bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forces and moments generated by aligner‐type appliances for orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Iliadi Anna , Koletsi Despina , Eliades Theodore
Published: June 2019

The aim of this review was to systematically appraise the evidence on aligner mechanics and forces and moments generated across difference types of aligners. In vitro‐ laboratory studies for model simulated tooth movement with aligners. Database searches within Medline via Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS via BIREME Virtual Health Library. Unpublished literature was also searched in Open Grey, ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), the National Research Register (www.controlled-trials.com) and Center for Open Science (Open Science Framework), using the terms “aligner” AND “orthodontic”. Risk of bias assessment was based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted. A total of 447 studies were identified through electronic search and after careful consideration of pre‐ defined eligibility criteria, 13 deemed eligible for inclusion, while 2 were included in the quantitative synthesis. When palatal tipping of the upper central incisor through PET‐G aligners was considered, aligner thickness of 0.5, 0.625 or 0.75 mm was not associated with a significantly different moment to force (M/F) ratio, given a common gingival edge width of 3‐4 mm. Aligner thickness does not appear to possess a significant role in forces and moments generated by clear aligners under specific settings, while the most commonly examined tooth movements are tipping and rotation. The findings of this review may be applicable to certain conditions in laboratory settings.
Comparison of retinoscopy results with and without 1% cyclopentolate in school‐aged children
Authors: Doherty Sue E , Doyle Lesley A , McCullough Sara J , Saunders Kathryn J
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study was designed with the aim of providing practitioners with an evidence base to inform their clinical decision making as to when cycloplegic retinoscopy is necessary and when it might be appropriate to forgo. The study aimed to determine the age at which there ceases to be a clinically significant difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic retinoscopy and whether age, refractive error, habitual spectacle wear and accommodation influence the relationship.

Methods

A single examiner carried out cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic retinoscopy on 128 children stratified into four age groups (6–7, 8–9, 10–12 and 12–13 years). Cycloplegia was achieved using 1% cyclopentolate and retinoscopy carried out after 30 min. The examiner was masked to the lenses used and to habitual spectacle wear. Accommodation was assessed using dynamic retinoscopy prior to cycloplegia.

Results

Cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic sphere differed significantly (z = −9.18, p < 0.0001). Although the difference decreased significantly as age increased (χ2 = 16.57, p = 0.0009), cycloplegic retinoscopy revealed more hyperopia than non‐cycloplegic retinoscopy in all age groups (p < 0.0001). The difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic results was greater where ‘high’ hyperopia (≥+2.50DS) was present (F1,6 = 12.86, p = 0.0005), and as hyperopia increased the difference increased (Spearman's ρ = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Neither spectacle wear (p = 0.74) nor accommodation (p = 0.08) influenced the difference between spherical measures. Measures of astigmatic error did not differ significantly (z = −1.59, p = 0.11). A non‐cycloplegic sphere ≥+1.50DS was relatively sensitive (87%) and specific (96%) at indicating clinically significant hyperopia (≥+2.50D) as revealed by cycloplegic retinoscopy.

Conclusions

Cyclopentolate 1% does not impact the cylindrical component of the retinoscopy result, but reveals significantly more hyperopia in the spherical component, both statistically and clinically in children aged 6–13 years. Differences between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic sphere increase significantly with increasing hyperopia, independent of spectacle wear and accommodation. A non‐cycloplegic retinoscopy result of ≥+1.50DS may be used by practitioners wishing to identify children aged 6–13 years at risk of clinically significant hyperopia (≥+2.50DS), but cycloplegia is required to accurately ascertain the full spherical error.
Data-Driven Design of Control Strategies for Distributed Energy Systems
Authors: Odonkor Philip , Lewis Kemper
Published: June 2019

The flexibility afforded by distributed energy resources in terms of energy generation and storage has the potential to disrupt the way we currently access and manage electricity. But as the energy grid moves to fully embrace this technology, grid designers and operators are having to come to terms with managing its adverse effects, exhibited through electricity price volatility, caused in part by the intermittency of renewable energy. With this concern however comes interest in exploiting this price volatility using arbitrage—the buying and selling of electricity to profit from a price imbalance—for energy cost savings for consumers. To this end, this paper aims to maximize arbitrage value through the data-driven design of optimal operational strategies for distributed energy resources (DERs). Formulated as an arbitrage maximization problem using design optimization principles and solved using reinforcement learning, the proposed approach is applied toward shared DERs within multi-building residential clusters. We demonstrate its feasibility across three unique building clusters, observing notable energy cost reductions over baseline values. This highlights a capability for generalized learning across multiple building clusters and the ability to design efficient arbitrage policies for energy cost minimization. The scalability of this approach is studied using two test cases, with results demonstrating an ability to scale with relatively minimal additional computational cost, and an ability to leverage system flexibility toward cost savings.
Effects of Shaft Shape Errors on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Rotor-Bearing System
Authors: Sun Fangxu , Zhang Xianbiao , Wang Xing , Su Zhenzhong , Wang Dong
Published: June 2019

