bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agglomeration and informality: Evidence from Peruvian establishments
Authors: Bernedo Del Carpio Maria , Patrick Carlianne
Published: November 2020

This paper contributes to the emerging literature investigating agglomeration externalities in developing countries and focuses on the less studied differences between the formal and the informal sector. Using establishment‐level data and instrumental variable estimations, we find that both formal and informal establishments benefit from agglomeration externalities. We provide evidence that informal establishment total factor productivity (TFP) increases more with city size than formal establishment TFP. We also provide causal evidence on the source of agglomeration externalities by formality status by examining industry coagglomeration pairs and instrumenting with data on Columbian input–output and labor industry–pair relationships. We find little evidence of benefits from stronger input–output relationships at the city level, but substantial benefits associated with shared labor.
Symmetric tax competition and welfare with footloose capital
Authors: Zeng Dao‐Zhi , Peng Shin‐Kun
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the tax competition for mobile capital between two symmetric countries in a monopolistic competition economy. Taxation generates its own distortions of location and consumption as long as consumers/governments deviate from the symmetric equilibrium. Taking all possible distortions into account, this paper finds that the equilibrium tax rate may be positive and increasing when trade costs are high while it is negative and decreasing when trade costs are low if consumers have additively separable preferences displaying an increasing relative love for variety. This nonmonotonic relationship of tax rate with trade costs is further accompanied by welfare loss when market integration starts. The procompetitive effect and the income effect are both crucial to deriving the results.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the COVID‐19 era: An expected new entity
Authors: Machado Marina , Valerio Maricela , Álvarez‐Uría Ana , Olmedo María , Veintimilla Cristina , Padilla Belén , De la Villa Sofía , Guinea Jesús , Escribano Pilar , Ruiz‐Serrano María Jesús , Reigadas Elena , Alonso Roberto , Guerrero José Eugenio , Hortal Javier , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia ,   the COVID‐19 Study Group
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Information on the recently COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) entity is scarce. We describe eight CAPA patients, compare them to colonised ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and review the published literature from Western countries.

Methods

Prospective study (March to May, 2020) that included all COVID‐19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Modified AspICU and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria were used.

Results

COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis was diagnosed in eight patients (3.3% of 239 ICU patients), mostly affected non‐immunocompromised patients (75%) with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving corticosteroids. Diagnosis was established after a median of 15 days under mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in two patients with positive Aspergillus fumigatus cultures and galactomannan (GM) index. Serum GM was positive in 4/8 (50%). Thoracic CT scan findings fulfilled EORTC/MSG criteria in one case. Isavuconazole was used in 4/8 cases. CAPA‐related mortality was 100% (8/8). Compared with colonised patients, CAPA subjects were administered tocilizumab more often (100% vs. 40%, p = .04), underwent longer courses of antibacterial therapy (13 vs. 5 days, p = .008), and had a higher all‐cause mortality (100% vs. 40%, p = .04). We reviewed 96 similar cases from recent publications: 59 probable CAPA (also putative according modified AspICU), 56 putative cases and 13 colonisations according AspICU algorithm; according EORTC/MSG six proven and two probable. Overall, mortality in the reviewed series was 56.3%.

Conclusions

COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis must be considered a serious and potentially life‐threatening complication in patients with severe COVID‐19 receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
A randomised clinical trial of multifocal contact lenses and contact lens discomfort
Authors: Rueff Erin M , Jones‐Jordan Lisa A , Bailey Melissa D
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To determine how multifocal contact lenses affect contact lens discomfort.

Methods

This randomised, participant‐masked, crossover clinical trial fitted 84 uncomfortable soft contact lens wearers (30–40 years old) with single vision and multifocal contact lenses. Contact lens discomfort was assessed using the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire‐8 (CLDEQ‐8).

Results

There was no difference between multifocal and single vision survey scores (p = 0.08). There was an interaction between lens type and age group (p = 0.05). CLDEQ‐8 scores with the single vision lens were less symptomatic than multifocal scores in participants <35 years old (p = 0.01). Single vision and multifocal scores for the older age group were not different. Subjectively, those in the <35 year‐old age group preferred the single vision lens for intermediate (p = 0.02), distance (p = 0.003), and overall vision (p = 0.002). In the ≥35 year‐old age group, no lens was significantly preferred for vision.

