bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of analytical models of the anisotropic combined dry friction in problems of pneumatics’ dynamics
Authors: Kireenkov Alexey , Zhavoronok Sergey
Published: October 2018

An implementation of the theory of multi-component dry friction in some engineering problems of pneumatics’ dynamics is proposed. The main attention is devoted to the construction of analytical models of the combined dry friction accounting for the anisotropy of the dry friction coefficients and the real distribution of normal and tangent contact stresses. These models are applied for more detailed investigation of unsteady rolling regimes of pneumatics which are characterized by the non-vanishing sliding and spin.
Dynamic response of a vehicle with flexible car body moving on a ballasted track
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Dimitrovová Zuzana , Yau Jong-Dar
Published: October 2018

In this study, the dynamic response of a vehicle with flexible car body moving on a ballasted track is investigated. The vehicle/track interaction model is divided into two sub-systems, namely the vehicle and the ballasted track sub-system. The vehicle sub-system is composed by one flexible car body, two bogies and four wheel sets. The car body is created using flexible multibody dynamics. The ballasted track consists of rail, sleeper, ballast and sub-grade. For its representation the simplified 2D discrete support model (DSM) is used and modelled by finite elements. The connection between the two sub-systems, i.e. between the moving wheels and the track is ensured by a linearized Hertzian spring. The dynamic response of the vehicle/track system is computed by the Newmark-β integration method. The effect of the car body flexibility on the dynamic response of this system is analyzed and evaluated based on the maximum car center acceleration. It is concluded that the increase in flexural stiffness of the car body can lead to a notable decrease of its maximum acceleration.
Evaluation of drag and added mass forces acting on vibrating cantilever beams in the air
Authors: Nuriev Artem , Kamalutdinov Airat , Zaitseva Olga , Affane Boudkhil
Published: October 2018

In the paper a method for determining of the aerodynamic influence on oscillating cantilever beams based on gyroscope measurements is presented. The developed method allow to establish the global influence of the aerodynamic effects on oscillation process and the local force characteristics in each cross-section of the beam. The obtained estimates of drag and added mass forces acting on the beams show a good agreement with the known numerical and experimental data.
Railway track design & degradation
Authors: Sadri Mehran , Lu Tao , Zoeteman Arjen , Steenbergen Michaël
Published: October 2018

The long-term behaviour of railway track has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Improvements in long-term structural performance reduce demands for maintenance and increase the continuous availability of railway lines. The focus of this paper is on the prediction of the sensitivity of a track design to long-term deterioration in terms of track geometry. According to the state of the art literature, degradation is often investigated using empirical models based on field measurement data. Although a rough maintenance forecast may be made employing empirical models, the predictions are not generic, and the physical processes which govern track degradation under train operation remain unclear. The first aim of this study is to present a mathematical model to elucidate the underlying physics of long-term degradation of railway tracks. The model consists of an infinitely long beam which is periodically supported by equidistantly discrete sleepers and a moving unsprung mass which represents a travelling train. The mechanical energy dissipated in the substructure is proposed to serve as a measure of the track degradation rate. Secondly, parametric studies on energy dissipation are conducted to identify effects of various track design parameters on the susceptibility of the track to degradation, as well as the effect of the train speed. It has been shown that the track/subgrade stiffness is the most influential parameter on degradation whereas other system parameters do influence the degradation rate but at lower magnitudes. The conclusions can be used to optimise the track design in the early stage for better long-term structural performance of railway tracks.
Ballast fouling evaluation with ground penetrating radar
Authors: Marques Ana Margarida , Fontul Simona , Paixão André
Published: October 2018

In the transport infrastructures context, the support layers have a fundamental role in the degradation of the track condition, both in structural aspects and in terms of fouling of the materials that comprise them. Particularly in the field of railway research, ballast is the key element, and its fouling leads to track deterioration. Thus, the main focus of this work is based on the evaluation of the ballast fouling using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In order to determine the applicability of the method on the evaluation of railway characteristics, laboratory samples and measurements carried out in situ, on sections of two railways in operation were analysed. In both cases the different ballast fouling levels were evaluated, using specialized software for this approach (temporal analysis); and then comparing these results with results of a frequency analysis in an automatic calculation program. This paper presents the possibilities of testing with GPR equipment by analysing an electromagnetic wave, in the temporal and frequency domain for the purpose of investigating the level of degradation of a railway track. Some recommendations are also made regarding the use of this method, adding the need for future developments in an attempt to reduce the number of destructive tests still practiced nowadays.
Estimation of optimal area and volume for double arch-dams
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Molina José Luis
Published: October 2018

This research is focused on the optimum area and volume estimation of double arch dams. The first stage of the methodology refers to defining issues about Bayesian estimators to obtain the value for designing the optimum dam shape. After that, the shape equations are iterated step-bystep to obtain the optimal solution. From the inventory of existing dams, it is possible to extract many important values although they are not sufficient. To obtain the non-available data, the Gaussian distribution under the Bayesian theorem hypotheses has been employed. This theorem converts the prior distribution using unknown parameters into the posterior distribution which provides expected estimators. The choice of the dam shape is strongly based on the experience, therefore by knowing and applying real information of existing dams it is possible to carry out a more precise analysis.
Analysis of the lateral vibrations of an unbalanced Jeffcott rotor
Authors: Alsaleh Ali , Ouakad Hassen M.
Published: October 2018

