bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Microwave Absorbing Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers
Authors: Ye Fengchao , He Xingsheng , Zheng Jiajia
Published: March 2020

The microwave absorbing properties of carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) based magnetoheological elastomer (MRE) filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were examined. Absorbents including the CIPs and MWCNTs were mixed and added to the silicone rubber (SR) matrix for further compression molding and vulcanization. The complex permittivity and complex permeability were measured over a frequency range of 2-18GHz. As the MWCNT weight percentage increased, the reflection loss (RL) of the MRE composites changed significantly, which is attributed to the impedance mismatch. The MRE composites containing 28 wt% CIPs and 0.1 wt% MWCNTs with a thickness of 3 mm display dual resonance peaks with a maximum RL of -53 dB and the effective frequency bandwidth (RL<-10dB) reaches 7.7 GHz. This suggests that the MRE composites could serve as a potential candidate for absorbing incident microwave with excellent flexibility.
Formation of Carbon Nanofibers Grafted with TiO2 Nanosheets as Advanced Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Yan , Fan Na , Li Changyan
Published: March 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based materials, including various polymorphic TiO2 and several titanates, have been extensively studied for potential negative electrode materials for next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs). And it is indispensable to design a reasonable nanostructure. Novel nano-heterostructures composed of TiO2 nanosheets on the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNF) have been synthesized by growing hydrogen titanate nanosheets on the CNF backbone, and then followed by thermal conversion to TiO2 nanosheets. Owing to their structural advantages, the hybrid CNF@TiO2 electrode delivers high capacities of 292 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with outstanding capacity retention over 200 cycles.
Preparation and Physical Properties of Polyethylene/Carbon Nanotubes/Nanosilver Composite
Authors: Ge Feifan , Yao Wei-Hua , Lin Xu , Jui-Chin-Chen  , Jiang Lin , Tsou Chi-Hui
Published: March 2020

In this paper, nanosilver and carbon nanotubes was melt blended with HDPE and pet respectively to prepare HDPE/CNT/nanosilver and PET/CNT/nanosilver composites with antibacterial effect. After the preparation of samples, SEM, DSC, TGA, mechanical properties and antibacterial properties were tested. The possibility of preparing new materials by this method is studied. Compared with pure HDPE, when the content of CNT/nanosilver is 0.1 phr, the tensile strength of HDPE/CNT/nanosilver composite reach to the max value.
Fused Deposition Modeling of Montmorillonite Modified Poly (Lactic Acid)/Sunflower Seed Husk Composites
Authors: Song Xiaohui , Song Pinghui , Qin Huadong , Meng Hangyu
Published: March 2020

Abstracts.This work presents the fused deposition modelling of Poly (lactic acid)/sunflower seed husk/montmorillonite (PLA/SSH/MMT) composites filaments. The SSH was treated with NaOH followed by silane. The rheological behavior, thermal stability and the tensile properties were determined. The results showed that the onset temperature at the maximum degradation rate reached to the highest at 5 wt% SSH and 15 wt% MMT. The tensile strength was enhanced to 45.8 MPa by incorporation of 15wt% MMT. The utilization of FDM and SSH reduced the cost of PLA filament by about 35%, and make a good using of the wastes.
Designing and Fabrication of WC
p
/Cu Metal-Matrix Composite by Pressureless Infiltration Technique
Authors: Liu Guojun , Cheng Tuo
Published: March 2020

The WC
p
particulate reinforced Cu matrix composite has been designed and fabricated via spontaneous infiltration technique for the course experiment of Metal Matrix Composite. The influence of main processing parameters, including infiltration method as well as temperature on the microstructures, phase compositions and the hardness is investigated. The results show that both the fraction of WC and the hardness show a gradual decline with the increasing of infiltration temperature.
Optimal Design of a 3D Printed Composite Micro-Perforated Silencer for Engine Intake Noise Control
Authors: Chen Wan , Lu Chihua , Liu Zhien
Published: March 2020

Micro-perforated panel (MPP) is a new sound-absorbing material with wide frequency band and high absorption characteristics. In this paper, to reduce medium-high frequency intake noise of a car engine under accelerating working conditions, a composite MPP silencer with a serial-parallel coupling mode is presented. Moreover, based on the numerical calculation method of the presented MPP silencer, the Isight software is utilized to integrate relevant simulation software, and then the multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) is adopted to optimize the average transmission loss of the silencer. Finally, the optimized silencer is 3D printed for impedance tube testing and vehicle testing. The results demonstrate that the optimization design process of the proposed composite MPP silencer is reasonable; and after adopting the optimized silencer, the objective wideband intake noise is effectively attenuated and the sound pressure level is reduced by 8 dB(A) when the engine is at 3525 r/min, providing a promising way of vehicle noise control.
Removal of Mercury from Simulated Natural Gas by SO2 Activated Petroleum Coke
Authors: Yan Qituan , Zhu Mingqing , Li Jian , Duan Yufeng , Han Zhongxi , Zhang Xiang , Wang Shuying
Published: March 2020

