bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ginger constituent 6‐shogaol on gastroesophageal vagal afferent C‐fibers
Authors: Huang Yongming , Patil Mayur J. , Yu Mingwei , Liptak Peter , Undem Bradley J. , Dong Xinzhong , Wang Guobin , Yu Shaoyong
Published: April 2019

Background

Ginger has been used as an herbal medicine worldwide to relieve nausea/vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of its neuronal action remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine the effects of ginger constituent 6‐shogaol on gastroesophageal vagal nodose C‐fibers.

Methods

Extracellular single‐unit recording and two‐photon nodose neuron imaging were performed, respectively, in ex vivo gastroesophageal‐vagal preparations from wild type and Pirt‐GCaMP6 transgenic mice. The action potential discharge or calcium influx evoked by mechanical distension and chemical perfusions applied to the gastroesophageal vagal afferent nerve endings were recorded, respectively, at their intact neuronal cell soma in vagal nodose ganglia. The effects of 6‐shogaol on nodose C‐fiber neurons were then compared and determined.

Key Results

Gastroesophageal application of 6‐shogaol‐elicited intensive calcium influxes in nodose neurons and evoked robust action potential discharges in most studied nodose C‐fibers. Such activation effects were followed by a desensitized response to the second application of 6‐shogaol. However, action potential discharges evoked by esophageal mechanical distension, after 6‐shogaol perfusion, did not significantly change. Pretreatment with TRPA1 selective blocker HC‐030031 inhibited 6‐shogaol‐induced action potential discharges in gastric and esophageal nodose C‐fiber neurons, suggesting that TRPA1 played a role in mediating 6‐shogaol‐induced activation response.

Conclusion and Inferences

This study provides evidence that ginger constituent 6‐shogaol directly activates vagal afferent C‐fiber peripheral gastrointestinal endings. This activation leads to desensitization to subsequent application of 6‐shogaol but not subsequent esophageal mechanical distension. Further investigation is required to establish a possible contribution in its anti‐emetic effects.
Anti–CTLA‐4 synergizes with dendritic cell–targeted vaccine to promote IL‐3–dependent CD4+ effector T cell infiltration into murine pancreatic tumors
Authors: Zaidi Neeha , Quezada Sergio A. , Kuroiwa Janelle M.Y. , Zhang Li , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Steinman Ralph M. , Wang Bei
Published: April 2019

One successful class of cancer immunotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitory antibodies, disrupts key pathways that regulate immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4). These agents unleash the potency of antigen‐experienced T cells that have already been induced as a consequence of the existing tumor. But only 20% of cancers naturally induce T cells. For most cancers, vaccines are require to induce and mobilize T effector cells (Teffs) to traffick into tumors. We evaluated the effects of anti–CTLA‐4 given in combination with an antigen‐specific dendritic cell vaccine on intratumoral Teffs in a murine pancreatic cancer model. The dendritic cell–targeted tumor antigen plus anti–CTLA‐4 significantly increased the number of vaccine‐induced CD4+ Teffs within the tumor. This increase was accompanied by a reduction in the size of the peripheral CD4+ Teff pool. We also found that IL‐3 production by activated CD4+ T cells was significantly increased with this combination. Importantly, the CD4+ Teff response was attenuated in Il3−/− mice, suggesting mediation of the effect by IL‐3. Finally, the induced T cell infiltration was associated with activation of the tumor endothelium by T cell–derived IL‐3. Our findings collectively provide a new insight into the mechanism driving Teff infiltration and vascular activation in a murine pancreatic cancer model, specifically identifying a new role for IL‐3 in the anticancer immune response.
Adiposity in relation to readmission and all‐cause mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Kefeng , Wang Junjie , Yang Yan , An Ruopeng
Published: April 2019

This study systemically reviewed evidence linking adiposity to readmission and all‐cause mortality in post‐coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. Keyword/reference search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for articles published before June, 2018. Eligibility criteria included study designs: experimental/observational studies; subjects: adult patients undergoing CABG; and outcomes: hospital/clinic readmissions, and short‐term (≤30 days) and mid‐to‐long‐term (>30 days) all‐cause mortality. Seventy‐two studies were identified. Meta‐analysis showed that the odds of post‐CABG readmission among patients with overweight was 30% lower than their normal‐weight counterparts and the odds of mid‐to‐long‐term post‐CABG mortality among patients with overweight were 20% lower than their normal‐weight counterparts. In contrast, no difference in post‐CABG readmission rate was found between patients with obesity and their nonobese counterparts; no difference in short‐term or in‐hospital post‐CABG mortality rate was found between patients with overweight or obesity and their normal‐weight counterparts; and no difference in mid‐to‐long‐term post‐CABG mortality rate was found between patients with obesity and their normal‐weight counterparts. In conclusion, patients with overweight but not obesity had a lower readmission and mid‐to‐long‐term mortality rate following CABG relative to their normal‐weight counterparts. Preoperative weight loss may not be advised to patients with overweight undergoing CABG.
Nutrition and allergic diseases in urban and rural communities from the South African Food Allergy cohort
Authors: Botha Maresa , Basera Wisdom , Facey‐Thomas Heidi E. , Gaunt Ben , Genuneit Jon , Gray Claudia L. , Kiragu Wanjiku , Ramjith Jordache , Watkins Alexandra , Levin Michael E.
Published: April 2019

This study describes and compares allergic diseases and sensitization in urban and rural children in the SAFFA study cohort as well as infant feeding patterns and nutritional status. We assessed the relationship between nutritional status, breastfeeding, complementary feeding patterns, and atopic diseases including aeroallergen and food allergen sensitization, self‐reported atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and challenge‐proven food allergy (FA).

