bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Novel Myositis Autoantibodies in a Large Cohort of Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Moll Sofia A. , Platenburg Mark G. J. P. , Platteel Anouk C. M. , Vorselaars Adriane D. M. , Janssen Bonàs Montse , Roodenburg-Benschop Claudia , Meek Bob , van Moorsel Coline H. M. , Grutters Jan C.
Published: September 2020

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are an important secondary cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD). If a CTD is suspected, clinicians are recommended to perform autoantibody testing, including for myositis autoantibodies. In this study, the prevalence and clinical associations of novel myositis autoantibodies in ILD are presented. A total of 1194 patients with ILD and 116 healthy subjects were tested for antibodies specific for Ks, Ha, Zoα, and cN1A with a line-blot assay on serum available at the time of diagnosis. Autoantibodies were demonstrated in 63 (5.3%) patients and one (0.9%) healthy control (p = 0.035). Autoantibodies were found more frequently in females (p = 0.042) and patients without a histological and/or radiological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP; p = 0.010) and a trend towards CTD-ILDs (8.4%) was seen compared with other ILDs (4.9%; p = 0.090). The prevalence of antibodies specific for Ks, Ha, Zoα, and cN1A was, respectively, 1.3%, 2.0%, 1.4%, and 0.9% in ILD. Anti-Ha and Anti-Ks were observed in males with unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (unclassifiable IIP), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), and various CTD-ILDs, whereas anti-cN1A was seen in females with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS), HP, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Anti-Zoα was associated with CTD-ILD (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.11–5.61; p = 0.027). In conclusion, a relatively high prevalence of previously unknown myositis autoantibodies was found in a large cohort of various ILDs. Our results contribute to the awareness that circulating autoantibodies can be found in ILDs with or without established CTD. Whether these antibodies have to be added to the standard set of autoantibodies analysed in conventional myositis blot assays for diagnostic purposes in clinical ILD care requires further study.
The Wide Spectrum of COVID-19 Clinical Presentation in Children
Authors: Nathan Nadia , Prevost Blandine , Sileo Chiara , Richard Nicolas , Berdah Laura , Thouvenin Guillaume , Aubertin Guillaume , Lecarpentier Thibault , Schnuriger Aurélie , Jegard Julien , Guellec Isabelle , Taytard Jessica , Corvol Harriet
Published: September 2020

Background: Ten months after its appearance in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 25 million patients worldwide. Because children were first identified as potential spreaders of the virus, schools were closed in several countries. However, it rapidly became evident that the number of hospitalized children infected by SARS-CoV-2 was dramatically lower than that of adults. To date, only hypotheses have been raised to explain this difference, so it is of great importance to describe the presentation of this disease among children. Here, we describe a wide spectrum of COVID-19 manifestation in children in a dedicated pediatric unit in France. Methods: Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who were diagnosed on the basis of either positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs and/or typical aspects in chest-computed tomography (CT) were included between March and May 2020 in Paris. Results: Twenty-three patients were included on the basis of positive RT-PCR (n = 20) and/or typical aspects in CT (n = 4). The median age was 4.9 years [0.1–17.6]. Patients were grouped by age (<2 years old: n = 14, 61%; 2–10 years old: n = 2, 9%; >10 years old: n = 7, 30%). Overweight or obesity was reported in only three patients. At presentation, the most frequent symptom in the overall cohort was fever (n = 18, 78%), followed by acute rhinitis (n = 9, 64%) and cough (n = 7, 50%) in the under 2-year-old group and cough (n = 4, 57%), fatigue, dyspnea and abdominal pain (n = 3, 43% each) in the over 10-year-old group. Five patients required ICU treatment, four of whom were aged >10 years, two presented with acute myocarditis, and two were sickle cell disease patients who presented with acute chest syndrome. Discussion and conclusion: The youngest patients seem to present milder forms of COVID-19 without the need for ICU treatment and with a shorter length of hospitalization. More severe evolutions were observed in teenagers, with, however, favorable outcomes. Given the context of closed schools and confinement, the infection of these children suggests intra-familial transmission that needs to be further assessed. This description might help to understand the intriguing differences in COVID-19 severity across age-classes.
Neurophysiology and Psychopathology Underlying PTSD and Recent Insights into the PTSD Therapies—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Aliev Gjumrakch , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Svistunov Andrey A. , Rozhnova Tatyana , Kostyuk Svetlana , Cherkesov Igor , Gavryushova Liliya V. , Chekhonatsky Andrey A. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Somasundaram Siva G. , Avila-Rodriguez Marco F. , Kirkland Cecil E.
Published: September 2020