Effects of shaft shape errors are studied on dynamic characteristics of a rotor-bearing system. Stability characteristics of the cylindrical journal bearing are studied. It is shown that the rotating speed at which the oil whip occurs increases when the shape errors exit. And, there is a threshold speed of the bearing with shaft shape errors; before the speed is increased to the threshold, orbits of the center of the journal decrease, and when the speed exceeds the threshold, the orbits increase dramatically and oil whip appears. Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between shaft shape errors and bearing reaction forces of the rotor-bearing system is obtained, which is verified by experiments using rotors with different machining precisions. In order to reduce computing time, variational principle is applied when solving Reynolds’ equation.
Effect of Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether–Diesel Blends on Tribological Characteristics of Base Oils
Authors: Deng Fukang , Li Kangchun , Huang Fuchuan
Published: June 2019

In this study, tribological characteristics of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DGM)/diethylene glycol dimethyl ether–diesel blend A (10 vol% DGM + 90 vol% diesel)/diesel were compared after being subjected to quill roller-ball friction and four-ball friction tests. The lubricity and antiwear property of blend A were worse than those of diesel, albeit considerably better than those of DGM. In addition, effects of diesel and blend A on the tribological characteristics of synthetic base oils were examined by using a four-ball friction machine and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process: trimellitate TM128/TM320A, alkyl naphthalene AN5, and polyalphaolefin PAO6/mPAO65 exhibited good tribological characteristics, and 5 wt% blend A mixed with base oil maintained good tribological characteristics stability. Analysis results revealed that the excellent tribological characteristics of trimellitate, alkyl naphthalene, and polyalphaolefin are related to the rigid molecules of benzene rings and long-branched chains, naphthalene rings and long-branched chains, and long-branched alkanes. By the mixing of diesel or blend A, the stable lubricating oil film resisted the deterioration of the tribological characteristics.
Formulation of Statistical Linearization for M-D-O-F Systems Subject to Combined Periodic and Stochastic Excitations
Authors: Spanos Pol D. , Zhang Ying , Kong Fan
Published: June 2019

A formulation of statistical linearization for multi-degree-of-freedom (M-D-O-F) systems subject to combined mono-frequency periodic and stochastic excitations is presented. The proposed technique is based on coupling the statistical linearization and the harmonic balance concepts. The steady-state system response is expressed as the sum of a periodic (deterministic) component and of a zero-mean stochastic component. Next, the equation of motion leads to a nonlinear vector stochastic ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the zero-mean component of the response. The nonlinear term contains both the zero-mean component and the periodic component, and they are further equivalent to linear elements. Furthermore, due to the presence of the periodic component, these linear elements are approximated by averaging over one period of the excitation. This procedure leads to an equivalent system whose elements depend both on the statistical moments of the zero-mean stochastic component and on the amplitudes of the periodic component of the response. Next, input–output random vibration analysis leads to a set of nonlinear equations involving the preceded amplitudes and statistical moments. This set of equations is supplemented by another set of equations derived by ensuring, in a harmonic balance sense, that the equation of motion of the M-D-O-F system is satisfied after ensemble averaging. Numerical examples of a 2-D-O-F nonlinear system are considered to demonstrate the reliability of the proposed technique by juxtaposing the semi-analytical results with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation data.
Thermodynamic stability of hexagonal and rhombohedral boron nitride under chemical vapor deposition conditions from van der Waals corrected first principles calculations
Authors: Pedersen Henrik , Alling Björn , Högberg Hans , Ektarawong Annop
Published: June 2019

Thin films of boron nitride (BN), particularly the sp2-hybridized polytypes hexagonal BN (h-BN) and rhombohedral BN (r-BN), are interesting for several electronic applications, given the bandgaps in the UV. They are typically deposited close to thermal equilibrium by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at temperatures and pressures in the regions 1400–1800 K and 1000–10 000 Pa, respectively. In this letter, the authors use the van der Waals corrected density functional theory and thermodynamic stability calculations to determine the stability of r-BN and compare it to that of h-BN as well as to cubic BN and wurtzitic BN. The authors find that r-BN is the stable sp2-hybridized phase at CVD conditions, while h-BN is metastable. Thus, their calculations suggest that thin films of h-BN must be deposited far from thermal equilibrium.
A boundary error sensing arrangement for virtual sound barriers to reduce noise radiation through openings
Authors: Wang Shuping , Tao Jiancheng , Qiu Xiaojun , Pan Jie
Published: June 2019

