bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entropic uncertainty relation in neutrino oscillations
Authors: Wang Dong , Ming Fei , Song Xue-Ke , Ye Liu , Chen Jing-Ling
Published: August 2020

Neutrino oscillation is deemed as an interesting physical phenomenon and shows the nonclassical features made apparently by the Leggett–Garg inequality. The uncertainty principle is one of the fundamental features that distinguishes the quantum world to its classical counterpart. And the principle can be depicted in terms of entropy, which forms the so-called entropic uncertainty relations (EUR). In this work, the entropic uncertainty relations that are relevant to the neutrino-flavor states are investigated by comparing the experimental observation of neutrino oscillations to predictions. From two different neutrino sources, we analyze ensembles of reactor and accelerator neutrinos for different energies, including measurements performed by the Daya Bay collaboration using detectors at 0.5 and 1.6 km from their source, and by the MINOS collaboration using a detector with a 735km distance to the neutrino source. It is found that the entropy-based uncertainty conditions strengths exhibits non-monotonic evolutions as the energy increases. We also quantify the systemic quantumness measured by quantum correlation, and derive the intrinsic relationship between quantum correlation and EUR. Furthermore, we utilize EUR as a criterion to detect entanglement of neutrino-flavor state. Our results could illustrate the potential applications of neutrino oscillations on quantum information processing in the weak-interaction processes.
The quantum random energy model as a limit of p-spin interactions
Authors: Manai Chokri , Warzel Simone
Published: August 2020

We consider the free energy of a mean-field quantum spin glass described by a [Formula: see text]-spin interaction and a transversal magnetic field. Recent rigorous results for the case [Formula: see text], i.e. the quantum random energy model (QREM), are reviewed. We show that the free energy of the [Formula: see text]-spin model converges in a joint thermodynamic and [Formula: see text] limit to the free energy of the QREM.
Annotation-Free Word Spotting with Bag-of-Features HMMs
Authors: Rothacker Leonard , Wolf Fabian , Fink Gernot A.
Published: August 2020

The annotation-free word spotting method that is proposed in this paper makes document images searchable without requiring any labeled training data. Thus, our method supports the exploration of a document collection directly without demanding any manual efforts from the users for the preparation of a training dataset. Our method works in the query-by-example scenario where the user selects an exemplary occurrence of the query word. Afterwards, the entire collection of document images is searched according to visual similarity to the query. The proposed method requires only minimal assumptions about the visual appearance of text. This is achieved by processing document images as a whole without requiring a given segmentation of the images on word level or on line level. Therefore, the method is also segmentation-free. Word size variabilities can be handled by representing the sequential structure of text with a statistical sequence model. In order to make the computationally costly application of the sequence model feasible in practice, regions are retrieved according to approximate similarity with an efficient model decoding algorithm. Re-ranking these regions according to the visual similarity obtained with the sequence model leads to highly accurate word spotting results. The method is evaluated on five benchmark datasets. In the segmentation-free query-by-example scenario where no annotated training data is available, the method outperforms all other methods that have been evaluated on any of these five benchmarks.
Taxation, Corruption and Punishment: Integrating Evolutionary Game into the Optimal Control of Government Policy
Authors: Carboni Oliviero A. , Russu Paolo
Published: August 2020

This work examines the issue of tax evasion through underreporting activity. The associated control problem for reducing the number of dishonest citizens and dishonest officers is explicitly analyzed. It is assumed that the social planner can choose the level of effort in order to control the dynamic system through the use of the specific countries’ characteristics [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (the probability of punishing, respectively, a tax-evading citizen and a dishonest officer), and the level of public financial effort represented by taxation [Formula: see text] as control variables. The model implicitly considers that there is a direct correlation between these characteristics and the efficacy and the commitment of the institutional system in contrasting illegality. Hence, in the analysis, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered as the effective probabilities to be charged the fine. This study supplies a novel approach concerning the dynamic model underlying the optimal control, which is based on the strategic interaction of the economic agents’ choices. These latter are described by an evolutionary dynamic process which is strongly characterized by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The analysis supplies a useful policy indication for the social planner in choosing the way to obtain a certain socially desirable target. Moreover, it helps the comprehension of the different corruption and evasion behavior observable in the real world, where countries with similar level of taxation may have different levels of corruption.
Rényi Entropy and Rényi Divergence in Sequential Effect Algebra
Authors: Giski Zahra Eslami
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to extend the results concerning the Shannon entropy and Kullback–Leibler divergence in sequential effect algebra to the case of Rényi entropy and Rényi divergence. For this purpose, the Rényi entropy of finite partitions in sequential effect algebra and its conditional version are proposed and the basic properties of these entropy measures are derived. In addition, the notion of Rényi divergence of a partition in sequential effect algebra is introduced and the basic properties of this quantity are studied. In particular, it is proved that the Kullback–Leibler divergence and Shannon’s entropy of partitions in a given sequential effect algebra can be obtained as limits of their Rényi divergence and Rényi entropy respectively. Finally, to illustrate the results, some numerical examples are presented.
Photoshop Scalability: Keeping It Simple
Authors: Cole Clem , Williams Russell
Published: August 2020

