bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐dose folic acid and its effect on early stage diabetic foot ulcer wound healing
Authors: Boykin Joseph V. , Hoke Glenn D. , Driscoll Cassandra R. , Dharmaraj Benita S.
Published: March 2020

High‐dose folic acid (HDFA; vitamin B9)—5 mg, given daily, has not been evaluated as a treatment to improve early stage‐diabetic foot ulcer (ES‐DFU) wound healing. However, HDFA has been demonstrated to correct: (a) endothelial dysfunction and decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, associated with type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); and (b) hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) that may promote impaired DFU‐wound healing. Measures of wound area (cm2) reduction (wound closure; WC), over a 4‐week period (4 W‐WC), greater than 50% of the wound area, have been reported as a robust indicator of the potential for DFU‐wound healing. By using this model, we examined the effectiveness of a wound treatment in promoting progressive healing and complete wound closure for the chronic, nonhealing DFU‐wound. To investigate this possible relationship between HDFA and ES‐DFU wound healing, a retrospective cohort study of medical records, between November 2018 and April 2019, was performed for Veterans with T2DM and ES‐DFUs following treatment with HDFA. During the study period 29 (n = 29) Veterans with ES‐DFU wounds who received HDFA treatment were identified. Medical record reviews of this retrospective cohort of ES‐DFU Veterans receiving HDFA report 90% (26/29) experiencing complete DFU‐wound closure during the study period. Of the 29 Veterans with ES‐DFUs receiving HDFA, the medical records of nine (30%), with healed wounds, provided documentation suitable for 4 W‐WC, pre‐ and post‐HDFA treatment study comparisons. This study documents significant (P < .05) improvements comparing 4 W‐WC values for standard treatment for Veterans with poorly progressing, worsening or stagnating ES‐DFU‐wounds to those for the same subjects following HDFA treatment. These observations suggest that chronic ES‐DFUs treated with HDFA may experience significantly improved wound closure and complete healing (re‐epithelialization) when compared with standard treatments without HDFA. With validation from RCTs, HDFA may be established as an effective treatment to promote wound healing and closure for nonhealing ES‐DFUs.
Strategic Planning Process Towards Sustainability: Collective Case Study Approach
Authors: Anbarasan Periyasami
Published: March 2020

The study developed a meta-framework for the strategic planning process, which is an inter-dynamic aspect of strategic processing. Furthermore, it follows multiple case study analysis, and panel data regression analysis conducted to validate the study, the limitations and future scope of the research discussed along with the result. The asset of an organization considered as an essential element in sustainable business practices, hence the three predictors taken from asset section of financial statements of case organizations and the results discussed such as cash and cash equivalent is an important factor for practicing sustainability.
10 Influential Women in Engineering
Authors: Sethi Chitra
Published: March 2020

There are many influential women—educators, innovators, leaders—who are not only breaking the stereotype but are also role models and mentors for the next generation of female engineers. This article spotlights 10 women engineers who are transforming the fields of bioengineering, energy, robotics, and manufacturing and paving the way for other women to follow.
Analysis Method of Compressor Stability Based on Eigenvalue Theory
Authors: Xu Dengke , He Chen , Sun Dakun , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

In order to analyze the flow stability of compressors rapidly in the design stage, a fast analysis method is developed in this paper. This method takes the base flow on each streamline at different spanwise locations as the research object and characterizes the effect of blade rows on the internal flow by establishing a body force model. Therefore, it is capable of taking the complex three-dimensional blade geometry and the abundant flow details into account, and what's more, it has a significantly high computational efficiency, which makes it available to engineering practice. Based on the eigenvalue theory, the flow stability problem is transformed into the eigenvalue problem, and the system stability is determined by the eigenvalue obtained by utilizing the singular value decomposition method. The flow stability of NASA Rotor 37 is analyzed to validate the reliability of the developed approach, and the results show that this analysis method is able to capture the process of stability deterioration with throttling and identify the blade tip region as the most unstable area. In order to further study the influence of blade geometry on compressor stability, a number of swept rotors are designed by modifying the stacking line of NASA Rotor 37. The assessment results via the developed method indicate that the forward sweep defined in this work can significantly improve the stability of the flow field in the tip region, while the backward sweep has the opposite effect.
An Approach to Improve Cutting Performance in Micromilling of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Liao Yunn-Shiuan , Li Tsung-Hsien , Liu Yi-Chen
Published: March 2020

