bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C+L band wavelength and bandwidth tunable fiber laser incorporating carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Yusheng
Published: July 2020

Spectral wavelength and bandwidth tunable mode-locking ultrafast fiber laser has widespread applications in the fields of optical telecommunication, spectroscopy, pump-probe measurements, and so on. Here, we report an single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based wavelength and bandwidth tunable mode-locked fiber laser operation in the C[Formula: see text]L band. The output spectral wavelength and bandwidth can be continuously tuned by adjusting the intra-cavity tunable filter with a wavelength tuning range spanning [Formula: see text]70 nm (from 1539.8 nm to 1610.1 nm) and bandwidth from 0.5 nm to 4.5 nm, respectively. Our results provide a compact, mode-locked fiber laser wider in tuning range than the other systems for various applications requiring variable spectral wavelength or bandwidth.
Finite-time stability of spring-mass system with unilateral impact constraints and frictions
Authors: Qiu Ruiyang , Li Ruihai
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a spring-mass system with impacts and frictions is formulated by the impulsive differential system. An energy-like Lyapunov function and an auxiliary step function are constructed to analyze the finite-time stability of such impact system with a time-varying external force and sliding friction as well as air resistance. We establish the sufficient conditions of finite-time stability for three cases of the spring-mass system, and present numerical simulations for each case to verify the validity of the theoretical results.
Detecting latent urban mobility structure using mobile phone data
Authors: Wang Zi-Jia , Chen Zhi-Xiang , Wu Jiang-Yue , Yu Hao-Wei , Yao Xiang-Ming
Published: July 2020

The spatial heterogeneity of land use patterns and residents’ corresponding economic activities give rise to urban mobility’s latent structure, which is of great importance for urban planning and transport infrastructure investment but cannot be readily captured using conventional data sources. We developed a methodological framework for detecting urban mobility structure at the transportation analysis zone (TAZ) level in Beijing using mobile phone signal data. First, we derived origin–destination data at the TAZ level from mobile phone data and visualized them in ArcGIS. Next, we improved community detecting algorithms generally used in social networks by reversing distance weight, such as by dividing ODs by 1, and used the results to reveal hidden clustering features of TAZs, according ODs between them. We visualized and analyzed population density, OD spatial distribution at different times, and ratio of daytime to nighttime population using the GIS platform; all showed some spatial cluster features. We then applied a structure detection algorithm using ODs between TAZ pairs to identify the hidden structure of urban mobility extracted from phone data. For Beijing, the identified mobility structure contains 27 clusters, with those in suburban areas tending to match administrative boundaries well but those in the developed center areas showing complex distributions and matching administrative boundaries poorly. Authorities that provide mobility infrastructure can use the resulting insights into urban planning and transportation planning to inform policy decisions at the local and city levels.
First-principle study on ScAl3C3-type LaCd3P3 phases under high pressure
Authors: Ren Yufen , Feng Shiquan , Yuan Chaosheng , Cheng Xuerui , Li Zuo
Published: July 2020

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the structural, electronic, thermal and optical properties of hexagonal ScAl3C3-type structure LaCd3P3 under high pressure. By calculating elastic constant, the mechanical stability of LaCd3P3 at high pressures was discussed. Then, by calculating the band gap and density of states, the pressure effect on electronic properties of LaCd3P3 was discussed. By calculating longitudinal, transverse sound, mean sound velocities, and the Debye temperatures at different pressures, the effect of pressure on thermal properties of LaCd3P3 was investigated. What is more, the dielectric function [Formula: see text] and reflectivity [Formula: see text] were calculated to explore the change of optical properties of LaCd3P3 under high pressure.
The noise of gravitons
Authors: Parikh Maulik , Wilczek Frank , Zahariade George
Published: July 2020

We show that when the gravitational field is treated quantum-mechanically, it induces fluctuations — noise — in the lengths of the arms of gravitational wave detectors. The characteristics of the noise depend on the quantum state of the gravitational field and can be calculated exactly in several interesting cases. For coherent states, the noise is very small, but it can be greatly enhanced in thermal and (especially) squeezed states. Detection of this fundamental noise would constitute direct evidence for the quantization of gravity and the existence of gravitons.
Investigating inflation driven by DBI-essence scalar field
Authors: Chakraborty Gargee , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: July 2020

Motivated by the work of Nojiri et al., Phys. Lett. B 797, 134829 (2019), the present study demonstrates inflation driven by holographic DBI-essence scalar field. Considering a simple correction due to the Ultraviolet cutoff, we have studied the slow-roll parameters. It has been observed that the role of the UV-cutoff is not negligible and in the limiting case of [Formula: see text] the inflationary model is characterized by Type-III singularity but can avoid Big-Rip singularity. Finally, it has been observed that the trajectories in [Formula: see text] are compatible with the observational bound found by Planck. It has been concluded that the tensor to scalar ratio for this model can explain the primordial fluctuation in the early universe as well. However, under the purview of [Formula: see text] inflation, although the DBI-essence scalar field can explain primordial fluctuation, the holographic DBI-essence scalar field does not lead to [Formula: see text] trajectory satisfying the Planck’s observational bound.
Update constraints on neutrino mass and mass hierarchy in light of dark energy models
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Miao Haitao
Published: July 2020