Conclusions

Participants in the younger age group had more favourable wearing experiences with the single vision lens compared to the multifocal lens. The older age group, however, had similar wearing experiences with both lens types. While younger contact lens wearers may prefer the wearing experience with single vision lenses, some uncomfortable contact lens wearers approaching 40 years old may benefit from wearing a multifocal contact lens sooner in life than is typically practised.
The effects of age on resting‐state BOLD signal variability is explained by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular factors
Authors: Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Henson Richard N. A. , Jones P. Simon , Mutsaerts Henk , Fuhrmann Delia , Tyler Lorraine K. ,   Cam‐CAN, Rowe James B.
Published: November 2020

Accurate identification of brain function is necessary to understand neurocognitive aging, and thereby promote health and well‐being. Many studies of neurocognitive aging have investigated brain function with the blood‐oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. However, the BOLD signal is a composite of neural and vascular signals, which are differentially affected by aging. It is, therefore, essential to distinguish the age effects on vascular versus neural function. The BOLD signal variability at rest (known as resting state fluctuation amplitude, RSFA), is a safe, scalable, and robust means to calibrate vascular responsivity, as an alternative to breath‐holding and hypercapnia. However, the use of RSFA for normalization of BOLD imaging assumes that age differences in RSFA reflecting only vascular factors, rather than age‐related differences in neural function (activity) or neuronal loss (atrophy). Previous studies indicate that two vascular factors, cardiovascular health (CVH) and cerebrovascular function, are insufficient when used alone to fully explain age‐related differences in RSFA. It remains possible that their joint consideration is required to fully capture age differences in RSFA. We tested the hypothesis that RSFA no longer varies with age after adjusting for a combination of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular measures. We also tested the hypothesis that RSFA variation with age is not associated with atrophy. We used data from the population‐based, lifespan Cam‐CAN cohort. After controlling for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular estimates alone, the residual variance in RSFA across individuals was significantly associated with age. However, when controlling for both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular estimates, the variance in RSFA was no longer associated with age. Grey matter volumes did not explain age differences in RSFA, after controlling for CVH. The results were consistent between voxel‐level analysis and independent component analysis. Our findings indicate that cardiovascular and cerebrovascular signals are together sufficient predictors of age differences in RSFA. We suggest that RSFA can be used to separate vascular from neuronal factors, to characterize neurocognitive aging. We discuss the implications and make recommendations for the use of RSFA in the research of aging.
Evaluating an Intervention to Reduce Risky Driving Behaviors: Taking the Fear Out of Virtual Reality
Authors: Cutello Clara Alida , Gummerum Michaela , Hanoch Yaniv , Hellier Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Educational programs are the most common type of intervention to reduce risky driving behavior. Their success, however, depends on the content of the material used and the mode of delivery. In the present study, we examined the impact of fear versus positively framed road safety films and traditional technologies (2D) versus emerging technologies (VR) on young drivers’ self‐reported risky driving behaviors. One hundred and forty‐six university students completed a similar set of questionnaires pre‐intervention and post‐intervention, two weeks later. In addition, they were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions (VR vs. 2D; positive vs. negative). In the VR conditions, the film was presented using an HTC VIVE Virtual Reality headset. In the 2D conditions, the film was presented on a computer screen. Measures evaluating attitudes toward risky driving behavior were completed at both time frames, questions regarding the participants' emotional arousal were asked at pre‐intervention as a manipulation check, and questions regarding willingness to take risks in potentially dangerous driving situations were asked at follow‐up. The findings indicate that the positively framed films significantly decreased self‐reported risky driving behaviors in both modalities, but especially when viewed in VR format. In contrast, the fear appeal film, when shown in VR, failed to reduce risky driving behaviors, and in fact, increased young drivers’ self‐reported risky driving behaviors. Theoretical frameworks regarding the strengths and weaknesses of fear appeals and positively framed appeals are discussed to aid future research to reduce risky driving. Practical implications on the future usage of VR are also considered.
Use of Model Reparametrization to Improve Variational Bayes
Authors: Tan Linda S. L.
Published: November 2020

We propose using model reparametrization to improve variational Bayes inference for hierarchical models whose variables can be classified as global (shared across observations) or local (observation-specific). Posterior dependence between local and global variables is minimized by applying an invertible affine transformation on the local variables. The functional form of this transformation is deduced by approximating the posterior distribution of each local variable conditional on the global variables by a Gaussian density via a second order Taylor expansion. Variational Bayes inference for the reparametrized model is then obtained using stochastic approximation. Our approach can be readily extended to large datasets via a divide and recombine strategy. Using generalized linear mixed models, we demonstrate that reparametrized variational Bayes (RVB) provides improvements in both accuracy and convergence rate compared to state of the art Gaussian variational approximation methods.
The ethical implications of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Nurmi Sanna‐Maria , Halkoaho Arja , Moilanen Jukka , Remes Anne M. , Solje Eino
Published: November 2020

Background

Availability of genetic testing in neurodegenerative disorders has developed rapidly. This growing ability is providing specific genetic information to individuals and, in turn, their families, raising ethical concerns. However, family members’ perspective is a seldom‐studied phenomenon.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the ethical aspect of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of at‐risk family members.

Method

A systematic review of data was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The data search was conducted using the CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases to identify original peer‐reviewed studies published between January 2009 and April 2019. A total of 24 articles were selected. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Findings

On the basis of the analysis, four central ethical implications were identified: (i) decision‐making in genetic testing as a dilemma: balance between autonomy and responsibility, (ii) the individual’s right to make a voluntary and informed decision for genetic testing, (iii) conflicting emotions after knowing one’s genetic status and (iv) privacy and confidentiality of genetic information: the fear of genetic discrimination and stigma.

