bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare case of parathyroid gland sarcoidosis presenting with hypercalcaemia
Authors: Saha Biplab Kumar , Burns Stacey L , Foulke Llewellyn A , Judson Marc A
Published: July 2019

Sarcoidosis of the parathyroid gland is a rare occurrence. Parathyroid sarcoidosis is usually associated with parathyroid adenomas, and, therefore, hypercalcaemia is a common presentation of this entity. We present a case of parathyroid sarcoidosis and review the world literature regarding this rare condition. A woman with a history of diffuse large B cell lymphoma underwent a surveillance positron emission tomography scan that showed increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in multiple thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes and in a left upper extremity soft tissue mass. Biopsy of the soft tissue mass showed non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Blood work showed a serum calcium of 11.1 mg/dL with an intact serum parathyroid hormone of 92 pg/dL. Primary hyperparathyroidism was suspected. A neck ultrasound and sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy demonstrated a parathyroid nodule. She underwent surgical resection, and the histopathology revealed a parathyroid adenoma and non-caseating granulomata consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Pre-eclampsia: pathophysiology and clinical implications
Authors: Burton Graham J , Redman Christopher W , Roberts James M , Moffett Ashley
Published: July 2019

Pre-eclampsia is a common disorder that particularly affects first pregnancies. The clinical presentation is highly variable but hypertension and proteinuria are usually seen. These systemic signs arise from soluble factors released from the placenta as a result of a response to stress of syncytiotrophoblast. There are two sub-types: early and late onset pre-eclampsia, with others almost certainly yet to be identified. Early onset pre-eclampsia arises owing to defective placentation, whilst late onset pre-eclampsia may center around interactions between normal senescence of the placenta and a maternal genetic predisposition to cardiovascular and metabolic disease. The causes, placental and maternal, vary among individuals. Recent research has focused on placental-uterine interactions in early pregnancy. The aim now is to translate these findings into new ways to predict, prevent, and treat pre-eclampsia.
Real-world evidence of glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in India: the TIGHT study
Authors: Borgharkar Surendra S , Das Soma S
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes receiving antidiabetic therapy as part of routine healthcare in India.

Research design and methods

This was a retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data of patients with type 2 diabetes receiving oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) with or without insulin between 2015 and 2017. We assessed proportion of patients with uncontrolled glycemia and performed logistic regression to evaluate its association with various risk factors and microvascular complications.

Results

A total of 55 639 eligible records were identified; mean age of patients was 54.31 (±11.11) years. One-third of the study population had microvascular complications, predominantly neuropathy. Nearly 76.6% of patients had uncontrolled glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7% (53 mmol/mol); 62% of these patients had HbA1c between 7% and 8% (53–64 mmol/mol). Glycemic control from combination of OHAs with or without insulin varied between 14.2% and 24.8%. In multivariate analysis, factors statistically associated with uncontrolled glycemia were obesity (OR: 1.15), hypertension (stage I OR: 1.65 and stage II OR: 2.73) and diabetes duration >5 years (OR: 1.19) (p<0.001). Similarly, the odds of having any microvascular complication increased with duration of diabetes (past 1–2 years, OR: 1.67; 2–5 years, OR: 2.53; >5 years, OR: 4.01; p<0.0001), hypertension (stage I, OR: 1.18 and stage II, OR: 1.34; p<0.05) and uncontrolled HbA1c (OR: 1.28; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Indian population with type 2 diabetes has a high burden (76.6%) of poor glycemic control. This study highlights the need for early implementation of optimum diabetes pharmacotherapy to maintain recommended glycemic control, thereby reducing burden of microvascular complications.
Cardiomyopathy and pregnancy
Authors: Schaufelberger Maria
Published: July 2019

Cardiomyopathy is a group of disorders in which the heart muscle is structurally and functionally abnormal in the absence of other diseases that could cause observed myocardial abnormality. The most common cardiomyopathies are hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. Rare types are arrhythmogenic right ventricular, restrictive, Takotsubo and left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathies. This review of cardiomyopathies in pregnancy shows that peripartum cardiomyopathy is the most common cardiomyopathy in pregnancy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy develops most frequently in the month before or after partum, whereas dilated cardiomyopathy often is known already or develops in the second trimester. Mortality in peripartum cardiomyopathy varies from <2% to 50%. Few reports on dilated cardiomyopathy and pregnancy exist, with only a limited number of patients. Ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke and death are found in 39%–60% of high-risk patients. However, patients with modest left ventricular dysfunction and good functional class tolerated pregnancy well. Previous studies on >700 pregnancies in 500 women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy showed that prognosis was generally good, even though three deaths were reported in high-risk patients. Complications include different types of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and ischaemic stroke. Recent studies on 200 pregnancies in 100 women with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy have reported symptoms, including heart failure in 18%–33% of pregnancies. Ventricular tachycardia was found in 0%–33% of patients and syncope in one patient. Information on rare cardiomyopathies is sparse and only presented in case reports. Close monitoring by multidisciplinary teams in referral centres that counsel patients before conception and follow them throughout gestation is recommended.
Next-generation protein analysis in the pathology department
Authors: Ahmed Melek , Broeckx Glenn , Baggerman Geert , Schildermans Karin , Pauwels Patrick , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H , Dendooven Amelie
Published: July 2019

Traditionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used by pathologists to localise specific proteins or peptides in tissue slides. In the era of personalised medicine, however, molecular tissue analysis becomes indispensable for correct diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decision, not only on the DNA or mRNA level but also on the protein level. Combining molecular information with imaging presents many advantages. Therefore, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a promising technique to be added to the armamentarium of the pathologist. Here, we focus on the workflow, advantages and drawbacks of both MALDI IMS and IHC. We also briefly discuss a few other protein imaging modalities and give examples of applications.
Comparison of the effect of three different adjuvants on the analgesic duration of single injection interscalene brachial plexus block: a prospective, randomized, triple blinded clinical trial
Authors: Seering Melinda S , Bayman Emine O , Wong Cynthia A , Ranganath Yatish Siddapura , Marian Anil A
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

Use of regional anesthesia can result in faster recovery and better patient satisfaction. Addition of perineural adjuncts to local anesthetics may improve the duration of analgesia, but there is a paucity of data comparing them in a single randomized trial. We compared the effects of three adjuncts clonidine, dexamethasone, and buprenorphine, on the duration of analgesia of interscalene brachial plexus block.

Methods

160 patients, undergoing elective shoulder surgery, were randomized to four groups to receive an interscalene block with one of the following solutions: ropivacaine alone, ropivacaine with clonidine 75 µg, ropivacaine with dexamethasone 8 mg, or ropivacaine with buprenorphine 300 µg. The primary outcome variable was the duration of analgesia; secondary outcome measures were time to onset of the block, and the duration of sensory and motor blocks.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the total analgesia time among the four groups; p=0.11. The pairwise comparison in analgesic time and 99% CI were: control versus clonidine (−1.94 hours (−7.33 to 3.12)), control versus dexamethasone (−4.16 hours (−9.50 to 0.58)) and control versus buprenorphine (−1.1 hours (−5.34 to 3.23)). There was no differences in block set-up time, or total sensory and motor block duration among the groups.

Conclusion

There was no significant improvement in the duration of analgesia with addition of any of the three adjuncts to interscalene blocks. However, there was a larger than expected variability in patient response, hence the study may have been underpowered for the primary outcome.
Ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for elective cesarean section significantly reduces postoperative opioid consumption and prolongs time to first opioid request: a double-blind randomized trial
Authors: Hansen Christian K , Dam Mette , Steingrimsdottir Gudny E , Laier Gunnar Hellmund , Lebech Morten , Poulsen Troels Dirch , Chan Vincent W S , Wolmarans Morné , Bendtsen Thomas Fichtner , Børglum Jens
Published: July 2019

Background

Elective cesarean section (ECS) can cause moderate to severe pain that often requires opioid administration. To enhance maternal recovery, and promote mother and baby interaction, it is important to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Various regional anesthesia techniques have been implemented to improve postoperative pain management following ECS. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided transmuscular quadratus lumborum (TQL) block on reducing postoperative opioid consumption following ECS.

Methods

A randomized double-blind trial with concealed allocation was conducted in 72 parturients who received bilateral TQL block with either 30 mL ropivacaine 0.375% or saline. TQL block injectate was deposited in the interfascial plane between the quadratus lumborum and psoas major muscles, posterior to the transversalis fascia. Primary outcome was opioid consumption, which was recorded electronically. Pain scores and time to first opioid request were also evaluated.

Results

Opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents, OME) was significantly reduced in group ropivacaine (GRO) in the first 24 hours compared with group saline (65 mg OME vs 94 mg OME) with a mean difference of 29 mg OME; 95% CI 3 to 55, p<0.03. Time to first opioid request was significantly prolonged in GRO, p<0.003. Numerical rating scale pain scores were significantly lower in GRO in the first 6 hours after surgery, p<0.03.

Conclusions

Bilateral TQL block significantly reduced 24 hours’ opioid consumption. Further, we observed significant prolongation in time to first opioid, and significant reduction of pain during the first 6 postoperative hours.
Stacked pile solution for axial load–settlement analysis of driven piles in multi-layered soils
Authors: Niazi Fawad S. , Wangensten-Øye Karl E.
Published: July 2019

