bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposing modulation of Cx26 gap junctions and hemichannels by CO2
Authors: Nijjar Sarbjit , Maddison Daniel , Meigh Louise , de Wolf Elizabeth , Rodgers Thomas , Cann Martin J. , Dale Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Key points

A moderate increase in (55 mmHg) closes Cx26 gap junctions.

This effect of CO2 is independent of changes in intra‐ or extracellular pH.

The CO2‐dependent closing effect depends on the same residues (K125 and R104) that are required for the CO2‐dependent opening of Cx26 hemichannels.

Pathological mutations of Cx26 abolish the CO2‐dependent closing of the gap junction.

Elastic network modelling suggests that the effect of CO2 on Cx26 hemichannels and gap junctions is mediated through changes in the lowest entropy state of the protein.

Cx26 hemichannels open in response to moderate elevations of CO2 ( 55 mmHg) via a carbamylation reaction that depends on residues K125 and R104. Here we investigate the action of CO2 on Cx26 gap junctions. Using a dye transfer assay, we found that an elevated of 55 mmHg greatly delayed the permeation of a fluorescent glucose analogue (NBDG) between HeLa cells coupled by Cx26 gap junctions. However, the mutations K125R or R104A abolished this effect of CO2. Whole cell recordings demonstrated that elevated CO2 reduced the Cx26 gap junction conductance (median reduction 66.7%, 95% CI, 50.5–100.0%) but had no effect on Cx26K125R or Cx31 gap junctions. CO2 can cause intracellular acidification. Using 30 mm propionate, we found that acidification in the absence of a change in caused a median reduction in the gap junction conductance of 41.7% (95% CI, 26.6–53.7%). This effect of propionate was unaffected by the K125R mutation (median reduction 48.1%, 95% CI, 28.0–86.3%). pH‐dependent and CO2‐dependent closure of the gap junction are thus mechanistically independent. Mutations of Cx26 associated with the keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome (N14K, A40V and A88V), in combination with the mutation M151L, also abolished the CO2‐dependent gap junction closure. Elastic network modelling suggests that the lowest entropy state when CO2 is bound is the closed configuration for the gap junction but the open state for the hemichannel. The opposing actions of CO2 on Cx26 gap junctions and hemichannels thus depend on the same residues and presumed carbamylation reaction.
Analytical Model for Enhanced Eigen-Mode Sensitivities in a Coupled Micro-Resonator Array for Ultra-Sensitive Mass Measurement
Authors: Chatterjee Animesh
Published: October 2020

Resonant sensors using coupled micro-cantilever array have applications in a wide range of areas including ultrasensitive mass detection of bio-molecules and chemical analytes. A target mass deposited on one of the cantilevers can be detected by measuring shift in eigen-spectrum. Experimental observations indicate that eigenmodes are more sensitive to mass perturbation than resonant frequencies or eigenvalues. However, analytical works, available in literatures, are limited to only two and three cantilever array for eigenvalue sensitivity and only two cantilever array for eigenmode sensitivity. In the present work, an analytical foundation for estimation of eigenmode sensitivities for a general n-array micro-resonator sensor is developed using matrix perturbation theory. The formulation characterizes the modal spectrum and eigenmode sensitivities as a function of elastic interconnection stiffness parameter and unperturbed eigenmodes. Measurement of added mass is demonstrated for different analyte locations using numerically constructed frequency response function (FRF) curves. Error in measurement is also investigated as a function of interconnection stiffness ratio, position of analyte mass, and selection of particular eigenmode to be measured.
A Comparison of the Performance of Constant and Dual Height Pin Fins in Phase Change Material Cooling Technique
Authors: Singh Maibam Romio , Giri Asis
Published: October 2020

This experimental study explores the passive cooling of electronic devices using phase change materials (PCM). Pin fin configurations made of aluminum are considered as thermal conductive enhancers and eicosane as the PCM for the study. The experiment considers four different heat sinks, with 40 and 56 numbers of pin fins. For the same number of pin fin, dual and constant height fin arrangements are study. The volume fractions of TCEs are 9%, 11%, 13%, and 16%. Apart from these heat sinks, a heat sink with no fin (blank heat sink) is considered for baseline comparison. Five different heat fluxes are considered (ranging from 1.17 kW/m2 to 2.35 kW/m2). The effect of number of fins, type of fins, and volumes of PCM has been reviewed. It has been observed that the introduction of fins enhances the heat transfer. An elongation in operational time is achieved in the case of dual height heat sinks compared to constant height heat sink filled with PCM. All the experiments are performed in a temperature-controlled room to avoid environment fluctuation.
Study on the Transient Injection Rate of Each Nozzle Hole in the Combustion Process of Diesel Engine
Authors: Zhou Liying , Liang Yu
Published: October 2020

