bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Real-Time 3D Reconstruction Method for Mixed Reality Telepresence
Authors: Fadzli Fazliaty Edora , Ismail Ajune Wanis
Published: November 2020

Mixed Reality (MR) is a technology which enable to bring a virtual element into the real-world environment. MR intends to improve reality on the virtual world immerse onto real-world space. Occasionally the MR has been improved as the display technologies advanced progressively. In MR collaborative interface context, the local and remote user work together on collaborative task while sense the immersive environment in the cooperative application. User telepresence is an immersive telepresence, where the reconstruction of a human appears in a real-life. Up till now, producing full telepresence of the life-size human body may require a high transmission bandwidth of the internet. Therefore, this paper explores on a robust real-time 3D reconstruction method for MR telepresence. This paper discusses the previous works on the reconstruction method of a full-body human and the existing research works that have proposed the reconstruction methods for telepresence. Besides the 3D reconstruction method, this paper also enlightens our recent finding on the MR framework to transport a full-body human from a local location to a remote location. The MR telepresence will be discussed, as well as the robust 3D reconstruction method which has been implemented with user telepresence feature where the user experiences an accurate 3D representation of a remote person. The paper ends with the discussion and results, MR telepresence with robust 3D reconstruction method to execute user telepresence.
A Finite Element-Based Coarse-Grained Model for Cell–Nanomaterial Interactions by Combining Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formula and Brownian Dynamics
Authors: Ma Teng , Liu Yuanpeng , Lin Guochang , Wang Changguo , Tan Huifeng
Published: November 2020

A fundamental understanding of the interactions between one-dimensional nanomaterials and the cell membrane is of great importance for assessing the hazardous effects of viruses and improving the performance of drug delivery. Here, we propose a finite element-based coarse-grained model to describe the cell entry of nanomaterials based on an absolute nodal coordinate formula and Brownian dynamics. The interactions between nanoparticles and lipid membrane are described by the Lennard–Jones potential, and a contact detection algorithm is used to determine the contact region. Compared with the theoretical and published experimental results, the correctness of the model has been verified. We take two examples to test the robustness of the model: the endocytosis of nanorods grafted with polymer chains and simultaneous entry of multiple nanorods into a lipid membrane. It shows that the model can not only capture the effect of ligand–receptor binding on the penetration but also accurately characterize the cooperative or separate entry of multiple nanorods. This coarse-grained model is computationally highly efficient and will be powerful in combination with molecular dynamics simulations to provide an understanding of cell–nanomaterial interactions.
A Parametric Investigation of Corneal Laser Surgery Based on the Multilayer Dynamic Photothermal Model
Authors: Zhang Juqi , Ren Yatao , Yin Yanmei , Qi Hong
Published: November 2020

Corneal laser surgery is a widely used method for the treatment of ocular myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Although it is a well-established technique, the photothermal properties of the cornea are often overlooked, causing unexpected changes in temperature during laser irradiation. Therefore, there is a need for further investigation of the temperature response of the cornea under laser irradiation. In the present work, a photothermal corneal numerical model is presented, assuming the stratification of the cornea with laser ablation in an uncoagulated layer, a coagulated layer, a dehydrating layer, a dried layer, and a carbonized layer. The modified Pennes' bioheat transfer equation and Lambert-Beer's law are applied to simulate heat transfer in the corneal tissue during laser irradiation. And the corneal dynamic photothermal parameters are considered in the proposed model. The central surface temperature, the boundary and thickness of each layer, and the thermal damage during laser irradiation are investigated. From the model, it was found that in the steady-state process, the thickness of the coagulated layer was 2.6, 14.4, and 52.4 times larger than that of the dehydrating layer, the dried layer, and the carbonized layer, respectively. The thickness of the corneal thermal damage gradually increased, and reached a peak of 0.196 mm at about 18.2 ms. Subsequently, it sharply decreased by 0.01 mm before stabilizing. On this basis, the influence of laser intensity is investigated. The parametric investigation and analysis presented provide a theoretical basis for corneal laser surgery, which can be used to improve our understanding of laser-tissue surgery.
Direct Osmotic Pressure Measurements in Articular Cartilage Demonstrate Nonideal and Concentration-Dependent Phenomena
Authors: Zimmerman Brandon K. , Nims Robert J. , Chen Alex , Hung Clark T. , Ateshian Gerard A.
Published: November 2020

