bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instabilities of Pre-Stretched Viscoelastic Flow in Microfluidic Cross-Slot Devices
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Wu , Wu Zhengwei , Cai Weihua , Zheng Zhiying , Chen Yicheng , Lan Chaofeng
Published: December 2019

In this paper we experimentally studied the instabilities of pre-stretched viscoelastic fluid in cross-slot devices. We first investigate the instability of the flow in a standard cross-slot at different Weissenberg numbers without pre-stretch. It is found the viscoelastic flow is transformed from the steady symmetric state to the instabilities states including the steady asymmetric state and the non-periodically oscillated asymmetric state. This is due to the extension of the polymer in the viscoelastic fluid at the stagnation point stretched by the extensional flow in the cross-slot. We then modified the cross-slot channel in which the viscoelastic fluid is pre-stretched before entering the crossroad region. Due to the pre-stretch, elastic energy is pre-stored in the polymer, and the energy required to fully extend the polymer is also different with those extending from equilibrium state. As a result, the flow remains in the steady asymmetric state in all tested Weissenberg number condition.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Interface Heat Transfer on Performance of Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Yan Baoyu , Li Gen , Cao Hongfen , Wang Xiaozhong , Wang Zhongcheng , Ji Yulong
Published: December 2019

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have attracted more and more attention for their usage in waste heat recovery techniques. A key challenge in thermoelectric power conversion is to create a significant temperature difference across the TEG. The interface heat transfer between heat exchanger and TEGs plays a key role in TEGs’ performance when the heat exchanger and TEGs have been determined. In this paper different thermal interface materials (TIMs) were used to create different interface heat transfer conditions. Firstly, the thermal interface conductance of TIMs is measured by using a steady state method. Then the performance of TEGs at different interface heat transfer condition was evaluated. It was found that interface heat transfer between heat exchanger and TEGs has a significant effects on the performance of TEGs.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Boiling Behavior of Nanofluid With Various Wettability Nanoparticle on Hydrophobic Surface
Authors: Yin Xunyan , Bai Minli , Hu Chengzhi , Lv Jizu , Li Yubai
Published: December 2019

Molecular dynamics simulation is performed to investigate the rapid boiling of nanofluid with the variation nanoparticle wettabilities above hydrophobic surface. Four fluids are selected: base fluid (fluid 1), nanofluid with nanoparticle wettability less than (fluid 2), equal tofluid 3) and greater than (fluid 4) surface wettability. It should be noted that nanoparticle is deposited on the surface in this paper. Results show that nanofluid responds rapid boiling faster than base fluid. For fluid 4, the efficiency in heat transfer is enhanced due to the improvement of surface wettability. While for fluid 2 and 3, the surface wettability is deteriorated by the depositional nanoparticle. The heat flux is strengthened, but argon temperature and evaporation number reduce, and thus fluid 2 and 3 are not beneficial for heat transfer.
Fluid Mixing Using Induced Charge Electro-Osmotic Transverse Flow Actuated by Asymmetrical Driving Electrode Sequence
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Ren Yukun , Hou Likai , Jiang Tianyi , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: December 2019

Microfluid mixing is an essential process in chemical analysis, drug test, and nanoparticle synthesis. Induced charge electro-osmosis (ICEO) has good capability in microfluid mixing for its reconfigurable vortex profile. We found experimentally ICEO transverse flow induced by the asymmetrical driving electrode has a good performance in disturbing the interface of two fluids. Encouraged by these aspects, we proposed a micromixer using ICEO transverse flows actuated by the asymmetrical driving electrode sequence to mix microfluids. We established a simulation model to investigate the evolution of the interface and demonstrate the work principle of this method. Moreover, we numerically explored the effects of device structure, and electrolyte characteristics on the capability of micromixer. Finally, we validated this method experimentally, and studied the effects of voltage intensity, frequency and flow rate on the mixing capability, obtaining mixing efficiency exceeding 94%. This method is a potential alternative in various microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications.
Wettability Transition of a Liquid Droplet on Solid Surface With Nanoscale Inverted Triangular Grooves
Authors: Cai Meiling , Li Yuxiu , Chen Ying , Xu Jinliang , Zhang Longyan , Lei Junpeng
Published: December 2019

Inspired by a few phenomena in nature such as the lotus leaf, red rose petal, gecko’s feet and Nepenthes Alata plant, much attention has been paid to use simple and feasible means to achieve remarkable wetting behaviour for many applications in various areas including self-cleaning for building exteriors and windshields, oil/water separation, anti-icing, liquid collecting, anti-fogging and anti-corrosion. Based on the established theoretical models, wetting behaviour of a liquid droplet obtained by molecular dynamics simulation method is generally in good agreement with the experimental results. In macro and micro scale, the previous theories can explain and predict the wetting behaviors well. However, these theories are invalid for nanoscale. It is essential to reveal the underlying physical mechanism of the wetting behaviors of the droplet on solid surface with nanoroughness.

Extensive studies on nanosale wettability focus on the effect of nano structures on wettability state. Desired wetting behavior of rough material surface achieved by nanosize reentrant geometry like “T” or mushroom shape and other variant geometry with solid overhangs has been widely used in self-cleaning surfaces, heat exchange and many applications. For example, “T” shape groove with different depths and widths under nanoscale has been considered to confer superhydrophobicity to hydrophilic surfaces gradually.

