bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the allowable minimum thickness of protective coating for welding in carbon dioxide
Authors: Sapozhkov S B , Arendateleva S I , Ushakova O V
Published: December 2019

Among industrial technologies, carbon dioxide welding occupies a leading position. However, this welding method is characterized by increased spattering of metal and splashing it on the welded piece of work. A protective coating layer applied to metal is effective means of preventing the consequences of this disadvantage. The paper developed the method for determining the minimum allowable thickness of the coating, sufficient to prevent the interaction of molten metal drops with the surface of the welded pieces of work.
On dynamics and control when finishing body parts
Authors: Shvetsov I V , Zhelnov D V , Zubarev Y M
Published: December 2019

For designing machines, the optimal treatment regimens need to perform dynamic quality of the machine elastic system on the basis of imitating modeling of technological systems during the cutting process. When finishing body parts in some cases, problems arise with a high dynamic quality of the machine elastic system, as the workpiece has, as a rule, sufficiently high rigidity. The simulation modeling allows to obtain reliable qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the process being modeled. In the article the mathematical description of the dynamic model of milling machine is given taking into account the main mechanisms of the excitation process in multi-processing.
Digital forms of describing Industry 4.0 objects
Authors: Zakoldaev D A , Korobeynikov A G , Shukalov A V , Zharinov I O
Published: December 2019

The task is to project item digital model which is planned to be manufactured in cyber and physical production of the Industry 4.0. Item digital model can be classified as item digital replica, item digital shadow and item digital twin. Item digital model is a set of construction, program and technological documentation prepared electronically with automatic system of projection. Item digital shadow is a set of item digital replica documentation enhanced with mathematical equations with restrictions to describe physical and chemical properties of the item materials and its components. Details to describe the item digital shadow are defined with types of tests done with modelling and virtualization. Item digital twin is a finished form of item properties description done electronically (drawings, schemes, formulas and other) and successful physical tests of the whole cycle. The scheme is given for the item life cycle of the item designing item digital model. The scheme of production section and Industry 4.0 smart factory virtual environment components is described oriented to manufacture the items by its digital models.
Information and telecommunication system of digital factory and smart factory Industry 4.0
Authors: Zakoldaev D A , Shukalov A V , Zharinov I O , Zharinov O O
Published: December 2019

The task is to create information and telecommunication system of digital and smart factories of Industry4.0. Components are defined for information and telecommunication system, their properties and purpose are described. The scheme of digital factory information and telecommunication system is given. This scheme includes the physical equipment (machines) and virtual machines (cloud services and models) to support project activity of the designer. The scheme of smart factory information and telecommunication system is given. The scheme unites the cyber and physical production equipment and test equipment used for manufacturing on the basis of digital informative technologies. The given schemes are important in practice to organize the informative exchange among cyber and physical systems and designers of the project companies and operators of production companies to manufacture and transfer into exploitation the items of instrument-making, tool engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Neural network solution of the direct kinematics problem for a hexapod with ball-screw drives of legs
Authors: Zhukov Yu A , Korotkov E B , Zhukova V V , Abramov A M
Published: December 2019

This research is a part of the work implemented by BSTU “VOENMEH” under the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation for design and development of a precision mechanism with the parallel kinematics called “Hexapod”. The object of research is the mechanism, in which the control of leg lengths is implemented by linear drives with ball-screw gears. The article proposes the solution of the extended inverse kinematics of the hexapod. The neural networks solution of the forward kinematics of hexapod is presented, i.e. the calculation of the position and orientation of the moving platform for given rotation angles of the ball-screw drives. The results of the synthesis of neural networks to achieve a given accuracy of solving the forward kinematics are presented. An estimate of the implementation of kinematic problems in the hexapod control system based on an ARM microprocessor is obtained.
Development of a Parallel Hydraulic Hybrid Loader Through Modelling
Authors: Yang Jixiang , Bian Yongming , Liu Guangjun , Ji Pengcheng , Chen Qifan
Published: December 2019

With the aggravation of the energy crisis, people pay more and more attention to the rational utilization of energy. Thus the construction machinery field has started to take hybrid technology into consideration to save the energy. This paper analyses the working condition of a 5 tons loader and develops the hydraulic parallel hybrid scheme which has little research in the loader field. The system adopts a dynamic rule-based control strategy, which takes the required torque and the SOC value of the accumulator as the input to realize the output torque of the engine and the pump/motor. A power-train model is also developed in the paper. The results show the scheme can reduce the fuel consumption by 13.5% compared to the conventional loaders.
Study on the Mechanism of Static Comparison between Vibrating String Strain Gauge and Fiber Grating Strain Gauge for Bridge Structure Monitoring
Authors: Peng Lu , Jing Genqiang , Luo Zhu , Wang Yixu , Lin Zhidan , Miao Na
Published: December 2019