The osmotic pressure in articular cartilage serves an important mechanical function in healthy tissue. Its magnitude is thought to play a role in advancing osteoarthritis. The aims of this study were to: (1) isolate and quantify the magnitude of cartilage swelling pressure in situ; and (2) identify the effect of salt concentration on material parameters. Confined compression stress-relaxation testing was performed on 18 immature bovine and six mature human cartilage samples in solutions of varying osmolarities. Direct measurements of osmotic pressure revealed nonideal and concentration-dependent osmotic behavior, with magnitudes approximately 1/3 those predicted by ideal Donnan law. A modified Donnan constitutive behavior was able to capture the aggregate behavior of all samples with a single adjustable parameter. Results of curve-fitting transient stress-relaxation data with triphasic theory in febio demonstrated concentration-dependent material properties. The aggregate modulus HA increased threefold as the external concentration decreased from hypertonic 2 M to hypotonic 0.001 M NaCl (bovine: HA=0.420±0.109 MPa to 1.266±0.438 MPa; human: HA=0.499±0.208 MPa to 1.597±0.455 MPa), within a triphasic theory inclusive of osmotic effects. This study provides a novel and simple analytical model for cartilage osmotic pressure which may be used in computational simulations, validated with direct in situ measurements. A key finding is the simultaneous existence of Donnan osmotic and Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatic interactions within cartilage.
Optimal Control of a Compound Rotorcraft for Engine Performance Enhancement
Authors: Scullion Calum , Vouros Stavros , Goulos Ioannis , Nalianda Devaiah , Pachidis Vassilios
Published: November 2020

Demands for rotorcraft with increased flight speed, improved operational performance and reduced environmental impact have led to a drive in research and development of alternative concepts. Compound rotorcraft overcome the flight speed limitations of conventional helicopters with additional lifting and propulsive components. Further to operational benefits, these augmentations provide additional flight control parameters, resulting in control redundancy. This work aims to investigate the impact of optimal control strategies for a generic coaxial compound rotorcraft, equipped with turboshaft engines, targeting the minimization of mission fuel burn and gaseous emissions. The direct redundant controls considered are: (a) main rotor speed, (b) propeller speed, and (c) fuselage pitch attitude. A simulation tool for coaxial compound rotorcraft analysis has been developed and coupled to a zero-dimensional engine performance model and a stirred-reactor combustor model. First, experimental and flight test data were used to provide extensive validation of the developed models. A parametric analysis was then carried out to gain insight into the effect of the redundant controls. This was followed by the derivation of a generalized set of optimal redundant control allocations using a surrogate-assisted genetic algorithm. Application of the optimal redundant control allocations during realistic operational scenarios has demonstrated reductions in fuel burn and NOx of up to 6.93% and 8.74%, respectively. The developed method constitutes a rigorous approach to guide the design of control systems for future advanced rotorcraft.
Experimental Evaluation of Dynamic Characteristics of Circular Arc Spring Dampers for Rotating Machinery
Authors: Takeuchi Ryota , Ishimaru Hidetsugu , Yamashita Hideaki , Yabui Shota , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2020

This study presents an experimental evaluation of the dynamic characteristics of the circular arc spring damper (CASD), which attenuates the vibration of rotating machinery. The CASD is a novel type of fluid film damper that has two or more arc-shaped beams and dual slits (radial clearances) formed by wire electric discharge machining (WEDM). A major advantage of CASDs over conventional squeeze film dampers (SFDs) with squirrel-cage springs is their compactness and low weight. The concept of CASDs was originally proposed by Kanki et al. (2005). However, the basic characteristics of this type of damper, including the influence of the geometries, added mass coefficients, and cross-coupled terms of dynamic coefficients have not been investigated. To clarify these characteristics, a series of excitation tests was conducted on three types of CASDs to identify their dynamic coefficients. The features of the newly developed test rig and experimental results are presented in this study. Tested dampers have the same outer diameter (160 mm) and damper width (44 mm) but different arc patterns (2-arc or 4-arc) and radial clearances (about 0.3 or 1.2 mm). All dampers were tested in both open-end and end-sealed configuration. The influence of the end-seal clearances (about 0.1–0.4 mm) was also examined. The following results were obtained: (1) 4-arc type CASDs have greater damping than that of 2-arc types; (2) CASDs have a considerable amount of added mass coefficients, especially in the end-sealed condition; (3) smaller end-seal clearances make the damping and added-mass coefficients significantly larger; (4) A large level of damping can be produced with dashpot configuration (large radial clearances and small end-seal clearances), though the added-mass effect becomes more prominent; (5) cross-coupled terms are very small in centered/small amplitude motion. These new findings can be utilized for the design and application of CASDs to real rotating machineries.
Study of the Test Conditions and Thermostability of an Overcharge Test for Large Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yupeng , Luo Yunjun , Jiang Chenglong , Wang Fang , Ma Tianyi , Park Jae Wan , Wu Siyuan , Xu Dapeng , Xie Kun , Wei Mohan
Published: November 2020

In this study, a lithium-ion soft-pack battery used in an electric vehicle was taken as the research object. Based on the actual working condition of the traction battery, the regularity of the evolution of the overcharge thermal runaway experiment of the sample was deeply analyzed by taking the charging rate and the ambient temperature as variables. The results showed that the larger the overcharge current was and the higher the ambient temperature was, the lower the overcharge thermal stability of the battery was. Furthermore, based on the concept of the introduction of battery energy during charging, by analyzing the total amount of energy input and the rate of energy input, a unified index was established to measure the change of the battery overcharging stability under different experimental conditions.
The Simulation of Liquid Flow in the Pore Network Model of Nanoporous Media
Authors: Guo Yaohao , Zhang Lei , Sun Hai , Yang Yongfei , Xu Zhi , Bao Bo , Yao Jun
Published: November 2020

