bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can one or two simple questions predict poor medication adherence?
Authors: Stuart Bruce C. , Timmons Veronica , Loh Feng‐Hua E. , Dai Mingliang , Xu Jing
Published: March 2020

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Poor adherence to evidence‐based medications is a major problem in conventional clinical practise. Better prognostic tools are needed to identify those with the highest likelihood of being non‐adherent. The objective of this study is to determine if a 2‐item patient activation status (PAS) measure identifies Medicare beneficiaries at risk of poor adherence to drugs typically recommended in treating type 2 diabetes.

Methods

PAS and medication adherence were assessed for respondents to the 2009 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey and then compared using bivariate and multivariate tests. Participants' PAS was classified as “active,” “high effort,” “complacent,” or “passive” based on how confident they were in identifying needed medical care and whether they brought medication lists to their doctors' visits. Adherence with oral antidiabetic drugs, angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and statins was assessed using proportion of days covered (PDC).

Results

A total of 940 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes enrolled in Part D plans in 2009. The overall effect of PAS on medication adherence was small (3% lower PDC for complacent/passive vs active/high effort beneficiaries, P < 0.10). However, interactions of complacent/passive PAS with other characteristics associated with poor adherence identified certain subgroups as especially prone to problematic adherence: age < 65 (PDC −11%, P < 0.05), non‐Hispanic black (PDC −13%, P < 0.05), and morbidly obese (−9%, P < 0.10).

Conclusion

A single question relating to taking medication lists to doctor visits may help identify patient subgroups prone to poor adherence in conventional practise, but larger samples are necessary to validate and extend these findings.
Development of near‐infrared online grading device for long jujube
Authors: Wang Ancheng , Sheng Ren , Li Huanhuan , Agyekum Akwasi Akomeah , Hassan Md Mehedi , Chen Quansheng
Published: March 2020

Aims

Soluble solids content (SSC) is an essential indicator for evaluating the internal quality of fresh jujube, which can be used to classify the quality grade of fresh jujube.

Methods

In this study, SSC was determined as the research index of the internal quality in Lingwu long jujube to classify their quality grade. The online rapid nondestructive grading device for jujube quality was designed, including the design of the hardware system and a software system. The performance of the device was evaluated by additional samples.

Results

By grading external samples, the correct rate of classification of SSC was 86.7% (the first, second, and third grade were 100, 85.7, and 71.4%, respectively), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD) value of optimal model was 2.8 (>2.5).

Conclusions

The acquired results revealed that, the device could be used in production.

Practical Applications

In this study, we developed an online nondestructive sugar grading device for fresh jujubes, including the design of hardware systems, the development of software systems. NIR spectroscopy technique coupled with chemometric selection method of characteristic variables were used to build a prediction model for SSC in fresh jujubes. In addition, the model and device were evaluated by external samples, the accuracy of the result was high, and it could be used for the grading of the sugar content of fresh jujube and could potentially extend the quality parameter grading applied to other fruit. This study provided the basis for the development of nondestructive rapid grading system related to the quality of fruit and vegetable.
To move or not to move: How farmers now living in flood storage areas of China decide whether to move out or to stay put
Authors: Wang Na , Shi Guoqing , Zhou Xiang
Published: March 2020

The living and production of large populations in flood storage areas (FSAs) is a common phenomenon in China. Such a situation inevitably produces a contradiction between flood potential and development, which may be solved by resettlement. Resettlement in FSAs with Chinese characteristics is an important means of flood risk management by the government. Based on a questionnaire survey, this paper analyses the factors influencing the resettlement decision‐making process of farmer households' in FSAs using a logistic regression. The findings suggest that the location of the resettlement, resettlement subsidies, and rationality of the subsidy policy have the most significant positive effect. The government should take measures to encourage farmers to resettle, so as to accelerate resettlement progress.
Optimizing Retention in a Pragmatic Trial of Community‐Living Older Persons: The STRIDE Study
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , McGloin Joanne M. , Shelton Amy , Bianco Luann M. , Skokos Eleni A. , Latham Nancy K. , Ganz David A. , Nyquist Linda V. , Wallace Robert B. , Carnie Martha B. , Dykes Patricia C. , Goehring Lori A. , Doyle Margaret , Charpentier Peter A. , Greene Erich J. , Araujo Katy L.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

The Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders (STRIDE) study is testing the effectiveness of a multifactorial intervention to prevent serious fall injuries. Our aim was to describe procedures that were implemented to optimize participant retention; report retention yields by age, sex, clinical site, and follow‐up time; provide reasons for study withdrawals; and highlight the successes and lessons learned from the STRIDE retention efforts.

DESIGN

Pragmatic cluster randomized trial.

SETTING

A total of 86 primary care practices within 10 US healthcare systems.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5451 community‐living persons, 70 years of age or older, at high risk for serious fall injuries.