Previous work has demonstrated that sound radiation through a cavity opening can be reduced with secondary sources at the edge of the opening, but the error microphones are implemented over the entire opening, which might affect the natural ventilation, lighting, and especially the access through the opening in some applications. A boundary error sensing arrangement is proposed and investigated in this paper. It is found that a double-layer error microphone arrangement achieves better performance than a single-layer one. Although its performance is not as good as the arrangement with error microphones distributed over the entire opening, it is preferable in some applications because it does not block the opening. It is also found that there exists an upper-limit frequency for the systems with error microphones installed at the edge, which is related to the size of the opening and can be increased by adding more layers of error microphones at the edge. This work demonstrates the possibility of developing an almost invisible virtual sound barrier system that can block sound transmission through an opening without affecting its functionalities.
Bidirectional influence on L1 Spanish and L2 English stop perception: The role of L2 experience
Authors: Gorba Celia
Published: June 2019

Previous research found that second language (L2) experience may cause an interaction between first language (L1) and L2 categories. This study examines the effect of L2 experience on L1 and L2 stop perception. Three groups of Spanish learners of English varying in L2 experience completed a /p/-/b/ identification task—which included stimuli varying along a Voice Onset Time continuum—in each language. Results suggested that L2 experience improves the perception of L2 stops, but that it also affects L1 perception. Moreover, all groups appeared to have a shared L1-L2 category for bilabial stops, as perception patterns did not differ between languages.
Elite Athletes Coping With Depression: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lebrun Florence , MacNamara Áine , Collins Dave , Rodgers Sheelagh
Published: June 2019

Little is known about the coping strategies used by elite athletes suffering from mental health issues. Therefore, this study examined coping strategies implemented by elite athletes facing clinical depression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four elite athletes and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results present a broad picture of how elite athletes tried to cope with depression using a range of coping strategies. Among the different strategies highlighted, talking, seeking professional help and social support were particularly emphasized by the participants. Surprisingly, however, only one participant reported transferring the skills and strategies learned on her way to the top to many other aspects of her everyday life such as coping with her depression. Findings, therefore, suggest that athletes should be encouraged to transfer and make the most of the skills learned throughout their sport career to deal with their daily life. Future research perspectives and implications are discussed.
Monopodal Postural Stability Assessment by Wireless Inertial Measurement Units Through the Fast Fourier Transform
Authors: Pino-Ortega José , Hernández-Belmonte Alejandro , Gómez-Carmona Carlos D. , Bastida-Castillo Alejandro , García-Rubio Javier , Ibáñez Sergio J.
Published: June 2019

Objectives: (1) To describe the fast Fourier transform (FFT) multijoint as monopodal postural stability measurement in well-trained athletes, (2) to compare the within-subject FFT between laterality, joints, and body segments, and (3) to establish the within- and between-subject relationship between joints. Methods: Twelve national-level basketball players participated voluntarily in this investigation. The participants performed two 60-second repetitions of a monopodal stability test (1 repetition with each lower limb), separated by 3 minutes of active recovery. All tests were recorded by 4 WIMU PRO™ inertial devices located on the ankle, knee, lumbar spine, and thoracic spine. The main variable was total acceleration, where the FFT was applied. Results: The higher instability results were found in the ankle and in the nondominant lower limb (dominant = 1.131 [0.122] a.u. (arbitrary units); nondominant = 1.141 [0.172] a.u). In the body segment analysis, the greater percentage of differences (%diff) were shown between lumbar spine and knee in the dominant (%diff = −2.989%; d = 0.87) and nondominant (%diff = −3.243%; d = 0.90) lower limb. Finally, very large between-subjects variability was found in all joints and body segments. Conclusions: The described protocol is proposed for monopodal postural stability assessment, being useful to provide information about the stability of joints and the body segment between joints. Besides, a within-subject analysis is recommended, and the FFT calculation will enable a linear analysis of each test.
Is an Elastic Ankle Support Effective in Improving Jump Landing Performance, and Static and Dynamic Balance in Young Adults With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability?
Authors: John Cornelius , Stotz Andreas , Gmachowski Julian , Rahlf Anna Lina , Hamacher Daniel , Hollander Karsten , Zech Astrid
Published: June 2019