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Pharmacodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) have been used to treat patients with PTSD. However, it remains unclear whether there are concurrent changes in psychopathological and neurophysiological factors associated with PTSD patients. Past reports described those PTSD patients with efficient fatty acid metabolism, neurogenesis, mitochondrial energy balance could improve ability to cope against the conditioned fear responses and traumatic memories. Furthermore, cognitive, behavioral, cellular, and molecular evidence can be combined to create personalized therapies for PTSD sufferers either with or without comorbidities such as depression or memory impairment. Unfortunately, there is still evidence lacking to establish a full understanding of the underlying neurophysiological and psychopathological aspects associated with PTSD. This review has extensively discussed the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of genetic factors to cause PTSD, the implications of inflammation, neurotransmitter genomics, metabolic alterations, neuroendocrine disturbance (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis), mitochondrial dynamics, neurogenesis, and premature aging related to PTSD-induced psychopathology and neurophysiology. In addition, the review delineated the importance of CBT and several pharmacodynamic therapies to mitigate symptomatology of PTSD.
No-Reflow after PPCI—A Predictor of Short-Term Outcomes in STEMI Patients
Authors: Pantea-Roșan Larisa Renata , Pantea Vlad Alin , Bungau Simona , Tit Delia Mirela , Behl Tapan , Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Bustea Cristiana , Moleriu Radu Dumitru , Rus Marius , Popescu Mircea Ioachim , Turi Vladiana , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: September 2020

The no-reflow phenomenon following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is a predictor of unfavorable prognosis. Patients with no-reflow have many complications during admission, and it is considered a marker of short-term mortality. The current research emphasizes the circumstances of the incidence and complications of the no-reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients, including in-hospital mortality. In this case-control study, conducted over two and a half years, there were enrolled 656 patients diagnosed with STEMI and reperfused through PPCI. Several patients (n = 96) developed an interventional type of no-reflow phenomenon. One third of the patients with a no-reflow phenomenon suffered complications during admission, and 14 succumbed. Regarding complications, the majority consisted of arrhythmias (21.68%) and cardiogenic shock (16.67%). The anterior localization of STEMI and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) as a culprit lesion were associated with the highest number of complications during hospitalization. At the same time, the time interval >12 h from the onset of the typical symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) until revascularization, as well as multiple stents implantations during PPCI, correlated with an increased incidence of short-term complications. The no-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI was associated with an unfavorable short-term prognosis.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as Biomarker of COVID-19 Disease Severity—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sorrentino Sabato , Cacia Michele , Leo Isabella , Polimeni Alberto , Sabatino Jolanda , Spaccarotella Carmen Anna Maria , Mongiardo Annalisa , De Rosa Salvatore , Indolfi Ciro
Published: September 2020

Up to 15% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients experience severe clinical presentation, resulting in acute respiratory distress (ARDS) and finally death. N-terminal natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with ARDS. However, whether or not this peptide can help discriminate high-risk COVID-19 patients remains unclear. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we summarized the available evidence on NT-proBNP in patients admitted for COVID-19. Pooled mean, mean differences (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were the summary metrics. Thirteen studies were finally selected for this analysis with a total of 2248 patients, of which 507 had a severe condition (n = 240) or died (n = 267). Pooled mean NT-proBNP levels on admission were 790.57 pg/mL (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 532.50 to 1048.64) in patients that experienced a severe clinical condition or died, and 160.56 pg/mL (95% CI: 118.15 to 202.96) in non-severe patients (SMD: 1.05; 95% (CI): 0.83 to 1.28; p < 0.001; I2 74%; and MD was 645.84 pg/mL (95% CI: 389.50–902.18). Results were consistent in studies categorizing patients as non-survivors versus survivors (SMD: 1.17; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.40; p < 0. 001; I2: 51%), and in those classifying populations in severe versus non-severe clinical condition (SMD: 0.94 95% CI 0.56 to 1.32; p < 0.001; I2: 81%; pinteraction = 0.30). In conclusion, our results suggest that assessing NT-proBNP may support physicians in discriminating high-risk COVID-19 patients.
Comparison of Postoperative Renal Function between Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug and Opioids for Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Han Jiwon , Jeon Young-Tae , Oh Ah-Young , Koo Chang-Hoon , Bae Yu Kyung , Ryu Jung-Hee
Published: September 2020