Over the past two decades, Adobe Photoshop has become the de facto image-editing software for digital photography enthusiasts, artists, and graphic designers worldwide. Part of its widespread appeal has to do with a user interface that makes it fairly straightforward to apply some extremely sophisticated image editing and filtering techniques. Behind that façade, however, stands a lot of complex, computationally demanding code. To improve the performance of these computations, Photoshop’s designers became early adopters of parallelism through efforts to access the extra power offered by the cutting-edge desktop systems of the day that were powered by either two or four processors. At the time, Photoshop was one of the only consumer desktop applications to offer such a capability.
Simple High-Level Code For Cryptographic Arithmetic
Authors: Erbsen Andres , Philipoom Jade , Gross Jason , Sloan Robert , Chlipala Adam
Published: August 2020

We introduce an unusual approach for implementing cryptographic arithmetic in short high-level code with machinechecked proofs of functional correctness. We further demonstrate that simple partial evaluation is sufficient to transform such initial code into highly competitive C code, breaking the decades-old pattern that the only fast implementations are those whose instruction-level steps were written out by hand.

These techniques were used to build an elliptic-curve library that achieves competitive performance for a wide range of prime fields and multiple CPU architectures, showing that implementation and proof effort scales with the number and complexity of conceptually different algorithms, not their use cases. As one outcome, we present the first verified highperformance implementation of P-256, the most widely used elliptic curve. Implementations from our library were included in BoringSSL to replace existing specialized code, for inclusion in several large deployments for Chrome, Android, and CloudFlare.

This is an abridged version of the full paper originally presented in IEEE S&P 2019 [10]. We have omitted most proof-engineering details in favor of a focus on the system's functional capabilities.
An integrative proteogenomics approach reveals peptides encoded by annotated lincRNA in the mouse kidney inner medulla
Authors: Flower Cameron T. , Chen Lihe , Jung Hyun Jun , Raghuram Viswanathan , Knepper Mark A. , Yang Chin-Rang
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are intracellular transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides and lack protein-coding information. A subclass of lncRNA known as long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are transcribed from genomic regions that share no overlap with annotated protein-coding genes. Increasing evidence has shown that some annotated lincRNA transcripts do in fact contain open reading frames (ORFs) encoding functional short peptides in the cell. Few robust methods for lincRNA-encoded peptide identification have been reported, and the tissue-specific expression of these peptides has been largely unexplored. Here we propose an integrative workflow for lincRNA-encoded peptide discovery and test it on the mouse kidney inner medulla (IM). In brief, low molecular weight protein fractions were enriched from homogenate of IMs and trypsinized into shorter peptides, which were sequenced by high resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To curate a hypothetical lincRNA-encoded peptide database for peptide-spectrum matching following LC-MS/MS, we performed RNA-Seq on IMs, computationally removed reads overlapping with annotated protein-coding genes, and remapped the remaining reads to a database of mouse noncoding transcripts to infer lincRNA expression. Expressed lincRNAs were searched for ORFs by an existing rule-based algorithm, and translated ORFs were used for peptide-spectrum matching. Peptides identified by LC-MS/MS were further evaluated by using several quality control criteria and bioinformatics methods. We discovered three novel lincRNA-encoded peptides, which are conserved in mouse, rat, and human. The workflow can be adapted for discovery of small protein-coding genes in any species or tissue where noncoding transcriptome information is available.
Identification, Validation, and Functional Annotations of Genome‐Wide Profile Variation between Melanocytic Nevus and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Han Wei , Xu Wen-Hao , Wang Jian-Xiong , Hou Jia-Min , Zhang Hai-Liang , Zhao Xiao-Yu , Shen Guo-Liang
Published: August 2020

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is known as an aggressive malignant cancer; some of which are directly derived from melanocytic nevi, which have been attracting growing attention from the last decades. This study focused on comprehensive identification, validation, and functional annotations of prognostic differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between melanocytic nevus and malignant melanoma in genome‐wide profiles. DEGs were obtained using three chip datasets from GEO database to identify after standardization annotation. A total of 73 DEGs were identified as possible candidate prognostic biomarkers between melanocytic nevus and malignant melanoma. In addition, survival curves indicated that six hub genes, including FABP5, IVL, KRT6A, KRT15, KRT16, and TIMP2, were significant prognostic signatures for CM and of significant value to predict transformation from nevi to melanoma. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry staining was performed to validate differential expression levels and prognostic implications of six hub genes between CM tissue and nevus tissues from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University cohort. It suggested that significantly elevated FABP5, IVL, KRT6A, KRT15, KRT16, and TIMP2 proteins expressed in the CM than in the nevus tissues. Functional enrichment and significant pathways of the six significant hub genes indicated that the mostly involved hallmarks include the P53 pathway, K-ras signaling, estrogen response late, and estrogen response early. In summary, this study identified significant DEGs participating in the process of malignant transformation from nevus to melanoma tissues based on comprehensive genomic profiles. Transcription profiles of FABP5, IVL, KRT6A, KRT15, KRT16, and TIMP2 provided clues of prognostic implications, which might help us evaluate malignant potential of nevus and underlying carcinogenesis progress from melanocytic nevus to melanoma.
The Predictive Value of Serum Uric Acid on Acute Kidney Injury following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wang Ruo Ran , He Min , Ou Xiao Feng , Xie Xiao Qi , Kang Yan
Published: August 2020

