bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arm crank ergometer “spin” training improves seated balance and aerobic capacity in people with spinal cord injury
Authors: Williams Alison M. M. , Chisholm Amanda E. , Lynn Andrea , Malik Raza N. , Eginyan Gevorg , Lam Tania
Published: October 2019

Background

There is some evidence that upper‐body training modalities can improve not only aerobic capacity but also seated balance in people with spinal cord injury (SCI), even in those classified with motor‐complete paralysis above T6. Here, we evaluated the effect of arm crank ergometry (ACE) “spin” training on trunk muscle recruitment and its effects on seated balance and aerobic capacity.

Methods

Eight individuals with high‐level complete and 6 with either a low‐level complete or a motor‐incomplete SCI participated in this study. Participants completed 5 weeks of a group ACE “spin” training protocol which featured modulations in cadence and resistance as well as back‐supported and unsupported bouts. Surface electromyography was used to confirm trunk muscle recruitment during unsupported ACE. Changes in aerobic capacity (peak oxygen consumption) and seated balance control (center of pressure parameters) were assessed at pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Results

Unsupported ACE was effective for eliciting trunk muscle activity (P < .05). Following training, peak oxygen consumption significantly improved by an average of 16% (P = .005). Static sitting balance significantly improved from pre‐ to post‐intervention, but only when tested with eyes closed as measured by a reduction in area (P = .047) and velocity of center of pressure (P = .013). No significant changes were observed in static sitting balance with eyes open or in dynamic sitting balance.

Conclusion

Group ACE “spin” classes may benefit not only aerobic fitness but also static seated balance control in people with SCI.
Monitoring maternal and newborn health outcomes globally: a brief history of key events and initiatives
Authors: Moller Ann‐Beth , Patten Jane H. , Hanson Claudia , Morgan Alison , Say Lale , Diaz Theresa , Moran Allisyn C.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Over time, we have seen a major evolution of measurement initiatives, indicators and methods, such that today a wide range of maternal and perinatal indicators are monitored and new indicators are under development. Monitoring global progress in maternal and newborn health outcomes and development has been dominated in recent decades by efforts to set, measure and achieve global goals and targets: the Millennium Development Goals followed by the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper aims to review, reflect and learn on accelerated progress towards global goals and events, including universal health coverage, and better tracking of maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Methods

We searched for literature of key events and global initiatives over recent decades related to maternal and newborn health. The searches were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and the World Health Organization Global Index Medicus.

Results

This paper describes global key events and initiatives over recent decades showing how maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, and stillbirths, have been viewed, when they have achieved higher priority on the global agenda, and how they have been measured, monitored and reported. Despite substantial improvements, the enormous maternal and newborn health disparities that persist within and between countries indicate the urgent need to renew the focus on reducing inequities.

Conclusion

The review has featured the long story of the progress in monitoring improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, but has also underlined current gaps and significant inequities. The many global initiatives described in this paper have highlighted the magnitude of the problems and have built the political momentum over the years for effectively addressing maternal and newborn health and well‐being, with particular focus on improved measurement and monitoring.
Characterization of TAG‐63 and its role on axonal transport in C. elegans
Authors: Bhan Prerana , Muthaiyan Shanmugam Muniesh , Wang Ding , Bayansan Odvogmed , Chen Chih‐Wei , Wagner Oliver I.
Published: October 2019

Model organisms are increasingly used to study and understand how neurofilament (NF)‐based neurological diseases develop. However, whether a NF homolog exists in C. elegans remains unclear. We characterize TAG‐63 as a NF‐like protein with sequence homologies to human NEFH carrying various coiled coils as well as clustered phosphorylation sites. TAG‐63 also exhibits features of NFL such as a molecular weight of around 70 kD, the lack of KSP repeats and the ability to form 10 nm filamentous structures in transmission electron micrographs. An anti‐NEFH antibody detects a band at the predicted molecular weight of TAG‐63 in Western blots of whole worm lysates and this band cannot be detected in tag‐63 knockout worms. A transcriptional tag‐63 reporter expresses in a broad range of neurons, and various anti‐NFH antibodies stain worm neurons with an overlapping expression of axonal vesicle transporter UNC‐104(KIF1A). Cultured neurons grow shorter axons when incubating with drugs known to disintegrate the NF network and rhodamine‐labeled in vitro reconstituted TAG‐63 filaments disintegrate upon drug exposure. Speeds of UNC‐104 motors are diminished in tag‐63 mutant worms with visibly increased accumulations of motors along axons. UNC‐104/TAG‐63 and SNB‐1/TAG‐63 not only colocalize in neurons but also revealed positive BiFC (bimolecular fluorescence assay) signals. In summary, we identified and characterized TAG‐63 in C. elegans, and demonstrate that lack of this protein limits axonal transport efficiencies. Additionally, this study would aid in developing NF‐related disease models in the future.
From carry trades to curvy trades
Authors: Dreher Ferdinand , Gräb Johannes , Kostka Thomas
Published: October 2019

