bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of an AMOC weakening on the stability of the southern Amazon rainforest
Authors: Ciemer Catrin , Winkelmann Ricarda , Kurths Jürgen , Boers Niklas
Published: June 2021

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and the Amazon rainforest are potential tipping elements of the Earth system, i.e., they may respond with abrupt and potentially irreversible state transitions to a gradual change in forcing once a critical forcing threshold is crossed. With progressing global warming, it becomes more likely that the Amazon will reach such a critical threshold, due to projected reductions of precipitation in tropical South America, which would in turn trigger vegetation transitions from tropical forest to savanna. At the same time, global warming has likely already contributed to a weakening of the AMOC, which induces changes in tropical Atlantic sea-surface temperature (SST) patterns that in turn affect rainfall patterns in the Amazon. A large-scale decline or even dieback of the Amazon rainforest would imply the loss of the largest terrestrial carbon sink, and thereby have drastic consequences for the global climate. Here, we assess the direct impact of greenhouse gas-driven warming of the tropical Atlantic ocean on Amazon rainfall. In addition, we estimate the effect of an AMOC slowdown or collapse, e. g. induced by freshwater flux into the North Atlantic due to melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, on Amazon rainfall. In order to provide a clear explanation of the underlying dynamics, we use a simple, but robust mathematical approach (based on the classical Stommel two-box model), ensuring consistency with a comprehensive general circulation model (HadGEM3). We find that these two processes, both caused by global warming, are likely to have competing impacts on the rainfall sum in the Amazon, and hence on the stability of the Amazon rainforest. A future AMOC decline may thus counteract direct global-warming-induced rainfall reductions. Tipping of the AMOC from the strong to the weak mode may therefore have a stabilizing effect on the Amazon rainforest.
Fabrication and evaluation of CA-doped SrTiO3 thermoelectric materials by molten salt method
Authors: Murai Kei-Ichiro , Nishiura Takuya , Nagata Ryutaro , Moriga Toshihiro
Published: June 2021

In this study, we focused on the molten salt method and attempted a simple synthesis of SrTi[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]O3. It was clarified that SrTi[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]O3 can be obtained under relatively mild conditions by using the molten salt. In all samples, the electrical conductivity increased with increasing temperature. Compared with the sample without the molten salt, the electric conductivity of the samples with the molten salt was greatly improved. The sample using the KCl-NaCl mixed salt showed the highest electrical conductivity of 83 S/cm at 973 K. The relative densities of all the samples using the molten salt were above 85%. It is considered that the improvement in the electrical conductivity is partly due to the increase in the relative density.
Characterizing persistence and pause dynamical behaviors in biological systems
Authors: Mutothya Nicholas Mwilu , Xu Yong
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzed motion that randomly switches between the persistent motion runs and pause periods. A two-state continuous-time Markov chain is used to model the motion, which led to a system with coupled differential equations. Using a combined Fourier–Laplace transform, an analytical expression for calculating the mean-squared displacement is derived. The overall motion is investigated and identified from the obtained mean-squared displacement. The mean-squared displacement is a nonlinear function in time that is dependent on the phase transition rate, the direction switching rate, the average speed, and the initial state. It decays and grows with increasing the direction switching and average speed, respectively. The effective diffusivity descents exponentially in short times and remains constant in long times. The waiting time in each phase decayed exponentially. The probability density function for the position of a particle at a given time tends to be Gaussian in long times. The motion can be interpreted as a super-diffusion in short times and a standard diffusion in long times with a diffusion coefficient dependent on the phase transition rates, the direction switching rate and the average speed. Persistence influences the dynamical behavior for short times while for long times diffusive behavior is exhibited.
Study on displacement cascade and tensile simulation by molecular dynamics: Formation and properties of point defects
Authors: Lin Pandong , Nie Junfeng , Liu Meidan
Published: June 2021

The molecular dynamics method is used to investigate the formation and properties of irradiation-induced damage (point defects). Displacement cascade simulations are performed to study the effects of primary knock-on atom (PKA) energy, temperature, vacancy concentration and tensile pre-strain on irradiation-induced damage in [Formula: see text]-Fe. An increase in PKA energy, vacancy concentration and tensile pre-strain can lead to an increase in defect numbers. In contrast, an increase in temperature decreases the defect numbers. After cascade collisions, tensile tests are performed to investigate the effect of point defects on mechanical properties. The yield stress and corresponding strain of irradiated Fe decrease with an increase in the number density of Frenkel pairs. Results show that irradiation accelerates damage of the internal structure, decreases the number of slip bands and increases the instability of the structure during plastic deformation.
Cryptanalysis of Some Self-Synchronous Chaotic Stream Ciphers and Their Improved Schemes
Authors: Chen Baoju , Yu Simin , Li David Day-Uei , Lü Jinhu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a cryptanalysis method that combines a chosen-ciphertext attack with a divide-and-conquer attack by traversing multiple nonzero component initial conditions (DCA-TMNCIC) is proposed. The method is used for security analysis of [Formula: see text]-D ([Formula: see text]) self-synchronous chaotic stream ciphers that employ a product of two chaotic variables and three chaotic variables ([Formula: see text]-D SCSC-2 and [Formula: see text]-D SCSC-3), taking 3-D SCSC-2 as a typical example for cryptanalysis. For resisting the combinational effect of the chosen-ciphertext attack and DCA-TMNCIC, several improved chaotic cipher schemes are designed, including 3-D SCSC based on a nonlinear nominal system (3-D SCSC-NNS) and [Formula: see text]-D SCSC based on sinusoidal modulation ([Formula: see text]-D SCSC-SM ([Formula: see text])). Theoretical security analysis validates the improved schemes.
Shock Resistance Design of High-Speed Maglev Motor–Stability Considerations and Quantitative Shock Tests
Authors: Su Yixin , Sha Honglei , Gu Yongpeng , Yu Suyuan , Ren Gexue
Published: June 2021

