bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Analysis for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack based on Parameter Estimation based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yong , Deng Yelin , Liu Weiwei , Hao Kunkun , Zhang Hongchao
Published: April 2020

Thermal analysis of Lithium-ion battery pack is the important portion of battery management for electric vehicles. The heat produced in charging and discharging will bring about impairment of the safety and service life of batteries. It is thus important to monitor battery temperature for prevention of the battery failure. This paper first sets up a simulation model based on the second-order RC circuit model of the heat generation and dissipation of the battery pack using SIMULINK. The temperature of the battery pack is tested under The New European Driving Cycle conditions. And by comparing with the experimental data of the battery temperature, the heat dissipation coefficient in the simulation model will be optimized by the genetic algorithm using MATLAB. The optimization result shows that the difference between the simulated temperature and the actual temperature is within one degree, so the model based on the optimization result can accurately reflect the actual temperature change.
Studies on Overheating Fault of Disconnecting Switch
Authors: Lan Zhijun , Wang Yaping , Wu Jianling , Fan Yongqiang
Published: April 2020

This paper mainly presents typical solutions to disconnecting switch overheating and mechanical problems of power grid in Extra High Voltage (EHV). In recent years, many faults have happened in the EHV power grid due to overheating and mechanical problems of disconnecting switches in Inner Mongolia. Dust storm weather and the special structure are main reasons which induced disconnecting switch lower operation reliability. For the overheating problems, the solutions include using conducting metal belt, replacing material of knee-arm wheel and modifying the structure of rolling-contact assembly; for the mechanical problems, the solutions include using dust shield, renovating operating mechanism and decreasing mechanically-driven part. Meanwhile suggestions are proposed as well for the design and application of isolator in the power networks of Western Inner Mongolia and the Northwester China which have similarly peculiar natural environments.
Development of a New Wax Scraper
Authors: Xie Lu , Liu Yangyang
Published: April 2020

Wax removal and prevention in oil wells is an important work in field management. This paper introduces the process of developing a new type of loose-leaf wax scraper by using TRIZ method. At the same time, 48 schemes, 33 feasible schemes and 5 patent plans have been obtained by using this method, and certain economic benefits have been obtained.
Supply network Optimization Based on Supper Efficiency Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yadong , Shi Quan , You Zhifeng , Li Lei , Zhang Fang
Published: April 2020

In order to optimize the supply network, a multi-objective constraint optimization model is established with the constraints of demand satisfaction, lead time and inventory capacity, aiming at minimizing total supply time and the supply costs. By using the proposed upper efficiency non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, the set of non-dominant solutions are obtained. During optimization process, the upper efficiency data envelopment analysis (SE-DEA) is used to calculate the supper efficiency of the non-dominant solutions. In this way, on the one hand, the algorithm is guided to converge to the optimal efficiency individuals. On the other hand, the non-dominant solutions are sorted to select the optimal one. The example shows that 16 non-dominate solutions are obtained by using proposed algorithm, and the solution with supper efficiency of 0.9538 is determined as the optimal scheme.
Control-oriented representation method of assembly process for intelligent assembly system
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Zhijing , Guo Pengyue , Wang Lei
Published: April 2020

This work put forward a new idea of reconfigurable control of assembly process with a modular assembly control schedule (ACS) as system input and a series of automatic assembly actions of terminal execution units as system output. Based on this, an assembly process representation mechanism for reconfigurable control of intelligent assembly system is proposed, which provides an important basis and support for the further optimization and control of assembly actions. Firstly, the concepts of process meta-action (PMA) and control meta-instruction (CMI) of assembly were proposed, and the assembly process was decomposed into multiple PMAs by PSA (Procedure-Step-Action) decomposition method. Then, oriented to the control of assembly actions, PMAs were symbolized. Finally, the assembly of a micro gear was taken as a case study, and this work has been used to schedule the assembly actions of an actual micro-assembly system.
Thermal control technology for the space station adjoint modular satellite based on new thermal control materials
Authors: Hu Guojie , Chen Yujun , Wang Min , Liu Bailin , Yan Senhao
Published: April 2020

