bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exponential Stability Analysis of Fixed Point Interfered Nonlinear Digital Systems in the Presence of Quantization and Overflow Constraints
Authors: Malik Saddam Hussain , Tufail Muhammad , Rehan Muhammad , Ahmed Shakeel
Published: October 2020

Finite word length is a practical limitation when discrete-time systems are implemented by using digital hardware. This restriction degrades the performance of a discrete-time system and may even lead it toward instability. This paper, addresses the stability and disturbance attenuation performance analysis of nonlinear discrete-time systems under the influence of energy-bounded external interferences when such systems are subjected to quantization and overflow effects of fixed point hardware. The proposed methodology, in comparison with previous paper, describes exponential stability for the nonlinear discrete-time systems by considering composite nonlinearities of digital hardware. The proposed criteria that ensure exponential stability and [Formula: see text] performance index for the digital systems under consideration are presented in the form of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) by exploiting Lyapunov stability theory, Lipschitz condition and sector conditions for different types of commonly used quantization and overflow arithmetic properties, and the results are validated for recurrent neural networks. Furthermore, novel stability analysis results for a nonlinear discrete-time system under hardware constraints can also be observed as a special case of the proposed criteria.
RNA Detection in Air by Means of Cosmic Rays Interactions
Authors: Adlish J. I. , Mainardi E. , Neuhold P. , Surrente R. , Tagliapietra L. J.
Published: October 2020

The study research presented hereafter shows a new methodology to reveal traces of Viral particles thanks to their own chemical structure such as phosphate group PO4, a group making up part of the structure of RNA, a type of nucleic acid, such as in a virus, in an open space or a closed ambient (typically an airport hall) detecting sub-atomic particles interactions with the air due to Cosmic Rays, an Outer Space free source. This is constructed with the use of adequate detectors (under development) looking in particular at the peculiar interactions of muons, cosmic rays relativistic particle segment, with the no living matter present as aerosol in the air.
Sedimentology of the modern seasonal lower Ganges River with low inter-annual peak discharge variance, Bangladesh
Authors: Shan Xin , Shi Xuefa , Clift Peter D. , Seddique Ashraf Ali , Liu Shengfa , Tan Chengpeng , Liu Jianguo , Hasan Rased , Li Jingrui , Song Zhaojun
Published: October 2020

The Ganges River, one of the largest rivers on Earth, is a typical monsoonal and flood-controlled system but has low inter-annual peak discharge variability. The seasonal discharge can reach 70 000 m
3
s
−1
during the wet season but maintains a low base flow of 500–3000 m
3
s
−1
during the dry season. However, the constancy in peak discharge every year categorizes the lower Ganges River as a river with low inter-annual peak discharge variability. This paper examines the modern lower Ganges River by conducting a detailed process-oriented investigation of the main channel, channel margin and overbank deposits, supplemented by satellite image observation and comparison with other modern fluvial systems. The channel and braid bar deposits show a dominance of small-scale to medium-scale cross-sets, with a variety of accretion processes constructing braid bars. The braid bar and channel deposits are typical of facies models of rivers with low inter-annual peak discharge variance. In contrast, the channel flank deposits are dominated by planar lamination, massive sand and mud couplets, and some ripple cross-lamination, with very little cross-bedding. Characteristic channel margin deposits represent sediments that accumulated by high-speed flows, multiple-surge and rapidly depositing flows, rapid or regular waning flows and hyperconcentrated flows. The overbank deposits predominantly comprise current ripples with long, thin bedforms and soft sediment deformation structures, which record flow transformation on the muddy flat topography and the processes of an unstable river bank. Our study shows that the channel margin and floodplain deposits are entirely different from those of the braid bar and channel. The bedform distribution of the fluvial deposits here (main channel, channel margin and overbank) may be an important tool in the identification of similar seasonal rivers with low inter-annual peak discharge variance and in the interpretation of fluvial processes.

Supplementary material
: The sediment texture and the depositional age is available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5144403
Exact Diffusion-Induced Elastic Fields of a Spherical Core-Shell Nano-Electrode Li-Ion Battery via Spectral Theory
Authors: Shodja Hossein M. , Shahryari Benyamin , Azizi Pegah , Roumi Farshid
Published: October 2020

In Li-ion batteries the interface between the nano-size spherical core graphite and its surrounding solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, just inside SEI is susceptible to damage. Thus, accurate determination of the associated elastic fields is one of the challenges in optimizing the lifetime and capacity of Li-ion batteries. The required precision is achieved by considering the core graphite which belongs to the crystal class D
6h
as homogeneous spherically isotropic and SEI layer as functionally graded (FG) isotropic material. Moreover, to account for the surface/interface effects appropriately the core-shell nano-structure subjected to the diffusion-induced time-dependent nonuniform eigenstrain field under galvanostatic operation is formulated within surface elasticity theory. Then the exact analytical solution is given via spectral theory. Significant differences between the surface elasticity solutions and those of classical elasticity specially within the SEI layer, reveal the importance of using surface elasticity theory. It is shown that the distribution of the Li-ion concentration and pertinent diffusion-induced stresses are strongly affected by different modes of charging: normal charging, fast charging and low diffusivity. The von Mises criterion and the single-mode delamination fracture criterion are utilized to predict the time to failure of the interface between the core graphite- SEI layer and delamination initiation, respectively.
Implications of Aqueous Processing for High Energy Density Cathode Materials: Part I. Ni-Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Hofmann Michael , Kapuschinski Martina , Guntow Uwe , Giffin Guinevere A.
Published: October 2020

