bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Functional Improvement and Cognition in Short‐Stay Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Loomer Lacey , Downer Brian , Thomas Kali S.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Improving function is an important outcome of postacute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), but cognitive impairment can limit a resident's ability to improve during a postacute care stay. Our objective was to examine the association between residents’ cognitive status on admission and change in self‐care and mobility during a Medicare‐covered SNF stay.

Design

Retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries who had a new SNF stay between January and June 2017.

Setting

SNFs in the United States.

Participants

Newly admitted residents with Medicare‐covered SNF stays between January and June 2017 (n = 246 395).

Measurements

Residents’ self‐care and mobility at SNF admission and discharge were determined using items from Section GG (eating, oral hygiene, toileting hygiene, sit to lying, lying to sitting, sit to stand, chair/bed transfer, and toilet transfer) of the Minimum Data Set. Residents were classified as cognitively intact, mildly impaired, moderately impaired, or severely impaired, according to the Cognitive Function Scale. Multivariable regression models controlling for residents’ demographic and clinical characteristics and SNF fixed effects were used to identify residents whose discharge scores for self‐care and mobility were better or the same as expected according to their cognitive status on admission.

Results

Residents who were cognitively impaired on admission had lower functional status on admission and were less likely to improve in self‐care and mobility compared with residents who were cognitively intact. Approximately 63% of residents who were cognitively intact had discharge scores for self‐care and mobility that were better or the same as expected compared with 45% of residents with severe cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is associated with poorer self‐care and mobility function among SNF residents. These findings have important implications for clinicians, who may need additional support when caring for residents with cognitive impairment to make the same improvements in functional status as residents who are cognitively intact. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:553–557, 2019.
Dissemination of the CAPABLE Model of Care in a Medicaid Waiver Program to Improve Physical Function
Authors: Spoelstra Sandra L. , Sikorskii Alla , Gitlin Laura N. , Schueller Monica , Kline Margaret , Szanton Sarah L.
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Of older adults, 42% report problems with daily function, and physical function is the most important consideration for aging individuals. Thus, we implemented a model of care focused on improving physical function and examined health and use outcomes and satisfaction.

DESIGN

A 3‐year participatory, single‐group pretrial/posttrial benchmarked to a usual care cohort that was evaluated prior to the study.

SETTING

Four Medicaid home and community‐based waiver sites in Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants included 34 clinicians and 270 Medicaid beneficiaries 50 years and older.

INTERVENTION

Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE), an evidence‐based model of care that improved physical function in older adults, was implemented using evidence‐based strategies.

MEASUREMENT

Characteristics (age, race, and sex), health outcomes (comorbidities, instrumental/activities of daily living [I/ADLs], pain, depression, and falls), and emergency department and hospitalization visits preintervention/postintervention and in the usual care cohort were examined. We also measured Medicaid beneficiary's satisfaction with care for those who received CAPABLE.

RESULTS

Improved mean ± SD ADLs (preintervention, 8.51 ± 3.08; postintervention, 7.80 ± 2.86; P = .01) and IADLs (preintervention, 6.43 ± 1.31; postintervention, 5.62 ± 1.09; P < .01), a decrease in falls by 14% (from 34.8% preintervention to 20.8% postintervention; P < .01), and fewer hospitalizations (from 0.43 ± 1.51 preintervention to 0.23 ± 0.60 postintervention; P = .03) were found. Post‐CAPABLE means were significantly better compared with a usual care cohort for IADLs (6.73 ± 1.27; P < .01) and hospitalizations (0.47 ± 2.66; P < .01). Satisfaction with care was high, and 98.1% recommended CAPABLE as a way to help remain living in the community.

CONCLUSION

Improved ADLs and IADLs, a reduction in fall rates, fewer hospitalizations, and high satisfaction with care occurred in this population as a result of the use of CAPABLE. CAPABLE may be one solution to helping vulnerable, low‐income older adults with poor physical function to remain living in the community. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:363–370, 2019.
Stockholders’ Unrealized Returns and the Market Reaction to Financial Disclosures
Authors: WEISBROD ERIC
Published: December 2018

Using both investor‐ and stock‐level data, I examine the relation between stockholders’ unrealized returns since purchase and the market response to earnings announcements. I demonstrate that stockholders’ unrealized gain/loss position moderates their trading behavior in response to earnings announcements. I also find that this behavior generates a short‐window return underreaction to earnings news. My results are generally consistent with predictions from prospect theory regarding the manner in which stockholders’ unrealized returns moderate their trading response to belief shocks. However, my results also suggest that an emotional component (i.e., regret‐avoidance/pride‐seeking) is necessary to explain the observed investor behavior.
Effect of Thermomechanical and Static Loading on the Load to Fracture of Metal‐Ceramic, Monolithic, and Veneered Zirconia Posterior Fixed Partial Dentures
Authors: Lopez‐Suarez Carlos , Tobar Celia , Sola‐Ruiz Maria Fernanda , Pelaez Jesus , Suarez Maria J.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of static (not preloaded) and thermomechanical loading on the load to fracture of metal‐ceramic, monolithic and veneered zirconia computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) posterior fixed partial dentures (FPDs).