A preparation method based on the carbon-thermal reduction reaction was proposed to make petroleum coke-based mercury adsorbent. The effects of activation agent flow rate, time and inlet mercury concentration on mercury removal were investigated. Mercury adsorption experiments were carried out on a fixed-bed reactor system under simulated natural gas atmosphere. Meanwhile, the mercury removal mechanism was put forward based on the characterization results, including surface area and micropore structure, element contents and active chemical functional groups. The results show that the raw petroleum coke (RPC) has almost no mercury removal capacity while the mercury removal efficiency of the sulfur activated petroleum coke (SPC) is greatly improved. After activation, specific surface area and micropores increased significantly. The sulfur content increased as well. Meanwhile, the relative content of non-oxidative sulfur forms and oxygen functional groups of SPC are significantly higher than RPC. The optimum parameters of activation agent flow rate and time of 100 mL/min and 1.5 h are reached in this experiment, respectively.
An Evolution-Based Uncertainty Analysis Method for Bending Fatigue Failure of Involute Spur Gears
Authors: Yu Guoqing , Shi Boqiang , Shen Yanhua , Duan Guochen
Published: March 2020

An evolution-based uncertainty analysis model of bending fatigue failure of involute spur gears is presented. The fluctuation of transmit torque and rotational velocity of gears are introduced to the mild wear model of gear flanks. Then a novel simulation model of tooth profile evolution is developed to describe the change of meshing parameters, which include the tooth load, load angle and bending moment arm. The critical tooth-root bending stress is influenced by these time-varying parameters. Based on the evolution-based uncertainty analysis method, the load is approximately obeying logarithmic normal distribution, the load angle and bending moment arm are approximately obey geometric Brownian motion. Then the critical tooth-root bending stress is calculated as a logarithmic normal distribution quantity over time. Finally, the prediction model of time dependent reliability of the bending load capacity of spur gears is proposed.
Experimental Research on Anchoring Behavior of Chemical Anchor Bolt under Repeated Loading
Authors: Xu Chengxiang , Gu Yong , Peng Sheng
Published: March 2020

To study the anchoring behavior of chemical anchors under repeated loading, 33 test pieces were designed and fabricated based on the specifications. Each 3 test pieces were 1 set, that is, 1 set of comparative test pieces and 10 sets of test pieces, respectively, for static force. Bonding and anchoring performance tests for loading and reloading. Through the analysis of the test phenomena and results, the following conclusions are drawn: when the loading load exceeded 0.9 times the ultimate bearing capacity of the anchor; when the loading load was equal to 0.6 or 0.75 times, the test piece would undergo splitting damage after the set number of loading times, and its bearing capacity would increase. As the number of loading increased, the energy consumption would gradually decrease, and the decreasing amplitude would gradually increase. Compared with constant amplitude loading and variable amplitude loading, it is found that the slip value of variable amplitude loading increased by 42.1% and the bearing capacity decreased by 12%, which indicated that variable amplitude loading has a great influence on the bonding and anchoring performance of specimens.
Analysis of Real-World Fuel Consumption Characteristics of Heavy-Duty Commercial Diesel Vehicle Based on OBD Method
Authors: He Weinan , Cheng Ying , Liu Ying , Wang Changyuan , Fang Xiyu , Feng Qian , Zhu Xin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, heavy-duty commercial diesel vehicles were selected for the actual road, vehicle emission test system (PEMS), C-WTVC and CATC test, and each test was connected to the OBD remote monitoring equipment. Through PEMS test and C-WTVC test, the instantaneous fuel consumption data and carbon balance fuel consumption data of OBD remote monitoring equipment are compared within 10%, which proves that OBD remote monitoring has good accuracy. The fuel consumption of the actual road test normalized to CATC is 10.8%-88.0% higher than that of the ministry of industry and information technology type certification, with an average value of 45.1%. The fuel consumption under the normalized C-WTVC condition is 10.1%∼76.6% higher than that under the type approval of the ministry of industry and information technology, with an average value of 40.0% 23.9%. This difference is relatively smaller than that under the normalized to CATC. It is of great significance to correctly guide the development and calibration of vehicles and promote the research and application of vehicle energy conservation and emission reduction technologies suitable for China’s traffic characteristics and actual use characteristics.
The Structure Design and Process Analysis for a Metrorological Monitoring Device Based on GIS
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: March 2020

A kind of meteorological monitoring device based on geographic information system (GIS) is studied in this paper, which belongs to the field of meteorological monitoring technology. The device include base, turntable, themometer shelter, roof, bracket and processor. Specifically, batteries and turntables motors are fixed on the left side and middle on the top respectively, and motors are fixed on the middle of the bottom. The device adopts a technological design of modularity design to ensure its scientific, rigorous and flexible. Its configuration can not only meet functional requirements of meteorological monitoring and the overall performance, but also its scalability can be achieved by adjusting the hardware configuration or adding a server to achieve a smooth upgrade of the device and expanding the overall performance of the device.
Research on Production Vehicle Evaluation Method of China VI OBD for Light-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Ling Jian , Li Yong , Li Jingyuan , Yan Yan
Published: March 2020