Based on the measured injection rates obtained from the spray momentum experiment, the three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation study on the effect of injection rate from each nozzle hole on spray characteristics and combustion process was conducted for a one-cylinder diesel engine. The simulation model was successfully verified by the data of the experiment. The results show that at the beginning and mid-stages of injection, the nozzles with a higher transient injection rate exhibit higher jet velocity, bigger spray penetration distance, and wider equivalence ratio distribution. Besides, the disturbance induced by fuel injection on their surrounding gas is higher. Due to the difference in injection rates from each nozzle hole in the cylinder, gas–fuel mixtures are non-uniform. In the case of measured injection rates from each nozzle hole, Hole 4 records the highest instantaneous injection rate. This results in the injection of more fuel during ignition delay. More heat generated from thermal chain reactions raises fuel spray temperatures and quicker ignition of mixtures. In the case of uniform simulated injection rate (injection quantity values are the same as in the previous case), more uniform flow fields and stronger small swirl motions were generated that enhance fuel atomization and mixture formations. At the later stages of injection and combustion, quicker diesel fuel burning rate with a centralized exothermic reaction process occurs due to in-cylinder uniform fuel distribution and air motion. In the case of simulating uniform injection rate from three holes and non-injection from one (same injection quantity values as previous cases), uneven fuel distribution that occurs in the cylinder will result in poor mixture formations and subsequently poor combustion, and more afterburning will occur.
Mode Strategy for Engine Efficiency Enhancement by Using a Magneto-Rheological Variable Valve Train
Authors: Shiao Yaojung , Gadde Premkumar , Kantipudi Mahendra Babu
Published: October 2020

Variable valve timing (VVT) and variable valve lift (VVL) are two promising methods for improving gasoline engine performance. VVL improves part-load performance, and VVT reduces low-speed fuel consumption. Automobile industries and researchers have developed several mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic devices to implement these variable valve functions in engines. In this study, a control strategy is developed for a new compact and low-energy-consumption magneto-rheological valve train (MRVT) to effectively accomplish the variable valve functions and achieve superior engine performance. A non-throttle single-cylinder spark-ignition (SI) engine dynamic model is established to simulate the engine performance by using the flexibility of this new valve train. A six-mode strategy using VVT and VVL is proposed under different engine running conditions of speed and load. Dynamic simulations were conducted for investigating the six-mode strategy based engine performance. The results indicate that the combination of VVT and VVL in the corresponding engine mode can effectively give about 15–20% improvement in the brake fuel efficiency during low and medium speeds. Moreover, by using VVL, about 10–14% improvement in brake specific fuel consumption can be achieved at part-load conditions. According to this computational investigation, the overall engine efficiency and performance can be improved significantly by using a controllable magneto-rheological valve and strategically changing the engine VVL and VVT.
Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Investigations of the Compact Exhaust Heat Exchanger With Twisted Tape Inserts for Automotive Waste Heat Utilization
Authors: Karana Dhruv Raj , Sahoo Rashmi Rekha
Published: October 2020

Thermoelectric-based waste heat recovery is a competent technique to reduce the exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of automobiles. Thermal and hydraulic characteristics of the exhaust heat exchanger plays a decisive role in the extent of waste heat recovery from the exhaust gas. In this study, the exhaust heat exchanger having twisted tape inserts is proposed to increase the internal heat transfer coefficient. The dimensionless Nusselt number and friction factor were evaluated experimentally for different designs of the twisted tapes. The experiments were performed for the Reynolds number in the range 2300–25000. The considered geometric parameters of the twisted rib explored were the pitch fraction, twist fraction, and slope. The obtained results were compared to reveal the best feasible design of the twisted tape. The maximum net thermohydraulic efficiency factor achieved for the system in the present analysis is 1.93. With the use of twisted tapes, the area of the exhaust heat exchanger can be greatly reduced for the same power output as flat geometry. This would help for the integration of the waste heat recovery with the engine, where the space available is very limited.
Flame Characteristics and Ignition Delay Times of 2,5-Dimethylfuran: A Systematic Review With Comparative Analysis
Authors: Le Van Vang , Hoang Anh Tuan , Nižetić Sandro , Ölçer Aykut I.
Published: October 2020

Global concerns about CO2 levels in the atmosphere, energy security, and the depletion of fossil fuel supply have been the key motivation to develop bio-based fuel resources, which leads to promising and potential strategies of renewable and carbon-neutral biofuels. Among biofuels being strongly developed, 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) is a new alternative biofuel candidate since DMF could be synthesized from available and durable lignocellulosic biomass, as well as DMF's physicochemical properties were found to be similar to those of fossil fuels. Therefore, the comprehensive investigation on DMF is very essential before putting DMF into the commercial scale and the engine application. In this current work, the temporal evolutions of laminar flame characteristics including laminar burning velocities, unstretched flame propagation speed, and Schlieren images were critically reviewed based on the comparison of DMF with other fuels. Besides, flame instabilities were also evaluated in detail. Finally, ignition delay times were thoroughly analyzed with the variation of the initial parameters such as temperature, pressure, and equivalent ratio, suggesting that DMF could become the potential fuel for the spark ignition engine. In the future, the experimental studies on the real engines fueled with DMF should be carefully and completely performed to have a comprehensive evaluation of this promising biofuel class.
Spectral Simulation to Investigate the Effects of Active Passive Controls of Nanoparticles on the Radiative Nanofluidic Transport Over a Spinning Disk
Authors: Acharya Nilankush
Published: October 2020