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used as opioid alternatives for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). However, their use after nephrectomy has raised concerns regarding possible nephrotoxicity. This study compared postoperative renal function and postoperative outcomes between patients using NSAID and patients using opioids for PCA in nephrectomy. In this retrospective observational study, records were reviewed for 913 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy from 2015 to 2017. After propensity score matching, 247 patients per group were analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) percentages (postoperative value divided by preoperative value), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratios, and serum creatinine percentages were compared at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery between users of NSAID and users of opioids for PCA. Additionally, postoperative complication rates, postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) incidences, postoperative pain scores, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between groups. Postoperative GFR percentages, BUN/creatinine ratios, and serum creatinine percentages were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications, incidences of AKI, and pain scores at 30 min, 6 h, 48 h, or 7 days postoperatively. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the NSAID group than in the opioid group. This study showed no association between the use of NSAID for PCA after laparoscopic nephrectomy and the incidence of postoperative renal dysfunction.
The Prognostic Model of Pre-Treatment Complete Blood Count (CBC) for Recurrence in Early Cervical Cancer
Authors: Noh Joseph J. , Lim Myong Cheol , Kim Moon-Hong , Kim Yun Hwan , Song Eun Seop , Seong Seok Ju , Suh Dong Hoon , Lee Jong-Min , Lee Chulmin , Choi Chel Hun
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of the pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) profile as a predictive marker of survival, recurrence, and death in early stage squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The pre-treatment CBC profiles of the patients from nine tertiary medical centers in South Korea who were treated surgically for early stage cervical cancer were reviewed. Statistical models by the Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) were developed using CBC profiles to calculate individuals’ risk scores for clinical outcomes. A total of 1443 patients were included in the study and the median follow-up was 63.7 months with a range of 3–183 months. Univariate analyses identified the components of CBC that were significantly related to clinical outcomes including white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, neutrophil, and platelet levels. The models developed using CBC profiles and the conventional clinical predictive factors provided individuals’ risk scores that were significantly better in predicting clinical outcomes than the models using the conventional clinical predictive factors alone. Pre-treatment CBC profiles including WBC, hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet levels were found to be a potential biomarker for survival prognosis in early cervical cancer.
Perceval or Trifecta to Prevent Patient–Prosthesis Mismatch
Authors: Hernandez-Vaquero Daniel , Vigil-Escalera Carlota , Persia Yvan , Morales Carlos , Pascual Isaac , Domínguez-Rodríguez Alberto , Rodríguez-Caulo Emiliano , Carnero Manuel , Díaz Rocío , Avanzas Pablo , Moris Cesar , Silva Jacobo
Published: September 2020

The Trifecta aortic valve has excellent hemodynamics characteristics. Moreover, the Perceval prosthesis may achieve better hemodynamics than the conventional valves; therefore, it has been proposed to reduce the incidence of patient–prosthesis mismatch. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of this complication between both prostheses. All patients who underwent valve replacement with a Perceval or a Trifecta from 2016 to 2020 at our institution were included. We calculated the prevalence of patient–prosthesis mismatch for each prosthesis and size and performed a multinomial logistic regression model to investigate the impact of choosing one prosthesis over the other. A total of 516 patients were analyzed. Moderate mismatch was present in 33 (8.6%) in the Trifecta group and 28 (21.4%) in the Perceval group, p < 0.001. Severe mismatch was present in 8 (2.1%) patients with Trifecta and 5 (3.8%) patients with Perceval, p = 0.33. Compared with the Perceval, the Trifecta prosthesis was shown to reduce moderate patient–prosthesis mismatch: OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.9, p = 0.02). Both prostheses led to a similar risk of severe patient–prosthesis mismatch: OR = 0.9 (95% CI 0.3–2.8, p = 0.79). Both prostheses provide a very low risk of severe patient–prosthesis mismatch. Compared with the Perceval prothesis, the Trifecta prosthesis is able to reduce by 50% the risk of moderate mismatch.
Characteristics of Trauma Mortality in Patients with Aortic Injury in Harris County, Texas
Authors: Chang Ronald , Drake Stacy A. , Holcomb John B. , Phillips Garrett , Wade Charles E. , Charlton-Ouw Kristofer M.
Published: September 2020

Background: The National Academies of Science have issued a call for zero preventable trauma deaths. The mortality characteristics in all patients with aortic injury are not well described. Methods: All prehospital and hospital medical examiner records for deaths occurring in Harris County, Texas in 2014 were retrospectively reviewed, and patients with traumatic aortic injury were selected. The level of aortic injury was categorized by zone (0 through 9) and further grouped by aortic region (arch, zones 0 to 2; descending thoracic, zones 3 to 5; visceral abdominal, zones 6 to 8; infrarenal, zone 9). Multiple investigators used standardized criteria to categorize deaths as preventable, potentially preventable, or non-preventable. Results: Of 1848 trauma deaths, 192 (10%) had aortic injury. There were 59 (31%) aortic arch, 144 (75%) descending thoracic, 19 (10%) visceral abdominal, and 20 (10%) infrarenal aortic injuries. There were 178 (93%) non-preventable deaths and 14 (7%) potentially preventable deaths, and none were preventable. Non-preventable deaths were associated with blunt trauma (69%) and the arch or thoracic aorta (93%), whereas potentially preventable deaths were associated with penetrating trauma (93%) and the visceral abdominal or infrarenal aorta (79%) (all p < 0.05). Half of potentially preventable deaths (n = 7) occurred at the scene, and half occurred at a trauma center. Conclusion: Potentially preventable deaths after aortic injury were associated with penetrating mechanism and injury to the visceral abdominal and/or infrarenal aorta. Optimal prehospital and ED treatment include temporizing hemorrhage control, hemostatic resuscitation, and faster transport to definitive treatment.
Lessons from the CONSCIOUS-1 Study
Authors: Schupper Alexander J. , Eagles Matthew E. , Neifert Sean N. , Mocco J , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: September 2020