With the gradual tightening of light-duty vehicle emission regulations, the fault diagnosis function of the on-board diagnostic (OBD) system is constantly improving and the monitoring items are also increasing. The production vehicle evaluation (PVE) test problem of latest OBD certification in the China VI emission regulations for light vehicles is studied. Firstly, the working principle and development process of OBD system is introduced. Secondly, the PVE testing regulations and testing process of OBD system is analyzed. It covers standardized verification (J1), monitoring requirement verification (J2) and in-use monitoring performance verification (J3). Finally, in order to improve the efficiency of PVE testing for such a large number of faults, a faults classification method based on fault type and function is proposed. OBD faults can be simplified into the six categories, which include circuit fault, tool performance fault, hardware performance fault, bus communication fault and exemption test fault. The simulation method of corresponding fault is introduced and analyzed as well.
Study on the Appropriate Size of Scale Breeding Family Farms
Authors: He Zhengtao
Published: March 2020

Scale-breeding family farms can meet the demand of meat market and increase the farmers’ income. However, they may cause serious environmental problems to some extent if the waste is not properly handled. In this paper, the appropriate scale of scale breeding family farms was studied from the circular economy theory. Results show that the resource loss rate of middle-scale family farms is lowest among three kinds of scale-breeding family farms. Therefore, the middle-scale should be chosen as optimistic size for sustainable development of agricultural economy in China.
FE Analysis on the Thermoforming Behaviour of Large Spherical PMMA Panelapplied in JUNO
Authors: Qian Xiaohui , Ma Xiaoyan , Heng Yuekun , Xiao Jianxia , Zhang Gaofeng
Published: March 2020

Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observation (JUNO) mainly focuses on determining neutrino mass hierarchy. The central detector is one of the keys to JUNO experiment, which is a spherical liquid scintillator detector with 20 kton target mass. The target vessel of the central detector is a huge acrylic vessel with a diameter of 35.4 m. Its construction will certainly face many enormous challenges and difficulties. This paper introduces the thermoforming process for huge acrylic spherical panel, which is a very important step in panel production. The effect of temperature on panel’s curvature during thermoforming is discussed. The temperature field and thermal deformation of the panel during thermoforming are analysed by finite element method. The temperature field affects the panel’s shape and cause its radius smaller than the thermoforming mold’s. The paper presents some suggestions on improving the shape of spherical panel. The temperature at concave and convex surfaces of panel should be controlled as equal as possible during thermoforming. The other method to get a spherical panel with design radius is increasing the forming mold’s radius appropriately.
Experimental Research on Anchoring Performance of Chemical Anchor Bolt in Building Curtain Wall Engineering
Authors: Xu Chengxiang , Zhou Bingyang , Peng Sheng
Published: March 2020

To study the anchoring performance of chemical anchor bolts in building curtain wall, anchoring performance affected by chemical anchoring in concrete grade and anchor bolt diameter were considered. Based on the existing code, 48 standard specimens were made. After analysing the drawing force and the load-displacement curve, the results revealed that when the concrete strength grades are the same, the drawing force of specimen increases while the increasing of chemical anchor bolt diameter; when the chemical anchor bolts have the same diameter, the drawing force of each specimen increases while the increasing of the concrete strength grades; when the concrete strength grade is C40 and the chemical anchor bolt diameter is M14, the concrete splitting damage degree of specimen is the weakest.
Surfaces—topography and topology
Authors: Wolf Gert W
Published: March 2020

ISO 25178-2 specifies areal field parameters as well as areal feature parameters. While for the first group the whole set of points defining a scale-limited surface is considered, for the second group only a subset of surface features is taken into account. As a consequence, an adequate data structure for surface characterisation in combination with an appropriate method for surface simplification are required. Three data structures for surface characterisation, namely, Morse-Smale complexes, weighted surface networks and change trees are discussed. Hereafter, the focus is laid on approaches for determining the relevance of topological features with respect to surface topography. Another topic of interest is surface simplification, i.e. the process of deriving from an original surface a second surface of decreased complexity, but with its structural properties being retained. Within the geosciences this concept is associated with the transition from large-scale maps to small-scale maps, whereas in the technical sciences it corresponds to the reduction of measurement noise. From a topological point of view, a theorem proven by Matsumoto may be regarded as the core theorem with respect to surface simplification. Its combination with the two concepts of relevance of a topological feature and degree of simplicity represents the basis of a formal procedure for surface simplification as required in ISO 25178-2 and ISO 16610-85.
Power and punishment influence negotiations over parental care
Authors: Barbasch Tina A , Alonzo Suzanne H , Buston Peter M
Published: March 2020

