bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking discrete particle simulation to continuum properties of the gas fluidization of cohesive particles
Authors: Wu Yongli , Hou Qinfu , Yu Aibing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDiscrete particle simulation can explicitly consider interparticle forces and obtain microscopic properties of the fluidized cohesive particles, but it is computationally expensive. It is thus pivotal to link the microscopic discrete properties to the macroscopic continuum description of the system for large scale applications. This work studies the fluidization of cohesive particles through the coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD‐DEM). First, discrete CFD‐DEM results show the increased particle cohesion leads to the severe particle agglomeration which affects the fluidization quality significantly. Then, continuum properties are attained by a weighted time‐volume averaging method, showing that tensile pressure becomes significant as particle cohesion increases. By incorporating Rumpf correlation into the solid pressure equation, the tensile pressure could be predicted consistently with the averaged CFD‐DEM results for different particle cohesion. Finally, those overall steady averaged properties of the bed are obtained for understanding the general macroscopic properties of the system.
Coffee Consumption and Risk of Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qian Yu , Ye Ding , Huang Huijun , Wu David J. H. , Zhuang Yaxuan , Jiang Xia , Mao Yingying 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveObservational epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between coffee intake and risk of stroke. However, evidence for this association is inconsistent, and it remains uncertain whether the association is causal or due to confounding or reverse causality. To clarify this relationship, we adopted a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the effects of coffee consumption on the risk of stroke and its subtypes.MethodsA meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) including 91,462 coffee consumers was used to identify instruments for coffee consumption. Summary‐level data for stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke (IS), and IS subtypes were obtained from GWAS meta‐analyses conducted by the MEGASTROKE consortium. MR analyses were performed using the inverse‐variance‐weighted, weighted‐median, MR‐PRESSO (Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier) test and MR‐Egger regression. Sensitivity analyses were further performed using alternative instruments to test the robustness of our findings.ResultsGenetically predicted coffee consumption (high vs infrequent/no) was not associated with risk of stroke. Similarly, among coffee consumers, MR analysis did not indicate causal associations between coffee consumption (cups/day) and risk of stroke. However, in the subgroup analysis, we found weak suggestive evidence for a potential protective effect of coffee consumption on risk of small vessel (SV)‐IS, although the association did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons.InterpretationThis study suggests that coffee consumption is not causally associated with risk of stroke or its subtypes. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the possible association between coffee intake and risk of SV‐IS, as well as its potential underlying mechanisms. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:525–532
Cancer Liquid Biopsy Using Integrated Microfluidic Exosome Analysis Platforms
Authors: Li Guiying , Tang Weiwei , Yang Fang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLiquid biopsies serve as both powerful noninvasive diagnostic tools for early cancer screening and prognostic tools for monitoring cancer progression and treatment efficacy. Exosomes are promising biomarkers for liquid biopsies, since these nano‐sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) enrich proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs from cells of origin, including cancer cells. Although exosomes are abundantly present in various bodily fluids, conventional exosome isolation and detection methods that rely on benchtop equipment are time‐consuming, expensive, and involve complicated non‐portable procedures. As an alternative, recently developed microfluidic platforms can perform effective exosome separation and detection for liquid biopsies using a single device. Such methods offer advantages of integrity, speed, cost‐efficiency, and portability over conventional benchtop and early microfluidic‐based single‐functional methods which can only separate or detect exosomes separately. These advances have made exosome‐based point‐of‐care (POC) applications possible. This review outlines recent integrated microfluidic‐based exosomal detection strategies to guide future development of such devices for use in liquid biopsies for early cancer screening, prognostic monitoring, and other potential POC applications.
Individual and joint effects of metformin and statins on mortality among patients with high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Tan Xiang‐Lin , E Jian‐Yu , Lin Yong , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Lu Shou‐En , Shang Mingyi , Kelly William K. , D'Amico Anthony , Stein Mark N. , Zhang Lanjing , Jang Thomas L. , Kim Isaac Yi , Demissie Kitaw , Ferrari Anna , Lu‐Yao Grace 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundPre‐clinical studies suggest that metformin and statins may delay prostate cancer (PCa) metastases; however, data in humans are limited. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first human study aimed to quantify the individual and joint effects of statin and metformin use among patients with high‐risk PCa.MethodsThis population‐based retrospective cohort study identified patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database. Exposure to metformin and statins was ascertained from Medicare Prescription Drug Event files. The association with all‐cause and PCa mortality were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard model with competing causes of death, where propensity scores were used to adjusted imbalances in covariates across groups.ResultsBased on 12 700 patients with high‐risk PCa, statin alone or in combination with metformin was significantly associated with reduced all‐cause mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.89; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.83, 0.96; and HR: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.83, respectively) and PCa mortality (HR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.92) and 0.64; 95% CI, d 0.51‐0.81, respectively. The effects were more pronounced in post‐diagnostic users: combination use of metformin/statins was associated with a 32% reduction in all‐cause mortality (95% CI, 0.57‐0.80), and 54% reduction in PCa mortality (95% CI, 0.30‐0.69). No significant association of metformin alone was observed with either all‐cause mortality or PCa mortality.ConclusionsStatin use alone or in combination with metformin was associated with lower all‐cause and PCa mortality among high‐risk patients, particularly in post‐diagnostic settings; further studies are warranted.
