bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Analysis of Curing Process of Epoxy Prepreg
Authors: Sun Liangfeng , Sterling Arthur M. , Pang Su-Seng , Negulescu Ioan I. , Stubblefield Michael A.
Published: April 2020

The curing process of epoxy prepreg was studied by means of Differential Scanning Calorimeter. The dynamic, isothermal, and combinations of dynamic and isothermal measurements were done over selected temperature ranges and isothermal cure temperatures. The heats of reaction for dynamic and isothermal cure were determined. The results show that the heat of isothermal-cure reaction increased with the increment of temperature. The degree of cure was calculated from the heat of isothermal-cure reaction. The complete cure reaction could be achieved at 220 °C within the very short cure time. The changes of cure rate with time were given for the studied isothermal cure temperatures. To simulate the relationship between the cure rate and degree of cure, the autocatalytic model was used and the four parameters were calculated. Except in the late stage of cure reaction, the model agrees well with the experimental data, especially at high temperatures. To account for the effect of diffusion on the cure rate, a diffusion factor was introduced into the model. The modified model greatly improved the predicated data at the late stage of cure reaction.
Experimental Study of Low Liquid Loading Gas-Liquid Flow in Near-Horizontal Pipes
Authors: Olive Nicolas R. , Zhang Hong-Quan , Redus Clifford L. , Brill James P.
Published: April 2020

Gas-liquid two-phase flow exists extensively in the transportation of hydrocarbon fluids. A more precise prediction of liquid holdup in near-horizontal, wet-gas pipelines is needed in order to better predict pressure drop and size downstream processing facilities. The most important parameters are pipe geometry (pipe diameter and orientation), physical properties of the gas and liquid (density, viscosity and surface tension) and flow conditions (velocity, temperature and pressure). Stratified flow and annular flow are the two flow patterns observed most often in near-horizontal pipelines under low liquid loading conditions. Low liquid loading is commonly referred to as cases in which liquid loading is less than 1,100 m3/MMm3 (200 bbl/MMscf).

A previous study by Meng [1] was carried out on a new low liquid loading flow loop. A transparent test section (50.8-mm inner diameter and 19-m long) could be inclined within ± 2° from the horizontal. Mineral oil was used as the liquid and air was used as the gas phase. A surprising phenomenon was observed with air-oil flow; at high gas velocities (annular flow), liquid film flow rate, liquid holdup and pressure gradient decreased as liquid velocity increased.

Low liquid loading gas-liquid two-phase flow in near-horizontal pipes was studied for air-water flow in the present study, in order to investigate the effects of the liquid properties on flow characteristics. This study was carried out on the same 2-in. ID flow loop used by Meng. The measured parameters included gas flow rate, liquid flow rate, pressure, differential pressure, temperature, liquid holdup, pipe wetted perimeter, liquid film flow rate, droplet entrainment fraction and droplet deposition rate. A new phenomenon was observed with air-water flow at low superficial velocities and with a liquid loading larger than 600 m3/MMm3. The liquid holdup increased as gas superficial velocity increased.
A Web-Based Expert System for Computer-Aided Manufacturing Parameter Setting
Authors: Tai David C. T. , Wu Shu-hui , Chen Jacob J. G.
Published: April 2020

Numerical Control (NC) machining is an important process for modern automation. Lots of Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems are widely used in NC machining. Most of these kinds of software are able to generate the NC codes automatically and import these codes to the control unit of a NC machine center. Parameter setting for generating the NC codes is the key procedure for post process of the CAM system. The paper employs Java language to develop an expert system delivered via the web. Java-swing components in Java Foundation Class (JFC) are used for designing the query interface and displaying the query results. Some critical query information such as working material, cutting tool material and tool diameter is imported to the system. Two critical expertise parameters, tool spindle speed and feed rate, for post process of a computer-aided manufacturing system which generates the NC codes will be provided.
An Integrated Study for a Condensate Reservoir to Optimize Gas Production
Authors: Kasap Ekrem , Wang James
Published: April 2020

Q2-Sand of MC486, Gulf Coast is a mature low yield, condensate reservoir. The two issues to be resolved were 1) in-fill drilling requirements to optimize the production against early watering out of the existing wells, and 2) compressor schedules and capacities once the pressure is lower than the platform requirements. A new numerical flow model based on a geological, log, seismic, and production data was needed to resolve the issues. A multi-disciplinary characterization study to formulate final re-development and production optimization schemes is undertaken.

The static reservoir model was built from the 3-D seismic interpretations for the upper and the lower horizons. Thickness variations across the field and by horizons were estimated from thickness-amplitude correlations. Saturation, porosity, and net-to-gross ratio values were obtained from the core and log data. Variable directional permeabilities were calculated by a flow based upscaling technique using net-to-gross ratios and clean-sand and shale permeabilities. The compositional characteristics of the production were simulated with a fully compositional flow model.