Combining cosmic microwave (CMB) background data from Planck satellite data, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) measurements and Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) data, we obtain the bounds on total neutrino masses [Formula: see text] with the approximation of degenerate neutrino masses and for three dark energy models: the cosmological constant ([Formula: see text]CDM) model, a phenomenological emergent dark energy (PEDE) model and a model-independent quintessential parametrization (HBK). The bounds on the sum of neutrino masses [Formula: see text] depend on the dark energy (DE) models. In the HBK model, we confirm the conclusion from some previous work that the quintessence prior of DE tends to tighten the cosmological constraint on [Formula: see text]. On the other hand, the PEDE model leads to larger [Formula: see text] and a nonzero lower bound. Besides, we also explore the correlation between three different neutrino hierarchies and DE models.
Analysis of observational parameters and stability in extended teleparallel gravity
Authors: Shaikh A. Y. , Mishra B.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we have investigated the stability of General Relativistic Hydrodynamics (GRHD) model in a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker space-time with the volumetric power law in teleparallel gravity. The basic equations are derived along with its thermodynamical aspects. Thermodynamic temperature and entropy density of the model are also obtained. The state finder diagnostic pair and jerk parameter are analyzed to characterize different phases of the universe and the well-known astrophysical phenomena such as look-back time, the luminosity distance with redshift are derived. The model shows an accelerated expansion with inflationary era in the early and the very late time of the cosmic evolution. The GRHD model is stable at the early phases of the universe and is unstable at late times.
Choked Flow Behavior of CO2 Refrigerant Flowing Through the Spiral Capillary Tube
Authors: Jadhav Pravin , Agrawal Neeraj
Published: July 2020

The flow characteristics of CO2 refrigerant are numerically studied for an adiabatic spirally coiled capillary tube employing choked flow conditions. The mass, momentum and energy conservation equations are used to develop a numerical model. The existing model is verified with the published results. The choked flow behavior at various geometric parameters viz. tube diameter and spiral pitch is studied. Similarly, the influence of these parameters on the mass flow rate through the tube is observed. A significant change in mass flow rate is due to a change in tube diameter, whereas a minimal variation is observed with the change in surface roughness and spiral pitch. Moreover, it is observed that the coiling effect has a significant influence on the flow behavior of the spiral capillary tube. As the pressure decreases, from unchoked to the choked pressure in the evaporator by 63.46%, the mass flow rate increases by 9.46% only. The capillary tube choking is circumvented by increasing spiral pitch, tube diameter and decreasing the length of the tube. A unique nomogram is developed that gives the best understanding of choked and unchoked flow conditions, that graphical representation is useful to design the spirally coiled capillary tube. By using that, the choked length is identified for the known mass flow rate, even more, the choked mass flow rate is known for a given tube length. Moreover, for the given tube length and evaporator temperature, a nomogram is useful to the known choked values of mass flow rate and exit values of the evaporator pressure and quality of refrigerant.
Human Rights and Technology: New Challenges for Justice and Accountability
Authors: Land Molly K. , Aronson Jay D.
Published: July 2020

This review surveys contemporary challenges in the field of technology and human rights. The increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision making in the public and private sectors—e.g., in criminal justice, employment, public service, and financial contexts—poses significant threats to human rights. AI obscures and attenuates responsibility for harms in ways that undermine traditional mechanisms for holding wrongdoers accountable. Further, technologies that scholars and practitioners once thought would democratize human rights fact finding have been weaponized by state and non-state actors. They are now used to surveil and track citizens and spread disinformation that undermines public trust in knowledge. Addressing these challenges requires efforts to ensure that the development and implementation of new technologies respects and promotes human rights. Traditional distinctions between public and private must be updated to remain relevant in the face of deeply enmeshed state and corporate action in connection with technological innovation.
Defining and Disrupting Species Boundaries inSaccharomyces
Authors: Ono Jasmine , Greig Duncan , Boynton Primrose J.
Published: July 2020

The genus Saccharomyces is an evolutionary paradox. On the one hand, it is composed of at least eight clearly phylogenetically delineated species; these species are reproductively isolated from each other, and hybrids usually cannot complete their sexual life cycles. On the other hand, Saccharomyces species have a long evolutionary history of hybridization, which has phenotypic consequences for adaptation and domestication. A variety of cellular, ecological, and evolutionary mechanisms are responsible for this partial reproductive isolation among Saccharomyces species. These mechanisms have caused the evolution of diverse Saccharomyces species and hybrids, which occupy a variety of wild and domesticated habitats. In this article, we introduce readers to the mechanisms isolating Saccharomyces species, the circumstances in which reproductive isolation mechanisms are effective and ineffective, and the evolutionary consequences of partial reproductive isolation. We discuss both the evolutionary history of the genus Saccharomyces and the human history of taxonomists and biologists struggling with species concepts in this fascinating genus.
Coupling of energy intake and energy expenditure across a temperature spectrum: impact of diet-induced obesity in mice
Authors: Ono-Moore Kikumi D. , Rutkowsky Jennifer M. , Pearson Nicole A. , Williams D. Keith , Grobe Justin L. , Tolentino Todd , Lloyd K. C. Kent , Adams Sean H.
Published: July 2020