The key component commonly used in strain monitoring is the strain sensor (strain gauge), which is usually embedded inside the measured object or installed on its surface to monitor the changes of corresponding variables for a long time. Therefore, the reliability, accuracy, consistency and stability of the strain sensor are important guarantees for the accurate measurement of strain. In order to monitor bridge changes more accurately, two strain sensors with a wide range of applications (i.e. vibration string strain sensor and fiber grating strain sensor) were selected for comparative analysis of the calibration model in the laboratory. We’ll use national standard of 6061 aluminum alloy cylindrical bar and fix two strain sensors separately in the symmetric position. In order to eliminate the detection error caused by the current sensor detection when the metering clamping device and the strain sensor are under stress, 0-100kn compression test was conducted on the bar by using the superposition force standard machine. The device collects data of the two sensors, conducts data regression analysis, obtains the new model and hence conducts data analysis and comparison. The results show that the accuracy of the model is much higher than that of the strain sensor. The results of this study provide technical support for the development of real-time bridge detection technology and the realization of rapid calibration and detection of strain monitoring sensors used in the transportation industry before installation.
Aerodynamic Performance of Variable-Pitch Propellers for High-Altitude UAVs
Authors: Xu Jianhua , Song Wenping , Yang Xudong , Nie Han
Published: December 2019

As the air density changes dramatically from high to low altitude, the matching of high-altitude propeller and electric motor under low-altitude condition is one of the main challenges that aerodynamic design of high-altitude propeller faces. To solve this problem, variable-pitch propeller is the most commonly used and feasible solution. In this paper, the Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes solver and an efficient surrogate-based optimization toolbox are used for the aerodynamic design of a fixed-pitch propeller. Based on the optimal fixed-pitch propeller, a series of pitch angle are employed to obtain the variable-pitch propeller with maximum thrust. Then, the aerodynamic characteristics of fixed-pitch propeller and variable-pitch propeller under typical working conditions are studied and compared. The results show that under the condition of low-altitude and low wind speed, the fixed-pitch propeller reaches the rated torque of the electric motor at a lower rotational speed, resulting in a lower shaft power and thrust. By adjusting the pitch angle, the variable-pitch propeller can achieve higher rotational speed under the same rated torque constraints, thereby absorbing more shaft power and achieving larger thrust. The lower the altitude, the more obvious the advantage of the variable-pitch propeller. Compared with fixed-pitch propeller, the maximum relative increment of the maximum thrust can reach more than 80% for variable-pitch propeller. It is concluded that variable-pitch propeller can significantly improve the matching of propeller and electric motor, bringing wider flight envelope of UAVs.
A Bi-Gaussian Acoustic Emission Model for Sliding Friction
Authors: Yin Yuan , Hu Songtao , Huang Weifeng , Liu Xiangfeng , Liu Ying , Wang Zixi
Published: December 2019

Acoustic emissions (AEs) generated by the sliding friction has been an effective media for analyzing the tribological interaction between surfaces. The existing AE model has revealed the relationship between the AEs generated by sliding friction and the surface parameters from a single-stratum Gaussian surface perspective, but researches have confirmed that two-process or worn surfaces show bi-Gaussian stratified characteristics. A bi-Gaussian AE model was established through analyzing the elastic deformation energy of the contacting asperities on the faces, which were represented using the bi-Gaussian stratified theory. Two numerically generated surfaces and four real worn surfaces were employed for analysis. The bi-Gaussian AE model and the existing Gaussian AE model, along with the deterministic AE model as the reference, were respectively applied to the surfaces to obtain the AE power variation with separation. The results show that the bi-Gaussian model has good accuracy for all the surfaces involved, exhibiting better stability than the Gaussian model, because the bi-Gaussian model better reflects the real contact status of the surfaces.
Experimental research of the electromechanical steering system
Authors: Tumasov A V , Tyugin D Yu , Beresnev P O , Porubov D M , Filatov V I
Published: December 2019

The development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is a global trend. One of the types of ADAS are systems that control the movement of a vehicle in a lane, preventing unintended departure from the lane. When implementing the lane keeping assist system, one of the most important functions is the implementation of external steering control. This article presents tests of the electromechanical steering system with the possibility of external control. Conducted experimental research of the developed system. Based on the test results, conclusions were made on the system’s compliance with the requirements of GOST 31507-2012, and recommendations were given on the applicability to vehicles of the GAZ Group, in particular, the lane keeping assist system.
Hardware implementation of the monitoring system and control units of the robotic vehicle "Modular controller"
Authors: Kolobov M.A. , Bushmanov D.V. , Okunev A.V. , Kocherov A.V.
Published: December 2019

The modular controller is designed for complex automation of vehicles and provides a universal interface for the integration of devices for various purposes. In the basic kit, three modules represent the modular controller: discrete inputs, DC motor control and an ultrasonic sensor controller. All modules have two types of interfaces designed to build a network: CAN (Controller Area Network) and Ethernet. This allows to successfully integrate various equipment. The paper describes the experience of designing modules of a distributed system for operation in an industrial environment. The requirements of industrial standards in the field of electromagnetic compatibility, climatic design and mechanical stability are taken into account.
The consideration of road longitudinal slopes in automobile fuel consumption rationing
Authors: Borisov G.V. , Kuzmin N.A. , Molev J.I. , Mavleev I.R. , Salakhov I.I.
Published: December 2019

