bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten-year trends in the incidence, treatment and outcomes of patients with mitral stenosis in Korea
Authors: Kim Ju Youn , Kim Sung-Hwan , Myong Jun Pyo , Choi Young , Hwang You Mi , Kim Tae-Seok , Kim Ji-Hoon , Jang Sung-Won , Oh Yong-Seog , Lee Man-Young
Published: February 2020

Objective

Mitral stenosis increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Large data underlying the trend in incidence, treatment and outcomes of mitral stenosis are lacking.

Methods

Based on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database in Republic of Korea, patients who were diagnosed with mitral stenosis between 2007 and 2016 were enrolled. Trends in the incidence rate and changing patterns of treatment and outcome for stroke and systemic embolism and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) were analysed.

Results

A total of 42 075 patients (mean age 60.7±13.5 years, 13 303 (31.6%) male) were included in the present study. The number included 27 824 (66.1%) patients with mitral stenosis and comorbid AF. The age-standardised annual incidence rate per 100 000 of mitral stenosis in Korea decreased remarkably from 10.3 to 3.6 over 10 years. The use of anticoagulation therapy increased consistently. The annual incidence of stroke and systemic embolism showed signs of plateau, while the incidence of ICH increased.

Conclusions

The overall incidence rate of mitral stenosis in Korean population has decreased remarkably. As increasing the use of vitamin K antagonist, the annual incidence rate of ICH was increased but the rate of stroke incidence reached a plateau. Alternative effective anticoagulation strategy should be investigated.
Primary lateral sclerosis: consensus diagnostic criteria
Authors: Turner Martin R , Barohn Richard J , Corcia Philippe , Fink John K , Harms Matthew B , Kiernan Matthew C , Ravits John , Silani Vincenzo , Simmons Zachary , Statland Jeffrey , van den Berg Leonard H ,   Delegates of the 2nd International PLS Conference, Mitsumoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2020

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the adult motor system. Characterised by a slowly progressive upper motor neuron syndrome, the diagnosis is clinical, after exclusion of structural, neurodegenerative and metabolic mimics. Differentiation of PLS from upper motor neuron-predominant forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains a significant challenge in the early symptomatic phase of both disorders, with ongoing debate as to whether they form a clinical and histopathological continuum. Current diagnostic criteria for PLS may be a barrier to therapeutic development, requiring long delays between symptom onset and formal diagnosis. While new technologies sensitive to both upper and lower motor neuron involvement may ultimately resolve controversies in the diagnosis of PLS, we present updated consensus diagnostic criteria with the aim of reducing diagnostic delay, optimising therapeutic trial design and catalysing the development of disease-modifying therapy.
Serum uric acid is associated with damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Elera-Fitzcarrald Claudia , Reátegui-Sokolova Cristina , Gamboa-Cardenas Rocio Violeta , Medina Mariela , Zevallos Francisco , Pimentel-Quiroz Victor Román , Cucho-Venegas Jorge Mariano , Alfaro-Lozano José , Rodriguez-Bellido Zoila , Pastor-Asurza Cesar Augusto , Perich-Campos Risto Alfredo , Alarcón Graciela S , Ugarte-Gil Manuel Francisco
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Serum uric acid levels have been reported as predictors of cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and renal morbidity in patients with SLE. However, their role in cumulative global damage in these patients has not yet been determined.

Objective

To determine whether serum uric acid levels are associated with new damage in patients with SLE.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study of patients with SLE from the Almenara Lupus Cohort, which began in 2012. At each visit, demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated, such as activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2K or SLEDAI-2K) and cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index or SDI). Treatment (glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive drugs and antimalarials) was also recorded. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the impact of serum uric acid levels on the risk of new damage.

Results

We evaluated 237 patients, with a mean age (SD) at diagnosis of 35.9 (13.1) years; 220 patients (92.8%) were women, and the duration of the disease was 7.3 (6.6) years. The mean SLEDAI-2K and SDI scores were 5.1 (4.2) and 0.9 (1.3), respectively. Serum uric acid level was 4.5 (1.4) mg/dL. Follow-up time was 3.1 (1.3) years, and 112 (47.3%) patients accrued damage during follow-up. In univariable and multivariable analyses, serum uric acid levels were associated with new damage (HR=1.141 (95% CI 1.016 to 1.282), p=0.026; HR=1.189 (95% CI 1.025 to 1.378), p=0.022, respectively).

Conclusion

Higher serum uric acid levels are associated with global damage in patients with SLE.
5-year follow-up of spinal and sacroiliac MRI abnormalities in early axial spondyloarthritis: data from the DESIR cohort
Authors: Madari Queeny , Sepriano Alexandre , Ramiro Sofia , Molto Anna , Claudepierre Pascal , Wendling Daniel , Dougados Maxime , van der Heijde Desirée , van Gaalen Floris A
Published: February 2020

Objective

To study changes on MRI of the spine and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in early axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) over time.