Large external disturbances (such as shock loads) can cause contact between the rotor and touchdown bearings (TDBs). Hence, maintaining the stability of systems with active magnetic bearings (AMBs) is a major challenge for mobile applications such as on-board steam turbines or vehicle turbochargers. In this paper, two key factors (power bandwidth and bi-stable characteristic) that affect the shock stability of AMB-rotor systems are considered in the design of a high-speed maglev motor. Insufficient power bandwidth can induce current saturation leading to destabilization, while a bi-stable characteristic can cause persistent contact between the rotor and TDBs under external disturbances. Theoretical analyzes and criteria are provided, and the influence of these two factors is investigated by base shock experiments of a high-speed maglev motor. These experiments involved mounting a high-speed maglev motor on a shock table then subjecting it to shock loads of different amplitudes. The designed motor continued to operate stably under shock loads up to 20 G, verifying the correctness of the stability considerations.
Lcm-lattice, Taylor bases and minimal free resolutions of a monomial ideal
Authors: Chen Ri-Xiang
Published: June 2021

We give a new method to construct minimal free resolutions of all monomial ideals. This method relies on two concepts: one is the well-known lcm-lattice of a monomial ideal; the other is a new concept called Taylor basis, which describes how a minimal free resolution can be embedded in Taylor resolution. An approximation formula for minimal free resolutions of all monomial ideals is also obtained.
On d-distance equitable chromatic number of some graphs
Authors: Prabhu Nagarjun , Nayak C Devadas , D’souza Sabitha , Bhat Pradeep G.
Published: June 2021

An assignment of distinct colors [Formula: see text] to the vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] such that the distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is at most [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-distance coloring of [Formula: see text]. Suppose [Formula: see text] are the color classes of [Formula: see text]-distance coloring and [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-distance equitable colored graph. In this paper, we obtain [Formula: see text]-distance chromatic number and [Formula: see text]-distance equitable chromatic number of graphs like [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Analysis of chaotic behavior of three-dimensional dynamical systems by a B-spline differential quadrature algorithm
Authors: Rohila Rajni , Mittal R. C.
Published: June 2021

A novel approach based on cubic B-spline functions has been developed to find solutions of three-dimensional chaotic dynamical systems. Interesting dynamical behavior has been illustrated in figures. We observed that dynamical systems depend very sensitively on the initial condition and corresponding behavior has been captured in numerical simulations. The Butterfly effect is used in the development of weather prediction models and has been depicted graphically. This paper deals with the numerical solutions of Lorenz attractor, Chen, Genesio and a combination of Lorenz and Rossler attractors. The computed solutions are quite accurate, consistent and confirm that the cubic B-spline differential quadrature is a very efficient method to portray complex dynamical behaviors of dynamical systems.
News and Commentaries: China Pakistan Economic Corridor: A Study of Geostrategic Implications for India
Authors: Khan Tanveer Ahmad
Published: June 2021

The China-Pakistan “all weather friendship” dates back to 1955 Bandung Conference which was rejuvenated by 1962 China’s defeat to India. Based on the Kautliyan maxim of “my enemy’s enemy is my friend, the China Pakistan alignment served the interests of both partners as it is prompted on their convergence vis a vis India. Thus, even after the end of Cold War their alignment survived and in fact got transformed to a formal alliance. This gets exemplified by the much talked about China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) where China’s investment reached $62 billion in April 2017. The China-Pakistan bonhomie in South Asia has tremendous geostrategic implications for India in the region. Thus the present study is an attempt to accentuate upon the current trajectory of China Pakistan Alignment i.e. CPEC and its geostrategic implications for India being the South Asian heavy weight.
A Runtime Reconfigurable Design of Compute-in-Memory–Based Hardware Accelerator for Deep Learning Inference
Authors: Lu Anni , Peng Xiaochen , Luo Yandong , Huang Shanshi , Yu Shimeng
Published: June 2021

