We present X-ray timing results of the new black hole candidate MAXI J1535−571 during its 2017 outburst from Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) observations taken from 2017 September 6 to ...23. Following the definitions given by Belloni, we find that the source exhibits transitions from the low/hard state to the hard intermediate state, and eventually to the soft intermediate state. Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are found in the intermediate states, which suggest different types of QPOs. With the large effective area of Insight-HXMT at high energies, we are able to present the energy dependence of the QPO amplitude and centroid frequency up to 100 keV, which has rarely been explored by previous satellites. We also find that the phase lag at the type-C QPOs centroid frequency is negative (soft lag) and strongly correlated with the centroid frequency. Assuming a geometrical origin of type-C QPOs, the source is consistent with being a high-inclination system.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke heightens oxidative stress and impairs autophagy, advancing COPD progression. Andrographolide ...is a bioactive diterpenoid lactone isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata which has been a traditional medicinal herb for respiratory diseases. As airway epithelial cells form the first interface to be exposed to cigarette smoke, this study aimed to explore the modulatory effects of andrographolide on oxidative stress and autophagy in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). CSE (2%) exposure increased autophagic markers p62 and LC3B-II levels in BEAS-2B cells. Andrographolide alone increased p62 and p-p62 (S349) but not LC3B-II in BEAS-2B cells. However, in the presence of CSE, andrographolide was able to simultaneously increase LC3B-II level and enhance antioxidant defense by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing total antioxidant capacity, through upregulation of nuclear Nrf2 via the p62-Nrf2 positive feedback loop. Using RFP-GFP-LC3B transfected BEAS-2B cells exposed to CSE, andrographolide was found to impair autophagosome fusion with lysosome, which may account for the moderate increase in activated caspase 3/7 and annexin V levels. Our findings revealed for the first time that andrographolide simultaneously upregulated antioxidant defense through the p62-Nrf2 loop and moderately induced apoptosis through impairment of autophagic flux in CSE-exposed bronchial epithelium. Andrographolide facilitated cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis may be a potential toxicological outcome or may protect against chronic inflammation and aberrant DNA repair. Validation of these in-vitro findings in an experimental COPD model by andrographolide is warranted.
•Andrographolide augments ARE genes via Nrf2 in a p62-dependent manner.•Andrographolide increases p62 and LC3B-II levels in CSE-exposed BEAS-2B cells.•Andrographolide blocks autophagic flux in CSE-exposed BEAS-2B cells.•Andrographolide enhances apoptosis in CSE-exposed BEAS-2B cells.
Long-term documentation of anatomic and angiographic characteristics pertaining to the timing of recanalization in coiled aneurysms has been insufficient. Our intent was to analyze and compare early ...and late-phase recanalization after coiling, identifying respective risk factors.
A total of 870 coiled saccular aneurysms were monitored for extended periods (mean, 30.8 ± 8.3 months). Medical records and radiologic data were also reviewed, stratifying patients as either early (
= 128) or late (
= 52) recanalization or as complete occlusion (
= 690). Early recanalization was equated with confirmed recanalization within 6 months after the procedure, whereas late recanalization was defined as verifiable recanalization after imaging confirmation of complete occlusion at 6 months. A multinomial regression model served to assess potential risk factors, the reference point being early recanalization.
Posterior circulation (
= .009), subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation (
= .011), second attempt for recanalized aneurysm (
< .001), and aneurysm size >7 mm (
< .001) emerged as variables significantly linked with early recanalization (versus complete occlusion). Late (versus early) recanalization corresponded with aneurysms ≤7 mm (
= .013), and in a separate subanalysis of lesions ≤7 mm, aneurysms 4-7 mm showed a significant predilection for late recanalization (
= .008). However, the propensity for complete occlusion in smaller lesions (≤7 mm) increased as the size diminished.
Although long-term complete occlusion after coiling was more likely in aneurysms ≤7 mm, such lesions were more prone to late (versus early) recanalization, particularly those of 4-7 mm in size. Long-term follow-up imaging is thus appropriate in aneurysms >4 mm to detect late recanalization of those formerly demonstrating complete occlusion.
Background
Recently, aging has been shown to be associated with sarcopenic obesity (SO), of which decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass are features. Sarcopenia and obesity alone are known to ...be associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether SO has greater adverse effects on dyslipidemia than on sarcopenia or obesity alone.
Aim
We aimed to investigate the association between SO and dyslipidemia in elderly Koreans.
