bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Phase Performance of a Hybrid Jet Plus Multipass Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Joshi Shailesh N. , Lohan Danny J. , Dede Ercan M.
Published: July 2019

The heat transfer and fluid flow performance of a hybrid jet plus multipass microchannel heat sink in two-phase operation is evaluated for the cooling of a single large area, 3.61 cm2, heat source. The two-layer branching microchannel heat sink is evaluated using HFE-7100 as the coolant at three inlet volumetric flow rates of 150, 300, and 450 ml/min. The boiling performance is highest for the flow rate of 450 ml/min with the maximum heat flux value of 174 W/cm2. Critical heat flux (CHF) was observed at two of the tested flow rates, 150 and 300 ml/min, before reaching the maximum operating temperature for the serpentine heater. At 450 ml/min, the heater reached the maximum allowable temperature prior to observing CHF. The maximum pressure drop for the heat sink is 34.1 kPa at a heat flux of 164 W/cm2. Further, the peak heat transfer coefficient value of the heat sink is 28,700 W/m2 K at a heat flux value of 174 W/cm2 and a flow rate of 450 ml/min. Finally, a validated correlation of the single device cooler is presented that predicts heat transfer performance and can be utilized in the design of multidevice coolers.
Electrochemical Performance Enhancement of Sodium-Ion Batteries Fabricated With NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Cathodes Using Support Vector Regression-Simplex Algorithm Approach
Authors: Ruhatiya C. , Singh Surinder , Goyal Ankit , Niu Xiaodong , Hanh Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Van Hoang , Tran Van Man , Phung LE My Loan , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang
Published: July 2019

Sodium-ion batteries have low energy density, low capacity, and inferior cycling performance when compared with Li-ion batteries. However, lithium depletion poses a serious problem for the production and cost of Li-ion batteries. In the present work, NaNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 was synthesized as the cathode material for Na-ion batteries using the sol–gel method. The conventional cathode material used in Na-ion batteries had been replaced with the synthesized cathode material, and the data had been collected by performing charging/discharging experiments. The support vector regression synchronized cross-validation simplex algorithm cluster was then used for predictive modeling and optimization of the fabrication process of the positive electrode material of sodium-ion batteries. The stable normal distribution without any skewness validated the robustness of the model for better accuracy and stability of the Na-ion batteries. The optimized value of capacity is 176 mAh/g for 99 cycles, which is better than those of conventional batteries used for commercial storage purposes.
Hybrid Control of Offshore Jacket Platforms Using Decentralized Sliding Mode Control and Shape Memory Alloy-Rubber Bearing Under Multiple Hazards
Authors: Das Diptesh , Khan Minaruddin
Published: July 2019

The motivation and objective of the present study are to propose a hybrid control system for offshore jacket platforms to mitigate the vibrations induced by multiple hazards, namely, the earthquakes and regular and irregular waves. State-of-the-art indicates that not much work is reported on hybrid control of offshore jacket platforms for multiple hazards using a control algorithm, which is robust against uncertainties. A decentralized sliding mode control algorithm using magneto-rheological (MR) dampers is employed for the semi-active controller because of its robustness against parametric uncertainties and reliability. Passive shape memory alloy rubber bearings (SMARBs) are selected as passive isolators because of their high damping capacities, high fatigue resistance, and super elastic behavior, which are highly desirable for offshore applications. The scope of the present study is to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed controller and investigate the effects of different influencing parameters. A jacket platform, reported in the literature, is taken as an illustrative example. A significant reduction in the top deck displacement is observed. The position and number of MR dampers affect the performance of the controller significantly. Limitations of the controller imposed due to the greater weightage or penalty imposed on displacements by the semi-active control algorithm as well as due to the magnetic saturation of MR dampers are overcome by the high energy dissipation of the passive SMARBs, thus making the hybrid controller highly efficient. The effectiveness of the controller is more for the earthquakes and random waves than for the regular waves.
Asset Preservation During Decommissioning and Commissioning
Authors: Anderson Gary , Bø Henning
Published: July 2019

Operators decommission older offshore oil and gas fields for a variety of reasons: regulations and business models change, technology improves, field productivity ceases.

In many cases, the existing pipeline network around these platforms is repurposed or reconfigured to suit current needs. New production wells can be tied in to the existing network, and unproductive assets can be bypassed and decommissioned. Although the platforms are most often specific in purpose, the pipelines are generalists by nature. Prolonging the life of this type of asset is almost always profitable.

