bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steady‐state sweating during exercise is determined by the evaporative requirement for heat balance independently of absolute core and skin temperatures
Authors: Ravanelli Nicholas , Imbeault Pascal , Jay Ollie
Published: April 2020

Key points

When exercise was prescribed to elicit a fixed evaporative heat balance requirement (Ereq), no differences in steady‐state sweat rates were observed with different absolute oesophageal and/or skin temperatures, secondary to differences in time of the day (i.e. morning (AM) vs. afternoon (PM)) and ambient temperature (i.e. 23°C vs. 33°C).

Exercise at a fixed metabolic heat production (Hprod), but a different Ereq (due to differences in air temperature), yielded higher steady‐state sweat rates with a higher Ereq, irrespective of absolute oesophageal temperature.

Circadian rhythm did not alter the change in core temperature prior to the onset for sudomotor activation, nor the thermosensitivity, resulting in similar cumulative whole‐body sweat rates irrespective of time of day at a fixed Ereq.

Collectively, these data indicate that during exercise in a compensable environment, steady‐state sudomotor responses are influenced by Ereq rather than absolute core and skin temperatures, or Hprod.

The present study sought to determine whether absolute core temperature (modified via diurnal variation) and absolute skin temperature (modified by different air temperatures (Ta)) alters the steady‐state sweating response to exercise at a fixed evaporative heat balance requirement (Ereq). Ten males exercised for 60 min on six occasions. Three Ta/heat production (Hprod) combinations (23°C/525 W, 33°C/400 W, 33˚C/525 W) were completed in the morning (08.00 h, AM) and afternoon (16.00 h, PM), to yield: (1) the same Ereq (200 or 275 W·m−2) with different absolute core temperatures (AM vs. PM); (2) the same Ereq (200 W·m−2) with different skin temperatures (Ta: 23˚C vs. 33˚C); (3) the same heat production (525 W) with different Ereq (200 vs. 275 W·m−2). Oesophageal temperature (Toes), local sweat rate (LSR) on the arm and upper‐back, and whole‐body sweat rate (WBSR) were measured. Steady‐state Toes was always higher in PM versus AM at an Ereq of 200 W·m−2 (23°C, P = 0.001; 33°C, P = 0.004) and 275 W·m−2, (33°C, P = 0.001). However steady‐state mean LSR (200 W·m−2/23°C: P = 0.25; 200 W·m−2/33°C: P = 0.86; 275 W·m−2/33°C: P = 0.53) and WBSR (200 W·m−2/23°C: P = 0.79; 200 W·m−2/33°C: P = 0.48; 275W·m−2/33°C: P = 0.32) were similar. When Ereq was matched (200 W·m−2) with different Ta (23°C vs. 33°C), steady‐state LSR (P > 0.17) and WBSR (P > 0.93) were similar despite different skin temperatures. For the same Hprod (525 W) but different Ereq (200 vs. 275 W·m−2), mean LSR (P < 0.001), and WBSR (P < 0.001) were higher with a greater Ereq. Collectively, steady‐state sweating during exercise is altered by Ereq but not Toes, skin temperature, or Hprod.
Liquid Impingement Flow and Heat Transfer of a Cone Heat Sink With Filet Profiles
Authors: Tang Zhiguo , Zhang Feng , Wang Shoucheng , Cheng Jianping
Published: April 2020

Jet impingement is a technique for removing heat efficiently. A liquid jet impingement on a cone heat sink was investigated numerically to explore the effect of filet profiles at the top and bottom edge of conical protuberances on fluid flow and heat transfer. An adopted turbulence model was validated through an experiment as described in the literature. Numerical results of pressure coefficient and Nusselt number were obtained for cases with and without filet profiles for variable jet Reynolds numbers and conical angles. Results showed that the flow and heat transfer of conical protuberances with small tip filet profiles are similar to that of the original cone. Pressure coefficient curves are similar to that of convex surfaces, and the average heat transfer slightly increases when the radius of the tip filet profiles exceeds 1 mm. A small filet profile of a conical bottom edge can improve the average Nusselt number. A secondary jet that enhanced the overall heat transfer was demonstrated, and the heat transfers of convex surfaces, as the comparison, with small angles were enhanced in most cases.
Small-Scale Rotor Design Variables and Their Effects on Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Performance of a Hovering Rotor
Authors: Henricks Quinten , Wang Zhenyu , Zhuang Mei
Published: April 2020