A modular satellite could perform various functions with various modules and the function of the satellite could be expanded easily. Therefore, the modularization design is an important development direction of space station adjoint satellites and others. However, every module of a modular satellite is structurally independent and the heat dissipation is unevenly distributed, while the interface between modules should support repeatable connection-separating. The traditional thermal control design could not satisfy the thermal control demand. In this paper, the thermal control technology for the space station adjoint modular satellite based on the thermal interface of carbon nanotube array on copper substrate, graphene coating and smart thermal control coating is proposed. By using the new technology, the thermal connection of the assembly and reconstruction system is built and the synergistic heat dissipation of the whole satellite is achieved. As to validate the proposed technology, the finite element model of the space station adjoint modular satellite is established and the whole flight process is simulated. The result indicates that the thermal control technology proposed in this paper can satisfy the thermal control demand of the modular satellite.
Research on Ship Fault Diagnosis Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhu Jun , Wang Lei , Zhang Di
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a deep learning algorithm to diagnose ship faults in order to improve the accuracy and diagnostic efficiency of ship fault diagnosis. 90% of the large number of unlabeled ship operational data samples are selected for model training, and the remaining 10% is used for model testing. We optimize model parameters and improve the accuracy of the deep learning model for fault diagnosis classification. Hidden layer functions are used to extract multi-layer data features and perform feature fusion. Gain values are used to define ship faults, primary faults, secondary faults, and tertiary faults. Finally, we use the soft-max classifier to fault output the fault and get the fault level output. The experimental results on the ship simulation fault dataset show that compared with other traditional algorithms, the accuracy of the fault diagnosis of this method is greatly improved, and the simulation result is 92.5%. Experiments show that the model based on deep learning algorithm for multi-layer feature fusion training can better meet the needs of ship fault diagnosis under complex systems.
Side parking device based on automobileautomatic force drive
Authors: Qin Jiarui , Wei Cancan , Xiong Xinhong
Published: April 2020

With the development of China’s economy and the continuous deepening of urbanization, the number of urban private cars has increased dramatically [1]. However, the planning of the community construction was relatively backward at the beginning, this has resulted in many residential areas, especially the old-fashioned ones. The problem of difficult parking is becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, it is very necessary to design a parking device that can effectively use the existing space and create more parking spaces. In addition, efforts are made to reduce the manufacturing cost of the device, save energy for product operation, avoid complicated maintenance of the device, and reduce potential safety hazards during use. The project team designed a side parking device based on the automatic driving force of the car. The device includes a vehicle-carrying walking module and a motion module. The vehicle-carrying walking module is composed of a laterally-movable vehicle-carrying platform device and a safety baffle mechanism, which realizes the lateral movement of the car parking and prevents accidents during the car parking process. The motion module is composed of a cross-cut telescopic mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a ratchet and pawl mechanism, which realizes the functions of parking the car in the warehouse and preventing the car body from slipping. After many discussions, the members of this project team have fully studied the problems of the existing parking devices and the parking difficulties faced by the old-style residential quarters, the project team decided to start from two aspects: first, to overcome Insufficient; then, to meet the actual needs of parking in the community [3].
Fault diagnosis of mechanical spindle drive chain based on time-frequency domain characteristics
Authors: Zhao Guobo , Chen Xuezhen , Li Ying , Pan Shilu , Dong Guangliang , He Yi
Published: April 2020

As a key component of CNC (computer numerical control) machines, spindle’s performance directly affects the performance of machines. The mechanical spindle, which is often used in the processing of complex aeronautical structures such as titanium alloys, has the characteristics of large torque and impact resistance. However, its long drive chain and complex structure make it difficult to effectively forewarn and diagnose its faults. In this paper, a fault forewarning and diagnosis method is designed, which is based on the analysis of characteristics of vibration time-frequency domain of mechanical spindle. Firstly, a method for calculating the frequency characteristics of key components in the drive chain of mechanical spindle is proposed, and the signal characteristics of vibration are obtained. Secondly, according to the position and layout of each component in the spindle drive chain, the layout scheme of signal acquisition points is designed based on the principle of point-to-surface integration. This scheme ensures that the signals of each point can not only reflect the state of the spindle, but also reflect the vibration characteristics of different parts. Variable speed test is carried out on different equipment of the same type, and the signals processed by Fourier transform, and the frequency domain signals at different speeds are obtained. The time-frequency signal of the spindle is analyzed to find its vibration characteristics. Combining with the results of theoretical calculation, the working state of the spindle and the working performance of each component, as well as the specific fault parts and types of fault are obtained. Through experimental verification, the method proposed in this paper effectively improves the ability of working state monitoring and fault diagnosis of the spindle system.
Investigation into convective heat transfer of nanofluids at the thermal boundary layer development region in micro-channels
Authors: Wang Shuxiang , Xu Li , Tong Junjie
Published: April 2020

The convective heat transfer at the thermal boundary layer development region in microchannels was theoretical and experimently investigated with de-ionized water and Al2O3-H2O nanofluids as the working fluids. It was found that nanofluids could effectively decreased the wall temperature and improve the heat transfer coefficient compared with the de-ionized water at the thermal boundary layer development zone. When the serious agglomeration of nanoparticles didn’t appear, increasing the concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles could effectively increase the heat transfer enhancement effect. And the local heat transfer coefficient increase amplitude by using the nanofluids decreased along the direction of refrigerant flow. At the thermal boundary layer development zone, higher inlet velocity would get the larger increase amplitude of the heat transfer coefficient. At the thermal boundary layer development region, lower heat flux could achieve more pronounced heat transfer enhancement by nanofluids. When the thermal boundary layer developed, the heat transfer enhancement by nanofluids decreased and affected by heat flow become weak. When the mass flow rate increases, the better improvement can be achieved by nanofluids in the micro-channels. The nanoparticles have greater impact on local heat transfer coefficient in thinner thermal boundary layer, leading to the heat transfer enhancement is better at the thermal boundary layer development region in micro-channels.
Research on multipath suppression performance of multiple BOC signals of navigation satellite
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Wei , Shen YangHe , Yu Su
Published: April 2020

