bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of RANS-Based Turbulence Models for Buoyancy-Influenced Forced Convection on a Heated Vertical Surface
Authors: Clifford Corey E. , Kimber Mark L.
Published: March 2020

Over the past 50 years, an industry-wide shift within the nuclear community has led to increased utilization of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to supplement nuclear reactor safety (NRS) analyses. Although several “best practice” guidelines exist for individual safety evaluations, comprehensive validation efforts against benchmark-quality experimental data must occur to ensure the accuracy of these numerical models. One such area of interest to the nuclear engineering community is the capacity of computational models to predict heat transfer across a spectrum of buoyancy conditions. In this vein, the present investigation provides a robust assessment of 13 different Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence models and their ability to predict thermal system response quantities (SRQs) in buoyancy-influenced forced convection conditions. Using experimental data from the rotatable buoyancy tunnel (RoBuT) as the basis of comparison, the predictive capabilities of each turbulence model are evaluated in both buoyancy-aided and opposed configurations. Thermocouple measurements are mapped to the boundaries of the computational models to permit direct comparisons of various SRQs. ASME standards are used to quantify numerical discretization uncertainties in the modeled results, while a Monte Carlo procedure is developed to account for input uncertainty. Generally, the collection of turbulence models fails to accurately predict thermal SRQs in the buoyancy-aided configuration, while analogous errors in streamwise velocity are observed in the buoyancy-opposed orientation. Both modeling errors are attributed to improper predictions of the turbulent viscosity, which will need to be rectified prior to wide-scale adoption for nuclear reactor safety calculations.
Chemical vapor deposition of metallic films using plasma electrons as reducing agents
Authors: Nadhom Hama , Lundin Daniel , Rouf Polla , Pedersen Henrik
Published: March 2020

Metallic thin films are key components in electronic devices and catalytic applications. Deposition of a conformal metallic thin film requires using volatile precursor molecules in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The metal centers in such molecules typically have a positive valence, meaning that reduction of the metal centers is required on the film surface. Powerful molecular reducing agents for electropositive metals are scarce and hamper the exploration of CVD of electropositive metals. The authors present a new CVD method for depositing metallic films where free electrons in a plasma discharge are utilized to reduce the metal centers of chemisorbed precursor molecules. They demonstrate this method by depositing Fe, Co, and Ni from their corresponding metallocenes using electrons from an argon plasma as a reducing agent.
Active control of the sound power scattered by a locally-reacting sphere
Authors: Elliott Stephen J. , Orita Mihai , Cheer Jordan
Published: March 2020

Active control of the sound power scattered by a sphere is theoretically investigated using spherical harmonic expansions of the primary and secondary fields. The sphere has a surface impedance that is uniform, real, and locally reacting while being subjected to an incident monochromatic plane wave. The scattered power is controlled with a number of monopole sources, initially on the surface of the sphere, and is expressed as the sum of squared amplitudes of the spherical harmonics due to both the scattered and control fields. This quadratic function is minimized to identify the optimal strengths for different numbers of control sources. At low frequencies, the scattered field is dominated by the first few spherical harmonic terms, and its power can be significantly reduced with a single controlling monopole for a soft or absorbent sphere and with two monopoles for a hard sphere. The number of secondary sources required to significantly attenuate the scattered field at higher frequencies is found to be proportional to the square of the frequency, and the attenuation also falls off rapidly if the secondary sources are moved away from the surface of the sphere, no matter what its surface impedance.
Vocal wow in an adapted reflex resonance model
Authors: Brajot François-Xavier , Neiman Alexander B.
Published: March 2020

Vocal wow and tremor are slow modulations of the voice presumed to result from integration of auditory and somatosensory feedback, respectively. This distinction has important implications for diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders that may differentially impact these systems, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. An important contribution on this matter is the reflex resonance model [Titze et al. (2002). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 111(5), 2272–2282], which demonstrates that a 4–7 Hz vibrato (or tremor) can indeed be elicited by adjusting feedback parameters in a simple model of laryngeal muscle activation, mediated by time-delayed somatosensory feedback. This paper expands on this model by incorporating an auditory feedback loop and shows that wow emerges as feedback parameters exceed critical values described by a Hopf bifurcation. The wow period increases with delay and is almost invariant with respect to gain for delays above 200 ms. Parametric formulas for recovering feedback parameters from the acoustic signal are presented. With both feedback loops in place, auditory and somatosensory parameters interact and alter vocal modulations. Model predictions are illustrated in two subjects, one with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and intermittent tremor. Findings suggest that phonatory instabilities provide considerable insight into normal and pathogenic changes to the sensorimotor control of voice.
Alternative Wear-Time Estimation Methods Compared to Traditional Diary Logs for Wrist-Worn ActiGraph Accelerometers in Pregnant Women
Authors: Ehrlich Samantha F. , Casteel Amanda J. , Crouter Scott E. , Hibbing Paul R. , Hedderson Monique M. , Brown Susan D. , Galarce Maren , Coe Dawn P. , Bassett David R. , Ferrara Assiamira
Published: March 2020

