bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing NSI suggested by solar neutrino tension in T2HKK and DUNE
Authors: Ghosh Monojit , Yasuda Osamu
Published: April 2020

It was shown that the tension between the mass-squared differences obtained from solar neutrinos and those acquired through KamLAND experiments may be solved by the introduction of a non-standard flavor-dependent interaction (NSI) in neutrino propagation. In this study, we discuss the possibility of testing such a hypothesis using the future long-baseline neutrino experiments T2HKK and DUNE. Assuming that the NSI does not exist, we provide the excluded region within the ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) plane, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the parameters appearing in the solar neutrino analysis conducted with the NSI. We find that the best fit value from the solar neutrino and KamLAND data (global analysis of a particular coupling to quarks) can be tested at more than [Formula: see text] by these two experiments for most of the parameter space.
Blackbody radiation and Debye model based on q-deformed bosonic Newton oscillator algebra
Authors: Chung Won Sang , Hassanabadi Hassan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider the [Formula: see text]-mode [Formula: see text]-deformed bosonic Newton oscillators. Regarding photon and phonon as the particles obeying the multi-mode [Formula: see text]-deformed bosonic Newton algebra, we discuss the blackbody radiation and Debye model.
Study of charged stellar models in f(𝒢) gravity with Tolman–Kuchowicz space–time
Authors: Naz Tayyaba , Shamir M. Farasat
Published: April 2020

In the context of modified [Formula: see text] gravity model, the current study highlights the effect of electric charge for static spherically symmetric stellar models in presence of anisotropic matter distribution. For this purpose, we specifically consider the metric potentials of Tolman–Kuchowicz space–time, which are singularity free and satisfy the stability criteria. The possible existence of charge and a strong electric field, inside the stars is due to the higher values of energy density of matter, pressure distribution and gravitational fields. For the solution of Einstein–Maxwell field equations, the simplified phenomenological MIT bag equation of state, i.e. [Formula: see text] and a specific form of electrical charge distribution [Formula: see text] are to be considered. Further, to derive the values of unknown parameters of the stellar objects, we match interior Tolman–Kuchowicz space–time to exterior Reissner–Nordström metric, at the surface of stellar system. In addition to this, for the physical validity and stability of our suggested model, we conduct several physical tests such as effective energy density, effective pressures, energy conditions, stability against equilibrium of the forces, mass-radius relation, surface redshift, Herrera’s cracking concept and electric charge for well-known compact stellar objects viz., SAX J 1808.4-3658 and PSR 1937+21. It is observed that all these tests follow the physically accepted pattern and the influence of charge leads to more stable and viable stellar structures of compact objects in [Formula: see text] gravity.
Dark–dark and bright–dark solitons for a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger system in a graded-index waveguide
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tian Bo , Qu Qi-Xing , Yuan Yu-Qiang , Tian He-Yuan , Han Yang
Published: April 2020

In this letter, we study a (2[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional variable-coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger system, which describes an optical beam inside the two-dimensional graded-index waveguide with polarization effects. Through the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili hierarchy reduction, the [Formula: see text] dark–dark soliton and [Formula: see text] bright-dark soliton solutions in terms of the Gramian are obtained, where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. We analyze the interaction and propagation of the dark–dark solitons graphically. With the different values of the diffraction coefficient [Formula: see text], periodic-, cubic- and parabolic-shaped dark–dark solitons are derived. With the different values of the gain/loss coefficient [Formula: see text], periodic- and arctangent-profile background waves are obtained. Moreover, we discuss the effects from the dimensionless beam width [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the solitons and background waves: Shapes of the solitons are affected by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], while profiles of the background waves are affected by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Symmetric Thermo-Electro-Elastic Response of Piezoelectric Hollow Cylinder Under Thermal Shock Using Lord–Shulman Theory
Authors: Jani S. M. H. , Kiani Y.
Published: April 2020

The response of a long hollow cylindrical vessel made from a piezoelectric material is considered in the present investigation. The piezoelectric vessel is subjected to a thermal shock on one surface. The generalized piezo-thermo-elasticity formulation of Lord and Shulman is adopted which contains a single relaxation time to consider the finite speed of temperature wave propagation. The response of the cylinder is assumed to be axi-symmetric. Three coupled equations are established as the governing equations, which are the equation of motion, the energy equation and the Maxwell equation. These equations are transformed into the dimensionless ones. With the aid of the generalized differential quadrature method, these equations are discretized in the radial direction. After that, with the aid of the Newmark time marching scheme, the temporal evolutions of the thermo-electro-elastic parameters are obtained. Novel numerical results are presented to obtain the response of the cylinder subjected to a thermal shock using the Lord and Shulman theory of thermoelasticity.
Folk Theater and History: Constructing Indian Identity throughThe Khyal of Amar Singh Rathore
Authors: ATTRI SHALINI
Published: April 2020