BOC(Binary Offset Carrier) signal is a kind of navigation satellite downlink signal. Compared with BPSK(Binary Phase Shift Keying) modulation signal, it can improve the multipath suppression performance of navigation system. BOC signal modulation includes a variety of extended signal modulation modes, including TMBOC(time-multiplexed BOC), AltBOC(Alternative BOC) signals, etc. It is an important subject to study the performance of multipath suppression of various BOC signals. In this paper, the multipath error model is constructed by using the noncoherent early-late processing track loop, the performance of multipath suppression of TD-AltBOC(Time Division Alternative BOC) and AltBOC signals for different front-end bandwidth of the receiver is analyzed. By studying the average multipath error and envelope value of AltBOC (15,10), BOC (1,1) and TMBOC (6,1,4/33) signals, the performance comparison results of three kinds of BOC modulation are given. In order to verify the research results of multipath suppression performance, the receiver is used to receive the signals of different BOC modulation systems transmitted by navigation satellite, The multipath error is obtained by the combination of dual frequency pseudo range and carrier phase. The experimental results show that AltBOC (15,10) has the best multi-path suppression performance, followed by TMBOC (6,1,4/33), and BOC (1,1) has the worst multi-path suppression performance compared with the others, which proves the correctness of the research results of multi-path suppression performance of various BOC signals.
Dynamics analysis of planar linear array deployable structures with multiple clearance joints
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Hong Zhao , Zhang Jia Hua
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic characteristic of the scissor linear array deployable structure under the coupling action of clearance joints, where the kinematic model of the deployable structure with clearance is established according to the principle of the motion between joint elements. The normal and tangential contact forces between contact components are respectively described using the Flores contact force model and modified Column friction model. In the sequel of this process, the impact forces between the connected components are converted to the mass centers of links connected by this clearance joint, and the converted contact force and additional torque were integrated to the generalized force in motion equations of the deployable structure, and then the effect of joint clearance is introduced to deployable syetem. The simulation results show that the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism are very sensitive to the clearance position, and the movement of a joint clearance will affect the movement of the other joint clearance, which shows that clearance joints in deployable structure have a strong dynamic interaction and all the joints should be modeled as real joints.
Research on Air Pressure Cycle Test of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinder
Authors: Jia Songqing , Han Bing , Dai Xingtao , Bo Ke , Wei Zhihao , You Hongxin
Published: April 2020

Air pressure cycle tests were performed on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) high-density polyethylene liner glass fiber fully wound cylinders. During the repeated filling and discharging of the gas cylinder, the changes of the internal and external surface temperature and internal pressure of the gas cylinder with time were obtained. Through experimental analysis and numerical simulation, the characteristics of the flow field in the cylinder during the pressure cycle test at different pressure cycle rates were studied. The results show that the temperature in the gas cylinder rose steadily during the test. The temperature rise trend of the gas cylinder in Fluent simulation was the same as that in the test. In the air pressure cycle test, the temperature change of the cylinder was larger than that of the cylinder when it was filled with LPG, and the structure and material properties of the cylinder were unchanged. This test can check whether the LPG high-density polyethylene liner glass fiber fully wound cylinders are safe.
Safety performance optimization of front bumper system based on pedestrian lower leg protection
Authors: Zhong Jiabin , Shi Baijun , Zhang Yihuai
Published: April 2020

Taking the front bumper system of a passenger car as the research object, a finite element model of pedestrian lower leg collision was first established, and the tibial acceleration at Y400 was found to be high in the performance analysis. Second, the sensitivity analysis was performed on the main parameters of the bumper system to determine the skin Thickness and foam density are the main influencing variables. Finally, a performance improvement scheme is proposed, and the lower leg tibia acceleration is reduced by 47.71% after the improvement, indicating that the scheme is conducive to lower leg protection.
Task maintainability evaluation of complex system based on simulation
Authors: Song Mingchang , Shi Quan , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2020

In view of the problem that the randomness of maintenance time of functional units cannot be considered in traditional system maintainability evaluation, this paper firstly analyzes the general process of system task maintainability evaluation and determines the basic method of task maintainability evaluation. Then, aiming at the problem that it is difficult to solve the problem analytically when several functional units fail at the same time, a task maintainability evaluation algorithm based on simulation is proposed. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Numerical simulation of the flow in a vertical vane type tank with micro downward acceleration
Authors: Liu Jintao , Li Yong , Li Wen , Chen Lei , Bi Qiang
Published: April 2020