Obesity and its metabolic sequelae are implicated in dysfunction of the somatosensory, sympathetic, and hypothalamic systems. Because these systems contribute to integrative regulation of energy expenditure (EE) and energy intake (EI) in response to ambient temperature (Ta) changes, we hypothesized that diet-induced obesity (DIO) disrupts Ta-associated EE-EI coupling. C57BL/6N male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD; 45% kcal) or low-fat diet (LFD; 10% kcal) for ∼9.5 wk; HFD mice were then split into body weight (BWT) quartiles ( n = 8 each) to study DIO-low gainers (Q1) versus -high gainers (Q4). EI and indirect calorimetry (IC) were measured over 3 days each at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. Responses did not differ between LFD, Q1, and Q4; EI and BWT-adjusted EE increased rapidly when transitioning toward 20°C and 10°C. In all groups, EI at 30°C was not reduced despite lower EE, resulting in positive energy balance and respiratory exchange ratios consistent with increased de novo lipogenesis, energy storage, and relative hyperphagia. We conclude that 1) systems controlling Ta-dependent acute EI/EE coupling remained intact in obese mice and 2) rapid coupling of EI/EE at cooler temperatures is an important adaptation to maintain energy stores and defend body temperature, but less critical at thermoneutrality. A post hoc analysis using digestible EI plus IC-calculated EE suggests that standard IC assumptions for EE calculation require further validation in the setting of DIO. The experimental paradigm provides a platform to query the hypothalamic, somatosensory, and sympathetic mechanisms that drive Ta-associated EI/EE coupling.
Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 12 is essential for metabolic homeostasis in adult mice
Authors: Heikelä Hanna , Ruohonen Suvi T. , Adam Marion , Viitanen Riikka , Liljenbäck Heidi , Eskola Olli , Gabriel Michael , Mairinoja Laura , Pessia Alberto , Velagapudi Vidya , Roivainen Anne , Zhang Fu-Ping , Strauss Leena , Poutanen Matti
Published: July 2020

Hydroxysteroid 17β dehydrogenase 12 (HSD17B12) is suggested to be involved in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids. Previously, we have shown a pivotal role for the enzyme during mouse development. In the present study we generated a conditional Hsd17b12 knockout (HSD17B12cKO) mouse model by breeding mice homozygous for a floxed Hsd17b12 allele with mice expressing the tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase at the ROSA26 locus. Gene inactivation was induced by administering tamoxifen to adult mice. The gene inactivation led to a 20% loss of body weight within 6 days, associated with drastic reduction in both white (83% males, 75% females) and brown (65% males, 60% females) fat, likely due to markedly reduced food and water intake. Furthermore, the knockout mice showed sickness behavior and signs of liver toxicity, specifically microvesicular hepatic steatosis and increased serum alanine aminotransferase (4.6-fold in males, 7.7-fold in females). The hepatic changes were more pronounced in females than males. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, were increased in the HSD17B12cKO mice indicating an inflammatory response. Serum lipidomics study showed an increase in the amount of dihydroceramides, despite the dramatic overall loss of lipids. In line with the proposed role for HSD17B12 in fatty acid elongation, we observed accumulation of ceramides, dihydroceramides, hexosylceramides, and lactosylceramides with shorter than 18-carbon fatty acid side chains in the serum. The results indicate that HSD17B12 is essential for proper lipid homeostasis and HSD17B12 deficiency rapidly results in fatal systemic inflammation and lipolysis in adult mice.
The contribution of the mouse tail to thermoregulation is modest
Authors: Škop Vojtěch , Liu Naili , Guo Juen , Gavrilova Oksana , Reitman Marc L.
Published: July 2020