This paper describes how in-line isolation technology kept production loss to a minimum during offshore platform decommissioning and the tie-in of a reused pipeline into a new facility.
The impact of peripheral mechanisms on the precedence effect
Authors: Pastore M. Torben , Braasch Jonas
Published: July 2019

When two similar sounds are presented from different locations, with one (the lead) preceding the other (the lag) by a small delay, listeners typically report hearing one sound near the location of the lead sound source—this is called the precedence effect (PE). Several questions about the underlying mechanisms that produce the PE are asked. (1) How might listeners' relative weighting of cues at onset versus ongoing stimulus portions affect perceived lateral position of long-duration lead/lag noise stimuli? (2) What are the factors that influence this weighting? (3) Are the mechanisms invoked to explain the PE for transient stimuli applicable to long-duration stimuli? To answer these questions, lead/lag noise stimuli are presented with a range of durations, onset slopes, and lag-to-lead level ratios over headphones. Monaural, peripheral mechanisms, and binaural cue extraction are modeled to estimate the cues available for determination of perceived laterality. Results showed that all three stimulus manipulations affect the relative weighting of onset and ongoing cues and that mechanisms invoked to explain the PE for transient stimuli are also applicable to the PE, in terms of both onset and ongoing segments of long-duration, lead/lag stimuli.
Elastic wave scattering by a fluid-saturated circular crack and effective properties of a solid with a sparse distribution of aligned cracks
Authors: Song Yongjia , Hu Hengshan , Han Bo
Published: July 2019

Hydraulic fractures and preexisting cracks in natural aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs are often saturated with fluids. Understanding the elastic wave properties in such a cracked fluid-saturated medium is of importance for many physical and engineering applications such as hydrology, petroleum engineering, oil exploration, induced seismicity, and nuclear waste disposal. In this paper, the scattering of a normally incident longitudinal (P-) wave by a fluid-saturated circular crack in an infinite elastic non-porous matrix is studied. In particular, the mechanism of hydraulic conduction (including the effects of the crack permeability and fluid inertia) inside the crack is incorporated. A semi-analytic solution for this scattering problem is derived. Based on the solution and multiple scattering theorem, an effective medium model is developed to determine the velocity dispersion and attenuation due to wave scattering in an elastic matrix with sparse distribution of aligned cracks. It is shown that the effective P-wave velocity is consistent with Gassmann's theory in the low-frequency limit. The effect of crack permeability on scattering is negligible, but the effect of fluid inertia is important. Specifically, it is found that resonance phenomena can take place inside the cracks at frequencies much lower than the scattering characteristic frequency so that rapid velocity variation can occur at relatively low frequencies. The fluid viscosity plays a damping role in weakening the resonance. The effects of crack thickness and fluid compressibility on scattering dispersion are similar to those in the case of plane-strain (two-dimensional) slit crack.
Quo vadis, Mexican science?
Authors: Lazcano Antonio
Published: July 2019

Last week, my colleagues and I went to the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City to deliver a petition signed by over 11,000 researchers in protest of the government's dismantling of science. One year ago, Mexico elected Andrés Manuel López Obrador as its new president. Many researchers voted for him, attracted by a campaign pledge to end corruption and violence and to promote science and education. Sadly, his actions have made things worse for science (see the News story on page 305). This cannot go on. Addressing poverty and corruption are not in opposition to social and economic investment in science and technology.
Evolution of organic-mineral interactions and implications for organic carbon occurrence and transformation in shale
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Cai Jingong , Wang Yongshi , Liu Huimin , Zhang Shoupeng
Published: July 2019

Organic-mineral interactions are pervasive in sedimentary environments; however, the extent of these interactions is not constant and has a significant impact on organic carbon (OC) occurrence and transformation. To understand the evolution of organic-mineral interactions and the implications for OC occurrence and transformation in fine-grained sediments, several shale samples were selected and subjected to physical and chemical sequential treatments. The samples were subjected to pyrolysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), and adsorption measurements to determine the organic parameters and the mineral surface area (MSA) of the shale samples. The results show that the organic fractions derived from sequential treatments have varying pyrolysis and FTIR characteristics. The correlation between the total OC content and MSA is positive, but it is split according to organic fractions with different attributes. Correlations between the different organic fractions and MSA indicate that the organic matter in shale is mainly adsorbed on mineral surfaces, while a certain portion of organic matter occurs in the pores and is adsorbed on the organic-mineral aggregates, suggesting variable interactions between the organic fractions with different attributes and minerals. From the pyrolysis and FTIR analysis, the organic fractions of different occurrence sites vary in their OC proportion, proclivity to form organic functional groups, and hydrocarbon generation potential. With increasing burial depth, the MSA and hydrogen index as well as OC loading per unit MSA are reduced, and the OC proportions of organic fractions with different attributes have regular trends. These observations indicate that the extent of organic-mineral interactions that can stabilize organic matter gradually decreases, resulting in transformation of the tightly mineral-combined OC into free OC. Our work reveals the heterogeneity in organic matter occurrence and the effect of the evolution of the organic-mineral interactions on OC occurrence and transformation, which is significant in the global carbon cycle and in petroleum systems.
Medical diligence uncovers fallopian tube cancer after abnormal Pap test
Authors: Buskmiller Cara , Cline Brittany , Xynos Francisco
Published: July 2019

