bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting substance use disorder using long-term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication records in Truven
Authors: Fouladvand Sajjad , Hankosky Emily R , Bush Heather , Chen Jin , Dwoskin Linda P , Freeman Patricia R , Henderson Darren W , Kantak Kathleen , Talbert Jeffery , Tao Shiqiang , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: May 2019

About 20% of individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are first diagnosed during adolescence. While preclinical experiments suggest that adolescent-onset exposure to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication is an important factor in the development of substance use disorder phenotypes in adulthood, the long-term impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication initiated during adolescence has been largely unexplored in humans. Our analysis of 11,624 adolescent enrollees with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the Truven database indicates that temporal medication features, rather than stationary features, are the most important factors on the health consequences related to substance use disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication initiation during adolescence.
Active vibration suppression for rolling mills vibration based on extended state observer and parameter identification
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Yan Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2019

Rolling mills vibration is a key factor that hinders the production of thin-strip steel. Currently, vibration is mainly suppressed by adjusting rolling mill parameters which is not a common approach. Due to special working conditions, the information of work roll, such as displacement and velocity, cannot be directly measured. Therefore, based on extended state observer, new resonance ratio control method, which is a common approach, is proposed to suppress the rolling mill vibration. First, the equivalent mass of the back roll is identified. Then, the interaction force between the work roll and the back roll and the velocity of the back roll are estimated using the extended state observer. Finally, these values are introduced into the input of the servo valve to compensate. The simulation results indicate that vibrations of both the work roll and the back roll are suppressed, and this method has a great tolerance for the identification error of the back-roll equivalent mass, and extended state observer compensation possesses a more superior vibration suppression than disturbance observer compensation.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling of welding residual stresses of medium carbon steel pipes with consideration of solid-state austenite-martensite transformation and post-weld heat treatment
Authors: Borzabadi Farahani E , Sobhani Aragh B , Mansur WJ
Published: May 2019

In the present work, three-dimensional finite element modelling is presented to simulate welding of the medium carbon steel pipes by considering both the solid-state austenite-martensite transformation and the post-weld heat treatment. Thermo-elasto-plastic and metallurgical analyses are carried out by developing two user-defined subroutines: one for applying the heat flux and the another one for considering phase transformation effects on welding residual stresses. The applied heat flux is simulated by a double ellipsoid model. Furthermore, the effects of volumetric change due to the solid-state austenite-martensite transformation are taken into account. The results obtained have revealed that volumetric change owing to the solid-state austenite-martensite transformation has a significant effect on the magnitude and distribution of welding residual stresses. The main contribution of the present work is providing helpful knowledge about welding residual stresses evolution after and before the post-weld heat treatment by considering the solid-state austenite-martensite transformation. In addition to reference to the time–temperature–transformation diagram, this study can result in safe selection of post-weld heat treatment parameters, which not only prevents sensitization to stress corrosion cracking and intergranular corrosion but also provides enough and more importantly controlled relaxation of welding residual stresses.
Improving conflicts detection in maritime traffic: Case studies on the effect of traffic complexity on ship collisions
Authors: van Westrenen Fulko , Baldauf Michael
Published: May 2019

In shipping, collision risk is a serious safety threat. Risk probability estimations used for policymaking are derived from traffic density statistics, largely ignoring the decision-making process on board. Conflict detection and resolution on board is done using rather rudimentary but effective mental-model-based techniques. In this article, the authors analyse traffic using the concept of complexity. The actual geometry of the ships involved in the conflict defines how well the crews on board can resolve the conflict. This geometry is transformed into a complexity value. A reliable detection and resolution of conflicts by human operators decreases in certain situations. A previous study has shown that when complexity reaches a threshold, the risk of a near miss increases significantly. In this study, three actual collisions at open sea are analysed. It will be shown that situations of high complexity, which decreases human reliability, can be predicted well in advance, allowing for a safe resolution. The technique also allows for alerting and a decision support for the crew.
One-step preparation of woven fabric-reinforced hydrogel composite
Authors: Koc Umit , Aykut Yakup , Eren Recep
Published: May 2019

