bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochronology and fluid source constraints of the Songligou gold‐telluride deposit, western Henan Province, China: Analysis of genetic implications
Authors: Wang Peng , Jian Wei , Mao Jing‐Wen , Ye Hui‐Shou , Chao Wei‐Wei , Tian Yong‐Fei , Yan Jian‐Ming
Published: December 2019

The Songligou gold‐telluride deposit, located in Songxian County, western Henan Province, China, is one of many gold‐telluride deposits in the Xiaoqinling‐Xiong'ershan district. Gold orebodies occur within the Taihua Supergroup and are controlled by the WNW F101 Fault, and the fault was cut across by a granite porphyry dike. Common minerals in gold orebodies include quartz, chlorite, epidote, K‐feldspar, calcite, fluorite, sericite, phlogopite, bastnasite, pyrite, galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tellurides, gold, bismuthinite, magnetite, and hematite, and pyrite is the dominant sulfide. Four mineralization stages are recognized, including pyrite‐quartz stage (I), quartz‐pyrite stage (II), gold‐telluride stage (III), and quartz‐calcite stage (IV). This work reports the Rb–Sr age of gold‐telluride‐bearing pyrite and zircon U–Pb age of granite porphyry, as well as S isotope data of pyrite and galena. The pyrite Rb–Sr isochron age is 126.6 ± 2.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.8), and the average zircon U–Pb age of granite porphyry is 166.8 ± 4.1 Ma (MSWD = 4.9). (87Sr/86Sr)
i values of pyrite and δ34S values of sulfides vary from 0.7104 to 0.7105 and −11.84 to 0.28‰, respectively. The obtained Rb–Sr isochron age represents the ore formation age of the Songligou gold‐telluride deposit, which is much younger than the zircon U–Pb age of the granite porphyry. Strontium and S isotopes, together with the presence of bastnaesite, suggest that the ore‐forming fluid was derived from felsic magmas with input of a mantle component and subsequently interacted with the Taihua Supergroup. Tellurium was derived from metasomatized mantle and was related to the subduction of the Shangdan oceanic crust and Izanagi plate beneath the North China Craton (NCC). This deposit is a part of the Early Cretaceous large‐scale gold mineralization in east NCC and formed in an extensional tectonic setting.
Dispositional Factors Affecting Choices Surrounding the Purchase of Insurance and the Taking of Mitigating Measures Against Flooding
Authors: Michailova Julija , Tyszka Tadeusz
Published: December 2019

This research investigated the role of dispositional factors in decisions to purchase insurance and to take mitigating measures against flooding. Two dispositional factors—risk aversion in the domain of losses and time discounting rate—were found to be predictors of the decision to acquire flood insurance. The observation of a relationship between experiment‐based risk attitudes and the decision to insure oneself against flooding replicates a finding of Petrolia et al. The finding that impatience negatively impacts decisions to take out insurance against flooding is novel. However, support was not found for analogous hypotheses concerning relationships between the two dispositional variables and decisions to take mitigating measures. Evidently, factors other than individual risk aversion and time discounting rate play a crucial role in this behavior.
About me as a person not only the disease – piloting Guided Self‐Determination in an outpatient endometriosis setting
Authors: Simonsen Susan Munch , Strømberg Charlotte , Zoffmann Vibeke , Hartwell Dorte , Olesen Mette Linnet
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting 5–10% of women in the reproductive age. Despite surgical and medical treatment, many women struggle with pain, infertility, sexual dysfunction, depression, distress and reduced workability, affecting their overall quality of life. The usual follow‐up procedures may not support the women’s self‐management of this condition. Therefore, person‐centred empowerment‐based approaches are needed.

Aim

To assess if the implementation of the Guided Self‐Determination method targeted women with complex endometriosis appeared feasible and supported self‐management.

Methods

Guided Self‐Determination was offered to 10 out‐patients with complex endometriosis. Each of the women had five conversations based on prefilled disease‐specific reflection sheets. A qualitative evaluation was conducted in 2016–2017 covering semi‐structured, telephone interviews and focus group interviews, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Additionally, we assessed if the women changed the self‐reported questionnaires, Endometriosis Health Profile 30 and the Patient Activation Measure from before and after the conversations.

Results

We identified four themes: feeling alone with the disease; establishing a meaningful relationship with healthcare professionals in a traditional hospital setting; person‐specific knowledge facilitated new behaviours and; accepting a chronic condition – the beginning of a process. All dimensions of the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 and the Patient Activation Measure appeared to improve at two weeks and so did almost all the dimensions of Endometriosis Health Profile 30 after 1 year.

Conclusions

The implementation of the Guided Self‐Determination method appeared feasible and the women developed self‐management skills in relation to endometriosis and its symptoms. This was achieved by increasing insight into their needs and behaviours and gaining new knowledge about the disease itself. The before‐and‐after assessment suggested benefit of the intervention, but this should be further tested in a randomised trial.
Utilization of whole body computed tomography in polytrauma patients
Authors: Dozeman Emily T. , Prittie Jennifer E. , Fischetti Anthony J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To determine the safety, feasibility, and utility of whole body computed tomography (WBCT) in polytrauma patients. A second objective was to describe the utilization of the VetMouse Trap for sedated WBCT in polytrauma patients.