The fluid–solid interaction force shows significant influence on liquid flow at nanoscale. Vast experimental observations in recent literatures have shown that Darcy's law cannot be applied to nanoporous media. In this study, the slip length and effective viscosity are adapted to characterize the nanoscale effect. First, the nanoscale effect is investigated in nanotubes through computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling analysis. Slip boundary condition has been studied as an important discrepancy between macroscopic flow and nanoscale liquid flow. The effect of viscosity change becomes more notable with the slip length increasing. Then, the flow equation for pore network modeling is developed to capture nanoscale effect. The results show that the apparent permeability of nanoscale systems is significantly underestimated when slip effect is neglected. The size of the pore throat determines whether the slip effect needs to be considered, and critical diameter of neglecting the slip effect for circular throat is 79.17 Ls. It is necessary to take the variation of effective viscosity into account under slip boundary condition. With the pore throat size decreasing, the nanoscale effect increases. The nanoscale effect is more sensitive to pore throat size under hydrophobic conditions than hydrophilic conditions.
Fracture Sustainability in Enhanced Geothermal Systems: Experimental and Modeling Constraints
Authors: Dobson Patrick F. , Kneafsey Timothy J. , Nakagawa Seiji , Sonnenthal Eric L. , Voltolini Marco , Smith J. Torquil , Borglin Sharon E.
Published: November 2020

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) offer the potential for a much larger energy source than conventional hydrothermal systems. Hot, low-permeability rocks are prevalent at depth around the world, but the challenge of extracting thermal energy depends on the ability to create and sustain open fracture networks. Laboratory experiments were conducted using a suite of selected rock cores (granite, metasediment, rhyolite ash-flow tuff, and silicified rhyolitic tuff) at relevant pressures (uniaxial loading up to 20.7 MPa and fluid pressures up to 10.3 MPa) and temperatures (150–250 °C) to evaluate the potential impacts of circulating fluids through fractured rock by monitoring changes in fracture aperture, mineralogy, permeability, and fluid chemistry. Because a fluid in disequilibrium with the rocks (deionized water) was used for these experiments, there was net dissolution of the rock sample: this increased with increasing temperature and experiment duration. Thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) modeling simulations were performed for the rhyolite ash-flow tuff experiment to test the ability to predict the observed changes. These simulations were performed in two steps: a thermal-hydrological-mechanical (THM) simulation to evaluate the effects of compression of the fracture, and a thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) simulation to evaluate the effects of hydrothermal reactions on the fracture mineralogy, porosity, and permeability. These experiments and simulations point out how differences in rock mineralogy, fluid chemistry, and geomechanical properties influence how long asperity-propped fracture apertures may be sustained. Such core-scale experiments and simulations can be used to predict EGS reservoir behavior on the field scale.
Antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings for medical implants: Design challenges and prospects
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Tao , Heath Daniel E. , O’Brien-Simpson Neil M. , O’Connor Andrea J.
Published: November 2020

Microbial colonization, infection, and biofilm formation are major complications in the use of implants and are the predominant risk factors in implant failure. Although aseptic surgery and the administration of antimicrobial drugs may reduce the risk of infection, the systemic use of antibiotics can lead to a lack of efficacy, an increase in the risk of tissue toxicity, and the development of drug-resistant infections. To reduce implant-related infections, antimicrobial materials are increasingly being investigated and applied to implant surfaces using various methods depending on the agents and their microbicidal mechanisms. Through the development of biomaterials and nanotechnology, antimicrobial nanoparticles are becoming promising candidates for implant coatings, as their multifactorial antimicrobial mechanisms combat microbial adherence, viability, and biofilm formation. Despite their antimicrobial promise, the application of nanoparticles onto implant surfaces while retaining their antimicrobial potency faces many challenges. Herein, we review the potential and challenges associated with the design and implementation of antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings for the medical implant industry, particularly focusing on manufacturing considerations, sterilization, long-term stability, protein fouling, regulation, and safety, with a view to providing researchers the necessary tools to aid the translation of materials from the bench to the clinic.
Improving student understanding of electrodynamics: The case for differential forms
Authors: Fumeron S. , Berche B. , Moraes F.
Published: November 2020

The illuminating role of differential forms in electromagnetism (EM) is seldom discussed in the classroom. It is the aim of this article to bring forth some of the relevant insights that can be learnt from a differential forms approach to EM. The article is self-contained in that no previous knowledge of forms is needed to follow it. The effective polarization of the classical vacuum due to a uniform gravitational field and of the quantum vacuum in the Casimir effect are used to illustrate the power and easiness of interpretation of differential forms in dealing with electromagnetism in nontrivial situations. We hope that this article motivates physics teachers to bring the subject of differential forms to the classroom.
Full-field optical coherence tomography—An educational setup for an undergraduate lab
Authors: Pieper Kai , Latour Gaël , Küchenmeister Jens , Bergmann Antje , Dengler Roman , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: November 2020