Combining the use of nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials with the implementation of aqueous electrode processing can pave the way to cost-reduced and environmentally friendly electrodes and simultaneously increase the energy density of cells. Herein, LiNi0.33Co0.33Mn0.33O2 (NCM111), LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) and LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) were evaluated in terms of their response to aqueous processing under the same conditions to facilitate a direct comparison. The results illustrate that mainly nickel driven processes lead to lithium leaching which is combined with the increase of the pH value in the alkaline region. For NCA an additional aluminum-involving lithium leaching mechanism is assumed, which could explain the highest amount of leached lithium and the additional detection of aluminum. Electrochemical tests show a reduced capacity for cells containing water-based electrodes compared to reference cells for the NCM-type materials which increases during the first cycles indicating a reversible Li+/H+-exchange mechanism. In contrast, the NCA cells were completely electrochemically inactive making NCA the most water sensitive material tested in this report. By comparing the cycling performance of cells containing aqueous processed electrodes, a more pronounced capacity fade for nickel-rich cathode materials as compared to their reference cells can be observed.
Homocysteine downregulates cardiac homeobox transcription factor NKX2.5 via IGFBP5
Authors: Lai Guangrui , Wang Leitong , Li Zhen , Zhao Yanyan
Published: October 2020

We found that Hcy and IGFBP5 were increased, whereas NKX2.5 was decreased, in AF of CHD. Meanwhile, Hcy could upregulate IGFBP5 but downregulate NKX2.5, and IGFBP5 inhibited NKX2.5 expression in vitro. Moreover, IGFBP5 can bind to the NKX2.5 promoter region and reduce NKX2.5 transcriptional activity.
Interleukin-33 rescues perivascular adipose tissue anticontractile function in obesity
Authors: Saxton Sophie N. , Whitley Alice S. , Potter Ryan J. , Withers Sarah B. , Grencis Richard , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we have shown that administering IL-33 to obese mice will restore PVAT anticontractile function, and this is accompanied by normalized blood pressure, blood glucose, and plasma insulin. Moreover, the PVAT effect is enhanced in control mice given IL-33. IL-33 induced a hypereosinophilic phenotype in our mice, and the effects of IL-33 on PVAT function, blood pressure, and blood glucose are absent in eosinophil-deficient mice, suggesting that the effects of IL-33 are mediated via eosinophils.
Impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain is associated with elevated left ventricular filling pressure after myocardial infarction
Authors: Aikawa Tadao , Kariya Taro , Yamada Kelly P. , Miyashita Satoshi , Bikou Olympia , Tharakan Serena , Fish Kenneth , Ishikawa Kiyotake
Published: October 2020

Strain analysis was performed in 104 pigs after MI, and its relationship to invasive hemodynamic measurements was studied. Impaired longitudinal strain was associated with high ventricular filling pressure independent of LV EF in post-MI setting. Global longitudinal strain is a potential prognostic marker after MI.
Extracellular vesicles: new players in regulating vascular barrier function
Authors: Chatterjee Victor , Yang Xiaoyuan , Ma Yonggang , Wu Mack H. , Yuan Sarah Y.
Published: October 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted rising interests in the cardiovascular field not only because they serve as serological markers for circulatory disorders but also because they participate in important physiological responses to stress and inflammation. In the circulation, these membranous vesicles are mainly derived from blood or vascular cells, and they carry cargos with distinct molecular signatures reflecting the origin and activation state of parent cells that produce them, thus providing a powerful tool for diagnosis and prognosis of pathological conditions. Functionally, circulating EVs mediate tissue-tissue communication by transporting bioactive cargos to local and distant sites, where they directly interact with target cells to alter their function. Recent evidence points to the critical contributions of EVs to the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction during inflammatory response to injury or infection. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the current knowledge on EV biology and advanced techniques in EV isolation and characterization. This is followed by a discussion focusing on the role and mechanisms of EVs in regulating blood-endothelium interactions and vascular permeability during inflammation. We conclude with a translational perspective on the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs in vascular injury or infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
Aqueous Bark Extract ofCeiba speciosa(A. St.-Hill) Ravenna Protects against Glucose Toxicity inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: dos Santos Fabrine Bianchin , Quines Caroline Brandão , Pilissão Luiz Eduardo Ben , Dal Forno Ana Helena de Castro , Rodrigues Cristiane Freitas , Denardin Cristiane Casagrande , Farias Fabiane Moreira , Ávila Daiana Silva
Published: October 2020

