bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Red Blood Cell Properties and Platelet Function during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Lansink-Hartgring Annemieke Oude , Hoffmann Roland , van den Bergh Walter , de Vries Adrianus
Published: April 2020

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with frequent hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. The multiple effects of ECMO include inflammatory response on contact with the circuit; hemolysis acquired von Willebrand syndrome likely affects the function of red blood cells (RBC) and platelets. The aim of this prospective observational study was to analyze RBC aggregation and elongation (deformability) and platelet aggregation in the first week of ECMO. Sixteen patients were included. Blood samples were taken prior to initiation of ECMO and on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. RBC aggregation and elongation were analyzed using the laser-assisted optical rotational red cell analyzer (Lorrca). Upstroke, top, and amplitude as indices of aggregation showed significant time effects. RBC elongation was not affected at low shear stress. At high shear stress there was an increase in the elongation index at day 2 (p = 0.004), followed by a decrease. Platelet function was analyzed using multiple electrode aggregometry (Multiplate®). In pairwise comparison in the days 1–7 to the value prior to ECMO there was no significant difference in platelet aggregation by any of the three agonists (ADP p = 0.61; TRAP p = 0.77; Ristocetin p = 0.25). This implies that the rheology of RBCs seemed to be more affected by ECMO than platelets. Especially the red blood cell deformability continues to decline at higher shear stress.
Increased Risk of Chronic Periodontitis in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using a National Health-Screening Cohort
Authors: Byun Soo Hwan , Min Chanyang , Park Il Seok , Kim Heejin , Kim Sung Kyun , Park Bum Jung , Choi Hyo Geun , Hong Seok Jin
Published: April 2020

This study compared the risk of chronic periodontitis (CP) between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and non-chronic rhinosinusitis (control) patients using a national cohort dataset from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. CRS (n = 5951) and control participants (n = 23,804) were selected after 1:4 ratio matching for age, sex, income, region of residence, and preoperative CP visits. Postoperative CP visits were measured between 2002 and 2015. The margin of equivalence of the difference between the CRS and control groups was set between −0.5 and 0.5. Statistical significance was noted in the post-index date (ID) of the third, fourth, and fifth year periods. In subgroup analyses according to age and sex, statistical significance was observed in 40–59-year-old males in post-ID third, fourth, and fifth year periods, ≥60-year-old males in post-ID third and fourth year periods, and ≥60-year-old females in post-ID fifth year period (p < 0.05, each). In another subgroup analysis based on the number of pre-ID CP visits, statistical significance was observed for pre-ID CP (0 time) in the third, fourth, and fifth year periods (p < 0.05, each). This study revealed that CRS participants were likely to receive CP diagnosis and treatment.
Both Human Hematoma Punctured from Pelvic Fractures and Serum Increase Muscle Resident Stem Cells Response to BMP9: A Multivariate Statistical Approach
Authors: Alinejad Yasaman , Lauzon Marc-Antoine , Grenier Guillaume , Balg Frédéric , Faucheux Nathalie
Published: April 2020

Hematoma and skeletal muscles play a crucial role in bone fracture healing. The muscle resident mesenchymal stromal cells (mrSCs) can promote bone formation by differentiating into osteoblasts upon treatment by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), such as BMP9. However, the influence of hematoma fracture extracts (Hema) on human mrSC (hmrSC) response to BMP9 is still unknown. We therefore determined the influence of Hema, human healthy serum (HH), and fetal bovine serum (FBS, control) on BMP9-induced osteoblast commitment of hmrSC by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity. Multiplex assays of 90 cytokines were performed to characterize HH and Hema composition and allow their classification by a multivariate statistical approach depending on their expression levels. We confirmed that BMP9 had a greater effect on osteoblastic differentiation of hmrSCs than BMP2 in presence of FBS. The hmrSCs response to BMP9 was enhanced by both Hema and HH, even though several cytokines were upregulated (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, VEGF-A and osteopontin), downregulated (BMP9, PDGF) or similar (TNF-alpha) in Hema compared with HH. Thus, hematoma may potentiate BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of hmrSCs during bone fracture healing. The multivariate statistical analyses will help to identify the cytokines involved in such phenomenon leading to normal or pathological bone healing.
Could Inflammatory Indices and Metabolic Syndrome Predict the Risk of Cancer Development? Analysis from the Bagnacavallo Population Study
Authors: Rimini Margherita , Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Ravaioli Alessandra , Rovesti Giulia , Conti Fabio , Borghi Alberto , Dall’Aglio Anna , Bedogni Giorgio , Domenicali Marco , Giacomoni Pierluigi , Tiribelli Claudio , Bucchi Lauro , Falcini Fabio , Foschi Francesco ,   Bagnacavallo Study Group
Published: April 2020