Optical coherence tomography, or in short OCT, is a measurement technique established in the early 1990s for the non-invasive imaging of interfaces in the bulk of biological tissues or other samples. A full-field OCT setup is built from a microscope combined with a Michelson interferometer, where the mirror in one arm is replaced by the sample. Using white light, which is temporally partially coherent, interference fringes disclose the presence of an interface whenever the lengths of both interferometer arms are nearly equal. Scanning one arm allows for a volumetric reconstruction of all interfaces inside the sample. While the importance of OCT in medicine is indisputable, it is hard to teach students the basic aspects of such technology as most available setups tend to be rather complex. It is our purpose to present a fully functional full-field OCT setup that is stripped-down to its essential components and to promote its use in an undergraduate lab course. The contribution is complemented by a description of the basic theory necessary to understand the working principle of OCT.
Social connections with COVID-19–affected areas increase compliance with mobility restrictions
Authors: Charoenwong Ben , Kwan Alan , Pursiainen Vesa
Published: November 2020

Social connections with countries affected by COVID-19 before the United States increase compliance with mobility restrictions.
An agglutinate magnetic spray transforms inanimate objects into millirobots for biomedical applications
Authors: Yang Xiong , Shang Wanfeng , Lu Haojian , Liu Yanting , Yang Liu , Tan Rong , Wu Xinyu , Shen Yajing
Published: November 2020

Millirobots with magnetically drivable surfaces display a range of locomotive abilities and programmable behavior.
Ectopic HCN4 expression drives mTOR-dependent epilepsy in mice
Authors: Hsieh Lawrence S. , Wen John H. , Nguyen Lena H. , Zhang Longbo , Getz Stephanie A. , Torres-Reveron Juan , Wang Ying , Spencer Dennis D. , Bordey Angélique
Published: November 2020

A cAMP-dependent mechanism mediates seizures in mTOR disorders due to the ectopic expression of HCN4 channels in diseased neurons.
Little things make big things happen
Authors: Keller Steven P.
Published: November 2020

Iron core nanoparticles can serve as vesicle shuttles and be guided by external magnetic fields to deliver therapeutic exosomes to injured tissue.
EslB Is Required for Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Modification in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Rismondo Jeanine , Schulz Lisa M. , Yacoub Maria , Wadhawan Ashima , Hoppert Michael , Dionne Marc S. , Gründling Angelika
Published: November 2020

The ABC transporter EslABC is associated with the intrinsic lysozyme resistance of
Listeria monocytogenes
. However, the exact role of the transporter in this process and in the physiology of
L. monocytogenes
is unknown.
Supplemental Material: Efficiency of eclogite removal from continental lithosphere and its implications for cratonic diamonds
Authors: Luo Yantao , Korenaga Jun
Published: November 2020

Details of model parameters and supporting figures.
Supplemental Material: Structure of oceanic crust in back-arc basins modulated by mantle source heterogeneity
Authors: Grevemeyer Ingo , al. et
Published: November 2020

Description of methods and supplemental Figures S1–S5.
Androgenic anabolic steroid-induced liver injury: two case reports assessed for causality by the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score and a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Abeles Robin Daniel , Foxton Matthew , Khan Shahid , Goldin Robert , Smith Belinda , Thursz Mark R , Verma Suman
Published: November 2020

Background

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) usage is widespread and increasing. AAS drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is recognised but its clinical course and management is poorly described. We report 2 cases of AAS DILI with associated renal dysfunction, managed successfully with oral corticosteroids.

Methods

A comprehensive review identified 50 further cases to characterise the clinical and biochemical course. Causality grading was calculated using the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score. Data are presented as median values.

Results

The most common AAS taken was methyldrostanolone. Patients commonly present with jaundice and pruritus but may exhibit other constitutional symptoms. Patients presented 56 days after starting, and bilirubin peaked 28 days after stopping, AAS. Causality assessment was ‘unlikely’ in 1 (2%), ‘possible’ in 31 (60%) and ‘probable’ in 20 (38%). Peak values were: bilirubin 705 μmol/L, alanine transaminase 125 U/L, aspartate transaminase 71 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 262 U/L, gamma-glutamyl transferase 52 U/L, international normalised ratio 1.1. Liver biopsies showed ‘bland’ canalicular cholestasis. 43% of patients developed kidney injury (peak creatinine 225 μmol/L). Therapies included antipruritics, ursodeoxycholic acid and corticosteroids. No patients died or required liver transplantation.