Background: This study sought to compare three sensor-based wear-time estimation methods to conventional diaries for ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers worn on the non-dominant wrist in early pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 108) wore ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers for seven days and recorded their device on and off times in a diary (criterion). Average daily wear-time estimates from the Troiano and Choi algorithms and the wGT3X-BT accelerometer wear sensor were compared against the diary. The Hibbing 2-regression model was used to estimate time spent in activity (during periods of device wear) for each method. Wear-time and time spent in activity were compared with multiple repeated measures ANOVAs. Bland Altman plots assessed agreement between methods. Results: Compared to the diary (825.5 minutes [795.1, 856.0]), the Choi (843.0 [95% CI: 812.6, 873.5]) and Troiano (839.1 [808.7, 869.6]) algorithms slightly overestimated wear-time, whereas the sensor (774.4 [743.9, 804.9]) underestimated it, although only the sensor differed significantly from the diary (p < .0001). Upon adjustment for average daily wear-time, there were no statistically significant differences between the wear-time methods in regards to minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), vigorous physical activity, and moderate physical activity. Bland Altman plots indicated the Troiano and Choi algorithms were similar to the diary and within ≤0.5% of each other for wear-time and MVPA. Conclusions: The Choi or Troiano algorithms offer a valid and efficient alternative to diaries for the estimation of daily wear-time in larger-scale studies of MVPA during pregnancy, and reduce burden for study participants and research staff.
Underpromise, overdeliver
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: March 2020

The majority of crises that most of us have lived through have not looked to science for immediate answers. In many cases, much of the scientific analysis came after the fact—the effects of climate change on extreme weather events; the causes of nuclear accidents; and the virology of outbreaks that were contained such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002–2003 or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012. Now, science is being asked to provide a rapid solution to a problem that is not completely described.
Hiding in Plain Sight: an Approach to Treating Patients with Severe COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Fedson David S. , Opal Steven M. , Rordam Ole Martin
Published: March 2020

Patients with COVID-19 infection are at risk of acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) and death. The tissue receptor for COVID-19 is ACE2, and higher levels of ACE2 can protect against ARDS. Angiotensin receptor blockers and statins upregulate ACE2. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether this drug combination might be used to treat patients with severe COVID-19 infection.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy following five lines of therapy and three autologous bone marrow transplants for multiple myeloma
Authors: Knight Kathryn , Chien Siobhan , Koutsavlis Ioannis , Campbell Victoria
Published: March 2020

A 59-year-old man, with a background of multiply relapsed myeloma, presented with a 3-week history of confusion, short-term memory impairment and behavioural changes. CT head showed bilateral white matter changes and numerous, large lytic lesions of the skull vault. MRI brain revealed multiple areas of hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequences which did not enhance (many of which showed diffusion restriction) unexpectedly bringing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) into the differential. Initial cerebrospinal fluid studies were largely unremarkable, aside from a mildly elevated protein; cultures were negative. PCR for the John Cunningham (JC) virus was positive. Considering the patient’s medical history and rapidily progressive symptoms, a palliative approach was adopted, with the patient dying 14 days later. We present this case as an example of PML in a patient with multiple myeloma, highlighting the need to consider this diagnosis in an enlarging population of heavily treated, severely immunocompromised, patients.
Tonic-clonic seizures as first symptom of a disseminated supraglottic laryngeal cancer
Authors: Danstrup Christian , Andersen Maria
Published: March 2020

A 60-year-old man was found unconscious at work, without any signs of trauma. At the site, he presented with tonic-clonic seizures, central facial palsy and eye deviation. A CT scan of the cerebrum did not find bleeding or thrombosis, but contrast enhancement at the superior sagittal sinus and pathological cervical lymph nodes. The MRI demonstrated multiple intracerebral metastases, while a supplementary fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography scan revealed metastatic lesions above and below the diaphragm, without signs of a primary tumour. An ear, nose and throat examination found a small supraglottic tumour and cervical lymph node metastases. Following a multidisciplinary team discussion, biopsies from the duodenal mucosa and an inguinal lymph node were performed, showing squamous cell carcinoma with its origin in the head and neck. The patient was diagnosed with a T1N2cM1 supraglottic laryngeal cancer, receiving palliative whole brain radiation therapy but died 11 weeks after the debut of symptoms.
Bilateral Kienböck’s disease concomitant with gouty arthritis
Authors: Chouhan Deepak , Shankar Vivek , Ansari Mohammed Tahir
Published: March 2020

A 38-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of pain and stiffness in the bilateral wrist. The pain in right wrist was disabling and severe enough to restrict the daily life activities. After the evaluation of clinical and radiological features, the patient was diagnosed with Kienböck’s disease Lichtman stage IIIB in the right wrist and stage IIIA in the left wrist. Routine laboratory investigations revealed a serum uric acid 9.27 mg/dL. Lunate excision and scaphocapitate fusion were done in the right wrist after discussing with the patient. The histopathological examinations of tophi in synovial tissue were negatively birefringent under polarised light microscopy. It confirmed the diagnoses of gout. Febuxostat was started postoperatively. The patient returned to work at the end of 5 months. There was no recurrence of symptoms and radiological signs of arthritis at the end of 1 year.
Association between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese elderly: the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Zheng Deqiang , Li Haibin , Ai Feiling , Sun Fei , Singh Manjot , Cao Xue , Jiang Jiajia , He Yan , Tang Zhe , Guo Xiuhua
Published: March 2020

Objective

Time-dependent covariates are generally available as longitudinal data were collected periodically in the cohort study. To examine whether time-dependent triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio could predict the future risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and assess its potential impact on the risk of T2DM incidence.