The present investigation deals with the flow dynamics and heat transport of the nanofluid flow over a rotating disk. The flow is considered to be laminar and steady. Active–passive controls of tiny nanoparticles influenced by the Brownian motion and thermophoretic migration are included to reveal the variations in the hydrothermal behaviour. Thermal radiation, velocity slip, and thermal slip are also introduced to model the flow. The foremost governing equations are converted into its dimensionless form after applying the requisite similarity transformation. The spectral quasi-linearization method (SQLM) has been employed to extract the numeric outcomes of the flow. Effects of the underlying parameters on the flow and heat-mass transport are revealed through graphs and tables. Several three-dimensional (3D) and streamlines plots are depicted to enrich the Result and Discussion section. Results assured that the velocities in every direction reduce for velocity slip parameter and magnetic parameter. Temperature increases for thermophoresis and Brownian motion, but reduces for velocity and thermal slip parameter. Active flow reveals high temperature than passive flow. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis provide dual scenario for concentration profile. Heat and mass transport always sustain high magnitude for passive flow.
Large Eddy Simulations for Film Cooling Assessment of Cylindrical and Laidback Fan-Shaped Holes With Reverse Injection
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Singh Kuldeep , Singh Dushyant , Sahoo Niranjan
Published: October 2020

The large eddy simulations (LES) are performed to access the film cooling performance of cylindrical and reverse shaped hole for forward and reverse injection configurations. In the case of reverse/backward injection, the secondary flow is injected in such a way that its axial velocity component is in the direction opposite to mainstream flow. The study is carried out for a blowing ratio (M = 1), density ratio (DR = 2.42), and injection angle (α = 35 deg). Formation of counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP) is one of the major issues in the film cooling. This study revealed that the CRVP found in the case of forward cylindrical hole which promotes coolant jet “liftoff” is completely mitigated in the case of the reverse shaped hole. The coolant coverage for reverse cylindrical and reverse shaped holes is uniform and higher. The reverse shaped hole shows promising results among investigated configurations. The lateral averaged film cooling effectiveness of reverse shaped hole is 1.16–1.42 times higher as compared to the forward shaped holes. The improvement in the lateral averaged film cooling effectiveness of reverse cylindrical hole (RCH) injection over forward cylindrical hole (FCH) injection is 1.33–2 times.
Development of a Hybrid Cooling, Heating, and Power System for Distributed Energy Applications
Authors: Wang Hailei , Kissick Sean , Song Chuankai
Published: October 2020

A unique hybrid cooling, heating, and power (HCHP) concept has been recently developed as an alternative to environmental control units. It combines a small-scale organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with a vapor compression cycle. The unique drive-train design flexibly and efficiently converts engine waste heat into useful energy in the form of cooling, heating, and power depending upon the energy needs. Compared to a standard military environmental control unit which puts an electric load on a diesel generator, the HCHP system uses engine exhaust heat as the primary energy input. Utilizing the exhaust heat can potentially provide 27% reduction on fuel consumption when operating in the cooling mode. When cooling is not needed, it is able to provide power and/or heating output using engine waste heat—a significant advantage over other heat activated cooling technologies. The prototype unit based on the HCHP design has been developed to demonstrate the concept. It leveraged the microchannel heat exchanger and scroll expander technologies to achieve high-performance, small-size, and low-cost design in order to meet the growing distributed energy applications.
Characterization of interstimulus interaction in the multiple auditory steady-state responses at high sound levels
Authors: Cevallos-Larrea Pablo F. , Frota Silvana M. , Ichinose Roberto M. , Tierra-Criollo Carlos J.
Published: October 2020

Multiple auditory steady-state response (MASSR) is recommended to estimate hearing thresholds in difficult-to-test individuals. The multiple stimuli that evoke MASSR may present an interstimulus interaction (ISI) that is able to distort the generation of responses. No consensus exists on the effects of the ISI in MASSR when dealing with high sound level stimuli or cases of sensorineural hearing loss. This study investigated the effects of ISI on the amplitude and detectability of auditory steady-state responses, with a focus at and above 65 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Normal hearing (NH) and sensorineural hearing impaired (SNHI) adults were tested with different stimulus types [amplitude modulation (AM) One octave chirp (OC), and a weighted OC (WOC)], stimulus levels, and modalities (single or multiple stimuli). ISI typically attenuated response amplitude of a control stimulus caused by an interference stimulus one octave above the control stimulus. At and above 80 dB SPL, attenuations of around 50% decreased the number of detectable responses near SNHI thresholds, especially for OC and WOC. AM stimuli obtained a higher detection rate than OC and WOC when presented 10 dB above the behavioral hearing threshold of SNHI participants. Using OC in MASSR when assessing elevated thresholds might diminish accuracy on threshold estimation, and extend test duration.
Perceptions of Ability Mediate the Effect of Motor Coordination on Aerobic and Musculoskeletal Exercise Performance in Young Children at Risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Le Tuyen , Graham Jeffrey D. , King-Dowling Sara , Cairney John
Published: October 2020

