bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic scalpel and electrocautery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shahmoradi Mohammad Kazem , Mehri Jafar , Taheri Hamid Reza
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT

Aim:

Hemorrhoids of grade III and IV require surgical management. Recurrence and postoperative pain have been reported to be associated with the type of surgical method. The aim of this study was to compare the hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic and electrocautery scalpel.

Materials and methods:

The present study was a randomized clinical trial, enrolling patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids. The patients were randomly divided into the two groups A and B, to receive hemorrhoidectomy using electrocautery and harmonic scalpel, respectively. Outcomes such as postoperative pain, bleeding and recurrence of hemorrhoids were recorded for all the patients. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSSv22.

Results:

The demographic data was not significantly different among the two groups P < 0.05. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was greater in electrocautery group, however, non-significantly, p = 0.41. The recurrence of hemorrhoids was reported in 2 patients following 3 months in group A. At 6-month follow-up, 71.4% patients in group A and 28.6% in group B had recurrence of hemorrhoids. The pain was significantly lesser in group B p = 0.017.

Conclusion:

Hemorrhoidectomy using harmonic scalpel is significant associated with reduced postoperative pain. Postoperative bleeding was also non-significantly lesser in this group.

Highlights:
Stochastic Evaluation of Pre‐Earthquake TEC Enhancements
Authors: Ikuta R. , Hisada T. , Karakama G. , Kuwano O.
Published: October 2020

Here we test the precursory enhancement in ionospheric total electron content (TEC) which has been reported by Heki (2011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL047908) and numerous Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) TEC observational studies before the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku‐Oki and many great earthquakes. We verify the frequency of this TEC enhancement via analysis of a 2‐month vertical TEC (VTEC) time series that includes the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake using the procedure, based on Akaike's information criterion, and threshold of Heki and Enomoto (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JA021353). The averaged occurrence rate of the TEC enhancement is much larger than that reported by Heki and Enomoto (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JA021353) when all of the visible GPS satellites at a given station are taken into account. The frequency assessment by Heki and Enomoto (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JA021353) using only one satellite underestimates the frequency of the TEC enhancement. In fact, the TEC enhancement is sufficiently frequent to explain all the reported enhancements prior to the great earthquakes as a product of chance. We also analyze the spatial distribution of the preseismic TEC enhancement and coseismic TEC depletion for the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake with the data after reducing intertrace biases. We observe significant postseismic depletion that lasted at least 2 h after the earthquake and extended at least 500 km around the center of the large‐slip area. This means that evaluation of the enhancements using reference curves which was adopted by Heki (2011, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GL047908) and even by the recent papers (e.g., He & Heki 2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL069863; 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024012; 2018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017JA024871) is in danger of mistaking a large and long‐lasting postseismic TEC depletion for a preseismic enhancement.
Electromagnetic Drift Waves at Substorm Onset: Theory and Observations
Authors: Tsareva O. , Fruit G. , Louarn P. , Jacquey C. , Tur A.
Published: October 2020

The onset of a modest substorm observed by THEMIS is studied and interpreted using a new model of current sheet instability. The wave‐like structuring of the first observed auroral arc is characterized using auroral imagers. Similarly, the magnetic fluctuations measured by the THEMIS satellites, located in the near‐Earth current sheet (10 RE) and magnetically connected to the arc, are determined. Both sets of measurements show that oscillatory components with periods from 7 to 20 s are detected at the very early phase of the onset. This is compared with the predictions of a recent theoretical model (Tsareva et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1017/S002237781900028X) that describes the kinetic instability of electromagnetic drift waves in 2‐D Harris sheet configurations. They are in a reasonable agreement with the observations since the measured magnetic fluctuations are characterized by frequencies, growth rates, and polarization that are consistent with the model. It is also remarkable that the oscillations are observed when the ion perpendicular velocity (drift velocity) exceeds 90–100 km/s. The theory indeed shows that the drift is the main trigger of the instability, with a possible threshold at 80–100 km/s. This suggests that above a threshold of magnetic stress, and thus ion drift, the current sheet equilibrium is affected by the generation of electromagnetic drift waves.
Effects of the 21 June 2020 Solar Eclipse on Conjugate Hemispheres: A Modeling Study
Authors: Le Huijun , Liu Libo , Ren Zhipeng , Chen Yiding , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2020

An annual solar eclipse occurred on 21 June 2020. The maximum eclipse path of this solar eclipse covers the geomagnetic latitude 10–20°N in East Asia. The geomagnetic conjugate region of the eclipse region covers most of the land in Australia. It provides a valuable opportunity to study the ionospheric responses not only in the solar eclipse region but also in the conjugate region. Utilizing a coupled ionosphere and thermosphere model, we modeled global ionospheric responses and identified significant variations in electron density and electron temperature in both the eclipse region and its conjugate region. The simulated results show a significant enhancement in electron density and large decrease in electron temperature at high altitudes in the conjugate region. Two control simulations were carried out to study the main reason for the ionospheric disturbances in the conjugate hemisphere by cutting off transhemisphere photoelectron transport and thermal conduction process along field lines. The simulated results suggest that the ionospheric disturbances in the conjugate hemisphere are caused by the combined effects of transhemisphere photoelectron transport, thermal conduction, and thermospheric wind changes. Furthermore, the thermal conduction process along filed lines should be the main reason.
The Relationship Between Seismic and Aseismic Slip on the Philippine Fault on Leyte Island: Bayesian Modeling of Fault Slip and Geothermal Subsidence
Authors: Dianala John Dale B. , Jolivet Romain , Thomas Marion Y. , Fukushima Yo , Parsons Barry , Walker Richard
Published: October 2020