Nowadays the consideration of longitudinal slope when rationing automobile fuel consumption is hardly taken into account, and it is received just impliedly when paying attention to the area relief. Along with this, the influence of slopes of flat and slightly hilly terrain on fuel consumption is not taken into consideration at all. This article presents an easy calculation approach to the consideration of the quantitative effects of road slope angels (rise and descent) on the final fuel consumption of a vehicle on real routes. The notion of a reduced slope angle is inroduced,a substantial increase of fuel consumption on descents in comparison with rises is ascertained.
Precisely defined fiber scaffolds with 40 μm porosity induce elongation driven M2-like polarization of human macrophages
Authors: Tylek Tina , Blum Carina , Hrynevich Andrei , Schlegelmilch Katrin , Schilling Tatjana , Dalton Paul D , Groll Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Macrophages are key players of the innate immune system that can roughly be divided into the pro-inflammatory M1 type and the anti-inflammatory, pro-healing M2 type. While a transient initial pro-inflammatory state is helpful, a prolonged inflammation deteriorates a proper healing and subsequent regeneration. One promising strategy to drive macrophage polarization by biomaterials is precise control over biomaterial geometry. For regenerative approaches, it is of particular interest to identify geometrical parameters that direct human macrophage polarization. For this purpose, we advanced melt electrowriting (MEW) towards the fabrication of fibrous scaffolds with box-shaped pores and precise inter-fiber spacing from 100 μm down to only 40 μm. These scaffolds facilitate primary human macrophage elongation accompanied by differentiation towards the M2 type, which was most pronounced for the smallest pore size of 40 μm. These new findings can be important in helping to design new biomaterials with an enhanced positive impact on tissue regeneration.
Hydrothermal synthesis of SnS2/MoS2 Nanospheres for enhanced adsorption capacity of organic dyes
Authors: Cui Bowen , Wang Yihui , Zhang Fan , Xiao Xin , Su Ziqin , Dai Xincheng , Zhang Hao , Huang Shan
Published: December 2019

The SnS2/MoS2 nanospheres (NPs) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal route, and microstructure and morphology were investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD and BET. The SnS2/MoS2 NPs exhibited the excellent adsorption properties for organic dyes, and the maximum adsorption capacity of SnS2/MoS2 to Rhodamine B (RhB) is 125 mg g−1 at room temperature. The adsorption process is well fit by the pseudo-second-order adsorption model and Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, SnS2/MoS2 NPs has outstanding adsorption capacity for both cations and anions organic dyes, and the maximum adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG) were 202, 165 and 175 mg g−1 respectively. It is attribute to the high specific surface area (101.06 m2 g−1) and small mesopores (3.23 nm) provide numerous adsorption active sites for adsorption of organic dyes. The reusability experiment demonstrated the SnS2/MnS2 NPs could be reused for 5 times. The result show that the SnS2/MoS2 NPs is a potential adsorbent for removal of organic dyes from wastewater.
Efficient CO2 adsorption using mesoporous carbons from biowastes
Authors: Sriram Ganesan , S Supriya , Kurkuri Mahaveer , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: December 2019

The mesoporous carbon nanomaterials obtained from waste onion peels confirmed the formation of mesoporous carbon nanospheres (CNSs) with an average pore diameter of 2 nm. The as obtained CNSs were studied to demonstrate their ability to adsorb the greenhouse gas CO2 at different temperatures, 30, 40 and 50 °C. The results showed that the CNSs have high potential to adsorb CO2 at these temperatures. Present work demonstrates the formation of sustainable, porous adsorbents by a simple waste to wealth based approach that is effective for the adsorption of CO2.
Thermal plasma synthesis and electrochemical properties of high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Sone Hirotaka , Yoshida Shuhei , Tanaka Manabu , Watanabe Takayuki
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 has been reported to change the crystal structure with the oxygen partial pressure and affect the battery characteristics. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 involves the formation of impurities, such as LixNi1−xO, LixMn3−xO4, and Li2CO3, at a high temperature range exceeding 700 °C because oxygen loss occurs during synthesis. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 electrochemically contains Mn4+, however, Mn3+ is formed because of oxygen deficiency. The Li–Ni–Mn-oxide causes a disproportionation of Mn3+ in an oxygen-deficient state. The synthesized Li–Ni–Mn-oxide nanoparticles at 10,000 K by induction thermal plasma formed spinel-type LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (space group Fd3m) of Mn4+. The crystal structure of the cubic-spinel nanoparticles approached a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 single phase as the flow rate of O2 increased from 2.5 to 5 l min−1. The formation of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was shown to be accelerated by increasing the O2 gas flow rate. The measured current–voltage characteristics of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles appeared at around 4.7–4.8 V as the reaction peak of Ni2+/Ni3+ and Ni3+/Ni4+. In contrast, the Mn of the Li–Ni–Mn-oxide nanoparticles synthesized in the oxygen-deficient state was less than trivalent, which caused disproportionation of Mn. The measured current-voltage characteristics showed peak of an oxygen desorption at near 4.6 V. This study investigated the factors affecting the crystal structure formation and electrochemical properties of high-voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles formed in thermal plasma.
Traditional Mexican Dish Is Associated With More Than One Skipper Species (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Megathiminae, Aegialini)
Authors: Jaimes-Rodríguez Ibeth , González-Hernández Héctor , Llanderal-Cázares Celina , Rodríguez-Ortega Alejandro , Guzmán-Franco Ariel W
Published: December 2019