Backgrounds. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent nonneurological complication in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We designed this study to explore the association between serum uric acid (SUA) level and the occurrence of AKI following TBI. Methods. This is a retrospective single‐center study. A total of 479 patients admitted with TBI were included in this study. We utilized SUA and other risk factors for AKI to construct a predictive model by performing multivariate logistic regression. 374 patients and 105 patients were, respectively, divided into a training set and validation set. The predictive value of the single SUA and constructed model was evaluated by drawing a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. AKI was diagnosed according to the KIDGO criteria. Results. 79 (21.12%) patients were diagnosed with AKI in the training cohort. The patients in the AKI group are older than those in the non‐AKI group (p = 0.01). And the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of the AKI group was lower than that of the non‐AKI group (p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that heart rate (p = 0.041), shock (p = 0.018), serum creatinine (p < 0.001), and serum uric acid (SUA) (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for AKI. Bivariate correlation analyses showed that serum creatinine was moderately positively correlated with SUA (r = 0.523, p < 0.001). Finally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of SUA for predicting AKI in the training set and validation set was 0.850 (0.805‐0.895) and 0.869 (0.801‐0.938), respectively. Conclusions. SUA is an effective risk factor for AKI following TBI. Combining SUA with serum creatinine could more accurately identify TBI patients with high risk of developing AKI.
Male Breast Cancer in Togo: Imaging and Clinicopathological Findings
Authors: Darre Tchin , Tchaou Mazamaesso , Djiwa Toukilnan , Simgban Panakinao , Amavi Ayi Kossi , N’Timon Bidamin , Amadou Abdoulatif , Bombonne Mayi , Sama Bagassam , Amégbor Koffi , Napo-Koura Gado
Published: August 2020

Background. Breast cancer in men is a rare condition, often diagnosed late. The purpose of this study was to describe its epidemiological, histopathological, and radiographic aspects in Togo.Materials and Methods. This was a descriptive retrospective study on cases of breast cancer in humans diagnosed histologically at the Laboratory of Anatomy Pathological and Imagery of the University Hospital in Lomé, over a period of 25 years (1995 to 2019). The parameters studied were epidemiological, anatomopathological, and imaging.Results. Eighty-two (82) cases were diagnosed, an annual frequency of 3.28 cases. The mean age was45±2.5 years; the range was 27-63 years. The family history of 47 patients (57.32%) was known. Carcinomas represented the predominant histological group with predominantly nonspecific invasive carcinoma (87.5%). These cancers were diagnosed at late stages (75.71% grade II). They were mainly of luminal B profile (38.75%) and associated with mutations of the BRCA2 and BRCA1 genes in 14.63% of the cases. The lesions were classified ACR 5 in 61.5% (11/18). Two cases of breast angiosarcoma were diagnosed by the identification of CD31 markers and factor VIII in immunohistochemistry. Hormone therapy such as tamoxifen was prescribed in all luminal patients (43 patients). Radiotherapy was administered to 15 patients (18.3%), with acute toxicity in 20% of the cases. After a median follow-up of 36 months, the evolution was complete remission in 27 patients (32.93%).Conclusion. Breast cancer in men is rare, often diagnosed late with a poor prognosis.
Determining the Geometrical Sizes of Plates with Internal Hinges by Using Additional Conditions
Authors: Yazıcı Vildan , Muradoğlu Zahir
Published: August 2020

For a system obtained by placing more than two elastic plates side by side, the transmission conditions are obtained at the common boundaries. Finite difference equations are developed for the problem of plates with internal hinges and applied for determination of the response of a system assembled from three different plates with different mechanical constraints between adjacent plates in this study. An algorithm is written to find out how long the size of the plates should be in order to obtain the desired amount of bending against the force affecting the system under different boundary conditions. The bisection and multigrid methods are used for this. These two methods are compared based on the obtained data.
Evoking the Withdrawal Reflex via Successive Needle‐Pricking on the Plantar and Dorsal Aspect of the Foot Increases the FMA of the Lower Limb for Poststroke Patients in Brunnstrom Stage III: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Shen Cui-Cui , Lei Kuok-Tong , Jiang Jin-Feng , Miao Dan , Xiong Jia-Wei
Published: August 2020