Delineating seismic and aseismic slip on faults allows the exploration of the complex relationship between these different modes of slip. Further, quantifying them helps in the assessment of seismogenic potential. We present a distributed slip model of the rate of aseismic slip along the Leyte island section of the Philippine Fault and make comparisons with the extent of seismic slip from the latest significant earthquakes in July 2017. We derived both coseismic and aseismic slip distributions from kinematic inversions of synthetic aperture radar interferometric (InSAR) observations using a probabilistic (Bayesian) framework. Velocity maps from stacking and time series analysis of ALOS interferograms spanning 4 years (2007–2011) show a step change in ground deformation right on the fault. Inverting for slip at depth reveals along‐strike variations of aseismic slip rate over ∼100 km. Aseismic slip on the surface reaches rates of more than 3 cm/yr, equivalent to the long‐term slip rate (3.3 ± 0.2 cm/yr). Over the same period, a 20‐km segment in Tongonan appears to be locked. This segment ruptured in Mw 6.5 and Mw 5.8 earthquakes on 6 and 10 July 2017, respectively, as constrained by Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 InSAR data. Seismic slip appears to be restricted within the Tongonan segment, with up to 152 ± 21 cm of left‐lateral displacement. The slip budget and complementarity between the extents of interseismic and coseismic slip suggest that a seismogenic asperity exists in Tongonan. The presence of active hydrothermal systems and rate‐strengthening materials provide physical conditions that can promote aseismic slip.
Spin Transitions and Compressibility of ε‐Fe7N3 and γ′‐Fe4N: Implications for Iron Alloys in Terrestrial Planet Cores
Authors: Lv Mingda , Liu Jiachao , Zhu Feng , Li Jie , Zhang Dongzhou , Xiao Yuming , Dorfman Susannah M.
Published: October 2020

Iron nitrides are possible constituents of the cores of Earth and other terrestrial planets. Pressure‐induced magnetic changes in iron nitrides and effects on compressibility remain poorly understood. Here we report synchrotron X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results for ε‐Fe7N3 and γ′‐Fe4N up to 60 GPa at 300 K. The XES spectra reveal completion of high‐ to low‐spin transition in ε‐Fe7N3 and γ′‐Fe4N at 43 and 34 GPa, respectively. The completion of the spin transition induces stiffening in bulk modulus of ε‐Fe7N3 by 22% at ~40 GPa, but has no resolvable effect on the compression behavior of γ′‐Fe4N. Fitting pressure‐volume data to the Birch‐Murnaghan equation of state yields V0 = 83.29 ± 0.03 (Å3), K0 = 232 ± 9 GPa, K0′ = 4.1 ± 0.5 for nonmagnetic ε‐Fe7N3 above the spin transition completion pressure, and V0 = 54.82 ± 0.02 (Å3), K0 = 152 ± 2 GPa, K0′ = 4.0 ± 0.1 for γ′‐Fe4N over the studied pressure range. By reexamining evidence for spin transition and effects on compressibility of other candidate components of terrestrial planet cores, Fe3S, Fe3P, Fe7C3, and Fe3C based on previous XES and XRD measurements, we located the completion of high‐ to low‐spin transition at ~67, 38, 50, and 30 GPa at 300 K, respectively. The completion of spin transitions of Fe3S, Fe3P, and Fe3C induces elastic stiffening, whereas that of Fe7C3 induces elastic softening. Changes in compressibility at completion of spin transitions in iron‐light element alloys may influence the properties of Earth's and planetary cores.
Probabilistic Spatial Meteorological Estimates for Alaska and the Yukon
Authors: Newman Andrew J. , Clark Martyn P. , Wood Andrew W. , Arnold Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2020

It is challenging to develop observationally based spatial estimates of meteorology in Alaska and the Yukon. Complex topography, frozen precipitation undercatch, and extremely sparse in situ observations all limit our capability to produce accurate spatial estimates of meteorological conditions. In this Arctic environment, it is necessary to develop probabilistic estimates of precipitation and temperature that explicitly incorporate spatiotemporally varying uncertainty and bias corrections. In this paper we exploit the recently developed ensemble Climatologically Aided Interpolation (eCAI) system to produce daily historical estimates of precipitation and temperature across Alaska and the Yukon Territory at a 2 km grid spacing for the time period 1980–2013. We extend the previous eCAI method to address precipitation gauge undercatch and wetting loss, which is of high importance for this high‐latitude region where much of the precipitation falls as snow. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation shows our ensemble has little bias in daily precipitation and mean temperature at the station locations, with an overestimate in the daily standard deviation of precipitation. The ensemble is statistically reliable compared to climatology and can discriminate precipitation events across different precipitation thresholds. Long‐term mean loss adjusted precipitation is up to 36% greater than the unadjusted estimate in windy areas that receive a large fraction of frozen precipitation, primarily due to wind induced undercatch. Comparing the ensemble mean climatology of precipitation and temperature to PRISM and Daymet v3 shows large interproduct differences, particularly in precipitation across the complex terrain of southeast and northern Alaska.
High‐Frequency Wind‐Related Seasonal Mean Latent Heat Flux Changes Over the Tropical Indo‐Western Pacific in El Niño and La Niña Years
Authors: Wu Renguang , Jiao Yang , Wang Yuqi , Jia Xiaojing
Published: October 2020

