bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein and DNA methylation-based scores as surrogate markers for interferon system activation in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Björk Albin , Richardsdotter Andersson Elina , Imgenberg-Kreuz Juliana , Thorlacius Gudny Ella , Mofors Johannes , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Kvarnström Marika , Nordmark Gunnel , Wahren-Herlenius Marie
Published: January 2020

Objective

Standard assessment of interferon (IFN) system activity in systemic rheumatic diseases depends on the availability of RNA samples. In this study, we describe and evaluate alternative methods using plasma, serum and DNA samples, exemplified in the IFN-driven disease primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Methods

Patients with pSS seropositive or negative for anti-SSA/SSB and controls were included. Protein-based IFN (pIFN) scores were calculated from levels of PD-1, CXCL9 and CXCL10. DNA methylation-based (DNAm) IFN scores were calculated from DNAm levels atRSAD2,IFIT1andIFI44L.Scores were compared with mRNA-based IFN scores measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Nanostring or RNA sequencing (RNAseq).

Results

mRNA-based IFN scores displayed strong correlations between B cells and monocytes (r=0.93 and 0.95, p<0.0001) and between qPCR and Nanostring measurements (r=0.92 and 0.92, p<0.0001). The pIFN score in plasma and serum was higher in patients compared with controls (p<0.0001) and correlated well with mRNA-based IFN scores (r=0.62–0.79, p<0.0001), as well as with each other (r=0.94, p<0.0001). Concordance of classification as ‘high’ or ‘low’ IFN signature between the pIFN score and mRNA-based IFN scores ranged from 79.5% to 88.6%, and the pIFN score was effective at classifying patients and controls (area under the curve, AUC=0.89–0.93, p<0.0001). The DNAm IFN score showed strong correlation to the RNAseq IFN score (r=0.84, p<0.0001) and performed well in classifying patients and controls (AUC=0.96, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

We describe novel methods of assessing IFN system activity in plasma, serum or DNA samples, which may prove particularly valuable in studies where RNA samples are not available.
Application of neural networks to model changes in fish community biomass in relation to pressure indicators and comparison with a linear approach
Authors: Dempsey Danielle P. , Pepin Pierre , Koen-Alonso Mariano , Gentleman Wendy C.
Published: January 2020

Neural networks (NN) are considered well suited to modelling ecological data, especially nonlinear relationships, and were applied here to investigate which pressures best model changes in the fish community of the Grand Bank, Northwest Atlantic. Nine fishing and environmental pressures were used to simultaneously model the biomasses of six fish functional groups before and after the collapse of fish biomass in the region and over the full data series. The most influential pressures were identified, and the fit and predictive power were evaluated. The analysis was repeated with different types and lengths of time delay imposed on the pressures. Results were compared with a similar analysis using a multivariate linear regression (MLR) approach. MLR generally resulted in better fit, although the ecological implications of the approaches were typically similar. Findings show that both top-down and bottom-up pressures influenced the fish community over the past several decades, over short and long time scales. NN may have useful forecast potential, although future work is required to improve the forecasts shown here before they can directly inform management.
AAOIFI ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND A THEORY OF INTEREST-FREE BANKING
Authors: AL-WREIKET ASSYAD , ASHRAF ALI , AL-SHEYAB OLA , KABIR HASSAN M. , JULIO IVAN
Published: January 2020

Based on the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) issued six new Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) in 2017, we derive the cost of financing formulas for various Islamic financing contracts. Later, we present a simple theoretical framework for interest-free Islamic banking based on the Basic Limited-Participation Model seminal approach developed by Lucas ( Lucas, RE Jr. ( 1990 ). Liquidity and interest rates. Journal of Economic Theory, 50(2), 237–264.) and Fuerst’s ( Fuerst, TS ( 1992 ). Liquidity, loanable funds, and real activity. Journal of Monetary Economics, 29(1), 3–24.), and later followed by Walsh ( Walsh, C ( 1998 ). Money in the short run: Informational and portfolio rigidities. In Monetary Theory and Policy, pp. 211–223. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.). We compare the competing theoretical models for conventional banks and for interest-free Islamic banks and formulate testable hypothesis. To complement our models, we provide empirical evidence by using a unique sample of 15 banks from Bangladesh that provide both conventional banking and Islamic banking services. Results suggest that Islamic bank profit rates and conventional bank interest rates are correlated in an economic environment where conventional and Islamic banks dwell under same regulatory framework.
COORDINATION OF TRADE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS POLICIES
Authors: LU TE-CHENG , HU JIN-LI , LIN YAN-SHU
Published: January 2020

We employ a bilateral R&D spillover model to analyze how a domestic government coordinates its intellectual property rights (IPR) and trade policies and hence affects a foreign firm’s choice between export (EX) and foreign direct investment (FDI). We find that both firms’ profits increase with IPR protection if the IPR protection level in the domestic country is loose. The domestic country can coordinate trade and IPR policies and reach a high welfare level by affecting foreign firm’s entry decisions. The profitability and desirability may decrease with the strength of IPR protection and correspond to a welfare-reducing R&D.
Small modules over quantum complete intersections in two variables
Authors: You Hanyang , Zhang Pu
Published: January 2020

