bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium commune associated with wilt and root rot disease in rice
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Zakaria Latiffah , Mohamed Nor Nik M. I.
Published: September 2020

Wilt and root rot disease in plants has been caused mainly by Fusarium species. Previous studies reported that members of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) were usually associated with this disease, but there has been no report of it being caused in rice by specific Fusarium species. However, in this study, Fusarium commune was identified and characterized as a causal agent of wilt and root rot disease of rice. Four Fusarium isolates (BD005R, BD014R, BD019R, and BD020R) were obtained from different parts (root, stem, and seeds) of diseased rice plants. In morphological studies, these isolates produced key characteristics of F. commune, such as long and slender monophialides, polyphialides, and abundant chlamydospores. In molecular studies, the isolates were identified as F. commune based on sequences of the translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1) gene that had 99.7%–100% sequence identity with the reference strain F. commune NRRL 28058. The phylogenetic tree showed that all four isolates belonged to the F. commune clade. A mating type test determined that three isolates carried MAT1‐2. Their teleomorph stage was still unknown. Pathogenicity assays showed that all the isolates produced wilt and root rot symptoms and the isolate BD019R was observed as the most virulent among the isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. commune causing wilt and root rot disease on rice.
Oromucosal immunomodulation as clinical spectrum mitigating factor in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Rodríguez‐Argente Francisco , Alba‐Domínguez María , Ortiz‐Muñoz Elena , Ortega‐González Ángel
Published: September 2020

Mounting evidence supports the importance of mucosal immunity in the immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2. Active virus replication in the upper respiratory tract for the first days of infection opens a new perspective in immunological strategies to counteract viral pathogenicity. An effective mucosal innate immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 paves the way to an also effective adaptive immune response. A strong local immune response seems to be crucial in the initial contention of the virus by the organism and for triggering the production of the necessary neutralizing antibodies in sera and mucosal secretions. However, if the innate immune response fails to overcome the immune evasion mechanisms displayed by the virus, the infection will progress and the lack of an adaptive immune response will take the patient to an overreactive but ineffective innate immune response. To revert this scenario, an immune strategy based on enhancement of immunity in the first days of infection would be theoretically well come. But serious concerns about cytokine response syndrome prevent us to do so. Fortunately, it is possible to enhance immune system response without causing inflammation through immunomodulation. Immunomodulation of local immune response at the oropharyngeal mucosa could hypothetically activate our mucosal immunity, which could send an early an effective warning to the adaptive immune system. There are studies on immunotherapeutic management of upper respiratory tract infections in children that can place us in the right path to design an immune strategy able to mitigate COVID‐19 symptoms and reduce clinical progression.
Rethinking international subsidy rules
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Nelson Douglas
Published: September 2020

Geo‐economic tensions, notably associated with the rise of China, and global collective action problems—climate change and the COVID‐19pandemic—call for international cooperation to revise and develop rules to guide both the use of domestic subsidies and responses by governments to cross‐border competition spillover effects. Current WTO rules dividing all subsidies into prohibited or actionable categories are no longer fit for purpose. Piecemeal efforts in preferential trade agreements and bi‐ or trilateral configurations offer a basis on which to build but are too narrow in scope. Addressing spillover effects of subsidies could start with G20 countries launching a work programme to mobilise an epistemic community concerned with subsidy policies, tasked with building a more solid evidence base on the magnitude, purpose and effects of subsidy policies. The need for such cooperation has become even more pressing by the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated increase in the use of subsidy programmes in major economies.
Fast & furious: Do psychological and legal factors affect commodity price volatility?
Authors: Algieri Bernardina
Published: September 2020

The present study explores to what extent policy insecurity and the changes in the US legal financial infrastructure have affected commodity price volatility. In addition to macroeconomic fundamentals, the study introduces two ‘psychological’ factors proxied by the economic policy uncertainty index and the perception of price risk within specific commodity markets, plus an institutional (de)regulatory factor constructed as a dichotomous variable. The latter mirrors the period of financial deregulation experienced under the Commodity Futures Modernization Act and the period of regulation registered under the Dodd‐Frank Act. The results reveal that price volatility is a complex phenomenon generated by the joint effect of a plethora of drivers. Both economic policy uncertainty and highly deregulated financial markets exert an influence on price dynamics and produce higher price volatility. Similarly, higher market risk perception leads to higher price fluctuations. Exchange rate, financial wealth and crude oil further explain price rises and falls. The study indicates that government decisions influence commodity markets and a financial system grounded on a sound legal basis is essential for its orderly functioning. A transparent financial structure should be able to generate checks and balances for the market, spawn vibrant policies and prevent the negative consequences of intense price volatility.
Are exporters more environmentally friendly? A re‐appraisal that uses China’s micro‐data
Authors: Pei Jiansuo , Sturm Bodo , Yu Anqi
Published: September 2020