The load–settlement (Q–s) response of deep foundations is influenced by the soil stiffness. One of the most common methods of installing these foundations is the process of driving, which changes the in situ soil stress and stiffness regime. The stiffness further reduces in a nonlinear manner as the loads and shearing strains increase within the soil. The decay in the stiffness of the soil surrounding an axially loaded pile varies with depth. While a variety of methods is available to predict the nonlinear Q–s response of piles in relatively simpler soil profiles, only select methods can handle the case of multi-layered soils, where the stiffness properties vary between layers. As an alternative, the Randolph analytical pile solution is exploited for (i) developing a new modulus reduction scheme from the back-analysis of load tests on driven piles that also accounts for plasticity of the soil, (ii) devising a methodology for generating modulus reduction curves for individual layers of a multi-layered system, and (iii) formulating a stacked pile model with integration of modulus reduction curves for an improved solution. The back-analysis process accounts for the installation effects on the in situ soil stiffness. A step-wise flowchart and example applications of the methodology are also presented.
Behavioural effects in juvenile brown trout in response to parental angling selection
Authors: Alioravainen Nico , Hyvärinen Pekka , Vainikka Anssi
Published: July 2019

Fishing that selectively captures and removes fish based on their behavioural decisions is predicted to induce evolution towards timid fish stocks. Thus, offspring behaviour should associate with parental vulnerability to angling. We examined phenotypic behavioural variation in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) whose parents, representing a hatchery and a wild stock, were experimentally grouped based on their relative vulnerability to angling. The F1 offspring from highly vulnerable (HV) and low vulnerable (LV) parents were reared in common garden conditions together with a crossbred wild × hatchery reference group and tested for boldness during their first summer. Wild LV juveniles were the shyest of all fish, but not distinctly shyer than wild HV juveniles. Contradictorily, hatchery LV juveniles expressed bolder behaviour than hatchery HV juveniles. We show that angling selection may have transgenerational behavioural effects independently of size variation, but changes in behaviour can manifest differently in fish from different backgrounds. Our results partly support the earlier findings of increased angling-induced timidity in wild populations and thus call for management focus on behavioural effects of fishing.
The influence of cosmological constant in temperature oscillations of a gas moving close to circular geodesic
Authors: Mehret Leandro Cesar , Kremer Gilberto Medeiros
Published: July 2019

The aim of this work is to analyze and to verify the effects of the charge and cosmological constant on the temperature oscillations that occur in a gas in a circular motion close to geodesic under the action of a Reissner–Nordström–de Sitter metric. The temperature oscillations are determined from Tolman’s law written in Fermi normal coordinates for a comoving observer. The temperature oscillations are calculated for a theoretical model obtained in the literature. Comparing the different configurations analyzed, it is possible to verify that the cosmological constant term causes a small displacement in the oscillation peaks. We also calculated the ratio between frequencies for some particular cases of the Reissner–Nordström–de Sitter metric and verified that the cases with null cosmological constant are closer of the 3/2 value found in QPOs. In another hand, the addition of the cosmological constant causes a direct increase of the ratio between frequencies.
Darboux transformation for the Zn-Hirota systems
Authors: Geng Lulu , Li Chuanzhong
Published: July 2019

Hirota equation is a modified nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation, which takes into account higher order dispersion and delay correction of cubic nonlinearity. The propagation of the waves in the ocean is described, and the optical fiber can be regarded as a more accurate approximation than the NLS equation. Using the algebraic reductions from the Lie algebra [Formula: see text] to its commutative subalgebra [Formula: see text], we construct the general [Formula: see text]-Hirota systems. Considering the potential applications of two-mode nonlinear waves in nonlinear optical fibers, including its Lax pairs, we use the algebraic reductions of the Lie algebra [Formula: see text] to its commutative subalgebra [Formula: see text]. Then, we construct Darboux transformation of the strongly coupled Hirota equation, which implies the new solutions of [Formula: see text] generated from the known solution [Formula: see text]. The new solutions [Formula: see text] furnish soliton solutions and breather solutions of the strongly coupled Hirota equation. Furthermore, using Taylor series expansion of the breather solutions, the rogue waves of the strongly coupled Hirota equation can be given demonstrably. It is obvious that different images can be obtained by choosing different parameters.
Chaotic Rotations of a Rigid Ellipsoidal Body Exhibiting Spin-Orbit Misalignment in a Periodic Orbit
Authors: Kwiecinski James A. , Biber Stanisław W. , Van Gorder Robert A.
Published: July 2019

We study chaotic rotations of a rigid ellipsoidal body due to the effects of gravitational torques, in the case where this body exhibits spin-orbit misalignment. After first deriving a simple model of a rigid ellipsoid of uniform mass distribution with principal axis of rotation directed slightly out of the orbital plane, we prove using the Melnikov method that this perturbation is sufficient to excite the ellipsoid to chaotically rotate for a circular orbit. We further verify this analytical result with numerical time series and Poincaré sections for circular orbits. We then use numerical simulations to demonstrate that elliptical orbits provide further pathways to chaos. Our primary finding is that increasing the degree of spin-orbit misalignment will increase the prevalence of initial conditions leading to chaotic dynamics, for elliptical bodies on both circular and elliptical orbits. Indeed, our results suggest that chaotic rotation of elongated bodies exhibiting spin-orbit misalignment is somewhat common for large enough deviation of the principal axis of rotation from the normal to the orbital plane, provided the rigid body lacks rotational symmetry around its spin-axis and, furthermore, exhibits sufficiently small angular momentum so that the effects of gravitational torques are nontrivial.
Relaxation Oscillations in a Nonsmooth Oscillator with Slow-Varying External Excitation
Authors: Wang Zhixiang , Zhang Zhengdi , Bi Qinsheng
Published: July 2019

