bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality of systematic reviews/meta‐analyses published in the field of bariatrics: A cross‐sectional systematic survey using AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS
Authors: Storman Monika , Storman Dawid , Jasinska Katarzyna W. , Swierz Mateusz J. , Bala Malgorzata M.
Published: January 2020

High‐quality systematic reviews (SR) and meta‐analyses (MA) are considered to be reliable sources of information. This study aims to assess the quality of studies published as SR or MA in the field of bariatrics in 2016 and 2017. We identified SR and MA in the field of bariatrics by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). Eligible studies were those identified as SR/MA in the title/abstract, which aimed to assess any outcome in patients with morbid obesity undergoing or scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery. Two authors independently reviewed all titles and abstracts, assessed full texts of potentially eligible studies, and assessed the quality of included studies. Any discrepancies were resolved by the third reviewer. We evaluated the quality and risk of bias of each SR/MA using AMSTAR 2 checklist and ROBIS tool, respectively. Seventy‐eight of 4236 references met inclusion criteria and were assessed for their quality/risk of bias. The methodological quality of 99% of all papers was classified as “critically low.” A total of 6% of the studies were at low risk of bias, and 78% were assessed as being at high risk of bias. The methodological quality of studies published in 2016 and 2017 as SR/MA is highly unsatisfactory.
Catechins reduce inflammation in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated dental pulp cells by inhibiting activation of the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Wang Fang , Han Ying , Xi Shuang , Lu Yi
Published: January 2020

Aim

To ascertain the anti‐inflammation mechanism of catechins in lipopolysaccharide‐treated human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Methods

Expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The anti‐inflammatory mechanism was explored by examining activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Human dental pulp cells proliferation was not affected by treatment with epigallocatechin (ECG) or epigallocatechin 3‐gallate (EGCG). mRNA expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 was decreased significantly in ECG‐ and EGCG‐treated HDPCs. Subsequently, the effects of ECG and EGCG upon activation of NF‐κB signaling were evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Expression of p‐p65 protein in HDPCs treated with ECG, EGCG, or an NF‐κB inhibitor (Bay 11‐7082) was lower than that in HDPCs treated with lipopolysaccharide, data that were consistent with the location of p65 protein according to immunofluorescence staining.

Conclusions

Catechin could reduce lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated inflammation in HDPCs by inhibiting activation of the NF‐κB pathway.
Improving public services by mining citizen feedback: An application of natural language processing
Authors: Kowalski Radoslaw , Esteve Marc , Jankin Mikhaylov Slava
Published: January 2020

Research on user satisfaction has increased substantially in recent years. To date, most studies have tested the significance of predefined factors thought to influence user satisfaction, with no scalable means of verifying the validity of their assumptions. Digital technology has created new methods of collecting user feedback where service users post comments. As topic models can analyse large volumes of feedback, they have been proposed as a feasible approach to aggregating user opinions. This novel approach has been applied to process reviews of primary care practices in England. Findings from an analysis of more than 200,000 reviews show that the quality of interactions with staff and bureaucratic exigencies are the key drivers of user satisfaction. In addition, patient satisfaction is strongly influenced by factors that are not measured by state‐of‐the‐art patient surveys. These results highlight the potential benefits of text mining and machine learning for public administration.
Vegetation trajectories of restored agricultural wetlands following sediment removal
Authors: Winikoff Sarah G. , Larkin Daniel J. , Meier Shana L. , Finlay Jacques C.
Published: January 2020

Recognition of wetland ecosystem services has led to substantial investment in wetland restoration in recent decades. Wetland restorations can be designed to meet numerous goals, among which reestablishing a diverse native wetland plant community is a common aim. In agricultural areas, where previously drained wetland basins can fill with eroded sediment from the surrounding landscape, restoration often includes excavation to expose buried seed banks. The extent to which excavation improves the diversity of wetland plant communities is unclear, particularly in terms of longer‐term outcomes. We examined plant species diversity and community composition in 24 restored agricultural wetlands across west‐central Minnesota, U.S.A. In all study wetlands, hydrology was restored by removing subsurface drainage and plugging drainage ditches, thus reestablishing groundwater connectivity and hydroperiod (“business as usual” treatment). In half of the wetlands, accumulated sediment was removed from the basin and redeposited on the surrounding landscape (“excavated” treatment). Initially, sediment removal significantly decreased invasive species cover, particularly of hybrid cattail (Typha × glauca) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and increased community diversity and evenness. Over time, the effects of sediment removal diminished, and eventually disappeared by approximately 6 years after restoration. While our results demonstrate that sediment removal improves initial restoration outcomes for plant communities, longer‐term benefits require sustained management, such as invasive species control or resetting of basins through additional excavation.
Predictors of anxiety and depression among newly diagnosed people living with HIV: A longitudinal study
Authors: Garrido‐Hernansaiz Helena , Alonso‐Tapia Jesús
Published: January 2020