In this paper, wettability transition of a liquid droplet on geometrically heterogeneous solid substrate with nanoscale structures of inverted triangular grooves is investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation method under the parameter space spanned by structure geometry and solid-liquid molecular interaction potential strength. Three wettability states, namely Cassie nonwetting state, Cassie-to-Wenzel transition state and Wenzel wetting state, are identified with various geometries and potential strength. For Cassie nonwetting state, increasing height of the triangles has less effect on wettability transition with weak solid-liquid molecular interaction. Besides, the Cassie nonwetting state is less sensitive to different interval between the triangles as solid-liquid molecular interaction is weak. For Cassie-to-Wenzel transition state, increasing height of the triangles and decreasing interval between the triangles decrease wettability. For Wenzel wetting state, increasing interval between the triangles with low height increases wettability. With strong solid-liquid molecular interaction, different interval between the triangles results in wetting state transition from Wenzel to transition state. What’s more, liquid droplet changes its state from Wenzel wetting state to Cassie-to-Wenzel transition state with increasing height of the triangles or decreasing interval between the triangles. Three wettability transition regions are identified in the parameter space.
Effect of Salinity on the Capturing CO2 Capabilities of Brine in Two-Dimensional Porous Media
Authors: Zhao Changzhong , Song Yongchen , Chen Mingkun , Chi Yuan , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2019

CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers is being intensively studied as a strategy to mitigate CO2 emission. When CO2 is injected into the saline aquifers, a series of physical and chemical reactions will take place with the brine and rock skeleton under the multiple effects of salinity, temperature, pressure, hydrodynamic and chemistry to achieve the long-term underground storage of CO2. Therefore, we used an etched homogenous glass micromodel to investigate the impact of salinity on the brine-saturated reservoirs at the CO2 injection rate of 0.05 ml·min−1, temperature 25 °C, and pressure 0.1 MPa. Five brine concentrates were set in our experiment: 0 mol/l, 1 mol/l, 2 mol/l, 3 mol/l, and 4 mol/l to represent different types of saline aquifers. Based on the experimental results, a detailed discussion about the mode transformation of displacement, CO2 saturation and wettability variation, differential pressure change between inlet and outlet was made. The major contribution of salinity is to change the viscosity of brine, which will then affect other physicochemical properties to furtherly change the behavior of microfluidics. The effect of salinity on the drainage process was analyzed specifically in this study. It was found that as the salinity improved, the capillary number increased to make the displacement mode change from capillary fingering to viscous fingering. When the viscous force was dominant, the saturation of residual brine became bigger and the variation of wettability was not obvious. At the same time, the maximum pressure promoting the displacement finished needed to be bigger as the salinity improved to overcome more viscous force. Finally, it was found that in the brine with higher salinity, salt precipitation was more obvious.
Interferon-Responsive Genes Are Targeted during the Establishment of Human Cytomegalovirus Latency
Authors: Elder Elizabeth G. , Krishna Benjamin A. , Williamson James , Lim Eleanor Y. , Poole Emma , Sedikides George X. , Wills Mark , O’Connor Christine M. , Lehner Paul J. , Sinclair John
Published: December 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus which infects 50 to 100% of humans worldwide. HCMV causes a lifelong subclinical infection in immunocompetent individuals but is a serious cause of mortality and morbidity in the immunocompromised and neonates. In particular, reactivation of HCMV in the transplant setting is a major cause of transplant failure and related disease. Therefore, a molecular understanding of HCMV latency and reactivation could provide insights into potential ways to target the latent viral reservoir in at-risk patient populations.
Regulation of AmpC-Driven β-Lactam Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Different Pathways, Different Signaling
Authors: Torrens Gabriel , Hernández Sara Belén , Ayala Juan Alfonso , Moya Bartolome , Juan Carlos , Cava Felipe , Oliver Antonio
Published: December 2019

The extensive use of β-lactam antibiotics and the bacterial adaptive capacity have led to the apparently unstoppable increase of antimicrobial resistance, one of the current major global health challenges. In the leading nosocomial pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, the mutation-driven AmpC β-lactamase hyperproduction stands out as the main resistance mechanism, but the molecular cues enabling this system have remained elusive until now. Here, we provide for the first time direct and quantitative information about the soluble cell wall-derived fragments accounting for the different levels and pathways of AmpC hyperproduction. Based on these results, we propose a hierarchical model of signals which ultimately govern
ampC
hyperexpression and resistance.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Epilepsy in the child with intellectual disabilities—the challenges
Authors: Crozier Denise , Martin Katherine
Published: December 2019

The paediatric epilepsies are a challenging group of disorders to assess and manage appropriately. This may be because of factors relating to the epilepsy itself, to the difficulties associated with obtaining an appropriate history and investigations or to factors relating to the individual child or young person such as other health issues. This paper discusses the particular challenges of assessing and managing epilepsies in children with intellectual disabilities (with or without other comorbidities) with a view to raising awareness of potential pitfalls in this field and ultimately improving the standards of epilepsy care that are offered to this complex group of children.
The risk of malnutrition in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Healy Lydia Iris , Forbes Eimear , Rice Jane , Leonard Jane M , Crushell Ellen
Published: December 2019

A 9-year-old boy presented with a 2-day history of vomiting, ataxia and reduced consciousness. He had vomited intermittently in the two preceding months, without headaches, visual disturbance or early morning symptoms. He had autism spectrum disorder, and restricted eating since aged 2 years, eating only corn-crisps, Rich Tea biscuits and chips (French fries), and drinking Coca-Cola (containing 10% glucose; figure 1). Recently a dietician had prescribed a multivitamin.