Traditional carry trade strategies are based on differences in short‐term interest rates, neglecting any other information embedded in yield curves. We derive return distributions of currency portfolios, where the signals to buy and sell currencies are based on summary measures of the yield curve. We find that a strategy based on the relative curvature factor, the curvy trade, yields higher Sharpe ratios and a smaller return skewness than traditional carry strategies. Curvy trades build less upon the typical carry currencies and are hence less susceptible to crash risk. In line with that, standard pricing factors of traditional carry returns fail to explain curvy trade returns.
The unconventional monetary policy of the European Central Bank: Effectiveness and transmission analysis
Authors: Zabala Jose A. , Prats Maria A.
Published: October 2019

Since the beginning of the financial crisis in summer 2007, the European Central Bank (ECB) has redirected traditional monetary policy, based on interest rates, to an unconventional monetary policy focused on the quantitative expansion of its balance sheet. In this context, the present paper aims to assess the effectiveness of unconventional monetary policy instruments with regard to inflation and economic growth. To this end, the methodology is based on the estimation of a structural vector autoregressive model for the period 2007:Q1–2018:Q4, using four variables: EONIA, the total amount of assets on the ECB's balance sheet, the Eurozone inflation rate and the Eurozone economic growth rate. The results show a slight impact of the different balance sheet policies on inflation and economic activity behaviour, especially during the last year of the financial crisis. The robustness of these results is supported by the estimation of the same model replacing EONIA rates with shadow rates. Therefore, the results support the existence of monetary transmission for the period during which the unconventional monetary policy was developed as well as the effectiveness of the monetary policy adopted by the ECB in its commitment to price stability.
Effects of a Symptom Management Program for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Lin Li‐Ying , Lee Bih‐O , Wang Ruey‐Hsia
Published: October 2019

Background

Findings from previous studies examining the effectiveness of symptom management on patients with diabetes that were implemented in home settings were inconclusive. Exploring the effects of a diabetes symptom management program on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical settings is useful for healthcare providers to improve their diabetes care.

Aims

To examine the effects of a diabetes symptom management program (DSMP) on HbA1c levels, self‐care behaviors, quality of life (QoL), and symptom severity in clinics in patients with T2DM.

Methods

This study was a single‐blind randomized controlled trial. The control group (n = 30) received usual care. The experimental group (n = 30) received DSMP and usual care. The primary outcome variable was HbA1c levels; the secondary outcome variables were self‐care behaviors, QoL, and diabetes symptom severity. Outcome variables were measured at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1) and 6 months after the intervention (T2), and HbA1c levels were further collected at 9 months after the intervention (T3).

Results

The decreasing levels of HbA1c from T0 to T2 and from T0 to T3 and for severity of diabetes symptoms from T0 to T2 in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group. The increasing levels of self‐care behavior and QoL from T0 to T1 and from T0 to T2 in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group.

Linking Evidence to Action

DSMP implemented in the clinic setting has effects on improving HbA1c, self‐care behaviors, QoL, and preventing worsening severity of diabetes symptoms for outpatients with T2DM. Healthcare providers could assess diabetes symptoms of patients with high HbA1c levels and provide symptom management care rather than merely providing education on improvement of self‐care behaviors.
What Do Nurses Need to Practice Effectively in the Hospital Environment? An Integrative Review With Implications for Nurse Leaders
Authors: Kowalski Mildred Ortu , Basile Cindy , Bersick Eileen , Cole Donna A. , McClure Diane E. , Weaver Susan H.
Published: October 2019

Background

When staffing legislation was introduced, New Jersey nurse leaders recognized from the research and their years of clinical leadership experience that the work environment is a multidimensional concept and that staffing is not the only variable related to nurse and patient outcomes. Thus, an understanding of what nurses need in their hospital environment to practice nursing effectively was sought.

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the evidence regarding clinical nurses’ perception of what they need to practice nursing effectively in the acute care hospital environment.

Methods

The following population, intervention, comparison, outcome question was used to search the literature databases PubMed, CINAHL, Johanna Briggs, and the Sigma Theta Tau Henderson Library: In the hospital environment what do nurses perceive as needed to practice nursing effectively? Specific search criteria and the Johns Hopkins nursing guidelines and tools were used to identify relative studies.

Results

The final review, which addressed what nurses in the hospital environment need to practice nursing effectively, included 25 articles: 20 were an evidence level III, and five were evidence level II. From this review, five key concepts were identified: Leadership, autonomy/decision making, respect/teamwork, resources/staffing, and organizational commitment to nursing.

Linking Evidence to Action

This integrative review, which explored nurses’ perceptions of what is needed to provide effective quality care, identified that providing quality care is multifactorial in nature. Resources, including but not limited to staffing, and leadership were identified as important by nurses as a key factor in supporting quality care. Nurses must be provided with resources and infrastructure to do their jobs, in an environment supported by authentic transformational leadership.
Fragmentación sociotécnica. Un análisis sobre la forma y la distribución de las edificaciones en la Región Metropolitana de Santiago
Authors: Vergara-Vidal Jorge Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Para explorar los efectos que los procesos de edificación tienen sobre los conjuntos urbanos, se analizaron las estadísticas de edificación, población y vivienda correspondientes alas comunas de la Región Metropolitana de Santiago (RMS), entre 1990 y 2014. El análisis estadístico de estos datos permitió identificar que el proceso observado, marcadamenteresidencial, era protagonizado por dos tipologías de edificaciones, aquellas de entre uno a dos pisos (casas) y aquellas de nueve pisos y más (edificios). Al verificar la distribuciónde estas tipologías en las comunas de la RMS se pudo observar que tenían la capacidad de caracterizar y agrupar comunas, configurando con ello dos escenarios sociotécnicosdiferentes dentro de una misma ciudad. El texto explora las incidencias de estas diferencias, que identifica como parte de la condición sociotécnica de la ciudad.
Gestión estratégica del recurso pluvial urbano: condición actual en Colombia
Authors: Villegas-Rodríguez Ernesto , Sandoval-Betancour Gustavo , Casas-Matiz Elvia Isabel , Cortés -Cely Oscar Alfonso , Molina-Prieto Luis Fernando
Published: October 2019