By decomposing the variations of daily mean variables into synoptic, intraseasonal, and low‐frequency components, the present study compares seasonal mean latent heat flux (LHF) anomalies related to the three components over the tropical Indo‐Pacific region during El Niño and La Niña years. It is found that the high‐frequency (intraseasonal and synoptic) LHF has an important contribution to total seasonal mean LHF anomalies over the tropical eastern Indo‐western Pacific region. Large seasonal mean LHF anomalies related to high‐frequency wind variations are identified in weak low‐frequency seasonal mean wind regions where high‐frequency LHF may accumulate over a season as it increases in both westerly and easterly phases of high‐frequency wind variations. In those regions, the LHF anomalies related to high‐frequency wind variations cancel part of the low‐frequency LHF anomalies, reducing total seasonal mean LHF anomalies. As El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐induced lower‐level wind anomaly region moves with the stage of ENSO, large seasonal mean LHF anomalies related to high‐frequency wind variations displace with the season. The intensity of high‐frequency wind fluctuations is also a factor influencing the seasonal mean LHF related to high‐frequency wind variations. Thus, the ENSO affects the high‐frequency LHF variations through modulating both the location of weak low‐frequency wind region and intensity of high‐frequency wind fluctuations.
Tropical Anvil Clouds: Radiative Driving Toward a Preferred State
Authors: Sokol Adam B. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: October 2020

The evolution of anvil clouds detrained from deep convective systems has important implications for the tropical energy balance and is thought to be shaped by radiative heating. We use combined radar‐lidar observations and a radiative transfer model to investigate the influence of radiative heating on anvil cloud altitude, thickness, and microphysical structure. We find that high clouds with an optical depth between 1 and 2 are prevalent in tropical convective regions and can persist far from any convective source. These clouds are generally located at higher altitudes than optically thicker clouds, experience strong radiative heating, and contain high concentrations of ice crystals indicative of turbulence. These findings support the hypothesis that anvil clouds are driven toward and maintained at a preferred optical thickness that corresponds to a positive cloud radiative effect. Comparison of daytime and nighttime observations suggests that anvil thinning proceeds more rapidly at night, when net radiative cooling promotes the sinking of cloud top. It is hypothesized that the properties of aged anvil clouds and their susceptibility to radiative destabilization are shaped by the time of day at which the cloud was detrained. These results underscore the importance of small‐scale processes in determining the radiative effect of tropical convection.
Long‐Term Trends for Marine Sulfur Aerosol in the Alaskan Arctic and Relationships With Temperature
Authors: Moffett Claire E. , Barrett Tate E. , Liu Jun , Gunsch Matthew J. , Upchurch Lucia M. , Quinn Patricia K. , Pratt Kerri A. , Sheesley Rebecca J.
Published: October 2020

Marine aerosol plays a vital role in cloud‐aerosol interactions during summer in the Arctic. The recent rise in temperature and decrease in sea ice extent have the potential to impact marine biogenic sources. Compounds like methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and non‐sea‐salt sulfate (nss‐SO42−), oxidation products of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emitted by marine primary producers, are likely to increase in concentration. Long‐term studies are vital to understand these changes in marine sulfur aerosol and potential interactions with Arctic climate. Samples were collected over three summers at two coastal sites on the North Slope of Alaska (Utqiaġvik and Oliktok Point). MSA concentrations followed previously reported seasonal trends, with evidence of high marine primary productivity influencing both sites. When added to an additional data set collected at Utqiaġvik, an increase in MSA concentration of  + 2.5% per year and an increase in nss‐SO42− of  + 2.1% per year are observed for the summer season over the 20‐year record (1998–2017). This study identifies ambient air temperature as a strong factor for MSA, likely related to a combination of interrelated factors including warmer sea surface temperature, reduced sea ice, and temperature‐dependent chemical reactions. Analysis of individual particles at Oliktok Point, within the North Slope of Alaska oil fields, showed evidence of condensation of MSA onto anthropogenic particles, highlighting the connection between marine and oil field emissions and secondary organic aerosol. This study shows the continued importance of understanding MSA in the Arctic while highlighting the need for further research into its seasonal relationship with organic carbon.
Extending Ozone‐Precursor Relationships in China From Peak Concentration to Peak Time
Authors: Qu Hang , Wang Yuhang , Zhang Ruixiong , Li Jianfeng
Published: October 2020