Background: Despite the robust data available on inflammatory indices (neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII)) and clinical outcome in oncological patients, their utility as a predictor of cancer incidence in the general population has not been reported in literature. Methods: The Bagnacavallo study was performed between October 2005 and March 2009. All citizens of Bagnacavallo (Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) aged 30–60 years as of January 2005 were eligible and were invited by written letter to participate to the study. All participants underwent a detailed clinical history and physical examination following the model of the Dionysos Study. All blood values included in the analysis were obtained the day of physical examination. Cancer incidence data were obtained from the population-based Romagna Cancer Registry, which operates according to standard methods. The aim of this analysis was to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and baseline SII, NLR, and PLR levels, and the diagnosis of an invasive cancer in the Bagnacavallo study cohort. Results: At univariate analysis, metabolic syndrome was not associated with an increase of cancer incidence (HR 1.30; p = 0.155). High glucose (HR 1.49; p = 0.0.16), NLR HR 1.54, p = 0.002), PLR (HR 1.58, p = 0.001), and SII (HR 1.47, p = 0.006) were associated with an increase of cancer incidence. After adjusting for clinical covariates (smoking, physical activity, education, age, and gender) SII, PLR, and NLR remained independent prognostic factors for the prediction of cancer incidence. Conclusions: Inflammatory indices are promising, easy to perform, and inexpensive tools for identifying patients with higher risk of cancer in cancer-free population.
Protein S for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients Waiting for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hung Hao-Chien , Lee Jin-Chiao , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Wang Yu-Chao , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Chan Kun-Ming , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: April 2020

Portal vein thrombus (PVT) is a challenge in liver transplantation. How PVT develops in cirrhotic patients who already have coagulopathy is unclear. This study aimed to investigate possible contributing factors to PVT in cirrhotic patients. A total of 349 cirrhotic patients who waited liver transplantation were included in this study and 48 of them had PVT. For all the patients, the mean age was 53.5 ± 9.0 year old, and 75.9% of the patients were male. There were 233 (66.8%) patients who had either hepatitis B or C. The mean Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 16.4 ± 7.5. Eighteen of 48 patients with PVT and 145 of 301 patients without PVT received liver transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed that low protein S level (hazard ratio = 2.46, p = 0.017) was the only independent risk factor for PVT development. Protein S deficiency also demonstrated prognostic value on short-term survival, not only for cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation (69.9% versus 84.1% at 1 year survival, p = 0.012), but also for the patients having liver transplantation (70.4% versus 84.8% at 1 year survival, p = 0.047). In conclusion, protein S level was an independent risk factor for PVT development in decompensated cirrhotic patients, and protein S deficiency was also a prognostic factor for the patients waiting for liver transplantation.
Pragmatic Sensory Screening in Anorexia Nervosa and Associations with Autistic Traits
Authors: Kinnaird Emma , Dandil Yasemin , Li Zhuo , Smith Katherine , Pimblett Caroline , Agbalaya Rafiu , Stewart Catherine , Tchanturia Kate
Published: April 2020

Background: Research suggests that people with anorexia nervosa (AN) experience subjective hypersensitivity to external sensations that may require consideration in treatment. These difficulties may be particularly pronounced in people with AN and high autistic traits. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of a brief screening tool to assess sensory sensitivity in individuals receiving treatment for AN, and to assess if self-rated sensitivity in AN is related to autistic traits. Methods: 47 individuals receiving treatment for AN completed a brief sensory screening tool and self-rated their autistic traits. Individuals were also asked to give qualitative feedback on the screening tool. Results: People with AN and high autistic traits rated themselves as more hypersensitive compared to people with AN and low autistic traits. Feedback surrounding the use of the screener was positive. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the use of this screener may be beneficial in eating disorder settings to help adjust and calibrate treatment to personal needs, although further research and psychometric evaluation around the clinical use of the screener is required. The finding that people with AN and high autistic traits may experience elevated hypersensitivity also warrants further exploration in future research.
Classification of Compressed Remote Sensing Multispectral Images via Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Giannopoulos Michalis , Aidini Anastasia , Pentari Anastasia , Fotiadou Konstantina , Tsakalides Panagiotis
Published: April 2020

Multispectral sensors constitute a core Earth observation image technology generating massive high-dimensional observations. To address the communication and storage constraints of remote sensing platforms, lossy data compression becomes necessary, but it unavoidably introduces unwanted artifacts. In this work, we consider the encoding of multispectral observations into high-order tensor structures which can naturally capture multi-dimensional dependencies and correlations, and we propose a resource-efficient compression scheme based on quantized low-rank tensor completion. The proposed method is also applicable to the case of missing observations due to environmental conditions, such as cloud cover. To quantify the performance of compression, we consider both typical image quality metrics as well as the impact on state-of-the-art deep learning-based land-cover classification schemes. Experimental analysis on observations from the ESA Sentinel-2 satellite reveals that even minimal compression can have negative effects on classification performance which can be efficiently addressed by our proposed recovery scheme.
Characterization of Extreme Wave Conditions for Wave Energy Converter Design and Project Risk Assessment
Authors: Neary Vincent S. , Ahn Seongho , Seng Bibiana E. , Allahdadi Mohammad Nabi , Wang Taiping , Yang Zhaoqing , He Ruoying
Published: April 2020

