bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Wide Bandwidth, High-CMRR Voltage and Transadmittance-Mode Instrumentation Amplifier Using a Single CBTA
Authors: Sagbas Mehmet , Ayten Umut Engin
Published: May 2019

In this work, a high-performance voltage and current output instrumentation amplifier circuit is proposed. The proposed circuit also has voltage-mode (VM) and transadmittance-mode (TAM) outputs at a time. It employs a single current backward transconductance amplifier (CBTA) and a grounded resistor. It has the advantage of having low input and high output impedances which makes it easy for cascadability. The presented circuit has electronically tunable property due to the bias current of the CBTA. The validity of the proposed circuit is demonstrated by PSPICE simulations using a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V supply voltage. Simulation results show that the proposed circuit has a high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR), wide bandwidth, low offset and high gain properties.
Kernel-Coefficient-Based Feature Method for Face Detection
Authors: Mortuza Fahad Bin
Published: May 2019

A kernel-coefficient-based feature method is proposed to detect faces. The proposed method uses a mathematical expression and 26 different arrangements of kernel-coefficients of a kernel (testing region). The method manipulates the symmetric appearance of a face with respect to a rigid-kernel (fixed region). The expression, which is used to generate feature values, responds to pixels on edges of the image-objects only. For each distinct arrangement of kernel-coefficients, a feature-value is generated. The objective of the proposed kernel-coefficient-based feature method is to reduce the number of feature values required for face detection.
Dynamic Cross-Correlations between Investors’ Attention and CSI300 Index Futures
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Xu Kewei , Shen Dehua
Published: May 2019

Using search volume on Baidu Index as the proxy for investors’ attention, we investigate the dynamic nonlinear relationship between investors’ attention and CSI300 index futures market. Multifractal detrend cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) is employed to explore the multifractal features of the cross-correlations between investors’ attention and the return and relative activity of index futures market. We find that the power-law cross-correlations between investors’ attention and CSI300 index futures market are stronger in the short term than in the long term, and the cross-correlations are significantly multifractal. Precisely, the cross-correlation between abnormal search volume (ASV) and the relative activity is persistent, and the cross-correlation between ASV and return of IF is persistent in the short term but weakly anti-persistent in the long term. Besides, we also find that, with the restriction on index futures market, the cross-correlations between investors’ attention and CSI300 index futures market become less stable.
A Comparative Study of Two Families of Higher-Order Accurate Time Integration Algorithms
Authors: Kim Wooram , Lee Jin Ho
Published: May 2019

Two families of higher-order accurate time integration algorithms are numerically tested by using various nonlinear problems of structural dynamics, and the numerical results obtained from them are compared. To be specific, the higher-order algorithms of Kim and Reddy and the higher-order algorithms of Fung are used for this study. In linear analyses, these two different families of higher-order algorithms do not present noticeable differences. However, performances of these algorithms are quite different when they are applied to various nonlinear dynamic problems. For the numerical tests, well-known nonlinear problems are selected from the past studies. For the completeness, the two families of algorithms are briefly reviewed, and their advantageous computational structures are also explained.
On Finite Element Implementation of Polyconvex Incompressible Hyperelasticity: Theory, Coding and Applications
Authors: Suchocki Cyprian , Jemioło Stanisław
Published: May 2019

This work concerns mainly the finite element (FE) implementation of polyconvex incompressible hyperelastic models. A user material subroutine (UMAT) has been developed and can be utilized to define the aforementioned material behaviors in the FE system ABAQUS. The subroutine is written using a novel strategy in order to maximally simplify the relations for the analytical material Jacobian (MJ). The UMAT code is attached in the appendix. The developed subroutine allows to significantly decrease the time of computations and to avoid possible convergence difficulties. The structure of the code enables modifications which may lead to a rheological, damage or growth models, for instance.
A note on classification of spatially homogeneous rotating space-times in f(R) theory of gravity according to their proper conformal vector fields
Authors: Shabbir Ghulam , Hussain Fiaz , Ramzan Muhammad , Bokhari Ashfaque H.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we present a study of proper conformal vector fields of spatially homogeneous rotating space-times in the [Formula: see text] theory of gravity. A total of six cases have been discussed in detail. It is found that the conformally non-flat spatially homogeneous rotating space-times do not admit proper conformal vector fields, while in a conformally flat case the space-time admits 15 independent conformal vector fields.
An important class of conformally flat weak Einstein cubic (α,β)-metrics
Authors: Chen Guangzu , Liu Lihong , Jiang Qisen
Published: May 2019

The theory of cubic metrics plays an important role in the theory of space-time structure, gravitation and unified gauge field theories. In this paper, we study conformally flat weak Einstein cubic [Formula: see text]-metrics. We prove that such metrics must be either locally Minkowski metric or Riemannian metric.
Entanglement in model-independent cosmological scenario
Authors: Luongo Orlando , Mancini Stefano
Published: May 2019