Conclusions

Physicians are likely to encounter AAS DILI. Causality assessment using the updated RUCAM should be performed but defining indications and proving efficacy for therapies remains challenging.
Solving the problem of access to cardiovascular medicines: revolving fund pharmacy models in rural western Kenya
Authors: Tran Dan N , Manji Imran , Njuguna Benson , Kamano Jemima , Laktabai Jeremiah , Tonui Edith , Vedanthan Rajesh , Pastakia Sonak
Published: November 2020

Availability of medicines for treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is low in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Supply chain models to improve the availability of quality CVD medicines in LMIC communities are urgently required. Our team established contextualised revolving fund pharmacies (RFPs) in rural western Kenya, whereby an initial stock of essential medicines was obtained through donations or purchase and then sold at a small mark-up price sufficient to replenish drug stock and ensure sustainability. In response to different contexts and levels of the public health system in Kenya (eg, primary versus tertiary), we developed and implemented three contextualised models of RFPs over the past decade, creating a network of 72 RFPs across western Kenya, that supplied 22 categories of CVD medicines and increased availability of essential CVD medications from <30% to 90% or higher. In one representative year, we were able to successfully supply 5 793 981 units of CVD and diabetes medicines to patients in western Kenya. The estimated programme running cost was US$6.5–25 per patient, serving as a useful benchmark for public governments to invest in medication supply chain systems in LMICs going forward. One important lesson that we have learnt from implementing three different RFP models over the past 10 years has been that each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, and we must continue to stay nimble and modify as needed to determine the optimal supply chain model while ensuring consistent access to essential CVD medications for patients living in these settings.
Transmuting off-shell CHY integrals in the double-cover framework
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Guo-Jun
Published: November 2020

In this paper, by defining off-shell amplitudes as off-shell CHY integrals, and redefining the longitudinal operator, we demonstrate that the differential operators which link on-shell amplitudes for a variety of theories together link off-shell amplitudes in a similar manner. Based on the algebraic property of the differential operator, we also generalize three relations among color-ordered on-shell amplitudes, including the color-ordered reversed relation, the photon decoupling relation, the Kleiss–Kuijf relation, to off-shell ones. The off-shell CHY integrals are chosen to be in the double-cover framework, thus, as a by product, our result also provides a verification for the double-cover construction.
Bent incised valley formed in uplifting shelf facing subduction margin: case study off the eastern coast of the Boso Peninsula, central Japan
Authors: Sato Tomoyuki , Furuyama Seishiro , Komatsubara Junko , Ozaki Masanori , Yamaguchi Kazuo
Published: November 2020

The Boso Peninsula is located in central Japan near the junction of the subduction boundary of three tectonic plates. A forearc basin has been developing there since 3 Ma and has been uplifting since 1 Ma. The basal surface of the Holocene deposits in the offshore area was investigated based on a seismic survey and is very similar to the adjacent land areas (the Iioka Plateau, the Kujukuri Plain and the Kazusa Hills). The basal surface in the Kujukuri Plain and its corresponding offshore area contains many incised valleys. Most of them extend southeastward, parallel to the direction from the hinterland to the ocean, but one incised valley (Kujukuri-oki Buried Valley) lies perpendicular to the others. A buried terrace is located SE of the valley and along the area where mudstone (of the Kiwada Formation) is distributed. The present observations indicate that differential erosion formed the terrace, after which the valley bent to follow the terrace. The rivers tend to be perpendicular to the strike of the sediment in the forearc basin owing to tectonic movement. Thus, the valley must have been incised into the underlying strata with a perpendicular strike and may have become bent in uplifting forearc basins.
Genetics and Evolution of Mammalian Coat Pigmentation
Authors: Eizirik Eduardo , Trindade Fernanda J.
Published: November 2020

The diversity of mammalian coat colors, and their potential adaptive significance, have long fascinated scientists as well as the general public. The recent decades have seen substantial improvement in our understanding of their genetic bases and evolutionary relevance, revealing novel insights into the complex interplay of forces that influence these phenotypes. At the same time, many aspects remain poorly known, hampering a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena. Here we review the current state of this field and indicate topics that should be the focus of additional research. We devote particular attention to two aspects of mammalian pigmentation, melanism and pattern formation, highlighting recent advances and outstanding challenges, and proposing novel syntheses of available information. For both specific areas, and for pigmentation in general, we attempt to lay out recommendations for establishing novel model systems and integrated research programs that target the genetics and evolution of these phenotypes throughout the Mammalia.
Cigarette smoke preparations, not electronic nicotine delivery system preparations, induce features of lung disease in a 3D lung repeat-dose model
Authors: Rayner Rachael E. , Makena Patrudu , Prasad G. L. , Cormet-Boyaka Estelle
Published: November 2020