Is a firm's ability to export an important determinant of environmental performance? To answer this question, we construct a unique microdata set that merged two rich manufacturing firm‐level data sets for China for 2007. When combining this new data set with well‐received empirical specifications, we found that both export status and export intensity are associated with lower sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions intensity. In addition to the traditional OLS estimation, we verified this association by using the propensity score matching method. Our findings show that the baseline result still holds. In short, exporters are more environmentally friendly than nonexporters, which is in line with previous evidence reported for developed economies. We further discuss potential mechanisms that explain the observed pattern and show that exporters realise higher abatement efforts compared to nonexporters. This study complements the literature in terms of providing China's microevidence on SO2 abatement efforts. It also serves as a first step towards a better understanding of the impact of trade on the environment, especially in developing countries.
On the effects of monetary policy in Vietnam: Evidence from a Trilemma analysis
Authors: Hoang Viet‐Ngu , Nguyen Duc Khuong , Pham Tuan
Published: September 2020

During and after the 2008–09 global financial crisis, the growth cycle of Vietnam's economy has shifted from an average annual growth rate of 7%–8% to an average annual growth rate of 5%‐6% with a high level of macroeconomic instability and uncertainty from 2009 till 2016. Related studies have speculated that the operations of monetary policies during this period were not effective in recovering the economic growth and stabilising the overall price level and total output level. This paper provides the first empirical examination of this speculation using the Trilemma framework. Our empirical results show that the State Bank of Vietnam has had adopted a set of policies aiming at maintaining exchange rate stability and interest rate independence while easing the restrictions on capital inflows. The combination of these three monetary policy approaches is found to violate the rule of Trilemma. Consequently, exchange rate and interest rate policies became less effective and failed to stabilise the economy in response to the global economic recession.
Heterogeneity of financial institutions in the process of economic and monetary integration in East Asia
Authors: Alfieri Luca
Published: September 2020

The paper aims to assess the influence of the heterogeneity of financial institutions in the relationship between bilateral trade and the monetary integration process in East Asia. I used a structural gravity model with similarity of currency regimes, and I introduced a variable of heterogeneity of financial institutions derived from the World Bank Financial Development and Structure Dataset. The main hypothesis is that the more heterogeneous financial institutions are, the less bilateral trade there is. The results show a negative relationship between trade and the heterogeneity of the financial institutions. A secondary hypothesis is that the potential positive effects of the monetary integration diminish after the introduction of the variable depicting the heterogeneity of financial institutions. The similarity of currency regimes has a negative effect on bilateral trade and that effect increases with the presence of the heterogeneity of financial institutions variable. I made a second estimation concerning 184 countries and territories. The results confirmed the negative and significant relationship between the heterogeneity of the financial institutions and trade. The recent reform plans of ASEAN countries should also consider these aspects, which are not limited to financial integration problems.
3′UTR enhances hCD47 cell surface expression, self‐signal function, and reduces ER stress in porcine fibroblasts
Authors: Hosny Nora , Matson Anders W. , Kumbha Ramesh , Steinhoff Magie , Sushil Rao Joseph , El-Abaseri Taghrid B. , Sabek Nagwan A. , Mahmoud Moushira A. , Hering Bernhard J. , Burlak Christopher
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Macrophages contribute to xenograft rejection by direct cytotoxicity and by amplifying T cell–mediated immune responses. It has been shown that transgenic expression of hCD47 protects porcine cells from human macrophages by restoring the CD47‐SIRPα self‐recognition signal. It has also been reported that the long 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the hCD47 gene, which is missing from constructs previously used to make hCD47 transgenic pigs, is critical for efficient cell surface expression in human cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a modified form of the 3′UTR on the expression, localization, and function of hCD47 in transfected porcine cells.

Methods

hCD47 constructs with and without the modified 3′UTR were knocked into the GGTA1 locus in porcine fetal fibroblasts using CRISPR. Flow cytometry of the transfected cells was used to analyze hCD47 localization. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondrial, and oxidative stress were examined by gene expression analysis and confocal microscopy. Phagocytosis of transfected cells by human macrophages was measured by flow cytometry, and stimulation of human/non‐human (NHP) primate lymphocytes by the cells was examined using a PBMCs proliferation assay.