Materials and Methods

One hundred standardized specimens with 2 abutments screwed onto a platform were prepared from stainless steel to receive a posterior 3‐unit FPD with an intermediate pontic. Specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 20): Metal‐ceramic (control group), Lava Zirconia system, Vita In‐Ceram YZ, IPS e.max ZirCAD, and Lava Plus. Half of the specimens of each group (n = 10) underwent no preloading, and the other half were subjected to thermomechanical loading in a masticatory simulator, and then all FPDs were loaded until fracture using a universal testing machine at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The load to fracture of the veneering ceramic and the load to fracture of framework (total fracture) were recorded for each specimen. Data were statistically analyzed using 2‐way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD post‐hoc test, Student's t test, and Weibull statistics, α = 0.05.

Results

Significant differences were recorded between the metal‐ceramic and veneered zirconia groups for the veneering ceramic load (p < 0.001; f = 36.62; f = 57.76) in no preloading and thermomechanical loading subgroups, respectively, but no differences were observed between the static and thermomechanical loading conditions. No differences were observed among the veneered zirconia groups. For the total load to fracture, significant differences were observed according to the material (p < 0.001; f = 500.8), between the metal‐ceramic and Lava Plus group and the other zirconia groups in no preloading subgroup, and between metal‐ceramic and the other groups (p < 0.001; f = 303.33) in thermomechanical loading subgroup. For the type of preloading, significant differences were observed (p = 0.02; f = 5.24) between the Lava Plus group and the other groups. Thermomechanical loading significantly decreased the fracture load of the Lava Plus group (p = 0.005). The Weibull statistics corroborated the results.

Conclusions

Monolithic zirconia restorations provided the highest load to fracture values among the zirconia groups tested; however, the results indicate that they must be used in the oral environment with caution, because their load to fracture was influenced by the aging simulation.
Pollution effects on preferences: A unified approach
Authors: Bosi Stefano , Desmarchelier David , Ragot Lionel
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we introduce a unified Ramsey model where pollution has an impact on preferences and affects both consumption demand and labor supply. Pollution comes from production activities and is viewed as a stock variable with a strong inertia. A government is introduced and levies a proportional tax on production to finance depollution expenditure. We find two interesting results when pollution raises the consumption demand (compensation effect). First, in the long run, a higher green‐tax rate increases the pollution level at the steady state (green paradox) when pollution raises the labor supply (disenchantment effect). Second, in the short run, local indeterminacy can arise through a Hopf bifurcation when pollution lowers the labor supply (leisure effect) even if pollution has a strong inertia.
Is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome related to nocturia?
Authors: Arslan Burak , Gezmis Cem T. , Çetin Buğra , Gönültas Serkan , Gökmen Ersin , Gürkan Okan , Ozdemir Enver
Published: December 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

This multicenter study was performed on 122 male patients with dyspnea and/or sleep disorder. Patient characteristics were recorded. All patients underwent full‐night polysomnography, and the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and prostate volume was calculated by transabdominal ultrasonography. Based on the AHI, patients were classified as normal or as having mild, moderate, or severe OSAS. Regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictive factors associated with nocturia.

Results

Severe, moderate, and mild OSAS was present in 53, nine, and 46 patients, respectively, where 14 patients with dyspnea and sleep disorder were classified as normal. There were no significant differences between the severe and mild OSAS groups with regard to age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, smoking history, fluid intake, and serum creatinine and glucose concentrations. However, there was a significant difference between two groups in AHI (P < 0.001), nocturia (P < 0.001), and nocturnal voided volume (P = 0.011). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that age, smoking history, and an AHI >15 were independent predictors of nocturia.

Conclusions

Sleep disorders are thought to be one reason for nocturia and nocturnal polyuria. Thus, OSAS must be considered in BPH patients who predominantly have storage symptoms.
Transitional impact craters on the Moon: Insight into the effect of target lithology on the impact cratering process
Authors: Osinski Gordon R. , Silber Elizabeth A. , Clayton Jacqueline , Grieve Richard A. F. , Hansen Kayle , Johnson Catherine L. , Kalynn Jessica , Tornabene Livio L.
Published: December 2018