This study examined the effects of perceptions of motor abilities on aerobic and musculoskeletal exercise performance in young children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (rDCD). The participants (N = 539) were part of a larger cohort study, the Coordination and Activity Tracking in Children (CATCH) study. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd Edition) was used to determine rDCD children. Perceptions of motor abilities were measured by the Perceived Efficacy and Goals Setting system. Aerobic exercise performance was measured using the Bruce Protocol treadmill test, and musculoskeletal exercise performance was assessed using the standing long jump and the Wingate Anaerobic test. The rDCD children reported lower Perceived Efficacy and Goals Setting scores and performed worse on all exercise performance measures. Perceptions of ability also mediated the relationship between developmental coordination disorder and each exercise performance test. It is concerning that children with low motor coordination report lower perceptions of ability even at a very young age.
Breast cancer–associated macrophages promote tumorigenesis by suppressing succinate dehydrogenase in tumor cells
Authors: Gómez Valentí , Eykyn Thomas R. , Mustapha Rami , Flores-Borja Fabián , Male Victoria , Barber Paul R. , Patsialou Antonia , Green Ryan , Panagaki Fani , Li Chun W. , Fruhwirth Gilbert O. , Ros Susana , Brindle Kevin M. , Ng Tony
Published: October 2020

Macrophage-secreted TGF-β promotes glycolysis in tumor cells to support angiogenesis and immunosuppression.
Feeling the warmth in your bones
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2020

Warm ambient temperatures induce gut microbiota to release factors that limit bone loss.
Mixotrophic Iron-OxidizingThiomonasIsolates from an Acid Mine Drainage-Affected Creek
Authors: Akob Denise M. , Hallenbeck Michelle , Beulig Felix , Fabisch Maria , Küsel Kirsten , Keffer Jessica L. , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Lapidus Alla , Klenk Hans-Peter , Chan Clara S.
Published: October 2020

As AMD moves through the environment, it impacts aquatic ecosystems, but at the same time, these ecosystems can naturally attenuate contaminated waters via acid neutralization and catalyzing metal precipitation. This is the case in the former Ronneburg uranium-mining district, where AMD impacts creek sediments. We isolated and characterized two iron-oxidizingThiomonasspecies that are mildly acidophilic to neutrophilic and that have two genetic pathways for iron oxidation. TheseThiomonasspecies are well positioned to naturally attenuate AMD as it discharges across the landscape.
Inulin Fermentation by Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria from Dairy Calves
Authors: Zhu Yuanting , Liu Jinxin , Lopez Julian M. , Mills David A.
Published: October 2020

The gut microbiome plays an important role in animal health and is increasingly recognized as a target for diet-based manipulation. Inulin is a common prebiotic routinely added to animal feeds; however, the mechanism of inulin consumption by specific beneficial taxa in livestock is ill defined. In this study, we examined
Lactobacillus
and
Bifidobacterium
isolates from calves fed inulin-containing milk replacer and characterized specific strains that robustly consume long-chain inulin. In particular, novel
Ligilactobacillus agilis
strain YZ050 consumed inulin via an extracellular fructosidase, resulting in complete consumption of all long-chain inulin. Inulin catabolism resulted in temporal release of extracellular fructose, which can promote growth of other non-inulin-consuming strains of lactic acid bacteria. This work provides the mechanistic insight needed to purposely modulate the calf gut microbiome via the establishment of networks of beneficial microbes linked to specific prebiotics.
Identification of Autophagy-Inhibiting Factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by High-Throughput Loss-of-Function Screening
Authors: Strong Emily J. , Jurcic Smith Kristen L. , Saini Neeraj K. , Ng Tony W. , Porcelli Steven A. , Lee Sunhee
Published: October 2020

The interaction of host cells with mycobacteria is complex and can lead to multiple outcomes ranging from bacterial clearance to progressive or latent infection. Autophagy is recognized as one component of host cell responses that has an essential role in innate and adaptive immunity to intracellular bacteria. Many microbes, including
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, have evolved to evade or exploit autophagy, but the precise mechanisms and virulence factors are mostly unknown. Through a loss-of-function screening of an
M. tuberculosis
transposon mutant library, we identified 16 genes that contribute to autophagy inhibition, six of which encoded the PE/PPE protein family.
Sensitive Identification of Bacterial DNA in Clinical Specimens by Broad-Range 16S rRNA Gene Enrichment
Authors: Rassoulian Barrett Sara , Hoffman Noah G. , Rosenthal Christopher , Bryan Andrew , Marshall Desiree A. , Lieberman Joshua , Greninger Alexander L. , Peddu Vikas , Cookson Brad T. , Salipante Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

The broad-range detection and identification of bacterial DNA from clinical specimens are a foundational approach in the practice of molecular microbiology. However, there are circumstances under which conventional testing may yield false-negative or otherwise uninterpretable results, including the presence of multiple bacterial templates or degraded nucleic acids. Here, we describe an alternative, next-generation sequencing approach for the broad range detection of bacterial DNA using broad-range 16S rRNA gene hybrid capture (“16S Capture”).
In Vitro
Primer-Based RNA Elongation and Promoter Fine Mapping of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Cao Dongdong , Gao Yunrong , Roesler Claire , Rice Samantha , D'Cunha Paul , Zhuang Lisa , Slack Julia , Antonova Anna , Romanelli Sarah , Liang Bo
Published: October 2020