Vane type propellant tank is widely used in propellant system of satellite at present for that it can be refuelled in space. The performance of a vertical vane type tank is determined by propellant management device (PMD). The VOF model with commercial code (Fluent) was used to simulate the gas-liquid distribution with micro downward acceleration. Two kinds of volume fractions of liquid were chosen for the simulation. The flow rate of the liquid can reach 1300 ml/s. The potential energy caused by gravity for the initial conditions would be released in three seconds. The liquid in the tank would keep steady state in 28 seconds. These results could provide a reference for high acceleration maneuvers of a satellite.
Research on Postal Dispatching System at Multiple Transfer Points of Postal Containers Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Liu Min , Meng Jie , Li Guangping
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a new comprehensive algorithm is proposed to solve the problem of postal dispatching at multiple transfer points of postal containers, and based on this, a postal dispatching system of postal transfers at multiple transfer points is established. In this system, Floyd algorithm combined with fuzzy judgment to find each key route, and to combine linear programming to set a small step size for the far three points on each key route, so as to realize the area planning and design of key points. Finally, the genetic algorithm is used to solve the postal planning of the remaining points in the area. To optimize the system, the compensation principle is used to carry out post and mail planning at nearly three points in the area and complete the post and mail planning for the entire area.
Design of self - diagnostic sensor and ordinary sensor signal combination device
Authors: Li Yuliang , Zhang Lihong , Zhou XiaoZhong , Lou Weidong
Published: April 2020

A device is designed to combine the signal of self-diagnosis sensor and ordinary sensor. The device comprises a high-speed optocoupler, a single-chip microcomputer and an output drive circuit. The high-speed optocoupler is responsible for collecting the level state of the signal of the self-diagnosis sensor and the signal of the ordinary sensor. Micro Controller Unit (MCU) is finally combined with the results of the operation and the self-diagnosis sensor signal state, real-time maintenance or the test results of the output drive circuit. The output drive circuit amplifies the control signal sent by the single-chip microcomputer to enhance the driving ability of the output signal; This device can intelligently identify the external input signal, and then perform the operation of and or merge with the external input signal, and output the control signal with diagnostic pulse according to the level state of the input channel.
Trusts Reimagined: The Transplantation and Evolution of Trust Law in Northeast Asia
Authors: Wu Ying-Chieh
Published: April 2020

This Article suggests that the trust envisaged by a Northeast Asian lawyer is not like the trust a common lawyer would generally conceptualize, and that a structurally different species of trust has been reconstructed and reimagined in Northeast Asia. Trust law can be transplanted, yet some of its rules are too cumbersome to be accepted directly. This ultimately calls for modifications of some of the features of the common law trust, which happened in Northeast Asia when trust law was transplanted into Romano-Germanic civil law culture, culminating in a type of civil law trust. This Article explains how the doctrinal conflicts between the civil law tradition and the common law trust have been resolved by examining the transformations that took place in the course of the transplantation process and how these conflicts created a distinctive underlying structure of the trust in Northeast Asia. Many compromises and modifications were made to pare down conflicts arising from grafting the common law-based trust onto Romano-Germanic soil. However, adopting modified trusts unexpectedly led to the dilution of some of the traditional rules in the civil codes. These alterations and the ensuing discordance with some presently well-settled civil law theories are the core themes of this Article.
Real-world Effectiveness of Tofacitinib for Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicentre UK Experience
Authors: Honap Sailish , Chee Desmond , Chapman Thomas P , Patel Mehul , Kent Alexandra J , Ray Shuvra , Sharma Esha , Kennedy James , Cripps Sarah , Walsh Alissa , Goodhand James R , Ahmad Tariq , Satsangi Jack , Irving Peter M , Kennedy Nicholas A ,   LEO [London, Exeter, Oxford] IBD Research Consortium, Begum Yesmina , O’Neill Rhona , Mawdsley Joel , Samaan Mark , Anderson Simon , Sanderson Jeremy , Gordon Claire , Prasad Shyam , Lin Simeng , Chanchlani Neil , Elworthy Claire , Cairnes Vida , Travis Simon , Brain Oliver , Palmer Rebecca , Ambrose Timothy , Dubois Patrick , Hayee Bu’ Hussain , Chung-Faye Guy , Medcalf Lucy , Begum Yesmina , O’Neill Rhona , Mawdsley Joel , Samaan Mark , Anderson Simon , Sanderson Jeremy , Gordon Claire , Prasad Shyam , Lin Simeng , Chanchlani Neil , Elworthy Claire , Cairnes Vida , Travis Simon , Brain Oliver , Palmer Rebecca , Ambrose Timothy , Dubois Patrick , Hayee Bu’ Hussain , Chung-Faye Guy , Medcalf Lucy
Published: April 2020

Background

Tofacitinib is a partially selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of refractory moderate to severe ulcerative colitis [UC]. We sought to define the effectiveness and adverse effects of tofacitinib in a real-world cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of 134 patients with UC [64% male; median age 37 years [range 16–81]; 83% of patients had previously received at least one biologic] treated with tofacitinib from October 2018 to October 2019 in four UK centres. Disease activity was assessed using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index [SCCAI] or partial Mayo score [PMS], depending on study site. Response and remission were defined as a reduction in SCCAI or PMS of ≥3and SCCAI ≤2 or a PMS ≤1, respectively.