This paper examines experimentally and analytically the lateral vibrations of a Jeffcott rotor running at various unbalance states. Using a Bently Nevada RK-4 rotor kit, three states of eccentric mass unbalance were assumed in this study: 0.4g, 0.8g and 1.2g. Measurements of the startup data and the steady state data at rigid and flexible rotor condition were collected using a setup that mimics the vibration monitoring industrial practices. Lagrange method was assumed to construct a linear mathematical model of the investigated rotor, based on rigid rotor assumptions, that can predict analytically the lateral vibrations. The dynamic characteristics of the system, including the linearized bearing induced stiffness, were solely extracted from startup data. It was concluded that the developed twodegrees- of-freedom model was able to predict the lateral vibration at the rigid condition with an error around 5%. Whereas it failed to predict the response at flexible condition with matching accuracy. Unlike the majority of the work done in this field where complex, nonlinear mathematical model were used to model real systems, this work validates the applicability of using simple mathematical models in predicting the response of a real rotorsystem with an acceptable accuracy.
A wave and finite element methodology for structural identification in layered composite structures
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Chronopoulos Dimitrios , Malik Muhammed
Published: October 2018

In this work we present for the first time an approach for identifying the geometric and material characteristics of layered composite structures through an inverse wave and finite element approach. More specifically, this Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) approach is able to recover the thickness, density, as well as all independent mechanical characteristics such as the tensile and shear moduli for each layer of the composite structure under investigation. This is achieved through multi-frequency single shot measurements. It is emphasized that the success of the approach is independent of the employed excitation frequency regime, meaning that both structural dynamics and ultrasound frequency spectra can be employed. It is demonstrated that more efficient convergence of the identification process is attained closer to the bending-to-shear transition range of the layered structure. Since a full FE description is employed for the periodic composite, the presented approach is able to account for structures of arbitrary complexity. The procedure is applied to a sandwich panel with composite facesheets and results are compared with two wave-based characterization techniques: the Inhomogeneous Wave Correlation method and the Transition Frequency Characterization method. Numerical simulations and experimental results are presented to verify the robustness of the proposed method.
The influence of temperature on wave scattering of damaged segments within composite structures
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Chronopoulos Dimitrios , Malik Muhammed
Published: October 2018

The increased use of composite materials in modern aerospace and automotive structures, and the broad range of launch vehicles’ operating temperature imply a great temperature range for which the structures has to be frequently and thoroughly inspected. A thermal mechanical analysis is used to experimentally measure the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of a composite layered panel in the range of -100°C to 150°C. A hybrid wave finite element/finite element computational scheme is developed to calculate the temperature-dependent wave propagation and interaction properties of a system of two structural waveguides connected through a coupling joint. Calculations are made using the measured thermomechanical properties. Temperaturedependent wave propagation constants of each structural waveguide are obtained by the wave finite element approach and then coupled to the fully finite element described coupling joint, on which damage is modelled, in order to calculate the scattering magnitudes of the waves interaction with damage across the coupling joint. The significance of the panel’s glass transition range on the measured and calculated properties is emphasised. Numerical results are presented as illustration of the work.
An artificial intelligence strategy to detect damage from response measurements: application on an ancient tower
Authors: Marrongelli Gabriele , Finotti Rafaelle , Gentile Carmelo , Barbosa Flavio
Published: October 2018

Automated modal identification procedures are attracting the interest of the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) community as those techniques are capable of continuously providing information which are useful to timely assess the health state of a structure. Within this context, the paper presents the development and application of a vibration-based novelty detection strategy using automatically identified resonant frequencies and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach. The SVM is a popular technique for forming decision boundaries that separate data into two or more classes without any prior assumptions on the propriety of the data. The developed procedure is exemplified using frequency data collected during the continuous dynamic monitoring of a historic masonry tower that underwent slight permanent variation of the natural frequencies after the occurrence of a far-field earthquake. The obtained results highlight the capability of the novelty strategy to reveal slight damage and to detect anomalies in the structural behaviour.
Jeu et parcours de placement : quand l’activité ludique devient la voie de compréhension et de reconstruction du vécu de l’enfant placé
Authors: Mettlen Alexandra , Stiévenart Marie
Published: October 2018