Context: In some patients, ankle sprains lead to chronic symptoms like pain or muscular weakness called chronic ankle instability (CAI). External ankle supports have shown to be effective in preventing sprains and reducing recurrence, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. As sensorimotor variables are associated with injury incidence, an influence of external ankle support on landing performance and balance seems plausible. Objective: To analyze the effects of an elastic ankle support on jump landing performance and static and dynamic balance in patients with CAI and healthy controls. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Functional tests in a laboratory setting. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty healthy students and 20 patients with CAI were included for study participation based on their scores in ankle stability and function questionnaires. Intervention: Healthy and CAI participants performed each test with and without an elastic ankle support. Main Outcome Measures: (1) Jump landing performance was measured with the Landing Error Scoring System, (2) static balance was assessed with the Balance Error Scoring System, and (3) dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the effects of the elastic ankle support on sensorimotor parameters. Results: Healthy controls performed significantly better in the Landing Error Scoring System (P = .01) and Y Balance Test anterior direction (P = .01). No significant effects of elastic ankle support on Landing Error Scoring System, Balance Error Scoring System, or Y Balance Test performance were observed in the CAI or control group. There were no significant group-by-ankle support interactions. Conclusions: In the current study, the acute use of elastic ankle support was ineffective for enhancing jump landing performance, and static and dynamic balance. Further research is needed to identify the underlying mechanisms of the preventive effects of elastic ankle support.
Clot permeability and histopathology: is a clot’s perviousness on CT imaging correlated with its histologic composition?
Authors: Benson John Charles , Fitzgerald Sean T , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Johnson Collin , Dai Daying , Karen Doyle , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: June 2019

Background

Clot perviousness in large vessel occlusion has been shown to be associated with improved recanalization outcomes with mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis.

Objective

To evaluate the association between clot perviousness based on thrombus attenuation increase (TAI) on CT, and histologic composition of clots in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients with AIS secondary to large vessel occlusion, non-contrast CT (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) images, and histologic analysis of the retrieved clot. TAI was measured by subtracting clot attenuation on NCCT from the attenuation on CTA. Up to 3 regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated on each clot; the average attenuation was used for analysis if multiple ROIs were assessed. Pervious clots were defined as TAI ≥10 Hounsfield units (HUs); impervious clots had TAI <10 HU. Histopathologic analyses of clots were assessed for relative compositions of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), fibrin, and platelets/other.

Results

57 patients were included. Pervious clots were more likely to be RBC rich (p=0.04); impervious clots were more likely to be fibrin and WBC rich (p=0.01 for both). Pervious clots also had greater RBC density than impervious clots (49.8% and 33.0%, respectively; p=0.006); fibrin density of pervious clots was lower than that of impervious clots (17.8% and 23.2%, respectively; p=0.02).

Conclusion

Clot perviousness, assessed on NCCT and CTA imaging, is associated with higher RBC density and lower fibrin density, offering a possible explanation for the higher rates of successful thrombectomy and favorable clinical outcome seen in such patients.
A high-salt meal does not augment blood pressure responses during maximal exercise
Authors: Migdal Kamila U. , Robinson Austin T. , Watso Joseph C. , Babcock Matthew C. , Serrador Jorge M. , Farquhar William B.
Published: June 2019

Augmented blood pressure (BP) responses during exercise are predictive of future cardiovascular disease. High dietary sodium (Na+) increases BP responses during static exercise. It remains unclear if high dietary Na+ augments BP responses during dynamic exercise. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an acute high-Na+ meal would augment BP responses during dynamic exercise. Twenty adults (10 male/10 female; age, 26 ± 5 years; BP, 105 ± 10/57 ± 6 mm Hg) were given a high-Na+ meal (HSM; 1495 mg Na+) and a low-Na+ meal (LSM; 138 mg Na+) separated by at least 1 week, in random order. Serum Na+ and plasma osmolality were measured. Eighty minutes following the meal, participants completed a graded-maximal exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer. Heart rate, beat-by-beat BP, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and manual BP were measured at rest and during exercise. Both serum Na+ (HSM: Δ1.6 ± 2.0 vs LSM: Δ1.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L, P = 0.0002) and plasma osmolality (HSM: Δ3.0 ± 4.5 vs LSM: Δ2.0 ± 4.2 mOsm/(kg·H2O), P = 0.01) were higher following the HSM. However, the HSM did not augment BP during peak exercise (systolic BP: HSM: 170 ± 23 vs LSM: 171 ± 21 mm Hg, P = 0.81). These findings suggest that an acute high-salt meal does not augment BP responses during dynamic exercise in adults.

Novelty The high-salt meal increased serum sodium and plasma osmolality compared with the low-salt meal. The high-salt meal did not augment blood pressure responses during maximal dynamic exercise. This is important as augmented blood pressure responses during exercise put individuals at greater risk for development of cardiovascular disease.
Applications of computed tomography (CT) scanning technology in forest research: a timely update and review
Authors: Beaulieu Jean , Dutilleul Pierre
Published: June 2019