Methods

In the Devenir des Spondyloarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes cohort, MRI-spine and MRI-SIJ at baseline and 2 and 5 years were scored by central readers for bone marrow oedema (BME), fatty lesions, erosions, sclerosis, ankylosis and spinal bone spurs. The average mean number of lesions was reported or the agreement of ≥2 out of 3 readers for binary outcomes. Net progression was calculated by subtracting the patients that ‘improved’ from those that ‘worsened’ divided by the total number of patients.

Results

Over 5 years, in 155 patients with axSpA (mean age 33.5 (SD 8.9) years, symptom duration 1.4 (0.8) years, 63% human leucocyte antigen+, 14% modified New York+), BME on MRI-SIJ decreased by a mean Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada score of 1.4 (SD 6.5) (p=0.009). The largest BME decrease was observed in patients using biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at 5 years. Spinal BME increased by 0.3 (4.6) (p=0.41). Fatty lesions and/or erosions on MRI-SIJ increased by a mean of 1.0 (SD 2.6) (p<0.001). Spinal fatty lesions and/or erosions increased by 0.2 (SD 0.5) (p<0.001). Compared with baseline, at 5 years, 7.3% less patients had BME on MRI-SIJ according to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society definition, while 6.6% more patients had ≥5 fatty lesions and/or erosions. At 5 years, 0.7% less patients had ≥5 spinal BME lesions and 0.7% less patients had ≥5 spinal fatty lesions.

Conclusion

Over 5 years, BME on MRI-SIJ decreased and spinal BME remained similar, but numerically, little progression of structural lesions on MRI of the SIJ and spine was seen.
Primordial gravitational waves spectrum in the Coupled-Scalar-Tachyon Bounce Universe
Authors: Zhang Nan , Cheung Yeuk-Kwan E.
Published: February 2020

We extend our study on the Coupled-Scalar-Tachyon Bounce Universe to obtain its gravitational waves spectrum. We derive in detail the equations of motion for the tensorial modes of primordial metric perturbations in the Coupled-Scalar-Tachyon Bounce Universe. We solve for the gravitational wave equations in the pre-bounce contraction and the post-bounce expansion epochs. To match the solutions of the tensor perturbations, we idealise the bounce process yet retaining the essential physical properties of the bounce universe. We put forward two matching conditions: one ensures the continuity of the gravitational wave functions and the other respects the symmetric nature of the bounce dynamics. The matching conditions connect the two independent modes of gravitational waves solutions before and after the bounce. We further analyze the scale dependence and time dependence of the gravitational waves spectra in the bounce universe and compare them with the primordial spectrum in the single field inflation scenario. We discuss the implications to early universe physics and present model independent observational signatures extracted from the bounce universe.
Remarks on the non-Riemannian sector in Double Field Theory
Authors: Cho Kyoungho , Park Jeong-Hyuck
Published: February 2020

Taking $$\mathbf {O}(D,D)$$O(D,D) covariant field variables as its truly fundamental constituents, Double Field Theory can accommodate not only conventional supergravity but also non-Riemannian gravities that may be classified by two non-negative integers, $$(n,\bar{n})$$(n,n¯). Such non-Riemannian backgrounds render a propagating string chiral and anti-chiral over n and $$\bar{n}$$n¯ dimensions respectively. Examples include, but are not limited to, Newton–Cartan, Carroll, or Gomis–Ooguri. Here we analyze the variational principle with care for a generic $$(n,\bar{n})$$(n,n¯) non-Riemannian sector. We recognize a nontrivial subtlety for $${n\bar{n}\ne 0}$$nn¯≠0 that infinitesimal variations generically include those which change $$(n,\bar{n})$$(n,n¯). This seems to suggest that the various non-Riemannian gravities should better be identified as different solution sectors of Double Field Theory rather than viewed as independent theories. Separate verification of our results as string worldsheet beta-functions may enlarge the scope of the string landscape far beyond Riemann.
Using a clinical linac to determine the energies of gamma-ray transitions and half-lives of barium nuclei
Authors: Çalık Abdullah Engin , Manisa Kaan , Biçer Ahmet , Erdoğan Mehmet , Şen Mürsel , Bircan Hasan , Dapo Haris , Boztosun Ismail
Published: February 2020

Photonuclear reactions have great importance in understanding the structure of the nuclei. These reactions, performed using the gamma rays obtained by way of bremsstrahlung, are a standard nuclear physics experiment. In this study, a non-enriched barium sample was activated for the first time by using a clinical linear accelerator (cLINACs). The spectrum of barium radioisotopes was obtained by using a gamma spectrometry with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The obtained spectroscopic data were analyzed and energy levels and half-life values together with their uncertainties were obtained. Some energy levels and half-lives of [Formula: see text]Ba were determined with more precision than those of literature values.
Preparation of silver nanoparticles and application in water-based conductive inks
Authors: Zhao Y. Z. , Du D. X. , Wang Y. H.
Published: February 2020