MEASUREMENTS

Study outcomes were collected every 4 months by a central call center. Reconsent was required to extend follow‐up beyond the originally planned 36 months.

RESULTS

Over a median follow‐up of 3.2 years (interquartile range = 2.8‐3.7 y), 439 (8.1%) participants died and 600 (11.0%) withdrew their consent or did not reconsent to extend follow‐up beyond 36 months, yielding rates (per 100 person‐years) of deaths and withdrawals of 2.6 and 3.6, respectively. The withdrawal rate increased with advancing age, was comparable for men and women, and did not differ much by clinical site. The most common reasons for withdrawal were illness and unable to contact for reconsent at 36 months. Completion of the follow‐up interviews was greater than 93% at each time point. Most participants completed all (71.8%) or all but one (9.2%) of the follow‐up interviews. The most common reason for not completing a follow‐up interview was unable to contact, with rates ranging from 2.8% at 40 months to 4.6% at 20 months.

CONCLUSION

Completion of the thrice‐yearly follow‐up interviews in STRIDE was high, and retention of participants over 44 months exceeded the original projections. The procedures used in STRIDE, together with lessons learned, should assist other investigators who are planning or conducting large pragmatic trials of vulnerable older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1242–1249, 2020.
Cancers associated with extraovarian endometriosis at less common/rare sites: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Mandai Masaki , Osuga Yutaka , Hirata Tetsuya , Enomoto Takayuki , Nakai Hidekatsu , Honda Ritsuo , Taniguchi Fuminori , Katabuchi Hidetaka
Published: March 2020

Aim

Endometriosis mostly affects the ovary but can also be present outside of the ovary including the pelvic peritoneum, intestine, urinary tract and lung. In case of ovarian endometriotic cyst, an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially of clear cell and endometrioid histology, has been reported. However, because of the rarity, cancer occurrence from endometriosis at less common sites/rare sites is poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide survey on the less common/rare site endometriosis in 3539 authorized facilities in Japan. We requested to complete a case report form for each case, including information on the history of endometriosis, treatment for endometriosis, type of surgery, involved site(s) of cancer and endometriosis, histology of cancer, chemotherapy and outcome.

Results

Out of 1397 confirmed cases of less common/rare site endometriosis, 11 cases of rare site endometriosis‐associated cancer (RSEAC) were reported: seven of them were associated with intestinal endometriosis, three were associated with urinary tract endometriosis and one was associated with umbilical endometriosis. Interestingly, the histology was endometrioid in seven (64%) cases, and serous, seromucinous borderline, clear cell and mucinous in one case each (10%), differing from the case of ovarian endometriosis‐associated cancer, in which clear cell carcinoma are more common.

Conclusion

Our nationwide survey on RSEAC has revealed that: (i) the incidence of malignant transformation may be lower than ovarian endometriosis, (ii) malignant transformation from endometriosis outside the abdominal cavity may be extremely rare and (iii) the histology of RSEAC is predominantly endometrioid type, suggesting an association of a hormonal effect.
Effect of benzylpenicillin on intravenous pharmacokinetics of acyclovir in red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: D. Corum Duygu , Corum Orhan , Atik Orkun , E. Faki Hatice , Altan Feray , Uney Kamil
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of benzylpenicillin on the pharmacokinetics of acyclovir in red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Six clinically healthy red‐eared slider turtles weighing 400 and 580 g were used for the study. Acyclovir (40 mg/kg) and benzylpenicillin (30 mg/kg) were administered intravenously to turtles. In the study, the cross‐pharmacokinetic design (2 × 2) with a 30‐day washout period was performed in two periods. Plasma concentrations of acyclovir were assayed using the high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by two‐compartment open pharmacokinetic model. Following the administration of acyclovir alone, elimination half‐life (t1/2β), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), total clearance (ClT), and volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss) were 20.12 hr, 1,372 hr * µg/mL, 0.03 L hr−1 kg−1, and 0.84 L/kg, respectively. Benzylpenicillin administration increased t1/2β, AUC, and Vdss while decreased ClT of acyclovir. These results showed that benzylpenicillin changed the pharmacokinetics of acyclovir following simultaneous administration in turtles. However, further research is needed to determine molecular mechanism of interaction in turtle.
Plant carbohydrate‐active enzymes in bamboo Neosinocalamus affinis: identification, classification and function in lignocellulose biosynthesis in herbivore defence
Authors: Li Yuan‐Qiu , Lei Lu , Nong Xiang , Tang Hao , Luo Chao‐Bing
Published: March 2020