L’enfant, qui traverse une trajectoire de placement, ancre dans son vécu les traces d’une existence singulière. Au moyen de ses mots, de ses gestes, de ses interactions, de ses inactions et de ses actions, notamment observables dans l’activité ludique, l’enfant placé nous raconte son histoire, nous expose ses besoins et les ressources qui l’animent. Pour parvenir à comprendre la subjectivité de l’enfant et ainsi adapter la prise en charge en visant la reconstruction, les équipes institutionnelles peuvent donc utiliser le jeu. Cet article a pour objectif d’expliquer notre conception de l’activité ludique : elle est une voie de compréhension et de reconstruction du vécu de l’enfant placé. Plus largement, il permet de réfléchir à l’importance de la présence du jeu dans le quotidien de l’enfant placé et à la nécessité de tenir compte des éventuels effets du parcours de vie sur le présent en service résidentiel. Grâce à des illustrations cliniques, nous inscrivons nos idées dans une réalité concrète, nuancée et interprétée avec un regard critique. Nous proposons également des pistes qui peuvent faire suite à notre travail.
Belastungsuntersuchungen in der Pneumologie – Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V.
Authors: Meyer F. , Borst M. , Buschmann H.-C. , Claussen M. , Dumitrescu D. , Ewert R. , Friedmann-Bette B. , Gläser S. , Glöckl R. , Haring K. , Lehnigk B. , Ochmann U. , Preisser A. , Sorichter S. , Westhoff M. , Worth H.
Published: October 2018

Dieses Dokument der DGP ersetzt die Empfehlungen von 1998 und 2013. Anhand der aktuellen Datenlage und einer Konsensuskonferenz wurden Empfehlungen zu Indikationen, zur Auswahl und Durchführung der geeigneten Belastungsuntersuchungen sowie zu den technischen und personellen Voraussetzungen formuliert. Detaillierte Angaben werden zur Blutgasanalyse unter Belastung, zu Gehtests und Rechtsherzkatheter unter Belastung sowie zur Spiroergometrie und Stressechokardiografie gemacht. Der korrekte Einsatz von Belastungsuntersuchungen bei anstrengungsinduziertem Asthma, bei sport-, arbeits- bzw. rehabilitationsmedizinischen Fragestellungen, bei Adipositas, bei der präoperativen Risikostratifizierung und beim Therapiemonitoring pneumologischer Erkrankungen wird dargestellt.
Neuroendokrine Neoplasien im deutschen NET-Register
Authors:   Authors,   Im Namen aller Teilnehmer/innen am Deutschen NET-Registers,   Kollaboratoren:
Published: October 2018

Neuroendokrine Neoplasien (NEN) umfassen eine seltene Tumorentität mit heterogener Biologie, Prognose und therapeutischen Optionen. In Zusammenhang mit der kürzlichen Publikation der ersten deutschen Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von NEN erfolgte die Analyse der Kohorte des Deutschen NET-Registers der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Endokrinologie (DGE). Hierzu wurden 2686 Fälle extrahiert und ihre Patientencharakteristika wie Alter, Geschlecht, Primärtumorlokalisation, Grading und Staging dargestellt sowie das Gesamtüberleben berechnet. Zusätzlich wurden die systemischen Behandlungsstrategien in den beiden größten Untergruppen, NEN des Dünndarms und Pankreas, im Stadium der Metastasierung analysiert.

Die Verteilung der Primärtumoren, die histopathologische Charakterisierung, das Tumorstadium sowie das Gesamtüberleben waren vergleichbar mit den Ergebnissen internationaler Registerstudien. Somatostatinanaloga (SSA) und die Peptid-Rezeptor-Radionuklid-Therapie (PRRT) waren die häufigsten systemischen Therapieverfahren bei Dünndarm-NEN. Hingegen wurde eine Chemotherapie – in Übereinstimmung mit der neuen Leitlinie – vor allem bei pankreatischen NEN eingesetzt und kam in der Erstlinie in ähnlicher Frequenz wie die SSA-Therapie bzw. in der Zweitlinie ähnlich häufig wie eine PRRT zum Einsatz. Prognostisch relevante Parameter waren die WHO-Klassifikation 2010 und das TNM-Staging.

Die aktuelle Analyse des deutschen NET-Registers charakterisiert damit eine multizentrische, interdisziplinäre, deutschlandweite Kohorte von NEN-Patienten und beschreibt die angewendeten systemischen Therapieverfahren, das Gesamtüberleben und die prognostische Bedeutung der WHO-Klassifikation 2010 sowie des TNM-Stadiums.
Metal-Free Radical Cyclization of Vinyl Isocyanides with Alkanes: Synthesis of 1-Alkylisoquinolines
Authors: Shao Liming , Xue Dengqi , Xue Yijie , Yu Haihua
Published: October 2018

A metal-free radical cyclization reaction of vinyl isocyanides with alkanes is developed, allowing convenient access to a diverse range of potentially valuable 1-alkylisoquinolines. The methodology is simple and efficient, demonstrating excellent functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. A mechanism involving a radical process is supported by kinetic isotope effect and radical inhibition studies.
Setting Up Workflow of an Intraoperative MRI Unit: A Single-Centre Experience of First 53 Cases
Authors: Manohar Nitin , Mohapatra Deviprasad , Balasubramaniam Anandh , Rao Keerthi , Srinivas Deepti , Chakrabarti Dhritiman
Published: October 2018

Background Setting up of a new “nearby” operation room type intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) unit poses a unique set of challenges to the operating team. We describe here an account of our experiences and a step by step protocol designed by us and followed to troubleshoot the issues encountered. The primary objective of the study was to observe our learning curve in the process of setting up of a new iMRI unit. The secondary objectives were to look at the number of residues detected, quality of imaging, and complications during iMRI.