We reported a simple, high yield and large-scale preparation method for silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles with 8–13 nm in diameter were successfully synthesized by silver nitrate as raw material, sodium borohydride as reducing agent, dispersan-5040 (polycarboxylate sodium salt) as surface modifier in aqueous solution. The effects of sodium borohydride and dispersan-5040 on the morphologies of silver nanoparticles were investigated. Further, the conductive inks were prepared with as-synthesized silver nanoparticles as conductive fillers in the presence of deionized (DI) water and additives. The effects of conductive fillers and additives on the pH, conductivity, surface tension and viscosity of the inks were investigated. The conductive patterns were fabricated by inkjet printer and their performances were studied. The sheet resistances of the printed pattern with seven-layer was 1.2 [Formula: see text] when the printed pattern was heat-treated at 120[Formula: see text]C for 60 min. We succeeded in printing a simple conductive circuit on photographic paper, which can light three 0.06 W LED beads. The successful fabrication of the functional circuit proves the feasibility of the ink and provides some ideas for future paper-based circuits.
Find modules in signed networks based on modularity optimization
Authors: Yu Kai , Yu Yongping , Wu Lei , Liu Di , Guo Wenqiang
Published: February 2020

The signed network depicts individual cooperative or hostile attitude in a system. It is very important to study the characteristics of complex networks and predict individual attitudes by analyzing the attitudes of individuals and their neighbors, which can divide individuals into different modules or communities. To detect the modules in signed networks, first, a modularity function for signed networks is utilized on the basis of the existing modularity function. Then, a new module detection algorithm for signed networks has also been put forward, which has high efficiency. Finally, the algorithm has been applied on both artificial and real networks. The results show that the number of modules given by our proposed algorithm is consistent with that of the number of actual modules.
The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti(CoCr)N films produced by DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Li Y. T. , Deng Q. Y. , Ma D. L. , Liu H. Y. , Leng Y. X. , Huang N.
Published: February 2020

Titanium nitride (TiN) thin films have excellent physical and chemical properties, and are widely used as cutting tools, drills and die protective coatings. However, their limited hardness and corrosion resistance caused by the rough, loose, columnar structure will affect its application in extreme environments. TiN films with refined grains and nanostructure might solve this problem. In this paper, Co and Cr atoms were doped into TiN film to tailor its structure. The effects of Co and Cr content on the Ti(CoCr)N film structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), microhardness tester and electrochemical corrosion tester. The results show that Co and Cr doping can disturb the columnar growth of TiN films, and lead to refinement of TiN grains. Compared to TiN films without Co and Cr doping, the hardness of Ti(CoCr)N with 2.7 at.% Co and 1.9 at.% Cr increases by about 37% to 31.3 GPa. And Ti(CoCr)N films with 2.7 at.% Co and 1.9 at.% Cr have the best corrosion resistance.
Hydrophobicity of an isobutane dimer in water, methanol and acetonitrile as solvents — A classical molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bataju Sailesh , Pantha Nurapati
Published: February 2020

The potential of mean forces (PMFs) has been determined for an isobutane dimer in various solvent environments such as water, methanol and acetonitrile at a temperature of 298 K and pressure of 1 bar using GROMACS software. All the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out using a TIP3P water model under a CHARMM36 forcefield. Following Umbrella Sampling technique, PMFs are calculated and analyzed using Weighted Histogram Analysis Method (WHAM) and coordination number of first solvation shell is extracted for all solvents using radial distribution function. The shape of PMFs contains contact minima, solvent-separated minima and desolvation maxima. The values of contact minima are not affected much by solvent environment and found to be at 0.5377, 0.5480 and 0.5495 nm for water, methanol and acetonitrile respectively. The corresponding energy depths are found −0.9134, −0.7080 and −0.5295 kcalmol[Formula: see text]. The variation observed at solvent-separated minima is noticeable and found at 0.9012, 0.9721 and 0.9151 nm for water, methanol and acetonitrile, respectively. The coordination number of the first solvation shell by taking an isobutane molecule as a reference from their center of mass is found to be 28.1, 16.9 and 14.8 for water, methanol and acetonitrile, respectively. There is a soft hydrophobic interaction between isobutane dimer and solvents like methanol and acetonitrile relative to water, might be due to the presence of competitive methyl group of methanol and acetonitrile in the solvent medium.
Embeddings from the set of long flat virtual knots to the set of long virtual knots and applications
Authors: Im Young Ho , Kim Sera , Lee Kyeonghui
Published: February 2020

We investigate embeddings from the set of long flat virtual knot diagrams to the set of long virtual knot diagrams so that we can construct invariants for long flat virtual knots. Also, we give properties and examples of several invariants for long flat virtual knots via these embeddings and invariants for long virtual knots.
Replication of the Surface Wettability of Plant Leaves with Different Surface Morphologies Using Soft Lithography
Authors: Senarathna R. M. D. M. , Wanniarachchi W. K. I. L. , Jayawardhana S.
Published: February 2020