We propose a model-independent approach to study entanglement creation due to the dynamics between two asymptotic quantum regimes in the framework of homogeneous and isotropic universe. We realize it by Padé expansion to reconstruct the functional form of scale factor, rather than postulating it a priori. This amounts to fix the Padé approximants constraining the free parameters in terms of current cosmic observations. Assuming fermions, we solve the Dirac equation for massive particles and we investigate entanglement entropy in terms of modes [Formula: see text] and mass [Formula: see text]. We consider two rational approximations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] orders, which turn out to be the most suitable choices for guaranteeing cosmic bounds. Our results show qualitative agreement with those known in literature and arising from toy models, but with sensible quantitative discrepancies. Moreover, our outcomes are model-independent reconstructions which show that any higher orders departing from [Formula: see text] do not significantly modify particle–antiparticle production (hence entanglement), if cosmic bounds are taken into account.
Partitions of the set of nonnegative integers with identical representation functions
Authors: Yan Xiao-Hui
Published: May 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be the set of nonnegative integers. For any set [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the number of representations of [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Chen and Wang proved that the set of positive integers can be partitioned into two subsets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that, for a given integer [Formula: see text] and a partition [Formula: see text], there is an integer [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] does not hold.
Improved bounds on Gauss sums in arbitrary finite fields
Authors: Mohammadi Ali
Published: May 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a power of a prime and let [Formula: see text] be the finite field consisting of [Formula: see text] elements. We establish new explicit estimates on Gauss sums of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a nontrivial additive character. In particular, we show that one has a nontrivial upper bound on [Formula: see text] for certain values of [Formula: see text] of order up to [Formula: see text]. Our results improve on the previous best-known bound due to Zhelezov.
Photoacoustic molecular imaging using combined acupuncture and gold nanorods as a composite contrast agent
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhang Xinxin , Rong Jian , Jiang Huabei
Published: May 2019

In this study, we developed a novel photoacoustic imaging technique based on poly (ethyleneglycol)-coated (PEGylated) gold nanorods (PEG-GNRs) (as the contrast agent) combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture (as the auxiliary method) for quantitatively monitoring contrast enhancement in the vasculature of a mouse brain in vivo. This study takes advantage of the strong near-infrared absorption (peak at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm) of GNRs and the ability to adjust the hemodynamics of acupuncture. Experimental results show that photoacoustic tomography (PAT) successfully reveals the optical absorption variation of the vasculature of the mouse brain in response to intravenous administration of GNRs and acupuncture at the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) both individually and combined. The quantitative measurement of contrast enhancement indicates that the composite contrast agents (integration of acupuncture and GNRs) would greatly enhance the photoacoustic imaging contrast. The quantitative results also have the potential to estimate the local concentration of GNRs and even the real-time effects of acupuncture.
Nonvolatile, Spin-Based, and Low-Power Inexact Full Adder Circuits for Computing-in-Memory Image Processing
Authors: Amirany Abdolah , Rajaei Ramin
Published: May 2019

Deep submicron conventional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is facing various issues such as high static power consumption due to the increasing leakage currents. In recent years, spin-based technologies like magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) have emerged and shown some fascinating features to overcome the aforesaid issues of CMOS technology. The hybrid MTJ/CMOS circuits offer low power consumption, nonvolatility, and high performance. This paper proposes two novel hybrid MTJ/CMOS approximate full-adder circuits (AXMA) for low power approximate computing-in-memory architectures. The proposed AXMAs offer low area, high sensing speed, considerable lower energy consumption, and the lowest power delay product (PDP) than the considered antecedent counterparts. The proposed AXMAs also introduce the advantage of full nonvolatility to the systems. This feature allows the system to be powered off during the idle modes in order to reduce the static power without the need for any retention parts or loss of data. Applications of the proposed AXMAs in digital image processing and their effect on the quality of images considering some relevant metrics like peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and mean structural similarity (MSSIM) are also investigated using the MATLAB software.
U–Pb detrital zircon ages used to infer provenance and tectonic setting of Late Triassic–Miocene sandstones related to the Tethyan development of Cyprus
Authors: Chen Guohui , Robertson Alastair H.F. , Ustaömer Timur
Published: May 2019