Subjects and methods
This study was based on data collected during the 2008–2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included 1,466 men and 2,017 women aged 65 years and over. Sarcopenia was indicated in participants with height- or weight-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle that was 1 standard deviation below the sex-specific mean for the young reference group, and obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, the SO group had a higher risk for dyslipidemia odds ratio (OR) 2.82 (95 % confidence interval 1.76–4.51) than the obese group 2.12 (1.11–4.07) and sarcopenic group 1.46 (1.01–2.11) (
p
< 0.001) only in men. Furthermore, the SO group in men had the highest OR for hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and a high ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol even after further adjustments.
Conclusions
In Korean elderly men, SO was associated with an increased risk for dyslipidemia compared with sarcopenia or obesity alone.
•The impact factors (IMs) of continuous beam bridges increase dramatically when resonance phenomena occur. Vehicle-bridge resonance is closely related not only to vehicle frequency and bridge ...frequency but also to the disturbance frequency caused by vehicle movement. Travelling velocity exerts an important influence on resonance. In most cases, the IM of a continuous beam bridge reaches its peak at a low travelling velocity.•Vehicle-bridge resonance may be caused by the first-order mode or the second-order mode of a bridge. Second-order curvature modes exert an especially crucial influence on the IMs of the negative moment at the interior supports. The maximum IM of continuous beam bridges at the interior supports is much larger than the maximum IM at the mid-spans, which is an important feature of the IMs of continuous beam bridges.•For the VM at the interior supports, the maximum DAF may be more than 1.7. If the design vehicular load specified in AASHTO code is used, the DLA of 33% is applicable to the force effect at the supports. However, when the same static traffic load standard is applied to both interior supports and mid-spans, a DLA of 75%, which is used for the deck joint in AASHTO code (2017), is necessary for the moment effect at interior supports.
The impact factors of multi-span continuous box girder bridges in highways are influenced by many factors, including road roughness, vehicle-bridge interactions (VBIs), and travelling velocity. Currently, the empirical formulas specified by bridge design codes are based on single factors (bridge length or fundamental frequency). These formulas yield inconsistent results that can differ widely. In this paper, the regularity of the dynamic amplification factors (DAFs) of continuous beam bridges is investigated by selecting 15 continuous beam bridges and conducting VBI analyses. The results indicate that the DAFs of the continuous beam bridges increase dramatically when resonance phenomena occur. The vehicle-bridge resonance is closely related to vehicle frequency, bridge frequency and the disturbance frequency caused by vehicle movement. The travelling velocity exerts an important influence on the resonance. In most cases, the DAF of a continuous beam bridge peaks at the velocity range of 40–60 km/h. Vehicle-bridge resonance may be caused by the first-order or second-order mode of a bridge. Second-order curvature modes exert an especially crucial influence on the DAF of the negative moment at the interior supports. The empirical formulas used in current bridge design codes fail to account for the influence of resonance and travelling velocity on the DAFs of bridges. The maximum DAF at the interior supports of the continuous beam bridges may exceed 1.7.
Complex-oxide materials exhibit physical properties that involve the interplay of charge and spin degrees of freedom. However, an ambipolar oxide that is able to exhibit both electron-doped and ...hole-doped ferromagnetism in the same material has proved elusive. Here we report ambipolar ferromagnetism in LaMnO
, with electron-hole asymmetry of the ferromagnetic order. Starting from an undoped atomically thin LaMnO
film, we electrostatically dope the material with electrons or holes according to the polarity of a voltage applied across an ionic liquid gate. Magnetotransport characterization reveals that an increase of either electron-doping or hole-doping induced ferromagnetic order in this antiferromagnetic compound, and leads to an insulator-to-metal transition with colossal magnetoresistance showing electron-hole asymmetry. These findings are supported by density functional theory calculations, showing that strengthening of the inter-plane ferromagnetic exchange interaction is the origin of the ambipolar ferromagnetism. The result raises the prospect of exploiting ambipolar magnetic functionality in strongly correlated electron systems.