Plants are widely used in folk medicine because of their pharmacological properties.Ceiba speciosa, popularly known aspaineira-rosaor tree-of-wool, is a species found in the Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, being native of the upper Uruguay River, Brazil. The tea obtained from the stem bark is employed in folk medicine to reduce cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and glucose levels. However, there are no studies in the literature proving its efficacy or the safety of its use. For this study, we usedCaenorhabditis elegansas an animal model considering its advantages for risk assessment and pharmacological screenings. For the toxicological tests,C. elegansN2 (wild type) was treated with the aqueous extract of the stem bark ofC. speciosa(ECE) at the first larval stage (L1) at concentrations of 5, 25, 50, and 250 μg/mL. To evaluate biological activities, we challenged the extract for oxidative stress resistance in the presence of paraquat (0.5 mM), H2O2(1 mM), and against glucose-induced toxicity. Our results demonstrated that ECE did not alter survival rate, pharyngeal pumping, and reproduction of the nematodes. The extract was not able to protect the nematodes against the toxicity induced by prooxidants. Notably, ECE protected against glucotoxicity by increasing worms’ life span and by reducing glucose levels. On the other hand, ECE treatment did not reduce lipid accumulation induced by exogenous glucose feeding, as observed in worms which lipid droplets were tagged with GFP. Based on our results, we believe that the extract is indeed promising for further studies focusing on carbohydrates metabolism; however, it needs to be carefully evaluated since the extract does not seem to modulate lipid accumulation.
Intracytoplasmic Expression of IL-6 and IL-17A in Circulating CD4+ T Cells Are Strongly Associated with and Predict Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study in Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Buckman Tonnies Abeku , Antwi-Berko Daniel , Yeboah-Mensah Kwame , Dey Dzifa , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Amoani Benjamin , Mantey Richard
Published: October 2020

Background. T cell cytokines play important roles in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Loss of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance has been reported in several inflammatory autoimmune diseases. However, their role in RA within hitherto rare Ghanaian context has not been explored. Here, we evaluated the intracytoplasmic CD4+ T cell cytokine patterns in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Ghana and determined their relationship with disease activity. Methods. This case-control study included 48 newly diagnosed RA patients and 30 apparent healthy controls from two major hospitals in Ghana. Validated structured questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic data; blood samples were collected and processed for flow cytometric analysis. Results. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-6/IL-4, and IL-17/IL-10 expressions were significantly higher in RA cases compared to the healthy controls. The expression of IL-6 (0.00 (0.00-0.98) vs. 0.82 (0.34-1.10) vs. 1.56 (1.39-1.68), p<0.0001), IL-17A (0.00 (0.00-0.02) vs. 0.19 (0.09-0.30) vs. 0.99 (0.64-1.25), p<0.0001), and IL-17A/IL-10 (0.00 (0.00-0.39) vs. 0.15 (0.09-0.26) vs. 0.88 (0.41-1.47), p<0.0001) increased significantly from the healthy controls through RA patients with low DAS scores to RA patients with moderate DAS scores. IL-6 (β=0.681, r2=0.527, p<0.0001), IL-17A (β=0.770, r2=0.593, p<0.0001), and IL-17A/IL-10 (β=0.677, r2=0.452, p<0.0001) expressions were significantly directly associated with DAS28 scores. IL-6 (cutoff=1.32, sensitivity=100.0%, specificity=100.0%, accuracy=100.0%, and AUC=1.000) and IL-17A (cutoff=0.58, sensitivity=100.0%, specificity=100.0%, accuracy=100.0%, and AUC=1.000) presented with the best discriminatory power in predicting moderate DAS scores from low DAS scores. Conclusion. Th1- and Th17-related cytokines predominate in the pathophysiology of RA, with IL-6 and IL-17 being principally and differentially expressed based on the severity of the disease. IL-6 and IL-17A could serve as useful prognostic and disease-monitoring markers in RA in the African context.
Anemia and Its Determinants among Male and Female Adolescents in Southern Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeleke Melat Belay , Shaka Mohammed Feyisso , Anbesse Adane Tesfaye , Tesfaye Solomon Hailemariam
Published: October 2020

Background. Adolescent anemia is a major public health problem worldwide. Adolescents (10–19 years) are at an increased risk of developing anemia due to increased iron demand during puberty, menstrual losses, limited dietary iron intake, and faulty dietary habits. Objective. To assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among male and female adolescent students in Dilla Town, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, May 2018. Methods. A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was employed among 742 school adolescents. Basic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, haemoglobin measurement, and others were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software, and descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses using binary logistic regression were done, the results were interpreted by using AOR with their corresponding 95% CI, and statistically significant difference was declared at p<0.05Result. Out of the total 742 respondents, 377 (50.8%) were males and 365 (49.2%) were females. The overall prevalence of anemia was 21.1%, and the prevalence of anemia was 22.5% among male adolescents and 19.7% among females. Male adolescent students within the early adolescence age group (10–13 yrs) (AOR 0.27, 95% CI, 0.08–0.87), those consuming fibre-rich foods daily (AOR 0.11, 95% CI, 0.02–0.61), and those having no intestinal parasites (AOR 0.04, 95% CI, 0.02–0.09) were less likely to be anemic. Similarly, female adolescent students not having intestinal parasites (AOR 0.05, 95% CI, 0.01–0.11) were less likely to develop anemia while those from malaria endemic area (AOR 2.57, 95% CI, 1.13–5.83) were identified to be more anemic. Conclusion. This study identified that anemia was a moderate public health significance in the study area, and the prevalence of anemia was slightly higher among male than female adolescents. Age category, frequency of eating fibre-rich foods, and positive intestinal parasite tests were factors contributing for anemia among male adolescents while presence of intestinal parasite and malaria endemicity were the determinants of anemia among female adolescents.
Synergistic Carcinogenesis of HPV18 and MNNG in Het-1A Cells through p62-KEAP1-NRF2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ma Yue , Zhao Chao , Zhang Hu , Pu Yuepu , Yin Lihong
Published: October 2020