The main purpose of the paper is to explore the influence of the coupling of two scales on the dynamics of a nonsmooth dynamical system. Based on a typical Chua’s circuit, by introducing a nonlinear resistor with piecewise characteristics as well as a harmonically changed electric source, a modified nonsmooth model is established, in which the coupling of two scales in frequency domain exists. Different types of bursting oscillations, appearing in the combination of large-amplitude oscillations, called spiking oscillations ([Formula: see text]), and small-amplitude oscillations or at rest, denoted by quiescent states ([Formula: see text]), can be observed with the variation of the exciting amplitude. When the exciting frequency is relatively small, by regarding the whole exciting term as a slow-varying parameter, the original system can be transformed into a generalized autonomous system. The phase space can be divided into three regions by the nonsmooth boundaries, in which the trajectory is governed by three different subsystems, respectively. Based on the analysis of the three subsystems as well as the behaviors on the nonsmooth boundaries, all the equilibrium branches and their bifurcations can be obtained, which can be employed to investigate the mechanism of the bursting oscillations. It is found that, for relatively small exciting amplitude, since no bifurcation on the equilibrium branches can be realized with the variation of the slow-varying parameter, the system behaves in periodic movement, which may evolve to bursting oscillations when a pair of fold bifurcations occurs with the increase of the exciting amplitude. Further increase of the exciting amplitude may lead to more complicated bursting oscillations, which may bifurcate into two coexisted asymmetric bursting attractors via symmetric breaking. Interaction between the two attractors may result in an enlarged symmetric bursting attractor, in which more forms of bifurcations at the transitions between the quiescent states and repetitive spiking states can be observed.
Chaos-Based Through-Wall Life-Detection Radar
Authors: Xu Hang , Li Liqiang , Li Ying , Zhang Jianguo , Han Hong , Liu Li , Li Jingxia
Published: July 2019

We propose a chaos-based through-wall life-detection radar utilizing a wideband Boolean-chaos signal as the radar probe signal. The range between the radar and the human target can be obtained by correlating the chaotic signal reflected from the human target with its delayed duplicate. Actually, this range is modulated periodically by human chest wall displacements along the time axis of recording signal and the modulation frequency is equal to the respiratory frequency. Therefore, we design a life-detection algorithm based on correlation method to extract the human’s respiratory frequency and range information from echo signals. Experimental results demonstrate that our radar can simultaneously detect the respiratory frequency and range of the human target behind a 20-cm-thick wall within the range of at least 5[Formula: see text]m. The dynamic range and range resolution can reach 35[Formula: see text]dB and 15[Formula: see text]cm, respectively. Furthermore, the excellent anti-interference performance of the proposed radar has also been demonstrated, which makes it especially suitable for search and rescue missions in complex electromagnetic environments.
A Novel Algorithm for Detection and Localization of Periodic Phenomena of Chaotic Binary Sequences
Authors: Fan Chunlei , Wang Chuanfu , Ding Qun
Published: July 2019

At present, the performance of the digital chaotic sequence generator is affected by the calculation precision of processor and quantization method, which leads to the quantized chaotic binary sequences emerging from some periodic phenomena in the local range of sequences. However, in view of the current methods for analyzing the periodicity and randomness of binary sequences, evaluating the periodic characteristics which exist in the local range of chaotic binary sequences is extremely difficult. Therefore, in this paper, we have proposed a novel algorithm called the GBSPD (General Binary Sequences Periodic Detection) algorithm, which can detect typical periodic phenomena and local periodic phenomena in the chaotic binary sequence. Moreover, it can accurately locate the position of periodic phenomena of binary sequences and perform a detailed statistical analysis. Furthermore, by using the GBSPD algorithm to detect the periodic characteristics of the quantified logistic chaotic binary sequences, the experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively locate multiple periodic phenomena in the binary sequences.
Coexistence of Periodic Oscillations Induced by Predator Cannibalism in a Delayed Diffusive Predator–Prey Model
Authors: Duan Daifeng , Niu Ben , Wei Junjie
Published: July 2019

This paper is concerned with the effect of predator cannibalism in a delayed diffusive predator–prey system. We aim for the case where the corresponding linear system has two pairs of purely imaginary eigenvalues at a critical point, leading to Hopf–Hopf bifurcation. An approach of center manifold reduction is applied to derive the normal form for such nonresonant Hopf–Hopf bifurcations. We find that the system exhibits very rich dynamics, including the coexistence of periodic and quasi-periodic oscillations. Numerically, we show that Hopf–Hopf bifurcation is induced if the strength of the predator cannibalism term belongs to an appropriate interval.
Delay-Induced Bifurcation in High-Order Fractional Goodwin Models with Disparate Orders
Authors: Zhao Lingzhi , Huang Chengdai , Cao Jinde , Xiao Min
Published: July 2019