Methodology

A total of 1185 urban and 398 rural toddlers aged 12‐36 months were screened for food sensitization (FS) and FA using skin prick testing and oral food challenges. Of these, 535 and 347, respectively, were additionally screened for aeroallergen sensitization. Information was collected on infant feeding practices, and anthropometric measurements and clinical signs for atopy were documented.

Results

Markedly higher rates of allergy (asthma 9.0% vs 1.0%, eczema 25.6% vs 2.0%, rhinitis 25.3% vs 3.3%, and FA 2.5% vs 0.5%) exist in urban vs rural children. 13.1% unselected urban South African children were sensitized to aeroallergens compared to 3.8% of their rural counterparts and 9.0% to any food compared to 0.5%. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was longer, and there was a later introduction of allergenic foods in rural communities. Obesity rates were similar between the two groups, but rural children were more likely to be stunted. Being overweight was associated with asthma in urban but not rural settings. In the urban cohort, children with FS and allergy were thinner than their peers.

Conclusion

Allergy and sensitization rates are significantly higher in unselected urban South African toddlers than their rural counterparts. Risk and protective factors for allergy and atopy may differ between urban and rural settings.
MicroRNAs and new biotechnological tools for its modulation and improving stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Basso Marcos Fernando , Ferreira Paulo Cavalcanti Gomes , Kobayashi Adilson Kenji , Harmon Frank G. , Nepomuceno Alexandre Lima , Molinari Hugo Bruno Correa , Grossi‐de‐Sa Maria Fatima
Published: April 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate the abundance and spatial–temporal accumulation of target mRNAs and indirectly regulate several plant processes. Transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding miRNAs (MIR genes) can be activated by numerous transcription factors, which themselves are regulated by other miRNAs. Fine‐tuning of MIR genes or miRNAs is a powerful biotechnological strategy to improve tolerance to abiotic or biotic stresses in crops of economic importance. Current approaches for miRNA fine‐tuning are based on the down‐ or up‐regulation of MIR gene transcription and the use of genetic engineering tools to manipulate the final concentration of these miRNAs in the cytoplasm. Transgenesis, cisgenesis, intragenesis, artificial MIR genes, endogenous and artificial target mimicry, MIR genes editing using Meganucleases, ZNF proteins, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 or CRISPR/Cpf1, CRISPR/dCas9 or dCpf1, CRISPR13a, topical delivery of miRNAs and epigenetic memory have been successfully explored to MIR gene or miRNA modulation and improve agronomic traits in several model or crop plants. However, advantages and drawbacks of each of these new biotechnological tools (NBTs) are still not well understood. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the biogenesis and role of miRNAs in response to abiotic or biotic stresses, we present critically the main NBTs used for the manipulation of MIR genes and miRNAs, we show current efforts and findings with the MIR genes and miRNAs modulation in plants, and we summarize the advantages and drawbacks of these NBTs and provide some alternatives to overcome. Finally, challenges and future perspectives to miRNA modulating in important crops are also discussed.
A Tale of Two Sectors: Why is Misallocation Higher in Services than in Manufacturing?
Authors: Dias Daniel A. , Robalo Marques Carlos , Richmond Christine
Published: April 2019

Recent empirical studies document that the level of resource misallocation in the service sector is significantly higher than in the manufacturing sector. We quantify the importance of this difference and study its sources. Conservative estimates for Portugal in 2008 show that closing this gap, by reducing misallocation in the service sector to manufacturing levels, would boost aggregate gross output by around 12 percent and aggregate value added by around 31 percent. Differences in the effect and size of productivity shocks explain most of the gap in misallocation between manufacturing and services, while the remainder is explained by differences in firm productivity and age distributions. We interpret these results as stemming mainly from higher output‐price rigidity, higher labor adjustment costs and higher informality in the service sector.
Idarucizumab, but not procoagulant concentrates, fully restores dabigatran‐altered platelet and fibrin components of hemostasis
Authors: Arellano‐Rodrigo Eduardo , Fernandez‐Gallego Victor , López‐Vilchez Irene , Molina Patricia , Díaz‐Ricart Maribel , Zafar M. Urooj , Badimon Juan J. , van Ryn Joanne , Escolar Ginés
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Comparative studies on the restoration of hemostasis with different reversal agents after dabigatran therapy have not been performed. We compared the efficacy and prothrombotic potential of the specific antidote idarucizumab with that of previously recommended non‐specific procoagulant concentrates.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We explored the in vitro effects of dabigatran (184 ng/mL) on fibrin and platelet‐aggregate formation onto a damaged vessel under flow conditions (600 s−1). The reversal mechanisms and efficacy of idarucizumab (0.3–3 mg/mL) were compared with that of the non‐specific procoagulant concentrates aPCC (25–75 U/Kg), PCC (70 U/Kg), or rFVIIa (120 μg/Kg). Generation of thrombin and prothrombin fragment (F1 + 2), and thromboelastometry parameters of clot formation were measured.