Compute-in-memory (CIM) is an attractive solution to address the “memory wall” challenges for the extensive computation in deep learning hardware accelerators. For custom ASIC design, a specific chip instance is restricted to a specific network during runtime. However, the development cycle of the hardware is normally far behind the emergence of new algorithms. Although some of the reported CIM-based architectures can adapt to different deep neural network (DNN) models, few details about the dataflow or control were disclosed to enable such an assumption. Instruction set architecture (ISA) could support high flexibility, but its complexity would be an obstacle to efficiency. In this article, a runtime reconfigurable design methodology of CIM-based accelerators is proposed to support a class of convolutional neural networks running on one prefabricated chip instance with ASIC-like efficiency. First, several design aspects are investigated: (1) the reconfigurable weight mapping method; (2) the input side of data transmission, mainly about the weight reloading; and (3) the output side of data processing, mainly about the reconfigurable accumulation. Then, a system-level performance benchmark is performed for the inference of different DNN models, such as VGG-8 on a CIFAR-10 dataset and AlexNet GoogLeNet, ResNet-18, and DenseNet-121 on an ImageNet dataset to measure the trade-offs between runtime reconfigurability, chip area, memory utilization, throughput, and energy efficiency.
High-throughput Near-Memory Processing on CNNs with 3D HBM-like Memory
Authors: Park Naebeom , Ryu Sungju , Kung Jaeha , Kim Jae-Joon
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the high-performance near-memory neural network (NN) accelerator architecture utilizing the logic die in three-dimensional (3D) High Bandwidth Memory– (HBM) like memory. As most of the previously reported 3D memory-based near-memory NN accelerator designs used the Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) memory, we first focus on identifying the key differences between HBM and HMC in terms of near-memory NN accelerator design. One of the major differences between the two 3D memories is that HBM has the centralized through-
silicon-via (TSV)
channels while HMC has distributed TSV channels for separate vaults. Based on the observation, we introduce the
Round-Robin Data Fetching
and
Groupwise Broadcast
schemes to exploit the centralized TSV channels for improvement of the data feeding rate for the processing elements. Using synthesized designs in a 28-nm CMOS technology, performance and energy consumption of the proposed architectures with various dataflow models are evaluated. Experimental results show that the proposed schemes reduce the runtime by 16.4–39.3% on average and the energy consumption by 2.1–5.1% on average compared to conventional data fetching schemes.
Experimental Investigation of Technical and Human Factors Related to Phishing Susceptibility
Authors: Greitzer Frank L. , Li Wanru , Laskey Kathryn B. , Lee James , Purl Justin
Published: June 2021

This article reports on a simulated phishing experiment targeting 6,938 faculty and staff at George Mason University. The three-week phishing campaign employed three types of phishing exploits and examined demographic, linked workstation/network monitoring audit data, and a variety of behavioral and psychological factors measured via pre- and post-campaign surveys. While earlier research studies have reported disparate effects of gender and age, the present results suggest that these effects are not significant or are of limited strength and that other underlying factors may be more important. Specifically, significant differences in phishing susceptibility were obtained for different email contexts and based on whether individuals have been successfully phished before (these people were more likely to succumb to subsequent phishing emails in our study). Further, participants who responded to phishing exploits scored higher on impulsivity than the non-clickers. Also, participants whose survey responses indicated that they had more appropriate online “security hygiene habits,” such as checking the legitimacy of links, were less likely to be successfully phished in our campaign. Participants whose post-campaign survey responses indicated that they were suspicious of a phishing email message in our campaign were far less likely to click on the phishing link than those who were not suspicious. Similar results were obtained for judgments of pertinence of the email. Participants who indicated that they thought about the negative consequences of clicking the link were less likely to do so than participants who did not think about the negative consequences. Implications for effective training and awareness are discussed.
Therapeutic effects of lisinopril and empagliflozin in a mouse model of hypertension-accelerated diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Østergaard Mette V. , Secher Thomas , Christensen Michael , Salinas Casper Gravesen , Roostalu Urmas , Skytte Jacob Lercke , Rune Ida , Hansen Henrik H. , Jelsing Jacob , Vrang Niels , Fink Lisbeth N.
Published: June 2021