Research design and methods

This study enrolled 1460 participants without T2DM aged 55 or above in 1992 in the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging during 25 years. The questionnaire data were collected in nine surveys from 1992 to 2017. Physical examination and blood laboratory tests including TG and HDL-C concentrations were measured in five surveys. Incident T2DM cases were confirmed via a self-reported history of T2DM or the fasting plasma glucose level.

Results

119 new cases of T2DM were identified. In the Cox regression analysis with time-dependent TG/HDL-C ratios and covariates, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of T2DM incidence were 1.90 (1.12 to 3.23), 2.75 (1.58 to 4.80) and 2.84 (1.69 to 4.77), respectively, for those with TG/HDL-C ratios (both TG and HDL-C were expressed in millimole per liter) in the ranges of 0.87–1.30, 1.31–1.74 and ≥1.75, compared with individuals with TG/HDL-C ratios <0.87. The similar results of subdistribution hazard ratios were obtained by performing the Fine-Gray model with time-dependent TG/HDL-C ratios. This positive association and the statistically significant trend with increased risk of T2DM incidence in the three categories of elevated TG/HDL-C ratio was confirmed by multiple sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the T2DM discriminatory power of TG/HDL-C ratio combining with other risk factors was moderately high.

Conclusions

We found that time-dependent TG/HDL-C ratios were positively associated with the risk of T2DM risk. The elevated TG/HDL-C ratios increased the future risk of T2DM incidence. Lowering the TG/HDL-C ratio could assist in the prevention of diabetes for older adults.
Participation in structured diabetes mellitus self-management education program and association with lifestyle behavior: results from a population-based study
Authors: Carmienke Solveig , Baumert Jens , Gabrys Lars , Heise Marcus , Frese Thomas , Heidemann Christin , Fink Astrid
Published: March 2020

Objective

Whether participation in structured diabetes self-management education programs (DSME) for participants with diabetes mellitus is associated with a healthy lifestyle in routine care apart from randomized-controlled studies remains unclear and is this studies’ research question.

Research design and methods

We identified 1300 persons with diabetes mellitus drawn from the cross-sectional population-based analysis German Health Update 2014/2015 (GEDA 2014/2015), which integrated the modules of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) wave 2. Of those, 816 were ever-DSME participants and 484 never-participants. We conducted multivariable weighted logistic regression analyses for lifestyle differences comparing ever-DSME and never-DSME participants. Lifestyle was defined by physical activity (PA), current smoking, fruit/vegetable consumption and body mass index (BMI). Age, sex, socioeconomic status, living together, limitation due to health problems for at least for 6 months, self-efficacy and attention to one’s health were included as confounders in the regression models.

Results

Ever-DSME participants engaged significantly more often in cycling at least 1 day per week (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.15–2.30) and performed significantly more often aerobic endurance training of 150 min per week (including walking: OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03–1.94, without walking: OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.08–2.03) compared with never-DSME participants. Ever-DSME participants were significantly more often ex-smoker compared with never-DSME participants (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.03–1.88). DSME attendance was not significantly associated with current smoking, BMI and fruit or vegetable consumption.

Conclusion

DSME participation is associated with a moderately healthier lifestyle particularly for PA even in routine healthcare. Study results emphasize the importance of a broadly dissemination of DSME access for nationwide diabetes healthcare. Future studies should adjust for DSME participation when investigating lifestyle in persons with diabetes.
Intestinal gluconeogenesis prevents obesity-linked liver steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Vily-Petit Justine , Soty-Roca Maud , Silva Marine , Raffin Margaux , Gautier-Stein Amandine , Rajas Fabienne , Mithieux Gilles
Published: March 2020

Objective

Hepatic steatosis accompanying obesity is a major health concern, since it may initiate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated complications like cirrhosis or cancer. Intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN) is a recently described function that contributes to the metabolic benefits of specific macronutrients as protein or soluble fibre, via the initiation of a gut-brain nervous signal triggering brain-dependent regulations of peripheral metabolism. Here, we investigate the effects of IGN on liver metabolism, independently of its induction by the aforementioned macronutrients.

Design

To study the specific effects of IGN on hepatic metabolism, we used two transgenic mouse lines: one is knocked down for and the other overexpresses glucose-6-phosphatase, the key enzyme of endogenous glucose production, specifically in the intestine.