Application of liquid carbon dioxide to improve cutting performance in micro-end milling of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy was proposed in this study. It was found that the machined roughness decreased with the cutting speed as observed in the conventional cutting, when a 0.5 mm diameter end milling cutter was used in dry cutting. But, the tiny and shattered chips produced by the use of 0.3 mm diameter cutter could adhere on the machined surface and deteriorate surface finish, if the cutting speed was higher than 40 m/min. Cutting temperature was effectively decreased by applying liquid carbon dioxide during micromilling, which in turn reduced the amount of chips adhering on the machined surface and lowered flank wear. The surface roughness Ra at a cutting speed of 70 m/min was improved from 0.09 μm under dry cutting to 0.04 μm under the liquid carbon dioxide assisted cutting condition. And there were no flank wear and very few burrs left on the machined surface for the condition used in the experiment. The height of the burrs was only 25% of that under dry cutting. More, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) was proposed to be applied together with the liquid carbon dioxide to enhance lubrication effect. It was noted that the machined surface roughness was further decreased by 15% as compared with that when the liquid carbon dioxide was applied alone. The height of burrs was reduced from 32 μm to 16 μm.
Improved Feasible-Set Method for Removing Mesh Inversion
Authors: Yamakawa Soji , Shimada Kenji
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a new computational method based on the feasible-set method (Berndt, Kucharik, and Shashkov, 2010, “Using the Feasible Set Method for Rezoning in ALE,” Procedia Comput., 1(1), pp. 1879–1886 and Vachal, Garimella, and Shashkov, 2004, “Untangling of 2D Meshes in ALE Simulations,” J. Comput. Phys., 196, pp. 627–644) for removing inverted elements in surface and volume meshes. The proposed method calculates a region for each node called a “feasible set” in which the node can reside without creating an inverted element. The node is then relocated within the region so that the number of inverted elements is reduced. Unlike the original feasible-set method, it is applicable to nonplanar surface meshes, volume meshes, and also has a step for recovering a feasible set when the set is empty. While various useful mesh optimization techniques have been proposed over several decades, many of them do not work well if the initial mesh has inverted elements. Additionally, some mesh optimizations create new inverted elements when the mesh topology is highly irregular. The goal of the proposed method is to remove mesh inversion without creating a new inverted element. The proposed method is useful for preconditioning for conventional smoothing techniques, which require that the initial mesh be inversion free. It is also useful for correcting inverted elements created by conventional smoothing techniques. The effectiveness of the improved method has been verified by applying it to the facet-repair and the boundary-layer generation problems.
Numerical Investigation of a Confined Laminar Jet Impingement Cooling of Heat Sources Using Nanofluids
Authors: Mookherjee Orkodip , Pramanik Shantanu , Kar Uttam Kumar
Published: March 2020

The thermal and fluid dynamic behavior of a confined two-dimensional steady laminar nanofluid jet impinging on a horizontal plate embedded with five discrete heating elements subjected to a constant surface heat flux has been studied for a range of Reynolds number (Re) from 100 to 400 with Prandtl number, Pr = 6.96, of the base fluid. Variation of inlet Reynolds number produces a significant change of the flow and heat transfer characteristics in the domain. Increasing the nanoparticle concentration (ϕ) from 0% to 4% exhibits discernible change in equivalent Re and Pr caused by the modification of dynamic viscosity, effective density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of the base fluid. Considerable improvement in heat transfer from the heaters is observed as the maximum temperature of the impingement wall is diminished from 0.95 to 0.55 by increasing Re from 100 to 400; however, the result of increasing ϕ on cooling of the heaters is less appreciable. Self-similar behavior has been depicted by cross-stream variation of temperature and streamwise heat flux in the developed region along the impingement wall up to Re = 300 for ϕ=0% to 4%. But the spread of the respective quantities shows strong dependence on ϕ at Re = 300 with sudden attenuation in magnitude in the developed region of flow. Substantial influence of Re is evident on Eckert number and pumping power. Eckert number decreases, whereas pumping power increases with an increase in Re, and the respective variations exhibit correspondence with power fit correlations.
A Reconsideration of the Log-Secant Model for Failure Pressure Prediction of Surface-Breaking Axial Cracks in Pipelines
Authors: Scott Colin
Published: March 2020

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the researchers of the NG-18 Committee at the Battelle Institute in Columbus Ohio completed a seminal study on the failure pressures of axial flaws in oil and gas pipelines. Key developments included the “ASME B31G” equations for assessment of blunt metal loss flaws, the log-secant model for sharp through-wall cracks, and the log-secant model for sharp surface-breaking cracks. These equations are well-established and feature in various industry standards, recommended practices, and federal regulatory requirements. This work is a reconsideration of the log-secant model for axial surface-breaking cracks. The original equations were derived based on a through-wall crack, for which the crack length is the driving force for crack extension. However, for a surface crack, the crack depth is the correct driving force for crack extension. This work rederives the log-secant model starting with an infinitely long surface crack, and then empirically corrects for a finite length. The result is a new failure pressure model of similar form to the original log-secant model, but with a few key differences. Preliminary validation work using the original NG-18 data shows promising results.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Subcooled Boiling Heat Transfer in a Small-Diameter Tube
Authors: Shibahara Makoto , Liu Qiusheng , Hata Koichi , Fukuda Katsuya
Published: March 2020