Translational animal models of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are important tools in preclinical research and drug discovery. Here, we show that standard of care to control hypertension (lisinopril) and hyperglycemia (empagliflozin) improves kidney physiological and histopathological hallmarks in a mouse model of hypertension-accelerated progressive DKD. The findings substantiate hypertension and type 2 diabetes as essential factors in driving DKD progression, and provide proof-of-concept for probing novel drugs for potential nephroprotective efficacy in this model.
Experimental Study on the Bending Behavior of Steel‐Wood Composite Beams
Authors: Duan Shaowei , Zhou Wenzhao , Liu Xinglong , Yuan Jian , Wang Zhifeng
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a steel‐wood composite beam with H‐shaped steel beam webs glued to the wood. As a new type of composite beam, it combines the advantages of low energy consumption of wood, high permeability, and less pollution and the advantages of light weight and high strength of steel, high degree of assembly, short construction period, and less construction waste generated. Carrying out research is of great significance to improve the mechanical properties of steel‐wood composite beams and promote the development of steel‐wood composite structures. In this paper, three hot‐rolled H‐beam‐larch composite beams and one pure steel beam were tested for bending capacity. The composite beams are divided into two different combinations of A and B types. The two sides of the web are connected with larch wood by structural glue to form a composite beam. The type B composite beam is a larch wood glued on both sides of the H‐shaped steel web and penetrates the bolts at the same time. Through the three‐point monotonic static grading loading of the composite beam, the deflection change, failure phenomenon, and form of the specimen during the experiment were observed. Under the circumstances, the ultimate bearing capacity of the test piece was changed to study the combined effect of larch and hot‐rolled H‐shaped steel. The results show that the overall performance of the H‐shaped steel‐larch composite beam is good. Bonding wooden boards on both sides of the steel beam web can improve the bearing capacity, and the form of the member is more reasonable and effective; increasing the cross‐sectional size of the H‐beam in the steel‐wood composite beam can further improve the bearing capacity of the composite beam; adding bolt anchorage on the basis of the structural glue used in the composite beam can further improve the bearing capacity of the composite beam. The superposition principle is used to simplify the calculation of the ultimate bearing capacity of H‐shaped steel‐larch composite beams. Comparing the calculation results with the test results, the data are in good agreement, which can provide a design reference for the practical application of such composite beams.
Bending Performance of Prestressed Continuous Glulam Beams
Authors: Guo Nan , Wu Mingtao , Li Ling , Li Guodong , Zhao Yan
Published: June 2021

The limited transferring moment capability of Glulam (glued laminated wood) joints results in insufficient joint stiffness. Therefore, most of the connections are hinged joints. Based on the previous studies, one novel end‐connection device was proposed to form prestressed continuous Glulam beams. The prestressed beams were composed of prestressed low‐relaxation steel bars, the deviator block, the anchorage device, and the novel end‐connection apparatus. These prestressed steel bars were tensioned by the deviator block to exert prestress. Then, 18 prestressed continuous beams and two prestressed simply supported beams were subject to the bending tests to explore the impact of reinforcement ratio and prestress on the prestressed Glulam beams from aspects such as failure modes, bearing capacity, load‐deflection relationship, and load‐strain relationship. The results show that, given the same prestress level, compared with beams with a reinforcement ratio of 1.92%, the bearing capacity of beams with a reinforcement ratio of 3.84% and 5.76% is increased by 20.3%–29.4% and 30.51%–36.36%, respectively. Given the same reinforcement ratios, compared with beams without prestressing, the bearing capacity of beams with a prestressing force of 7 kN and 14 kN is increased by 2.39%–10.14% and 6.49%–13.26%, respectively. In addition, compared with simply supported beams, the bearing capacity of continuous beams is increased by 40%, and the deformation is reduced by 13%. Therefore, as a novel prestressed beam, the bending performance of Glulam beams can be improved effectively.
Usage of Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing as Efficient Devices to Increase Agricultural System Yields
Authors: Ennouri Karim , Smaoui Slim , Gharbi Yaakoub , Cheffi Manel , Ben Braiek Olfa , Ennouri Monia , Triki Mohamed Ali
Published: June 2021

Artificial Intelligence is an emerging technology in the field of agriculture. Artificial Intelligence-based tools and equipment have actually taken the agriculture sector to a different level. This new technology has improved crop production and enhanced instantaneous monitoring, processing, and collection. The most recent computerized structures using remote sensing and drones have made a significant contribution to the agro-based domain. Moreover, remote sensing has the capability to support the development of farming applications with the aim of facing this main defy, via giving cyclic records on yield status during studied periods at diverse degrees and for diverse parameters. Various hi-tech, computer-supported structures are created to determine different central factors such as plant detection, yield recognition, crop quality, and several other methods. This paper includes the techniques employed for the analysis of collected information in order to enhance the productivity, forecast eventual threats, and reduce the task load on cultivators.
Maintenance Optimization Based on Three-Stage Failure Process under Performance-Based Contracting
Authors: Zhu Xi , Zhao Fei , Li Juan , Bai Yongsheng , Hu Qiwei
Published: June 2021