Cotton-woven fabric-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel composite was produced by constructing cotton as warp and polyvinyl alcohol/cotton hybrid and polyvinyl alcohol yarns as weft yarns in the fabric structure. As-prepared polyvinyl alcohol/cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of aqueous borax and glutaraldehyde crosslinking solutions. Polyvinyl alcohol molecules were transformed to crosslinked gel structure after the treatments. Since cotton yarns kept their yarn structure in the fabrics, woven fabric-reinforced hydrogel composites were obtained. Chemical analysis to investigate crosslinking was conducted by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra analysis, and the results revealed that a proper crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol molecules in polyvinyl alcohol yarns occurred by using both borax and glutaraldehyde as crosslinkers. Thermal stabilities of the samples were observed via thermogravimetric analysis measurements. Even though borax crosslinking increased the thermal stability, glutaraldehyde crosslinking did not have a significant effect on the thermal stability of hydrogel composite. Crystalline microstructural analysis was carried out with X-ray diffraction measurement. Tensile properties of the samples by focusing on the crosslinker ratio and water contents in the hydrogel composites were performed. The results revealed that tensile properties of hydrogel composite tremendously increased with fabric reinforcement. Also, breaking force gradually increased when the hydrogel composite structure released the water from its structure at both borax and glutaraldehyde samples. Since the produced fabric-reinforced hydrogel composites have high strength, they are promising candidates as hygroscopic materials for planting and erosion control at inclined terrains.
A Comparative Study on the Memory-Enhancing Actions of Oral Renin-Angiotensin System Altering Drugs in Scopolamine-Treated Mice
Authors: Ababei Daniela Carmen , Bild Veronica , Ciobică Alin , Lefter Radu Marian , Rusu Răzvan Nicolae , Bild Walther
Published: May 2019

This study was designed to evaluate the spatial working memory (as studied in Y-maze) or short-term and long-term spatial memory (assessed in radial 8 arms-maze task), in a scopolamine-induced memory deficits model in mice, by the oral administration of 2 angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors—captopril and ramipril and also the effects of the AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan. The present article was initiated as a reaction to the clinical setting of hypertensive disease, which involves lifelong administration of antihypertensive drugs, dietary or lifestyle constraints, and aging, which all take a toll on the higher functions of the nervous system. Most of the patients with cognitive decline suffer of various metabolic imbalances, hypertension, cardiac and kidney disease, many of them which are treated with oral administration of Renin–angiotensin aldosterone system-altering agents like those presented above. Our results showed a protective effect of captopril, ramipril, and losartan prescopolamine administration on spontaneous alternation in Y-maze task, as compared to scopolamine-alone treated mice, as well as decreased number of working memory errors and reference memory errors in radial-arm maze for both losartan + scopolamine and ramipril + scopolamine groups versus scopolamine alone. This could have a therapeutical relevance, especially since oral administration was preferred in our report, as it is used in the therapeutic procedures in humans, further enhancing the similarities with the clinical conditions.
Experimental research on torque characteristic and weight distribution of the polycrystalline diamond compact–roller hybrid bit
Authors: Niu Shi-wei , Zheng Hua-lin , Yang Ying-xin , Tong Xu , Chen Lian , Liu Yong , Bao Ze-jun
Published: May 2019

On the basis of structural features and working principle of polycrystalline diamond compact–roller hybrid drill bit, a detachable experiment device with adjustable structural parameters are designed and manufactured for the hybrid bit, and accordingly, drilling experiments under different working conditions are conducted. The experiment results show that, first, the introduction of cones is beneficial to increasing the penetrating ability of the polycrystalline diamond compact cutters in hard formation, which is significant to improve the rock-breaking efficiency. Second, torque of the hybrid bit is obviously lower than the polycrystalline diamond compact bit of the same size, while roughly equal to that of the cone bit, which means the hybrid bit has a favourable drilling stability and is good for tool-face control in directional drilling. Third, as cone extrudes higher than the polycrystalline diamond compact cutters, the weight on the cone and the torque on the bit are both larger, but the larger fluctuation of the weight on bit is more severe. Fourth, with the decrease in hardness and increase in brittleness of the rock, the weight on the cone will increase accordingly. In conclusion, the hybrid bit has obvious technical advantages when drilling in hard and inhomogeneous formation as well as in directional and horizontal drilling.
Working characteristics research on the impacting–cutting hybrid bit
Authors: Huang Kuilin , Ai Zhijiu , Yang Yingxin
Published: May 2019

In order to improve the drilling efficiency of bit drilling in poor-drillability formation, the authors of this article put forward a cutting–percussion hybrid bit, the fixed-cutting units and impact-crushing units of which are mutually independent and are able to work in parallel. Through finite element analysis, it is concluded that the impact teeth will degenerate the material and mechanical properties of the rock, and that the polycrystalline diamond compact cutters will remove the pre-damaged rock with relatively low energy consumption, thus improving the rock-breaking efficiency of the bit. Moreover, on the basis of the geometrical and kinematical characteristics of the hybrid bit, geometrical relationships between the teeth and the bit body, as well as the kinematics and kinetics of the teeth, are studied in compound coordinate systems. Furthermore, by programming in MATLAB, the rock-breaking process of the hybrid bit is simulated and the simulation results consist of the bottom-hole profile, cutting area, cutting volume, and cutting force of the cutters, providing the theoretical basis for the research and development of the hybrid bit.
Epicardial adipose tissue and its association with cardiovascular risk factors and mitral annular calcium deposits
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Salehi Alireza , Hatami Ghazal , Dabirian Mozhdeh , Yazdani Jamshid , Parsaee Homa
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Epicardial fat is a variety of visceral adipose tissue that secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines that can lead to progression of atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown a correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and severity of mitral annular calcification. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between epicardial fat thickness and mitral annular calcification.