We studied a data set of 28 well‐preserved lunar craters in the transitional (simple‐to‐complex) regime with the aim of investigating the underlying cause(s) for morphological differences of these craters in mare versus highland terrains. These transitional craters range from 15 to 42 km in diameter, demonstrating that the transition from simple to complex craters is not abrupt and occurs over a broad diameter range. We examined and measured the following crater attributes: depth (d), diameter (D), floor diameter (Df), rim height (h), and wall width (w), as well as the number and onset of terraces and rock slides. The number of terraces increases with increasing crater size and, in general, mare craters possess more terraces than highland craters of the same diameter. There are also clear differences in the d/D ratio of mare versus highland craters, with transitional craters in mare targets being noticeably shallower than similarly sized highland craters. We propose that layering in mare targets is a major driver for these differences. Layering provides pre‐existing planes of weakness that facilitate crater collapse, thus explaining the overall shallower depths of mare craters and the onset of crater collapse (i.e., the transition from simple to complex crater morphology) at smaller diameters as compared to highland craters. This suggests that layering and its interplay with target strength and porosity may play a more significant role than previously considered.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves myocardial conduction
Authors: Yang Mei , Li Xuping , Yang Dachun , Li Yigang , Zhou Shenghua , Liang Jinjun , Wu Gang , Del‐Carpio Munoz Freddy , Chen Horng H. , Friedman Paul A. , Cha Yong‐Mei
Published: December 2018

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reverses left ventricular remodeling and improves left ventricular systolic function. However, little is known about whether CRT improves ventricular conduction.

Objective

To determine the relationship between CRT response and QRS narrowing.

Methods

The study included consecutive patients who underwent CRT with defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation between January 2002 and December 2012 and had subsequent generator replacement (GR). At the time of GR, super‐responder was defined as those who had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50% or more; patients who had an LVEF of 36–49% with an increase of more than 5% were considered responders, and the others were nonresponders. All patients were assessed 6 months after CRT‐D implantation and at the time of GR.

Results

Of 114 study patients, 58 (50.9%) were nonresponders, 29 (25.4%) responders, and 27 (23.7%) super‐responders. QRS narrowing at 6 months was significant in super‐responders (175.4 ± 21.4 to 159.7 ± 20.7 ms, P = 0.001) and responders (169.0 ± 21.3 to 157.7 ± 17.6 ms, P = 0.008). At time of GR, only super‐responders had further QRS narrowing (159.7 ± 20.7 to 146.3 ± 19.2 ms, P < 0.001). QRS duration change after 6 months was independently associated with super‐response (hazard ratio: 1.20 for every 5 ms QRS duration narrowing; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.38; P = 0.005), and QRS narrowing of 10 ms or more was associated with lower risk of all‐cause mortality after GR.

Conclusion

Continuous QRS narrowing after CRT, as an electrical marker, is associated with a super‐response to CRT. Further QRS narrowing 6 months after CRT implantation was associated with lower risk of mortality after GR.
The Psychology of Supranationalism: Its Ideological Correlates and Implications for EU Attitudes and post‐Brexit Preferences
Authors: Peitz Linus , Dhont Kristof , Seyd Ben
Published: December 2018

Existing research highlights the roles of group identities and concerns about mass migration in explaining attitudes towards the European Union (EU). However, studies have been largely silent on whether EU attitudes are also shaped by people’s attitudes towards the principles and practices of supranational governance. This research provides a first test of the nature and role of supranational attitudes. We introduce a new measure of supranationalism and, in two studies using samples drawn from the British population, test the psychometric properties of the supranationalism scale. We then identify the socioideological correlates (right‐wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation) of supranationalism, along with its effects in predicting EU attitudes and post‐Brexit preferences. Our core finding is that supranationalism predicts attitudes towards the EU over and above established factors such as national identity and immigrant threat. Our study thus shows the existence of supranational attitudes among individuals and the relevance of such attitudes to people’s opinions about international organizations like the EU.
Psychoanalyzing Europe? Political Enjoyment and European Identity
Authors: Kølvraa Christoffer
Published: December 2018

This article seeks to discuss and illustrate how employing theoretical elements and interpretative frames from Lacanian psychoanalysis might help to conceptualize and analyze the affective dimension of European identity. European identity, as constructed in the discourses of European institutions, is believed to be crucial in legitimating the political project of European integration. It is argued that in order to understand how “desire” and jouissance (“enjoyment”) are active in this construction of European identity, we need to focus on the plotlines of the dominant narrative about Europe as articulated in official discourses. Using such an approach, I show that the EU’s preferred construction of a European identity, which narrates the EU as a grand peace project, is structured around the sacrifice of “national” jouissance, which in turn becomes a site of political enjoyment through the mediation of an external gaze.
Pressuring stable patients with hypercapnic COPD to exercise
Authors: Menadue Collette , Piper Amanda J.
Published: December 2018

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Depreciation of Business R&D Capital
Authors: Li Wendy C. Y. , Hall Bronwyn H.
Published: December 2018

We develop a forward‐looking profit model to estimate the depreciation rates of business R&D capital. By using U.S. government data between 1987 and 2007, and the newly developed model, we estimate both constant and time‐varying industry‐specific R&D depreciation rates. The results comprise a set of R&D depreciation rates for major U.S. high‐tech industries. They align with the main conclusions from recent studies that the rates are in general higher than the traditionally assumed 15 percent and vary across industries. The relative ranking of the constant R&D depreciation rates among industries is consistent with industry observations and the industry‐specific time‐varying rates are informative about the dynamics of technological change and the levels of competition across industries. Lastly, we also present a cross‐country comparison of the R&D depreciation rates between the U.S. and Japan, and find that the results reflect the relative technological competitiveness in key industries.
The first Ironomyiidae from mid‐Cretaceous Burmese amber provides insights into the phylogeny of Phoroidea (Diptera: Cyclorrhapha)
Authors: Li Xuankun , Yeates David K.
Published: December 2018

