bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Emulsified Water Droplet on Wax Deposition Path in Multiphase Transportation Pipeline
Authors: Zhao Yi , Qi Xiangdong , Wang Zhihua , Ling Kegang , Rui Zhenhua
Published: July 2020

Although the problems of wax deposition in multiphase transportation pipelines have been addressed and wax deposition models have been developed in recent years, the complex wax deposition paths derived from the potential variety of flow regimes in multiphase flow have not been well understood. This study presented a method for characterizing wax crystals aggregation and developed a model for describing the wax deposition path in oil−water two-phase flows. The effect of the emulsified water droplets on wax crystals aggregation in shearing flows was identified using the polarized light microscopy and image analysis method. The role of the emulsified water droplets in the wax deposition path reaching the upper side and lower side of the pipeline wall was discussed by solving the developed model which involves the possible inclination angle of the multiphase transportation pipeline. The availability of the mechanistic model was validated by the data and knowledge in the existing literature. The results indicated that the circular degree and particle size of wax crystals showed a characteristic that it first increased and then decreased with the accumulation of emulsified water droplets in shearing flow, and this transition appeared to the phase inversion point of the oil−water two-phase. The wax deposition path was complex in multiphase transportation. The velocity for wax crystals depositing to the pipeline wall decreased, and the time for wax crystals depositing to the pipeline wall extended with the existence of emulsified water droplets. This behavior became remarkable when the dispersion stability of the oil−water two-phase enhanced.
Generative Design of Bionic Structures Via Concurrent Multiscale Topology Optimization and Conformal Geometry Method
Authors: Jiang Long , Gu Xianfeng David , Chen Shikui
Published: July 2020

Topology optimization has been proved to be an efficient tool for structural design. In recent years, the focus of structural topology optimization has been shifting from single material continuum structures to multimaterial and multiscale structures. This paper aims at devising a numerical scheme for designing bionic structures by combining a two-stage parametric level set topology optimization with the conformal mapping method. At the first stage, the macro-structural topology and the effective material properties are optimized simultaneously. At the second stage, another structural topology optimization is carried out to identify the exact layout of the metamaterial at the mesoscale. The achieved structure and metamaterial designs are further synthesized to form a multiscale structure using conformal mapping, which mimics the bionic structures with “orderly chaos” features. In this research, a multi-control-point conformal mapping (MCM) based on Ricci flow is proposed. Compared with conventional conformal mapping with only four control points, the proposed MCM scheme can provide more flexibility and adaptivity in handling complex geometries. To make the effective mechanical properties of the metamaterials invariant after conformal mapping, a variable-thickness structure method is proposed. Three 2D numerical examples using MCM schemes are presented, and their results and performances are compared. The achieved multimaterial multiscale structure models are characterized by the “orderly chaos” features of bionic structures while possessing the desired performance.
In Vitro Thermal Assessment of Vascularized Tissue Phantom in Presence of Gold Nanorods During Photo-Thermal Therapy
Authors: Paul Abhijit , Paul Anup
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, laser and nanotechnology have drawn more attention in the field of noninvasive cancer treatment with precise ablation of tumor preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Besides, the assessment of viscoelastic deformation within the tissue can estimate the thermally induced nociceptive pain during laser therapy. This study deals with a laser-assisted in vitro thermal analysis on vascular tissue phantom doped with gold nanorods along with a comparative study with numerical results. The prediction of tissue thermomechanical response under laser heating also has been made. Both Pennes and dual-phase-lag bioheat equations coupled with equilibrium equations are solved using comsolmultiphysics (Bangalore, India). The aim is to create a comparative study between intratumoral (IT) and intravenous (IV) infusion schemes of nanoparticles in terms of thermal and mechanical behavior. The in vitro heating of tissue phantom with IT scheme provides more control over the spreading of necrotic temperature in terms of precise damage of the targeted area, preserving the surrounding nontargeted area. Predicted results show a reduced overall thermal deformation of the nanoparticle doped tissue model with the IT scheme depicting a stiffer thermoelastic response comparing the model doped with the IV scheme. The simultaneous heating and cooling shows a viscoelastic nature of biotissue. However, under cyclic heating and cooling of the tissue model embedded in a large blood vessel (LBV) depicts a smaller sized stress–strain hysteresis loop. Nevertheless, the present findings can help to understand the thermo-mechanical behavior of tissue during clinical photothermal therapy.
Sweeping Jet Film Cooling at High Blowing Ratio on a Turbine Vane
Authors: Hossain Mohammad A. , Ameri Ali , Gregory James W. , Bons Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2020

