bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subwavelength Direct Laser Nanopatterning Via Microparticle Arrays for Functionalizing Metallic Surfaces
Authors: Romano Jean-Michel , Ahmed Rajib , Garcia-Giron Antonio , Penchev Pavel , Butt Haider , Delléa Olivier , Sikosana Melissa , Helbig Ralf , Werner Carsten , Dimov Stefan
Published: February 2019

Functionalized metallic nanofeatures can be selectively fabricated via ultrashort laser processing; however, the cost-effective large-area texturing, intrinsically constrained by the diffraction limit of light, remains a challenging issue. A high-intensity near-field phenomenon that takes place when irradiating microsized spheres, referred to as photonic nanojet (PN), was investigated in the transitional state between geometrical optics and dipole regime to fabricate functionalized metallic subwavelength features. Finite element simulations were performed to predict the PN focal length and beam spot size, and nanofeature formation. A systematic approach was employed to functionalize metallic surface by varying the pulse energy, focal offset, and number of pulses to fabricate controlled array of nanoholes and to study the generation of triangular and rhombic laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Finally, large-area texturing was investigated to minimize the dry laser cleaning (DLC) effect and improve homogeneity of PN-assisted texturing. Tailored dimensions and densities of achievable surface patterns could provide hexagonal light scattering and selective optical reflectance for a specific light wavelength. Surfaces exhibited controlled wetting properties with either hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity. No correlation was found between wetting and microbacterial colonization properties of textured metallic surfaces after 4 h incubation of Escherichia coli. However, an unexpected bacterial repellency was observed.
An Improved Mass Consistent Model for Three-Dimensional Wind Field Construction
Authors: Wang Xiuling , Liu Yanlei , Chen Bin , Pepper Darrell
Published: February 2019

An improved diagnostic mass-consistent finite element model (FEM) has been developed to construct 3D wind fields over irregular terrain. Instead of using constant Gauss precision moduli over the whole domain in the existing mass-consistent models, the improved mass-consistent model adopts different Gauss precision moduli based on the terrain topography gradient associated with atmospheric boundary conditions. These terrain sensitive moduli resolve wind flows over large topographical obstacles more accurately than constant Gauss precision moduli. In this study, a terrain following mesh generator is developed based on digital elevation data from the U.S. Geological Survey, and the data linked to the modified mass-consistent FEM model. The improved model is validated and verified using a benchmark study for flow over a semicylinder. The model is then used to re-examine 3D wind fields previously simulated for the Nellis Dunes area near Las Vegas, NV. Results show that the improved mass consistent modeling system shows better agreement with the recorded meteorological tower data than the previous results obtained using constant moduli.
Effect of ultrasound on bone fracture healing: A computational mechanobioregulatory model
Authors: Grivas Konstantinos N. , Vavva Maria G. , Polyzos Demosthenes , Carlier Aurélie , Geris Liesbet , Van Oosterwyck Hans , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: February 2019

Bone healing process is a complicated phenomenon regulated by biochemical and mechanical signals. Experimental studies have shown that ultrasound (US) accelerates bone ossification and has a multiple influence on cell differentiation and angiogenesis. In a recent work of the authors, a bioregulatory model for providing bone-healing predictions was addressed, taking into account for the first time the salutary effect of US on the involved angiogenesis. In the present work, a mechanobioregulatory model of bone solidification under the US presence incorporating also the mechanical environment on the regeneration process, which is known to affect cellular processes, is presented. An iterative procedure is adopted, where the finite element method is employed to compute the mechanical stimuli at the linear elastic phases of the poroelastic callus region and a coupled system of partial differential equations to simulate the enhancement by the US cell angiogenesis process and thus the oxygen concentration in the fractured area. Numerical simulations with and without the presence of US that illustrate the influence of progenitor cells' origin in the healing pattern and the healing rate and simultaneously demonstrate the salutary effect of US on bone repair are presented and discussed.
A Nationwide Screen of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Reveals an Isolate with Enhanced Virulence and Clinically Undetected Colistin Heteroresistance
Authors: Wozniak Jessie E. , Band Victor I. , Conley Andrew B. , Rishishwar Lavanya , Burd Eileen M. , Satola Sarah W. , Hardy Dwight J. , Tsay Rebecca , Farley Monica M. , Jacob Jesse T. , Dumyati Ghinwa , Jordan I. King , Weiss David S.
Published: February 2019

The convergence of hypervirulence and multidrug resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a significant concern. Here, we report the first screen for hypermucoviscosity, a trait associated with increased virulence, using a U.S.
CA Mutation N57A Has Distinct Strain-Specific HIV-1 Capsid Uncoating and Infectivity Phenotypes
Authors: Fischer Douglas K. , Saito Akatsuki , Kline Christopher , Cohen Romy , Watkins Simon C. , Yamashita Masahiro , Ambrose Zandrea
Published: February 2019