Macalpinomyia jiewenae gen. et sp.n. is described from the mid‐Cretaceous (∼99 Ma) amber of Myanmar. Macalpinomyia jiewenae is the first Oriental representative of the enigmatic family Ironomyiidae (Diptera: Phoroidea), currently known from a single extant genus restricted to southeastern Australia, plus a monotypic genus from Canadian amber and three controversial genera based on impression fossils from China, Mongolia and Russia. A phylogenetic analysis of all Phoroidea families, including all ironomyiid extant and extinct genera, corroborates the monophyly of Ironomyiidae, and Macalpinomyia gen.n. is assigned to the subfamily Sinolestinae. Cretonomyiinae subfam.n., is erected to accommodate the basal lineage of Ironomyiidae. Lebambromyia acrai Grimaldi & Cumming, previously placed in Ironomyiidae, is supported as an early branching lineage of Platypezidae. Our topology proposes that Ironomyiidae is sister to the remaining Phoroidea. The phylogenetic results, in combination with the fossil ages and relevant molecular divergence time analysis, suggests that Ironomyiidae probably originated at least in the Berriasian of the Early Cretaceous (∼140 Ma).

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5DFFC944‐1350‐418E‐BCDC‐BB87FC013D5D.
Public Interest Payments and Bond Yields: A Panel Data Estimation for the Eurozone
Authors: Afflatet Nicolas
Published: December 2018

Governments with high public debt risk that investors raise doubts about their ability to repay their debt since interest payments constitute an increasing share of public budgets. High interest payments may then fuel bond yields on secondary markets and subsequently lead to rising refinancing costs. This could precipitate a self-fulfilling prophecy according to which investors’ doubts about a default make the default more probable. Although there already are extensive research results on determinants of bond yields, the role of governments’ interest payments has not been duly taken into account. This paper tests whether the size of public interest payments had an influence on government bond yields during the European debt crisis. There seems to be indeed evidence that higher interest quotas and increasing interest-growth differentials entail higher bond yields.
The Relevance of Technology Neutrality to the Design of Laws to Criminalise Cyberbullying
Authors: Selvadurai Niloufer
Published: December 2018

Despite there being widespread agreement that cyberbullying is a serious societal problem, there is little consensus on the laws and policies that should be implemented by government to address this issue. Whilst some commentators frame cyberbullying as a psychosocial problem that is most appropriately addressed through education and public health initiatives others see it as a legal issue that requires legislative reform. Further, whilst some call for the creation of a specific offence of cyberbullying others advance the importance of technology neutrality and recommend prosecuting online and offline bullying behaviour within a single coherent legal framework. In such a context, the purpose of the present article is to examine the adequacy of Australia’s present law and policy on cyberbullying, and consider the merits of creating a dedicated offence of cyberbullying. In this regard, special consideration will be given to the 2018 report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee entitled Adequacy of existing offences in the Commonwealth Criminal Code and of State and Territory criminal laws to capture cyberbullying. After considering relevant legislation, case law, scholarly discourse and reform discourse, the paper supports the Senate Committee’s decision to not recommend the creation of a new offence of cyberbullying and suggests that such a course supports technology neutrality and enhances the consistency and longevity of laws in this area.
El estudio de la participación digital en la cultura. Hacia una propuesta analítica para el escenario cubano.
Authors: López García Hamlet
Published: December 2018

El presente artículo pretende contribuir a la comprensión de la participación digital en la cultura del entorno cubano. Para ello se exponen y analizan los principales resultados del estudio cualitativo, por medio de la Teoría Fundada, una experiencia concreta de participación en Cuba: una comunidad de software libre. Los resultados de la investigación, permiten conceptualizar a la participación digital en la cultura tal y como ocurre en Cuba, como un proceso fuertemente contextualizado, dependiente del entorno institucional en el que se desenvuelve. Esta participación digital permite una comprensión en la cultura más integral y productiva, desde el punto de vista teórico y conceptual.
Characterization of a Laser-Based Heating System Coupled With In Operando Raman Spectroscopy for Studying Solar Thermochemical Redox Cycles
Authors: Lee Kangjae , Scheffe Jonathan R.
Published: December 2018