This longitudinal study examined whether past resilience and internalized stigma predicted anxiety and depression among newly diagnosed Spanish‐speaking people living with HIV (PLWH). We also analyzed whether coping strategies mediated this relationship. Data were collected at two time points from 119 PLWH. Approximately a third of participants had scores indicative of anxiety symptoms, the same result was found for depressive symptoms. Structural equations modeling revealed that 61% of the variance of anxiety and 48% of the variance of depression 8 months after diagnosis was explained by the proposed model, which yielded a good fit to data. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly and negatively predicted by positive thinking, thinking avoidance, and past resilience, and positively predicted by self‐blame. Additionally, anxiety was positively predicted by internalized stigma. Past resilience negatively predicted internalized stigma, self‐blame, and thinking avoidance and it positively predicted positive thinking. Internalized stigma positively predicted self‐blame. Moreover, internalized stigma had a significant indirect effect on anxiety symptoms through self‐blame, and past resilience had significant indirect effects on anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms through internalized stigma and coping. The results point to the need for clinicians and policy makers to conduct systematic assessments and implement interventions to reduce internalized stigma and train people living with HIV to identify and use certain coping behaviors.
Measures of Similarity
Authors: Enflo Karin
Published: January 2020

This article analyses the relationship between the concept of single aspect similarity and proposed measures of similarity. More precisely, it compares eleven measures of similarity in terms of how well they satisfy a list of desiderata, chosen to capture common intuitions concerning the properties of similarity and the relations between similarity and dissimilarity. Three types of measures are discussed: similarity as commonality, similarity as a function of dissimilarity, and similarity as a joint function of commonality and difference. Relative to the desiderata, it is found that a measure of the second type fares the best. However, rather than recommend this measure alone as a measure of similarity, it is suggested that there are at least three separate concepts of single aspect similarity, corresponding to the three types of measures. In light of this proposal, three of the eleven measures (and variants of these) are deemed acceptable.
Evaluation of an electronic, patient‐focused management system aimed at preventing cytomegalovirus disease following solid organ transplantation
Authors: Ekenberg Christina , da Cunha‐Bang Caspar , Lodding Isabelle P. , Sørensen Søren S. , Sengeløv Henrik , Perch Michael , Rasmussen Allan , Gustafsson Finn , Wareham Neval E. , Kirkby Nikolai , Kjær Jesper , Helleberg Marie , Reekie Joanne , Lundgren Jens D.
Published: January 2020

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and may cause CMV disease. To optimize the implementation of existing prevention strategies, the Management of Post‐transplant Infections in Collaborating Hospitals (MATCH) program was developed. Two key performances of MATCH (diagnosing CMV infection at low viral load (VL) and before the onset of CMV disease) were assessed prior to, during and after the implementation of MATCH.

Methods

The MATCH program included a personalized surveillance plan, prophylaxis and preemptive therapy determined by the recipient's risk of CMV infection. The plan was composed through predefined algorithms and implemented through harvesting of real‐time data from medical records. Risk of CMV disease was compared for recipients transplanted during and after vs prior to the implementation of MATCH. Lung and non‐lung transplants were analyzed separately.

Results

A total of 593, 349, 520, and 360 SOT recipients were transplanted before (2007‐2010), during (2011‐2012), early after (2013‐2015), and late after (2016‐2017) implementation of MATCH with an observed reduction of diagnostic VL (P < .001) over time. Risk of CMV disease was reduced among non‐lung transplant recipients transplanted during (adjusted hazard ratios [95% CI] 0.15 [0.04‐0.54], P = .003), early after (aHR 0.27 [0.11‐0.63], P = .003), and late after (aHR 0.17 [0.06‐0.52], P = .002) compared with prior to MATCH. No significant change was observed among lung transplants.

Conclusion

Implementation of CMV preventive strategies through MATCH was associated with a reduced risk of CMV disease among non‐lung transplant recipients. Furthermore, the limitations of VL as a sole indicator for CMV disease in lung transplants were emphasized.
needs+PAST PARTICIPLE in regional Englishes on Twitter
Authors: Strelluf Christopher
Published: January 2020

The use of needs with a past participle (as in ‘The car needs washed’) has been identified as a feature of the US Midland, and of Englishes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England. However, linguists have generally not been able to study needs+PAST in natural language data. This study reports from a large corpus of needs+PAST productions built from tweets in 20 US cities, 17 UK cities, and 13 other cities. It confirms needs+PAST as a productive feature of Scotland, Belfast, Newcastle, and the US Midland, and supports claims that the construction spread via immigration. In doing so, it validates studies based on elicitations of grammaticality judgments, while also demonstrating new techniques to study low‐frequency linguistic variables. It provides quantitative evidence of the extent to which a settler variety of English may leave an imprint of itself over several centuries, and of the durability of regional dialect boundaries.
A Visual Sensitivity Analysis for Parameter-Augmented Ensembles of Curves
Authors: Ribés Alejandro , Pouderoux Joachim , Iooss Bertrand
Published: January 2020