We describe the left regular module of a quantum complete intersection [Formula: see text] by the property that it is the unique finite-dimensional indecomposable left [Formula: see text]-module of Loewy length [Formula: see text] Using a reduction to [Formula: see text]-modules, we classify the [Formula: see text]-dimensional indecomposable left modules over quantum complete intersection [Formula: see text] in two variables, by explicitly giving their diagram presentations. Together with the existed work on indecomposable [Formula: see text]-modules of dimension [Formula: see text], we then know all the indecomposable [Formula: see text]-modules of dimension [Formula: see text].
Computation of Hopf Galois structures on separable extensions and classification of those for degree twice an odd prime power
Authors: Crespo Teresa , Salguero Marta
Published: January 2020

A Hopf Galois structure on a finite field extension [Formula: see text] is a pair [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a finite cocommutative [Formula: see text]-Hopf algebra and [Formula: see text] a Hopf action. In this paper, we present a program written in the computational algebra system Magma which gives all Hopf Galois structures on separable field extensions of a given degree and several properties of those. We show a table which summarizes the program results. Besides, for separable field extensions of degree [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] an odd prime number, we prove that the occurrence of some type of Hopf Galois structure may either imply or exclude the occurrence of some other type. In particular, for separable field extensions of degree [Formula: see text], we determine exactly the possible sets of Hopf Galois structure types.
Dynamical behavior of a mathematical model of early atherosclerosis
Authors: Mukherjee Debasmita , Guin Lakshmi Narayan , Chakravarty Santabrata
Published: January 2020

Atherosclerosis, a continual inflammatory disease occurring due to plaque cumulation in the arterial intima, is one of the main reasons behind deaths from diverse cardiovascular diseases. The basic interactions between oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and macrophages in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque are modeled here in terms of a reaction–diffusion system in one-dimensional (1D) space under Neumann boundary conditions. Two simple mathematical models are considered which differ by the influx term only in the case of the interaction of oxidized LDL. Both the spatial and nonspatial systems are simply analyzed theoretically and numerically. Numerical bifurcation analysis confirms the existence of Hopf bifurcation concerning four significant model parameters. Examining the gravity of the model offered in this investigation, an obvious insight into this inflammatory response can be achieved both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Indonesian Throughflow as a preconditioning mechanism for submarine landslides in the Makassar Strait
Authors: Brackenridge Rachel E. , Nicholson Uisdean , Sapiie Benyamin , Stow Dorrik , Tappin Dave R.
Published: January 2020

The Makassar Strait is an important oceanic gateway, through which the main branch of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) transports water from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. This study identifies a number of moderate (>10 km
3
) to giant (up to 650 km
3
) mass transport deposits within the Makassar North Basin Pleistocene–Recent section. The majority of submarine landslides that formed these deposits originated from the Mahakam pro-delta, with the largest skewed to the south. We see clear evidence for ocean-current erosion, lateral transport and contourite deposition across the upper slope. This suggests that the ITF is acting as an along-slope conveyor belt, transporting sediment to the south of the delta, where rapid sedimentation rates and slope oversteepening results in recurring submarine landslides. A frequency for the >100 km
3
failures is tentatively proposed at 0.5 Ma, with smaller events occurring at least every 160 ka. This area is therefore potentially prone to tsunamis generated from these submarine landslides. We identify a disparity between historical fault rupture-triggered tsunamis (located along the Palu-Koro fault zone) and the distribution of mass transport deposits in the subsurface. If these newly identified mass failures are tsunamigenic, they may represent a previously overlooked hazard in the region.
Today in Thailand: multidisciplinary perspectives on the current tsunami disaster risk reduction
Authors: Leelawat Natt , Latcharote Panon , Suppasri Anawat , Sararit Titaya , Srivichai Mongkonkorn , Tang Jing , Chua Terence , Kumnetrut Darin , Saengtabtim Kumpol , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: January 2020

Thailand is one of the many countries in Asia that fell victim to the monstrous 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. To date, there has been tons of effort to reduce disaster risk in Thailand. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable margin for improvement. This paper aims to review previous efforts and measures that have been taken to reduce Thailand's risk to disasters, and highlight possible areas for improvement. We use the disaster risk management as a thought-framework for our review, where we discuss Thailand's current disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures from a multi-perspective: the tsunami numerical simulation, tsunami warning system, tsunami evacuation sign, manuals and guidelines, evacuation shelters, housing recovery, hotel business and recovery, public awareness and media, and disaster education. In understanding the current state of disaster risk efforts, we will then highlight potential areas for improvement.
The Physics of Cellular Decision Making During Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Tripathi Shubham , Levine Herbert , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: January 2020