Results

Overall, 74% (88/119; 95 confidence interval [CI] 65–81%] patients responded to tofacitinib at Week 8 and steroid-free remission was observed in 44% [47/108; 95% CI 3453%] patients at Week 26. Primary non-response was independently associated with younger age [p = 0.014] and higher C-reactive protein [CRP] levels at baseline [p = 0.004]. Only 23% [3/13] of patients who continued tofacitinib in the setting of primary non-response were in steroid-free remission at Week 26. Prior biologic exposure did not influence response or remission rates. Dose escalation, however, recaptured response in approximately half of patients who had lost response. Dyslipidaemia was observed in 20% [27/134; 95% CI 1428%] of patients, but adverse events necessitating drug withdrawal were uncommon and no venous thromboembolic events occurred.

Conclusions

In this multicentre real-world cohort, tofacitinib was well tolerated and clinically effective in a treatment-refractory UC population.
Temporal Asynchrony of Adult Emergence Between Leucopis argenticollis and Leucopis piniperda (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), Predators of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), with Implications for Biological Control
Authors: Neidermeier Alex N , Ross Darrell W , Havill Nathan P , Wallin Kimberly F
Published: April 2020

Two species of silver fly, Leucopis argenticollis (Zetterstedt) and Leucopis piniperda (Malloch) (Diptera: Chamaemyiidae), from the Pacific Northwest region of North America have been identified as potential biological control agents of hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae: Adelges tsugae Annand) in eastern North America. The two predators are collectively synchronized with A. tsugae development. To determine whether adult emergence of the two species of silver fly are also synchronized with one another, we collected adult Leucopis which emerged from A. tsugae-infested western hemlock [Pinaceae: Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.] from four sites in the Pacific Northwest over a 29-d period. Specimens were collected twice daily in the laboratory and identified to species using DNA barcoding. The study found that more adult Leucopis were collected in the evening than the morning. Additionally, the daily emergences of adults over the 29-d sampling period exhibited sinusoidal-like fluctuations of peak abundance of each species, lending evidence to a pattern of temporal partitioning. This pattern could have logistical implications for their use as biological control agents in eastern North America, namely the need to release both species for maximum efficacy in decreasing A. tsugae populations.
Prediction of mortality rate in acute type A dissection: the German Registry for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection score
Authors: Czerny Martin , Siepe Matthias , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Feisst Manuel , Gabel Michael , Pilz Maximilian , Pöling Jochen , Dohle Daniel-Sebastian , Sarvanakis Konstantinos , Luehr Maximilian , Hagl Christian , Rawa Arif , Schneider Wilke , Detter Christian , Holubec Tomas , Borger Michael , Böning Andreas , Rylski Bartosz
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

The goal was to develop a scoring system to predict the 30-day mortality rate for patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection on the basis of the German Registry for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (GERAADA) data set and to provide a Web-based application for standard use.

METHODS

A total of 2537 patients enrolled in GERAADA who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2015 were analysed. Variable selection was performed using the R-package FAMoS. The robustness of the results was confirmed via the bootstrap procedure. The coefficients of the final model were used to calculate the risk score in a Web-based application.

RESULTS

Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.018, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.009–1.026; P < 0.001; 5-year OR: 1.093], need for catecholamines at referral (OR 1.732, 95% CI 1.340–2.232; P < 0.001), preoperative resuscitation (OR 3.051, 95% CI 2.099–4.441; P < 0.001), need for intubation before surgery (OR 1.949, 95% CI 1.465–2.585; P < 0.001), preoperative hemiparesis (OR 1.442, 95% CI 0.996–2.065; P = 0.049), coronary malperfusion (OR 1.870, 95% CI 1.386–2.509; P < 0.001), visceral malperfusion (OR 1.748, 95% CI 1.198–2.530; P = 0.003), dissection extension to the descending aorta (OR 1.443, 95% CI 1.120–1.864; P = 0.005) and previous cardiac surgery (OR 1.772, 95% CI 1.048–2.903; P = 0.027) were independent predictors of the 30-day mortality rate. The Web application based on the final model can be found at https://www.dgthg.de/de/GERAADA_Score.

CONCLUSIONS

The GERAADA score is a simple, effective tool to predict the 30-day mortality rate for patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. We recommend the widespread use of this Web-based application for standard use.
Metagenome-assembled genome distribution and key functionality highlight importance of aerobic metabolism in Svalbard permafrost
Authors: Xue Yaxin , Jonassen Inge , Øvreås Lise , Taş Neslihan
Published: April 2020