With the increased prominence of multicopter micro-aerial vehicles, more importance has been placed on the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of these systems, as their small-scale and lower Reynolds number regime provide results that are different from full-scale rotors. A computational methodology was employed in order to study the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance from different small-scale rotors used in a multicopter configuration. Three rotor design variables (twist, taper, and pitch) were investigated in order to understand their influence on aerodynamic and acoustic performance of a hovering rotor. Variables such as rotor rotation rate and rotor radius were kept constant. Common aerodynamic performance metrics such as the ratio of coefficient of thrust to coefficient of power and figure of merit (FM) were used to assess aerodynamic hover performance of the designed rotors. Acoustic performance was assessed by recording acoustic pressure in the far-field at two separate receivers. Acoustic results are presented in the frequency domain as one-third octave band data and as overall sound pressure level (SPL). Flow fields and pressure contours were calculated and displayed in order to help explain aerodynamic and acoustic results. From the results, insights are provided for rotor designs that are more aerodynamically and acoustically efficient in hover. Specifically, rotors that provided lower values of disk loading and higher values of power loading were typically more acoustically efficient. Using greater rotor twist and taper increased both aerodynamic and acoustic performance.
Self-Efficacy, Social-Support, and Physical Activity Measures Among Hospital Employees: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: John Jemima C. , Sharma Shreela V. , Hoelscher Deanna , Swartz Michael D. , Huber Chuck
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Associations across self-efficacy, social support, and multiple measures of physical activity (PA) have not been thoroughly explored in hospital employees.Methods: Validated surveys assessed psychosocial factors; the IPAQ-long assessed PA, and mixed-effects analyses examined relations between psychosocial variables and PA in 920 employees from 6 Texas hospitals.Results: AtP<.05, self-efficacy was significantly associated with light (β = 1.67), moderate (β = 1.63), and vigorous (β = 2.78) leisure PA; with domestic PA (β = 1.64); and with moderate commute PA (β = 0.03). AtP< .05, family social-support was significantly associated with light (β = 0.94), moderate (β = 0.63), and vigorous (β = .74) leisure PA; with moderate (β = 0.46) and vigorous (β = 1.24) occupation PA; with light (β = 0.58) and moderate (β = 0.20) commute PA; and with domestic PA (β = 1.18). AtP< .05, social support from friends was significantly associated with light (β = 0.74), moderate (β = 0.58), and vigorous (β = .91) leisure PA; with moderate commute (β = 0.21); and with domestic PA (β = 0.82).Conclusion: Interventions must emphasize self-efficacy–building strategies and the role of family support to meaningfully impact PA behaviors in uniquethis unique population.
Help for a wheat fungal disease comes from a surprising source
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: April 2020

Resistance gene found in wild grass originated in a fungus.
Rethinking anorexia
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Challenging long-standing theories about the eating disorder, new research suggests biology is a powerful driver.
Dendritic cell–derived hepcidin sequesters iron from the microbiota to promote mucosal healing
Authors: Bessman Nicholas J. , Mathieu Jacques R. R. , Renassia Cyril , Zhou Lei , Fung Thomas C. , Fernandez Keith C. , Austin Christine , Moeller Jesper B. , Zumerle Sara , Louis Sabine , Vaulont Sophie , Ajami Nadim J. , Sokol Harry , Putzel Gregory G. , Arvedson Tara , Sockolow Robbyn E. , Lakhal-Littleton Samira , Cloonan Suzanne M. , Arora Manish , Peyssonnaux Carole , Sonnenberg Gregory F.
Published: April 2020

Ironing out the details of mucosal healing

Anemia is a frequent complication of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, occurring in part as a result of increased bleeding into the intestine. Bessman
et al.
show that the peptide hormone hepcidin, which regulates systemic iron homeostasis, is required for intestinal repair in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (see the Perspective by Rescigno). This effect was independent of hepatocyte-produced hepcidin and systemic iron levels. Instead, production of hepcidin by conventional dendritic cells was necessary and sufficient to promote local iron sequestration by macrophages, which in turn modulated the makeup of the gut microbiota to one with a more beneficial distribution of species.

Science
, this issue p.
186
; see also p.
129
Bose polarons near quantum criticality
Authors: Yan Zoe Z. , Ni Yiqi , Robens Carsten , Zwierlein Martin W.
Published: April 2020

Immersing the impurities

In solids, moving electrons can polarize their environment, the ionic crystal lattice, creating quasi particles known as polarons. An analogous phenomenon can be studied in quantum gases by placing impurity atoms into a much denser gas of atoms of a different species. Yan
et al.
studied the behavior of Bose polarons, quasiparticles consisting of impurity atoms of potassium-40 immersed in a Bose gas of sodium-23 atoms. In the vicinity of a quantum critical point, the lifetime of the polarons followed the so-called Planckian scale.

Science
, this issue p.
190
Fractional statistics in anyon collisions
Authors: Bartolomei H. , Kumar M. , Bisognin R. , Marguerite A. , Berroir J.-M. , Bocquillon E. , Plaçais B. , Cavanna A. , Dong Q. , Gennser U. , Jin Y. , Fève G.
Published: April 2020

Looking for intermediate statistics

Elementary particles in three dimensions are either bosons or fermions, depending on their spin. In two dimensions, it is in principle possible to have particles that lie somewhere in between, but detecting the statistics of these so-called anyons directly is tricky. Bartolomei
et al.
built a collider of anyons in a two-dimensional electron gas of GaAs/AlGaAs (see the Perspective by Feldman). Two beams of anyons collided at a beam splitter and then exited the device at two outputs. The researchers studied the correlations of current fluctuations at the outputs, which revealed signatures of anyonic statistics.