Methods

A prospective, observational study in a high‐volume private practice. Any cat or dog weighing <20 kg that presented to the emergency department following a polytrauma was eligible. Patients were given analgesia and sedation prior to placement in the VetMouse Trap. A WBCT was then performed.

Results

A total of 16 patients (8 dogs and 8 cats) met inclusion criteria. All patients presented with blunt trauma; 3 also had evidence of penetrating wounds. Five (31.25%) patients met inclusion criteria for WBCT based on their neurological evaluation. Five (31.5%) were non‐ambulatory with suspicion of orthopedic injury, and 37.5% met additional criteria for WBCT. The most common areas of injury were head (43.7%), lungs (25%), and pelvis (25%). Four patients (25%) had evidence of cavitary effusion that was not seen on focused assessment using sonography for trauma (FAST) scan. No patient had any adverse events during the CT.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated successful WBCT imaging of the sedated small animal polytrauma patient with the VetMouse Trap.
Uraemic toxin‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in human endothelial cells: protective effect of polyphenol‐rich extract from açaí
Authors: Monteiro Elisa Bernardes , Soares Elaine dos Ramos , Trindade Patrícia Letícia , de Bem Graziele Freitas , Resende Angela de Castro , Passos Magna Maria Cottini da Fonseca , Soulage Christophe Olivier , Daleprane Julio Beltrame
Published: December 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does a polyphenol‐rich extract from açaí have a potential role in preventing uraemic toxin‐induced endothelial cell dysfunction?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Polyphenols from açaí prevented cell death, restored migratory capacity, protected from inflammation and contributed to the restoration of the antioxidant response in endothelial cells exposed to uraemic toxins. The protective role of açaí against toxic effects exerted by uraemic toxins presents a potential new therapeutic target in endothelial cells.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), progressive loss of kidney function results in the accumulation of protein‐bound uraemic toxins such as p‐cresyl sulfate (pCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS). Among strategies to ameliorate the harmful actions of uraemic toxins, phenolic compounds have been extensively studied. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions of phenolic‐rich açaí seed extract (ASE) in response to endothelial dysfunction induced by IS and pCS, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were treated with ASE (10 µg ml−1) in the presence or absence of IS (61 µg ml−1) and pCS (40 µg ml−1). Cell viability, cell death, cell migratory capacity and inflammatory biomarker expression were evaluated. Cellular antioxidant response was measured through the activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative damage was evaluated. IS and pCS lowered cell viability, triggered cell death and lowered the migratory capacity in endothelial cells (P < 0.05). ASE prevented cell death and restored the migratory capacity in cells exposed to IS. Both toxins up‐regulated pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, and ASE was able to beneficially counteract this effect. Tumour necrosis factor‐α secretion was greater in uraemic toxin‐treated cells and ASE reversed this phenomenon in cells treated with both toxins concomitantly (P < 0.05). With regard to the antioxidant response, superoxide dismutase expression was strikingly lower in cells treated with both toxins, and ASE inhibited this harmful effect (P < 0.05). From the results, we conclude that ASE exerted protective effects on inflammation and oxidative stress caused by uraemic toxins (particularly by IS) in human endothelial cells.
Role of cutaneous and proprioceptive inputs in sensorimotor integration and plasticity occurring in the facial primary motor cortex
Authors: Pilurzi Giovanna , Ginatempo Francesca , Mercante Beniamina , Cattaneo Luigi , Pavesi Giovanni , Rothwell John C. , Deriu Franca
Published: December 2019

Key points

Previous studies investigating the effects of somatosensory afferent inputs on cortical excitability and neural plasticity often used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of hand motor cortex (M1) as a model, but in this model it is difficult to separate out the relative contribution of cutaneous and muscle afferent input to each effect.

In the face, cutaneous and muscle afferents are segregated in the trigeminal and facial nerves, respectively. We studied their relative contribution to corticobulbar excitability and neural plasticity in the depressor anguli oris M1.

Stimulation of trigeminal afferents induced short‐latency (SAI) but not long‐latency (LAI) afferent inhibition of face M1, while facial nerve stimulation evoked LAI but not SAI. Plasticity induction was observed only after a paired associative stimulation protocol using the facial nerve.

Physiological differences in effects of cutaneous and muscle afferent inputs on face M1 excitability suggest they play separate functional roles in behaviour.