High ozone concentrations have become the major summertime air quality problem in China. Extensive in situ observations are deployed for developing strategies to effectively control the emissions of ozone precursors, that is, nitrogen oxides (NOX = NO + NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The modeling analysis of in situ observations often makes uses of the dependence of ozone peak concentration on NOX and VOC emissions, because ozone observations are among the most widely available air quality measurements. To extract more information from regulatory ozone observations, we extend the ozone‐precursor relationship to ozone peak time in this study. We find that the sensitivities of ozone peak time and concentration are complementary for regions with large anthropogenic emissions such as China. The ozone peak time is sensitive to both VOC and NOX emissions, and the sensitivity is nearly linear in the transition regime of ozone production compared to the changing ozone peak concentration sensitivity in this regime, making the diagnostics of ozone peak time particularly valuable. The extended ozone‐precursor relationships can be readily applied to understand the effects on ozone by emission changes of NOX and VOC and to assess potential biases of NOX and VOC emission inventories. These observation constraints based on regulatory ozone observations can complement the other measurement and modeling analysis methods nicely. Furthermore, we suggest that the ozone peak time sensitivity we discussed here to be used as a model evaluation measure before the empirical kinetic modeling approach (EKMA) diagram is applied to understand the effectiveness of emission control on ozone concentrations.
Uncertainty Quantification of Ocean Parameterizations: Application to the K‐Profile‐Parameterization for Penetrative Convection
Authors: Souza A. N. , Wagner G. L. , Ramadhan A. , Allen B. , Churavy V. , Schloss J. , Campin J. , Hill C. , Edelman A. , Marshall J. , Flierl G. , Ferrari R.
Published: October 2020

Parameterizations of unresolved turbulent processes often compromise the fidelity of large‐scale ocean models. In this work, we argue for a Bayesian approach to the refinement and evaluation of turbulence parameterizations. Using an ensemble of large eddy simulations of turbulent penetrative convection in the surface boundary layer, we demonstrate the method by estimating the uncertainty of parameters in the convective limit of the popular “K‐Profile Parameterization.” We uncover structural deficiencies and propose an alternative scaling that overcomes them.
Description and Climate Simulation Performance of CAS‐ESM Version 2
Authors: Zhang He , Zhang Minghua , Jin Jiangbo , Fei Kece , Ji Duoying , Wu Chenglai , Zhu Jiawen , He Juanxiong , Chai Zhaoyang , Xie Jinbo , Dong Xiao , Zhang Dongling , Bi Xunqiang , Cao Hang , Chen Huansheng , Chen Kangjun , Chen Xueshun , Gao Xin , Hao Huiqun , Jiang Jinrong , Kong Xianghui , Li Shigang , Li Yangchun , Lin Pengfei , Lin Zhaohui , Liu Hailong , Liu Xiaohong , Shi Ying , Song Mirong , Wang Huijun , Wang Tianyi , Wang Xiaocong , Wang Zifa , Wei Ying , Wu Baodong , Xie Zhenghui , Xu Yongfu , Yu Yongqiang , Yuan Liang , Zeng Qingcun , Zeng Xiaodong , Zhao Shuwen , Zhou Guangqing , Zhu Jiang
Published: October 2020

The second version of Chinese Academy of Sciences Earth System Model (CAS‐ESM 2) is described with emphasis on the development process, strength and weakness, and climate sensitivities in simulations of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) DECK experiments. CAS‐ESM 2 was built as a numerical model to simulate both the physical climate system as well as atmospheric chemistry and carbon cycle. It is a newcomer in the international modeling community to provide sufficiently independent solutions of climate simulations from those of other models. Performances of the model in simulating the basic states of the radiation budget of the atmosphere and ocean, precipitation, circulations, variabilities, and the twentieth century warming are presented. Model biases and their possible causes are discussed. Strength includes horizontal heat transport in the atmosphere and oceans, vertical profile of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation; weakness includes the double intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and stronger amplitude of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) that are also common in many other models. The simulated the twentieth century warming shares a similar discrepancy with observations as in several other models—less warming in the 1920s and stronger cooling in the 1960s than in observation—at the time when there was a steep increase of anthropogenic aerosols. As a result, the twentieth century warming is about 60% of the observed warming despite that the model simulated a similar slope of warming trend after 1980 to observation. The model has an equilibrium climate sensitivity of 3.4 K with a positive cloud feedback from the shortwave radiation.
Disproving the Presence of Paleozoic‐Triassic Metamorphic Rocks on the Island of Zannone (Central Italy): Implications for the Early Stages of the Tyrrhenian‐Apennines Tectonic Evolution
Authors: Curzi Manuel , Billi Andrea , Carminati Eugenio , Rossetti Federico , Albert Richard , Aldega Luca , Cardello Giovanni Luca , Conti Alessia , Gerdes Axel , Smeraglia Luca , Van der Lelij Roelant , Vignaroli Gianluca , Viola Giulio
Published: October 2020