Experimental and numerical investigations were performed to study the effects of high blowing ratios and high freestream turbulence on sweeping jet film cooling. Experiments were conducted on a nozzle guide vane suction surface in a low-speed linear cascade at a range of blowing ratios of 0.5–3.5 and freestream turbulence of 0.6% and 14.3%. Infrared thermography was used to estimate the adiabatic cooling effectiveness. Thermal field and boundary layer measurements were conducted at a cross-plane at x/D = 12 downstream of the hole exit. Results were compared with a baseline 777-shaped hole and showed that the sweeping jet hole has improved cooling effectiveness at high blowing ratios (M > 1). The thermal field data revealed that the coolant separates from the surface at high blowing ratios for the 777-shaped hole while the coolant remains attached for the sweeping jet hole. Boundary layer measurements further confirmed that due to the sweeping motion of the jet, the effective jet momentum of the sweeping jet hole remains much lower than that of a 777-shaped hole. Thus, the coolant remains closer to the wall even at high blowing ratios. Large Eddy simulations (LES) were performed for both the sweeping jet and 777-shaped hole to evaluate the interaction between the coolant jet and the freestream in the near hole regions. Results showed that 777-shaped hole has a strong jetting at high blowing ratio that originates inside the hole breakout edges thus causing the jet to blow-off from the surface. In contrast, the sweeping jet does not show this behavior due to its internal geometry and flapping motion of the jet.
Wear Behavior of Spindles of Cotton Picker in Field Work
Authors: Zhang Youqiang , Tian Yu , Meng Yonggang
Published: July 2020

Spindles in cotton picking machinery are the key component, wear of the spindles significantly reduces harvest efficiency of the cotton picking process. To improve its wear resistance, the substrate surfaces of spindles are usually electroplated with chromium coating. But the failure process and wear mechanism of the spindle have not been studied so far. In this paper, based on the surface analyses and wear behavior of spindles of a cotton picker in field work, the test results showed that the worn surface was smoother and wear trend of surface topographies tend to consistent along with the rotation direction of the spindle and found a significant reduction in roughness and coating thickness. The coating of the spindle surface has not been damaged in the picking process, the wear mechanism was mainly abrasive wear. After the worn out of surface coating, abrasive wear is always present accompanied by oxidation wear. Multi-oxides were deposited on the substrate surface; the oxide particle was sheared by cotton fiber in the subsequent picking, leading to an increase in surface roughness and aggravating substrate wear. These in filed wear mechanisms and processes of spindles could be of help for the design and surface modification with longer working life.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Start of Injection and Blend Ratio on Single Fuel Reformate RCCI
Authors: Hariharan Deivanayagam , Gainey Brian , Yan Ziming , Mamalis Sotirios , Lawler Benjamin
Published: July 2020

A new concept of single fuel reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) has been proposed through the catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) reformation of diesel fuel. The reformed fuel mixture is then used as the low reactivity fuel and diesel itself is used as the high reactivity fuel. In this paper, two reformate mixtures from the reformation of diesel were selected for further analysis. Each reformate fuel mixture contained a significant fraction of inert gases (89% and 81%). The effects of the difference in the molar concentrations of the reformate mixtures were studied by experimenting with diesel as the direct injected fuel in RCCI over a varying start of injection timings and different blend ratios (i.e., the fraction of low and high reactivity fuels). The reformate mixture with the lower inert gas concentration had earlier combustion phasing and shorter combustion duration at any given diesel start of injection timing. The higher reactivity separation between reformate mixture and diesel, compared with gasoline and diesel, causes the combustion phasing of reformate-diesel RCCI to be more sensitive to the start of injection timing. The maximum combustion efficiency was found at a CA50 before top dead center (TDC), whereas the maximum thermal efficiency occurs at a CA50 after TDC. The range of energy-based blend ratios in which reformate-diesel RCCI is possible is between 25% and 45%, limited by ringing intensity (RI) at the low limit of blend ratios, and coefficient of variance (COV) of net indicated mean effective pressure (IMEPn) and combustion efficiency at the high limit. Intake boosting becomes necessary due to the oxygen deficiency caused by the low energy density of the reformate mixtures as it displaces intake air.
Combustion Instability Characteristics Under Various Fuel and Air Flow Rates in a Partially Premixed Model Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Kwak Sanghyeok , Joo Seongpil , Kim Seongheon , Choi Jaehong , Yoon Youngbin
Published: July 2020

In this study, the combustion instability characteristics are experimentally investigated in a partially premixed gas turbine model combustor. The combustor is operated with methane and preheated air as the fuel and oxidizer, respectively, at atmospheric pressure. The experiment is carried out at various equivalence ratios and flow rates of fuel and air to investigate the effect on the combustion instability frequency transition. According to the experimental results, the transition of the combustion instability frequency to higher longitudinal mode occurs because of the flow rate variation. To explain the frequency shift phenomenon, the concept of convection time is introduced, which is mostly affected by the flame position and exit velocity of the fuel-air mixture. The flame positions are measured using OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (OH-PLIF), and the flow field information is obtained using particle image velocimetry to calculate the convection time. The measurement results show that the injection velocities of fuel and air are also important factors in determining the combustion instability frequency as well as the equivalence ratio, which is a crucial parameter of the flame position. As a result, it is found that the decrease in convection time owing to a closer distance from the dump plane to the flame and a faster exit velocity of the fuel-air mixture causes the combustion instability frequency mode shift. Additionally, the structural characteristics of the flame are analyzed using high-speed OH-PLIF measurement. The differences in the flame structure between the stable and unstable flames in the 2nd and 3rd longitudinal modes are analyzed. The change in the unburned mixture is mainly observed and the relationship between the dynamic pressure, heat release rate, and length of the unburned region is also analyzed.
Multi-Fidelity Analysis of Acoustic Streaming in Forced Convection Heat Transfer
Authors: Agarwal Tapish , Rahbari Iman , Saavedra Jorge , Paniagua Guillermo , Cukurel Beni
Published: July 2020