Understanding mouse thermal physiology informs the usefulness of mice as models of human disease. It is widely assumed that the mouse tail contributes greatly to heat loss (as it does in rat), but this has not been quantitated. We studied C57BL/6J mice after tail amputation. Tailless mice housed at 22°C did not differ from littermate controls in body weight, lean or fat content, or energy expenditure. With acute changes in ambient temperature from 19 to 39°C, tailless and control mice demonstrated similar body temperatures (Tb), metabolic rates, and heat conductances and no difference in thermoneutral point. Treatment with prazosin, an α1-adrenergic antagonist and vasodilator, increased tail temperature in control mice by up to 4.8 ± 0.8°C. Comparing prazosin treatment in tailless and control mice suggested that the tail’s contribution to total heat loss was a nonsignificant 3.4%. Major heat stress produced by treatment at 30°C with CL316243, a β3-adrenergic agonist, increased metabolic rate and Tb and, at a matched increase in metabolic rate, the tailless mice showed a 0.72 ± 0.14°C greater Tb increase and 7.6% lower whole body heat conductance. Thus, the mouse tail is a useful biomarker of vasodilation and thermoregulation, but in our experiments contributes only 5–8% of whole body heat dissipation, less than the 17% reported for rat. Heat dissipation through the tail is important under extreme scenarios such as pharmacological activation of brown adipose tissue; however, non-tail contributions to heat loss may have been underestimated in the mouse.
Peritoneal Dialysis with Marked Pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Nakamura Norio , Nakata Masamichi , Nagawa Daiki , Narita Ikuyo , Fujita Takeshi , Murakami Reiichi , Shimada Michiko , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: July 2020

Pneumoperitoneum, the presence of free air within the peritoneal cavity, is often caused by the perforation of gas-containing viscus and commonly requires surgical treatment. However, in patients with peritoneal dialysis, free air is commonly seen on X-ray. We present the case of a patient with peritoneal dialysis with marked pneumoperitoneum. A 75-year-old Japanese male with end-stage renal disease due to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antigen-associated vasculitis had been receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for 9 years. He had a poor appetite and general malaise without abdominal pain or fever. These symptoms gradually worsened, and he was hospitalized. At the time of admission, chest X-ray revealed bilateral free air in the abdomen. Subsequent computed tomography of the abdomen revealed marked pneumoperitoneum. Peritonitis due to perforation of the digestive tract was considered; however, the absence of abdominal pain, fever, and turbidity of dialysis drainage indicated that peritonitis was unlikely. Insufficient air venting during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis bag replacement was suspected. The bag was carefully changed, resulting in a gradual decrease in the free air. We encountered a patient with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis who had significant free air in the abdominal cavity in the absence of peritonitis. The source of the air was determined to be the dialysis bag due to insufficient venting during replacement. This case underscores the importance of instructing patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis on the thorough removal of air from the bag during replacement.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Dynamic Stress on the Rock Surrounding a Mine Roadway
Authors: Xue Jun-hua , Zhan Ke-liang , Du Xuan-hong , Ma Qian
Published: July 2020

In view of the damage of dynamic stress to the rock surrounding a mine roadway during coal mining, based on the actual geological conditions of Zhuji mine in Huainan, China, a UDEC model was established to study the influences of the thickness and strength of the direct roof above the coal seam and the anchorage effect on the stability of the roadway. The failure mechanism and effect of the dynamic stress on the rock surrounding a mine roadway were revealed. Under dynamic stress, cracks appear near the side of the roadway where the stress is concentrated. These cracks rapidly expand to the two sides of coal and rock mass. At the same time, the coal and rock mass at the top of the roadway fall, and finally, the two sides of coal and rock mass were broken and ejected into the roadway, causing a rock burst. However, when the same dynamic stress is applied to the roadway after supports are installed, there is no large‐deformation failure in the roadway, which shows that, under certain conditions, rock bolting can improve the stability and seismic resistance of the surrounding coal and rock mass. Furthermore, by simulating the failure of surrounding rock with different strengths and thicknesses in the immediate roof, it is found that the thinner the roof, the greater the influence of the dynamic stress on the roadway; the stronger the roof is, the more likely the rock burst will occur with greater intensity under the same dynamic stress. A numerical simulation method was used to analyze the factors influencing rock bursting. The results provide a theoretical basis for research into the causes and prevention of rock bursts in deep mining areas.
Synthesis and Antioxidative Activity of Piperine Derivatives Containing Phenolic Hydroxyl
Authors: Qin Bei , Yang Kuan , Cao Ruijun
Published: July 2020

Piperine was used in this study in its raw form, and different steps, such as amide hydrolysis and amidation, were used to synthesize piperine derivatives containing a phenolic hydroxyl group. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays were used to assess piperine derivative antioxidant activities. We constructed an AAPH oxidative stress erythrocyte model to study the effect of piperine derivatives on the hemolysis rate of oxidatively damaged erythrocytes as well as the hemoglobin oxidation rate. This AAPH model was also used to determine piperine derivative effects on antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Results showed that spectroscopic methods could synthesize and identify piperine derivatives containing phenolic hydroxyl groups (H-1∼H-3). Moreover, DPPH and ABTS assay results showed that piperine derivative free radical clearance rates were higher compared with the parent compound. Additionally, piperine derivatives (H-1∼H-3) were found to provide protection to AAPH oxidatively damaged erythrocytes in their ability to inhibit AAPH-induced erythrocyte lysis, while hemoglobin oxidation was higher compared with the parent compound. Piperine derivatives may protect intracellular glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) antioxidant enzyme system activities, safeguarding against oxidative damage. This study synthesized novel piperine derivatives for use as potential antioxidant agent candidates.
Suboptimal Blood Pressure Control, Associated Factors, and Choice of Antihypertensive Drugs among Type 2 Diabetic Patients at KCMC, Tanzania
Authors: Mbwete Gabriel W. , Kilonzo Kajiru G. , Shao Elichilia R. , Chamba Nyasatu G.
Published: July 2020