The G&G model delineated Northern Prospect and the Main Reservoir. Both of these features were included into the numerical flow model along with the partially active aquifer that separates them. The numerical model was initialized and calibrated to the historical production data at the six wells. The current average pressure of the Northern Prospect is obtained. An additional aquifer support for the upper and lower sands was resolved, and the cross-flow spots between them were identified.

The integrated study was critical for optimizing recovery from this field. The optimum development plan recommends adding compressors and making re-completions to the upper sand and anticipates the recovery of 37 BCF more gas than previously predicted. Upper sand re-completions would drastically reduce water production and its handling costs as verified by a very recent re-completion job at an existing well.
Low-Liquid-Loading Multiphase Flow in Deepwater Production Risers: Effects of Insulation on Transient Processes After System Shut-In
Authors: Chin Y. Doreen
Published: April 2020

Gas/condensate flow with low liquid loading is a multiphase flow phenomenon commonly encountered in raw gas transportation. This paper discusses the effects of different insulation scenarios on the transient behaviors after shut-in of a deepwater pipeline/riser system that carries low-liquid-loading multiphase flow.

The investigated pipeline/riser system is located in the Gulf of Mexico at 5,000-ft water depth. The system consists of a 15-mile long subsea pipeline tieback and a 7,940-ft long steel catenary product export riser. The thermal insulation scenarios studied are: (1) the subsea pipeline is in a pipe-in-pipe configuration with insulation between the flowline and casing; the production riser is an 8-inch single pipe with external insulation coating; (2) both the subsea pipeline and production riser are in pipe-in-pipe configurations. For each scenario, two product flowrates with two gas-liquid ratios were investigated.

Numerical transient analyses were conducted by simulating the system shut-in conditions. The temperature and liquid holdup responses are presented. The effects of insulations on the responses are discussed based on fundamental heat transfer and multiphase flow principles. The results of this study will improve the understanding of transient behavior of low-liquid-loading multiphase flow after shut-in of insulated deepwater pipeline/riser systems, and provide beneficial information for deepwater field development.
Digital Image Analysis of the Rolls During Production of Aluminum Foils
Authors: Marchetti E. , Venlali F.
Published: April 2020

The morphological appearance of the cylinders and of the laminates have been assessed by digital image processing performed during a number of production campaign of aluminum foils. The statistical analysis performed on the cylinders have shown that it is possible to evidence the modifications induced by the rolling operation. Such modifications have been found both in axial direction of the cylinders and in the longitudinal direction of the laminates. Yet, roughness measurements performed on the cylinders did not show any variation along the axial direction.
Solutions of Higher Class and Their Computations for Polymer Flows: Oldroyd-B Constitutive Model
Authors: Surana K. S. , Nayak H. Vijayendra
Published: April 2020

This paper presents formulations, computations and investigations of the solutions of class C00 and C11 for two dimensional viscoelastic fluid flows in u, v, p, τijp, τijs with Oldroyd-B constitutive model using p-version Least Squares Finite Element Formulation (LSFEF). The main thrust of the research work presented in the paper is to employ ‘right class of interpolations’ and the best computational strategy to establish: i) when does Oldroyd-B model begins to fail in simulating the correct physics of flow ii) when and why does the proposed computational process fail iii) is there a correlation between i) and ii). Fully developed flow between parallel plates and the stick-slip problems are used as model problems.

The investigations presented in this paper reveal the following. a) The manner in which the stresses are non-dimensionalized significantly influences the performance of the iterative procedure of solving nonlinear algebraic equations. b) Solutions of the class C00 are always the wrong class of solutions of GDEs in variables u, v, p, τijp and τijs and thus spurious. c) C11 class of solutions are the right class of solutions of the GDEs in variables u, v, p, τijp and τijs. d) In the flow domains, containing sharp gradients of the dependent variables, conservation of mass is difficult to achieve at lower p-levels (worse for coarse meshes). e) An augmented form of GDEs are proposed that always ensure conservation of mass at all p-levels regardless of the mesh and the nature of the solution gradients. f) We demonstrate that Oldroyd-B model describes correct physics of dilute polymer solutions of constant viscosity only for a limited range of Deborah numbers. Beyond this range, the computed solutions are not in agreement with the flow physics (thus spurious) even though the proposed computational process works exceptionally well. g) Numerical studies with graded meshes and high p-levels presented in this paper are aimed towards establishing and demonstrating detail behavior of local as well as global nature of the computed 10 solutions, h) Various norms are proposed and tested to judge local and global dominance of elasticity or viscous behavior 1) New definitions are proposed for elongational (extensional) viscosity. The proposed definitions are more in conformity and agreement with the flow physics compared to currently used definitions j) A significant aspect and strength of our work is that we utilize straightforward p-version LSFEF with C00 and C11 type interpolations without linearizing GDEs and that SUPG, SUPG/DC, SUPG/DC/LS operators are neither needed nor used.
Forced Vibrations of a Transversely Isotropic Composite Containing an External Circular Crack
Authors: Tsai Y. M.
Published: April 2020

The problem of a transversely isotropic composite containing an external circular crack is investigated using the method of Hankel transforms. A pair of tensile vibratory forces of equal amplitude are applied normal to the crack surface at infinity. A complete contour integration is employed to simplify the expressions of the results.