Methods

This study recruited 188 patients who were considered for coronary angiography and underwent echocardiography within 24 hours of admission. Epicardial fat thickness was measured in the parasternal long axis view at the end-systole. Mitral annular calcification was visualized in the parasternal short-axis view and was grade as none, mild, moderate, and severe. Furthermore, left atrial diameter, severity of mitral regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction, and early diastolic velocities ( E wave) determined by transmitral pulsed Doppler, the early mitral annular velocities measured by tissue Doppler ( e′), and E/ e′ were obtained.

Results

Patients with an epicardial fat thickness ≥7 mm had higher prevalence of hypertension and higher SYNTAX score ( p value = 0.002 and 0.0014, respectively). Also, mitral annular calcification was both more prevalent and more extensive ( p value = 0.007 and <0.001, respectively) and left atrial diameter was larger in these patients compared with patients with epicardial fat thickness <7 mm ( p value = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study showed significant association between increased epicardial fat thickness and calcium deposits in the mitral valve annulus that is a degenerative process associated with cardiovascular risk factors.
Efficacy and safety of a ready-to-drink bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Hookey Lawrence , Bertiger Gerald , Lee Johnson Kenneth , Ayala Julia , Seifu Yodit , Brogadir Stuart P
Published: May 2019

Background:

We performed a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, multicenter, non-inferiority (NI) study to compare the safety and efficacy of a ready-to-drink formulation of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid (SPMC oral solution) with a powder formulation (P/MC powder) for oral solution.

Methods:

Eligible participants (adults undergoing elective colonoscopy) were randomized 1:1 to split-dose SPMC oral solution or P/MC powder. The primary efficacy endpoint assessed overall colon-cleansing quality with the Aronchick Scale (AS), and the key secondary efficacy endpoint rated quality of right colon cleansing with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). Assessments were performed by a treatment-blinded endoscopist. Tolerability was assessed using the Mayo Clinic Bowel Prep Tolerability Questionnaire. Safety assessments included adverse events and laboratory evaluations.

Results:

The study included 901 participants: 448 for SPMC oral solution; 453 for P/MC powder. SPMC oral solution demonstrated non-inferiority to P/MC powder {87.7% (393/448) responders versus 81.5% (369/453) responders [difference (95% confidence interval): 6.3% (1.8, 10.9)]}. The key secondary efficacy objective assessing the right colon was also met. According to the prespecified hierarchical testing, after meeting the primary and key secondary objectives, SPMC oral solution was tested for superiority to P/MC powder for the primary endpoint ( p = 0.0067). SPMC oral solution was well tolerated. Most common adverse events were nausea (3.1% versus 2.9%), headache (2.7% versus 3.1%), hypermagnesemia (2.0% versus 5.1%), and vomiting (1.3% versus 0.7%) for SPMC oral solution and P/MC powder, respectively.

Conclusions:

Ready-to-drink SPMC oral solution showed superior efficacy of overall colon cleansing compared with P/MC powder, with similar safety and tolerability. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03017235.]
Characterization of Cytochalasins and Steroids From the Ascomycete Daldinia concentrica and Their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Trung Hoang Van , Kuo Ping-Chung , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , Ngan Nguyen Thi , Trung Nguyen Quang , Thanh Nguyen Tan , Hai Ha Viet , Phuong Doan Lan , Giang Bach Long , Li Yue-Chiun , Wu Tian-Shung , Thang Tran Dinh
Published: May 2019

One new cytochalasin daldinin (1), 2 known cytochalasins 2 and 3, along with 2 steroids 4 and 5, were characterized from the methanol extracts of the fruiting bodies of Daldinia concentrica. The structure of new compound 1 was elucidated using a combination of 1- and 2-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analyses. In addition, the isolated compounds were examined for their cytotoxicity against several tumor cell lines and the tested compounds demonstrated moderate-to-weak cytotoxicity.
Perceptions of Collaborations: How Many Cooks Seem to Spoil the Broth?
Authors: Maglio Sam J. , Wong Odelia , Rabaglia Cristina D. , Polman Evan , Reich Taly , Huang Julie Y. , Hershfield Hal E. , Lane Sean P.
Published: May 2019

Workers often work in groups of varying sizes, and those workers’ work is often judged by others. To examine how the two might relate, we first asked respondents to report the optimal number of collaborators for a variety of different tasks, finding substantial variability across tasks (Supplementary Study) that tracked with perceived task complexity (Study 1). Accordingly, framing a given task as more complex made people want more collaborators collaborating on it (Study 2), and believing that a task had been performed by the right number of collaborators—neither too few nor too many—fostered more favorable evaluations of both simulated (Study 3) and real (Study 4) experience with the collaborative output. The results of this collaboration suggest that perceivers hold an optimal size in mind when thinking about collaborations and that collaborative work benefits from ostensibly hitting this mark.
Novel monoclonal antibody-based treatment strategies in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Guerra Veronica A. , Jabbour Elias J. , Ravandi Farhad , Kantarjian Hagop , Short Nicholas J.
Published: May 2019

Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has a poor overall survival compared with pediatric ALL where cure rates are observed in more than 90% of patients. The recent development of novel monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20, CD19, and CD22 has changed the long-term outcome of this disease, both in the frontline setting (e.g. rituximab) and for patients with relapsed/refractory disease (e.g. inotuzumab ozogamicin and blinatumomab). The CD3-CD19 bispecific T-cell-engaging antibody blinatumomab is also the first drug approved in ALL for patients with persistent or recurrent measurable residual disease, providing a new treatment paradigm for these patients. Several new agents are also in development that use novel constructs or target alternative surface epitopes such as CD123, CD25, and CD38. Herein, we review the role of monoclonal antibodies in adult ALL and summarize the current and future approaches in ALL, including novel combination therapies and the possibility of early incorporation of these agents into treatment regimens.
Dietary risk factors for inflammatory bowel diseases in a high‐risk population: Results from the Faroese IBD study
Authors: Hammer T , Lophaven S Nymand , Nielsen K Rubek , Petersen M Skaalum , Munkholm P , Weihe P , Burisch J , Lynge E
Published: May 2019

Background

The Faroe Islands currently have the highest recorded inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence in the world.

Objective

This study investigated environmental risk factors for IBD in the Faroese population.

Methods

Environmental exposure data including lifestyle risk factors and neurotoxicants collected for over 30 years were retrieved from the Children's Health and the Environment in the Faroes (CHEF) cohorts including mainly mother–child pairs, with exposure data collected from pregnant mothers. For lifestyle risk factors, the incidence of IBD and ulcerative colitis (UC) was calculated as the rate ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in exposed versus non‐exposed persons. For neurotoxicants RR was calculated for persons with high versus low exposure.

Results

Six cohorts included 5698 persons with complete follow‐up data and at least one exposure, and 37 were diagnosed with IBD. For pilot whale/blubber, the RR was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.48–2.18); RR of 1.01 for fish (95% CI, 0.35–2.91); and of the pollutants studied, a statistical significantly increased risk was found for 1,1,1,‐trichloro‐2,2‐bis‐(p‐chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'‐DDT); RR 3.04 (95% CI, 1.12–8.30). RRs were 1.96 (95% CI, 1.03–3.73) for smoking and 1.10 (95% CI, 0.55–2.19) for alcohol intake.

Conclusion

The high IBD incidence is unlikely to be caused by special dietary habits or by environmental pollutants.
Awareness of Indirect Information Disclosure on Social Network Sites
Authors: Padyab Ali , Päivärinta Tero , Ståhlbröst Anna , Bergvall-Kåreborn Birgitta
Published: May 2019

This research investigates user awareness and attitudes toward potential inferences of information posted on social network sites (SNSs). The study reports how user attitudes change after exposure to inferences made based upon information they have disclosed on an SNS, namely, on Facebook. To demonstrate this, two sub-studies involving three focus group sessions were conducted with Facebook users. In the first sub-study, the users received a general introduction to information that can be inferred from posts by using a prototypical privacy-enhancement tool called DataBait. Then, the second sub-study allowed the users to witness the potential inferences of their own Facebook photos and posts by using the DataBait tool. Next, qualitative content analysis was conducted to analyze the results, and these showed that the participants’ attitudes toward privacy on SNSs changed from affective to cognitive when they became aware of potential inferences from actual information posted on their own Facebook accounts. The results imply that end users require more cognitive awareness regarding their genres of disclosure and the effect of their disclosures on their privacy. Moreover, as privacy awareness is contextual, there is a need for more research and development of online tools that will allow users to manage and educate themselves.
Closed Schools, Open Markets: A Hot Spot Spatial Analysis of School Closures and Charter Openings in Detroit
Authors: Green Terrance L. , Sánchez Joanna D. , Castro Andrene J.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study is to use geographic information systems to map the spatial distribution of traditional public school closures and the opening of charter schools in Detroit. To achieve this purpose, we examine the following research questions: (a) How are traditional public school closures and the opening of charter schools spatially distributed throughout neighborhoods in Detroit during three education policy eras? (b) How, if at all, might these schools’ spatial patterns cluster in certain neighborhoods to create hot spots of traditional public school closures and/or charter school openings? As such, this descriptive study uses hot spot geospatial analysis to identify whether the spatial occurrence of traditional public school closures and charter school openings is randomly distributed or if it occurs in statistically significant spatial clusters. Rollback and rollout neoliberalism is used to theoretically frame the study and guide the analysis. Findings suggest that charter school openings occur more often in hot spots or concentrated ways than the closure of traditional public schools in Detroit. We conclude with implications for future research.
Fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mouse as a model for systemic sclerosis: A potential role of M2 polarization
Authors: Yasuoka Hidekata , Tam Yuen Yu Angela , Okazaki Yuka , Tamura Yuichi , Matsuo Koichi , Feghali-Bostwick Carol , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Kuwana Masataka
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