A 200 W CO2 laser-based heating system coupled with in operando Raman spectroscopy has been developed. The system delivers highly concentrated radiation capable of driving thermochemical reactions and simulates heat fluxes expected by 3D solar concentrating systems. 10 mol% Gd-doped and pure ceria pellets were prepared and used to characterize the system because of their well-established thermodynamic and kinetic properties, as well as their strong Raman peak due to F2 g symmetrical mode at 460 cm−1. Reduction in an H2 atmosphere has been carried out to investigate the behavior of the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the F2 g Raman peak resulting from changes in temperature and oxidation state. For both samples, an increase in temperature during heating in air (i.e., fully oxidized) resulted in a peak shift toward low wavenumber and an increase of FWHM. The FWHM versus temperature curves were then measured for controlled reduction extents ranging between sample averaged nonstoichiometries of δ = 0–0.209 as a function of temperature. At a fixed temperature, Gd-doped ceria exhibited an increase in FWHM with increasing reduction extent until δ = 0.056. At greater reduction extents, the FWHM decreased with increasing reduction extents. We attribute this to changes in the lattice parameter caused by the eventual formation of intermediate cubic Ce2O3 at the radiated surface. This study demonstrates the promise of utilizing Raman spectroscopy to probe thermochemical reactions in operando. Going forward, we expect that this will be an especially promising tool for characterizing emerging thermochemical materials with complex phase equilibria, especially for nonequilibrium processes.
Cylinder Specific Pressure Predictions for Advanced Dual Fuel Compression Ignition Engines Utilizing a Two-Stage Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Huang Xiao , Kang Lulu , Kassa Mateos , Hall Carrie
Published: December 2018

In-cylinder pressure is a critical metric that is used to characterize the combustion process of engines. While this variable is measured on many laboratory test beds, in-cylinder pressure transducers are not common on production engines. As such, accurate methods of predicting the cylinder pressure have been developed both for modeling and control efforts. This work examines a cylinder-specific pressure model for a dual fuel compression ignition engine. This model links the key engine input variables to the critical engine outputs including indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and peak pressure. To identify the specific impact of each operating parameter on the pressure trace, a surrogate model was produced based on a functional Gaussian process (GP) regression approach. The pressure trace is modeled as a function of the operating parameters, and a two-stage estimation procedure is introduced to overcome various computational challenges. This modeling method is compared to a commercial dual fuel combustion model and shown to be more accurate and less computationally intensive.
Approximate Stochastic Differential Dynamic Programming for Hybrid Vehicle Energy Management
Authors: Williams Kyle , Ivantysynova Monika
Published: December 2018

This paper develops a new computational approach for energy management in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle. The developed algorithm, called approximate stochastic differential dynamic programming (ASDDP) is a variant of the classic differential dynamic programming algorithm. The simulation results are discussed for two Environmental Protection Agency drive cycles and one real world cycle based on collected data. Flexibility of the ASDDP algorithm is demonstrated as real-time driver behavior learning, and forecasted road grade information are incorporated into the control setup. Real-time potential of ASDDP is evaluated in a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimental setup.
Comparing Frequency and Time Domain Simulations for Geometry Optimization of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Mooring System
Authors: Pillai Ajit C. , Thies Philipp R. , Johanning Lars
Published: December 2018

This paper explores geometry optimization of an offshore wind turbine’s mooring system considering the minimization of the material cost and the cumulative fatigue damage. A comparison of time domain simulations against frequency domain simulations is made to explore the suitability of these methods to the design process. The efficient design options, the Pareto front, from the frequency domain study are also re-evaluated using time domain simulations and compared against the time domain Pareto front. Both the time and frequency domain results show optimal results utilizing similar design philosophies, however, the frequency domain methods severely under predict the fatigue loads in the mooring system and incorrectly class infeasible solutions as feasible. The frequency domain is therefore not suitable for optimization use without some external means of applying engineering constraints. Furthermore, re-evaluation of the frequency domain solutions provides guidance to the uncertainty and the necessary design fatigue factors required if implementing frequency domain methods in design.
Multi-Level Design of Tubular Joints
Authors: Jensen Søren F. Ø. , Andersen Lars Vabbersgaard , Pedersen Ronnie R. , Nielsen Martin Bjerre
Published: December 2018

In offshore jacket design, it has long been recognized that an accurate global structural model requires implementation of the effects of local joint flexibility (LJF). However, there is still no general method for implementing these effects accurately and efficiently without complicating the application of loads. The literature describes several techniques for determining LJFs using parametric formulas and implementing these in global models of a jacket structure. These techniques are simple but associated with uncertainties and a risk of compromising the accuracy of the global model. Alternative methods, such as the use of superelements, provide very accurate results but complicate the consistent application of external loads as well as postprocessing. This paper introduces a new methodology which is called the Correction Matrix Methodology. This allows the effects of LJF from detailed three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) shell or solid models to be incorporated in a global beam FE model via a simple correction matrix. The effectiveness of the methodology is improved by using interpolation between a limited number of correction matrices. The new methodology provides exact results when correction matrices associated with the actual geometry are applied. When using the interpolation procedure, the methodology provides accurate results and computational efficiency when the database has been established. The Correction Matrix Methodology is a significant improvement of the conventional methods for modelling LJF and is currently being implemented in a general form for arbitrary joints in Rambolls Offshore Structural Analysis Program (ROSAP).
Fatigue Load Reductions in Offshore Wind Turbine Monopile Foundations in Co-Located Wind-Wave Arrays
Authors: Clark Caitlyn E. , Velarde Joey , Sønderkær Nielsen Jannie
Published: December 2018