Engineers and computational scientists often study the behavior of their simulations by repeated solutions with variations in their parameters, which can be, for instance, boundary values or initial conditions. Through such simulation ensembles, uncertainty in a solution is studied as a function of various input parameters. Solutions of numerical simulations are often temporal functions, spatial maps, or spatio-temporal outputs. The usual way to deal with such complex outputs is to limit the analysis to several probes in the temporal/spatial domain. This leads to smaller and more tractable ensembles of functional outputs (curves) with their associated input parameters: augmented ensembles of curves. This article describes a system for the interactive exploration and analysis of such augmented ensembles. Descriptive statistics on the functional outputs are performed by principal component analysis (PCA) projection, kernel density estimation, and the computation of high density regions. This makes possible the calculation of functional quantiles and outliers. Brushing and linking the elements of the system allows in-depth analysis of the ensemble. The system allows for functional descriptive statistics, cluster detection, and finally, for the realization of a visual sensitivity analysis via cobweb plots. We present two synthetic examples and then validate our approach in an industrial use-case concerning a marine current study using a hydraulic solver.
Effects of Transpiration on the Unsteady Separated Stagnation-Point Flow and Heat Transfer Over a Moving Porous Plate
Authors: Dholey S.
Published: January 2020

The combined influence of normal transpiration and tangential movement of a porous surface on the unsteady separated stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a viscous fluid is studied. This study is based on five physical parameters, namely (i) flow strength parameter a, (ii) suction/injection parameter d, (iii) plate velocity parameter λ, (iv) unsteadiness parameter β, and (v) Prandtl number Pr. This analysis shows an interesting relation β = 2a which allows us to derive some closed-form analytic solutions depending upon the unlikely values of d. For suction d > 0, two attached flow solutions (AFS) without point of inflection are found in the range (−ad2/4−3<λ<−3), whereas for λ > −3 only one solution of the same type is found for any given value of d. Besides them, the numerical computations reveal two types of AFS—one without and the other with a point of inflection in the range (−1.24658 ≤λ≤ −1.07) when d = β = 0. The present analysis confirms the nonexistence of the second attached flow solution after a certain value of suction d depending upon the choice of the values of λ in this range. A reverse flow solution (RFS) along with the above two solutions is found for a negative value of β which continues even for large rate of suction d. The asymptotic solutions of this flow problem have also been derived for large values of d which provide with the exact results after a certain value of d depending upon the values of the other parameters.
The role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for evaluating renal perfusion dynamics in partially reversible acute cortical kidney ischemia in a patient with sepsis
Authors: Giurgiu Alina Bianca , Kacso Ina Maria , Ionescu Daniela , Badea Radu
Published: January 2020

We report the case of a sepsis-induced acute kidney injury accompanied by disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombotic microangiopathy, responsible for subsequent renal microvascular thrombosis. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to assess the thrombotic cortical kidney ischemia and its evolution over time.
Visualization of the shear wave on gray-scale ultrasound: experience with a complex breast cyst
Authors: Chiorean Angelica , Pintican Roxana Maria , Duma Maria Magdalena , Fechete Radu , Feier Diana , Szep Madalina , Dudea Sorin
Published: January 2020

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is the newer of the two methods of measuring tissue stiffness using ultrasound. We present the case of a 39-year-old patient with fibrocystic breast disease who presented with a left painful breast lump. The patient underwent a breast ultrasound that depicted a complicated cyst with a “pseudo-solid” content. When the SWE mode was turned on, the ultrasound share wave was observed on the gray-scale image, as surface undulations of the “pseudo-solid” component. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the share wave visualization on a gray-scale image. The impact on patient management is discussed.
Individual Response to External Training Load in Elite Football Players
Authors: Wiig Håvard , Andersen Thor Einar , Luteberget Live S. , Spencer Matt
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To investigate within-player effect, between-player effect, and individual response of external training load from player tracking devices on session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL) in elite football players. Methods: The authors collected sRPE-TL from 18 outfield players in 21 training sessions. Total distance, high-speed running distance (>14.4 m/s), very high-speed running distance (>19.8 m/s), PlayerLoad™, PlayerLoad2D™, and high-intensity events (HIE > 1.5, HIE > 2.5, and HIE > 3.5 m/s) were extracted from the tracking devices. The authors modeled within-player and between-player effects of single external load variables on sRPE-TL, and multiple levels of variability, using a linear mixed model. The effect of 2 SDs of external load on sRPE-TL was evaluated with magnitude-based inferences. Results: Total distance, PlayerLoad™, PlayerLoad2D™, and HIE > 1.5 had most likely substantial within-player effects on sRPE-TL (100%–106%, very large effect sizes). Moreover, the authors observed likely substantial between-player effects (12%–19%, small to moderate effect sizes) from the majority of the external load variables and likely to very likely substantial individual responses of PlayerLoad™, high-speed running distance, very high-speed running distance, and HIE > 1.5 (19%–30% coefficient of variation, moderate to large effect sizes). Finally, sRPE-TL showed large to very large between-session variability with all external load variables. Conclusions: External load variables with low intensity-thresholds had the strongest relationship with sRPE-TL. Furthermore, the between-player effect of external load and the individual response to external load advocate for monitoring sRPE-TL in addition to external load. Finally, the large between-session variability in sRPE-TL demonstrates that substantial amounts of sRPE-TL in training sessions are not explained by single external load variables.
Mechanical Properties of Treadmill Surfaces and Their Effects on Endurance Running
Authors: Colino Enrique , Garcia-Unanue Jorge , Gallardo Leonor , Foster Carl , Lucia Alejandro , Felipe Jose Luis
Published: January 2020