Results

We report that mice with a genetic overexpression of IGN are notably protected from the development of hepatic steatosis and the initiation of NAFLD on a hypercaloric diet. The protection relates to a diminution of de novo lipogenesis and lipid import, associated with benefits at the level of inflammation and fibrosis and linked to autonomous nervous system. Conversely, mice with genetic suppression of IGN spontaneously exhibit increased hepatic triglyceride storage associated with activated lipogenesis pathway, in the context of standard starch-enriched diet. The latter is corrected by portal glucose infusion mimicking IGN.

Conclusion

We conclude that IGN per se has the capacity of preventing hepatic steatosis and its eventual evolution toward NAFLD.
Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the prevention of migraine and vestibular migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Fengzhi , Wang Jiaoqi , Cao Yumeng , Xu Zhongxin
Published: March 2020

Background and objectives

The role of serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in migraine prophylaxis has not been completely established. Current treatments for vestibular migraine (VM) are based on scarce evidence. We aimed to perform an updated review focusing on the efficacy and tolerability of SNRIs for migraine and VM prevention.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies. The primary outcome was migraine frequency. In the case of VM, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores and Vertigo Severity Scores (VSSs) were extracted.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials involving 418 patients were analyzed. Patients receiving SNRIs had fewer migraine days than those receiving a placebo (standardized mean difference −0.38, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.01, p=0.04). The effects of SNRIs and other active drugs were comparable. In patients with VM, venlafaxine had a significant advantage over other active drugs in decreasing the VSS (weighted mean difference (MD) −1.45, 95% CI −2.11 to −0.78, p<0.0001) and the emotional domain score of the DHI (MD −2.64, 95% CI −4.97 to −0.31, p=0.03). We found no significant difference in the rate of withdrawals due to any reason or withdrawals due to side effects between SNRIs and active drugs and between SNRIs and a placebo.

Conclusions

SNRIs were clinically safe and effective for migraine and VM prophylaxis, were better than a placebo, and not inferior to other active drugs. SNRIs may be a preferable choice for patients with VM with psychiatric disorders.
Case Study Investigation of the Fault Detection and Error Locating Effects of Architecture-based Software Testing
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kang Sungwon
Published: March 2020

For software testing, it is well known that the architecture of a software system can be utilized to enhance testability, fault detection and error locating. However, how much and what effects architecture-based software testing has on software testing have been rarely studied. Thus, this paper undertakes case study investigation of the effects of architecture-based software testing specifically with respect to fault detection and error locating. Through comparing the outcomes with the conventional testing approaches that are not based on test architectures, we confirm the effectiveness of architecture-based software testing with respect to fault detection and error locating. The case studies show that using test architecture can improve fault detection rate by 44.1%–88.5% and reduce error locating time by 3%–65.2%, compared to the conventional testing that does not rely on test architecture. With regard to error locating, the scope of relevant components or statements was narrowed by leveraging test architecture for approximately 77% of the detected faults. We also show that architecture-based testing could provide a means of defining an exact oracle or oracles with range values. This study shows by way of case studies the extent to which architecture-based software testing can facilitate detecting certain types of faults and locating the errors that cause such faults. In addition, we discuss the contributing factors of architecture-based software testing which enable such enhancement in fault detection and error locating.
EXPLAINING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE: TOWARD A THEORETICAL MODEL
Authors: MUNGARAY-LAGARDA ALEJANDRO , OSORIO-NOVELA GERMÁN , RAMIREZ-ANGULO NATANAEL
Published: March 2020

This paper introduces the maximization of installed capacity instead of profit maximization, as an element that allows for understanding the economic behavior of Informal Social Enterprise (ISE) in the market. The reconsideration of the theoretical framework that explains the competitive behavior of this type of firm, according to the Social Business Type 2 (SB2) Yunus proposal or necessity-driven entrepreneurship, is important because they are recognized as a mechanism to mitigate the poverty effects of recessionary period faults in the distribution of wealth. The results obtained through the contrast between theoretical evidence and the essential assumptions of industrial organization theory suggests that ISEs have a Cournot competition behavior.
What Happens When We have Winter Heating of Our Rooms?
Authors: Agrawal Dulli C.
Published: March 2020

The illustrious question by German Astrophysicist R. Emden, “Why do we have winter heating?” has been re-examined for air following both the ideal and imperfect gas laws; the internal energy of the air in the room remains unaffected in the former case whereas it increases marginally for the latter one. The findings corresponding to ideal gas law were correlated by Emden with the mass of a person which does not change even though food is constantly consumed. This example corresponds to adulthood when the mass of a person remains more or less constant. But the marginal change of internal energy in the case of van der Waals gas is consistent with three stages of a person — initially a person grows during childhood followed by adulthood when he has more or less constant weight and finally in old age, it deteriorates.
C-share
Authors: Vargaftik Shay , Caba Cosmin , Schour Liran , Ben-Itzhak Yaniv
Published: March 2020

Integrating optical circuit switches in data-centers is an on-going research challenge. In recent years, state-of-the-art solutions introduce hybrid packet/circuit architectures for different optical circuit switch technologies, control techniques, and traffic re-routing methods. These solutions are based on separated packet and circuit planes that cannot utilize an optical circuit with flows that do not arrive from or delivered to switches directly connected to the circuit's end-points. Moreover, current SDN-based elephant flow re-routing methods require a forwarding rule for each flow, which raises scalability issues.