The specific mechanisms by which HIV-1 infects nondividing cells are unclear. A mutation in the HIV-1 capsid protein abolishes the ability of the virus to infect nondividing cells, serving as a tool to examine cell cycle dependence of HIV-1 infection. We have shown that two widely used HIV-1 molecular clones exhibit significantly different N57A infectivity phenotypes due to fewer than a handful of CA amino acid differences and that these clones are both represented in HIV-infected individuals. As such minor differences in closely related HIV-1 strains may impart significant infectivity differences, careful consideration should be given to drawing conclusions from one particular HIV-1 clone. This study highlights the potential for significant variation in results with the use of multiple strains and possible unanticipated effects of natural polymorphisms.
DNA Tumor Viruses and Their Contributions to Molecular Biology
Authors: Pipas James M.
Published: February 2019

This summer marks the 51st anniversary of the DNA tumor virus meetings. Scientists from around the world will gather in Trieste, Italy, to report their latest results and to agree or disagree on the current concepts that define our understanding of this diverse class of viruses.
Impact of Preservation Method and 16S rRNA Hypervariable Region on Gut Microbiota Profiling
Authors: Chen Zigui , Hui Pak Chun , Hui Mamie , Yeoh Yun Kit , Wong Po Yee , Chan Martin C. W. , Wong Martin C. S. , Ng Siew C. , Chan Francis K. L. , Chan Paul K. S.
Published: February 2019

Large-scale human microbiota studies require specimens collected from multiple sites and/or time points to maximize detection of the small effects in microbe-host interactions. However, batch biases caused by experimental protocols, such as sample collection, massively parallel sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses, remain critical and should be minimized. This work evaluated the effects of preservation solutions and bacterial 16S rRNA gene primer pairs in revealing human gut microbiota composition. Since notable changes in detecting bacterial composition and abundance were observed among choice of preservatives and primer pairs, a consistent methodology is essential in minimizing their effects to facilitate comparisons between data sets.
“Fungating” tumour? No, it’s bacterial!
Authors: Balakrishnan Malathy , Phan Yih Chyn , McIlroy Brendan , Leung Edmund
Published: February 2019

A fit and healthy 26-year-old woman presented to the general surgical team with epigastric pain and weight loss of 2 stones over 6 months. She has also a positive family history of ulcerative colitis. As her oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were normal, a contrasted CT was requested, and it detected an inflammatory mass with fat streaking around her transverse colon. An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) was noted. In light of the CT findings, she underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. As the inflammatory mass was not separable from the transverse colon, a segmental transverse colectomy was proceeded. The histology revealed multiple actinomycosis abscesses in the mesentery. Subsequently, we learnt that her IUCD had been in situ for the last 7 years, and the source of actinomycosis abscesses is likely from her IUCD. The patient was recommended to have the coil removed and commenced on a 6 months course of amoxicillin.
Make quotations great again: a proposal to reduce false-knowledge
Authors: Bareket Ronen , Schonberg Mara A , Schonmann Yochai
Published: February 2019

The last decades saw remarkable change in the way healthcare professionals generate and consume medical knowledge. Information management technologies have evolved considerably, yet medical publications continue to use a referencing system that has changed very little since the turn of the 20th century. Research suggests that up to one in five referenced claims quotes the original text inaccurately. Many authors, perhaps inadvertently, contribute to this process by citing non-primary data and amplifying the errors of their predecessors. Erroneous claims are propagated, accumulate into false belief systems and generate inaccurate knowledge. Updating the referencing system to provide additional information to support each referenced claim (eg, the location of the referenced statement in the original text and the nature of that text) could, perhaps, address this cycle of inaccuracy. We believe such changes in the referencing system would prompt authors to rigorously verify referenced claims and provide readers with context to inform a critical evaluation of the text. We detail our proposal for changes in the notations used for referencing, as well as in the information provided within reference lists. We also discuss some barriers and solutions to the adoption of our proposal.
Patterns of objectively assessed sedentary time and physical activity among Japanese workers: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Kurita Satoshi , Shibata Ai , Ishii Kaori , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Owen Neville , Oka Koichiro
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To examine patterns of sedentary behaviour and physical activity, among Japanese workers with differing occupational activity types.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study in 2013–2015.

Setting

Two local communities in Japan.

Participants

Full-time workers aged 40–64 years (n=345; 55% men) and who lived in two cities.

Main outcome measures

From accelerometer data for 7 days, mean overall sedentary time, prolonged bouts of sedentary time and light-and moderate-to vigorous-intensity of physical activity (LPA and MVPA) as a proportion of accelerometer wear time and number of breaks per sedentary hour were identified for four time periods: working hours, workdays, non-work hours and non-workdays. These sedentary behaviour and physical activity measures in the four time periods were examined among workers with four self-attributed occupational activity types (mainly sitting, standing, walking, and physical labour), adjusting for sociodemographic attributes. Diurnal patterns of sedentary behaviour, LPA, and MVPA were examined.