The fallopian tube has received attention as an origin of high-grade pelvic malignancies. This is a case of bilateral fallopian tube cancer discovered after an abnormal Pap test. A 62-year-old woman with a history of one term delivery had atypical glandular cells on a Pap test. She had an unsatisfactory colposcopy and a normal transvaginal ultrasound. A loop electrode excision procedure and hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage revealed atypical glandular cells concentrated in floating balls. CA-125 was 10 U/mL. A robotic hysterectomy revealed histopathological stage IIIA serous carcinoma arising from both fallopian tubes. She received six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. After chemotherapy, she has no evidence of disease at 5 years. Fallopian tube carcinoma is a differential diagnosis of abnormal glandular cells on a Pap test. Diagnosis by systematic pursuit of abnormal tests can lead to successful treatment of a small disease burden.
Traditional serrated adenoma: an overview of pathology and emphasis on molecular pathogenesis
Authors: McCarthy Aoife J , Serra Stefano , Chetty Runjan
Published: July 2019

Objective

To provide an overview of the pathology and molecular pathogenesis of traditional serrated adenomas (TSA).

Design

Describe the morphology and molecules that play a role in their pathogenesis.

Results

These exuberant polypoid lesions are typified by tall cells with deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm, elongated nuclei bearing delicate chromatin, ectopic crypt foci, deep clefting of the lining mucosa and an overall resemblance to small bowel mucosa.

Broadly, TSAs arise via three mechanisms. They may beBRAFmutated and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP)-high: right sided, mediated through a microvesicular hyperplastic polyp or a sessile serrated adenoma, may also haveRNF43mutations and result in microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancers (CRC). The second pathway that is mutually exclusive of the first is mediated throughKRASmutation with CIMP-low TSAs. These are left-sided TSAs, are not associated with another serrated polyp and result in MSS CRC. These TSAs also haveRSPO3,RNF43andp53mutations together with aberrant nuclear localisation of β-catenin. Third, there is a smaller group of TSAs that areBRAFandKRASwild type and arise by as yet unknown molecular events. All TSAs show retention of mismatch repair proteins.

Conclusion

These are characteristic unusual polyps with a complex molecular landscape.
Relating the number of human leucocytes antigen mismatches to pregnancy complications in oocyte donation pregnancies: study protocol for a prospective multicentre cohort study (DONOR study)
Authors: van Bentem Kim , Lashley Eileen , Bos Manon , Eikmans Michael , Heidt Sebastiaan , Claas Frans , le Cessie Saskia , van der Hoorn Marie-Louise
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Oocyte donation (OD) enables women with reproductive failure to conceive. Compared with naturally conceived (NC) and in vitrofertilisation (IVF) pregnancies, OD pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications. The allogeneic nature of the fetus in OD pregnancies possibly plays a role in the development of these complications. The objective of the current study is therefore to study the number and nature of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches between fetus and mother and its association with the development of hypertensive pregnancy complications.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective multicentre cohort study, 200 patients visiting one of the 11 participating fertility centres in the Netherlands to perform OD or embryo donation or surrogacy will be invited to participate. These patients will be included as the exposed group. In addition, 146 patients with a NC pregnancy and 146 patients who applied for non-donor IVF are included as non-exposed subjects. These groups are frequency matched on age and ethnicity and only singleton pregnancies will be included. The primary clinical outcome of the study is the development of hypertensive disease during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes are the severity of the pre-eclampsia, time to development of pre-eclampsia and development of other pregnancy complications. The association of high number of HLA mismatches (>5) between mother and fetus will be determined and related to clinical outcome and pregnancy complication.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical approval from the medical ethics committee in the Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands (P16.048, ABR NL56308.058.16). Study findings will be presented at (inter) national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Random entropy expansiveness for diffeomorphisms with dominated splittings
Authors: Mi Zeya
Published: July 2019

We study the local entropy of typical infinite Bowen balls in random dynamical systems, and show the random entropy expansiveness for [Formula: see text] partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms with multi one-dimensional centers. Moreover, we consider [Formula: see text] diffeomorphism [Formula: see text] with dominated splitting [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text], and all the Lyapunov exponents are non-negative along [Formula: see text] and non-positive along [Formula: see text], we prove the asymptotically random entropy expansiveness for [Formula: see text].
Understanding Metropolitan Crowd Mobility via Mobile Cellular Accessing Data
Authors: Cao Hancheng , Sankaranarayanan Jagan , Feng Jie , Li Yong , Samet Hanan
Published: July 2019

Understanding crowd mobility in a metropolitan area is extremely valuable for city planners and decision makers. However, crowd mobility is a relatively new area of research and has significant technical challenges: lack of large-scale fine-grained data, difficulties in large-scale trajectory processing, and issues with spatial resolution. In this article, we propose a novel approach for analyzing crowd mobility on a “city block” level. We first propose algorithms to detect homes, working places, and stay regions for individual user trajectories. Next, we propose a method for analyzing commute patterns and spatial correlation at a city block level. Using mobile cellular accessing trace data collected from users in Shanghai, we discover commute patterns, spatial correlation rules, as well as a hidden structure of the city based on crowd mobility analysis. Therefore, our proposed methods contribute to our understanding of human mobility in a large metropolitan area.
Chinese Syntax Parsing Based on Sliding Match of Semantic String
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Degen , Cao Jingxiang
Published: July 2019