To investigate the systemic sclerosis–related phenotype in fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mice and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Lung and skin sections of constitutive fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mice and wild-type mice were examined by tissue staining and immunohistochemistry. The tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was measured by transthoracic echocardiography with a Doppler technique. To assess the impact of fos-related antigen-1 expression on macrophage function, bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells were derived from mice that expressed fos-related antigen-1 under the control of doxycycline and wild-type littermates. These bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages with or without doxycycline, and analyzed for gene and protein expression. Finally, lung explants obtained from systemic sclerosis patients and control donors were subjected to immunohistochemistry.

Results:

The lungs of fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mice showed excessive fibrosis of the interstitium and thickening of vessel walls, with narrowing lumen, in an age-dependent manner. The tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was significantly elevated in fos-related antigen-1 transgenic versus control mice. Increased dermal thickness and the loss of subdermal adipose tissue were also observed in the fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mice. These changes were preceded by a perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells, predominantly consisting of alternatively activated or M2 macrophages. Overexpressing fos-related antigen-1 in bone marrow–derived mononuclear cell cultures increased the expression of M2-related genes, such as Il10, Alox15, and Arg1. Finally, fos-related antigen-1-expressing M2 macrophages were increased in the lung tissues of systemic sclerosis patients.

Conclusions:

The fos-related antigen-1 transgenic mouse serves as a genetic model of systemic sclerosis that recapitulates the major vascular and fibrotic manifestations of the lungs and skin in systemic sclerosis patients. M2 polarization mediated by the up-regulation of fos-related antigen-1 may play a critical role in the development of systemic sclerosis.
Mathematical modelling for flexible blade coater with magnetohydrodynamic and slip effects in blade coating process
Authors: Wang X , Shahzad H , Chen Y , Kanwal M , Ullah Z
Published: May 2019

A new mathematical model for a flexible blade coater is proposed and analysed for slip and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects in blade coating process. The slip is considered at the blade surface and magnetic field is imposed normal to the flow. To obtain the velocity profile, pressure, pressure gradient, volumetric flow rate and maximum pressure both exact and numerical solutions are utilized. In order to obtain the numerical solution shooting technique is applied. The interesting physical quantities like load and deflection are calculated and presented in graphical and tabulated form. The influence of the Hartman number the slip parameter and normalized coating thickness parameter on the flow and deflection are discussed graphically. In the presence of magnetic field and slip the fluid velocity and hence blade deflection can be controlled.
Fatty Liver Has Stronger Association With Insulin Resistance Than Visceral Fat Accumulation in Nonobese Japanese Men
Authors: Kadowaki Satoshi , Tamura Yoshifumi , Someya Yuki , Takeno Kageumi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Sugimoto Daisuke , Kakehi Saori , Funayama Takashi , Furukawa Yasuhiko , Suzuki Ruriko , Nishitani-Yokoyama Miho , Shimada Kazunori , Daida Hiroyuki , Aoki Shigeki , Kanazawa Akio , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: May 2019

Context

Asians have a high prevalence of insulin resistance, even in the nonobese state. Whereas both visceral fat accumulation (VFA) and fatty liver (FL) have been shown to be associated with insulin resistance, it is still unclear which is a better marker to predict insulin resistance in nonobese Asians.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between VFA or FL and insulin resistance in nondiabetic nonobese Japanese men who do not have diabetes.

Design and Participants

We studied 87 nonobese (body mass index <25 kg/m2) Japanese men without diabetes. Using a two-step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, we evaluated insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, muscle, and liver. Intrahepatic lipid and abdominal visceral fat area were measured by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy and MRI, respectively. Subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence or absence of VFA (visceral fat area ≥100 cm2) and FL (intrahepatic lipid ≥ 5%): control (non-VFA, non-FL; n = 54), VFA only (n = 18), FL only (n = 7), and VFA plus FL (n = 8).

Results

Subjects in the FL only and VFA plus FL groups had insulin resistance in adipose tissue and muscle, as well as relatively lower hepatic insulin sensitivity. The specific insulin sensitivities in these organs were comparable in the VFA only and control groups.