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for several lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. The potential health effects of chronic use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is unclear. This study utilized fully differentiated primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cultures in a repeat-dose exposure to evaluate and compare the effect of combustible cigarette and ENDS preparations. We show that 1-h daily exposure of NHBE cultures over a 10-day period to combustible cigarette whole smoke-conditioned media (WS-CM) increased expression of oxidative stress markers, cell proliferation, airway remodeling, and cellular transformation markers and decreased mucociliary function including ion channel function and airway surface liquid. Conversely, aerosol conditioned media (ACM) from ENDS with similar nicotine concentration (equivalent-nicotine units) as WS-CM and nicotine alone had no effect on those parameters. In conclusion, primary NHBE cultures in a repeat-dose exposure system represent a good model to assess the features of lung disease. This study also reveals that cigarette and ENDS preparations differentially elicit several key endpoints, some of which are potential biomarkers for lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The effects of diet composition and chronic obesity on muscle growth and function
Authors: Sousa Luís G. O. de , Marshall Andrea G. , Norman Jennifer E. , Fuqua Jordan D. , Lira Vitor A. , Rutledge John C. , Bodine Sue C.
Published: November 2020

The effects of diet-induced obesity on skeletal muscle mass are complex and dependent on diet composition and diet duration. The present study results show that chronic exposure to high levels of fatty acids does not affect muscle mass, contractile function, or protein synthesis in obese C57BL/6 mice compared with the consumption of chow. Obesity did result in a delay in load-induced growth; however, only a 45% HFD resulted in attenuated growth following 30 days of functional overload.
Existence and Global Asymptotic Behavior of
S
-Asymptotically
ω
-Periodic Solutions for Evolution Equation with Delay
Authors: Qiao Hong , Li Qiang , Yuan Tianjiao
Published: November 2020

This paper is concerned with the abstract evolution equation with delay. Firstly, we establish some sufficient conditions to ensure the existence results for the

S

-asymptotically periodic solutions by means of the compact semigroup. Secondly, we consider the global asymptotic behavior of the delayed evolution equation by using the Gronwall-Bellman integral inequality involving delay. These results improve and generalize the recent conclusions on this topic. Finally, we give an example to exhibit the practicability of our abstract results.
Scale-Independent Aggression: A Fractal Analysis of Four Levels of Human Aggression
Authors: Blau Julia J. C. , Paxton Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Using fractal analyses to study events allows us to capture the scale-independence of those events, that is, no matter at which level we study a phenomenon, we should get roughly the same results because events exhibit similar structure across scales. This is demonstrably true in mathematical fractals but is less assured in behavioral fractals. The current research directly tests the scale-independence hypothesis in the behavioral domain by exploring the fractal structure of aggression, a social phenomenon comprising events that span temporal scales from minutes of face-to-face arguments to centuries of international armed conflicts. Using publicly available data, we examined the temporal fractal structure of four scales of aggression: wars (very macrolevel, worldwide data), riots (macrolevel, worldwide data), violent crimes (microlevel, data gathered from cities and towns in the United States of America), and body movement during arguments (very microlevel, data gathered on American participants). Our results lend mixed support to the scale-independence hypothesis and provide insight into the self-organization of human interactions.
Clustering Input Signals Based Identification Algorithms for Two-Input Single-Output Models with Autoregressive Moving Average Noises
Authors: Hag ElAmin Khalid Abd El Mageed
Published: November 2020

This study focused on the identification problems of two-input single-output system with moving average noises based on unsupervised learning methods applied to the input signals. The input signal to the autoregressive moving average model is proposed to be arriving from a source with continuous technical and environmental changes as two separate featured input signals. These two input signals were grouped in a number of clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. The clustered input signals were supplied to the model in an orderly fashion from cluster-1 up to cluster-K. To ensure that the output signal can be best predicted from the input signal which in turn leads to selecting good enough model for its intended use, the magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) measure is applied to the input/output signals in the cases of clustered and nonclustered inputs, which indicates best correlation coefficient when measured with clustered inputs. From collected input-output signals, we deduce a K-means clustering based recursive least squares method for estimating the parameter of autoregressive moving average system. The simulation results indicate that the suggested method is effective.
Maintenance Strategy Based on Reliability Analysis and FMEA: A Case Study for Hydraulic Cylinders of Traditional Excavators with ERRS
Authors: Zeng Qingliang , Liu Wenting , Wan Lirong , Wang Chenglong , Gao Kuidong
Published: November 2020

A simple and effective mechanical parts maintenance approach with lower cost is urgently needed by the cost-sensitive manufactures for traditional excavators (HE). This paper proposes maintenance strategy for hydraulic cylinders (HC) of HE with energy regeneration and recovery system (ERRS). Reliability analysis and FMEA of historical failure data are applied to make maintenance strategy. In this study, the failure data required for reliability analysis are collected from the manufacturers and users over two and a half years, Excel is used as statistical tool, Minitab is used for parameter estimation, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is used to reject or accept the hypothesis of the distribution model. The reliability parameters R(t), Rset, and R∗(t) are determined and parameter β∗ is the reference value for making countermeasures and maintenance policies properly for the failure modes of the new HC of HE with ERRS. The purpose of this paper is to make proper maintenance policies and to maintain a high availability level and fulfill the user’s needs for HC, which also paves the way for further reliability study about ERRS.
Tear Lipid Layer Thickness in Children after Short-Term Overnight Orthokeratology Contact Lens Wear
Authors: Zeng Li , Chen Zhi , Fu Dan , Zhou Jiaqi , Zhou Xingtao
Published: November 2020