Neosinocalamus affinis, a type of cluster bamboo, is a good candidate feedstock for biomass energy. In this study, we identified 686 genes as members of CAZyme families in the N. affinis transcriptome. These genes included 222 glycoside hydrolases (GHs), 288 glycosyltransferases (GTs), 64 carbohydrate esterases (CEs), 70 auxiliary activities (AAs), 37 carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) and five polysaccharide lyases (PLs). Expression profile analysis revealed that several CAZyme genes, particularly GT, GH, AA and CE family members, were up‐regulated after insect infestation. Lignocellulose assays showed that the contents of three components, namely, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, increased after insect infestation. CAZyme genes were abundant in the N. affinis transcriptome and were involved in herbivory response. These findings could be applied to the protection of bamboo against herbivores, such as the bamboo snout beetle Cyrtotrachelus buqueti, and in the development of low‐cost chemical feedstock from bamboo.
Chamaelirium shimentaiense (Melanthiaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China
Authors: Tong Yi‐Hua , Li Yuan‐Qiu , Guo Guo‐Xin , Dai Ke‐Yuan , Zeng Yang‐Jin , He Chun‐Mei
Published: March 2020

Chamaelirium shimentaiense (Melanthiaceae), a new species from Shimentai Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China is described. This species is similar to C. shiwandashanense and C. viridiflorum in having actinomorphic flowers with six tepals and unilocular anthers, but is easily distinguished from them by its strongly undulate leaf blades with crispulate margins and inconspicuous venation, purplish tepals with a slightly broadened and obtuse apex, and purple‐tinged filaments. The infrageneric assignment of this species is discussed and a color plate is provided.
Impact of mechanical circulatory support on survival in pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Marcos‐Alonso Sonia , Gil Nuria , García‐Guereta Luis , Albert Dimpna , Tejero María Ángeles , Perez‐Villa Félix , Gómez Bueno Manuel , Blasco Peiró Teresa , Cano Ana , Díaz Molina Beatriz , Rangel Sousa Diego
Published: March 2020

Evidence on the impact of MCS on pediatric heart transplant survival is still scarce related to congenital heart disease patients including univentricular physiology as well as the risk factors for complications. We performed a retrospective review of all urgent pediatric (aged ≤16 years) HT from 2004 to 2014 in the Spanish Pediatric Heart Transplant Registry Group. Patients were stratified into two groups: urgent 0 (MCS at HT) and urgent 1 (non‐MCS at HT). The primary outcome measure was post‐transplant survival; secondary outcome measures were complications and absence of infections and rejection during the first post‐transplant year. One hundred twenty‐one pediatric patients underwent urgent HT, 58 (47.9%) urgent 0 and 63 (52%) urgent 1. There were 30 (24.8%) deaths: 12 in the urgent 0 group and 18 in the urgent 1 group, P = n.s. Regarding the type of MCS, patients on ECMO had the highest rate of complications (80%) and mortality (40%). Patients in the urgent 1 group showed a higher risk of hospital re‐admission for infection during the first year after transplantation (OR 2.31 [1.1‐4.82]), P = .025. We did not identify a risk factor for mortality. MCS does not impact negatively on survival after HT. However, there is a significant increase in 30‐day and 1‐year mortality and complications in ECMO patients compared with VAD patients. Infants, congenital heart disease, and PediMACS were not found to be risk factors for mortality.
Life history traits and trade‐offs between two species of the ascochyta blight disease complex of pea
Authors: Dutt Agathe , Andrivon Didier , Jumel Stéphane , Le Roy Gwenola , Baranger Alain , Leclerc Melen , Le May Christophe
Published: March 2020

Plant disease complexes are a playground to investigate coinfections in natural or cultivated systems. Pathogens of such complexes may affect each other through direct and/or indirect interactions and lead to changes in virulence or aggressiveness, offspring production, and transmission. As coinfections by sympatric host‐pathogens can strongly influence pathogen dynamics and their evolutionary trajectories, new insights into the mechanisms of their coexistence is thus of critical importance. In order to characterize differences in ecological niches liable to explain species coexistence on the same host, the inter‐ and intraspecific diversity of the life history traits in natural collections of the two main pathogens (Peyronellaea (formerly Didymella) pinodes [Dp] and Phoma medicaginis var. pinodella [Pmp]) of the ascochyta blight disease complex of pea was evaluated under controlled conditions. Dp strains developed 1.3 times faster and produced longer, mainly bicellular spores and in lower amounts (3.7 times less) than Pmp strains. Pmp strains were separated into two groups, one producing more pycnidiospores, mainly bicellular, with less resources, and the other with mainly unicellular ones. These three groups can be interpreted as three distinct life history strategies: pioneer colonizer (Dp), scavenger (large‐spored Pmp), and intermediate (small‐spored Pmp), allowing differentiation in access to and use of resources. While this experimental work provides new insight into coexistence of two species of the ascochyta blight disease complex of pea, it also raises the question of the benefit of having two distinct life history strategies for one species (Pmp).
The Bully in the Pulpit
Authors: Edwards George C.
Published: March 2020

Both the tone and substance of Donald Trump's public rhetoric are far beyond the norms of the presidency. In this article, I discuss prominent characteristics of the president's public discourse—including branding and delegitimizing opponents, fueling fear, prevaricating, and stoking divisions—and their consequences for both the president's attempts at leadership and the polity as a whole. I find that Trump's public discourse has diminished his ability to govern and has also been deleterious for American democracy.
Quality of life in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease: the moderator role of family variables and coping strategies from the patients' perspective
Authors: Lima Sara , Sevilha Solange , Pereira M. Graça
Published: March 2020

Aim

This study assessed the effects of sociodemographic and psychological variables on quality of life (QOL), as well as the moderator role of family variables and coping strategies in the relationship between psychological morbidity and QOL, based on patients' perspective.