The behavioral characteristics of thermal boundary layer dictate the relative efficiency of forced convection heat transfer. This research effort is related to the detailed analysis of the temporal evolution of thermal boundary layer under periodic excitations. In presence of oscillations, a distinct thin Stokes layer is formed inside the attached boundary layer, which interacts nonlinearly with the mean flow in the near wall region. This interaction leads to modification of temporally averaged flow fields, commonly known as acoustic streaming. As a result, the aero-thermal wall gradients are modified leading to significant changes in wall shear stress and heat flux. However, the small spatial scales and the inherent unsteady nature of streaming has presented challenges for prior numerical investigations, preventing the identification of optimal parameters. In order to address this void in numerical framework, the development of a three-tier numerical approach is presented. As a first layer of fidelity, a laminar model is developed for fluctuations and streaming flow calculations in laminar flows subjected to travelling wave disturbances. This technique is an extension of the Lin’s method to traveling wave disturbances of various speeds (absent of previously employed assumptions), along with inclusion of energy equation. With low computational cost, this level of abstraction is intended to identify the broad parameter space that yield desirable heat transfer alterations. At the next level of fidelity, 2D U-RANS simulations are conducted across both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. This is geared towards extending the parameter space obtained from laminar model to turbulent flow conditions. As the third level of fidelity, temporally and spatially resolved DNS simulations are conducted to simulate the application relevant compressible flow environment. The exemplary findings indicate that in certain parameter space, both enhancement and reduction in heat transfer can be obtained through acoustic streaming. Moreover, the extent of heat transfer modulations is greater than alterations in wall shear, thereby surpassing Reynolds analogy.
Study of the phase nature of boron- and nitrogen-containing films by optical and photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Onnink Arnoud J. , Apaydin Ramazan O. , Aarnink Antonius A. I. , de Jong Michel P. , Gravesteijn Dirk J. , Kovalgin Alexey Y.
Published: July 2020

This work considers the possible occurrence of two distinct phases in thin films of overall composition B1−xNx (0.21 ≤ x ≤ 0.47) grown by chemical vapor deposition from sequential pulses of diborane (B2H6) and ammonia (NH3). Two distinct peaks are identified in B1s x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), related to two populations of B atoms with different oxidation states. The data are most consistent with a model in which one population mainly bonds to B atoms, and the other population mainly bonds to N atoms, as expected for a composite of B and BN. Based on peak broadening, interfaces between the two types contribute significantly to the spectra. Furthermore, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) found that the samples displayed optical absorption consistent with that of pure-B. This work, thus, developed a fit model to characterize the films optically by SE. Describing the films as composites of pure-B and BN, and using optical constants of reference layers thereof, the relative fractions could be estimated in reasonable agreement with XPS. Differences between the models and data in both SE and XPS are consistent with the effects of hydrogenation and the contribution of atoms in interface states. Evidence from SE suggests that the films may consist of stacked lamellar phases, which would indeed have a large surface-to-volume ratio.
Asphaltophones: Modeling, analysis, and experiment
Authors: Tucker Alex , Perkins Edmon
Published: July 2020

The asphaltophone is a musical instrument consisting of (1) a specially designed road surface topology, (2) the tire's contact patch, and (3) the vehicle itself. Each of these components in the asphaltophone has an analogy in the phonograph, which is composed of (1) a record, (2) a stylus, and (3) an amplification device. Asphaltophones are an enjoyable and inexpensive method to keep drivers alert and develop tourism. In this paper, a simplified quarter-car model is proposed to study the effects of the asphaltophone on a vehicle. An analytical solution of the simplified quarter-car model to the most common asphaltophone profiles is derived. This analytical solution is used to determine the relationship between the asphaltophone's profile and the signal quality. An experimental installment is analyzed. The asphaltophone experiment was fabricated and installed on a college campus. The fabrication process used a laser cutter to cut predefined sections from a strip of asphalt marking tape. To the authors' knowledge, very little research has been pursued on this instrument.
Single C-to-T substitution using engineered APOBEC3G-nCas9 base editors with minimum genome- and transcriptome-wide off-target effects
Authors: Lee Sangsin , Ding Ning , Sun Yidi , Yuan Tanglong , Li Jing , Yuan Qichen , Liu Lizhong , Yang Jie , Wang Qian , Kolomeisky Anatoly B. , Hilton Isaac B. , Zuo Erwei , Gao Xue
Published: July 2020

Engineered base editors convert the second nucleotide C to T in the context of 5′-CC-3′ with high precision and targeting fidelity.
Wise or mad crowds? The cognitive mechanisms underlying information cascades
Authors: Tump Alan N. , Pleskac Timothy J. , Kurvers Ralf H. J. M.
Published: July 2020

The integration of personal and social information dynamically over time gives rise to beneficial information cascades.
Codelivery of CRISPR-Cas9 and chlorin e6 for spatially controlled tumor-specific gene editing with synergistic drug effects
Authors: Deng Shaohui , Li Xiaoxia , Liu Shuang , Chen Jifeng , Li Mingqiang , Chew Sing Yian , Leong Kam W. , Cheng Du
Published: July 2020