After years of research on treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including randomized clinical trials, few treatments have been shown to be efficacious. Nevertheless, reductions in morbidity and mortality have occurred over the last decades. Reasons for the improved outcomes remain unclear. One randomized clinical trial that has been examined in detail with these questions in mind is Clazosentan to Overcome Neurological Ischemia and Infarction Occurring After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (CONSCIOUS-1). This was a phase-2 trial testing the effect of clazosentan on angiographic vasospasm (aVSP) in patients with aSAH. Clazosentan decreased moderate to severe aVSP. There was no statistically significant effect on the extended Glasgow outcome score (GOS), although the study was not powered for this endpoint. Data from the approximately 400 patients in the study were detailed, rigorously collected and documented and were generously made available to one investigator. Post-hoc analyses were conducted which have expanded our knowledge of the management of aSAH. We review those analyses here.
Fishing Net Health State Estimation Using Underwater Imaging
Authors: Qiu Wenliang , Pakrashi Vikram , Ghosh Bidisha
Published: September 2020

Fishing net cleanliness plays a critical role for aquaculture industry as bio-fouled nets restrict the flow of water through the net leading to a build-up of toxins and reduced oxygen levels within the pen, thereby putting the fish under increased stress. In this paper, we proposed an underwater fishing Net Health State Estimation (NHSE) method, which can automatically analyze the degree of fouling on the net through underwater image analysis using remotely operated vehicles (ROV) images, and calculate a blocking percentage metric of each net opening. The level of fouling estimated through this method help the operators decide on the need of cleaning or maintenance schedule. There are mainly six modules in the proposed NHSE method, namely user interaction, distortion correction, underwater image dehazing, marine growth segmentation, net-opening structure analysis, and blocked percentage estimation. To evaluate the proposed NHSE method, we collected and labeled several underwater images in Mulroy Bay, Ireland with pixel-wise annotations. In order to verify the universality and robustness of the algorithm, we simulated and built a virtual fishing farm, and, on this basis, collected and labeled fishing net images under different environmental conditions. Seven evaluation metrics are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
On Power-Absorption Degrees of Freedom for Point Absorber Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Wu Jinming
Published: September 2020

Point absorbers are extensively employed in wave energy conversion. In this work, we studied the point absorber with the buoy of a vertical cylindrical shape. Wave power absorption is obtained through the relative motion between the buoy and an internal mass. Three power-absorption degrees of freedom are investigated, i.e., surge, heave, and pitch, together with the influence of wave compliance of the buoy. Results show that, to absorb more power, the internal mass should be as large as possible for power absorption in translational degrees of freedom, i.e., surge and heave. The total rotational inertia should be as large as possible and the center of mass should be as low as possible for power absorption in pitch. Wave compliance of the buoy slightly enhances the power absorption in surge, but significantly weakens the power absorption in pitch. Surge is the best degree of freedom for power absorption owing to the highest efficiency, indicated by the largest capture width ratio. The simple resistive control is found to be adequate for wave power absorption of the self-reacting point absorber.
Transcript Levels of Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Subfamily C (AKR1C) Are Increased in Prostate Tissue of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Franko Andras , Berti Lucia , Hennenlotter Jörg , Rausch Steffen , Scharpf Marcus O. , de Angelis Martin Hrabĕ , Stenzl Arnulf , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Peter Andreas , Lutz Stefan Z. , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Heni Martin
Published: September 2020

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 (AKR1) enzymes play a crucial role in diabetic complications. Since type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cancer progression, we investigated the impact of diabetes on AKR1 gene expression in the context of prostate cancer (PCa) development. In this study, we analyzed benign (BEN) prostate and PCa tissue of patients with and without T2D. Furthermore, to replicate hyperglycemia in vitro, we treated the prostate adenocarcinoma cell line PC3 with increasing glucose concentrations. Gene expression was quantified using real-time qPCR. In the prostate tissue of patients with T2D, AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 transcripts were higher compared to samples of patients without diabetes. In PC3 cells, high glucose treatment induced the gene expression levels of AKR1C1, C2, and C3. Furthermore, both in human tissue and in PC3 cells, the transcript levels of AKR1C1, C2, and C3 showed positive associations with oncogenes, which are involved in proliferation processes and HIF1α and NFκB pathways. These results indicate that in the prostate glands of patients with T2D, hyperglycemia could play a pivotal role by inducing the expression of AKR1C1, C2, and C3. The higher transcript level of AKR1C was furthermore associated with upregulated HIF1α and NFκB pathways, which are major drivers of PCa carcinogenesis.
The Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay on Human Isolated Fresh and Cryopreserved Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Sioen Simon , Cloet Karlien , Vral Anne , Baeyens Ans
Published: September 2020

