bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of forage finishing methods with alfalfa on cattle growth performance and beef carcass characteristics, eating quality, and nutrient composition
Authors: Lafreniere C. , Berthiaume R. , Giesen L. , Campbell C.P. , Pivotto-Baird L.M. , Mandell I.B.
Published: July 2020

Over 2 yr, yearling steers (n = 200) were used to evaluate growth performance, carcass, meat quality, and nutrient composition traits as affected by management regimen comparing three methods of forage finishing (alfalfa pasture, hay, and silage) versus a high corn diet. Management regimen × year interactions (P < 0.01) for average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain-to-feed, carcass weight, and grade fat were due to lower performance for hay-fed cattle in years 1 vs. 2. Carcass, meat quality, and taste panel traits were generally similar (P > 0.10) across method of forage finishing. Trained taste panels found longissimus muscle from grain-fed beef to be more (P < 0.01) tender, juicy, and flavourful than forage finished beef, with lower (P ≤ 0.05) ratings for tenderness and juiciness for hay- vs. silage-finished beef. Corn finished beef contained greater amounts of oleic and monounsaturated fatty acids and lower amounts of omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids than forage finished beef (P ≤ 0.04). Although the method of forage finishing may not affect most performance, carcass, and meat quality (pH, colour, intramuscular fat content, and shear force) traits, there may be concerns with tenderness and juiciness for beef from cattle finished on alfalfa hay.
Effect of glass composition on the crystallization of CePO4–borosilicate glass composite materials
Authors: Donato Giovanni , Grosvenor Andrew P.
Published: July 2020

Glass–ceramic composite materials are composed of ceramic crystallites within a glass matrix. These materials have been suggested as nuclear waste forms; however, the formation of targeted crystal phases remains a challenge to utilizing these materials as waste forms. The crystallization of composite materials consisting of CePO4dispersed in borosilicate glass at low temperatures was investigated in this study. The basicity of the borosilicate glass matrix was decreased to favour Ce3+and the formation of CePO4at low annealing temperatures using a one-step coprecipitation method. The basicity of the glass was lowered by removing the network modifier oxides from the glass composition. The crystalline phases, Ce oxidation states, and elemental distribution in CePO4–borosilicate glass composite materials were studied by powder X-ray diffraction, Ce L1- and L3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Lowering the glass basicity was successful in favouring the formation of CePO4and had the added benefit of reducing the crystallization of unwanted crystal phases.
Construction of potential functions associated with a given energy spectrum — An inverse problem
Authors: Alhaidari A. D.
Published: July 2020

Using a formulation of quantum mechanics based on orthogonal polynomials in the energy and physical parameters, we present a method that gives the class of potential functions for exactly solvable problems corresponding to a given energy spectrum. In this work, we study the class of problems associated with the continuous dual Hahn polynomial. These include the one-dimensional logarithmic potential and the three-dimensional Coulomb plus linear potential.
Phase synchronization between nonlinear circuits by capturing electromagnetic field energy
Authors: Wang Chunni , Yao Zhao , Xu Wenkang , Ren Guodong
Published: July 2020

Smart nonlinear circuits can be tamed to reproduce the main dynamical properties in neural activities and thus neural circuits are built to estimate the occurrence of multiple modes in electric activities. In the presence of electromagnetic radiation, the cardiac tissue, brain and neural circuits are influenced because field energy is injected and captured when induction field and current are generated in the media and system. In this paper, an isolated Chua circuit is exposed to external electromagnetic field and energy capturing is estimated for nonlinear analysis from physical viewpoint. Furthermore, two Chua circuits without direct variable coupling are exposed to the same electromagnetic field for energy capturing. Periodical and noise-like radiations are imposed on the Chua circuits which can capture the magnetic field energy via the induction coil. It is found that the two Chua circuits (periodical or chaotic) can reach phase synchronization and phase lock in the presence of periodical radiation. On the other hand, noise-like radiation can realize complete synchronization between two chaotic Chua circuits while phase lock occurs between two Chua circuits in periodical oscillation. It gives some important clues to control the collective behaviors of neural activities under external field.
Turing Instability and Pattern Formation in a Strongly Coupled Diffusive Predator–Prey System
Authors: Hu Guangping , Feng Zhaosheng
Published: July 2020