As a new form of support contract, performance-based contracting has been extensively applied in both public and private sectors. However, maintenance policies under performance-based contracting have not gotten enough attention. In this paper, a preventive maintenance optimization model based on three-stage failure process for a single-component system is investigated with an objective of maximizing the profit and improving system performance at a lower cost under performance-based contracting. Different from conventional optimization models, the step revenue function is used to correlate profit with availability and cost. Then, a maintenance optimization model is proposed to maximize profit by optimizing the inspection interval. Moreover, the customers’ upper limit of funds is considered when we use the revenue function, which has rarely been considered in past studies. Finally, a case study on the cold water pumps along with comparison of linear and step revenue function and sensitivity analysis is provided to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of our proposed approach.
A State‐of‐the‐Art Review for Gastric Histopathology Image Analysis Approaches and Future Development
Authors: Ai Shiliang , Li Chen , Li Xiaoyan , Jiang Tao , Grzegorzek Marcin , Sun Changhao , Rahaman Md Mamunur , Zhang Jinghua , Yao Yudong , Li Hong
Published: June 2021

Gastric cancer is a common and deadly cancer in the world. The gold standard for the detection of gastric cancer is the histological examination by pathologists, where Gastric Histopathological Image Analysis (GHIA) contributes significant diagnostic information. The histopathological images of gastric cancer contain sufficient characterization information, which plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. In order to improve the accuracy and objectivity of GHIA, Computer‐Aided Diagnosis (CAD) has been widely used in histological image analysis of gastric cancer. In this review, the CAD technique on pathological images of gastric cancer is summarized. Firstly, the paper summarizes the image preprocessing methods, then introduces the methods of feature extraction, and then generalizes the existing segmentation and classification techniques. Finally, these techniques are systematically introduced and analyzed for the convenience of future researchers.
Mobile E-Commerce Information System Based on Industry Cluster under Edge Computing
Authors: Liu Jun , Pan Baixiang , Zhang Xiaheng , Li Doudou
Published: June 2021

Mobile e-commerce is e-commerce implemented on mobile devices, such as mobile phones, and mobile Internet networks as we usually understand. With the rapid development of mobile electronic devices and mobile Internet networks, this new type of e-commerce field has gradually emerged. In the context of edge computing, this paper takes mobile e-commerce information system as the research object and aims to study the mobile e-commerce information system based on industry clusters under edge computing. First of all, this paper expounds the theory of industrial clusters and the manifestations of e-commerce industrial clusters, as well as the concept and technical framework of the Internet of Things, and proposes the order relationship analysis method and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, and conducts experiments in the form of questionnaires. The experimental results show that, from the perspective of industrial integration, with a correlation coefficient of 0.687, there is a significant positive correlation between e-commerce information system and supply chain cooperation.
Existence, Nonexistence, and Stability of Solutions for a Delayed Plate Equation with the Logarithmic Source
Authors: Yüksekkaya Hazal , Pișkin Erhan , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Cherif Bahri Belkacem , Zubair Sulima Ahmed
Published: June 2021

In this work, we study a plate equation with time delay in the velocity, frictional damping, and logarithmic source term. Firstly, we obtain the local and global existence of solutions by the logarithmic Sobolev inequality and the Faedo-Galerkin method. Moreover, we prove the stability and nonexistence results by the perturbed energy and potential well methods.
Characterization of (Molecular) Graphs with Fractional Metric Dimension as Unity
Authors: Javaid Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad Kamran , Alanazi Abdulaziz Mohammed , Aljohani Meshari M.
Published: June 2021

Distance-based dimensions provide the foreground for the identification of chemical compounds that are chemically and structurally different but show similarity in different reactions. The reason behind this similarity is the occurrence of a set

S

of atoms and their same relative distances to some ordered set

T

of atoms in both compounds. In this article, the aforementioned problem is considered as a test case for characterising the (molecular) graphs bearing the fractional metric dimension (FMD) as 1. For the illustration of the theoretical development, it is shown that the FMD of path graph is unity. Moreover, we evaluated the extremal values of fractional metric dimension of a tetrahedral diamond lattice.
Role of Dietary Antioxidants in p53‐Mediated Cancer Chemoprevention and Tumor Suppression
Authors: Merlin J. P. Jose , Rupasinghe H. P. Vasantha , Dellaire Graham , Murphy Kieran
Published: June 2021

Cancer arises through a complex interplay between genetic, behavioral, metabolic, and environmental factors that combined trigger cellular changes that over time promote malignancy. In terms of cancer prevention, behavioral interventions such as diet can promote genetic programs that may facilitate tumor suppression; and one of the key tumor suppressors responsible for initiating such programs is p53. The p53 protein is activated by various cellular events such as DNA damage, hypoxia, heat shock, and overexpression of oncogenes. Due to its role in cell fate decisions after DNA damage, regulatory pathways controlled by p53 help to maintain genome stability and thus “guard the genome” against mutations that cause cancer. Dietary intake of flavonoids, a C15 group of polyphenols, is known to inhibit cancer progression and assist DNA repair through p53‐mediated mechanisms in human cells via their antioxidant activities. For example, quercetin arrests human cervical cancer cell growth by blocking the G2/M phase cell cycle and inducing mitochondrial apoptosis through a p53‐dependent mechanism. Other polyphenols such as resveratrol upregulate p53 expression in several cancer cell lines by promoting p53 stability, which in colon cancer cells results in the activation of p53‐mediated apoptosis. Finally, among vitamins, folic acid seems to play an important role in the chemoprevention of gastric carcinogenesis by enhancing gastric epithelial apoptosis in patients with premalignant lesions by significantly increased expression of p53. In this review, we discuss the role of these and other dietary antioxidants in p53‐mediated cell signaling in relation to cancer chemoprevention and tumor suppression in normal and cancer cells.
Insight into Crosstalk between Ferroptosis and Necroptosis: Novel Therapeutics in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhou Yue , Liao Jun , Mei Zhigang , Liu Xun , Ge Jinwen
Published: June 2021

Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron‐dependent accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides to lethal levels. Necroptosis, an alternative form of programmed necrosis, is regulated by receptor‐interacting protein (RIP) 1 activation and by RIP3 and mixed‐lineage kinase domain‐like (MLKL) phosphorylation. Ferroptosis and necroptosis both play important roles in the pathological progress in ischemic stroke, which is a complex brain disease regulated by several cell death pathways. In the past few years, increasing evidence has suggested that the crosstalk occurs between necroptosis and ferroptosis in ischemic stroke. However, the potential links between ferroptosis and necroptosis in ischemic stroke have not been elucidated yet. Hence, in this review, we overview and analyze the mechanism underlying the crosstalk between necroptosis and ferroptosis in ischemic stroke. And we find that iron overload, one mechanism of ferroptosis, leads to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, which aggravates RIP1 phosphorylation and contributes to necroptosis. In addition, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) induces necroptosis and ferroptosis by promoting RIP1 phosphorylation and suppressing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activation. In this work, we try to deliver a new perspective in the exploration of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Patiromer in a Patient with Severe Hyperkalemia on Incremental Hemodialysis with 1 Session per Week: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: De La Flor José C. , Deira Javier , Marschall Alexander , Valga Francisco , Linares Tania , Monzon Tania , Albarracín Cristina , Ruiz Elisa
Published: June 2021

Hyperkalemia is common in patients with ESRD, undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and is associated with an increase in hospitalization and mortality. Residual kidney function in long-term dialysis patients is associated with lower morbidity and mortality in HD patients. Although the 2015 National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiate (NKD-KDOQI) guidelines allow the reduction in the weekly HD dose for patients with a residual kidney urea clearance (Kur) >3 mL/min/1.73 m2, very few centers adjust the dialysis dose based on these criteria. In our center, the pattern of incremental hemodialysis (iHD) with once-a-week schedule (1 HD/W) has been an option for a group of patients showing very good results. This pattern is maintained as long as residual diuresis is >1,000 mL/24 h, Kur is >4 mL/min, and there is no presence of edema or volume overload, as well as no analytical parameters persistently outside the advisable range (serum phosphorus >6 mg/dL or potassium [K+] >6.5 mmol/L). Management of hyperkalemia in HD patients includes reduction of dietary intake, dosing of medications that contribute to hyperkalemia, and use of cation-exchange resins such as calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Two newer potassium binders, patiromer sorbitex calcium and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, have been safely used for potassium imbalance treatment in patients with ESRD in HD with a conventional regimen of thrice weekly, but has not yet been studied in 1 HD/W schedules. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman in iHD (1 HD/W) treated with patiromer for severe HK and describe her clinical characteristics and outcomes. In addition, we review the corresponding literature. Based on these data, it can be anticipated that the use of patiromer may overcome the risk of hyperkalemia in patients with incident ESRD treated with less-frequent HD regimens.
Therapist-Guided Internet-Based Treatments for Loneliness: A Randomized Controlled Three-Arm Trial Comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Authors: Käll Anton , Bäck Malin , Welin Camilla , Åman Hanna , Bjerkander Rasmus , Wänman Matilda , Lindegaard Tomas , Berg Matilda , Moche Hajdi , Shafran Roz , Andersson Gerhard
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Chronic loneliness has been linked to many adverse outcomes, including mental health problems. Psychological treatment of loneliness can be effective, but the evidence base is limited. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 2 internet-based interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IIPT) relative to a wait-list control group and each other. Methods: A total of 170 participants were recruited and randomized to either 9 weeks of ICBT (n = 68), IIPT (n = 68), or a wait-list condition (n = 34). The primary outcome was loneliness, measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale before, during, and after treatment. Secondary measures of psychiatric disorders and quality of life were administered before and after treatment. Follow-up was conducted 4 months after the treatment had ended. Primary outcome data were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Secondary outcomes were analyzed using robust regression models. The trial was preregistered (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03807154). Results: The ICBT condition had a significantly greater impact on loneliness compared to the wait-list and IIPT conditions. Effect sizes were moderate to large (Cohen d = 0.71) compared to the wait-list and moderate (d = 0.53) compared to IIPT. The IIPT condition did not differ significantly from the wait-list. Both active treatments led to significant increases in quality of life. Only the ICBT group had significantly lower symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety compared to the wait-list group. Treatment gains were maintained but not improved at follow-up. Conclusions: ICBT can be an efficacious option for alleviating loneliness. The IIPT intervention was not as effective.
Could the Use of Antihistamines Have Triggered Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome? A Case Report
Authors: Assadi Sara , Rahman Latif , Kong Mark , Asad Sukaina
Published: June 2021