Background. Hypertension (HTN) can be present in up to two-thirds of patients living with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is a risk factor for the development of diabetes as well as complications like coronary artery disease (CAD), nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Hypertension is treatable, and the degree to which it is controlled determines the risk of development of cardiovascular diseases and other complications in a given individual patient. Even though antihypertensive drugs are available and issued to hypertensive diabetic patients, the rate of control of HTN is often inadequate. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control, its associated factors, and the choice of antihypertensive drugs among type 2 DM patients at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the KCMC diabetes clinic from October 2018 to March 2019 among type 2 DM patients with HTN based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and written informed consent was obtained. Suboptimal BP was defined as BP levels≥140/90 mmHg according to the American Diabetes Association guideline published in 2018. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Chi-square analysis was done to identify the independent predictors of BP control, and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. The data of 161 participants was analysed; the mean age was 63.9±20.2 years, with the majority being females (67.1%). Despite all participants being on different classes of antihypertensives, 57.8% had suboptimal BP control. Among the participants with good BP control, 52.7% were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I). Poor diabetes control was observed in 50.1% participants as indicated by elevated glycated haemoglobin. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that BP control in type 2 DM patients was suboptimal in more than half of the participants. The study showed that the use of ACE-I or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in the majority of DM patients has a good impact in the control of blood pressure. The early initiation of ACE-I or ARBs among the diabetic patients will improve the optimal BP control.
Current Medical Therapy and Future Trends in the Management of Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Cvenkel Barbara , Kolko Miriam
Published: July 2020

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only proven treatment strategy for glaucoma. However, some patients show progressive loss of visual field and quality of life despite controlled IOP which indicates that other factors are implicated in glaucoma. Therefore, approaches that could prevent or decrease the rate of progression and do not rely on IOP lowering have gained much attention. Effective neuroprotection has been reported in animal models of glaucoma, but till now, no neuroprotective agents have been clinically approved. The present update provides an overview of currently available IOP-lowering medications. Moreover, potential new treatment targets for IOP-lowering and neuroprotective therapy are discussed. Finally, future trends in glaucoma therapy are addressed, including sustained drug delivery systems and progress toward personalized medicine.
Pore Structure Fractal Characterization and Permeability Simulation of Natural Gas Hydrate Reservoir Based on CT Images
Authors: Bian Hang , Xia Yuxuan , Lu Cheng , Qin Xuwen , Meng Qingbang , Lu Hongfeng
Published: July 2020

The gas-water two-phase seepage process is complex during the depressurization process of natural gas hydrate in a clayey silt reservoir in the South China Sea, the transport mechanism of which has not been clarified as it is affected by the pore structure. In this study, we select six clayey silt samples formed after the dissociation of natural gas hydrate in the South China Sea, employing CT scanning technology to observe the pore structure of clayey silt porous media directly. The original CT scanning images are further processed to get the binarized images of the samples, which can be used for simulation of the porosity and absolute permeability. Based on the fractal geometry theory, pore structures of the samples are quantitatively characterized from the aspect of pore distribution, heterogeneity, and anisotropy (represented by three main fractal geometric parameters: fractal dimension, lacunarity, and succolarity, respectively). As a comparison, the binarized CT images of two conventional sandstone cores are simulated with the same parameters. The results show that the correlation between porosity and permeability of the hydrate samples is poor, while there is a strong correlation among the succolarity and the permeability. Fractal dimension (represents complexity) of clayey silt samples is higher compared with conventional sandstone cores. Lacunarity explains the difference in permeability among samples from the perspective of pore throat diameter and connectivity. Succolarity indicates the extent to which the fluid in the pore is permeable, which can be used to characterize the anisotropy of pore structures. Therefore, these three fractal parameters clarify the relationship between the microstructure and macroscopic physical properties of clayey silt porous media.
Aqueous Root Bark Extract of Daniellia oliveri (Hutch. & Dalz.) (Fabaceae) Protects Neurons against Diazepam‐Induced Amnesia in Mice
Authors: Beppe Galba Jean , Kenko Djoumessie Lea Blondelle , Keugong Wado Eglantine , Ngatanko Abaïssou Hervé Hervé , Nkwingwa Balbine Kamleu , Damo Kamda Jorelle Linda , Nhouma Roland Rebe , Foyet Harquin Simplice
Published: July 2020