The withdrawal reflex is a defensive reaction to nociceptive stimuli and can be used to regulate locomotor gait during rehabilitation. We investigated the effect of successive needle‐pricking of the plantar and dorsal foot surfaces on poststroke lower limb function. Thirty‐five hemiplegic patients, within one month after primary stroke, with an affected lower limb (Brunnstrom stage III) were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Both groups received routine drug treatment, rehabilitation training, and upper limb acupuncture treatment on the hemiplegic side. The control group also received routine acupuncture on the hemiplegic side of the lower limb, while the intervention group received successive needle‐pricking on the sole and instep of both the unaffected and affected side feet. Outcomes were assessed before inception (D0) and after three (D3) and six (D6) treatment days, using Brunnstrom stage (Ueda assessment), total Fugl–Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA‐LE) and its subscores (FMA‐LE‐ss), active lower limb range of motion (AROM‐LL), Modified Ashworth Scale Score (MAS‐LL), and manual muscle testing (MMT‐LL). The Brunnstrom stage was better in the intervention group than in the control group at both D3 and D6 (P < 0.01). The total FMA‐LE score and sections B, C, D, and G FMA‐LE‐ss were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group at D3 and D6 (P < 0.05). The AROM‐LL hip and knee flexion and hip extension improved more in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the intervention group, MAS‐LL hip flexion significantly improved at D6 (P < 0.01). Improvement in lower limb joints on the MMT‐LL in the intervention group exceeded that in the control group at D6 (P < 0.01). Successive needle‐pricking on the plantar and dorsal foot aspects of Brunnstrom stage III in poststroke patients contributed to rapid lower limb motor function improvement via the withdrawal reflex. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900020633.
Study on Void Structure Reconstruction of Asphalt Mixture by X‐Ray Computed Tomography and Otsu’s Method
Authors: Zhang Jiantong , Yang Jun , Liu Tiejun , Cai Rongxing , Yang Rui
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the pore distribution of asphalt mixture accurately by nondestructive technology. Specimens prepared with four gradations of asphalt mixtures were scanned using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) which was used to measure air void sizes at different depths within specimens. The air void distributions of obtained CT images were analyzed using ring blocking segmentation combining Otsu’s method, which provided an accurate estimate of air voids in asphalt mixtures. The image processing results showed that air void distribution was not uniform in the specimens; higher air void concentrations were found at the top and bottom of the specimen, and lower, in the rest of the sample depth. The air void sizes of SUP13 and AC13 are mainly distributed between 0.15 to 0.2 mm, while PA13 and SMA13 are 0.4 to 0.65 mm and 0.4 to 0.7 mm, respectively. It is believed that the CT pictures processed by the ring blocking segmentation combining Otsu’s method is feasible and rational to capture the air voids size and content of asphalt mixtures.+
Calibration of the Epilepsy Questionnaire for Use in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Yaria Joseph O. , Ogunniyi Adesola
Published: August 2020

Background. Burden of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa is huge in the midst of shortage of human resource in its health sector. Using skilled staff to supervise and support lower level healthcare workers providing frontline primary healthcare is a pragmatic coping solution. But, lower level health providers face enormous challenges due to absent clinical algorithms or pragmatic rapid diagnostic tests. Objective. This study aimed to determine if the use of an epilepsy questionnaire in a traditional clinical setting would improve semiological details obtained and diagnostic accuracy. Methods. A prospective study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with epilepsy each with an eye witness who had regularly witnessed the seizures. Routine seizure history from clinical documentation and an interviewer-based questionnaire were compared. The data obtained were assessed for content, accuracy, intermethod and test-retest reliability. Results. Sixty-seven patients with a median age of 24 years were recruited. Routine seizure history had obtained less semiological details with inadequate description of nonmotor manifestations and lateralizing motor details. The questionnaire-obtained history showed higher accuracy for generalized onset seizure (0.83 vs. 0.56) and focal onset seizures (0.79 vs. 0.59). The questionnaire-obtained history also had good test-retest reliability for various semiological domains except automatisms. Conclusions. Routine seizure histories are not standardized. The use of a questionnaire goes a long way in improving semiology description in a low-resource setting and guides the health provider on what details to focus on. The use of epilepsy questionnaires should, therefore, be considered to improve semiology, especially in nonspecialist settings.
The Application of Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Neonatal‐Onset Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs): Clinical Course, Metabolomic Profiling, and Genetic Findings in Nine Chinese Hyperammonemia Patients
Authors: Zhou Qingnv , Huang Huafei , Ma Li , Zhu Tianwen
Published: August 2020