Asymmetries in power (the ability to influence the outcome of conflict) are ubiquitous in social interactions because interacting individuals are rarely identical. It is well documented that asymmetries in power influence the outcome of reproductive conflict in social groups. Yet power asymmetries have received little attention in the context of negotiations between caring parents, which is surprising given that parents are often markedly different in size. Here we built on an existing negotiation model to examine how power and punishment influence negotiations over care. We incorporated power asymmetry by allowing the more-powerful parent, rank 1, to inflict punishment on the less-powerful parent, rank 2. We then determined when punishment will be favored by selection and how it would affect the negotiated behavioral response of each parent. We found that with power and punishment, a reduction in one parent’s effort results in partial compensation by the other parent. However, the degree of compensation is asymmetric: the rank 2 compensates more than the rank 1. As a result, the fitness of rank 1 increases and the fitness of rank 2 decreases, relative to the original negotiation model. Furthermore, because power and punishment enable one parent to extract greater effort from the other, offspring can do better, that is, receive more total effort, when there is power and punishment involved in negotiations over care. These results reveal how power and punishment alter the outcome of conflict between parents and affect offspring, providing insights into the evolutionary consequences of exerting power in negotiations.
Prenatal low-dose methyltestosterone, but not dihydrotestosterone, treatment induces penile formation in female mice and guinea pigs†
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Lawless John , Zheng Zhengui
Published: March 2020

Genital tubercle has bisexual potential before sex differentiation. Females exposed to androgen during sex differentiation show masculinized external genitalia, but the effects of different androgens on tubular urethral and penile formation in females are mostly unknown. In this study, we compared the masculinization effects of commonly used androgens methyltestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone on the induction of penile formation in females. Our results suggested that prenatal treatment with low doses of methyltestosterone, but not same doses of dihydrotestosterone or testosterone, could induce penile formation in female mice. The minimum dose of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone for inducing tubular urethral formation in female mice was, respectively, 50 and 20 times higher than that of methyltestosterone. In vivo methyltestosterone treatment induced more nuclear translocation of androgen receptors in genital tubercles of female mice, affected Wnt signaling gene expressions, and then led to similar patterns of cell proliferation and death in developing genital tubercles to those of control males. We further revealed that low-dose methyltestosterone, but not same dose of dihydrotestosterone or testosterone, treatment induced penile formation in female guinea pigs. Exposure of female mouse genital tubercle organ culture to methyltestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or testosterone could induce nuclear translocation of androgen receptors, suggesting that the differential effect of the three androgens in vivo might be due to the hormonal profile in mother or fetus, rather than the local genital tissue. To understand the differential role of these androgens in masculinization process involved is fundamental to androgen replacement therapy for diseases related to external genital masculinization.
CHTF18 ensures the quantity and quality of the ovarian reserve†
Authors: Holton Rebecca A , Harris Abigail M , Mukerji Barenya , Singh Tanu , Dia Ferdusy , Berkowitz Karen M
Published: March 2020

The number and quality of oocytes, as well as the decline in both of these parameters with age, determines reproductive potential in women. However, the underlying mechanisms of this diminution are incompletely understood. Previously, we identified novel roles for CHTF18 (Chromosome Transmission Fidelity Factor 18), a component of the conserved Replication Factor C-like complex, in male fertility and gametogenesis. Currently, we reveal crucial roles for CHTF18 in female meiosis and oocyte development. Chtf18−/− female mice are subfertile and have fewer offspring beginning at 6 months of age. Consistent with age-dependent subfertility, Chtf18−/− ovaries contain fewer follicles at all stages of folliculogenesis than wild type ovaries, but the decreases are more significant at 3 and 6 months of age. By 6 months of age, both primordial and growing ovarian follicle pools are markedly reduced to near depletion. Chromosomal synapsis in Chtf18−/− oocytes is complete, but meiotic recombination is impaired resulting in persistent DNA double-strand breaks, fewer crossovers, and early homolog disjunction during meiosis I. Consistent with poor oocyte quality, the majority of Chtf18−/− oocytes fail to progress to metaphase II following meiotic resumption and a significant percentage of those that do progress are aneuploid. Collectively, our findings indicate critical functions for CHTF18 in ensuring both the quantity and quality of the mammalian oocyte pool.
Paths to low-cost hydrogen energy at a scale for transportation applications in the USA and China via liquid-hydrogen distribution networks
Authors: Li Xianming Jimmy , Allen Jeffrey D , Stager Jerad A , Ku Anthony Y
Published: March 2020

The cost of delivered H2 using the liquid-distribution pathway will approach $4.3–8.0/kg in the USA and 26–52 RMB/kg in China by around 2030, assuming large-scale adoption. Historically, hydrogen as an industrial gas and a chemical feedstock has enjoyed a long and successful history. However, it has been slow to take off as an energy carrier for transportation, despite its benefits in energy diversity, security and environmental stewardship. A key reason for this lack of progress is that the cost is currently too high to displace petroleum-based fuels. This paper reviews the prospects for hydrogen as an energy carrier for transportation, clarifies the current drivers for cost in the USA and China, and shows the potential for a liquid-hydrogen supply chain to reduce the costs of delivered H2. Technical and economic trade-offs between individual steps in the supply chain (viz. production, transportation, refuelling) are examined and used to show that liquid-H2 (LH2) distribution approaches offer a path to reducing the delivery cost of H2 to the point at which it could be competitive with gasoline and diesel fuel.
Structure–Function Connectomics Reveals Aberrant Developmental Trajectory Occurring at Preadolescence in the Autistic Brain
Authors: He Changchun , Chen Huafu , Uddin Lucina Q , Erramuzpe Asier , Bonifazi Paolo , Guo Xiaonan , Xiao Jinming , Chen Heng , Huang Xinyue , Li Lei , Sheng Wei , Liao Wei , Cortes Jesus M , Duan Xujun
Published: March 2020