The boiling heat transfer for subcooled water flowing in a small-diameter tube was investigated experimentally and numerically. In the experiment, a platinum tube was used as an experimental tube (d = 1.0–2.0 mm) to conduct joule heating by direct current. The heat generation rate of the tube was controlled with an exponential function. The numerical simulation of boiling heat transfer for subcooled water flowing in the small-diameter tube was conducted using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, phoenics ver. 2013. The small-diameter tube was modeled in the simulation. As the boundary condition, the measured heat flux was given at the inner wall. The inlet temperature ranged from 302 to 312 K. The flow velocities of d = 1.0 mm and d = 2.0 mm were 9.29 m/s and 2.34 m/s, respectively. The three-dimensional analysis was carried out from non-boiling to the critical heat flux (CHF). Governing equations were discretized using the finite volume method in the phoenics. The semi-implicit method for pressure linked equation (SIMPLE) method was applied in the numerical simulation. For modeling boiling phenomena in the tube, the Eulerian–Eulerian two-fluid model was adopted using the interphase slip algorithm of phoenics. The surface temperature difference increased as the heat flux increased in the experiment. The numerical simulation predicted the experimental data well. When the heat flux of the experiment reached the CHF point, the predicted value of the heat transfer coefficient was approximately 3.5% lower than that of the experiment.
Dynamic Performance Investigation of Single-Effect NH3 + LiNO3 and NH3 + NaSCN Solar Cooling Cycles: A Case Study for Western Indian Climate
Authors: Modi Nishant , Pandya Bhargav , Kumar Vinay , Patel Jatin
Published: March 2020

This article compares the dynamic behavior of solar-assisted novel salt-based ammonia/sodium thiocyanate (NH3 + NaSCN) and ammonia/lithium nitrate (NH3 + LiNO3) single-effect absorption refrigeration cycles. An evacuated tube collector (ETC) is attached with fully mixed hot water storage tank to power the absorption system. Variations in ambient conditions are determined for Gujarat Region of India and their effects on absorption cycles are quantified throughout the days for the months of April to September. System performance is investigated and compared on terms of coefficient of performance (COP), refrigeration capacity, efficiency and solar COP (SCOP). At same operating conditions, it is found that the NH3 + LiNO3 cycle can achieve much lower evaporator temperature (−13.1 °C) then NH3 + NaSCN cycle (−7.5 °C) and maximum possible COP for NH3 + NaSCN cycle is 0.73 and 0.68 for NH3 + LiNO3 cycle. The working limit of NH3 + LiNO3 cycle is wide ranging and narrow for NH3 + NaSCN cycle due to high crystallization possibility. SCOP varies from 0.18 to 0.43 for NH3 + NaSCN cycle and 0.17 to 0.39 for NH3 + LiNO3 cycle over the period of 6 months. Based on these findings, the suitable working cycle is justified.
Havasi, M., Kheradmand, K., Mosallanejad, H. & Fathipour, Y. (2020) Life history traits and demographic parameters of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) treated with the Biomite®. Systematic & Applied Acarology, 25(1), 125–138.
Authors: Havasi Mohammadreza , Kheradmand Katayoon , Mosallanejad Hadi , Fathipour Yaghoub
Published: March 2020

Knowledge of the effects of pesticides on biological control agents is necessary for the successful implementation of integrated pest management programs. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the effects of Biomite®, a natural acaricide, on the life table parameters of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae), as one of the most important natural enemies of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The raw data were analyzed based on the two-sex life table theory. Biomite® concentrations LC10 and LC20 gradually and significantly reduced the longevity and total life span of both sexes, as well as total fecundity. Besides, concentration LC20 significantly reduced the gross reproductive rate (GRR) and the net reproductive rate (R0). However, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) were not significantly affected. Thereby, due to an unfavorable shortened in life history characters of N. californicus such as total life span, reproductive periods and biological parameters (such as R0 and GRR), as a consequence of Biomite® treatment, it can be concluded that this acaricide should not be used with N. californicus in integrated pest management programs.
Development of the Everyday Conversational Sentences in Noise test
Authors: Miles Kelly M. , Keidser Gitte , Freeston Katrina , Beechey Timothy , Best Virginia , Buchholz Jörg M.
Published: March 2020

To capture the demands of real-world listening, laboratory-based speech-in-noise tasks must better reflect the types of speech and environments listeners encounter in everyday life. This article reports the development of original sentence materials that were produced spontaneously with varying vocal efforts. These sentences were extracted from conversations between a talker pair (female/male) communicating in different realistic acoustic environments to elicit normal, raised and loud vocal efforts. In total, 384 sentences were extracted to provide four equivalent lists of 16 sentences at the three efforts for the two talkers. The sentences were presented to 32 young, normally hearing participants in stationary noise at five signal-to-noise ratios from −8 to 0 dB in 2 dB steps. Psychometric functions were fitted for each sentence, revealing an average 50% speech reception threshold (SRT50) of −5.2 dB, and an average slope of 17.2%/dB. Sentences were then level-normalised to adjust their individual SRT50 to the mean (−5.2 dB). The sentences may be combined with realistic background noise to provide an assessment method that better captures the perceptual demands of everyday communication.
A non-paraxial model for the audio sound behind a non-baffled parametric array loudspeaker
Authors: Zhong Jiaxin , Kirby Ray , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: March 2020