Figure 1

The patient"s complete daily food intake over approximately 7 years (2-3 biscuits per day).

Dietary analysis revealed an extremely low protein (0.37 g/kg/day) and low fat (0.77 g/kg/day) diet for over 7 years with a caloric intake of 1200 kCal. Estimated requirements were 1512 kCal,10.92 mg/kg/day of protein2and 1.94 mg/kg of fat (based on 35% of daily calorie intake3).

On examination he was encephalopathic, with hepatomegaly and ascites. His height and weight were on the 0.4th–2nd and 9th centiles, respectively. Laboratory results demonstrated glucose 2.7 mmol/L, mild anaemia, raised urea (10.7 mmol/L) with normal creatinine and raised hepatic transaminases, low albumin and elevated creatinine kinase (peak 7809 IU/L). He remained encephalopathic and was intubated for poor respiratory function. Ammonia and blood pH were normal.

Question 1

What nutritional/metabolic test(s) would be the next best step?

Vitamin B1(thiamine) levels

Copper and caeruloplasmin levels

Blood spot for acylcarnitine profile

Plasma amino acid profile

Urine organic acids

Question 2

What potentially dangerous feeding issues in paediatric intensive care exist here?

Electrolyte levels and supplementation

Fat composition of feeds

Amino acid composition of feeds

Vitamin levels

Question 3

Why might this patient have had preserved vitamin E levels?

Vitamin E is added to rancheros

Some vitamin E is obtained from sunlight

French fries are relatively high in vitamin E

Multivitamin preparations

Question 4

What metabolic disorders are associated with very low carnitine levels?

Organic acidaemias

Fatty acid oxidation disorders

Mitochondrial disorders (disorders of respiratory chain)

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)

Answers can be found on page 01
An interesting case of ‘strange lines’ a neonate with oesophageal atresia, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, situs inversus abdominalis and azygos continuation
Authors: Legat Camille , Rayyan Maissa , Decaluwe Herbert , Carkeek Katherine
Published: December 2019

We describe the case of a term baby boy born via vaginal delivery at 39 weeks gestation with oesophageal atresia, tracheaoesophageal fistula, situs inversus abdominalis and azygos continuation. The azygos continuation was diagnosed after cardiac echo and confirmed on cardiac catherisation after an unexpected umbilical line position on thoracoabdominal X-ray. The baby underwent a right-sided thoracotomy on day 1 of life for repair of the oesophageal atresia. A double fistula, of both the proximal and distal segments, of the oesophagus with short segment stenosis was confirmed. The tracheo-oesophageal fistulae were ligated and divided and the oesophageal atresia repaired by primary anastomosis without complications. The azygos vein was not ligated.
Metastatic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas presenting as intractable back pain
Authors: Pigg Nicholas , Banks James , Siddall Kristina
Published: December 2019

An 85-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for evaluation of gradually worsening upper back pain of 3 weeks’ duration. Her pain radiated down her right arm and was associated with right arm weakness. She reported visiting pain medicine specialists who administered steroid and lidocaine injections, which failed to improve her symptoms. Initial CT of her chest revealed a large lytic lesion within her posterior right fourth rib extending into her T4 vertebral body. The primary malignancy, a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas, was later found on a CT of the abdomen. The patient was also found to have multiple pulmonary, hepatic and lymphatic metastases from the pancreatic primary tumour.
Asymptomatic bilateral common iliac artery dissections in previously undiagnosed vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Lavoie Matthew , Reese Jason
Published: December 2019

We report a case of a 35-year-old woman found to have vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) after family history of sudden death due to aortic dissection in her otherwise healthy brother prompted further imaging workup and consideration of an underlying heritable genetic condition. CT angiogram of the aorta with intravenous contrast revealed an abdominal aortic artery dissection below the level of the renal arteries extending from the bifurcation into the left common iliac artery with an additional focal dissection of the right common iliac artery. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of asymptomatic bilateral common iliac artery dissections as a part of the initial presentation of a patient with underlying vEDS. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of familial diagnostic screening in inherited vasculopathies. Clinical history, genetic testing and management are discussed.
Treatment-resistant severe capecitabine-induced diarrhoea resolved with oral budesonide
Authors: Shumar John , Junga Zachary , Johnson Jeptha T , Goldkind Lawrence
Published: December 2019

Chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea (CID) is a risk of antineoplastic regimens, often associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan and capecitabine. Current treatment guidelines for CID include the use of loperamide and octreotide but do not account for other therapies, including budesonide. Small case reports have shown benefit with budesonide in CID secondary to 5-FU and irinotecan, but there is no literature base addressing budesonide use in CID secondary to capecitabine. We describe a case of a patient with severe capecitabine-induced diarrhoea that was refractory to guideline based therapy but resolved with the use of budesonide.
Neonatal cholestasis, hyperferritinemia, hypoglycemia and deafness: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: van Westering-Kroon Elke , Heijligers Malou , Hütten Matthias Christian
Published: December 2019

Neonatal conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is a diagnostic challenge. A full term, small for gestational age boy presented with cholestasis, hypoglycemia, hyperferritinemia and severe bilateral deafness. Diagnostic work-up revealed two hereditary diseases: alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (PI*ZZ genotype) and autosomal recessive deafness type 3 (compound heterozygous MYO15A gene mutation). In addition, we found late hypoglycemia on full enteral feeding which complicated this case. Hyperferritinemia is an uncommon finding in newborn cholestasis without liver failure.
Histiocytosis masquerading in the mesentery and pleura
Authors: Dhillon Nina , Skinnider Brian , Darabian Saman , Carruthers Mollie
Published: December 2019

We present an atypical presentation of Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). Due to its overlap with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), this case proved to be a diagnostic dilemma. Our case is an example of the importance of having a broad-based differential and, ultimately, an in-depth histopathological review. Our patient presented with a constellation of symptoms suggestive of an underlying malignancy. He was provisionally diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis of an unknown primary. His initial presentation triggered a series of investigations, surgery and biopsies. Omental biopsy specimens were suggestive of IgG4-RD. Despite appropriate treatment for IgG4-RD, his disease progressed, specifically in the lungs. Pleural biopsies were then collected and assessed alongside the omental biopsies. On review and reassessment, the patient was formally diagnosed with RDD.
Inverse Bell’s phenomenon: a rare complication of levator resection surgery in a case of congenital ptosis
Authors: Morawala Ashi , Sharma Abhimanyu , Naik Milind N
Published: December 2019

A 27-year-old woman with moderate congenital ptosis and a positive Marcus-Gunn jaw winking reflex underwent levator resection surgery to correct the ptosis. Preoperatively, a normal Bell’s reflex was documented. Postoperatively, she developed an inverse Bell’s reflex and increased symptoms of ocular surface exposure. The Bell’s reflex normalised in a week, with resolution of the corneal exposure. Reversal of the Bell’s reflex can be an unforeseen complication following maximal levator resection. The early postoperative care in such cases is crucial, and the cornea must be protected from exposure changes. Accurate documentation of the Bell’s phenomenon preoperatively is vital to recognise this rare event and plan management.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed after non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in a young man
Authors: Lei Shaobo , Micieli Jonathan A
Published: December 2019

Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common acute optic neuropathy in older individuals but may also occur in younger patients. A 30-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of right eye painless vision loss and was found to have right optic disc oedema and a left ‘disc-at-risk’. He was diagnosed with right NAION and review of symptoms revealed witnessed apnea at night and episodes where he woke up gasping for air, concerning for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A formal sleep study revealed severe OSA and he was treated with continuous positive airway pressure to reduce his risk of fellow eye involvement and reduce his overall cardiovascular risk. OSA should be considered in every patient with NAION, especially in younger patients without any additional risk factors.
Prolonged unconsciousness in perampanel overdose
Authors: Parsons Guy , Bailey Jon , Bailey Frederick , Brzezicki Max
Published: December 2019

Clinical experience of perampanel overdoses is markedly limited and the relevant literature is sparse. Perampanel is a novel antiepileptic drug (an amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazlepropionic acid glutamate receptor antagonist) with a long half-life, which is used for the adjunctive treatment of epilepsy. The literature available identifies a potential for prolonged unconsciousness in overdose. We report a case of prolonged unconsciousness for 14 days following a perampanel overdose of 3.5 times the maximum daily dose, requiring protracted intubation and ventilation on intensive care, with eventual complete neurological recovery. This represents the longest known period of unconsciousness with full recovery and the first reported in a perampanel naïve patient. This case helps to inform decision-making in critical care, particularly the early consideration of admission and intubation. It highlights that while perampanel overdose may not initially cause systemic effects such as cardiac toxicity, it can cause protracted altered consciousness with secondary compromise requiring prolonged intensive care management.
Non-proliferative type II macular telangiectasia variant with subfoveal detachment: role of anti-VEGF therapy
Authors: Manayath George J , Ranjan Ratnesh , Nagesha C K , Narendran Venkatapathy
Published: December 2019

Aims

To describe a rare variant of non-proliferative stage of type II macular telangiectasia (MacTel2) with the presence of subfoveal detachment (SFD) and its response to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Methods

A retrospective case series of patients diagnosed with a rare variant of non-proliferative MacTel2 (defined as MacTel2 with the presence of SFD on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the absence of subretinal neovascularisation, confirmed on fluorescein angiography (FA)) over a period of 2 years. Patients were studied with biomicroscopy, OCT and FA. Patients were managed either with observation or anti-VEGF therapy.