Purpose:To characterize, for the first time, the mechanical properties of treadmill surfaces along with a practical interpretation of their influence on physiological and perceived demands during endurance running compared with other widely used surfaces such as asphalt and tartan tracks.Methods:Ten experienced male endurance runners performed a 40-minute running bout at a preferred constant speed on 3 different surfaces (after a randomized, counterbalanced order with a 7-d interval between trials): asphalt, tartan, or treadmill. Shock absorption, vertical deformation, and energy restitution were measured for the 3 surfaces. Intensity (based on heart rate data) and rating of perceived exertion were monitored.Results:The values of shock absorption averaged 0.0% (asphalt), 37.4% (tartan), and 71.3% (treadmill), while those of vertical deformation and energy restitution averaged 0.3, 2.2, and 6.5 mm and 90.8%, 62.6%, and 37.0%, respectively. Running intensity (as determined by heart rate data) was higher overall on the treadmill than tartan but not asphalt running. Except for the first 10 minutes, all mean rating of perceived exertion values were significantly higher in asphalt and treadmill than in tartan. No significant differences were identified between treadmill and asphalt.Conclusions:The considerably higher shock absorption of the treadmill than the tartan surface leads to a reduction in the amount of energy returned to the athlete, which in turn increases physiological stress and rating of perceived exertion during endurance running.
Low-cost scalable discretization, prediction, and feature selection for complex systems
Authors: Gerber S. , Pospisil L. , Navandar M. , Horenko I.
Published: January 2020

The introduced data-driven tool allows simultaneous feature selection, model inference, and marked cost and quality gains.
Regulation of calcification site pH is a polyphyletic but not always governing response to ocean acidification
Authors: Liu Yi-Wei , Sutton Jill N. , Ries Justin B. , Eagle Robert A.
Published: January 2020

Diverse organisms are all found to regulate the pH of their calcifying fluids in response to ocean acidification.
Poly(amino acids) as a potent self-adjuvanting delivery system for peptide-based nanovaccines
Authors: Skwarczynski Mariusz , Zhao Guangzu , Boer Jennifer C. , Ozberk Victoria , Azuar Armira , Cruz Jazmina Gonzalez , Giddam Ashwini Kumar , Khalil Zeinab G. , Pandey Manisha , Shibu Mohini A. , Hussein Waleed M. , Nevagi Reshma J. , Batzloff Michael R. , Wells James W. , Capon Robert J. , Plebanski Magdalena , Good Michael F. , Toth Istvan
Published: January 2020

A new vaccine immunostimulatory (adjuvant) system was developed based on fully defined polymers built from native amino acids.
Intratumoral delivery of CCL25 enhances immunotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer by recruiting CCR9
+
T cells
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Cong Xiuxiu , Wu Chenxi , Wu Xuan , Wang Jialiang , Mao Kuirong , Li Jie , Zhu Ge , Liu Feiqi , Meng Xiandi , Song Jia , Sun Xu , Wang Xin , Liu Shuhan , Zhang Shi , Yang Xianzhu , Song Yanqiu , Yang Yong-Guang , Sun Tianmeng
Published: January 2020

This study offers an effective strategy to enhance immunotherapy by promoting CCR9
+
CD8
+
T cell tumor infiltration.
Soil organic matter attenuates the efficacy of flavonoid-based plant-microbe communication
Authors: Del Valle Ilenne , Webster Tara M. , Cheng Hsiao-Ying , Thies Janice E. , Kessler André , Miller Mary Kaitlyn , Ball Zachary T. , MacKenzie Kevin R. , Masiello Caroline A. , Silberg Jonathan J. , Lehmann Johannes
Published: January 2020

Dissolved organic carbon in soils can repress flavonoid bioavailability and disrupt plant nodulation.
Modified cyclodextrins as broad-spectrum antivirals
Authors: Jones Samuel T. , Cagno Valeria , Janeček Matej , Ortiz Daniel , Gasilova Natalia , Piret Jocelyne , Gasbarri Matteo , Constant David A. , Han Yanxiao , Vuković Lela , Král Petr , Kaiser Laurent , Huang Song , Constant Samuel , Kirkegaard Karla , Boivin Guy , Stellacci Francesco , Tapparel Caroline
Published: January 2020

Sulfonated cyclodextrins show nontoxic, broad-spectrum virucidal activity in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.
Unidirectional rotating molecular motors dynamically interact with adsorbed proteins to direct the fate of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhou Qihui , Chen Jiawen , Luan Yafei , Vainikka Petteri A. , Thallmair Sebastian , Marrink Siewert J. , Feringa Ben L. , van Rijn Patrick
Published: January 2020

Molecular motion of rotating motors delegates surface-adsorbed protein–stem cell interactions.
Indo-Burma passive amalgamation along the Kaladan Fault: Insights from zircon provenance in the Chittagong-Tripura Fold Belt (Bangladesh)
Authors: Yang Lei , Xiao Wenjiao , Jalalur Rahman M. Julleh , Windley Brian F. , Schulmann Karel , Ao Songjian , Zhang Ji’en , Chen Zhenyu , Hossain Md. Sakawat , Dong Yunpeng
Published: January 2020