N-methyl-N´-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine is a clear carcinogen, increasing evidence that indicates an etiological role of human papillomavirus in esophageal carcinoma. Studies have reported the synergistic effect on environmental carcinogens and viruses in recent years. On the basis of establishing the malignant transformation model of Het-1A cells induced by synergistic of HPV18 and MNNG, this study was to explore the synergistic carcinogenesis of MNNG and HPV. Our research indicated that HPV&MNNG led to a significant increase in the protein-expression levels of c-Myc, cyclinD1, BCL-2, BAX, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, mTOR, LC3II, and p62, with concomitant decreases in p21 and LC3I. HPV18 and MNNG induced accumulation of p62 and its interaction with KEAP1, which promoted NRF2 nuclear translocation. p62 loss prevents growth and increases autophagy of malignant cells by activating KEAP1/NRF2-dependent antioxidative response. In addition, PI3K and p-AKT were stimulated by HPV&MNNG, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR is positively associated with cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and autophagy during malignant transformation. Taken together, MNNG&HPV regulates autophagy and further accelerates cell appreciation by activating the p62/KEAP1/NRF2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. MNNG&HPV may improve Het-1A cell autophagy to contribute to excessive cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and protection from oxidative damage, thus accelerating the process of cell malignant transformation and leading to cancerous cells.
Coherently Driven
N
Number of Degenerate Three-Level Atoms with Parametric Amplifier
Authors: Abebe Tamirat , Gashu Chimdessa , Gemechu Nebiyu
Published: October 2020

We have analyzed the squeezing and statistical properties of the cavity light beam produced by a coherently driven degenerate three-level laser with a degenerate parametric amplifier (DPA) in an open cavity and coupled to a vacuum reservoir via a single-port mirror. We have carried out our analysis by putting the noise operators associated with the vacuum reservoir in normal order. Applying the solutions of the equations of evolution for the expectation values of the atomic operators and the quantum Langevin equation for the cavity mode operator, the mean photon number and the quadrature squeezing of the cavity light are calculated. And a large part of the mean photon number is confined in a relatively small frequency interval. Furthermore, we also obtain the antinormally ordered characteristic function defined in the Heisenberg picture. With the aid of the resulting characteristic function, we determine the

Q

function which is then used to calculate the photon number distribution.
Cytokine Profiling in Chinese SLE Patients: Correlations with Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Yan Chen , Yu Le , Zhang Xiu-Ling , Shang Jing-Jing , Ren Jie , Fan Jie , Feng Xue-Qin , Zhang Rong-Wei , Xia Zhong-Bin , Duan Xin-Wang
Published: October 2020

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that commonly causes kidney damage. Therefore, we measured plasma levels of cytokines that may be related to renal dysfunction in SLE patients. Methods. To explore the differences between SLE patients with renal dysfunction and healthy volunteers, the levels of cytokines in plasma were screened using a human cytokine antibody array. Then, we chose fourteen of the elevated cytokines for verification with an expanded sample size by a human magnetic Luminex assay. Plasma samples were isolated from SLE patients (n=72) and healthy volunteers (n=8). Results. Cytokine antibody array data showed elevated plasma cytokines in SLE patients with renal dysfunction compared with healthy volunteers. By using the human magnetic Luminex assay, we found that plasma levels of CHI3L1, GDF-15, IGFBP-2, MIF, ST2, TFF3, and uPAR were significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy volunteers. Plasma levels of CXCL4 were significantly lower in the active group than in the inactive group, and plasma levels of CHI3L1, IGFBP-2, MIF, and MPO were significantly higher in the active group than in the inactive group. We also analyzed the correlation between plasma cytokine levels and the SLEDAI-2K, and our results showed that the plasma levels of the fourteen selected cytokines were weakly correlated or not correlated with the SLEDAI-2K. We further analyzed the correlation between cytokines and renal dysfunction. Plasma levels of GDF-15 and TFF3 were highly positively correlated with serum creatinine levels and 24-hour urine protein levels. Conclusion. Our data suggest that plasma levels of GDF-15 and TFF3 are potential renal dysfunction markers in SLE patients, but plasma levels of these cytokines are not correlated with the SLEDAI-2K. Further study is warranted to determine how these cytokines regulate inflammatory responses and renal dysfunction in SLE.
Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita Associated with Hemiatrophy
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Lam Joseph M. , Leong Kin Fon
Published: October 2020