Science
, this issue p.
173
; see also p.
131
Response to Comment on “Late Upper Paleolithic occupation at Cooper’s Ferry, Idaho, USA, ~16,000 years ago”
Authors: Davis L. G. , Becerra-Valdivia L. , Madsen D. B. , Higham T.
Published: April 2020

Manning builds an inappropriate Bayesian age model to assert that the initial occupation at Cooper’s Ferry began only ~15,935 ± 75 to 15,130 ± 20 cal yr B.P., suggesting that our estimation of ~16,560 to 15,280 cal yr B.P. is unsupported. However, this analysis both ignores evidence of human occupation from the earliest undated cultural deposits and reflects a misapplication of Bayesian age-modeling techniques. Consequently, his results are unreliable.
Emergence of complexity in hierarchically organized chiral particles
Authors: Jiang Wenfeng , Qu Zhi-bei , Kumar Prashant , Vecchio Drew , Wang Yuefei , Ma Yu , Bahng Joong Hwan , Bernardino Kalil , Gomes Weverson R. , Colombari Felippe M. , Lozada-Blanco Asdrubal , Veksler Michael , Marino Emanuele , Simon Alex , Murray Christopher , Muniz Sérgio Ricardo , de Moura André F. , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: April 2020

Complex chiral particles

Synthetic colloids are usually smooth, but nature can produce micrometer-scale particles with intricate structure and shape, such as the coccoliths produced by algae. Jiang
et al.
controlled the self-assembly of gold–cysteine nanoplatelets into a variety of chiral, hierarchically organized colloidal particles by changing the chiral fraction of cysteine and the nucleation temperature. Organic cations created electrostatic repulsions that favored edge assembly of the nanoplatelets, which in turn could create surfaces bearing twisted spikes.

Science
, this issue p.
642
Community-based weight loss programme targeting overweight Chinese adults with pre-diabetes: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ho Mandy , Chau Pui Hing , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Ying Michael Tin-cheung , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the world’s fastest growing health problems. Asians have a strong ethnic predisposition for T2DM, developing T2DM at a lower degree of obesity and at younger ages than other ethnic groups. T2DM has a gradual onset, with most individuals progressing through a pre-diabetic state, providing an opportunity to prevent T2DM and its complications. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle intervention programme on weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic profiles in Chinese adults with pre-diabetes.

Methods and analysis

This study is a 12-month, assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial. Adults with pre-diabetes (aged 40–64 years, n=180) with pre-diabetes are randomised into either an intervention group (receiving group-based lifestyle interventions) or a control group (receiving text messages containing health information). The intervention programme targets a weight loss of 5% during the first 6 months by restricting caloric intake and increasing physical activity. Participants in the intervention group will attend six group sessions and two individual face-to-face diet counselling sessions during the first 6 months, followed by monthly telephone support during the 6-month maintenance phase. Participants in the control group will receive monthly text messages containing general health information only. The primary outcome is weight loss (%). Secondary outcomes include insulin sensitivity (assessed using fasting insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance), glycaemic control (assessed using glycated haemoglobin level), lipid profile, blood pressure, carotid artery thickness, dietary intake and level of physical activity. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted using a generalised linear mixed effects model with a logit link and linear mixed models.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the relevant research ethics committee. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03609697.
Comparison between urban and rural mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a nationwide longitudinal cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hye Sim , Kang Dae Ryong , Kim Inah , Lee Kyungsuk , Jo Hoon , Koh Sang Baek
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study investigated the risk associated with interhospital transfer of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and clinical outcomes according to the location of the patient’ residence.

Design

A nationwide longitudinal cohort.

Setting

National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea.

Participants

This study included 69 899 patients with AMI who visited an emergency centre from 2013 to 2015, as per the Korea National Health Insurance Service database.

Primary outcome measure

The clinical outcome of a patient with AMI was defined as mortality within 7 days, 30 days and 1 year.

Results

Clinical outcomes were analysed and compared with respect to the location of the patient’s residence and occurrence of interhospital transfer. We concluded that the HR of mortality within 7 days was 1.49 times higher (95% CI 1.18 to 1.87) in rural patients than in urban patients not subjected to interhospital transfer and 1.90 times higher (95% CI 1.13 to 3.19) in transferred rural patients than in non-transferred urban patients.

Conclusions

To reduce health inequality in rural areas, a healthcare policy considering regional characteristics, rather than a central government-led, catch-all approach to healthcare policy, must be formulated. Additionally, a local medical emergency delivery system, based on allocation of roles between different medical facilities in the region, must be established.
Knowledge mobilisation in bridging community-practice–academia-policy through meaningful engagement: systematic integrative review protocol focusing on studies conducted on health and wellness among immigrant communities
Authors: Turin Tanvir C , Chowdhury Nashit , Vaska Marcus , Rumana Nahid , Lasker Mohammad Ali Ashraf , Chowdhury Mohammad Ziaul Islam
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Though the importance of knowledge mobilisation has been established globally in health and wellness research, a certain degree of ambiguity remains regarding the meaning and extent of knowledge mobilisation activities and how they have been implemented. In this study, we aim to explore the different descriptions of knowledge mobilisation and the diverse ways mobilisation activities have been realised by different researchers working for the betterment of health and wellness of immigrant communities in their host countries.