Zircons from Late Triassic deep-water sandstone turbidites of the Mamonia Complex (west Cyprus) have prominent Ediacaran–Cryogenian and Tonian–Stenian age populations, with smaller populations at
c.
2.0 and 2.7–2.5 Ga, but only minor concordant Paleozoic zircons. Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous deep-water gravity-deposited sandstone, also from the Mamonia Complex, has a greater proportion of Ediacaran–Cryogenian and Tonian–Stenian zircons, but less abundant Paleoproterozoic, Archean and Paleozoic zircons. Similar zircon populations characterize an Early Cretaceous shallow-marine sandstone block in the Moni Melange (southern Cyprus). The dominant Ediacaran–Cryogenian and Tonian–Stenian zircon populations originated in the NE Africa/Arabian–Nubian Shield (north Gondwana). However, they were probably recycled from Paleozoic sandstones within Anatolia following South Neotethyan rifting, which also gave rise to sparse Permian–Triassic zircons. Paleozoic zircons reflect Variscan magmatism within Anatolia. Both Late Cretaceous and overlying Eocene sandstone turbidites in the Kyrenia Range (north Cyprus) contain prominent Ediacaran–Cryogenian populations, together with small Archean, Tonian, Carboniferous and Late Cretaceous populations, with additional Triassic zircons in the Eocene sample. Late Cretaceous zircons dominate an overlying Late Miocene sandstone turbidite, together with minor Ediacaran–Cryogenian, Eocene and Miocene populations. The Late Cretaceous zircons record continental margin arc and/or ophiolite-related magmatism, whereas the Eocene and Miocene zircons represent collision-related magmatism, both located in southern Turkey.

Supplementary materials
: Detailed zircon U–Pb geochronological data and supplementary figures are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4483736
Communicating activist roles and tools in complex energy deliberation
Authors: George Barbara
Published: May 2019

This article analyzes online policy tools used by public participants to participate in complex environmental risk deliberation, specifically in terms of HVHF (high volume hydraulic fracturing). This article argues that institutional environmental deliberation tools, which are increasingly found online, are embedded in ideological discourse frames that are often at odds with public user ideologies. This article argues that environmental deliberation tools designed and created by stakeholders through participatory design models are more effective in promoting complex deliberations about environmental risk. Such participatory tools more clearly take into account environmental justice, intersectional and precautionary considerations.
High Electron Mobility Transistors Using AlGaN Materials
Authors: Xiejia
Published: May 2019

High electron mobility AlGaN/GaN have been successfully grown on low cost and high challenges AlN/Si substrates. By inserting a thin SiN layer between GaN and AlN to improve the quality of GaN, the result showed that the thin SiN layer could greatly increase the mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas formed at the interface of AlGaN and GaN layers. This suggests that it is possible to grow high-quality GaN on silicon as well as on sapphire for many applications
Animal model of left atrial thrombus in congestive heart failure in rats
Authors: Chen Jiqiu , Strauss Benjamin , Liang Lifan , Hajjar Roger J.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to develop and study a new model of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in rat with congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF was induced by aortic banding for 2 mo, followed by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and subsequent aortic debanding for 1 mo. Cardiac function and the presence of LAT were assessed by echocardiography. Masson’s staining was performed for histological analysis. All CHF rats presented with significantly decreased cardiac function, fibrosis in remote myocardium, and pulmonary edema. The incidence rate of LAT was 18.8% in the rats. LAT was associated with severity of aortic constriction, aortic pressure gradient, aortic blood flow velocity, and pulmonary edema but not myocardial infarction or a degree of left ventricular depression. The progressive process of thrombogenesis was characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation in the left atrial wall. Fibrin adhesion and clot formation were observed, whereas most LAT presented as a relatively hard “mass,” likely attributable to significant fibrosis in the middle and outer layers. Some LAT mass showed focal necrosis as well as fibrin bulging. Most LAT occurred at the upper anterior wall of the left atrial appendage. Aortic debanding had no significant impact on large LATs (>5 mm2) that had formed, whereas small LATs (<5 mm2) regressed 1 mo after aortic release. LAT is found in a rat model of aortic banding plus I/R followed by aortic debanding. The model provides a platform to study molecular mechanisms and potential new pathways for LAT treatment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is critically important to have a rodent model to study the molecular mechanism of thrombogenesis in the left atrium. Left atrial thrombus (LAT) is not a simple fibrin clot like those seen in peripheral veins or arteries. Rather, LAT is a cellular mass that likely develops in conjunction with blood clotting. Studying this phenomenon will help us understand congestive heart failure and promote new therapies for LAT.
A Review on Role of Microbiome in Obesity and Antiobesity Properties of Probiotic Supplements
Authors: Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Kesika Periyanaina , Suganthy Natarajan , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: May 2019

Probiotics are now recognized for several health benefits and they have been recommended as a complementary therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders. Obesity is an altered health condition, which is a resultant of irregular energy intake and energy balance, changes in gut microbiota, and improper diet with the influence of genetic makeup and environmental factors. Several studies revealed the influence of probiotic supplementation on obesity-associated consequencesin vitro,in vivo, and in human clinical studies. The current manuscript discussed the factors influencing the occurrence of obesity, the interplay between microbiome and obesity, the effect of the probiotic intervention on the health status of obese people, and possible mechanism of antiobesity activity of probiotics. The literature survey revealed that the antiobese activity of probiotics might be associated with their ability to alter the intestinal microbiota, remodeling of energy metabolism, alter the expression of genes related to thermogenesis, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism, and change the parasympathetic nerve activity. Further intense research is necessary to figure out the best probiotic or synbiotic mixture and optimum dosage and duration of the intervention to reduce obesity and prevent the recurring of obese condition.
Impact of Damping Models in Damage Identification
Authors: Souza Michael , Castello Daniel , Roitman Ney , Ritto Thiago
Published: May 2019