Codelivery of CRISPR-Cas9 and chlorin e6 achieved spatially controlled tumor-specific gene editing with synergistic drug effects.
A positive, growth-based PAM screen identifies noncanonical motifs recognized by the
S. pyogenes
Cas9
Authors: Collias D. , Leenay R. T. , Slotkowski R. A. , Zuo Z. , Collins S. P. , McGirr B. A. , Liu J. , Beisel C. L.
Published: July 2020

SpyCas9 and its engineered variants can recognize NYGG PAMs, affecting their use for genome editing and off-target predictions.
p-type transparent superconductivity in a layered oxide
Authors: Soma Takuto , Yoshimatsu Kohei , Ohtomo Akira
Published: July 2020

Strongly correlated electrons confined in two-dimensional NbO
6
triangular prism layers create a p-type transparent superconductor.
Deep immune profiling of COVID-19 patients reveals distinct immunotypes with therapeutic implications
Authors: Mathew Divij , Giles Josephine R. , Baxter Amy E. , Oldridge Derek A. , Greenplate Allison R. , Wu Jennifer E. , Alanio Cécile , Kuri-Cervantes Leticia , Pampena M. Betina , D’Andrea Kurt , Manne Sasikanth , Chen Zeyu , Huang Yinghui Jane , Reilly John P. , Weisman Ariel R. , Ittner Caroline A. G. , Kuthuru Oliva , Dougherty Jeanette , Nzingha Kito , Han Nicholas , Kim Justin , Pattekar Ajinkya , Goodwin Eileen C. , Anderson Elizabeth M. , Weirick Madison E. , Gouma Sigrid , Arevalo Claudia P. , Bolton Marcus J. , Chen Fang , Lacey Simon F. , Ramage Holly , Cherry Sara , Hensley Scott E. , Apostolidis Sokratis A. , Huang Alexander C. , Vella Laura A. ,   The UPenn COVID Processing Unit, Betts Michael R. , Meyer Nuala J. , Wherry E. John , Alam Zahidul , Addison Mary M. , Byrne Katelyn T. , Chandra Aditi , Descamps Hélène C. , Kaminskiy Yaroslav , Hamilton Jacob T. , Noll Julia Han , Omran Dalia K. , Perkey Eric , Prager Elizabeth M. , Pueschl Dana , Shah Jennifer B. , Shilan Jake S. , Vanderbeck Ashley N.
Published: July 2020

Immune profiling of COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of people globally, yet how the human immune system responds to and influences COVID-19 severity remains unclear. Mathew
et al.
present a comprehensive atlas of immune modulation associated with COVID-19. They performed high-dimensional flow cytometry of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found three prominent and distinct immunotypes that are related to disease severity and clinical parameters. Arunachalam
et al.
report a systems biology approach to assess the immune system of COVID-19 patients with mild-to-severe disease. These studies provide a compendium of immune cell information and roadmaps for potential therapeutic interventions.

Science
, this issue p.
eabc8511
, p.
1210
Complete Genome Sequence of the
Blochmannia
Endosymbiont of
Camponotus nipponensis
Authors: Park Jongsun , Xi Hong , Park Jonghyun , Nam Sang June , Lee Yeong-Don
Published: July 2020

Blochmannia
endosymbionts, belonging to
Gammaproteobacteria
, live in bacteriocytes, which are specialized cells for these bacterial species in the
Camponotus
genus (carpenter ants). In this announcement, we describe the complete genome sequence of the
Blochmannia
endosymbiont of
Camponotus nipponensis
, which originated from a
C. nipponensis
colony collected in the Republic of Korea.
Complete Genome Sequences and Methylome Analyses of Cutibacterium acnes subsp.
acnes
Strains DSM 16379 and DSM 1897
T
Authors: Deptula Paulina , Laine Pia , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri , Roberts Richard J. , Johnston Christopher D. , Varmanen Pekka
Published: July 2020

Cutibacterium acnes
is a member of the normal human skin microbiome. However, it is also associated with skin disorders and persistent infections of orthopedic implants. Here, we announce complete genome sequences and methylomes of the
C. acnes
subsp.
acnes
strains DSM 1897
T
and DSM 16379 together with their active restriction-modification systems.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium adolescentis ZJ2, Isolated from a Centenarian in Anhui, China
Authors: Jin Zeyu , Li Wei , Wang Wei , Sun Baolin
Published: July 2020

In this announcement, we present the complete genome sequence of
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
strain ZJ2, which was isolated from a female centenarian in Anhui, China. The final genome consists of a 2,401,766-bp chromosome with a G+C content of 59.90%.
Water fluoridation: current challenges
Authors: Furness John , Oddie Sam J , Hearnshaw Simon
Published: July 2020