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita is characterized by the presence of a bluish-purple reticulated cutaneous vascular network on the skin intermixed with telangiectasia and occasionally prominent veins at birth. Areas of the skin within the reticulated cutaneous vascular network may be normal, erythematous, atrophic, and, at times, ulcerated. Areas of ulcerations and focal cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy occasionally occur resulting in body asymmetry. On the other hand, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, extensive and severe enough leading to hemiatrophy, of the entire limb is rare. A search of the English literature revealed only eight documented cases to which we are adding two more cases.
Research on the Corrosion Damage Mechanism of Concrete in Two Freeze–Thaw Environments
Authors: Yao Xianhua , Zhang Min , Guan Junfeng , Li Lielie , Bai Weifeng , Liu Zepeng
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate the effects of two freeze–thaw environments (i.e., maintenance freeze‐thaw (MFT) environment and immersion freeze‐thaw (IFT) environment) on the durability performance, deterioration rules, and mechanisms of concrete. In MFT, the concrete specimens were firstly cured in the standard curing environment (temperature, 20 ± 3, humidity, not less than 95%, and ages, 28 d) and then were carried out in freeze–thaw environment, while in IFT, the concrete specimens were firstly cured in the salt (NaHCO3, NaCl, and Na2SO4) immersion environment for 90 d and then were carried out in freeze–thaw environment. In this study, the damage features, relative dynamic elastic modulus, mass changes, and erosion‐resistance coefficient of concrete have been measured. Thereafter, using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), the air‐void structure parameters and the microstructures have been measured, respectively. The results show that the relative dynamic elastic modulus and the erosion‐resistance coefficient of the compressive strength of the concrete in the IFT environment are, respectively, 14.3% and 21.0% higher than those of the concrete in the MFT environment. In addition, the results of the microstructure analyses show that the corrosion damages of the concrete are mainly caused by the combined action of the corrosion products of ettringite and freeze–thaw environment. However, the damage to the concrete in the MFT environment is more serious than that in the IFT environment. The results of the MIP analysis show that the harmful pore value for the concrete in the MFT environment is almost two times larger than that for the concrete in the IFT environment.
Mechanical Properties of SiO2‐Coated Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Mortar Composites with Different Fiber Lengths and Fiber Volume Fractions
Authors: Heo Gwang-Hee , Park Jong-Gun , Song Ki-Chang , Park Jong-Ho , Jun Hyung-Min
Published: October 2020

In the present study, SiO2 particles were coated on the surface of carbon fibers by means of chemical reaction of silane coupling agent (glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane, GPTMS) and colloidal SiO2 sol to improve the interfacial bonding force between fibers and matrix in cement matrix. The surface of the modified carbon fibers was confirmed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties of SiO2‐coated carbon fiber mortar and uncoated carbon fiber mortar with different fiber lengths (6 mm and 12 mm) and fiber volume fractions (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) were compared and analyzed. The experimental results show that the flow values of the carbon fiber mortar were greatly disadvantageous in terms of fluidity due to the nonhydrophilicity of fibers and fiber balls, and the unit weight decreased significantly as the fiber volume fractions increased. However, the air content increased more or less. In addition, regardless of whether the fibers were coated, the compressive strength of carbon fiber‐reinforced mortar (CFRM) composite specimens tended to gradually decrease as the fiber volume fractions increased. On the other hand, in case of the SiO2‐coated CFRM composite specimens, the flexural strength was significantly increased compared to uncoated CFRM composite specimens and plain mortar specimens, and the highest flexural strength was obtained at 12 mm and 1.5%, particularly. It can be seen that the new carbon fiber surface modification method employed in this study was very effective in enhancing the flexural strength as cement‐reinforcing materials.
Magnetic Resonance of Rectal Cancer Response to Therapy: An Image Quality Comparison between 3.0 and 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Caruso Damiano , Zerunian Marta , De Santis Domenico , Biondi Tommaso , Paolantonio Pasquale , Rengo Marco , Bellini Davide , Ferrari Riccardo , Ciolina Maria , Lucertini Elena , Polici Michela , Iannicelli Elsa , Tombolini Vincenzo , Laghi Andrea
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To evaluate signal intensity (SI) differences between 3.0 T and 1.5 T on T2‐weighted (T2w), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in rectal cancer pre‐, during, and postneoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Materials and Methods. 22 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent T2w, DWI, and ADC pre‐, during, and post‐CRT on both 3.0 T MRI and 1.5 T MRI. A radiologist drew regions of interest (ROIs) of the tumor and obturator internus muscle on the selected slice to evaluate SI and relative SI (rSI). Additionally, a subanalysis evaluating the SI before and after‐CRT (∆SI pre‐post) in complete responder patients (CR) and nonresponder patients (NR) on T2w, DWI, and ADC was performed. Results. Significant differences were observed for T2w and DWI on 3.0 T MRI compared to 1.5 T MRI pre‐, during, and post‐CRT (all P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were reported for ADC among all controls (all P > 0.05). rSI showed no significant differences in all the examinations for all sequences (all P > 0.05). ∆SI showed significant differences between 3.0 T and 1.5 T MRI for DWI‐∆SI in CR and NR (188.39 ± 166.90 vs. 30.45 ± 21.73 and 169.70 ± 121.87 vs. 22.00 ± 31.29, respectively, all P 0.02) and ADC‐∆SI for CR (−0.58 ± 0.27 vs. −0.21 ± 0.24P value 0.02), while no significant differences were observed for ADC‐∆SI in NR and both CR and NR for T2w‐∆SI. Conclusion. T2w‐SI and DWI‐SI showed significant differences for 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T in all three controls, while ADCSI showed no significant differences in all three controls on both field strengths. rSI was comparable for 3.0 T and 1.5 T MRI in rectal cancer patients; therefore, rectal cancer patients can be assessed both at 3.0 T MRI and 1.5 T MRI. However, a significant DWI‐∆SI and ADC‐∆SI on 3.0 T in CR might be interpreted as a better visual assessment in discriminating response to therapy compared to 1.5 T. Further investigations should be performed to confirm future possible clinical application.
Combined Inhibition of SHP2 and MEK Is Effective in Models of NF1-Deficient Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Wang Jiawan , Pollard Kai , Allen Amy N. , Tomar Tushar , Pijnenburg Dirk , Yao Zhan , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Pratilas Christine A.
Published: October 2020