RESULTS

Dabigatran caused pronounced reductions in fibrin (87%) and platelet interactions (36%) with damaged vessels (p < 0.01) and significantly impaired thrombin generation and thromboelastometric parameters (delayed dynamics and reduced firmness). Idarucizumab completely normalized rates of fibrin and platelet coverage to baseline values in flow studies; and reversed the alterations in thrombin generation, F1 + 2 and thromboelastometry parameters produced by dabigatran. In comparison, aPCC and PCC only partially compensated for the dabigatran‐induced alterations in fibrin deposition, but were unable to fully restore them to baseline values. Reversal with aPCC or PCC improved the majority of alterations in coagulation‐related tests, but tended to overcompensate thrombin generation kinetics and significantly increased F1 + 2 levels.

CONCLUSION

Idarucizumab antagonizes alterations of direct and indirect biomarkers of hemostasis caused by dabigatran. In our studies, idarucizumab was clearly more efficacious than strategies with non‐specific procoagulant concentrates and devoid of the excessive procoagulant tendency observed with the latter.
Transfusion Camp: a prospective evaluation of a transfusion education program for multispecialty postgraduate trainees
Authors: Lin Yulia , Tilokee Everad , Chargé Sophie , Alam Asim , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Lau Wendy , Lee Christie , Lieberman Lani , Nixon Paula , Owens Wendy , Pavenski Katerina , Pendergrast Jacob , Saidenberg Elianna , Shehata Nadine , Skeate Robert , Yi Qi‐Long , Conrad David , Dudebout Jill , Hsia Cyrus C. , Murphy Michael , Prokopchuk‐Gauk Oksana , Shah Akshay , Solh Ziad , Trudeau Jacqueline , Zeller Michelle P. , Callum Jeannie
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

The optimal method of providing transfusion medicine (TM) education has not been determined. Transfusion Camp was established in 2012 at the University of Toronto as a centrally delivered TM education program for postgraduate trainees. The impact of Transfusion Camp on knowledge, attitudes, and self‐reported behavior was evaluated.

METHODS

Didactic lectures (delivered locally, by webinar, or recorded) and locally facilitated team‐based learning seminars were delivered over 5 days during the academic year to 8 sites: 7 in Canada and 1 in the United Kingdom. Knowledge assessment using a validated 20‐question multiple‐choice exam was conducted before and after Transfusion Camp. Attitudes and self‐reported behavior were collected through a survey.

RESULTS

Over 2 academic years (July 2016 to June 2018), 390 trainees from 16 different specialties (predominantly anesthesia, 41%; hematology, 14%; and critical care, 7%) attended at least 1 day of Transfusion Camp. The mean pretest score was 10.3 of 20 (±2.9; n = 286) compared with posttest score of 13.0 (±2.8; n = 194; p < 0.0001). Lower pretest score and greater attendance (4–5 days compared with 1–3 days) were associated with larger improvement in posttest score; delivery format, specialty, and postgraduate year were not. Trainees reported an improvement in self‐rated abilities to manage TM scenarios; 95% rated TM knowledge as very or extremely important in providing patient care; and 81% indicated that they had applied learning from Transfusion Camp into clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusion Camp increased TM knowledge, fostered a positive attitude toward TM, and enabled a self‐reported positive impact on transfusion practice in postgraduate trainees. It is a novel and scalable approach to delivering TM education.
Interest Rate Term Structure Decomposition at the Instrument Level
Authors: Barnard Brian
Published: April 2019

The paper examines term structure decomposition at the instrument level – decomposing term structures for issues as well as the portfolio. Three different implementations are stipulated: axiomatic structural approaches, a sequential approach, and a base structure approach. The three different implementations are evaluated against a portfolio of risk-free government bonds. The goodness-of-fit and smoothness properties of instrument-level term structure decomposition are also considered. The conclusion points to remaining gaps in theory regarding instrument-level term structure decomposition, and considers areas of application – typically bond valuation.
Detached-Eddy Simulation Applied to Aeroelastic Stability Analysis in a Last-Stage Steam Turbine Blade
Authors: Sun Tianrui , Petrie-Repar Paul , Vogt Damian M. , Hou Anping
Published: April 2019

Blade flutter in the last stage is an important design consideration for the manufacturers of steam turbines. Therefore, the accurate prediction method for blade flutter is critical. Since the majority of aerodynamic work contributing to flutter is done near the blade tip, resolving the tip leakage flow can increase the accuracy of flutter predictions. The previous research has shown that the induced vortices in the tip region can have a significant influence on the flow field near the tip. The structure of induced vortices due to the tip leakage vortex cannot be resolved by unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations because of the high dissipation in turbulence models. To the best of author’s knowledge, the influence of induced vortices on flutter characteristics has not been investigated. In this paper, the results of detached-eddy simulation (DES) and URANS flutter simulations of a realistic-scale last-stage steam turbine are presented, and the influence of induced vortices on the flutter stability has been investigated. Significant differences for the predicted aerodynamic work coefficient distribution on the blade surface, especially on the rear half of the blade suction side near the tip, are observed. At the least stable interblade phase angle (IBPA), the induced vortices show a destabilizing effect on the blade aeroelastic stability. The motion of induced vortices during blade oscillation is dependent on the blade amplitude, and hence, the aerodynamic damping is also dependent on the blade vibration amplitude. In conclusion, the induced vortices can influence the predicted flutter characteristics of the steam turbine test case.
Liquid-phase exfoliation of fluorinated graphite to produce high-quality graphene sheets
Authors: Chen Li , Meng Yawen
Published: April 2019