Results

Twenty eyes of 13 patients, all female with a mean age of 52.2±6.1 years, were diagnosed with this variant of non-proliferative MacTel2. The best-corrected visual acuity at presentation ranged from 20/20 to 20/120. Six eyes were lost to follow-up. Eight eyes were kept under observation for a mean follow-up of 7.3±2.2 months and did not show resolution. Eight eyes underwent anti-VEGF therapy with a mean number of intravitreal injections of 2±1.07 per eye during a mean follow-up of 9.38±5.5 months. All eyes showed complete resolution of SFD, with a visual improvement of ≥1 line of Snellen’s acuity in 87.5% of the eyes.

Conclusion

This is the largest series of a variant of non-proliferative MacTel2 with SFD, which shows good anatomical and functional response to anti-VEGF therapy, in comparison to observation alone. Careful evaluation of the OCT images may be helpful in predicting the visual prognosis with anti-VEGF therapy.
Impact of resistance training program configuration on the circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor response
Authors: Quiles Justin M. , Klemp Alex , Dolan Chad , Maharaj Arun , Huang Chun-Jung , Khamoui Andy V. , Trexler Eric T. , Whitehurst Michael , Zourdos Michael C.
Published: December 2019

This study examined the acute and resting changes of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inteleukin-6 (IL-6) and if changes in these biomarkers were correlated during resistance training (RT). Fifteen men with ≥2 years of RT experience (age: 23 ± 3 years, body mass: 84.4 ± 12.3 kg) participated. Subjects performed RT 3×/week for 6 weeks in either a high-repetition (HR; n = 8) or low-repetition (LR; n = 7) group. Protocols during week 1 were HR – Monday: 4 (sets) × 12 (repetitions) at 60% of 1-repetition maximum, Wednesday: 4 × 10 at 65%, Friday: 5 × 8 at 70%; LR – Monday: 8 × 6 at 75%, Wednesday 9 × 4 at 80%, Friday: 10 × 2 at 85%. Total volume was equated for the 6 weeks but not for individual sessions. Greater volume and intensity were performed in LR versus HR (p < 0.01) on Mondays. Plasma was collected immediately before and after exercise of the Monday session. There were no significant interactions or main effects for BDNF (p > 0.05). There was a moderate between-group effect size (0.57) in favor of LR in week 6, suggesting a potentially greater acute increase in BDNF in LR versus HR. For IL-6, a statistically significant main effect was observed for training (p < 0.0001), showing an acute increase in IL-6 in both weeks (p < 0.01); however, no other 3-way or 2-way interactions existed (p > 0.05). A minimum volume threshold of RT may be needed to induce acute elevations in BDNF.

Novelty A minimum RT volume threshold may be needed to elicit BDNF. A close proximity to failure may be needed to elicit BDNF. BDNF and IL-6 did not correlate.
Diagrammatic morphisms between indecomposable modules of Ūq(𝔰𝔩2)
Authors: Moore Stephen T.
Published: December 2019

We give diagrammatic formulae for morphisms between indecomposable representations of [Formula: see text] appearing in the decomposition of [Formula: see text], including projections and second endomorphisms on projective indecomposable representations.
Maximal length cellular automata in GF(q) and pseudo-random number generation
Authors: Adak Sumit , Bhattacharjee Kamalika , Das Sukanta
Published: December 2019

This work explores the randomness quality of maximal length cellular automata (CAs) in GF([Formula: see text]), where [Formula: see text]. A greedy strategy is chosen to select the candidate CAs which satisfy unpredictability criterion essential for a good pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). Then, performance of these CAs as PRNGs is empirically analyzed by using Diehard battery of tests. It is observed that, up to GF(11), increase in [Formula: see text] improves randomness quality of the CAs, but after that, it saturates. Finally, we propose an implementable design of a good PRNG based on a 13-cell maximal length cellular automaton over GF(11) which can compete with the existing well-known PRNGs.
Bee Venom Suppresses EGF-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor Invasion in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Jeong Yun-Jeong , Park Yoon-Yub , Park Kwan-Kyu , Choi Yung Hyun , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Chang Young-Chae
Published: December 2019

Bee venom of Apis mellifera is a traditional medicine in Asia. It has been used with promoting results for the treatment of pain, rheumatoid, and cancer disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bee venom on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and determine possible signaling pathway affected in EGF-induced EMT in A549 cells. Bee venom inhibited EGF-induced F-actin reorganization and cell invasion, and suppressed EGF-induced EMT, processes associated with tumor metastasis in NSCLC. Bee venom enhanced the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of vimentin and inhibited EGF-induced ERK, JNK, FAK, and mTOR phosphorylation in A549 cells. However, the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation by bee venom was not related to the inhibitory effects of EMT. Furthermore, we found that bee venom suppressed the EMT-related transcription factors ZEB2 and Slug by blocking EGF-induced ERK, FAK and mTOR phosphorylation. Bee venom inhibits EGF-induced EMT by blocking the phosphorylation of ERK, FAK, and mTOR, resulting in the suppression of ZEB2 and Slug. These data suggest bee venom as a potential antimetastatic agent for NSCLC.
Generalized (3+1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation: Breathers, rogue waves and their dynamics
Authors: Yan Xue-Wei
Published: December 2019