Folklores can epitomize the nation as a unifying principle crossing the horizons of regional divisions and subcultures. The connecting factors of folklores among regional and local levels give an understanding of manifold and contextual-based identities. The collective/coalesce of social memory is understood through the folk narratives. There is a cognitive and affective deliberation that structures the manner in which memory is interpreted. These narratives shape and reconstruct “identity” as they consist of a trans-subjective truth value providing ever new understanding of reality. The present research focuses on the Marwari folk Drama The Khyal of Amar Singh Rathoretranslated by Cecil Thomas Ault and folk performing art Khyal that constitutes meanings and symbols. Khyal, a popular folk dramatic art, is especially linked to martial and romantic ballads of Rajputana. It is indicative of the gap between past and present with spontaneity and originality and is seen as a transmissible entity with reference to the performing arts in the northern region of India. There is an exploration of the dynamics of the origin of the folk narrative of Amar Singh Rathore, a source of Rajasthani culture and identity thus paving way for the other folk narratives that form the pan-Indian identity. The folk literature draws cartographies of a nation or region giving a historical depth and continuity. The dissemination of historical folk anecdotes and their retellings are plausibly a move towards identification. The historical imagination and socio-cultural memory, mostly drawn from Rajasthani rural landscape, influences and reshapes history and culture of Rajasthan, thereby making it a historical artifact providing abidance and insights into folklore as a heritage/national construct. The research reflects and projects the values, feelings, ideas and identity of the groups which identify with and perform this art. Another dimension of the present study formulates an understanding of the forms and style of Khyal folk theater of Rajasthan and how The Khyal of Amar Singh Rathore communicates and travels through linguistic and cultural boundaries constructing new spatial cartographies serving as evidence of connectivity and consistencies.
Mechano-Electrochemical Interaction in Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Hao Feng , Wang Wenxiu , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: April 2020

A solid-state lithium (Li) battery primarily consists of Li metal anode, solid electrolyte separator, and cathode. The asymmetric volume changes, originating from ion transport and interfacial Li growth during plating, lead to significant stresses in the layered architecture. In this study, we develop a coupled mechanics-electrochemistry formalism for polymer electrolyte based solid-state batteries, in particular, focusing on the stress effect on electrochemical performance. By means of a coupling coefficient, it is found that stress-assisted ion transport in the electrolyte results in a delayed Sand’s time and increased critical current density of unstable electrodeposition, and consequently, alleviates the propensity of dendrite formation. Stress at the Li metal-electrolyte interface affects the electrochemical reaction kinetics, and the influences from the deviatoric stress and hydrostatic pressure vary with Li plating time. In addition, a low restraint stiffness to the layered structure could elastically buffer the volumetric changes and thus reduce the stress during Li plating. This fundamental study provides guidance for the design of solid-state batteries, aimed at stable electrodeposition and mechanical integrity.
Orthotropic Viscoelastic Modeling of Polymeric Battery Separator
Authors: Yan Shutian , Deng Jie , Bae Chulheung , Kalnaus Sergiy , Xiao Xinran
Published: April 2020

The separator is one of the most important components for battery safety since its failure can cause short-circuit that may lead to thermal runaway. As such, understanding the mechanical behaviors of separators is critical to improve battery safety. Nevertheless, modeling the mechanical behaviors of separators is challenging since they usually depend on multiple factors such as orientation, temperature and strain rate due to the microstructure of separators. Here we develop an orthotropic linear viscoelastic model for separators, which takes both anisotropy and strain rate effects into account. This model is the first step of a future model that considers more factors such as temperature and large deformation. The model has been implemented as a user material model in a finite element package, where a discretization algorithm is developed to evaluate the stiffness-based hereditary integral with a kernel of Prony series. The user model has been applied to a polypropylene (PP) separator Celgard® 2400. The simulation results agree well with experimental data, which include the rate dependent uniaxial tensile behavior of the separator in the two in-plane material directions and in shear, and the strain contour patterns of every strain component during biaxial tension.
Excessive dietary salt promotes aortic stiffness in murine renovascular hypertension
Authors: DeLalio Leon J. , Hahn Scott , Katayama Pedro L. , Wenner Megan M. , Farquhar William B. , Straub Adam C. , Stocker Sean D.
Published: April 2020

High dietary salt exaggerates hypertension in multiple experimental models. Here we demonstrate that a high-salt diet produces a greater increase in arterial blood pressure at 1 wk after induction of 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) hypertension but not at 3 wk. Interestingly, 2K1C mice fed a high-salt diet displayed an exaggerated pulse pressure, elevated pulse wave velocity, and reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the aorta but not mesenteric arteries. These findings suggest that dietary salt may interact with underlying cardiovascular disease to promote selective vascular dysfunction and aortic stiffness.
An in silico simulation of flow-mediated dilation reveals that blood pressure and other factors may influence the response independent of endothelial function
Authors: Jin Weiwei , Chowienczyk Philip , Alastruey Jordi
Published: April 2020