An exact expression of the dynamic stress-intensity factor is obtained as a function of the force frequency and the anisotropic material constants. The normalized dynamic stress-intensity factor is shown to have different maximum values at different force frequencies for the sample fiber-reinforced and metal matrix composites.

The deviation of the dynamic crack surface displacement from the associated static displacement is also shown to be dependent on the force frequency and the anisotropy of the material.
Experimental Research of Railway Turnouts Vibrations
Authors: Szafranski Wieslaw
Published: April 2020

A method and a measuring range of displacements and accelerations, vertical and transversal of moving parts of railway turnouts are presented in this paper. Vertical vibrations have destructive influence for railway-track construction. Transversal vibrations are in exact relation with safety of railway traffic. These vibrations are getting up from excitations of moving track vehicles.

The measurements have been made in special moving turnout points. Two presently used turnouts having the same turning radius were investigated. One of them is new generation turnout, but the second one has classical construction.

In finally conclusion is drawing the relation between velocity of excitation and the values of vibration parameters. Moreover explain why to use more complicated construction in turnouts of new generation.
Starting Phenomena of Tilting Pad Bearings
Authors: Kettleborough C. F.
Published: April 2020

The starting of large thrust bearings in turbines is one of the most critical points in their operation as a pressure carrying oil film must be generated from initial conditions of load and zero relative velocity between the two surfaces. A force equal and opposite to the applied load must be produced before the surfaces separate. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the origin and formation of this force. The results show that lapped and ground surfaces have inefficient lifting characteristics as compared with surfaces having irregularities on the surface of 1/20 mil and greater. In general, surface oil pockets have an important influence on the starting behavior of tilting pad bearings; without these oil pockets it is doubtful if the two bearing surfaces would part.
A simple experimental system to illustrate the nonlinear properties of a linear chain under compression
Authors: Weaire Denis , Irannezhad Ali , Mughal Adil , Hutzler Stefan
Published: April 2020

A linear chain of spheres confined by a transverse harmonic potential experiences localized buckling under compression. We present simple experiments using gas bubbles in a liquid-filled tube to demonstrate this phenomenon. Our findings are supported semi-quantitatively by numerical simulations. In particular, we demonstrate the existence of a critical value of compression for the onset of buckling.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure-Response Relationships of Baloxavir Marboxil in Influenza Patients at High Risk of Complications
Authors: Koshimichi Hiroki , Retout Sylvie , Cosson Valerie , Duval Vincent , De Buck Stefan , Tsuda Yoshiyuki , Ishibashi Toru , Wajima Toshihiro
Published: April 2020

Baloxavir marboxil, a prodrug of cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir acid, reduces the time to improvement of influenza symptoms in patients infected with type A or B influenza virus. To characterize its pharmacokinetics, a population pharmacokinetic model for baloxavir acid was developed using 11,846 plasma concentration data items from 1,827 subjects, including 2,341 plasma concentration data items from 664 patients at high risk of influenza complications. A three-compartment model with first-order elimination and first-order absorption with lag time well described the plasma concentration data.
A Soluble Fiber Diet Increases Bacteroides fragilis Group Abundance and Immunoglobulin A Production in the Gut
Authors: Nakajima Akihito , Sasaki Takashi , Itoh Kikuji , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori , Hiramatsu Keiichi , Ishikawa Dai , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Kobayashi Osamu , Osada Taro , Watanabe Sumio , Nagahara Akihito
Published: April 2020

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is essential for defense of the intestinal mucosa against harmful pathogens. Gut microbiota impact IgA production, but the specific species responsible for IgA production remain largely elusive. Previous studies have shown that IgA and
Bacteroidetes
, the major phyla of gut microbiota, were increased in soluble high-fiber diet-fed mice. We show here that the levels of IgA in the gut and the expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in the large intestine lamina propria, which is crucial for class switch recombination from IgM to IgA, were correlated with the abundance of
Bacteroides fragilis
group species such as
Bacteroides faecis
,
Bacteroides caccae
, and
Bacteroides acidifaciens
.
B. acidifaciens
monoassociated mice increased gut IgA production and AID expression. Soluble dietary fiber may improve gut immune function, thereby protecting against bowel pathogens and reducing inflammatory bowel diseases.
The Evolutionary and Functional Paradox of Cerato-platanins in Fungi
Authors: Gao Renwei , Ding Mingyue , Jiang Siqi , Zhao Zheng , Chenthamara Komal , Shen Qirong , Cai Feng , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: April 2020