We are concerned with the Turing instability and pattern caused by cross-diffusion in a strongly coupled spatial predator–prey system. We explore how cross-diffusion destabilizes the spatially uniform steady state which is stable in reaction–diffusion systems, and explicitly describe the Turing space under certain conditions. Particularly, when the parameter values are taken in the Turing–Hopf domain, in which the spatiotemporal dynamical behavior is influenced by both Hopf and Turing instabilities, we investigate the formation of all possible patterns, including non-Turing structures such as wave pattern, competing dynamics as well as stationary Turing pattern. Furthermore, numerical simulations are illustrated to verify our theoretical findings.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Predator–Prey Model with Age Structure
Authors: Cai Yuting , Wang Chuncheng , Fan Dejun
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a predator–prey model with age structure in predator is studied. Using maturation period as the varying parameter, we prove the existence of Hopf bifurcation for the model and calculate the bifurcation properties, such as the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcated periodic solutions. The method we employed includes Hopf bifurcation theorem, center manifolds and normal form theory for the abstract Cauchy problems with nondense domain. Under a certain set of parameter values, it turns out that subcritical Hopf bifurcation may occur, indicating that the increment of maturation period could stabilize the steady state, which is initially unstable and enclosed by a stable periodic solution. In addition, stability switches will also take place. Numerical simulations are finally carried out to show the theoretical results.
Determination of Nonchaotic Behavior for Some Classes of Polynomial Jerk Equations
Authors: Messias Marcelo , Silva Rafael Paulino
Published: July 2020

In this work, by using an algebraic criterion presented by us in an earlier paper, we determine the conditions on the parameters in order to guarantee the nonchaotic behavior for some classes of nonlinear third-order ordinary differential equations of the form [Formula: see text] called jerk equations, where [Formula: see text] is a polynomial of degree [Formula: see text]. This kind of equation is often used in literature to study chaotic dynamics, due to its simple form and because it appears as mathematical model in several applied problems. Hence, it is an important matter to determine when it is chaotic and also nonchaotic. The results stated here, which are proved using the mentioned algebraic criterion, corroborate and extend some results already presented in literature, providing simpler proofs for the nonchaotic behavior of certain jerk equations. The algebraic criterion proved by us is quite general and can be used to study nonchaotic behavior of other types of ordinary differential equations.
Study on Turing Patterns of Gray–Scott Model via Amplitude Equation
Authors: Xie Wen-Xian , Cao Shu-Ping , Cai Li , Zhang Xiao-Xuan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the amplitude equations of a Gray–Scott model without (or with) the feedback time delay are derived based on weakly nonlinear method, by which the selection of Turing patterns for this model can be theoretically determined. As a result, the effects of the diffusion coefficient ratio and the time delay factor on the Turing pattern can be investigated as the main purpose of this paper. If one of the diffusion coefficients is chosen as the bifurcation control parameter in the procedure of the amplitude equation at first, it is proved that the first-order bifurcation of the Turing patterns is only determined by the diffusion coefficient ratio and independent of the concrete value of each diffusion coefficient once the parameters of the reaction terms are fixed as the appropriate constants in the regions of Turing patterns. Furthermore, the feedback time delay factor has no effect on the first-order bifurcation of the Turing patterns, but affects the morphological characteristics of the Turing patterns, especially in the case of large ratio of the diffusion coefficients. With time increasing, the feedback time delay factor can postpone the formation of the Turing patterns and cause the oscillations of Turing patterns at each spatial position. By implementing the numerical calculations for this model, the various Turing patterns with different values of the diffusion coefficient ratios are presented, which really verify the dependence of the diffusion coefficient ratio and independence of the feedback time delay on the first-order bifurcation of the Turing patterns.
Friend or Foe? Understanding Assembly Workers’ Acceptance of Human-robot Collaboration
Authors: Meissner Antonia , Trübswetter Angelika , Conti-Kufner Antonia S. , Schmidtler Jonas
Published: July 2020

Due to rising demands on productivity and flexibility, assembly processes are currently experiencing a substantial transformation. Workstations where humans and robots work closely together are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide major advantages compared to manual assembly and full automation. Yet, human-robot collaboration (HRC) can only be successful if the workforce is willing to accept it. How assembly workers perceive HRC still has to be properly investigated. An exploratory investigation using a Grounded Theory approach was conducted to identify factors that are likely to influence workers’ acceptance of introducing HRC at work. Seventeen workers with various levels of HRC experience from four different manufacturing companies were interviewed. Findings reveal that some workers perceive HRC as a threat, while others regard it as an opportunity. This perception seems to depend both on their thoughts and feelings about the technology, i.e., collaborative robots,
and
the organizational change associated with the introduction of this technology. Several factors related to the robot (object-related factors), the individual background of the workers (subject-related factors), and the organizational environment (context-related factors) are found to influence workers’ thoughts and feelings. Implications for researchers and manufacturing companies are outlined.
Differential Expansion and Voltage Model for Li-ion Batteries at Practical Charging Rates
Authors: Mohtat Peyman , Lee Suhak , Sulzer Valentin , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna G.
Published: July 2020