First, a novel computational model simulating arterial hemodynamics during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was proposed. Second, the model was used to explain why FMD may be influenced by endothelium-independent factors, showing that FMD results are 1) partly masked by the vasoconstriction due to the change in transmural pressure and 2) affected by physiological factors (i.e., arterial stiffness and arterial blood pressure) that are difficult to eliminate due to their multiple interactions.
Antiepithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Herbal Active Substance in Tumor Cells via Different Signaling
Authors: Cui Xiaoji , Lin Qinlu , Huang Ping , Liang Ying
Published: April 2020

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process through which epithelial cells differentiate into mesenchymal cells. EMT plays an important role in embryonic development and wound healing; however, EMT also contributes to some pathological processes, such as tumor metastasis and fibrosis. EMT mechanisms, including gene mutation and transcription factor regulation, are complicated and not yet well understood. In this review, we introduce some herbal active substances that exert antitumor activity through inhibiting EMT that is induced by hypoxia, high blood glucose level, lipopolysaccharide, or other factors.
Previous Infection Positively Correlates to the Tumor Incidence Rate of Patients with Cancer
Authors: Inaida Shinako , Matsuno Shigeo
Published: April 2020

We conducted a 7-year case–control study of people ≥30 years of age on the prevalence of influenza, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and pneumonia infections to indirectly examine whether these infections correlated to malignant cancer formation. Data were extracted from a large medical claims database of a Japanese social health insurance system; the case group included 2,354 people with their first cancer diagnosis in the 7th year of this study, and the control group included 48,395 people with no cancer diagnosis by the 7th year. The yearly prevalence rates of influenza, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and pneumonia infections increased throughout the study period. Age-adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in cases 1 year before cancer detection were significantly higher—for influenza 1.29 (95% CI, 1.14–1.46), for gastroenteritis 1.60 (95% CI, 1.41–1.82), for hepatitis 3.38 (95% CI, 2.12–5.37), for pneumonia 2.36 (95% CI, 1.79–3.13), and for any of these four diseases 1.55 (95% CI, 1.40–1.70). In influenza infections, significant ORs were found only in the 2nd and 6th years before cancer diagnosis. For each cancer site, an increased rate of infection prior to cancer diagnosis was observed. Here, we showed that increased infections during the precancerous stage, a possible surrogate for tumor-induced immune suppression, correlated to eventual cancer development.
Oropharyngeal Candidiasis as a Presenting Symptom of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Sharif Muhammad , Saddique Muhammad Umar , Zahid Muhammad , Khan Dawlat , Bashir Tabinda , Murshed Khaled
Published: April 2020

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common condition in immunosuppressed patients. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prevalent medical condition which commonly presents with intestinal and extra intestinal manifestations. Crohn’s disease (CD) tends to present more with extraintestinal symptoms. Here, we report the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with oropharyngeal candidiasis and weight loss without abdominal symptoms, and a negative HIV serology. After a through diagnostic workup, he was found to have CD. Under CD treatment, his symptoms improved.
Renpenning Syndrome in a Turkish Patient: de novo Variant c.607C>T in PACS1 and Hypogammaglobulinemia Phenotype
Authors: Kurt Colak Fatma , Eyerci Nilnur , Aytekin Caner , Eksioglu Ayse S.
Published: April 2020

Renpenning syndrome is an X-linked intellectual disability syndrome caused by mutations in the human polyglutamine binding protein 1 (PQBP1) gene characterized by intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, and dysmorphic facial features. We report a Turkish child with a novel pathogenic variant in PQBP1 and a likely pathogenic variant in the PACS1 gene presenting with growth restriction, microcephaly, ID, micropenis, bilateral iris coloboma, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Cytogenetic investigations, including a high-resolution-banded karyotype, were normal. Clinical exome sequencing was performed. We found the novel PQBP1 variant, c.640C>T; p.(Arg214Trp), and the known PACS1 variant, c.607C>T; p.(Arg203Trp), in the proband. The patient's hypogammaglobulinemia did not respond to treatment. This condition was detected for the first time in a patient with Renpenning syndrome.
The Demand for Hospital Emergency Services: Trends during the First Month of COVID-19 Response
Authors: Santana Rui , Sousa Joana Santos , Soares Patrícia , Lopes Sílvia , Boto Paulo , Rocha João Victor
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Since December 2019, more than 925,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, 8,251 cases in Portugal by the end of March. Previous studies related to the SARS pandemic showed a decrease up to 80% in the emergency care episodes. Hence, the objective of this study is to analyze the use of emergency services during the first pandemic month, compared to historical records. Methods: Data from emergency episodes in mainland Portugal, from January 2014 to March 2020, were downloaded from the National Health Service (NHS) Transparency Portal and the NHS monitoring website. The evolution of emergency services from March to September 2020 was forecasted based on historical data from January 2014 to February 2020. Information for March 2020 was forecasted globally, by the Regional Health Administration (RHA) and Manchester Triage System (MTS). Results: Compared with forecasted values, there was a 48% reduction in the number of emergency episodes in March 2020. In the analysis by the RHA, Alentejo had the smallest decrease in the number of episodes; interestingly, Alentejo is also the area with fewer COVID-19 cases in mainland Portugal. In the analysis by the MTS, the episodes classified as yellow showed the highest reduction (50%). For episodes classified as urgent, there is a difference of about 144,000 episodes during March 2020. Discussion: The results of this preliminary study are aligned with the evidence produced for previous pandemics. Data about the use of emergency services, demographic and clinical characteristics of the episodes would be relevant to analyze this reduction. Conclusion: There was a significant drop in the number of emergency service use in March 2020, and although the causes of this reduction are not determined, the association between the beginning of the pandemic and the reduction of demand is evident. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial to plan interventions to avoid unnecessary morbidities or deaths, caused by a delayed visit to the emergency department.
MCUb Induction Protects the Heart From Postischemic Remodeling
Authors: Huo Jiuzhou , Lu Shan , Kwong Jennifer Q. , Bround Michael J. , Grimes Kelly M. , Sargent Michelle A. , Brown Milton E. , Davis Michael E. , Bers Donald M. , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: April 2020