The white maguey worm, Aegiale hesperiaris (Walker, 1856), is a gastronomic delicacy in Mexico, with high economic value. Aegiale hesperiaris is generally associated with the plant Agave salmiana Otto ex Salm-Dyck (Asparagales: Asparagaceae). However, lack of information about Ae. hesperiaris means that it is often confused with morphologically similar species such as Agathymus remingtoni D. Stallings & Thurner (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a species generally found on Agave lechuguilla Torrey (Asparagales: Asparagaceae). Harvestings are made from all Agave L. (Asparagales: Asparagaceae) species on the assumption that all larvae will be Ae. hesperiaris. This has led to the belief that Ae. hesperiaris may have extended its diet breadth range and is actually infesting other Agave species. We collected larvae from A. lechuguilla and A. salmiana plants, in Hidalgo state, Mexico, and incubated them at 26°C, 50% RH and 12:12 light regime until adult emergence; adults were examined using morphological (male genitalia and wing patterns) and molecular techniques (partial COI sequences) to provide the data necessary for accurate species identification and allocation to host plant. Both species were successfully separated and identified as Ae. herperiaris feeding on A. salmiana and Ag. remingtoni feeding on A. lechuguilla, and a detailed description of the larval developmental stages and feeding behavior described. These results will facilitate the accurate identification of these two species in future studies.
Vegetation cover induces developmental plasticity of lateralization in tadpoles
Authors: Lucon-Xiccato Tyrone , Dadda Marco , Bisazza Angelo
Published: December 2019

Lateralization of cognitive functions influences a large number of fitness-related behaviors and shows, in most species, substantial variation in strength and direction. Laboratory works and field data have suggested that this variation is often due to adaptive phenotypic plasticity. Strong lateralization should be favored in some ecological conditions, for example, under high risk of predation. For anuran tadpoles, the presence of cover affects predation risk, with tadpoles being more exposed to predators in environments with reduced cover. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of cover experienced early in life affects lateralization in the edible frog, Pelophylax esculentus, tadpoles. We exposed embryos and larvae to high or low vegetation cover environments. For half of the subjects, the treatment was constant whereas the remaining subjects were switched to the opposite treatment after hatching. In agreement with the theoretical expectation, tadpoles exposed to low vegetation cover for the entire development were more lateralized and showed a stronger alignment in directionality of lateralization compared with tadpoles exposed to high vegetation cover. This indicates a possible role of natural variation in vegetation abundance and developmental plasticity as determinants of between-population and between-individual differences in lateralization. We also found that shifting from high to low vegetation cover treatments and vice versa disrupted lateralization alignment, suggesting that developmental trajectories for this trait are determined at the embryonic stage and need environmental stability to be fully expressed.
Combination of empagliflozin and linagliptin improves blood pressure and vascular function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jung Susanne , Bosch Agnes , Kannenkeril Dennis , Karg Marina V , Striepe Kristina , Bramlage Peter , Ott Christian , Schmieder Roland E
Published: December 2019

Aims

Preserved vascular function represents a key prognostic factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but data on vascular parameters in this patient cohort are scarce. Patients with T2DM often need more than one drug to achieve optimal glucose control. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of two combination therapies on vascular function in subjects with T2DM.

Methods and results

This prospective, randomized study included 97 subjects with T2DM. Subjects were randomized to either the combination therapy empagliflozin (E) 10 mg with linagliptin (L) 5 mg once daily or metformin (M) 850 or 1000 mg twice daily with insulin glargine (I) once daily. At baseline and after 12 weeks, subjects had peripheral office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurement and underwent vascular assessment by pulse wave analysis under office and ambulatory conditions. Office, 24-h ambulatory and central BP as well as pulse pressure (PP) decreased after 12 weeks of treatment with E + L, whereas no change was observed in M + I. There were greater decreases in 24-h ambulatory peripheral systolic (between-group difference: −5.2 ± 1.5 mmHg, P = 0.004), diastolic BP (−1.9 ± 1.0 mmHg, P = 0.036), and PP (−3.3 ± 1.0 mmHg, P = 0.007) in E + L than M + I. Central office systolic BP (−5.56 ± 1.9 mmHg, P = 0.009), forward pressure height of the pulse wave (−2.0 ± 0.9 mmHg, P = 0.028), 24-h ambulatory central systolic (−3.6 ± 1.4 mmHg, P = 0.045), diastolic BP (−1.95 ± 1.1 mmHg, P = 0.041), and 24-h pulse wave velocity (−0.14 ± 0.05m/s, P = 0.043) were reduced to a greater extent with E + L.