Conclusions

The findings of this review increase understanding about the central ethical implications of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of family members, and identify and underline outstanding needs for further research.
In-Plane Fluidelastic Instability Evaluation of Triangular Array Tube Bundle Using Fluid Force Measured Under Steam–Water Two-Phase Flow Condition
Authors: Nishida Shingo , Azuma Seinosuke , Morita Hideyuki , Hirota Kazuo , Kawakami Ryoichi , Nishikawa Yoshito
Published: November 2020

Recently, tube-to-tube wear indications of triangular tube bundle steam generators (SGs) caused by fluidelastic instability (FEI) in the in-plane direction of U-bend region (in-plane FEI) have been reported. Several experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of in-plane FEI by our research groups. In a series of experiments, particular characteristics of in-plane FEI were found. For example, there are the critical velocity difference between the in-plane and the out-of-plane directions, the difference between straight tube bundle tests and U-bend tube bundle tests, etc. To explain these characteristics, unsteady fluid force acting on tubes were measured. The experimental investigation was conducted under high temperature and high-pressure steam–water flow conditions close to the SGs. Stability analyses were conducted using the measured unsteady fluid forces as inputs. First, stability analyses were done to simulate straight tube bundle tests. Analysis results agreed well with experiments and it could explain the effect on critical velocity trend by number of flexible tubes and directions of vibration. Second, U-tube stability analyses were performed by applying unsteady fluid force coefficients for each location of U-bend tube finite element method (FEM) model. From the results, mechanisms of in-plane FEI were understood.
Numerical Analysis of Temperature Fields and Thermal Stress Fields in Heating Process of Large-Diameter Seamless Steel Pipe Blanks
Authors: Liu Feng , Yang Shuai , Xiao Yao , Han Yi , Yu Enlin , Shang Guowei
Published: November 2020

In the piercing process of large-diameter seamless steel pipe blanks after heating, severe lateral cracks easily occur on the surface of pierced pipe blanks owing to the effects of the large temperature difference and thermal stress during the heating phase, influencing the finished product ratio and the safety and stability of use. Therefore, obtaining pipe blanks with uniform temperature distributions and low thermal stress peaks is the basis for the quality assurance of seamless pipes. In this paper, a study was conducted with large-diameter TP321 seamless pipe blanks with an example. The heating process of the pipe blank was investigated from two perspectives, temperature fields and thermal stress fields. Moreover, the effects of heating rate, initial furnace temperature, and hot-charging temperature were quantitatively analyzed. It was found that the peaks of the temperature difference and thermal stress both occurred at the early stage of heating. The temperature field and thermal stress distribution of the pipe blank gradually changed during heating. At the initial stage of heating, the temperature at the outer diameter edge was the highest, and the maximum thermal stress zones were concentrated on the inner hole edge and external surface. At the late stage of heating, the highest temperature zone and the maximum thermal stress zone were both focused on the inner hole surface. Lower initial furnace temperature and higher hot-charging temperature were more conducive to decreasing the maximum temperature difference and peak thermal stress, while the changes in heating rate had insignificant effects.
Real-Time Prediction of Remaining Useful Life and Preventive Maintenance Strategy Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Guo Jinyan , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Chuanhai , Luo Wei , Hu Wei
Published: November 2020

The functional parts of a machine tool determine its reliability level to a great extent. The failure prediction of the functional part is helpful to prepare the maintenance scheme in time, in order to ensure a stable manufacturing process and the required production quality. Due to the rise of digital twin (DT), which has the characteristics of virtual reality interaction and real-time mapping, a DT-based real-time prediction method of the remaining useful life (RUL) and preventive maintenance scheme is proposed in this study. In this method, a DT model of the manufacturing workshop is established based on real-time perceptual information obtained by the proposed acquisition method. Subsequently, the real-time RUL of the functional part is predicted by establishing an RUL prediction model based on the nonlinear-drifted Brownian motion, which takes the working conditions and measurement errors into consideration. On this basis, the optimal preventive maintenance scheme can be determined and fed back to the manufacturing workshop, in order to guide the maintenance of relevant parts. Finally, an example case study is presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Computational Study of Liquid Shock Absorption for Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Vahid Alizadeh Hossein , Fanton Michael G. , Domel August G. , Grant Gerald , Camarillo David Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), more colloquially known as concussion, is common in contact sports such as American football, leading to increased scrutiny of head protective gear. Standardized laboratory impact testing, such as the yearly National Football League (NFL) helmet test, is used to rank the protective performance of football helmets, motivating new technologies to improve the safety of helmets relative to existing equipment. In this work, we hypothesized that a helmet which transmits a nearly constant minimum force will result in a reduced risk of mTBI. To evaluate the plausibility of this hypothesis, we first show that the optimal force transmitted to the head, in a reduced order model of the brain, is in fact a constant force profile. To simulate the effects of a constant force within a helmet, we conceptualize a fluid-based shock absorber system for use within a football helmet. We integrate this system within a computational helmet model and simulate its performance on the standard NFL helmet test impact conditions. The simulated helmet is compared with other helmet designs with different technologies. Computer simulations of head impacts with liquid shock absorption predict that, at the highest impact speed (9.3 m/s), the average brain tissue strain is reduced by 27.6% ± 9.3 compared to existing helmet padding when tested on the NFL helmet protocol. This simulation-based study puts forth a target benchmark for the future design of physical manifestations of this technology.
Transversely Isotropic Constitutive Model of the Polypropylene Separator Based on Rich–Hill Elastoplastic Constitutive Theory
Authors: Zhao Guicheng , Xi Huifeng , Yang Jinbiao
Published: November 2020