In the present paper, we first attempt to investigate the bifurcation for the delayed high-dimensional fractional Goodwin model with different orders. By taking the sum of time delays as a bifurcation parameter, the distribution of the characteristic roots of the linearized system is analyzed and the conditions of Hopf bifurcation are obtained. It is revealed that the model undergoes the Hopf bifurcation when the bifurcation parameter increases and exceeds the critical value. To verify the efficiency of our analytic findings, two simulation examples have been ultimately provided.
Hidden Hyperchaotic Attractors in a New 5D System Based on Chaotic System with Two Stable Node-Foci
Authors: Yang Qigui , Yang Lingbing , Ou Bin
Published: July 2019

This paper reports some hidden hyperchaotic attractors and complex dynamics in a new five-dimensional (5D) system with only two nonlinear terms. The system is generated by adding two linear controllers to an unusual 3D autonomous quadratic chaotic system with two stable node-foci. In particular, the hyperchaotic system without equilibrium or with only one stable equilibrium can generate two kinds of hidden hyperchaotic attractors with three positive Lyapunov exponents. Numerical methods not only verify the existence of such attractors and hyperchaotic attractors, but also show the dynamical evolution of this system. The 5D system has self-excited attractors and two types of hidden attractors with the change of its parameter. The parameter switching algorithm is further utilized to numerically approximate the attractor. Specifically, the hidden hyperchaotic attractor can be approximated by switching between two self-excited chaotic attractors. Finally, the circuit realization results are consistent with the numerical results.
Influence of Hopf Bifurcation Dynamics on Conduction Failure of Action Potentials Along Nerve C-Fiber
Authors: Zhang Xinjing , Gu Huaguang
Published: July 2019

Contrary to faithful conduction of every action potential or spike along the axon, some spikes induced by the external stimulation with a high frequency at one end of the unmyelinated nerve fiber (C-fiber) disappear during the conduction process to the other end, which leads to conduction failure. Many physiological functions such as information coding or pathological pain are involved. In the present paper, the dynamic mechanism of the conduction failure is well interpreted by two characteristics of the focus near Hopf bifurcation of the Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) model. One is that the current threshold to evoke a spike from the after-potential corresponding to the focus exhibits damping oscillations, and the other is that the damping oscillations exhibit an internal period. A chain network model composed of HH neurons and stimulated by the external periodic stimulation is used to stimulate C-fiber. In the two-dimensional parameter space of the stimulation period and coupling strength, the conduction failure appears for the coupling strength lower than that of the faithful conduction, which is due to some maximal values of the coupling current for low coupling strength not being strong enough to evoke spikes, and the coupling strength threshold between the faithful conduction and conduction failure exhibiting damping oscillations with respect to the stimulation period, due to the damping oscillations of the current threshold. The damping oscillations of the coupling strength exhibit close correlations to those of the current threshold. The coupling strength for the conduction failure exhibits maximal values as the stimulation period is approximated to 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-times of the internal period and the maximal values decrease with increasing stimulation period. In addition, the correspondence between the simulation results and the previous experimental observations is discussed. The results present deep insights into the dynamics of the conduction failure with Hopf bifurcation and are helpful to investigate the influence of other modulation factors on the conduction failure.
Oscillatory Circuits Built on Physical SBT Memristor
Authors: Zhang Yuman , Guo Mei , Dou Gang , Li Yuxia , Chen Guanrong
Published: July 2019

The [Formula: see text] (SBT) nanometer film can be used as a physical memristive component. Three oscillatory circuits built on the physical SBT memristor are proposed in this paper, one is self-excited oscillatory circuit and two are forced oscillatory circuits. These three oscillatory circuits have simple structures with complex dynamics. The self-excited oscillatory circuit can generate steady periodic oscillations; the first forced oscillatory circuit can generate relatively complex quasi-periodic oscillations, while the second can generate more complex dynamics such as chaotic oscillations. The impacts of the circuit parameter and initial state values of the SBT memristor on the dynamical behaviors of the three oscillatory circuits are investigated via numerical simulations. It is found that the SBT memristor can be used to design various memristor-based circuits. Specifically, in a flux-controlled memristor-based circuit, if an inductor is in parallel with the memristor, the order of the circuit is one less than the number of energy storage elements in the circuit. The equilibrium point of the circuit is different from the typical line equilibrium for autonomous circuits. The initial state value of the memristor has no impact on the steady state of the circuit. The same phenomena are observed for a charge-controlled memristor-based circuit, when a capacitor is in series with the memristor.
Endomorphisms of regular rooted trees induced by the action of polynomials on the ring ℤd of d-adic integers
Authors: Ahmed Elsayed , Savchuk Dmytro
Published: July 2019

