of necrotic bone tissues. The specimen was sent for histopathologic analysis, which confirmed bone tissue necrosis with no evidence of metastatic disease. Two-month follow-up revealed a considerable life quality improvement. Although this complication is well known, the uniqueness of this case is given by its severity, related to the administration of multiple antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs, by the natural response of the oral cavity with the almost complete self-exfoliation of the massive necrotic zone. This case is emblematic in highlighting the controversies in the management of MRONJ, which certainly require effective collaboration of the multidisciplinary health care team that could improve patient safety and reduce the risk of developing MRONJ.
Amelioration of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mucus Hypersecretion and Viscosity by Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Rui , Liang Yingmin , Ip Mary Sau Man , Zhang Kalin Yanbo , Mak Judith Choi Wo
Published: October 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, in which cigarette smoke (CS) is the major risk factor. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) are the main active ingredients extracted from Dendrobium officinale, which have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well as inhibition of mucin gene expression. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of DOPs on CS-induced mucus hypersecretion and viscosity in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro study, primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) differentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) culture for 28 days were stimulated with cigarette smoke medium (CSM) in the absence or presence of various concentrations of DOPs or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 24 hours. For in vivo study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to sham air (SA) as control group or CS group for 56 days. At day 29, rats were subdivided and given water as control, DOPs, or NAC as positive control as a mucolytic drug via oral gavage for the remaining duration. Samples collected from apical washing, cell lysates, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and lung tissues were evaluated for mucin gene expression, mucus secretion, and viscosity. DOPs ameliorated the CS-induced mucus hypersecretion and viscosity as shown by the downregulation of MUC5AC mRNA, MUC5AC secretary protein, and mucus viscosity via inhibition of mucus secretory granules in both in vitro and in vivo models. DOPs produced its effective effects on the CS-induced mucus hypersecretion and viscosity via the inhibition of the mucus secretory granules. These findings could be a starting point for considering the potential role of DOPs in the management of the smoking-mediated COPD. However, further research is needed.
Preview Tracking Control of Linear Periodic Switched Systems with Dwell Time
Authors: Liao Fucheng , Cui Lijie , Lu Yanrong , Deng Jiamei
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the preview tracking control problem for linear discrete-time periodic switched systems. Firstly, an augmented error system is constructed for each subsystem by stabilizing the augmented error systems through the method of optimal preview control, and the tracking problem of the switched system is transformed into the switched stability problem of closed-loop augmented error systems. Secondly, a switched Lyapunov function method is applied to search the minimal dwell time satisfying the switched stability of the closed-loop augmented error systems. Thirdly, the switched preview control input is solved from the controller of the individual augmented error system, and then the sufficient conditions and the preview controller can be obtained to guarantee the solvability of the original periodic switched preview tracking problem. Finally, numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the stabilization design method.
The Effect of Biodentine Maturation Time on Resin Bond Strength When Aged in Artificial Saliva
Authors: Mustafa Ruba M. , Al-Nasrawi Suhad J. , Aljdaimi Abtesam I.
Published: October 2020

Biodentine is a calcium silicate cement (CSC) that has been broadly applied in vital pulp therapy. The quality of the Biodentine-composite bond has a significant effect on the longevity of the definitive restoration. The aim of this study is to investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) between Biodentine and composite restoration at different maturation times of Biodentine aged in artificial saliva. Fifteen Biodentine discs were allocated into three groups (n = 5) based on the timeframe of performance of composite restoration: immediate (after 12  min), after 14 days, and after 28 days of Biodentine maturation. Total etch and rinse adhesive system and bulk-fill regular resin composite were used. The shear bond strength and the failure pattern were assessed. One-way ANOVA with the Bonferroni post hoc test was applied for statistical analysis at

p
<
0.05

. The highest (32.47 ± 8.18 MPa) and the lowest (4.08 ± 0.81 MPa) SBS values were recorded for 14 days and 12 min groups, respectively. Significant statistical differences were reported among the groups, and a high statistically significant difference was found between the immediate group and the other groups. Adhesive failure patterns were evident in all groups. More clinically acceptable bond strength between the Biodentine and overlaid composite restoration is at 14 days after Biodentine maturation. Delaying the coverage of Biodentine later than 14 days may significantly reduce the SBS. Using the artificial saliva as an aging medium may affect the SBS between Biodentine and composite material.
Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile, and Associated Risk Factors of Salmonella Isolate among Diarrheal Patients Visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Teferi Samuel Chane
Published: October 2020

Salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide, particularly in the developing countries such as Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and associated risk factors of Salmonella isolate among diarrheal patients who were visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia, from November 2016 to January 2017. 384 stool samples were collected using sterile stool cups. Out of these, 20 (5.21%) were found to be positive for Salmonella species. The distribution of positive samples among the three age groups indicated that Salmonella species were predominantly prevalent in the age group of three months (0.25 years) to 4 years old patients. Abdominal pain, vomiting, watery consistency of stool, and 1–5 days of diarrhea were the clinical features that were significantly associated with salmonellosis. Eating raw vegetables and fruits, consumption of street-vended foods, cohabitation of animals, using water from the unprotected source, absence of latrine, and consumption of raw products of animals such as eggs and raw milk were the risk factors that were significantly associated with the prevalence of Salmonella species. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for the isolated Salmonella species against 5 currently recommended antibiotics. The antimicrobial sensitivity study carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method showed that 100% of Salmonella isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 80% sensitive to nalidixic acid, respectively. Among them, twenty isolated Salmonella species resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 100%, 85%, and 80%, respectively. This study revealed that Salmonella species were prevalent among diarrheal patients who were visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, and therefore, routine diagnosis of patients with diarrhea cases is required, and drugs must be prescribed after performing the sensitivity test, or checking the updated information on the local antibiotics pattern is always necessary.
Empirical Method for Evaluating Resilient Modulus of Saturated Silty Clay under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Yong , Ye Guanbao , Xiang Peilin , Xiao Yan , Wang Qiong
Published: October 2020

Resilient modulus of soil is crucial for the design of a structure on a foundation subjected to a cyclic loading (e.g., traffic load or machine vibration load). This paper conducted a series of dynamic triaxial tests of saturated silty clay, considering the influence of the factors of cyclic stress ratio (CSR), static deviatoric stress ratio (SDR), and overconsolidation ratio (OCR) on the resilient modulus and dynamic damping ratio of the soil. A cyclic loading with a form of half sine wave was used to model the traffic loading. The results showed that the soil was prone to failure under a higher SDR, even though the applied CSR was less than the critical CSR. The saturated silty clay performed a strain softening behavior and its dynamic properties deteriorated significantly when higher CSR and SDR and lower OCR were involved. Based on the test results, an empirical method with a form of exponential function was proposed to evaluate the resilient modulus of the soil, considering the combined effects of CSR and SDR and OCR. The proposed method was verified through a comparison with the test results in this study and from literatures, and some recommendations for its application were offered.
Vessel Wall-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Share Similar Differentiation Potential and Immunomodulatory Properties with Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells
Authors: Veréb Zoltán , Mázló Anett , Szabó Attila , Póliska Szilárd , Kiss Attila , Litauszky Krisztina , Koncz Gábor , Boda Zoltán , Rajnavölgyi Éva , Bácsi Attila
Published: October 2020