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is a standardized method used for genotoxicity studies. Conventional whole blood cultures (WBC) are often used for this assay, although the assay can also be performed on isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. However, the standardization of a protocol for the PBMC CBMN assay has not been investigated extensively. The aim of this study was to optimize a reliable CBMN assay protocol for fresh and cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS), and to compare micronuclei (MNi) results between WBC and PBMC cultures. The G0 CBMN assay was performed on whole blood, freshly isolated, and cryopreserved PBMCS from healthy human blood samples and five radiosensitive patient samples. Cells were exposed to 220 kV X-ray in vitro doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 Gy. The optimized PBMC CBMN assay showed adequate repeatability and small inter-individual variability. MNi values were significantly higher for WBC than for fresh PBMCS. Additionally, cryopreservation of PBMCS resulted in a significant increase of MNi values, while different cryopreservation times had no significant impact. In conclusion, our standardized CBMN assay on fresh and cryopreserved PBMCS can be used for genotoxicity studies, biological dosimetry, and radiosensitivity assessment.
Volatility in International Stock Markets: An Empirical Study during COVID-19
Authors: Chaudhary Rashmi , Bakhshi Priti , Gupta Hemendra
Published: September 2020

Predicting volatility is a must in the finance domain. Estimations of volatility, along with the central tendency, permit us to evaluate the chances of getting a particular result. Financial analysts are frequently challenged with the assignment of diversifying assets in order to form efficient portfolios with a higher risk to reward ratio. The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of COVID-19 on the return and volatility of the stock market indices of the top 10 countries based on GDP using a widely applied econometric model—generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH). For this purpose, the daily returns of market indices from January 2019 to June 2020 were taken into consideration. The results reveal daily negative mean returns for all market indices during the COVID period (January 2020 to June 2020). Though the second quarter of the COVID period reflects a bounce back for all market indices with altered strengths, the volatility remains higher than in normal periods, signaling a bearish tendency in the market. The COVID variable, as an exogenous variance regressor in GARCH modeling, is found to be positive and significant for all market indices. Furthermore, the results confirmed the mean-reverting process for all market indices.
Land-Use Change and Future Water Demand in California’s Central Coast
Authors: Wilson Tamara S. , Van Schmidt Nathan D. , Langridge Ruth
Published: September 2020

Understanding future land-use related water demand is important for planners and resource managers in identifying potential shortages and crafting mitigation strategies. This is especially the case for regions dependent on limited local groundwater supplies. For the groundwater dependent Central Coast of California, we developed two scenarios of future land use and water demand based on sampling from a historical land change record: a business-as-usual scenario (BAU; 1992–2016) and a recent-modern scenario (RM; 2002–2016). We modeled the scenarios in the stochastic, empirically based, spatially explicit LUCAS state-and-transition simulation model at a high resolution (270-m) for the years 2001–2100 across 10 Monte Carlo simulations, applying current land zoning restrictions. Under the BAU scenario, regional water demand increased by an estimated ~222.7 Mm3 by 2100, driven by the continuation of perennial cropland expansion as well as higher than modern urbanization rates. Since 2000, mandates have been in place restricting new development unless adequate water resources could be identified. Despite these restrictions, water demand dramatically increased in the RM scenario by 310.6 Mm3 by century’s end, driven by the projected continuation of dramatic orchard and vineyard expansion trends. Overall, increased perennial cropland leads to a near doubling to tripling perennial water demand by 2100. Our scenario projections can provide water managers and policy makers with information on diverging land use and water use futures based on observed land change and water use trends, helping to better inform land and resource management decisions.
Noninvasive Tests (NITs) for Hepatic Fibrosis in Fatty Liver Syndrome
Authors: Han Ma Ai Thanda
Published: September 2020

Fatty liver syndrome is an emerging health problem in the world, due to the high prevalence of obesity and alcohol use disorder. Given the nature of the disease’s advancement to cirrhosis and liver-related complications, it is important to assess the severity of the disease, which is typically done via a liver biopsy. Due to the limitations and risks of liver biopsy, the role of noninvasive tests is essential and evolving to stratify the stage of the liver disease, predict the outcomes, and/or monitor the treatment response. This review is focused on noninvasive tests, including the use of serum-based biomarkers, ultrasound-based shear wave elastography, transient elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography in both clinical and research settings.
Synthesis of an Al-Based Composite Reinforced by Multi-Phase ZrB2, Al3BC and Al2O3 with Good Mechanical and Thermal Properties at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Bian Yihan , Gao Tong , Zhao Yongfeng , Liu Guiliang , Liu Xiangfa
Published: September 2020

To synthesize Al composite with high strength at elevated temperature, high modulus and thermal stability, ZrB2, Al3BC and Al2O3 particles have been chosen as reinforcements simultaneously. A (9.2 wt.% ZrB2 + 5.6 wt.% Al3BC + 5.5 wt.% Al2O3)/Al composite has been prepared, and the in-situ synthesized particles are nano-sized. Mechanical property tests reveal that the nanoparticles exhibit a remarkable synergistic enhancement effect. The elasticity modulus of the composite is 89 GPa, and the ultimate tensile strengths at 25 °C and 350 °C can be as high as 371 MPa and 154 MPa, respectively.
Measurement of Internal Implantation Strains in Analogue Bone Using DVC
Authors: Marter Alexander , Burson-Thomas Charles , Dickinson Alexander , Rankin Kathryn , Mavrogordato Mark , Pierron Fabrice , Browne Martin
Published: September 2020