Chemical exfoliation of graphite as a facile method is used to synthesize graphene sheets on a large scale. However, the preparation process including oxidation of graphite and reduction of graphene oxide causes many defects and unnecessary oxygen-containing groups in obtained graphene sheets. In this study, a simple and facile method is proposed to create graphene starting from fluorinated graphite (FGi). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to analyze the components and structure of the graphene sheets. The results showed that large and flat graphene sheets with the polycrystalline structure were obtained by the chemical exfoliation of FGi. The F/C ratio can be facilely tuned just by adjusting the refluxing time, and the ratio is almost not decreased when reaction time is more than 8 h. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared graphene have been systematically investigated and exhibited regularity with a variation of the F/C ratio.
The weakening relationship between Eurasian spring snow cover and Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Wang Tao , Krinner Gerhard , Wang Xiaoyi , Gasser Thomas , Peng Shushi , Piao Shilong , Yao Tandong
Published: April 2019

Eurasian spring snow cover may not be a faithful predictor of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall in a changing climate.
First opioid settlement lets researchers think big
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2019

Purdue and Sacklers to give Oklahoma State nearly $200 million for addiction center.
Science's debt to the slave trade
Authors: Kean Sam
Published: April 2019

Historians confront the tainted origins of key plant and animal collections.
A planetesimal orbiting within the debris disc around a white dwarf star
Authors: Manser Christopher J. , Gänsicke Boris T. , Eggl Siegfried , Hollands Mark , Izquierdo Paula , Koester Detlev , Landstreet John D. , Lyra Wladimir , Marsh Thomas R. , Meru Farzana , Mustill Alexander J. , Rodríguez-Gil Pablo , Toloza Odette , Veras Dimitri , Wilson David J. , Burleigh Matthew R. , Davies Melvyn B. , Farihi Jay , Gentile Fusillo Nicola , de Martino Domitilla , Parsons Steven G. , Quirrenbach Andreas , Raddi Roberto , Reffert Sabine , Del Santo Melania , Schreiber Matthias R. , Silvotti Roberto , Toonen Silvia , Villaver Eva , Wyatt Mark , Xu Siyi , Portegies Zwart Simon
Published: April 2019

A low-mass planet around a white dwarf

Numerous exoplanets have been detected around Sun-like stars. These stars end their lives as white dwarfs, which should inherit any surviving planetary systems. Manser
et al.
found periodic shifts in emission lines from a disc of gas orbiting around a white dwarf (see the Perspective by Fossati). They used numerical simulations to show that the most likely explanation for the spectral shifts is a low-mass planet orbiting within the disc. The planet must be unusually small and dense to avoid being ripped apart by tidal forces. The authors speculate that it may be the leftover core of a planet whose outer layers have been removed.

Science
, this issue p.
66
; see also p.
25
Immunity as a continuum of archetypes
Authors: Mujal Adriana M. , Krummel Matthew F.
Published: April 2019

Numerous tissue-accommodation functions of immunity offer insights into disease
Better living through optimization
Hacking Life: Systematized Living and Its Discontents
Joseph M. Reagle Jr.
MIT Press, 2019. 216 pp.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov
Published: April 2019

Tips and tricks for better living abound, but are “hacks” really the key to a good life?
All for one and one for all
Authors: Bayer Manfred
Published: April 2019

Hyperfine interactions couple an electron spin nondestructively to quantum dot nuclear spins
In Vitro
Activity of New Tetracycline Analogs Omadacycline and Eravacycline against Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of
Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Kaushik Amit , Ammerman Nicole C. , Martins Olumide , Parrish Nicole M. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: April 2019

Tigecycline is used in multidrug regimens for salvage therapy of
Mycobacterium abscessus
infections but is often poorly tolerated and has no oral formulation. Here, we report similar
in vitro
activity of two newly approved tetracycline analogs, omadacycline and eravacycline, against 28 drug-resistant clinical isolates of
M. abscessus
complex.
Mildred Rebstock: Profile of the Medicinal Chemist Who Synthesized Chloramphenicol
Authors: Aronoff David M.
Published: April 2019

This year marks the 70th anniversary since Parke-Davis and Company announced the synthesis of chloramphenicol, the first naturally occurring antibiotic to be chemically generatedin vitrofor large-scale production. The effort was led by the chemist Mildred Rebstock, Ph.D., (1919 to 2011), who would turn 100 years old this year.
No Dose Adjustment for Isavuconazole Based on Age or Sex
Authors: Desai Amit V. , Han David , Kowalski Donna L. , Lademacher Christopher , Pearlman Helene , Yamazaki Takao
Published: April 2019