Loss of the RAS GTPase-activating protein (RAS-GAP) NF1 drives aberrant activation of RAS/MEK/ERK signaling and other effector pathways in the majority of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). These dysregulated pathways represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. However, studies of novel single agents including MEK inhibitors (MEKi) have demonstrated limited efficacy both preclinically and clinically, with little advancement in overall patient survival. By interrogation of kinome activity through an unbiased screen and targeted evaluation of the signaling response to MEK inhibition, we have identified global activation of upstream receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) that converges on activation of RAS as a mechanism to limit sensitivity to MEK inhibition. As no direct inhibitors of pan-RAS were available, an inhibitor of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, a critical mediator of RAS signal transduction downstream of multiple RTK, represented an alternate strategy. The combination of MEKi plus SHP099 was superior to MEKi alone in models of NF1-MPNST, including those with acquired resistance to MEKi. Our findings have immediate translational implications and may inform future clinical trials for patients with MPNST harboring alterations in NF1.

Significance:

Combined inhibition of MEK and SHP2 is effective in models of NF1-MPNST, both those naïve to and those resistant to MEKi, as well as in the MPNST precursor lesion plexiform neurofibroma.
Effect of Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant on Visual Acuity and Foveal Photoreceptor Integrity in Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vascular Disease
Authors: Castro-Navarro Verónica , Monferrer-Adsuara Clara , Navarro-Palop Catalina , Montero-Hernández Javier , Cervera-Taulet Enrique
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dexamethasone intravitreal (DEX) implant on the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity in treatment-naïve patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vascular disease (RVD). Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on patients with ME secondary to RVD, who underwent a DEX implant. Results: One-hundred eyes were included. Mean age was 70.3 ± 11.1 years. Mean ELM integrity significantly improved from 1,575.9 ± 285.9 μm at baseline to 1,711.7 ± 244.0 μm at month 3 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in EZ integrity from baseline to month 3 (1,531.5 ± 317.1 vs. 1,694.3 ± 252.8 μm, respectively, p < 0.0001). At month 3, mean visual acuity (VA) gain was 9.9 ± 14.1 letters (p < 0.0001). Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) significantly decreased by –193.2 ± 185.7 μm from baseline to month 3 (p < 0.0001). Mean changes in VA and CRT were significantly correlated with baseline ELM integrity (p = 0.0065 and p = 0.0046, respectively) and EZ integrity (p = 0.0300 and p = 0.0035, respectively). At month 3, the proportion of eyes which had an intact ELM (mean difference 16.0%, 95% CI 5.4–26.4%, p = 0.0033) and EZ (mean difference 12.0%, 95% CI 1.8–22.1%, p = 0.0210) was significantly higher than at baseline. Conclusions: DEX implant was able to significantly improve ELM and EZ integrity in naïve patients with ME.
Downregulation of M Current Is Coupled to Membrane Excitability in Sympathetic Neurons Before the Onset of Hypertension
Authors: Davis Harvey , Herring Neil , Paterson David J.
Published: October 2020