Methods

This study used a cross‐sectional design. A total of 158 patients with early Alzheimer's disease completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, the Family Satisfaction Scale, the Family Communication Scale, the Barthel Index, and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease Scale.

Results

Being a man, having a higher education, and engaging in more exercise activity were associated with better QOL. Lower levels of cognitive impairment, psychological morbidity, and spirituality predicted better QOL. Also, lower levels of functionality, family communication, family satisfaction, and family functioning contributed to worse QOL. Gender, psychological morbidity, and functionality contributed significantly to QOL. Family satisfaction, family communication, and coping strategies moderated the relationship between psychological morbidity and QOL.

Conclusion

Intervention in early‐stage Alzheimer's disease should focus on patients' coping strategies and family context, particularly family satisfaction and communication, to foster QOL.
Hiring new key inventors to improve firms’ post‐M&A inventive output
Authors: Arroyabe Marta F. , Hussinger Katrin , Hagedoorn John
Published: March 2020

Although merger and acquisitions (M&As) are acknowledged as an important means to access innovative assets and know‐how, firms’ inventive output often declines in the post‐M&A period. Financial, managerial and organizational constraints related to the M&A event contribute to inventive output declines and inventors’ departure. Prior literature treats the acquiring firm as a passive observer of invention declines. This study argues that acquiring firms can take measures by hiring new key inventors. We show that the hiring of new key inventors in the post‐M&A period can counteract invention declines in two ways. First, these newly hired inventors are associated with an increase of corporate inventive output after the M&A. Second, they are also associated with an improved inventive output of inventors already working for the acquiring firm. These results suggest that an appropriate hiring policy can counteract the declining inventive output of firms in the aftermath of M&As.
Clinical side effects of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Ghadiri Maliheh , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: March 2020

CPAP is considered the gold standard treatment in OSA and is highly efficacious in controlling OSA symptoms. However, treatment effectiveness is limited because of many factors including low adherence due to side effects. This review highlights the range of side effects associated with CPAP therapy in patients with OSA. This information is important for the initiation of patients onto CPAP as well as their continued care while on treatment, given the increase in non‐medically supervised CPAP care models in use globally.
The novel HLA‐A*68:227 allele, identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Saudi individual
Authors: Jawdat Dunia , Fakhoury Hana A. , Cereb Nezih , Alaskar Ahmed S. , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: March 2020

HLA‐A*68:227 differs from HLA‐A*68:84 by two single nucleotide substitutions in codon 10 and 90.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements Using Machine Learning
Authors: Garcia Caleb , Facundo Ludivina , Baltazar Arturo , Treesatayapun Chidentree
Published: March 2020

Thickness measurements using an ultrasonic contact test is a well-known nondestructive evaluation technique. However, its implementation in a robotic system with a closed-loop feedback control for artificial intelligent measurements requires precise information of positioning and force of the ultrasonic probe. In this work, we describe an ultrasonic probe developed in our lab that uses a semispherical soft membrane made from an elastomer. The aim is to develop a methodology for precise positioning and force control of a dry contact ultrasonic probe based on the ultrasonic signal information processed using sparse matrix optimization and Fourier analysis techniques. The results show that the proposed methodology makes easy to achieve a fine tuning of the probe orientation with high sensitivity to load and misalignment in order to perform accurate thickness measurements.
Development of a Geothermal-Based Integrated Plant for Generating Clean Hydrogen and Other Useful Commodities
Authors: Yuksel Yunus Emre , Ozturk Murat , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: March 2020