It has been reported that audible sounds can be heard behind a parametric array loudspeaker in free field, which cannot be predicted by existing models. A non-paraxial model is developed in this paper for the finite size and disk-shaped parametric source based on quasilinear approximation and disk scattering theory. The sounds on both front and back sides are calculated numerically and compared with the existing non-paraxial model for the parametric source installed in an infinitely large baffle. Both simulation and experiment results show that audible sound exists on the back side. The mechanism of the phenomenon is explored.
Binaural sensitivity and release from speech-on-speech masking in listeners with and without hearing loss
Authors: Baltzell Lucas S. , Swaminathan Jayaganesh , Cho Adrian Y. , Lavandier Mathieu , Best Virginia
Published: March 2020

Listeners with sensorineural hearing loss routinely experience less spatial release from masking (SRM) in speech mixtures than listeners with normal hearing. Hearing-impaired listeners have also been shown to have degraded temporal fine structure (TFS) sensitivity, a consequence of which is degraded access to interaural time differences (ITDs) contained in the TFS. Since these “binaural TFS” cues are critical for spatial hearing, it has been hypothesized that degraded binaural TFS sensitivity accounts for the limited SRM experienced by hearing-impaired listeners. In this study, speech stimuli were noise-vocoded using carriers that were systematically decorrelated across the left and right ears, thus simulating degraded binaural TFS sensitivity. Both (1) ITD sensitivity in quiet and (2) SRM in speech mixtures spatialized using ITDs (or binaural release from masking; BRM) were measured as a function of TFS interaural decorrelation in young normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. This allowed for the examination of the relationship between ITD sensitivity and BRM over a wide range of ITD thresholds. This paper found that, for a given ITD sensitivity, hearing-impaired listeners experienced less BRM than normal-hearing listeners, suggesting that binaural TFS sensitivity can account for only a modest portion of the BRM deficit in hearing-impaired listeners. However, substantial individual variability was observed.
Evolution makes a splash
Oceans
Nick Bentley, Dominic Crapuchettes, Ben Goldman, and Brian O'Neill
North Star Games, 2020.
Authors: Chuang Angela , Schwery Orlando
Published: March 2020

An underwater arms race drives a vibrant new game
Metacognition and Peer Learning Strategies as Predictors in Problem-Solving Performance in Microbiology
Authors: Ebomoyi Josephine Itota
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between learning strategies (LS) and problem solving (PS) in microbiology. Microbiology problems utilized for the study were from educational software known as “Interactive Multimedia Exercises” (IMMEX). Problem-solving performances measured included: the ability to solve, scores obtained and elapsed time. It was hypothesized that there would be a good correlation between students’ LS and PS. Since many factors besides learning strategies predict performance, alpha was set at 0.10. Participants (
N
= 65) solved two sets of microbiology problems “Microquest” (Mq), which focuses on microbial cellular processes and mode of action of antibiotics, and “Creeping crud” (Cc), which focuses on the cause, origin, and transmission of diseases. Participants also responded to the adapted Motivated Strategy Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) using a five-point Likert scale. Scores for LS were determined by averaging the item responses of participants. Regression analysis was used to determine significance, with Grade Point Average (GPA) as a control. Of the 65 participants 48 (73.8%) successfully solved Mq while 52 (80%) solved Cc. Metacognitive self-regulated strategy was significantly (
p
< 0.10) related to ability to solve Cc. Peer learning strategy showed a significant (
p
< 0.10) relationship with Cc scores. Time spent solving Cc was significantly more than time spent on Mq (
p
< 0.001). These findings emphasize the fact that metacognition and peer learning are positive predictors for problem solving and could potentially improve learning outcomes in microbiology. The implications for curriculum development are discussed.
A nationwide survey of psychological distress among Chinese people in the COVID-19 epidemic: implications and policy recommendations
Authors: Qiu Jianyin , Shen Bin , Zhao Min , Wang Zhen , Xie Bin , Xu Yifeng
Published: March 2020

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic emerged in Wuhan, China, spread nationwide and then onto half a dozen other countries between December 2019 and early 2020. The implementation of unprecedented strict quarantine measures in China has kept a large number of people in isolation and affected many aspects of people’s lives. It has also triggered a wide variety of psychological problems, such as panic disorder, anxiety and depression. This study is the first nationwide large-scale survey of psychological distress in the general population of China during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Prevention and management of osteoporotic fractures by non-physician health professionals: a systematic literature review to inform EULAR points to consider
Authors: Wilson Nicky , Hurkmans Emailie , Adams Jo , Bakkers Margot , Balážová Petra , Baxter Mark , Blavnsfeldt Anne-Birgitte , Briot Karine , Chiari Catharina , Cooper Cyrus , Dragoi Razvan , Gäbler Gabriele , Lems Willem , Mosor Erika , Pais Sandra , Simon Cornelia , Studenic Paul , Tilley Simon , de la Torre Jenny , Stamm Tanja A
Published: March 2020

Objective

To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) about the effect of non-pharmacological interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures.