Rationale:

Mitochondrial Ca
2+
loading augments oxidative metabolism to match functional demands during times of increased work or injury. However, mitochondrial Ca
2+
overload also directly causes mitochondrial rupture and cardiomyocyte death during ischemia-reperfusion injury by inducing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. The MCU (mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter) mediates mitochondrial Ca
2+
influx, and its activity is modulated by partner proteins in its molecular complex, including the MCUb subunit.

Objective:

Here, we sought to examine the function of the MCUb subunit of the MCU-complex in regulating mitochondria Ca
2+
influx dynamics, acute cardiac injury, and long-term adaptation after ischemic injury.

Methods and Results:

Cardiomyocyte-specific MCUb overexpressing transgenic mice and
Mcub
gene-deleted (
Mcub

−

/−

) mice were generated to dissect the molecular function of this protein in the heart. We observed that MCUb protein is undetectable in the adult mouse heart at baseline, but mRNA and protein are induced after ischemia-reperfusion injury. MCUb overexpressing mice demonstrated inhibited mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake in cardiomyocytes and partial protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. Antithetically, deletion of the
Mcub
gene exacerbated pathological cardiac remodeling and infarct expansion after ischemic injury in association with greater mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake. Furthermore, hindlimb remote ischemic preconditioning induced MCUb expression in the heart, which was associated with decreased mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake, collectively suggesting that induction of MCUb protein in the heart is protective. Similarly, mouse embryonic fibroblasts from
Mcub

−/−

mice were more sensitive to Ca
2+
overload.

Conclusions:

Our studies suggest that
Mcub
is a protective cardiac inducible gene that reduces mitochondrial Ca
2+
influx and permeability transition pore opening after ischemic injury to reduce ongoing pathological remodeling.
Personalized Rate-Response Programming Improves Exercise Tolerance After 6 Months in People With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices and Heart Failure
Authors: Gierula John , Lowry Judith E. , Paton Maria F. , Cole Charlotte A. , Byrom Rowenna , Koshy Aaron O. , Chumun Hemant , Kearney Lorraine C. , Straw Sam , Bowen T. Scott , Cubbon Richard M. , Keenan Anne-Maree , Stocken Deborah D. , Kearney Mark T. , Witte Klaus K.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is characterized by blunting of the positive relationship between heart rate and left ventricular (LV) contractility known as the force-frequency relationship (FFR). We have previously described that tailoring the rate-response programming of cardiac implantable electronic devices in patients with HFrEF on the basis of individual noninvasive FFR data acutely improves exercise capacity. We aimed to examine whether using FFR data to tailor heart rate response in patients with HFrEF with cardiac implantable electronic devices favorably influences exercise capacity and LV function 6 months later.

Methods:

We conducted a single-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial in patients with stable symptomatic HFrEF taking optimal guideline-directed medical therapy and with a cardiac implantable electronic device (cardiac resynchronization therapy or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator). Participants were randomized on a 1:1 basis between tailored rate-response programming on the basis of individual FFR data and conventional age-guided rate-response programming. The primary outcome measure was change in walk time on a treadmill walk test. Secondary outcomes included changes in LV systolic function, peak oxygen consumption, and quality of life.

Results:

We randomized 83 patients with a mean±SD age 74.6±8.7 years and LV ejection fraction 35.2±10.5. Mean change in exercise time at 6 months was 75.4 (95% CI, 23.4 to 127.5) seconds for FFR-guided rate-adaptive pacing and 3.1 (95% CI, −44.1 to 50.3) seconds for conventional settings (analysis of covariance;
P
=0.044 between groups) despite lower peak mean±SD heart rates (98.6±19.4 versus 112.0±20.3 beats per minute). FFR-guided heart rate settings had no adverse effect on LV structure or function, whereas conventional settings were associated with a reduction in LV ejection fraction.