Differential voltage analysis (DVA) is a conventional approach for estimating capacity degradation in batteries. During charging, a graphite electrode goes through several phase transitions observed as plateaus in the voltage response. The transitions between these plateaus emerge as observable peaks in the differential voltage. The DVA method utilizes these peaks for estimating cell degradation. Unfortunately, at higher C-rates (above C/2) the peaks flatten and become unobservable. In this work, we show that, unlike the differential voltage, the peaks in the 2nd derivative of the expansion with respect to capacity remain observable up to 1C and thus make possible diagnostic algorithms at these charging rates. To understand why that is the case, we have developed an electrochemical and expansion model suitable for model-based estimation. In particular, we demonstrate that the single particle modeling methodology is not able to capture the peak smoothing effect, therefore a multi-particle approach for the graphite electrode is needed. Additionally, model parameters are identified using experimental data from a graphite/NMC pouch cell. The proposed model produces an excellent fit for the observed electric and mechanical swelling response of the cells and could enable physics-based data-driven degradation studies at practical charging rates.
Characterization of Li Diffusion and Solid Electrolyte Interface for Li4Ti5O12 Electrode Cycled with an Organosilicon Additive Electrolyte
Authors: Ma Miaomiao , Mansour Azzam N. , Ko Jonathan K. , Waller Gordon H. , Hendricks Christopher E.
Published: July 2020

The use of lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12, LTO) for the negative electrode in lithium ion batteries has attracted enormous attention owing to its fast charging capability, high power, safe operating voltage window and stable structure (“zero strain”) during cycling. Researchers have investigated the formation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) of the LTO electrode, which prevents gassing issue and leads to longer cycle life. In this study, the solid-state diffusion property of LTO at room temperature was characterized using AC impedance spectroscopy at different states of charge (SOC) during charge and discharge to reveal the dependency of the lithium diffusion coefficient on SOC. Meanwhile the formation and growth of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the LTO electrode using an electrolyte containing Silatronix OS3® additive were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The composition of the SEI and its evolution due to cycling with the OS3® additive was compared to that with a commercial electrolyte. Half-cell coin cells of LTO vs lithium metal were formed and cycled at room temperature for over 200 cycles, where the resistance increase, as measured by impedance spectroscopy, is correlated to the SEI growth. Electrode samples were analyzed in the pristine state, after formation, and after 200 cycles. XPS results showed that a thin layer of SEI is formed during the first two formation cycles and the composition of the SEI on the surface of the LTO electrode varied with increasing cycle number. Based on the escape depths of Ti 3 s and Ti 2p regions, the SEI after formation is thicker than 5.5 nm but is less than 7.0 nm for both the OS3® and A7 electrolytes. Based on Ar-ion depth profiling, the SEI thickness in terms of the equivalent thickness of SiO2 after 200 cycles in coin cell configuration is estimated to be near 14 nm for both the OS3® and A7 electrolytes. A much higher fluorine content (F 1s peak) was found in the SEI formed with the OS3® electrolyte than the SEI formed with the commercial A7 electrolyte.
Modeling Overpotentials Related to Mass Transport Through Porous Transport Layers of PEM Water Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Schmidt Gergely , Suermann Michel , Bensmann Boris , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard , Neuweiler Insa
Published: July 2020

Porous transport layers (PTL) are key components of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cells controlling species transport. Further optimization requires better understanding of how PTLs influence overpotentials. In this work, the data from an electrochemical overpotential breakdown is compared to a state-of-the-art model, which includes a Nernstian overpotential description, two-phase Darcian flow and advective-diffusive mass transport. Model parameters are derived from X-ray tomographic measurements, pore-scale calculations, standard models for porous materials and by transferring ex situ measurements from other materials. If the parameter set is available, model results and experimental data match well concerning PTL-related overpotentials at different current densities and operating pressures. Both experimental and modeling results suggest that mass transport through PTLs does not affect a considerable, pressure-independent share of mass transport overpotentials. Both model results and experimental findings conclude that mass transport through the cathode PTL causes overpotentials more than twice as high as through its anode counterpart. Further research opportunities regarding the relationship between PTL bulk properties and experimentally determined mass transport overpotentials are identified.
Withdrawing from obesogenic diets: benefits and barriers in the short- and long-term in rodent models
Authors: Casagrande Breno P. , Estadella Debora
Published: July 2020