El artículo evalúa las condiciones actuales que definen la gestión del recurso pluvial urbano en Colombia. Se presenta un panorama internacional de los nuevos paradigmas para la gestión del recurso pluvial urbano, los principales factores que generan inundaciones en el territorio colombiano, un análisis comparado entre las normativas urbanas de cinco países europeos y las vigentes hoy día en Colombia, los factores primordiales a tener en cuenta para diseñar arquitectura sensible al agua, y los beneficios económicos de gestionar el recurso pluvial en Bogotá, de manera que la ciudadanía y la ciudad se beneficien técnica y económicamente de la gestión adecuada del recurso. Se concluye que en Colombia son incipientes las políticas públicas que tienen en cuenta las aguas lluvias, y que en el campo de la planificación aún no existe un proyecto que las integre como parte del diseño urbano o el paisaje de la ciudad colombiana contemporánea.
Protohábitat: investigación en hábitat sostenible en países en procesos de desarrollo. Caso de estudio
Authors: Del Caz-Enjuto M. Rosario , Sáinz-Guerra José Luis , Jové-Sandoval Félix
Published: October 2019

El trabajo de investigación que se expone, cuyo nombre es Protohábitat, aborda la ordenación de un prototipo de barrio proyectado bajo criterios de sostenibilidad ambiental, social, económica y cultural en países en desarrollo. Dicho barrio integra a su vez un prototipo experimental de vivienda incrementable construida mediante materiales y sistemas constructivos tradicionales mejorados a partir del uso de nuevas tecnologías. El artículo presenta la propuesta desarrollada para la ciudad de Manta (Ecuador), la cual está implementando, en buena medida, modelos urbanos y tipologías edificatorias ajenas a sus condiciones sociales, medioambientales y culturales. Contando con el soporte de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (Aecid), y a partir de una visión holística, el trabajo ha integrado todas las escalas del hábitat, desde la urbana hasta la del desarrollo constructivo, partiendo de las consideraciones socio-espaciales específicas del lugar, pero también de los parámetros asentados, probados y comúnmente aceptados de la mejor cultura urbanística.
The Complete Performance Map of Gas Wave Ejector and Analysis on the Variation Laws and Limitation of Performance
Authors: Hu Dapeng , Zhao Yiming , Wu Teng , Li Zhonghui , Yu Yang , Wang Jingxian
Published: October 2019

The gas wave ejector (GWE) is an efficient gas wave equipment using pressure waves to realize energy exchange. In this paper, a theoretical analysis of the limitation of application range and the factors affecting the performance of GWE was carried out by numerical simulation. And a complete experimental system including an adjustable GWE was employed to obtain the specific performance values in various working conditions. Such theoretical analysis showed that the device became inapplicable with a relatively high driving pressure ratio, resulting from the generation of supersonic flow at the outlet end of the passages. A relatively high supercharging ratio also limited the equipment application because of the weakening of the reflected expansion waves and the enhancement of the reversed compression wave. Furthermore, the mixing, vortex, viscosity, and other flow losses could also affect the equipment performance. Then, a complete performance map indicating the specific performance values in the application range was obtained by plenty of experiments. The performance map proved that GWE had excellent efficiency and broad applicability especially as the driving pressure ratio was lower than 2.6. The results are significant for practical application and performance improvement of GWE.
Experimental Study on Damping Acoustic Pressure Pulsations in Pipeline Systems Using Helmholtz Resonators
Authors: Sachedina Karim , Mohany Atef , Hassan Marwan
Published: October 2019

Acoustic pressure pulsations can be problematic in industrial pipelines, especially when the excitation frequency matches an acoustic resonance frequency of the pipeline. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of Helmholtz resonators (HRs) in multiple arrangements on the attenuation of acoustic pressure pulsations in piping systems. In a resonant pipeline (i.e., an acoustic standing wave scenario), maximal attenuation is achieved when the HR is inserted at the acoustic pressure antinode. The insertion loss (IL) in an off-resonant system is found to be relatively consistent, unless there is a coupling between the HR and the downstream end termination in which case there is a decrease in attenuation. Multiple, small-volume HRs in various configurations can achieve the same level of damping as that of a single HR with the same total volume. Moreover, it is shown that the use of multiple HRs placed at strategic spacing intervals along the length of a pipeline can yield significant acoustic damping, without the need for characterizing the acoustic waves in the pipeline system. An axial spacing of a quarter wavelength of the frequency of interest between multiple HRs is shown to increase the peak attenuation, which is indicative of a favorable coupling between HRs. The effect of flow velocity and its directionality with respect to the sound source is also investigated. The results presented in this paper provide practical techniques that can be used for the implementation of HR in pipeline systems.
Torsional Stiffness Improvement of a Soft Pneumatic Finger Using Embedded Skeleton
Authors: Lotfiani Amin , Zhao Huichan , Shao Zhufeng , Yi Xili
Published: October 2019