The lack of conventional muscle spindles in face muscles raises the question of how sensory input from the face is used to control muscle activation. In 16 healthy volunteers, we probed sensorimotor interactions in face motor cortex (fM1) using short‐afferent inhibition (SAI), long‐afferent inhibition (LAI) and LTP‐like plasticity following paired associative stimulation (PAS) in the depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO). Stimulation of low threshold afferents in the trigeminal nerve produced a clear SAI (P < 0.05) when the interval between trigeminal stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of fM1 was 15–30 ms. However, there was no evidence for LAI at longer intervals of 100–200 ms, nor was there any effect of PAS. In contrast, facial nerve stimulation produced significant LAI (P < 0.05) as well as significant facilitation 10–30 minutes after PAS (P < 0.05). Given that the facial nerve is a pure motor nerve, we presume that the afferent fibres responsible were those activated by the evoked muscle twitch. The F‐wave in DAO was unaffected during both LAI and SAI, consistent with their presumed cortical origin. We hypothesize that, in fM1, SAI is evoked by activity in low threshold, presumably cutaneous afferents, whereas LAI and PAS require activity in (higher threshold) afferents activated by the muscle twitch evoked by electrical stimulation of the facial nerve. Cutaneous inputs may exert a paucisynaptic inhibitory effect on fM1, while proprioceptive information is likely to target inhibitory and excitatory polysynaptic circuits involved in LAI and PAS. Such information may be relevant to the physiopathology of several disorders involving the cranio‐facial system.
Line edge roughness metrology software
Authors: Yazgi Sertac Guneri , Ivanov Tzvetan , Holz Mathias , Rangelow Ivo W. , Alaca Burhanettin Erdem
Published: December 2019

A line edge roughness analysis software is developed based on the Canny edge detection algorithm with a double threshold, where threshold values are obtained by Otsu’s method. The performance of the software is demonstrated on features with a 200-nm nominal pitch generated by current-controlled, field-emission scanning probe lithography. Two lithographic modes are applied: (a) direct self-development positive mode and (b) image reversal mode. Atomic force imaging is used to analyze the line edge roughness. This is followed by a benchmarking study, where findings are compared to those provided by metroler software (Fractilia, LLC). This work is the first report on both line edge roughness involving imaging using the same exposure setup and latent image line edge roughness—made possible thanks to the resolving power of imaging through noncontact AFM. The authors are presenting a comparison of patterning through image reversal of the calixarene molecular glass resist from negative-tone to positive-tone as well as direct-write. In image reversal, a close match was observed between the proposed analysis and metroler software for line edge roughness and linewidth.
Mueller matrix ellipsometry study of a circular polarizing filter
Authors: Hong Nina , Hilfiker James N.
Published: December 2019

The authors introduce an ellipsometric data analysis strategy for a flexible polymeric circular polarizing filter consisting of a thin linear polarizer and quarter-wave plate sandwich. The circular polarizing filter is an inhomogeneous optical system exhibiting different optical responses depending on the propagation direction of light. If light enters from the linear polarizer, the transmitted beam is linearly polarized before entering the quarter-wave plate. The orientation of the quarter-wave plate is rotated 45° from the linear polarizer axis. The emerging light from the quarter-wave plate is circularly polarized. If light is circularly polarized and enters from the reserve side, the quarter-wave plate converts it into linearly polarized light. The following linear polarizer either transmits or absorbs the beam depending on the handedness of the original circular polarization. The optical response in the forward direction is utilized in photography to reduce unwanted reflections in the image. The optical response in the reverse direction is utilized in 3D eyeglasses, which consist of two orthogonal circular polarizing filters to separate the left and right images. Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to observe the optical responses of a circular polarizing filter in both directions. The authors demonstrate data analysis procedures for individual layers to find the optical constants in a wide spectral range from 400 to 1700 nm. The circular polarizing filter measured in the forward direction enables ellipsometry to determine the included angle between the linear polarizer and the quarter-wave plate. The ellipsometric data analysis result is used to predict transmitted light intensity versus rotation angle (deg) with respect to any input polarization state.
Electrical resistivity and mechanical properties of nitrogen-containing diamondlike carbon/tungsten and nitrogen-containing diamondlike carbon/tungsten carbide multilayer films prepared under low substrate temperature
Authors: Tamekuni Koki , Harigai Toru , Toya Takafumi , Takikawa Hirofumi , Tanimoto Tsuyoshi , Takago Shigeki , Yasui Haruyuki , Kaneko Satoru , Kunitsugu Shinsuke , Kamiya Masao , Taki Makoto , Gonda Hidenobu
Published: December 2019

Nitrogen-containing diamondlike carbon (N-DLC) films are excellent surface protection films with high wear resistance and low electrical resistivity. In this paper, N-DLC/tungsten (W) and N-DLC/tungsten carbide (WC) multilayer films with low-electrical-resistance layers formed between N-DLC layers are presented. W or WC layers were formed as a low-electrical-resistance layer using unbalanced magnetron sputtering methods at a low substrate temperature. N-DLC layers were fabricated by the T-shape filtered arc deposition method. The N-DLC/WC multilayer films showed higher polishing resistance compared with the N-DLC single-layer films, and the electrical resistivity of the multilayer films was about half compared with single-layer films. The high polishing resistance of the multilayer films was considered to be due to the WC layers acting as a hard layer and the N-DLC layers acting as a cushion layer to absorb the film load.
Corrosion behavior of Ag film lines in atmospheric conditions estimated by means of electrical resistance technique
Authors: Sasaki Takahiro , Tohmyoh Hironori
Published: December 2019