Abstract
Nickel-based complex oxides have served as a playground for decades in the quest for a copper-oxide analog of the high-temperature superconductivity. They may provide clues towards ...understanding the mechanism and an alternative route for high-temperature superconductors. The recent discovery of superconductivity in the infinite-layer nickelate thin films has fulfilled this pursuit. However, material synthesis remains challenging, direct demonstration of perfect diamagnetism is still missing, and understanding of the role of the interface and bulk to the superconducting properties is still lacking. Here, we show high-quality Nd
0.8
Sr
0.2
NiO
2
thin films with different thicknesses and demonstrate the interface and strain effects on the electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Perfect diamagnetism is achieved, confirming the occurrence of superconductivity in the films. Unlike the thick films in which the normal-state Hall-coefficient changes signs as the temperature decreases, the Hall-coefficient of films thinner than 5.5 nm remains negative, suggesting a thickness-driven band structure modification. Moreover, X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the Ni-O hybridization nature in doped infinite-layer nickelates, and the hybridization is enhanced as the thickness decreases. Consistent with band structure calculations on the nickelate/SrTiO
3
heterostructure, the interface and strain effect induce a dominating electron-like band in the ultrathin film, thus causing the sign-change of the Hall-coefficient.
Background & Aims
Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone for the management of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to understand lifestyle habits of NAFLD patients, compare across ...Asian regions and identify area of deficiency.
Methods
In the multi‐centre controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)‐Asia study, we collected clinical data and lifestyle habit data of NAFLD patients from Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Results
A total of 555 patients were included in the final analysis (mean age 54.5 ± 11.2 years, 54.1% men and median liver stiffness 6.7 kPa). More patients from mainland China (27.4%) and Taipei (25.0%) were smokers. Modest drinking was more common in Taiwan (25.0%) and Hong Kong (18.2%); only 1.3% had binge drinking. Majority of patients drank coffee (64.0%) and tea (80.2%), with varying amounts and durations in different regions. Soft drinks consumption was most common in Singapore (62.2%) and Malaysia (57.7%). Only 29.7% of patients met the Physical Activity Guidelines Recommendations, with no major differences across regions. Patients with liver stiffness <10 kPa were more likely to report any vigorous activity, and sitting time was an independent factor associated with high CAP. Tea and coffee consumption were independently associated with high CAP and liver stiffness, respectively.
Conclusions
Despite some heterogeneity, unhealthy lifestyle and physical inactivity are common across Asian regions. Patients with liver stiffness <10 kPa were more likely to report any vigorous activity. Healthcare providers may use the comparative data to identify areas of deficiency.
Summary
Background
Liver fibrosis is often accompanied by steatosis, particularly in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its non‐invasive characterisation is of utmost ...importance. Vibration‐controlled transient elastography is the non‐invasive method of choice; however, recent research suggests that steatosis may influence its diagnostic performance. Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) added to transient elastography enables simultaneous assessment of steatosis and fibrosis.
Aim
To determine how to use CAP in interpreting liver stiffness measurements.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis of data from an individual patient data meta‐analysis on CAP. The main exclusion criteria for the current analysis were unknown aetiology, unreliable elastography measurement and data already used for the same research question. Aetiology‐specific liver stiffness measurement cut‐offs were determined and used to estimate positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) with logistic regression as functions of CAP.
Results
Two thousand and fifty eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (37% women, 18% NAFLD/NASH, 42% HBV, 40% HCV, 51% significant fibrosis ≥ F2). Youden optimised cut‐offs were only sufficient for ruling out cirrhosis (NPV of 98%). With sensitivity and specificity‐optimised cut‐offs, NPV for ruling out significant fibrosis was moderate (70%) and could be improved slightly through consideration of CAP. PPV for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 68% and 55% respectively, despite specificity‐optimised cut‐offs for cirrhosis.
Conclusions
Liver stiffness measurement values below aetiology‐specific cut‐offs are very useful for ruling out cirrhosis, and to a lesser extent for ruling out significant fibrosis. In the case of the latter, Controlled Attenuation Parameter can improve interpretation slightly. Even if cut‐offs are very high, liver stiffness measurements are not very reliable for ruling in fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Linked ContentThis article is linked to Hassan and Tapper and Karlas et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14584 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14632.
A membrane-based system with a retentate recycle process in tandem with an enriching cascade was studied for >90% carbon capture from coal flue gas. A highly CO2-selective facilitated transport ...membrane (FTM) was utilized particularly to enhance the CO2 separation efficiency from the CO2-lean gases for a high capture degree. A techno-economic analysis showed that the retentate recycle process was advantageous for ≤90% capture owing to the reduced parasitic energy consumption and membrane area. At >90% capture, the enriching cascade outperformed the retentate recycle process since a higher feed-to-permeate pressure ratio could be applied. An overall 99% capture degree could be achieved by combining the two processes, which yielded a low capture cost of USD47.2/tonne, whereas that would be USD 42.0/tonne for 90% capture. This FTM-based approach for deep carbon capture and storage can direct air capture for the mitigation of carbon emissions in the energy sector.
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