Materials and Methods An observational study was conducted over a 3-month period involving cases requiring iMRI. Initially, a simulation was performed using healthy volunteers, which helped in developing a systematic protocol and drafting checklists to ensure a smooth workflow pattern. Data collection included details regarding hindrances encountered, how these were tackled, iMRI details (residual tumor, re-surgery), and complications, if any.

Results A total of 53 cases underwent iMRI in the study period. Among these, 51 were tumor cases that revealed residue (detected in 28 [54.9%] cases), and re-surgery for further resection was performed in 21/28 (75%) cases. A very high level of surgeons’ satisfaction regarding image quality of intraoperative scan was recorded (45/53 [84%]). The number of personnel required for shifting and shifting times could be reduced with efficient utilization of the checklist.

Conclusion A methodical approach to tackle impediments while setting up a new unit such as iMRI facilitates its smooth functioning and ensures minimal interruptions and evades undue complications.
A large-aperture high-sensitivity avalanche image intensifier panel
Authors: Arikawa Y. , Matsubara S. , Kishimoto H. , Abe Y. , Sakata S. , Morace A. , Mizutani R. , Nishibata J. , Yogo A. , Nakai M. , Shiraga H. , Nishimura H. , Fujioka S. , Kodama R.
Published: October 2018

A large-aperture high-sensitivity image intensifier panel that consists of an avalanche photodiode array and a light-emitting diode array is presented. The device has 40% quantum efficiency, over 104 optical gain, and 80-ns time resolution. The aperture size of the device is 20 cm, and with the current manufacturing process, it can be scaled to arbitrarily larger sizes. The device can intensify the light from a single particle scintillation emission to an eye-visible bright flash. The image resolution of the device is currently limited by the size of the avalanche photodiode that is 2 mm, although it can be scaled to smaller sizes in the near future. The image intensifier is operated at a small voltage, typically +57 V. The device can be applied to various applications, such as scintillation imaging, night vision cameras, and an image converter from non-visible light (such as infrared or ultraviolet) to visible light.
Reducing noise for PIC simulations using kernel density estimation algorithm
Authors: Wu Wentao , Qin Hong
Published: October 2018

Noise is a major concern for Particle-In-Cell (PIC) simulations. We propose a new theoretical and algorithmic framework to evaluate and reduce the noise level for PIC simulations based on the Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) theory, which has been widely adopted in machine learning and big data science. According to this framework, the error on particle density estimation for PIC simulations can be characterized by the Mean Integrated Square Error (MISE), which consists of two parts, systematic error and noise. A careful analysis shows that in the standard PIC methods, noise is the dominant error, and the noise level can be reduced if we select different shape functions that are capable of balancing the systematic error and the noise. To improve, we use the von Mises distribution as the shape function and seek an optimal particle width that minimizes the MISE, represented by a cross-validation function. It is shown that this procedure significantly reduces the noise and the MISE for PIC simulations. A particle-wise width adjustment algorithm and a width update algorithm are also developed to further reduce the MISE. Simulations using the examples of Langmuir wave and Landau damping demonstrate that relative to the standard PIC methods, the KDE algorithm developed in the present study reduces the noise level on density estimation by 98% and gives a much more accurate result on the linear damping rate. To achieve the same accuracy, the KDE algorithm is 40% faster.
Eddy current loss analysis of underwater wireless power transfer systems with misalignments
Authors: Yan Zhengchao , Song Baowei , Zhang Kehan , Wen Haibing , Mao Zhaoyong , Hu Yuli
Published: October 2018

Underwater wireless power transfer (WPT) has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. In the seawater environment, the electrical conductivity is non-negligible compared with that in the air. Therefore, the eddy current loss is generated by the high-frequency alternating currents in the coils. The eddy current loss of the aligned coils has been analyzed while the eddy current loss of the misaligned coils has not been explored yet, which is crucial because misaligned coils are more common in practical applications. In this paper, an analytical model for the eddy current loss of a coreless WPT system in the seawater with misalignments is established with Maxwell’s equations. The theoretical expressions of the electric field intensity and the eddy current loss are derived. Then the eddy current loss is analyzed under different misalignments and frequencies. It is found that the efficiency in the seawater remains stable at a frequency range of 215.5 kHz to 248.4 kHz. Moreover, the efficiency is relatively unchanged under a small lateral misalignment and decreases sharply when the lateral misalignment keeps growing. An underwater WPT prototype is built and the experiments verify the theoretical analysis.
Exchange bias and spin-phonon coupling in complex glassy layered perovskite SrLaMn0.5Ni0.5O4
Authors: Das Ranjana R. , Lekshmi P. Neenu , Santhosh P. N.
Published: October 2018