A 38-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with recurrent severe headaches. Although initial computer tomography (CT) brain imaging was unremarkable, a later CT venogram demonstrated a small subarachnoid haemorrhage. Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) brain imaging subsequently confirmed reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). In the acute setting, RCVS rarely falls into a differential diagnosis for headache presentations, as in this case. The radiological variability can make diagnosis of RCVS challenging. However, there are clinical consistencies that can aid physicians into accurately diagnosing RCVS. A thorough history, including a medication history, can help identify potential triggers of RCVS. As in this case, the combination of commonly used drugs, including antihistamines, provides a plausible trigger for RCVS. The direct vasoactive role of antihistamines is unclear, yet there is suggestion for its ability to potentiate the vasoactive action of other drugs. In this case we propose a causal relationship between the use of antihistamine and the development of RCVS.
Additional L-Carnitine Reduced the Risk of Hospitalization in Patients with Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy on Rifaximin
Authors: Kubota Kousuke , Uojima Haruki , Shao Xue , Iwasaki Shuichiro , Hidaka Hisashi , Wada Naohisa , Nakazawa Takahide , Shibuya Akitaka , Kako Makoto , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: June 2021

Background: Data regarding the additional effect on the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after oral L-carnitine administration are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the additional effects of L-carnitine in patients who were receiving rifaximin for HE. Methods: This randomized study comprised a screening visit and a 12-week treatment period. Patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were randomized to either group A (additional rifaximin) or group B (additional L-carnitine and rifaximin). Group A received 1,200 mg/day of rifaximin. Group B received 1,500 mg/day of L-carnitine and rifaximin at 1,200 mg/day. The endpoints were the changes in the portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE) index and the admission rate from the baseline for the duration of the study in both groups. Results: Eighty-three patients were randomized to either group A (n = 42) or group B (n = 41). In group A, the PSE index decreased from 0.35 ± 0.09 at baseline to 0.27 ± 0.11 on the final evaluation day (p = 0.001). In group B, the PSE index decreased from 0.37 ± 0.09 at baseline to 0.24 ± 0.11 on the final evaluation day (p = 0.001). Although there was not a significant reduction in the PSE index in group A compared to that in group B (p = 0.202), the admission rates were 30.9% and 9.8% in groups A and B, respectively. Additional L-carnitine significantly reduced the admission rate (p = 0.028). Conclusion: L-Carnitine addition reduced the risk of hospitalization for patients who received rifaximin for HE.
Bibliotecas escolares do século XXI: implementando makerspaces
Authors: Juliani Jordan Paulesky , Prates Gabriela Vieira da Cunha
Published: June 2021

Incorporando o Movimento Maker, a biblioteca escolar permite com que os alunos passem por experiências de “colocar a mão na massa”, aprendendo de forma independente por meio de metodologias ativas. Esta  pesquisa  objetivou  definir  os  recursos  necessários  para  a  implementação  de makerspaces em bibliotecas escolares. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto discutiu-se a inovação no processo de ensino e aprendizagem e o uso de tecnologias, definiu-se a origem, os conceitos e derivações dos  makerspaces, mapeou-se  as  bibliotecas  escolares  que  implementaram  estes  espaços  ao redor do mundo, para, finalmente, explicar  o  processo  de planejamento e financiamento desses espaços, elencando os hardwares, materiais de consumo e  materiais  de  makerspace  utilizados  nas  escolas  estudadas. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica e de abordagem qualitativa pesquisa. Concluiu-se que é preciso desenvolver e implementar a cultura maker na escola, antes mesmo de implementar o makerspace, e que os bibliotecários, incentivadores do acesso à informação, podem participar ativamente do seu desenvolvimento e implementação. Como barreiras enfrentadas para a implantação dos makerspaces pode-se considerar o financiamento das mais difíceis de serem superadas, entretanto não devem ser usadas como o motivo para não inovar.
miR-204: Molecular Regulation and Role in Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Yong , Wang Feng , Liang Mingyu
Published: June 2021