Ag film lines have attracted considerable attention recently as a substitute for the next-generation of transparent conducting electrodes, and as such, ensuring the reliability of Ag film, i.e., their resistance to corrosion, is an important issue. Corrosion of these metallic film changes their electrical properties, leading to the malfunction of electrical devices. In this study, the authors examined the corrosion of 400 nm thick Ag film lines kept in atmospheric conditions for more than three years. The rate of corrosion over this period was determined by examining the changes in their electrical resistance, which was obtained from the potential drop measurements. It was confirmed that the rate of corrosion remained approximately constant for about one and a half years and then started to decreased monotonically with time. These results can be used to determine the reliability of Ag film lines.
High-amplitude vocalizations of male northern elephant seals and associated ambient noise on a breeding rookery
Authors: Southall Brandon L. , Casey Caroline , Holt Marla , Insley Stephen , Reichmuth Colleen
Published: December 2019

Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) are massive, land-breeding marine mammals that produce loud, stereotyped calls during annual breeding seasons. To determine vocalization source levels emitted by competing males on a mainland breeding rookery, aerial calls were measured on-axis at 1 m from adult males using three different sound pressure level metrics. Time-averaged (1 min) ambient noise was also measured under variable environmental and social conditions. Results indicate that male northern elephant seals emit high amplitude airborne calls with little variation in call amplitude. Mean source levels ranged from 98 to 114 dB re: 20 μPa [root-mean-square (rms) -fast], 102–116 dB re: 20 μPa (rms-impulse), and 120–131 dB re: 20 μPa (peak) and average standard deviations for all metrics were <2.3 dB. Further, these seal rookeries exhibit high variability in ambient noise (in terms of both spectrum and amplitude) from biotic and environmental sources. Finally, males sampled did not adjust call amplitude to compensate for higher background noise levels and thus did not exhibit a Lombard effect. These findings reinforce the view that the remarkable vocalizations of male northern elephant seals serve as rigid and powerful signals that convey individual identity within noisy breeding colonies rather than as honest indicators of size, status, or motivation.
Matrix-based formulation of the iterative randomized stimulation and averaging method for recording evoked potentials
Authors: de la Torre Angel , Valderrama Joaquin T. , Segura Jose C. , Alvarez Isaac M.
Published: December 2019

The iterative randomized stimulation and averaging (IRSA) method was proposed for recording evoked potentials when the individual responses are overlapped. The main inconvenience of IRSA is its computational cost, associated with a large number of iterations required for recovering the evoked potentials and the computation required for each iteration [involving the whole electroencephalogram (EEG)]. This article proposes a matrix-based formulation of IRSA, which is mathematically equivalent and saves computational load (because each iteration involves just a segment with the length of the response, instead of the whole EEG). Additionally, it presents an analysis of convergence that demonstrates that IRSA converges to the least-squares (LS) deconvolution. Based on the convergence analysis, some optimizations for the IRSA algorithm are proposed. Experimental results (configured for obtaining the full-range auditory evoked potentials) show the mathematical equivalence of the different IRSA implementations and the LS-deconvolution and compare the respective computational costs of these implementations under different conditions. The proposed optimizations allow the practical use of IRSA for many clinical and research applications and provide a reduction of the computational cost, very important with respect to the conventional IRSA, and moderate with respect to the LS-deconvolution. matlab/Octave implementations of the different methods are provided as supplementary material.
Coaching Behaviors as Sources of Relation-Inferred Self-Efficacy (RISE) in American Male High School Athletes
Authors: McMullen Brock , Henderson Hester L. , Ziegenfuss Donna Harp , Newton Maria
Published: December 2019

Perceptions of relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE) are developed from the interpretation of another’s verbal and nonverbal behaviors and have been shown to impact self-efficacy, which, in sport, can influence areas such as an individual’s choice to participate and level of enjoyment. This qualitative study identified specific coaching behaviors that high school male athletes use to inform their RISE beliefs. Forty-three high school male student-athletes participated in focus group interviews regarding their high school sport experiences, specifically related to how they perceive various coaching behaviors. Analysis revealed seven major themes: general encouragement, efficacy building statements, instruction, task-oriented statements, challenging opportunities, focused interpersonal attention, and expressiveness. A unique aspect compared to similar studies was the emergence of subthemes related to coaches caring about academic performance or providing opportunities to be a starter or leader on the team. Findings provided support for the tripartite model of efficacy beliefs in that high school athletes were aware and perceptive of different coaching behaviors they personally experienced. There was also a strong desire conveyed by the student-athletes for a personal relationship with their coaches outside of the athletic setting, indicating that coaches should do their best to communicate individually to each athlete.
Development of WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep for Children Less Than 5 Years of Age
Authors: Willumsen Juana , Bull Fiona
Published: December 2019