In this paper, we present
C-Share
- a scalable SDN-based circuit sharing solution for data center networks.
C-Share
inherently enables elephant flows to share optical circuits by exploiting a flat top-of-rack tier network topology.
C-Share
is based on a scalable and decoupled SDN-based elephant flow re-routing method comprised of elephant flow detection, tagging and identification, which is utilized by using a prevalent network sampling method (e.g., sFlow).
C-Share
requires only a single OpenFlow rule for each optical circuit, and therefore significantly reduces the required OpenFlow rule entry footprint and setup rule rate. It also mitigates the OpenFlow outbound latency for subsequent elephant flows. We implement a proof-of-concept system for
C-Share
based on Mininet, and test the scalability of
C-Share
by using an event-driven simulation. Our results show a consistent increase in the mice/elephant flow separation in the network, which, in turn, improves both network throughput and flow completion time.
A first look at the Latin American IXPs
Authors: Carisimo Esteban , Fiore Julián M. Del , Dujovne Diego , Pelsser Cristel , Alvarez-Hamelin J. Ignacio
Published: March 2020

We investigated Internet eXchange Points (IXPs) deployed across Latin America. We discovered that many Latin American states have been actively involved in the development of their IXPs. We further found a correlation between the success of a national IXP and the absence of local monopolistic ASes that concentrate the country's IPv4 address space. In particular, three IXPs have been able to gain local traction: IX.br-SP, CABASE-BUE and PIT Chile-SCL. We further compared these larger IXPs with others outside Latin America. We found that, in developing regions, IXPs have had a similar growth in the last years and are mainly populated by regional ASes. The latter point clearly contrasts with more internationally re-known European IXPs whose members span multiple regions.
The state of network neutrality regulation
Authors: Stocker Volker , Smaragdakis Georgios , Lehr William
Published: March 2020

The Network Neutrality (NN) debate refers to the battle over the design of a regulatory framework for preserving the Internet as a public network and open innovation platform. Fueled by concerns that broadband access service providers might abuse network management to discriminate against third party providers (e.g., content or application providers), policymakers have struggled with designing rules that would protect the Internet from unreasonable network management practices. In this article, we provide an overview of the history of the debate in the U.S. and the EU and highlight the challenges that will confront network engineers designing and operating networks as the debate continues to evolve.
Electrochemical Behavior of a Ni Chlorocomplex in a Lewis Basic Ionic Liquid Containing Chloride Ion
Authors: Ando Keita , Tachikawa Naoki , Serizawa Nobuyuki , Katayama Yasushi
Published: March 2020

The electrochemical behavior of a chlorocomplex of nickel (Ni) was investigated in a Lewis basic and hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (BMPTFSA) containing Cl–. NiCl2 dissolved in BMPTFSA with addition of 0.5 M BMPCl. The dissolved species of Ni(II) in BMPTFSA was identified as [NiCl4]2– by UV-visible spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility balance. The cathodic and anodic currents assignable to deposition and dissolution of Ni, respectively, were observed in cyclic voltammetry. The granular deposits of Ni were obtained on a glassy carbon electrode at 25 and 100 °C. Ni nanoparticles were dispersed in the electrolyte by galvanostatic cathodic reduction. The initial stage of Ni deposition was found to be regarded as instantaneous. The diffusion coefficient of [NiCl4]2– was calculated to be 6.6 × 10–8 cm2 s–1.
Oligoether Ester-Functionalized ProDOT Copolymers on Si/Monolayer Graphene as Capacitive Thin Film Electrodes
Authors: Karazehir Tolga , Sarac Baran , Gilsing Hans-Detlev , Eckert Jürgen , Sarac A. Sezai
Published: March 2020