Daniellia oliveri (DO) is a traditional medicinal plant used for the treatment of diseases such as inflammation, schizophrenia, and epilepsy in Nigeria, Kenya, Congo, and Cameroon. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential neuroprotection effect of the aqueous root bark extract of Daniellia oliveri against diazepam‐induced amnesia in mice. Thirty‐six adult male mice were distributed into six groups: the three test groups received Daniellia oliveri root bark extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg), the normal control group received distilled water (10 ml/kg), a positive control group received piracetam (150 mg/kg), and the negative control received diazepam (2.5 mg/kg). Learning and memory were evaluated using the radial arm maze and the T‐maze. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were also quantified in mice brains. Statistical analyses were performed using two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Daniellia oliveri root bark aqueous extract decreased the number of working memory errors and number of reference memory errors in amnesic mice evaluated in the radial arm maze. Also, an increase in glutathione activity and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels were noted in the hippocampi homogenate of the extract‐treated mice as compared to the diazepam‐demented but untreated group. Moreover, pretreatment with Daniellia oliveri aqueous root bark extract reversed the decrease in hippocampal cell density observed in the nontreated diazepam group. Taken together, these results suggest that the aqueous extract of DO leaves possesses antioxidant potential and might provide an opportunity for the management of neurological abnormalities in amnesic conditions.
Imbalanced Fault Classification of Bearing via Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks with Gradient Penalty
Authors: Han Baokun , Jia Sixiang , Liu Guifang , Wang Jinrui
Published: July 2020

Recently, generative adversarial networks (GANs) are widely applied to increase the amounts of imbalanced input samples in fault diagnosis. However, the existing GAN-based methods have convergence difficulties and training instability, which affect the fault diagnosis efficiency. This paper develops a novel framework for imbalanced fault classification based on Wasserstein generative adversarial networks with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP), which interpolates randomly between the true and generated samples to ensure that the transition region between the true and false samples satisfies the Lipschitz constraint. The process of feature learning is visualized to show the feature extraction process of WGAN-GP. To verify the availability of the generated samples, a stacked autoencoder (SAE) is set to classify the enhanced dataset composed of the generated samples and original samples. Furthermore, the exhibition of the loss curve indicates that WGAN-GP has better convergence and faster training speed due to the introduction of the gradient penalty. Three bearing datasets are employed to verify the effectiveness of the developed framework, and the results show that the proposed framework has an excellent performance in mechanical fault diagnosis under the imbalanced training dataset.
Using Multiple Index Comprehensive Method to Assess Urban Rainstorm Disaster Risk in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Chen Junfei , Chen Mengchen , Zhou Pei
Published: July 2020

An integrated index system for urban rainstorm risk evaluation has been developed. Meanwhile, an information diffusion method (IDM) and variable fuzzy sets (VFSs) were employed to evaluate the dangerousness, sensitivity, and vulnerability risk of urban rainstorm disasters, respectively. Then, the comprehensive risk zoning map was drawn. Finally, Jiangsu Province has been taken as a case study area. Due to heavy rainfall in short-term and low rainstorm resistance ability, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou have higher dangerousness while Wuxi, Changzhou, and Nanjing have higher sensitivity. And because of potential losses in urban rainstorm disaster, Wuxi and Suzhou have higher vulnerability than other cities. The comprehensive risk zoning map showed that most cities of Jiangsu Province are at the moderate risk level, and the northwestern cities have lower risk level than the southern cities. The results are consistent with the actual situation of Jiangsu Province, and the study can provide some decision-making references for the urban rainstorm management.
Effects of White Matter Hyperintensities on 90-Day Functional Outcome after Large Vessel and Non-Large Vessel Stroke
Authors: Griessenauer Christoph Johannes , McPherson David , Berger Andrea , Cuiper Ping , Sofoluke Nelson , Adams Matthew D. , Kunaprayoon Saran , Zand Ramin , Li Jiang , Abedi Vida , Goren Oded , Schirmer Clemens M. , Donahue Kathleen , Nardin Marco , Giese Anne-Karin , Schirmer Markus D. , Rost Natalia S. , Hendrix Philipp
Published: July 2020

Introduction: White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is a critically important cerebrovascular phenotype related to the diagnosis and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. The effect of WMH burden on functional outcome in large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke has only been sparsely assessed, and direct LVO and non-LVO comparisons are currently lacking. Material and Methods: We reviewed acute ischemic stroke patients admitted between 2009 and 2017 at a large healthcare system in the USA. Patients with LVO were identified and clinical characteristics, including 90-day functional outcomes, were assessed. Clinical brain MRIs obtained at the time of the stroke underwent quantification of WMH using a fully automated algorithm. The pipeline incorporated automated brain extraction, intensity normalization, and WMH segmentation. Results: A total of 1,601 acute ischemic strokes with documented 90-day mRS were identified, including 353 (22%) with LVO. Among those strokes, WMH volume was available in 1,285 (80.3%) who had a brain MRI suitable for WMH quantification. Increasing WMH volume from 0 to 4 mL, age, female gender, a number of stroke risk factors, presence of LVO, and higher NIHSS at presentation all decreased the odds for a favorable outcome. Increasing WMH above 4 mL, however, was not associated with decreasing odds of favorable outcome. While WMH volume was associated with functional outcome in non-LVO stroke (p = 0.0009), this association between WMH and functional status was not statistically significant in the complete case multivariable model of LVO stroke (p = 0.0637). Conclusion: The burden of WMH has effects on 90-day functional outcome after LVO and non-LVO strokes. Particularly, increases from no measurable WMH to 4 mL of WMH correlate strongly with the outcome. Whether this relationship of increasing WMH to worse outcome is more pronounced in non-LVO than LVO strokes deserves additional investigation.
Outcomes of Reoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the United States
Authors: Elbadawi Ayman , Hamed Mohamed , Elgendy Islam Y. , Omer Mohmed A. , Ogunbayo Gbolahan O. , Megaly Michael , Denktas Ali , Ghanta Ravi , Jimenez Ernesto , Brilakis Emanuel , Jneid Hani
Published: July 2020