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which cells lose epithelial traits, such as cell–cell adhesion and apico-basal polarity, and acquire migratory and invasive traits. EMT is crucial to embryonic development and wound healing. Misregulated EMT has been implicated in processes associated with cancer aggressiveness, including metastasis. Recent experimental advances such as single-cell analysis and temporal phenotypic characterization have established that EMT is a multistable process wherein cells exhibit and switch among multiple phenotypic states. This is in contrast to the classical perception of EMT as leading to a binary choice. Mathematical modeling has been at the forefront of this transformation for the field, not only providing a conceptual framework to integrate and analyze experimental data, but also making testable predictions. In this article, we review the key features and characteristics of EMT dynamics, with a focus on the mathematical modeling approaches that have been instrumental to obtaining various useful insights.
Advances in Cosmochemistry Enabled by Antarctic Meteorites
Authors: Wadhwa Meenakshi , McCoy Timothy J. , Schrader Devin L.
Published: January 2020

At present, meteorites collected in Antarctica dominate the total number of the world's known meteorites. We focus here on the scientific advances in cosmochemistry and planetary science that have been enabled by access to, and investigations of, these Antarctic meteorites. A meteorite recovered during one of the earliest field seasons of systematic searches, Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001, was identified as having originated on Mars based on the composition of gases released from shock melt pockets in this rock. Subsequently, the first lunar meteorite, Allan Hills (ALH) 81005, was also recovered from the Antarctic. Since then, many more meteorites belonging to these two classes of planetary meteorites, as well as other previously rare or unknown classes of meteorites (particularly primitive chondrites and achondrites), have been recovered from Antarctica. Studies of these samples are providing unique insights into the origin and evolution of the Solar System and planetary bodies. ▪  Antarctic meteorites dominate the inventory of the world's known meteorites and provide access to new types of planetary and asteroidal materials. ▪  The first meteorites recognized to be of lunar and martian origin were collected from Antarctica and provided unique constraints on the evolution of the Moon and Mars. ▪  Previously rare or unknown classes of meteorites have been recovered from Antarctica and provide new insights into the origin and evolution of the Solar System.
Effects of Electronic Cigarettes on Indoor Air Quality and Health
Authors: Li Liqiao , Lin Yan , Xia Tian , Zhu Yifang
Published: January 2020

With the rapid increase in electronic cigarette (e-cig) users worldwide, secondhand exposure to e-cig aerosols has become a serious public health concern. We summarize the evidence on the effects of e-cigs on indoor air quality, chemical compositions of mainstream and secondhand e-cig aerosols, and associated respiratory and cardiovascular effects. The use of e-cigs in indoor environments leads to high levels of fine and ultrafine particles similar to tobacco cigarettes (t-cigs). Concentrations of chemical compounds in e-cig aerosols are generally lower than those in t-cig smoke, but a substantial amount of vaporized propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and toxic substances, such as aldehydes and heavy metals, has been reported. Exposures to mainstream e-cig aerosols have biologic effects but only limited evidence shows adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects in humans. Long-term studies are needed to better understand the dosimetry and health effects of exposures to secondhand e-cig aerosols.
Sedentary Behavior and Public Health: Integrating the Evidence and Identifying Potential Solutions
Authors: Owen Neville , Healy Genevieve N. , Dempsey Paddy C. , Salmon Jo , Timperio Anna , Clark Bronwyn K. , Goode Ana D. , Koorts Harriet , Ridgers Nicola D. , Hadgraft Nyssa T. , Lambert Gavin , Eakin Elizabeth G. , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Dunstan David W.
Published: January 2020

In developed and developing countries, social, economic, and environmental transitions have led to physical inactivity and large amounts of time spent sitting. Research is now unraveling the adverse public health consequences of too much sitting. We describe improvements in device-based measurement that are providing new insights into sedentary behavior and health. We consider the implications of research linking evidence from epidemiology and behavioral science with mechanistic insights into the underlying biology of sitting time. Such evidence has led to new sedentary behavior guidelines and initiatives. We highlight ways that this emerging knowledge base can inform public health strategy: First, we consider epidemiologic and experimental evidence on the health consequences of sedentary behavior; second, we describe solutions-focused research from initiatives in workplaces and schools. To inform a broad public health strategy, researchers need to pursue evidence-informed collaborations with occupational health, education, and other sectors.
External Societal Costs of Antimicrobial Resistance in Humans Attributable to Antimicrobial Use in Livestock
Authors: Innes Gabriel K. , Randad Pranay R. , Korinek Anton , Davis Meghan F. , Price Lance B. , So Anthony D. , Heaney Christopher D.
Published: January 2020

Antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal agriculture contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, which imposes significant health and economic costs on society. Economists call these costs negative externalities, societal costs that are not properly reflected in market prices. We review the relevant literature and develop a model to quantify the external costs of AMU in animal agriculture on AMR in humans. Parameters required for this estimate include ( a) the health and economic burden of AMR in humans,( b) the impact of AMU in animal agriculture on AMR in animals, ( c) the fraction of AMR in humans attributable to animal agriculture, and ( d) AMU in animals. We use a well-documented historic case to estimate an externality cost of about US$1,500 per kilogram of fluoroquinolones administered in US broiler chicken production. Enhanced data collection, particularly on the third and fourth parameters, is urgently needed to quantify more fully the externalities of AMU in animal agriculture.
Mechanisms involved in AMPK-mediated deposition of tight junction components to the plasma membrane
Authors: Wu Jingshing , Rowart Pascal , Jouret Francois , Gassaway Brandon M. , Rajendran Vanathy , Rinehart Jesse , Caplan Michael J.
Published: January 2020