Conclusions

In nonobese Japanese men without diabetes, subjects with FL only or VFA plus FL but not VFA only had insulin resistance, suggesting that FL may be a more useful clinical marker than VFA to predict insulin resistance in nonobese Japanese men without diabetes.
Resistance to GHRH but Not to PTH in a 15-Year-Old Boy With Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1A
Authors: Munteanu Martin , Kiewert Cordula , Matar Nora , Hauffa Berthold P , Unger Nicole , Hiort Olaf , Thiele Susanne , Buiting Karin , Bramswig Nuria C , Grasemann Corinna
Published: May 2019

Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1A (PHP1A) consists of signs of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) and multiple, variable hormonal resistances. Elevated PTH levels are the biochemical hallmark of the disease. Short stature in PHP1A may be caused by a form of accelerated chondrocyte differentiation leading to premature growth plate closure, possibly in combination with GH deficiency in some patients. Treatment of short stature with recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) in pediatric patients may improve final height if started during childhood. The 10 11/12-year-old boy with clinical signs of AHO presented for evaluation of short stature [height standard deviation score (SDS) −2.72]. Clinically his mother was affected by AHO as well. A heterozygous mutation c.505G>A (p.E169K) in exon 6 of the GNAS gene confirmed a diagnosis of PHP1A in the boy. However, hormonal assessment was unremarkable except for low serum IGF-1 (SDS −2.67). On follow-up, GH deficiency due to GHRH resistance was suspected and confirmed by clonidine and arginine stimulation tests. Treatment with rhGH (0.035 mg/kg) for 2 years resulted in catch-up growth (height SDS −1.52). At age 15 years the PTH levels and bone age of the patient remain within the normal range. In patients with PHP1A, short stature is caused by the effects of Gs-α deficiency on the growth plate. However, resistance to GHRH and the resulting GH deficiency might also contribute. Recombinant GH treatment increases growth in these patients. Diagnostic workup for GH deficiency as a factor contributing to short stature is recommended even in the absence of other hormonal resistances.
Ocean acidification affects calcareous tube growth in adult stage and reared offspring of serpulid polychaetes
Authors: Díaz-Castañeda V. , Cox T. E. , Gazeau F. , Fitzer S. , Delille J. , Alliouane S. , Gattuso J.-P.
Published: May 2019

The energetically costly transition from free-swimming larvae to benthic life stage and maintenance of a calcareous structure can make calcifying marine invertebrates vulnerable to ocean acidification. The first goal of this study was to evaluate the impacts of ocean acidification on calcified tube growth for two Serpulidae polychaete worms. Spirorbis sp. and Spirobranchus triqueter were collected at 11 m depth from the Northwest Mediterranean Sea and maintained for 30 and 90 d, at three mean pHT levels (total scale) of 8.1 (ambient), 7.7, and 7.4. Moderately decreased tube elongation rates were observed in both species at a pHT of 7.7 while severe reductions occurred at pHT 7.4. There was visual evidence of dissolution and tubes were more fragile at lower pH but, fragility was not attributed to changes in fracture toughness. Instead, it appeared to be due to the presence of larger alveoli covered in a thinner calcareous layer. The second objective of the study was to test for effects in offspring development of the species S. triqueter. Spawning was induced, and offspring were reared in the same pH conditions the parents experienced. Trochophore size was reduced at the lowest pH level but settlement success was similar across pH conditions. Post-settlement tube growth was most affected. At 38 d post-settlement, juvenile tubes at pHT of 7.7 and 7.4 were half the size of those at pHT 8.1. Results suggest future carbonate chemistry will negatively affect initiation and persistence of both biofouling and epiphytic polychaete tube worms.
Water and ion transport across the eversible vesicles in the collophore of a springtailOrchesella cincta
Authors: Konopová Barbora , Kolosov Dennis , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: May 2019

Springtails (Collembola) are ancient close relatives of the insects. The eversible vesicles are their unique paired transporting organs, which consist of an epithelium located inside a tube-like structure called the collophore on the first abdominal segment. The vesicles can be protruded out of the collophore and several lines of evidence indicate that they have a vital function in water uptake and ion balance. However, the amount of water absorbed by the vesicles and which other ions apart from sodium are transported remain unknown. Using Orchesella cincta as a model, we developed protocols for two assays that enabled us to study water and ion movement across the eversible vesicles in whole living springtails. Using an inverse Ramsay assay we demonstrate that the eversible vesicles absorb water from a droplet applied onto their surface. Using the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) we show that the vesicles absorb Na+ and Cl− from the bathing medium, secrete NH4+, and both absorb and secrete K+. H+ is secreted at a low level in the anterior part and absorbed at the posterior part. We did not detect transport of Ca2+ at significant levels. The highest flux was the absorption of Cl−, and the magnitude of ion fluxes were significantly lower in fully hydrated springtails. Our data demonstrate that the eversible vesicles are a transporting epithelium functioning in osmo- and ionoregulation, nitrogenous waste excretion and likely acid-base balance.
Supraspinal Control of Recurrent Inhibition during Anisometric Contractions
Authors: BARRUÉ-BELOU SIMON , MARQUE PHILIPPE , DUCLAY JULIEN
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Increase in recurrent inhibition was observed during eccentric compared with isometric and concentric maximal voluntary contractions but the neural mechanisms involved in this specific control of the Renshaw cell activity are unknown. This study was designed to investigate the supraspinal control of the recurrent inhibition during anisometric contractions of the plantar flexor muscles.