Different from the current syntax parsing based on deep learning, we present a novel Chinese parsing method, which is based on Sliding Match of Semantic String (SMOSS). (1) Training stage: In a treebank, headwords of tree nodes are represented by semantic codes given in the Synonym Dictionary (Tongyici Cilin). N-gram semantic templates are extracted from every layer of a syntax tree by means of sliding window to establish one N-gram semantic template library. (2) Parsing stage: Words of a sentence, including headwords of chunks, are represented by the semantic codes from Tongyici Cilin. With the sliding window method, N-gram semantic code strings are extracted to match with the templates in the N-gram semantic template library; subsequently, the mapping information of the matched templates is employed to guide the chunking of semantic code strings. The Chinese syntax parsing is completed through continuous matching and chunking. On the same training scale, N-gram semantic template can create favorable conditions for flexible matching and improve the syntax parsing performance. With train and test sets from the Tsinghua Chinese Treebank (TCT), the results are F1-score 99.71% (closed test) and F1-score 70.43% (open test), respectively.
Research for practice
Authors: Wiedemann Anna , Forsgren Nicole , Wiesche Manuel , Gewald Heiko , Krcmar Helmut
Published: July 2019

An executive crash course.
Robust Path Matching and Anomalous Route Detection Using Posterior Weighted Graphs
Authors: Doocy Lauren , Prager Steven D. , Kider Jr Joseph T. , Wiegand R. Paul
Published: July 2019

Understanding movement behaviors is critical for urban mobility and transport problems, including robust path matching, behavior analysis, and anomaly detection. We investigate a graph-based, probabilistic method for matching behaviors of entities operating on networks embedded in some geographic context (e.g., road networks) under different types of uncertainty. Our method uses a decay function that allows network topology and attribute information associated with that topology (geographic or otherwise) to guide generalizations of the activity patterns and model learning process. This allows the system to recognize when two routes within a network are similar, even when those routes share little explicit path information. We demonstrate this method’s robust ability to distinguish between fundamentally different behaviors, even when data are both incomplete and subject to noise. The results show good performance when matching behaviors on different sized and attributed synthetic networks, as well as on a real-world road network; it examines situations in which observed entity behavior is noisy, as well as situations in which observed behaviors differ from learned models as a result of systemic noise in the underlying network. Finally, our approach provides a robust method of detecting anomalous activity patterns on the network.
Fluid democracy
Authors: Bainbridge William Sims
Published: July 2019

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

In trying to "drown" the opposition with daily online elections, I didn't realize they could wash me away.
The success of the web
Authors: Aiello Marco
Published: July 2019

Connecting the unique factors that influenced the origination and subsequent development of the World Wide Web.
Reverse Engineering and Evaluating the Apple Wireless Direct Link Protocol
Authors: Stute Milan , Kreitschmann David , Hollick Matthias
Published: July 2019

Apple Wireless Direct Link (AWDL) is a proprietary protocol deployed in about 1.4 billion1 end-user devices consisting of Apple's main product families such as Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV? effectively all recent Apple devices containing a Wi-Fi chip. Apple does not advertise the protocol but only vaguely refers to it as a "peer-to-peer Wi-Fi" technology [2]. Yet, it empowers popular applications such as AirDrop and AirPlay that transparently use AWDL without the user noticing. We believe that public knowledge of this undocumented protocol would be beneficial for the following reasons.
The Book Review Column
Authors: Green Frederic
Published: July 2019

In this column we review three accessible books about difficult subjects. The second and third are in the AMS Student Mathematical Library, a series I have so far found to be uniformly excellent.
Review of Modern Cryptography and Elliptic Curves, A Beginner's Guide by Thomas R. Shemanske
Authors: Green Frederic
Published: July 2019

The equation y2 = x3 + ax2 + bx + c might seem a little innocuous at first. However, studying the sets of rational points (x; y) obeying this equation has proven to be one of the most far-reaching and fruitful areas of mathematics. For example, it led, aided and abetted by much of the most powerful mathematics of the past century, to Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem. And furthermore, these so-called "elliptic curves" (the terminology having little to do with ellipses) are actually useful. You can factor numbers with them! And send secret messages!
SIGACT News Complexity Theory Column 101
Authors: Hemaspaandra Lane A.
Published: July 2019

This issue's column brings to a close the half-year of Bill in the Complexity Theorem Column. In particular, the previous issue's Complexity Theory Column was Bill Gasarch's third P versus NP poll, and this issue's column is Bill, Erik, Jacob, and Scott's article on the muffin problem. Warmest thanks to Bill, Erik, Jacob, and Scott for their splendid baking! Quite naturally given that their article is rich in conjectures, this article is brought to you not just by the Complexity Theory Column, but in fact is a joint production with the Open Problems Column, the letter M, and the number 157 286 .
A Semianalytical Three‐Dimensional Elasticity Solution for Vibrations of Orthotropic Plates with Arbitrary Boundary Conditions
Authors: Cui Jie , Li Zichao , Ye Renchuan , Jiang Wenan , Tao Shenghui
Published: July 2019