Silicone-based pneumatic actuators are among the most widely used soft actuators in adaptable fingers. However, due to the soft nature of silicone, the performance of these fingers is highly affected by the low torsional stiffness, which may cause failure in grasping and manipulation. To address this problem, a compact design is proposed by embedding a rigid skeleton into a soft pneumatic finger. A finite element approach with an analysical model is used to evaluate the performance of the fingers both with and without the skeleton. Then, a series of experiments is performed to study the bending motion and rigidity of the fingers. The results reveal that the skeleton increases the torsional stiffness of the finger up to 300%. Furthermore, the consistency with the experimental data indicates the good precision of the proposed modeling method. Finally, a two-finger hand is designed to evaluate the performance of the reinforced finger in reality. The grasp experiments illustrate that the hybrid finger with the skeleton is highly adaptable and can successfully grasp and manipulate heavy objects. Thus, a potential approach is proposed to improve the torsional stiffness of silicone-based pneumatic fingers while maintaining adaptability.
Ellipsometric characterization of Bi and Al2O3 coatings for plasmon excitation in an optical fiber sensor
Authors: Rodríguez-Schwendtner Eva , Álvarez-Herrero Alberto , Mariscal Antonio , Serna Rosalía , González-Cano Agustín , Navarrete María-Cruz , Díaz-Herrera Natalia
Published: October 2019

The authors present the results of the ellipsometric characterization of thin layers of bismuth and aluminum oxide deposited over the waist of a tapered optical fiber by pulsed laser deposition. The characteristics of the deposits are studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry. From the effective thicknesses determined by the ellipsometric characterization, it is shown by simulations that surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) can occur in the fiber device, and it is demonstrated experimentally. These results show the feasibility of employing bismuth as a plasmonic material in SPR fiber sensors based on doubly-deposited uniform-waist tapered optical fibers, which show excellent performance and versatility.
Effect of heating treatment and mixture on optical properties of coating materials used in gravitational-wave detectors
Authors: Amato Alex , Terreni Silvana , Granata Massimo , Michel Christophe , Pinard Laurent , Gemme Gianluca , Canepa Maurizio , Cagnoli Gianpietro
Published: October 2019

The interferometer mirrors of gravitational-wave detectors (GWDs) are Bragg reflectors made of alternate amorphous silica (SiO2) and titania-doped tantala (TiO2:Ta2O5) layers as low- and high-refractive index materials, respectively. A thermal treatment is usually performed to reduce both mechanical losses and near-infrared (NIR) optical absorptions of the coatings. The authors present a spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) investigation of the effect of annealing and Ti:Ta mixing on Ta2O5 coatings deposited under conditions similar to those adopted for building up mirrors of GWDs. The broadband analysis covers both the NIR and the fundamental absorption threshold region. The data show an evident annealing-induced reduction of the fundamental optical absorption broadening. Modeling the data through the Cody-Lorentz formula confirms that NIR absorptions are below the SE sensitivity and shows a notable annealing-induced reduction of so-called Urbach tails. Titania-doping of tantala slightly reduces the Urbach energy. After the heating treatment, the resulting Urbach energy of the doped material is lower than that of annealed pure tantala. The observed reduction of Urbach tails is important because it parallels the reduction of the so-called internal friction observed in mechanical measurements so that SE emerges as a convenient tool for an agile diagnostic of both the optical and the mechanical quality of amorphous oxide coatings.
Validity and Reliability of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Turkish Version for Athletes
Authors: Usgu Serkan , Usgu Günseli , Uygur Fatma , Yakut Yavuz
Published: October 2019

The clinical assessment of sport-related lower extremity injuries plays important role in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies as well as return to activity. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is a valid and reliable self-reported outcome instrument used to detect foot and ankle disorders. The purpose of this study is to translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate the FAAM questionnaire for use in Turkish-speaking athletes who have foot and ankle disorders. Fifty-one basketball, soccer and volleyball athletes volunteered to participate. Test–retest reliability analyses revealed good and excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.83–0.92). Concurrent validity was tested between the FAAM-T subscores and both the visual analog scale for pain/activity limitations and functional performance tests, yielding moderate to high correlations (r = −0.522 to −0.869, p < .05). The results of this study showed that the FAAM-T is a reliable and valid questionnaire for self-reported assessment of pain and disability in athletes suffering from foot and ankle disorders.
Lithium-ion battery development takes Nobel
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: October 2019

Three chemists honored for creating powerful, light, rechargeable cells.
Light-regulated collective contractility in a multicellular choanoflagellate
Authors: Brunet Thibaut , Larson Ben T. , Linden Tess A. , Vermeij Mark J. A. , McDonald Kent , King Nicole
Published: October 2019