Background: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality and a contributor to the increase in overweight and obesity. The Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity identified the need for guidance on physical activity, particularly for early childhood (<5 y), a period of rapid physical and cognitive development. Methods: The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the first global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviors, building upon high-quality systematic reviews. The WHO guideline process is a rigorous, systematic, and transparent method for the development of recommendations, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence to Decision framework. It takes into consideration the strength of the evidence as well as values and preferences, benefits and harms, equity and human rights. Results: The authors summarize the first global guidelines on time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior (including screen time and time spent restrained), and sleep patterns in infants (birth to 1 y of age), toddlers (1–2.9 y of age), and preschoolers (3–4.9 y of age). Conclusions: WHO is actively disseminating and supporting implementation of these guidelines by national adoption and adaptation, through links with early childhood development and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030.
Recent advances in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD): summary of a Gut round table meeting
Authors: Avila Matias A , Dufour Jean-François , Gerbes Alexander L , Zoulim Fabien , Bataller Ramon , Burra Patrizia , Cortez-Pinto Helena , Gao Bin , Gilmore Ian , Mathurin Philippe , Moreno Christophe , Poznyak Vladimir , Schnabl Bernd , Szabo Gyongyi , Thiele Maja , Thursz Mark R
Published: December 2019

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), which includes a range of disorders of different severity and is one of the most prevalent types of liver disease worldwide, has recently regained increased attention. Among other reasons, the realisation that any alcohol intake, regardless of type of beverage represents a health risk, and the new therapeutic strategies tested in recently published or undergoing clinical trials spur scientific interest in this area.

In April 2019, Gut convened a round table panel of experts during the European Association for the Study of the Liver International Liver Congress in Vienna to discuss critical and up-to-date issues and clinical trial data regarding ALD, its epidemiology, diagnosis, management, pathomechanisms, possible future treatments and prevention. This paper summarises the discussion and its conclusions.
Impact of proximal resection margin involvement on survival outcome in patients with proximal gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Bochao , Lu Huiwen , Bao Shiyang , Luo Rui , Mei Di , Xu Huimian , Huang Baojun
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for proximal resection margin involvement and its impact on survival outcome in patients with proximal gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 488 patients who underwent potentially curative resection for proximal gastric cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological characteristics and survival differences between patients with positive and negative resection margins were compared and prognostic factors were determined by Cox multivariate analysis.

Results

In this study, 7.6% (37/488) of patients with proximal gastric cancer had a positive proximal resection margin after postoperative histopathological examination. Positive resection margins were significantly associated with advanced tumour stage and more aggressive biological features including larger tumour size, serosal invasion and lymphovascular invasion. Serosal invasion (OR 4.543, 95% CI 2.201 to 9.380, p<0.001) and lymphovascular invasion (OR 2.279, 95% CI 1.129 to 4.600, p<0.05) were independent risk factors for positive proximal resection margins. In terms of survival outcome, positive resection margins had an adverse impact on the prognosis of patients with proximal gastric cancer (median DFS: 20.7 vs 30.2 months, p<0.001). The multivariate analysis indicated that positive resection margins (HR 1.494, 95% CI 1.042 to 2.142, p=0.029), T stage (T3–T4, HR 2.264, 95% CI 1.484 to 3.454, p<0.001) and N stage (N1–N2 stage, HR 1.696, 95% CI 1.279 to 2.248, p<0.001; N3 stage, HR 2.691, 95% CI 1.967 to 3.681, p<0.001) were independent prognostic factors for patients with proximal gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Proximal resection margin involvement was an indicator of more aggressive tumours and an independent prognostic factor for patients with proximal gastric cancer. Aggressive efforts should be made to achieve a negative resection margin if gastric cancer was deemed to be potentially resectable.
Dominant β-thalassaemia with unusually high Hb A2and Hb F caused by βCD121(−G)(HBB:c.364delG) in exon 3 of β-globin gene
Authors: Singha Kritsada , Karnpean Rossarin , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan
Published: December 2019

We describe a dominant β-thalassaemia caused by a deletion of G at nucleotide position 364 in exon 3 of the β-globin gene. The heterozygosity of this mutation was found in a 36-year-old Thai patient who had moderate hypochromic microcytic anaemia with haemolytic blood picture. Haemoglobin (Hb) analysis revealed relatively higher Hbs A2(6.8%) and F (4.7%) as compared with those of β0-thalassaemia (n=278) and β+-thalassaemia (n=55) carriers in our series. Secondary structure prediction of the elongated β-globin chain showed that the α-helix at the C-terminal is disrupted dramatically by the random coil and β-sheet, which should result in a highly unstable β-globin variant, undetectable in peripheral blood and a dominant clinical phenotypic feature.
Evaluation of the proximal adductor canal block injectate spread: a cadaveric study
Authors: Tran John , Chan Vincent W S , Peng Philip W H , Agur Anne M R
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives

Quadriceps sparing adductor canal block has emerged as a viable intervention to manage pain after total knee arthroplasty. Recent studies have defined ultrasound (US) landmarks to localize the proximal and distal adductor canal. US-guided proximal adductor canal injection has not been investigated using these sonographic landmarks. The objectives of this cadaveric study were to evaluate dye injectate spread and quantify the capture rates of nerves supplying articular branches to the knee joint capsule using a proximal adductor canal injection technique.

Methods

A US-guided proximal adductor canal injection with 10 mL of dye was performed in seven lightly embalmed specimens. Following injection, specimens were dissected to document dye spread and frequency of nerve staining.