The survivorship of cementless orthopaedic implants may be related to their initial stability; insufficient press-fit can lead to excessive micromotion between the implant and bone, joint pain, and surgical revision. However, too much interference between implant and bone can produce excessive strains and damage the bone, which also compromises stability. An understanding of the nature and mechanisms of strain generation during implantation would therefore be valuable. Previous measurements of implantation strain have been limited to local discrete or surface measurements. In this work, we devise a Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) methodology to measure the implantation strain throughout the volume. A simplified implant model was implanted into analogue bone media using a customised loading rig, and a micro-CT protocol optimised to minimise artefacts due to the presence of the implant. The measured strains were interpreted by FE modelling of the displacement-controlled implantation, using a bilinear elastoplastic constitutive model for the analogue bone. The coefficient of friction between the implant and bone was determined using the experimental measurements of the reaction force. Large strains at the interface between the analogue bone and implant produced localised deterioration of the correlation coefficient, compromising the ability to measure strains in this region. Following correlation coefficient thresholding (removing strains with a coefficient less than 0.9), the observed strain patterns were similar between the DVC and FE. However, the magnitude of FE strains was approximately double those measured experimentally. This difference suggests the need for improvements in the interface failure model, for example, to account for localised buckling of the cellular analogue bone structure. A further recommendation from this work is that future DVC experiments involving similar geometries and structures should employ a subvolume size of 0.97 mm as a starting point.
The Challenges of Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement for New Asphalt Mixtures: A Review
Authors: Tarsi Giulia , Tataranni Piergiorgio , Sangiorgi Cesare
Published: September 2020

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) material mainly consists of removed asphalt concretes from existing infrastructures and, to a minor extent, of wasted or rejected mixes during the production processes. Being composed of two valuable non-renewable resources, i.e., aggregates and bituminous binder, its conscious use can ensure the sustainability of asphalt pavement construction. Thanks to the use of RAP material in new asphalt products, the USA saved 4.1 million tons of virgin binder and 78 million tons of virgin aggregates in 2018. Therefore, the use of RAP for the production of new asphalt formulations at the top of the recycling hierarchy is preferable instead of being down-cycled in low-value applications. The RAP material represents one of the most re-used construction products worldwide; in 2018, approximately 88% wt. and 72% wt. of RAP were used in USA and Europe, respectively, as aggregates for Hot, Warm and Cold Asphalt Mixtures and for unbound layers. Several studies have revealed positive responses of the recycled asphalt mixtures with high or very high content of RAP. However, the common practices of many countries still limit the RAP content to a 15–20% wt., on average, in the recycled asphalt mixes. The amount of RAP in asphalt concretes can be significantly increased by applying good management practices of the RAP, either processed or not, as well as novel production technologies and advanced mix design approaches. This manuscript aims to summarize the state-of-the-art of use of RAP aggregates in new asphalt mixtures. The economic and environmental benefits are also discussed.
Implementing FDM 3D Printing Strategies Using Natural Fibers to Produce Biomass Composite
Authors: Ahmed Waleed , Alnajjar Fady , Zaneldin Essam , Al-Marzouqi Ali H. , Gochoo Munkhjargal , Khalid Sumayya
Published: September 2020

Current environmental concerns have led to a search of more environmentally friendly manufacturing methods; thus, natural fibers have gained attention in the 3D printing industry to be used as bio-filters along with thermoplastics. The utilization of natural fibers is very convenient as they are easily available, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. Using natural fibers rather than synthetic fibers in the production of the 3D printing filaments will reduce gas emissions associated with the production of the synthetic fibers that would add to the current pollution problem. As a matter of fact, natural fibers have a reinforcing effect on plastics. This review analyzes how the properties of the different polymers vary when natural fibers processed to produce filaments for 3D Printing are added. The results of using natural fibers for 3D Printing are presented in this study and appeared to be satisfactory, while a few studies have reported some issues.
Ultrasonic Cavitation Erosion Behavior of AlCoCrxCuFe High Entropy Alloy Coatings Synthesized by Laser Cladding
Authors: Yin Danqing , Liang Guangbing , Fan Shuai , Li Shanxin
Published: September 2020