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation promotes early stages of epithelial junction assembly. AMPK activation in MDCK renal epithelial cells facilitates localization of the junction-associated proteins aPKCζ and Par3 to the plasma membrane and promotes conversion of Cdc42, a key regulator of epithelial polarization and junction assembly, to its active GTP bound state. Furthermore, Par3 is an important regulator of AMPK-mediated aPKCζ localization. Both aPKCζ and Par3 serve as intermediates in AMPK-mediated junction assembly, with inhibition of aPKCζ activity or Par3 knockdown disrupting AMPK’s ability to facilitate zonula occludens (ZO-1) localization. AMPK phosphorylates the adherens junction protein afadin and regulates its interaction with the tight-junction protein zonula occludens-1. Afadin is phosphorylated at two critical sites, S228 (residing within an aPKCζ consensus site) and S1102 (residing within an AMPK consensus site), that are differentially regulated during junction assembly and that exert different effects on the process. Expression of phospho-defective mutants (S228A and S1102A) perturbed ZO-1 localization to the plasma membrane during AMPK-induced junction assembly. Expression of S228A increased the ZO-1/afadin interaction, while S1102A reduced this interaction during extracellular calcium-induced junction assembly. Inhibition of aPKCζ activity also increased the ZO-1/afadin interaction. Taken together, these data suggest that aPKCζ phosphorylation of afadin terminates the ZO-1/afadin interaction and thus permits the later stages of junction assembly.
The olfactory G protein-coupled receptor (Olfr-78/OR51E2) modulates the intestinal response to colitis
Authors: Kotlo Kumar , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N. , Priyamvada Shubha , Jayawardena Dulari , Kumar Anoop , Chen Yang , Xia Yinglin , Finn Patricia W. , Perkins David L. , Dudeja Pradeep K. , Layden Brian T.
Published: January 2020

Olfactory receptor-78 (Olfr-78) is a recently identified G protein-coupled receptor activated by short-chain fatty acids acetate and propionate. A suggested role for this receptor exists in the prostate where it may influence chronic inflammatory response leading to intraepithelial neoplasia. Olfr-78 has also been shown to be expressed in mouse colon. Short-chain fatty acids and their receptors are well known to modulate inflammation in the gut. Considering this possibility, we first explored if colitis regulated Olfr-78 expression in the gut, where we observed a significant reduction in the expression of Olfr-78 transcript in mouse models of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)- and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. To more directly test this, mice deficient in Olfr-78 were administered with DSS in water for 7 days and were found to have increased expression of IL-1β and inflammatory signs in colon compared with control mice. Next, we explored the expression of its human counterpart olfactory receptor family 51, subfamily E, member 2 (OR51E2) in human intestinal samples and observed that it was in fact also expressed in human colon samples. RNA sequence analysis revealed significant changes in the genes involved in infection, immunity, inflammation, and colorectal cancer between wild-type and Olfr-78 knockout mice. Collectively, our findings show that Olfr-78 is highly expressed in colon and downregulated in DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis, and DSS-treated Olfr-78 null mice had increased colonic expression of cytokine RNA levels, suggesting a potential role for this receptor in intestinal inflammation. Future investigations are needed to understand how Olfr-78/OR51E2 in both mouse and human intestine modulates gastrointestinal pathophysiology.
Pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells augment α-adrenergic receptor-mediated contraction of pulmonary artery and contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Lanier Gregg M. , Dhagia Vidhi , Joshi Sachindra R. , Jordan Allan , Waddell Ian , Tuder Rubin , Stenmark Kurt R. , Wolin Michael S. , McMurtry Ivan F. , Gupte Sachin A.
Published: January 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a multicellular and progressive disease with a high mortality rate. Among many cell types, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are incriminated in the pathogenesis of PH. However, our understanding of the mechanisms that increase HSCs in blood and lungs of hypertensive animals or patients and the role played by HSCs in the pathogenesis of PH remains elusive. Studies suggest that glycolysis is critical for the survival and growth of HSCs. In various cell types from hypertensive lungs of animals and patients, glycolysis and the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity are increased. Herein, we demonstrated in mice that chronic hypoxia increased HSCs (CD34+, CD117+, CD133+, CD34+/CD117+, and CD34+/CD133+) in bone marrow and blood and around hypertensive pulmonary arteries in a time-dependent manner. Intriguingly, we found fewer CD133+ cells in the bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice compared with Sv129J mice, and C57BL mice developed less severe chronic hypoxia-elicited PH and heart failure than Sv129J mice. Similarly, the numbers of CD34+ and CD117+ cells in blood of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were higher (>3-fold) compared with healthy individuals. By allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, we found that GFP+ bone marrow cells infiltrated the lungs and accumulated around the pulmonary arteries in lungs of hypoxic mice, and these cells contributed to increased α-adrenergic receptor-mediated contraction of the pulmonary artery cultured in hypoxia. Inhibition of G6PD activity with (3β,5α)-3,21-dihydroxypregnan-20-one, a novel and potent G6PD inhibitor, decreased HSCs in bone marrow, blood, and lungs of hypoxic mice and reduced α-agonist-induced contraction of the pulmonary artery and established hypoxia-induced PH. We did not observe CD133+ cells around the pulmonary arteries in the lungs of chronically hypoxic G6PD-deficient mice. Furthermore, knockdown of G6PD and inhibition of G6PD activity: 1) downregulated canonical and noncanonical Wnt and Fzd receptors genes; 2) upregulated Bmpr1a; 3) decreased Cxcl12, and 4) reduced HSC (CD117+ and CD133+) numbers. In all, our findings demonstrate unexpected function for bone marrow-derived HSCs in augmenting α-adrenergic receptor-mediated contraction of pulmonary arteries and remodeling of pulmonary arteries that contribute to increase pulmonary vascular resistance in PAH patients and hypoxic mice and suggest that G6PD, by regulating expression of genes in the WNT and BMPR signaling, contributed to increase and release of HSCs from the bone marrow in response to hypoxic stimuli.
Histamine-mediated autocrine signaling in mesenteric perilymphatic mast cells
Authors: Pal Sarit , Gasheva Olga Y. , Zawieja David C. , Meininger Cynthia J. , Gashev Anatoliy A.
Published: January 2020