Cerato-platanins (CPs) are surface-active small proteins abundantly secreted by filamentous fungi. Consequently, immune systems of plants and other organisms recognize CPs and activate defense mechanisms. Some CPs are toxic to plants and act as virulence factors in plant-pathogenic fungi. Our analysis, however, demonstrates that the interactions with plants do not explain the origin and evolution of CPs in the fungal kingdom. We revealed a long evolutionary history of CPs with multiple cases of gene duplication and events of interfungal lateral gene transfers. In the mycoparasitic
Trichoderma
spp., CPs evolve under stabilizing natural selection and hamper the colonization of roots. We propose that the ability to modify the hydrophobicity of the fungal hyphosphere is a key to unlock the evolutionary and functional paradox of these proteins.
Microbial clues lead to a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in late adulthood
Authors: Kerr Colm , Morrissy David , Horgan Mary , Plant Barry J
Published: April 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting autosomal recessive genetic disorder among Caucasian populations. The majority of CF cases are diagnosed in childhood; however, increasing numbers of adults are being diagnosed with the condition. We present the case of a 65-year-old Irish woman presenting with a chronic cough and a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections.Staphylococcus aureus,Scedosporium apiospermumandStenotrophomonas maltophiliawere grown from bronchoalveolar lavage raising suspicion for CF. Sweat testing was negative; however, genetic testing revealed the presence of ∆F508 and R117H CF mutations, the latter mutation conferring a milder form of CF. The patient commenced treatment with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) potentiator medication ivacaftor to good effect. Novel CFTR potentiators and modulators have significant potential to benefit morbidity and mortality in this group. In this case, the microbiological results were key in pursuing genetic testing and diagnosing CF.
Guillain-Barré syndrome and posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a rare association
Authors: Joshi Stuti , Prentice David , van Heerden Jolandi , Chemmanam Thomas
Published: April 2020

A 69-year-old woman presented with headaches and visual disturbance in the context of marked hypertension secondary to non-compliance with antihypertensive medications. She developed seizures and hyperreflexia, and MRI brain showed changes consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). She was treated with antihypertensives with the resolution of symptoms. Over the following week, she developed progressive distal sensory loss, weakness and areflexia. The cerebrospinal fluid examination demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation, and electrophysiological findings were in keeping with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin with gradual recovery. The co-occurrence of PRES and GBS has only been described in a handful of cases. In the majority of these, the dysautonomia of GBS leads to profound hypertension and subsequently PRES. This is a rare case of PRES preceding and possibly even triggering the onset of GBS. In this report, we review the literature and discuss the potential pathogenic mechanisms for this unusual association.
Viral load dynamics and disease severity in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Zhejiang province, China, January-March 2020: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Shufa , Fan Jian , Yu Fei , Feng Baihuan , Lou Bin , Zou Qianda , Xie Guoliang , Lin Sha , Wang Ruonan , Yang Xianzhi , Chen Weizhen , Wang Qi , Zhang Dan , Liu Yanchao , Gong Renjie , Ma Zhaohui , Lu Siming , Xiao Yanyan , Gu Yaxi , Zhang Jinming , Yao Hangping , Xu Kaijin , Lu Xiaoyang , Wei Guoqing , Zhou Jianying , Fang Qiang , Cai Hongliu , Qiu Yunqing , Sheng Jifang , Chen Yu , Liang Tingbo
Published: April 2020

Objective

To evaluate viral loads at different stages of disease progression in patients infected with the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the first four months of the epidemic in Zhejiang province, China.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A designated hospital for patients with covid-19 in Zhejiang province, China.

Participants

96 consecutively admitted patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection: 22 with mild disease and 74 with severe disease. Data were collected from 19 January 2020 to 20 March 2020.

Main outcome measures

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viral load measured in respiratory, stool, serum, and urine samples. Cycle threshold values, a measure of nucleic acid concentration, were plotted onto the standard curve constructed on the basis of the standard product. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and treatment and outcomes data were obtained through data collection forms from electronic medical records, and the relation between clinical data and disease severity was analysed.

Results

3497 respiratory, stool, serum, and urine samples were collected from patients after admission and evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load. Infection was confirmed in all patients by testing sputum and saliva samples. RNA was detected in the stool of 55 (59%) patients and in the serum of 39 (41%) patients. The urine sample from one patient was positive for SARS-CoV-2. The median duration of virus in stool (22 days, interquartile range 17-31 days) was significantly longer than in respiratory (18 days, 13-29 days; P=0.02) and serum samples (16 days, 11-21 days; P<0.001). The median duration of virus in the respiratory samples of patients with severe disease (21 days, 14-30 days) was significantly longer than in patients with mild disease (14 days, 10-21 days; P=0.04). In the mild group, the viral loads peaked in respiratory samples in the second week from disease onset, whereas viral load continued to be high during the third week in the severe group. Virus duration was longer in patients older than 60 years and in male patients.