The field of microRNA research has evolved from studies aiming to gauge the importance of microRNAs to those focusing on understanding a subset of specific microRNAs that have emerged as potent regulators of molecular systems and pathophysiological conditions. In this article, we review the molecular features and regulation of miR-204 and the growing body of evidence for an important role of miR-204 in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal physiology and pathophysiological processes. miR-204 exhibits a highly tissue-specific expression pattern, and miR-204 abundance is regulated by several transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Strong evidence supports a role for miR-204 in attenuating pulmonary arterial hypertension and hypertensive and diabetic renal injury while promoting hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in a wide range of model systems. miR-204 may influence these disease processes by targeting several biological pathways in a tissue-specific manner. miR-204 is dysregulated in patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases. The unequivocal functional roles and clear clinical relevance indicate that miR-204 is a high-value microRNA in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
Association of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy With Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kuate Defo Alvin , Chalati Mhd Diaa , Labos Christopher , Fellows Lesley K. , Mayo Nancy E. , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: June 2021

Incidence of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV has increased as overall survival has improved because of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Arterial stiffness is a composite indicator of cardiovascular disease risk independent of traditional risk factors. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on the relation of HIV and of cART to arterial stiffness. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Libraries were systematically searched for studies relating HIV/cART to arterial stiffness until June 2019. A standardized extraction form was used to collect data from published reports. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to produce standardized mean differences and 95% CIs from studies reporting carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. We retrieved 995 citations. Seventy-four studies (N=18 711 participants/13 119 with HIV) were included: 59 cross-sectional, 9 cohort, and 6 randomized trials. In meta-analyses of 17 studies, arterial stiffness was found to be elevated overall in individuals with HIV relative to controls (standardized mean difference, 0.44 m/s [95% CI, 0.25–0.63]) and in cART-treated versus untreated individuals with HIV (standardized mean difference, 0.35 m/s [95% CI, 0.13–0.57]). Several studies suggested that cumulative exposure to cART is associated with a continual increase in arterial stiffness. However, early initiation of treatment might improve arterial stiffness later in life. The results highlight the need for monitoring of cardiovascular risk in this population. The cross-sectional nature of most studies (59/74) mainly allowed for the exploration of associations; large longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the observed associations and establish causality between HIV/cART and arterial stiffness.
The first Permian scorpionfly from Germany (Insecta, Panorpida: Protomeropidae)
Authors: POSCHMANN MARKUS J. , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2021

A new genus and species, Glanomerope virgoferroa gen. et sp. nov., the first Permian record of a scorpionfly from Germany, is described from the Niedermoschel black shale, Meisenheim Formation, Lower Rotliegend of the Saar-Nahe basin. It is assigned to the Protomeropidae, the oldest known family of the holometabolous superorder Panorpida, ranging from the Bashkirian-Moscovian (Late Carboniferous) to the Roadian. It confirms that this family was very diverse in Central Europe during the Early Permian. Protomeropidae possibly became extinct in the course of major climatic changes that progressively affected the supercontinent Pangea after the Artinskian, although generally these changes seem to have more severely affected some other insects such as the palaeopteran Dictyoneuridae than holometabolous groups.
New synonymy in Burmese amber Tingidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera)
Authors: HEISS ERNST , GOLUB VIKTOR B.
Published: June 2021

Heiss & Golub (2021) described a new fossil Tingidae from Burmese amber as Microtingis leptosoma gen. et sp. nov. This paper bears the publication date 29 April 2021.
A new myrmeleontoid genus and species from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation (Neuroptera, Babinskaiidae)
Authors: JOUAULT CORENTIN , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2021

The small Mesozoic myrmeleontoid family Babin-skaiidae comprises 13 described species in nine genera known from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil, the Baissa locality of Russian Siberia, and mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Lu et al., 2017; Makarkin et al., 2017; Hu et al., 2018; Huang et al., 2019; Makarkin & Staniczek, 2019; Ngô-Muller et al., 2020). Makarkin et al. (2017) made an extensive revision of these small antlions, and pointed out their morphological proximity with the Nymphidae. However, they could not revise Neliana impolluta Martins-Neto, 1997, whose holotype is a poorly preserved specimen. Thus even the generic attribution of this species remained uncertain.
Zaiwa: A new genus of the family Lophocateridae from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Cleroidea)
Authors: LYUBARSKY GEORGY YU. , TIHELKA ERIK , CAI CHEN-YANG , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E.
Published: June 2021

Lophocateridae is a small family of cleroid beetles with more than one hundred species in 14 genera (Crowson, 1970; Kolibáč, 2013; Kolibáč & Peris, 2021). While the group was previously treated as a subfamily or tribe of Trogossitidae (e.g., Crowson, 1964; Barron, 1971; Ślipiński, 1992; Kolibáč, 2006), molecular phylogenetic analyses have not support the monophyly of Trogossitidae sensu lato (Bocak et al., 2014; Hunt et al., 2007; McKenna et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2018; Kolibáč et al., 2021). In the most comprehensive analysis of Cleroidea performed to date by Gimmel et al. (2019), Lophocateridae was recovered as sister to Chaetosomatidae and Trogossitidae sensu stricto and elevated to family level. Extant Lophocateridae are cosmopolitan and display diverse modes of life, including fungivorous, herbivorous and predatory species, all of which are mostly associated with saproxylic habitats (Kolibáč, 2013).