Naturally occurring surfaces which display interesting surface wetting properties such as superhydrophobicity, superoleophobicity and directional wettability are found in most aquatic plants. These phenomena arise from the micro/nano structures present on these surfaces complimented by their surface chemistry. The replication of such surface structures is highly pursued due to their potential in applications such as self-cleaning (Lotus effect), microfluidic devices and antifouling surfaces. Soft lithography is a technique that has been used to replicate micro/nano structures with varying degrees of success. Nevertheless, in the context of natural surfaces, the technique has been mostly limited to the replication of the lotus leaf structure. Therefore, a systematic investigation could be fruitful since it has the potential to be scaled up to replicate different surface structures as well as large-area patterning. In this study, the feasibility of soft lithography technique on natural leaf surfaces was investigated using five plant species with different surface morphologies. The negatives of these primary molds were replicated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the final positive replica was successfully replicated from PDMS while using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as an anti-stick layer. The structures were characterized based on SEM images and contact angle measurements. Additionally, the effect of HPMC was also investigated. The technique can easily be extended to broader applications in other areas that require micro/nanostructured surfaces such as anti-reflection coatings, chemical sensors and anti-microbial surfaces.
Study of the Variation of the Optical Properties of Nano-GaAs Coating with Particle Size
Authors: Al-Rashid Saeed Naif Turki , Mohamed Furqan Khairi
Published: February 2020

In this work, the optical properties of nano-GaAs coating are studied as a function of its particle size. Bulk Si is used as a basis for multi-layer optical reflection of nano-GaAs coating. This study is done by using a program performed in Matlab software, aiming to calculate the variation in reflectivity of the perpendicular and oblique incident light at wavelength of 1064[Formula: see text]nm with particle size, refractive index and energy gap of the coated multi-layer. This program is based on the Brus model and characteristic matrix theory. The results show that the reflectivity of Air/Si/Nano-GaAs/Si design, with particle size [Formula: see text] which equal is to 3.6[Formula: see text]nm is ([Formula: see text]%, [Formula: see text]%), approximately for oblique incidence at 45∘ and [Formula: see text]% for a perpendicular incidence. Given such a high reflectivity gained by this design, this study makes a major contribution to the field of fabricating Nd-YAG laser resonators.
Copper Oxide/Hydroxide Nanomaterial Synthesized from Simple Copper Salt
Authors: Rajani Chebrolu , Anuradha V. , Sunandamma Y.
Published: February 2020

The copper oxide, CuO, and copper hydroxide, Cu(OH)2 nanomaterials have been prepared by a simple copper salt aqueous solution reaction. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the successful formation of Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of these Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles was estimated and found to be around 17[Formula: see text]nm (Cu(OH)2) and 10[Formula: see text]nm (CuO). The surface morphology and size of the CuO particles were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The Raman analysis, dielectric and conductivity of CuO nanoparticles have been performed. The frequency variation of the capacitance (real dielectric constant) and dielectric loss was studied. The capacitance of the CuO nanoparticles is high at low frequencies and decreases rapidly when the frequency is increased. The frequency dependent ac conductivity follows Johnscher’s power law.
A Comparative Study of Zinc Oxide Nanotoxicity on Reproductive Potential of an Earthworm in Natural and Artificial Substrates
Authors: Chouhan Neetu , Tripathi G.
Published: February 2020

The toxic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on reproductive potential of the earthworm, Eisenia fetida were studied in relation to varying temperature and pH in natural (NS) and artificial substrate (AS). The ZnO NPs decreased cocoon production, hatching and rate of reproduction as a function of increasing concentration, temperature and exposure period. The gradation of temperature and pH to get a better reproductive potential was found to be [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text], respectively. Cocoon production was higher in NS than the AS. It may be due to sufficient food availability in NS. Survival of adult worms was decreased with increase in ZnO NPs and exposure period. The rate of reproduction was significantly higher in NS as compared to AS at [Formula: see text]C. The present findings suggested that ZnO NPs retard the reproductive potential of E. fetida and may also be hazardous to pedoecosystem and fauna living there in. Temperature of [Formula: see text]C, pH 6.5 and NS as vermibed were the most suitable conditions to maintain worthy rate of reproduction and reduce ZnO NPs toxicity.
Solvothermal Synthesis and Near-Infrared Shielding Properties of Cs0.3WO3/WO3Composites
Authors: Linyuan Zhao , Mingqing Yang , Yong Lv
Published: February 2020

The Cs[Formula: see text]WO3/WO3composite with near-infrared shielding properties was synthesized by the solvothermal method using tungstic acid and cesium salt as raw materials. The as-prepared composites were tested by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible near-infrared spectroscopy. The effects of different reaction conditions on the structure and near-infrared shielding properties of the synthesized composites were investigated. The best near-infrared light transmittance of as-prepared composites can reach up to 9%, which provides a feasible solution for the near-infrared shielding material. The new homogeneous composites of cesium tungsten bronze and tungsten oxide are good candidates for solar filters.
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Process Improvement of E-Jet: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Das Raju , Ball Amit Kumar , Roy Shibendu Shekhar , Murmu Naresh Chandra
Published: February 2020