Conclusions:

In this phase II study, FFR-guided rate-response programming determined using a reproducible, noninvasive method appears to improve exercise time and limit changes to LV function in people with HFrEF and cardiac implantable electronic devices. Work is ongoing to confirm our findings in a multicenter setting and on longer-term clinical outcomes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02964650.
Interleukin‐22 Directly Activates Myocardial STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription‐3) Signaling Pathway and Prevents Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Takahashi Jinya , Yamamoto Mai , Yasukawa Hideo , Nohara Shoichiro , Nagata Takanobu , Shimozono Koutatsu , Yanai Toshiyuki , Sasaki Tomoko , Okabe Kota , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Mawatari Kazutoshi , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Aoki Hiroki , Fukumoto Yoshihiro
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (
IL
)‐22, a member of the
IL
‐10 cytokine family, is the only known cytokine that is secreted by immune cells but does not target immune cells; it mainly targets epithelial cells. In this study, we aimed to determine whether
IL
‐22 administration could activate the myocardial
STAT
3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3) signaling pathway, and thus prevent myocardial injury, in a mouse model of ischemia reperfusion injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated the
STAT
3 activation after
IL
‐22 injection by Western blot analysis and immunostaining for phosphorylated
STAT
3 in the heart and found that
STAT
3 activation in heart tissue rapidly peaked after
IL
‐22 injection. Coimmunostaining of phosphorylated
STAT
3 and α‐actinin revealed that
STAT
3 activation occurred in cardiomyocytes after
IL
‐22 administration. In heart tissue from intact mice, real‐time
PCR
demonstrated significant expression of
IL
‐22 receptor subunit 1, and coimmunostaining of
IL
‐22 receptor subunit 1 and α‐actinin showed
IL
‐22 receptor subunit 1 expression in cardiomyocytes. In cultured cardiomyocytes,
IL
‐22 activated
STAT
3, and we detected
IL
‐22 receptor subunit 1 expression. Overall, these results indicated that
IL
‐22 directly activated the myocardial
IL
‐22‐receptor subunit 1–
STAT
3 signaling pathway. Following ischemia reperfusion, compared with
PBS
‐treated mice,
IL
‐22‐treated mice exhibited a significantly reduced infarct size, significantly reduced myocardial apoptosis, and significantly enhanced phosphorylated
STAT
3 expression. Moreover, heart tissue from
IL
‐22‐treated mice exhibited a significantly reduced expression ratio of phosphorylated p53 to p53.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present findings suggest that
IL
‐22 directly activated the myocardial
STAT
3 signaling pathway and acted as a cardioprotective cytokine to ameliorate acute myocardial infarction after ischemia reperfusion.
Cardio‐Renal Biomarker Soluble Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Is Associated With Cardiovascular Death and Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Independent of Troponin, C‐Reactive Protein, and Renal Function
Authors: Nikorowitsch Julius , Borchardt Tim , Appelbaum Sebastian , Ojeda Francisco , Lackner Karl J. , Schnabel Renate B. , Blankenberg Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Karakas Mahir
Published: April 2020

Background

Risk stratification among patients with coronary artery disease (
CAD
) is of considerable interest due to the potential to guide secondary preventive therapies. Thus, we evaluated the predictive value of soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (su
PAR
) levels for cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction in patients with
CAD
.

Methods and Results

Plasma levels of su
PAR
were measured in a cohort of 1703 patients with documented
CAD
as evidenced by coronary angiography—including 626 patients with acute coronary syndrome and 1077 patients with stable angina pectoris. Cardiovascular death and/or nonfatal myocardial infarction were defined as main outcome measures. During a median follow‐up of 3.5 years, su
PAR
levels reliably predicted cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction in
CAD
, evidenced by survival curves stratified for tertiles of su
PAR
levels. In Cox regression analyses, the hazard ratio for the prediction of cardiovascular death and/or myocardial infarction was 2.19 (
P
<0.001) in the overall cohort and 2.56 in the acute coronary syndrome cohort (
P
<0.001). Even after adjustment for common cardiovascular risk factors, renal function and the biomarkers C‐reactive protein, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity troponin I su
PAR
still enabled a reliable prediction of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction with a hazard ratio of 1.61 (
P
=0.022) in the overall cohort and 2.22 (
P
=0.005) in the acute coronary syndrome cohort.

Conclusions

Su
PAR
has a strong and independent prognostic value in secondary prevention settings, and thereby might represent a valuable biomarker for risk estimation in
CAD
.
Soluble Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor and High‐Sensitivity Troponin Levels Predict Outcomes in Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Al‐Badri Ahmed , Tahhan Ayman Samman , Sabbak Nabil , Alkhoder Ayman , Liu Chang , Ko Yi‐An , Vaccarino Viola , Martini Afif , Sidoti Arianna , Goodwin Cydney , Ghazzal Bahjat , Beshiri Agim , Murtagh Gillian , Mehta Puja K. , Quyyumi Arshed A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Multiple biomarkers have been independently and additively associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the prognostic value of suPAR (soluble urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor) and hsTnI (high‐sensitivity troponin I) levels in symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease. We hypothesized that high levels of these biomarkers will be associated with the risk of future adverse outcomes.