Lipid‐Embedded Molecular Dynamics Simulation Model for Exploring the Reverse Prostaglandin D2 Agonism of CT‐133 towards CRTH2 in the Treatment of Type‐2 Inflammation Dependent Diseases
Authors: Issahaku Abdul Rashid , Agoni Clement , Kumi Ransford O. , Olotu Fisayo A. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) has been involved in several inflammation dependent diseases by mediating the chemotaxis of pro‐inflammatory cells in response to allergy and other responses through PGD2 ligation. This CRTH2‐PGD2 signaling pathway has become a target for treating allergic and type 2 inflammation dependent diseases, with many inhibitors developed to target the PGD2 binding pocket. One of such inhibitors is the ramatroban analog, CT‐133, which exhibited therapeutic potency cigarette smoke‐induced acute lung injury in patients. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanism and structural dynamics that accounts for its therapeutic prowess remain unclear. Employing computational tools, this study revealed that although the carboxylate moiety in CT‐133 and the native agonist PGD2 aided in their stability within the CRTH2 binding pocket, the tetrahydrocarbazole group of CT‐133 engaged in strong interactions with binding pocket residues which could have formed as the basis of the antagonistic advantage of CT‐133. Tetrahydrocarbazole group interactions also enhanced the relative stability CT‐133 within the binding pocket which consequently favored CT‐133 binding affinity. CT‐133 binding also induced an inactive or ‘desensitized’ state in the helix 8 of CRTH2 which could conversely favor the recruitment of arrestin. These revelations would aid in the speedy development of small molecule inhibitors of CRTH2 in the treatment of type 2 inflammation dependent diseases.
Implantable hemodynamic monitors: New hope or old hype?
Authors: Parekh Dhaval R. , Krajcer Zvonimir 
Published: February 2020

Key Points
Ambulatory pulmonary artery monitoring with CardioMEMS device is technically feasible in a select cohort with complex congenital heart disease with heart failure.
Despite non pulsatile flow in the single ventricle Fontan physiology, the device was accurately calibrated for pulmonary artery pressure transmissions.
Despite the low overall complication rate, with only one device migration and no evidence of pulmonary thrombosis, larger and longer‐term studies are needed to establish long term feasibility and effectiveness in outpatient heart failure management in this cohort.
Technical advances with new generation hemodynamic monitors will likely allow for direct left atrial pressure monitoring with direct real time communication to our portable devices.
A rare cause of the abdominal pain in a 48‐year‐old woman with a history of prior colon surgery
Authors: Makker Jasbir , Abbas Hafsa , Kumar Kishore , Bhandari Peter , Patel Harish 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFecal retention in the blind loop of end to side colonic anastomosis can lead to fecaloma without significant colonic distension. Imaging study and colonoscopy examination can assist in making a definite diagnosis. Revision surgery is the last choice when colonoscopic extraction fails.
Urine in Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Overall Review
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Garcia Maria Jose Salar , Walter Xavier Alexis , You Jiseon , Theodosiou Pavlina , Gajda Iwona , Obata Oluwatosin , Winfield Jonathan , Greenman John , Ieropoulos Ioannis 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn recent years, human urine has been successfully used as an electrolyte and organic substrate in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) mainly due of its unique properties. Urine contains organic compounds that can be utilised as a fuel for energy recovery in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and it has high nutrient concentrations including nitrogen and phosphorous that can be concentrated and recovered in microbial electrosynthesis cells and microbial concentration cells. Moreover, human urine has high solution conductivity, which reduces the ohmic losses of these systems, improving BES output. This review describes the most recent advances in BESs utilising urine. Properties of neat human urine used in state‐of‐the‐art MFCs are described from basic to pilot‐scale and real implementation. Utilisation of urine in other bioelectrochemical systems for nutrient recovery is also discussed including proofs of concept to scale up systems.