Several damage identification approaches are based on computational models, and their diagnostics depend on the set of modelling hypotheses adopted when building the model itself. Among these hypotheses, the choice of appropriate damping models seems to be one of the key issues. The goal of this paper is to analyze the impact of a set of damping models on the damage identification diagnostics. The damage identification is built on a Bayesian framework, and the measured data are the modal data associated with the first modes of the structure. The exploration of the posterior density of unknown model parameters is performed by means of the Markov chain Monte Carlo method (MCMC) with Delayed Rejection Adaptive Metropolis (DRAM) algorithm. The analyses are based on experimental dynamic response obtained from an aluminum beam instrumented with a set of accelerometers. The presence of damage/anomaly within the system is physically simulated by placing lumped masses over the beam, considering three different masses and two different placing positions. For the set of cases analyzed, it is shown that the proposed approach was able to identify both the position and magnitude of the lumped masses and that the damping models may not provide an increase of knowledge of some unknown parameters when damping rates are lower than 1%.
Glutathione “Redox Homeostasis” and Its Relation to Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bajic Vladan P. , Van Neste Christophe , Obradovic Milan , Zafirovic Sonja , Radak Djordje , Bajic Vladimir B. , Essack Magbubah , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: May 2019

More people die from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than from any other cause. Cardiovascular complications are thought to arise from enhanced levels of free radicals causing impaired “redox homeostasis,” which represents the interplay between oxidative stress (OS) and reductive stress (RS). In this review, we compile several experimental research findings that show sustained shifts towards OS will alter the homeostatic redox mechanism to cause cardiovascular complications, as well as findings that show a prolonged antioxidant state or RS can similarly lead to such cardiovascular complications. This experimental evidence is specifically focused on the role of glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant in the heart, in a redox homeostatic mechanism that has been shifted towards OS or RS. This may lead to impairment of cellular signaling mechanisms and elevated pools of proteotoxicity associated with cardiac dysfunction.
A Survey on the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem: Variants and Solution Approaches
Authors: Erdelić Tomislav , Carić Tonči
Published: May 2019

In order to ensure high-quality and on-time delivery in logistic distribution processes, it is necessary to efficiently manage the delivery fleet. Nowadays, due to the new policies and regulations related to greenhouse gas emission in the transport sector, logistic companies are paying higher penalties for each emission gram of CO2/km. With electric vehicle market penetration, many companies are evaluating the integration of electric vehicles in their fleet, as they do not have local greenhouse gas emissions, produce minimal noise, and are independent of the fluctuating oil price. The well-researched vehicle routing problem (VRP) is extended to the electric vehicle routing problem (E-VRP), which takes into account specific characteristics of electric vehicles. In this paper, a literature review on recent developments regarding the E-VRP is presented. The challenges that emerged with the integration of electric vehicles in the delivery processes are described, together with electric vehicle characteristics and recent energy consumption models. Several variants of the E-VRP and related problems are observed. To cope with the new routing challenges in E-VRP, efficient VRP heuristics and metaheuristics had to be adapted. An overview of the state-of-the-art procedures for solving the E-VRP and related problems is presented.
The Effects of Age and Reproduction on the Lipidome ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wan Qin-Li , Yang Zhong-Lin , Zhou Xiao-Gang , Ding Ai-Jun , Pu Yuan-Zhu , Luo Huai-Rong , Wu Gui-Sheng
Published: May 2019

Aging is a complex life process, and a unified view is that metabolism plays key roles in all biological processes. Here, we determined the lipidomic profile ofCaenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans) using ultraperformance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). Using a nontargeted approach, we detected approximately 3000 species. Analysis of the lipid metabolic profiles at young adult and ten-day-old ages among wild-type N2,glp-1defective mutant, and double mutantdaf-16;glp-1uncovered significant age-related differences in the total amount of phosphatidylcholines (PC), sphingomyelins (SM), ceramides (Cer), diglycerides (DG), and triglycerides (TG). In addition, the age-associated lipid profiles were characterized by ratio of polyunsaturated (PUFA) over monounsaturated (MUFA) lipid species. Lipid metabolism modulation plays an important role in reproduction-regulated aging; to identify the variations of lipid metabolites during germ line loss-induced longevity, we investigated the lipidomic profiles of long-livedglp-1/notch receptor mutants, which have reproductive deficiency when grown at nonpermissive temperature. The results showed that there was some age-related lipid variation, including TG 40:2, TG 40:1, and TG 41:1, which contributed to the long-life phenotype. The longevity ofglp-1mutant wasdaf-16-dependent; the lipidome analysis ofdaf-16;glp-1double mutant revealed that the changes of some metabolites in theglp-1mutant weredaf-16-dependent, while other metabolites displayed more complex epistatic patterns. We first conducted a comprehensive lipidome analysis to provide novel insights into the relationships between longevity and lipid metabolism regulated by germ line signals inC. elegans.
Shaking Table Model Test and Seismic Performance Analysis of a High‐Rise RC Shear Wall Structure
Authors: Li Shujin , Wu Cai , Kong Fan
Published: May 2019