Origins of collective contraction

In contrast to plants and fungi, animals can deform their bodies by the collective activity of contractile cells. Collective contractility underlies processes such as gastrulation and muscle-based motility. Brunet
et al.
report that a close relative of animals, a choanoflagellate they name
Choanoeca flexa
, forms cup-shaped colonies that undergo collective contractility, leading to a rapid change in colony morphology (see the Perspective by Tomancak).
C. flexa
colonies are each composed of a monolayer of polarized cells. In response to sudden darkness, a light-sensing protein triggers coordinated, polarized contraction of
C. flexa
cells, which results in colony inversion. The cellular mechanisms underlying this process are conserved between
C. flexa
and animals, indicating that their last common ancestor was also capable of polarized cell contraction.

Science
, this issue p.
326
; see also p.
300
Mobilizing unconventional T cells
Authors: Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Joosten Simone A.
Published: October 2019

Modulating unconventional antigen presentation could treat infections and cancer
High-Level Carbapenem Resistance in OXA-232-Producing Raoultella ornithinolytica Triggered by Ertapenem Therapy
Authors: Iovleva Alina , Mettus Roberta T. , McElheny Christi L. , Griffith Marissa P. , Mustapha Mustapha M. , Pasculle A. William , Shields Ryan K. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Doi Yohei
Published: October 2019

OXA-232 is an OXA-48-group class D β-lactamase that hydrolyzes expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems at low levels. Clinical strains producing OXA-232 are sometimes susceptible to carbapenems, making it difficult to identify them in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Modification of
pfap2μ
and
pfubp1
Markedly Reduces Ring-Stage Susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to Artemisinin
In Vitro
Authors: Henrici Ryan C. , van Schalkwyk Donelly A. , Sutherland Colin J.
Published: October 2019

Management of uncomplicated malaria worldwide is threatened by the emergence in Asia of
Plasmodium falciparum
carrying variants of the
pfk13
locus and exhibiting reduced susceptibility to artemisinin. Mutations in two other genes,
ubp1
and
ap2μ
, are associated with artemisinin resistance in rodent malaria and with clinical failure of combination therapy in African malaria patients.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
LipE Has a Lipase/Esterase Activity and Is Important for Intracellular Growth and
In Vivo
Infection
Authors: Yang Dong , Li Shaoji , Stabenow Jennifer , Zalduondo Lillian , Kong Ying
Published: October 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Rv3775 (LipE) was annotated as a putative lipase. However, its lipase activity has never been characterized, and its precise role in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis has not been thoroughly studied to date. We overexpressed and purified the recombinant LipE (rLipE) protein and demonstrated that LipE has a lipase/esterase activity. rLipE prefers medium-chain ester substrates, with the maximal activity on hexanoate. Its activity is the highest at 40°C and pH 9.
The lead-up to the Sturtian Snowball Earth: Neoproterozoic chemostratigraphy time-calibrated by the Tambien Group of Ethiopia
Authors: Park Yuem , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L. , MacLennan Scott A. , Maloof Adam C. , Gebreslassie Mulubrhan , Tremblay Marissa M. , Schoene Blair , Alene Mulugeta , Anttila Eliel S.C. , Tesema Tadele , Haileab Bereket
Published: October 2019

The Tonian-Cryogenian Tambien Group of northern Ethiopia is a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence that culminates in glacial deposits associated with the first of the Cryogenian glaciations—the Sturtian “Snowball Earth.” Tambien Group deposition occurred atop arc volcanics and volcaniclastics of the Tsaliet Group. New U-Pb isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) dates demonstrate that the transition between the Tsaliet and Tambien Groups occurred at ca. 820 Ma in western exposures and ca. 795 Ma in eastern exposures, which is consistent with west to east arc migration and deposition in an evolving back-arc basin. The presence of intercalated tuffs suitable for high-precision geochronology within the Tambien Group enable temporal constraints on stratigraphic data sets of the interval preceding, and leading into, the Sturtian glaciation. Recently discovered exposures of Sturtian glacial deposits and underlying Tambien Group strata in the Samre Fold-Thrust Belt present the opportunity to further utilize this unique association of tuffs and carbonate lithofacies. U-Pb ID-TIMS ages from zircons indicate that Tambien Group carbonates were deposited from ca. 820 Ma until 0–2 m.y. before the onset of the Sturtian glaciation, making the group host to a relatively complete carbonate stratigraphy leading into this glaciation. New δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr data and U-Pb ID-TIMS ages from the Tambien Group are used in conjunction with previously published isotopic and geochronologic data to construct newly time-calibrated composite Tonian carbon and strontium isotope curves. Tambien Group δ13C data and U-Pb ID-TIMS ages reveal that a pre-Sturtian sharp negative δ13C excursion (referred to as the Islay anomaly in the literature) precedes the Sturtian glaciation by ∼18 m.y., is synchronous in at least two separate basins, and is followed by a prolonged interval of positive δ13C values. The composite Tonian 87Sr/86Sr curve shows that, following an extended interval of low and relatively invariant values, inferred seawater 87Sr/86Sr rose ca. 880–770 Ma, then subsequently decreased leading up to the ca. 717 Ma initiation of the Sturtian glaciation. These data, when combined with a simple global weathering model and analyses of the timing and paleolatitude of large igneous province eruptions and arc accretion events, suggest that the 87Sr/86Sr increase was influenced by increased subaerial weathering of radiogenic lithologies as Rodinia rifted apart at low latitudes. The following 87Sr/86Sr decrease is consistent with enhanced subaerial weathering of arc lithologies accreting in the tropics over tens of millions of years, lowering pCO2 and contributing to the initiation of the Sturtian glaciation.
Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Horga Laura Maria , Henckel Johann , Fotiadou Anastasia , Hirschmann Anna , Torlasco Camilla , Di Laura Anna , D'Silva Andrew , Sharma Sanjay , Moon James , Hart Alister
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the short-term impact of long-distance running on knee joints using MRI.