Permafrost underlies a large portion of the land in the Northern Hemisphere. It is proposed to be an extreme habitat and home for cold-adaptive microbial communities. Upon thaw permafrost is predicted to exacerbate increasing global temperature trend, where awakening microbes decompose millennia old carbon stocks. Yet our knowledge on composition, functional potential and variance of permafrost microbiome remains limited. In this study, we conducted a deep comparative metagenomic analysis through a 2 m permafrost core from Svalbard, Norway to determine key permafrost microbiome in this climate sensitive island ecosystem. To do so, we developed comparative metagenomics methods on metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAG). We found that community composition in Svalbard soil horizons shifted markedly with depth: the dominant phylum switched from Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria in top soils (active layer) to Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria in permafrost layers. Key metabolic potential propagated through permafrost depths revealed aerobic respiration and soil organic matter decomposition as key metabolic traits. We also found that Svalbard MAGs were enriched in genes involved in regulation of ammonium, sulfur and phosphate. Here, we provide a new perspective on how permafrost microbiome is shaped to acquire resources in competitive and limited resource conditions of deep Svalbard soils.
Biodiversity and dairy traits of indigenous milk lactic acid bacteria grown in presence of the main grape polyphenols
Authors: Barbaccia Pietro , Francesca Nicola , Gerlando Rosalia Di , Busetta Gabriele , Moschetti Giancarlo , Gaglio Raimondo , Settanni Luca
Published: April 2020

The present work was developed to select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to be used as starter cultures in functional cheese production. The indigenous milk LAB populations were isolated from fermented raw ewes’ milks (four bulks) added with 0.5 mg/mL of nine polyphenols commonly found in winery by-products. After 48 h of fermentation, all milks were characterized by an increase of LAB levels of about 3–4 Log cycles. All different colonies were purified and characterized for the main physiological and biochemical traits and then differentiated genetically at strain level and identified. Ten species belonging to the LAB genera Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Leuconostoc and Lactococcus were identified. Only Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains were evaluated for the technological traits including acidification and autolytic kinetics, diacetyl formation, exopolysaccharide production and generation of antimicrobial compounds. A total of four strains (Mise36, Mise94 Mise169 and Mise190) belonging to Lc. lactis displayed potential for production of cheeses containing grape polyphenols.
Exploring Clinically Meaningful Changes for the Frailty Index in a Longitudinal Cohort of Hospitalized Older Patients
Authors: Theou Olga , van der Valk Alexandra M , Godin Judith , Andrew Melissa K , McElhaney Janet E , McNeil Shelly A , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: April 2020

Background

Clinically meaningful change (CMC) for frailty index (FI) scores is little studied. We estimated the CMC by associating changes in FI scores with changes in the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in hospitalized patients.

Methods

The Serious Outcomes Surveillance Network of the Canadian Immunization Research Network enrolled older adults (65+ years) admitted to hospital with acute respiratory illness (mean age = 79.6 ± 8.4 years; 52.7% female). Patients were assigned CFS and 39-item FI scores in-person at admission and via telephone at 1-month postdischarge. Baseline frailty state was assessed at admission using health status 2 weeks before admission. We classified those whose CFS scores remained unchanged (n = 1,534) or increased (n = 4,390) from baseline to hospital admission, and whose CFS scores remained unchanged (n = 1,565) or decreased (n = 2,546) from admission to postdischarge. For each group, the CMC was represented as the FI score change value that best predicted one level CFS change, having the largest Youden J value in comparison to no change.

Results

From baseline to admission, 74.1% increased CFS by ≥1 level. From admission to postdischarge, 61.9% decreased CFS by ≥1 levels. A change in FI score of 0.03 best predicted both one-level CFS increase (sensitivity = 70%; specificity = 69%) and decrease (sensitivity = 66%; specificity = 61%) in comparison to no change. Of those who changed CFS by ≥1 levels, 70.9% (baseline to admission) and 72.4% (admission to postdischarge) changed their FI score by at least 0.03.

Conclusions

A clinically meaningful change of 0.03 in the frailty index score holds promise as a benchmark for assessing the meaningfulness of frailty interventions.
Properadic Homotopical Calculus
Authors: Hoffbeck Eric , Leray Johan , Vallette Bruno
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we initiate the generalization of the operadic calculus that governs the properties of homotopy algebras to a properadic calculus that governs the properties of homotopy gebras over a properad. In this first article of a series, we generalize the seminal notion of ${\infty }$-morphisms and the ubiquitous homotopy transfer theorem. As an application, we recover the homotopy properties of involutive Lie bialgebras developed by Cieliebak–Fukaya–Latschev and we produce new explicit formulas.
MITOL dysfunction causes dwarfism with anterior pituitary hypoplasia
Authors: Matsuno Keigo , Nagashima Shun , Shiiba Isshin , Taniwaka Keito , Takeda Keisuke , Tokuyama Takeshi , Ito Naoki , Matsushita Nobuko , Fukuda Toshifumi , Ishido Satoshi , Inatome Ryoko , Yanagi Shigeru
Published: April 2020