Results

In working hours, those with a sitting job had significantly more total and prolonged sedentary time (total: p<0.001; prolonged: p<0.01) along with less LPA (p<0.001) and MVPA (p<0.001) and less frequent breaks (p<0.01), compared with those with the three more active job type. Similar differences by job type were found for the whole working day, but not for prolonged sedentary time and breaks. On non-working hours and days, differences in sedentary and physically active patterns by job type were not apparent.

Conclusions

Occupational activity type is related to overall sedentary time and patterns on working days, but not to leisure-time sitting and activity patterns, which were similar across the sitting, standing, walking, and physical labour occupational activity types.
Protocol for a randomised trial evaluating the effect of applying gamification to simulation-based endoscopy training
Authors: Scaffidi Michael A , Khan Rishad , Walsh Catharine M , Pearl Matthew , Winger Kathleen , Kalaichandran Ruben , Lin Peter , Grover Samir C
Published: February 2019

Background

Simulation-based training (SBT) provides a safe environment and effective means to enhance skills development. Simulation-based curricula have been developed for a number of procedures, including gastrointestinal endoscopy. Gamification, which is the application of game-design principles to non-game contexts, is an instructional strategy with potential to enhance learning. No studies have investigated the effects of a comprehensive gamification curriculum on the acquisition of endoscopic skills among novice endoscopists.

Methods and analysis

Thirty-six novice endoscopists will be randomised to one of two endoscopy SBT curricula: (1) the Conventional Curriculum Group, in which participants will receive 6 hours of one-on-one simulation training augmented with expert feedback and interlaced with 4 hours of small group teaching on the theory of colonoscopy or (2) the Gamified Curriculum Group, in which participants will receive the same curriculum with integration of the following game-design elements: a leaderboard summarising participants’ performance, game narrative, achievement badges and rewards for top performance. In line with a progressive learning approach, simulation training for participants will progress from low to high complexity simulators, starting with a bench-top model and then moving to the EndoVR virtual reality simulator. Performance will be assessed at three points: pretraining, immediately post-training and 4–6 weeks after training. Assessments will take place on the simulator at all three time points and transfer of skills will be assessed during two clinical colonoscopies 4–6 weeks post-training. Mixed factorial ANOVAs will be used to determine if there is a performance difference between the two groups during simulated and clinical assessments.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained at St. Michael’s Hospital. Results of this trial will be submitted for presentation at academic meetings and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03176251.
Qualitative, grounded theory exploration of patients’ experience of early mobilisation, rehabilitation and recovery after critical illness
Authors: Corner Evelyn J , Murray Eleanor J , Brett Stephen J
Published: February 2019

Rationale

Physical rehabilitation (encompassing early mobilisation) of the critically ill patient is recognised best practice; however, further work is needed to explore the patients’ experience of rehabilitation qualitatively; a better understanding may facilitate implementation of early rehabilitation and elucidate the journey of survivorship.

Objectives

To explore patient experience of physical rehabilitation from critical illness during and after a stay on intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Exploratory grounded theory study using semistructured interviews.

Setting

Adult medical/surgical ICU of a London teaching hospital.

Participants

A purposive sample of ICU survivors with intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) and an ICU length of stay of >72 hours.

Analysis

Data analysis followed a four-stage constant comparison technique: open coding, axial coding, selective coding and model development, with the aim of reaching thematic saturation. Peer debriefing and triangulation through a patient support group were carried out to ensure credibility.

Main results

Fifteen people were interviewed (with four relatives in attendance). The early rehabilitation period was characterised by episodic memory loss, hallucinations, weakness and fatigue, making early rehabilitation arduous and difficult to recall. Participants craved a paternalised approach to care in the early days of ICU.

The central idea that emerged from this study was recalibration of the self. This is driven by a lost sense of self, with loss of autonomy and competence; dehumanised elements of care may contribute to this. Participants described a fractured life narrative due to episodic memory loss, meaning that patients were shocked on awakening from sedation by the discrepancy between their physical form and cognitive representation of themselves.

Conclusions

Recovery from ICUAW is a complex process that often begins with survivors exploring and adapting to a new body, followed by a period of recovering autonomy. Rehabilitation plays a key role in this recalibration period, helping survivors to reconstruct a desirable future.
Identifying risk factors for neurological complications and monitoring long-term neurological sequelae: protocol for the Guangzhou prospective cohort study on hand-foot-and-mouth disease
Authors: Li Kuanrong , Li Xufang , Si Wenyue , Liang Huiying , Xia Hui-Min , Xu Yi
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a paediatric infectious disease that is particularly prevalent in China. Severe HFMDs characterised by neurological involvement are fatal and survivors who have apparently fully recovered might still be afflicted later in life with neurocognitive impairments. Only when a well-designed, prospective cohort study is in place can we develop clinical tools for early warning of neurological involvement and can we obtain epidemiological evidence regarding the lingering effects of the sequelea.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, hospital-based cohort study is underway in Guangzhou, China. Clinical data and biosamples from hospitalised children (<14 years of age) with an admission diagnosis of HFMD will be collected to determine risk factors for subsequent neurological involvement. Clinical tools for early detection of severe HFMDs will be developed by integrating clinical and biological information. Questionnaire surveys and neurocognitive assessments will be conducted at discharge and each year in the first 2 years of follow-up and every 2 years afterwards until study participants turn 16 years of age or show no evidence of neurocognitive deficits. The association between childhood enterovirus infection and neurocognitive impairment later in life will be examined.