Methods

82 healthy adults participating in their first marathon underwent 3T (Tesla) MRI of both knees 6 months before and half a month after the marathon: 71 completed both the 4 month-long standardised training programme and the marathon; and 11 dropped-out during training and did not run the marathon. Two senior musculoskeletal radiologists graded the internal knee structures using validated scoring systems. Participants completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaires at each visit for self-reporting knee function.

Results

Premarathon and pretraining MRI showed signs of damage, without symptoms, to several knee structures in the majority of the 82 middle-aged volunteers. However, after the marathon, MRI showed a reduction in the radiological score of damage in: subchondral bone marrow oedema in the condyles of the tibia (p=0.011) and femur (p=0.082). MRI did also show an increase in radiological scores to the following structures: cartilage of the lateral patella (p=0.0005); semimembranosus tendon (p=0.016); iliotibial band (p<0.0001) and the prepatellar bursa (p=0.016).

Conclusion

Improvement to damaged subchondral bone of the tibial and femoral condyles was found following the marathon in novice runners, as well as worsening of the patella cartilage although asymptomatic. This is the most robust evidence to link marathon running with knee joint health and provides important information for those seeking to understand the link between long distance running and osteoarthritis of the main weight-bearing areas of the knee.
Resilient behavior of coarse granular materials in three-dimensional stress state
Authors: Gu Chuan , Ye Xingchi , Wang Jun , Cai Yuanqiang , Cao Zhigang , Zhang Tingting
Published: October 2019

The traffic-induced cyclic stresses on the road base and subbase courses are usually in three-dimensional stress state, while so far most laboratory studies have focused on the deformation behavior of base and subbase layers in axisymmetric stress state. This study investigates the three-dimensional resilient behavior of coarse granular base and subbase materials based on a true triaxial apparatus. The factors of effective confining pressure, [Formula: see text], amplitude of cyclic shear stress, qampl, coefficient of cyclic intermediate principal stress, bcyc, and fines content are involved. Test results indicate that the increase of either [Formula: see text] or qamplleads to a nonlinear growth of resilient modulus with a decreasing growth rate. bcyc, which is proposed to represent the coupling of cyclic major and intermediate principal stresses, is found to have a promotion effect on the resilient stiffness, and the promotion effect tends to be enhanced by the increase of qampl. A modified model is established to predict the resilient modulus of coarse granular materials in three-dimensional stress state. There appears to exist a critical value of fines content, at which the variation trend of resilient modulus is changed from increasing to decreasing, and the critical fines content is related to both [Formula: see text] and bcyc.
Entanglement and quantum phase transition in topological insulators
Authors: Varma Anant Vijay , Kovela Anvesh Raja , Panigrahi Prasanta K. , Chouhan Bhavesh
Published: October 2019

Presence of entangled states is explicitly shown in a topological insulator (TI) [Formula: see text]. The surface and bulk state are found to have different structures of entanglement. The surface states live as maximally entangled states in a four-dimensional subspace of total Hilbert space (spin, orbital, space). However, bulk states are entangled in the whole Hilbert space. Bulk states are found to be entangled maximally by controlled injection of electrons with momentum only along the [Formula: see text]-direction. At quantum phase transition (QPT) point, both states become maximally entangled two qubit states.
Simulation and modeling traffic flow based on Division K Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Huang Kun , Zheng Jianhu
Published: October 2019

A new traffic flow model is proposed based on cellular automata and Division K Nearest Neighbor for the predication problem of traffic flow state change trend. The model firstly gives the update rules of vehicle state evolution and lane change rules of a vehicle, and establishes the state prediction model based on Division K Nearest Neighbor. Finally, the simulation analysis is conducted by the use of experimental platform, and the relationship between the factors such as average traffic flow speed, average flow rate, traffic flow density and lane change frequency, etc. is deeply studied. The results show that the prediction model has great advantages in the medium and low density area, and lower lane change rate has limited effect on the improvement of traffic flow.
Flexural vibration band gaps of the multiple local resonance elastic metamaterial plates with irregular resonators
Authors: Li Guo , Dong Yake , Li Genquan , Liu Xuyan , Qu Chongnian , Zhang Xingang
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the modeling technique, design method, a new working way and influence factors for elastic metamaterial plates. Two kinds of new elastic metamaterials plates with local resonators are designed. The band structure and transmission spectrum are calculated by finite element method (FEM). The formation mechanism of the bending vibration band gap is further analyzed by the displacement field of the band gap and the dynamic effective dislocation density of the metamaterial plate. Compared with regular shapes, irregular shapes of oscillators and rubber are easier to open bending band gaps. The effects of the geometrical parameters on the flexural vibration band gaps (FVBGs) are studied in detail. The related results can well confirm that the two novel types of local resonators illustrate the vibration characteristics of the two-degree-of-freedom system during the vibration, and two obvious FVBGs can be found in low frequency. The double-side metamaterial plates can broaden the width of FVBGs. The installation angles have no effect on the dispersion curves of the double-side metamaterial plates.
Stability and Optimization of a Pressure-Loaded Trapezoidal Vault with Semi-Rigid Joints
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: October 2019