Best practices and international standards for determining n-year return period extreme wave (sea states) conditions allow wave energy converter designers and project developers the option to apply simple univariate or more complex bivariate extreme value analysis methods. The present study compares extreme sea state estimates derived from univariate and bivariate methods and investigates the performance of spectral wave models for predicting extreme sea states at buoy locations within several regional wave climates along the US East and West Coasts. Two common third-generation spectral wave models are evaluated, a WAVEWATCH III® model with a grid resolution of 4 arc-minutes (6–7 km), and a Simulating WAves Nearshore model, with a coastal resolution of 200–300 m. Both models are used to generate multi-year hindcasts, from which extreme sea state statistics used for wave conditions characterization can be derived and compared to those based on in-situ observations at National Data Buoy Center stations. Comparison of results using different univariate and bivariate methods from the same data source indicates reasonable agreement on average. Discrepancies are predominantly random. Large discrepancies are common and increase with return period. There is a systematic underbias for extreme significant wave heights derived from model hindcasts compared to those derived from buoy measurements. This underbias is dependent on model spatial resolution. However, simple linear corrections can effectively compensate for this bias. A similar approach is not possible for correcting model-derived environmental contours, but other methods, e.g., machine learning, should be explored.
Stormtools Design Elevation (SDE) Maps: Including Impact of Sea Level Rise
Authors: Spaulding Malcolm L. , Grilli Annette , Damon Chris , Hashemi Reza , Kouhi Soroush , Fugate Grover
Published: April 2020

Many coastal communities in the US use base flood elevation (BFE) maps for the 100-year return period, specified on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), to design structures and infrastructure. The FIRMs are increasingly known to have serious problems in accurately specifying the risk coastal communities face, as most recently evidenced during hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017 and Florence and Michael in 2018. The FIRM BFE maps also do not include the impact of sea level rise, which clearly needs to be considered in the design of coastal structures over the next several decades given recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sea level rise (SLR) projections. Here, we generate alternative BFE maps (STORMTOOLS Design Elevation (SDE) maps) for coastal waters of Rhode Island (RI) using surge predictions from tropical and extratropical storms of the coupled surge-wave models from the US Army Corp of Engineers, North Atlantic Comprehensive Coast Study (NACCS). Wave predictions are based on application of a steady state, spectral wave model (STWAVE), while impacts of coastal erosion/accretion and changes of geomorphology are modeled using XBeach. The high-resolution application of XBeach to the southern RI shoreline has dramatically increased the ability to represent the details of dune erosion and overtopping and the associated development of surge channels and over-wash fans and the resulting landward impact on inundation and waves. All methods used were consistent with FEMA guidelines for the study area and used FEMA-approved models. Maps were generated for 0, 2 ft (0.6 m), 5 ft (1.5 m), 7 ft (2.1 m), and 10 ft (3.1 m) of sea level rise, reflecting NOAA high estimates at various times for the study area through 2100. Results of the simulations are shown for both the southern RI shoreline (South Coast) and Narragansett Bay, to facilitate communication of projected BFEs to the general public. The maps are hosted on the STORMTOOLS ESRI Hub to facilitate access to the data. They are also now part of the RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) risk-based permitting system. The user interface allows access to all supporting data including grade elevation, inundation depth, and wave crest heights as well as corresponding FEMA FIRM BFEs and associated zones.
RETRACTED: Qian et al. Efficacy of Chelerythrine against Mono- and Dual-Species Biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus and Its Properties of Inducing Hypha-to-Yeast Transition of C. albicans. J. Fungi 2020, 6, 45
Authors: Editorial Office Journal
Published: April 2020

We have been made aware that the Figure 2 of the title paper [...]
Impact Analysis of Financial Regulation on Multi-Asset Markets Using Artificial Market Simulations
Authors: Hirano Masanori , Izumi Kiyoshi , Shimada Takashi , Matsushima Hiroyasu , Sakaji Hiroki
Published: April 2020

In this study, we assessed the impact of capital adequacy ratio (CAR) regulation in the Basel regulatory framework. This regulation was established to make the banking network robust. However, a previous work argued that CAR regulation has a destabilization effect on financial markets. To assess impacts such as destabilizing effects, we conducted simulations of an artificial market, one of the computer simulations imitating real financial markets. In the simulation, we proposed and used a new model with continuous double auction markets, stylized trading agents, and two kinds of portfolio trading agents. Both portfolio trading agents had trading strategies incorporating Markowitz’s portfolio optimization. Additionally, one type of portfolio trading agent was under regulation. From the simulations, we found that portfolio optimization as each trader’s strategy stabilizes markets, and CAR regulation destabilizes markets in various aspects. These results show that CAR regulation can have negative effects on asset markets. As future work, we should confirm these effects empirically and consider how to balance between both positive and negative aspects of CAR regulation.
The Need for Shari’ah-Compliant Awqāf Banks
Authors: Gabil Hanan , Bensaid Benaouda , Tayachi Tahar , Jamaldeen Faleel
Published: April 2020