Lymphatic vessels play a critical role in mounting a proper immune response by trafficking peripheral immune cells to draining lymph nodes. Mast cells (MCs) are well known for their roles in type I hypersensitivity reactions, but little is known about their secretory regulation in the lymphatic niche. MCs, as innate sensor and effector cells, reside close to mesenteric lymphatic vessels (MLVs), and their activation and ability to release histamine influences the lymphatic microenvironment in a histamine-NF-κB-dependent manner. Using an established experimental protocol involving surgical isolation of rat mesenteric tissue segments, including MLVs and surrounding perilymphatic tissues, we tested the hypothesis that perilymphatic mesenteric MCs possess histamine receptors (HRs) that bind and respond to the histamine released from these same MCs. Under various experimental conditions, including inflammatory stimulation by LPS, we measured histamine in mesenteric perilymphatic tissues, evaluated expression of histidine decarboxylase in MCs along with the degree of MC degranulation, assessed the functional status of HRs in MCs, and evaluated the ability of histamine itself to induce MC activation. Finally, we evaluated the importance of MCs and HR1 and -2 for MLV-directed trafficking of CD11b/c-positive cells during acute tissue inflammation. Our data indicate the existence of a functionally potent MC-histamine autocrine regulatory loop, the elements of which are crucially important for acute inflammation-induced trafficking of the CD11b/c-positive cells toward MLVs. This MC-histamine loop serves as a first-line cellular servo control system, playing a key role in the innate and adaptive immune response as well as NF-κB-mediated maintenance of body homeostasis.
Development and binocular matching of orientation selectivity in visual cortex: a computational model
Authors: Xu Xize , Cang Jianhua , Riecke Hermann
Published: January 2020

In mouse visual cortex, right after eye opening binocular cells have different preferred orientations for input from the two eyes. With normal visual experience during a critical period, these preferred orientations evolve and eventually become well matched. To gain insight into the matching process, we developed a computational model of a cortical cell receiving orientation selective inputs via plastic synapses. The model captures the experimentally observed matching of the preferred orientations, the dependence of matching on ocular dominance of the cell, and the relationship between the degree of matching and the resulting monocular orientation selectivity. Moreover, our model puts forward testable predictions: 1) The matching speed increases with initial ocular dominance. 2) While the matching improves more slowly for cells that are more orientation selective, the selectivity increases faster for better matched cells during the matching process. This suggests that matching drives orientation selectivity but not vice versa. 3) There are two main routes to matching: the preferred orientations either drift toward each other or one of the orientations switches suddenly. The latter occurs for cells with large initial mismatch and can render the cells monocular. We expect that these results provide insight more generally into the development of neuronal systems that integrate inputs from multiple sources, including different sensory modalities.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Animals gather information through multiple modalities (vision, audition, touch, etc.). These information streams have to be merged coherently to provide a meaningful representation of the world. Thus, for neurons in visual cortex V1, the orientation selectivities for inputs from the two eyes have to match to enable binocular vision. We analyze the postnatal process underlying this matching using computational modeling. It captures recent experimental results and reveals interdependence between matching, ocular dominance, and orientation selectivity.
Endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors ameliorate neuronal and synaptic alterations following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Fucich Elizabeth A. , Stielper Zachary F. , Cancienne Heather L. , Edwards Scott , Gilpin Nicholas W. , Molina Patricia E. , Middleton Jason W.
Published: January 2020