The critical pressure is determined for a trapezoidal vault with rigid members and semi-rigid joints. For maximal volume enclosed per boundary length, it is found that the critical pressure is highest when the vault symmetrical, with top three pieces 39.64% of the base length. The upper two joints should also be heavily strengthened.
FRACTURE HEALING SIMULATION REGULATED BY FORCE AND OXYGEN
Authors: WANG MONAN , WANG XINYU , YANG QIYOU
Published: October 2019

According to the mechanical conditions of fracture fixation and the oxygen levels in the tissues, a simulation model of fracture healing process was built to describe the relationship among mechanical stability, oxygen levels in tissues and tissue differentiation during the second fracture healing. Different from the previous simulation model, in this paper, we took the three-dimensional model as the research object, solved the mechanical stimulation by finite element method, established the partial differential equation to solve the spatial and temporal variation of the oxygen in tissues. The process of tissue differentiation was described by fuzzy control method. The initial stage of fracture healing, intramembranous ossification, chondrogenesis, cartilage calcification and endochondral ossification during the fracture healing process were simulated, and the properties of tissue materials were continuously updated to complete the iterative process. The simulation program of fracture healing process was independently developed in Eclipse environment, and the simulation results were compared with experimental data and those of other fracture healing simulation models to verify the simulation program in this paper. Finally, the processes of transverse fracture healing in rats with different axial stability under normoxic, hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions was simulated, and the effects of different tissue oxygen levels and interosseous stabilities on fracture healing were analyzed. It is concluded by simulation that the delayed healing or non-union of bone will occur when in state of tissue hypoxia or interosseous instability, normal healing will occur when in state of tissue normoxia, and the healing will be accelerated when in state of tissue hyperoxia.
ANKLE JOINT MOMENTS IN DIFFERENT FOOT STRIKE METHODS DURING STAIR DESCENT
Authors: JEON HYEONG MIN , CHOI EUI BUM , HEO JAE HOON , EOM GWANG MOON
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the ankle joint moments in different foot strike patterns during stair descent and to find a better strategy. Methods: Twenty young subjects participated in this study. Subjects performed two trials of descending stairs in rearfoot strike (RFS) and forefoot strike (FFS) strategies. Kinematic and kinetic data were measured by a motion capture system and force plates. Ankle joint moments, ground reaction forces, and moment arms in three planes of motion were calculated from the measured data. The root-mean-squared means of ankle joint moments, ground reaction forces, and moment arms were compared between different foot strike patterns for each phase of stair descent (weight acceptance, forward continuance, and controlled lowering). Results: In the weight acceptance phase, FFS showed greater ankle joint moments than RFS in all three (dorsi/plantar-flexion, inversion/eversion, and internal/external rotation) directions ([Formula: see text]). In the forward continuance phase, FFS showed greater dorsi/plantar moments than RFS ([Formula: see text]). In controlled lowering phase, FFS showed smaller dorsi/plantar moments than RFS ([Formula: see text]). Discussion: The greater ankle joint moments of FFS in the weight acceptance phase were influenced by both the greater GRF magnitudes and greater moment arms. The greater dorsi/plantar moments of FFS in the forward continuance phase and the smaller dorsi/plantar moment of FFS in the controlled lowering phase were dominated by the greater moment arm and the smaller ground reaction force, respectively. RFS strategy resulted in smaller ankle joint moments in the majority of stair descent phases (weight acceptance and forward continuance), therefore, RFS would be a better strategy than FFS for stair descent in terms of ankle joint load.
EFFECT OF SENSORY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON RESTING TREMORS IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND SWEDDs
Authors: HEO JAE-HOON , JEON HYEONG-MIN , CHOI EUI-BUM , KWON DO-YOUNG , EOM GWANG-MOON
Published: October 2019