E-jet is a novel microfabrication technology of producing high-resolution patterns for various application areas like printed electronics, biotechnology, etc. Judicious selection of the operating scenario can improve the quality of the fabrication performance of E-jet. The objective of this study is to experimentally evaluate different operating scenarios of the E-jet microfabrication process while considering the deposited droplet diameter and droplet ejection frequency as performance characteristics simultaneously. Experimentations were carried out on the developed E-jet setup according to the design of experiment technique considering nozzle stand-off height, applied voltage, and ink flow rate as process control parameters. The effect of each control parameter on the process response is investigated. The relative weight values of each performance characteristic or response variable are determined by principal component analysis, which makes the weight evaluation procedure more rigorous and eliminates the dependence on the practitioner’s judgment. A hybrid grey relational grade analysis and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution methodology is employed to evaluate the optimal operating scenario of E-jet. Both methodologies indicated a similar desirable operating condition for E-jet. Moreover, the variance study called analysis of variance is employed to discover the pattern in which the control parameters affect the fabrication process. The variance study suggests that the ink flow rate is the most dominant parameter in the experimental domain.
A Bi-objective Multi-Product Multi-Constraint EPQ Model in a Stochastic Environment and Partial Shortage
Authors: Mirkhorsandi Seyedeh Sanaz , Pasandideh Seyed Hamid Reza
Published: February 2020

One of the classical models for inventory control is economic production quantity (EPQ), which is widely used in industry. In this paper, an EPQ model with partial shortage is developed by considering the real world conditions, and costs related to the backorder demand are taken as fixed and time-dependent. In the proposed model, determination of the inventory cycle length, the length of positive inventory cycle and backordered demand rate are considered in shortage period. The aim of the presented research is to minimize the total inventory costs and the space required for storage products so that the stochastic and classic constraints including holding costs, lost sales, backorder, budget, total number of productions and average shortage times should be satisfied while optimizing the multi-objective problem. Presented model is a bi-objective nonlinear programming model. Then, to solve the proposed model, three multi-objective decision-making methods including Lp-metric, goal programming and goal attainment are used. Besides, numerical examples are executed in small, medium and large scales by use of GAMS software, and the performance of the methods is compared in terms of objective functions and required CPU time. Finally, sensitivity analysis is done to determine the effect of change in the main parameters of the model on the objective function value.
Influence of Different Desiccants, Flow Type and Packings on the Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification System: A Review
Authors: Sampath Suranjan Salins , Kumar Shiva , Reddy S. V. Kota
Published: February 2020

Desiccant cooling mechanism is one of the alternate methods to control the humidity of air and temperature, compared to the conventional vapor compression method of air conditioning. Desiccant cooling doesn’t use harmful chemicals which effect the ozone layer and it saves lots of energy. Summer air condition system can use this technology since it removes the latent heat load from the room effectively and this process is economical. Selection of the appropriate liquid desiccant and packing material is very vital to obtain maximum dehumidification. This paper focuses on the different desiccants and packings used by different researchers to enhance the dehumidification. Simple and hybrid systems are also reviewed, and their comparison are presented based on the construction and dehumidification performance.
Core Concepts, Challenges, and Future Directions in Blockchain
Authors: Kolb John , AbdelBaky Moustafa , Katz Randy H. , Culler David E.
Published: February 2020

Blockchains are a topic of immense interest in academia and industry, but their true nature is often obscured by marketing and hype. In this tutorial, we explain the fundamental elements of blockchains. We discuss their ability to achieve availability, consistency, and data integrity as well as their inherent limitations. Using Ethereum as a case study, we describe the inner workings of blockchains in detail before comparing blockchains to traditional distributed systems. In the second part of our tutorial, we discuss the major challenges facing blockchains and summarize ongoing research and commercial offerings that seek to address these challenges.
Multiple Workflows Scheduling in Multi-tenant Distributed Systems
Authors: Hilman Muhammad H. , Rodriguez Maria A. , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: February 2020

Workflows are an application model that enables the automated execution of multiple interdependent and interconnected tasks. They are widely used by the scientific community to manage the distributed execution and dataflow of complex simulations and experiments. As the popularity of scientific workflows continue to rise, and their computational requirements continue to increase, the emergence and adoption of multi-tenant computing platforms that offer the execution of these workflows as a service becomes widespread. This article discusses the scheduling and resource provisioning problems particular to this type of platform. It presents a detailed taxonomy and a comprehensive survey of the current literature and identifies future directions to foster research in the field of multiple workflow scheduling in multi-tenant distributed computing systems.
Change Detection and Notification of Web Pages
Authors: Mallawaarachchi Vijini , Meegahapola Lakmal , Madhushanka Roshan , Heshan Eranga , Meedeniya Dulani , Jayarathna Sampath
Published: February 2020