Meibomian gland lipid secretion is important to the stability of the tear film and ocular surface comfort. Changes in the tear film’s lipid layer thickness (LLT) after orthokeratology treatment may reflect underlying changes to the meibomian gland function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the features of the tear lipid layer in normal children and the effects of short-term orthokeratology treatment. Altogether, 163 myopic children (age: 10.7 ± 1.9 years, 8–15 years; 71 males) with no contact lens use history were enrolled in this study, of whom 56 were successfully fitted with orthokeratology lenses and completed the 1-month study. The tear film’s LLT (average, maximum, and minimum) and blinking pattern were measured by a LipiView® interferometer in 163 participants at baseline and in 56 orthokeratology participants at 1 week and 1 month after overnight lens wear. Results show that LLT (average) was 58.09 ± 21.66 nm in Chinese normal children. LLT was significantly correlated with rate of partial blinks at every follow-up (all

p
<
0.05

). Compared to baseline, the LLT (average and minimum) and partial blinks (number and rate) at 1 week and 1 month after orthokeratology treatment both significantly increased, and the increase of LLT was correlated with elevation of rate of partial blinks. In conclusion, LLT was shown to be elevated after short-term overnight orthokeratology treatment and was related to change in rate of partial blinks. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term effect and the underlying mechanism.
Full‐Length TrkB Variant in NSCLC Is Associated with Brain Metastasis
Authors: Lombardi Mariangela , D′Ascanio Michela , Scarpino Stefania , Scozzi Davide , Giordano Marco , Costarelli Leopoldo , Raj Enrico Rathina , Mancini Rita , Cardillo Giuseppe , Cardaci Vittorio , Innammorato Marta , Vecchione Andrea , Ricci Alberto
Published: November 2020

Despite remarkable therapeutic advances have been made in the last few decades, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Brain metastases are a common complication of a wide range of human malignancies and in particular NSCLC. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), binding its high‐affinity tyrosine kinase B receptor, has been shown to promote cancer progression and metastasis. We hereby investigated the expression of the BDNF and its TrkB receptor in its full‐length and truncated isoform T1, in samples from primary adenocarcinomas (ADKs) of the lung and in their metastasis to evaluate if their expression was related to preferential tumor entry into the central nervous system (CNS). By immunohistochemistry, 80% of the ADKs that metastasize to central nervous system expressed TrkB receptor compared to 33% expressing of ADKs without CNS metastasis. Moreover, ADKs with CNS metastasis showed an elevated expression of the full‐length TrkB receptor. The TrkB receptor FL/T1 ratio was statistically higher in primary ADKs with brain metastasis compared to ADKs without brain metastasis. Our data indicate that TrkB full‐length isoform expression in primary ADK cells may be associated with higher risk to develop brain metastasis. Therefore, TrkB receptor may possess prognostic and therapeutic implications in lung ADK.
Effect of CFRP Shear Strengthening on the Flexural Performance of the RC Specimen under Unequal Impact Loading
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Al-Bukhaiti Khalil , Abas Hussein , Shichun Zhao
Published: November 2020

Strengthening with externally bonded CFRP reinforcement is widely used in structural reinforcement and attractive to stakeholders and engineers because of ease and speed of construction, corrosion resistance, lightweight, high strength, and versatility stiffness which can be oriented according to the need. Numerous research studies were carried out to explore RC beams’ flexural and shear performance when subjected to dynamic impact loading. The results were auspicious in using such a technique of strengthening. Regular square section reinforced concrete frame members strengthened by CFRP material is taken as the research object. However, little attention to the impact behavior of CFRP‐shear‐strengthened square reinforced concrete (RC) specimens has been paid. The dynamic response of CFRP to reinforced concrete members under unequal cross‐impact is discussed. This paper investigates the effectiveness of CFRP strengthening on the square RC specimen in preventing shear failure and evaluation of the flexural performance of the strengthened specimen under the impact load. The drop hammer impact test is firstly conducted on RC specimens with and without CFRP strengthening. The results show that using CFRP to strengthen the RC specimen in shear is very effective at preventing shear failure and leading the specimen’s response to flexural domination. This result is also the motivation for developing a numerical model supported by experimental tests to study the flexural performance of strengthened RC specimens. It is found that the strengthened specimen is prone to exhibit pure bending deformation under the impact load in terms of dynamic amplification factor (DAF) for section moment. Then, an extensive parameter study is carried out to evaluate further the influence of impact velocity, reinforcement ratio, and concrete strength on the flexural performance of the strengthened specimen and CFRP layers. Such a holistic study may provide preliminary research regarding the use of CFRP to strengthen RC specimens in shear under impact loads and will enhance the current state of knowledge in this area; also, the optimal value of the CFRP reinforcement layer was proposed.
Th1/Th2 Cells and Associated Cytokines in Acute Hepatitis E and Related Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Wu Jian , Guo Yurong , Lu Xuan , Huang Fen , Lv Feifei , Wei Daqiao , Shang Anquan , Yang Jinfeng , Pan Qiaoling , Jiang Bin , Yu Jiong , Cao Hongcui , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims. The involvement of cellular immunity in the development of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is rare. We aimed to study the roles of viral load and Th cell responses in acute hepatitis E (AHE) and HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF). Methods. We evaluated viral load and Th1/Th2 cytokine levels in 34 patients with HEV infection, including 17 each with AHE or HEV-ALF. Seventeen healthy controls (HCs) were also included who were negative for anti-HEV IgM and IgG. Results. There was no significant difference in viral load and HEV RNA in the AHE and HEV-ALF groups (both