In this study, electrochemical polymerization of 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT1), ProDOT bearing oligoether ester (ProDOT-EO-ester2) and their copolymerization onto homogeneously CVD coated nano-graphene/Si support is realized to attain graphene/ProDOT based copolymer hybrid nanostructures. By introducing oligoether side chain to ProDOT backbone and using different [ProDOT]/[ProDOT-EO-ester] molar ratios ensures a considerable decrease in oxidation potential of polymer allowing tunable properties to copolymers revealing improvement electrochemical capacitance and electrochemical activity which are clearly reflected by the experimental results. Capacitive behavior of copolymers is determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry. Moreover, The structural, morphological and spectroscopic characterization of the copolymers is investigated by XRD, AFM, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and Raman, respectively. By the increase of ProDOT in the copolymer composition, the higher dopant concentration is attained suggesting an enhanced conductivity agree well with the impedance and CV results, where the copolymerization of ProDOT1and ProDOT-EO-ester2in equal molarity results in the highest specific capacitance and redox activity. The adopted equivalent circuit model for polymers is in good agreement with the experimental data of impedance. Due to the difference in conjugated structure between ProDOT and ProDOT-EO-ester by the presence of the EO-ester group leads to a decrease in charge transfer resistance with increasing mole fraction of ProDOT-EO-ester. The charge transfer resistance of [ProDOT]0/[ProDOT-EO-ester]0= 1:1 coated Si/graphene is nearly 51 and 24 times lower value compared to those of PProDOT and P(ProDOT-EO-ester) homopolymers coated Si/graphene, respectively, confirming that the copolymerization improves the electron conduction. By Mott-Schottky measurements, increasing mole fraction of ProDOT-EO-ester2in copolymer composition results in the alteration of semiconducting behavior. The developed graphene-polymer hybrid electrodes can be a potential candidate for energy storage devices.
Communication—Dissolution and Passivation of a Ni-Cr-Fe-Ru-Mo-W High Entropy Alloy by Elementally Resolved Electrochemistry
Authors: Li Xuejie , Han Junsoo , Lu Pin , Saal James E. , Olson Gregory B. , Frankel Gerald S. , Scully John R. , Ogle Kevin
Published: March 2020

The formation and dissolution of the passive film on a novel NiCrFeRuMoW high entropy alloy in H2SO4 was measured with atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry. Passivation involved Cr and Ru enrichment, whether passivation was achieved spontaneously at open circuit or by potentiostatic step into the passive domain. The other elements, Ni, Fe, Mo, and W, dissolved at rates approximately proportional to their bulk concentrations. The air formed film showed only a Cr enrichment. Excellent corrosion resistance properties were indicated by spontaneous passivation, the low passive current in the polarization curve, and the absence of detectable elemental dissolution during the active peak.
Essential Role of Spinel MgFe2O4 Surfaces during Discharge
Authors: Guo Haoyue , Durham Jessica L. , Brady Alexander B. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Liu Ping
Published: March 2020

Spinel magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) is a prospective anode material in lithium ion battery (LIB) due to its large theoretical capacity. Here, we employed Density Functional Theory (DFT) to study the contribution from diverse facets of three spinel systems of MgFe2O4, normal-spinel, mixed-spinel and inverse-spinel, to the initial discharge behaviors. The mixed-spinel (1 0 0) surface terminated by MgFeOx is found to be the most active among the diverse surfaces studied. It can provide the high capacity, the high voltage and facile Li+ transport during the initial discharge stage. The high performance is found to be associated with the high surface activity to capture Li+ ions, and the ability to accommodate a large amount of Li+ ions and facilitate the sequential smooth transport to subsurface. The DFT-estimated discharge voltages based on the mixed-spinel (1 0 0) surface terminated by MgFeOx are much higher than those using the stoichiometric bulk models and fit well with the corresponding experimental measurement at the initial stage. Our results develop new design strategies for optimization of particle morphologies, enabling the enhancement in stability and discharge performance of ferrite materials.
N1-Methylnicotinamide Improves Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of SIRT1 and Inhibition of FOXO1 Acetylation
Authors: Zhang Jingfan , Chen Yu , Liu Cong , Li Ling , Li Ping
Published: March 2020

Objective. To explore the effects of N1-methylnicotinamide (MNAM) on insulin resistance and glucose metabolism in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and regulatory mechanisms of the NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) pathway. Methods. Blood glucose and insulin levels were examined in mice. HE and oil red O staining were used to observe the effects of MNAM on liver lipid deposition in ob/ob mice. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect expression of gluconeogenesis, insulin signaling-related proteins, and SIRT1/FOXO1 pathway-related proteins. L-O2 cells were cultured as a model of insulin resistance, and MNAM and SIRT1 inhibitors were administered in vivo. Residual glucose and insulin signaling-related proteins were detected and the mechanisms associated with the SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathway in insulin resistance explored. Results. MNAM can effectively reduce levels of fasting blood glucose and insulin, improve liver morphology, and reduce lipid accumulation in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus mice. MNAM also downregulates the key proteins in the gluconeogenesis pathway in the liver, upregulates Sirt1 expression, and reduces acetylation of the FOXO1 protein. In vitro, MNAM could promote the glucose uptake capacity of L-O2 cells induced by palmitic acid (PA), a saturated fatty acid that induces IR in various scenarios, including hepatocytes, improving insulin resistance. As Sirt1 expression was inhibited, the reduction of hepatocyte gluconeogenesis and the regulation of the insulin signaling pathway by MNAM were reversed. Conclusion. MNAM activates SIRT1 and inhibits acetylation of FOXO1, which in turn regulates insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic mice, leading to a reduction of hepatic glucose output and improvement of insulin resistance.
Evaluation of Two Different Anterior Vitrectomies for Fluid Misdirection Syndrome Secondary to Cataract Surgery Combined with Goniosynechialysis
Authors: Qian Zhenbin , Chan Yau Kei , Wei Liqing , Zheng Bin , Nie Li , Pan Weihua
Published: March 2020