The majority of currently available webpages are dynamic in nature and are changing frequently. New content gets added to webpages, and existing content gets updated or deleted. Hence, people find it useful to be alert for changes in webpages that contain information that is of value to them. In the current context, keeping track of these webpages and getting alerts about different changes have become significantly challenging. Change Detection and Notification (CDN) systems were introduced to automate this monitoring process and to notify users when changes occur in webpages. This survey classifies and analyzes different aspects of CDN systems and different techniques used for each aspect. Furthermore, the survey highlights the current challenges and areas of improvement present within the field of research.
The AI-Based Cyber Threat Landscape
Authors: Kaloudi Nektaria , Li Jingyue
Published: February 2020

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have induced tremendous growth in innovation and automation. Although these AI technologies offer significant benefits, they can be used maliciously. Highly targeted and evasive attacks in benign carrier applications, such as DeepLocker, have demonstrated the intentional use of AI for harmful purposes. Threat actors are constantly changing and improving their attack strategy with particular emphasis on the application of AI-driven techniques in the attack process, called
AI-based cyber attack
, which can be used in conjunction with conventional attack techniques to cause greater damage. Despite several studies on AI and security, researchers have not summarized AI-based cyber attacks enough to be able to understand the adversary’s actions and to develop proper defenses against such attacks. This study aims to explore existing studies of AI-based cyber attacks and to map them onto a proposed framework, providing insight into new threats. Our framework includes the classification of several aspects of malicious uses of AI during the cyber attack life cycle and provides a basis for their detection to predict future threats. We also explain how to apply this framework to analyze AI-based cyber attacks in a hypothetical scenario of a critical smart grid infrastructure.
Copper Dissolution in Overdischarged Lithium-ion Cells: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Analysis
Authors: Hendricks Christopher E. , Mansour Azzam N. , Fuentevilla Daphne A. , Waller Gordon H. , Ko Jonathan K. , Pecht Michael G.
Published: February 2020

In some applications, such as military or back-up energy applications, lithium-ion batteries can undergo storage for multiple years without use. If the batteries are not properly maintained, the pack voltage can decrease over time due to cell self-discharge, battery management system power requirements, and parasitic loads. However, lithium-ion batteries have a recommended discharge voltage limit corresponding to a nominal 0% state of charge, and if discharged below this limit, they will experience an overdischarge condition which can lead to dissolution of the copper current collector and introduce potential safety and performance issues. This paper investigates the nature of copper dissolution in overdischarged lithium-ion batteries including the relative concentration and chemical state of the copper found in overdischarged batteries through characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.
Review—Development of Highly Active and Durable Hybrid Compressive Platinum Lattice Catalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Work
Authors: Popov Branko N. , Lee Jong-Won , Kriston Akos , Kim Taekeun
Published: February 2020