Bridging global economic inequalities calls for effective financial alternatives such as awqāf banks to better attend to the needs of the poor and underprivileged. This is expected to address the root causes of poverty and ensuing economic gaps, improving much of the living standards whether pertaining to education, health, shelter, employment or basic social services while reducing the state’s economic and financial burden. We envision awqāf banks as institutions which are established through cash awqāf and which operate multiple awqāf funds alongside an assortment of financial instruments. The main use of their awqāf funds are the issue of low-cost credit to the poor, economically disadvantaged and underprivileged, instead of focusing solely on generating and maximizing shareholder profits. This is to support the economy through of steady and sustainable growth, effectively raising the lower bar on per capita income and lifting multitudes out of poverty and need. This paper explores how low-cost credit can be provided to the poor or lower income demographics through awqāf banks, while addressing relevant issues such as Shari’ah compliance, services rendering, investment and awqāf distribution. This paper also examines current studies on awqāf in relation to finance and banking, the basic functions, and characteristics of the Shari’ah-compliant awqāf bank, as well as evaluations of awqāf banks. Current studies show that there is a legitimate need for Shari’ah-compliant awqāf banks which not only providing services for its beneficiaries but also manage investments and awqāf funds that contribute to overall national development and economic growth. This study would be of high relevance to experts, practitioners, financial managers, regulators, and policy makers in the fields of awqāf, banking and finance.
Farming System Transformation Impacts on Landscape: A Case Study on Quality Wine Production in a Highly Contested Agricultural Landscape
Authors: Vlahos George
Published: April 2020

This paper is an attempt to synthesize the conclusions of a series of consecutive research projects along a common thread. It focuses on the landscape impacts of a gradual transformation undergone by a low input and bulk wine producing system into a quality wine system. This transformation took place on the island of Santorini, in Cyclades, Greece, during the last four decades in a highly contested landscape. A polarization in the power game has been identified, with two poles having different priorities and perceptions about the two issues at stake: agricultural landscape and wine quality. In the course of this process, both synergistic and antagonistic transition dynamics are encountered, transforming significantly the balance of driving forces. Our analysis suggests that market forces influenced landscape change to a far greater degree than policy measures implemented on the island. Developments in the international markets for tourism and quality wine have played a crucial role in land use change and farming intensity. Public intervention in the form of both regulatory land use planning policy and incentive measures like Rural Development Policy, including an agri-environmental measure, targeted to the vineyards of Santorini, did not seem to have an equally important impact. Integration of landscape maintenance practices within the wine quality regime could create beneficial synergies.
Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Contents along a Gradient of Agricultural Intensity in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Authors: Livsey John , Alavaisha Edmond , Tumbo Madaka , Lyon Steve W. , Canale Antonio , Cecotti Michele , Lindborg Regina , Manzoni Stefano
Published: April 2020

The preservation of soils which provide many important services to society is a pressing global issue. This is particularly the case in countries like Tanzania, which will experience rapid population growth over coming decades. The country is also currently experiencing rapid land-use change and increasing intensification of its agricultural systems to ensure sufficient food production. However, little is known regarding what the long term effects of this land use change will be, especially concerning soil quality. Therefore, we assessed the effect of irrigation and fertilization in agricultural systems, going from low intensity smallholder to high intensity commercial production, on soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP) concentrations and stocks. Soil sampling was conducted within Kilombero Plantations Ltd. (KPL), a high intensity commercial farm located in Kilombero, Tanzania, and also on surrounding smallholder farms, capturing a gradient of agricultural intensity. We found that irrigation had a positive effect on SOC concentrations and stocks while fertilization had a negative effect. Rain-fed non-fertilized production had no effect on soil properties when compared to native vegetation. No difference was found in concentrations of TN or TP across the intensity gradient. However, TN stocks were significantly larger in the surface soils (0–30 cm) of the most intensive production system when compared to native vegetation and smallholder production.
Update Review about Metabolic Myopathies
Authors: Finsterer Josef
Published: April 2020