Purpose. This study is aimed at investigating the phenotype, differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties, and responsiveness of saphenous vein vessel wall-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (SV-MSCs) to various TLR ligands and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as comparing their features to those of their bone marrow-derived counterparts (BM-MSCs). Methods. SV-MSCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion of the saphenous vein vessel wall. Phenotype analysis was carried out by flow cytometry and microscopy, whereas adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation potentials were tested in in vitro assays. For comparative analysis, the expression of different stemness, proliferation, and differentiation-related genes was determined by Affymetrix gene array. To compare the immunomodulatory properties of SV-MSCs and BM-MSCs, mixed lymphocyte reaction was applied. To investigate their responses to various activating stimuli, MSCs were treated with TLR ligands (LPS, PolyI:C) or proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IFNγ), and the expression of various early innate immune response-related genes was assessed by qPCR, while secretion of selected cytokines and chemokines was measured by ELISA. Results. The isolated SV-MSCs were able to differentiate into bone, fat, and cartilage cells/direction in vitro. SV-MSCs expressed the most important MSC markers (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105) and shared almost identical phenotypic characteristics with BM-MSCs. Their gene expression pattern and activation pathways were close to those of BM-MSCs. SV-MSCs showed better immunosuppressive activity inhibiting phytohemagglutinin-induced T lymphocyte proliferation in vitro than BM-MSCs. Cellular responses to treatments mimicking inflammatory conditions were comparable in the bone marrow- and saphenous vein-derived MSCs. Namely, similar to BM-MSCs, SV-MSCs secreted increased amount of IL-6 and IL-8 after 12- or 24-hour treatment with LPS, PolyI:C, TNFα, or IL-1β, compared to untreated controls. Interestingly, a different CXCL-10/IP-10 secretion pattern could be observed under inflammatory conditions in the two types of MSCs. Conclusion. Based on our results, cells isolated from saphenous vein vessel wall fulfilled the ISCT’s (International Society for Cellular Therapy) criteria for multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, and no significant differences in the phenotype, gene expression pattern, and responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli could be observed between BM-MSCs and SV-MSCs, while the latter cells have more potent immunosuppressive activity in vitro. Further functional assays have to be performed to reveal whether SV-MSCs could be useful for certain regenerative therapeutic applications or tissue engineering purposes.
Effect of Anticancer Quinones on Reactive Oxygen Production by Adult Rat Heart Myocytes
Authors: Doroshow James H.
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effect of anthracycline antibiotics, mitomycin C, and menadione on oxygen consumption and hydrogen peroxide production by intact, beating, rat heart myocytes. Doxorubicin produced a dose-dependent increase in the rate of cyanide-resistant respiration by beating myocytes. The anthracycline analogs 4-demethoxydaunorubicin, 4′-epidoxorubicin, 4′-deoxydoxorubicin, and menogaril, as well as the anticancer quinones mitomycin C and menadione, also significantly increased oxygen consumption by cardiac myocytes. However, 5-iminodaunorubicin (which has a substituted quinone group) and mitoxantrone (which is not easily reduced by flavin dehydrogenases) had no effect on cardiac respiration. Both catalase (43%) and acetylated cytochrome c (19%) significantly decreased oxygen consumption that had been stimulated by doxorubicin; furthermore, extracellular hydrogen peroxide production was increased from undetectable control levels to1.30±0.02 nmol/min/107 myocytes (n=4,P<0.01) in the presence of 400 μM doxorubicin. These experiments suggest that the anthracycline antibiotics and other anticancer quinones stimulate cardiac oxygen radical production in intact heart myocytes; such a free radical cascade could contribute to the cardiac toxicity of these drugs.
An Intelligent Real-Time Traffic Control Based on Mobile Edge Computing for Individual Private Environment
Authors: Math Sa , Zhang Lejun , Kim Seokhoon , Ryoo Intae
Published: October 2020