Results

Cells transfected with the construct lacking the 3′UTR (hCD47(3′UTR−)) exhibited predominantly intracellular expression of hCD47, and showed evidence of ER stress, dysregulated mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Inclusion of the 3′UTR (hCD47(3′UTR+)) decreased intracellular expression of hCD47 by 36% and increased cell surface expression by 53%. This was associated with a significant reduction in cellular stress markers and a higher level of protection from phagocytosis by human macrophages. Furthermore, hCD47(3′UTR+) porcine cells stimulated significantly less proliferation of human/NHP T cells than hCD47(3′UTR−) cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the potential benefits of using hCD47 constructs containing the 3′UTR to generate genetically engineered hCD47‐expressing donor pigs.
Coconut Tree Stress Detection as an Indicator of Red Palm Weevil (RPW) Attack Using Sentinel Data
Authors: Marzukhi Faradina , Md Said Md Azlin , Ahmad Amirul Audi
Published: September 2020

The red palm weevil (RPW) is one of the worst destructive pests of palms in the world. This study focuses for the first time on the coconut tree stress detection and discrimination among different stages of red palm weevil (RPW) stress-attacks using vegetation indices (VI) and the percentage of accuracy assessed. Different spectral indices were assessed using Sentinel 2A data of year 2018. Based on field identification, four classes of coconut tree were considered and evaluated using visual maps of VI: severe, moderate, early and healthy coconut trees. Results showed that the vegetation indices Normalized Differenced Vegetation Index (NDVI), Renormalized Difference Vegetation Index (RDVI), SQRT (IR/R), Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) and Green Vegetation Index (GVI) are sensitive to coconut trees caused by RPW attacks. They discriminated among the considered classes with more than 50% accurate from census data of field observation compared with remote sensing data of Sentinel 2A image.  Nevertheless, they express the healthiness of tree stress between 0.308 – 0.673 range with 55% to 91% accurate. According to these results, it was concluded that remote sensing technique using Sentinel 2A data is a promising alternative for RPW detection based on VI.
Effects of Behavioural Uncertainties In Property Valuation
Authors: Ali Hishamuddin Mohd , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Sipan Ibrahim , Omar Mustafa , Achu Kamalahasan
Published: September 2020

Psychological and behavioural dimensions play a vital role in influencing Valuers’ valuation judgements, thus affecting the validity, accuracy and discrepancy (reliability) of property values. However, behavioural uncertainty research, specifically within the discipline of property valuation among property Valuers, is still limited, particularly in developing countries with their unique property valuation systems, and has been so far conducted in an independent, separate manner, which looks into the behavioural uncertainties non-connectedly. Therefore, this study aims to examine the behavioural uncertainties of local Valuers in property valuation, vitally addressing the questions of behaviours involved and how a behavioural uncertainty is associated with other behavioural issues. This study adopted a phenomenological design, where a session of focus group discussions with 10 public-private Valuers from Johor Bahru, Malaysia was conducted. Results show that local Valuers were subject to various, simultaneous interwoven behavioural uncertainties, which ultimately form a behavioural framework of associations, including biases, client influences, heuristics, professional ethics, and opportunistic behaviours in making their valuation judgement. Biases (subjective preference) and professional ethics (negligence and carelessness) are the two most dominant behaviours involved in local property valuation. These findings provide policy insights to both public and private Valuers, academicians, and the market about the importance of understanding behavioural property economics, that crucially enables them to collectively create a sustainable property valuation environment.
Female Employment in the Manufacturing Sector of Industry 4.0: A SWOT Analysis
Authors: Janis Ilyana , Zulkipli Muhammad
Published: September 2020

In global context, women make up the majority of students in academic institutions but are far less involved in manufacturing academic courses and work in the manufacturing sector. There are several reasons for this. There is a general perception among women that manufacturing carries a high risk of danger. Additionally, there are some tasks in the manufacturing sector that women are often physically unable to perform, such as those in the machinery, industrial equipment and automotive sector. The arrival of Industry 4.0 technology in the manufacturing sector, however, is likely to result in a decline in physical and onerous duties—overtly physical jobs could be replaced by automation and robotics. The cognitive abilities required for the development and implementation of full automation present vast opportunities for women. This paper aims to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) presented by women employment in the Industry 4.0 manufacturing sector. Thirty pieces of literature related to women employed in the manufacturing sector are reviewed. SWOT analysis is derived from the solo-coding process using ATLAS.ti. The results are found through qualitative thematic analysis and reveal that the weaknesses of and threats posed by women employment in the manufacturing sector could be outweighed by the strengths of and opportunities provided by Industry 4.0. This SWOT analysis contributes to the literature by providing a greater understanding of women employment in the Industry 4.0 manufacturing sector.
Identifying the Current Trends of Entrepreneurial Education in Pakistani Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Noor Shaista , Md. Isa Filzah , Mohd Nor Leilanie
Published: September 2020