Conclusion

The duration of SARS-CoV-2 is significantly longer in stool samples than in respiratory and serum samples, highlighting the need to strengthen the management of stool samples in the prevention and control of the epidemic, and the virus persists longer with higher load and peaks later in the respiratory tissue of patients with severe disease.
Variability in estimated glomerular filtration rate and the incidence of type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee You-Bin , Kim Da Hye , Roh Eun , Hong So-Hyeon , Kim Jung A , Yoo Hye Jin , Baik Sei Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Choi Kyung Mook
Published: April 2020

Objective

Variability in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, no previous study has explored the relationship between eGFR variability and type 2 diabetes incidence.

Research design and methods

In this nationwide, longitudinal, cohort study, we investigated the association between eGFR variability and type 2 diabetes risk using the Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets from 2002 to 2017. eGFR variability was calculated using the variability independent of the mean (eGFR-VIM), coefficient of variation (eGFR-CV), standard deviation (eGFR-SD) and average real variability (eGFR-ARV).

Results

Within 7 673 905.58 person-years of follow-up (mean follow-up: 3.19 years; n=2 402 668), 11 981 cases of incident type 2 diabetes were reported. The HRs and 95% CIs for incident type 2 diabetes increased according to advance in quartiles of eGFR-VIM (HR (95% CI): Q2, 1.068 (1.009 to 1.130); Q3, 1.077 (1.018 to 1.138); Q4, 1.203 (1.139 to 1.270)) even after adjusting for confounding factors including mean eGFR and mean fasting plasma glucose levels. The subgroup analyses according to risk factors as well as analyses using eGFR-CV, eGFR-SD and eGFR-ARV showed consistent results. The association between increased eGFR variability and type 2 diabetes risk was more prominent in men, individuals with dyslipidemia and those with CKD as shown in the subgroup analysis (p for interaction <0.001).

Conclusions

Increased eGFR variability may be an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes and might be useful for risk stratification of individuals without diabetes.
Adipose tissue derived bacteria are associated with inflammation in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Massier Lucas , Chakaroun Rima , Tabei Shirin , Crane Alyce , Didt Konrad David , Fallmann Jörg , von Bergen Martin , Haange Sven-Bastiaan , Heyne Henrike , Stumvoll Michael , Gericke Martin , Dietrich Arne , Blüher Matthias , Musat Niculina , Kovacs Peter
Published: April 2020

Objective

Bacterial translocation to various organs including human adipose tissue (AT) due to increased intestinal permeability remains poorly understood. We hypothesised that: (1) bacterial presence is highly tissue specific and (2) related in composition and quantity to immune inflammatory and metabolic burden.

Design

We quantified and sequenced the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in blood and AT samples (omental, mesenteric and subcutaneous) of 75 subjects with obesity with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D) and used catalysed reporter deposition (CARD) – fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to detect bacteria in AT.

Results

Under stringent experimental and bioinformatic control for contaminants, bacterial DNA was detected in blood and omental, subcutaneous and mesenteric AT samples in the range of 0.1 to 5 pg/µg DNA isolate. Moreover, CARD-FISH allowed the detection of living, AT-borne bacteria.ProteobacteriaandFirmicuteswere the predominant phyla, and bacterial quantity was associated with immune cell infiltration, inflammatory and metabolic parameters in a tissue-specific manner. Bacterial composition differed between subjects with and without T2D and was associated with related clinical measures, including systemic and tissues-specific inflammatory markers. Finally, treatment of adipocytes with bacterial DNA in vitro stimulated the expression ofTNFAandIL6.

Conclusions

Our study provides contaminant aware evidence for the presence of bacteria and bacterial DNA in several ATs in obesity and T2D and suggests an important role of bacteria in initiating and sustaining local AT subclinical inflammation and therefore impacting metabolic sequelae of obesity.
Laryngeal electromyography in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Martins Melina Pazian , de Lima Fabrício Diniz , Bernardes Leoni Tauana , Martinez Alberto R M , Nubiato Crespo Agricio , André Teixeira Kimaid Paulo , Nucci Anamarli , de Carvalho Mamede , França Jr Marcondes C
Published: April 2020

Background

Bulbar involvement is a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but surprisingly very few studies have addressed the frequency, pattern and clinical relevance of laryngeal involvement in the disease.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with spinal-onset ALS underwent nasofibroscopy (NF), followed by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). We also studied resting activity and motor unit potentials of the genioglossus and masseter muscles.

Results

Twenty-four patients presented neurogenic changes in at least one laryngeal muscle. There were fibrillation and/or fasciculation potentials associated with chronic neurogenic changes in the same muscle in 16 patients; of these, 9 had no alteration in the genioglossus. We found no patient with tongue neurogenic changes and normal LEMG. NF was abnormal in 14 patients; in the remaining 12, LEMG identified neurogenic changes in 11 of them.