This phase 1, open-label, single-dose, parallel-group study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of isavuconazole after a single oral dose of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate in healthy nonelderly (age, 18 to 45 years) and elderly (age, ≥65 years) males and females. Overall, 48 subjects were enrolled in the study (
n 
=
 
12 each in groups of nonelderly males and females and elderly males and females).
Molecular Mechanism of
N
,
N
-Dimethylformamide Degradation in
Methylobacterium
sp. Strain DM1
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Lige , Hu Haiyang , Xu Ping , Wei Tao , Tang Hongzhi
Published: April 2019

DMF is a hazardous pollutant that has been used in the chemical industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and agriculture. Biodegradation as a method for removing DMF has received increasing attention. Here, we identified an efficient DMF degrader,
Methylobacterium
sp. strain DM1, and characterized the complete DMF mineralization pathway and enzymatic properties of DMFase in this strain. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary advantage of DMF degradation facilitated by plasmid pLVM1 and redundant genes in strain DM1, suggesting the emergence of new ecotypes of
Methylobacterium
.
Моделирование квантового двойного электрического слоя
Authors: Некрасов Сергей Александрович , Nekrasov Sergey Aleksandrovich , Черноиван Дмитрий Николаевич , Chernoivan Dmitrii Nikolaevich
Published: April 2019

Исследуются вопросы расчета как стационарного, так и динамического диффузного двойного электрического слоя с учетом квантового фактора. Моделирование самосогласованного поля квантовомеханического двойного электрического слоя осуществляется на основе уравнения Шредингера и его модификации в форме Маделунга. Приближенное решение уравнений квантовой механики и электрического поля осуществляется методом конечных разностей. Рассмотрен пример моделирования диффузного двойного электрического слоя для плазмы газа и криогенного раствора квантовых частиц. Исследовано влияние форм-фактора начального распределения плотности плазмы, температуры, микроскопических сил трения и параметров вычислительного метода.
Особенности компьютерного моделирования лучистого теплообмена космических аппаратов в зеркально-диффузном приближении
Authors: Винокуров Дмитрий Константинович , Vinokurov Dmitrii Konstantinovich
Published: April 2019

Рассмотрены особенности компьютерного моделирования лучистого теплообмена космических аппаратов в зеркально-диффузном приближении характера отражения поверхностей по алгоритмам, реализующим непосредственный расчет разрешающих угловых коэффициентов методом Монте-Карло, и по алгоритму автора, реализующему расчeт через определение полуразрешающих угловых коэффициентов поглощeнного излучения. Показано влияние способа аппроксимации поверхностей геометрической модели и расчeтного алгоритма на результаты расчeта потоков и температур.
О качественных свойствах столкновительной модели для описания ударно-волновой динамики газовзвесей
Authors: Федоров Александр Владимирович , Fedorov Alexandre Vladimirovich , Хмель Т А , Khmel T A
Published: April 2019

Проведен теоретический анализ модели двухфазной среды для описания ударноволновых процессов в насыщенных газовзвесях при учете хаотического движения и столкновений частиц. Определены области гиперболичности и области составного типа определяющей системы уравнений. Показано расширение зон гиперболичности относительно бесстолкновительной модели. Представлена приближенная гиперболизованная модель, проведено сравнение численных решений задачи формирования ударно-волновых структур различного типа. Установлены свойства сходимости численных решений неконсервативных уравнений составного типа с применением монотонизирующих схем Хартена и Джентри-Мартина-Дэйли. Получены условия применимости гиперболизованной модели для разных типов течений. Показано, что в общем случае анализ ударно-волновых процессов в газовзвесях целесообразно проводить в рамках полной модели.
Аналитическое исследование динамики массивных частиц в метрике Крускала
Authors: Фимин Николай Николаевич , Fimin Nikolai Nikolaevich , Орлов Юрий Николаевич , Orlov Yurii Nikolayevich , Чечеткин Валерий Михайлович , Chechetkin Valerii Mikhailovich
Published: April 2019

Рассматриваются свойства динамики отдельной массивной частицы и системы массивных частиц в метрике Крускала, являющейся максимальным аналитическим расширением метрики Гильберта гравитирующей точки в вакууме.
Повышение эффективности систем моделирования электронных схем в частотной области
Authors: Гридин Владимир Николаевич , Gridin Vladimir Nikolaevich , Анисимов Владимир Иванович , Anisimov Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: April 2019