Ethics and dissemination

A written informed consent from parents/guardians is a prerequisite for study entry. The protocol of this study has been approved by the hospital’s ethics committee. Data usage follows the rules of the hospital’s data oversight committee. Findings of this study will be disseminated through publications in international peer-reviewed journals and will be presented in academic conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-EOC-17013293; Pre-results.
Findings from a human roles terminology survey: consensus or chaos?
Authors: Sanko Jill Steiner , Schneidereith Tonya , Cowperthwait Amy , Onello Rachel
Published: February 2019

Background

Terminology describing humans’ roles in simulation varies widely. Inconsistent nomenclature is problematic because it inhibits use of a common language, impacting development of a cohesive body of knowledge.

Methods

A literature search was completed to identify terms used to describe roles played by humans in simulation-based education. Based on these findings, a survey was created to explore the terminology used by simulation educators and researchers to describe human roles in simulation and the perceived need for a consistent nomenclature.

Results

Results demonstrated wide variability in terminology, including terms such as standardised patient, simulated patient, simulated participants, confederate, embedded actor and scenario role player.

Conclusion

Creation of a cohesive body of knowledge for human roles in simulation requires use of common terminology, yet findings suggest a complex landscape of terminology. Building consensus on the terminology describing human roles in simulation can clarify understanding of best practice and allow for advancement in the research and state of the science in simulation-based education.
Smoking and urinary cotinine by socioeconomic status in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Hovanec Jan , Weiß Tobias , Koch Holger , Pesch Beate , Behrens Thomas , Kendzia Benjamin , Arendt Marina , Dragano Nico , Moebus Susanne , Schmidt Börge , Brüning Thomas , Jöckel Karl-Heinz
Published: February 2019

Background

Associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking-related diseases depend on uniform validity of self-reported smoking habits in different SES groups. We investigated the influence of SES on validity of self-reported smoking status by means of urinary cotinine.

Methods

We determined total urinary cotinine in the baseline population of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. Participants with cotinine>200 µg/L were potential current smokers. We defined upper and lower 20% of the gender-specific distribution of the International Socio-Economic Index (ISEI) as high and low SES, respectively, else as intermediate. We analysed the association of self-reported smoking status and cotinine by ISEI and additional SES measures, stratified by gender. In self-reported non-smokers, we estimated age-adjusted ORs with 95% CI to detect differences by SES in the validity of self-reported smoking status.

Results

In 2004 men and 1887 women, 78% and 80%, respectively, reported to be non-smokers. Median cotinine concentrations were 2 µg/L in non-smokers, and 3651 µg/L in male and 3127 µg/L in female smokers. Based on cotinine in non-smokers, 2.0 % of men (n = 32) and 1.8 % of women (n = 27) were potential smokers, with lower proportions in the subgroup of never-smokers (men: 0.7%, women: 0.5%). The validity of self-reported smoking status did not substantially differ by SES. Tendencies for increased underreporting were indicated for women with low ISEI (OR 1.35; 95% CI 0.54 to 3.39) and men in blue-collar jobs (OR 1.39; 95% CI 0.67 to 2.87).

Conclusion

Validity of self-reported smoking status in this elderly German cohort was high and did not depend on SES.
Coronary artery lesion risk and mediating mechanism in children with complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shi Hongying , Qiu Huixian , Jin Zengyou , Li Chen , Yang Xinjun , Huang Chenping , Wu Rongzhou , Zhuang Guihua , Chu Maoping
Published: February 2019

To compare the risk of coronary artery lesions (CAL) in children with complete and incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) before and after immunoglobulin therapy and explore the mediation mechanisms underlying this association. All patients with KD admitted to the Wenzhou Medical University affiliated Yuying Children's Hospital were divided into complete and incomplete KD groups. The independent effect of KD type on the risk of CAL and the intermediate effect of admission time on the association between KD type and CAL were assessed. The incidence of CAL in children with incomplete KD was higher than that in children with complete KD (33.9% vs 23.0%, p<0.001), and was also higher before therapy (27.5% vs 14.8%). Among children without CAL before therapy, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of CAL after treatment between the two groups. Mediation analysis found that the mediating effect of admission time was 1.07 (95% C: 1.01 to 1.13), and the direct effect of KD type on CAL was 1.59 (95% CI 1.17 to 2.16); proportion mediated was 15.71%. In conclusion, the risk of CAL among patients with incomplete KD was higher than that for complete KD, especially before therapy. In patients without CAL before treatment, the risk of CAL after treatment was equivalent for the two groups. Delayed admission may be one of the important mediating mechanisms for the higher risk of CAL in incomplete KD children.
Informed consent for functional MRI research on comatose patients following severe brain injury: balancing the social benefits of research against patient autonomy
Authors: Bruni Tommaso , Graham Mackenzie , Norton Loretta , Gofton Teneille , Owen Adrian M , Weijer Charles
Published: February 2019