Conclusion

LEMG is able to identify laryngeal denervation in patients with ALS, sometimes before clinical manifestations are noticed. This technique may be a useful diagnostic tool for selected patients with suspicion of ALS.
Specialist valve clinic in a cardiac centre: 10-year experience
Authors: Chambers John B , Parkin Denise , Rimington Helen , Subbiah Sheila , Campbell Brian , Demetrescu Camelia , Hayes Anna , Rajani Ronak
Published: April 2020

Aims

Guidelines recommend specialist valve clinics as best practice for the assessment and conservative management of patients with heart valve disease. However, there is little guidance on how to set up and organise a clinic. The aim of this study is to describe a clinic run by a multidisciplinary team consisting of cardiologists, physiologist/scientists and a nurse.

Methods

The clinical and organisational aims of the clinic, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and links with other services are described. The methods of training non-clinical staff are detailed. Data were prospectively entered onto a database and the study consisted of an analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of all patients seen between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018.

Results

There were 2126 new patients and 9522 visits in the 10-year period. The mean age was 64.8 and 55% were male. Of the visits, 3587 (38%) were to the cardiologists, 4092 (43%) to the physiologist/scientists and 1843 (19%) to the nurse. The outcomes from the cardiologist clinics were cardiology follow-up in 460 (30%), referral for surgery in 354 (23%), referral to the physiologist/scientist clinic in 412 (27%) or to the nurse clinic in 65 (4.3%) and discharge in 230 (15%). The cardiologist needed to see 6% from the nurse clinic and 10% from the physiologist/scientist clinic, while advice alone was sufficient in 10% and 9%.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary specialist valve clinic is feasible and sustainable in the long term.
Unsteady flow simulation with mesh adaptation
Authors: Tang Jing , Zhang Jian , Li Bin , Zhou Nai-Chun
Published: April 2020

Mesh adaptation is a reliable and effective method to improve the precision of flow simulation with computational fluid dynamics. Mesh refinement is a common technique to simulate steady flows. In order to dynamically optimize the mesh for transient flows, mesh coarsening is also required to be involved in an iterative procedure. In this paper, we propose a robust mesh adaptation method, both refinement and coarsening included. A data structure of [Formula: see text]-way tree is adopted to save and access the parent–children relationship of mesh elements. Local element subdivision is employed to refine mesh, and element mergence is devised to coarsen mesh. The unrefined elements adjacent to a refined element are converted to polyhedrons to eliminate suspending points, which can also prevent refinement diffusing from one refined element to its neighbors. Based on an adaptation detector for vortices recognizing, the mesh adaptation was integrated to simulate the unsteady flow around a tri-wedges. The numerical results show that the mesh zones where vortices located are refined in real time and the vortices are resolved better with mesh adaptation.
Clinical Assessment of Existence of Palmaris Longus Muscle among South Indian Population
Authors: Venkatapathy Santhi , Bhargavan Rajesh
Published: April 2020

Background: Palmaris longus tendon is often used as a donor tendon by surgeons in tendon grafts. It is one of the flexor muscles of the forearm and documented well for its variations in both morphology and number of tendons. Prevalence of absence of this muscle varies among the individuals of same population and individuals of various ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to assess the existence of Palmaris longus muscle within a group of students and its association with side of the limb and gender of the individual.

Methods: Three hundred medical students of 150 males and 150 females with age group of 18–21 years were clinically assessed. The standard Schaffer’s test was used for the assessment of PL tendon. If the tendon was not found in this test, the confirmation was done by other four tests.

Results: Results of this study shows that an overall absence of palmaris longus muscle in both sexes was found to be 32%, out of which 21% absence was found in males and 43% absence found in females. Among the males, the unilateral agenesis was seen in 16% and bilateral agenesis in 4% and in females the unilateral agenesis was seen in 29% and bilateral agenesis seen in 14%.

Conclusions: To conclude; in the present study, prevalence of Palmaris longus muscle agenesis was found to be more in female subjects on their left side. Surgeons who plan for tendon reconstructive procedures should know variations of Palmaris longus muscle and its clinical assessment.
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor in the Hand: Experience with 173 Cases
Authors: Çevik Hüseyin Bilgehan , Kayahan Sibel , Eceviz Engin , Gümüştaş Seyit Ali
Published: April 2020

Background: Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) is the second most common benign tumor of the hand. Even though it is a benign lesion there is still a high incidence of local recurrence (range, 7%–44%) according to data in published papers. In this study, the clinical and epidemiological features of 173 patients who underwent excision of localized TSGCT, the recurrence rates and possible reasons for recurrence were examined in the light of current literature.

Methods: Medical records of 173 patients with TSGCT were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics as well as clinical and intraoperative findings were collected. Patients were asked about the recurrence of the TSGCT and the QuickDASH scoring was applied at the final clinical evaluation after mean follow-up of 81 months.