Methods and Results

Plasma levels of suPAR and hsTnI were measured in 556 symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease. A biomarker risk score was calculated by counting the number of biomarkers above the median in this cohort (suPAR>2523 pg/mL and hsTnI>2.7 pg/mL). Survival analyses were performed with models adjusted for traditional risk factors. All‐cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) served as clinical outcomes over a median follow‐up of 6.2 years. Mean age was 57±10 years, 49% of the cohort patients were female, and 68% had a positive stress test. High suPAR and hsTnI levels were independent predictors of all‐cause death (hazard ratio=3.2 [95% CI, 1.8–5.7] and 1.3 [95% CI, 1.0–1.7], respectively; both
P
<0.04) and major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio=2.7 [95% CI, 1.4–5.4] and 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2–2.0], respectively; both
P
<0.002). Compared with a biomarker risk score of 0, biomarker risk scores of 1 and 2 were associated with 19‐ and 14‐fold increased risk of death and development of major adverse cardiovascular events, respectively.

Conclusions

Among symptomatic patients with no obstructive coronary artery disease, higher levels of suPAR and hsTnI were independently and additively associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Whether modification of these biomarkers will improve risk in these patients needs further investigation.
Perfluorobutane contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: a new standard for ultrasonography-guided thermal ablation of sonographically occult liver tumours?
Authors: Shi H , Ong Y , Gogna A , Venkatanarasimha N , Sanamandra SK , Leong S , Irani FG , Lo RH , Too CW
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION Image-guided thermal ablation, preferably with ultrasonography (US), is increasingly used for treatment of small liver tumours. Perfluorobutane-contrast-enhanced US (pCEUS) is a promising tool that may allow for targeting of tumours that are otherwise imperceptible on greyscale US. Although pCEUS has been reported to be effective, the literature has been limited outside of Japan and South Korea. We aimed to provide data that supports the use of pCEUS in the thermal ablation of sonographically occult liver tumours. METHODS We conducted a retrospective single-centre study of 35 consecutive patients who underwent pCEUS-guided ablation of 48 liver tumours with a median size of 1.2 cm. Periprocedural, one-month post-treatment and relevant follow-up imaging studies were reviewed. Electronic records were also obtained, with long-term follow-up data of 12–28 months being available for 32 patients. RESULTS 36 (75%) tumours that were imperceptible on greyscale US became visible with pCEUS. Overall, complete tumour ablation at one month was 89%. 1 (3%) patient developed a major complication following treatment, while 6 (17%) had minor post-treatment complaints. The local tumour progression rate was 17%, with a median time of 14 months. CONCLUSION pCEUS has a role in US-guided thermal ablation of liver tumours, offering a high technical success rate that is comparable to reported data. Additional benefits may include improved procedural time and freedom from ionising radiation.
1. Creaturely Migrations on a Breathing Planet
Authors: Abram David
Published: April 2020

Reflecting on species dynamics within the planetary biosphere, this chapter suggests that new insight into the uncanny navigational feats of migratory animals may be gleaned by recognizing the broad Earth not as a passive background upon which these movements occur, but as a dynamic, agential player in these migrations. The long-distance movements of various animals can readily be understood as metabolic processes within the body of the living planet, not unlike the rhythmic systole and diastole of a heartbeat
7. Fluid Histories
Authors: Duara Prasenjit
Published: April 2020

Human history, including the study of history (i.e., historiography), overlaps with natural history, yet these histories do not operate at the same scales. The fragmentation of those histories contributes to ethical and political failures to address environmental issues. Providing an antidote to this fragmentation, this chapter thinks with the circulating waters of oceans to articulate the complex confluence of human and natural histories, with particular reference to Asian contexts.
15. Indigenous Language Resurgence and the Living Earth Community
Authors: Turin Mark
Published: April 2020

Drawing attention to the contemporary resurgence of indigenous languages, Mark Turin describes the collaborative work of linguistic and cultural revitalization in response to the destruction of indigenous communities in settler colonial nations. While recuperating the vitality of languages, this process also facilitates the recuperation of the well-being of indigenous communities as well as the lands within which those languages and communities are embedded.
19. The Human Quest to Live in a Cosmos
Authors: Eaton Heather
Published: April 2020

Reflecting on the enduring quest of human beings to know the universe, Heather Eaton weaves together an account of the exterior (objective) and interior (subjective) facets of the cosmos. Eaton finds the unique qualities of human subjectivity in symbolic consciousness and in the worldviews, narratives, and other systems of symbols through which humans interpret and respond to their surroundings.
20. Learning to Weave Earth and Cosmos
Authors: Thomashow Mitchell
Published: April 2020

To facilitate the cultivation of ecological imagination and promote environmental awareness, Mitchell Thomashow’s concluding chapter presents proposes five qualities of environmental learning (observation, information, interpretation, expression, and manifestation). Those educational qualities are pathways for integrated ways of knowing and being in the living Earth community.
miR-143 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell by Targeting Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes 3
Authors: Chen Haiying , Zhang Lei , Tao Lijun
Published: April 2020