Accumulating neuroimaging evidence shows that age estimation obtained from brain connectomics reflects the level of brain maturation along with neural development. It is well known that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alters neurodevelopmental trajectories of brain connectomics, but the precise relationship between chronological age (ChA) and brain connectome age (BCA) during development in ASD has not been addressed. This study uses neuroimaging data collected from 50 individuals with ASD and 47 age- and gender-matched typically developing controls (TDCs; age range: 5–18 years). Both functional and structural connectomics were assessed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange repository. For each participant, BCA was estimated from structure–function connectomics through linear support vector regression. We found that BCA matched well with ChA in TDC children and adolescents, but not in ASD. In particular, our findings revealed that individuals with ASD exhibited accelerated brain maturation in youth, followed by a delay of brain development starting at preadolescence. Our results highlight the critical role of BCA in understanding aberrant developmental trajectories in ASD and provide the new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder.
The chemokine CXCL14 mediates platelet function and migration via direct interaction with CXCR4
Authors: Witte Alexander , Rohlfing Anne-Katrin , Dannenmann Benjamin , Dicenta Valerie , Nasri Masoud , Kolb Kyra , Sudmann Jessica , Castor Tatsiana , Rath Dominik , Borst Oliver , Skokowa Julia , Gawaz Meinrad
Published: March 2020

Aims 

Beyond classical roles in thrombosis and haemostasis, it becomes increasingly clear that platelets contribute as key players to inflammatory processes. The involvement of platelets in these processes is often mediated through a variety of platelet-derived chemokines which are released upon activation and act as paracrine and autocrine factors. In this study, we investigate CXCL14, a newly described platelet chemokine and its role in thrombus formation as well as monocyte and platelet migration. In addition, we examine the chemokine receptor CXCR4 as a possible receptor for CXCL14 on platelets. Furthermore, with the use of artificially generated platelets derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), we investigate the importance of CXCR4 for CXCL14-mediated platelet functions.

Methods and results 

In this study, we showed that CXCL14 deficient platelets reveal reduced thrombus formation under flow compared with wild-type platelets using a standardized flow chamber. Addition of recombinant CXCL14 normalized platelet-dependent thrombus formation on collagen. Furthermore, we found that CXCL14 is a chemoattractant for platelets and mediates migration via CXCR4. CXCL14 promotes platelet migration of platelets through the receptor CXCR4 as evidenced by murine CXCR4-deficient platelets and human iPSC-derived cultured platelets deficient in CXCR4. We found that CXCL14 directly interacts with the CXCR4 as verified by immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy.

Conclusions 

Our results reveal CXCL14 as a novel platelet-derived chemokine that is involved in thrombus formation and platelet migration. Furthermore, we identified CXCR4 as principal receptor for CXCL14, an interaction promoting platelet migration.
Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries: an alternative to the unroofing strategy
Authors: Gaillard Maïra , Pontailler Margaux , Danial Pichoy , Moreau de Bellaing Anne , Gaudin Régis , du Puy-Montbrun Leonora , Murtuza Bari , Haydar Ayman , Malekzadeh-Milani Sophie , Bonnet Damien , Vouhé Pascal , Raisky Olivier
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is the second leading cause of sudden death in children and young adults. The most threatening anatomy is an interarterial and an intramural course, both probably involved in ischaemic phenomena and sudden death. The treatment of interarterial AAOCA remains controversial. Most of the published studies describe the results of the unroofing technique. Our study aims to evaluate the results of a different surgical approach.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2019, 61 patients were operated on for an interarterial AAOCA (median age 14.7 years). Forty patients had a right AAOCA, and 21 patients had a left AAOCA including 5 patients with intraseptal course. Seventy percent of patients were symptomatic. Five patients had an aborted sudden cardiac death. Two surgical techniques were used: an ‘anatomical’ repair for 35 patients (15 left and 22 right AAOCA) or a coronary translocation with creation of a neo-ostia in 19 patients (1 left and 18 right AAOCA). The 5 left AAOCA patients with an intra-septal course required a complete release of the coronary artery from the septum.