A semianalytical three‐dimensional (3D) elasticity solution for the vibration of the orthotropic plate is presented under arbitrary boundary conditions. Three‐dimensional (3D) elasticity theory provides the theoretical support for the energy function of orthotropic plates. The orthotropic plates which have the arbitrary boundary condition are realized by the way of arranging three sets of linear springs at the edges. With the aim of eliminating the nonsmooth phenomenon at the edges, the admissible displacement function of an orthotropic plate is expressed with a modified Fourier series solution. Under this framework, a change that occurs on the boundary conditions only needs to modify the boundary parameters of the orthotropic plate, without the need for new derivation, thus greatly saving the modeling time. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are better than those of the published literature. Lastly, the new vibration results and parametric research of thick orthotropic plates as well as the geometric parameter are also presented.
The Fusion Oncogene FUS-CHOP Drives Sarcomagenesis of High-Grade Spindle Cell Sarcomas in Mice
Authors: Chen Mark , Xu Eric S. , Leisenring Nathan H. , Cardona Diana M. , Luo Lixia , Ma Yan , Ventura Andrea , Kirsch David G.
Published: July 2019

Myxoid liposarcoma is a malignant soft tissue sarcoma characterized by a pathognomonic t(12;16)(q13;p11) translocation that produces a fusion oncoprotein, FUS-CHOP. This cancer is remarkably sensitive to radiotherapy and exhibits a unique pattern of extrapulmonary metastasis. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a spatially and temporally restricted mouse model of sarcoma driven by FUS-CHOP. Using different Cre drivers in the adipocyte lineage, we initiatedin vivotumorigenesis by expressing FUS-CHOP inPrrx1+ mesenchymal progenitor cells. In contrast, expression of FUS-CHOP in more differentiated cells does not form tumorsin vivo, and early expression of the oncoprotein during embryogenesis is lethal. We also employin vivoelectroporation and CRISPR technology to rapidly generate spatially and temporally restricted mouse models of high-grade FUS-CHOP-driven sarcomas for preclinical studies.
Isolation of Cellulose Degrading Fungi from Decaying Banana Pseudostem andStrelitzia alba
Authors: Legodi L. M. , La Grange D. , van Rensburg E. L. Jansen , Ncube I.
Published: July 2019

Cellulases are a group of hydrolytic enzymes that break down cellulose to glucose units. These enzymes are used in the food, beverage, textile, pulp, and paper and the biofuel industries. The aim of this study was to isolate fungi from natural compost and produce cellulases in submerged fermentation (SmF). Initial selection was based on the ability of the fungi to grow on agar containing Avicel followed by cellulase activity determination in the form of endoglucanase and total cellulase activity. Ten fungal isolates obtained from the screening process showed good endoglucanase activity on carboxymethyl cellulose-Congo Red agar plates. Six of the fungal isolates were selected based on high total cellulase activity and identified as belonging to the generaTrichodermaandAspergillus. In SmF of synthetic media with an initial pH of 6.5 at 30°CTrichoderma longibrachiatumLMLSAUL 14-1 produced total cellulase activity of 8 FPU/mL and endoglucanase activity of 23 U/mL whilstTrichoderma harzianumLMLBP07 13-5 produced 6 FPU/mL and endoglucanase activity of 16 U/mL. The produced levels of both cellulases and endoglucanase byTrichodermaspecies were higher than the levels for theAspergillus fumigatusstrains.Aspergillus fumigatusLMLPS 13-4 produced higherβ-glucosidase 38 U/mL activity thanTrichodermaspecies.
Protective Effect of Astragaloside IV on Hepatic Injury Induced by Iron Overload
Authors: Xie Dongyu , Zhou Ping , Liu Lin , Jiang Wenjing , Xie Haina , Zhang Liang , Xie Donghao
Published: July 2019

Suitable content of iron is essential for human body, but iron overload is associated with many kinds of diseases including chronic liver damage. Recently, researchers find that iron overload promotes hepatocyte autophagy and apoptosis. However, the mechanism of iron overload in liver damage remains unclear. In this study, Lo2 cells were selected as the research object, iron dextran was a model drug, and astragaloside IV was a therapeutic drug to explore the role of iron overload. MTT assay and Annexin/PI double staining were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis. Ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were determined by real-time PCR and Western Blot. The results showed that iron dextran could significantly inhibit Lo2 cell viability and increase the apoptosis rate, while astragaloside IV could reverse the inhibition of Lo2 cell viability and decrease the apoptosis rate. Transmission electron microscopy showed a significant increase in the number of autophagosomes after administration of iron dextran, and the application of astragaloside IV reduced the production of autophagosomes. LC3II/I was significantly upregulated in the model group but decreased in the astragaloside IV treatment group, and P62 showed the opposite trend. Iron dextran significantly upregulated the expression of Bax and downregulated Bcl2, while astragaloside IV reversed this trend. Finally, the inhibition of hepcidin caused by iron dextran was counteracted by astragaloside IV. In conclusion, the experimental results show that the iron overload model mainly induces excessive autophagy and apoptosis of hepatocytes, thus causing damage to hepatocytes, but astragaloside IV plays a certain therapeutic role in reversing this damage.
Prevalence of Malaria and TB Coinfection at a National Tuberculosis Treatment Centre in Uganda
Authors: Baluku Joseph Baruch , Nassozi Sylvia , Gyagenda Brian , Namanda Margret , Andia-Biraro Irene , Worodria William , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline
Published: July 2019