In this work, we consider the generalized (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional Boussinesq equation, which can describe the propagation of gravity wave on the surface of water. Based on the Bell polynomial theory, a powerful technique is employed to explicitly construct its bilinear formalism and two-soliton solutions, based on which the new rational solution is well-constructed. Moreover, the extended homoclinic test approach is presented to succinctly construct the breather wave and rogue wave solutions of the Boussinesq equation. Then the main characteristics of these solutions are graphically discussed. More importantly, they reveal that the extreme behavior of the breather wave can give rise to the rogue wave.
Covariant quantum-mechanical scattering via Stueckelberg–Horwitz–Piron theory
Authors: Momeni Davood
Published: December 2019

Based on the Stueckelberg–Horwitz–Piron theory of covariant quantum mechanics on curved spacetime, we solved the wave equations for a charged covariant harmonic oscillator in the background of a charged static spherically symmetric black hole. Using Green’s functions, we found an asymptotic form for the wave function in the lowest mode ([Formula: see text]-mode) and in higher moments. It has been proven that for [Formula: see text]-wave, in a definite range of solid angles, the differential cross-section depends effectively to on the magnetic and electric charges of the black hole.
ICCM2016: Multi-Patch-Based B-Spline Method for Solid and Structure
Authors: Liu Yanan
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the solution domain is divided into multi-patches on which B-spline basis functions are used for approximation. The different B-spline patches are connected by a transition region which is described by several elements. The basis functions in different B-spline patches are modified in the transition region to ensure the basic polynomial reconstruction condition and the compatibility of displacements and their gradients. This new method is applied to the stress analysis of 2D elasticity problems in order to investigate its performance. Numerical results show that the present method is accurate and stable.
A Mesh-Free Approach for Multiscale Modeling in Continuum–Granular Systems
Authors: Wang Can , Deng An , Taheri Abbas , Ge Louis
Published: December 2019

Geotechnical systems often examine interactions that occur between continuum bodies and granular soils. The systems and interactions can be accurately simulated by using multiscale coupling approaches. The model for the continuum bodies is often constructed into a mesh. The meshing, however, is time consuming for a huge spatial system and if distorted is subject to adjustments. A mesh-free approach can be used to eliminate these drawbacks. In this study, a mesh-free approach for simulating continuum–granular systems is presented. This approach combines element-free Galerkin (EFG) and discrete element (DE) methods to approximate the interactions. The capabilities of the coupled EFG–DE method are validated through its solving two example problems: the cantilever beam–disc system and Cundall’s Nine Disc Test. The proposed approach appears to be an efficient and promising tool to model multiscale, multibody contacting problems.
A New Interval Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Uncertain Problems with Dependent Interval Variables
Authors: Liu Guiping , Luo Rui , Liu Sheng
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new interval multi-objective optimization (MOO) method integrating with the multidimensional parallelepiped (MP) interval model has been proposed to handle the uncertain problems with dependent interval variables. The MP interval model is integrated to depict the uncertain domain of the problem, where the uncertainties are described by marginal intervals and the degree of the dependencies among the interval variables is described by correlation coefficients. Then an efficient multi-objective iterative algorithm combining the micro multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with an approximate optimization method is formulated. Three numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Approximate Connes-biprojectivity of dual Banach algebras
Authors: Sahami A. , Shariati S. F. , Pourabbas A.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we introduce a notion of approximate Connes-biprojectivity for dual Banach algebras. We study the relation between approximate Connes-biprojectivity, approximate Connes amenability and [Formula: see text]-Connes amenability. We propose a criterion to show that certain dual triangular Banach algebras are not approximately Connes-biprojective. Next, we show that for a locally compact group [Formula: see text], the Banach algebra [Formula: see text] is approximately Connes-biprojective if and only if [Formula: see text] is amenable. Finally, for an infinite commutative compact group [Formula: see text], we show that the Banach algebra [Formula: see text] with convolution product is approximately Connes-biprojective, but it is not Connes-biprojective.
Biomarkers for Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Ganesan Shridar , Mehnert Janice
Published: December 2019

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has significant clinical activity in diverse cancer classes and can induce durable remissions in even refractory advanced disease. However, only a minority of cancer patients treated with ICB have long-term benefits, and ICB treatment is associated with significant, potentially life-threatening, autoimmune side effects. There is a great need to develop biomarkers of response to guide patient selection to maximize the chance of benefit and prevent unnecessary toxicity, and current biomarkers do not have optimal positive or negative predictive value. A variety of potential biomarkers are currently being developed, including those based on assessment of checkpoint protein expression, evaluation of tumor-intrinsic features including mutation burden and viral infection, evaluation of features of the tumor immune microenvironment including nature of immune cell infiltration, and features of the host such as composition of the gut microbiome. Better understanding of the underlying fundamental mechanisms of immune response and resistance to ICB, along with the use of complementary assays that interrogate distinct features of the tumor, the tumor microenvironment, and host immune system, will allow more precise use of these therapies to optimize patient outcomes.
The Life Course Consequences of Very Preterm Birth
Authors: Wolke Dieter , Johnson Samantha , Mendonça Marina
Published: December 2019