RESULTS

There was no early or late postoperative death. Three patients had an acute postoperative ischaemic event. Two patients required immediate angioplasty and stenting: 1 patient (7 years) with a hypoplastic right AAOCA and 1 patient (66 years) for inadequate tailoring after septal release. The third patient required an immediate surgical revision (H-2) for left AAOCA thrombosis at the level of the pericardial patch with full myocardial recovery at discharge. During follow-up, 1 patient with right AAOCA translocation and chronic chest pain required subsequent stenting and finally a coronary artery bypass grafting 2 years after initial surgery. One patient who had an asymptomatic mild right coronary stenosis 1 year after anatomical repair was successfully treated by angioplasty alone. All patients but 1 who underwent coronary translocation are totally asymptomatic. All patients with anatomical repair or septal release are free from ischaemic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical repair might provide a better protective option for these patients. Unlike unroofing, it treats the entire intramural segment, relocates the ostium at the appropriate sinus level and corrects any acute take-off angle.
A putative placebo analysis of the effects of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure across the full range of ejection fraction
Authors: Vaduganathan Muthiah , Jhund Pardeep S , Claggett Brian L , Packer Milton , Widimský Jiri , Seferovic Petar , Rizkala Adel , Lefkowitz Martin , Shi Victor , McMurray John J V , Solomon Scott D
Published: March 2020

Aims

The PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF trials tested sacubitril/valsartan against active controls given renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) are ethically mandated in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and are used in the vast majority of patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction. To estimate the effects of sacubitril/valsartan had it been tested against a placebo control, we made indirect comparisons of the effects of sacubitril/valsartan with putative placebos in HF across the full range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods and results

We analysed patient-level data from the PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF trials (n = 13 194) and the CHARM-Alternative and CHARM-Preserved trials (n = 5050, candesartan vs. placebo). The rate ratio (RR) of sacubitril/valsartan vs. putative placebo was estimated by the product of the RR for sacubitril/valsartan vs. RASi and the RR for RASi vs. placebo. Total HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death were analysed using the negative binomial method. Treatment effects were estimated using cubic spline methods by ejection fraction as a continuous measure. Across the range of LVEF, sacubitril/valsartan was associated with a RR 0.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.65] for the recurrent primary endpoint compared with putative placebo (P < 0.001). Treatment benefits of sacubitril/valsartan vs. putative placebo varied non-linearly with LVEF with attenuation of effects observed at LVEF above 60%. When analyzing data from PARADIGM-HF and CHARM-Alternative, the estimated risk reduction of sacubitril/valsartan vs. putative placebo was 48% (95% CI 35–58%); P < 0.001. When analyzing data from PARAGON-HF and CHARM-Preserved (with LVEF ≥ 45%), the estimated risk reduction of sacubitril/valsartan vs. putative placebo was 29% (95% CI 7–46%); P = 0.013. Across the full range of LVEF, consistent effects were observed for time-to-first endpoints: first primary endpoint (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.82), first HF hospitalization (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.78), cardiovascular death (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64–0.89), and all-cause death (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71–0.96); all P < 0.02.

Conclusion

This putative placebo analysis reinforces the treatment benefits of sacubitril/valsartan on risk of adverse cardiovascular events across the full range of LVEF, with most pronounced effects observed at a LVEF up to 60%.
Successful Aging in East Asia: Comparison Among China, Korea, and Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Cho Jinmyoung , Yeung Dannii Y
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Heterogeneity in successful aging has been found across countries. Yet, comparable evidence is sparse except in North America and Europe. Extending prior research, this study examined the prevalence and correlates of successful aging in East Asia: China, Korea, and Japan.

Method

We used harmonized data sets from national surveys. A total of 6,479 participants (aged between 65 and 75) were analyzed. Using Rowe and Kahn’s (1987, 1997) model, successful aging was defined as having no major diseases, no difficulty performing activities of daily living, obtaining a median or higher score on tests of cognitive function, and being actively engaged.

Results

The average prevalence of successful agers was 17.6%. There were variations in the global and specific measures of successful aging within and across countries, even after controlling for individual sociodemographic factors (age, gender, and education). The odds of aging successfully were highest in Japan and lowest in China, especially in the rural areas. Being younger and males were associated with a higher likelihood of successful agers in both global and specific measures.

Discussion

This study observed heterogeneity in successful aging in East Asia. To identify policy implications, future research should explore potential societal factors influencing individuals’ opportunities for successful aging.
Antipodal observations of global differential times of diffracted P and PKPAB within the D″ layer above Earth's core–mantle boundary
Authors: Butler Rhett , Tsuboi Seiji
Published: March 2020