Functional MRI shows promise as a candidate prognostication method in acutely comatose patients following severe brain injury. However, further research is needed before this technique becomes appropriate for clinical practice. Drawing on a clinical case, we investigate the process of obtaining informed consent for this kind of research and identify four ethical issues. After describing each issue, we propose potential solutions which would make a patient’s participation in research compatible with her rights and interests. First, we defend the need for traditional proxy consent against two alternative approaches. Second, we examine the impact of the intensive care unit environment on the informed consent process. Third, we discuss the therapeutic misconception and its potential influence on informed consent. Finally, we deal with issues of timing in recruiting participants and related factors which may affect the risks of participation.
Vitamin A status affects weight gain and hepatic glucose metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Kuang Heqian , Wei Cheng-hsin , Wang Tiannan , Eastep Jennifer , Li Yang , Chen Guoxun
Published: February 2019

Whether vitamin A (VA) has a role in the development of metabolic abnormalities associated with intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) is unclear. Sprague–Dawley rats after weaning were fed an isocaloric VA sufficient HFD (VAS-HFD) or a VA deficient HFD (VAD-HFD) for 8 weeks. Body mass, food intake, liver and adipose tissue mass, and the hepatic expression levels of key proteins for metabolism were determined. VAD-HFD rats had lower body, liver, and epididymal fat mass than VAS-HFD rats. VAD-HFD rats had lower hepatic protein expression levels of cytochrome P450 26A1, glucokinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase than VAS-HFD rats. VAD-HFD rats had higher protein levels of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3α and lower levels of GSK-3β, but not glycogen synthase, than VAS-HFD rats. VAD-HFD rats had higher hepatic levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), insulin receptor β-subunit, mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α mRNA, and lower level of IRS-2 protein than VAS-HFD rats. These results indicate that in a HFD setting, VA deficiency attenuated HFD-induced obesity, and VA status altered the expression levels of proteins required for glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. We conclude that VA status contributes to the regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in a HFD setting, and may regulate hepatic carbohydrate metabolism.
Electrical conductivity and Einstein relation modeling in phosphorene
Authors: Mansouri E. , Karamdel J. , Ahmadi M. T. , Berahman M.
Published: February 2019

Investigation on (2-dimensional) (2D) materials is growing significantly due to the fundamental electronic properties in the direct inherent bandgap, higher carrier mobility, and easier exfoliation. Phosphorene as a new 2D configuration has presented excellent potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications. In this study, the conductivity of monolayer phosphorene and Einstein’s relations as fundamental parameters in semiconductor manufacturing are analytically modeled. In addition, dependency of conductivity on normalized Fermi energy ([Formula: see text]) is demonstrated. According to the simulation results, conductivity and Einstein’s relation are completely dependent on temperature, therefore, rising up the temperature leads to conductivity and diffusion coefficient (Dn) growth. Indeed, conductivity is saturated when the normalized Fermi energy exceeds than 6. Also, the conductivity and Einstein’s relation dependency to voltage are studied. Results show that carrier conductivity and the electron diffusion coefficient (Dn) increase by amplifying the voltage.
The configurations, electronic and spin of FeO-adsorbed HCNO
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhao Zhen , Shi Tong-tong
Published: February 2019

The configurations, electronic and spin of the FeO–HCNO clusters are calculated at the PW91 level. The results show that the Fe atom of FeO molecule prefers to interact with the O and N atoms of HCNO molecule and the corresponding FeO–HCNO cluster possesses highest kinetic stability. For this lowest-energy FeO–HCNO clusters, the 2p3d orbitals of O and N atoms obtain more electrons than the 2s orbital of the two atoms loss. In the isomer (6) which O atoms occur at the same ends of the FeO and HCNO fragments, it leads to increase the dipole moment. As for the axisymmetric isomer (1), the total spin is zero due to upward spin is perfectly offset by the downward spin.
Study of a closed-loop high-precision front-end circuit for tunneling magneto-resistance sensors
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Hu Jianping , Liu Xiaowei
Published: February 2019