Methods and analysis

We aimed to conduct an integrative review to organise the available literature describing knowledge mobilisation pertaining to health and wellness in immigrant communities. We will employ a comprehensive search, using appropriate search-terms, to identify relevant literature and will qualitatively synthesise the information toward fulfilling our objectives. Specific methodological and analytical frameworks related to the integrative review process will guide each step of the process. A librarian designed the systematic search of the academic and grey literature from database inception to December 2019. The databases include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL and SocINDEX. For grey literature, we will conduct searches in AHS Insite, Google, Google Scholar, OAISter and government websites. A two-stage (title–abstract and full-text) screening will be conducted, including single-citation tracking and hand search of reference lists.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this review. We first plan to disseminate the results of our systematic review protocol through meetings with key stakeholders, followed by appropriate publications and presentations at applicable platforms. We also have opted for an integrated knowledge translation or community-engaged knowledge mobilisation approach where we have engaged with community-based citizen researchers from the inception of our research.
Accuracy of PE rule-out strategies in pregnancy: secondary analysis of the DiPEP study prospective cohort
Authors: Goodacre Steve , Nelson-Piercy Catherine , Hunt Beverley J , Fuller Gordon
Published: April 2020

Objective

Recent studies suggest that combinations of clinical probability assessment (the YEARS algorithm or Geneva score) and D-dimer can safely rule out suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant women. We performed a secondary analysis of the DiPEP (Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy) study data to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these strategies.

Methods

The DiPEP study prospectively recruited and collected data and blood samples from pregnant/postpartum women with suspected PE across 11 hospitals and retrospectively collected data from pregnant/postpartum women with diagnosed PE across all UK hospitals (15 February 2015 to 31 August 2016). We selected prospectively recruited pregnant women who had definitive diagnostic imaging for this analysis. We used clinical data and D-dimer results to determine whether the rule out strategies would recommend further investigation. Two independent adjudicators used data from imaging reports, treatments and adverse events up to 30 days to determine the reference standard.

Results

PEs were diagnosed in 12/219 (5.5%) women. The YEARS/D-dimer strategy would have ruled out PE in 96/219 (43.8%) but this would have included 5 of the 12 with PEs. Sensitivity for PE was 58.3% (95% CI 28.6% to 83.5%) and specificity 44.0% (37.1% to 51.0%). The Geneva/D-dimer strategy would have ruled out PE in 46/219 (21.0%) but this would have included three of the 12 with PE. Sensitivity was 75.0% (95% CI 42.8% to 93.3%) and specificity 20.8% (95% CI 15.6% to 27.1%). Administration of anticoagulants prior to blood sampling may have reduced D-dimer sensitivity for small PE.

Conclusion

Strategies using clinical probability and D-dimer have limited diagnostic accuracy and do not accurately rule out all PE in pregnancy. It is uncertain whether PE missed by these strategies lead to clinically important consequences.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Pile Subjected to Near-Field Non-Contact Underwater Explosion
Authors: Yan Qiushi , Liu Chen , Wu Jun , Wu Jun , Zhuang Tieshuan
Published: April 2020

High-pile wharf is an important port structure and may suffer from accidental explosions or terrorist bombing attack during the service life. The reinforced concrete (RC) pile is one of the popular vertical load-bearing piles of high-pile wharf structure. As a main load-bearing member of the high-pile wharf structure, the damage of RC pile due to underwater explosive may cause subsequently progressive collapse of the whole structure. In this paper, the dynamic response and failure mode of RC pile in high-pile wharf structure under the near-field non-contact underwater explosion are investigated using a combined experimental and numerical study. First, a typical RC pile was designed and tested for the near-field non-contact underwater explosion. The failure mode and damage of the RC pile specimen were obtained and analyzed. Second, the numerical model of the RC pile under near-field non-contact underwater explosion was established by adopting the commercial software AUTODYN, and then validated based on experimental results. It was shown that the results from numerical model and experimental test compared very well in terms of the damage pattern and lateral displacement. Furthermore, the full-scale numerical model of the RC pile for the near-field non-contact underwater explosion was developed based on the validated numerical model to investigate the damage pattern and failure mode of RC pile under varied underwater explosives. Lastly, the safety distance for the RC pile for the underwater explosion loading with consideration of different explosive mass, the explosive depth and the concrete strength was suggested. The outcome of this study presented reference for analysis, assessment and design of the type of RC pile for high-pile wharf structure subjected to near-field non-contact underwater explosion.
A New Approach to Retrofitting an Existing Roller Door by Using Viscoelastic Materials for Vibration Reduction with Experimental Verification
Authors: Feng Qian , Fan Liming , Cai Sijia , Huo Linsheng , Liang Yabin
Published: April 2020