The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss recent findings and new insights in the etiology and phenotype of metabolic myopathies. The review relies on a systematic literature review of recent publications. Metabolic myopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by mostly inherited defects of enzymatic pathways involved in muscle cell metabolism. Metabolic myopathies present with either permanent (fixed) or episodic abnormalities, such as weakness, wasting, exercise-intolerance, myalgia, or an increase of muscle breakdown products (creatine-kinase, myoglobin) during exercise. Though limb and respiratory muscles are most frequently affected, facial, extra-ocular, and axial muscles may be occasionally also involved. Age at onset and prognosis vary considerably. There are multiple disease mechanisms and the pathophysiology is complex. Genes most recently related to metabolic myopathy include PGM1, GYG1, RBCK1, VMA21, MTO1, KARS, and ISCA2. The number of metabolic myopathies is steadily increasing. There is limited evidence from the literature that could guide diagnosis and treatment of metabolic myopathies. Treatment is limited to mainly non-invasive or invasive symptomatic measures. In conclusion, the field of metabolic myopathies is evolving with the more widespread availability and application of next generation sequencing technologies worldwide. This will broaden the knowledge about pathophysiology and putative therapeutic strategies for this group of neuromuscular disorders.
Possible Transfer of Life by Earth-Grazing Objects to Exoplanetary Systems
Authors: Siraj Amir , Loeb Abraham
Published: April 2020

Recently, a 30-cm object was discovered to graze the Earth’s atmosphere and shift into a Jupiter-crossing orbit. We use the related survey parameters to calibrate the total number of such objects. The number of objects that could have exported terrestrial microbes out of the Solar System is in the range 2 × 10 9 – 3 × 10 11 . We find that 10 7 – 10 9 such objects could have been captured by binary star systems over the lifetime of the Solar System. Adopting the fiducial assumption that one polyextremophile colony is picked up by each object, the total number of objects carrying living colonies on them upon capture could be 10– 10 3 .
A Power Recirculating Test Rig for Ball Screws: A New Perspective for Endurance Tests
Authors: Giberti Hermes , Carnevale Marco , Bocciolone Marco
Published: April 2020

Ball screw mechanisms are commonly designed and adopted to work for a high number of cycles, so that one of their most relevant characteristics is mechanical endurance. State-of-art experimental setups designed to characterize these mechanisms under operational load conditions require a layout able to withstand high loads and a relevant power to actuate the ball screw, therefore, being rather complex and expensive. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes an innovative test bench exploiting the recirculating power principle, designed for testing a ball screw under operational loads. It enables (at the same time) a reduction of loads on the test rig frame and a reduction of the mechanical power required to actuate the screw. The concept and the design of the proposed test bench are presented, as well as a simplified model to calculate the motor torque and the forces transmitted at the supports. An experimental setup is then realized and tested under actual loads for endurance tests. The results show that the use of the recirculating principle is promising to realize a test rig for endurance tests on a ball screw, thanks to the effectiveness of the solution and the simplicity of the realization of the system even under heavy loads. Among all the measuring instruments adopted (accelerometers, strain gauges, thermocouples and laser sensors for distance measurement on the test bench), the adoption of accelerometers on the nuts seems to be the most promising for condition monitoring, allowing to detect an incipient fault before a macroscopic failure of the ball screw system occurs.
Disturbance Simulation in the Packaging Process of Confectionary Using Virtual Commissioning
Authors: Wolf Johanna , Carsch Sebastian , Troll Clemens , Majschak Jens-Peter
Published: April 2020

Operator assistance systems can help to reduce disturbance-related machine downtime in food production and packaging processes, especially when combined with machine learning algorithms. These assistance systems analyze the available sensor signals of the process control over time to help operators identify the causes of disturbances. Training such systems requires sufficient test data, which often are hardly available. Thus, this paper presents a study to investigate how test data for teaching machine learning algorithms can be generated by numerical simulation. The potential of using virtual commissioning (VC) software for simulating disturbances of discrete processes is examined, considering the example of a friction and collision-afflicted sub-process from an intermitting wrapping machine for confectionary. In this study the software industrialPhysics (iP) is analyzed regarding accuracy of static and dynamic friction and restitution. The values are verified by setting up virtual substitute tests and comparing the results with analytically determined values. Subsequently, prerecorded disturbances are classified, and seven selected elements are simulated in VC software, recording visual effects and switching the characteristics of sensors. The verification shows that VC software is generally adequate for the assigned task. Restrictions occur regarding the computing power required of the built-in physics engine and the resulting reduction of the machine to be simulated.
On q-Quasi-Newton’s Method for Unconstrained Multiobjective Optimization Problems
Authors: Lai Kin Keung , Mishra Shashi Kant , Ram Bhagwat
Published: April 2020

A parameter-free optimization technique is applied in Quasi-Newton’s method for solving unconstrained multiobjective optimization problems. The components of the Hessian matrix are constructed using q-derivative, which is positive definite at every iteration. The step-length is computed by an Armijo-like rule which is responsible to escape the point from local minimum to global minimum at every iteration due to q-derivative. Further, the rate of convergence is proved as a superlinear in a local neighborhood of a minimum point based on q-derivative. Finally, the numerical experiments show better performance.
Non-Kirchhoff Vertices and Nonlinear Schrödinger Ground States on Graphs
Authors: Adami Riccardo , Boni Filippo , Ruighi Alice
Published: April 2020