Education is considered as a driving force to accomplish the work efficiently. In this regard, business studies play an essential role in increasing the capabilities and skills of the individual as entrepreneurial orientation increase employment opportunities and act as a driving force to boost up the country’s economy. Higher Education Institutions’ role is significant in imparting entrepreneurial education among students, as Pakistani Higher Education Institutions have established the Entrepreneurship and Development Center (EDC), which is responsible for entrepreneurial training, seminar, workshops, discussion sessions, conferences, and entrepreneurial fairs. This paper aims to review the entrepreneurial education in developing Asia, specifically in Pakistan. This study is based on secondary data, taken from 30+ journal papers, 5+ HEC Annual Reports, and 4+ books in order to investigate the current trends of entrepreneurial education in developing countries, especially in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan. The result shows that confronted challenges of entrepreneurial education in Pakistan are untrained staff in EDC, curriculum flaws, less governmental support, lack of subject experts and qualified faculty, and frequent changes in higher administration of universities. Recommendations have proposed for entrepreneurial success in Pakistani HEIs, and a model is proposed to follow.
Reflective Practices To Explore Postgraduate Students Learning Experience In Mobile Learning Platform
Authors: Thiagraj Malini , Abdul Karim Abdul Malek
Published: September 2020

Mobile Learning (M-learning) has great potential to be an effective learning tool in creating meaningful learning experiences. The purpose of this study is to explore postgraduate students M-learning experiences in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform. Reflective practice is used to measure the students M-learning experience based on mobile-based task-centered activity. This study is qualitative in nature employed thematic analysis method. Therefore, 34 postgraduate students from a public university in Malaysia were selected for this purposive sampling. The postgraduate students were initially introduced to M-learning course content in FutureLearn platform followed by reflective practices. Pre-reflective practice happened before students are enlisted into the M-learning process, During-reflective process in FutureLearn platform and Post-reflective upon completion of task-centered activity. The findings revealed that majority of these students were unsure of M-learning platform during the pre-reflective stage. This is due to lack of prior knowledge and experience in M-learning platform using mobile devices as real time hindered the students from exploring. However, most of them progress to gained positive M-learning experiences as their able to monitoring and self-evaluate their own learning development throughout this learning process and completed the task-centered activity successfully. Therefore, the reflective approach practice has given students insight on their meaningful learning experience and their own learning capabilities.
Host plant discrimination through mobility parameters by eriophyoid mites
Authors: Calvet Érica C. , Lima Debora B. , Melo José W. S. , Gondim Jr. Manoel G. C.
Published: September 2020

Eriophyoidea is a well-known mite taxon of economic importance. Due to their small size, elucidating many of their bio-ecological aspects becomes a challenge. These mites are obligatory plant feeders, with high host specificity and vagrant (free living) and non-vagrant (part or whole life cycle in a host) lifestyles. The mobility (distance walked - mm, resting time - s, and number of stops) of these mites on host and non-host plant species has been investigated. Eriophyoid species were submitted to walking tests on host and non-host plants using five vagrant species and five non-vagrant species. The walking was recorded with video tracking (ViewPoint) for ten minutes. Twenty replicates were performed for each treatment (eriophyoid species and plant). There was a difference in the behavioral response of the species studied in relation to the hosts. When the species were grouped by ecological lifestyle (vagrant and non-vagrant), non-vagrant eriophyoids presented a higher mobility (higher distance walked, less resting time) than vagrant eriophyoids on their respective hosts. There was no difference in the mobility of vagrant and non-vagrant species on non-host plants. The absence of a pattern of behavioral response among the species tested here indicates that more factors are involved in the host identification and acceptance process.
Enhancing Coach Understanding of Mental Ill Health Through the Identification of Temporal Themes in Athletes’ Stories
Authors: Smith Matthew J , Runswick Oliver R.
Published: September 2020

In elite sport, research has highlighted the significant incidence of athletes experiencing mental ill health. The aim of the present study was to make sense of stories that elite athletes tell about experiencing mental ill health through sampling the autobiographies of four male, elite cricketers. In each book, the player spoke in detail about mental ill health and how this impacted on their international career. Horizontal and vertical analyses of the data resulted in six progressive themes being identified, fromEarly Warning Signs,Fluctuations of Mental Health,Build-up to the Severe Incident,the Severe Incident,the Recovery Process, toRelapsing. The findings are considered in line with how they might be used to meet the call to develop mental health literacy, in aiming to help coaches and other psychology support staff understand more about the process of athletes who experience mental ill health across their career.
Effect of Resistance Training Intensity on Blood Pressure in Older Women
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Nunes João Pedro , Coronado Karina E. , Andrade-Lima Aluísio , dos Santos Leandro , Aguiar Andreo F. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to compare the effects of resistance training performed with low versus moderate loads on systemic resting blood pressure (BP) in older women. A total of 29 women (72.6 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into two groups: low load (LOW, n = 15) and moderate load (MOD, n = 14). An 8-week whole-body resistance training program was carried out 3 days/week (eight exercises, three sets, 10 or 15 repetition maximum). The LOW and MOD groups trained with a relative load of 15 and 10 repetition maximum, respectively. Outcome measures included resting systolic and diastolic BP. After 8 weeks, both groups presented significant changes (p < .05) in systolic BP (LOW = −3.0%; MOD = −4.6%) and mean BP (LOW = −1.9%; MOD = −3.1%). There was no change for diastolic BP in the posttest in both groups. The results suggest that low and moderate loads are equally effective for promoting decreases in resting BP in older women.
How Do Positive Psychological Constructs Affect Physical Activity Engagement Among Individuals at High Risk for Chronic Health Conditions? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Millstein Rachel A. , Huffman Jeff C. , Thorndike Anne N. , Freedman Melanie , Scheu Carlyn , Kim Sonia , Amonoo Hermioni L. , Barclay Margot , Park Elyse R.
Published: September 2020