In this study, geothermal energy is considered as a renewable energy source to finally provide various useful outputs such as electricity, hydrogen, fresh and hot water, drying, heating, and cooling. In this regard, a new geothermal power-based multigenerational system is proposed to meet these demands in an environmentally benign manner and studied thermodynamically by considering energy and exergy approaches and investigating parametrically. A combination of geothermal energy is used to achieve the most promising hydrogen generation rates and high plant performances. The results of this study indicate that the energy and exergy efficiency values of the entire plant for the selected operating conditions become 38.41% and 42.57%. In addition to the thermodynamic analysis performed, numerous parametric studies are performed to reveal how operating conditions and state parameters affect the overall system performance. According to the parametric analyses results, for given ranges, an increase in ambient temperature, separator working temperature, geothermal fluid temperature, and geothermal fluid mass flowrate have positive impact on both energy and exergy efficiency of the integrated system and useful products generation rate as well.
A Numerical Study to Investigate the Effect of Syngas Composition and Compression Ratio on the Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Syngas-Fueled HCCI Engine
Authors: Ali Kabbir , Kim Changup , Lee Yonggyu , Oh Seungmook , Kim Kiseong
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this work is to investigate syngas composition (of constituents H2, CO, and CO2) and compression ratio (CR) effects on the combustion and emissions characteristics of a syngas-fueled homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine, which operates in very lean air–fuel mixture conditions for power plant usage. Investigations were conducted using ansys forte cfd package at low (3 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)) and medium (5 bar IMEP) loads, and the calculated results were compared with the Aceves et al.’s multi-zone HCCI model, using the same chemical kinetics set (Gas Research Institute (GRI)-Mech3.0). All calculations were carried out at maximum brake torque (MBT) conditions by sweeping the air–fuel mixture temperature at intake valve closing (IVC) (TIVC).This study found out that the H2 consumption rate is slightly high in a low-temperature range in the early period of combustion while the CO consumption rate is high in a high-temperature range in the later period of combustion. The results reveal that the change of H2 /CO ratio and inert gas volume fraction according to fuel composition affects combustion, but the TIVC is the dominant factor affecting combustion phasing at MBT conditions. For each fuel and load condition, the TIVC was significantly reduced with the increase of CR (17.1–22.3) to get MBT conditions, which causes to retard combustion phasing and lowers in-cylinder peak temperature. The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions reduced with increasing the CR due to the lowering of the in-cylinder peak temperature.
Capturing the Dynamic Stall in H-Type Darrieus Wind Turbines Using Different URANS Turbulence Models
Authors: Jain Siddhant , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: March 2020

The occurrence of dynamic stall phenomenon in an H-type Darrieus wind turbine with low tip speed ratio (TSR) has been numerically investigated on a single-bladed rotor with NACA 0012 airfoil. The Reynolds number (Re) ∼105 at TSR = 2 implicates complex turbulence environment around the blades of the turbine modeling which still remains a challenging problem. Thus, with a motivation to find out a suitable turbulence model to capture the dynamic stall, a comparative study is carried out between three unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) models: Spalart–Allmaras (S-A), shear stress transport (SST) k–ω, and transition SST (TSST). It was found that the TSST model predicted the dynamic stall phenomenon the earliest, whereas, the S-A model predicted it the latest. The transitional phenomenon like formation and bursting of the laminar separation bubble (LSB) was best predicted by the TSST model. However, the TSST overpredicts the turbulent boundary layer (BL) roll up from the trailing edge (TE) toward the leading edge (LE). The percentage difference in the power coefficient (Cp) values with respect to the TSST accounted to 16.67% and 60% higher for SST k–ω and S-A models, respectively. The S-A model delays the torque coefficient (Ct) peak prediction by 5 deg and 11 deg azimuthal angle compared with SST k–ω and TSST models, respectively. Overall, it was found that the transitional aspect in TSST model is important in predicting the light stall regime; however, in the deep stall regime SST k–ω model performed well too.
Supporting Household Waste Sorting Practices by Addressing Information Gaps
Authors: Rasmussen Mikkel Bayard , Pagels Kelvin Østergaard , Ramanujan Devarajan
Published: March 2020

The Danish government has outlined a target of recycling 50% of total household waste by the year 2022 and transitioning to a circular economy in the future. Improving household waste sorting is an important consideration toward achieving this goal. This paper focuses on understanding existing waste sorting practices among Danish residents. We conducted a preliminary survey (N = 180) that assessed preference for sorting strategies and the types of waste sorted. Following this, a more detailed survey was conducted (N = 357) that assessed residents’ motivation to sort household waste, knowledge of local sorting requirements, information gaps that prevent effective sorting, and need for specific features in a mobile application. Results show that over one-third of respondents felt they needed additional waste sorting information. Respondents had fewer inaccuracies disposing items within a single waste stream (e.g., electronics waste) compared to items with mixed waste streams (e.g., milk carton with a plastic cap). Based on these findings, we propose the design of a mobile application that can potentially support household waste sorting in Denmark.
Calibration and Balancing of Multiple Tuned Mass Absorbers for Damping of Coupled Bending-Torsion Beam Vibrations
Authors: Hoffmeyer David , Høgsberg Jan
Published: March 2020

For damping of fully coupled beam vibrations, a three-component tuned mass absorber is proposed, consisting of two translational and a single-rotational absorber, which together target a specific vibration mode. The representation of the interaction with residual nonresonant vibration modes is consistently included by two supplemental terms in the absorber equation, calibrated by frequency matching with the full structural model for vanishing absorber damping. The absorber tuning directly includes these residual terms without approximation when the underlying modal representation is based on the vibration form with absorber masses rigidly attached to the structure. It is demonstrated that the desired damping behavior requires nonhomogeneous absorber balancing, obtained by an approximate method for the relative sizing of each absorber mass.
Shear Layer Interactions With Fluid–Fluid Interface in the Wake of an Elliptical Cylinder
Authors: Khandelwal Prashant , Subburaj Rahul , Vengadesan S.
Published: March 2020