Organic materials of woody plants are complex and show internal, structural, and morphological variations due to genetic and environmental influences. Variability can be observed in stems, branches, leaves, and roots. Nondestructive and noninvasive technologies have been proposed to assess this variability. Computed tomography (CT) scanning, originally designed for medical diagnostics, permits the measurement of wood properties in situ (e.g., wood density, moisture content, internal defects, annual growth) and crown traits that characterize branching pattern geometry and canopy space occupancy for small-sized trees. Since Wei et al.’s (2011, Can. J. For. Res. 41(11): 2120–2140, doi: 10.1139/x11-111 ) review on the assessment of wood quality for optimized manufacturing processes using a CT scanner, several important developments have occurred, motivating the preparation of an update. We provide technical clarifications about the scales of observation and resolution; report on recent studies in which CT scanning was applied with research objectives beyond wood quality assessment for an optimized manufacturing of forest products; and stress the importance of analytical procedures for the graphical and quantitative analyses of CT scanning data (images and numbers) and the need for specialized algorithms and software. With this review, readers are expected to be well informed of the avenues offered by CT scanning technology in forest research in general.
Optical Properties of Laterally Oriented Self-Assembled Monolayers of Silver Nanoplatelets on Cationic Polymers
Authors: Malakhovsky P. , Artemyev M.
Published: June 2019

Silver plasmonic nanoplatelets functionalized with sodium mercaptoethanesulfonate were electrostatically deposited onto thin films of cationic co-polymers to form a dense planar-oriented layer. We observed a linear dependence of the optical density of as-prepared films versus the amount of tertiary amino groups in the polymeric film. Our novel method allows direct examination of the optical properties and morphology of silver nanoplatelets in the same polymeric film.
Formation of Water-Soluble Au-Nanobiocomposite with Dielectric Matrix
Authors: Aleksandrova G. , Sukhov B. , Trofimov B.
Published: June 2019

Water-soluble potentially biocompatible Au-containing nanocomposites based on the natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan were prepared. They were investigated by electronic and infrared spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Stable zero-valence Au nanoparticles with an average particle size of 5–8[Formula: see text]nm are formed in the natural macromolecular matrix. The nanocomposites obtained are aggregatively stable and of interest for applications in medicine.
Predictive machine learning and data acquisition for power quality improvement in facts devices with optimum power flow control based on cross difference progression and coordination examining algorithm
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim A. , Karthikeyan C.
Published: June 2019

Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) present a decision to issue trouble relief for over-extended electric power transmission lines as a result of optimal power flow (OPF) by controlling. To keep away from conventional impacts among a few gadgets placed in a similar grid, an organized control is fundamental. To defeat the issues which happen in optimal power flow to actualize the cross difference progression and coordination inspects strategy, a supervisory controller giving difference progression power flow with numerous destinations is acquired for avoiding congestion, it gives secure transmission and farthest point dynamic power misfortunes. There is no information on gadgets that have been defined in this systematic control of Thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) and Thyristor controlled phase shifting Transformer (TCPST), static VAR compensator (SVC), all of these compensators providing efficient improvements and situations are described. Different optimization techniques are used as a part of the character to deal with the problem of OPF. In some experimental works, the upgrade method is used for finding out all of the fuel costs or the environmental pollution that occurs during the generation of energy. However, in some further research actions, FACTS controlled devices are used to develop the flow of electricity without considering the cost of electricity generation. While a specific end goal of using the FACTS control devices is to help optimize the congestion in the power system, it also aggregates the power loss which enhances the load capacity of the structure. The FACTS and its practical limitations are executed into the IEEE 30-bus test power framework and customized utilizing the Cross Difference Progression and Coordination Examining (CDP&CE) algorithm with MATLAB and the outcomes are given. Here, IoT-based data analytics is defined as the process, which is used to examine varied data from the bus system using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method, the results of which help to take the necessary decisions. The effect of FACTS gadgets is implemented on standard IEEE-30 transmission framework with supporting numerical outcomes by utilizing MATLAB Software.
Cosmological perfect fluids in Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Mantica Carlo Alberto , Molinari Luca Guido
Published: June 2019

In a [Formula: see text]-dimensional Friedmann–Robertson–Walker metric, it is rigorously shown that any analytical theory of gravity [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the curvature scalar and [Formula: see text] is the Gauss–Bonnet topological invariant, can be associated to a perfect-fluid stress–energy tensor. In this perspective, dark components of the cosmological Hubble flow can be geometrically interpreted.
A Build System for Software Development in Robotic Academic Collaborative Environments
Authors: Domenichelli Daniele E. , Traversaro Silvio , Muratore Luca , Rocchi Alessio , Nori Francesco , Natale Lorenzo
Published: June 2019

The software development cycle in the robotic research environment is hectic and heavily driven by project or paper deadlines. Developers have only little time available for packaging the C/C++ code they write, develop and maintain the build system and continuous integration tools.

Research projects are joint efforts of different groups working remotely and asynchronously. The typical solution is to rely on binary distributions and/or large repositories that compile all software and dependencies. This approach hinders code sharing and reuse and often leads to repositories whose inter-dependencies are difficult to manage.