In the present work, single-layered polycrystalline Ruddlesden-Popper oxide, SrLaMn0.5Ni0.5O4 (SLMNO) has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy revealed tetragonal crystal structure (I4/mmm) with lattice parameters of a = b = 3.8388 (4) Å and c =12.5593 (2) Å. XPS analysis confirms Mn4+/Ni2+ as the major valance state in SLMNO. Temperature evolution of dc magnetization suggests a ferromagnetic ordering below 130 K followed by a glassy like behaviour below 13 K. The ac susceptibility measurement corroborates the dc magnetization data and confirms cluster glass behavior at lower temperatures. Interestingly, SLMNO exhibits a negative exchange bias of ∼ 0.075 kOe at 5 K under field cooling of 50 kOe and also shows the existence of spin-phonon coupling.
A hybrid model for electricity price forecasting based on least square support vector machines with combined kernel
Authors: Chen Yanhua , Li Min , Yang Yi , Li Caihong , Li Yafei , Li Lian
Published: October 2018

With the continuous development of the global electricity market, the electricity market needs the electricity price forecasting result to be accurate, and electricity price forecasting also has more profound practical significance. Accurate price forecasting can not only better reflect the operation of the electricity market but also help to make better decisions about the electricity market. However, the electricity price is affected by a variety of uncertain subjective and objective factors, as well as the constraints of the power system, making it more difficult to obtain accurate electricity price forecasting than electricity load forecasting. The kernel function occupies a very important position in a support vector machine (SVM), which is the key to the mature development of SVM theory. When using SVM for classification and regression, the appropriate kernel function is the basis and precondition for obtaining better classification and approximation effects. In this paper, a new combinatorial kernel function that combines RBF and UKF kernel functions is proposed and is applied to a least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), and based on this, a new hybrid model empirical mode (EMD)-Mixed-LSSVM is proposed to forecast electricity price. The hybrid model puts the electricity price data after the noise reduction by the EMD into the LSSVM with the combined kernel function for calculation. In this paper, we forecast the electricity price in Australia and compare the results of EMD-Mixed-LSSVM with other methods. The results show that EMD-Mixed-LSSVM can effectively improve the accuracy of electricity price forecasting.
Experimental and numerical study of coherent structures in a roughness induced transition boundary layer at Mach 5
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Zhang Qinghu
Published: October 2018

A wind tunnel experiment and large eddy simulation are carried out for the investigations of a Mach 5 boundary layer transition flow induced by distributed ramp shaped roughness elements. The wind tunnel experiment is carried out using the nano-tracer planar laser scattering technique to capture the coherent structures, whereas implicit large eddy simulation is carried out in the same flow conditions. Dominant unstable modes are analyzed. Comparisons show that the major frequencies obtained from the experiment and the computation generally agree with each other, although transition occurs much earlier in the wind tunnel. Coherent structures play a significant role in the transition process. Their formation and development are analyzed. The roughness generates a pair of counter-rotating streamwise vortices in its wake. Two high vorticity regions, i.e., the detached curved shear layer formed by streamwise counter-rotating vortices and the near-wall boundary layer, contribute to a majority of the transition process. In the early transition stage, hairpin-like vortices are generated as a consequence of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability of the curved shear layer. Meanwhile, vertical convection is formed, which enhances the disturbance growth in the near wall boundary layer and finally accelerates the transition.
Role of density modulation in driving nonlinear streamer flows in drift wave turbulence
Authors: Kosuga Y. , Hasamada K.
Published: October 2018

The role of density modulation in driving streamer flows in drift wave turbulence is discussed. In contrast to the conventional shearing mechanism, we emphasize the impact of frequency modulation by meso-scale density perturbation. This mechanism is more effective for streamers than for zonal flows. The Reynolds stress and nonlinear growth rate are calculated. The result indicates that the streamer growth is enhanced due to the density modulation. Implications on the selection of streamers and zonal flows are discussed as well.
Molecular dynamics modeling of the Hugoniot states of aluminum
Authors: Yang Xin , Zeng Xiangguo , Pu Chuanjin , Chen Wenjun , Chen Huayan , Wang Fang
Published: October 2018

In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with multi-scale shock technique (MSST) are used to predict the Hugoniot curve PH, Grüneisen coefficient γ and melting temperature Tm of single crystal (SC) and nanocrystalline (NC) aluminum (Al) with grain sizes of 6 and 60 nm at dynamic high pressure. The linear relation between the shock wave velocity and particle velocity is reproduced, and the results indicate that there is nearly no difference for the Hugoniot of SC and NC Al, which could be explained by the fact that the grain size effect on PH can be negligible at high pressure. Some empirical models are used to predict γ and Tm, which exhibit an opposite behavior. In addition, it is found that the melting pressure and temperature are 107.5 GPa, 3063 K for SC Al, while they are 109.5 GPa, 3082 K for NC Al, which have a reasonable agreement with the published work.
Utilisation of stranded marine fauna washed ashore on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, by dingoes
Authors: Behrendorff Linda , Leung Luke K.-P. , Allen Benjamin L.
Published: October 2018