P
>
0.05

). The Th lymphocyte levels (CD3+, CD4+) in the AHE and HEV-ALF groups were significantly higher than those in the HC group (both

P
<
0.05

), but there was no significant difference between the AHE and HEV-ALF groups (

P
>
0.05

). Both IFN-γ and IL-10 showed gradual upward trend from the HC group to the AHE (both

P
<
0.01

), but IFN-γ showed a sharp downward trend from the AHE group to the HEV-ALF group (

P
<
0.01

) and IL-4 showed gradual upward trend from the AHE group to the HEV-ALF group (

P
<
0.01

).There was no significant difference in Th1 and Th2 cytokines between the HEV RNA(+) group and HEV RNA(-) group (all

P
>
0.05

). Th2 bias was observed from the AHE (

ratio
=
58.65

) to HEV-ALF (

ratio
=
1.20

) groups. The level of IFN-γ was associated with the outcome of HEV-ALF patients. Conclusions. HEV viral load was not associated with aggravation of AHE, and the HEV-ALF patients showed significant Th2 bias, which may be involved in the aggravation of AHE.
Shear‐Dependent Yield Stress of Iron Ore Fine Tailings in Two‐Step Flocculation Process
Authors: Yang Ying , Wang Hongjiang , Klein Bern , Wu Aixiang
Published: November 2020

Both shear and flocculation have a significant influence on the rheological behavior of tailings, especially the yield stress. In the two‐step flocculation process, the above two kinds of actions exist at the same time, and they influence each other. In order to explore the change rule of the yield stress and its internal causes, a two‐step flocculation process of the iron ore fine tailings with different shear conditions in the four different phases was designed. In the primary flocculation phase, tailing particles combined with the primary flocculant and formed a primary floc network structure. In the primary broken phase, shear destroyed the primary floc network structure and decreased the average floc size, so the shear‐dependent yield stress, the floc strength factor, and the fractal dimension decreased. In the secondary flocculation phase, broken floc combined with the secondary flocculant and produced a more compact floc network structure which had a better shear resistance. Therefore, in the secondary broken phase, with the increase of shear, the decrease of yield stress, the floc strength factor, and fractal dimension were less obvious than that in the primary broken phase. In both two broken phases, the yield stress of the secondary flocculating slurry was always higher than that of the primary flocculating slurry, but with the increase of shear, the difference became smaller. The floc strength and fractal dimension also showed the same rule. The internal reasons for the stronger shear resistance of the secondary flocculating slurry were the increase of the number of binding sites, the electric neutralization between the two flocculants, and the steric hindrance effect of the flocculants.
SINS/BDS Integrated Navigation for Hypersonic Boost-Glide Vehicles in the Launch-Centered Inertial Frame
Authors: Chen Kai , Shen Fuqiang , Zhou Jun , Wu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2020

According to the trajectory specialty of hypersonic boost-glide vehicles, a strapdown inertial navigation system/BeiDou navigation satellite system (SINS/BDS) algorithm based on the launch-centered inertial (LCI) frame for hypersonic vehicles is proposed. First, the related frame system, especially the launch earth-centered inertial (LECI) frame, and the SINS mechanization in the LCI frame are introduced. Second, SINS discrete updating algorithms in the LCI frame for the compensation of coning, sculling, and scrolling effects are deduced in the attitude, velocity, and position updating algorithms, respectively. Subsequently, the Kalman filter of the SINS/BDS integrated navigation in the LCI frame is obtained. The method of converting BDS receiver position and velocity from the Earth-centered Earth-fixed (ECEF) frame to the LCI frame is deduced through the LECI frame. Finally, taking the typical hypersonic boost-glide vehicles as the object, the SINS/BDS algorithm vehicle field test and hardware-in-the-loop simulation are performed.
Dynamic Programming and Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Zhu Yingjun , Jia Guangyan
Published: November 2020

Bellman optimality principle for the stochastic dynamic system on time scales is derived, which includes the continuous time and discrete time as special cases. At the same time, the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation on time scales is obtained. Finally, an example is employed to illustrate our main results.