A closed-loop high-precision front-end interface circuit in a standard 0.35 [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology for a tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) sensor is presented in this paper. In consideration of processing a low frequency and weak geomagnetic signal, a low-noise front-end detection circuit is proposed with chopper technique to eliminate the 1/f noise and offset of operational amplifier. A novel ripple suppression loop is proposed for eliminating the ripple in a tunneling magneto-resistance sensor interface circuit. Even harmonics is eliminated by fully differential structure. The interface is fabricated in a standard 0.35 [Formula: see text]m CMOS process and the active circuit area is about [Formula: see text]. The interface chip consumes 7 mW at a 5 V supply and the 1/f noise corner frequency is lower than 1 Hz. The interface circuit of TMR sensors can achieve a better noise level of [Formula: see text]. The ripple can be suppressed to less than 10 [Formula: see text]V by ripple suppression loop.
Revealing the anisotropy effects on the critical magnetic field in CaC6 superconductor
Authors: Drzazga Ewa A. , Wrona Izabela A. , Szczȩśniak Radosław
Published: February 2019

The calcium intercalated graphite [Formula: see text] is considered to be a representative material of the graphite intercalated superconductors, which exhibits sizable anisotropy of the Fermi surface (FS). Herein, the influence of the FS anisotropy on the critical magnetic field [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] superconductor is comprehensively analyzed within the Migdal–Eliashberg (M–E) formalism. To precisely account for the mentioned anisotropy effects, the analysis is conducted in the framework of the six-band approximation, hitherto not employed for calculations of the [Formula: see text] function in [Formula: see text] material. For convenience, the obtained results are compared with the available one- and three-band estimates reported by using the M–E theory. A notable signature of the increased number of bands is observed for the temperature-dependent [Formula: see text] functions. In particular, the [Formula: see text] function decreases at T = 0 K as the number of the considered bands is higher. Moreover, it is argued that the six-band formalism yields the most physically relevant shape of the [Formula: see text] function among all considered approximations. Therefore, the six-band model introduces not only quantitative but also qualitative changes to the results, in comparison to the other discussed FS approximations. This observation supports postulate that the six-band model constitutes minimal structure for FS of [Formula: see text], but also magnifies importance of anisotropy effects for the critical magnetic field calculations.
Charged wormholes in f(R,T)-extended theory of gravity
Authors: Moraes P. H. R. S. , de Paula W. , Correa R. A. C.
Published: February 2019

Wormholes (WHs) are a solution for General Relativity field equations which characterize a passage or tunnel that connects two different regions of spacetime and is filled by some sort of exotic matter that does not satisfy the energy conditions. On the other hand, it is known that in extended theories of gravity, the extra degrees of freedom once provided may allow the energy conditions to be obeyed and, consequently, the matter content of the WH to be nonexotic. In this work, we obtain, as a novelty in the literature, solutions for charged WHs in the [Formula: see text]-extended theory of gravity. We show that the presence of charge in these objects may be a possibility to respect some stability conditions for their metric. Also, remarkably, the energy conditions are respected in the present approach. In addition, we argue that our framework can be very useful to study the possibility of evolving [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-dimensional WH spacetime within the context of nonlinear electrodynamics, which open a new window to probe the physical quantities in a WH-type solution.
Impact of Chinese Yuan Devaluation on the Dependence Structure: The Archimedean Copula Approach
Authors: Lai Wing-Choong , Goh Kim-Leng
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the linkages of Chinese yuan to other currencies before and after the yuan devaluation on 11 August 2015. Linear regression analysis shows that only a few of the 14 currencies considered are significantly affected by the devaluation. However, the devaluation of Chinese yuan has been associated with larger fluctuations in these currencies and the occurrence of extreme positive and negative returns. The regression method may under estimate the tail dependence between currencies, as financial data are usually non-normally distributed, especially when extreme event occurs. We apply the Archimedean copulas to capture the presence of lower and upper tail dependence between the exchange rate returns of Chinese yuan and the selected currencies, and found dependencies not revealed by the linear regression analysis. The extreme returns after the Chinese yuan devaluation have resulted in higher dependence with the selected currencies. While the dependence structure was dominated by risks due to unusual currency gains before the devaluation, the market responses to large losses and gains have become more symmetric after the devaluation.
Estimation of Sound Absorption Performance of Complex Perforated Panel Absorbers by Numerical Finite Element Method and Examinining the Role of Different Layouts Behind It
Authors: Hashemi Z. , Monazzam M. R. , Fahim A.
Published: February 2019

Perforated panels are one of the structures that are widely used nowadays. The sound absorption behavior of materials is studied by solving the equations governing the wave propagation in these materials. In this paper, the finite element method (FEM) was used to predict the absorption performances of few different perforated composite panels. Also, the studied structures were examined by two-microphone impedance tube to validate the results of the numerical method. The relative consistency of the results of the current method with the results of the impedance tube suggests the accuracy of this method in simulating the absorption rate of perforated composites. In addition, the results of evaluating various layouts (arrangements) showed that the use of absorber materials with higher flow resistivity at the back of the perforated panel and at the beginning of the sound wave entry increases the absorption performance by 1.6 times than that of the inverse layout ratio.
K-g-frames and their dual
Authors: Shi Shengnan , Huang Yongdong
Published: February 2019