During Jan. 2016–Dec. 2019, nine Chinese patients from eight unrelated families were diagnosed with neonatal‐onset UCDs by targeted panel sequencing or whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Their clinical manifestations, biochemical features, 180‐day‐age outcomes, and molecular genetic characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. NGS‐based tests revealed 7 patients diagnosed with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) and 2 with carbamoylphosphate synthetase I deficiency (CPS1D). The spectrum of the clinical presentation of nine affected individuals progressed from unspecific symptoms like poor feeding to somnolence, coma, and death. All patients presented with an acute hyperammonemia. The most robust metabolic pattern in OTCD was hyperglutaminemic hyperammonemia with high concentration of urine orotic acid, and it was reported in six patients. Of ten variants found on the OTC gene and CPS1 gene, 3 were novel: (c.176T>C (p.L59P)) in the OTC gene, c.2938G>A (p.G980S) and c.3734T>A (p.L1245H) in the CPS1 gene. There was a high mortality rate of 77.78% (7/9) for all the defects combined. An OTC‐deficient male and a CPS1‐deficient female survived from episodes of hyperammonemia. Although prompt recognition of UCD and the use of alternative pathway therapy in addition to provision of appropriate nutrition and dialysis improved survival, the overall outcomes for the neonatal‐onset type are poor in China.
Temperature Gradient and Its Effect on Long‐Span Prestressed Concrete Box Girder Bridge
Authors: Gu B. , Zhou F. Y. , Gao W. , Xie F. Z. , Lei L. H.
Published: August 2020

Temperature variations in the girder at two cross‐sections of a long‐span prestressed concrete box girder bridge (PCBG) were analysed based on measured data. The results show that the temperature distribution in the concrete box girder (CBG) is strongly influenced by its size, and the temperature distribution in the girder changes along the longitudinal direction of the bridge. To clarify the temperature distribution in the long‐span PCBG bridge, a two‐dimensional (2D) temperature prediction model, validated by the measured data, was proposed, and the effect of the girder size on the temperature distribution of the CBG was studied using the model. Based on the results of the studies, simplified vertical and transverse temperature gradient models that could consider changes along the longitudinal direction of the bridge were proposed and validated by using the measured data and three‐dimensional (3D) mechanical finite element model (FEM) of the bridge. Then, the deformations and stresses derived from the proposed temperature gradient models and the models according to different codes were studied and compared. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future bridge design are provided.
Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice: Neuroprotective Effects of Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Valh (Apocynaceae) Aqueous Extract
Authors: Yadang Fanta Sabine Adeline , Nguezeye Yvette , Kom Christelle Wayoue , Betote Patrick Herve Diboue , Mamat Amina , Tchokouaha Lauve Rachel Yamthe , Taiwé Germain Sotoing , Agbor Gabriel Agbor , Bum Elisabeth Ngo
Published: August 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is first characterised by memory loss related to the central cholinergic system alteration. Available drugs provide symptomatic treatment with known side effects. The present study is aimed to evaluate the properties of Carissa edulis aqueous extract on a Scopolamine mouse model as an attempt to search for new compounds against Alzheimer’s disease-related memory impairment. Memory impairment was induced by administration of 1 mg/kg (i.p.) of Scopolamine for 7 days, and mice were treated with Carissa edulis aqueous extract. Behavioural studies were performed using T-maze and novel object recognition task for assessing learning and memory and open field test for locomotion. Brain acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity was measured to evaluate the central cholinergic system. The level of MDA, glutathione, and catalase activity were measured to evaluate the oxidative stress level. Administration of Scopolamine shows a decrease in learning and memory enhancement during behavioural studies. A significant decrease in the time spent in the preferred arm of T-maze, in the time spent in the exploration of the novel object, and in the discrimination index of the familiar object was also observed. The significant impairment of the central cholinergic system was characterised in mice by an increase of AChE activity to 2.55±0.10 mol/min/g with an increase in oxidative stress. Treatment with the different doses of Carissa edulis (62.8, 157, 314, and 628 mg/kg orally administrated) significantly increased the memory of mice in T-maze and novel object recognition tests and also ameliorated locomotion of mice in the open field. Carissa edulis aqueous extract treatment also decreases the AChE activity and brain oxidative stress. It is concluded that administration of Carissa edulis aqueous extract enhances memory of mice by reducing AChE activity and demonstrating antioxidant properties. This could be developed into a novel therapy against memory impairment related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Pleuroperitoneal Leak as an Uncommon Cause of Pleural Effusion in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dang Minh Huan , Mathew Mathew , Raj Rajesh
Published: August 2020

Pleural effusions are frequently seen in patients on dialysis. A pleuroperitoneal leak or communication is a rare but important cause of pleural effusion in patients on peritoneal dialysis. This diagnosis can be made with a combination of biochemical tests and radiological modalities, in the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test. In addition to thoracocentesis, treatment often involves cessation of peritoneal dialysis and transition to hemodialysis. We describe a case of an 80-year-old man who presented with unilateral right-sided pleural effusion. He underwent therapeutic thoracocentesis and was subsequently diagnosed with a pleuroperitoneal leak through pleural fluid analysis. Peritoneal dialysis was ceased, and he transitioned temporarily to hemodialysis. He was subsequently treated with talc pleurodesis and successfully recommenced on peritoneal dialysis at six weeks after operation. In our report, we also review diagnostic imaging modalities, as well as advantages and disadvantages of each modality. A pleuroperitoneal leak is a rare but important complication of peritoneal dialysis and needs consideration in any patient on peritoneal dialysis presenting with unilateral pleural effusion.
Analysis on Deformation and Stress Characteristics of a Multibraced Pit‐in‐Pit Excavation in a Subway Transfer Station
Authors: Shi Xin , Rong Chuanxin , Cheng Hua , Cui Linzhao , Wang Bin , Sun Shicheng
Published: August 2020