A clear insight of the Indo-Burma amalgamation is required for an understanding of the complex processes of the Indo-Asian collision. Where and when the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent amalgamated with the Burma plate has not yet been well defined. In order to better understand the tectonic affiliations and evolution of the Indo-Burma Ranges (IBR), we report new detrital zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope data of nine sandstone/siltstone samples (late Miocene–Pliocene) from the Chittagong-Tripura Fold Belt, Bangladesh, which is in the Neogene belt of the IBR. Our results show that the zircon ages of all nine samples have three peaks at <200 Ma, ca. 500 Ma, and 800–1000 Ma. The percentage of young (<200 Ma) zircons increase from the Boka Bil Formation (6.9% to 15.2%) to the Tipam Formation (20.3% to 27.6%). The εHf(t) of most young zircons from the Boka Bil Formation suggest derivation from the Gangdese arc, whereas those from the Tipam Formation show an affinity with the Burma magmatic arc. Therefore, we suggest that the increase of young zircons in the Tipam Formation came from the Burma plate. Comparing provenances of the Paleogene and Neogene belts of the IBR, we suggest that they belong to the Burma plate and Indian subcontinent, respectively, and that the Kaladan Fault, separating these two belts, is the suture between the Indian and Burma terranes. The time of amalgamation is constrained by the ca. 2.5–3.9 Ma boundary between the Boka Bil and Tipam formations, and the eastern Indian promontory likely collided with the Burma plate ca. 11–12 Ma.
Out of sight: a lesson in drug errors
Authors: Lim Soon Tjin , Yates Timothy , Liang Di , Angus-Leppan Heather
Published: January 2020

A 76-year-old man developed recurrent encephalopathy, visual disturbance, myoclonus, generalised seizures and atonic drop attacks on a background of a gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma and stable chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. He presented to three different hospitals and was admitted twice, with normal investigations. His symptoms transiently improved during each admission (and with starting levetiracetam) but recurred each time on hospital discharge. Subsequent careful inspection of his medication box identified that his community pharmacy had in error been dispensing baclofen 80 mg per day instead of his prescribed Buscopan 80 mg per day. This case highlights the importance of physically inspecting a patient’s medications and emphasises the spectrum of baclofen-related toxicity; it also highlights potential deficiencies in the pharmacy dispensary process and the need for multiple checks by patients and professionals.
Direct carotid puncture in acute ischaemic stroke intervention
Authors: Colombo Elisa , Rinaldo Lorenzo , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Endovascular intervention for acute ischaemic stroke care is mostly performed in older patients, often with unfavourable aortic and supra-aortic anatomy, as well as cardiovascular comorbidities. A significant subset of them may benefit from transcervical access as the initial approach for mechanical thrombectomy. In fact, direct carotid artery puncture in these cases has the advantage to bypass the anatomical obstacles and achieve faster reperfusion. Caution is advised when common carotid artery access is pursued in order to avoid adverse events, including haematoma formation, iatrogenic arterial dissection and sheath kinking. In spite of potential complications, direct carotid puncture in acute ischaemic stroke intervention overcomes challenging angioarchitecture and may reduce the rate of poor clinical outcomes associated with delayed revascularisation in certain cases.
Comparison of carotid atherosclerotic plaques between subjects in Northern and Southern China: a Chinese atherosclerosis risk evaluation study
Authors: Yang Dandan , Ji Yang , Wang Dan , Watase Hiroko , Hippe Daniel S , Zhao Xihai , Yuan Chun
Published: January 2020

Background and purpose

To investigate differences in the characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques of symptomatic subjects in northern and southern China using MRI.

Methods

Sixty-three subjects in northern China (mean age: 59.1±8.6 years, 45 men) and 56 subjects in southern China (mean age: 60.4±8.6 years, 38 men) were included. All subjects underwent carotid artery multicontrast vessel wall MRI. Plaque morphology, calciﬁcation, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque haemorrhage, luminal surface disruption and high-risk plaque were measured and identified. All plaque characteristics were compared between subjects in northern and southern China using Mann-Whitney U test or χ
2
test.

Results

Compared with subjects in southern China, those in northern China had significantly greater areas for lumen (57.7±14.9 mm
2
vs 50.4±18.3 mm
2
, p=0.009), wall (38.4±13.1 mm
2
vs 31.9±11.7 mm
2
, p<0.001) and total vessel (96.1±20.2 mm
2
vs 82.4±22.7 mm
2
, p=0.001) and mean wall thickness (1.25±0.43 mm vs 1.13±0.40 mm, p=0.019). χ
2
analysis showed that subjects in northern China tended to have a higher prevalence of intraplaque haemorrhage (14.3% vs 5.4%, p=0.106) and high-risk plaque (20.6% vs 10.7%, p=0.140) than those in southern China, although these differences were not statistically significant (all p>0.05).

Conclusion

Subjects in northern China have significantly larger vessel size and may have a higher prevalence of vulnerable plaques than those in southern China. Our findings provide additional perspective to optimise the management of cerebrovascular disease in individuals in different regions in China.