We review some recent results and announce some new ones on the problem of the existence of ground states for the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation on graphs endowed with vertices where the matching condition, instead of being free (or Kirchhoff’s), is non-trivially interacting. This category includes Dirac’s delta conditions, delta prime, Fülöp-Tsutsui, and others.
On the Reversibility of Discretization
Authors: Fischer Jens V. , Stens Rudolf L.
Published: April 2020

“Discretization” usually denotes the operation of mapping continuous functions to infinite or finite sequences of discrete values. It may also mean to map the operation itself from one that operates on functions to one that operates on infinite or finite sequences. Advantageously, these two meanings coincide within the theory of generalized functions. Discretization moreover reduces to a simple multiplication. It is known, however, that multiplications may fail. In our previous studies, we determined conditions such that multiplications hold in the tempered distributions sense and, hence, corresponding discretizations exist. In this study, we determine, vice versa, conditions such that discretizations can be reversed, i.e., functions can be fully restored from their samples. The classical Whittaker-Kotel’nikov-Shannon (WKS) sampling theorem is just one particular case in one of four interwoven symbolic calculation rules deduced below.
Generating of Nonisospectral Integrable Hierarchies via the Lie-Algebraic Recursion Scheme
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhang Yufeng
Published: April 2020

In the paper, we introduce an efficient method for generating non-isospectral integrable hierarchies, which can be used to derive a great many non-isospectral integrable hierarchies. Based on the scheme, we derive a non-isospectral integrable hierarchy by using Lie algebra and the corresponding loop algebra. It follows that some symmetries of the non-isospectral integrable hierarchy are also studied. Additionally, we also obtain a few conserved quantities of the isospectral integrable hierarchies.
On the Consecutive k1 and k2-out-of-n Reliability Systems
Authors: Triantafyllou Ioannis S.
Published: April 2020

In this paper we carry out a reliability study of the consecutive-k1 and k2-out-of-n systems with independent and identically distributed components ordered in a line. More precisely, we obtain the generating function of the structure’s reliability, while recurrence relations for determining its signature vector and reliability function are also provided. For illustration purposes, some numerical results and figures are presented and several concluding remarks are deduced.
A Revisit of the Boundary Value Problem for Föppl–Hencky Membranes: Improvement of Geometric Equations
Authors: Lian Yong-Sheng , Sun Jun-Yi , Zhao Zhi-Hang , He Xiao-Ting , Zheng Zhou-Lian
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the well-known Föppl–Hencky membrane problem—that is, the problem of axisymmetric deformation of a transversely uniformly loaded and peripherally fixed circular membrane—was resolved, and a more refined closed-form solution of the problem was presented, where the so-called small rotation angle assumption of the membrane was given up. In particular, a more effective geometric equation was, for the first time, established to replace the classic one, and finally the resulting new boundary value problem due to the improvement of geometric equation was successfully solved by the power series method. The conducted numerical example indicates that the closed-form solution presented in this study has higher computational accuracy in comparison with the existing solutions of the well-known Föppl–Hencky membrane problem. In addition, some important issues were discussed, such as the difference between membrane problems and thin plate problems, reasonable approximation or assumption during establishing geometric equations, and the contribution of reducing approximations or relaxing assumptions to the improvement of the computational accuracy and applicability of a solution. Finally, some opinions on the follow-up work for the well-known Föppl–Hencky membrane were presented.
Some Identities Involving Two-Variable Partially Degenerate Hermite Polynomials Induced from Differential Equations and Structure of Their Roots
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Won , Ryoo Cheon Seoung
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we introduce two-variable partially degenerate Hermite polynomials and get some new symmetric identities for two-variable partially degenerate Hermite polynomials. We study differential equations induced from the generating functions of two-variable partially degenerate Hermite polynomials to give identities for two-variable partially degenerate Hermite polynomials. Finally, we study the symmetric properties of the structure of the roots of the two-variable partially degenerate Hermite equations.
Deep Assessment Methodology Using Fractional Calculus on Mathematical Modeling and Prediction of Gross Domestic Product per Capita of Countries
Authors: Karaçuha Ertuğrul , Tabatadze Vasil , Karaçuha Kamil , Önal Nisa Özge , Ergün Esra
Published: April 2020