The existence of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) provides a novel and great opportunity to enhance user quality of service (QoS) by enabling local communication. The 5th generation (5G) communication is consisting of massive connectivity at the Radio Access Network (RAN), where the tremendous user traffic will be generated and sent to fronthaul and backhaul gateways, respectively. Since fronthaul and backhaul gateways are commonly installed by using optical networks, the bottleneck network will occur when the incoming traffic exceeds the capacity of the gateways. To meet the requirement of real-time communication in terms of ultralow latency (ULL), these aforementioned issues have to be solved. In this paper, we proposed an intelligent real-time traffic control based on MEC to handle user traffic at both gateways. The method sliced the user traffic into four communication classes, including conversation, streaming, interactive, and background communication. And MEC server has been integrated into the gateway for caching the sliced traffic. Subsequently, the MEC server can handle each user traffic slice based on its QoS requirements. The evaluation results showed that the proposed scheme enhances the QoS and can outperform on the conventional approach in terms of delays, jitters, and throughputs. Based on the simulated results, the proposed scheme is suitable for improving time-sensitive communication including IoT sensor’s data. The simulation results are validated through computer software simulation.
Canine Silica Urolithiasis in Mexico (2005–2018)
Authors: Mendoza-López Claudia Iveth , Del-Angel-Caraza Javier , Aké-Chiñas María Alejandra , Quijano-Hernández Israel Alejandro , Barbosa-Mireles Marco Antonio
Published: October 2020

A higher frequency of canine silica urolithiasis is found in Mexico, unlike <1–8% in other countries. The causes and risk factors for this pathology are unknown. However, we consider the consumption of high amounts of silica from the solid diet or dissolved in water as the only hypothesis. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for silica urolithiasis in dogs from Mexico. A total of 1383 clinical cases of canine urolithiasis were included in this study; the uroliths were analyzed to determine their mineral composition by stereoscopic microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Of these cases, 12.94% were considered pure silica uroliths; however, considering the mixed and compound uroliths, the frequency increased to 17.42%. Male dogs aged >6 years and large breeds, especially Labradors and Golden retrievers, were at significant risk for this disease. 98.88 % of the clinical cases studied were found in the central axis of the country, considering this finding as a possible geographical risk factor to be analyzed in another study.
Prostate Cancer Biomarker Development: National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network Prostate Cancer Collaborative Group Review
Authors: Liss Michael A. , Leach Robin J. , Sanda Martin G. , Semmes Oliver J.
Published: October 2020

Prostate cancer remains the most common non-skin cancer and second leading cause of death among men in the United States. Although progress has been made in diagnosis and risk assessment, many clinical questions remain regarding early identification of prostate cancer and management. The early detection of aggressive disease continues to provide high curative rates if diagnosed in a localized state. Unfortunately, prostate cancer displays significant heterogeneity within the prostate organ and between individual patients making detection and treatment strategies complex. Although prostate cancer is common among men, the majority will not die from prostate cancer, introducing the issue of overtreatment as a major concern in clinical management of the disease. The focus of the future is to identify those at highest risk for aggressive prostate cancer and to develop prevention and screening strategies, as well as discerning the difference in malignant potential of diagnosed tumors. The Prostate Cancer Research Group of the National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network has contributed to the progress in addressing these concerns. This summary is an overview of the activities of the group.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible.”
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and ApoA-1 (Apolipoprotein A-1) Potentially Modulate Pancreatic α-Cell Glucagon Secretion
Authors: Mancuso Elettra , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Fuoco Anastasia , Leo Antonio , Citraro Rita , Averta Carolina , Spiga Rosangela , Russo Emilio , De Sarro Giovambattista , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Subjects with low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and ApoA-1 (apolipoprotein A-1) have increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes. HDL levels are an independent predictor of β-cell function and positively modulate it. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by defects in both β and α-cell function, but the effect of HDL and ApoA1 on α-cell function is unknown.