There is accumulating evidence of dietary impact on several metabolic parameters. Unhealthy diets are estimated to be responsible for about 20% of the deaths worldwide. The recommendation is to improve the dietary pattern, aiming to prevent further harm. In this context, we reviewed the benefits and barriers of withdrawing from continuous obesogenic diet intake in the short- and long-term, which were found in rodent models. Although dietary modifications demand a re-establishment of the equilibrium, withdrawing was seen as a homeostatic insult and thus elicited several responses to protect the organism. In the short-term, withdrawal presented stressful and reward destimulating responses. The intake of obesogenic diets presented rewarding and stress destimulating responses. Whereas withdrawing in the long term ameliorated several biological functions and histopathologic features, it was not effective at reestablishing food intake and normalizing feeding behaviors or reward pathways. Altogether, terminating obesogenic diet intake does not immediately extinguish all negative consequences, and it even elicits brain behavioral and metabolic modifications. These modifications can hinder the maintenance of habits’ change and prevent reaching the long-term benefits of diet improvement.
Type 2 diabetes: one disease, many pathways
Authors: Ha Joon , Sherman Arthur
Published: July 2020

Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease that calls for longitudinal data and analysis. We introduce a longitudinal mathematical model that is capable of representing the metabolic state of an individual at any point in time during their progression from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes (T2D) over a period of years. As an application of the model, we account for the diversity of pathways typically followed, focusing on two extreme alternatives, one that goes through impaired fasting glucose (IFG) first and one that goes through impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) first. These two pathways are widely recognized to stem from distinct metabolic abnormalities in hepatic glucose production and peripheral glucose uptake, respectively. We confirm this but go beyond to show that IFG and IGT lie on a continuum ranging from high hepatic insulin resistance and low peripheral insulin resistance to low hepatic resistance and high peripheral resistance. We show that IFG generally incurs IGT and IGT generally incurs IFG on the way to T2D, highlighting the difference between innate and acquired defects and the need to assess patients early to determine their underlying primary impairment and appropriately target therapy. We also consider other mechanisms, showing that IFG can result from impaired insulin secretion, that non-insulin-dependent glucose uptake can also mediate or interact with these pathways, and that impaired incretin signaling can accelerate T2D progression. We consider whether hyperinsulinemia can cause insulin resistance in addition to being a response to it and suggest that this is a minor effect.
Stochastic Representation and Monte Carlo Simulation for Multiterm Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Lv Longjin , Wang Luna
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we mainly study the solution and properties of the multiterm time-fractional diffusion equation. First, we obtained the stochastic representation for this equation, which turns to be a subordinated process. Based on the stochastic representation, we calculated the mean square displacement (MSD) and time average mean square displacement, then proved some properties of this model, including subdiffusion, generalized Einstein relationship, and nonergodicity. Finally, a stochastic simulation algorithm was developed for the visualization of sample path of the abnormal diffusion process. The Monte Carlo method was also employed to show the behavior of the solution of this fractional equation.
Multitask Convolutional Neural Network for Rolling Element Bearing Fault Identification
Authors: Jia Mingxing , Xu Yuemei , Hong Maoyi , Hu Xiyu
Published: July 2020

As one of the most vital parts of rotating equipment, it is an essential work to diagnose rolling bearing failure. The traditional signal processing-based rolling bearing fault diagnosis algorithms rely on artificial feature extraction and expert knowledge. The working condition of rolling bearings is complex and changeable, so the traditional algorithm is slightly lacking adaptability. The damage degree also plays a crucial role in fault monitoring. Different damage degrees may take different remedial measures, but traditional fault-diagnosis algorithms roughly divide the damage degree into several categories, which do not correspond to the continuous value of the damage degree. To solve the abovementioned two problems, this paper proposes a fault-diagnosis algorithm based on “end-to-end” one-dimensional convolutional neural network. The one-dimensional convolution kernel and the pooling layer are directly applied to the original time domain signal. Feature extraction and classifier are merged together, and the extracted features are used to judge the damage degree at the same time. Then, the generalization ability of the model is studied under a variety of conditions. Experiments show that the algorithm can achieve more than 99% accuracy and can accurately give the damage degree of the bearing. It has good performance under different speeds, different types of motors, and different sampling frequencies, and so it has good generalization ability.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Alleviated High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Hepatocytic Apoptosis via Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor γ
Authors: Song Bing , Sun Yao , Chu Yafen , Wang Jing , Zheng Hongwei , Liu Lili , Cai Wang , Zhang Haoqiang
Published: July 2020

Objective. High‐fat‐diet‐ (HFD‐) induced hepatic cell apoptosis is common in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on hepatocyte apoptosis. Methods. C57BL/6J mice with HFD were used to induce a liver‐injured model with cell apoptosis. In addition, GRb1 was used to treat HFD‐induced apoptosis in a liver with or without inhibitor of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ). Results. Compared with C57BL/6J mice with common chow, there are downregulated PPAR‐γ but upregulated cell apoptosis in the liver of mice with HFD. Furthermore, GRb1 elevated the hepatic PPAR‐γ level and suppressed hepatocytic apoptosis. However, GW9662 abolished the effects of GRb1 on apoptosis in the liver. Conclusions. GRb1 alleviated HFD‐induced apoptosis of hepatocytes of mice via PPAR‐γ.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Fishing Performance of Vacuum Suction Wellbore Cleaning Tool
Authors: Qinglong Lei , Xueqiang Wang , Geng Tang , Liangliang Dong , Yun Liao , Xingzheng Feng , Yongtao Yang
Published: July 2020