Results: Females were predominantly involved (73%). Patients aged mean 44 years at the time of surgery. There were 93 tumors in flexor zones and 80 tumors in extensor zones of the hand. Of the tumors with flexor zone localization, zone II was most predominantly involved with 46 tumors, and 18 of these were on the index finger. The extensor zones III and IV were mostly involved with 9 tumors each on the middle and ring fingers. A total of 12 recurrences (6.9 %) were determined over the mean follow-up period of 81 months.

Conclusions: The characteristics of our patients identified were similar to the previous studies. Surgical excision provides good outcomes in the treatment of TSGCT especially when clear margins are obtained.
A Comparison of Splint Versus Pinning the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Acute Closed Tendinous Mallet Injuries
Authors: Nagura Shigeki , Suzuki Taku , Iwamoto Takuji , Matsumura Noboru , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Sato Kazuki
Published: April 2020

Background: The vast majority of acute closed tendinous mallet injuries are treated with a splint. Very few studies have directly compared splinting versus pinning the distal interphalangeal joint for this injury. The aim of this cohort study is to determine the outcomes of both methods.

Methods: A total of 59 patients with acute tendinous mallet injury were retrospectively enrolled (29 patients in conservative treatment and 30 patients in surgical treatment). Conservative treatment was performed using custom-made thermoplastic splint and surgical treatment was conducted with oblique K-wire fixation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. The DIP joint was immobilized for eight weeks in both treatments. Active ranges of motion of the affected finger and Miller’s classification were evaluated postoperatively.

Results: The mean extension lag of the DIP joint in the surgical treatment group was significantly better than it was with conservative treatment (2.1° vs 13.8°). Three patients who were noncompliant with the splint showed poor results, while no patients in the surgical treatment group had a poor result.

Conclusions: Surgical treatment with K-wire fixation leads to satisfactory results for acute tendinous mallet injury.
Maintaining Effective Microsurgery Training with Reduced Utilisation of Live Rats
Authors: Lahiri Amitabha , Muttath Sandeep Sebastin , Yusoff Siti Khadijah , Chong Alphonsus KS.
Published: April 2020

Background: Microvascular surgery is now an integral part of many surgical disciplines, and the success of these procedures relies on the technical skills of the surgeon. Although numerous training models and simulations have been developed, the living rat model is favoured for its high fidelity to clinical microsurgery. However, there are serious ethical concerns over the use of live models for training. The aim of this study was to demonstrate if effective skill acquisition was possible with a reduction in the number of live rats.

Methods: Two course structures were designed, that were implemented. Total training hours remained the same in both the courses, but the number of rats used was reduced from conventional five rats per participant to four in group A and to three in group B while increasing the training time spent on synthetic and ex-vivo models. We assessed the effectiveness of the courses by comparing the patency rates, the time taken per anastomosis and efficiency of the utilisation rate of rats.

Results: There were 30 participants in Group A and 28 participants in group B. We observed that group B was able to perform anastomosis in a significantly shorter time and with patency rates similar to group A in spite of a lesser number of rats used in the training.

Conclusions: we were able to conclusively demonstrate that it was possible to reduce live rat usage in microsurgical training without compromising on the quality of training.
Acceleration of the Pissouri landslide, Cyprus
Authors: Hearn Gareth , Larkin Hayley , Papageorgiou Artemios , Zoi Georgia Elina
Published: April 2020

The residential development of Limnes in Pissouri, Cyprus was constructed on a slope formed by a pre-historic landslide. Reactivated ground movements within this landslide, first noticed by residents in 2012, continue to cause significant damage to property. The rates of movement, already observed to be accelerating between 2014 and 2017, increased by up to a factor of three during and following the very wet winter of 2018–19. The outcome has been a marked increase in architectural and structural damage to some properties, as well as building rotation in the both vertical and horizontal planes. An interpretation of the most recent InSAR results suggests that the area behind the back scarp may also now be undergoing displacement and this, to an extent, is borne out by observed cracking to some buildings and paved surfaces in the vicinity. Uncertainties remain over the depth(s) of sliding and the groundwater regime within the landslide mass that can only be resolved through further ground investigation and subsurface monitoring.
Permian igneous clasts from the Matzitzi Formation, southern Mexico: isotopic constraints on the final amalgamation of Pangaea
Authors: Juárez-Zúñiga Sandra , Solari Luigi A. , Ortega-Obregón Carlos
Published: April 2020

The tectonic reconstructions of southern Mexico during Late Paleozoic–Middle Triassic time are related to the final stages of Pangaea assembly. Petrographic analysis combined with U–Pb and Hf isotopic analyses of zircon grains belonging to volcanic conglomerate clasts from the Matzitzi Formation in southern Mexico allow characterization of the magmatism at the end of Pangaea accretion. Volcanic pebbles from the Matzitzi Formation have felsic to intermediate compositions and ages ranging from 269 to 285 Ma, which indicate the erosion of a Permian volcanic source. The
ɛ
Hf zircon values show two groups with different isotopic signatures. Intermediate hypabyssal samples have
ε
Hf