The prevalence of malaria and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection is not well established in countries that are highly burdened for both diseases. Malaria could impair TB containment and increase mortality of TB patients. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria/TB coinfection among bacteriologically confirmed adult TB patients at a national TB treatment centre in Uganda. Using a cross-sectional study design we enrolled 363 bacteriologically confirmed adult TB patients, and data on demographics and medical history was collected. Blood samples were tested for malaria blood smear, rapid malaria diagnostic test (RDT), complete blood count, haematological film analysis, HIV serology, and CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts. Malaria was defined as either a positive blood smear or RDT. The study participants were mostly male (61.4%), with a median age of 31 (interquartile range, IQR: 25-39) years, and 35.8% were HIV positive. The prevalence of malaria was 2.2% (8/363) on the overall and 5% (3/58) among participants with rifampicin resistance. A triple infection of HIV, malaria, and rifampicin resistant TB was observed in 3 participants. The prevalence of malaria among TB patients is low, and further evaluation of the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological interaction of the two diseases is warranted.
Severe Cardiorespiratory and Neurologic Symptoms in a Neonate due to Mepivacaine Intoxication
Authors: de Groot-van der Mooren Maurike , Quint Sabine , Knobbe Ingmar , Cronie Doug , van Weissenbruch Mirjam
Published: July 2019

Local anesthesia with mepivacaine is used for vaginal deliveries and for minor surgeries of the vagina and perineum as repair of an episiotomy or perineal laceration. Neonatal intoxication caused by local anesthesia with mepivacaine for maternal episiotomy has been rarely reported. We present a case of a term female infant with unexplained cardiorespiratory distress and several neurologic findings, including seizures, one hour after birth. Electrocardiogram showed a second-degree atrioventricular block and a left-bundle branch block. Blood measures in the patient revealed a high mepivacaine level following local anesthesia for maternal episiotomy. Because of the increasing practice of local anesthesia, high awareness for neonatal intoxication and further research in safe elimination therapy in neonates is needed.
The Black Esophagus in the Renal Transplant Patient
Authors: Yu Michael Andrew , Mulki Ramzi , Massaad Julia
Published: July 2019

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is an uncommon disease characterized by gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopic findings of circumferential black-colored necrosis of the distal esophagus. Patients at risk include elderly males over the age of 65, who typically have multiple chronic medical issues including vascular disease and diabetes. Mortality is reported to be 32%. Here, we present a case of AEN in a renal transplant patient and describe potential inciting factors such as immunosuppression and opportunistic diseases.
Simulation Analysis and Scheme Optimization of Energy Consumption in Public Buildings
Authors: Liu Yang , Zou Shiqing , Chen Hongyu , Wu Xianguo , Chen Wenman
Published: July 2019

Under the requirement of energy savings and emission reduction in China, building energy consumption, which occupies a rising proportion of the total energy consumption in society, has become the focus of energy conservation research. Public buildings with a high‐energy consumption level have become the most important part of energy conservation research. It is of great practical significance and social value to study energy conservation in large public buildings. In this paper, a large office building is taken as an example. First, a simulation model is constructed by using the energy consumption simulation analysis method, and the reliability of the model is verified by a comparison with the actual energy consumption. Second, based on the model, the thermal design parameters of six building envelope structures, including the external wall heat transfer coefficient, are analyzed in the order of energy‐saving sensitivity. Based on the results of the sensitivity analysis, suggestions for each factor are presented. Finally, considering the mutual influence of each parameter on the building energy consumption, the orthogonal design method is used to arrange the test, and the optimal scheme combination of the energy‐saving effect is analyzed, which can provide decision support for the energy saving of public building envelopes.
Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Risk Factors and Cardiometabolic Comorbidities in Rural Northeast China
Authors: Yu Shiwen , Xing Liying , Du Zhi , Tian Yuanmeng , Jing Li , Yan Han , Lin Min , Zhang Boqiang , Liu Shuang , Pan Yaping , Li Chen
Published: July 2019