Conclusion

Beyond the effects on glycaemic control, the combination therapy of E + L significantly improved central BP and vascular function compared with the classic combination of M + I.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02752113.
Effects of clopidogrel vs. prasugrel vs. ticagrelor on endothelial function, inflammatory parameters, and platelet function in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary artery stenting: a randomized, blinded, parallel study
Authors: Schnorbus Boris , Daiber Andreas , Jurk Kerstin , Warnke Silke , Koenig Jochem , Lackner Karl J , Münzel Thomas , Gori Tommaso
Published: December 2019

Aims

In a randomized, parallel, blinded study, we investigate the impact of clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor on peripheral endothelial function in patients undergoing stenting for an acute coronary syndrome.

Methods and results

The primary endpoint of the study was the change in endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) following stenting. A total of 90 patients (age 62 ± 9 years, 81 males, 22 diabetics, 49 non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions) were enrolled. There were no significant differences among groups in any clinical parameter. Acutely before stenting, all three drugs improved FMD without differences between groups (P = 0.73). Stenting blunted FMD in the clopidogrel and ticagrelor group (both P < 0.01), but not in the prasugrel group. During follow-up, prasugrel was superior to clopidogrel [mean difference 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–3.58; P = 0.0047] and ticagrelor (mean difference 1.57, 95% CI 0.31–2.83; P = 0.0155), but this difference was limited to patients who received the study therapy 2 h before stenting. Ticagrelor was not significantly superior to clopidogrel (mean difference 0.55, 95% CI −0.73 to 1.82; P = 0.39). No significant differences were seen among groups for low-flow-mediated dilation. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively) and platelet aggregation reactivity in response to adenosine diphosphate (P = 0.002 and P = 0.035) were lower in the prasugrel compared to clopidogrel and ticagrelor group.

Conclusion

As compared to ticagrelor and clopidogrel, therapy with prasugrel in patients undergoing stenting for an acute coronary syndrome is associated with improved endothelial function, stronger platelet inhibition, and reduced IL-6 levels, all of which may have prognostic implications. This effect was lost in patients who received the study medication immediately after stenting.

EUDRACT-No

2011-005305-73
Influence of baseline QRS on the left ventricular ejection fraction recovery after frequent premature ventricular complex ablation
Authors: Penela Diego , Jáuregui Beatriz , Fernández-Armenta Juan , Aguinaga Luis , Tercedor Luis , Ordóñez Augusto , Acosta Juan , Bisbal Felipe , Vassanelli Francesca , Teres Cheryl , Aceña Marta , Martí-Almor Julio , De Sensi Francesco , Vatasescu Radu , Borràs Roger , Sánchez Millán Pablo , Soto-Iglesias David , Oller Martínez Guillermo , Carballo Julio , Berruezo Antonio
Published: December 2019

Aims

Frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) can induce or worsen left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the influence of the baseline QRS in the response after PVC ablation in patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods and results

Two hundred and fifteen [59 ± 13 years old, 152 (71%) men] consecutive patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and frequent PVCs referred for ablation were included and followed-up for 12 months. Echocardiographic response was defined as an improvement of at least five absolute points in LVEF. Clinical, electrocardiogram, and electrophysiological characteristics were analysed. Mean baseline QRS duration was 110 ms [97–140]. Premature ventricular complex burden significantly decreased after ablation from 23% [16–33] at baseline to 1% [0–8] at 12 months, P < 0.001. Mean PVC burden reduction was 18 [8–30] points. There was a significant improvement of LVEF from 35% [29–40] at baseline to 44% [35–55] at 12 months, P < 0.001. One hundred and thirty (61%) patients were considered as echocardiographic responders. Baseline QRS duration (ms) [odds ratio (OR) 0.98 (0.97–0.99), P = 0.01] was an independent predictor of echocardiographic response. Mean LVEF improvement was 16 [10–21] points when the baseline QRS duration was <90 ms; 12 [4–20] when it was 90–110 ms; 5 [0–15] when it was 110 ± 130 ms; and 0 [0–6] points when it was >130 ms.