As a major human pathogen, RSV affects 3.4 million children worldwide annually. However, no effective antivirals or vaccines are available. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of the RSV RNA synthesis machinery remains a high priority among the NNS RNA viruses. There is a strong public health need for research on this virus, due to major fundamental gaps in our understanding of NNS RNA virus replication. As the key enzyme executing transcription and replication of the virus, the RSV RdRP is a logical target for novel antiviral drugs. Therefore, exploring the primer-dependent RNA elongation extends our mechanistic understanding of the RSV RNA synthesis. Further fine mapping of the promoter sequence paves the way to better understand the function and structure of the RSV polymerase.
Human Keratinocyte Response to Superantigens
Authors: Schlievert Patrick M. , Gourronc Francoise A. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Klingelhutz Aloysius J.
Published: October 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pyogenes
are common human pathogens, causing infections that include the skin. Both pathogens produce a family of secreted toxins called superantigens, which have been shown to be important in human diseases. The first cell types encountered by superantigens on skin are keratinocytes. Our studies demonstrated, that the human keratinocyte pathway, among other pathways, responds to superantigens with production of chemokines, setting off inflammation. This inflammatory response may be harmful, facilitating opening of the skin barrier.
Epidemiological Investigation and Prevention Control Analysis of the Longitudinal Distribution of COVID-19 in Henan Province, China
Authors: Yang Xianguang , Chen Xuelin , Ding Cuihong , Bai Zhibo , Zhu Jingyi , Sun Gege , Yu Guoying
Published: October 2020

Epidemic prevention and control in China have entered a new stage of normalization. This article analyzes the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Henan Province and summarizes the effective disease prevention and control means and measures at the prefecture level; the normalized private data provide a theoretical reference for the formulation and conduct of future prevention and control work. At the same time, these epidemic prevention and control findings can also be used for reference in other countries and regions.
Tracheostomy trends in paediatric intensive care
Authors: Powell Jason , Buckley Hannah L , Agbeko Rachel , Brodlie Malcolm , Powell Steven
Published: October 2020

Paediatric tracheostomy is most commonly performed in children on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to facilitate long-term ventilation. We sought to identify trends in UK tracheostomy practice in PICUs. Data were analysed from 250 261 admissions, including 4409 children tracheostomised between 2003 and 2017. The incidence of tracheostomy in 2017 was approximately half that in 2003 (incidence rate ratio=0.48, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.57). The percentage of patients tracheostomised during a PICU admission, as a proportion of all admissions, was 2.44% (n=319) in 2003 and reduced to 0.97% (n=180) in 2017. Nevertheless, we identified great variability in practice between different PICUs with tracheostomy rates between 0.0% and 4.0% of all admissions. Risk-adjusted PICU mortality was comparable between tracheostomised children and all admissions to PICU.
A well-appearing infant with a sudden anisocoria
Authors: Servidio Alessia Giuseppina , Peri Francesca , Tenore Andrew , Cesca Laura , Diplotti Laura , Dall'Amico Roberto , Barbi Egidio
Published: October 2020

Case presentation

A 10-month-old boy was admitted to the emergency department due to a sudden onset of left unilateral mydriasis (figure 1). His medical history was unremarkable. A minor head trauma 2 days before was reported, without alarming signs or symptoms. His mother was putting him to sleep, after coming back from work, when she noticed a different pupil size and promptly went to the ED with her husband. The parents denied any use of medications, including nebulised therapy or direct contact with plants. The child was well appearing and his vital signs were within the standard age limits. His extraocular motility was normal as well as the rest of his neurological and physical examination. Parents’ behaviour was somehow remarkable. Even though the child was not suffering, the mother seemed very worried while the father was nervous and aggressive, repeatedly asking for a discharge.

Figure 1

Left unilateral mydriasis.

­

Questions

What is the most likely diagnosis based on this clinical presentation?

Local contact with a mydriatic substance

Intracerebral haemorrhage

Brain tumour

Third nerve palsy

What would be the next step in the investigation to confirm this diagnosis?

Brain CT

Brain MRI

Fundus oculi examination

Toxicological screening of urine

How is this condition managed, and what is the prognosis?

Answers can be found on page XX
Long-term metformin adherence in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Authors: Walker Elizabeth Arquin , Gonzalez Jeffrey S , Tripputi Mark T , Dagogo-Jack Samuel , Matulik Margaret J , Montez Maria G , Tadros Sameh , Edelstein Sharon L
Published: October 2020

Introduction

To investigate long-term metformin adherence in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) by examining: (1) predictors of long-term adherence to study metformin and (2) whether metformin adherence was associated with incident type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

DPPOS was an open-label continuation of the randomized clinical trial (Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)) in which eligible participants randomized to the metformin group were offered study metformin and followed over 11 years. A brief structured adherence interview was administered semiannually. Metformin adherence was assessed by pill counts. Predictors of metformin adherence were examined in multivariate regression models. Incident diabetes associated with metformin adherence and other variables was assessed in Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of 868 participants eligible to continue taking study metformin, 664 (76%) took at least some metformin over 11 years, with 478 of them reporting problems with adherence. DPPOS cumulative adherence showed significant associations of higher adherence (≥80%) with early adherence at 3 months in DPP (p<0.001) and lower depression scores during DPPOS (p<0.001); significant differences were also seen by race/ethnicity (p<0.004). Predicting adherence by multivariate modeling showed odds of adherence significantly lower for Black participants and for participants reporting more than one barrier. Odds for adherence were significantly higher for those adherent early in DPP and those reporting at least one planned strategy to improve adherence. Higher metformin adherence was significantly associated with a lower diabetes risk (p=0.04), even after adjustment for demographic variables, depression, and anxiety scores.