In mitochondrial disorders, short stature and growth failure are common symptoms, but their underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we examined the cause of growth failure of mice induced by nestin promoter-driven knockout of the mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase MITOL (MARCH5), a key regulator of mitochondrial function. MITOL-knockout mice have congenital hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary caused by decreased expression of pituitary transcript factor 1 (Pit1). Consistently, both mRNA levels of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin levels were markedly decreased in the anterior pituitary of mutant mice. Growth failure of mutant mice was partly rescued by hypodermic injection of recombinant GH. To clarify whether this abnormality was induced by the primary effect of MITOL knockdown in the anterior pituitary or a secondary effect of other lesions, we performed lentiviral-mediated knockdown of MITOL on cultured rat pituitary GH3 cells, which secrete GH. GH production was severely compromised in MITOL-knockdown GH3 cells. In conclusion, MITOL plays a critical role in the development of the anterior pituitary; therefore, mice with MITOL dysfunction exhibited pituitary dwarfism caused by anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Our findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is commonly involved in the unknown pathogenesis of pituitary dwarfism.
Cross-resistance and Fitness Cost Analysis of Resistance to Thiamethoxam in Melon and Cotton Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Chen Anqi , Shan Tisheng , Dong Wenyang , Shi Xueyan , Gao Xiwu
Published: April 2020

The melon/cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a notorious pest in many crops. The neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam is widely used for A. gossypii control. To evaluate thiamethoxam resistance risk, a melon/cotton aphid strain with an extremely high level of resistance to thiamethoxam (>2,325.6-fold) was established after selection with thiamethoxam for 24 generations. Additionally, the cross-resistance pattern to other neonicotinoids and fitness were analyzed. The cross-resistance results showed the thiamethoxam-resistant strain had extremely high levels of cross-resistance against clothianidin (>311.7-fold) and nitenpyram (299.9-fold), high levels of cross-resistance against dinotefuran (142.3-fold) and acetamiprid (76.6-fold), and low cross-resistance against imidacloprid (9.3-fold). Compared with the life table of susceptible strain, the thiamethoxam-resistant strain had a relative fitness of 0.950, with significant decreases in oviposition days and fecundity and prolonged developmental duration. The molecular mechanism for fitness costs was studied by comparing the mRNA expression levels of juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT), juvenile hormone-binding protein (JHBP), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), ecdysone receptor (EcR), ultraspiracle protein (USP), and Vitellogenin (Vg) in the susceptible and thiamethoxam-resistant strains. Significant overexpression of JHEH and JHBP and downregulation of EcR and Vg expression were found in the thiamethoxam-resistant strain. These results indicate that A. gossypii has the potential to develop extremely high resistance to thiamethoxam after continuous exposure, with a considerable fitness cost and cross-resistance to other neonicotinoids.
Not such a small diagnosis: small cell carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Smith Stephanie F , Mukherjee Rono , Nasir Nyla
Published: April 2020

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy most commonly described in the lung. We present a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with a neck swelling and was subsequently found to have metastatic SCC of the prostate. Clinicians should be aware that it metastasizes early. Unlike conventional prostate adenocarcinoma, it is not a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) secreting tumor hence serum levels do not correlate with disease severity, and a low PSA reading may give false reassurance. In the future, further studies on genomic typing and novel targeted therapies may achieve better clinical outcomes for patients with this aggressive type of prostate cancer.
Future of cross-border pipeline projects in AMLO’s Mexico: what’s the risk?
Authors: Rollag Megan
Published: April 2020

Upon the election of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) on 1 July 2018, the vitality of Mexico’s recent Energy Reform came under fire from investors, policy makers and industry professionals. This paper evaluates the risks posed to investors in cross-border pipeline projects as a result of this regime shift. Risk is evaluated by the present factors that affect investment conditions as well as projections into the future state of the Mexican Energy Reform. An evaluation of the current Mexican natural gas policy and Mexico’s natural gas relationship with the United States demonstrate a high demand for cheap natural gas flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border. While factors such as social insecurity, theft, environmental concerns, and political volatility slowed the development of several cross-border pipeline projects, the presence of newly minted projects on the horizon are a sign that the expansion of Mexico’s pipeline infrastructure is likely to endure.
The properties of radio and mid-infrared detected galaxies and the effect of environment on the co-evolution of AGN and star formation at z ∼ 1
Authors: Shen Lu , Lemaux Brian C , Lubin Lori M , McKean John , Miller Neal A , Pelliccia Debora , Fassnacht Christopher D , Tomczak Adam , Wu Po-Feng , Kocevski Dale , Gal Roy , Hung Denise , Squires Gordon
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigate 179 radio-infrared (IR) galaxies drawn from a sample of spectroscopically confirmed galaxies, which are detected in radio and mid-IR (MIR) in the redshift range of 0.55 ≤ z ≤ 1.30 in the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large Scale Environments (ORELSE) survey. We constrain the active galactic nuclei (AGN) contribution to the total IR luminosity (fAGN), and estimate the AGN luminosity (LAGN) and the star formation rate (SFR). Based on the fAGN and radio luminosity, radio–IR galaxies are split into galaxies that host either high- or low-fAGN AGN (high-/low-fAGN), and star-forming galaxies (SFGs) with little to no AGN activity. We study the properties of the three radio–IR sub-samples comparing to an underlying parent sample. In the comparison of radio luminosity of three sub-samples, no significant difference was found, which could be due to the combined contribution of radio emission from AGN and star formation. We find a positive relationship between LAGN and specific SFR (sSFR) for both AGN sub-samples, strongly suggesting a co-evolution scenario of AGN and SF in these galaxies. A toy model is designed to demonstrate this co-evolution scenario, where we find that, in almost all cases, a rapid quenching time-scale is required, which we argue is a signature of AGN quenching. The environmental preference for intermediate/infall regions of clusters/groups remains across the co-evolution scenario, which suggests that galaxies might be in an orbital motion around the cluster/group during the scenario.
Death-related distress in adult primary brain tumor patients
Authors: Loughan Ashlee R , Aslanzadeh Farah J , Brechbiel Julia , Rodin Gary , Husain Mariya , Braun Sarah E , Willis Kelcie D , Lanoye Autumn
Published: April 2020