As an important part of subway transfer station construction, pit‐in‐pit (PIP) excavation has always been a key object of monitoring and control. In this study, taking the PIP excavation project of Hefei metro line 4 and line 7 transfer station as the background, combined with on‐site monitoring and numerical simulation, the variation law of lateral wall displacement, ground surface settlement, and strut force during the PIP excavation were analyzed. The results showed that the maximum lateral deformation of the pile caused by the excavation of the external pit accounted for 80%–90% of the total deformation and the surface settlement accounted for 70% of the total settlement. The excavation of the inner pit only made the maximum lateral wall displacement of the outer pit and the surface settlement behind the wall increase slightly, the growth rate tended to zero, and the maximum lateral deformation depth was all above the excavation surface, which indicated that, for this project, the inner excavation had little effect on the outer pit retaining structure. In addition, the increased exposure time of the soil at the bottom of the pit and the presence of the corner effect will cause the further development of the structure displacement and the surface settlement. Based on strut force measurements, using the tributary area load distribution procedure, it was obtained that 0.3γHe was used as the upper limit index of strut force in the region, where γ is the weight of the soil and He is the excavation depth of the foundation pit. The research conclusions were helpful for the construction and sustainable development of the PIP project.
ALPPL2 Is a Highly Specific and Targetable Tumor Cell Surface Antigen
Authors: Su Yang , Zhang Xin , Bidlingmaier Scott , Behrens Christopher R. , Lee Nam-Kyung , Liu Bin
Published: August 2020

Identification of tumor-specific cell surface antigens has proven challenging, as the vast majority of tumor-associated antigens are also expressed in normal tissues. In mesothelioma, we identified a highly specific tumor cell surface antigen that can be targeted for therapy development. Mesothelioma is caused by malignant transformation of the mesothelium, is incurable, and can be categorized into three histologic subtypes: epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid. To identity novel mesothelioma cell surface antigens with broad subtype coverage and high tissue specificity, we have previously selected phage antibody display libraries on live mesothelioma cells and tissues following counterselection on normal cells and identified a panel of human antibodies that bind all subtypes of mesothelioma, but not normal mesothelium. One of the antibodies, M25, showed high specificity against an antigen we identify here as ALPPL2. IHC on normal human tissues found that ALPPL2 is expressed only on placental trophoblasts, but not on any other normal tissues. This significant tissue specificity and broad tumor type coverage suggest that ALPPL2 could be an excellent cell surface target for therapeutic development against mesothelioma. To evaluate therapeutic potential of ALPPL2 targeting, an ALPPL2-targeted antibody–drug conjugate was developed and demonstrated potent and specific tumor killing in vitro and in vivo against both epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Thus, ALPPL2 belongs to a rare class of cell surface antigens classified as truly tumor specific and is well suited for therapy development against ALPPL2-expressing tumors.

Significance:

These findings identify ALPP2 as a true tumor-specific cell surface antigen whose tissue specificity enables the development of novel therapies.
Do Different Methods Yield Equivalent Estimations of Brain Size in Birds?
Authors: Ocampo Diego , Sánchez César , Barrantes Gilbert
Published: August 2020

The ratio of brain size to body size (relative brain size) is often used as a measure of relative investment in the brain in ecological and evolutionary studies on a wide range of animal groups. In birds, a variety of methods have been used to measure the brain size part of this ratio, including endocranial volume, fixed brain mass, and fresh brain mass. It is still unclear, however, whether these methods yield the same results. Using data obtained from fresh corpses and from published sources, this study shows that endocranial volume, mass of fixed brain tissue, and fresh mass provide equivalent estimations of brain size for 48 bird families, in 19 orders. We found, however, that the various methods yield significantly different brain size estimates for hummingbirds (Trochilidae). For hummingbirds, fixed brain mass tends to underestimate brain size due to reduced tissue density, whereas endocranial volume overestimates brain size because it includes a larger volume than that occupied by the brain.
Factors Associated with Fibrosis during Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Does Pretreatment Biopsy Potentially Elicit Submucosal Fibrosis and Affect Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Outcomes?
Authors: Kuroha Masatake , Shiga Hisashi , Kanazawa Yoshitake , Nagai Hiroshi , Handa Tomoyuki , Ichikawa Ryo , Onodera Motoyuki , Naito Takeo , Moroi Rintaro , Kimura Tomoya , Endo Katsuya , Kakuta Yoichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Shimosegawa Tooru , Masamune Atsushi
Published: August 2020