Conclusions

In this long-term diabetes prevention study, early metformin adherence and planned strategies to promote adherence improved long-term adherence over 11 years; higher adherence to metformin was related to lower diabetes incidence. Incorporating strategies to promote adherence when initially prescribing metformin and counseling to support adherence over time are warranted.
Laboratory parameters in patients with COVID-19 on first emergency admission is different in non-survivors: albumin and lactate dehydrogenase as risk factors
Authors: Salinas Maria , Blasco Álvaro , Santo-Quiles Ana , Lopez-Garrigos Maite , Flores Emilio , Leiva-Salinas Carlos
Published: October 2020

Prompt identification of the clinical status and severity of COVID-19 can be a challenge in the emergency department (ED), as the clinical severity of the disease is variable, real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) results may not be immediately available, and imaging findings appear approximately 10 days after the onset of symptoms. There is currently no set of simple, readily available and fast battery of tests that can be used in the ED as prognostic factors. The purpose was to study laboratory test results in patients with COVID-19 at hospital emergency admission and to evaluate the results in non-survivors and their potential prognostic value. A profile of laboratory markers was agreed with the ED providers based on the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine recommendation of its usefulness, which was made in 218 patients with COVID-19. Non-survivors were significantly older, and the percentage of patients with pathological values of creatinine, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C reactive protein, prothrombin time, D-dimer, and arterial blood gas, PaO2/FIO2and satO2/FIO2indices were significantly higher among the patients with COVID-19 who died than those who survived. Patients who died also presented higher neutrophil counts. Among all studied tests, albumin and LDH were independent prognostic factors for death. The results of the study show pathology in nine laboratory markers in patients with COVID-19 admitted in the ED, valuable findings to take into consideration for its prompt identification when there is no immediate availability of RT-PCR results.
Loss of antiphospholipid antibody positivity post-thrombosis in SLE
Authors: Khawaja Muznay , Magder Laurence , Goldman Daniel , Petri Michelle A
Published: October 2020

Background/Purpose

Loss of positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies has been observed in clinical practice post-thrombosis in patients with SLE with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Our study defined the frequency of this loss and the duration before positivity recurred.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with SLE having at least two positive antiphospholipid markers prior to thrombosis and at least 1 year of follow-up after thrombosis were included. Antiphospholipid markers included lupus anticoagulant (dilute Russell viper venom test >45 s followed by mixing and confirmatory tests) and/or anticardiolipin titre (aCL IgG ≥20, aCL IgM ≥20 and/or aCL IgA ≥20). The percentage of visits with positive antiphospholipid markers after thrombosis was calculated. For patients with a negative antiphospholipid marker any time after thrombosis, survival estimates were performed to calculate the time to return of antiphospholipid positivity.

Results

In APS due to SLE, complete loss of antiphospholipid positivity post-thrombosis was up to 41% for aCL IgG, 51% for IgM and 50% for IgA, but only 20% for those with lupus anticoagulant. Of those who at some point lost aCL IgG or became negative for lupus anticoagulant, the majority (60% and 76%, respectively) reacquired the antibody within 5 years. In contrast, of those who lost aCL IgM or IgA, fewer reacquired it within 5 years (37% and 17%, respectively).

Conclusion

Intermittent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies is present in APS due to SLE. These fluctuations make it difficult to decide on length of anticoagulation. Lupus anticoagulant is more likely to persist post-thrombosis.
Public involvement in the governance of population-level biomedical research: unresolved questions and future directions
Authors: Erikainen Sonja , Friesen Phoebe , Rand Leah , Jongsma Karin , Dunn Michael , Sorbie Annie , McCoy Matthew , Bell Jessica , Burgess Michael , Chen Haidan , Chico Vicky , Cunningham-Burley Sarah , Darbyshire Julie , Dawson Rebecca , Evans Andrew , Fahy Nick , Finlay Teresa , Frith Lucy , Goldenberg Aaron , Hinton Lisa , Hoppe Nils , Hughes Nigel , Koenig Barbara , Lignou Sapfo , McGowan Michelle , Parker Michael , Prainsack Barbara , Shabani Mahsa , Staunton Ciara , Thompson Rachel , Varnai Kinga , Vayena Effy , Williams Oli , Williamson Max , Chan Sarah , Sheehan Mark
Published: October 2020