Dental extraction for caries is the most common reason for children aged 6–10 years to be admitted to hospital. Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) is safe and effective at reducing dental caries. It is most effective where there is more deprivation. However, many deprived areas do not have CWF despite Public Health England recommending it. Those who lobby against fluoridation do so using emotionally charged language and misinformation. We discuss the benefits of fluoridation and the specious arguments used against this important public health measure. The National CWF Network is led by dentists and promotes CWF. COVID-19 has led to the suspension of routine dentistry, renewing the urgency of implementation of CWF. Professional bodies such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health are urged to give their support.
Association between C reactive protein and microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction in sub-Saharan Africans with and without diabetes: the RODAM study
Authors: Hayfron-Benjamin Charles Frederick , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H , van den Born Bert-Jan , Amoah Albert G B , Meeks Karlijn A C , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Schulze Matthias B , Spranger Joachim , Danquah Ina , Smeeth Liam , Beune Erik J A J , Mockenhaupt Frank , Agyemang Charles O
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Although inflammation assessed by elevated C reactive protein (CRP) concentration is known to be associated with risk of cardiovascular disease, its association with microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction in diabetes and non-diabetes remains unclear. We examined the association between CRP and diabetes and associated microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction in sub-Saharan Africans with and without diabetes.

Research design and methods

Cross-sectional analyses of baseline data from the multicenter RODAM study (Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants) including 5248 Ghanaians (583 with diabetes, 4665 without diabetes) aged 25–70 years were done. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between CRP Z-scores and diabetes and microvascular (nephropathy) and macrovascular (peripheral artery disease (PAD)) dysfunction, with adjustments for age, sex, site of residence, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results

In the fully adjusted models, higher CRP concentration was significantly associated with diabetes (adjusted OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.21, p=0.002). In participants with diabetes, higher CRP concentration was associated with PAD (1.19; 1.03 to 1.41, p=0.046) but not nephropathy (1.13; 0.97 to 1.31, p=0.120). Among participants without diabetes, higher CRP concentration was associated with higher odds of PAD (1.10; 1.01 to 1.21, p=0.029) and nephropathy (1.12; 1.04 to 1.22, p=0.004).

Conclusions

In this study, higher CRP concentration was associated with higher odds of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africans. Also, higher CRP concentration was associated with higher odds of nephropathy and PAD in non-diabetes and higher odds of PAD in diabetes. CRP may be an important marker for assessment of risk of diabetes and risk for PAD and nephropathy in sub-Saharan Africans with and without diabetes.
Mealtime insulin BOLUS score increases prior to clinic visits in youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: McConville Andrew , Noser Amy E , Clements Mark A , Patton Susana R
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Multiple studies confirm the occurrence of ‘white coat adherence’ (WCA), a term describing an increase in engagement with self-care tasks just prior to a scheduled clinic appointment, across cohorts with multiple chronic conditions. In youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), research also shows an increase in self-monitoring blood glucose frequency ahead of youths’ clinic visits. While studies show preliminary evidence for the occurrence of WCA in youth with T1D, no study has examined the effect of WCA and mealtime insulin dosing behaviors in youth with T1D. The frequency of mealtime insulin bolusing score (BOLUS) is an objective measure of mealtime insulin use in youth with T1D that could be vulnerable to WCA. To fill this gap in the literature and further our understanding of WCA in pediatric diabetes, we determined whether WCA also impacts BOLUS scores in youth with T1D.

Research design and methods

We extracted insulin pump records and HbA1c levels from a clinical database for 459 youth with T1D (Mage=12.5±2.9 years). We calculated mean BOLUS scores for 6–5, 4–3, and 2–0 weeks prior to youths’ routine clinic visits. We used multilevel modeling to examine patterns of BOLUS scores prior to clinic visits and tested for age differences.

Results

Multilevel modeling showed a significant increase in BOLUS scores in the weeks prior to youths’ clinic appointments (β=0.07, p<0.001). On average, adolescents had lower BOLUS scores than school-age children (β=−0.35, p<0.001). Post hoc analyses showed that adolescents consistently had lower BOLUS scores than children across assessments (p’s<0.001).

Conclusions

Youth with T1D increase their mealtime insulin use prior to clinic appointments. The BOLUS may be a viable target for intervention to drive improved glycemic control. Whether increased tendency to WCA is associated with reduced risk of diabetic complications remains to be determined.
Long-term lutein administration attenuates retinal inflammation and functional deficits in early diabetic retinopathy using the Ins2Akita/+mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Tam Ka Cheung , Ng Tsz Chung , Goit Rajesh Kumar , Chan Kate Lok San , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Lutein is a carotenoid whose protective effects in the retina have been reported in various studies. The effect of lutein has not been reported in the retina of the Ins2Akita/+mouse, a well-characterized genetic model for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in which the etiology of diabetes is better defined than the chemically induced diabetes. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of long-term administration of lutein in early stages of DR using the Ins2Akita/+mouse.

Research design and methods

Heterozygous male Ins2Akita/+and age-matched wild-type mice were used. Lutein was administered to the mice in drinking water starting 6 weeks old daily until analysis at 4.5, 6.5 or 9 months of age. Plain water served as non-treatment control. Microglia were immunostained with ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) in retinal flat-mounts. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in the retina was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vascular permeability was analyzed in retinal flat-mounts after fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran perfusion. Retinal occludin expression was assessed via Western blots. Retinal function was examined by electroretinography (ERG).