The inner Apennines (Italy) are characterized by scattered outcrops of continent‐derived orogenic metamorphic units exposed along the Tyrrhenian coast from northern to southern Apennines. At least since the 1970s, some peculiar rocks exposed on Zannone Island (central Italy) have been described as the only Paleozoic‐Triassic metamorphic complex linking those exposed in the northern—with those in the southern Apennines. Assessing the protolith nature, thermobaric conditions, and structural features of what is accepted to be the metamorphic unit of Zannone is, therefore, crucial to elucidate the early paleotectonic evolution of the Apennines‐Tyrrhenian orogenic system. To that end, we interpreted seismic reflection profiles offshore Zannone, we carried out mesoscale and microscale structural investigations of representative outcrops on the island, performed X‐ray diffraction analysis, and K‐Ar and U‐Pb geochronology of representative clay gouge and syntectonic carbonate veins. Results show that the metamorphic rocks of Zannone can actually be reinterpreted as belonging to nonmetamorphic siliciclastic turbidites, likely deposited in foredeep settings, and coeval to the Oligocene‐Miocene Macigno Fm. of the northern Apennines. The turbiditic sequence was overthrust by Triassic dolostone in the early Miocene (~22 Ma), weakly deformed at <200°C, and downfaulted by postorogenic extensional faults starting ~7 Ma ago. Hence, Zannone represents a unique geological location in central Italy where to study the innermost (i.e. oldest) thrust sheet of the central‐northern Apennines, thereby shedding new light onto the early tectonics of the Apennines. Based on this evidence, a new evolutionary scheme for the early stage of the Apennines tectonic evolution is proposed.
Seismicity in a Transpressional Volcanic Arc: The Liquiñe‐Ofqui Fault System in the Puyuhuapi Area, Southern Andes, Chile (44°S)
Authors: Pérez‐Estay Nicolás , Yáñez Gonzalo , Crempien Jorge , Roquer Tomás , Cembrano José , Valdenegro Pablo , Aravena Diego , Arancibia Gloria , Morata Diego
Published: October 2020

Understanding the relationship between crustal faults and volcanic activity in transpressional environments is a main goal in geosciences and could help to understand geothermal resources and evaluate geological hazards. In the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ), Chile, recorded seismicity is scarce, and few studies have evaluated the relationship between volcanic activity and crustal faults from seismic observations. Thus, in this study, we deployed a seismic network for almost 1 year to understand the brittle deformation of the upper crust within the Puyuhuapi area, located at ~44°S in the SVZ. We analyzed the location and kinematics of seismicity together with previously published field structural geological data. Considering these results, we developed an integrative tectonic model for the area and discussed which faults facilitate magma transport through the crust. Our results indicate the existence of two NNE‐oriented seismogenic dextral to dextral‐reverse regional faults that generate a duplex in a continental‐scale fault setting. Inside the duplex, we observed normal to strike‐slip normal focal mechanisms which recurrently have NE trending nodal planes. At a regional scale, a strike‐slip tectonic environment has a N60°E/18° shortening direction and a N151°E/03° extension direction. We conclude that stratovolcanoes are located inside the duplex in a local transtensional environment where NE oriented normal faulting may occur. These faults facilitate magma transport since they represent the preferential orientation for dilatational fractures. Conversely, in local transpressional environments such as the Puyuhuapi fault (NNE oriented dextral to dextral‐reverse kinematics), only minor eruptive centers of small volume are emplaced, suggesting a less productive magma transportation process.
Metabolic defects in splenic B cell compartments from patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Huang Man , Liu Xiaoju , Ye Haocheng , Zhao Xin , Zhao Juanjuan , Liu Yang , He Xiaomeng , Qu Mengmeng , Pan Jing , Hou Baidong , Cheng Yongqian , Liu Zhenwen , Li Zhiwei , Liu Lei , Sun Jian , Zhang Shuye , Zhang Zheng
Published: October 2020

Liver cirrhosis is associated with defective vaccine responses and increased infections. Dysregulated B cell compartments in cirrhotic patients have been noticed but not well characterized, especially in the spleen. Here, we comprehensively investigated B cell perturbations from the spleens and peripheral blood of cirrhotic patients. We found that liver cirrhosis significantly depleted both switched and nonswitched splenic memory B cells, which was further confirmed histologically. Bulk RNA-seq revealed significant metabolic defects as the potential mechanism for the impaired splenic B cell functions. Functionally, the splenic memory B cells from cirrhotic patients showed strong metabolic defects and reduced proliferation compared with those from healthy controls. Thus, liver cirrhosis extensively disturbs the splenic and peripheral B cell compartments, which may contribute to defective humoral immunity during liver cirrhosis.
N6-methyladenosine METTL3 promotes cervical cancer tumorigenesis and Warburg effect through YTHDF1/HK2 modification
Authors: Wang Qianqing , Guo Xiangcui , Li Li , Gao Zhihui , Su Xiaoke , Ji Mei , Liu Juan
Published: October 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as the most common and conserved internal transcriptional modification. However, the roles of m6A on cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis are still unclear. Here, results indicated that METTL3 was significantly upregulated in CC tissue and cells, which was closely correlated with the lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of CC patients. MeRIP-Seq analysis revealed the m6A profiles in CC cells. Functionally, METTL3 promoted the proliferation and Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis) of CC cells. Mechanistically, METTL3 targeted the 3’-Untranslated Region (3’-UTR) of hexokinase 2 (HK2) mRNA. Moreover, METTL3 recruited YTHDF1, a m6A reader, to enhance HK2 stability. These findings demonstrated that METTL3 enhanced the HK2 stability through YTHDF1-mediated m6A modification, thereby promoting the Warburg effect of CC, which might promote a novel insight for the CC treatment.
Hippocampal neural stem cells are more susceptible to the neurotoxin BMAA than primary neurons: effects on apoptosis, cellular differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and DNA methylation
Authors: Pierozan Paula , Cattani Daiane , Karlsson Oskar
Published: October 2020