Background: Positive psychological constructs (eg, optimism, positive affect) may help people engage in physical activity, though the details of these relationships and their directionality have not been studied in depth in people with cardiovascular risk factors. The objectives of this study were to use qualitative research to explore the relationships of positive psychological constructs with physical activity among people with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Participants with metabolic syndrome and low physical activity from an academic medical center completed semistructured phone interviews about associations between physical activity and positive psychological constructs, and perceptions about benefits, motivation, and barriers to physical activity. Results: The participants (n = 21) were predominantly older (mean age = 63 y) white (95.2%) women (61.9%). Engaging in physical activity was commonly associated with enjoyment, energy, relaxation, accomplishment, and determination. Experiencing positive psychological constructs like enjoyment, energy, connectedness, optimism, and determination also helped them engage in physical activity. Perceived benefits, facilitators, and barriers of physical activity engagement were noted. Conclusions: The participants at high risk for chronic diseases described many specific positive psychological constructs that both promote and result from physical activity. Testing ways to increase positive psychological constructs may be a novel way to help people at high risk of chronic diseases become more active.
Results From the 2019 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults
Authors: Macridis Soultana , Cameron Christine , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Clark Patricia , Davenport Margie H. , Faulkner Guy , Fowles Jonathon , Lévesque Lucie , Porter Michelle M. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Ross Robert , Shelton Elaine , Spence John C. , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Johnston Nora
Published: September 2020

Background: The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults is a knowledge exchange tool representing a synthesis of the literature and data available at the national level. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of the inaugural 2019 edition. Methods: Thirteen physical activity indicators, grouped into 4 categories, were graded by a committee of experts using a process that was informed by the best available evidence. Sources included national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, and gray literature such as government and nongovernment reports and online content. Results: Grades were assigned to Daily Behaviors (overall physical activity: D; daily movement: C; moderate to vigorous physical activity: F; muscle and bone strength: INC; balance: INC; sedentary behavior: INC; sleep: B−), Individual Characteristics (intentions: B+), Settings and Sources of Influence (social support: INC; workplace: INC; community and environment: B−; health and primary care settings: C−), and Strategies and Investments (government: B−). Conclusions: Generally, lower grades were given to behavior-related indicators (eg, overall physical activity) and better grades for indicators related to investments, community supports, and strategies and policies. Research gaps and future recommendations and directions are identified for each indicator to support future practice, policy, and research directions.
Dolosigranulum pigrum Cooperation and Competition in Human Nasal Microbiota
Authors: Brugger Silvio D. , Eslami Sara M. , Pettigrew Melinda M. , Escapa Isabel F. , Henke Matthew T. , Kong Yong , Lemon Katherine P.
Published: September 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans. For both, nasal colonization is a risk factor for infection. Studies of nasal microbiota identify
Dolosigranulum pigrum
as a benign bacterium present when adults are free of
S. aureus
or when children are free of
S. pneumoniae
. Here, we validated these
in vivo
associations with functional assays. We found that
D. pigrum
inhibited
S. aureus
in vitro
and, together with a specific nasal
Corynebacterium
species, also inhibited
S. pneumoniae
. Furthermore, genomic analysis of
D. pigrum
indicated that it must obtain key nutrients from other nasal bacteria or from humans. These phenotypic interactions support the idea of a role for microbe-microbe interactions in shaping the composition of human nasal microbiota and implicate
D. pigrum
as a mutualist of humans. These findings support the feasibility of future development of microbe-targeted interventions to reshape nasal microbiota composition to exclude
S. aureus
and/or
S. pneumoniae
.
Atypical neurological manifestations of dengue fever: a case series and mini review
Authors: Prabhat Nandita , Ray Sucharita , Chakravarty Kamalesh , Kathuria Heena , Saravana Sukriya , Singh Deependra , Rebello Alex , Lakhanpal Vikas , Goyal Manoj Kumar , Lal Vivek
Published: September 2020

Background

In this mini review, we discuss some of the atypical neurological manifestations of dengue virus and attempt to bring them to attention to highlight the neurotropic property of the dengue virus.