Our previous work showed that lateral fluid percussion injury to the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) of anesthetized rats increased neuronal synaptic hyperexcitability in layer 5 (L5) neurons in ex vivo brain slices 10 days postinjury. Furthermore, endocannabinoid (EC) degradation inhibition via intraperitoneal JZL184 injection 30 min postinjury attenuated synaptic hyperexcitability. This study tested the hypothesis that traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces synaptic and intrinsic neuronal alterations of L5 SMC pyramidal neurons and that these alterations are significantly attenuated by in vivo post-TBI treatment with EC degradation inhibitors. We tested the effects of systemically administered EC degradation enzyme inhibitors (JZL184, MJN110, URB597, or JZL195) with differential selectivity for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) on electrophysiological parameters in SMC neurons of TBI- and sham-treated rats 10 days post-TBI. We recorded intrinsic neuronal properties, including resting membrane voltage, input resistance, spike threshold, spiking responses to current input, voltage “sag” (rebound response to hyperpolarization-activated inward current), and burst firing. We also measured the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. We then used the aggregate parameter sets (intrinsic + synaptic properties) to apply a machine learning classification algorithm to quantitatively compare neural population responses from each experimental group. Collectively, our electrophysiological and computational results indicate that sham neurons are the most distinguishable from TBI neurons. Administration of EC degradation inhibitors post-TBI exerted varying degrees of rescue, approximating the neuronal phenotype of sham neurons, with neurons from TBI/JZL195 (a dual MAGL/FAAH inhibitor) being most similar to neurons from sham rats.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study elucidates neuronal properties altered by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in layer 5 of sensorimotor cortex, which may be implicated in post-TBI circuit dysfunction. We compared effects of systemic administration of four different endocannabinoid degradation inhibitors within a clinically relevant window postinjury. Electrophysiological measures and using a machine learning classification algorithm collectively suggest that pharmacological inhibitors targeting both monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase (e.g., JZL195) may be most efficacious in attenuating TBI-induced neuronal dysfunction at site of injury.
Analysis of Choroidal Vascularity Index in Keratoconus Patients Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Binarization Techniques
Authors: Gutierrez-Bonet Rosa , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Biarnés Marc , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Chhablani Jay , Ruiz-Moreno José M.
Published: January 2020

Purpose. To analyse the vascular density of the choroid in a keratoconus (KC) population using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods. Prospective, noninterventional study that analysed 97 eyes from 52 KC patients and 145 eyes from 89 healthy controls. The sample was divided in four different age groups. Inclusion criteria were topographic diagnosis of KC using Pentacam, axial length shorter than 26 mm, good quality of the images, and no other systemic or ocular diseases. A 12 mm horizontal single-line SS-OCT b-scan was performed to create a choroidal thickness (CT) profile. Validated automated segmentation and binarization were used in order to analyse choroidal, stromal, and vascular areas. Results. The percentage of choroidal vascularity (vascular area/total area) was 56.6% in KC patients vs. 49.4% in controls. Aged-adjusted choroidal, stromal, and vascular areas and corrected choroidal percentage of vascularity are statistically increased in KC patients when compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). All these parameters show a decreasing trend with age. Both stromal and vascular areas were thicker in KC patients (p<0.001). Conclusions. Choroidal, stromal, and vascular areas and corrected choroidal percentage of vascularity are statistically increased in KC patients when compared with healthy controls. All these parameters tend to decrease with age.
Influence of Large Vehicles on the Speed of Expressway Traffic Flow
Authors: Gao Chao , Xu Jinliang , Jia Xingli , Dong Yaping , Ru Han
Published: January 2020

Large vehicles impact the quality of traffic flow. To predict the impact of large‐scale vehicles on the average speed of traffic flow, vehicle speeds under different vehicle mixing rates were collected through field observations. A laser roadside traffic survey instrument with automatic vehicle type identification functionality was used to collect cross section traffic flow data. The v/C ratio, large vehicle mixing rate, and average speed of traffic were calculated for each data set. A total of 158 traffic flow data sets were captured and divided into three groups according to the v/C ratio of the expressway. The v/C ratio ranges of the three groups are v/C ≤ 0.35, 0.35 < v/C ≤ 0.55, and 0.55 < v/C ≤ 0.90. SPSS software was used to analyze the correlation between the vehicle mixing rate and the average speed under different traffic flow conditions, and a model was determined between the average speed of the vehicle flow and the large vehicle mixing rate. Analysis of the results with SPSS revealed a negative logarithmic linear relationship between the average traffic speed and the mixing rate of large vehicles. The results could also be applied to passenger cars. The models are considered as corrections of the average speed of the traffic flow after the mixing of large vehicles. When the mixing rate of large vehicles is close to zero, the forecast value of the model is the average speed of passenger cars. Furthermore, as the traffic volume of the road section increased, the influence of the mixing rate on traffic flow speed became more obvious. The adaptability of the proposed prediction model of the expressway mixing rate was verified by evaluating model predictions against actual measurements.
M-Eigenvalues-Based Sufficient Conditions for the Positive Definiteness of Fourth-Order Partially Symmetric Tensors
Authors: Wang Gang , Sun Linxuan , Liu Lixia
Published: January 2020