Рассматриваются методы построения математических моделей для автоматизации схемотехнического проектирования, в процессе которого реализуется расчет параметров и структуры схемных связей компонентов разрабатываемого электронного устройства, отображаемого его графической схемой. Отмечается, что среди множества задач схемотехнического проектирования одной из основных следует считать моделирование частотных свойств электронных схем в некотором частотном диапазоне. В пределах этого диапазона выполняется многократный расчет частотных характеристик схемы с целью определения допустимых или оптимальных значений параметров компонентов, используемых в проектируемой электронной схеме. Показывается, что возможны два подхода к решению такой задачи. Первый подход основан на описании моделируемой схемы комплексными матрицами на каждой частоте $f[kf]$ заданного частотного диапазона с предварительным вычислением оператора $s = (0.0, 2*3.14*f[kf])$. Существенным недостатком такого подхода является необходимость формирования математического описания всех компонентов схемы на каждой частоте. Второй подход к решению задачи основан на представлении комплексной матрицы схемы в билинейной форме $W = A + sB$, где $A$ и $B$ - вещественные частотно-независимые матрицы. Показывается, что реализация такого подхода в ряде случаев требует представления уравнений частотно-зависимых компонентов в явной форме, что допустимо только при описании схемы в координатных базисах, для которых предусмотрена такая возможность. Предлагается методика описания моделируемых схем в модифицированном базисе узловых потенциалов, который позволяет использовать как явную, так и неявную форму задания компонентных уравнений. Показывается, что билинейная форма описания схемы на основе модифицированного базиса существенно повышает эффективность расчета частотных характеристик, поскольку на каждой частоте используются неизменные частотно-независимые матрицы компонентов схемы.
Pituitary gigantism: a rare learning opportunity
Authors: Bendor-Samuel Owen Martyn , Pal Aparna , Cudlip Simon , Anderson Gemma , Salgia Sanjay , Makaya Tafadzwa
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Pituitary gigantism is a rare but significant paediatric condition with complexities surrounding diagnosis and management. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the treatment of choice; however, medical treatment is often considered as adjuvant therapy.

Case

A 10½ -year-old boy presented with tall stature and a height velocity of 11 cm/year. His height was 178.7 cm (+5.8 SD above mean) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was elevated. An oral glucose tolerance test demonstrated non-suppression of growth hormone (GH). Initial contrast MRI was inconclusive, but C-11 methionine functional positron emission tomography CT identified a 6 mm pituitary microadenoma. A multidisciplinary team clinic held with the family allowed discussion about medical and surgical treatment options. Due to a number of factors including the patient’s young age, prepubertal status, a wish to allow him to settle into his new high school and his desire to reach a final height taller than his father’s height, it was decided to try medical therapy first with a somatostatin analogue. Pubertal induction was also commenced and bilateral epiphysiodesis surgery performed. Initial response to octreotide was positive; however, 4 months into therapy his IGF-1 was climbing and a repeat GH profile was not fully suppressed. The patient therefore proceeded to have successful TSS excision of the adenoma.

Conclusion

Rare cases such as this require sharing of knowledge and expertise, so the best possible care is offered. It is often necessary to work across sites and disciplines. Each case requires an individual approach tailored to the patient and their family.
Metastatic bone disease from an occult renal primary
Authors: Woodhouse Laura , Watkins Jennifer , Navalkissoor Shaunak , Gillmore Roopinder
Published: April 2019

We report a rare presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a 71-year-old man who presented with persistent shoulder pain. MRI revealed widespread lytic lesions within the bones suggestive of metastatic disease but extensive imaging including CT chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography did not identify a primary cancer. The diagnosis was ultimately made from a targeted bone and subsequently targeted liver biopsy, whereby immunohistochemistry was consistent with metastatic RCC (mRCC). While bone metastases in RCC are very common, it is extremely rare for patients to present with mRCC and no identifiable renal primary.
Unusual case of intra-abdominal candidiasis following laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Wan Kaijing , Khoo Chong Kiat , Kathirvel Rajeswari
Published: April 2019

A 41-year-old woman with menorrhagia secondary to adenomyosis underwent an elective uncomplicated total laparoscopic hysterectomy after failed medical therapy. She developed fever, epigastric pain, nausea and diarrhoea on postoperative day (POD) 2. CT of abdomen and pelvis performed on POD 3 revealed an 8×3×3 cm fluid collection superior to the bladder. She did not respond to conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and therefore underwent an ultrasound-guided drainage on POD 7. The green-debris-laden fluid that was drained grewCandida. Investigations to screen for an immunocompromised state were negative. Her symptoms resolved after commencement of fluconazole and she was discharged home on POD 12. Repeat scans in 4 weeks’ time showed a marked reduction in collection. In a well patient, the presence of green intra-abdominal fluid should raise a suspicion for intra-abdominal candidiasis after ruling out bowel injury.
Primary malignant melanoma of the urethra in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate
Authors: Hansen Margrethe Foss , Abel Ivan , Clasen-Linde Erik
Published: April 2019

We report a case of a 79-year-old woman with urinary incontinence who presented at a urogynaecology appointment. Her medical history included rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MXT) for 22 years. A polypoidal lesion was protruding from the meatus urethrae. The histoimmunocytology confirmed a primary superficial spreading malignant melanoma. The tumour was extensively excised, but 8 months later, due to a lymphatic nodal swelling, a positron emission tomography/CT was performed showing a process suspicious of malignant melanoma and multiple distant metastasis. The subsequent treatment was palliative and 1 year later, the patient died. The aetiology of malignant melanomas in the urethra is poorly understood. There is consistent evidence that RA is associated with a number of cancers, but it remains controversial whether this risk is increased with MXT. This case emphasises the importance of gynaecological examination even in patients with only weak symptoms from the pelvic region, especially in patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.
Insidious-onset, non-wheezing carteolol-induced asthma in an atopic patient without asthma history
Authors: Wu Jo-Hsuan , Jerng Jih-Shuin , Su Chien-Chia
Published: April 2019