Stranded marine fauna have been identified as a potentially significant food resource for terrestrial carnivores, but how such subsidisation influences terrestrial species ecology is not well understood. We describe the dietary and behavioural responses of dingoes (Canis familiaris) to the occurrence of large-animal marine strandings (e.g. dead cetaceans, marine turtles and pinnipeds) between 2006 and 2016 on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, to better understand the trophic links between marine and terrestrial systems. A total of 309 strandings were recorded during this period (~3.1 strandings per month), yielding an annual average of 30.3 tons of available carrion to the 100–200 dingoes present on the island. Carcass monitoring with camera traps showed that dingoes used carcasses almost daily after a short period of decomposition. Whole packs of up to seven dingoes of all age classes at a time were observed visiting carcasses for multiple successive days. These data demonstrate that large-animal marine subsidies can be a common, substantial and important food source for dingoes, and that the estimated daily dietary needs of roughly 5–10% of the island’s dingo population were supported by this food source. Our data suggest that marine subsidisation can influence terrestrial carnivore diet, behaviour and abundance, which may produce cascading indirect effects for terrestrial ecosystems in contexts where subsidised carnivores interact strongly with other species.
Postural control of Parkour athletes compared to recreationally active subjects under different sensory manipulations: A pilot study
Authors: Jabnoun Salim , Borji Rihab , Sahli Sonia
Published: October 2018

In Parkour activity, the aim is to move from one place to another as quickly and efficiently as possible by running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, rolling, crawling and jumping on tiny obstacles … . Performing these actions places a great demand on the postural control system. The purpose of the present study was to investigate postural control of Parkour practitioners – called Traceurs – compared to recreationally active (RA) subjects in different postural conditions after manipulating the visual and/or proprioceptive sensory inputs. Ten Traceurs (mean experience 5.9 ± 0.9 years; >5 hours per week) and 10 RA subjects participated in this study. We measured the centre of pressure area (CoPA) of the upright standing bipedal and unipedal postures in different postural conditions: on a firm and on a foam surfaces; on an oscillating surface in the sagittal plane and in the frontal plane in eyes open and eyes closed. To evaluate vision contribution, the Romberg index (RI) was calculated. Results showed that Traceurs presented a significant (P < .001) lower CoPA values compared to RA subjects in eyes closed condition, suggesting that they were able to maintain a better balance control when vision is removed. Traceurs seems to be less dependent on visual cues (lower RI values) and proprioceptive inputs for maintaining balance than RA subjects. According to our study, Parkour training (experience for at least five years with a minimum of five hours per week) may improve postural abilities of young adult practitioners in specific postural conditions.
A new biomimetic assay reveals the temporal role of matrix stiffening in cancer cell invasion
Authors: Staneva Ralitza , Burla Federica , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Descroix Stéphanie , Vignjevic Danijela Matic , Attieh Youmna , Verhulsel Marine
Published: October 2018

Tumor initiation and growth is associated with significant changes in the surrounding tissue. During carcinoma progression, a global stiffening of the extracellular matrix is observed and is interpreted as a signature of aggressive invasive tumors. However, it is still unknown whether this increase in matrix rigidity promotes invasion and whether this effect is constant along the course of invasion. Here we have developed a biomimetic in vitro assay that enabled us to address the question of the importance of tissue rigidity in the chronology of tumor invasion. Using low concentrations of the sugar threose, we can effectively stiffen reconstituted collagen I matrices and control the stiffening in time with no direct effect on residing cells. Our findings demonstrate that, depending on the timing of its stiffening, the extracellular matrix could either inhibit or promote cancer cell invasion and subsequent metastasis: while matrix stiffening after the onset of invasion promotes cancer cell migration and tumor spreading, stiff matrices encapsulate the tumor at an early stage and prevent cancer cell invasion. Our study suggests that adding a temporal dimension in in vitro models to analyze biological processes in four dimensions is necessary to fully capture their complexity.
Colocalization analyses of genomic elements: approaches, recommendations and challenges
Authors: Kanduri Chakravarthi , Bock Christoph , Gundersen Sveinung , Hovig Eivind , Sandve Geir Kjetil
Published: October 2018

Motivation

Many high-throughput methods produce sets of genomic regions as one of their main outputs. Scientists often use genomic colocalization analysis to interpret such region sets, for example to identify interesting enrichments and to understand the interplay between the underlying biological processes. Although widely used, there is little standardization in how these analyses are performed. Different practices can substantially affect the conclusions of colocalization analyses.