Results

Following proximal adductor canal injection, dye spread consistently stained the deep surface of sartorius, vastoadductor membrane, aponeurosis of the vastus medialis obliquus, and adductor canal. The saphenous nerve, posteromedial branch of nerve to vastus medialis, superior medial genicular nerve and genicular branch of obturator nerve were captured in all specimens at the proximal adductor canal. There was minimal to no dye spread to the distal femoral triangle, anterior division of the obturator nerve and anterior branches of nerve to vastus medialis.

Conclusions

This anatomical study provides some insights into the mechanism of analgesia to the knee following a proximal adductor canal injection and its motor sparing properties. Further clinical investigation is required to confirm cadaveric findings.
Upper limits on the amplitude of ultra-high-frequency gravitational waves from graviton to photon conversion
Authors: Ejlli A. , Ejlli D. , Cruise A. M. , Pisano G. , Grote H.
Published: December 2019

In this work, we present the first experimental upper limits on the presence of stochastic gravitational waves in a frequency band with frequencies above 1 THz. We exclude gravitational waves in the frequency bands from$$\left( 2.7 - 14\right) \times 10^{14}$$2.7-14×1014Hz and$$\left( 5 - 12\right) \times 10^{18}$$5-12×1018 Hz down to a characteristic amplitude of$$h_c^{\mathrm{min}}\approx 6\times 10^{-26}$$hcmin≈6×10-26and$$h_c^{\mathrm{min}}\approx 5\times 10^{-28}$$hcmin≈5×10-28at 95% confidence level, respectively. To obtain these results, we used data from existing facilities that have been constructed and operated with the aim of detecting weakly interacting slim particles, pointing out that these facilities are also sensitive to gravitational waves by graviton to photon conversion in the presence of a magnetic field. The principle applies to all experiments of this kind, with prospects of constraining (or detecting), for example, gravitational waves from light primordial black-hole evaporation in the early universe.
Similarity solutions for the Wheeler–DeWitt equation in $$f\left( R\right) $$-cosmology
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: December 2019

In the case of a spatially flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker Universe in $$f\left( R\right) $$fR-gravity we write the Wheeler–DeWitt equation of quantum cosmology. The equation depends upon the functional form of $$f\left( R\right) $$fR. We choose to work with four specific functions of $$f\left( R\right) $$fR in which the field equations for the classical models are integrable and solvable through quadratures. For these models we determine similarity solutions for the Wheeler–DeWitt equation by determining Lie–Bäcklund transformations. In addition we show how the classical limit is recovered by the similarity solutions of the Wheeler–DeWitt equation.
Analysis of the spatial cascading effect in networks
Authors: Chen Mo , Jin Lei , Gong Xiangyang , Wang Xiaojuan , Sun Wenhua
Published: December 2019

Reality networks such as power grids and social networks can be spatially embedded. In this paper, we focus on the spatial cascading effect in such networks. The spatial cascading effect is that the failure of one node may cause other nodes that are close to it in space to fail. The phenomenon is very common, such that a person is more likely to have an impact on his neighbors even if he is not connected with his neighbors via social networks. Based on this, we construct a spatial cascading model to simulate the spatial cascading effect. In addition, we apply the exponential distribution [Formula: see text] to fit the real link distances. The networks are generated by two-dimensional lattices. We define two kinds of connections, namely actual spatial connections. The actual connections are links generated by the exponential distribution. The spatial connections are links in the lattice. Simulations show that the spatial embeddedness makes networks more robust in our model, which is different from previous research results. We put forward an algorithm to alter the link distances in the networks without changing node degree values. Using the algorithm verifies our conclusion that if nodes tend to connect with local nodes, networks will be robust to the spatial cascading effect. We further extend our model to a more general form. The nodes embedded in lattice can be sparse, which means that the existing probability of nodes in the lattice is not always 1. The networks in the extension model are more vulnerable compared to those in the original model.
Pattern Formation and Oscillations in Reaction–Diffusion Model with p53-Mdm2 Feedback Loop
Authors: Zheng Qianqian , Shen Jianwei , Wang Zhijie
Published: December 2019

P53 plays a vital role in DNA repair, and several mathematical models of the p53-Mdm2 feedback loop were used to explain the biological mechanism. In this paper, a p53-Mdm2 model described by a delay reaction–diffusion equation is studied both analytically and numerically. This research aims to provide an understanding of the impact of delay and sustained pressure on the p53-Mdm2 dynamics and tries to explain some biological mechanism. It is found that the type of pattern formation is affected by Hopf bifurcation. Also, the amplitude equation in delay diffusive system is derived and it is shown that sustained stress plays an essential role in the function of p53. Finally, simulation is used to verify the theoretical results.
Role of the Virtual Fixed Point in the Center Bifurcations in a Family of Piecewise Linear Maps
Authors: Gardini Laura , Tikjha Wirot
Published: December 2019