Background: Submucosal fibrosis observed during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an important factor related to incomplete resection. Biopsy is generally accepted as having the potential to elicit submucosal fibrosis, but few reports have presented definitive proof. This study investigated the relation between submucosal fibrosis and colorectal ESD outcomes and assessed factors related to fibrosis, including pretreatment biopsy. Methods: After reviewing 369 records of colorectal ESD performed between January 2011 and December 2016, we assessed the relation between fibrosis and ESD outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed fibrosis risk factors. Results: Severe fibrosis was related significantly to ESD outcomes such as the mean procedure time (p < 0.001), en bloc resection rate (p < 0.001), and R0 resection rate (p = 0.011). Multivariate analyses indicated residual lesions (ORs 175.4, p < 0.001), pretreatment biopsy (ORs 8.30, p = 0.002), nongranular-type laterally spreading tumors (LST-NG; ORs 5.86, p = 0.025), and invasive carcinoma (ORs 5.83, p = 0.03) as independent risk factors of severe fibrosis. In each macroscopic type, LST-NG was more strongly related to fibrosis induced by pretreatment than granular-type laterally spreading tumors with adjust ORs of 50.8 and 4.69. Conclusions: Pretreatment biopsy causes submucosal fibrosis resulting in prolonged procedure times and incomplete resection. These findings suggest important benefits of avoiding biopsy before ESD.
Roland Barthes e o traje de cena
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes, Viana Fausto , Velloso Isabela Monken ,   Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Instituto de Artes e Design
Published: August 2020

Roland Barthes e o traje de cena é um ensaio escrito por Fausto Viana (ECA - USP) e Isabela Monken Velloso (IAD - UFJF) sobre a trajetória do escritor, sociólogo, crítico literário, semiólogo e filósofo Roland Barthes e sua ligação com o teatro, notadamente por intermédio do traje de cena. O ensaio revê e analisa o texto publicado por Barthes na revista Théâtre Populaire em 1955: "As doenças do traje de cena", em que ele analisa o traje de cena "bom" e o "ruim". A obra traz ainda uma nova tradução para o texto original do eminente intelectual francês.
Sistemas de manufatura
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos. Departamento de Engenharia de Produção, Agostinho Oswaldo Luiz
Published: August 2020

Esta obra aborda e sistematiza o conjunto de conhecimentos, iniciando-se pelos aspectos organizacionais e aspectos tecnológicos mais gerais, aprofundando-se em seguida na sistematização dos roteiros de fabricação, sistemas de referência para manufatura, escolha de peças em bruto, sobremetal de usinagem. Desenvolve-se, para consolidar a aplicação desses conceitos, um exercício completo de processamento de uma peça que compõe a caixa de mudança de velocidades de automóvel. Prove-se conhecimento necessário não somente para o trabalho recorrente em suas atividades, mas também para atividades criativas nos campos de planejamento de novos métodos de fabricação, assim como no projeto e/ou seleção de novas máquinas e equipamentos que possam ser empregados na fabricação para se utilizar métodos produtivos mais eficientes.
Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability Is Associated With Cognitive Decline and Incident Dementia
Authors: Rouch Laure , Cestac Philippe , Sallerin Brigitte , Piccoli Matthieu , Benattar-Zibi Linda , Bertin Philippe , Berrut Gilles , Corruble Emmanuelle , Derumeaux Geneviève , Falissard Bruno , Forette Françoise , Pasquier Florence , Pinget Michel , Ourabah Rissane , Danchin Nicolas , Hanon Olivier , Vidal Jean-Sébastien ,   for the S.AGES investigators
Published: August 2020

To investigate the impact of visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV), diastolic BPV, mean arterial pressure variability, and pulse pressure variability on cognitive decline and incident dementia in noninstitutionalized patients aged ≥65 years. A total of 3319 subjects from the S.AGES (Sujets AGÉS—Aged Subjects) cohort underwent clinical examinations every 6 months during 3 years. Variability was evaluated using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation, average real variability, successive variation, variation independent of mean, and residual SD. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and dementia with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Linear mixed models and Cox proportional hazards models were used. Higher systolic BPV was associated with poorer cognition independently of baseline SBP: adjusted 1-SD increase of coefficient of variation: β (SE)=−0.12 (0.06),
P
=0.04. Similar results were observed for diastolic BPV and mean arterial pressure variability: β (SE)=−0.20 (0.06),
P
<0.001 for both. Higher pulse pressure variability was no longer associated with cognitive function after adjustment for age, except with residual SD (
P
=0.02). Among the 3319 subjects, 93 (2.8%) developed dementia. Higher systolic BPV was associated with greater dementia risk (adjusted 1-SD increase of coefficient of variation: hazard ratios=1.23 [95% CI, 1.01–1.50],
P
=0.04). Similar results were found for diastolic BPV and mean arterial pressure variability (
P
<0.01). Pulse pressure variability was not associated with dementia risk. Beyond hypertension, higher BPV is a major clinical predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia. Further studies are needed to assess whether controlling BP instability could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognition among older adults.
Cellular Senescence
Authors: Li Yongxin , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: August 2020