Results

Here, we describe the different approaches and provide recommendations for performing genomic colocalization analysis, while also discussing common methodological challenges that may influence the conclusions. As illustrated by concrete example cases, careful attention to analysis details is needed in order to meet these challenges and to obtain a robust and biologically meaningful interpretation of genomic region set data.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Severe Pertussis Infections in the United States, 2011–2015
Authors: Mbayei Sarah A , Faulkner Amanda , Miner Christine , Edge Karen , Cruz Victor , Peña Sandra A , Kudish Kathy , Coleman Joan , Pradhan Eva , Thomas Stepy , Martin Stacey , Skoff Tami H
Published: October 2018

Background

The incidence of pertussis in the United States has increased in recent years. While characteristics of severe pertussis infection have been described in infants, fewer data are available in older children and adults. In this analysis, we characterize pertussis infections in hospitalized patients of all ages.

Methods

Cases of pertussis with cough onset from 1 January 2011 through 31 December 2015 from 7 US Emerging Infections Program Network states were reviewed. Additional information on hospitalized patients was obtained through abstraction of the inpatient medical record. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to characterize severe pertussis infection and identify potential risk factors.

Results

Among 15942 cases of pertussis reported, 515 (3.2%) were hospitalized. Three hospitalized patients died. Infants aged <2 months accounted for 1.6% of all pertussis cases but 29.3% of hospitalizations. Infants aged 2–11 months and adults aged ≥65 years also had high rates of hospitalization. Infants aged <2 months whose mothers received acellular pertussis during the third trimester and children aged 2 months to 11 years who were up to date on pertussis-containing vaccines had a 43%–66% reduced risk of hospitalization. Among adolescents aged 12–20 years, 43.5% had a history of asthma, and among adults aged ≥65 years, 26.8% had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions

Individuals at the extreme ends of life may be the most vulnerable to severe pertussis infections, though hospitalization was reported across all age groups. Continued monitoring of severe pertussis infections will be important to help guide prevention, control, and treatment options.
Peak oxygen uptake and incident coronary heart disease in a healthy population: the HUNT Fitness Study
Authors: Letnes Jon Magne , Dalen Håvard , Vesterbekkmo Elisabeth K , Wisløff Ulrik , Nes Bjarne M
Published: October 2018

Aims

The majority of previous research on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is based on indirect assessment of CRF in clinically referred predominantly male populations. Therefore, our aim was to examine the associations between VO2peak measured by the gold-standard method of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and fatal and non-fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) in a healthy and fit population.

Methods and results

Data on VO2peak from 4527 adults (51% women) with no previous history of cardiovascular or lung disease, cancer, and hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications participating in a large population-based health-study (The HUNT3 Study), were linked to hospital registries and the cause of death registry. Average VO2peak was 36.0 mL/kg/min and 44.4 mL/kg/min among women and men, and 83.5% had low 10-year risk of CVD at baseline. Average follow-up was 8.8 years, and 147 participants reached the primary endpoint. Multi-adjusted Cox-regression showed 15% lower risk for the primary endpoint per one-MET (metabolic equivalent task) higher VO2peak [hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77–0.93], with similar results across sex. The highest quartile of VO2peak had 48% lower risk of event compared with the lowest quartile (multi-adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33–0.82). Oxygen pulse and ventilatory equivalents of oxygen and carbon dioxide also showed significant predictive value for the primary endpoint.

Conclusion

VO2peak was strongly and inversely associated with CHD across the whole fitness continuum in a low-risk population sample. Increasing VO2peak may have substantial benefits in reducing the burden of CHD.
Association of patient-reported experiences with health resource utilization and cost among US adult population, medical expenditure panel survey (MEPS), 2010–13
Authors: Nasir Khurram , Okunrintemi Victor
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To determine whether optimal patient experiences with healthcare is associated with enhanced and efficient use of healthcare resources and cost.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

The study population consisted of pooled participants from the 2010–13 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey cohort of adults ≥18 years with a regular healthcare provider and ≥1 visit to a healthcare provider within the survey year. Using a self-administered questionnaire, individual responses to questions related to healthcare experience were used to develop a weighted average for each of these patient-centered care matrices (ease of access to healthcare, patient–provider communication, shared decision-making and overall patient satisfaction).

Intervention

None.

Outcome measures

The outcomes of interest included (1) emergency room (ER) visits and hospital stay, (2) annual healthcare costs incurred by the respondents.

Results

Overall the study population consisted of 47 969 individuals ≥18 years representing nearly 130 million US non-institutionalized adults. Compared with individuals with a poor report on healthcare experience, participants with positive reports were less likely to utilize the ER and had a lower annual healthcare expenditure. This relationship between patient experience and healthcare expenditure was not demonstrated with shared decision-making and overall patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Our study findings suggest that there is an association between patient experience with healthcare, health resource utilization and healthcare expenditure. Further studies are needed to assess if interventions focused to enhance patient experiences can improve healthcare efficiency.
The Virtual Metabolic Human database: integrating human and gut microbiome metabolism with nutrition and disease
Authors: Noronha Alberto , Modamio Jennifer , Jarosz Yohan , Guerard Elisabeth , Sompairac Nicolas , Preciat German , Daníelsdóttir Anna Dröfn , Krecke Max , Merten Diane , Haraldsdóttir Hulda S , Heinken Almut , Heirendt Laurent , Magnúsdóttir Stefanía , Ravcheev Dmitry A , Sahoo Swagatika , Gawron Piotr , Friscioni Lucia , Garcia Beatriz , Prendergast Mabel , Puente Alberto , Rodrigues Mariana , Roy Akansha , Rouquaya Mouss , Wiltgen Luca , Žagare Alise , John Elisabeth , Krueger Maren , Kuperstein Inna , Zinovyev Andrei , Schneider Reinhard , Fleming Ronan M T , Thiele Ines
Published: October 2018