A building developed by Wuhan Shimao Group in Wuhan, China, is a high‐rise residence with 56 stories near the Yangtze River. The building is a reinforced concrete structure, featuring with a nonregular T‐type plane and a height 179.6 m, which is out of the restrictions specified by the China Technical Specification for Concrete Structures of Tall Building (JGJ3‐2010). To investigate its seismic performance, a shaking table test with a 1/30 scale model is carried out in Structural Laboratory in Wuhan University of Technology. The dynamic characteristics and the responses of the model subject to different seismic intensities are investigated via the analyzing of shaking table test data and the observed cracking pattern of the scaled model. Finite element analysis of the shaking table model is also established, and the results are coincident well with the test. An autoregressive method is also presented to identify the damage of the structure after suffering from different waves, and the results coincide well with the test and numerical simulation. The shaking table model test, numerical analysis, and damage identification prove that this building is well designed and can be safely put into use. Suggestions and measures to improve the seismic performance of structures are also presented.
Tetrahydrocurcumin Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Attenuating High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis via Activating the SIRT1 Pathway
Authors: Li Kaifeng , Zhai Mengen , Jiang Liqing , Song Fan , Zhang Bin , Li Jie , Li Hua , Li Buying , Xia Lin , Xu Lu , Cao Yu , He Mengshan , Zhu Hanzhao , Zhang Liyun , Liang Hongliang , Jin Zhenxiao , Duan Weixun , Wang Siwang
Published: May 2019

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis play a crucial role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major bioactive metabolite of natural antioxidant curcumin, is reported to exert even more effective antioxidative and superior antifibrotic properties as well as anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic abilities. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of THC on experimental DCM and its underlying mechanisms, pointing to the role of high glucose-induced oxidative stress and interrelated fibrosis. In STZ-induced diabetic mice, oral administration of THC (120 mg/kg/d) for 12 weeks significantly improved the cardiac function and ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, accompanied by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mechanically, THC administration remarkably increased the expression of the SIRT1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, further evidenced by decreased downstream molecule Ac-SOD2 and enhanced deacetylated production SOD2, which finally strengthened antioxidative stress capacity proven by repaired activities of SOD and GSH-Px and reduced MDA production. Additionally, THC treatment accomplished its antifibrotic effect by depressing the ROS-induced TGFβ1/Smad3 signaling pathway followed by reduced expression of cardiac fibrotic markers α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Collectively, these finds demonstrated the therapeutic potential of THC treatment to alleviate DCM mainly by attenuating hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis via activating the SIRT1 pathway.
A Damage Constitutive Model of Red Sandstone under Coupling of Wet‐Dry Cycles and Impact Load
Authors: Du Bin , Bai Haibo
Published: May 2019

In the engineering fields of mining, tunneling, slopes, and dams, rocks are usually subject to the coupling effect of impact load and wet‐dry cycles. The deformation rule of rocks under the coupling effects is a symbolic mechanical property, which lays the foundation for the design and evaluation in the rock engineering. In this paper, the coupling damage was classified as mesodamage induced by wet‐dry cycles and macrodamage induced by impact load, and the loading rate effect was considered as the load damage. Besides, a constitutive model of coupling damage was concluded based on Lemaitre’s strain equivalent assumption. Consequently, the validity of the model was verified by a series of dynamic compression tests of red sandstone. Results indicated that the proposed damage constitutive model can definitely describe the dynamic stress‐strain curves of red sandstone after wet‐dry cycles and impact load. The evolution of coupling damage curves showed that wet‐dry cycle damage plays a dominant role in the elastic deformation stage, while the yield failure stage is controlled by the load damage in which the loading rate cannot be ignored. Parametric study was also performed to analyze the effect of parameters on dynamic stress‐strain curves. The proposed mode has the simple and reliable operation with few parameters and can efficiently predict the long‐term deformation behavior of rocks subject to multiple wet‐dry cycles.
Two Different Meningioma Variants in the Same Tumor: A Rare Histopathological Finding
Authors: Khubrani Reham , Al-Dandan Sadeq
Published: May 2019

We report a case of meningioma with both secretory and lipomatous features in an advanced middle aged female patient with a 3-month history of headaches and convulsions. Radiological findings are revised and compared to other reported cases in the literature.
Spontaneous Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in Neurological Setting in Burkina Faso: Clinical Profile, Causes, and Mortality Risk Factors
Authors: Dabilgou Alfred Anselme , Drave Alassane , Kyelem Julie Marie Adeline , Naon Lanseni , Napon Christian , Kabore Jean
Published: May 2019