Antipodal diffracted, compressional wave (Pdiff) data analysed diametrically opposite three large earthquakes have uniformly sampled 99% of the laterally heterogeneous zone above Earth's core–mantle boundary (D″ in seismic nomenclature). These antipodal data offer a fundamental gross Earth datum—a robust, global constraint on the average compressional velocity at the base of the mantle. We use for the first time the seismic phase PKPAB as a reference, which travels an identical mantle path as Pdiff, thereby cancelling common mantle heterogeneity. Differential traveltimes between Pdiff, PKPAB and PKIKP are measured, appropriately making allowance for the phase shifts acquired in propagation. We have independently confirmed the $\pi /4$ polar phase shift of Pdiff at the antipode. The global mean PKPAB − Pdiff time is 136.5 ± 0.6 s. The global mean apparent velocity (13.05 km s−1) and ray parameter (4.65 ± 0.01 s deg−1) are within the margin of error of prior Pdiff studies—which were dominated by Northern Hemisphere paths—indicating that complementary, southern hemisphere paths have a comparable, mean Pdiff apparent velocity. The seismic velocity constraints afforded by antipodal Pdiff and PKPAB suggest that the heterogeneous processes already observed in D″ may be broadly ascribed where D″ coverage has been lacking or poorly resolved.
Thinking outside the box: embracing social complexity in aquaculture carrying capacity estimations
Authors: Kluger Lotta Clara , Filgueira Ramón
Published: March 2020

With ever-expanding marine aquaculture, calls for sustainable development become louder. The concept of aquaculture carrying capacity (CC) emerged 30 years ago to frame development, though so far, most studies have focused on the production and ecological components, leaving aside the social perspective. Often, estimations are carried out a posteriori, once aquaculture is already in place, hence ignoring relevant voices potentially opposing the onset of aquaculture implementation. We argue that CC should be multidimensional, iterative, inclusive, and just. Hence, the evaluative scope of CC needs to be broadened by moving from industry-driven, Western-based approaches towards an inclusive vision taking into consideration historical, cultural, and socio-economic concerns of all stakeholders of a given area. To this end, we suggest guidelines to frame a safe operating space for aquaculture based on a multi-criteria, multi-stakeholder approach, while embracing the social-ecological dynamics of aquaculture settings by applying an adaptive approach and acknowledging the critical role of place-based constraints. Rather than producing a box-checking exercise, CC approaches should proactively engage with aquaculture-produced outcomes at multiple scales, embracing complexity, and uncertainty. Scoping CC with the voices of all relevant societal groups, ideally before aquaculture implementation, provides the unique opportunity to jointly develop truly sustainable aquaculture.
Long non-coding RNA MIAT promotes cervical cancer proliferation and migration
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ge Shuxia , Cao Bing
Published: March 2020

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world while its pathological mechanisms are not well-elucidated. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in cancer development. The dysregulation of lncRNA myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) has been reported in several cancers while its role in cervical cancer is not described yet. In this study, the role of MIAT in cervical cancer was explored. We evaluated the expression of MIAT in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we explored the effects of MIAT on proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer using cell model and animal transplantation model. We also evaluated the effects of MIAT on activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Our results show that MIAT was up-regulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Knocking down MIAT resulted in decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells and suppression of tumour growth in mice. Mechanically, knocking down MIAT suppressed the activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. In conclusion, MIAT promotes cell proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer.
Electron microscopy using ionic liquids for life and materials sciences
Authors: Tsuda Tetsuya , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: March 2020

An ionic liquid (IL) is a salt consisting of only cations and anions, which exists in the liquid state at room temperature. Interestingly ILs combine various favorable physicochemical properties, such as negligible vapor pressure, flame resistance, relatively high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, etc. To take advantage of two specific features of ILs, viz. their nonvolatile and antistatic nature, in 2006, Kuwabata, Torimoto et al. reported a milestone study led to current IL-based electron microscopy techniques. Thereafter, several IL-based electron microscopy techniques have been proposed for life science and materials science applications, e.g. pretreatment of hydrous and/or non-electron conductive specimens and in situ/operando observation of chemical reactions occurring in ILs. In this review, the fundamental approaches for making full use of these techniques and their impact on science and technology are introduced.
Computational Modeling of Neuropsychological Test Performance to Disentangle Impaired Cognitive Processes in Cancer Patients
Authors: Agelink van Rentergem Joost A , Vermeulen Ivar E , Lee Meeuw Kjoe Philippe R , Schagen Sanne B
Published: March 2020

There is a need to better identify impaired cognitive processes to increase our understanding of cognitive dysfunction caused by cancer and cancer treatment and to improve interventions. The Trail Making Test is frequently used for evaluating information-processing speed (part A) and executive function (part B), but interpretation of its outcomes is challenging because performance depends on many cognitive processes. To disentangle processes, we collected high-resolution data from 192 non–central nervous system cancer patients who received systemic therapy and 192 cancer-free control participants and fitted a Shifted-Wald computational model. Results show that cancer patients were more cautious than controls (Cohen d = 0.16). Patients were cognitively slower than controls when the task required task switching (Cohen d = 0.16). Our results support the idea that cancer and cancer treatment accelerate cognitive aging. Our approach allows more precise assessment of cognitive dysfunction in cancer patients and can be extended to other instruments and patient populations.
Late Effects in Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Muffly Lori , Maguire Frances B , Li Qian , Kennedy Vanessa , Keegan Theresa H
Published: March 2020

Background

Knowledge regarding late effects (medical conditions and subsequent neoplasms) in survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is lacking.