This review provides a comprehensive overview on the development of highly active and durable platinum catalysts with ultra-low Pt loadings for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) through a combined mathematical modeling and experimental work. First, simulation techniques were applied to evaluate the validity of the Tafel approximation for the calculation of the mass activity (MA) and specific activity (SA). A one-dimensional agglomeration model was developed and solved to understand the effects of exchange current density, porosity, agglomerate size, Nafion® film thickness, and Pt loading on the MA and SA. High porosity (> 60%) and agglomerations at high Pt loadings cause the loss of the Tafel approximation and consequently the decrease in MA and SA. A new structure parameter was introduced to estimate the real porous structure using the fractal theory. The volumetric catalyst density was corrected by the fractal dimension (measured by Hg porosimetry), which gave a good agreement with the experimental values. The loading-dependent Tafel equation was then derived, which contains both the utilization and the non-linear scaling factor. Second, activated carbon composite support (ACCS) with optimized surface area, porosity, pore size, and pore size distribution was developed. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio, structural properties (amorphous/crystalline ratio), and the number of active sites were optimized through metal-catalyzed pyrolysis. Stability of ACCS and Pt/ACCS were evaluated using an accelerated stress test (AST). The results indicated that Pt/ACCS showed no significant loss of MA and power density after 5,000 cycles at 1.0–1.5 V, while the commercial Pt/C catalysts showed drastic losses of MA and power density. Finally, monolayers of compressed Pt (core–shell-type Pt3Co1) catalysts were structured by diffusing Co atoms (previously embedded in ACCS) into Pt. Compressive Pt lattice (Pt*) catalysts were synthesized through an annealing procedure developed at the University of South Carolina (USC). The Pt*/ACCS catalyst showed high initial power density (rated) of 0.174 gPt kW−1 and high stability (24 mV loss) at 0.8 A cm−2 after 30,000 cycles (0.6–1.0 V). The outstanding performance of Pt*/ACCS is due to the synergistic effect of ACCS and compressive Pt* lattice.
A Quantitative Failure Analysis on Capacity Fade in Rechargeable Lithium Metal Cells
Authors: Zhang Yulun , Wang Qiang , Liaw Boryann , Nagpure Shrikant C. , Dufek Eric J. , Dickerson Charles C.
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable lithium battery (RLB) technology is transforming portable devices, vehicle electrification, and grid modernization. To make RLB durable, reliable and safe, conducting failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to identify failure mechanism under the operating conditions is very desirable. However, this ability is often overlooked or even lacking. The failure analysis (FA) is often conducted by laboratory testing and postmortem analysis, and the knowledge typically empirical. Here we present a quantitative approach for FMEA that can reveal how failure modes and effects reduce the capacity of a RLB. This approach is based on the state of the battery for FMEA, contrary to the conventional approach based on operating or testing conditions. The key aspect of this FMEA method is to convert the experimental results to a state-of-charge (SOC)-based analytic methodology. Such a conversion can separate the thermodynamic and kinetic attributes of capacity fade based on compositional correspondence in the electrode, so the loss and the decreased utilization of the active materials can be determined respectively.
Effects of heated water-based versus land-based exercise training on vascular function in individuals with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Park Song-Young , Wong Alexei , Son Won-Mok , Pekas Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that is associated with poor vascular function, walking impairment, and reduced quality of life. Land-based exercise therapy (LBET) is frequently recommended to improve walking and reduce symptoms. Recently, evidence has suggested that heated-water exercise therapy (HWET) is an effective intervention for PAD. However, the efficacy of LBET versus HWET in PAD patients had not been elucidated. Therefore, we sought to compare effects of LBET with HWET on cardiovascular function, exercise tolerance, physical function, and body composition in PAD patients. PAD patients ( n = 53) were recruited and randomly assigned to a LBET group ( n = 25) or HWET group ( n = 28). The LBET group performed treadmill walking, whereas the HWET group performed walking in heated water for 12 wk. Leg (legPWV) and brachial-to-ankle arterial stiffness (baPWV), blood pressure (BP), ankle-brachial index (ABI), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), claudication onset time (COT), physical function, and body composition were assessed before and after 12 wk. There were significant group-by-time interactions ( P < 0.05) for legPWV, BP, 6MWD, COT, body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Both groups significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) legPWV, BP, and body fat percentage, and HWET measures were significantly lower than LBET measures. Both groups significantly increased 6MWD, COT, and RMR, and HWET group measures were significantly greater than LBET measures. A time effect was noted for baPWV reduction in both groups ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that both LBET and HWET improve cardiovascular function, exercise tolerance, and body composition, and HWET showed considerably greater improvements compared with LBET in patients with PAD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this study reveal for the first time that although land-based exercise therapy is effective for reducing arterial stiffness and blood pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), heated-water exercise therapy demonstrates greater benefits on vascular function. The greater improvements in muscular strength, time to onset of claudication, and exercise tolerance after heated-water exercise therapy may have clinical implications for improving quality of life in patients with PAD. The heated-water exercise therapy intervention demonstrated relatively higher exercise training adherence (∼88%) compared with the land-based exercise intervention (∼81%).
Probing Pedomorphy and Prolonged Lifespan in Naked Mole-Rats and Dwarf Mice
Authors: Buffenstein Rochelle , Lewis Kaitlyn N. , Gibney Patrick A. , Narayan Vikram , Grimes Kelly M. , Smith Megan , Lin Tzuhua D. , Brown-Borg Holly M.
Published: February 2020

Pedomorphy, maintenance of juvenile traits throughout life, is most pronounced in extraordinarily long-lived naked mole-rats. Many of these traits (e.g., slow growth rates, low hormone levels, and delayed sexual maturity) are shared with spontaneously mutated, long-lived dwarf mice. Although some youthful traits likely evolved as adaptations to subterranean habitats (e.g., thermolability), the nature of these intrinsic pedomorphic features may also contribute to their prolonged youthfulness, longevity, and healthspan.
The Influence of Bedding Planes and Permeability Coefficient on Fracture Propagation of Horizontal Wells in Stratification Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Yuepeng , Liu Xiangjun , Liang Lixi , Xiong Jian
Published: February 2020

The complexity of hydraulic fractures (HF) significantly affects the success of reservoir reconstruction. The existence of a bedding plane (BP) in shale impacts the extension of a fracture. For shale reservoirs, in order to investigate the interaction mechanisms of HF and BPs under the action of coupled stress-flow, we simulate the processes of hydraulic fracturing under different conditions, such as the stress difference, permeability coefficients, BP angles, BP spacing, and BP mechanical properties using the rock failure process analysis code (RFPA2D-Flow). Simulation results showed that HF spread outward around the borehole, while the permeability coefficient is uniformly distributed at the model without a BP or stress difference. The HF of the formation without a BP presented a pinnate distribution pattern, and the main direction of the extension is affected by both the ground stress and the permeability coefficient. When there is no stress difference in the model, the fracture extends along the direction of the larger permeability coefficient. In this study, the in situ stress has a greater influence on the extension direction of the main fracture when using the model with stress differences of 6 MPa. As the BP angle increases, the propagation of fractures gradually deviates from the BP direction. The initiation pressure and total breakdown pressure of the models at low permeability coefficients are higher than those under high permeability coefficients. In addition, the initiation pressure and total breakdown pressure of the models are also different. The larger the BP spacing, the higher the compressive strength of the BP, and a larger reduction ratio (the ratio of the strength parameters of the BP to the strength parameters of the matrix) leads to a smaller impact of the BP on fracture initiation and propagation. The elastic modulus has no effect on the failure mode of the model. When HF make contact with the BP, they tend to extend along the BP. Under the same in situ stress condition, the presence of a BP makes the morphology of HF more complex during the process of propagation, which makes it easier to achieve the purpose of stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) fracturing and increased production.
Variable Presentation of the CYBB Mutation in One Family, Approach to Management, and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gavrilova Tatyana , Zelig Ari , Lee Diana H.
Published: February 2020