The transcription regulating factor-zinc fingers and homeoboxes 3 (ZHX3) involve in osteoblast differentiation. miR-143 regulates osteoblast differentiation. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a relationship between miR-143 and the 3′ -UTR of ZHX3. This study assessed miR-143's
role in UC-MSC differentiation. The UC-MSCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. The expressions of miR-143, ZHX3, RUNX2, Osteopontin (OPN) and Osteocalcin (OC) genes were detected by qRTPCR on days 0, 20 and 30. The UC-MSCs cells were divided into agomir-NC group and miR-143 agomir
group. After 30 days of differentiation, the expression of ZHX3, RUNX2, OPN and OC protein was detected by western blot. During differentiation of UC-MSCs into osteoblasts, miR-143 expression was decreased, ZHX3 expression, ALP activity and alizarin red staining was increased. There was a
targeted regulation relationship between miR-143 and ZHX3. Transfection of agomir143 significantly downregulated ZHX3, RUNX2, OPN, OC genes and proteins, significantly reduced alizarin red staining, and decreased the ability of osteoblast differentiation. Decreased miR-143 expression plays
a role in up-regulating ZHX3 expression and promoting osteoblast differentiation of UC-MSCs. Overexpression of miR-143 can inhibit UC-MSCs differentiation into osteoblasts by targeting ZHX3.
Motor Imagery EEG Classification with Biclustering Based Fuzzy Inference
Authors: Sun Jianjun
Published: April 2020

The rehabilitation of armless or footless patients is of great importance. One choice for such issue is using the electroencephalograph (EEG) brain computer interface to help the patients communicate with outside. Classifying the EEG signals generated from mental activity is one of
the most important technologies. However, existing classification methods often suffer the overfitting problem caused by the small training data sets while big dimensionality of feature space. Fuzzy inference can imitate the human judgement, effectively dealing with uncertainty and small-sample
learning problems. Besides, biclustering has shown excellent performance in constructing rule base. This paper proposes a novel biclustering based fuzzy inference method for EEG classification. It can be divided into five steps. The first step is generating features with common spatial pattern.
The second step is searching local coherent patterns with column nearly constant biclustering. The third step is to transform the patterns to if-then rules with column averaging and majority voting strategy. Subsequent step is to employ Mamdani fuzzy inference to map the input feature vector
into decimals. Finally, particle swarm optimization is utilized to generate optimal threshold for linear classification. Experiments on several commonly used data sets show that the proposed method has advantages over competitors in terms of classification accuracy.
Inner-Cluster-Structure Reconstruction Based Transfer Fuzzy Clustering and MRI Segmentation Applications
Authors: Ding Yang , Zhou Leyuan
Published: April 2020

MRI automatically segmentation is very useful in clinical diagnosis. However, in some cases, MR images are contaminated by noises or lose pixels and then become sparse such that automatically segmentation by classical algorithms becomes difficult or impossible. In this study, we propose
a transfer fuzzy clustering algorithm based on inner-cluster-structure reconstruction. Firstly, we use all objects to represent the inner cluster structure by assigning weights to all object. Secondly, in order to reconstruct the cluster structure in the target domain in which objects distribute
sparsely or are contaminated by noises, we joint the two domains together and recalculate the weights of all objects in the target domain. Thirdly, the updated weights in the target domain are considered as transfer knowledge that is used for guiding the target domain learning. Experimental
results on MR images and synthetic datasets indicate our novel algorithm achieves the best performance comparing with other similar algorithms.
QuadrupletNet: A Novel Local Descriptor for Brain Tumor Detection and Segmentation
Authors: Jiang Jun , Jin Jing , Wang Binluo , Wang Jinming , Ren Tiaojuan , Wang Zhangquan
Published: April 2020

Brain tumor detection and segmentation from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images is being one of the emerging fields in the biomedicine. A formidable undertaking in brain tumor surgery, medical care, treatment programme and quantitative assessment of MRI images is to precisely diagnose
its location and extent. Recently, the convolutional neural network (CNN) based detection and segmentation method on brain tumor MRI images is being one of the emerging fields in the medical imaging as an automatic clinic treatment and evaluation solution. In this article, we put forward a
brand new quadruplet loss in CNN framework, which achieves higher accuracy in brain tumor detection and segmentation than other pairwise loss and triplet loss methods. By applying the proposed quadruplet loss to the original L2Net CNN architecture leads to a more compact descriptor named QuadrupletNet.
From our experiments, QuadrupletNet shows higher performance than other state-of-the-art loss functions e.g., the Triplet loss, as indicated in experiments on Multimodal Brain Tumor Image Segmentation (BRATS 2018) datasets, and on our own collected MRI brain tumor datasets (named MBTD).
Statistical Analysis of Cervical Overlapping Cells and Identification of Lesion Cells Based on Sparse Morphological Learning Model
Authors: You Jinping
Published: April 2020