To determine the prevalence, clinical profile, causes, and mortality risk factors of spontaneous arachnoid haemorrhage at Yalgado Ouedraogo University teaching Hospital, we conducted a 5-year retrospective study of 1803 stroke patients admitted to Neurology Department during the period from January 2012 to December 2016. During the study period, spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage accounted for 3.2 % of all stroke. The mean age of patients was 60 years (range 20-93 years). There was a female predominance in 55.9%. The common vascular risk factors were hypertension (79.7%) and chronic alcohol consumption (16.9%). The main symptoms were headache (76.2%), motor weakness (74.5%), and consciousness disorders (62.7%). Neurological examination revealed limb weakness in 76.2% and meningeal irritation in 47.4%. The best admission Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 was found only in 37.3 % of patients. About 50.8% of patients were admitted to Hunt and Hess moderate grade (III) resulting in a mortality of 24.80%. The main cause of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage was hypertension (77.9%). Cause could not be determined in 8.5 % of cases. The mortality rate was 37.3%. There was high mortality in patients with intraventricular haemorrhage and in patients with disturbances of consciousness. In conclusion, our study showed a poor frequency of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage with high mortality. Hypertension was the most common cause of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Efficacy and Safety of Vonoprazan-Based versus Proton Pump Inhibitor-Based Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Lyu Qiu-Ju , Pu Qiang-Hong , Zhong Xian-Fei , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2019

Aims. To compare the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-based versus proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Methods. We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for relevant randomized controlled trials up to March 2019. Studies were included if they compared the efficacy and safety of H. pylori eradication of vonoprazan-based and PPI-based triple therapy. Results. Three studies with 897 patients were evaluated in this meta-analysis. The H. pylori eradication rate of vonoprazan-based triple therapy was higher than that of PPI-based triple therapy as first-line regimens (intention-to-treat analysis: pooled eradication rates, 91.4% vs 74.8%; odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.87–7.26]; P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events in vonoprazan-based triple therapy was lower than that in PPI-based triple therapy (pooled incidence, 32.7% vs 40.5%; OR, 0.71; 95%CI: [0.53–0.95]; P<0.05). Conclusions. Efficacy of vonoprazan-based triple therapy is superior to that of PPI-based triple therapy for first-line H. pylori eradication. Additionally, vonoprazan-based triple therapy is better tolerated than PPI-based triple therapy.
Bleb Needling with Mitomycin C as Adjunctive Therapy in Failing Blebs: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Del Noce Chiara , Vagge Aldo , Traverso Carlo Enrico
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the effects and complications related to use of mitomycin C (MMC) as an adjunctive therapy in bleb needling. Methods: Retrospective review of the records of patients affected by open-angle glaucoma who underwent a bleb revision as a treatment for failed trabeculectomy. All subjects underwent surgery with a fornix-based approach to incision. Full baseline data for each patient included a comprehensive ocular and medical history, the patient’s Snellen visual acuity test results, and Goldmann applanation tonometry test results. Data were reported following observations occurring at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months. In addition, the number and timing of needling with or without MMC subconjunctival injections and any short- and long-term complications were observed. Results: We included 101 patients, 56 (55.4%) male and 45 (44.6%) female. The mean age was 69.81 ± 16.19 years (range 28–92). Statistically significant effects of needling and needling and MMC (p values <0.05) in the decrease in intraocular pressure were observed. Three (2.9%) patients presented hypotony at the last follow-up visit. No other complications were observed. Conclusions: Needling bleb revision augmented with the use of MMC appears to be a more useful tool in the management of failing bleb.
Pancreatic Solid Focal Lesions: Differential Diagnosis between Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dite Petr , Novotny Ivo , Dvorackova Jana , Kianicka Bohuslav , Blaho Martin , Svoboda Pavel , Uvirova Magdalena , Rohan Tomas , Maskova Hana , Kunovsky Lumir
Published: May 2019