The polypropylene (PP) separator is a kind of transversely isotropic porous polymer film, and it is a key component of lithium-ion batteries. The mechanical properties of the separator affect the strength and security of lithium-ion batteries directly. However, the anisotropy behaviors of the separator remain unclear, which has led to inaccuracy of failure behaviors in lithium-ion battery. A large deformation elastic–plastic constitutive model of the PP separator was developed with the Rich–Hill large deformation elastoplastic constitutive theory. Besides, the hardening law of the PP separator was established according to the Hill yield criterion. The constitutive model accurately captured the anisotropy behaviors and the elastic–plastic process considering the large deformation of the separator. Numerical examples for model validation were presented and in good agreement with stress–strain data of tests up to the hardening stage.
Study of Different Dispensing Patterns of No-Flow Underfill Using Numerical and Experimental Methods
Authors: Nashrudin Muhammad Naqib , Abas Aizat , Abdullah M. Z. , Ali M. Yusuf Tura , Samsudin Z.
Published: November 2020

The conventional capillary underfill process has been a common practice in the industry, somehow the process is costly and time-consuming. Thus, no-flow underfill process is developed to increase the effective lead time production since it integrates the simultaneous reflow and cure of the solder interconnect and underfill. This paper investigates the effect of different dispense patterns of no-flow underfill process by mean of numerical and experimental method. Finite volume method (FVM) was used for the three-dimensional (3D) simulation to simulate the compression flow of the no-flow underfill. Experiments were carried out to complement the simulation validity and the results from both studies have reached a good agreement. The findings show that of all three types of dispense patterns, the combined shape dispense pattern shows better chip filling capability. The dot pattern has the highest velocity and pressure distribution with values of 0.0172 m/s and 813 Pa, respectively. The high-pressure region is concentrated at the center of the chip and decreases out toward the edge. Low in pressure and velocity flow factor somehow lead to issue associated with possibility of incomplete filling or void formation. Dot dispense pattern shows less void formation since it produces high-pressure underfill flow within the ball grid array (BGA). This paper provides reliable insight into the industry to choose the best dispense pattern of recently favorable no-flow underfill process.
Effect of Hydrogen Enrichment Strategy on Performance and Emission Features of Biodiesel-Biogas Dual Fuel Engine Using Simulation and Experimental Analyses
Authors: Verma Saket , Kumar Kuldeep , Das L. M. , Kaushik S. C.
Published: November 2020