Population-level biomedical research offers new opportunities to improve population health, but also raises new challenges to traditional systems of research governance and ethical oversight. Partly in response to these challenges, various models of public involvement in research are being introduced. Yet, the ways in which public involvement should meet governance challenges are not well understood. We conducted a qualitative study with 36 experts and stakeholders using the World Café method to identify key governance challenges and explore how public involvement can meet these challenges. This brief report discusses four cross-cutting themes from the study: the need to move beyond individual consent; issues in benefit and data sharing; the challenge of delineating and understanding publics; and the goal of clarifying justifications for public involvement. The report aims to provide a starting point for making sense of the relationship between public involvement and the governance of population-level biomedical research, showing connections, potential solutions and issues arising at their intersection. We suggest that, in population-level biomedical research, there is a pressing need for a shift away from conventional governance frameworks focused on the individual and towards a focus on collectives, as well as to foreground ethical issues around social justice and develop ways to address cultural diversity, value pluralism and competing stakeholder interests. There are many unresolved questions around how this shift could be realised, but these unresolved questions should form the basis for developing justificatory accounts and frameworks for suitable collective models of public involvement in population-level biomedical research governance.
Compaction behaviour of lime-treated metakaolin
Authors: Hu Mozhen , Cui Yu-Jun , Tan Yunzhi
Published: October 2020

Metakaolin has been widely used as pozzolanic additive to improve the pozzolanic activity of lime-based products. In this study, the normal standard Proctor compaction test was performed on metakaolin with (5% lime) and without (0% lime) lime addition. The changes in stiffness, suction, and microstructure with remoulding water content were investigated on statically compacted samples. Results show that lime-treated metakaolin exhibits a 1.5-peak compaction curve, while untreated metakaolin exhibits common one-peak compaction curve. The uncommon shape of the compaction curve of the treated metakaolin can be explained by the non-fully developed soil suction when water is not continuous. Treated and untreated samples compacted at both dry and wet of optimum show uni-modal pore-size distribution characteristics, indicating the absence of aggregates. This is related to the specific thermal treatment, forming separate metakaolin platelets and leading to a modified uniform structure with diffuse platelets. The soil stiffness is rather dominated by the number of particle contacts or soil dry density, the effect of suction being insignificant. For the suction changes, on the dry side, the effect of pore-size distribution prevails facing the effect of water content, while on the wet side it is the effect of water content that becomes dominating.
Impact of an unusual disulfide transformation on detection of isothermal amplification products
Authors: Browne Kenneth A. , Chau Amy , Cline Janice , Savage Maria
Published: October 2020

Detection of infectious pathogens such as HIV-1, HPV, and SARS-CoV-2 from biospecimens is critical to healthcare. Particularly sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques to accomplish this include molecular amplification and detection tests of nucleic acids from pathogens. Such tests are comprised of reagent compositions to facilitate hybridization of primers and probes that are complementary to specifically amplified sequences of the analyte target. One of these reagents from an isothermal molecular assay occasionally changed its physical appearance over time, generating interest into the cause of the transformation and suitability of the reagent in diagnostic testing. A preliminary hypothesis was that the 2,2′-dithiodipyridine component was the pre-chromophoric compound of its distinctly yellow reduced form, 2-thiopyridine. However, under oxidizing conditions, 2-thiopyridine is a minor constituent of hybridization reagents and not a major contributor to the yellow colour. Instead, a new yellow compound was isolated from coloured hybridization reagent, identified as 1-(2′-pyridyl)-2-thiopyridone and determined to be the result of an intramolecular cyclic rearrangement and sulfur extrusion from 2,2′-dithiodipyridine under acidic and oxidizing conditions. Neither the appearance of 1-(2′-pyridyl)-2-thiopyridone, nor the concomitant depletion of 2,2′-dithiodipyridine reduced the sensitivity or specificity of in vitro diagnostic screening assay results for detecting amplified nucleic acids from viral pathogens, ensuring the safety of tested blood transfusion products.
Rod- and sphere-shaped cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) type-II derived from Asclepias syriaca stem residues: composition, morphology, and thermal properties
Authors: Astruc Jérémy , Grandbois Michel , Laroche Gaétan , Robert Mathieu , Elkoun Saïd
Published: October 2020

Cellulose nanocrystals or nanoparticles (CNCs) have drawn a lot of attention due to their abundance, biocompatibility, renewability and their excellent mechanical properties paving the way to innovative and sustainable applications. In the present work, the stem residues of Asclepias syriaca L., better known as milkweed and generally regarded as a weed, was used for the first time to extract CNCs with a crystalline structure type-II (CNC-II). Structural, thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of extracted CNC-II were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetric analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Asclepias syriaca stem fibers revealed quite similar cellulose content compared with other milkweed species, and stable suspensions made of nanosphere- and nanorod-shape CNC-II were successfully extracted from raw milkweed fibers. In addition, after conversion from cellulose-I to cellulose-II by mercerization, milkweed cellulose-II exhibited higher thermal resistance compared with cellulose-I with degradation temperatures at 328 °C and 310 °C, respectively. Finally, the transversal elastic modulus of individuals CNC-II, as measured by AFM, was found to be in the range of 3.5–27 GPa, which is consistent with reported values for CNC-I or -II in the literature.
Impurity lattice Monte Carlo for hypernuclei
Authors: Frame Dillon , Lähde Timo A. , Lee Dean , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: October 2020