Background: Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) in early stages is still challenging for gastroenterologists. The early detection of cancer is one of the utmost importance for the successful therapy of this malignancy. An accurate differential diagnosis of focal pancreatic lesions plays also an important role, whether it is differential diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis from PC or autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from PC. Raised serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels to twice the normal value are considered one of significant diagnostic features of type 1 AIP. However, IgG4 can be increased also in patients with PC, but levels usually do not exceed twice the normal value. Methods: In years 2012–2017, IgG4 serum levels were examined in 115 patients with histologically confirmed PC. Patients with PC and elevated IgG4 level (above 135 mg/dL) had tested their histological resection specimens or bioptic specimens from pancreatic lesion, with targeted detection of the presence of IgG4 and plasmocytes in the pancreatic tissue and changes characteristic for type 1 AIP. Results: A plasmatic IgG4 level in 115 patients with diagnosed PC was higher than 135 mg/dL in 14 patients (12.2%). Out of them, 2 patients (1.7%) revealed a serum IgG4 level higher than double the normal value, that is, higher than 270.0 mg/dL (suggestive of AIP). One patient met histological criteria for diagnosis of AIP in the simultaneous presence of PC. Conclusion: Diagnosis of early cancer stages, particularly differentiating AIP from PC can be sometimes problematic. IgG4 levels can be slightly elevated also in case of PC. A targeted biopsy of the pancreas is the method of choice in cases suspected from a focal form of AIP and we recommend to prefer it over other modalities, such as, for example, response to steroid therapy.
FKBP5 Gene Variants May Modulate Depressive Features in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Calabrò Marco , Crisafulli Concetta , Di Nicola Marco , Colombo Roberto , Janiri Luigi , Serretti Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Background: Previous evidence suggested the possible association of FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene variants in bipolar disorder (BPD). Objective: Given the need of refinement of the findings obtained in large but poorly phenotyped samples, this study investigated the possible role of variants within FKBP5 in a small but deeply phenotyped BPD sample. Methods: A sample (N = 131) of bipolar patients were investigated with 10 polymorphisms within the FKBP5 gene. A control sample (N = 65) was also used for the analyses. Treatment response and remission of symptoms were evaluated using of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). The same analyses were also performed on the depressive subsample of BPD (D.BPD). Results: rs3800373 was associated with disorder risk in the depressive BPD subsample with the G allele being more frequent in subjects with a D.BPD phenotype. This was the only association that survived statistical correction. Conclusions: rs3800373 FKBP5 may increase the risk of developing predominantly depressed BPD, probably through the creation of an enhancer consensus sequence in the 3′UTR of the gene, thus potentially increasing its expression. This finding seems to be partially supported by literature data, which evidenced increased levels of FKBP5 in psychiatric subjects.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC00265 Promotes Glycolysis and Lactate Production of Colorectal Cancer through Regulating of miR-216b-5p/TRIM44 Axis
Authors: Sun Shangfeng , Li Weiwei , Ma Xiaomin , Luan Hong
Published: May 2019

Aim: To examine the expression status of long-noncoding RNA LINC00265 and mechanistically elucidate its involvements in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Relative abundances of LINC00265, miR-216b-5p, and tripartite-motif (TRIM)44 transcript were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability was measured with cell counting kit-8 kit. Glucose uptake, pyruvate, and lactate production were quantified with commercially available kits. The potential regulatory effects of miR-216b-5p on both LINC00265 and TRIM44 were interrogated by luciferase reporter assay. The direct association between miR-216b-5p with both LINC00265 and TRIM44 was analyzed with pull-down assay. The TRIM44 protein was quantitated by western blotting. Results: LINC00265 was upregulated in CRC both in vivo and in vitro, which intimately associated with poorer prognosis. LINC00265-deficiency resulted into decreases in cell viability, glucose uptake, pyruvate production, and lactate production. Mechanistically, LINC00265 directly bound to miR-216b-5p and negatively regulated miR-216b-5p. Consequently, the suppression on TRIM44 expression was released. Supplementation with ectopic miR-216b-5p significantly compromised the oncogenic activities of LINC00265 in CRC cells. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the contribution of LINC00265/miR-216b-5p/TRIM44 signaling axis in CRC.
Safety of Dual‐Antiplatelet Therapy After Myocardial Infarction Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rymer Jennifer A. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Doll Jacob A. , Messenger John C. , Peterson Eric D. , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: May 2019

Background

Although recommended in the guidelines, the safety of chronic P2Y
12
inhibitor therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease (
CKD
) after an acute myocardial infarction (
MI
) is not well studied.

Methods and Results

The
TRANSLATE
‐ACS (Treatment with ADP Inhibitors: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome) study included 11 108
MI
patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and discharged alive on a P2Y
12
inhibitor from 233
US
hospitals. We compared rates of GUSTO (Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Arteries) severe/moderate bleeding and premature discontinuation of P2Y
12
inhibitor by 1 year after
MI
among patients with varying
CKD
severity. The majority of
MI
patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention had
CKD
: 42% had stage 2 (mild), 27% had stage 3 (moderate), and 4% had stage ≥4 (severe/end stage). Higher potency P2Y
12
inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor) were prescribed at discharge in 39%, 35%, 23%, and 15% (
P
<0.01) of patients with stages 1, 2, 3, and ≥4, respectively. One‐year
GUSTO
severe/moderate bleeding rates were higher with each stage of
CKD
: 1% in patients with
CKD
stage 1 or no
CKD
, 2% with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.61 (95% CI, 1.05–2.35) for
CKD
stage 2, 4% with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.92 (95% CI, 1.21–3.02) for
CKD
stage 3, and 10% with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.44 (95% CI, 1.40–4.23) for patients with
CKD
stage ≥4. By 1 year after
MI
, 16% of patients overall had prematurely discontinued P2Y
12
inhibitor therapy; however, this rate was not largely affected by
CKD
stage. Premature P2Y
12
inhibitor–discontinuation rates were higher for patients discharged on higher potency P2Y
12
inhibitors in patients with
CKD
stage ≥2 (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions

CKD
severity was associated with a higher bleeding risk among those with acute
MI
treated with a P2Y
12
inhibitor. Patients with more advanced
CKD
were not significantly more likely than those with less advance CKD to prematurely discontinue P2Y
12
inhibitor therapy.
A new combination in Lepidoziaceae (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: SASS-GYARMATI ANDREA , PÓCS TAMÁS
Published: May 2019

The format of this note follows Söderström et al. (2012). One name is validated here. Bazzania lacouturei (Steph.) Gyarmati, comb. nov. Basionym:—Mastigobryum lacouturei (Stephani 1924: 471). Type:—MADAGASCAR. Betsileo, Villaume 275 (G-00045391 holotype!). ≡ Bazzania lacouturei (Stephani) (Arnell 1965: 66), nom. inval. (ICN Art. 41.5; basionym and its place of valid publication is not cited). Note:—This species is missing from the World Checklist (Söderström et al. 2016) and it was referred to the Bazzania decrescens complex by Jones (1975). The latter opinion is insupportable, as no underleaves are connate with the side leaves.
Intensification Variability of Tropical Cyclones in Directional Shear Flows: Vortex Tilt–Convection Coupling
Authors: Gu Jian-Feng , Tan Zhe-Min , Qiu Xin
Published: May 2019

The coupling of vortex tilt and convection, and their effects on the intensification variability of tropical cyclones (TCs) in directional shear flows, is investigated in this study. The height-dependent vortex tilt controls TC structural differences in clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CC) hodographs during their initial stage of development. Moist convection may enhance the coupling between displaced vortices at different levels and thus reduce the vortex tilt amplitude and enhance precession of the overall vortex tilt during the early stage of development. However, differences in the overall vortex tilt between CW and CC hodographs are further amplified by a feedback from convective heating and therefore result in much higher intensification rates for TCs in CW hodographs than those in CC hodographs. In CW hodographs, convection organization in the left-of-shear region is favored because the low-level vortex tilt is ahead of the overall vortex tilt and the TC moves to the left side of the deep-layer shear. This results in a more humid midtroposphere and stronger surface heat flux on the left side (azimuthally downwind) of the overall vortex tilt, thus providing a positive feedback and supporting continuous precession of the vortex tilt into the upshear-left region. In CC hodographs, convection tends to organize on the right side (azimuthally upwind) of the overall vortex tilt because the low-level vortex tilt is behind the overall vortex tilt and the TC moves to the right side of the deep-layer shear. In addition, convection organizes radially outward near the downshear-right region, which weakens convection within the inner region. These configurations lead to a drier midtroposphere and weaker surface heat flux in the downwind region of the overall vortex tilt and also a broader potential vorticity skirt. As a result, a negative feedback is established that prevents continuous precession of the overall vortex tilt.
Shifting Spatial and Temporal Patterns in the Onset of Seasonally Snow-Dominated Conditions in the Northern Hemisphere, 1972–2017
Authors: Allchin Michael I. , Déry Stephen J.
Published: May 2019

The potential for anthropogenic climate change to impact patterns of seasonal snow cover has motivated numerous studies seeking trends in its extent and duration. Many have been based on the NOAA-Rutgers record of Northern Hemisphere snow cover. Several studies have found augmented early-season snow identified from this archive to be anomalous, and related it to the introduction of higher-resolution imagery and a more automated interpretation process in 1999. This study contributes to the discussion by describing in greater detail the spatial and temporal distributions of trends in the onset of seasonally snow-dominated conditions between 1972 and 2017, and relationships to their physiographic and climatological contexts. It also identifies changepoints between negative and positive onset-date anomalies, and relates these to corresponding meteorological patterns. Most trends identified indicated earlier onset, and were associated with midlatitudes, low to moderate elevations, and colder, drier climates. These were situated largely northeast of major topographic chains, southwest of increasingly ice-free Arctic waters, and to the east of areas associated with blocking systems. Onset-date anomalies switched from positive to negative in approximately 70% of the affected points before 1997. These changepoints generally occurred earlier at higher elevations to the south and west, and later at lower elevations to the north and east. Overall temporal trajectories correspond broadly to shifts in temperature and precipitation over the same areas. In contrast, positive (later) onset trends were found over much smaller areas, associated with warmer, wetter climates and higher elevations, particularly on west-facing slopes; temporal variations in anomalies of their onset dates and associated meteorological conditions were distinct from those having negative trends.