Background

There is a paucity of data on the trends and outcomes of reoperative coronary artery bypass graft (
CABG
) surgery during the current decade in the United States.

Methods and Results

We queried the National Inpatient Sample database (2002–2016) for all hospitalizations with isolated
CABG
procedure. We reported the temporal trends and outcomes of reoperative
CABG
versus primary
CABG
procedures. The main outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Among 3 212 768 hospitalizations with
CABG
, 46 820 (1.5%) had reoperative
CABG
. Over the 15‐year study period, there were no changes in the proportion of reoperative
CABG
(1.8% in 2002 versus 2.2% in 2016,
P
tren
=0.08), and the related in‐hospital mortality (3.7% in 2002 versus 2.7% in 2016,
P
trend
=0.97). Reoperative
CABG
was performed in patients with increasingly higher risk profile. Compared with primary
CABG
, hospitalizations for reoperative
CABG
were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (3.2% versus 1.9%,
P
<0.001), cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, vascular complications, and respiratory complications. Among hospitalizations for reoperative
CABG
, the predictors of higher mortality included history of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions

In this 15‐year nationwide analysis, reoperative
CABG
procedures were increasingly performed in patients with higher risk profile. In‐hospital mortality rates were relatively low and did not change during the examined period. Compared with primary
CABG
, reoperative
CABG
is associated with higher in‐hospital mortality.
Brain Waves: Emergence of Localized, Persistent, Weakly Evanescent Cortical Loops
Authors: Galinsky Vitaly L. , Frank Lawrence R.
Published: July 2020

An inhomogeneous anisotropic physical model of the brain cortex is presented that predicts the emergence of nonevanescent (weakly damped) wave-like modes propagating in the thin cortex layers transverse to both the mean neural fiber direction and the cortex spatial gradient. Although the amplitude of these modes stays below the typically observed axon spiking potential, the lifetime of these modes may significantly exceed the spiking potential inverse decay constant. Full-brain numerical simulations based on parameters extracted from diffusion and structural MRI confirm the existence and extended duration of these wave modes. Contrary to the commonly agreed paradigm that the neural fibers determine the pathways for signal propagation in the brain, the signal propagation because of the cortex wave modes in the highly folded areas will exhibit no apparent correlation with the fiber directions. Nonlinear coupling of those linear weakly evanescent wave modes then provides a universal mechanism for the emergence of synchronized brain wave field activity. The resonant and nonresonant terms of nonlinear coupling between multiple modes produce both synchronous spiking-like high-frequency wave activity as well as low-frequency wave rhythms. Numerical simulation of forced multiple-mode dynamics shows that, as forcing increases, there is a transition from damped to oscillatory regime that can then transition quickly to a nonoscillatory state when a critical excitation threshold is reached. The resonant nonlinear coupling results in the emergence of low-frequency rhythms with frequencies that are several orders of magnitude below the linear frequencies of modes taking part in the coupling. The localization and persistence of these weakly evanescent cortical wave modes have significant implications in particular for neuroimaging methods that detect electromagnetic physiological activity, such as EEG and magnetoencephalography, and for the understanding of brain activity in general, including mechanisms of memory.
Path-dependent connectivity, not modularity, consistently predicts controllability of structural brain networks
Authors: Patankar Shubhankar P. , Kim Jason Z. , Pasqualetti Fabio , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: July 2020

The human brain displays rich communication dynamics that are thought to be particularly well-reflected in its marked community structure. Yet, the precise relationship between community structure in structural brain networks and the communication dynamics that can emerge therefrom is not well understood. In addition to offering insight into the structure-function relationship of networked systems, such an understanding is a critical step toward the ability to manipulate the brain’s large-scale dynamical activity in a targeted manner. We investigate the role of community structure in the controllability of structural brain networks. At the region level, we find that certain network measures of community structure are sometimes statistically correlated with measures of linear controllability. However, we then demonstrate that this relationship depends on the distribution of network edge weights. We highlight the complexity of the relationship between community structure and controllability by performing numerical simulations using canonical graph models with varying mesoscale architectures and edge weight distributions. Finally, we demonstrate that weighted subgraph centrality, a measure rooted in the graph spectrum, and which captures higher order graph architecture, is a stronger and more consistent predictor of controllability. Our study contributes to an understanding of how the brain’s diverse mesoscale structure supports transient communication dynamics.
On Patting Snakes and Sitting under Trees: Just Peace Theory and Prophetic Witness
Authors: Rees Anthony
Published: July 2020