Carteolol, a non-selective beta-antagonist with a potential risk of severe bronchial constriction in patients with asthma, is one of the most commonly prescribed medication for managing ocular pressure in glaucoma. We present a case of a 24-year-old woman with a history of atopy but no known asthma who presented an insidious onset of clinical manifestations compatible with drug-induced asthma after the initiation of carteolol for ocular hypertension control. The patient developed progressive chest tightness and dyspnoea for 2 months before the pulmonary function test revealed a positive bronchoprovocation response. She reported significant improvement of respiratory symptoms within 2 weeks after the discontinuation of carteolol, and a negative provocation response was later confirmed by repeat pulmonary function test. In conclusion, eye drops with non-selective beta-antagonising effect can induce asthmatic symptoms in patients without a previous diagnosis of asthma and should be administered with caution in patients with associated risk factors.
Perceived quality of nursing care and patient education: a cross-sectional study of hospitalised surgical patients in Finland
Authors: Gröndahl Weronica , Muurinen Hanna , Katajisto Jouko , Suhonen Riitta , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: April 2019

Objectives

This study aims to analyse the relationship between patient education and the quality of surgical nursing care as perceived by patients. The background of the study lies in the importance of a patient-centred approach for both patient education and quality evaluation.

Design

This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study with surgical patients.

Setting

Data were collected in 2013 in one hospital district in Finland.

Participants

480 hospitalised surgical patients.

Methods

The data were collected using two structured instruments: one measuring the perceived quality of nursing care experienced by patients (Good Nursing Care Scale) and one measuring the received knowledge of hospital patients (RKhp). Data were analysed statistically using descriptive and inferential statistics to describe the sample and study variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse the association between the scales.

Results

Surgical hospital patients evaluated the level of the quality of nursing care as high; this was especially true with reference to the environment and staff characteristics, but not to collaboration with family members. Most (85%) of the patients had received sufficient knowledge preoperatively and they were familiar with the proceeding of their care and treatment after discharge; in particular, they had received bio-physiological knowledge, consisting of knowledge of the disease, symptoms and the physiological elements of care. The positive correlation between the perceived quality of surgical nursing care and received knowledge was strong, suggesting a positive relationship between patient education and improvement of the quality of nursing care.

Conclusions

Based on the results, the quality of nursing care and patient education are interconnected. Thus, by improving patient education, the quality of nursing care can also be improved. It is particularly important to improve collaboration with family members and patients’ own management strategies as well as the multidimensionality of educational knowledge.
Study of charged compact stars with class 1 metric under general relativity
Authors: Maurya S.K. , Chowdhury S. Roy , Ray Saibal , Dayanandan B.
Published: April 2019

In the present paper we study compact stars under the background of Einstein–Maxwell space–time, where the 4-dimensional spherically symmetric space–time of class 1 along with the Karmarkar condition has been adopted. The investigations, via the set of exact solutions, show several important results, such as (i) the value of density on the surface is finite; (ii) due to the presence of the electric field, the outer surface or the crust region can be considered to be made of electron cloud; (iii) the charge increases rapidly after crossing a certain cutoff region (r/R ≈ 0.3); and (iv) the avalanche of charge has a possible interaction with the particles that are away from the center. As the stellar structure supports all the physical tests performed on it, therefore the overall observation is that the model provides a physically viable and stable compact star.
Impact of Z′ boson on lepton flavor violating decays
Authors: Maji P. , Nayek P. , Sahoo S.
Published: April 2019

Recently, some small hints of lepton flavor violating (LFV) decays have been probed in different colliders and accelerators. Although these processes are forbidden in the Standard Model (SM), observation of LFV decays are considered as good probes to test theory beyond the SM. In this paper, we study some LFV decays, e.g. three-body decay channels of [Formula: see text] lepton like [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and two-body decays of B meson and [Formula: see text] lepton like [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] model. We calculate the branching ratio of the above decays considering the effect of both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-mediated flavor-changing neutral-current (FCNC).
Superdense star in a spacetime with minimal length
Authors: Kiran S. Bhanu , Harikumar E. , Rajagopal Vishnu
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we generalize core–envelope model of superdense star to a noncommutative spacetime and study the modifications due to the existence of a minimal length, predicted by various approaches to quantum gravity. We first derive Einstein’s field equation in [Formula: see text]-deformed spacetime and use this to set up noncommutative version of core–envelope model describing superdense stars. We derive [Formula: see text]-deformed law of density variation, valid up to first-order approximation in deformation parameter and obtain radial and tangential pressures in [Formula: see text]-deformed spacetime. We also derive [Formula: see text]-deformed strong energy conditions and obtain a bound on the deformation parameter.
Extended gravity cosmography
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , D’Agostino Rocco , Luongo Orlando
Published: April 2019