During the completion of shale gas wells, bridge plug debris and debris particles are often left at the bottom of the well, which are difficult to clean up, pose a serious risk to wellbore operations, and reduce productivity. In order to solve the difficulty of cleaning the debris at the bottom of the well, a kind of wellbore cleaning tool is proposed based on the principle of negative jet pressure and liquid-solid two-phase flow theory. The finite element analysis method and laboratory test were used to verify the function of cleaning tools: the finite element method can effectively reflect the principle and process of dredging bottom debris with cleaning tools. In order to improve the applicability and fishing ability of wellbore cleaning tools, factors influencing the performance of cleaning tools were analyzed as follows: choosing high-density and low-viscosity working fluid is beneficial to improve the negative pressure effect of cleaning tools. Under the conditions of wellbore safety and economy, increasing pump pressure and displacement and reducing annular pressure can effectively increase the fishing performance of cleaning tools.
Vascular Inflammation Is a Risk Factor Associated with Brain Atrophy and Disease Severity in Parkinson’s Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yu Chiun-Chieh , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Chen Meng-Hsiang , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chang Yung-Yee , Li Shau-Hsuan , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lin Wei-Che
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Systemic inflammation with elevated oxidative stress causing neuroinflammation is considered a major factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The interface between systemic circulation and the brain parenchyma is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which also plays a role in maintaining neurovascular homeostasis. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate brain vessel endothelial function, neoangiogenesis, and, in turn, neuronal homeostasis regulation, such that their dysregulation can result in neurodegeneration, such as gray matter atrophy, in PD. Objective. Our aim was to evaluate the associations among specific levels of gray matter atrophy, peripheral vascular adhesion molecules, miRNAs, and clinical disease severity in order to achieve a clearer understanding of PD pathogenesis. Methods. Blood samples were collected from 33 patients with PD and 27 healthy volunteers, and the levels of VCAM-1 and several miRNAs in those samples were measured. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping software program). The associations among the vascular parameter, miRNAs, gray matter volume, and clinical disease severity measurements were evaluated by partial correlation analysis. Results. The levels of VCAM-1, miRNA-22, and miRNA-29a expression were significantly elevated in the PD patients. The gray matter volume atrophy in the left parahippocampus, bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, left temporal gyrus, and cerebellum was significantly correlated with increased clinical disease severity, the upregulation of miRNA levels, and increased vascular inflammation. Conclusion. Patients with PD seem to have abnormal levels of vascular inflammatory markers and miRNAs in the peripheral circulation, and these levels are correlated with specific brain volume changes. This study reinforces the associations among peripheral inflammation, the BBB interface, and gray matter atrophy in PD and further demonstrates that BBB dysfunction with neurovascular impairment may play an important role in PD progression.
Severe Hypermagnesemia with Normal Renal Function Can Improve with Symptomatic Treatment
Authors: Ishida Yoshiaki , Tabuchi Akihiko
Published: July 2020

Hypermagnesemia is a rare disorder and commonly occurs in patients with renal dysfunction. Supportive therapy for hypermagnesemia consists of administration of high-volume fluids, calcium preparation, diuretics, and, in severe cases, hemodialysis. Few reports have described severe hypermagnesemia patients with normal renal function who improved without hemodialysis. A 56-year-old woman presented with a history of constipation in spite of taking constipation medicine, including MgO. She was brought to our emergency department due to vomiting and diffuse distension of the abdomen. Sudden vomiting, weakness, and lower level of consciousness occurred during examination. Her blood pressure dropped to 77/34 mmHg, and deep tendon reflexes of the limbs disappeared. Abdominal computed tomography showed bowel distension with wall edema, and biochemical testing showed serum Mg at 13.5 mg/dl. She was diagnosed with severe hypermagnesemia associated with intestinal obstruction and administered intravenous loop diuretics and calcium preparation in addition to high volumes of normal saline. As the serum Mg level steadily declined, her level of consciousness returned to usual. This case suggests that severe hypermagnesemia can occur in patients with normal renal function and constipation under MgO. Severe hypermagnesemia with normal renal function can improve with symptomatic treatment without hemodialysis.
The Relationship between Fluid Flow, Structures, and Depositional Architecture in Sedimentary Rocks: An Example-Based Overview
Authors: Dimmen Vilde , Rotevatn Atle , Nixon Casey W.
Published: July 2020