As offshore wind turbines (OWTs) increase in size and are placed farther offshore, hydrodynamic loads have increased contribution to total load, resulting in fatigue limit states becoming more important to consider in structural design. Previous literature shows that placing wave energy converters (WECs) peripherally to an OWT array results in a milder wave climate within the array. This reduction could affect the wave loads and fatigue damage of OWT support structures. In this exploratory study, the effect of peripherally-distributing WECs in front of a fixed-bottom OWT on the fatigue of the OWT monopile is investigated. Relative sea state reductions from WECs are quantified, and fully-coupled time-domain fatigue analyses are performed for a 10 MW reference OWT. Results indicate that both a single WEC and a WEC array can lead to up to 8% and 10% fatigue load reduction in unidirectional wave cases, respectively.
Mooring System Stiffness: A General Analytical Formulation With an Application to Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Pesce Celso P. , Amaral Giovanni A. , Franzini Guilherme R.
Published: December 2018

Using classic approaches of analytical mechanics, this paper addresses the general problem and provides an analytic and explicit formulation for the stiffness matrix of a generic mooring system layout. This is done around a generic offset position and heading of the floating unit, given the curves of tension vs displacement for each mooring line, for a frictionless seabed. The international benchmark of the Offshore Code Comparison Collaboration Continuation – OC4 is taken as a case study. The use of the analytical formulation is exemplified by systematically varying the mean offset position and heading of the platform, as well as the pretensioning of the mooring system.
A Study on Structural Responses of Offshore Wind Turbines by Slamming Loads
Authors: Seo Byoungcheon , Shin Hyunkyoung , Kim Junbae , Shim Woorim , Ahn Hyeonjeong , Yu Youngjae , Dam Pham Thanh , Kumar Rupesh
Published: December 2018

Offshore structures operating at sea are severely affected by slamming pressure. This slamming pressure significantly shortens the design life of offshore structures including offshore wind turbines and results in personal and material damage. This slamming load has to be fully considered in the design phase of the structure, and therefore good quality of experimental results should be supported.

In Korea, offshore wind turbines have excellent conditions geographically. In the West sea, the construction of the jacket-type wind turbine is advantageous because the water depth is low, and in the East sea, which is relatively deep, the floating wind turbine is possible; thus, it is easy to generate a large-scale wind farm. For offshore wind turbines, several technical aspects should be considered. Among them, the damage of the structure caused by the slamming load should be studied.

In the case of FOWTs operating in large waves, slamming can cause structural damage, and repeated slamming loads reduce the structural strength and shorten the design life. The slamming load should be calculated by applying the maximum peak, its width, duration and the dynamic load according to the natural period of the structure, and the importance of structural design.

The results of the experiments can be used to determine the structural design, and the slamming load can be estimated to provide the design techniques offshore wind turbines as the design variables.

In this study, we investigated experimentally the elastic effects of a cylindrical model on the slamming load characteristics by free drop test at height 1.0m and 1.7m.
Wind Propulsion Options for Energy Ships
Authors: Clodic Gaël , Babarit Aurélien , Gilloteaux Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2018

A new concept has emerged for far offshore wind energy conversion. It is the wind energy ship (1). It consists of a ship propelled by wind sails towing a water turbine. The water turbine produces electricity. The electricity is converted into a fuel (hydrogen for example). When the tanks are full, the ship sails to a terminal where the fuel is unloaded. Then, it can start a new charging cycle.

An energy ship consists in several sub-systems: wind propulsion subsystem, hull, water turbine, energy storage. The focus of this paper is on the wind propulsion subsystem because of the many options available. Indeed, it has been proposed to implement rigid sails (2, 3), kite wings (4, 5), airfoils (1, 7) or Flettner rotors (6).

Applying systems engineering, key requirements for the wind propulsion have been identified for the energy ship application. They are presented in the paper. Next, the advantages and drawbacks of each technology are discussed and most promising options are highlighted.
Design and Validation of a Multi-Scale Model Floating Offshore Test Wind Turbine
Authors: Ward Jacob C. , Fowler Matthew J. , Viselli Anthony M. , Goupee Andrew J. , Dagher Habib J.
Published: December 2018