Background

A diagnosis of cancer may increase mortality salience and provoke death-related distress. Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients may be at particular risk for such distress given the certainty of tumor progression, lack of curative treatments, and poor survival rates. This study is the first to examine the prevalence of death-related distress and its correlates in PBT patients.

Methods

Adult PBT patients (N = 105) enrolled in this cross-sectional study and completed the Death Distress Scale (subscales: Death Depression, Death Anxiety, Death Obsession), Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7, and Patient Health Questionnaire–9. Prevalence and predictors of death-related distress, and the relationships of demographic variables to clusters of distress, were explored.

Results

The majority of PBT patients endorsed clinically significant death-related distress in at least one domain. Death anxiety was endorsed by 81%, death depression by 12.5%, and death obsession by 10.5%. Generalized anxiety was the only factor associated with global death-related distress. Cluster analysis yielded 4 profiles: global distress, emotional distress, resilience, and existential distress. Participants in the resilience cluster were significantly further out from diagnosis than those in the existential distress cluster. There were no differences in cluster membership based on age, sex, or tumor grade.

Conclusions

PBT patients appear to have a high prevalence of death-related distress, particularly death anxiety. Further, 4 distinct profiles of distress were identified, supporting the need for tailored approaches to addressing death-related distress. A shift in clusters of distress based on time since diagnosis also suggest the need for future longitudinal assessment.
Central neurogenic hyperventilation in conscious patients due to CNS neoplasm: a case report and review of the literature on treatment
Authors: Neves Briard Joel , Beaulieu Marie-Claude , Lemoine Émile , Beaulieu Camille , Dubé Bruno-Pierre , Lapointe Sarah
Published: April 2020

Background

Central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) is increasingly reported in conscious patients with a CNS neoplasm. We aimed to synthesize the available data on the treatment of this condition to guide clinicians in their approach.

Methods

We describe the case of a 39-year-old conscious woman with CNH secondary to glioma brainstem infiltration for whom hyperventilation was aborted with hydromorphone, dexamethasone, and brainstem radiotherapy. We then performed a review of the literature on the treatment of CNH in conscious patients due to a CNS neoplasm.

Results

A total of 31 studies reporting 33 cases fulfilled the selection criteria. The underlying neoplasm was lymphoma in 15 (45%) and glioma in 13 (39%) patients. Overall, CNH was aborted in 70% of cases. Opioids and sedatives overall seemed useful for symptom relief, but the benefit was often of short duration when the medication was administered orally or subcutaneously. Methadone and fentanyl were successful but rarely used. Chemotherapy was most effective in patients with lymphoma (89%), but not glioma (0%) or other neoplasms (0%). Patients with lymphoma (80%) and other tumors (100%) responded to radiotherapy more frequently than patients with glioma (43%). Corticosteroids were moderately effective. Subtotal surgical resection was successful in the 3 cases for which it was attempted.

Conclusion

Definitive treatment of the underlying neoplasm may be more successful in aborting hyperventilation. Variable rates of palliation have been observed with opioids and sedatives. Treatment of CNH is challenging but successful in a majority of cases.
4D spinless topological insulator in a periodic electric circuit
Authors: Yu Rui , Zhao Y X , Schnyder Andreas P
Published: April 2020

According to the mathematical classification of topological band structures, there exist a number of fascinating topological states in dimensions larger than three with exotic boundary phenomena and interesting topological responses. While these topological states are not accessible in condensed matter systems, recent works have shown that synthetic systems, such as photonic crystals or electric circuits, can realize higher-dimensional band structures. Here, we argue that, because of its symmetry properties, the 4D spinless topological insulator is particularly well suited for implementation in these synthetic systems. We explicitly construct a 2D electric circuit lattice, whose resonance frequency spectrum simulates the 4D spinless topological insulator. We perform detailed numerical calculations of the circuit lattice and show that the resonance frequency spectrum exhibits pairs of 3D Weyl boundary states, a hallmark of the nontrivial topology. These pairs of 3D Weyl states with the same chirality are protected by classical time-reversal symmetry that squares to +1, which is inherent in the proposed circuit lattice. We also discuss how the simulated 4D topological band structure can be observed in experiments.