Methods

Cases were chosen from retrospective hospital and outpatient records of all patients seropositive for dengue who attended the neurology referral. Seven patients have been chosen as illustrative examples of dengue-associated neurological involvement. We discuss the various central and peripheral nervous system involvement of patients and discuss the relevant findings in them.

Conclusion

Through this case series, we wish to highlight that the dengue virus can affect the nervous system at various targets, using multiple mechanisms of pathogenesis to generate a plethora of presentations. Hence, it is vital to be aware of its presentations to be able to diagnose dengue and treat it accordingly.
Systemic lupus erythematosus; stroke and myocardial infarction risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Pooley Nick , Langham Julia , Nicholson Lindsay , Langham Sue , Embleton Nina , Wang Xia , Desta Barnabas , Barut Volkan , Hammond Edward
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2020 to identify observational studies (cohort and cross-sectional) that evaluated risk of stroke and MI in adult patients with SLE compared with the general population or healthy controls. Studies were included if they reported effect-size estimates that could be used for calculating pooled-effect estimates. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for stroke and MI. Heterogeneity quantified by the I2test and sensitivity analyses assessed bias.

Results

In total, 26 studies were included in this meta-analysis: 14, 5 and 7 studies on stroke, MI and both stroke and MI, respectively. The pooled RR for ischaemic stroke was 2.18 (95% CI 1.78 to 2.67; I275%), intracerebral haemorrhage 1.84 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.90; I267%), subarachnoid haemorrhage 1.95 (95% CI 0.69 to 5.52; I294%), composite stroke 2.13 (95% CI 1.73 to 2.61; I288%) and MI 2.99 (95% CI 2.34 to 3.82; I285%). There was no evidence for publication bias, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusions

Overall, patients with SLE were identified to have a twofold to threefold higher risk of stroke and MI. Future research on the interaction between known SLE-specific modifiable risk factors and risk of stroke and MI to support development of prevention and treatment strategies are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018098690.
Online Done Right: The importance of human interaction for student success
Authors: Boyers Jayson M.
Published: September 2020

Though more connected than any previous generation, many online learners report feeling something is missing from their educational experience. A quality online course provides the scheduling flexibility of distance learning, but does so with a reasonable student-professor ratio that makes interaction and connection possible. Boyers opines on why engagement matters.
The Target Recovery Strategy for Preventing Avalanche Breakdown on Interdependent Community Networks
Authors: Gong Kai , Huang Yu , Chen Xiao-long , Li Qing , Tang Ming
Published: September 2020

Many real infrastructure systems such as power grids and communication networks across cities not only depend on each other but also have community structures. This observation derives a new research subject of the interdependent community networks (ICNs). Recent works showed that the ICNs are extremely vulnerable to the failure of interconnected nodes between communities. Such vulnerability is prone to cause avalanche breakdown of the ICNs. How to improve the robustness of ICNs remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a new target recovery strategy in the self-awareness recovery model, called recovery strategy based on community structures (RCS). The self-awareness recovery model repairs and reactivates the original pair of failed nodes that belong to mutual boundary of networks during cascading failures. The key insight is that the RCS explicitly considers both intercommunity links and intracommunity links. In this paper, we compare RCS with the state-of-the-art approaches based on randomness, degree centrality, and local centrality. We find that the RCS outperforms the other three strategies on the size of giant component, the existence probability of giant component, the number of iterative cascade steps, and the average degree of the remaining network. Moreover, RCS is robust against a given noise, and the optimal parameter of RCS remains stable even if the recovery ratio varies.
The Influence of Cochlear Implant-Based Electric Stimulation on the Electrophysiological Characteristics of Cultured Spiral Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Shen Na , Zhou Lei , Lai Bin , Li Shufeng
Published: September 2020