In this work, we consider a continuous two-dimensional piecewise linear family of maps in which the fixed point and other cycles undergo a center bifurcation, the analogue of a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation, which has a particular structure when occurring in piecewise linear maps. Our goal is to determine and characterize the occurrence of a center bifurcation of supercritical or subcritical type. We show that for the fixed point, a determinant role is played by the virtual fixed point of the system. Also for other [Formula: see text]-cycles the virtual fixed point plays a determinant role, as well as the saddle cycles related to the cycle which undergoes a center bifurcation. A particular bifurcation point separating the two transitions, supercritical and subcritical, is related to a conservative system (the analogue of the Chenciner point in smooth maps).
Stability and Evolutionary Trend of Hopf Bifurcations in Double-Input SEPIC DC–DC Converters
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jing Min , Dong Shuai , Dong Dachu , Liu Ye , Meng Yongpeng
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the stability and evolutionary trend of Hopf bifurcations are investigated thoroughly for the double-input SEPIC DC–DC converter with one-cycle control (OCC), which is widely used in hybrid power systems. By means of cycle-by-cycle simulations, the evolutionary trend of bifurcation behaviors is identified. The inherent mechanisms of two types of bidirectional Hopf bifurcations are uncovered based on the proposed averaged model. Moreover, stability boundaries in the parameter space are derived with the help of eigenvalue analysis to optimize the circuit design. Furthermore, some important indices with respect to coupling effects are evaluated to assess the coupling effects in the system. Finally, PSpice circuit experiments are performed to verify the bifurcation analysis.
Complex Dynamics Due to Multiple Limit Cycle Bifurcations in a Tritrophic Food Chain Model
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Yu Pei
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we consider a tritrophic food chain model with Holling functional response types III and IV for the predator and superpredator, respectively. The main attention is focused on the stability and bifurcation of equilibria when the prey has a linear growth. Coexistence of different species is shown in the food chain, demonstrating bistable phenomenon. Hopf bifurcation is studied to show complex dynamics due to multiple limit cycles bifurcation. In particular, normal form theory is applied to prove that three limit cycles can bifurcate from an equilibrium in the vicinity of a Hopf critical point, yielding a new bistable phenomenon which involves two stable limit cycles.
Dynamics of a New Multi-Cavity Hyperchaotic Map and Its DSP Implementation
Authors: Xiao Yan , Sun Kehui , Yu Mengyao , Xu Xuemei
Published: December 2019

A new higher-dimensional hyperchaotic map, named Sine Chebyshev modulation map (SCMM), is proposed based on the closed-loop modulation coupling (CMC) model. The dynamics of the SCMM are evaluated by attractor diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and bifurcations. By designing a piecewise-linear function, the SCMM is expanded to the grid multi-cavity form. Dynamical behaviors of the two-dimensional grid multi-cavity SCMM are then analyzed. The results show that it has rich dynamical characteristics, including complicated phase space trajectories, hyperchaotic behaviors, large maximum Lyapunov exponent and typical bifurcations. The complexity of the new grid multi-cavity hyperchaotic map is large in the entire parameter space. Finally, digital circuits of 2D-SCMM and 2D grid multi-cavity SCMM are implemented based on the DSP technique. The feasibility of the circuit is verified, and it lays the foundation for applications in chaotic secure communication.
On the Number of Periodic Solutions to Kaplan–Yorke-like High Order Differential Delay Equations with 2k Lags
Authors: Li Lin , Sun Huafei , Ge Weigao
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the periodic solutions of high order differential delay equations with [Formula: see text] lags. And the [Formula: see text]-periodic solutions are obtained by using the variational method and the method of Kaplan–Yorke coupling system. This is a new type of differential delay equations compared with all previous researches. And it provides a theoretical basis for the study of differential delay equations. An example is given to demonstrate our main results.
Dynamics of a Discrete Prey–Predator Model with Mixed Functional Response
Authors: Elettreby Mohammed Fathy , Khawagi Aisha , Nabil Tamer
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a discrete Lotka–Volterra predator–prey model with Holling type-I and -II functional responses. We investigate the stability of the fixed points of this model. Also, we study the effects of changing each control parameter on the long-time behavior of the model. This model contains a lot of complex dynamical behaviors ranging from a stable fixed point to chaotic attractors. Finally, we illustrate the analytical results by some numerical simulations.
Regulation of Chemical Autapse on an FHN-ML Neuronal System
Authors: Qu Lianghui , Du Lin , Zhang Honghui , Cao Zilu , Deng Zichen
Published: December 2019

To explore the feasibility of physiological manipulation of autaptic structures, the effects of autaptic connections on an FHN-ML neuronal system with phase noise stimulation are studied systematically. Firstly, according to the dynamic analysis of the FHN-ML neuron model, a saddle-node bifurcation can occur on an invariant circle. Under the action of external oscillatory current with phase noise, the neuronal firing activity is sensitive to phase noise with less intensity, and an appropriate noise intensity can induce a significant stochastic resonance phenomenon. Secondly, the chemical autaptic function can effectively regulate the neuronal discharge activity. An inhibitory autapse can not only induce the transition from depolarized resting to periodic spiking, but can also induce the FHN-ML neuron suppressed by strong phase noise to generate a pronounced intermittent high-level burst-like discharge mode when the autaptic conductance is greater than 0.1. Finally, for a two-dimensional regular FHN-ML neuronal network, a small amount of autaptic structures can induce some special waveforms to restore the propagation of nerve impulses interrupted by phase noise disturbance. This indicates the significant regulation of autapses on spatial patterns of the FHN-ML neuronal network. The study can provide some theoretical guidance for building autaptic structures in local areas to modulate the dynamic behaviors of biological neuronal systems.
On the Data-Driven Generalized Cell Mapping Method
Authors: Li Zigang , Jiang Jun , Hong Ling , Sun Jian-Qiao
Published: December 2019