Following many years of experience leading software integration in research projects, we developed YCM, a tool that supports our best practices addressing these issues. YCM is a set of CMake scripts that provides (1) build system support: to develop and package software libraries and components, and (2) superbuild deployment: to prepare and distribute sets of packages in source form as a single meta build. In this paper, we describe YCM and report on our experience adopting it as a tool for managing software repositories in large research projects.
Unifying logical and statistical AI with Markov logic
Authors: Domingos Pedro , Lowd Daniel
Published: June 2019

Markov logic can be used as a general framework for joining logical and statistical AI.
Excess membrane cholesterol is an early contributing reversible aspect of skeletal muscle insulin resistance in C57BL/6NJ mice fed a Western-style high-fat diet
Authors: Grice Brian A. , Barton Kelly J. , Covert Jacob D. , Kreilach Alec M. , Tackett Lixuan , Brozinick Joseph T. , Elmendorf Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2019

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance manifests shortly after high-fat feeding, yet mechanisms are not known. Here we set out to determine whether excess skeletal muscle membrane cholesterol and cytoskeletal derangement known to compromise glucose transporter (GLUT)4 regulation occurs early after high-fat feeding. We fed 6-wk-old male C57BL/6NJ mice either a low-fat (LF, 10% kcal) or a high-fat (HF, 45% kcal) diet for 1 wk. This HF feeding challenge was associated with an increase, albeit slight, in body mass, glucose intolerance, and hyperinsulinemia. Liver analyses did not reveal signs of hepatic insulin resistance; however, skeletal muscle immunoblots of triad-enriched regions containing transverse tubule membrane showed a marked loss of stimulated GLUT4 recruitment. An increase in cholesterol was also found in these fractions from HF-fed mice. These derangements were associated with a marked loss of cortical filamentous actin (F-actin) that is essential for GLUT4 regulation and known to be compromised by increases in membrane cholesterol. Both the withdrawal of the HF diet and two subcutaneous injections of the cholesterol-lowering agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin at 3 and 6 days during the 1-wk HF feeding intervention completely mitigated cholesterol accumulation, cortical F-actin loss, and GLUT4 dysregulation. Moreover, these beneficial membrane/cytoskeletal changes occurred concomitant with a full restoration of metabolic responses. These results identify skeletal muscle membrane cholesterol accumulation as an early, reversible, feature of insulin resistance and suggest cortical F-actin loss as an early derangement of skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
Spontaneous Diaphragmatic Rupture after Coughing: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fenner Hartwig , Memeti Elza , Taha Stephanie , Fornaro Jürgen , Scheiwiller Andreas , Metzger Jürg , Gass Markus
Published: June 2019

Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture (SDR) is a very rare surgical emergency. A possible explanation for SDR might be a sudden increase of intra-abdominal pressure due to intense coughing, physical exercise, vomiting, or delivery. A 66-year-old male patient presented with recurrent coughing, dyspnoea, and intermittent fever. Although initial CT scan was inconspicuous, a follow-up CT scan revealed SDR of the left hemidiaphragm with herniation of the left colonic flexure, stomach, and parts of the greater omentum. Emergency laparotomy confirmed SDR. The ruptured anterior-lateral part of the diaphragm was closed, and additionally, a composite mesh was applied to reinforce the suture line. A right-sided hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis had to be performed. SDR is a rarity and can cause exceptional clinical features that may lead to inaccurate diagnosis and therapeutic delay. Therefore, of paramount importance, medical practitioners need to be aware of this important differential diagnosis for spontaneous dyspnoea or tachypnea.
Rationales for the Use of Cancer Stem Cells Markers in the Staging of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Mahmood Noah Abd-Alkader , Tawfeeq Amer Talib , Al-Sudani Israa Mhdi , Abd-Alghni Zaynab Saad
Published: June 2019

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a standard procedure for the detection of thyroid nodules malignancy, yet 10-25% of the sample diagnosed may go undetermined or suspicious. The utility of cancer stem cell markers (CSCM) as a differential diagnosis molecular marker in nodules of suspicious decision in FNAB was hypothesized. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and thyroid fibroadenoma (TFA) samples were selected to test the hypothesis. The samples employed in this study were from patients who had thyroid hyperplasia and a suspicious or undetermined diagnosis by FNAB. The patient underwent a successful thyroidectomy at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad between January 2015 and December 2017. All nodule samples underwent a systematic histopathological examination after resection. Tumors diagnosed as PTC and those diagnosed as fibroadenoma (TFA) were selected for this study. Collectively 39 PTC and 11 TFA nodules were included. Quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine levels of mRNA and proteins of CSCM ALDH1A1, CD44, ABCG2, and Oct3/4 in both types of tumors were used. This study revealed that the expression levels of CSCM were significantly increased in PTC tissues when compared to benign tissues and the positive correlation was found between the CSCM expression levels and tumor stage, size, and gender. In conclusion, for a more precise diagnosis, we suggest these markers be included in what is currently available to characterize malignancy from what is not in thyroid cancer, as well as for the staging process of PTC.
Dynamic Pricing under Cost Reduction in the Presence of Myopic and Strategic Consumers
Authors: Liu Guangning , Guan Zhenzhong , Wang Hua
Published: June 2019