Conclusions

In patients with LV systolic dysfunction, intrinsic QRS duration is inversely related to the probability and the degree of echocardiographic response after frequent PVC ablation. Patients with a QRS duration >130 ms at baseline have the poorer response after ablation.
Differences in urban forest visitor preferences for emerald ash borer-impacted areas
Authors: Arnberger Arne , Schneider Ingrid E , Eder Renate , Choi Ami
Published: December 2019

Emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive forest insect from Asia, has impacted vast areas in the United States and European Russia. To proactively understand the social impact of an EAB invasion in Europe and the USA, this study analyzed visitors’ preferences and preference heterogeneity for EAB-impacted forest scenarios in Vienna, Austria (n = 510) and Minneapolis, USA (n = 307). An image-based discrete choice experiment with latent-class analysis among on-site completed questionnaires in Vienna indicated four different visitor segments based on trade-offs among biophysical, social and viewscape elements. Within the forested environment, two segments placed greater importance on (bio)physical attributes and two on social aspects. Although all segments preferred a non-impacted ash forest, only one of the four identified the attribute describing EAB impacts and forest management as the most important attribute. Rather, visitor numbers and background viewscapes were more important than EAB impact and management to differentiate landscape preferences for three of the four segments. Differences in preferences were found between the Vienna and Minneapolis samples. Vienna respondents showed a higher preference for more natural conditions, disliked more the initial stage of EAB impact and placed more importance on background viewscapes and visitor numbers. Forest managers and greenspace planners need to consider the entirety of the forested condition, social and visual, for effective management and address that visitors differ in their preferences for all of these conditions.
Investigating the Generation and Spread of Numerical Misinformation: A Combined Eye Movement Monitoring and Social Transmission Approach
Authors: Coronel Jason C , Poulsen Shannon , Sweitzer Matthew D
Published: December 2019

Numerical facts play a prominent role in public discourse, but individuals often provide incorrect estimates of policy-relevant numerical quantities (e.g., the number of immigrants in the country). Across two studies, we examined the role of schemas in the creation of numerical misinformation, and how misinformation can spread via person-to-person communication. In our first study, we combined eye movement monitoring and behavioral methods to examine how schemas distorted what people remembered about policy-relevant numerical information. Then, in a second study, we examined the consequences of these memory distortions via the social transmission of numerical information, using the serial reproduction paradigm. We found that individuals misremembered numerical information in a manner consistent with their schemas, and that person-to-person transmission can exacerbate these memory errors. Our studies highlight the mechanisms supporting the generation and spread of numerical misinformation and demonstrate the utility of a multi-method approach in the study of misinformation.
Progressive cardiac arrhythmias and ECG abnormalities in the Huntington’s disease BACHD mouse model
Authors: Zhu Yujie , Shamblin Isaac , Rodriguez Efrain , Salzer Grace E , Araysi Lita , Margolies Katherine A , Halade Ganesh V , Litovsky Silvio H , Pogwizd Steven , Gray Michelle , Huke Sabine
Published: December 2019

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease. There is accumulating evidence that HD patients have increased prevalence of conduction abnormalities and compromised sinoatrial node function which could lead to increased risk for arrhythmia. We used mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) expressing bacterial artificial chromosome Huntington’s disease mice to determine if they exhibit electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities involving cardiac conduction that are known to increase risk of sudden arrhythmic death in humans. We obtained surface ECGs and analyzed arrhythmia susceptibility; we observed prolonged QRS duration, increases in PVCs as well as PACs. Abnormal histological and structural changes that could lead to cardiac conduction system dysfunction were seen. Finally, we observed decreases in desmosomal proteins, plakophilin-2 and desmoglein-2, which have been reported to cause cardiac arrhythmias and reduced conduction. Our study indicates that mHTT could cause progressive cardiac conduction system pathology that could increase the susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in HD patients.
Returning Insurgency to the Archive: the Dissemination of the ‘Philosophy of the Bomb’
Authors: Maclean Kama
Published: December 2019

The recent surge of scholarly writing on seditious material in British India tends to focus on the reception and analysis of the content of proscribed publications. We still have scant knowledge of how revolutionary literature was produced and disseminated, partly because of the necessary secrecy in which this took place. Intelligence reports and revolutionary memoirs alike tend to describe the distribution of revolutionary literature in vague terms, almost invariably using the passive voice – ‘offensive pamphlets appeared’ or were simply ‘found’ in such and such a place – as though they somehow distributed themselves. In this paper, I turn my focus to the ways in which revolutionaries of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) distributed ‘The Philosophy of the Bomb’ in January 1930. Following the HSRA’s daring attempt on the life of the Viceroy in December 1929, the Government of India’s search for key members and their sympathizers took on a renewed urgency. In an attempt to trace the revolutionaries and to break ‘the steel frame of the violence movement’, the Intelligence Bureau turned its attention to the distribution of this polemical document (a four-page riposte to Gandhi’s critique of revolutionary praxis. Analysis of modes of distribution of material on the verge of proscription, I argue, enables a more textured understanding of the thrust of revolutionary literature and its reception. This paper therefore aims to inject the spirit of insurgency into the archive by explaining the ways in which a key document of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), ‘The Philosophy of the Bomb’, was disseminated in early 1930. The paper is organized into three sections. The first section provides a background for the political context of ‘The Philosophy of the Bomb’ amid debates about violence and nonviolence in the broader nationalist movement. The second describes the different ways in which the document was disseminated in early 1930, drawing on both revolutionary and intelligence reports. The paper then concludes by considering the alignment between the dissemination and impact of the revolutionary manifesto and the bomb itself.
Preoperative skeletal muscle density is associated with postoperative mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Yamashita Masashi , Kamiya Kentaro , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Kitamura Tadashi , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Matsuzawa Ryota , Nozaki Kohei , Ichikawa Takafumi , Nakamura Takeshi , Yamamoto Shohei , Kariya Hidenori , Maekawa Emi , Meguro Kentaro , Ogura Misao , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Ako Junya , Miyaji Kagami
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

Although skeletal muscle density (SMD) is useful for predicting mortality, the cut-off in an acute clinical setting is unclear, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was performed to determine the preoperative SMD cut-off using the psoas muscle and to investigate the effect on postoperative outcomes, including sarcopaenia, in CVD patients.