Cosmography can be considered as a sort of a model-independent approach to tackle the dark energy/modified gravity problem. In this review, the success and the shortcomings of the [Formula: see text]CDM model, based on General Relativity (GR) and standard model of particles, are discussed in view of the most recent observational constraints. The motivations for considering extensions and modifications of GR are taken into account, with particular attention to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] theories of gravity where dynamics is represented by curvature or torsion field, respectively. The features of [Formula: see text] models are explored in metric and Palatini formalisms. We discuss the connection between [Formula: see text] gravity and scalar–tensor theories highlighting the role of conformal transformations in the Einstein and Jordan frames. Cosmological dynamics of [Formula: see text] models is investigated through the corresponding viability criteria. Afterwards, the equivalent formulation of GR (Teleparallel Equivalent General Relativity (TEGR)) in terms of torsion and its extension to [Formula: see text] gravity is considered. Finally, the cosmographic method is adopted to break the degeneracy among dark energy models. A novel approach, built upon rational Padé and Chebyshev polynomials, is proposed to overcome limits of standard cosmography based on Taylor expansion. The approach provides accurate model-independent approximations of the Hubble flow. Numerical analyses, based on Monte Carlo Markov Chain integration of cosmic data, are presented to bound coefficients of the cosmographic series. These techniques are thus applied to reconstruct [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] functions and to frame the late-time expansion history of the universe with no a priori assumptions on its equation-of-state. A comparison between the [Formula: see text]CDM cosmological model with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] models is reported.
The Impacts of Analysts’ Recommendation Revisions on Statistical Properties and Power-Law Behavior of Large-Size Trade
Authors: Zhang Jin , Xiong Xiong , Meng Yongqiang
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of large-size trades after the recommendation revisions using all A-share stocks data in Chinese stock market. We find the sell-side security analysts’ recommendation revisions (both upgrade and downgrade) do have large-size trades trend effect which means that the large-size trades have persistent change (being larger or smaller) after the recommendation revisions; the downgrade revisions have much greater impacts on large-size trades. We further analyze the large-size trades’ power-law behaviors and the relaxation exponents show that downgrade recommendation revisions have greater impacts on the large-size trade than the upgrade recommendation revisions. The downgrade recommendation revisions have greater impacts on selling order of large-size trades relative to buying orders of large-size trades while the results do not give the consistent evidence that the upgrade recommendation revisions have greater impacts on the buying orders of large-size trades.
Synchronized preparation of bi- and tri-qubit entanglement with nitrogen-vacancy centers coupled to microtoroidal resonators
Authors: Wang Tai-An , Feng Shuai , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2019

We research the input–output process with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers fixed on the surface of micro-toroidal resonators (MTRs) with whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) and then present an efficient scheme for the synchronized generation of Bell and W states. In our scheme, entanglement can be prepared with the assistance of the polarized photon pulse and electron spin state of NV center. The analysis of the efficiency shows that our scheme is feasible with the current technology, which can be further used for quantum information processing.
A study and analysis of a discrete quantum walk-based hybrid clustering approach using d-regular bipartite graph and 1D lattice
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjay , Shaikh Soharab Hossain , Mandal Sudhindu Bikash , Ghosh Ranjan , Chakrabarti Amlan
Published: April 2019

Traditional machine learning shares several benefits with quantum information processing field. The study of machine learning with quantum mechanics is called quantum machine learning. Data clustering is an important tool for machine learning where quantum computing plays a vital role in its inherent speed up capability. In this paper, a hybrid quantum algorithm for data clustering (quantum walk-based hybrid clustering (QWBHC)) is introduced where one-dimensional discrete time quantum walks (DTQW) play the central role to update the positions of data points according to their probability distributions. A quantum oracle is also designed and it is mainly implemented on a finite [Formula: see text]-regular bipartite graph where data points are initially distributed as a predefined set of clusters. An overview of a quantum walk (QW) based clustering algorithm on 1D lattice structure is also introduced and described in this paper. In order to search the nearest neighbors, a unitary and reversible DTQW gives a quadratic speed up over the traditional classical random walk. This paper also demonstrates the comparisons of our proposed hybrid quantum clustering algorithm with some state-of-the-art clustering algorithms in terms of clustering accuracy and time complexity analysis. The proposed quantum oracle needs [Formula: see text] queries to mark the nearest data points among clusters and modify the existing clusters. Finally, the proposed QWBHC algorithm achieves [Formula: see text] performance.
Todd function as weak analytic function
Authors: Atiyah Michael , Kouneiher Joseph
Published: April 2019

Our aim in this paper is to introduce a new kind of functions, Weakly Analytic Functions. The idea is to use this new kind of mathematical tools to describe many physical phenomena and to study the proprieties of some of the most important functions in mathematics.
Cyclic-parallel Ricci tensors on a class of almost Kenmotsu 3-manifolds
Authors: Wang Yaning , Dai Xinxin
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we give a local characterization for the Ricci tensor of an almost Kenmotsu [Formula: see text]-manifold [Formula: see text] to be cyclic-parallel. As an application, we prove that if [Formula: see text] has cyclic-parallel Ricci tensor and satisfies [Formula: see text], (where [Formula: see text] is the Lie derivative of [Formula: see text] along the Reeb flow and both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are smooth functions such that [Formula: see text] is invariant along the contact distribution), then [Formula: see text] is locally isometric to either the hyperbolic space [Formula: see text] or a non-unimodular Lie group equipped with a left invariant non-Kenmotsu almost Kenmotsu structure.