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder marked by abnormal phagocytic function. CGD affects primarily neutrophils and manifests as an early predisposition to severe life-threatening infections. Additionally, patients with CGD are predisposed to unique autoimmune manifestations. While generally spared from infectious complications, heterozygous carriers of the abnormal genes implicated in CGD pathogenesis can still present with autoimmune disorders. A mutation in the CYBB gene is the only X-linked variant of this disease. This article describes a family with the CYBB mutation, its heterogenous presentation, and reviews the literature discussing disease management.
Successful Neurological Recovery with Multimodality Therapy without Surgery for Spinal Metastases from Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kinoshita Hideyuki , Kamoda Hiroto , Ishii Takeshi , Hagiwara Yoko , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Amanuma Yusuke , Nankinzan Rino , Orita Sumihisa , Inage Kazuhide , Hirosawa Naoya , Ohtori Seiji , Yonemoto Tsukasa
Published: February 2020

Advanced gastric cancer with bone metastasis has a very poor prognosis with short median survival. To the best of our knowledge, no reports in literature have described extensive recovery of paralysis with multimodality treatment without surgery in these cases. This report describes the case of a 52-year-old severely paralyzed female patient with spinal metastasis from advanced gastric cancer. She was inoperable, owing to a large thrombus in the inferior vena cava; alternative multimodality treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, were administered. The paralysis and the bladder and rectal dysfunction improved considerably. In addition, the performance status (PS) and Frankel grade also improved dramatically, from 4 to 1 and grade B to D, respectively. At 1 year after initiation of treatment, she is ambulatory. Patients with poor PS are often offered palliative therapy. However, this case demonstrates that poor PS solely due to paralysis from spinal metastasis may necessitate multimodality treatment instead of palliative care.
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Processed by Sulfur Fumigation Damaged the Chemical Profile Accompanied by Immunosuppression and Liver Injury
Authors: Jiang Jun , Xiao Shichang , Yan Shu , Xiao Jianpeng , Xu Ximing
Published: February 2020

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRER) has been used as a medicinal plant and dietary supplements for its beneficial effect in immunomodulatory effects. Sulfur fumigation (SF) processing was widely used in the storage and maintenance of Chinese medicine because of its convenience and cheapness. However, the disadvantage of SF has been reported, but the systematic study of SF on GRER was deficient. In this paper, the active ingredients, sulfur‐fumigated products, immunomodulatory effect, and liver injury of SF‐GRER were studied. After SF, the liquiritin decreased from 4.49 ± 0.03 mg/g to 3.94 ± 0.08 mg/g (P < 0.01). Compared with the NSF‐GRER group, the SF‐GRER group showed a decreased immunoregulation in the thymus index, spleen index, and serum IL‐6 and SOD levels (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks of continuous intragastric administration of SF‐GRER in healthy mice, the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the area of liver lesion significantly increased compared with the NSF‐GRER (P < 0.05) group. The sulfonated products (m/z, 631.13) corresponding to liquiritin apioside (m/z, 551.17) and isoliquiritin apioside (m/z, 551.17) were screened out in SF‐GRER by using UPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS. The sulfonated products provided in this paper were discovered for the first time and could be powerfully applied for the identification of SF‐GRER. SF destroyed the chemical composition of GRER, inhibited immunoregulation, and induced liver injury. The feasibility of this processing method needs to be reconsidered.
Origin of Meteoric Fluids in Extensional Detachments
Authors: Bons Paul D. , Gomez-Rivas Enrique
Published: February 2020

Minerals in veins and shear zones often show oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios that are interpreted as recording interaction with meteoric water, at depths up to about 10 km. Downward fluid flow to these depths can only occur in the unlikely case of fluid pressures that are significantly lower than lithostatic overburden pressures. We therefore propose that fluid movement was upward instead of downward. In our model, the pore space within sediments and exhumed rocks below an unconformity is filled with meteoric and possibly seawater fluids. Burial of these rocks traps the fluids that can retain their meteoric isotopic composition as long as temperatures remain below about 300-350°C. Extension or rapid exhumation, such as that experienced by metamorphic core complexes, which results in decompression or fluid heating can release these old “meteoric” fluids, of which we find the isotopic fingerprint in veins and shear zone minerals.