We consider the problem of including $$\varLambda $$
Λ
hyperons into the ab initio framework of nuclear lattice effective field theory. In order to avoid large sign oscillations in Monte Carlo simulations, we make use of the fact that the number of hyperons is typically small compared to the number of nucleons in the hypernuclei of interest. This allows us to use the impurity lattice Monte Carlo method, where the minority species of fermions in the full nuclear Hamiltonian is integrated out and treated as a worldline in Euclidean projection time. The majority fermions (nucleons) are treated as explicit degrees of freedom, with their mutual interactions described by auxiliary fields. This is the first application of the impurity lattice Monte Carlo method to systems where the majority particles are interacting. Here, we show how the impurity Monte Carlo method can be applied to compute the binding energies of the light hypernuclei. In this exploratory work we use spin-independent nucleon–nucleon and hyperon–nucleon interactions to test the computational power of the method. We find that the computational effort scales approximately linearly in the number of nucleons. The results are very promising for future studies of larger hypernuclear systems using chiral effective field theory and realistic hyperon–nucleon interactions, as well as applications to other quantum many-body systems.
Evolution of strange and multi-strange hadron production with relative transverse multiplicity activity in underlying event
Authors: Palni Prabhakar , Khuntia Arvind , Bartalini Paolo
Published: October 2020

In this work, the relative Underlying event (UE) transverse multiplicity activity classifier ($$R_\mathrm{{T}}$$

R
T

) is used to study the strange and multi-strange hadron production in proton-proton collisions. Our study with $$R_\mathrm{{T}}$$

R
T

would allow to disentangle these particles, which are originating from the soft and hard QCD processes. We have used the PYTHIA 8 Monte-Carlo (MC) with a different implementation of color reconnection and rope hadronization models to demonstrate the proton-proton collisions data at $$\sqrt{s}~$$

s

= 13 TeV. The relative production of strange and multi-strange hadrons are discussed extensively in low and high transverse activity regions. In this contribution, the relative strange hadron production is enhanced with increasing $$R_\mathrm{{T}}$$

R
T

. This enhancement is significant for the strange baryons as compared to mesons. In addition, the particle ratios as a function of $$R_\mathrm{{T}}~$$

R
T

confirm the baryon enhancement in new Color Reconnection (newCR), whereas the Rope model confirms the baryon enhancement only with strange quark content. Experimental confirmation of such results will provide more insight into the soft physics in the transverse region, which will be useful to investigate various tunes based on hadronization and color reconnection schemes.
Properties of generalized synchronization in smooth and non-smooth identical oscillators
Authors: Balcerzak M. , Chudzik A. , Stefanski A.
Published: October 2020

This paper deals with the phenomenon of the GS only in the context of unidirectional connection between identical exciter and receivers. A special attention is focused on the properties of the GS in coupled non-smooth Chua circuits. The robustness of the synchronous state is analyzed in the presence of slight parameter mismatch. The analysis tools are transversal and response Lyapunov exponents and fractal dimension of the attractor. These studies show differences in the stability of synchronous states between smooth (Lorenz system) and non-smooth (Chua circuit) oscillators.
Stability of the 3-torus solution in a ring of coupled Duffing oscillators
Authors: Borkowski L. , Stefanski A.
Published: October 2020

The dynamics of the ring of unidirectionally coupled single-well Duffing oscillators is analyzed in numerical simulation for identical nodal oscillators. The research is concentrated on the existence of the stable 3D torus attractor in this system. It is shown that 3-frequency quasi-periodicity can be robustly stable in wide range of parameters of the system under consideration. As an explanation of this stability, the conjecture on the coexistence and superposition of two independent effects characterized with irrational frequencies, i.e., the classical Newhouse, Ruelle and Takens scenario and rotating wave flow, is formulated.
Derivation of a pitch angle value for the motorcycle
Authors: Lazarek Mateusz , Grabski Juliusz , Perlikowski Przemyslaw
Published: October 2020

In this paper we consider a new, highly precise model of the kinematics of the motorcycle. We present an iterative method which let us calculate a proper pitch angle value and position of the front wheel tyre-ground contact point. We take into account system with and without the lateral flexibility of the front forks. We reveal different behaviour during maneuver of system with finite lateral stiffness compared to rigid one. We proof the dependence between the capsize mode and the pitching behaviour. We show that presented algorithm can be applied to the electronic control units protecting from wheelie behaviour.
THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE ON WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE USE: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
Authors: SAMARAKOON SHANIKA , PARINDURI RASYAD A.
Published: October 2020

To increase the use of healthcare services in Indonesia, the government of Indonesia introduced Askeskin, a subsidized social health insurance for the poor, in 2005. We examine the effects of this social health insurance on women’s healthcare use. Using propensity score matching, we find Askeskin induces women to use public healthcare facilities for birth delivery and antenatal checkup, discourages them from getting help from midwives for birth delivery, and makes them more likely to use contraceptives. The insurance seems to increase delivery care expenditure, however. We do not find evidence that it increases women’s preventive and curative healthcare use.