Fluid flow in the subsurface is fundamental in a variety of geological processes including volcanism, metamorphism, and mineral dissolution and precipitation. It is also of economic and societal significance given its relevance, for example, within groundwater and contaminant transport, hydrocarbon migration, and precipitation of ore-forming minerals. In this example-based overview, we use the distribution of iron oxide precipitates as a proxy for palaeofluid flow to investigate the relationship between fluid flow, geological structures, and depositional architecture in sedimentary rocks. We analyse and discuss a number of outcrop examples from sandstones and carbonate rocks in New Zealand, Malta, and Utah (USA), showing controls on fluid flow ranging from simple geological heterogeneities to more complex networks of structures. Based on our observations and review of a wide range of the published literature, we conclude that flow within structures and networks is primarily controlled by structure type (e.g., joint and deformation band), geometry (e.g., length and orientation), connectivity (i.e., number of connections in a network), kinematics (e.g., dilation and compaction), and interactions (e.g., relays and intersections) within the network. Additionally, host rock properties and depositional architecture represent important controls on flow and may interfere to create hybrid networks, which are networks of combined structural and stratal conduits for flow.
Inhibitory Effects of Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Euphorbiaceae) Diluted Latex on Human and Canine Melanoma Cells
Authors: Alves da Paz Diego Pinha , Nagamine Márcia Kazumi , Grande Murilo Penteado Del , Leite João Vitor Pereira , Sobreira Flavia Mendonça Gonçalves , Bacchi Elfriede Marianne , Zaidan Dagli Maria Lucia
Published: July 2020

Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Euphorbiaceae) is a tropical and subtropical ornamental and toxic plant. E. tirucalli produces a latex that is commonly used to treat neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diluted E. tirucalli latex (DETL) on human (SK‐MEL‐28) and canine (CBMY) melanoma cells. SK‐MEL‐28 (3 × 103 cells/well) and CBMY (6 × 103 cells/well) were cultivated in 96‐well plates. The cells were treated with 50 μl/well of dilutions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128, 1/256, and 1/512) of a standard solution containing 1 mg/mL of the E. tirucalli latex (ETL) in DMEM. Control group cells received 50 μl/well of DMEM. After 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment, cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. There was a significant decrease in viability at 48 and 72 hours after treatment for human melanoma cells and at 24, 48, and 72 hours for canine cells, mainly in higher dilutions of ETL. Human melanoma cells presented a typical U shape curve, characteristic of hormesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing inhibitory effects of DETL on canine melanoma cells. Therefore, DETL is a potentially new antineoplastic drug.
Deep Learning-Based Amplitude Fusion for Speech Dereverberation
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Wang Longbiao , Dang Jianwu
Published: July 2020

Mapping and masking are two important speech enhancement methods based on deep learning that aim to recover the original clean speech from corrupted speech. In practice, too large recovery errors severely restrict the improvement in speech quality. In our preliminary experiment, we demonstrated that mapping and masking methods had different conversion mechanisms and thus assumed that their recovery errors are highly likely to be complementary. Also, the complementarity was validated accordingly. Based on the principle of error minimization, we propose the fusion between mapping and masking for speech dereverberation. Specifically, we take the weighted mean of the amplitudes recovered by the two methods as the estimated amplitude of the fusion method. Experiments verify that the recovery error of the fusion method is further controlled. Compared with the existing geometric mean method, the weighted mean method we proposed has achieved better results. Speech dereverberation experiments manifest that the weighted mean method improves PESQ and SNR by 5.8% and 25.0%, respectively, compared with the traditional masking method.
Shannon-Cosine Wavelet Precise Integration Method for Locust Slice Image Mixed Denoising
Authors: Wang Haihua , Zhang Xinxin , Mei Shuli
Published: July 2020

A novel denoising method for removing mixed noise from locust slice images is proposed by means of Shannon-cosine wavelet and the nonlinear variational model for the image processing. This method includes two parts that are the sparse representation of the slice images and the novel numerical algorithm for solving the variation model on image denoising based on the sparse representation. In the first part, a parametric Shannon-cosine wavelet function is introduced to construct the multiscale wavelet transform matrix, which is applied to represent the slice images sparsely by adjusting the parameters adaptively based on the texture of the locust slice images. By multiplying the matrix with the signal, the multiscale wavelet transform coefficients of the signal can be obtained at one time, which can be used to identify the salt-and-pepper noises in the slice images. This ensures that the salt-and-pepper noise points are kept away from the sparse representation of the slice images. In the second part, a semianalytical method on solving the system of the nonlinear differential equations is constructed based on the sparse representation of the slice images, which is named the sparse wavelet precise integration method (SWPIM). Substituting the sparse representation of the slice images into the Perona–Malik model which is the famous edge-preserving smoothing model for removing the Gaussian noises of the biomedical images, a system of nonlinear differential equations is obtained, whose scale is far smaller than the one obtained by the difference method. The numerical experiments show that both the values of SSIM and PSNR of the denoised locust slice images are better than the classical methods besides the algorithm efficiency.
Remedying the Mitochondria to Cure Human Diseases by Natural Products
Authors: Mu Jian-Kang , Li Yan-Qin , Shi Ting-Ting , Yu Li-Ping , Yang Ya-Qin , Gu Wen , Li Jing-Ping , Yu Jie , Yang Xing-Xin
Published: July 2020