METHODS

Preoperative psoas SMD was measured by abdominal computed tomography in CVD patients. Postoperative sarcopaenia was defined according to the criteria of the Asia Working Group for Sarcopaenia. The Youden index was used to test the predictive accuracy of survival models. The prognostic capability was evaluated using multivariable survival and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

Continuous data were available for 1068 patients (mean age 65.5 years; 63.6% male). A total of 105 (9.8%) deaths occurred during the 1.99-year median follow-up period (interquartile range 0.71–4.15). The psoas SMD cut-off estimated by the Youden index was 45 Hounsfield units with high sensitivity and moderate specificity for all-cause mortality and was consistent in various stratified analyses. After adjusting for the existing prognostic model, EuroSCORE II, preoperative and postoperative physical status, psoas SMD cut-off was predicted for mortality (hazard ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.32–4.45). The psoas SMD cut-off was also significantly associated with postoperative sarcopaenia and provided additional prognostic information to EuroSCORE II on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve 0.627 vs 0.678, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced psoas SMD was associated with postoperative mortality and added information prognostic for mortality to the existing prognostic model in CVD patients.
Dual Complex of Log Fano Pairs and Its Application to Witt Vector Cohomology
Authors: Nakamura Yusuke
Published: December 2019

We prove the contractibility of the dual complexes of weak log Fano pairs. As applications, we obtain a vanishing theorem of Witt vector cohomology of Ambro–Fujino type and a rational point formula in Dimension 3.
The Weil Algebra of a Double Lie Algebroid
Authors: Meinrenken Eckhard , Pike Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Given a double vector bundle $D\to M$, we define a bigraded bundle of algebras $W(D)\to M$ called the “Weil algebra bundle”. The space ${\mathcal{W}}(D)$ of sections of this algebra bundle ”realizes” the algebra of functions on the supermanifold $D[1,1]$. We describe in detail the relations between the Weil algebra bundles of $D$ and those of the double vector bundles $D^{\prime},\ D^{\prime\prime}$ obtained from $D$ by duality operations. We show that ${\mathcal{V}\mathcal{B}}$-algebroid structures on $D$ are equivalent to horizontal or vertical differentials on two of the Weil algebras and a Gerstenhaber bracket on the 3rd. Furthermore, Mackenzie’s definition of a double Lie algebroid is equivalent to compatibilities between two such structures on any one of the three Weil algebras. In particular, we obtain a ”classical” version of Voronov’s result characterizing double Lie algebroid structures. In the case that $D=TA$ is the tangent prolongation of a Lie algebroid, we find that ${\mathcal{W}}(D)$ is the Weil algebra of the Lie algebroid, as defined by Mehta and Abad–Crainic. We show that the deformation complex of Lie algebroids, the theory of IM forms and IM multi-vector fields, and 2-term representations up to homotopy all have natural interpretations in terms of our Weil algebras.
Time-Dependent Effects of Relational Composition on the Success of Online Wellness Challenge Groups
Authors: Meng Jingbo , Shin Soo Yun , Bae Arram , Van Der Heide Brandon
Published: December 2019

This study aims to examine time-dependent effects of group-level relational composition, including the number and cohesion of prior online relationships and multiple-group membership (MGM), on the success of online wellness challenge groups (OWCGs) in promoting positive health behavior among group members. Bridging literature on online groups and social networks for health, this study collected data on 1,252 OWCGs and conducted analyses on how relational composition affected group success longitudinally over the life span of the OWCGs. The results showed that the number of prior online relationships within a group had a positive but decreasing effect over time on group success, whereas cohesion was not a significant predictor. MGM, indicating members' concurrent participation in multiple OWCGs, showed a positive effect on group success at the beginning but a negative effect towards the end of a group's life span. Theoretical and practical implications for designing successful OWCGs were discussed.
Easy Statistical Mediation Analysis With Distinguishable Dyadic Data
Authors: Coutts Jacob J , Hayes Andrew F , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2019