Results

Increased microglial reactivity was detected in the Ins2Akita/+mouse retina and was suppressed by lutein. Lutein administration also reduced the upregulation of VEGF in the Ins2Akita/+mouse retina. Increased vascular leakage and decreased occludin expression were observed in the Ins2Akita/+mouse retina, and these alterations were attenuated by lutein treatment. ERG recordings showed reduced a-wave and b-wave amplitudes in the Ins2Akita/+mice. With lutein treatment, the ERG deficits were significantly alleviated.

Conclusions

We showed beneficial effects of long-term lutein administration in the Ins2Akita/+mouse retina, including suppression of retinal inflammation, protection of retinal vasculature and preservation of retinal function. These results point to lutein’s potential as a long-term therapeutic intervention for prevention of inflammation and retinal degeneration in patients with early DR.
Optimising after-hours workflow of computed tomography orders in the emergency department
Authors: Bhayana Rajesh , Wang Chenhan D , Menezes Ravi J , Bartlett Eric S , Choi Joseph
Published: July 2020

Ordering and protocolling CT scans after-hours from the emergency department (ED) at our institution previously required discussion between the ED physician and radiology resident, which led to workflow inefficiency. Our intervention consisted of creating an electronic list of CT requests that radiology residents would monitor. Radiology protocolled straightforward requests and contacted the ordering physician for more details when required. We aimed to improve workflow efficiency, increase provider satisfaction and reduce CT turnaround time without significantly affecting CT utilisation. Plan-do-study-act cycles were used to plan and evaluate the intervention. The intervention was initiated on weekday evenings and then expanded to weekend hours after an interim analysis. Qualitative outcomes were measured via electronic survey, and quantitative outcomes were collected from administrative data and analysed via control charts and other statistical methods. Survey response was high from ED physicians (76%, n=82/108) and radiology residents (79%, n=30/38). After the intervention, the majority of ED staff and radiology residents perceived improved workflow efficiency (96.3%, 73.3%), radiology residents noted a subjective decrease in disruptions (83.3%) and most ED staff felt that scans were performed more quickly (84.1%). Radiology residents received fewer pages per shift, adjusted for scan volume. There was a reduction in time from order entry to protocol on weekday shifts only, with no statistically significant effect on time from order entry to scan. Segmented regression analysis demonstrated a background increase in utilisation over time (0.7–2.0 CT/100 ED visits/year, p<0.0005), but the intervention itself did not contribute to an overall increase in CT utilisation. In conclusion, our intervention led to improved perceived workflow efficiency and reduced pages. Scans were protocoled more quickly on weekdays, but turnaround times were otherwise not significantly affected by the intervention. Background CT utilisation increased over time, but this increase was not attributable to our intervention.
Cardiovascular outcomes of pregnancy in Turner syndrome
Authors: Grewal Jasmine , Valente Anne Marie , Egbe Alexander C , Wu Fred M , Krieger Eric V , Sybert Virginia P , van Hagen Iris M , Beauchesne Luc M , Rodriguez Fred H , Broberg Craig S , John Anitha , Bradley Elisa A , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Women with Turner syndrome (TS) are frequently counselled against pregnancy due to lack of data and unclear aortic dissection risk. However, with advances in fertility therapy, more women with TS are contemplating pregnancy. This study compared rates of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes among: (1) pregnant and non-pregnant women with TS and (2) pregnant women with TS with/without structural heart disease.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of pregnant and age-matched non-pregnant controls with TS (2005–2017) across 10 CV centres was done. Data were collected at initial evaluation in pregnancy and outcomes were assessed to 6 months postpartum. Adverse CV events were defined as CV death, aortic dissection/rupture and/or aortic intervention. Non-pregnant age-matched controls were followed over the same time period.

Results

Sixty-eight pregnancies were included (60 women, mean age 33 years, 48% primigravid, 49% fertility therapy, 80% structurally normal heart, 25% XO karyotype). Based on American Society of Reproductive Medicine criteria, 10 pregnancies occurred in women stratified to high-risk category. There were no CV events in the pregnant women or in the non-pregnant women with TS. Obstetric events complicated 12 (18%) pregnancies with 9 (13%) attributed to hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Fetal events included small for gestational age neonates (18%), preterm delivery (15%) and fetal death (3%).

Conclusions

This study helps to refine the approach to pregnancy in women with TS. Among women with TS without structural heart disease, pregnancy does not impose an increased risk of CV outcomes. Among women with TS with structural heart disease, the risk of pregnancy is not as prohibitive as previously described but does require ongoing evaluation.
Prolonging fixation time of an alternative fixative to formalin for dermatological samples using standard laboratory protocols
Authors: Smith Julie , Faria Cláudia Sofia Antunes Angélica , Qvist Camilla Christine , Melchior Linea C , Lauridsen Thomas
Published: July 2020

Aims

Though formalin remains to be the gold standard fixative in pathology departments, analytical challenges persist for nucleic acid evaluations. In our laboratory, formalin fixation of skin samples in particular impairs diagnostic accuracy and demands repetition of biopsies and analytical procedures. PAXgene Tissue Systems may be an alternative; however, according to manufacturer specifications it only allows fixation for 48 hours before having to add a stabiliser. This may be a challenge in laboratories, which are closed in weekends and bank holidays. Our aim was to validate this alternative fixative for dermatological samples with prolonged fixation times using standard laboratory protocols developed for formalin-fixed specimens. We compared the results with gold standard formalin fixation.