Cavitation corrosion resistant coatings are an excellent solution to the cavitation corrosion problem. High entropy alloys provide a new possibility for cavitation resistant coatings due to their excellent comprehensive performance. Laser cladding was employed to synthesize AlCoCrxCuFe (x represents the Cr concentration, x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) high entropy alloy coatings (HECs) on AISI 304 steel. The phase transformation, microstructure, micro-mechanical properties, and cavitation erosion performance of HECs were studied. Results showed that AlCoCrxCuFe HECs were composed of BCC and FCC duplex phase. The microstructure of HECs showed a typical dendritic structure. The composition segregation of interdendrite structures was observed. Cavitation erosion resistance represented by 20 h volume loss was decreased with the increase in Cr content. AlCoCrxCuFe HECs with the lowest chromium content (AlCoCr0.5CuFe) showed the best cavitation erosion resistance among all samples. The cavitation resistance of AlCoCrxCuFe HECs has good correlation with the mechanical parameter Hn3/Er2 (Hn is nanohardness, Er is elastic modulus) and phase formation parameter δ (δ is atomic radius difference). The surface after 20 h of cavitation erosion testing exposed the dendritic structure of BCC phase, which was caused by the destruction of the interdendrite structure by cavitation impact.
Generalization of the Model of Magnetoelastic Effect: 3D Mechanical Stress Dependence of Magnetic Permeability Tensor in Soft Magnetic Materials
Authors: Szewczyk Roman
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a new solution enabling modeling of the mechanical stress tensor dependence of the 3D relative permeability tensor of isotropic material only on the basis of knowledge of the axial stress dependence characteristics. For the proposed model, the concept of principal stresses is utilized. In such a case, the sophisticated system of axial and shear stresses may be reduced to the set of axial stresses in a rotated coordination axes system. As a result, the proposed solution generalizes the explanation of the shape of magnetoelastic characteristics as well as radically extending possibility of the application of the finite elements methods (FEM) to describe sophisticated magnetoelastic systems.
Characterization of Crystalline Phase of TiO2 Nanocrystals, Cytotoxicity and Cell Internalization Analysis on Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Duarte Cristiane Angélico , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Filice Letícia de Souza Castro , Lima Isabela Lemos de , Campos-Fernández Esther , Dantas Noelio Oliveira , Silva Anielle Christine Almeida , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira , Santos Ricardo Ribeiro dos , Cardoso Carine Machado Azevedo , França Luciana Souza de Aragão , Rocha Vinícius Pinto Costa , Ribeiro Ana Rosa Lopes Pereira , Perez Geronimo , Carvalho Loyna Nobile , Alonso-Goulart Vivian
Published: September 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is manufactured worldwide as crystalline and amorphous forms for multiple applications, including tissue engineering, but our study proposes analyzing the impact of crystalline phases of TiO2 on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Several studies have already described the regenerative potential of MSCs and TiO2 has been used for bone regeneration. In this study, polydispersity index and sizes of TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) were determined. Adipose tissue-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AT-MSCs) were isolated and characterized in order to evaluate cellular viability and the internalization of nanocrystals (NCs). All of the assays were performed using the TiO2 NCs with 100% anatase (A), 91.6% anatase/9.4% rutile (AR), 64.6% rutile/35.4% anatase (RA), and 84.0% rutile/16% brookite (RB), submitted to several concentrations in 24-h treatments. Cellular localization of TiO2 NCs in the AT-MSCs was resolved by europium-doped NCs. Viability was significantly improved under the predominance of the rutile phase in NCs with localization restricted at the cytoplasm, suggesting that AR and RA NCs are not genotoxic and can be associated with most cellular activities and metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and cell division.
Investigating the Rheological Properties of Carbon Nanotubes/Polymer Composites Modified Asphalt
Authors: Liang Ming , Su Linping , Li Peizhao , Shi Jingtao , Yao Zhanyong , Zhang Jizhe , Jiang Hongguang , Luo Weixin
Published: September 2020

The utilization of nanomaterials in the field of binder materials for road paving has attracted researchers’ attention in recent years. This study presented the performance properties of a binder modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polyethylene (PE). The rheological properties, adhesion behavior, morphology, and storage stability of the modified asphalt were investigated. Experimental analysis indicated a positive effect of CNT/PE composites on the performance of the binder. The results indicate that the combined use of CNT and PE shows a significant enhancement on complex modulus, viscosity, and creep recovery of the binder at high temperatures and a great decrease in compliance, indicating great resistance to permanent deformation. Meanwhile, only using CNT to improve the high temperature performance of the binder is limited due to high shear mixing. CNT/PE modifiers enhance the cracking resistance at low temperatures and moisture damage resistance. The CNT/PE melt mixing composites endow asphalt with stronger cracking resistance, better resistance to moisture damage and workability. Asphalt with CNT/PE composites formed an even dispersion system. Notably, CNT bridges on the interface between PE phase and asphalt for the two modified asphalts, which reinforces the cohesion of interface. Asphalt with CNT/PE composites showed improved storage stability in comparison with PE modified asphalt.
Synthesis of Repair Materials and Methods for Reinforced Concrete and Prestressed Bridge Girders
Authors: Ghaffary Azin , Moustafa Mohamed A.
Published: September 2020