In the present work, hydrogen enrichment in biogas is studied as a potential approach to improve the performance and emission features of a biodiesel-biogas dual fuel engine. A single-cylinder diesel engine is modified to operate in dual fuel mode using Jatropha curcas biodiesel as the pilot fuel and biogas as the main fuel. An electronic control unit is developed in-house to study 5−20% hydrogen enrichment in biogas using the timed manifold injection (TMI) technique. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics-based simulation methodology is presented for optimal selection of TMI parameters to ensure efficient and safe operation of the engine. Subsequently, the optimized injection conditions are used for the experimental evaluations, which are performed for performance and emission characteristics of the engine at low and high engine loads. Engine performance is analyzed based on energy and exergy analyses, whereas hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and smoke emissions are analyzed for emission characterization. The simulation results show that the injection angle and injection pressure influence in-cylinder mixture formation and hydrogen accumulation in the intake manifold. A combination of injection angle = 60 deg and injection pressure = 150 kPa offers good mixture formation. Experimental results show that at 20% hydrogen enrichment, exergy efficiencies of the dual fuel engine are increased from 8.4% to 10.1% at low load and 23.3% to 25.5% at high load. However, maximum reductions in HC and CO emissions of 35.6% and 50.0%, respectively, are calculated at low load.
Hydraulic Behavior in Cased and Open-Hole Sections in Highly Deviated Wellbores
Authors: Ytrehus Jan David , Lund Bjørnar , Taghipour Ali , Kosberg Birgitte Ruud , Carazza Luca , Gyland Knud Richard , Saasen Arild
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present results from flow loop experiments with an oil-based drilling fluid with micronized barite as weight materials. The use of micronized barite allows using lower viscosity drilling fluid, providing non-laminar flow, which is advantageous for particle transport in near-horizontal sections. While transition to turbulence and turbulent flow of non-Newtonian fluids has been well studied both theoretically and experimentally, there are very few published results on the effect of wellbore wall properties on flow regime transition and turbulence. This is relevant because horizontal sections are often open hole with less well-defined surfaces than a steel casing surface. We have conducted a series of flow experiments with and without cuttings size particles in a 10-m long annular test section using steel and concrete material to represent the wellbore wall of a cased and open-hole section. In both cases, the annulus was formed by a freely rotating steel pipe of 2” outer diameter inside a 4” diameter wellbore. Experiments were conducted at 48 deg, 60 deg, and 90 deg wellbore inclination from vertical. The two materials result in different hydraulic behaviors without particles with stronger turbulence when using concrete wellbore wall material than when using steel casing. While there is a negligible difference at low flowrates, at 0.8 m/s and below, there is an increasing difference as the flowrate increases and becomes transitional to turbulence. Hole cleaning is found to differ dependent on the wall material. However, the effect on hole cleaning is less clear than for the pressure loss.
Tidal locking and the gravitational fold catastrophe
Authors: Ferroglia Andrea , Fiolhais Miguel C. N.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this work is to study the phenomenon of tidal locking in a pedagogical framework by analyzing the effective gravitational potential of a two-body system with two spinning objects. It is shown that the effective potential of such a system is an example of a fold catastrophe. In fact, the existence of a local minimum and saddle point, corresponding to tidally locked circular orbits, is regulated by a single dimensionless control parameter that depends on the properties of the two bodies and on the total angular momentum of the system. The method described in this work results in compact expressions for the radius of the circular orbit and the tidally locked spin/orbital frequency. The limiting case in which one of the two orbiting objects is point-like is studied in detail. An analysis of the effective potential, which in this limit depends on only two parameters, allows one to clearly visualize the properties of the system. The notorious case of the Mars' moon Phobos is presented as an example of a satellite that is past the no return point and, therefore, will not reach a stable or unstable tidally locked orbit.
Complete and commented translation of Guillaume's 1896 paper on the temperature of space
Authors: Assis A. K. T. , Neves M. C. D.
Published: November 2020

Charles Édouard Guillaume (1861–1928) was a Swiss physicist who received the 1920 Nobel Prize in physics for his precision measurements and discovery of anomalies in nickel steel alloys. In this work, we present a complete and commented translation of his remarkable article of 1896 on the temperature of interstellar space. The importance of this work is that it is the oldest estimate known to us of the temperature acquired by a black body, which is in interstellar space far from other stars. This temperature was presumed to be due to an equilibrium state in which the radiation received by this body from the stars around it would be equal to the radiation emitted by the body. He arrived at a temperature of 5.6 K, regarding this figure as an upper limit on the effect he was seeking to estimate. In 1926, Arthur Eddington (1882–1944) arrived at a temperature of 3.18 K, utilizing essentially the same procedure but with better data.
On the virial theorem for a particle in a box: Accounting for Cauchy's boundary condition
Authors: Cabrera-Trujillo R. , Vendrell O.
Published: November 2020

Most introductory books on quantum mechanics discuss the particle-in-a-box problem through solutions of the Schrödinger equation, at least, in the one-dimensional case. When introducing the virial theorem, however, its discussion in the context of this simple model is not considered and students ponder the question of the validity of the virial theorem for a system with, apparently, no forces. In this work, we address this issue by solving the particle in a finite box and show that the virial theorem is fulfilled when the appropriate Cauchy boundary conditions are taken into account. We also illustrate how, in the limit of the infinite potential box, the virial theorem holds as well. As a consequence, it is possible to determine the averaged force exerted by the walls on the particle. Finally, a discussion of these results in the classical limit is provided.
A magnetic velocity Verlet method
Authors: Chambliss A. , Franklin J.
Published: November 2020

We discuss an extension of the velocity Verlet method that accurately approximates the kinetic-energy-conserving charged particle motion that comes from magnetic forcing. For a uniform magnetic field, the method is shown to conserve both particle kinetic energy and magnetic dipole moment better than midpoint Runge–Kutta. We then use the magnetic velocity Verlet method to generate trapped particle trajectories, both in a cylindrical magnetic mirror machine setup and for dipolar fields like the earth's magnetic field. Finally, the method is used to compute an example of (single) mirror motion in the presence of a magnetic monopole field, where the trajectory can be described in closed form.
Caspase-8–dependent gasdermin D cleavage promotes antimicrobial defense but confers susceptibility to TNF-induced lethality
Authors: Demarco Benjamin , Grayczyk James P. , Bjanes Elisabet , Le Roy Didier , Tonnus Wulf , Assenmacher Charles-Antoine , Radaelli Enrico , Fettrelet Timothée , Mack Vanessa , Linkermann Andreas , Roger Thierry , Brodsky Igor E. , Chen Kaiwen W. , Broz Petr
Published: November 2020

Caspase-8–dependent GSDMD activation promotes antibacterial defense; however, this pathway can also mediate TNF shock in vivo.
3D printed gradient index glass optics
Authors: Dylla-Spears Rebecca , Yee Timothy D. , Sasan Koroush , Nguyen Du T. , Dudukovic Nikola A. , Ortega Jason M. , Johnson Michael A. , Herrera Oscar D. , Ryerson Frederick J. , Wong Lana L.
Published: November 2020