Methods

Skin specimens were formalin or PAXgene fixed for either 2 hours, 24 hours, 3 days or 7 days, paraffin-embedded, analysed and scored by observers.

Results

Generally, formalin outperformed PAXgene fixation in H&E stains and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), but both seem usable for diagnostics. Time of PAXgene fixation did not have an impact on alcian blue-Van Gieson (ABVG), H&E (p=0.48), nor immunohistochemistry (p=0.74). There was a tendency towards best PAXgene performance at 24 hours of fixation for FISH, and for DNA integrity analysis 24 hours or 3 days.

Conclusions

Prolonging PAXgene fixation time to 3 days before adding stabiliser does not seem to have major impact on performance of general diagnostic analysis, but our preliminary results show optimisation of internal protocols are needed. PAXgene is an expensive alternative and may be confined to some dermatological samples.
Diurnal patterns of sedentary time in rheumatoid arthritis: associations with cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Fenton Sally A M , Ntoumanis Nikos , Duda Joan L , Metsios George S , Rouse Peter C , Yu Chen-an , Kitas George D , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J C S
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Research demonstrates that sedentary behaviour may contribute towards cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study explored diurnal patterns of sedentary time and physical activity (PA) in RA and examined associations with long-term CVD risk.

Methods

97 RA patients wore an accelerometer for 7 days to assess sedentary time, light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA. Estimated 10-year CVD risk was determined via QRISK score. Hourly estimates of sedentary time and PA (min/hour) were computed for valid-wear hours (ie, valid-wear = 60 min/hour of activity data, ≥3 days). Hourly data were averaged across time periods to represent morning (08:00–11:59), afternoon (12:00–17:59) and evening (18:00–22:59) behaviour. Participants providing data for ≥2 complete time periods/day (eg, morning/evening, or morning/afternoon) were used in the main analysis (n = 41). Mixed linear modelling explored the associations between 10-year CVD risk and within-person (time: morning, afternoon, evening) changes in sedentary time and PA.

Results

Sedentary time was higher, and light-intensity and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA lower in the evening, compared to morning and afternoon. Significant interactions revealed individuals with higher CVD risk were more sedentary and did less light-intensity PA during the afternoon and evening. Findings remained significant after adjustment for disease duration, functional ability and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the evening time period may offer a significant window of opportunity for interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in RA and contribute to associated improvements in CVD risk. Due to inverse patterns of engagement, replacing sedentary time with light-intensity PA may offer an effective approach for intervention.
Radiographic progression in clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis: a systemic literature review of trials performed by industry
Authors: Park Yune-Jung , Gherghe Ana Maria , van der Heijde Desirée
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To summarise radiographic data in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) as part of the radiographic inhibition claim of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) approved for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A systemic literature review was performed using the Medline database from 1994 to February 2020. The results were grouped based on the scoring methods (Sharp, Genant modification, van der Heijde modification) and RA patient populations.

Results

One hundred sixty-eight publications were selected. After detailed assessment, 52 RCTs (7 methotrexate (MTX)-naive, 23 MTX inadequate response (IR), 9 DMARDs IR and 3 tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi) IR studies) were finally included. Information on patient population, scoring method used, reader reliability, statistical analyses and detailed radiographic data on baseline and change scores over multiple follow-up periods are presented.

Conclusion

The data gathered in this review serve as a repository for the design of future trials with radiographic damage as an outcome.
Validation of a SNP-KASP marker for the Fusarium head blight resistance quantitative trait loci on chromosome 5AS
Authors: Pandurangan Sudhakar , Nilsen Kirby T. , Kumar Santosh
Published: July 2020

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating wheat disease with a significant economic impact. Fhb5 is an important quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring type I resistance to FHB. In this study, we accessed the usability of a Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) marker for the QTL on Fhb-5AS. The KASP clustering results were compared with the linked simple sequence repeat marker, wmc705 for Qfhb-5AS. Our results indicate that the single-nucleotide polymorphic locus wsnp_Ra_c24707_34262900 (IWA7777) provides reliable information for Qfhb-5AS-based resistance and would be amenable to masker-assisted selection, introgression of the resistance loci, and pyramiding of FHB resistance in wheat cultivars.
Canonical interpretation of the X(4140) state within the $$^3P_0$$ model
Authors: Hao Wei , Wang Guan-Ying , Wang En , Li Guan-Nan , Li De-Min
Published: July 2020