Bridge structures nationwide across the United States are aging and in need of repair or, in some cases, full replacement. Repair decisions are common among bridge owners because of the economic feasibility when compared to the higher cost of full replacement of damaged or deteriorated bridge components such as girders. Using a proper repair approach, as a long-term or just a short-term solution, can lead to benefits that could not be achieved otherwise such as considerable savings in both time and cost. Additionally, an appropriate repair approach can help avoid adverse environmental impacts, interruptions to service, overburdening of nearby infrastructure, and local opposition to construction. The main objective of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the repair methods and materials for reinforced concrete bridge girders proposed in research studies, i.e., state-of-the-art as well as state-of-the-practice established methods. Different steps in the general repair procedure are explained first. Next, a detailed description of three common bridge girder deficiencies, i.e., shear, flexural, and fire damage, is provided. For each damage type, the main causes and common solutions found in the literature are presented. The authors then provide specific recommendations to each repair procedure. This is intended to enable researchers, engineers, and decision makers to compare the available repair methods more conveniently to find the optimal repair approach for specific projects based on economic and environmental requirements as well as structural and construction conditions.
Coinductive Natural Semantics for Compiler Verification in Coq
Authors: Zúñiga Angel , Bel-Enguix Gemma
Published: September 2020

(Coinductive) natural semantics is presented as a unifying framework for the verification of total correctness of compilers in Coq (with the feature that a verified compiler can be obtained). In this way, we have a simple, easy, and intuitive framework; to carry out the verification of a compiler, using a proof assistant in which both cases are considered: terminating and non-terminating computations (total correctness).
Q-Rung Probabilistic Dual Hesitant Fuzzy Sets and Their Application in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Li Li , Lei Hegong , Wang Jun
Published: September 2020

The probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy sets (PDHFSs), which are able to consider multiple membership and non-membership degrees as well as their probabilistic information, provide decision experts a flexible manner to evaluate attribute values in complicated realistic multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) situations. However, recently developed MADM approaches on the basis of PDHFSs still have a number of shortcomings in both evaluation information expression and attribute values integration. Hence, our aim is to evade these drawbacks by proposing a new decision-making method. To realize this purpose, first of all a new fuzzy information representation manner is introduced, called q-rung probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy sets (q-RPDHFSs), by capturing the probability of each element in q-rung dual hesitant fuzzy sets. The most attractive character of q-RPDHFSs is that they give decision experts incomparable degree of freedom so that attribute values of each alternative can be appropriately depicted. To make the utilization of q-RPDHFSs more convenient, we continue to introduce basic operational rules, comparison method and distance measure of q-RPDHFSs. When considering to integrate attribute values in q-rung probabilistic dual hesitant fuzzy MADM problems, we propose a series of novel operators based on the power average and Muirhead mean. As displayed in the main text, the new operators exhibit good performance and high efficiency in information fusion process. At last, a new MADM method with q-RPDHFSs and its main steps are demonstrated in detail. Its performance in resolving practical decision-making situations is studied by examples analysis.
A Duality Relationship Between Fuzzy Partial Metrics and Fuzzy Quasi-Metrics
Authors: Gregori Valentín , Miñana Juan-José , Miravet David
Published: September 2020

In 1994, Matthews introduced the notion of partial metric and established a duality relationship between partial metrics and quasi-metrics defined on a set X. In this paper, we adapt such a relationship to the fuzzy context, in the sense of George and Veeramani, by establishing a duality relationship between fuzzy quasi-metrics and fuzzy partial metrics on a set X, defined using the residuum operator of a continuous t-norm ∗. Concretely, we provide a method to construct a fuzzy quasi-metric from a fuzzy partial one. Subsequently, we introduce the notion of fuzzy weighted quasi-metric and obtain a way to construct a fuzzy partial metric from a fuzzy weighted quasi-metric. Such constructions are restricted to the case in which the continuous t-norm ∗ is Archimedean and we show that such a restriction cannot be deleted. Moreover, in both cases, the topology is preserved, i.e., the topology of the fuzzy quasi-metric obtained coincides with the topology of the fuzzy partial metric from which it is constructed and vice versa. Besides, different examples to illustrate the exposed theory are provided, which, in addition, show the consistence of our constructions comparing it with the classical duality relationship.
Modeling Soil Water Redistribution under Gravity Irrigation with the Richards Equation
Authors: Fuentes Sebastián , Trejo-Alonso Josué , Quevedo Antonio , Fuentes Carlos , Chávez Carlos
Published: September 2020

Soil water movement is important in fields such as soil mechanics, irrigation, drainage, hydrology, and agriculture. The Richards equation describes the flow of water in an unsaturated porous medium, and analytical solutions exist only for simplified cases. However, numerous practical situations require a numerical solution (1D, 2D, or 3D) depending on the complexity of the studied problem. In this paper, numerical solution of the equation describing water infiltration into soil using the finite difference method is studied. The finite difference solution is made via iterative schemes of local balance, including explicit, implicit, and intermediate methods; as a special case, the Laasonen method is shown. The found solution is applied to water transfer problems during and after gravity irrigation to observe phenomena of infiltration, evaporation, transpiration, and percolation.