Methods

Using the population-based California Cancer Registry linked with California hospitalization data, we evaluated late effects in 1069 AYAs (aged 15–39 years) diagnosed with ALL in California between 1995 and 2012 and surviving a minimum of 3 years from diagnosis.

Results

The estimated 10-year cumulative incidence of subsequent endocrine disease (28.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 25.8% to 31.6%) and cardiac disease (17.0%, 95% CI = 14.6% to 19.5%) were strikingly high; avascular necrosis (9.6%, 95% CI = 7.8% to 11.6%), liver disease (6.5%, 95% CI = 5.0% to 8.3%), respiratory disease (6.2%, 95% CI = 4.8% to 8.0%), seizure and/or stroke (4.3%, 95% CI = 3.1% to 5.8%), renal disease (3.1%, 95% CI = 2.1% to 4.4%), and second neoplasms (1.4%, 95% CI = 0.7% to 2.4%) were estimated to occur at 10 years with the reported frequencies. Multivariable analyses including the entire patient cohort demonstrated that public or no insurance (vs private and/or military insurance) and receipt of hematopoietic cell transplantation were independently associated with the occurrence of all late effects considered. In multivariable analyses limited to the 766 AYAs who were not transplanted, we continued to find a statistically significant association between public and no insurance and the occurrence of all late effects. Frontline regimen type (pediatric vs adult) was not statistically significantly associated with any of the late effect categories.

Conclusions

This large population-based analysis is among the first to describe late effects in survivors of AYA ALL. The strong association between insurance type and late effects suggests that AYAs with public or no insurance may have reduced access to survivorship care following completion of ALL therapy.
Language endangerment: a multidimensional analysis of risk factors
Authors: Bromham L , Hua X , Algy C , Meakins F
Published: March 2020

The world is facing a crisis of language loss that rivals, or exceeds, the rate of loss of biodiversity. There is an increasing urgency to understand the drivers of language change in order to try and stem the catastrophic rate of language loss globally and to improve language vitality. Here we present a unique case study of language shift in an endangered Indigenous language, with a dataset of unprecedented scale. We employ a novel multidimensional analysis, which allows the strength of a quantitative approach without sacrificing the detail of individual speakers and specific language variables, to identify social, cultural, and demographic factors that influence language shift in this community. We develop the concept of the ‘linguatype’, a sample of an individual’s language variants, analogous to the geneticists’ concept of ‘genotype’ as a sample of an individual’s genetic variants. We use multidimensional clustering to show that while family and household have significant effects on language patterns, peer group is the most significant factor for predicting language variation. Generalized linear models demonstrate that the strongest factor promoting individual use of the Indigenous language is living with members of the older generation who speak the heritage language fluently. Wright–Fisher analysis indicates that production of heritage language is lost at a significantly faster rate than perception, but there is no significant difference in rate of loss of verbs vs nouns, or lexicon vs grammar. Notably, we show that formal education has a negative relationship with Indigenous language retention in this community, with decreased use of the Indigenous language significantly associated with more years of monolingual schooling in English. These results suggest practical strategies for strengthening Indigenous language retention and demonstrate a new analytical approach to identifying risk factors for language loss in Indigenous communities that may be applicable to many languages globally.
Ingestion of razor blades, a rare event: a case report in a psychiatric patient
Authors: Delgado Salazar Jhony Alejandro , Naveda Pacheco Natalia Carolina , Palacios Jaramillo Paola Alexandra , Garzón Yépez Santiago Danilo , Medina Loza Victor Rafael , Romero Alvarado Carlos Alberto , Aguilar Ayala Bernabé Esteban , Molina Gabriel Alejandro
Published: March 2020

Foreign body ingestion is a common condition in clinical practice, thankfully most of the cases do not require any surgery as most foreign bodies can pass through the bowel without injuring it. Treatment depends on the size and kind of foreign bodies. When complications arise, patients may require urgent medical attention. Self-harm by sharp foreign body ingestion is a rare event that must always be promptly treated and should always be prevented. Psychiatric patients and inmates are the most affected population. A high index of suspicion is required to treat this rare condition, which may be preventable if there is adequate mental and medical therapy along with close monitoring and family support. We present the case of a 31-year-old psychiatric patient. After prompt treatment, two razor blades were surgically removed from her intestines. She fully recovered and is doing well on follow-up controls.
A Glint From The Kāmasūtra in al-Ǧāḥiẓ's Kitāb Al-Ḥayawān
Authors: Kahl Oliver
Published: March 2020

This article investigates an apparent quotation from Vātsyāyana's (fl. late third century ce) Kāmasūtra in al-Ǧāḥiẓ's (d. 255/869) Kitāb al-Ḥayawān or ‘Book of Animals’, from its original Sanskrit form through to the guise it assumes in the Arabic text. Evidence is furnished for an oral transmission at the hands of non-literary circles, showing how a given statement's content may considerably be altered without its origins being effaced. The possibilities and limitations of identifying and tracing a vague representation of a Sanskrit saying in Arabic garb are illustrated here through a detailed case study of one extant specimen.