Around 15 million children are born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) every year. Of these, 15% or 2.25 million are born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks of gestation). Here, the developmental outcomes of VP babies in diverse domains from motor, cognitive, and social function to mental health and well-being throughout childhood and adolescence are reviewed. Their life course adaptation in terms of romantic relationships, employment, and quality of life into adulthood is also considered. Some adverse effects reduce as individuals age, and others remain remarkably stable from childhood into adulthood. We argue that to advance understanding of developmental mechanisms and direct resources for intervention more effectively, social factors need to be assessed more comprehensively, and genetically sensitive designs should be considered with neuroimaging integrated to test alternative developmental models. As current evidence is based almost exclusively on studies from high-income countries, research from low- and middle-income countries is urgently needed.
A model of mitochondrial O2consumption and ATP generation in rat proximal tubule cells
Authors: Edwards Aurélie , Palm Fredrik , Layton Anita T.
Published: December 2019

Oxygen tension in the kidney is mostly determined by O2consumption (Qo2), which is, in turn, closely linked to tubular Na+reabsorption. The objective of the present study was to develop a model of mitochondrial function in the proximal tubule (PT) cells of the rat renal cortex to gain more insight into the coupling between Qo2, ATP formation (GATP), ATP hydrolysis (QATP), and Na+transport in the PT. The present model correctly predicts in vitro and in vivo measurements of Qo2, GATP, and ATP and Piconcentrations in PT cells. Our simulations suggest that O2levels are not rate limiting in the proximal convoluted tubule, absent large metabolic perturbations. The model predicts that the rate of ATP hydrolysis and cytoplasmic pH each substantially regulate the GATP-to-Qo2ratio, a key determinant of the number of Na+moles actively reabsorbed per mole of O2consumed. An isolated increase in QATPor in cytoplasmic pH raises the GATP-to-Qo2ratio. Thus, variations in Na+reabsorption and pH along the PT may, per se, generate axial heterogeneities in the efficiency of mitochondrial metabolism and Na+transport. Our results also indicate that the GATP-to-Qo2ratio is strongly impacted not only by H+leak permeability, which reflects mitochondrial uncoupling, but also by K+leak pathways. Simulations suggest that the negative impact of increased uncoupling in the diabetic kidney on mitochondrial metabolic efficiency is partly counterbalanced by increased rates of Na+transport and ATP consumption. This model provides a framework to investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in acute and chronic renal diseases.
Evidence for disordered acid-base handling in calcium stone-forming patients
Authors: Worcester Elaine M. , Bergsland Kristin J. , Gillen Daniel L. , Coe Fredric L.
Published: December 2019

In stone formers (SFs) with idiopathic hypercalciuria, urine pH governs the mineral phase of stones. Calcium phosphate (CaP) SFs have higher urine pH than calcium oxalate (CaOx) SFs. Normal women have higher urine pH than men on fixed diets, accompanied by greater absorption of food alkali. Female CaP and male CaOx SFs have similar urine pH as same sex normal individuals, but male CaP and female CaOx SFs may have abnormal acid-base handling. We studied 25 normal individuals (13 men and 12 women), 17 CaOx SFs (11 men and 6 women), and 15 CaP SFs (8 men and 7 women) on fixed diets. Urine and blood samples were collected under fasting and fed conditions. Female CaOx SFs had lower urine pH and lower alkali absorption, fed, compared with normal women; their urine NH4was higher and urine citrate excretion lower than in normal women, consistent with their higher net acid excretion. Male CaOx SFs had higher urine citrate excretion and higher serum ultrafilterable citrate levels than normal men. Both male and female CaP SFs had higher urine pH fasting than same sex normal individuals, but only men were higher in the fed period, and there were no differences from normal in gut alkali absorption. CaP SFs of both sexes had higher urine NH4and lower urine citrate than same sex normal individuals. The lower urine pH of female CaOx SFs seems related to decreased gut alkali absorption, while the higher pH of CaP SFs, accompanied by higher urine NH4and lower urine citrate, suggests a proximal tubule disorder.
Contributions of Fasting and Postprandial Glucose Concentrations to Haemoglobin A1c in Drug-Naïve Mal-Glucose Metabolism in Chinese Population Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Yan Rengna , Hu Yun , Li Fengfei , Jiang Lanlan , Xu Xiaohua , Wang Jie , Zhang Ying , Ye Lei , Lee Kok Onn , Su Xiaofei , Ma Jianhua
Published: December 2019