Trial registration number

NCT02017756
Polymorphic tachycardia in an anaesthetised horse with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma undergoing emergency coeliotomy
Authors: Ranninger Elisabeth , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula
Published: January 2020

A 17‐year‐old, 550‐kg, neutered male Oldenburger horse was referred for an exploratory coeliotomy after acute collapse, profuse sweating and abdominal pain refractory to conventional analgesics. Clinical evaluation was only possible under sedation and revealed pale mucous membranes, tachypnoea, tachycardia with irregular heart rhythm and distended small intestines with decreased motility. Preoperative blood testing revealed severe hyperlactataemia and hyperglycaemia, whereas an abdominocentesis showed evidence of haemoperitoneum. Under general anaesthesia, polymorphic tachyarrhythmias, hypotension, peripheral oedema, persistent hyperlactataemia, electrolyte imbalances and haemorrhage complicated the anaesthetic management of this case. Despite cardiovascular support, including administration of fluid therapy, inotropes, 3.5 litres of fresh whole blood and 5 litres of fresh frozen plasma, the horse did not recover from general anaesthesia. A pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland with parenchymal rupture and haemorrhage was diagnosed postmortem. The present report describes the anaesthetic challenges of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma in a horse with colic.
David Robertshaw
Authors: Gleed Robin
Published: January 2020

Professor emeritus of physiology, he led a life of academic excellence, adventure, service, curiosity, integrity and faith.
Charts for the mining-induced deflection of buildings
Authors: Franza Andrea , Deck Olivier , DeJong Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the flexural deformations of buildings induced by mining-related subsidence. A two-stage solution (previously applied to the tunnelling problem) is used. Buildings are modelled as a beam founded on an elastic continuum that is subjected to ground subsidence. A tensionless soil–structure interface is employed. The effects of both building stiffness and self-weight on the building deflection are considered. The proposed formulation is compared with analytical solutions and empirical envelopes from previous research. A parametric study is conducted for both perfect soil–foundation bond and gap formation to relate deflection ratio modification factors and the limit radius of the greenfield settlement curve (associated with the gap formation) to relative structure–soil stiffness, building weight, foundation shape, and greenfield ground curvature (hogging or sagging) by means of dimensionless groups. Finally, a simple case study is used to demonstrate the proposed procedure. The given framework is more comprehensive than design charts provided by previous mining-related works and can be used for rapid preliminary risk assessment.
Biological H2 and CO oxidation activities are sensitive to compositional change of soil microbial communities
Authors: Saavedra-Lavoie Julien , de la Porte Anne , Piché-Choquette Sarah , Guertin Claude , Constant Philippe
Published: January 2020

Trace gas uptake by microorganisms controls the oxidative capacity of the troposphere, but little is known about how this important function is affected by changes in soil microbial diversity. This article bridges that knowledge gap by examining the response of the microbial community-level physiological profiles (CLPPs), carbon dioxide (CO2) production, and molecular hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation activities to manipulation of microbial diversity in soil microcosms. Microbial diversity was manipulated by mixing nonsterile and sterile soil with and without the addition of antibiotics. Nonsterile soil without antibiotics was used as a reference. Species composition changed significantly in soil microcosms as a result of dilution and antibiotic treatments, but there was no difference in species richness, according to PCR amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The CLPP was 15% higher in all dilution and antibiotic treatments than in reference microcosms, but the dilution treatment had no effect on CO2 production. Soil microcosms with dilution treatments had 58%–98% less H2 oxidation and 54%–99% lower CO oxidation, relative to reference microcosms, but did not differ among the antibiotic treatments. These results indicate that H2 and CO oxidation activities respond to compositional changes of microbial community in soil.
Kantowski–Sachs universe with dark energy fluid and massive scalar field
Authors: Raju K. Deniel , Rao M.P.V.V. Bhaskara , Aditya Y. , Vinutha T. , Reddy D.R.K.
Published: January 2020

This study is mainly concerned with a spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Kantowski–Sachs cosmological model with anisotropic dark energy fluid and massive scalar field. We solve the field equations using (i) the shear scalar proportionality to the expansion scalar and (ii) a mathematical condition that is a consequence of the power law between the scalar field and the average scale factor of the universe, and the corresponding dark energy model is presented. The cosmological parameters of the model are computed and discussed, as well as the relevance of its dynamical aspects to the recent scenario of the accelerated expansion of the universe.
Morphometric analysis of structural renal alterations and beneficial effects of aminoguanidine in acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats
Authors: Ilić Sonja , Stojiljković Nenad , Sokolović Dusan , Jovanović Ivan , Stojanović Nikola
Published: January 2020

Since cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity has very important clinical consequences, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of aminoguanidine on the acute kidney injury caused by cisplatin. Experiments were done on 40 Wistar rats divided into four groups. The CIS group received cisplatin in a single dose of 8 mg/kg, while the CISAG group received the same dose of cisplatin and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injections. Animals in the AG group received only aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) and those in the C group received saline. Quantitative evaluation of structural and functional alterations in the kidneys was performed by analysis of biochemical and parameters of oxidative stress and by histological and morphometric analysis of renal sections. Histological sections of kidney showed structural damage of proximal tubules and glomeruli that were induced by cisplatin. Morphometric analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the area of proximal tubules and the size and cellularity of glomeruli between the CIS and CISAG groups. Glomerular basement membrane thickness was increased in the CIS group, while aminoguanidine attenuated these changes in the CISAG group of rats. Our results suggest that aminoguanidine acts protectively and repairs structural and functional damage of kidney by engaging the existent antioxidative potential at the level of renal tissue.
Gluon TMDs and NRQCD matrix elements in $${J}{/}{\psi }$$ production at an EIC
Authors: Bacchetta Alessandro , Boer Daniël , Pisano Cristian , Taels Pieter
Published: January 2020