Global analysis is often necessary for exploiting various applications or understanding the mechanisms of many dynamical phenomena in engineering practice where the underlying system model is too complex to analyze or even unavailable. Without a mathematical model, however, it is very difficult to apply cell mapping for global analysis. This paper for the first time proposes a data-driven generalized cell mapping to investigate the global properties of nonlinear systems from a sequence of measurement data, without prior knowledge of the underlying system. The proposed method includes the estimation of the state dimension of the system and time step for creating a mapping from the data. With the knowledge of the estimated state dimension and proper mapping time step, the one-step transition probability matrix can be computed from a statistical approach. The global properties of the underlying system can be uncovered with the one-step transition probability matrix. Three examples from applications are presented to illustrate a quality global analysis with the proposed data-driven generalized cell mapping method.
A New 3D Discrete Hyperchaotic System and Its Application in Secure Transmission
Authors: Li Wangshu , Yan Wenhao , Zhang Ruoxun , Wang Chuanfu , Ding Qun
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new 3D discrete hyperchaotic system is constructed, and its Lyapunov exponent and approximate entropy are calculated. We adopt the drive-response method and self-adaptive method to make the hyperchaotic system to reach synchronization, and then design an encrypted transmission system based on the synchronization of this discrete hyperchaotic system. In the synchronous hyperchaotic system, the initial value related to the hash value of the speech signal of the chaotic system is designed. Some security analyses are studied in detail.
Comparing statistical predictions of quantum particle transit times in molecular systems to experimental measurements
Authors: Bazargan Gloria , Curtin Evan , Sohlberg Karl
Published: December 2019

The movement of quantum particles between distinct spatial regions is an essential feature of nanoscale devices. Consequently, theoretical methods for characterizing the transit time associated with this movement may aid in identifying and refining nanoscale systems with desirable transport properties. Herein, we explore the utility and range of validity of a recently reported probabilistic method for quantifying the timescale of quantum particle transit. The method is applied to intramolecular proton transfer in dicarbonyl compounds, and electron transfer in donor-bridge-acceptor molecules. Direct comparison is made between statistical predictions of proton and electron transfer times and corresponding transfer times deduced from the previously reported experimental observables. Insights provided by the method into the path of flow of probability density are discussed.
Mahler coefficients of 1-Lipschitz measure-preserving functions on ℤp
Authors: Memić Nacima
Published: December 2019

In this work, we provide a complete description of Mahler coefficients of [Formula: see text]-Lipschitz measure-preserving functions on the ring of [Formula: see text]-adic integers [Formula: see text]. Our techniques are mainly based on some congruence identities including binomial coefficients. The main result provides an answer to one of Jeong’s conjectures, concerning a characterization of [Formula: see text]-Lipschitz measure-preserving functions by means of their Mahler coefficients. We provide an example showing that the formula mentioned in Jeong’s conjecture is sufficient but not necessary. Namely, we prove that there exist [Formula: see text]-Lipschitz measure-preserving functions that do not satisfy Jeong’s formula.
Plant Extracts Promoted Preparation of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bordoloi Manobjyoti , Sahoo Ranjan K. , Tamuli Kashyap J. , Saikia Surovi , Dutta Partha P.
Published: December 2019

Eco-friendly synthesis of metal nanoparticles has accrued utmost interest by researchers in the last decade for their distinct properties making them applicable in different fields of science and technology. With regard to its low cost, low environmental effect, zero contamination and higher reducing potential, their synthesis by green chemistry procedure is an emerging area in nanobiotechnology. Plant-based nanoparticles produced are more stable, with high rate of synthesis and are suitable for large scale biosynthesis as compared to the use of microorganisms which require stringent control on cell cultures. Plant-based nanoparticles have advantages over other methods due to presence of biomolecules acting both as capping and reducing agents by increasing the rate of reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. Furthermore, secondary metabolites present in plants are used for reducing metal ions in single step reaction. In this review paper, we have cited 265 research articles and have outlined 106 plant extract assisted gold and silver nanoparticles. The present review highlights the achievements of metal nanoparticle synthesis, especially silver and gold nanoparticles from plant extracts, along with factors liable for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. It also focuses on the dye degrading properties and various biological activities of metal nanoparticles, their antimicrobial mechanism of action and the physicochemical properties that influence the biological effects of metallic nanoparticles. Biological activities of metal nanoparticles were also described, including the effect of physicochemical properties of metal nanoparticles on biological activities.