Recently, the LHCb Collaboration has confirmed the state X(4140), with a mass $$M=4146.5\pm 4.5^{+4.6}_{-2.8}$$M=4146.5±4.5-2.8+4.6 MeV, and a much larger width $$\Gamma =83\pm 21^{+21}_{-14}$$Γ=83±21-14+21 MeV than the previous experimental measurements, which has confused the understanding of its nature. We will investigate the possibility of the $$\chi _{c1}(3P)$$χc1(3P) interpretation for the X(4140), considering the mass spectra predicted in the quark model, and the strong decay properties within the $$^3P_0$$3P0 model. We also predict the strong decay properties of the charmonium states $$\chi _{c0}(3P)$$χc0(3P) and $$\chi _{c2}(3P)$$χc2(3P). Our results show that the X(4140) state with the small width given in PDG can be explained as the charmonium state $$\chi _{c1}(3P)$$χc1(3P) in the $$^3P_0$$3P0 model, and high precision measurement of the width of the X(4140) is crucial to understand its nature.
Time delay of photons coupled to Weyl tensor in a regular phantom black hole
Authors: Lu Xu , Xie Yi
Published: July 2020

Time delay of the photons coupled to the Weyl tensor in a regular phantom black hole is investigated in both weak and strong deflection gravitational lensing. We find that the time delay in the weak deflection lensing strongly depends on the phantom hair while the delay in the strong deflection lensing is significantly affected by the hair and the strength of the coupling. We suggest that it is necessary to measure these two kind of time signals for fully understanding and distinguishing such an interaction beyond the standard Einstein–Maxwell theory.
Review of uncertainties in the cosmic supernova relic neutrino background
Authors: Mathews G. J. , Boccioli L. , Hidaka J. , Kajino T.
Published: July 2020

We review the computation of and associated uncertainties in the current understanding of the relic neutrino background due to core-collapse supernovae, black hole formation and neutron star merger events. We consider the current status of uncertainties due to the nuclear equation of state (EoS), the progenitor masses, the source supernova neutrino spectrum, the cosmological star formation rate, the stellar initial mass function, neutrino oscillations, and neutrino self-interactions. We summarize the current viability of future neutrino detectors to distinguish the nuclear EoS and the temperature of supernova neutrinos via the detected relic supernova neutrino spectrum.
The mass scales of the Higgs field
Authors: Consoli Maurizio , Cosmai Leonardo
Published: July 2020

In the first version of the theory, with a classical scalar potential, the sector inducing SSB was distinct from the Higgs field interactions induced through its gauge and Yukawa couplings. We have adopted a similar perspective but, following most recent lattice simulations, described SSB in [Formula: see text] theory as a weak first-order phase transition. In this case, the resulting effective potential has two mass scales: (i) a lower mass [Formula: see text], defined by its quadratic shape at the minima, and (ii) a larger mass [Formula: see text], defined by the zero-point energy. These refer to different momentum scales in the propagator and are related by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the ultraviolet cutoff of the scalar sector. We have checked this two-scale structure with lattice simulations of the propagator and of the susceptibility in the 4D Ising limit of the theory. These indicate that, in a cutoff theory where both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are finite, by increasing the energy, there could be a transition from a relatively low value, e.g. [Formula: see text] GeV, to a much larger [Formula: see text]. The same lattice data give a final estimate [Formula: see text] GeV which induces to reconsider the experimental situation at Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In particular an independent analysis of the ATLAS[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]CMS data indicating an excess in the 4-lepton channel as if there were a new scalar resonance around 700 GeV. Finally, the presence of two vastly different mass scales, requiring an interpolating form for the Higgs field propagator also in loop corrections, could reduce the discrepancy with those precise measurements which still favor large values of the Higgs particle mass.
Relativistic particles with a nonpolynomial oscillator potential in a spacelike dislocation
Authors: Sedaghatnia P. , Hassanabadi H. , Rampho G. J.
Published: July 2020

We study the relativistic particles with a nonpolynomial oscillator potential in a spacelike dislocation and the solution of the system is obtained by using of quasi-exactly solvable method. The energy and wave functions of the system are described and the permissible values of the potential parameters are examined through the sl(2) Lie algebra.
Structural, elasto-mechanical and phonon-related properties of MnCrP: A DFT Study
Authors: Afaq A. , Bakar Abu , Shoaib Muhammad , Ahmed Rashid , Asif Anila
Published: July 2020

The Half Heusler alloy (HHA) MnCrP has been studied theoretically for structural, elasto-mechanical and phonon properties. The structure is optimized and the calculated structural parameters are close to the literature. This optimized data is used to estimate three independent second-order cubic elastic constants [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The mechanical stability criteria are explored by these constants and further used to estimate the elastic moduli; Young’s, bulk and shear modulus. The mechanical parameters like Poisson’s ratio, Pugh’s ratio, anisotropic factor, Cauchy pressure, shear constant, Lame’s constants, Kleinman parameter are also calculated and discussed. Discussions reveal the ductile nature, ionic behavior, anisotropic nature and mechanical stability of MnCrP. The metallic nature, compressibility, stiffness and interatomic forces of material are also described. Furthermore, the Debye temperature, where the collective vibrations shifts to an independent thermal vibrations, is also calculated. Longitudinal and transverse sound velocities are also obtained to investigate the phonon modes of oscillation. These phonon modes confirm the stability of the alloy as no negative phonon frequencies in the phonon-dispersion curves. These curves are used to estimate the reststrahlen band where light reflects 100% and the suitability of material is checked for Far Infrared (FIR), photographic, optoelectronic devices and sensors.