Methods

Eight clinical questions based on two criteria guided the SLR: (1) adults≥50 years at high risk of osteoporotic fracture and (2) interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures. Interventions focused on diagnostic procedures to identify risk of falling, therapeutic approaches and implementation strategies. Outcomes included fractures, falls, risk of falling and change in bone mineral density. Systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials were preferentially selected. Data were synthesised using a qualitative descriptive approach.

Results

Of 15 917 records, 43 articles were included. Studies were clinically and methodologically diverse. We identified sufficient evidence that structured exercise, incorporating progressive resistance training delivered to people who had undergone hip fracture surgery, and multicomponent exercise, delivered to people at risk of primary fracture, reduced risk of falling. The effectiveness of multidisciplinary fracture liaison services in reducing refracture rate was confirmed. There was insufficient evidence found to support the effectiveness of nutrients and falls prevention programmes in this patient population.

Conclusion

Despite study heterogeneity, our SLR showed beneficial effects of some interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals and the positive impact of multidisciplinary team working and patient educational approaches to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures. These results informed a EULAR taskforce that developed points to consider for non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures.
Serum bilirubin and ischaemic stroke: a review of literature
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wu Danhong , Zhong Ping
Published: March 2020

Bilirubin, a product of heme metabolism, is the most potent endogenous antioxidant which increases in many oxidative stress conditions such as stroke. It has been widely known to exert neuroprotective effect on stroke through mechanisms involved in development, therefore, it can influence the occurrence and prognosis of ischaemic stroke (IS). In this review, studies were identified by a comprehensive search of Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Methodology Register) and Web of Science to examine the correlation between serum bilirubin levels and risks of developing IS as well as IS outcomes. Additional studies were identified by reviewing references and contacting authors.
Multi-scale foraging decisions made by woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in summer
Authors: McNeill E.P. , Thompson I.D. , Wiebe P.A. , Street G.M. , Shuter J. , Rodgers A.R. , Fryxell J.M.
Published: March 2020

Multi-scale selection patterns can be understood from two perspectives: coarse-scale patterns as the summation of fine-scale patterns (scaling-up), or as a hierarchy produced from multiple contributory factors with differential effects on organismal fitness (hierarchical). We examined woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou (Gmelin, 1788)) selection of foraging locations across two spatiotemporal scales to test whether selection patterns between them were consistent (scaling-up) or different (hierarchical) to determine which framework most accurately describes their foraging behaviour. Seven adult female woodland caribou were equipped with GPS telemetry radio collars outfitted with high-definition video cameras that recorded woodland caribou foraging choices throughout the summer. Fine-scale data from videos combined with direct measurements in the field along movement trajectories obtained from GPS fixes were used to estimate (i) feeding station selection and (ii) food patch selection. We estimated resource selection functions for each scale following a use–availability structure. Woodland caribou exhibited resource selection at both scales. Apart from selection for species of the lichen Cladina (Nyl.) Nyl. and patches associated with high abundance of Cladina, few patterns were consistent across both scales. Our study suggests that even at very fine scales, woodland caribou selection for foraging locations is hierarchical in nature.
An improved robot trajectory planning method considering torque saturation and modeling errors
Authors: Ding Yadong , Wang Yaoyao , Ju Feng , Chen Bai
Published: March 2020

Time-optimal trajectory planning algorithms have been widely adopted to minimize the motion time by exploiting the dynamics and joint allowable torques of a robotic manipulator. However, the actual joint torques may exceed the joint allowable torques because of modelling errors or disturbances in the control system. When the torque limit is added for actuator safety, the controller will have no margin to deal with modeling errors or disturbances, which may lead to large path tracking errors. An on-line trajectory time scaling method called path velocity controller can improve path tracking performance by modifying the path velocity when torque saturation occurs. However, the path velocity controller is based on a feedforward or computed torque controller, so the dynamic modelling errors will worsen the path tracking performance. In addition, the motion time may also be increased because the dynamic modelling errors could result in longer duration time of torque saturation. To further improve the path tracking performance of a path velocity controller, a path velocity controller with an on-line parameter estimate mechanism is proposed. The simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve a better path tracking performance and shorter motion time.
Tsallis holographic dark energy in fractal universe
Authors: Ghaffari S. , Sadri E. , Ziaie A. H.
Published: March 2020

We study the cosmological consequences of interacting Tsallis holographic dark energy model in the framework of the fractal universe in which the Hubble radius is considered as the IR cutoff. We derive the equation of state (EoS) parameter, deceleration parameter and the evolution equation for the Tsallis holographic dark energy density parameter. Our study shows that this model can describe the current accelerating universe in both non-interacting and interacting scenarios, and also a transition occurs from the deceleration phase to the accelerated phase at the late-time. Finally, we check the compatibility of free parameters of the model with the latest observational results by using the Pantheon supernovae data, eBOSS, 6df, BOSS DR12, CMB Planck 2015, Gamma-Ray Burst.
Smoke suppression performance of polyurethane composites containing microencapsulated melamine polyphosphate
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Kuan Chen-Feng , Kuan Hsu-Chiang , Yang Jia-Ming , Chiang Chin-Lung
Published: March 2020