In this study, a new approach for time series modeling and prediction, “deep assessment methodology,” is proposed and the performance is reported on modeling and prediction for upcoming years of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The proposed methodology expresses a function with the finite summation of its previous values and derivatives combining fractional calculus and the Least Square Method to find unknown coefficients. The dataset of GDP per capita used in this study includes nine countries (Brazil, China, India, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA, Spain and Turkey) and the European Union. The modeling performance of the proposed model is compared with the Polynomial model and the Fractional model and prediction performance is compared to a special type of neural network, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), that used for time series. Results show that using Deep Assessment Methodology yields promising modeling and prediction results for GDP per capita. The proposed method is outperforming Polynomial model and Fractional model by 1.538% and by 1.899% average error rates, respectively. We also show that Deep Assessment Method (DAM) is superior to plain LSTM on prediction for upcoming GDP per capita values by 1.21% average error.
Access to Dental Care and Depressive Illness: Results from the Korea National Health Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Choi Kyung Hee , Shin Sangyoon , Lee Euni , Lee Seok-Woo
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives: Recent evidence suggests that oral health is associated with various systemic diseases including psychiatric illnesses. This study examined the association between depression and access to dental care in Korean adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was performed using data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014. The general characteristics of the participants, the current depression status, and issues with access to dental care were collected to evaluate the factors for not being able to make dental visits according to care needs. Results: The study population comprised a total of 5976 participants who were 19 years of age and older and represented 40.7 million Koreans. A multivariable logistic regression analysis with weighted observations revealed that participants with current depressive illness were about two times more likely to express that they could not make dental visits in spite of their perceived care needs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.097; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.046–4.203). The reasons for not making dental visits included financial problems, perceived importance of the dental problem, and fear of visiting dental professionals. Conclusions: Korean adults with current depressive illness were less likely to make dental visits when they had dental care needs. To improve dental health accessibility for patients with depressive illness, coordinated efforts can be considered involving multidisciplinary health care professionals.
Residential Aged Care Pharmacist: An Australian Pilot Trial Exploring the Impact on Quality Use of Medicines Indicators
Authors: McDerby Nicole , Kosari Sam , Bail Kasia , Shield Alison , Peterson Gregory , Naunton Mark
Published: April 2020

Background: This pilot study aimed to assess whether an on-site pharmacist could influence indicators of quality use of medicines in residential aged care. Methods: A pharmacist was embedded in a residential aged care home for six months. A similar control site received usual care. Polypharmacy, drug burden index, antipsychotic and benzodiazepine use, hospital admission rates and length of stay, and emergency department presentation rates were outcomes used to indicate medication use quality. Data were extracted from participating resident health records. Results: Fifty-eight residents at the study site and 39 residents at the control site were included in the analysis. There was a reduction in the proportion of residents at the study site who had at least one hospital admission at follow-up (28% to 12%, p < 0.01), but no significant difference in other outcomes. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that a residential care pharmacist may positively influence indicators of medication use quality in aged care; however, further research is needed to expand on these findings.
Enhanced O2/N2 Separation of Mixed-Matrix Membrane Filled with Pluronic-Compatibilized Cobalt Phthalocyanine Particles
Authors: Samarasinghe S. A. S. C. , Chuah Chong Yang , Karahan H. Enis , Sethunga G. S. M. D. P. , Bae Tae-Hyun
Published: April 2020

Membrane-based air separation (O2/N2) is of great importance owing to its energy efficiency as compared to conventional processes. Currently, dense polymeric membranes serve as the main pillar of industrial processes used for the generation of O2- and N2-enriched gas. However, conventional polymeric membranes often fail to meet the selectivity needs owing to the similarity in the effective diameters of O2 and N2 gases. Meanwhile, mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are convenient to produce high-performance membranes while keeping the advantages of polymeric materials. Here, we propose a novel MMM for O2/N2 separation, which is composed of Matrimid® 5218 (Matrimid) as the matrix, cobalt(II) phthalocyanine microparticles (CoPCMPs) as the filler, and Pluronic® F-127 (Pluronic) as the compatibilizer. By the incorporation of CoPCMPs to Matrimid, without Pluronic, interfacial defects were formed. Pluronic-treated CoPCMPs, on the other hand, enhanced O2 permeability and O2/N2 selectivity by 64% and 34%, respectively. We explain the enhancement achieved with the increase of both O2 diffusivity and O2/N2 solubility selectivity.
Production and Properties of Electron-Beam-Welded Joints on Ti-TiB Titanium Alloys
Authors: Loboda Petro , Zvorykin Constantine , Zvorykin Volodymyr , Vrzhyzhevskyi Eduard , Taranova Tatjana , Kostin Valery
Published: April 2020