Mitochondria are the ‘engine’ of cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important mechanism in many human diseases. Many natural products could remedy the mitochondria to alleviate mitochondria-involved diseases. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of the relationship between the mitochondria and human diseases and the regulation of natural products to the mitochondria. We proposed that the development of mitochondrial regulators/nutrients from natural products to remedy mitochondrial dysfunction represents an attractive strategy for a mitochondria-involved disorder therapy. Moreover, investigating the mitochondrial regulation of natural products can potentiate the in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of action of natural products.
A Simulation Model for a Hybrid-Electric Craft in Restricted Waters
Authors: Mauro Francesco , la Monaca Ubaldo , Marinò Alberto , Bucci Vittorio
Published: July 2020

Sustainable mobility is one of the most challenging issues for passenger transport inside environmental protected areas and ecologically fragile environments. To reduce the pollutant emissions, the adoption of electric or hybrid-electric solutions for crafts propulsion is a suitable option for green navigation. However, the operation in restricted basin leads also to specific critical issues for the vessel sailing, as dealing with shallow or restricted waters and transit under low air-gap bridges. The combination of these constraints with the adoption of a hybrid-electric propulsion system increases the design difficulties also for a small craft, requiring the use of advanced simulation models to assess the vessel performances. This work presents a simulation model for a small passenger craft that will operate in the Grado Lagoon. The model combines the hydrodynamic issues of manoeuvring and propulsion in restricted water with the simulation of the electric loads and capacity of the energy storage system installed onboard. The simulations performed with the developed simulation system are in accordance with data measured during trials on a prototype of the vessel. The developed model is a powerful tool for designers in order to rapidly assess the green capabilities of new projects since the early design stages.
Lavender Oil Reduces Depressive Mood in Healthy Individuals and Enhances the Activity of Single Oxytocin Neurons of the Hypothalamus Isolated from Mice: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ogata Keizaburo , Ataka Koji , Suzuki Hajime , Yagi Takakazu , Okawa Ayumi , Fukumoto Takamasa , Zhang Boyang , Nakata Masanori , Yada Toshihiko , Asakawa Akihiro
Published: July 2020

Background. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of lavender oil inhalation on blood pressure, pulse measurements, cortisol levels, depressive mood, and anxiety in healthy male adults. The mechanism was investigated by the action on oxytocin single neurons in the hypothalamus of rodents. Methods. The participants (n = 7) were aged 20–40 years. After randomisation, they received an inhaled dose of lavender oil or distilled water for 20 min. They received the other treatment after a washout period of one week. We assessed the outcomes using the Self‐Rating Depression Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and self‐rated unidimensional Visual Analogue Scale for depression; anxiety; and hunger, thirst, and appetite, respectively. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol concentration in the peripheral blood were assessed before and after inhalation. In the rodent study (n = 4), oxytocin single neurons were isolated from the mouse hypothalamus. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the oxytocin neurons isolated from the hypothalamus was measured following direct administration of lavender oil. Results. Seven participants completed the study. Lavender inhalation decreased Self‐Rating Depression Scale score and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Ex vivo administration of lavender oil increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the hypothalamic oxytocin neurons. Conclusions. Lavender oil might be a useful therapy for stress relief, and its mechanism of action may include activation of the central oxytocin neurons.
Characterization of an Artificial Liver Support System‐Related Vasovagal Reaction
Authors: Ma Shanshan , Xie Zhongyang , Zhang Huafen , Rong Jiangcheng , Zhang Lingjian , Yang Ya , Jiang He , Xu Xiaowei , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2020

Objective. An artificial liver support system (ALSS) is an effective therapy for patients with severe liver injury. A vasovagal reaction (VVR) is a common complication in various treatment settings but has not been reported previously in ALSS. Methods. This study retrospectively evaluated patients who suffered an ALSS‐related VRR between January 2018 and June 2019. We collected data from VVR episodes including onset time, duration, changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP), and drug treatment. Results. Among 637 patients who underwent ALSS treatment, 18 were included in the study. The incidence of VVR was approximately 2.82%. These patients were characterized by a rapid decrease in BP or HR with associated symptoms such as chest distress, nausea, and vomiting. The majority of patients (78%) suffered a VVR during their first ALSS treatment. Sixteen patients (89%) had associated symptoms after treatment began. Sixteen patients (89%) received human albumin or Ringer’s solution. Atropine was used in 11 patients (61%). The symptoms were relieved within 20 min in 15 patients and over 20 min in 3 patients. Conclusions. A VVR is a rare complication in patients with severe liver injury undergoing ALSS treatment. Low BP and HR are the main characteristics of a VVR.
Pressure Estimation and Pressure Control of Hydraulic Control Unit in Electric-Wheel Vehicle
Authors: Xiangyang Zhao , Wen-bo Xu , Liu Gang
Published: July 2020