Roller doors are popularly used in cities due to their compact design, low cost, and ease of use. However, roller doors are made of thin metal sheets and have low inherent damping, which causes roller doors in their closed configuration to experience strong vibration when subjected to external excitations, such as wind and passing vehicles. These vibrations also result in severe noise radiation. It is therefore necessary and important to minimize the vibrations and the noise emanating from the roller doors. This research develops a novel application method to suppress the vibration of existing roller doors and to mitigate the induced noise, and the main principle is using the high damping property of viscoelastic materials through retrofit to increase the damping of the roller door. The key component of the retrofit is a viscoelastic stripe of three layers: a self-adhesive layer, a viscoelastic layer and a constraining metallic layer. The proposed method can be easily applied to the existing roller doors and has nearly no negative impact on its daily usage. To validate the feasibility of this method, shaking table tests were conducted and investigated on a roller door model with and without viscoelastic retrofit, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed retrofit method can effectively mitigate the vibration and therefore reduce the induced noise for an existing roller door.
Experimental Investigation and Error Analysis of High Precision FBG Displacement Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Li Chuang , Sun Li , Xu Ziqiang , Wu Xiangxiang , Liang Tianqi , Shi Wenlong
Published: April 2020

High precision structural displacement monitoring is challenging, but an effective method for structural health monitoring and particularly damage evaluation. In this paper, a high precision fiber Bragg grating (FBG) displacement sensor with embedded spring is developed to monitor structural displacement variation even at very small ranges. The principle of such monitoring is based on the central wavelength shifts in accordance with the displacement between measuring points. Calibration experiments are conducted to examine the performance of the innovative displacement sensor. The result indicates that the sensor has excellent linearity and repeatability, with the sensitivity coefficient being 23.96[Formula: see text]pm/mm, and the static relative error is 4.94% after three loading and unloading cycles. The displacement sensor therefore shows an excellent sensitivity and high precision for application. Moreover, it has been verified that this sensor is suitable and applicable for displacement monitoring in quasi-static experiment of structures.
A Waveform Similarity Approach for Diagnosing Nonlinear Behavior of Vibratory Systems
Authors: Qian Changzhao , Chen Changping
Published: April 2020

A new approach is proposed for diagnosing the nonlinear characteristics of vibratory systems in engineering applications. The correlation coefficient of two periods’ response wave is used in this approach and a new concept named similarity degree of waveform (SDW) is proposed to describe the correlations of the responses and therefore the characteristics of the nonlinear dynamic systems. A Duffing system is used in this research as an example to demonstrate the application and efficiency of the proposed approach. The approach has shown effectiveness in diagnosing periodic, multi-periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motions. The characterization with implementing the proposed approach is compared with that of the Lyapunov exponent method. The advantages of the proposed approach are demonstrated.
Challenges in Building Intelligent Open-domain Dialog Systems
Authors: Huang Minlie , Zhu Xiaoyan , Gao Jianfeng
Published: April 2020

There is a resurgent interest in developing intelligent open-domain dialog systems due to the availability of large amounts of conversational data and the recent progress on neural approaches to conversational AI [33]. Unlike traditional task-oriented bots, an open-domain dialog system aims to establish long-term connections with users by satisfying the human need for communication, affection, and social belonging. This article reviews the recent work on neural approaches that are devoted to addressing three challenges in developing such systems:
semantics
,
consistency
, and
interactiveness
.
Semantics
requires a dialog system to not only understand the content of the dialog but also identify users’ emotional and social needs during the conversation.
Consistency
requires the system to demonstrate a consistent personality to win users’ trust and gain their long-term confidence.
Interactiveness
refers to the system’s ability to generate interpersonal responses to achieve particular social goals such as entertainment and conforming. The studies we select to present in this survey are based on our unique views and are by no means complete. Nevertheless, we hope that the discussion will inspire new research in developing more intelligent open-domain dialog systems.
Rotational Stability of a New Posterior Chamber Toric Phakic Intraocular Lens
Authors: Yaşa Dilek , Köse Bülent , Ağca Alper
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To evaluate the refractive results and rotational stability of Eyecryl toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). Methods. In this retrospective single-surgeon case series, manifest refraction, visual acuities, endothelial cell density (ECD), and pIOL rotation were evaluated over 6 months. Results. 43 eyes from 23 patients were included. At 6 months, the SE was within ±0.50  D of emmetropia in 30 (70%) eyes and within ±1.00  D of emmetropia in 39 (91%) eyes. The efficacy and safety indices were 1.25 ± 0.38 and 1.41 ± 0.34, respectively. Mean ECD was 2719 ± 296 cells/mm2 at the preoperative visit and 2779.42 ± 422 cells/mm2 at the 6-month visit (p>0.05). The mean value of absolute axis orientation error was 4.95 ± 5.28°. Mean absolute change in axis orientation between visits was less than 3° for all visit intervals. Ninety percent or more of lenses were found to rotate 5° or less between all visit intervals. None of the patients experienced a vision-threatening complication, and no patient required secondary IOL repositioning. Conclusion. The pIOL appears to effectively reduce subjective manifest astigmatism and provide good visual acuity. Its position was found to be stable throughout the follow-up.
Grain and Flour Wheat Quality Modified by Genotype, Availability of Nitrogen, and Growing Season
Authors: Valdés Valdés Cristobal , Estrada-Campuzano Gaspar , Martinez Rueda Carlos Gustavo , Domínguez López Aurelio , Solis-Moya Ernesto , Villanueva Carvajal Adriana
Published: April 2020