Patients with scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficits (SWEDDs) show symptoms (e.g., tremors) similar to those of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, so they are often misdiagnosed. Sensory electrical stimulation (SES) was reported to suppress essential tremor in patients, but SES was never applied to patients with PD and SWEDDs. As the pathophysiological mechanisms of PD and SWEDDs are likely to be different, we hypothesized that the effect of SES would also be different in the two patient groups. This study aimed to test that hypothesis. Fourteen patients with PD and nine with SWEDDs participated in this study. Three wrist muscles were stimulated for 15[Formula: see text]s using SES with a stimulation intensity lower than the motor threshold. Angular motion of the index finger was measured via a triaxial gyrosensor before, during, and after stimulation. Outcome measures included the amplitude and peak frequency of the angular motion of the index finger. Tremor amplitude decreased during and after SES in patients with PD ([Formula: see text]). However, tremor amplitudes during and after SES were not different from the base level in SWEDDs patients. The peak frequency of tremors temporarily decreased during stimulation in PD patients, but not in SWEDDs patients. SES suppressed tremors in patients with PD, but not with SWEDDs. The results could help understand the pathophysiological differences of tremors between PD and SWEDDs.
EFFECTS OF SINGLE CROUCH WALKING GAITS ON FATIGUE DAMAGES OF LOWER EXTREMITY MAIN MUSCLES
Authors: WANG YAN-LIN , WANG KE-YI , ZHAO WEN-YAN , WANG WAN-LI , HAN ZHUANG , ZHANG ZI-XING
Published: October 2019

Single crouch walking gait (SCWG) is one of the main walking gaits when one of the legs is injured. However, the research on movement biomechanical characteristics (MBC) of lower extremity in SCWG has not been reported. So, the aim of this study is to analyze kinematics and main muscle fatigue damages of lower extremity in SCWG. Gaits data were collected with functional assessment biomechanics (FAB) system which applies the real-time wireless gait phase detection system, the movement function relations of joints of lower extremity were obtained by fitting the collected data in normal walking gait (NWG) and SCWG with Fourier series, the fitted movement functions were input to 3D human musculoskeletal model as driving functions for human movement to analyze the differences of MBC between SCWG and NWG. Finally, the muscle contractions were used to evaluate muscle fatigue damage. Compared with NWG, the result shows that the movement range of the joint angles of lower extremity are reduced in SCWG, the change law of hip internal/external rotation angle (IERA) has a significant difference, and the change laws of other joint angles are similarly between SCWG and NWG. The muscle contractions of Gluteus maximum (GMAX) 2, Gluteus meddle (GMED) 1, GMED2, Iliacus (ILI), Rectus femoris (RFEM), Soleus (SOL), Gastrocnemius (GAS) and Vastus lateralis (VLAT) are significantly larger in SCWG than in NWG (except GlutMed2 which is about 20–40% and VLAT which is about 63.8–76.1% of gait cycle), namely, these muscles easily cause muscle damages in SCWG. The contraction change of Adductor magnus (AMAG) is dispersed, so AMAG is prone to muscle fatigue in SCWG. The study results will fill in the gaps in the MBC of lower extremity in SCWG and provide data for Rehabilitation Medical Technology (RMT) and development of rehabilitation equipment of lower extremity.
Stability of realistic stellar objects in f(R,T) gravity with anisotropic matter configuration
Authors: Zubair M. , Lodhi Maham , Abbas G.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we have obtained a new class of solutions of modified field equations (FEqs) in [Formula: see text] gravity with barotropic equation of state (EoS) i.e. [Formula: see text]. For this purpose, we assume spherically symmetric metric with anisotropic matter distribution and formulated the FEqs. We apply Durgapal transformation and choose suitable gravitational potential to solve the dynamical equations numerically. By varying parametric values [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (appearing in gravitational potential), we generate special cases of solutions. We plot physical quantities like energy density, anisotropy parameter, radial and tangential pressures in all particular cases. It is concluded that all the plots hold physical acceptability criteria and show consistency which admits modified [Formula: see text] gravity for compact star models.
The major Late Albian transgressive event recorded in the epeiric platform of the Langshan Formation in central Tibet
Authors: Xu Yiwei , Hu Xiumian , BouDagher-Fadel Marcelle K. , Sun Gaoyuan , Lai Wen , Li Juan , Zhang Shijie
Published: October 2019

Global sea-level changes strongly impact within-basin depositional patterns and the evolution of palaeoclimate, palaeogeography and palaeoecology. During the long, worldwide ice-free period in the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse time interval, high-frequency global sea-level changes were recorded in sedimentary archives. However, the causes of these global sea-level changes are still debated. In central Tibet, the 1 km-thick Langshan Formation has been dated to the late Aptian to early Cenomanian based on larger benthic foraminifera and accumulated in an epeiric seaway, thus, it provides a good opportunity to reconstruct the sea-level change and their controlling factors. Eleven distinct microfacies corresponding to three sedimentary environments have been identified in the Langshan Formation. Calcispheres marlstone and bioclastic wackestone with calcispheres were deposited in an open marine environment; coral rudstone, rudist rudstone and benthic foraminifera–rudist wackestone characterize were deposited in a rudist bank environment; and orbitolinids floatstone–rudstone, green algae packstone, bioclastic grainstone, orbitolinids wackestone with small benthic foraminifera, spicules wackestone and small benthic foraminifera wackestone–mudstone were deposited in a lagoonal environment. The Langshan Formation accumulated on an epeiric platform. This unit documents a sudden deepening event from a rudist bank to an open marine environment during the late Albian (
c.
107 Ma). Integrating these findings with regional data from the literature, we infer that this deepening event was a widespread, roughly synchronous feature across the globe, and was controlled by a global sea-level rise related to the decay of polar ice sheets or the release of water from continental aquifers.