Developmental exposure to the environmental neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), a proposed risk factor for neurodegenerative disease, can induce long-term cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration in rats. While rodent studies have demonstrated a low transfer of BMAA to the adult brain, this toxin is capable to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the fetal brain. Here, we investigated the differential susceptibility of primary neuronal cells and neural stem cells from fetal rat hippocampus to BMAA toxicity. Exposure to 250 µM BMAA induced cell death in neural stem cells through caspase-independent apoptosis, while the proliferation of primary neurons was reduced only at 3 mM BMAA. At the lowest concentrations tested (50 and 100 µM), BMAA disrupted neural stem cell differentiation and impaired neurite development in neural stem cell-derived neurons (e.g., reduced neurite length, the number of processes and branches per cell). BMAA induced no alterations of the neurite outgrowth in primary neurons. This demonstrates that neural stem cells are more susceptible to BMAA exposure than primary neurons. Importantly, the changes induced by BMAA in neural stem cells were mitotically inherited to daughter cells. The persistent nature of the BMAA-induced effects may be related to epigenetic alterations that interfere with the neural stem cell programming, as BMAA exposure reduced the global DNA methylation in the cells. These findings provide mechanistic understanding of how early-life exposure to BMAA may lead to adverse long-term consequences, and potentially predispose for neurodevelopmental disorders or neurodegenerative disease later in life.
MicroRNA-488 inhibits proliferation and motility of tumor cells via downregulating FSCN1, modulated by Notch3 in breast carcinomas
Authors: Wu Yang , Yuan Ming-Heng , Wu Hua-Tao , Chen Wen-Jia , Zhang Man-Li , Ye Qian-Qian , Liu Jing , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: October 2020

As important modulators in multiple physiological processes, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported in various malignant tumors, including breast cancer. The current study investigated the function of a new tumor suppressor microRNA, miR-488, and its molecular mechanism of metastasis in breast cancers. CCK8 and transwell assays revealed that the upregulated miR-488 level significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. As a potential downstream gene, the mRNA and protein level of FSCN1 was suppressed by increased miR-488 and vice versa. Luciferase assay showed that miR-488 directly bind to the 3′UTR of FSCN1 and suppressed the translation process of FSCN1. The promoter region of miR-488 was directly bound by Notch3 and promoted the expression of miR-488 transcriptionally. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that in patients with breast cancer, the expression of Notch3 and were negatively correlated with the FSCN1 levels significantly. Therefore, the current finding predicted miR-488 as a tumor suppressor molecule in breast cancer, and demonstrated that Notch3/miR-488/FSCN1 axis is established and involved in regulating the metastasis of breast cancers, providing novel therapeutic targets for patients with breast cancers.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG alleviates β-conglycinin-induced allergy by regulating the T cell receptor signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xiaoxu , Zhao Xiuli , Hu Yaozhong , Zhang Bowei , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2020

LGG alleviates the β-CG induced allergic response by regulating the differentiation of T cells, maintains the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg via the TCR signaling pathway.
Spatiotemporal and spectroscopic investigations of the secondary plasma generated during double-pulse laser-induced breakdown in bulk water
Authors: Xue Boyang , Tian Ye , Li Nan , Li Qingyang , Lu Yuan , Zheng Ronger
Published: October 2020

Double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) has been demonstrated to enable efficient elemental analysis of bulk water.
Terminal alkyl substitution in an A–D–A-type nonfullerene acceptor: simultaneous improvements in the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current for efficient indoor power generation
Authors: Ryu Hwa Sook , Lee Hyun Gyeong , Shin Sang-Chul , Park Jooho , Kim Sang Hyeon , Kim Eun Ji , Shin Tae Joo , Shim Jae Won , Kim Bumjoon J. , Woo Han Young
Published: October 2020

Terminal alkyl substituents in IDIC nonfullerene acceptors improve light absorption, crystalline packing and charge mobility in films.
Broad-spectrum treatment of bacterial biofilms using magneto-responsive liquid metal particles
Authors: Cheeseman Samuel , Elbourne Aaron , Kariuki Rashad , Ramarao Aswin V. , Zavabeti Ali , Syed Nitu , Christofferson Andrew J. , Kwon Ki Yoon , Jung Woojin , Dickey Michael D. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh , McConville Christopher F. , Crawford Russell J. , Daeneke Torben , Chapman James , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: October 2020

Broad-spectrum treatment of monoculture and mixed species biofilms using magnetically actuated, liquid metal particles.
Set reachability of Markovian jump Boolean networks and its applications
Authors: Zhang Qingle , Feng Jun‐e , Wang Biao
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the set reachability of Markovian jump Boolean networks (MJBNs). Firstly, through comprehensive analysis, two kinds of set reachability, strong set reachability and weak set reachability, are defined. By using semi‐tensor product of matrices, the considered MJBN is converted into a Markov chain which can not only describe the state transition of the MJBN synchronously, but also maintain its transition probability. Based on this, the set reachability problem of the MJBN is transformed into the reachability and convergence problems of the corresponding Markov chain. Then some necessary and sufficient conditions for set reachability of MJBNs are obtained. Finally, the observability and output stability problems of MJBNs are discussed as two applications of set reachability.
Design of single‐fed spiral‐shaped slotted planar antenna for GPS L2 and L5 applications
Authors: Agrawal Niraj , Gautam Anil Kumar , Rambabu Karumudi
Published: October 2020