This paper is devoted to the study of the dual [Formula: see text]-g-Bessel sequences of [Formula: see text]-g-frames. We firstly make use of the g-preframe operators of a g-Bessel sequence to investigate the constructions of [Formula: see text]-g-frames. And then, taking the g-preframe operators into account, we present several necessary and sufficient conditions under which a g-Bessel sequence is the dual [Formula: see text]-g-Bessel sequence of a given [Formula: see text]-g-frame. We also give a simple example to show that the duality of [Formula: see text]-g-frames is not transitive.
Performance and Scalability of the Block Low-Rank Multifrontal Factorization on Multicore Architectures
Authors: Amestoy Patrick R. , Buttari Alfredo , L'Excellent Jean-Yves , Mary Theo
Published: February 2019

Matrices coming from elliptic Partial Differential Equations have been shown to have a low-rank property that can be efficiently exploited in multifrontal solvers to provide a substantial reduction of their complexity. Among the possible low-rank formats, the Block Low-Rank format (BLR) is easy to use in a general purpose multifrontal solver and its potential compared to standard (full-rank) solvers has been demonstrated. Recently, new variants have been introduced and it was proved that they can further reduce the complexity but their performance has never been analyzed. In this article, we present a multithreaded BLR factorization and analyze its efficiency and scalability in shared-memory multicore environments. We identify the challenges posed by the use of BLR approximations in multifrontal solvers and put forward several algorithmic variants of the BLR factorization that overcome these challenges by improving its efficiency and scalability. We illustrate the performance analysis of the BLR multifrontal factorization with numerical experiments on a large set of problems coming from a variety of real-life applications.
Symmetrical Residual Connections for Single Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Li Xianguo , Sun Yemei , Yang Yanli , Miao Changyun
Published: February 2019

Single-image super-resolution (SISR) methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) have shown great potential in the literature. However, most deep CNN models don’t have direct access to subsequent layers, seriously hindering the information flow. Furthermore, they fail to make full use of the hierarchical features from different low-level layers, thereby resulting in relatively low accuracy. In this article, we present a new SISR CNN, called SymSR, which incorporates symmetrical nested residual connections to improve both the accuracy and the execution speed. SymSR takes a larger image region for contextual spreading. It symmetrically combines multiple short paths for the forward propagation to improve the accuracy and for the backward propagation of gradient flow to accelerate the convergence speed. Extensive experiments based on open challenge datasets show the effectiveness of symmetrical residual connections. Compared with four other state-of-the-art super-resolution CNN methods, SymSR is superior in both accuracy and runtime.
Analytical Solution for the Steady-State Karst Water Inflow into a Tunnel
Authors: Xie Han-song , Jiang Chong , He Jia-li , Han Hai-xia
Published: February 2019

An analytical solution for the karst water inflow into a lined tunnel in an infinite plane is derived based on conformal mapping. The new solution considers the center distance between the tunnel and the cavern, the radii of the tunnel and the cavern, and the property of the lining, such as the permeability coefficient as well as the lining radius. Numerical models are established and calculated using the finite difference software FLAC3D to compare with the analytical solution of inversion transformation, and a good agreement is found. Then, the parameters of effect are discussed in detail. The results indicate that the karst water inflow shows a curve relationship as the radius of tunnel increase and increases as the lining becomes thinner or the permeability coefficient of the lining increases. Moreover, the pressure head decreases as the tunnel radius and the center distance between the tunnel and the cavern increase.
Urogynecological and Sexual Functions after Vecchietti Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Adamiak-Godlewska Aneta , Skorupska Katarzyna , Rechberger Tomasz , Romanek-Piva Katarzyna , Miotła Paweł
Published: February 2019

Hypothesis/Aims of Study. Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is the second most common cause of primary amenorrhea. The ESHRE/ESGE categorizes this disorder within the class 5 uterine malformation of the female genital tract anomalies. It is characterized by congenital absence of the uterus, cervix, and upper part of the vagina in otherwise phenotypically normal 46XX females. These patients have normal ovaries, biphasic ovarian cycle, and female psychosexual identification. Laparoscopic Vecchietti’s operation—surgical method in which the vagina increases in size by gradually applying traction to the vaginal vault—is one of the methods used to treat MRKH. The aim of this study was to establish the urogynecological and sexual functions after Vecchietti’s operation. Study Design, Materials and Methods. Fifteen patients with MRKHS who underwent laparoscopic Vecchietti’s operation were included. A control group of 15 age-matched, childless, sexually active women were examined during the same period. All patients underwent the basic evaluation of anatomical outcomes. Sexual outcomes were established by the Polish validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Continence status was assessed by Polish validated Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Results. Mean age of MRKH group was 22.06±5.13 yrs. Mean follow-up after surgery was 8.02±3.43 yrs. Mean age of women from control group was 22.4±4.35. Mean FSFI scores show good quality of sexual life in both groups. UDI-6 scores showed that patients after Vecchietti surgery have urogynecological problems significantly more often than healthy women do. Based on the IIQ-7, it is evident that one patient from the MRKH group (6,6%) suffers from stress urinary incontinence and the rest (20%) have rather irritative problems with the functioning of the lower urinary tract. Conclusion. Quality of sexual life after the Vecchietti’s operation in long-term follow-up does not differ from that of healthy women, but these patients suffer more frequent from urogynecological complaints. The trial is registered with NCT03809819.
High-Field Growth of Semiconducting Anodic Oxide Films on Metal Surfaces for Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Vargas Ronald , Carvajal David , Galavis Brunella , Maimone Alberto , Madriz Lorean , Scharifker Benjamín R.
Published: February 2019