Research in communication and other social science disciplines that relies on measuring each member of a dyad on putative causes and effects can require complex analyses to illuminate how members of the dyad influence one another. Dyadic mediation analysis is a branch of mediation analysis that focuses on establishing the mechanism(s) by which mutual influence operates. Relying on the similarity between dyadic mediation analysis using structural equation modeling and mediation analysis with ordinary least squares regression, we developed MEDYAD, an easy-to-use computational tool for SPSS, SAS, and R that conducts dyadic mediation analysis with distinguishable dyadic data. MEDYAD implements the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model Extended to Mediation (APIMeM), as well as simpler and more complex dyadic mediation models. Bootstrapping methods are implemented for inferences about indirect effects. Additional features include methods for conducting all possible pairwise comparisons between indirect effects, heteroskedasticity-robust inference, and saving bootstrap estimates of parameters for further analysis.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Anxiety and Depression in Youth With Epilepsy
Authors: Scott Amelia J , Sharpe Louise , Loomes Max , Gandy Milena
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an estimate of the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in youth with epilepsy (YWE). It also aimed to calculate the overall magnitude of observed differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms reported by YWE compared with healthy controls and investigate whether any factors moderated anxiety and depression outcomes in YWE.

Methods

Following prospective registration, electronic databases were searched up until October 2018. Studies were included if they reported on the rate of anxiety or depression in samples of YWE, and/or if they used valid measures of anxious or depressive symptomatology in YWE compared with a healthy control sample.

Results

Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of anxiety disorders in YWE was 18.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.0%–28.5%), and for depression the pooled prevalence was 13.5% (95% CI 8.8%–20.2%). In samples of YWE compared with healthy controls, significantly higher anxiety (d = 0.57, 95% CI 0.32–0.83, p < .000) and depressive (d = 0.42, 95% CI 0.16–0.68, p < .000) symptomatology was reported.

Conclusions

YWE report anxiety and depressive disorders and symptoms to a significantly higher degree than youth without epilepsy. There is also evidence that certain anxiety disorders (e.g. generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder) are particularly elevated, perhaps reflecting the unique impact of epilepsy on youth psychopathology. Research is needed to understand the risk factors associated with anxiety and depressive disorders in epilepsy, and better understand how these symptoms change across development.
Hospital-level Antibiotic Use and Complexity of Care Among Neonates
Authors: Singh Prachi , Steurer Martina A , Cantey Joseph B , Wattier Rachel L
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite increasing neonatal antibiotic stewardship efforts, understanding of interhospital variation in neonatal antibiotic use is limited.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among primarily academically affiliated hospitals participating in the Vizient Clinical Database/Resource Manager. Neonatal discharges were identified by admission age <1 month, excluding nonviable neonates and normal newborns. Hospitals with ≥100 neonatal discharges and complete data for January-December 2016 were included. Antibiotic use was measured in days of therapy per 1000 patient-days (DOT/1000 pd). A composite measure of neonatal care complexity (NCC; low, medium, high) was based on the volume of very low-birth-weight neonates and neonates undergoing surgical procedures, cardiac surgery, or extracorporeal membranous oxygenation.

Results

The 118 included hospitals represented 184 716 neonatal discharges; 22 hospitals with low NCC, 56 with medium NCC, and 40 with high NCC. Mean antibiotic DOT/1000 pd was 363 (standard deviation [SD], 94) in high NCC hospitals, 243 (SD, 88) in medium NCC hospitals, and 184 (SD, 122) in low NCC hospitals. Increasing NCC was associated with higher antibiotic use, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55 to 2.47) for high vs low NCC and IRR 1.31 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.64) for medium vs low NCC. Increasing case mix index was associated with higher antibiotic use (IRR 1.86 per unit increase; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.31).

Conclusions

Aggregate antibiotic use among hospitalized neonates varies based on care complexity. Substantial variation despite stratification by complexity suggests incomplete risk adjustment and/or avoidable variation in care.
Arabidopsis sucrose synthase localization indicates a primary role in sucrose translocation in phloem
Authors: Yao Danyu , Gonzales-Vigil Eliana , Mansfield Shawn D
Published: December 2019

Sucrose synthase (SuSy) is one of two enzyme families capable of catalyzing the first degradative step in sucrose utilization. Several earlier studies examining SuSy mutants in Arabidopsis failed to identify obvious phenotypic abnormalities compared with wild-type plants in normal growth environments, and as such a functional role for SuSy in the previously proposed cellulose biosynthetic process remains unclear. Our study systematically evaluated the precise subcellular localization of all six isoforms of Arabidopsis SuSy via live-cell imaging. We showed that yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labeled SuSy1 and SuSy4 were expressed exclusively in phloem companion cells, and the sus1/sus4 double mutant accumulated sucrose under hypoxic conditions. SuSy5 and SuSy6 were found to be parietally localized in sieve elements and restricted only to the cytoplasm. SuSy2 was present in the endosperm and embryo of developing seeds, and SuSy3 was localized to the embryo and leaf stomata. No single isoform of SuSy was detected in developing xylem tissue of elongating stem, the primary site of cellulose deposition in plants. SuSy1 and SuSy4 were also undetectable in the protoxylem tracheary elements, which were induced by the vascular-related transcription factor VND7 during secondary cell wall formation. These findings implicate SuSy in the biological events related to sucrose translocation in phloem.