(
t
)

values ranging from −7.8 to +0.2 and two-step model ages from 1.6 to 1.7 Ga, suggesting late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic crustal residence times. Felsic volcanic samples have
ε
Hf

(
t
)

values ranging from −3.5 to +8.8 and crustal model ages ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 Ga, suggesting Neo-Mesoproterozoic crustal sources and a juvenile depleted mantle source. Grenvillian grains in volcanic clasts, as well as their isotopic signatures, suggest that the volcanic rocks were emplaced over Mesoproterozoic Oaxaquia-type crust and are related to the Permian–Carboniferous plutonic arc in southern Mexico, which formed along the northwestern Gondwana margin.
Data Integration for Immunology
Authors: Pineda Silvia , Bunis Daniel G. , Kosti Idit , Sirota Marina
Published: April 2020

Over the last several years, next-generation sequencing and its recent push toward single-cell resolution have transformed the landscape of immunology research by revealing novel complexities about all components of the immune system. With the vast amounts of diverse data currently being generated, and with the methods of analyzing and combining diverse data improving as well, integrative systems approaches are becoming more powerful. Previous integrative approaches have combined multiple data types and revealed ways that the immune system, both as a whole and as individual parts, is affected by genetics, the microbiome, and other factors. In this review, we explore the data types that are available for studying immunology with an integrative systems approach, as well as the current strategies and challenges for conducting such analyses.
RANKL induces beige adipocyte differentiation in preadipocytes
Authors: Matsuo Flávia Sayuri , Cavalcanti de Araújo Paulo Henrique , Mota Ryerson Fonseca , Carvalho Ana Júlia Rossoni , Santos de Queiroz Mariana , Baldo de Almeida Beatriz , Ferreira Karen Cristine de Oliveira Santos , Metzner Rodrigo Jair Morandi , Ferrari Gustavo Duarte , Alberici Luciane Carla , Osako Mariana Kiomy
Published: April 2020

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) (RANK), its ligand (RANKL), and the decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) are a triad of proteins that regulate bone metabolism, and serum OPG is considered a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes; however, the implications of OPG in adipose tissue metabolism remains elusive. In this study, we investigate RANK-RANKL-OPG signaling in white adipose tissue browning. Histological analysis of osteoprotegerin knockout (OPG−/−) mice showed subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) browning, resistance for high-fat diet-induced weight gain, and preserved glucose metabolism compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells from sWAT of OPG−/− mice showed multilocular morphology and higher expression of brown adipocyte marker genes compared with those from the WT group. Infusion of RANKL induced browning and elevated respiratory rates in sWAT, along with increased whole body oxygen consumption in mice measured by indirect calorimetry. Subcutaneous WAT-derived SVF and 3T3-L1 cells, but not mature white adipocytes, differentiated into beige adipose tissue in the presence of RANKL. Moreover, SVF cells, even under white adipocyte differentiation, showed multilocular lipid droplet, lower lipid content, and increased expression of beige adipocyte markers with RANKL stimulation. In this study, we show for the first time the contribution of RANKL to increase energy expenditure by inducing beige adipocyte differentiation in preadipocytes.
Role of enhanced glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity in inflammation in PTSD: insights from computational model for circadian-neuroendocrine-immune interactions
Authors: Somvanshi Pramod R. , Mellon Synthia H. , Yehuda Rachel , Flory Janine D. , Makotkine Iouri , Bierer Linda , Marmar Charles , Jett Marti , Doyle Francis J.
Published: April 2020

Although glucocorticoid resistance contributes to increased inflammation, individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) sensitivity along with increased inflammation. It is not clear how inflammation coexists with a hyperresponsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. To understand this better, we developed and analyzed an integrated mathematical model for the HPA axis and the immune system. We performed mathematical simulations for a dexamethasone (DEX) suppression test and IC50-dexamethasone for cytokine suppression by varying model parameters. The model analysis suggests that increasing the steepness of the dose-response curve for GR activity may reduce anti-inflammatory effects of GRs at the ambient glucocorticoid levels, thereby increasing proinflammatory response. The adaptive response of proinflammatory cytokine-mediated stimulatory effects on the HPA axis is reduced due to dominance of the GR-mediated negative feedback on the HPA axis. To verify these hypotheses, we analyzed the clinical data on neuroendocrine variables and cytokines obtained from war-zone veterans with and without PTSD. We observed significant group differences for cortisol and ACTH suppression tests, proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, promoter methylation of GR gene, and IC50-DEX for lysozyme suppression. Causal inference modeling revealed significant associations between cortisol suppression and post-DEX cortisol decline, promoter methylation of human GR gene exon 1F ( NR3C1-1F), IC50-DEX, and proinflammatory cytokines. We noted significant mediation effects of NR3C1-1F promoter methylation on inflammatory cytokines through changes in GR sensitivity. Our findings suggest that increased GR sensitivity may contribute to increased inflammation; therefore, interventions to restore GR sensitivity may normalize inflammation in PTSD.