A multitude of factors contribute to complex diseases and can be measured with ‘omics’ methods. Databases facilitate data interpretation for underlying mechanisms. Here, we describe the Virtual Metabolic Human (VMH, www.vmh.life) database encapsulating current knowledge of human metabolism within five interlinked resources ‘Human metabolism’, ‘Gut microbiome’, ‘Disease’, ‘Nutrition’, and ‘ReconMaps’. The VMH captures 5180 unique metabolites, 17 730 unique reactions, 3695 human genes, 255 Mendelian diseases, 818 microbes, 632 685 microbial genes and 8790 food items. The VMH’s unique features are (i) the hosting of the metabolic reconstructions of human and gut microbes amenable for metabolic modeling; (ii) seven human metabolic maps for data visualization; (iii) a nutrition designer; (iv) a user-friendly webpage and application-programming interface to access its content; (v) user feedback option for community engagement and (vi) the connection of its entities to 57 other web resources. The VMH represents a novel, interdisciplinary database for data interpretation and hypothesis generation to the biomedical community.
Motivation and Goal Pursuit
Authors: Norem Julie K.
Published: October 2018

This chapter reviews motivation research that integrates person and situation perspectives or has the potential to do so. Personality and social psychologists pursue approaches to the study of human motivation that tend to be complementary, in part because they have had similar reactions to historical influences. Research tends to focus either on general motives or on specific goals and goal pursuit processes. Within each focus, one can distinguish between implicit and explicit motives and goals and approach and avoidance versions of motives and goal constructs. The chapter reviews fundamental motives theories, implicit motive theory, self-determination theory, reinforcement sensitivity theory, regulatory focus theory, research on goal structure, content, appraisal and pursuit, and recent research on implicit/explicit motive congruence.
Initial Impressions of Others
Authors: Uleman James S. , Saribay S. Adil
Published: October 2018

“Initial impressions” join personality and social psychology like no other field of study—“personality” because impressions are about personalities and perceivers’ personalities affect these impressions; and “social” because social cognitive processes influence impression formation and sociocultural contexts have major effects on impressions. How people describe others is reviewed: terms used, how descriptions reveal theories about others, and importance of types and categories. Research on social cognitive processes underlying these descriptions is highlighted: automatic and controlled attention, effects of primes and their dependence on contexts, acquisition of valence, spontaneous inferences, and interplay of automatic and control processes. Accuracy of initial impressions is examined, as are what accuracy means and motivated biases and distortions. Perceiver features and relations between targets and perceivers are reviewed. Frameworks for understanding explanations, as distinct from descriptions, are detailed: attribution theory, theory of mind, and simulation theory, including synchrony and the role of embodied cognition and metaphor.
Antisocial Behavior in Individuals and Groups
Authors: Castano Emanuele , Kidd David
Published: October 2018

In this chapter, a broadened perspective on antisocial behavior is proposed that includes not only what is customarily considered antisocial behavior (e.g., aggression, theft, bullying) but also prejudice and discrimination toward out-group members. This broadening is balanced by a narrowing of the causal factors that are considered, with an exclusive focus on empathy, or lack thereof, as the psychological dimension underlying the diverse types of antisocial behavior. It is argued that antisocial behavior is facilitated not only by low levels of dispositional empathy, but also by social psychological processes that actively curtail empathic reaction to others (us vs. them distinction, dehumanization). The discussion of empathy as a thread common to a variety of antisocial behaviors also serves as a bridge between the personality and social psychological literature.
Person-by-Situation Perspectives on Close Relationships
Authors: Simpson Jeffry A. , Winterheld Heike A.
Published: October 2018

This chapter reviews theories and research that have adopted interactional (person-by-situation) approaches to studying close relationships. Interactional thinking in social and personality psychology is discussed from historical and contemporary perspectives, emphasizing ways in which individuals and situations intersect. Three theoretical models that adopt person-by-situation frameworks applied to important interpersonal processes are reviewed: the cognitive–affective personality system (CAPS) model, interdependence theory, and attachment theory. The chapter explains how and why person-by-situation approaches have increased our understanding of individuals within relationships. Specific research programs are highlighted. This research has revealed that certain types of situations elicit unique reactions in people with specific dispositional strengths or vulnerabilities. Collectively, these research programs indicate that one can neither predict nor understand how individuals think, feel, or behave in relationships without knowing the relational context in which they are embedded. The chapter concludes by discussing some new directions in which interactional-based thinking might head.