A variable-scale model wind turbine has been developed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center for testing scale-model floating offshore wind turbines. This model has been designed to be lightweight with a robust individual blade pitch mechanism. Froude number similitude is used to develop scaling relationships, while specialized blades have been designed to produce representative aerodynamic forces despite mismatched Reynolds numbers. Numerical simulations show that the model turbine is able to match the scaled aerodynamic thrust of commercial wind turbines by altering blade pitch and maintaining Froude number and tip-speed-ratio similitude. This turbine has the capability to accurately simulate commercial turbines of varying sizes in complex loading conditions with the additional capability to implement and test new control algorithms.
Validation of a Simplified LiDAR-Buoy Model Using Open Sea Measurements
Authors: Yu Wei , Bischoff Oliver , Cheng Po Wen , Wolken-Moehlmann Gerrit , Gottschall Julia
Published: December 2018

This work validates a numerical model of the Fraunhofer IWES LiDAR-Buoy by using open sea measurements. Such floating LiDAR systems (FLS) have been deployed for almost twenty years, aiming at exploring the offshore wind resource with lower cost. However, the uncertainty of wind measurements from a moving LiDAR are not clear, particularly due to the wave- and current-induced motion of the buoy. Therefore a numerical model with state-of-the-art approaches in conventional oil and gas industry was developed to quantify uncertainty and understand the effect of environmental conditions on the buoy. The model was validated against data from a measurement campaign at the offshore research platform FINO 3. The results show the challenges and limitations when transferring the experience from the oil and gas industry directly because of the different geometries and the much smaller buoys used for FLS. It has been found that the position of the LiDAR is dominated by the current, which is however commonly simplified in the state-of-the-art approach; the rotational motions are significantly influenced by the wave and can be reproduced up to a certain limit.
Wake-up call from Hong Kong
Authors: Dzau Victor J. , McNutt Marcia , Bai Chunli
Published: December 2018

The Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, held in Hong Kong last month, was rocked by the revelation from a researcher from Shenzhen that twins were born whose healthy embryonic genomes had been edited to confer resistance to HIV. Despite widespread condemnation by the summit organizing committee, world scientific academies, and prominent scientific leaders that such research was “deeply disturbing” and “irresponsible,” and the launch of an investigation in China into the researcher's actions, it is apparent that the ability to use CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the human genome has outpaced nascent efforts by the scientific and medical communities to confront the complex ethical and governance issues that they raise. The current guidelines and principles on human germline genome editing are based on sound scientific and ethical principles. However, this case highlights the urgent need to accelerate efforts to reach international agreement upon more specific criteria and standards that have to be met before human germline editing would be deemed permissible.
MEK inhibition enhances oncolytic virus immunotherapy through increased tumor cell killing and T cell activation
Authors: Bommareddy Praveen K. , Aspromonte Salvatore , Zloza Andrew , Rabkin Samuel D. , Kaufman Howard L.
Published: December 2018

Combining oncolytic virus and a MEK inhibitor augments immune-mediated therapeutic responses in melanoma and enhances sensitivity to PD-1 blockade in mice.
The brain carries a lot of weight
Authors: Page Kathleen A.
Published: December 2018

Researchers used neuroimaging to show that the best predictor of successful weight loss was greater brain activity in prefrontal areas in the brain involved in self-control.
A Combination of Linalool, Vitamin C, and Copper Synergistically Triggers Reactive Oxygen Species and DNA Damage and Inhibits
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
Serovar Typhi and
Vibrio fluvialis
Authors: Ghosh Tamoghna , Srivastava Santosh Kumar , Gaurav Amit , Kumar Alok , Kumar Piyush , Yadav Ajit Singh , Pathania Ranjana , Navani Naveen Kumar
Published: December 2018

There is a need to develop effective antibacterial therapies for mitigating bacterial pathogens in food systems. We used a 3D checkerboard assay to ascertain a safe synergistic combination of food-grade components: vitamin C, copper, and the essential oil linalool. Individually, these constituents have to be added in large amounts to exert their antibacterial effect, which leads to unwanted organoleptic properties. The triple combination could exceptionally inhibit foodborne Gram-negative pathogens like
Vibrio fluvialis
and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhi at low concentrations (linalool, 1.298 mM; vitamin C, 8 mM; copper, 16.3 μM) and displayed potent microbial inhibition in acidic beverages. We found increased susceptibility in deletion mutants of oxidative stress regulators (
oxyR
,
katG
,
ahpC
, and
sodA
mutants) due to ROS generation by Fenton’s chemistry. The results of this study show that it may be possible to use plant-based antimicrobials in synergistic combinations to control microbial contaminants.
Equine-Origin Immunoglobulin Fragments Protect Nonhuman Primates from Ebola Virus Disease
Authors: Wang Hualei , Wong Gary , Zhu Wenjun , He Shihua , Zhao Yongkun , Yan Feihu , Rahim Md Niaz , Bi Yuhai , Zhang Zirui , Cheng Keding , Jin Hongli , Cao Zengguo , Zheng Xuexing , Gai Weiwei , Bai Jieying , Chen Weijin , Zou Yong , Gao Yuwei , Gao George F. , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu , Qiu Xiangguo
Published: December 2018