M-eigenvalues of fourth-order partially symmetric tensors play important roles in the nonlinear elastic material analysis and the entanglement problem of quantum physics. In this paper, we introduce M-identity tensor and establish two M-eigenvalue inclusion intervals with n parameters for fourth-order partially symmetric tensors, which are sharper than some existing results. Numerical examples are proposed to verify the efficiency of the obtained results. As applications, we provide some checkable sufficient conditions for the positive definiteness and establish bound estimations for the M-spectral radius of fourth-order partially symmetric nonnegative tensors.
Microstructure of Compacted Loess and Its Influence on the Soil‐Water Characteristic Curve
Authors: Xie Xiao , Li Ping , Hou Xiaokun , Li Tonglu , Zhang Guowei
Published: January 2020

Soil‐water characteristic curve (SWCC) is a key constitutive relationship for studying unsaturated soil, and as is known, microstructure of the soil has great influence on the mechanical behaviour of the soil. In this study, the wetting and drying soil‐water characteristic curves (SWCCs) of loess compacted at three different water contents were measured using the filter paper method. And microproperties of compacted loess were obtained by the mercury intrusion method (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results show that the compaction water contents have significant influence on the SWCC and microstructure. The pore size distribution (PSD) curves have great differences in macropore range and are similar in micropore range. Loess compacted at optimum and dry of optimum are generally connected, while there are certain number of nonintruded pores in loess compacted at wet of optimum. The SWCC curves vary significantly in low suction (ua − uw < 1000 kPa) and tend to converge together in high suction (ua − uw ≥ 1000 kPa). Hysteresis in the SWCCs is more obvious for loess compacted at optimum and dry of optimum in the matric suction of 0∼100 kPa; however, there is a pronounced hysteresis for loess compacted at wet of optimum in full matric suction range. The characteristic of the SWCCs including their hysteresis can be well interpreted from the loess microstructure.
A Novel Access Control and Energy-Saving Resource Allocation Scheme for D2D Communication in 5G Networks
Authors: Du Ning , Sun Kaishi , Zhou Changqing , Ma Xiyuan
Published: January 2020

This paper investigates access link control and resource allocation for the device-to-device (D2D) communication in the fifth generation (5G) cellular networks. The optimization objective of this problem is to maximize the number of admitted D2D links and minimize the total power consumption of D2D links under the condition of meeting the minimum transmission rate requirements of D2D links and common cellular links. This problem is a two-stage nondeterministic polynomial (NP) problem, the solving process of which is very complex. So, we transform it into a one-stage optimization problem. According to the monotonicity of objective function and constraint conditions, a monotone optimization problem is established, which is solved by reverse polyblock approximation algorithm. In order to reduce the complexity of this algorithm, a solution algorithm based on iterative convex optimization is proposed. Simulation results show that both algorithms can maximize the number of admitted D2D links and minimize the total power consumption of D2D links. The proposed two algorithms are better than the energy efficiency optimization algorithm.
Improved Pedestrian Positioning with Inertial Sensor Based on Adaptive Gradient Descent and Double-Constrained Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Ji Miaoxin , Liu Jinhao , Xu Xiangbo , Guo Yuyang , Lu Zhenchun
Published: January 2020

The Foot-mounted Inertial Pedestrian-Positioning System (FIPPS) based on the Micro-Inertial Measurement Unit (MIMU) is a good choice for the forest fire fighters when the Global Navigation Satellite System is unavailable. Zero Velocity Update (ZUPT) provides a solution for reducing cumulative positioning errors caused by the integral calculation of the inertial navigation. However, the performance of ZUPT is highly affected by the low accuracy and high noise of the MIMU. The accuracy of conventional ZUPT for attitude alignment is reduced by the zero offset of acceleration and the drift of a gyroscope during the standing phase. An initial alignment algorithm based on Adaptive Gradient Descent Algorithm (AGDA) is proposed. In the stepping phase, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is often used to correct attitude and position in track estimation. However, the measurement noise of the EKF is influenced by the high-frequency acceleration and angular velocity. Thus, the accuracy of the attitude and position will decrease. A double-constrained extended Kalman filtering (DEKF) is proposed. An adaptive parameter positively correlated with the acceleration and angular velocity is set, and the measurement noise in the DEKF is adaptively adjusted. The performance of the proposed method is verified by implementing the pedestrian test trajectory using MPU-9150 MIMU manufactured by InvenSense. The results show that the attitude error of the AGDA is 33.82% less than that of the conventional GDA. The attitude error of DEKF is 21.70% less than that of the conventional EKF. The experimental results verify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.
The Phenoxyphenol Compound 4-HPPP Selectively Induces Antiproliferation Effects and Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cells through Aneupolyploidization and ATR DNA Repair Signaling
Authors: Liu Wangta , Wu Chang-Yi , Lu Mei-Jei , Chuang Yung-Jen , Tsai Eing-Mei , Leu Steve , Lin I-Ling , Ko Chih-Jan , Chiu Chien-Chih , Chang Wen-Tsan
Published: January 2020