A novel microencapsulated flame retardant containing melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and 4,4[Formula: see text]-oxydianiline-formaldehyde (OF) resin as a core–shell material was synthesized using in situ polymerization. The flame retardant was added to polyurethane (PU) to improve the fire suppression performance of resulting materials. Polyurethane was modified by silane, which was called as Si–PU and MPP was microencapsulated by OF resin, which was OFMPP. The results indicated that the smoke obscuration index (SOI) values of Si–PU, Si–PU/MPP 30% and Si–PU/OFMPP 30% were 6.59, 3.04 and 1.16, respectively, which indicated that the addition of flame retardants causes a significant downward trend in SOI values. The SOI value of Si–PU/OFMPP 30% was lower than that of Si–PU/MPP 30%, indicating that the microencapsulated OFMPP achieved smoke suppression.
iModel
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Menascé Daniel A.
Published: March 2020

Deriving analytic performance models requires detailed knowledge of the architecture and behavior of the computer system being modeled as well as modeling skills. This detailed knowledge may not be readily available (or it may be impractical to gather) given the dynamic nature of production computing environments. This article presents a framework, called
iModel
, for automatically deriving and parameterizing analytic performance models for multi-tiered computer systems. Analytic performance models consist of a workload model and a system model.
iModel
uses system logs and configuration files to generate a high-level characterization of the system; e.g., open queuing network (QN) model versus closed QN model. By harvesting more information from the system logs and configuration files,
iModel
generates a workload model by inferring user-system interaction patterns in the form of a Customer Behavior Model Graph (CBMG) and generates a system model by discovering system components and their interaction patterns in the form of a Client-Server Interaction Diagram (CSID).
iModel
includes a library of well-known single-queue and QN models and their solutions stored in an XML-based repository. The generated workload model and system model are compared to the model repository to determine which model in the repository best matches the system’s observable behavior and architecture. This article also presents a black-box optimization approach that is used to derive analytic model parameters by observing the input-output relationships of a real system. This optimization approach can be used in any computer system (multi-tier or not) that can be modeled by single queues or QNs. The important question is whether the automatically generated and parameterized performance model has predictive power, i.e., can the derived model predict the output values that would be observed in the real system for different values of the input? The results presented in this article demonstrate that the analytic performance models derived by
iModel
are relatively robust and have predictive power over a wide range of input values.
Neural control of blood pressure is altered following isolated leg heating in aged humans
Authors: Engelland Rachel E. , Hemingway Holden W. , Tomasco Olivia G. , Olivencia-Yurvati Albert H. , Romero Steven A.
Published: March 2020

There is a sustained reduction in arterial blood pressure that occurs in aged adults following exposure to acute leg heating. However, the neurovascular mechanisms mediating this response remain unknown. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that this reduction in arterial blood pressure is mediated, in part, by a sympathoinhibitory effect that alters the compensatory neural response to hypotension in aged adults.
Pulmonary hemodynamics and wave reflections in adults with atrial septal defects
Authors: Ting Chih-Tai , Chen Jaw-Wen , Chang Mau-Song , Yin Frank C.P.
Published: March 2020

Using high-fidelity micromanometers and flow velocity sensors at right heart catheterization, we compared pulmonary hemodynamics and wave reflections in age-matched normal adults and those with atrial septal defects, separated into three subgroups based on levels of mean pulmonary artery pressure: low (<17 mmHg), intermediate (17–26 mmHg), high (>26 mmHg). We made baseline measurements in all groups and after intravenous sodium nitroprusside in the subgroups. All of the subgroups had higher than normal baseline pulmonary flows and corresponding power that did not differ among the subgroups. The pulmonary vascular resistance, input resistance, and characteristic impedance in the subgroups did not differ from normal. Aside from the elevated flow and power, the hemodynamics in the low subgroup did not differ from normal. The intermediate subgroup had significantly higher than normal right ventricular and pulmonary artery pressures, wave reflections, and shorter wave reflection time, which all reverted to normal after nitroprusside. The high subgroup had similar changes as the intermediate subgroup. Unlike that subgroup, however, the pressures, wave reflections, and reflection return time did not revert to normal after nitroprusside. Hence, elevated wave reflections, but not resistance or characteristic impedance, are the hallmark of pulmonary hypertension in adults with atrial septal defects. Our results demonstrate that detailed measurements of hemodynamics and assessment of responsiveness to vasodilators provide important information about the pulmonary circulation in atrial septal defect. Coupled with studies after defect closure, those results may be a better foundation than current ones for clinical decisions.
Alternative diastolic function models of ventricular longitudinal filling velocity are mathematically identical
Authors: Bhagavan Druv , Padovano William M. , Kovács Sándor J.
Published: March 2020