In this paper we analyze azimuthal asymmetries in the processes of unpolarized and polarized$$J/\psi \,(\Upsilon )$$J/ψ(Υ)production at an Electron-Ion Collider. Apart from giving access to various unknown gluon transverse momentum distributions, we suggest to use them as a new method to extract specific color-octet NRQCD long-distance matrix elements, i.e.$$\langle 0\vert \mathcal{O}_{8}^{J/\psi }(^{1}S_{0})\vert 0\rangle $$⟨0|O8J/ψ(1S0)|0⟩and$$\langle 0\vert \mathcal{O}_{8}^{J/\psi }(^{3}P_{0})\vert 0\rangle $$⟨0|O8J/ψ(3P0)|0⟩, whose values are still quite uncertain and for which lattice calculations are unavailable. The new method is based on combining measurements of analogous asymmetries in open heavy-quark pair production which can be performed at the same energy. We also study for the first time the effects of transverse-momentum smearing in the quarkonium formation process. To enhance the gluon contribution one can consider smaller values ofxand, in order to assess the impact of small-xevolution, we perform a numerical study using the MV model as a starting input and evolve it with the JIMWLK equations.
Generic nature of asymptotic completeness in dissipative scattering theory
Authors: Faupin Jérémy
Published: January 2020

We review recent results obtained in the scattering theory of dissipative quantum systems representing the long-time evolution of a system [Formula: see text] interacting with another system [Formula: see text] and susceptible of being absorbed by [Formula: see text]. The effective dynamics of [Formula: see text] is generated by an operator of the form [Formula: see text] on the Hilbert space of the pure states of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the self-adjoint generator of the free dynamics of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is symmetric and [Formula: see text] is bounded. The main example is a neutron interacting with a nucleus in the nuclear optical model. We recall the basic objects of the scattering theory for the pair [Formula: see text], as well as the results, proven in [10, 11], on the spectral singularities of [Formula: see text] and the asymptotic completeness of the wave operators. Next, for the nuclear optical model, we show that asymptotic completeness generically holds.
Dopant occupancy and exposure energy of Zn(1 mol.%, 3 mol.%, 5 mol.%, 7 mol.%):Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals
Authors: Dai Li , Han Xianbo , Tan Chao , Shao Yu , Wang Yuning
Published: January 2020

A series of Zn:Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals with various concentrations of Zn[Formula: see text](1 mol.%, 3 mol.%, 5 mol.% and 7 mol.%) were grown by Czochralski method. The dopant occupancy and light-induced scattering ability of Zn:Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals were measured and discussed by infrared spectra and exposure energy flux method. The results show that the infrared absorption peak of the Zn(7 mol.%):Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystal is blueshift and [Formula: see text] ion reaches threshold concentration. The light-induced scattering of Zn(7 mol.%):Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals is increased by two-orders of magnitude compared to Zn(1 mol.%):Yb:Nd:LiNbO3 crystals.
Task Scheduling in Heterogeneous Computing Systems Based on Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Xie Hui , Wei Li , Liu Dong , Wang Luda
Published: January 2020

Task scheduling problem of heterogeneous computing system (HCS), which with increasing popularity, nowadays has become a research hotspot in this domain. The task scheduling problem of HCS, which can be described essentially as assigning tasks to the proper processor for executing, has been shown to be NP-complete. However, the existing scheduling algorithm suffers from an inherent limitation of lacking global view. Here, we reported a novel task scheduling algorithm based on Multi-Logistic Regression theory (called MLRS) in heterogeneous computing environment. First, we collected the best scheduling plans as the historical training set, and then a scheduling model was established by which we could predict the following schedule action. Through the analysis of experimental results, it is interpreted that the proposed algorithm has better optimization effect and robustness.
Measurement System Design of Micro-Dose Experimental Spectrum
Authors: Zhu Min , Guo Ming , Hong Hao , Wang Sheng’ao , Li Biao
Published: January 2020

Tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) is used to measure the micro-dose spectrum of ionizing radiation. Through changing tissue-equivalent gas pressure, TEPC can simulate the case of radiation energy deposition in different sizes of human cells. Various dosimetric quantities can be obtained such as absorbed dose, radiation quality factor and micro-dose equivalent. Because TEPC simulated cell size is less than the range of ionizing radiation particles, TEPC can be used as linear energy transfer spectroscopy, which can identify different linear energy transfer particles in a mixed radiation field and play an important role in mixed neutron–photon radiation field monitoring and protection. A tissue equivalent proportional counter is designed and manufactured in this paper. Through the built of micro-dose detector signal testing platform, and the realization of measurement of micro-dose detector signal debugging and important parameters (stability, energy resolution, etc.) by [Formula: see text] source method, micro-dose energy spectrum analysis and experimental measurements of Cf-252 source were ultimately achieved. Results show that the detector has good sealing performance and stability, with 12 h stability better than 2.7%. Based on all the above spectra, micro-dosing spectrum of Cf-252 source was experimentally obtained.
Nonbinary Low-Density Parity Check Decoding Algorithm Research-Based Majority Logic Decoding
Authors: Wang Zhong-xun , Xi Yang , Bao Zhan-kai
Published: January 2020