Purpose. To evaluate two different approaches of anterior vitrectomy combined with hyaloidotomy, zonulectomy, and iridectomy (VHZI) for fluid misdirection syndrome (FMS) secondary to phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation combined with goniosynechialysis (phaco-IOL-GSL). Methods. Nine patients with FMS who developed after a phaco-IOL-GSL procedure, were retrospectively studied from May 2015 to February 2018. They were treated with VHZI, in which 5 cases underwent local anterior vitrectomy via anterior chamber approach, and the others underwent comprehensive vitrectomy via pars plana approach. Main outcome measures were pre- and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, and relapse rate. Results. Incidence of FMS secondary to phaco-IOL-GSL was 1.4% (9 in 652 eyes), which was promptly resolved in all affected cases. VHZI via anterior chamber approach resulted in a significant decrease in the mean IOP from 40.2 ± 9.7 mm Hg at presentation to 15.2 ± 4.8 mm Hg postoperatively (P=0.01). The median number of antiglaucoma medications reduced from 3 to 2 (P=0.066). Meanwhile, VHZI via pars plana approach also resulted in the reduction of the mean IOP values from 26.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg at presentation to 15.2 ± 3.3 mm Hg postoperatively (P=0.092). The median number of antiglaucoma medications also reduced from 3.5 to 1.5 (P=0.059). Relapse rate of the treatment through pars plana approach (0%, 0/4) was much lower than that through anterior chamber approach (40%, 2/5), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.444). Conclusions. FMS is a rare but severe complication secondary to phaco-IOL-GSL. Compared to VHZI with local anterior vitrectomy via anterior chamber approach, VHZI with comprehensive anterior vitrectomy via pars plana approach might be a more effective procedure to treat FMS. The study has been registered in Contact ClinicalTrials.gov PRS Identifier: NCT04172857.
Expression of H2S in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Correlation Analysis with Inflammatory Markers IL-6 and TNF-α
Authors: Teng Yucui , Xuan Shuxia , Jiang Ming , Tian Li , Tian Jinjing , Chang Qian
Published: March 2020

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a severe threat to the health of both mother and child. The pathogenesis of GDM remains unclear, although much research has found that the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) play an important role in complications of pregnancy. Methods. We collected venous blood samples from parturient women and umbilical vein blood (UVB) and peripheral venous blood (PVB) samples one hour after childbirth in the control, GDM-, and GDM+ groups in order to determine the concentration of glucose and H2S in plasma; to measure levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and ADP in parturient women and the UVB of newborns; and to find the correlation of H2S with regression. Results. We found that, with the elevation of glucose, the level of H2S was decreased in GDM pregnant women and newborns and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were upregulated. With regression, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were positively correlated with the level of blood glucose and negatively correlated with H2S concentration. Conclusion. This study shows that downregulation of H2S participates in the pathogenesis of GDM and is of great significance in understanding the difference of H2S between normal and GDM pregnant women and newborns. This study suggests that IL-6 and TNF-α are correlated with gestational diabetes mellitus. The current study expands the knowledge base regarding H2S and provides new avenues for exploring further the pathogenesis of GDM.
Ventral Longitudinal Intraspinal Fluid Collection in Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Hirasawa Rui , Itabashi Takashi , Kita Tsuneji , Mannoji Chikato
Published: March 2020

We encountered two cases of cervical disc herniation, wherein cerebrospinal fluid collection in the ventral epidural space between the cervical spine and the thoracic spine was noted. The patients, two women aged 71 and 43 years, were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation and underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Unexpected cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed prior to exposure of the dura mater. Notably, the dura mater was intact following the removal of the herniated disc in both cases. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage symptoms were observed, and relief from the neurological symptoms related to the cervical disc herniation was observed in both cases following the surgery. Findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography were carefully reviewed, retrospectively. Both patients presented with similar features including expansion of cerebrospinal fluid collection in the ventral epidural space between the cervical spine and the thoracic spine. These observed features were similar to those of superficial siderosis, which is a form of duropathy—a disease caused by dural defects. Therefore, the patients in this case study might have a subclinical duropathy with associated cervical disc herniation.
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome in a Patient with Hypokalemia but No Hyponatremia
Authors: Ormonde Carolina , Cabral Raquel , Serpa Sara
Published: March 2020

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is characterized by loss of myelin in various parts of the central nervous system. It is mainly caused by a rapid correction of hyponatremia, although other factors that may cause rapid rise in serum osmolality can also be associated with its development. Its prognosis is poor and the recovery rate is unknown. The authors report a rare case of a patient with multiple risk factors for ODS, without hyponatremia, who developed ODS and surprisingly recovered. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing risk factors for the development of ODS, even if the main one is not present.
Network Structure Analysis Identifying Key Genes of Autism and Its Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Kou Yanming , Meng Dazhi
Published: March 2020