Objective. To investigate the epidemiological features of obesity in rural Northeast China. Design. This was a 2017–2018 cross-sectional study of 10,891 participants aged ≥40 years that was designed to investigate the prevalence of obesity in rural areas of Liaoning Province. Demographic data, biochemical parameters, and physical examinations were completed by well-trained personnel. Logistic regression analyses were then carried out to investigate independent risk factors and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities of obesity. Results. The proportions of general obesity only, central obesity only, and combined obesity were 1.0%, 31.3%, and 17.4%, respectively. Overall, 49.8% of our subjects were obese. Female gender, being married, being separated/divorced/widowed, or eating more meat were significantly associated with obesity. Smoking, higher family income, or regular physical exercise were negatively associated with obesity. General obesity only was significantly correlated with hypertension, diabetes, and high triglycerides (OR = 2.79, OR = 2.79, and OR = 3.37, resp.). General obesity only was irrelevant to high total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, although central obesity only, or combined obesity, was relevant to these factors. Prehypertension and prediabetes showed a positive association with different types of obesity. Conclusions. We identified a high prevalence of general and central obesity in rural Northeast China, with similar independent risk factors. Participants with combined obesity had the highest risk of cardiometabolic comorbidities, indicating that the combined use of both waist circumference and body mass index is useful in practice.
A Novel Phase Space Reconstruction- (PSR-) Based Predictive Algorithm to Forecast Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentration
Authors: Ali Shah Syed Ahsin , Aziz Wajid , Ahmed Nadeem Malik Sajjad , Almaraashi Majid , Shim Seong-O. , Habeebullah Turki M.
Published: July 2019

The prediction of atmospheric particulate matter (APM) concentration is essential to reduce adverse effects on human health and to enforce emission restrictions. The dynamics of APM are inherently nonlinear and chaotic. Phase space reconstruction (PSR) is one of the widely used methods for chaotic time series analysis. The APM mass concentrations are an outcome of complex anthropogenic contributors evolving with time, which may operate on multiple time scales. Thus, the traditional single-variable PSR-based prediction algorithm in which data points of last embedding dimension are used as a target set may fail to account for multiple time scales inherent in APM concentrations. To address this issue, we propose a novel PSR-based scientific solution that accounts for the information contained at multiple time scales. Different machine learning algorithms are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed and traditional PSR techniques for predicting mass concentrations of particulate matter up to 2.5 micron (PM2.5), up to 10 micron (PM10.0), and ratio of PM2.5/PM10.0. Hourly time series data of PM2.5 and PM10.0 mass concentrations are collected from January 2014 to September 2015 at the Masfalah air quality monitoring station (couple of kilometers from the Holy Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia). The performances of various learning algorithms are evaluated using RMSE and MAE. The results demonstrated that prediction error of all the machine learning techniques is smaller for the proposed PSR approach compared to traditional approach. For PM2.5, FFNN leads to best results (both RMSE and MAE 0.04 μgm−3), followed by SVR-L (RMSE 0.01 μgm−3 and MAE 0.09 μgm−3) and RF (RMSE 1.27 μgm−3 and MAE 0.86 μgm−3). For PM10.0, SVR-L leads to best results (both RMSE and MAE 0.06 μgm−3), followed by FFNN (RMSE 0.13 μgm−3 and MAE 0.09 μgm−3) and RF (RMSE 1.60 μgm−3 and MAE 1.16 μgm−3). For PM2.5/PM10.0, FFNN is the best and accurate method for prediction (0.001 for both RMSE and MAE), followed by RF (0.02 for both RMSE and MAE) and SVR-L (RMSE 0.05 μgm−3 and MAE 0.04).
Dexamethasone Provides Effective Immunosuppression for Improved Survival of Retinal Organoids after Epiretinal Transplantation
Authors: Xian Bikun , Luo Ziming , Li Kaijing , Li Kang , Tang Mingjun , Yang Runcai , Lu Shoutao , Zhang Haijun , Ge Jian
Published: July 2019

We investigated the efficacy of the immunosuppressants rapamycin (RAP) and dexamethasone (DEX) in improving the survival of retinal organoids after epiretinal transplantation. We first compared the immunosuppressive abilities of DEX and RAP in activated microglia in an in vitro setting. Following this, we used immunofluorescence, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry to investigate the effects of DEX and RAP on cells in the retinal organoids. Retinal organoids were then seeded onto poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) scaffolds and implanted into rhesus monkey eyes (including a healthy individual and three monkeys with chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) induction) and subjected to different post-operative immunosuppressant treatments; 8 weeks after the experiment, histological examinations were carried out to assess the success of the different treatments. Our in vitro experiments indicated that both DEX and RAP treatments were equally effective in suppressing microglial activity. Although both immunosuppressants altered the morphologies of cells in the retinal organoids and caused a slight decrease in the differentiation of cells into retinal ganglion cells, the organoid cells retained their capacity to grow and differentiate into retinal tissues. Our in vivo experiments indicate that the retinal organoid can survive and differentiate into retinal tissues in a healthy rhesus monkey eye without immunosuppressive treatment. However, the survival and differentiation of these organoids in OHT eyes was successful only with the DEX treatment. RAP treatment was ineffective in preventing immunological rejection, and the retinal organoid failed to survive until the end of 8 weeks. DEX is likely a promising immunosuppressant to enhance the survival of epiretinal implants.
Analyzing Stock Brokers’ Trading Patterns: A Network Decomposition and Spatial Econometrics Approach
Authors: Eberhard Juan , Lavín Jaime F. , Montecinos-Pearce Alejandro , Arenas José
Published: July 2019