In the nonbinary low-density parity check (NB-LDPC) codes decoding algorithms, the iterative hard reliability based on majority logic decoding (IHRB-MLGD) algorithm has poor error correction performance. The essential reason is that the hard information is used in the initialization and iterative processes. For the problem of partial loss of information, when the reliability is assigned during initialization, the error correction performance is improved by modifying the assignment of reliability at initialization. The initialization process is determined by the probability of occurrence of the number of erroneous bits in the symbol and the Hamming distance. In addition, the IHRB-MLGD decoding algorithm uses the hard decision in the iterative decoding process. The improved algorithm adds soft decision information in the iterative process, which improves the error correction performance while only slightly increasing the decoding complexity, and improves the reliability accumulation process which makes the algorithm more stable. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm has a better decoding performance than IHRB algorithm.
The index of small length sequences
Authors: Grynkiewicz David J. , Vishne Uzi
Published: January 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a fixed integer. Define [Formula: see text] to be the unique integer in the range [Formula: see text] which is congruent to [Formula: see text] modulo [Formula: see text]. Given [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] and define [Formula: see text] to be the index of the sequence [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] have [Formula: see text] but [Formula: see text] for all proper, non-empty subsets [Formula: see text], then a still open conjecture asserts that [Formula: see text] provided that [Formula: see text]. We give an alternative proof, that does not rely on computer calculations, verifying this conjecture when [Formula: see text] is a product of two prime powers.
PRINCIPAL-COMPONENT-BASED GAUSSIAN AFFINE TERM STRUCTURE MODELS: CONSTRAINTS AND THEIR FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: REBONATO RICCARDO , SAROKA IVAN , PUTIATYN VLAD
Published: January 2020

This work builds on the work by Joslin et al. [(2011) A new perspective on Gaussian dynamic term structure Models, The Review of Financial Studies 24, 926–970] on the affine dynamics of portfolios of yields and addresses the unresolved issues of ‘internal consistency’ mentioned in the same paper. It shows the unexpected constraints that have to be satisfied by the [Formula: see text]-measure evolution of the yield curve if the portfolio of yields has to be interpreted as their principal components. This choice of state variables is common in the recent literature and so our findings are intrinsically interesting. However, we show that our results also extend to a wide class of choices for state variables, when these are chosen as linear combinations of yields. We show that these constraints have important financial consequences, which, to our knowledge, have not been appreciated. In particular, this paper highlights some puzzling issues of compatibility between the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-measure dynamics of Gaussian dynamic term structure models when principal components are chosen as state variables, once the constraints we derive are taken into account.
A DSC Regularized Dirac-Delta Method for Flexural Vibration of Elastically Supported FG Beams Subjected to a Moving Load
Authors: Zhang L. H. , Lai S. K. , Yang J.
Published: January 2020

This research presents a numerical approach to address the moving load problem of functionally graded (FG) beams with rotational elastic edge constraints, in which the regularized Dirac-delta function is used to describe a time-dependent moving load source. The governing partial differential equations of the system, derived in accordance with the classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, are approximated by the discrete singular convolution (DSC) method. The resulting set of algebraic equations can then be solved by the Newmark-β integration scheme. Such a singular Dirac-delta formulation is also employed as the kernel function of the DSC method. In this work, the material properties of FG beams are assumed to be changed in the thickness direction. A convergence study is performed to validate the accuracy and reliability of the numerical results. In addition, the effects of moving load velocity and material distribution on the dynamic behavior of elastically restrained FG beams are also studied to serve as new benchmark solutions. By comparing with the available results in the existing literature, the present results show good agreement. More importantly, the major finding of this work indicates that the DSC regularized Dirac-delta approach is a good candidate for moving load problems, since the equally spaced grid system adopted in the DSC scheme can achieve a preferable representation of moving load sources.
Calculation of the Braking Temperature on a Brake Disc of Light Passenger Aircraft Using FEM and Newcomb Models
Authors: Djafri Mohammed , Bouchetara Mostefa , Khatir Tawfiq , Khatir Samir , Wahab Magd Abdel
Published: January 2020

The friction of two bodies in relative motion is accompanied by several phenomena such as elevation of temperature. The aim of this work is to calculate the braking temperature of the brake disc of an aircraft during the landing phase, using a calculation code based on Finite Element Method (FEM) and the analytical method of Newcomb. This investigation uses two kinds of disc — full and real disc (original version mounted on the aircraft) — and three braking disc materials such as the cast irons FG15, FG20 and FG25. The result showed that the numbers of holes and slots existing in the real disc has no influence on the braking temperature compared to the full disc. On the other hand, all brake disc materials have almost the same thermal behavior. Both models, analytical and numerical, provided acceptable results.