The spatiotemporal features of normal in vivo cardiac motion are well established. Longitudinal velocity has become a focus of diastolic function (DF) characterization, particularly the tissue Doppler e′-wave, manifesting in early diastole when the left ventricle (LV) is a mechanical suction pump (dP/dV < 0). To characterize DF and elucidate mechanistic features, several models have been proposed and have been previously compared algebraically, numerically, and in their ability to fit physiological velocity data. We analyze two previously noncompared models of early rapid-filling lengthening velocity (Doppler e′-wave): parametrized diastolic filling (PDF) and force balance model (FBM). Our initial numerical experiments sampled FBM-generated e′( t) contours as input to determine PDF model predicted fit. The resulting exact numerical agreement [standard error of regression (SER) = 9.06 × 10−16] was not anticipated. Therefore, we analyzed all published FBM-generated e′( t) contours and observed identical agreement. We re-expressed FBM’s algebraic expressions for e′( t) and observed for the first time that model-based predictions for lengthening velocity by the FBM and the PDF model are mathematically identical: e′( t) = γe−α tsinh(β t), thereby providing exact algebraic relations between the three PDF parameters and the six FBM parameters. Previous pioneering experiments have independently established the unique determinants of e′( t) to be LV relaxation, restoring forces (stiffness), and load. In light of the exact intermodel agreement, we conclude that the three PDF parameters, relaxation, stiffness (restoring forces), and load, are unique determinants of DF and e′( t). Thus, we show that only the PDF formalism can compute the three unique, independent, physiological determinants of long-axis LV myocardial velocity from e′( t).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that two separate, independently derived physiological (kinematic) models predict mathematically identical expressions for LV-lengthening velocity (Doppler e′-wave), indicating that damped harmonic oscillatory motion is a physiologically accurate model of diastolic function. Although both models predict the same “overdamped” velocity contour, only one model solves the “inverse problem” and generates unique, lumped parameters of relaxation, stiffness (restoring force), and load from the e′-wave.
PKCδ causes sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Joseph Leroy C. , Reyes Michael V. , Lakkadi Kundanika R. , Gowen Blake H. , Hasko Gyorgy , Drosatos Konstantinos , Morrow John P.
Published: March 2020

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is associated with increased patient mortality. At present, there are no specific therapies for SIC. Previous studies have reported increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction during SIC. However, a unifying mechanism remains to be defined. We hypothesized that PKCδ is required for abnormal calcium handling and cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction during sepsis and that genetic deletion of PKCδ would be protective. Polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery decreased the ejection fraction of wild-type (WT) mice but not PKCδ knockout (KO) mice. Similarly, WT cardiomyocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) demonstrated decreases in contractility and calcium transient amplitude that were not observed in PKCδ KO cardiomyocytes. LPS treatment decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium stores in WT cardiomyocytes, which correlated with increased ryanodine receptor-2 oxidation in WT hearts but not PKCδ KO hearts after sepsis. LPS exposure increased mitochondrial ROS and decreased mitochondrial inner membrane potential in WT cardiomyocytes. This corresponded to morphologic changes consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction such as decreased overall size and cristae disorganization. Increased cellular ROS and changes in mitochondrial morphology were not observed in PKCδ KO cardiomyocytes. These data show that PKCδ is required in the pathophysiology of SIC by generating ROS and promoting mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, PKCδ is a potential target for cardiac protection during sepsis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sepsis is often complicated by cardiac dysfunction, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Our work shows that the protein PKCδ is required for decreased cardiac contractility during sepsis. Mice with deletion of PKCδ are protected from cardiac dysfunction after sepsis. PKCδ causes mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac myocytes, and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress improves contractility in wild-type cardiomyocytes. Thus, PKCδ is a potential target for cardiac protection during sepsis.
Characterizing the Evolution of Trapped scCO2 Curvature in Bentheimer and Nugget Sandstone Pore Geometry
Authors: Dalton Laura E. , Crandall Dustin , Goodman Angela
Published: March 2020

During a Geologic Carbon Storage process, supercritical CO2 (scCO2) is subjected to a series of dynamic and static conditions where the relationship between pore geometry and the trapped scCO2 curvature remains to be established. To mimic the dynamic process, two sandstones, Bentheimer and Nugget, were subjected to two successive drainage and imbibition (D-I) cycles and X-ray computed tomography scanned at each residual state to capture the wettability evolution at static conditions in the same pore geometry. Both sandstones contain similar grain size distributions, pore size distributions, and pore interconnectivity but differ in that the Nugget formation contains approximately half the porosity of the Bentheimer sandstone, and the pore network contains dead-end pores. scCO2 size distributions, strain calculations, and geometric contact angle measurements were used to characterize the curvature of scCO2 in different pore types between cycles. An increase in geometric contact angle was the greatest when advancement along the pore network of the same ganglion occurred between cycles while strain increased the most with pore-filling trapping. Moreover, Nugget sandstone results in a greater aggregated residual saturation and shows a clear increase in scCO2 sizes with an additional D-I cycle while scCO2 in the Bentheimer core shows a more complex response with some ganglion increasing and some decreasing in size with an additional D-I cycle. From this work, we suspect the pore geometry is playing a role in scCO2 size distributions and use this information to suggest using water pulses to enhance trapping capacity in lower porosity sandstones.
Inflammatory Markers in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Rudnicka E. , Kunicki M. , Suchta K. , Machura P. , Grymowicz M. , Smolarczyk R.
Published: March 2020