The objective of the present study was to determine physical and chemical parameters that determine grain and flour quality of wheat grown in Mexico’s highlands (Toluca, Estado de Mexico) as a response of nitrogen fertilization and growing season. Experiments were carried out in winter-spring 2010 (irrigation) and summer-autumn 2011 (rainfed) season cycles. Nine wheat cultivars were tested under four levels of nitrogen fertilization (N00, N100, N200, and N300 kg N·ha−1) with a population density of 336 seeds m−2. For each growing season and N rate, three replications were performed for each experiment under a randomized complete block design. Best quality indexes were obtained in the winter-spring cycle as a result of genetic variability. Nitrogen availability modified significantly some quality parameters (grain and flour protein, test weight, and hardness) obtaining the highest values at a rate of 100 kg N·ha−1. On the other hand, volume of sedimentation showed positive effects only at a rate of 300 kg N·ha−1. This rate showed positive effects on grain and flour protein, sedimentation volume, and hardness during the summer-autumn cycle. Eneida F94, Tollocan F2005, and Urbina S2007 cultivars presented the highest grain and flour protein content of tested varieties. Finally, Eneida F94 and Tollocan F2005 presented the highest test weight and flour percentage.
The PSK Channel Capacity Estimation under Dynamic Plasma Sheath Channel
Authors: Yang Min , Zhang Haojie , Li Xiaoping , Sun Qianqian , Tang Jiancheng
Published: April 2020

During the reentry process, the plasma sheath covering the surface of the hypersonic aircraft will cause the amplitude attenuation and phase jitter of the communication electromagnetic waves. Channel parameters such as the electron density and collision frequency of the plasma sheath reflect the changing trend of the plasma sheath, and these parameters can be measured by physical means. However, these parameters cannot directly reflect the change of the channel communication ability and cannot directly serve the design of communication methods in the plasma sheath. Due to the particularity of the plasma sheath, the traditional channel estimation method for Additive White Gaussian Noise channels will no longer be applicable. This paper presents a channel capacity estimation method for dynamic plasma sheath. First, the plasma sheath is equivalent to a discrete input continuous output memoryless channel, and then the channel capacity expression is derived according to Shannon formula. Finally, the channel capacity of the dynamic plasma sheath is estimated by calculating the transition probability density function. The simulation results show that the channel capacity of the dynamic plasma sheath is affected by both the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the dynamic parameters of the plasma sheath. When the electron density is small, the channel capacity is mainly affected by the SNR. As the electron density increases, the dynamic parameters of the plasma sheath gradually become the main factor affecting the channel capacity. This method is a theoretical analysis of the channel capacity when the channel parameters of the plasma channel are known, and it is meaningful for conducting the work of communication methods design.
Hosoya and Harary Polynomials of Hourglass and Rhombic Benzenoid Systems
Authors: Cheng Zhong-Lin , Ali Ashaq , Ahmad Haseeb , Naseem Asim , Chaudhary Maqbool Ahmad
Published: April 2020

In the fields of chemical graph theory, topological index is a type of a molecular descriptor that is calculated based on the graph of a chemical compound. In 1947, Harry Wiener introduced “path number” which is now known as Wiener index and is the oldest topological index related to molecular branching. Hosoya polynomial plays a vital role in determining Wiener index. In this report, we compute the Hosoya polynomials for hourglass and rhombic benzenoid systems and recover Wiener and hyper-Wiener indices from them.
Composition and Diversity of Fungal Decomposers of Submerged Wood in Two Lakes in the Brazilian Amazon State of Pará
Authors: Canto Eveleise Samira Martins , Cortez Ana Claúdia Alves , Monteiro Josiane Santana , Barbosa Flavia Rodrigues , Zelski Steven , Souza João Vicente Braga de
Published: April 2020

Aquatic ecosystems in tropical forests have a high diversity of microorganisms, including fungi, which are important decomposers of submerged wood. Despite the importance of their role in decomposition, research concerning the diversity of freshwater fungi from Brazilian Amazonian environments is scarce. The aim of this work was to describe the composition and diversity of fungi present on submerged wood in two lakes of the Brazilian Amazon (State of Pará). Fragments of decaying wood (30 samples per lake) were collected from the Lakes Juá and Maicá. The wood samples were inspected for 6 months in the presence of fungal reproductive structures. Fungi observed in the wood were identified morphologically. Twenty-three taxa were identified in the Lake Juá (10 sexual and 13 asexual) and 26 taxa in the Lake Maicá (17 sexual, 9 asexual). ITS sequences were obtained for 14 taxa to aid in identification. In the Lakes Juá and Maicá, the diversity indices were H': 2.6514 and H': 2.8174, respectively. The Sørensen index of the fungal communities in the studied lakes was 0.3673. This study is the first to describe the fungal biodiversity of two important aquatic environments in Pará, Brazil.
Relationship between Accessory Renal Artery and Clinical Characteristics of Middle-Aged Patients with Primary Hypertension
Authors: Kang Kai , Ma Yeshuo , Jia Chongfu , Cheng Yunpeng , Yang Yingchao , Wang Lixin , Jiang Yinong , Lu Yan
Published: April 2020