Aim. To clarify the contributions of fasting glucose (FG) and postprandial glucose (PG) to HbA1c in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and impaired glucose tolerate (IGT)/impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Methods. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was performed in 305 drug-naïve Chinese patients with T2D or IGT/IFG. The incremental area under the curve (AUC) above a glucose value of 6.1 mmol/L or FG glucose levels were calculated to evaluate the contributions of PG or FG to HbA1c values. Results. According to quintiles of HbA1c, T2D patients were divided into five groups (group 1 to 5), and patients with IGT/IFG were assigned into group 0. PG was the predominant contributor in the lower groups with HbA1c 4.9∼6.0% and 6.1∼7.8%. The relative contributions of FG and PG to HbA1c had no significance in the middle groups of HbA1c (7.9∼8.7% and 8.8∼9.5%). FG contributed significantly more than PG in the higher groups of HbA1c (9.6∼10.9% and 11.0∼14.6%). Regression analyses indicate that the contributions of FG and PG were equal (both 50%) when the level of HbA1c was 8.5%. Conclusions. In drug-naïve patients with T2D or IGT/IFG, PG contributed more in patients with HbA1c < 8.5%, whereas FG became the predominant contributor in the poorly controlled patients with HbA1c ≥ 8.5%. These results may help the health-care provider set appropriate plasma glucose testing goals with the expectation of achieving specific HbA1c values.
Correlation between Preoperative Anxiety and ABO Blood Types: Evidence from a Clinical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Feng , Yin Jiang-wen , Xiong Er-feng , He Hong , Zhang Qing-tong , Fan Shi-wen , Qin Xin-lei , Wang Sheng
Published: December 2019

Gene-environment interaction is identified as the determinant in anxiety. ABO blood types represent a part of the genetic phenotype. Therefore, we assume ABO blood types correlate with preoperative anxiety. This cross-sectional study enrolled 352 patients with different ABO blood types, scheduled for elective surgery between 2018 and 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University. HADS (hospital anxiety and depression scale) scores and VA (visual analogue scales for anxiety) scores were all used to assess the preoperative anxiety in the A, B, AB, and O groups. Bivariate correlation and logistic regression were performed to identify relationships between preoperative anxiety and related variables. A significant difference in VA and HADS-A (anxiety) scores was found between the AB and other groups. The ratio of preoperative anxiety was 3.73 (95% CI [confidence interval]: 2.32-6.00, P<0.001) times in female than in male; 0.36 (95% CI: 0.21-0.63, P<0.001) times in ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade II than in grade I; 0.41 (95% CI: 0.20-0.86, P<0.05) times in ASA grade III than in grade I; 1.25 (95% CI: 1.1-1.41, P<0.001) times in higher VAS (visual analogue scales for pain) scores than in lower VAS scores; and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.16-0.49, P<0.01) times in non-AB blood type than in AB blood type. Differences in ABO blood types were found in preoperative anxiety, and the AB group displayed a high preoperative anxiety level. ABO blood types, sex, ASA grade, and VAS were associated with preoperative anxiety. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800019390.
“There’s More to Frail than That”: Older New Zealanders and Health Professionals Talk about Frailty
Authors: Gee Susan B. , Cheung Gary , Bergler Ulrich , Jamieson Hamish
Published: December 2019

There is general agreement that frailty is common and important in later life, but there is less agreement about what frailty is. Little is known about the extent to which practicing health professionals and older people hold a mutual understanding of frailty. Focus groups were held to engage older people and health professionals in discussion about what made them think that someone was frail. Eighteen older people took part across three focus groups, and se'venteen health professionals took part across another three focus groups. Both the health professionals and the older people talked about the experience of frailty as an interplay of physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Older people with frailty were seen as needing help and being vulnerable to adverse outcomes, but accepting help was positioned by older people as an adaptive choice. The experience of frailty was described as being mediated by the individual’s psychological mindset, highlighting the importance of approaches that recognise strengths and resilience. A broader and more balanced understanding of frailty may help create more rounded and appropriate approaches to assessment and management.
Differentiation of Recurrence from Radiation Necrosis in Gliomas Based on the Radiomics of Combinational Features and Multimodality MRI Images
Authors: Zhang Quan , Cao Jianyun , Zhang Junde , Bu Junguo , Yu Yuwei , Tan Yujing , Feng Qianjin , Huang Meiyan
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To classify radiation necrosis versus recurrence in glioma patients using a radiomics model based on combinational features and multimodality MRI images. Methods. Fifty-one glioma patients who underwent radiation treatments after surgery were enrolled in this study. Sixteen patients revealed radiation necrosis while 35 patients showed tumor recurrence during the follow-up period. After treatment, all patients underwent T1-weighted, T1-weighted postcontrast, T2-weighted, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery scans. A total of 41,284 handcrafted and 24,576 deep features were extracted for each patient. The 0.623 + bootstrap method and the area under the curve (denoted as 0.632 + bootstrap AUC) metric were used to select the features. The stepwise forward method was applied to construct 10 logistic regression models based on different combinations of image features. Results. For handcrafted features on multimodality MRI, model 7 with seven features yielded the highest AUC of 0.9624, sensitivity of 0.8497, and specificity of 0.9083 in the validation set. These values were higher than the accuracy of using handcrafted features on single-modality MRI (paired t-test, p<0.05, except sensitivity). For combined handcrafted and AlexNet features on multimodality MRI, model 6 with six features achieved the highest AUC of 0.9982, sensitivity of 0.9941, and specificity of 0.9755 in the validation set. These values were higher than the accuracy of using handcrafted features on multimodality MRI (paired t-test, p<0.05). Conclusions. Handcrafted and deep features extracted from multimodality MRI images reflecting the heterogeneity of gliomas can provide useful information for glioma necrosis/recurrence classification.