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of lung cancer, which is highly metastatic, leading to the poor survival rate of patients. We recently reported that 4-[4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)phenoxy]phenol (4-HPPP), a phenoxyphenol, exerts antihepatoma effects by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. In this study, we further examined the effect of 4-HPPP and its analogs on NSCLC cells. Colony formation assays showed that 4-HPPP exerts selective cytotoxicity against NSCLC H1299 cells; furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 4-HPPP on the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells was validated using anin vivozebrafish-based tumor xenograft assay. The flow cytometry-based dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assays indicated that 4-HPPP caused an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in NSCLC cells, and Western blot assays showed that the major ROS scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutases- (SODs-) 1/2 were upregulated, whereas peroxidase (PRX) was downregulated. Furthermore, 4-HPPP caused both aneuploidization and the accumulation ofγH2AX, a sensor of DNA damage, as well as the activation of double-strand break (DSB) markers, especially Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) in NSCLC cells. Our present work suggests that the antiproliferative effects of 4-HPPP on lung cancer cells could be due to its phenoxyphenol structure, and 4-HPPP could be a candidate molecule for treating NSCLC by modulating ROS levels and lowering the threshold of polyploidy-specific cell death in the future.
A Case Report of a Patient with Turner Syndrome, Multiple Comorbidities, and Pustular Psoriasis: Correlation or Coincidence?
Authors: Egger Andjela , Maderal Andrea , Lev-Tov Hadar , Stojadinovic Olivera
Published: January 2020

Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities. Patients with TS are at an increased risk for the development of metabolic syndrome, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus type II (DM2), hyperlipidemia (HLD), obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The association between psoriasis and the aforementioned conditions including metabolic syndrome, HTN, HLD, obesity, and cardiovascular disease has also been established. Although the mechanism for heightened risk in TS patients is yet to be elucidated, patients suffering from TS and cardiometabolic diseases are likely to be at an even higher risk for developing psoriasis than patients suffering from TS alone. We present a case of a 53-year-old Hispanic woman with a mosaic TS and multiple comorbidities who presented with pustular psoriasis. For this patient, management can be challenging considering her numerous medical comorbidities and the presence of both TS and psoriasis.
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Hepatic Cirrhosis
Authors: Tolunay Harun Egemen , Aydın Mesut , Cim Numan , Boza Barış , Dulger Ahmet Cumhur , Yıldızhan Recep
Published: January 2020

Aim. The reproductive hormone levels and systemic physiology of women with hepatic cirrhosis are altered. Existing data have indicated the adverse effects of cirrhosis on both the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy is successful in most of the patients with chronic liver disease. But maternal and fetal complication rates are still high for decompensated hepatic cirrhosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical features, etiological factors, medications, morbidity, mortality, and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with hepatic cirrhosis. Methods. Pregnant women, who were diagnosed with maternal hepatic cirrhosis and followed up in our clinic between 2014 and 2017, were retrospectively evaluated. The pregnant women that had been followed up for hepatic cirrhosis were classified as compensated disease and decompensated disease. Eleven cases were included in this period. Results. The mean age of cases was 33.5±5.5 years. The mean gravida number was 3.2±1.1, and the mean parity number was 1.7±1. Six cases were in the compensated cirrhosis stage, and 5 cases were in the decompensated cirrhosis stage. A pregnancy with decompensated cirrhosis was terminated after the fetal heart sound was negative in the 9th week of pregnancy. Spontaneous abortus occurred in one case (<20 weeks). The mean gestational week of the 9 cases was 33.3±6.2. Two of the 9 cases delivered birth vaginally. Seven cases delivered by cesarean section. The mean first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores were 6.6±1.41 and 8.2±1.56, respectively. The mean birth weight was 2303±981 g. Among 9 cases with live birth, 6 had compensated cirrhosis and 3 had decompensated cirrhosis. In the second trimester, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to all patients in terms of esophageal varices. Endoscopic band ligation was performed in 3 cases with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The postpartum mortality did not occur. Discussion. Pregnancy is not recommended for patients with hepatic cirrhosis due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The pregnancy course of cases with cirrhosis changes according to the stage of liver injury and severity of disease. Although the delivery method is controversial, delivery by cesarean section is recommended for patients with esophageal varices by the reason of bleeding from varices after pushing during labor. The bleeding risk must be kept in mind as coagulopathy is common in hepatic diseases. The maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality rates have been decreased by the current developments in hepatology, prevention of bleeding from varices with drugs and/or band ligation, improvement in liver transplantation, and increasing experience in this issue.
Cellular and Extracellular Components in Tumor Microenvironment and Their Application in Early Diagnosis of Cancers
Authors: Wei Rui , Liu Si , Zhang Shutian , Min Li , Zhu Shengtao
Published: January 2020

Tumors are surrounded by complex environmental components, including blood and lymph vessels, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, and extracellular matrix. All the stromal components together with the tumor cells form the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, extracellular physical and chemical factors, including extracellular pH, hypoxia, elevated interstitial fluid pressure, and fibrosis, are closely associated with tumor progression, metastasis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. Cellular and extracellular components in TME contribute to nearly all procedures of carcinogenesis. By summarizing the recent work in this field, we make a comprehensive review on the role of cellular and extracellular components in the process of carcinogenesis and their potential application in early diagnosis of cancer. We hope that a systematic review of the diverse aspects of TME will help both research scientists and clinicians in this field.