After release, a product usually suffers cost reductions during its whole lifespan. Compared to the myopic, strategic consumers may have stronger incentive to delay the purchase once they perceive that a significant cost reduction will result in a markdown. The strategic (compared to the myopic) properties influence the seller both quantitatively in terms of proportion of strategic consumers and qualitatively in terms of customer patience. To forecast the reaction of the whole market under cost reduction, it is necessary to acquire the strategic properties. In this paper, we study the impacts of proportion of strategic consumers, customer patience, and cost reduction on dynamic pricing strategy when cost reduction comes from technology advancement. The seller makes pricing strategies when facing unknown future cost, and the buyer makes purchase decisions when facing unknown future price. Our study shows that generally both higher strategic consumer proportion and customer patience contribute to a delay in sales. Further, profit diversion happens under great combination of strategic properties. In addition, with the increase of customer patience, not only strategic but also myopic consumers will buy less. Finally, the strategic properties moderate the pricing strategy in latter stage when there is a cost reduction. This indicates a threshold as combination of strategic properties, upon which seller tends to offer a smaller markdown to discourage strategic waiting, and under which seller tends to offer a greater markdown to divert strategic consumers to the latter period.
Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Tenenbaum Rachel , Agarwal Rumi , Cooke Marcus S. , Agrawal Mavara M. , Maddux Marlaina , Burke Shanna L.
Published: June 2019

Oxidative stress is understood to be involved in the ontology and maintenance of different developmental disabilities. Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been proposed to modify this relationship by affecting oxidative stress pathways. However, it is unclear which of these CAM therapies are used among children with different developmental disabilities. This study examines the use of these therapies among 10,218 children between the ages of 4 and 17 using the 2012 Child Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to highlight a potential avenue for intervention and prevention efforts. The results suggest that children with developmental disabilities are more likely to utilize particular CAM therapies that may alter oxidative stress pathways. Future work is needed to assess the potential moderating effect of these CAM therapies and oxidative stress levels among children with different developmental disabilities.
Types of Fluid Alteration and Developing Mechanism of Deep Marine Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Zhu Dongya , Liu Quanyou , Zhang Juntao , Ding Qian , He Zhiliang , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: June 2019

Accurate recognition of the types of alteration fluid and the development mechanisms are important concerns in studying deep marine carbonate reservoirs. Major fluid types, such as seawater, meteoric water, deep burial formation water, hydrothermal fluid, and thermochemical sulfate reduction- (TSR-) derived fluid, were identified based on carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotope compositions of many samples from the Tarim, Sichuan, and Ordos basins in China. Compared with normal marine limestones, seawater calcite cement has similar isotopic compositions. Calcite cement precipitated from meteoric water has extremely light oxygen isotope compositions, and its δ18OV-PDB reaches -18.8‰. Due to the fractionation of oxygen isotopes at high temperatures (101.2~145.6°C), calcite precipitated from deep burial formation water and deep hydrothermal fluid has moderately light oxygen isotope compositions. The TSR process consumes organic matter to produce CO2/CO32-, and the calcite from TSR-derived fluid has very light carbon isotopes (δ18OV-PDB, -18.9‰) due to the incorporation of organic CO2/CO32-. Formation water and TSR-derived fluid generally originate and are confined within the carbonates and are consequently termed endogenous fluids. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of calcite cements from endogenous fluids are basically the same as those of surrounding carbonates. Meteoric water and hydrothermal fluid originate outside the carbonate strata and are exogenous fluids. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of calcite cements from exogenous fluids are higher than those of surrounding carbonates, up to 0.710558. For karst carbonate reservoirs developed in tectonic uplift-meteoric water environments, the reservoir spaces of karst caves and fractures occur principally under and near unconformity surfaces and megacrystalline calcite cements occur below the karst zone. In deep fault-hydrothermal fluid environments, high-quality carbonate reservoirs develop downward into ultradeep strata. In deep burial-TSR-derived fluid environments, dissolution porosity can be well preserved for a long geological time due to high CO2 and H2S concentrations.
Power Indices in the Context of Social Learning Behaviour in Social Networks
Authors: Shi Ruili , Guo Chunxiang , Gu Xin
Published: June 2019