Methods

To that purpose, the paired Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) technique permitted to assess changes in homonymous recurrent pathway by comparing the modulations of test and conditioning H-reflexes (H′ and H
1, respectively) in the soleus (SOL) muscle during maximal and submaximal isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Submaximal contraction intensity was set at 50% of the SOL electromyographic activity recorded during maximal isometric contraction. Fourteen volunteer subjects participated in an experimental session designed to assess the activity of the recurrent inhibition pathway.

Results

The results indicate that the amplitude of H
1 normalized to the maximal M-wave were similar (P > 0.05) regardless of the muscle contraction type and intensity. Whatever the contraction intensity, the ratio between H′ and H
1 amplitudes was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) during eccentric compared with isometric and concentric contractions. Furthermore, this ratio was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) during submaximal compared with maximal contractions whatever the muscle contraction type.

Conclusion

Together, the current results confirm the supraspinal control of the Renshaw cell activity when muscle contraction intensity is modulated and show that this control remains similar for isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Data further suggest that recurrent inhibition pathway may serve as variable gain regulator at motoneuronal level to improve resolution in the control of motor output for the SOL during eccentric contractions.
Préface: Des économies familiales adaptatives en temps de crise dans l’Europe 9 méditerranéenne
Authors: Martini Manuela , Papastefanaki Leda
Published: May 2019

L’analyse des causes et des effets des crises économiques, un thème classique de l’histoire économique, a été généralement abordée à travers une perspective macro-analytique. Que ce soit dans l’étude des crises financières que dans celle des crises de subsistance d’ancien régime, la réflexion sur les causes macroéconomiques a eu la part belle parmi les contemporains tout comme parmi les économistes et les historiens.1 En parallèle, les effets des crises ont également attiré le regard des protagonistes et par la suite des chercheurs en sciences sociales, sociologues et économistes mais aussi anthropologues et historiens.
Family Business in the Brick and Tile Industry in Athens, 1900–1940
Authors: Bardanis Michalis
Published: May 2019

From 1900 to 1940, family businesses in the brick- and tile-making industry of Athens and its port, Piraeus, were a notable institution that played an important role in the development of the sector and its transformation from artisanal to factory production. They formed a dense network of small and medium-scale units, from which more than 20 big factories would emerge after the 1920s. Α strong and constant antagonism between them, on the one side, and the few European-scale large industrial units, on the other, developed. Within this framework, the story of the Athens brick industry in this period can be vividly interpreted through the function and evolution of familial firms (which were under the control of nuclear, extended or multinuclear families) and the actions of their owners.
Review of: Stamatios T. Chondrogiannis, Byzantium in the World. Artistic, Cultural and Ideological Legacy from the 19th to the 21st Century
Authors: Albani Jenny
Published: May 2019

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Review of: Julian Swann, Exile, Imprisonment, or Death. The Politics of Disgrace in Bourbon France, 1610–1789
Authors: Brogan Stephen
Published: May 2019

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The status of Ghanaian community health workers’ supervision and service delivery: descriptive analyses from the 2017 Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 survey
Authors: Schwarz Dan , Kim June-Ho , Ratcliffe Hannah , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Nimako Belinda , Otupiri Easmon , Lipsitz Stuart , Hirschhorn Lisa , Bitton Asaf
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Community-based services are a critical component of high-quality primary healthcare. Ghana formally launched the National Community Health Worker (CHW) program in 2014, to augment the pre-existing Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS). To date, however, there is scant data about the program’s implementation. We describe the current supervision and service delivery status of CHWs throughout the country.

Methods: Data were collected regarding CHW supervision and service delivery during the 2017 round of the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 survey. Descriptive analyses were performed by facility type, supervisor type, service delivery type, and regional distribution.

Results: Over 80% of CHWs had at least monthly supervision interactions, but there was variability in the frequency of interactions. Frequency of supervision interactions did not vary by facility or supervisor type. The types of services delivered by CHWs varied greatly by facility type and region. Community mobilization, health education, and outreach for loss-to-follow-up were delivered by over three quarters of CHWs, while mental health counseling and postnatal care are provided by fewer than one third of CHWs. The Western region and Greater Accra had especially low rates of CHW service provision. Non-communicable disease treatment, which is not included in the national guidelines, was reportedly provided by some CHWs in nine out of ten regions.