Kidney diseases secondary to several pathogeneses affect millions of people worldwide and have become increasingly recognized as a global public health problem. Recent evidence suggests that cellular senescence plays an important role in the pathogenesis of different forms of renal damage, including acute and chronic kidney disease, and renal transplantation. Renal senescence involves cell cycle arrest and affects several cellular pathways, manifesting in downregulation of klotho, elevated expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, cellular telomere shortening, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, senescent cells might induce kidney injury by paracrine release of inflammatory factors. Yet, cellular senescence may be renoprotective during development and in some models of renal diseases, reflecting the yin/yang duality of cellular senescence. This review provides an overview of the role of this emerging player in renal injury, with emphasis on new findings of cellular senescence.
Neurohormonal Regulation of I
Ks
in Heart Failure: Implications for Ventricular Arrhythmogenesis and Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Shugg Tyler , Hudmon Andy , Overholser Brian R.
Published: August 2020

Heart failure (HF) results in sustained alterations in neurohormonal signaling, including enhanced signaling through the sympathetic nervous system and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system pathways. While enhanced sympathetic nervous system and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activity initially help compensate for the failing myocardium, sustained signaling through these pathways ultimately contributes to HF pathophysiology. HF remains a leading cause of mortality, with arrhythmogenic sudden cardiac death comprising a common mechanism of HF‐related death. The propensity for arrhythmia development in HF occurs secondary to cardiac electrical remodeling that involves pathological regulation of ventricular ion channels, including the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current, that contribute to action potential duration prolongation. To elucidate a mechanistic explanation for how HF‐mediated electrical remodeling predisposes to arrhythmia development, a multitude of investigations have investigated the specific regulatory effects of HF‐associated stimuli, including enhanced sympathetic nervous system and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system signaling, on the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge related to the regulation of the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current in response to HF‐associated stimuli, including the intracellular pathways involved and the specific regulatory mechanisms.
Atrial Fibrillation Screen, Management, and Guideline‐Recommended Therapy in the Rural Primary Care Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study and Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of eHealth Tools to Support All Stages of Screening
Authors: Orchard Jessica , Li Jialin , Freedman Ben , Webster Ruth , Salkeld Glenn , Hespe Charlotte , Gallagher Robyn , Patel Anushka , Kamel Bishoy , Neubeck Lis , Lowres Nicole
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Internationally, most atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for AF in people ≥65 years of age and oral anticoagulant treatment for those at high stroke risk (CHA₂DS₂‐VA≥2). However, gaps remain in screening and treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

General practitioners/nurses at practices in rural Australia (n=8) screened eligible patients (≥65 years of age without AF) using a smartphone ECG during practice visits. eHealth tools included electronic prompts, guideline‐based electronic decision support, and regular data reports. Clinical audit tools extracted de‐identified data. Results were compared with an earlier study in metropolitan practices (n=8) and nonrandomized control practices (n=69). Cost‐effectiveness analysis compared population‐based screening with no screening and included screening, treatment, and hospitalization costs for stroke and serious bleeding events. Patients (n=3103, 34%) were screened (mean age, 75.1±6.8 years; 47% men) and 36 (1.2%) new AF cases were confirmed (mean age, 77.0 years; 64% men; mean CHA₂DS₂‐VA, 3.2). Oral anticoagulant treatment rates for patients with CHA₂DS₂‐VA≥2 were 82% (screen detected) versus 74% (preexisting AF)(
P
=NS), similar to metropolitan and nonrandomized control practices. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for population‐based screening was AU$16 578 per quality‐adjusted life year gained and AU$84 383 per stroke prevented compared with no screening. National implementation would prevent 147 strokes per year. Increasing the proportion screened to 75% would prevent 177 additional strokes per year.

CONCLUSIONS

An AF screening program in rural practices, supported by eHealth tools, screened 34% of eligible patients and was cost‐effective. Oral anticoagulant treatment rates were relatively high at baseline, trending upward during the study. Increasing the proportion screened would prevent many more strokes with minimal incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio change. eHealth tools, including data reports, may be a valuable addition to future programs.

REGISTRATION

URL:
https://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12618000004268.
Nature 4.0: Assisted Evolution, De-extinction, and Ecological Restoration Technologies
Authors: Thiele Leslie Paul
Published: August 2020

Humans have served their needs and interests by modifying plants, animals, and ecosystems for millennia. Technology has expanded, accelerated, and intensified the impact. Experimental efforts are now under way to rescue or re-create nature employing highly sophisticated technologies. These endeavors are not aimed at satisfying basic human needs or serving economic interests; their goal is the conservation of biodiversity and ecological restoration. At the same time, they fundamentally alter the fabric of life and guarantee unintended consequences. An examination of the ecological and cultural risks, benefits, and costs of employing synthetic biology to assist evolution and de-extinct species provides a valuable test case for environmentalists and conservationists grappling with the implications of ecological restoration technologies.