Quantitative Analysis of the Multiple Roles Played by Halide Ions in Controlling the Growth Patterns of Palladium Nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Tung‐Han , Zhou Shan , Zhao Ming , Xia Younan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDespite the pivotal roles played by halide ions (e. g., Cl− and Br−) in directing the evolution of seeds into metal nanocrystals with diverse shapes, it is still unclear how halides affect the reduction kinetics of a salt precursor and thus the outcome of a synthesis. Here we report a quantitative analysis of the multiple roles played by halides in controlling the growth behaviors of Pd seeds with cubic and octahedral shapes, respectively. Our quantitative measurements clearly indicate the existence of a transition point around 10−3 mM min−1 for the reduction rate, which separates the reduction into two distinctive pathways (solution versus surface) for the formation of completely different products. More significantly, we demonstrate that the speciation, reduction kinetics, and reduction pathway of a Pd(II) precursor can all be manipulated by varying the type and/or amount of halides introduced into a synthesis for the deterministic formation of a specific product. This work represents a critical step forward in achieving a quantitative understanding of the multiple roles of halides involved in the shape‐controlled synthesis of Pd nanocrystals, with the knowledge potentially extendible to other noble metals and their alloys.
Influence maximization based on activity degree in mobile social networks
Authors: Gao Min , Xu Li , Lin Limei , Huang Yanze , Zhang Xinxin 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThe problem of influence maximization (IM) has become an important research topic due to the rapid growth of mobile social networks. It attempts to identify a set of nodes, referred to as influencers, contributing to the spread of maximum information. In this article, we present the construction of social relation graph based on mobile communication data. And we propose a new centrality measure—activity degree to characterize the activity of nodes. By combining the local attributes of nodes and the behavioral characteristics of nodes to measure node activity degree, which can be used to evaluate the influence of users in mobile social networks, we introduce Susceptible‐Infected‐Susceptible model to simulate the dynamic spreading of information. We take advantage of the two indicators the degree centrality and the betweenness centrality to get a better ranking results. In comparison with spanning graph and initial graph, the results of comparison demonstrate that our algorithm has advantages in the scope of influence propagation.
Heterosis and parent–progeny relationships for silk extrusion dynamics and kernel number determination in maize: Nitrogen effects
Authors: Rossini María A. , Hisse Ignacio R. , Otegui María E. , D´Andrea Karina E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) ear‐related traits conducive to final kernel number per plant (KNP) are currently considered key determinants of kernel set under abiotic stress. Understanding of the variation between parental inbred lines and their hybrids is limited. The objective of this work was to analyze the genotypic variation between a set of inbred lines and some of their derived hybrids for (a) total number of spikelets per ear, (b) silk extrusion dynamics, (c) KNP, and (d) sources of loss in KNP (i.e., silk and kernel abortions) under high and limited N supply. In inbreds, variations in KNP were strongly explained by variations in silk extrusion rate (SER) and silk abortion. In contrast, hybrid KNP was explained by the number of spikelet per ear, exposed silks on Day 5 (ESD5), and extruded silks (TES), as well as silk extrusion per unit area (ESMAX). Heterosis across N levels was high for KNP, ESMAX, SER, kernel abortion, and ESD5. Strong parent–progeny relationships (r ≥ .69, P < .01) were computed for reproductive morphology traits (TES, total spikelets) at both N levels, whereas (a) KNP, sources of loss, and ESMAX were highly heritable exclusively under high N supply, and (b) ESD5 was a good predictor of hybrids KNP only at low N supply. Based on its high heterosis across environments and good parent–progeny relationship for KNP under N deficiency, ESD5 quantification should be part of breeding programs aimed to low‐N environments, depending upon the development of image‐based plant and crop phenotyping.
Generalized frequency division multiplexing–based acoustic communication for underwater systems
Authors: Hebbar Rajath P. , Poddar Prerana Gupta 
Published: February 2020

SummaryThe underwater (UW) acoustic channel poses multiple challenges like coloured ambient noise, frequency‐dependent attenuation, and doubly selective fading. The availability of a robust underwater communication mechanism can largely enhance the success of human effort in a multitude of applications, ranging from pollution surveillance to defence and search/rescue operations. In this work, generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), a non‐orthogonal multicarrier scheme, which has recently been studied for terrestrial wireless fading channels, is developed and tested for signalling in UW acoustic communication. UW noise, attenuation, and doubly selective fading channels are modelled with appropriate statistics. The BER performance of proposed system is systematically evaluated under different channel conditions, starting from simple additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels to a horizontally configured UW channel. The performance is also compared with contemporary orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM)– and filter bank multicarrier (FBMC)–based systems.
An autonomic risk‐ and penalty‐aware resource allocation with probabilistic resource scaling mechanism for multilayer cloud resource provisioning
Authors: Mazidi Arash , Golsorkhtabaramiri Mehdi , Yadollahzadeh Tabari Meisam 
Published: February 2020

SummaryCloud computing environment allows presenting different services on the Internet in exchange for cost payment. Cloud providers can minimize their operational costs by auto‐scaling of the computational resources based on demand received from users. However, the time and cost required to increase and decrease the number of active computational resources are among the biggest limitations of scalability. Thus, auto‐scaling is considered as one of the most important challenges in the field of cloud computing. The present study aimed to present a new solution to automatic scalability of resources for multilayered cloud applications under the Monitor‐Analysis‐Plan‐Execute‐Knowledge loop. In addition, the Google penalty payment model was used to model the penalty costs in the problem and to accurately evaluate the earned profit. A hybrid resource load prediction algorithm was proposed to evaluate the future of resources in each cloud layer. Further, we used statistical solution to determine the statuses of VMs in addition to presenting a risk‐aware algorithm to allocate the user requests to active resources. The experimental results by Cloudsim indicated the improvement of the proposed approach in terms of operational costs, the number of used resources, and the amount of profit.