EBOV is one of the deadliest viruses to humans. It has been over 40 years since EBOV was first reported, but no cure is available. Research breakthroughs over the past 5 years have shown that MAbs constitute an effective therapy for EBOV infections. However, MAbs are expensive and difficult to produce in large amounts and therefore may only play a limited role during an epidemic. A cheaper alternative is required, especially since EBOV is endemic in several third world countries with limited medical resources. Here, we used a standard protocol to produce large amounts of antiserum F(ab′)
2
fragments from horses vaccinated with an EBOV vaccine, and we tested the protectiveness in monkeys. We showed that F(ab′)
2
was effective in 100% of monkeys even after the animals were visibly ill with EBOV disease. Thus, F(ab′)
2
could be a very good option for large-scale treatments of patients and should be advanced to clinical testing.
A Highly Attenuated Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Vaccine Platform Controls Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Mouse Models of Hepatitis B
Authors: Moshkani Safiehkhatoon , Chiale Carolina , Lang Sabine M. , Rose John K. , Robek Michael D.
Published: December 2018

A curative treatment for chronic hepatitis B must eliminate the virus from the liver, but current antiviral therapies typically fail to do so. Immune-mediated resolution of infection occurs in a small fraction of chronic HBV patients, which suggests the potential efficacy of therapeutic strategies that boost the patient’s own immune response to the virus. We modified a safe form of VSV to express an immunogenic HBV protein and evaluated the efficacy of this vector in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection in mouse models. Our results show that this vector elicits HBV-specific immune responses that prevent the establishment of HBV infection and reduce viral proteins in the serum and viral DNA/RNA in the liver of mice with persistent HBV replication. These findings suggest that highly attenuated and safe virus-based vaccine platforms have the potential to be utilized for the development of an effective therapeutic vaccine against chronic HBV infection.
Acute retinal toxicity associated with a mixture of perfluorooctane and perfluorohexyloctane: failure of another indirect cytotoxicity analysis
Authors: Coco Rosa M , Srivastava Girish K , Andrés-Iglesias Cristina , Medina Jesús , Rull Fernando , Fernandez-Vega-Gonzalez Alvaro , Fernandez-Bueno Ivan , Dueñas Antonio , Pastor Jose C
Published: December 2018

Aims

To report new information related to acute retinal toxicity of Bio Octane Plus, a mixture of 90% perfluorooctane (PFO) and 10% perfluorohexyloctane.

Methods

This retrospective, descriptive case series reports the occurrence of acute retinal toxicity after vitreoretinal surgery in which Bio Octane Plus (batch number 1605148) was used as an endotamponade. Cytotoxicity biocompatibility tests and chemical analyses by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the presumed toxic product were performed.

Results

Four patients presented with acute severe visual loss after uneventful ocular surgery assisted by Bio Octane Plus (batch number 1605148) as endotamponade. Patients experienced extensive retinal vascular occlusion leading to retinal and optic nerve atrophy. The viability of ARPE-19 cells directly exposed to the suspect batch for 30 min was 0%. The agarose overlay method used by the manufacturer according to European Union regulations and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) International Standards failed to detect toxicity. FTIR spectroscopy showed small differences between the non-toxic and toxic batches. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of bromotributyl stannane (whose toxicity was demonstrated in the dose–response curve) only in the toxic batch of Bio Octane Plus.

Conclusion

This is the third report of retinotoxicity due to PFO in 4 years. The clinical profiles may be missed as they resemble other postsurgical complications; therefore, more cases worldwide could have gone unreported. Protocols to determine cytotoxicity of intraocular medical devices and approved by the ISO International Standards based on indirect methods have failed and should be revised to ensure safety.
Much to do with nothing: microsimulation study on time management in primary care
Authors: Caverly Tanner J , Hayward Rodney A , Burke James F
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate the credibility of claims that general practitioners lack time for shared decision making and preventive care.

Design

Monte Carlo microsimulation study.

Setting

Primary care, United States.

Participants

Sample of general practitioners (n=1000) representative of annual work hours and patient panel size (n=2000 patients) in the US, derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the time needed to deliver shared decision making for highly recommended preventive interventions in relation to time available for preventive care—the prevention-time-space-deficit (ie, time-space needed by doctor exceeding the time-space available).

Results

On average, general practitioners have 29 minutes each workday to discuss preventive care services (just over two minutes for each clinic visit) with patients, but they need about 6.1 hours to complete shared decision making for preventive care. 100% of the study sample experienced a prevention-time-space-deficit (mean deficit 5.6 h/day) even given conservative (ie, absurdly wishful) time estimates for shared decision making. However, this time deficit could be easily overcome by reducing personal time and shifting gains to work tasks. For example, general practitioners could reduce the frequency of bathroom breaks to every other day and skip time with older children who don’t like them much anyway.

Conclusions

This study confirms a widely held suspicion that general practitioners waste valuable time on “personal care” activities. Primary care overlords, once informed about the extent of this vast reservoir of personal time, can start testing methods to “persuade” general practitioners to reallocate more personal time toward bulging clinical demands.