Approach and Results:

We observed a significant negative correlation (
r
=−0.422,
P
<0.0001) between HDL levels and fasting glucagon in a cohort of 132 Italian subjects. In a multivariable regression analysis including potential confounders such as age, sex, BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting and 2-hour postload glucose, and fasting insulin, the association between HDL and fasting glucagon remained statistically significant (β=−0.318,
P
=0.006). CD1 mice treated with HDL or ApoA-1 for 3 consecutive days showed a 32% (
P
<0.001) and 23% (
P
<0.05) reduction, respectively, in glucagon levels following insulin-induced hypoglycemia, compared with controls. Treatment of pancreatic αTC1 clone 6 cells with HDL or ApoA-1 for 24 hours resulted in a significant reduction of glucagon expression (
P
<0.04) and secretion (
P
<0.01) after an hypoglycemic stimulus and increased Akt (RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase) and FoxO1 (forkhead/winged helix box gene, group O-1) phosphorylation. Pretreatment with Akt inhibitor VIII, PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) inhibitor LY294002, and HDL receptor SCARB-1 (scavenger receptor class B type 1) inhibitor BLT-1 (block lipid transport-1) restored αTC1 cell response to low glucose levels.

Conclusions:

These results support the notion that HDL and ApoA-1 modulate glucagon expression and secretion by binding their cognate receptor SCARB-1, and activating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling cascade in an in vitro α-cell model. Overall, these results raise the hypothesis that HDL and ApoA-1 may have a role in modulating glucagon secretion.
Catalogue of New Zealand land, freshwater and estuarine molluscan taxa named by Frederick Wollaston Hutton between 1879 and 1904
Authors: BROOK FRED J. , KENNEDY MARTYN , KING TANIA M. , RIDDEN JOHNATHON , SHAW MATTHEW D. , SPENCER HAMISH G.
Published: October 2020

Details are provided on 16 land snail genera, eight freshwater molluscan species, one estuarine species, 47 land snail species and varieties from New Zealand, and a further three land snail species putatively from New Zealand, which were described by Frederick Wollaston Hutton between 1879 and 1904. Original primary type material of 54 species was located during the present study. Lectotypes are designated for: Amphidoxa cornea Hutton, 1882, Amphidoxa jacquenetta Hutton, 1883, Amphidoxa perdita Hutton, 1883, Charopa cassandra Hutton, 1883, Cyclotus charmian Hutton, 1883, Fruticicola adriana Hutton, 1883, Gerontia cordelia Hutton, 1883, Gerontia pantherina Hutton, 1882, Microphysa pumila Hutton, 1882, Patula jessica Hutton, 1883, Patula lucetta Hutton, 1884, Patula sylvia Hutton, 1883, Patula tapirina Hutton, 1882, Pfeifferia cressida Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus celia Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus haasti Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus marginatus Hutton, 1882, Phrixgnathus phrynia Hutton, 1883, Rhytida australis Hutton, 1882, Strobila leiodon Hutton, 1882, Thalassia propinqua Hutton, 1882, Therasia thaisa Hutton, 1883, Therasia valeria Hutton, 1883 and Zonites helmsii Hutton, 1882. A neotype is designated for Rhytida citrina Hutton, 1882. Primary type material of the following taxa is figured herein for the first time: Amphidoxa lavinia Hutton, 1883, Cyclotus charmian Hutton, 1883, Fruticicola adriana Hutton, 1883, Leptopoma pannosa Hutton, 1882, Patula lucetta Hutton, 1884, Patula sylvia Hutton, 1883, Patula tapirina Hutton, 1882, Phacussa helmsi var. maculata Hutton, 1884, Phrixgnathus ariel Hutton, 1883, Phrixgnathus celia Hutton, 1883, Rhytida australis Hutton, 1882, Rissoa vana Hutton, 1873, Testacella vagans Hutton, 1882, Trochomorpha hermia Hutton, 1883 and Zonites helmsii Hutton, 1882. New taxonomic combinations introduced herein include Phacussa lucetta (Hutton, 1884) and Therasia propinqua (Hutton, 1882). Amphidoxa lavinia Hutton, 1883, Charopa cassandra Hutton, 1883, Patula timandra Hutton, 1883 and Trochomorpha hermia Hutton, 1883 are treated as junior synonyms of Tasmaphena sinclairii (Pfeiffer, 1846), Phacussa fulminata (Hutton, 1882), Fectola infecta (Reeve, 1852) and Advena campbellii (Gray, 1834), respectively.