In this study, wake of an elliptic cylinder is analyzed in the presence of a fluid–fluid interface. The interactions between the interface and flow affect each other and hence different wake dynamics and interface topologies are observed. The numerical solver developed for this study has immersed boundary method (IBM) coupled with level-set method (LSM). The proximity of the elliptical cylinder to the interface (H/D), Froude number (Fr), and angle of incidence (AOI) are the parameters considered. Three different Froude number regimes are considered for this study, namely, subcritical (Fr < 1), critical (Fr = 1.0), and supercritical (Fr >1) regime. In this paper, the interface topology, wake dynamics, and force values are compared for the variation of these parameters.
Numerical Simulation of Ultrasonic-Assisted Grinding Surfaces With Fast Fourier Transform
Authors: Li Lin , Tang Jinyuan , Wen Yuqin , Zhu Caichao
Published: March 2020

Numerical simulation of three-dimensional rough surfaces based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) is revisited. A more systematic approach, which is an extension of the current FFT-based simulation models, is proposed to approach surface reconstruction. Moreover, the simulation of the surfaces with machining signature by prescribing the parameters, take ultrasonic-assisted grinding as an example, has been taken as the research focus for the first time. The effectiveness is tested by three cases of simulation examples. Excepting the surface with exponential autocorrelation function, the simulation of surfaces with grinding machining marks is considered both by prescribing the theory autocorrelation function and by measuring a small area as a sample. The results show that the proposed method has great potential in engineering applications.
Perceived Course Rigor in Sport Management: Class Level, Course Grades, and Student Ratings
Authors: Johnson James E. , Turick Robert M. , Dalgety Michael F. , Walker Khirey B. , Klosterman Eric L. , Eicher Anya T.
Published: March 2020

Higher education in the United States, and sport management in particular, has faced contemporary attacks for its perceived lack of academic rigor. To investigate these criticisms, this study examined 830 students enrolled in 69 semester-long courses across four consecutive years in a single sport management program to measure perceived course rigor and its relationship to overall course ratings, course grades, and course level. Seven rigor questions were added to existing student ratings and distributed at the end of each semester. A factor analysis strongly supported the conceptualization of rigor utilized in the study. Pearson correlations indicated that student ratings and rigor were positively related. An ordinary least squares multiple regression also revealed that overall student ratings and course grades significantly aid in predicting course rigor. Pragmatically, the results suggest that sport management students appreciate rigorous courses and that faculty should strive to include elements of rigor into their courses without fear of retributional bias on student ratings.
How to run 50% faster without external energy
Authors: Sutrisno Amanda , Braun David J.
Published: March 2020

The hidden potential of human performance augmentation via unpowered robotic exoskeletons.
Slow slip source characterized by lithological and geometric heterogeneity
Authors: Barnes Philip M. , Wallace Laura M. , Saffer Demian M. , Bell Rebecca E. , Underwood Michael B. , Fagereng Ake , Meneghini Francesca , Savage Heather M. , Rabinowitz Hannah S. , Morgan Julia K. , Kitajima Hiroko , Kutterolf Steffen , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Engelmann de Oliveira Christie H. , Noda Atsushi , Crundwell Martin P. , Shepherd Claire L. , Woodhouse Adam D. , Harris Robert N. , Wang Maomao , Henrys Stuart , Barker Daniel H.N. , Petronotis Katerina E. , Bourlange Sylvain M. , Clennell Michael B. , Cook Ann E. , Dugan Brandon E. , Elger Judith , Fulton Patrick M. , Gamboa Davide , Greve Annika , Han Shuoshuo , Hüpers Andre , Ikari Matt J. , Ito Yoshihiro , Kim Gil Young , Koge Hiroaki , Lee Hikweon , Li Xuesen , Luo Min , Malie Pierre R. , Moore Gregory F. , Mountjoy Joshu J. , McNamara David D. , Paganoni Matteo , Screaton Elizabeth J. , Shankar Uma , Shreedharan Srisharan , Solomon Evan A. , Wang Xiujuan , Wu Hung-Yu , Pecher Ingo A. , LeVay Leah J. ,   IODP Expedition 372 Scientists
Published: March 2020

Slow slip events on subduction megathrusts are linked to subduction of rough crust and heterogeneous fault rock properties.
Streptavidin/biotin: Tethering geometry defines unbinding mechanics
Authors: Sedlak Steffen M. , Schendel Leonard C. , Gaub Hermann E. , Bernardi Rafael C.
Published: March 2020