Neurohumoral activation is an early hallmark of cardiovascular disease and contributes to the etiology of the pathophysiology. Stellectomy has reemerged as a positive therapeutic intervention to modify the progression of dysautonomia, although the biophysical properties underpinning abnormal activity of this ganglia are not fully understood in the initial stages of the disease. We investigated whether stellate ganglia neurons from prehypertensive SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats) are hyperactive and describe their electrophysiological phenotype guided by single-cell RNA sequencing, molecular biology, and perforated patch clamp to uncover the mechanism of abnormal excitability. We demonstrate the contribution of a plethora of ion channels, in particular inhibition of M current to stellate ganglia neuronal firing, and confirm the conservation of expression of key ion channel transcripts in human stellate ganglia. We show that hyperexcitability was curbed by M-current activators, nonselective sodium current blockers, or inhibition of Na
v
1.1-1.3, Na
v
1.6, or I
NaP
. We conclude that reduced activity of M current contributes significantly to abnormal firing of stellate neurons, which, in part, contributes to the hyperexcitability from rats that have a predisposition to hypertension. Targeting these channels could provide a therapeutic opportunity to minimize the consequences of excessive sympathetic activation.
Trigonotis motuoensis (Boraginaceae), a new species from Xizang, China

Authors: XU XUE-MIN , LIU DAN-HUI , HE YI , LIU QUAN-RU
Published: October 2020

Trigonotis motuoensis, a distinct new species endemic to Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. It can be easily distinguished from all other known congeneric species by the ebracteate inflorescences, broadly spatulate calyx lobes and obliquely trigonous-tetrahedral nutlets that have flat bottom surface and triangular abaxial surfaces. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS confirmed that it belongs to Trigonotis sect. Elongatae. An updated key to the species of Trigonotis from Xizang is also provided.
Updated taxonomic circumscription of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsect. Absus series Rigidulae (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

Authors: SOUZA ALESSANDRO OLIVEIRA DE , DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ
Published: October 2020

Anupdated circumscription and a taxonomic treatment of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsect. Absus ser. Rigidulae is presented based on the results of previous phylogeny study where the series has emerged as monophyletic with exclusion of two species (C. brachyblepharis and C.ciliolata) and inclusion of two others species (C. botryoides and Ch. sincorana) in its circumscription. This revision resulted from consulting the specialized literature, analyzing of about 1400 collections from national and foreign herbaria. In this new circumscription, the series becomes the largest series of the genus with 32 species endemics to Brazil and distributed mainly in the Brazilian Central Plateau. Two new records in Brazilian states were reported, one to Bahia (Ch. feliciana) and two to Minas Gerais (Ch. benthamiana, Ch. rupestrium); an identification key of the species, morphologic descriptions, notes on taxonomy and geographic distribution of the taxa, conservation status, as well as illustrations and images of diagnostic characters are presented. In addition, the species typification remains updated with all categories indicated first with their respective barcodes.
Assessing the severity of psychiatric disorders using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales: An equipercentile linking analysis
Authors: Egger Stephan T , Bobes Julio , Theodoridou Anastasia , Seifritz Erich , Vetter Stefan
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales was developed as an overall measure of mental health, applicable to the complete range of psychiatric disorders. Meanwhile, it is a benchmark tool for service providers and is also used for the allocation of costs and funding. The ability of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales to assess and differentiate the severity of psychiatric disorders is largely unknown, as it is the interpretation of a change in score. We aim to establish Health of the Nation Outcome Scales cut-off and benchmark values for severity and improvement – respectively change, using equipercentile linking to the Clinical Global Impression scales.

Methods:

In a clinical sample of 30,616 individuals with a psychiatric disorder, we used a multivariate regression analysis to determine the correlation between the scales and possible confounders. We used an equipercentile linking analysis of the Clinical Global Impressions severity scale with the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales sum score to establish cut-off values for severity. The linking of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales sum score difference and the percentage of change to the Clinical Global Impression improvement scale determined benchmark values for change (i.e. improvement or deterioration).

Results:

The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales and Clinical Global Impression scales showed a Spearman correlation of 0.38 ( p < 0.000). Clinical Global Impression–Severity: ‘borderline-ill’ corresponded to Health of the Nation Outcome Scales score 3–5; ‘mildly ill’ to 6–10; ‘moderately ill’ to 11–16; ‘markedly ill’ to 17–25; ‘severely ill’ to 26–35; and ‘extremely ill’ to a score ⩾36. The Spearman correlation between the percentage change of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales was 0.39 ( p > 0.000); Clinical Global Impression–Improvement: ‘minimally improved’ corresponded to Health of the Nation Outcome Scales reduction of 4 points or 9%; ‘much-improved’ to 12 points or 48%; ‘very-much-improved’ to ⩾20 points or ⩾90%. Clinical Global Impression–Improvement: ‘minimally worse’ corresponded to an increase of 6 points or 25%; ‘much-worse’ to 12 points or 54%; and finally, ‘very-much-worse’ to >18 points or ⩾82%.

Conclusion:

Our results allow for the comparison of severity and response to treatment of patients with a psychiatric disorder, independent of diagnosis.
Dreams, songs and letters: Sectarian networks and musical archives in eighteenth-century North India
Authors: Williams Richard David
Published: October 2020

Early modern poets conventionally began their compositions by praising and invoking the blessings of their higher authorities, be they their gods, gurus or courtly patrons. In the eighteenth century, North Indian society was particularly unstable, and the relationships between these different power brokers proved volatile. This article considers how intellectuals attached to religious households navigated the challenges of the period, particularly invading armies, religious reforms and forced migration. I examine the works of Vrindavandas (c. 1700–87), a Brajbhasha poet and lay devotee of the Radhavallabh Sampraday, and provide contextualised readings of two of his poems, concerned with recent history and the contemporary political climate.