We show that every polynomial in [Formula: see text] defines an endomorphism of the [Formula: see text]-ary rooted tree induced by its action on the ring [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-adic integers. The sections of this endomorphism also turn out to be induced by polynomials in [Formula: see text] of the same degree. In the case of permutational polynomials acting on [Formula: see text] by bijections, the induced endomorphisms are automorphisms of the tree. In the case of [Formula: see text], such polynomials were completely characterized by Rivest in [Permutation polynomials modulo [Formula: see text], Finite Fields Appl. 7(2) (2001) 287–292]. As our main application, we utilize the result of Rivest to derive the condition on the coefficients of a permutational polynomial [Formula: see text] that is necessary and sufficient for [Formula: see text] to induce a level transitive automorphism of the binary tree, which is equivalent to the ergodicity of the action of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text] with respect to the normalized Haar measure.
The Influence of Day 2 Blastomere Symmetry on Blastocyst Grade and Ploidy Status
Authors: Tain Diana Chieh Xing , Lim Michelle Sheng Rong , Ng Bee Lian , Hammond Elizabeth , Wong Pak Seng
Published: July 2019

Previous studies have suggested that aneuploidy rates are co-related with cell asymmetry at the cleavage stage. A retrospective study was carried out to determine the significance of blastomere symmetry at the 4-cell stage on blastocyst grade and ploidy status.

732 Day 5/6 blastocysts from 191 patients undergoing Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy were analysed with time-lapse imaging (Embryoscope, Vitrolife) during 2017. Blastomere symmetry was measured at the first image of 4-cells on Day 2 by tabulating the mean diameter of 2 lines drawn perpendicularly on each blastomere.

Symmetry was defined as the blastomere diameter difference of [Formula: see text] 25%. Trophectoderm (TE) biopsy was performed on Day 5/6 followed by chromosomal evaluation using Next Generation Sequencing (VeriSeq Protocol, Illumina). Blastocyst grade was classified as either “Good” (inner cell mass (ICM) and TE, AA respectively), “Fair/Good” (AB, BA), “Fair” (BB) and “Poor” (early blastocyst grade 2 or TE grading of C). The significance of blastomere symmetry on blastocyst grade and ploidy status was measured using chi-square tests.

There was no significance difference in resulting blastocyst quality for symmetrical and asymmetrical embryos (Table 1: p [Formula: see text] 0.10). Furthermore, there was no significance difference in the euploid rate (42.5% vs. 45.3%) or mosaic rate (22.1% vs. 16.2%) between symmetrical and asymmetrical embryos (p [Formula: see text] 0.24).

In conclusion, the presence of asymmetrical blastomeres at the 4-cell stage do not impact the good quality blastocyst formation rate and euploidy rate for embryos that progress into blastocysts. However, this study excludes embryos that do not develop to the blastocyst stage and those with erratic division patterns, direct cleavage and reverse cleavage on Day 2, both of which have potential to influence ploidy result.

Asymmetrical 4-cell embryos have the potential for high quality euploid blastocyst progression and can be considered for day 2 embryo transfer in the absence of symmetrical 4-cell embryos.
Tackling problems in civil engineering caused by the presence of pyrite
Authors: Cripps John C. , Reid J. Murray , Czerewko Mourice A. , Longworth Ian
Published: July 2019

Although the oxidation of pyrite in geological materials has been linked to various problems in civil engineering works for many years, the risk of further problems has not been eliminated. Pyrite occurs widely as a minor constituent of geo-materials and many construction processes result in the exposure of pyrite-bearing materials to air and water, which then result in oxidation. The paper presents an historical review of construction scenarios in which pyrite has had significant adverse impact. The cases considered include rapid deterioration of rock materials, chemical attack on concrete and metallic structures in the ground, and the expansion of fills and stabilized soils. These cases have been important turning points in understanding deleterious pyrite processes and the development of guidance for their avoidance. By following the guidance presented in the relevant standards and technical documentation, destructive processes due to pyrite should be avoided. However, as many of the problems are influenced by variables, such as site location factors and construction processes, adhering to published guidance may not eliminate the possibility of adverse impacts. It is important that expert technical advice is provided at all stages of projects and that any deviations from the expected performance should be properly evaluated.
Groundwater and its economic nature
Authors: Charalambous Andreas N.
Published: July 2019