Conclusions: Overall, this study demonstrates variability in supervision frequency and CHW activities. A high proportion of CHWs already meet the expected frequency of supervision. Meanwhile, there are substantial differences by region of CHW service provision, which requires further research, particularly on novel CHW services such as non-communicable disease treatment. While there are important limitations to these data, these findings can be instructive for Ghanaian policymakers and implementers to target improvement initiatives for community-based services.
A Dynamic Programming Approach to Power Consumption Minimization in Gunbarrel Natural Gas Networks with Nonidentical Compressor Units
Authors: Deng Tianhu , Liang Yong , Zhang Shixuan , Ren Jingze , Zheng Shuyi
Published: May 2019

Inspired by the widespread and increasing usage of natural gas, we study the power consumption minimization problem associated with natural gas pipeline transmission in gunbarrel networks with nonidentical compressors. To accurately and flexibly model both gas flow dynamics and compressor working domains, we formulate the problem as a dynamic programming problem. Then we propose an approximate solution approach based on state dimension reduction. We analyze the problem properties and characterize conditions under which optimality is not compromised by the proposed solution approach. Next, we conduct numerical experiments using two data sets based on real networks in China and a data set from the public library GasLib. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed solution approach significantly reduces computation time without compromising optimality in most cases. Specifically, the proposed solution approach obtains optimal solutions more than a 100 times faster than the exhaustive search when gas pressures are discretized at 0.01 MPa. Further, the optimality gaps do not exceed 0.4%.
Case Article—Production and Distribution Optimization of Beach Equipment for the Marinero Company
Authors: Manno Andrea , Palagi Laura , Sagratella Simone
Published: May 2019

We present a mixed integer nonlinear mathematical programming model, covering a broad range of operations research (OR)-related topics. The case is designed to allow students to use knowledge acquired from OR and management science classes to model, analyze, and provide concrete solutions for the considered problem. Because of its high practicality, this exercise is an ideal tool to make the OR domain more accessible and to learn how to balance a problem’s complexity with the availability of algorithms for its solution. The case has been proposed as a competitive challenge and has been assigned both to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management engineering and students pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Students were grouped into working teams, and all teams competed against each other to get the best solution to win the challenge. Both the work-in-team and the challenge settings have been enjoyed by the students. During three lectures of 90 minutes, a brief review of OR-related tools and a detailed description and analysis of the case study have been provided to the students. Successive periodic debriefing meeting sessions have been scheduled to engage and monitor students during project development.

Online supplemental files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2018.0202ca .
The Exact Computational Complexity of Evolutionarily Stable Strategies
Authors: Conitzer Vincent
Published: May 2019

While the computational complexity of many game-theoretic solution concepts, notably Nash equilibrium, has now been settled, the question of determining the exact complexity of computing an evolutionarily stable strategy has resisted solution since attention was drawn to it in 2004. In this paper, I settle this question by proving that deciding the existence of an evolutionarily stable strategy is [Formula: see text] complete.
A guide to implant dentistry part 1: treatment planning
Authors: Chatzistavrianou Despoina , Wilson Paul HR , Taylor Philip
Published: May 2019

Implant rehabilitation is considered a predictable treatment modality to replace single and multiple missing units, with high survival rates. Technical and biological complications are commonly encountered and careful treatment planning, restorative-driven implant placement and long-term maintenance are prerequisites of a successful implant rehabilitation. The aim of this two-part series is to provide an evidence-based overview regarding the sequence of treatment planning and the treatment stages of a successful implant rehabilitation. The first part of the series will focus on new patient assessment and pre-operative planning. The second part of the series will discuss the surgical and prosthodontic considerations and maintenance of implant-supported restorations.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: To provide the dental practitioner with an evidence-based overview regarding treatment planning, surgical and prosthodontic considerations and maintenance of implant-supported restorations.
Prosthetic rehabilitation for a patient with systemic sclerosis and sjögren's syndrome: a clinical report and review
Authors: Oluwajana Funmi , Ferguson Lucy , Wragg Phillip
Published: May 2019

Systemic sclerosis, although a rare disease, has numerous direct and indirect effects on the oral cavity. This article aims to inform clinicians of the signs and symptoms they may see in patients with the disease and the impact it can have on dental management. The main effect, microstomia, is not just limited to systemic sclerosis, thus the clinical and laboratory techniques described may be helpful when managing other patients with limited mouth opening.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should be able to recognize how systemic sclerosis will have an impact on their patient's oral health and implement management plans to prevent deterioration of their dentition. The novel techniques used will provide dentists and dental technicians with alternative techniques that can be employed in a variety of cases when considering prosthetic rehabilitation.
Complete denture series part 1: referrals for complete dentures – identifying the reasons
Authors: Leyssen Wouter , Jayachandran Sivakumar , Walmsley A Damien
Published: May 2019

General dental practitioners (GDPs) continue to refer edentulous patients to secondary care for advice and treatment. The clinical records of edentulous patients referred to Birmingham Dental Hospital were reviewed to determine the common problems encountered by GDPs when constructing complete dentures. The main reasons for referral were resorption of the lower ridge (39%) followed by a series of ill-defined reasons (28%), looseness of either or both dentures (25%), pain (11%), immediate dentures (8%), exaggerated gag reflex (7%) and implants (7%). The reasons for referral do not always correspond to the clinical findings on the New Patient Assessment Clinics.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The findings of the article could be used as a guide for GDPs in identifying problems with problematic dentures.