Background. Cochlear implant-based electrical stimulation may be an important reason to induce the residual hearing loss after cochlear implantation. In our previous study, we found that charge-balanced biphasic electrical stimulation inhibited the neurite growth of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and decreased Schwann cell density in vitro. In this study, we want to know whether cochlear implant-based electrical stimulation can induce the change of electrical activity in cultured SGNs. Methods. Spiral ganglion neuron electrical stimulation in vitro model is established using the devices delivering cochlear implant-based electrical stimulation. After 48 h treatment by 50 μA or 100 μA electrical stimulation, the action potential (AP) and voltage depended calcium current (ICa) of SGNs are recorded using whole-cell electrophysiological method. Results. The results show that the ICa of SGNs is decreased significantly in 50 μA and 100 μA electrical stimulation groups. The reversal potential of ICa is nearly +80 mV in control SGN, but the reversal potential decreases to +50 mV in 50 μA and 100 μA electrical stimulation groups. Interestingly, the AP amplitude, the AP latency, and the AP duration of SGNs have no statistically significant differences in all three groups. Conclusion. Our study suggests cochlear implant-based electrical stimulation only significantly inhibit the ICa of cultured SGNs but has no effect on the firing of AP, and the relation of ICa inhibition and SGN damage induced by electrical stimulation and its mechanism needs to be further studied.
Differential Effects of Combination of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors on Central Aortic Blood Pressure: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in Hypertensive Outpatients
Authors: Pradhan Akshyaya , Vishwakarma Pravesh , Bhandari Monika , Sethi Rishi , Narain Varun Shankar
Published: September 2020

Background. Central aortic blood pressure (CABP) indices, central hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness are better predictors of cardiovascular events as compared with brachial cuff pressure measurements alone. The present study is aimed at assessing the effects of different antihypertensive drug combination regimens involving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on CABP indices in Indian patients with hypertension. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, single-center study conducted in patients treated for hypertension for >6 weeks using different treatment regimens involving the combination of RAAS inhibitors with drugs from other classes. CABP indices, vascular age, arterial stiffness, and central hemodynamics were measured in patients using the noninvasive Agedio B900 device (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) and compared between different treatment regimens. Results. A total of 199 patients with a mean age of 54.22±10.15 years were enrolled, where 68.8% had hypertension for over three years and 50.25% had their systolic blood pressure SBP<140 mmHg. Combination treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) was given to 77.9% and to 20.1% patients, respectively. The mean vascular age was higher than the actual age (58.13±12.43 vs. 54.22±10.15, p=0.001). The SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels in patients treated with ACEI-based combinations were lower than those in patients treated with ARB-based combinations (p<0.05). The mean central pulse pressure amplification, augmentation pressure, and augmentation index were lower in patients treated with ACEI-based combinations than those treated with other treatments (p=0.001). In a subgroup analysis, patients given perindopril and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or diuretics had significantly lower CABP and pulse wave velocity than those given other treatments (p<0.05). A total of 6.5% patients experienced any side effects. Conclusion. The majority of central hemodynamic parameters, including vascular age, were found to improve more effectively in patients treated with ACEIs than with ARBs. Our results indicate a gap between routine clinical practice and evidence-based guidelines in Indian settings and identify a need to reevaluate the current antihypertensive prescription strategy.
A Support Vector Machine Model with Hyperparameters Optimised by Mind Evolutionary Algorithm for Assessing Permeability of Rock
Authors: Zhu Wenjin , Chao Zhiming , Ma Guotao
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a database developed from the existing literature about permeability of rock was established. Based on the constructed database, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model with hyperparameters optimised by Mind Evolutionary Algorithm (MEA) was proposed to predict the permeability of rock. Meanwhile, the Genetic Algorithm‐ (GA‐) and Particle Swarm Algorithm‐ (PSO‐) SVM models were constructed to compare the improving effects of MEA on the foretelling accuracy of machine learning models with those of GA and PSO, respectively. The following conclusions were drawn. MEA can increase the predictive accuracy of the constructed machine learning models remarkably in a few iteration times, which has better optimisation performance than that of GA and PSO. MEA‐SVM has the best forecasting performance, followed by PSO‐SVM, while the estimating precision of GA‐SVM is lower than them. The proposed MEA‐SVM model can accurately predict the permeability of rock indicating the model having a satisfactory generalization and extrapolation capacity.
A Novel Prediction Method of Dynamic Wall Pressure for Silos Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Yu Hanhua , Xu Zhijun , Liu Tingting , Yuan Fang
Published: September 2020

The physical properties and mechanical characteristics of storage materials are significantly different from those of ordinary solids and liquids. The distribution of dynamic wall pressure during silo discharge is quite complicated. Considering the nonlinear relationship between the factors which affect the dynamic lateral pressure of silos, a prediction method of dynamic wall pressure for silos based on support vector machine (SVM) is proposed here, and furthermore, the modified grid search method (GSM) is incorporated in obtaining the optimal support vector machine parameters to improve the accuracy of the prediction. Comparing the results of the proposed prediction model with the results of experiment methods and simulation methods, it can be found that the SVM prediction model shows high accuracy and high generalization ability, and the prediction results of the model fit well with the results of experiment and simulation methods. The proposed method can provide reference for the prediction of the dynamic wall pressure of silos.
The Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound versus Doppler Ultrasound in Grading Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Cui Yanhua , Zhang Quanbin , Yan Jiping , Wu Ji
Published: September 2020