Clinically, the microscopic images of cervical cell smears are complex and changeable. Besides, the individual’s fluctuation is large, and the environment of dyeing is fluctuant, which causes the cervical cells in the smear microscopic images are of a complex category, and a large
number of cellular agglomerations and adhesions when hyperplasia is active. Therefore, we proposed a statistical analysis of cervical overlapping cells and identification of lesion cells based on morphological learning model, which adopts sparse representation and mathematical morphological
operation to achieve the segmentation of the complex cell from clinical smear microscopic images. The segmentation results demonstrate that the proposed method has the best segmentation performance and excellent generalization capability. It can be applied in the clinical application of cervical
cytology images analysis. The proposed method has certain theoretical significance and application value.
Entropy Weighting Based Centralized Multi-View Fuzzy Clustering: A Case Study on Brain MR Image Segmentation
Authors: Wu Hengfei , Sheng Guanglei , Li Lin
Published: April 2020

Multi-view fuzzy clustering analysis is often used for medical image segmentation such as brain MR image segmentation. However, in traditional multi-view clustering, it assumes that each view plays the same role to the final partition result, which omits the negative influences caused
by noisy or weak views. In this paper, a novel entropy weighting based centralized clustering technique is proposed for multi-view datasets where the Shannon entropy is hired for view weight learning. Moreover, the centralized strategy is employed for collaborate learning. Extensive experiments
show that the promising performance of our proposed clustering technique. More importantly, a case study on brain MR image segmentation indicates the application ability of our clustering technique.
Fabrication and Characterization of the Barrier Film Having Excellent Moisture Barrier Characteristics Using Polysilazane
Authors: Kim Sun Min , Kim Hyun Chul , Bang Jiwon , Yoon Daeho , Koo Eunhae
Published: April 2020

Organic solar cell and OLED display devices are very sensitive to moisture, which leading to a fast degradation by the exposure to moisture and oxygen in the air. Therefore, in order to enhance the stability of the devices, a barrier film having WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate)
of 10−4 to 10−6 g/m2/day is required. In order to prepare the barrier film with excellent moisture blocking characteristics, perhydro polysilazane (PHPS) is used, which is developed to prepare an insulating film for semiconductors. Also a catalyst
is added to lower the curing temperature to 100 °C or less. The result shows that the polysilazane is cured and converted to SiO2 under 100 °C in 30 min. WVTR of the polysilazane coated film is estimated to be 2.1×10−2 g/m2/day. In addition,
when the inorganic layer such as SiO2 and Al2O3 is deposited on the planarization layer, the film shows excellent moisture blocking characteristics having WVTR to be 7.9×10−5 g/m2/day.
Comparative Analysis of Two-Dimensional Materials in a Graphite Matrix as Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hai Nguyen Quoc , Hanh Nguyen Quoc , Hur Jaehyun
Published: April 2020

A facile and scalable wet ball-milling method was employed to reduce the size of two-dimensional (2D) materials (MoS2, MoSe2 , and NbSe2) and distribute these particles on a graphite surface. Herein, we discuss the effects of graphite matrix addition
on the performance of each of the 2D materials prepared via a wet ball-milling process, and demonstrate that these composites can be used as high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. As compared to the MoSe2@graphite and NbSe2@graphite composites, the
MoS2@graphite electrode exhibited superior electrochemical performance, with high specific capacity (i.e., ~300 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to ~77% of charge capacity retention relative to the initial charge capacity), high cyclic stability, and excellent
rate capability (~85% capacity retention at 10 A g−1 relative to the capacity at 0.1 A g−1).
Synthesis and Characterization of Monosaccharide-Containing 2-(α-D-mannopyranosyloxy)Ethyl Methacrylate as a Surface Modifier for Hydrogels
Authors: Wu Shengnan , Chung Chanhong , Kwon Younghwan
Published: April 2020

We introduce a hydrophilic monosaccharide-containing 2-(α-D-mannopyranosyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (ManEMA) in this study to achieve more extended and comfortable wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses by increasing water content. Molecular structure of ManEMA contains a monosaccharide
moiety with four hydroxyl groups, which provide a strong interaction with water. Therefore, the ManEMA-containing hydrogels are expected to have high water content. The structure of synthesized ManEMA is confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Contact lenses containing
silicone polymers are coated with a monosaccharide-containingManEMA monomer with the help of plasma treatment and the use of 3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl methacrylate to provide an increased hydrophilicity. The feasibility of ManEMA as a surface modifier of silicone lenses is investigated in
terms of water content and surface energy.
Synthesis of Cerium Ion Doped Ti-SBA-15 Catalysts and Their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Hong Seong-Soo
Published: April 2020

Ti-SBA-15 catalysts doped with cerium ion were synthesized using conventional hydrothermal method and they were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, DRS, BET and PL. We also examined the activity of these materials on the photocatalytic decomposition of orange II. Ti-SBA-15 catalysts doped
with cerium ions maintained the mesoporous structure regardless of the doping amount of cerium ion. 5 mole% Ce/Ti-SBA-15 catalysts showed the highest photocatalytic activity on the decomposition of orange II, however, the catalysts doped with less than 3 mole% Ce/Ti-SBA-15 showed lower activity
compared to pure Ti-SBA-15 catalyst. The PL peaks appeared at about 410 nm at all catalysts and the excitonic PL signal was proportional to the photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of orange II.