Identifying the key genes of autism is of great significance for understanding its pathogenesis and improving the clinical level of medicine. In this paper, we use the structural parameters (average degree) of gene correlation networks to identify genes related to autism and study its pathogenesis. Based on the gene expression profiles of 82 autistic patients (the experimental group, E) and 64 healthy persons (the control group, C) in NCBI database, spearman correlation networks are established, and their average degrees under different thresholds are analyzed. It is found that average degrees of C and E are basically separable at the full thresholds. This indicates that there is a clear difference between the network structures of C and E, and it also suggests that this difference is related to the mechanism of disease. By annotating and enrichment analysis of the first 20 genes (MD-Gs) with significant difference in the average degree, we find that they are significantly related to gland development, cardiovascular development, and embryogenesis of nervous system, which support the results in Alter et al.’s original research. In addition, FIGF and CSF3 may play an important role in the mechanism of autism.
IoT for Development of Smart Dairy Farming
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Osama , Shahbaz khan Muhammad Saad , Ali Muhammad Jamshaid , Hussain Azfar , Qaiser Ghazia , Pasha Maruf , Pasha Urooj , Missen Malik Saad , Akhtar Nadeem
Published: March 2020

Internet of things (IoT) and data-driven techniques are creating greater opportunities for smart dairy farming. The demand for milk is continuously increasing due to increasing population of the world. The consumption of the dairy products is more in developed countries as compared to developing countries. To meet this increased demand for milk products, better technological techniques for improving milk yield are required. It is expected that the use of IoT and different AI techniques can assist a farmer to overcome different traditional farming challenges and increase the milk production. In this research, the authors address different challenges that a dairy farmer has to face in daily life. Brief introduction of smart dairy farming (SDF) is presented with respect to the innovation in production and the processes of smart dairy farming. This review focuses on different aspects of smart dairy farming, and finally a state-of-the-art framework that can assist the farmers to increase the milk yield by using different latest technologies has been proposed. These technological methods can decrease the factors negatively affecting milk production and increase those positively affecting production with minimal resources.
Clinical and Epidemiological Study on Tubercular Uveitis in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in Italy
Authors: La Cava M. , Bruscolini A. , Sacchetti M. , Pirraglia M. P. , Moramarco A. , Marenco M. , Iaiani G. , Covelli G. , Rizzo T. , Abicca I. , Lambiase A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose. To describe frequency, clinical characteristics, and visual prognosis of tubercular uveitis (TBU) in a nonendemic country. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 3743 charts of patients with endogenous uveitis visited from 2008 to 2018 at a tertiary referral centre in Rome, Italy. We included immunocompetent patients with diagnosis of TBU. Patients were divided in two groups: patients with history of uveitis without a previous diagnosis of TBU (group A) and patients at their first episode of TB uveitis (group B). Results. TBU was diagnosed in 28 (0.75%) out of 3743 patients. Twelve (42.9%) patients came from tuberculosis endemic areas. All patients received specific antitubercular treatment (ATT) and were evaluated for a mean follow-up of 3.2 ± 2.9 years. Group A showed a greater number of ocular complications when compared with group B. ATT was effective in reducing the frequency of recurrences of uveitis in patients of group B. Conclusion. Intraocular inflammation can be the first manifestation of tuberculosis. Our data highlight that early diagnosis and specific treatment of TBU may allow to decrease recurrences and to improve visual outcomes.
Coronary Embolism and Myocardial Infarction in a Transgender Male Undergoing Hormone Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dinesh Sandesh , Franz Marcus , Küthe Friedhelm
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Due to the complex interaction between the underlying disease, psychosocial factors, and the high-dose hormonal therapy, transgender patients pose a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge, especially during emergencies. This case presents one such clinical dilemma using the example of a case of myocardial infarction. Case. A 35-year-old transgender male presented to our clinic with an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. For the past 6 years, he was receiving high-dose testosterone therapy for the maintenance of hormone levels after female-to-male gender conversion. The emergency coronary angiography revealed a distal right coronary artery occlusion. Recanalization of the vessel was achieved by catheter-driven direct thrombectomy and subsequent intracardiac lysis. The appearance of the remaining coronary arteries bore no angiographic evidence of advanced coronary artery disease. We suspected a thromboembolic origin as the primary cause of the myocardial infarction. The presentation also fulfilled the proposed National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center criteria for the clinical diagnosis of coronary embolism. In the diagnostic work-up, the most common causes of coronary embolism like atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathies, endocarditis, and intracardiac tumors could be ruled out. The screening for hereditary thrombophilia was also negative. Likewise, the presence of a haemodynamically relevant right to left shunt could be excluded. In the end, the high-dose testosterone therapy seemed to be the most likely cause. Conclusion. Following major thromboembolic cardiovascular events, we believe that transgender males treated with high-dose testosterone therapy should receive oral anticoagulation, preferably with a DOAC, especially keeping in mind that the discontinuation of the hormone therapy is not always possible due to the various underlying psychosocial factors.