Vrindavandas was not a scribe or chronicler in a conventional sense; however, closer examination of his works reveals the porous boundaries between scribes-cum-recorders and other kinds of intellectuals. Here, I consider how Vrindavandas’ literary activity included copying archival sources, recording recent history, documenting dreams and emotions, and folding different senses of temporality into a single work. This article asks how far his poetic works gesture to a distinctively eighteenth-century mode of literary expression and reflexivity, and how performing these poetic archives through reading, singing, and musical accompaniment provided the sect with tools to navigate a turbulent political landscape.
ICT Penetration and Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis of Major Trading Nations
Authors: Siddiqui Areej Aftab , Singh Parul
Published: October 2020

This study develops an information and communication technology (ICT) penetration index and examines the link between ICT penetration and economic growth, trade openness and foreign direct investment in major trading nations from 2001 to 2018. The nations have been selected based on total trade volume. The ICT penetration index constructed for the major trading nations is based on trade of ICT goods and services, Internet use, mobile and broadband subscriptions using principal component analysis. Based on the new endogenous growth model, co-integration and panel regression are applied to determine the relationship between ICT penetration, trade openness and economic growth. A few other control variables such as financial development and foreign direct investment are also considered to assess the relationship between growth, trade openness and ICT penetration along with cross-country effects. It is seen that there exists a relationship between ICT penetration, economic growth, trade openness and foreign direct investment for the selected countries, with emerging and high-income countries showing a significant relationship between ICT penetration and growth, while countries are focusing on enhancing the role of ICT in trade.
Stigmatising attitude and reflections towards mental illness at community setting, population-based approach, Baghdad City 2020
Authors: Younis Maha Sulaiman , Anwer Arjan Hidayat , Hussain Hamid Yahay
Published: October 2020

Background:

Addressing the social stigma of mental illness is of importance in Iraq where mentally ill patients experience the compounded disadvantages of inadequate health services and illness stigma.

Aims:

To study the prevalence and magnitude of the social stigma towards mental illnesses.

Method:

A cross-sectional study has been carried out on 300 male and female participants at shopping malls and public cafes in Baghdad, Iraq. A self-administered questionnaire made data collection. Descriptive, and analytic statics procedure was operated as far as a convenience by using Excel 365 version as a data management tool.

Results:

About (80%) of the respondents revealed a moderate degree of stigmatising attitude towards mental illness with a Likert scale total equivalent score range of (2.34–3.669). About (20%) of respondents showed a low degree of stigmatising attitude towards mental illness, with a Likert scale total equivalent score range of (1–2.339). P-value was highly significant (=0.011798) <0.05 among gender variables while it is not significant among age, income, education, and positive family of mental illnesses. 83% of the respondents prefer the medical management of mental illnesses.

Conclusions:

There were no clear roles of socio-demographic factors in the stigmatic attitude towards mental illnesses. This finding warrants a more in-depth look into the Iraqi community’s cultural, social, and moral contexts.
Functional Effects of WNT10A Rare Variants Associated with Tooth Agenesis
Authors: Zeng Y. , Baugh E. , Akyalcin S. , Letra A.
Published: October 2020

Mutations in WNT10A have frequently been reported as etiologic for tooth agenesis (TA). However, the effects of WNT10A variation on gene/protein function and contribution to TA phenotypes remain poorly understood. Here, we performed bioinformatic and functional characterization analysis of WNT10A variants. In silico prediction of variant function was performed with VIPUR for all WNT10A missense variants reported in the Exome Aggregation Consortium database. Functional characterization experiments were then performed for selected WNT10A variants previously associated with TA. Expression vectors for wild-type and mutant WNT10A were made and transfected into stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) for evaluation of gene/protein function, WNT signaling activity, and effects on expression of relevant genes. While 75% of WNT10A variants were predicted neutral, most of the TA-associated variants received deleterious scores by potentially destabilizing or preventing the disulfide bond formation required for proper protein function. WNT signaling was significantly decreased with 8 of 13 variants tested, whereas wild-type–like activity was retained with 4 of 13 variants. WNT10A-mutant cells (T357I, R360C, and R379C mutants) showed reduced or impaired binding affinity to FZD5, suggesting a potential mechanism for the decreased WNT signaling. Mutant cells also had decreased WNT10A protein expression in comparison to wild-type cells. mRNA expression of PAX9, MSX1, AXIN2, and RUNX2 (known tooth development genes) was perturbed in mutant cells and quite significantly for PAX9 and RUNX2. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and T357I-mutant cells identified 36 differentially expressed genes (26 downregulated, 10 upregulated) involved in skeletal system development and morphogenesis and pattern specification. WNT10A variants deemed pathogenic for TA likely affect protein folding and/or stabilization, leading to decreased WNT signaling and concomitant dysregulated expression of relevant genes. These findings may allow for improved interpretation of TA phenotypes upon clinical diagnosis while providing important insights toward the development of future tooth replacement therapies.