Single-molecule force spectroscopy reveals how the mechanical stability of a widely used biomolecular complex varies fourfold.
Irradiated tumor cell–derived microparticles mediate tumor eradication via cell killing and immune reprogramming
Authors: Wan Chao , Sun Yajie , Tian Yu , Lu Lisen , Dai Xiaomeng , Meng Jingshu , Huang Jing , He Qianyuan , Wu Bian , Zhang Zhanjie , Jiang Ke , Hu Desheng , Wu Gang , Lovell Jonathan F. , Jin Honglin , Yang Kunyu
Published: March 2020

By mimicking the RIBE machinery, we provided an indirect radiotherapy approach based on RT-MP for eradication of MPE in mice.
Improving the energy economy of human running with powered and unpowered ankle exoskeleton assistance
Authors: Witte Kirby A. , Fiers Pieter , Sheets-Singer Alison L. , Collins Steven H.
Published: March 2020

Optimized assistance from powered ankle exoskeletons reduces energy cost during running, whereas spring-like assistance is ineffective.
Wireless monitoring in the ICU
Authors: Kanakry Christopher G.
Published: March 2020

Monitoring of critically ill children can be improved by a soft, flexible wireless device that generates accurate, comprehensive, and continuous data.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas putida Strain TS312, Harboring an HdtS-Type
N
-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Synthase, Isolated from a Paper Mill
Authors: Hosoe Ayaka , Suenaga Toshikazu , Sugi Takumi , Iizumi Taro , Nagai Naohiro , Terada Akihiko
Published: March 2020

We report the complete genome sequence of
Pseudomonas putida
strain TS312, in the class of
Gammaproteobacteria
. The strain, isolated from a paper mill, harbors the
hdtS
gene, encoding
N
-acyl-homoserine lactone synthase. Deciphering the genome contributes to revealing the mechanisms of quorum sensing and associated biofilm formation in engineered systems.
Salmonella enterica subsp.
arizonae
Isolated from a Canine Clinical Case of Prostatitis
Authors: Krath Mary L. , Little Sara V. , Hillhouse Andrew E. , Lawhon Sara D.
Published: March 2020

This is an announcement for the genome sequence of a clinical isolate of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
arizonae
isolated from the urine and prostate of a 6-year-old male Labrador retriever. This is one of the few reports of a
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
arizonae
isolate cultured from canine urine.
Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfurobacterium thermolithotrophum Strain HR11, a Novel Thermophilic Autotrophic Subspecies from a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent
Authors: Holden James F. , Bardwell Collin P. , Kashyap Srishti
Published: March 2020

Desulfurobacterium
sp. strain HR11 was isolated from a hydrothermal vent on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. We present the 1.55-Mb genome sequence of HR11, which contains 1,624 putative protein-coding sequences. Overall genome relatedness index analyses indicate that HR11 is a novel subspecies of
D. thermolithotrophum
.
Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfovibrio sulfodismutans ThAc01, a Heterotrophic Sulfur-Disproportionating Member of the
Desulfobacterota
Authors: Ward Lewis M. , Bertran Emma , Johnston David T.
Published: March 2020

Here, we describe the genome of
Desulfovibrio sulfodismutans
ThAc01, a
Desulfobacterota
member first isolated from freshwater mud and the first strain reported to be capable of growth via sulfur disproportionation. As such, this genome expands our understanding of the diversity of sulfur-disproportionating microorganisms.
Serum vitamin K1associated to microangiopathy and/or macroangiopathy in individuals with and without diabetes
Authors: Bøgh Andersen Ida , Brasen Claus Lohman , Nasimi Hashmatullah , Stougård Maria , Bliddal Mette , Green Anders , Schmedes Anne , Brandslund Ivan , Madsen Jonna Skov
Published: March 2020

Objective

Vitamin K has proposed beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. We investigated whether serum vitamin K1was associated with prevalence of microangiopathy and/or macroangiopathy.

Research design and methods

Serum vitamin K was quantified in 3239 individuals with and 3808 without diabetes enrolled in Vejle Diabetes Biobank (2007–2010). Each individual was assessed for microangiography and macroangiopathy at enrollment based on registered diagnoses in the Danish National Patient Registry according to the International Classification of Disease 8 (1977–1993) and 10 (since 1994). Using multinomial logistic regression, relative risk ratios (RRRs) were calculated within each group of individuals with and without diabetes. RRRs were estimated for microangiopathic/macroangiopathic status compared with individuals without complications as a function of 1 nmol/L increments in K1. Adjustment for potential confounders was also performed.

Results

Vitamin K1(median) varied 0.86–0.95 nmol/L depending on diabetes, microangiopathic and macroangiopathic status. In individuals with diabetes, the crude RRR for only having microangiopathy was 1.05 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.12) and was found significant when adjusting 1.10 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.19). RRR for having only macroangiopathy was 0.89 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.03) and was again significant when adjusting 0.79 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.96). In individuals without diabetes, adjustments again led to similar estimates that was not significant. The adjusted RRR for having only macroangiopathy was 1.08 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.19).