Multimaterial 3D printing enables a novel approach to fabrication of glass optics with tailored refractive index gradients.
Persistently activated, proliferative memory autoreactive B cells promote inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kristyanto Hendy , Blomberg Nienke J. , Slot Linda M. , van der Voort Ellen I. H. , Kerkman Priscilla F. , Bakker Aleida , Burgers Leonie E. , ten Brinck Robin M. , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H. M. , Spits Hergen , Baeten Dominique L. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M. , Scherer Hans U.
Published: November 2020

Proliferative autoreactive B cells secreting proinflammatory cytokines are associated with early, untreated RA and persist in established disease.
Repurposing a neurodegenerative disease drug to treat Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant bacterial sepsis
Authors: De Oliveira David M. P. , Bohlmann Lisa , Conroy Trent , Jen Freda E.-C. , Everest-Dass Arun , Hansford Karl A. , Bolisetti Raghu , El-Deeb Ibrahim M. , Forde Brian M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Lacey Jake A. , Tan Aimee , Rivera-Hernandez Tania , Brouwer Stephan , Keller Nadia , Kidd Timothy J. , Cork Amanda J. , Bauer Michelle J. , Cook Gregory M. , Davies Mark R. , Beatson Scott A. , Paterson David L. , McEwan Alastair G. , Li Jian , Schembri Mark A. , Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Jennings Michael P. , McDevitt Christopher A. , von Itzstein Mark , Walker Mark J.
Published: November 2020

The hydroxyquinoline analog PBT2 breaks resistance to polymyxin class antibiotics in polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Long-term skin-resident memory T cells proliferate in situ and are involved in human graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Strobl Johanna , Pandey Ram Vinay , Krausgruber Thomas , Bayer Nadine , Kleissl Lisa , Reininger Bärbel , Vieyra-Garcia Pablo , Wolf Peter , Jentus Maaia-Margo , Mitterbauer Margit , Wohlfarth Philipp , Rabitsch Werner , Stingl Georg , Bock Christoph , Stary Georg
Published: November 2020

GVHD includes an autoinflammatory host-versus-graft component from recipient-derived skin-resident memory T cells.
Evaluation of Serological SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Assays for Rapid Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: Conklin Steven E. , Martin Kathryn , Manabe Yukari C. , Schmidt Haley A. , Miller Jernelle , Keruly Morgan , Klock Ethan , Kirby Charles S. , Baker Owen R. , Fernandez Reinaldo E. , Eby Yolanda J. , Hardick Justin , Shaw-Saliba Kathryn , Rothman Richard E. , Caturegli Patrizio P. , Redd Andrew D. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Bloch Evan M. , Larman H. Benjamin , Quinn Thomas C. , Clarke William , Laeyendecker Oliver
Published: November 2020

Rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific antibodies vary in performance. A critical need exists to perform head-to-head comparisons of these assays.
Electron-light interaction in nonequilibrium: exact diagonalization for time-dependent Hubbard Hamiltonians
Authors: Innerberger Michael , Worm Paul , Prauhart Paul , Kauch Anna
Published: November 2020

We present a straightforward implementation scheme for solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for systems described by the Hubbard Hamiltonian with time-dependent hoppings. The computations can be performed for clusters of up to 14 sites with, in principle, general geometry. For the time evolution, we use the exponential midpoint rule, where the exponentials are computed via a Krylov subspace method, which only uses matrix-vector multiplication. The presented implementation uses standard libraries for constructing sparse matrices and for linear algebra. Therefore, the approach is easy to use on both desktop computers and computational clusters. We apply the method to calculate time evolution of double occupation and nonequilibrium spectral function of a photo-excited Mott-insulator. The results show that not only the double occupation increases due to creation of electron-hole pairs but also the Mott gap becomes partially filled.
Propagation sets of holomorphic curves
Authors: Zheng Jianhua , Yan Qiming
Published: November 2020

We consider a problem of whether a property of holomorphic curves on a subset [Formula: see text] of the complex plane can be extended to the whole complex plane. In this paper, the property we consider is the uniqueness of holomorphic curves. We introduce the propagation set. Simply speaking, [Formula: see text] is a propagation set if linear relation of holomorphic curves on the part of preimage of hyperplanes contained in [Formula: see text] can be extended to the whole complex plane. If the holomorphic curves are of infinite order, we prove the existence of a propagation set which is the union of a sequence of disks. (In fact, the method applies to the case of finite order.) For a general case, the union of a sequence of annuli will be a propagation set. The classic five-value theorem and four-value theorem of Nevanlinna are established in such propagation sets.
A comparison of protocols for simulating hemorrhage in humans: step versus ramp lower body negative pressure
Authors: Rosenberg Alexander J. , Kay Victoria L. , Anderson Garen K. , Sprick Justin D. , Rickards Caroline A.
Published: November 2020