Several studies have reported the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and low‐grade chronic inflammation to be of uncertain cause: obesity, insulin resistance, or PCOS itself. The aim of the study was to investigate the WBC (white blood cell) count and CRP (C‐reactive protein) concentration in women with PCOS and to determine the factors that affect their concentration. The study included 200 women aged 18‐40 with PCOS and 105 healthy women as the control group, recruited in the Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology of Medical University in Warsaw from 2016 to 2018. Each patient underwent clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic assessments. WBC and CRP were significantly higher in the PCOS group (Z = −2,353, p = 0,019 and Z = −2,453, p = 0,014). WBC positively correlated with serum insulin at 0, 60, and 120 min during the oral glucose tolerance test (INS0: r = 0,221, p = 0,001; INS1: r = 0,194, p = 0,003; INS2: r = 0,022, p = 0,001), testosterone (r = 0,130, p = 0,046), androstenedione (r = 0,212, p = 0,001), and DHEAS (r = 0,178, p = 0,006) and negatively correlated with progesterone (r = −0,204, p = 0,002), estradiol (r = −0,140, p = 0,032), and SHBG (r = −0,308, p < 0,001). CRP positively correlated with insulin concentration in 0, 60, and 120 min during the oral glucose tolerance test (INS0: r = 0,343, p < 0,001; INS1: r = 0,276, p = 0,001; INS2: r = 0,320, p < 001) and negatively correlated with progesterone (r = −0,194, p = 0,030) and SHBG (‐0,244, p = 0,005). We also estimated positive correlation between BMI and serum CRP and WBC concentration. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CRP values are positively associated with BMI (beta = 0,374, p < 0,001) and insulin level (INS1) (beta = 0,282, p = 0,004); and WBC results are negatively associated with SHGB (beta = −0,284, p < 0,001) but positively associated with testosterone (beta = 0,163, p = 0,024) and BMI (beta = 0,157, p = 0,047). PCOS is associated with increased WBC and CRP concentrations. The main predicting factors of increased CRP are BMI and insulin resistance, but there is also a relationship between WBC count in PCOS and androgen concentration itself so that inflammation may be mediated not only through adiposity but also through increased androgen concentration.
Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma after Second Progression and the Role of Trifluridine-Tipiracil (TAS-102) in Switzerland
Authors: Siebenhüner Alexander , De Dosso Sara , Meisel Alexander , Wagner Anna Dorothea , Borner Markus
Published: March 2020

Background: Metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. After tumor progression with first- and second-line treatment, trifluridine (FTD) and tipiracil (TPI) has been shown to be a treatment option. Summary: Data from a pivotal phase 3 trial (RECOURSE) and an ongoing phase 3b trial (PRECONNECT) have shown that, in mCRC patients who experienced disease progression after 2 lines of standard therapy, treatment with FTD/TPI is safe and efficacious. Other third-line options include regorafenib, rechallenge with previous treatment lines or personalized approaches based on comprehensive molecular profiling. Randomized trials or sequential studies aiming for the right treatment sequence or predefined subtypes for FTD/TPI or regorafenib as well for rechallenge are missing. However, FTD/TPI as well as regorafenib are recommended by the current ESMO, German S3, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines in the same situation, thus offering physicians a number of alternatives for the treatment of mCRC patients after the second progression. Key Message: This narrative review summarizes published data and their impact for FTD/TPI as well for regorafenib and rechallenge chemotherapy in clinical practice settings of refractory situations of colorectal cancer.
A deep learning based technique for plagiarism detection: a comparative study
Authors: El Mostafa Hambi , Benabbou Faouzia
Published: March 2020

The ease of access to the various resources on the web-enabled the democratization of access to information but at the same time allowed the appearance of enormous plagiarism problems. Many techniques of plagiarism were identified in the literature, but the plagiarism of idea steels the foremost troublesome to detect, because it uses different text manipulation at the same time. Indeed, a few strategies have been proposed to perform semantic plagiarism detection, but they are still numerous challenges to overcome. Unlike the existing states of the art, the purpose of this study is to give an overview of different propositions for plagiarism detection based on the deep learning algorithms. The main goal of these approaches is to provide a high quality of worlds or sentences vector representation. In this paper, we propose a comparative study based on a set of criterions like: Vector representation method, Level Treatment, Similarity Method and Dataset. One result of this study is that most of researches are based on world granularity and use the word2vec method for word vector representation, which sometimes is not suitable to keep the meaning of the whole sentences. Each technique has strengths and weaknesses; however, none is quite mature for semantic plagiarism detection.