This work summarizes progresses achieved in the physical chemistry aspects of the growth of anodic oxides under high-field conditions for the synthesis of semiconducting thin solid films and their implementation as photocatalytic materials. We discuss the scope and mechanisms for anodic oxide growth, describing the development of kinetic models and the correlations between theory and kinetic data, leading to fundamental information to characterize the primary processes occurring during the anodization of valve metals under high fields. The main features related to the widely used self-assembly of nanostructures by valve metal anodization are highlighted and briefly discussed. This is followed by general considerations of heterogeneous photocatalysis on these functional materials, considering the kinetics of the heterogeneous catalytic processes involved and the overall photoelectrochemical performance. High control of the characteristics of the materials obtained with the method described, combined with the possibility of electrochemically assisting photocatalysis, allows application of this technology to the treatment of wastewaters, energy conversion, and related fields.
Relationship between Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Level and Microvascular Complications in Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Caiying , Chen Wen , He Kuanrong , Ma Huijuan , Ma Boqing , Zhao Pei , Tian Lu
Published: February 2019

Objective. The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level and microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) including diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetic nephropathy. Methods. Studies were comprehensively identified by searching Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases up to August 30, 2018. The meta-analysis was carried out to compare the difference of serum ADMA concentrations of DR, DN, and diabetic nephropathy patients with healthy controls. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were applied to assess the methodological quality. Chi-squared Q test and I2 statistics were applied to evaluate statistical heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted and publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Result. Ten studies were finally entered in the meta-analysis. Statistically significant heterogeneity was observed across these studies (I2 = 77.0%, p < 0.001). Compared with DM without microvascular complications, circulating level of ADMA was significantly higher in DM with microvascular complications (all p < 0.05). Sensitivity analysis suggested that the results of this meta-analysis were shown to be stable. There was no significant publication bias (P=0.823). Conclusion. Elevated ADMA levels correlate with diabetic microangiopathies such as DR and diabetic nephropathy. ADMA may play an important role in the pathobiology of microvascular complications of diabetes.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Associated with Lenalidomide Use for Multiple Myeloma in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Adams Matthew K. , Weng Christina Y.
Published: February 2019

Purpose. The aim of this report is to present a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in an immunocompetent patient using lenalidomide. Methods. Case report with fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography imaging. Results. A 55-year-old male with history of multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide presented with blurriness and floaters in his right eye and was found to have vitreous biopsy-confirmed CMV retinitis. The patient was treated with pars plana vitrectomy, oral valganciclovir, and intravitreal foscarnet. More than one year later, the patient was doing well with visual acuity of 20/25 and no recurrence of retinitis. Conclusion. This represents the second report of CMV retinitis associated with lenalidomide therapy. It suggests that even immunocompetent patients can be affected by CMV retinitis in the context of lenalidomide treatment. It is critical that patients being treated with lenalidomide receive prompt evaluation if they develop ophthalmic symptoms.
A Heterogeneous Parallel LU Factorization Algorithm Based on a Basic Column Block Uniform Allocation Strategy
Authors: Wu Rongteng , Xie Xiaohong
Published: February 2019

Most supercomputers are shipped with both a CPU and a GPU. With the powerful parallel computing capability of GPUs, heterogeneous computing architecture produces new challenges for system software development and application design. Because of the significantly different architectures and programming models of CPUs and GPUs, conventional optimization techniques for CPUs may not work well in a heterogeneous multi‐CPU and multi‐GPU system. We present a heterogeneous parallel LU factorization algorithm for heterogeneous architectures. According to the different performances of the processors in the system, any given matrix is partitioned into different sizes of basic column blocks. Then, a static task allocation strategy is used to distribute the basic column blocks to corresponding processors uniformly. The idle time is minimized by optimized sizes and the number of basic column blocks. Right‐looking ahead technology is also used in systems configured with one CPU core to one GPU to decrease the wait time. Experiments are conducted to test the performance of synchronization and load balancing, communication cost, and scalability of the heterogeneous parallel LU factorization in different systems and compare it with the related matrix algebra algorithm on a heterogeneous system configured with multiple GPUs and CPUs.