Ramp lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocols have been utilized to simulate the continuous nature of bleeding injuries. However, it unknown if tolerance or the physiological responses to ramp LBNP are similar to the more common stepwise LBNP protocol. We report similar tolerance between the two protocols, but the step protocol elicited a greater increase in cerebral oxygen extraction in the presence of reduced blood flow, presumably facilitating the matching of metabolic supply and demand.
Study on Properties of Heat-Resistant Hybrid Resin Containing Silicon and Composites
Authors: Xuan Lixin , Zhou Quan , Wang Zhiqiang , Su Tao
Published: November 2020

In recent years, one kind of novel hybrid polymer containing silicon has already been reported in the field of high-temperature resistance polymer. Gradually, it has been a research hotspot in the field of high-performance matrix resins because of excellent heat resistance and dielectric properties. The composite was prepared by M-aminophenylacetylene terminated polymethyldiphenylethynyl silane (MDPES-2) as a matrix and nonalkali glass cloth as reinforced material using a hot press process. The cure reaction of MDPES-2 was characterized. Meanwhile, heat resistance, mechanical properties, and dielectric properties of MDPES-2 composites were systematically studied in this paper. The results showed that flexural strength at room temperature is 321 MPa and flexural strength retention at 240°C was 98.3%. Flexural strength retention after thermal treatment at 500°C for 7 min was 84%. In addition,

ε

and dielectric dissipation factor (

tan
δ

) were 3.9 and

2.0
×

10

−
3

(10 GHz).
Changes in Peripheral Blood Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and IL-10 in Children with Kawasaki Disease from Different Age Groups Undergoing Intravenous Immunoglobulin: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Chun , Zhang Xuan , Shen Jia , Lu Xiaotong , Zhang Jian , Chen Sun
Published: November 2020

Immunoglobulin intravenous (IVIG) is widely used in mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, known as Kawasaki disease (KD). However, the patients’ inflammatory response during usage remains unclear. In the present study, the association between inflammatory response and lymphocyte count in children with KD from different ages was evaluated before and after IVIG. The medical records of 50 children with KD were retrospectively reviewed and divided into five groups according to age. As compared with the data from healthy children, the relative neutrophil count of all children with KD was increased, and that of lymphocytes was decreased. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was different among all groups and was higher in children aged ≥4 years, as compared with other groups. Following IVIG, the relative neutrophil and lymphocyte counts of all children with KD returned to normal levels. The altered levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes were found to be linearly correlated. The correlation coefficient in the five groups was 0.99, 0.87, 0.91, 0.97 and 0.99, from young to old, respectively (

p
<
0.01

). The age of children with KD was positively correlated with older age (

r
=
0.91

,

p
=
0.03

). In patients aged ≥4 years, the absolute CD19+ B cell count prior to IVIG increased, and that increase was linearly correlated with the decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10) following IVIG (

r
=
0.71

,

p
<
0.05

). The older the child’s age, the better the regulatory effect of IVIG on the KD child’s immune response and the recovery of immune equilibrium it achieved. In KD patients aged ≥4 years, the abnormally proliferating CD19+ B cells may be involved in the secretion of IL-10 to balance the humoral immunity. In such patients, the combination of the absolute CD19+ B cell count prior to IVIG and the decreased levels of IL-10 following IVIG may play a crucial role in evaluating the effect of IVIG in the inflammation.
Elucidating Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Daphnetin against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens
Authors: Liu Wenru , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: November 2020

In this research, the antibacterial activity and mechanism of daphnetin against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of daphnetin on P. fluorescens and S. putrefaciens was 0.16 and 0.08 mg·mL−1, respectively. The growth curve test also showed that daphnetin had a good antibacterial effect. The results of intracellular component leakage and cell viability analysis illustrated that daphnetin destroyed the morphology of the cell membrane. According to scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope observations, the treated bacterial cells displayed obvious morphological and ultrastructural changes in the cell membrane of the two tested strains, whichconfirmed daphnetin’s damage to the integrity of the cell membrane. The findings indicated that daphnetin mainly exerted its antibacterial effect by destroying the membrane and suggested that it had good potential to be as a natural food preservative.
Design Optimization of Concrete Aqueduct Structure considering Temperature Effects
Authors: Wang Liang-ze-nan , Su Chao
Published: November 2020

An aqueduct is a water conveyance structure that enables channel flow across canals, valleys, depressions, roads, and other structures. The optimal structural selection of the aqueduct is particularly important to ensure engineering quality and optimize project investment. To optimize the design of an aqueduct structure, this study established a mathematical model based on the three-dimensional finite element method that considers the temperature field and structural stress field coupling among its design parameters. The model was used to optimize and design the main wall thickness and tie spacings of the aqueduct structure. The Caohe aqueduct was considered as an example for the proposed design. The influences of temperature-induced stress on the reinforced concrete structure of the aqueduct in winter and summer were investigated based on the actual engineering conditions of the structure, and the corresponding structural optimization was obtained. The results showed that the optimized aqueduct can offset temperature and structural stresses, thus reducing the amount of material required. The maximum generated stress was also lower than that of the original design. Furthermore, this study is expected to provide guidance for similar engineering construction projects.
Preventive Effects of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Extract on Bone Metabolism In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Kim So Ah , Lee Ae Sin , Hur Haeng Jeon , Lee Sang Hee , Sung Mi Jeong
Published: November 2020