Objectives. The association between accessory renal artery (ARA) and hypertension remains not fully understood. We observed the association between ARA and clinical characteristics among middle-aged patients with primary hypertension. Methods. One hundred and sixty-two middle-aged (mean 39.82 ± 10.25 years, 58.0% male) patients with primary hypertension were enrolled, and patients underwent Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of renal arteries, ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM), echocardiography, physical examination, and routine blood chemistry examinations. According to the CTA results, patients were divided into a non-ARA (n = 108) and ARA (n = 54) group. Direct renin concentration (DRC), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), ABPM, echocardiography, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate were compared between the two groups. Results. DRC (mU/L) (11.21 (5.34, 20.87) vs. 18.24 (10.32, 33.59), P=0.002) was significantly higher in the ARA group than in the non-ARA group. However, PAC (ng/dL) (98.30 (67.30, 134.00) vs. 116.50 (78.80, 137.25), P=0.103) was similar between these two groups. ABPM (mmHg) results showed that daytime (146.75 ± 17.04/95.86 ± 11.39 vs. 155.50 ± 14.76/100.48 ± 10.69, P<0.05), night time (133.44 ± 17.50/85.28 ± 12.80 vs. 139.81 ± 14.64/89.83 ± 11.21, P<0.05), and 24 h blood pressure (143.95 ± 15.99/93.90 ± 11.78 vs. 152.07 ± 13.85/98.11 ± 10.36, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the ARA group than in the non-ARA group. Accordingly, echocardiographic-derived posterior left ventricular wall thickness value was higher in the ARA group than in the non-ARA group. Conclusion. ARA is related to higher blood pressure and higher direct renin concentration in middle-aged patients with primary hypertension, and these patients deserve stricter blood pressure control. Our results provide important evidence for that ARA is a cause of hypertension and target organs damages.
Acute Kidney Injury Caused by Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
Authors: Mohammad Kazmin Nur Ezzaty , Kamaruzaman Lydia , Wong Zhiqin , Fong Voon Ken , Mohd Rozita , Mustafar Ruslinda
Published: April 2020

Background. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. We report a case of 23-year-old army personnel who presented with persistent vomiting leading to severe hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney injury resulting in cardiorespiratory arrest. Results. After successful resuscitation, he was supported with haemodialysis and aggressive electrolytes correction. He was repeatedly not able to tolerate nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and computerised tomography of abdomen was performed, and the diagnosis of SMA syndrome was made. Gastroscopy examination revealed duodenal ulcer at D1, pinhole D1-D2 junction, but there was no evidence of intraluminal mass or lesions leading to upper gastrointestinal obstruction. A nasojejunal tube was inserted to bypass the narrow segment of the duodenum, and he was put on nutritional support. He was subsequently weaned off dialysis support as his renal function gradually improved and later on normalised. He remains symptoms free, and he gained five kilograms in four months after discharge. Conclusions. SMA syndrome is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal obstruction but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient who presented with recurrent vomiting and AKI with metabolic alkalosis.
A Strategy for Improving the Quality of Ghost Imaging
Authors: Liu Xin , Bo Su , Ye Zhiyuan , Qiu Panghe , Ding Jing
Published: April 2020

A new method is proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of regions of interest (ROIs) in a ghost imaging (GI) system with uneven speckle illumination. The imaging results in a GI system can be distorted when there is an uneven distribution of light. In this study, three thin-film polarizers are used to create illumination patterns in uneven light intensity distribution. In particular, the polarizer set is loaded on the object arm only, that is, the original uniformly distributed light field is still acquired by the reference arm. This small change in the light path eliminates the distortion caused by uneven illumination while increasing the SNR of the ROI. This strategy has been confirmed in principle and through simulation and experiments.
CD137/OX40 Bispecific Antibody Induces Potent Antitumor Activity that Is Dependent on Target Coengagement
Authors: Gaspar Miguel , Pravin John , Rodrigues Leonor , Uhlenbroich Sandra , Everett Katy L. , Wollerton Francisca , Morrow Michelle , Tuna Mihriban , Brewis Neil
Published: April 2020