This paper puts forward the concept of integrated power, synthetically measures the voters’ ability to influence the results of decision-making by influencing others through social learning, considering the interactions between decision-makers in social networks, and offers a method for measuring integrated power. Based on the theory and model of social learning, we analyze the influence of social learning on the voting process and power indices from the perspective of individuals’ professional level, position within the social network structure, relationship closeness, and learning efficiency. A measurement model of integrated power is constructed, and the variation in integrated power compared with that of the Banzhaf index is analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that when the individual’s professional level is higher and closeness with neighboring decision-makers is greater, then the integrated power index is higher. An individual’s integrated power index may decrease when he/she changes from an isolated node to a nonisolated node, and then his/her integrated power will increase with the increases of neighbor nodes. Social learning efficiency can promote the integrated power of individuals with lower social impact and relationship closeness, but it is not beneficial for the core and influential members of the social network.
Comparison of TwoGinkgo bilobaL. Extracts on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Piazza Stefano , Pacchetti Barbara , Fumagalli Marco , Bonacina Fabrizia , Dell’Agli Mario , Sangiovanni Enrico
Published: June 2019

Atherosclerosis is characterized by interaction between immune and vascular endothelial cells which is mediated by adhesion molecules occurring on the surface of the vascular endothelium leading to massive release of proinflammatory mediators.Ginkgo bilobaL.(Ginkgoaceae) standardized extracts showing beneficial effects are commonly prepared by solvent extraction, and acetone is used according to the European Pharmacopoeia recommendations; the well-knownGinkgo bilobaacetone extract EGb761® is the most clinically investigated. However, in some countries, the allowed amount of solvent is limited to ethanol, thus implying that the usage of a standardizedGinkgo bilobaethanol extract may be preferred in all those cases, such as for food supplements. The present paper investigates if ethanol and acetone extracts, with comparable standardization, may be considered comparable in terms of biological activity, focusing on the radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. Both the extracts showed high inhibition of TNFα-induced VCAM-1 release (41.1-43.9 μg/mL), which was partly due to the NF-κB pathway impairment. Besides ROS decrease, cAMP increase following treatment with ginkgo extracts was addressed and proposed as further molecular mechanism responsible for the inhibition of endothelial E-selectin. No statistical difference was observed between the extracts. The present study demonstrates for the first time that ethanol and acetone extracts show comparable biological activities in human endothelial cell, thus providing new insights into the usage of ethanol extracts in those countries where restrictions in amount of acetone are present.
Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome at Different Intervention Time: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiayuan , Cao Liu , Wang Yunxia , Jin Yuxia , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2019

Background. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions with no standard modern therapeutic schedule. Some studies have reported the effects of acupuncture in treating PMS, but the intervention time varies. This review evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for patients with PMS and the appropriate time to initiate acupuncture therapy. The review has been registered on the “PROSPERO” website; the registration number is CRD42018109724. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was performed on 9 electronic databases from the time of inception to September 2018. RCTs studies on acupuncture for PMS compared with medication, sham acupuncture, or no treatment were included. Statistical analysis and investigation of heterogeneity source were carried out using RevMan5. 3. Results. A total of 15 studies, comprising of 1103 cases, were included. Overall, acupuncture significantly increased the effective rate of PMS compared with medicine and sham acupuncture. Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference among different intervention time to start acupuncture treatment. Among the acupoints involved in the treatment of PMS, SP6, LR3, and RN4 were the most commonly used. Conclusions. The current meta-analysis reveals that acupuncture leads to better effective rate, but the intervention time has no significant effect on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for PMS. SP6, LR3, and RN4 are the most commonly used acupoints in treating PMS. However, large-scale, case-control studies with rigorous designs are required to provide more accurate evidence.
Kounis Syndrome as First Manifestation of Allergic Sensitization
Authors: Forlani D. , Scarano G. , D’Alleva A. , Di Marco M. , Paloscia L. , Gatta A. , Della Valle L. , Farinelli A. , Lumaca A. , Petrarca C. , Paganelli R. , Di Giampaolo L. , Di Gioacchino M.
Published: June 2019

Mast cells are abundant in the heart, among myocardial fibers, around coronary arteries, within arterial intima and intramural vessels, and in atherosclerotic plaques. Their mediators can be released during anaphylaxis and be responsible for acute coronary syndrome. This condition has been described as Kounis syndrome (KS). We report three cases of acute myocardial ischemia, which fulfill the definition for KS. In Cases 1 and 2, the association of intense chest pain with acute urticaria after an allergenic contact (wasp sting and betalactam antibiotic administration, respectively) was suspected to be an attack of angina related to an allergic reaction. No signs of an allergic reaction were observed in Case 3, but only the history of a wasp sting suggested its relationship to loss of consciousness and heart ischemia when hypersensitivity to venom was ascertained. These cases strongly recommend measurement of anaphylactic biomarkers, such as tryptase, during acute coronary syndromes to detect the possible involvement of an allergic reaction. Conversely, measurement of cardiac biomarkers during anaphylaxis, even without obvious signs of myocardial ischemia, might identify patients at risk of myocardial injury.