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and bone microarchitectural failure, leading to an enhanced risk of bone fractures. Chrysanthemum coronarium L. (CC) is a natural plant with powerful antioxidant activity. This study investigated the antiosteoporotic effects of CC extracts in in vitro cell cultures and in vivo bone loss animal models. CC stimulated osteoblast differentiation and mineralized bone formation by osteoblasts by increasing the expression of bone formation markers (alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator nuclear factor‐κB ligand ratio) in the murine preosteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1. Additionally, CC was found to inhibit osteoclast differentiation by downregulating bone resorption markers (tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, cathepsin K, dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein, and calcitonin receptor) in the murine macrophage‐like cell line RAW264.7. CC prevented ovariectomy‐induced bone loss, preserved trabecular microarchitecture, and improved serum bone turnover markers in an osteoporotic mouse model. These findings suggest that CC extract may be considered as a natural therapeutic or preventive agent for osteoporotic bone loss.
Fungal Infection among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Individuals in Nepal
Authors: Saud Bhuvan , Bajgain Prajuna , Paudel Govinda , Shrestha Vikram , Bajracharya Dipendra , Adhikari Saroj , Dhungana Gunaraj , Awasthi Mamata Sherpa
Published: November 2020

Background. Low immunity, comorbid clinical conditions, and metabolic disorders may be the underlying factors that determine the severity of infection. Diabetes increases the risk of infection and multiple organ damage. In Nepal, the actual burden of fungal infections has not been estimated or is in a limited progress. This study aimed to investigate the status of fungal infection in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Materials and Methods. A total of 670 samples were collected from 134 participants. From each participant, five samples were collected from different sites like an oral wash, toe swab, midstream urine, hair shaft, and nail scrapings. All samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Gram stain was used to observe yeast cells and lactophenol cotton blue stain was used for hyphae. Chlamydospore production by Candida species was observed in cornmeal agar medium by Dalmau Plate method. Candida species isolated were characterized by germ-tube test and differentiated using CHROM agar Candida medium. Candida species isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Results. Overall, 19.4% of the samples showed fungal growth. The prevalence of fungal infection was higher in diabetic (34.0%) than nondiabetic individuals (4.7%). Fungal growth was found to be higher in oral wash followed by toe, urine, hair, and nail samples. Predominant fungi were Candida species (57.5%), Aspergillus species (28.4%), and Trichophyton species (10.7%). Oral wash, toe, and urine samples in diabetics had a significantly higher fungal prevalence when compared between both groups,pvalue < 0.05. In Candida isolates, higher resistance was seen against fluconazole 36.8% and ketoconazole 28.9%, whereas other drugs showed low resistance. Conclusion. Diabetic participants are more susceptible to fungal infection than the nondiabetics. Overall, Candida species and Aspergillus species are highly predominant fungi. Candida species are highly resistant to fluconazole and ketoconazole.
Modified Four-Point Scleral Suture Fixation Technique for Repositioning a Dislocated Intraocular Lens in the Absence of Capsule Support
Authors: Wu Kaicheng , Fang Wangyi , Zong Yuan , Yu Jian , Xu Canqing , Jiang Chunhui , Tan Ye
Published: November 2020

Purpose. To study the efficacy of a modified four-point fixation technique for the repositioning of a dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) with four eyelets in the absence of capsule support. Methods. Four patients with dislocated four-eyelet hydrophilic acrylic IOLs (Akreos AO60) were enrolled. The modified technique combined four-point fixation with intrascleral sutures and suture burying. The technique minimized the limbus incision to 1 mm with no externalization of the IOL or its haptics. Follow-ups included routine ophthalmic examinations, corneal endothelial cell counts, and measurement of IOL tilt and decentration (measured using Pentacam® HR images). Results. The IOLs were successfully repositioned in all cases. After a mean follow-up period of 19.75 ± 7.85 months (range: 8 to 24 months), the patients’ best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA (LogMAR), before: 0.63 ± 0.36, after: 0.58 ± 0.43,

P
=
0.604

) and intraocular pressure (pre 13.35 ± 0.85 mmHg, post 14.80 ± 2.03 mmHg,

P
=
0.150

) remained unchanged. Corneal endothelium density decreased about 6.84 ± 2.97%. In all cases, the IOL was well positioned during the follow-up. At the final visit, the average IOL tilt was 1.36 ± 0.35° horizontally and 1.31 ± 0.14° vertically. The average IOL decentration was 0.23 ± 0.12 mm horizontally and 0.18 ± 0.13 mm vertically. Conclusions. With this modified technique, dislocated IOLs with four-eyelets could be treated safely with favorable outcomes.