Following the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy against cancer, agonistic antibodies targeting T-cell costimulatory pathways are in clinical trials. The TNF superfamily of receptors (TNFRSF) members CD137 and OX40 are costimulatory receptors that stimulate T-cell proliferation and activation upon interaction with their cognate ligands. Activating CD137 and OX40 with agonistic mAbs stimulates the immune system due to their broad expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells and has antitumor effects in preclinical models. Most TNFRSF agonist antibodies require crosslinking via Fcγ receptors (FcγR), which can limit their clinical activity. FS120 mAb2, a dual agonist bispecific antibody targeting CD137 and OX40, activated both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in an FcγR-independent mechanism, dependent on concurrent binding. A mouse surrogate version of the bispecific antibody displayed antitumor activity in syngeneic tumor models, independent of T regulatory cell depletion and of FcγR interaction, but associated with peripheral T-cell activation and proliferation. When compared with a crosslink-independent CD137 agonist mAb, the FS120 surrogate induced lower liver T-cell infiltration. These data support initiation of clinical development of FS120, a first-in-class dual agonist bispecific antibody for the treatment of human cancer.
Gonadal Dominance and Internal Genitalia Phenotypes of Patients with Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development: Report of 22 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Deng Shan , Sun Aijun , Chen Rong , Yu Qi , Tian Qinjie
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to delineate internal genitalia phenotypes in patients with ovotesticular disorders of sex development (OT-DSD). Therefore, a cohort of 22 OT-DSD patients admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 1977 to August 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of karyotype, gonad type and location, and internal genital organs were reviewed and compared to 242 pooled cases from the Chinese literature. As a result, the most common karyotype was 46,XX (68.2% in 22 cases of our hospital, 60.8% in the domestic literature). The combination of gonads was separated (ovary-testis, 45.1%), unilateral (ovotestis-ovary, 17.4%; ovotestis-testis, 13.0%), and bilateral (ovotestis-ovotestis, 24.5%). All the cases in our hospital had a uterus on the side of the ovary or ovotestis. Among the 19 female patients, 5 had a hysterectomy due to genital tract obstruction, 9 had vaginal dysplasia, 3 had premature ovarian failure, and only 2 women gave birth to a child. In conclusion, OT-DSD is a typical model of unilateral gonadal determinism: the uterus is present on the side of the ovotestis and ovary and the internal genital organs predominantly exhibit female characteristics. However, combined reproductive tract malformation and ovarian function of premature failure are not uncommon.
Clinical and Economic Implications of Inconclusive Noninvasive Test Results in Stable Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Goyal Akash , Pagidipati Neha , Hill C. Larry , Alhanti Brooke , Udelson James E. , Picard Michael H. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Hoffmann Udo , Mark Daniel B. , Douglas Pamela S.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Inconclusive noninvasive tests complicate the care of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, but their prevalence and impact on management, outcomes, and costs are not well described.

Methods:

PROMISE (Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain) patients were randomized to stress testing (n=4533) or computed tomographic angiography (CTA; n=4677). We assessed relationships between inconclusive results, subsequent testing, a composite outcome (death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina), and healthcare expenditures.

Results:

Overall, 8.0% of tests were inconclusive (9.7% stress, 6.4% CTA). Compared with negative tests, inconclusive tests were more often referred to a second noninvasive test (stress: 14.6% versus 8.5%, odds ratio [OR], 1.91; CTA: 36.5% versus 8.4%, OR, 5.95;
P
<0.001) and catheterization (stress: 5.5% versus 2.4%, OR, 2.36; CTA: 23.4% versus 4.1%, OR, 6.49;
P
<0.001), and composite outcomes were higher for both inconclusive tests (stress: 3.7% versus 2.0%, hazard ratio, 1.81,
P
=0.034; CTA: 5.0% versus 2.2%, hazard ratio, 1.85;
P
=0.044) and positive tests (stress: 8.3% versus 2.0%, hazard ratio, 3.50; CTA: 9.2% versus 2.2%, hazard ratio, 3.66;
P
<0.001). Twenty-four–month costs were higher for inconclusive tests than negative tests by $2905 (stress) and $4030 (CTA).

Conclusions:

Among patients with stable chest pain undergoing a noninvasive test, inconclusive results occurred in 6% of CTA and 10% of stress tests. Compared with those with conclusive negative tests, individuals with inconclusive results more often underwent subsequent testing, had increased medical costs, and experienced worse outcomes.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01174550.
Taxonomic review of the leafhopper genus Stirellus Osborn & Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Stenometopiini) from Pakistan with description of a new species
Authors: SHAH BISMILLAH , NAVEED HASSAN , DUAN YANI
Published: April 2020

The leafhopper genus Stirellus Osborn & Ball is revised from Pakistan with the description and illustrations of a new species Stirellus mankiensis Shah & Duan sp. n. and a new record Stirellus tolla n. rec. to Pakistan. A checklist and key for the known species of Stirellus from Pakistan are also given in the present study.
MEMS-Based Probe Recording Technology
Authors: Yang Jiaping
Published: April 2020

This paper reviews the recent developments in the area of MEMS-based probe recording technology. Various state-of-the-art scanning probe microscope (SPM) based techniques are briefly introduced, followed by the description of system approaches of MEMS-based probe recording technology
and the basic MEMS-based actuation mechanism. Subsequently, current research status in developing MEMS-based probe recording technology with emphasis on storage architecture, MEMS access systems, probe recording mechanisms, and media for terabit per square inch recording density, is reviewed.
Lastly, potential research topics and prospects for MEMS-based probe recording technology development are discussed.
Removal of Etalon Features in the Far-Infrared–Terahertz Transmittance Spectra of Thin Polymer Films
Authors: Schade Ulrich , Cao Dawei , Puskar Ljiljana , Ritter Eglof , Beckmann Jörg
Published: April 2020

Etalon features in infrared spectra of stratified samples, their influence on the interpretation, and methods to circumvent their presence in infrared spectra have been in discussion for decades. This paper focuses on the application of a method originally developed to remove interference fringes in the mid-infrared spectra for far-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy on thin polymer films. We show that the total transmittance reflectance technique, commonly used for mid-infrared, also works successfully in the far-infrared spectral range where other approaches fail. Experimental spectra obtained by such technique are supported by model calculations and reveal the possibility and limits to obtain almost undisturbed far-infrared spectra which are suitable to determine low-energy vibrations of ionomer salts under certain sample conditions.