In order to improve the braking performance and safety performance of electric vehicles driven by a hub motor, the cylinder pressure estimation and pressure control of its hydraulic braking system are studied. In this paper, a mathematical model is established for the solenoid valve, a key component of the hydraulic actuator, and the hydraulic and electrical characteristics of the solenoid valve are studied. A state equation is established for the solenoid valve, and the square root volume Kalman filter (SRCKF) algorithm is used to estimate the solenoid valve spool position. The brake fluid flow and brake wheel cylinder pressure are calculated based on the spool position. Finally, a solenoid valve spool position control algorithm based on sliding mode variable structure algorithm is designed, and the brake pressure in the brake wheel cylinder is controlled by adjusting the spool position. Matlab/Simulink-AMESim software simulation and hardware-in-the-loop were used to verify the algorithm. Simulation results show that the brake cylinder pressure can be estimated accurately, and the pressure control algorithm can accurately follow the control target value.
The Actions and Mechanisms of P2X7R and p38 MAPK Activation in Mediating Bortezomib‐Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Guo Yan , Xu Xiaobo , Huang Jingyi , Wang Zhen , Li Zhenzhong , Liu Zhen
Published: July 2020

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) is a potent first‐line anticancer drug for multiple myeloma; nonetheless, it induced peripheral neuropathy. It has been suggested that many cytokines may play a role in mediating neuropathic pain, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that neuropathic pain is closely related to the purinergic ligand‐gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R), one of the P2X receptors, which is richly expressed in glial cells. P2X7‐p38 pathway is correlated with microglia‐ and satellite glial cell‐ (SGC‐) mediated neuropathic pain. However, the association of P2X7R and p38MAPK in mediating BTZ‐induced neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between P2X7R activation and p38 phosphorylation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn (SDH) in the development and maintenance of BTZ‐induced neuropathic pain was elucidated. The results showed that BTZ increased mechanical thresholds in rats, accompanied with upregulation of P2X7R expression and p38MAPK phosphorylation, indicating that P2X7R and p38MAPK are key molecules in the development and maintenance of BTZ‐induced neuropathic pain. Inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation with SB203580 resulted in downregulation of P2X7R expression levels. Inhibition of P2X7R with Brilliant Blue G (BBG) reversed neuropathic pain might decrease through the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐6 via inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation. The P2X7R/p38MAPK signaling pathway in SGCs of DRG and microglia of SDH might be a potential pharmacological target behind this mechanism as an opportunity to relieve BTZ‐induced neuropathic pain.
Exosomal CircHIPK3 Released from Hypoxia-Induced Cardiomyocytes Regulates Cardiac Angiogenesis after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Ranzun , Shen Changyin , Liu Weiwei , Yuan Jinson , Li Chaofu , Deng Wenwen , Wang Zhenglong , Zhang Wei , Ge Junbo , Shi Bei
Published: July 2020

Exosomes play critical roles in mediating cell-to-cell communication by delivering noncoding RNAs (including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs). Our previous study found that cardiomyocytes (CMs) subjected to hypoxia released circHIPK3-rich exosomes to regulate oxidative stress damage in cardiac endothelial cells. However, the role of exosomes in regulating angiogenesis after myocardial infarction (MI) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to establish the effects of exosomes derived from hypoxia-induced CMs on the migration and angiogenic tube formation of cardiac endothelial cells. Here, we reported that hypoxic exosomes (HPC-exos) can effectively reduce the infarct area and promote angiogenesis in the border surrounding the infarcted area. HPC-exos can also promote cardiac endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and tube formation in vitro. However, these effects were weakened after silencing circHIPK3 in hypoxia-induced CMs. We further verified that silencing and overexpressing circHIPK3 changed cardiac endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro by regulating the miR-29a expression. In addition, exosomal circHIPK3 derived from hypoxia-induced CMs first led to increased VEGFA expression by inhibiting miR-29a activity and then promoted accelerated cell cycle progression and proliferation in cardiac endothelial cells. Overexpression of miR-29a mimicked the effect of silencing circHIPK3 on cardiac endothelial cell activity in vitro. Thus, our study provides a novel mechanism by which exosomal circRNAs are involved in the communication between CMs and cardiac endothelial cells.