As a reaction against the failures of Just War theory in creating a more harmonious world, recent times have seen the emergence of Just Peace as a corrective to the tendency to use Just War as justification for, rather than a warning against, aggravated conflict. This article considers the contribution of Daniel Philpott to this literature, and argues that theoretical concepts alone will be insufficient for the institution of a Just Peace. In looking for complementary images, the article considers two images from the prophetic corpus to image a Just Peace. Strikingly, both prophetic passages draw on ecological imagery to imagine a world at peace.
Reconsidering Secularism and Historical Narrative of Christianity
Authors: Aytac F. Kubra
Published: July 2020

In this review article, Graeme Smith, A Short History of Secularism, is reviewed with its main arguments regarding secularisation debate. A radical reconsideration of secularism and its social history, starting with the Greeks and continuing to modernity and the contemporary period, are offered by this book. The book’s attempt to construct a historical narrative of Christianity is an essential contribution to literature. It highlights the changes Christianity is exposed to as it moved across Europe and different mindsets that influenced people during this period. Students who are interested in studies in pastoral psychology, religion, and secularism are the primary audience for this monograph. However, anyone interested in the secularism debate will find it interesting.
Religious Satire and the Crucified Christ
Authors: Abrahamse Jan Martijn
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the relationship between religious satire and Christian theology to explore the possibility of satiric theology. It takes its departure from the proclamation of the cross (cf. 1 Cor 1:27) to demonstrate that the Crucified Christ can be a source for satire. To accomplish this, Paul Simpson’s analysis of satire is used to analyse the notorious crucifixion scene of Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Subsequently, by way of Stanley Hauerwas’s theorising of irony, it is argued that satiric theology is theology in iconoclastic fashion. Hence, satiric theology supplies alternative comical stories to estrange people from the familiar and challenge misconceptions, thereby offering a valuable contribution to theological debate and Christian practice.
The Extratropical Linear Step Response to Tropical Precipitation Anomalies and Its Use in Constraining Projected Circulation Changes under Climate Warming
Authors: Deb Pranab , Matthews Adrian J. , Joshi Manoj M. , Senior Natasha
Published: July 2020

Rossby wave trains triggered by tropical convection strongly affect the atmospheric circulation in the extratropics. Using daily gridded observational and reanalysis data, we demonstrate that a technique based on linear response theory effectively captures the linear response in 250-hPa geopotential height anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere using examples of steplike changes in precipitation over selected tropical areas during boreal winter. Application of this method to six models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), using the same tropical forcing, reveals a large intermodel spread in the linear response associated with intermodel differences in Rossby waveguide structure. The technique is then applied to a projected tropicswide precipitation change in the HadGEM2-ES model during 2025–45 December–February, a period corresponding to a 2°C rise in the mean global temperature under the RCP8.5 scenario. The response is found to depend on whether the mean state underlying the technique is calculated using observations, the present-day simulation, or the future projection; indeed, the bias in extratropical response to tropical precipitation because of errors in the basic state is much larger than the projected change in extratropical circulation itself. We therefore propose the linear step response method as a semiempirical method of making near-term future projections of the extratropical circulation, which should assist in quantifying uncertainty in such projections.
The Large-Scale Vorticity Balance of the Antarctic Continental Margin in a Fine-Resolution Global Simulation
Authors: Palóczy André , McClean Julie L. , Gille Sarah T. , Wang He
Published: July 2020

The depth-integrated vorticity budget of a global, eddy-permitting ocean/sea ice simulation over the Antarctic continental margin (ACM) is diagnosed to understand the physical mechanisms implicated in meridional transport. The leading-order balance is between the torques due to lateral friction, nonlinear effects, and bottom vortex stretching, although details vary regionally. Maps of the time-averaged depth-integrated vorticity budget terms and time series of the spatially averaged, depth-integrated vorticity budget terms reveal that the flow in the Amundsen, Bellingshausen, and Weddell Seas and, to a lesser extent, in the western portion of East Antarctica, is closer to an approximate topographic Sverdrup balance (TSB) compared to other segments of the ACM. Correlation and coherence analyses further support these findings, and also show that inclusion of the vorticity tendency term in the response (the planetary vorticity advection and the bottom vortex stretching term) increases the correlation with the forcing (the vertical net stress curl), and also increases the coherence between forcing and response at high frequencies across the ACM, except for the West Antarctic Peninsula. These findings suggest that the surface stress curl, imparted by the wind and the sea ice, has the potential to contribute to the meridional, approximately cross-slope, transport to a greater extent in the Amundsen, Bellingshausen, Weddell, and part of the East Antarctic continental margin than elsewhere in the ACM.