An innovative design of a right hand circularly polarised (RHCP) antenna at two different resonant frequencies that is GPS (global positioning system) L2 and L5 has been proposed in this study. The proposed design comprised the concept of slotted radiator excited with a coaxial probe. Two asymmetric spiral slots were incorporated in a rectangular radiator to realise size miniaturisation, the axial ratio bandwidth and beamwidth at L2 (1.22760 GHz) and L5 (1.17645 GHz) frequencies of GPS applications. The proposed design has accomplished an excellent axial ratio bandwidth and beamwidth at both GPS L2 and L5 bands. The size of the designed antenna has been , which makes it attractive for the consumer market. Measured and simulated results achieved that the antenna conquered RHCP radiation at two separate operating bands, i.e. GPS L2 and L5.
Transverse slot with control of amplitude and phase for travelling‐wave SIW antenna arrays
Authors: Mikulasek Tomas , Puskely Jan , Yarovoy Alexander G. , Lacik Jaroslav , Arthaber Holger
Published: October 2020

A novel basic antenna element for travelling‐wave substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) arrays is proposed in this study. The antenna element is based on a transverse slot and newly complemented by a pair of vias used for matching and a phase shifter. By changing the geometries of the slot and the phase shifter, the amplitude and phase of a radiated wave can be controlled. The proposed approach extends the potential of transverse slots in SIW‐based travelling‐wave antenna arrays. To verify the capabilities of the antenna element, the authors demonstrate a six‐element array with side‐lobe suppression, intended for a 24 GHz radar system. The measured results show good agreement with simulations.
Dual‐band reconfigurable metasurface‐assisted Fabry–Pérot antenna with high‐gain radiation and low scattering
Authors: Bai Lin , Zhang Xin Ge , Wang Qiang , Huang Chen Xi , Jiang Wei Xiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2020

The authors have proposed a dual‐band reconfigurable Fabry–Pérot (F‐P) cavity antenna with high gain and meanwhile small radar cross‐sections (RCSs) in wideband. Different from the traditional F‐P antennas, they used a dynamic metasurface reflective plane (DMRP) as the lower superstrate to realise reconfigurable functions and a digital coding metasurface as the upper superstrate to achieve wideband RCS reduction. To investigate the dual‐band reconfigurability, a wideband rectangular waveguide is used to feed the F‐P antenna. By varying the bias voltage applied to varactors embedded in the elements of DMRP, the reflection phase of DMRP is changed and the two operating frequencies can be tuned electronically. To realise RCS reduction, they adopted a meticulous arrangement of the coding elements on partially reflecting surface. The designed metasurface‐assisted F‐P antenna has good radiation performance with high gain, high aperture efficiency, and high radiation efficiency. In the experiments, a prototype was fabricated via printed circuit board technology, and measured results agree well with numerical simulations. The measured peak gain reaches 17.52 dBi and the maximum aperture efficiency is 56.97%. The two reconfigurable bandwidths cover 5.10–5.40 and 6.60–6.93 GHz, respectively; and 7 dB RCS reduction is achieved from 9.40 to 13.7 GHz for arbitrary polarisation
25–53 GHz ultra‐wideband high‐isolation passive balanced duplexer on 0.18‐μm BiCMOS for 5G applications
Authors: Hsiao Meng‐Jie , Nguyen Cam
Published: October 2020

A new ultra‐wideband millimetre‐wave passive balanced duplexer (DUX), employing a lumped‐element Wilkinson power divider and grounded‐centre‐tap transformer, has been developed using 0.18‐m BiCMOS process for fifth generation operations at 28, 37, 39 GHz, and beyond. The developed DUX is configured single‐ended transmitter (TX) and antenna (ANT) ports and differential receiver (RX) port. It has an inherent matching at TX, RX and ANT ports, high TX–RX isolation, and highly balanced differential RX waveforms, and is ready for direct integration with a differential low‐noise amplifier. Analysis has been performed to confirm the DUX's characteristics and assess its performance. Measured isolation from TX to each single‐ended RX port is higher than 50 and 40 dB from dc‐20 GHz and dc‐60 GHz, respectively. Measured insertion loss from TX to antenna is better than 6.3 dB across 13–53 GHz. Measured insertion loss from ANT to differential RX port is lower than 13.8 dB from 25 to 57 GHz with 10.8 dB at 40 GHz. The core chip only occupies 0.3 mm2.
Design for improving the linearised flow control performance of large flow and high‐pressure proportional valve
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liang Liang , Wang Xudong , Wang Daihua
Published: October 2020

To improve the linearisation of the variable flow‐regulate system under the open‐loop control, a proportional solenoid valve with high‐linearity performance was developed to meet that requirement of the high‐precision and open‐loop control. The design of the proportional solenoid valve evolves the optimisation of a magnetic circuit structure, the construction of a balanced pressure structure and the compensation of a feedforward control device. As for the solenoid, it is very challenging to meet the requirement of 95% linearity. A feedforward control device with the Bouc–Wen model and a quadratic inverse function model is a good solution to address the hysteresis problem and achieve better performance. The optimisation of a simple magnetic circuit with low sensitivity to the moving armature and a balance chamber for removing the pressure difference are both preconditions to make the compensation. The feedforward control device is the next step to eliminate the hysteresis problem and non‐linear characteristics of the solenoid by solving model coefficients measured in the test. After the improvement in these aspects, the proportional solenoid valve can meet the demand of digital proportional flow control with >98% linearity and excellent repeatability, through the validation of both no‐load and high‐load performance tests.
Design of emergency breakaway device for helicopter hovering refuelling
Authors: Yu Min‐Quan , Yang Yu‐Liang , Wang Hai‐Tao
Published: October 2020