Groundwater is best described as an open access good: as a common pool resource others cannot be excluded from using and as a finite resource, its consumption leaves less for others to enjoy. In addition to its obvious benefits to humans and animals, it contributes in sustaining the hydro-environment and life on the planet. Scarcity causes groundwater to become an economic good and have an economic value. By and large, economic valuations respond to changes in the quantity and quality of groundwater. They are based on willingness to pay for maintaining its benefits or willingness to accept compensation for giving them up. There have been some 50 published groundwater valuation studies worldwide in the last 30 years, mostly focusing on groundwater quality and contamination. There is sparsity of valuations in Africa and Asia. The results suggest median economic values of 60–160 and mean values of 70–480 US dollars per household per year. Generally, values are higher in the USA followed by Europe, and lowest in Asia. People's income is a major factor affecting values, but this does not mean that they value groundwater less. Economic valuations and cost–benefit analysis are useful in highlighting people's priorities and choice of options. However, economics alone should not dictate actions for protecting groundwater resources from degradation and depletion.
Deep Contextualized Word Embeddings for Universal Dependency Parsing
Authors: Liu Yijia , Che Wanxiang , Wang Yuxuan , Zheng Bo , Qin Bing , Liu Ting
Published: July 2019

Deep contextualized word embeddings (Embeddings from Language Model, short for ELMo), as an emerging and effective replacement for the static word embeddings, have achieved success on a bunch of syntactic and semantic NLP problems. However, little is known about what is responsible for the improvements. In this article, we focus on the effect of ELMo for a typical syntax problem—universal POS tagging and dependency parsing. We incorporate ELMo as additional word embeddings into the state-of-the-art POS tagger and dependency parser, and it leads to consistent performance improvements. Experimental results show the model using ELMo outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline by an average of 0.91 for POS tagging and 1.11 for dependency parsing. Further analysis reveals that the improvements mainly result from the ELMo’s better abstraction ability on the out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words, and the character-level word representation in ELMo contributes a lot to the abstraction. Based on ELMo’s advantage on OOV, experiments that simulate low-resource settings are conducted and the results show that deep contextualized word embeddings are effective for data-insufficient tasks where the OOV problem is severe.
Student perception on the integration of simulation experiences into human physiology curricula
Authors: Olson Jay , Rinehart Jim , Spiegel Jacqueline Jordan , Al-Nakkash Layla
Published: July 2019

A variety of medical simulators have been developed over recent years for students of all medical professions. These simulators serve to teach basic science concepts, advanced clinical skills, as well as empathy and student confidence. This study aimed to understand the students’ perception of the integration of high-fidelity simulation exercises into the teaching of human physiology. Research groups were made up of both osteopathic and podiatric medical students. Data were obtained using a Likert-scale survey. Results indicated that students believed the simulation experiences were beneficial to further understanding of physiological concepts, as well as seeing these concepts in a clinical setting. Variations were noted between podiatric and osteopathic medical students’ perception on how the experiences helped them develop clinical and personal confidence, and if the experience helped illustrate correlations between laboratory values and accompanying physiology. Results illustrated no differences in perception between the sexes. Although all students agreed that the experience helped with the understanding of physiology, podiatric medical students did not necessarily find value in the simulation for their development as future clinicians. We predict that differences in perception are largely based on the different curriculums of the students questioned. The present study indicated that incorporation of simulation experiences in the first year of medical school enhanced learning basic science physiology concepts and promoted the development of self-confidence as future clinicians. Incorporating simulation into the didactic coursework should be promoted in other medical schools’ curricula.
An Assessment of Heavy Metals Toxicity in Asian Clam, Corbicula fluminea, from Mekong River, Pa Sak River, and Lopburi River, Thailand
Authors: Sow Ai Yin , Dee Koh Han , Lee Seong Wei , Eh Rak Aweng A. L.
Published: July 2019

High population density and economic development attributing to the changes in water quality in Pa Sak River, Lopburi River, and Mekong River have attracted great attention. This research aimed to determine the pollution of heavy metals in collected clams at three different study sites. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) may be likely to cause serious health effects on human beings. The clams sampled from three different rivers (Mekong, Pa Sak, and Lopburi) from Thailand were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Pb) with an air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Among the heavy metals studied, Zn was recorded as having the highest concentration (127.33-163.65 μg/g) among the three rivers. The observed mean concentration of Cu was in the range of 84.61-127.15 μg/g followed by Mn (13.96-100.63 μg/g), Cr (5.79-15.00 μg/g), Pb (3.43-8.55 μg/g), and Cd (0.88-1.95 μg/g). Overall, Asian clam from Pa Sak River was found to contain high concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb compared to Mekong and Lopburi River.
Survivability Evaluation Method for Cascading Failure of Electric Cyber Physical System Considering Load Optimal Allocation
Authors: Qu Zhaoyang , Dong Yunchang , Qu Nan , Wang Lei , Li Yang , Zhang Yu , Mugemanyi Sylvere
Published: July 2019