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the accuracy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in grading renal artery stenosis. Methods. 122 renal arteries with suspected renal artery stenosis were selected. DSA, DUS, and CEUS were performed for all patients with suspected renal artery stenosis in the research. DSA was selected as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CEUS or Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis were analyzed. The consistency between CEUS and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was compared. The accuracy of DUS or CEUS in grading renal artery stenosis was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared between groups. Results. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS in the diagnosis of renal artery stenosis were 88.9%, 87.8%, 88.5%, 93.5%, and 80.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in grading renal artery stenosis between CEUS and DSA (X2 = 0.643, P = 0.424). 77 of the 122 renal arteries were diagnosed with the stenosis rate more than 30% by CEUS. Compared with the results of DSA, the kappa value of CEUS was 0.749 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. CEUS is accurate in grading renal artery stenosis, and it may represent the method of choice in diagnosing renal artery stenosis.
Galloping Stability and Aerodynamic Characteristic of Iced Transmission Line Based on 3-DOF
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zou Ming , Wu Chuan , Yan Bo , Cai Mengqi
Published: September 2020

A new calculation method of critical wind speed based on three degrees of freedom (3-DOF) is proposed for galloping problem of iced transmission line. Based on the quasistatic theory, the aerodynamic load of iced transmission line is obtained, which considers the influence of transverse and torsional motion on the relative wind angle of attack. Finally, the equivalent galloping model of 3-DOF iced transmission line is established. At the initial angle of attack, the aerodynamic load is expanded by Taylor, and the unsymmetrical linear aerodynamic coefficient matrix is obtained. The Routh–Hurwitz criterion is used to judge the stability of iced transmission line system, and then the critical wind speed is calculated. The in-plane and out-plane frequencies corresponding to the first-order mode of the transmission line are solved by the analytical method and numerical simulation method. The results obtained by the two methods are compared and verified. The influence of dimensionless transmission line parameterλon the in-plane and out-of-plane frequencies is discussed. The aerodynamic coefficients of the iced transmission line are measured by wind tunnel test and the aerodynamic characteristics are analyzed. According to the theoretical formula, the critical wind speed is calculated by MATLAB. The critical wind speed determined in this paper is compared with the critical wind speed determined by Den Hartog and Nigol theory. The influences of torsional vibration frequency, ice thickness, and ice shape on critical wind speed are analyzed. The research results of this paper have important theoretical significance for the stability judgment of iced transmission lines.
Dynamic Reconfiguration of Functional Topology in Human Brain Networks: From Resting to Task States
Authors: Zhang Wenhai , Tang Fanggui , Zhou Xiaolin , Li Hong
Published: September 2020

Task demands evoke an intrinsic functional network and flexibly engage multiple distributed networks. However, it is unclear how functional topologies dynamically reconfigure during task performance. Here, we selected the resting- and task-state (emotion and working-memory) functional connectivity data of 81 health subjects from the high-quality HCP data. We used the network-based statistic (NBS) toolbox and the Brain Connectivity Toolbox (BCT) to compute the topological features of functional networks for the resting and task states. Graph-theoretic analysis indicated that under high threshold, a small number of long-distance connections dominated functional networks of emotion and working memory that exhibit distinct long connectivity patterns. Correspondently, task-relevant functional nodes shifted their roles from within-module to between-module: the number of connector hubs (mainly in emotional networks) and kinless hubs (mainly in working-memory networks) increased while provincial hubs disappeared. Moreover, the global properties of assortativity, global efficiency, and transitivity decreased, suggesting that task demands break the intrinsic balance between local and global couplings among brain regions and cause functional networks which tend to be more separated than the resting state. These results characterize dynamic reconfiguration of large-scale distributed networks from resting state to task state and provide evidence for the understanding of the organization principle behind the functional architecture of task-state networks.
Numerical Analysis of Unsaturated Soil Slopes under Rainfall Infiltration Based on the Modified Glasgow Coupled Model
Authors: Cai Guoqing , Li Mengzi , Han Bowen , Di Kenan , Liu Qianqian , Li Jian
Published: September 2020

An ABAQUS UMAT subroutine was used for the secondary development of the established coupled hydromechanical constitutive model of unsaturated soil considering the effect of the microscopic pore structure. Combined with Euler’s backward implicit integration algorithm, a numerical program was established for simulating the proposed model. The developed numerical program was used to simulate the rainfall infiltration process of an actual slope engineering example, and the effects of rainfall intensity and rainfall duration on the pore pressure, fluid velocity, and displacement of the unsaturated soil slope were analyzed. The results show that the developed numerical program can reasonably analyze the changes in the seepage field and displacement field of unsaturated soil slopes under rainfall infiltration.