In the helicopter hover refuelling system, the emergency breakaway device is an important component to ensure the safety of the helicopter. It requires automatic disconnection and sealing of the pipeline under the tension of 1700–2000 N. The claw type emergency breakaway device was designed, the three‐dimensional model is established for dynamic analysis, and the optimal parameters of the breakaway device are obtained by orthogonal experiment. Then, the calculation equation of the braking force is obtained through analysis. The sealing structure of the emergency breakaway device adopts a pair of poppet valves. In order to verify the reliability of the braking force and the seal, the emergency breakaway device is subjected to a water‐passing test. The results show that the emergency breakaway device is separated with the required breaking force and the leakage amount is zero after the breakaway.
Analysis of the anti‐kink hydraulic system and running mode of low‐floor trams
Authors: Ding Wen‐si , Song Xi‐lin
Published: October 2020

Based on the analysis of the structure and operation mode of low‐floor urban trams, the structure, principle, components and technical parameters of the anti‐kink hydraulic system which specially set up were described, and the application characteristics of the hydraulic system technology were pointed out.
Parameter identification of Bouc–Wen dynamic model for magnetorheological shimmy damper based on improved simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Tian Jing , Zhang Jifeng , Li Boxiao
Published: October 2020

Magnetorheological (MR) shimmy damper has a good application prospect in aircraft landing gear shimmy control as a semi‐active vibration control device; however, its non‐linear and hysteretic characteristics bring difficulties to the control and restrict performance. It is necessary to develop a dynamic model of the damper that can effectively show these characteristics. This study is based on the experimental data of the damping force characteristics of MR shimmy damper with different control currents. Bouc–Wen model, apply to describe non‐linear and hysteretic characteristics, was selected to establish the dynamic model of damping force, displacement and velocity. This study proposed an improved simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, which can improve the efficiency of identification, to identify the parameters of the model. Comparing with the original algorithm, the improved SA algorithm has the same solution quality and better performance in computational efficiency. The relationships between the identified parameters and the control current were obtained by curve fitting, and the experimental data with different amplitudes and frequencies are used to verify the result. It is shown that the established model can accurately show the dynamic characteristics of the damper under different excitation.
Analysis and suppression of torsional vibration in electromechanical coupling transmission system of high‐speed train
Authors: Jing‐Bo Zhao , Chao‐Yue Yang , Chao‐Yi Pu
Published: October 2020

The high‐speed train transmission system is a complex electromechanical coupling system. In this study, the torsional vibration of a train transmission system was studied. The centralised mass model of the mechanical structure of the coupling system was established. The natural vibration characteristics of the mechanical mechanism system were analysed. The results show that the natural vibration frequency of the universal shaft was 4.08 Hz, the natural vibration frequency of the pinion was 7.24 Hz, the natural vibration frequency of the big gear was 35.6 Hz, and the natural vibration frequency of the wheelset was 107.48 Hz. The traction motor model was built, and by considering the electromechanical coupling of the system, a torsional vibration suppression strategy for harmonic components in the motor is proposed. The effectiveness of the suppression strategy was verified by MATLAB/Simulink model simulation.
Numerical simulation analysis of four‐stage variable diameter pipe for solid–liquid two‐phase abrasive flow
Authors: Liu Guosong , Li Junye , Wang Xinpeng , Zhang Xinming , Hu Jinglei
Published: October 2020

By exploring the effects of energy and velocity under different inlet speeds and abrasive concentrations, different inlet boundary conditions were selected for numerical analysis, and the intrinsic properties of the solid–liquid two‐phase abrasive flow research and development calibre pipes were explored. The influence of law and process characteristics of solid–liquid two‐phase abrasive flow is discussed. The fourth‐order variable diameter pipe is taken as the research object. It is concluded that the inlet velocity is increased, the total energy and kinetic energy of the abrasive grains are also increased, and the total energy and kinetic energy are increased. The more intensely the abrasive grains collide with the workpiece wall, the more favourable is the effect of the abrasive flow on the wall surface finishing, and the increase of the abrasive concentration. The number of collisions of the disordered abrasive grains on the wall surface is increased, which is more conducive to the wall surface. The finishing process provides theoretical reference and technical support for the engineering application of solid–liquid two‐phase abrasive flow.
Study on transient contact performance of meshing transmission of cycloid gear and needle wheel in RV reducer
Authors: Xuetao Qiao , Libin Zhang , Chunshan Chen , Cunfu Yan , Changlu Wang , Weigong Wang
Published: October 2020

The model of rotor vector (RV) reducer was established by 3D software, and was imported into ANSYS Workbench for transient dynamic analysis. The stress distribution diagram and total deformation diagram of the gear tooth surface during the meshing process of the cycloidal wheel and the pin wheel were obtained, and the stress distribution law of the cycloidal wheel in the process was also obtained. Comparing the calculation results of Hertz formula with the results of finite‐element analysis showed that the deviation are smaller and within the allowable range, which provides the theoretical reference for the optimisation of the cycloidal wheel.