Using a unique data set with all the daily transactions from the Santiago Stock Exchange, we develop a novel methodology that combines a network decomposition with a spatial econometrics technique to study how brokers’ characteristics and trading decisions may affect the stock market return. We present suggestive evidence of a mechanism by which structural changes of the transaction network between brokers affect the aggregate returns of the stock market. We find that brokers tend to trade with counterparties with dissimilar intraday selling volume when market return significantly increases. Moreover, brokers with a research department tend to sell to brokers without a research department when the market experiences a considerable increase of its return. From the financial perspective, these results highlight new ways in which intermediaries may affect market equilibrium and the efficiency of the market.
Mesh Phase Analysis of Encased Differential Gear Train for Coaxial Twin‐Rotor Helicopter
Authors: Zhang Donglin , Zhu Rupeng , Fu Bibo , Tan Wuzhong
Published: July 2019

Dynamic excitation caused by time‐varying meshing stiffness is one of the most important excitation forms in gear meshing process. The mesh phase relations between each gear pair are an important factor affecting the meshing stiffness. In this paper, the mesh phase relations between gear pairs in an encased differential gear train widely used in coaxial twin‐rotor helicopters are discussed. Taking the meshing starting point where the gear tooth enters contact as the reference point, the mesh phase difference between adjacent gear pairs is analyzed and calculated, the system reference gear pair is selected, and the mesh phase difference of each gear pair relative to the system reference gear pair is obtained. The derivation process takes into account the modification of the teeth, the processing, and assembly of the duplicate gears, which makes the calculation method and conclusion more versatile. This work lays a foundation for considering the time‐varying meshing stiffness in the study of system dynamics, load distribution, and fault diagnosis of compound planetary gears.
Role of the Btk-PLCγ2 Signaling Pathway in the Bone Destruction of Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Wang Lina , Zhang Hong , Dong Ming , Zuo Meina , Liu Shuo , Lu Ying , Niu Weidong
Published: July 2019

Chronic apical periodontitis is characterized by alveolar bone absorption in the apical region and is the result of the participation of various inflammatory mediators. Studies have shown that the Bruton tyrosine kinase- (Btk-) phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) signaling pathway plays an important role in bone absorption, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in apical periodontitis bone destruction. Therefore, this study verified the role of Btk and PLCγ2 in bone resorption of apical periodontitis by in vivo and in vitro experiments. In the in vivo experiment, a mice model of apical periodontitis was established; apical bone resorption was confirmed by the numbers of osteoclasts and HE staining. Btk, PLCγ2, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc-1) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. In the in vitro experiment, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were used to stimulate osteoclast precursor cell RAW264.7 to establish an inflammatory microenvironment and detect osteoclast differentiation. By silencing Btk, the expression of Btk, PLCγ2, and NFATc-1 was detected by real-time qPCR and Western blot, and osteoclastogenesis was detected by enzyme histochemical staining to further confirm the role of Btk in bone resorption. It was found that the expression of Btk, PLCγ2, and NFATc-1 changed significantly with the progression of inflammation and bone destruction, indicating that Btk and PLCγ2 may be involved in the progression of inflammation in apical periodontitis and bone absorption. In vitro experiments confirmed that the differentiation of osteoclasts and the expression of PLCγ2 and NFATc-1 were significantly inhibited after silencing Btk expression, but osteoclast precursor cells could be differentiated due to the proinflammatory factor lipopolysaccharide. This study demonstrates that Btk and PLCγ2 are key factors involved in the apical inflammatory response and bone destruction.
Statistical Constitutive Model of Thermal Damage for Deep Rock considering Initial Compaction Stage and Residual Strength
Authors: Zhu Lingjie , Xu Xiaoli , Cao Xiaojian , Chen Shaoyong
Published: July 2019

From the theory of damage mechanics, based on the Hoek‐Brown strength criterion and Weibull distribution law of rock microelement strength, a statistical constitutive model of rock thermal damage is established by using equivalent strain hypothesis, and the theoretical model is modified by considering the compression coefficient and residual strength correction coefficient. The rationality of the modified model is verified by experimental data. The results show that the stress‐strain curves of rock can be divided into four stages: initial compaction, stable damage propagation, damage strengthening expansion, and damage failure according to the characteristics of rock damage evolution. The peak stress of rock increases exponentially with the increase of confining pressure, and the maximum damage evolution rate decreases exponentially with the increase of confining pressure, which indicates that confining pressure delays the development of cumulative damage. The peak stress and maximum damage evolution rate of rock decrease exponentially with the increase of temperature, which accelerates the damage of rock. The initial damage of rock is thermal damage caused by temperature, and the damage value increases with the increase of temperature. The revised theoretical curve reflects the characteristics of rock compaction stage and residual strength and improves the coincidence with the experimental curve. The research results provide a reference for the establishment of thermal damage constitutive model of rock in deep engineering.