Artificial reef design affects benthic secondary productivity and provision of functional habitat
Authors: Rouse Sally , Porter Joanne S. , Wilding Thomas A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Novel hard substratum, introduced through offshore developments, can provide habitat for marine species and thereby function as an artificial reef. To predict the ecological consequences of deploying offshore infrastructure, and sustainably manage the installation of new structures, interactions between artificial reefs and marine ecosystem functions and services must be understood. This requires quantitative data on the relationships between secondary productivity and artificial reef design, across all trophic levels. Benthic secondary productivity is, however, one of the least studied processes on artificial reefs.

In this study, we show that productivity rates of a common suspension feeder, Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus 1758), were 2.4 times higher on artificial reefs constructed from “complex” blocks than on reefs constructed from “simple” blocks, which had a smaller surface area.

Productivity rates were highest on external areas of reefs. Productivity rates decreased by 1.56%, per cm distance into the reef on complex reefs and 2.93% per cm into the reef on simple block reefs. The differences in productivity rates between reefs constructed from simple and complex blocks are assumed to reflect different current regimes and food supply between the external and internal reef areas, according to reef type.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that artificial reef design can affect secondary productivity at low trophic levels. We demonstrate that the incorporation of voids into reef blocks can lead to a greater proportion of the structure serving as functional habitat for benthic species. By including such modifications into the design of artificial reefs, it may be possible to increase the overall productivity capacity of artificial structures.
Gut microbiota alterations affect glioma growth and innate immune cells involved in tumor immunosurveillance in mice
Authors: D'Alessandro Giuseppina , Antonangeli Fabrizio , Marrocco Francesco , Porzia Alessandra , Lauro Clotilde , Santoni Angela , Limatola Cristina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGlioma is a CNS tumor with few therapeutic options. Recently, host microbiota has been involved in the immune modulation of different tumors, but no data are available on the possible effects of the gut–immune axis on brain tumors. Here, we investigated the effect of gut microbiota alteration in a syngeneic (GL261) mouse model of glioma, treating mice with two antibiotics (ABX) and evaluating the effects on tumor growth, microbe composition, natural killer (NK) cells and microglia phenotype. We report that ABX treatment (i) altered the intestinal microbiota at family level, (ii) reduced cytotoxic NK cell subsets, and (iii) altered the expression of inflammatory and homeostatic proteins in microglia. All these findings could contribute to the increased growth of intracranial glioma that was observed after ABX treatment. These results demonstrate that chronic ABX administration alters microbiota composition and contributes to modulate brain immune state paving the way to glioma growth.
Bleaching of Olive Oil by Membrane Filtration
Authors: Dadfar Tahereh , Sahari Mohammad Ali , Barzegar Mohsen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this study the application of membrane processes for olive oil bleaching is investigated. Olive oil is treated by adding 0.7 wt% of bleaching earth, 0.3 wt% of activated charcoal, and 5% wt% of sodium dodecyl sulfate solution (0.05 m) and then charged into the membrane cell. Operating conditions including pressure ((2−4) × 105 Pa), temperature (25–45 °C), and stirring rate (100–300 rpm) are optimized. Physico‐chemical properties of membrane bleached oil are evaluated and compared with crude and industrially bleached olive oil. Results show that the filtration conditions for the optimized point are as follows: pressure = 3.7 bar (3.7×105 Pa), temperature = 36.5 °C, and stirring rate = 300 rpm. Under optimum conditions, the amounts of carotenoid and chlorophyll contents are decreased (71.3% and 40.42%, respectively). Acidic and thiobarbituric acid values reduction in membrane‐processed oil (12.42% and 14.46%, respectively) are more than the industrial one. Also, some bioactive compounds such as sterols and phenolic compounds are increased in the membrane‐filtered sample (23.13% and 57.12%, respectively).Practical Applications: Olive oil bleaching is an important step along the refining process. Pigments and minor impurities that reduce olive oil stability are removed in this step. Given the disadvantages of conventional bleaching, alternative methods are introduced. In this study, the effect of membrane filtration on olive oil color is studied. Because of the mild operating conditions, the reduction of clay percentage, as well as the increase of bioactive compounds in optimum conditions, this method has the potential to be a good alternative to conventional bleaching processes.