The scale of the electric cyber physical system (ECPS) is continuously extending, and the existing cascade failure models ignore both the information flow and power flow transferring characteristics and also lack effective survivability analysis. In this paper, the quantitative evaluation method for cascading failure of ECPS survivability considering optimal load allocation is proposed. Firstly, according to the system topological structure and correlation, the degree‐betweenness weighted correlation matrix of ECPS is established by defining the degree function as well as the electric betweenness, and the formal representation of coupled ECPS network model is realized. Secondly, based on the structural connectivity change and risk propagation range of ECPS cascade failure, the survivability evaluation model is designed by taking into account the constraints such as node load capacity limitation, information flow optimal allocation strategy, power flow optimization equation, and system safety operation. Finally, the firefly algorithm with chaotic Lévy flight is proposed to solve the evaluation model efficiently. The case study vividly shows that the evaluation method can effectively quantify the survivability of ECPS and thus enhance the evaluation efficiency of large‐scale coupled systems.
Effects of Hexane Root Extract ofFerula hermonisBoiss. on Human Breast and Colon Cancer Cells: AnIn VitroandIn VivoStudy
Authors: Abutaha Nael , Nasr Fahd A. , Al-zharani Mohammed , Alqahtani Ali S. , Noman Omar M. , Mubarak Mohammed , Abdelhabib Semlali , Wadaan Muhammad A.
Published: July 2019

Breast and colon cancers are leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Plants are a potential source of natural products that may be used for the treatment of cancer.Ferula hermonis(FH) is reported to have diverse therapeutic effects. However, there are few reports on thein vitroanticancer potential of FH extract. Our results showed that theFerula hermonisroot hexane extract (FHRH) can induce dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in breast and colon cancer cells with MTT IC50values of 18.2 and 25μg/ml, respectively. The FHRH extract induced apoptosis in both breast and colon cancer cells; this was confirmed by light and nuclear staining, q-PCR, and caspase 3/7 activation. This study also demonstrated the antitumor activity of FHRH in 9,10-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene DMBA-induced rodent mammary tumor model. The GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 3,5-Dimethylbenzenemethanol, Alpha-Bisabolol, Alpha-pinene, Beta-pinene, and Baccatin III that have various pharmacological potentials. Overall, the present study suggests that FHRH extract possesses anticancer potential which is mediated through apoptotic effects in MDA-MB-231 and LoVo cells. The present study also considered a basis for further investigations into the potential use of FHRH extract as an anticancer therapy for breast and colon cancers.
Bayesian Semiparametric Double Autoregressive Modeling
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Ji-Chun
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a Bayesian semiparametric modeling approach for the return distribution in double autoregressive models. Monte Carlo investigation of finite sample properties and an empirical application are presented. The results indicate that the semiparametric model developed in this paper is valuable and competitive.
Almost Periodic Functions on the Quantum Time Scale and Applications
Authors: Li Yongkun
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we first propose two types of concepts of almost periodic functions on the quantum time scale. Secondly, we study some basic properties of almost periodic functions on the quantum time scale. Thirdly, based on these, we study the existence and uniqueness of almost periodic solutions of dynamic equations on the quantum time scale by Lyapunov method. Then, we give an equivalent definition of almost periodic functions on the quantum time scale. Finally, as an application, we propose a class of high-order Hopfield neural networks on the quantum time scale and establish the existence and global exponential stability of almost periodic solutions of this class of neural networks.
Optical and Reflective Characteristics Measurement and Focal Length Calculation of a Hollow Tetrahedral Corner and a Solid Highly Retroreflective Cubes
Authors: Marouf Mohammad Saeed
Published: July 2019

Corner cubes are one of the most important optical tools used in new optical devices and optical LIDAR. This paper compares two different designs of the hollow and solid tetrahedral corner cubes and determines the relation between the Retroreflection index and the surface quality N and the surface flatness ∆N and its effect on the focal length of the hollow and solid corner cube.
Analyzing and Characterizing the Chloroplast Genome of Salix wilsonii
Authors: Chen Yingnan , Hu Nan , Wu Huaitong
Published: July 2019

Salix wilsonii is an important ornamental willow tree widely distributed in China. In this study, an integrated circular chloroplast genome was reconstructed for S. wilsonii based on the chloroplast reads screened from the whole-genome sequencing data generated with the PacBio RSII platform. The obtained pseudomolecule was 155,750 bp long and had a typical quadripartite structure, comprising a large single copy region (LSC, 84,638 bp) and a small single copy region (SSC, 16,282 bp) separated by two inverted repeat regions (IR, 27,415 bp). The S. wilsonii chloroplast genome encoded 115 unique genes, including four rRNA genes, 30 tRNA genes, 78 protein-coding genes, and three pseudogenes. Repetitive sequence analysis identified 32 tandem repeats, 22 forward repeats, two reverse repeats, and five palindromic repeats. Additionally, a total of 118 perfect microsatellites were detected, with mononucleotide repeats being the most common (89.83%). By comparing the S. wilsonii chloroplast genome with those of other rosid plant species, significant contractions or expansions were identified at the IR-LSC/SSC borders. Phylogenetic analysis of 17 willow species confirmed that S. wilsonii was most closely related to S. chaenomeloides and revealed the monophyly of the genus Salix. The complete S. wilsonii chloroplast genome provides an additional sequence-based resource for studying the evolution of organelle genomes in woody plants.