In this article, structural features of Ti-TiB and (α+β) Ti alloys in the initial state, in the weld and in the heat-affected zone of electron beam welds were investigated. The influences of welding parameters, such as influence of the electron beam velocity, preheating of the welded alloys and the subsequent annealing of the welded joint on the its microstructure, and the mechanical strength and ductility of the critical elements of the joint were studied by scanning electron microscopy using microprobe Auger spectral and X-ray diffraction analysis and tensile tests. It has been shown that the conditions for rapid crystallization of the material from the melt of the weld contribute to refining of reinforcing fibers of TiB and its hardening in comparison with the starting material Ti-TiB. Besides that, influences of the preferential orientation of TiB reinforcing microfibers (along and across the welded butt joint) on the mechanical properties of the welded joint were investigated bz tensile testing. Using the methods of fractographic analysis, the effect of the boron-containing phase on the fracture character of Ti-TiB welded joints was established. It was shown that, along with the strengthening effect, TiB fibers cause embrittlement of the material.
Revolution and Control of Fe-Al-(Mg, Ti)-O Oxide Inclusions in IF Steel during 260t BOF-RH-CC Process
Authors: Cheng Rijin , Li Renchun , Cheng Di , Liu Junshan , Fang Qing , Zhou Jian'an , Dong Wenliang , Zhang Hua , Ni Hongwei
Published: April 2020

The evolution of inclusions that contain Al, Mg, and Ti was studied through industrial-grade experiments. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and FactSage software were used to analyze the evolution mechanisms of inclusions in Al-killed titanium alloyed interstitial free (IF) steel. The research found that the evolution of inclusions during the smelting process of IF steel is results in ‘large sphere-like SiO2-CaO-FeO-MgO-MnO’ and ‘small cluster spherical FeO-MnO’ change to cluster-like Al2O3 and irregular MgO·Al2O3, then change to Al2O3·TiOx and Al2O3, and finally change to Al2O3. It is difficult for Al2O3·TiOx to stably exist in the IF molten steel. It is the key to extend the holding time properly after Ruhrstahl Heraeus (RH) to ensure the removal of Al2O3 inclusion. With the increase of Mg content, the change path of MgAl2O4 inclusion in IF steel is that Al2O3 changes to MgO·Al2O3, and finally changes to MgO. It is difficult to suppress MgO·Al2O3 spinel formation by controlling the oxygen in the steel, but Ca can modify part of the MgO·Al2O3 spinel inclusions during RH refining. In order to ensure the removal of 6–10 μm inclusions, the holding time is suitable for 19–42 min.
Effect of Titanium Addition on As-Cast Structure and High-Temperature Tensile Property of 20Cr-8Ni Stainless Steel for Heavy Castings
Authors: Wang Qiming , Cheng Guoguang , Hou Yuyang
Published: April 2020

20Cr-8Ni stainless steel is used to manufacture heavy castings in industrial practice. Owing to the slow solidification rate of heavy castings, the as-cast structure is usually coarse, which reduces the mechanical properties. To refine the solidification structure, the effect of titanium addition on the as-cast structure and high-temperature tensile property was investigated in the laboratory. The ingots with 0.0036, 0.2, and 0.45 mass percent titanium were produced in the laboratory. On the basis of experiment and thermodynamic calculation through Thermo-Calc software, the typical inclusions changed from dual phase Si-Mn-Ti oxides to pure TiN or complex Ti2O3 + TiN with titanium content increasing. The equiaxed grain ratio of ingot increased from 51 percent to nearly 100 percent, and the size of equiaxed grain decreased owing to heterogeneous nucleation of δ-Fe. Besides, the equilibrium solidification model changed from the FA model to the F model, and the mass fraction of ferritic phase in ingots increased from 24.8 to 42.6 percent. As a result, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of ingots increased gradually, but the tensile elongation changed little owing to the increase of ferritic phase mass fraction and decrease of equiaxed grain size.
Comparative Evaluation of Data Dependent and Data Independent Acquisition Workflows Implemented on an Orbitrap Fusion for Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Barbier Saint Hilaire Pierre , Rousseau Kathleen , Seyer Alexandre , Dechaumet Sylvain , Damont Annelaure , Junot Christophe , Fenaille François
Published: April 2020

Constant improvements to the Orbitrap mass analyzer, such as acquisition speed, resolution, dynamic range and sensitivity have strengthened its value for the large-scale identification and quantification of metabolites in complex biological matrices. Here, we report the development and optimization of Data Dependent Acquisition (DDA) and Sequential Window Acquisition of all THeoretical fragment ions (SWATH-type) Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) workflows on a high-field Orbitrap FusionTM TribridTM instrument for the robust identification and quantification of metabolites in human plasma. By using a set of 47 exogenous and 72 endogenous molecules, we compared the efficiency and complementarity of both approaches. We exploited the versatility of this mass spectrometer to collect meaningful MS/MS spectra at both high- and low-mass resolution and various low-energy collision-induced dissociation conditions under optimized DDA conditions. We also observed that complex and composite DIA-MS/MS spectra can be efficiently exploited to identify metabolites in plasma thanks to a reference tandem spectral library made from authentic standards while also providing a valuable data resource for further identification of unknown metabolites. Finally, we found that adding multi-event MS/MS acquisition did not degrade the ability to use survey MS scans from DDA and DIA workflows for the reliable absolute quantification of metabolites down to 0.05 ng/mL in human plasma.