Conclusions

Serum vitamin K1levels were associated with microangiopathic and macroangiopathic status in individuals with diabetes, but considered of no clinical relevance. The clinical value of other candidate markers for vitamin K status needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Randomised placebo-controlled cross-over study examining the role of anamorelin in mesothelioma (The ANTHEM study): rationale and protocol
Authors: Hoon Siao Nge , Fyfe Katrina , Peddle-McIntyre Carolyn J , Bowyer Samantha , Hawkins Felicity , Jeffery Emily , Chih Hui Jun , Creaney Jenette , Nowak Anna , Brims Fraser
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Cachexia is common in malignant mesothelioma (MM); half of patients have malnutrition and low skeletal muscle mass. Malnourished patients have worse quality of life (QoL). Weight loss is strongly associated with poor survival. Anamorelin is an oral ghrelin receptor agonist that improves appetite, body weight and QoL in advanced cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of anamorelin in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and patient-reported outcomes in patients with MM with cachexia.

Methods and analysis

A single-centre, phase II, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over pilot study with 28-day treatment periods and 3-day washout. Forty patients will be randomised. Primary outcome is change in ASM relative to height measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at end of period 1. Secondary outcomes include cancer-specific and cachexia-related QoL, objective physical activity, dietary intake and adverse events. Eligible patients will have confirmed MM, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–2, expected survival >3 months and cachexia (defined as >5% weight loss in 6 months or body mass index <20 kg/m2with weight loss >2%).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (U1111-1240-6828).
Identification ofica-dependent biofilm production byStaphylococcus aureusclinical isolates and antibiofilm effects of ascorbic acid against biofilm production
Authors: Kırmusaoğlu Sahra , Kaşıkçı Havva
Published: March 2020

Aims

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) is a life-threatening pathogen with high morbidity and mortality rates which causes nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Biofilm, considered to be a common virulence factor for pathogens, plays a significant role in recurrent and untreatable infections. Biofilm formation ofS. aureusis mediated by synthesis of either poly-N-acetylglucosamine in an ica-dependent manner or surface proteins in an ica-independent manner. In some cases treatment is impossible and recurrent. In this study,ica-dependent biofilm-producingS. aureusisolates were detected and the anti-biofilm effect of ascorbic acid against biofilm formation of isolates was investigated.

Methods

A total of 21 methicillin-sensitiveS. aureus(MSSA) clinical isolates stored in our bacterial stock were used to detectica-dependent biofilm-producing MSSA isolates. The anti-biofilm study was undertaken with threeica-dependent biofilm-producing isolates (MSSA2–4) and ATCC 29213 (MSSA1). Biofilms and the anti-biofilm effect of ascorbic acid were detected using the microtitre plate (MtP) method. 16S-rRNA,nuc, icaA andicaD genes and expression levels oficaA andicaD of isolates were detected by RT-PCR.

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ascorbic acid prevented biofilm formation of MSSA1 and MSSA3. Also, 1/2 MIC of ascorbic acid prevented biofilm formation of MSSA3. It was observed that biofilm formation decreased with increased concentration. There was no significant increase inicagene expression of MSSA1 and MSSA2. Expression oficaA andicaD of MSSA3 decreased 13% and 38%, respectively. Expression oficaA in MSSA4 decreased 12%.

Conclusion

The results of our study show that ascorbic acid can be used as an anti-biofilm agent to prevent biofilm formation ofS. aureusand thus biofilm-related infections.
Red blood cells are superior to plasma for predicting subcutaneous trans fatty acid composition in beef heifers
Authors: Vahmani P. , Rolland D.C. , Block H.C. , Dugan M.E.R.
Published: March 2020

The trans (t)-18:1 content in beef has become more of interest as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are removed from foods. Predicting t-18:1 early in the feeding period would be useful if limitations are put on t-18:1 in beef. To determine which blood component is better related to backfat, proportions of t10-18:1 and t11-18:1 (vaccenic acid) were measured in heifer red blood cells (RBC) and plasma (N = 14) after 0, 28, 56, and 76 d on a barley-grain-based diet, and correlated with post-slaughter subcutaneous fat (SCF). Total t-18:1 declined in both RBC and plasma during late finishing (P < 0.05). At 28 d, t11-18:1 decreased and t10-18:1 increased in RBC and plasma (P < 0.05). By 76 d, t10-18:1 declined to 0 d levels. RBC and plasma t-18:1 compositions were highly correlated (t10-18:1, r ≥ 0.7, P ≤ 0.02; t11-18:1, r ≥ 0.51, P ≤ 0.06). Correlations with post-slaughter backfat were, however, consistently greater for RBC compared with plasma. The use of RBC t-18:1 composition may, therefore, be superior to plasma for predicting t-18:1 in SCF, and the length of finishing could be useful for manipulating t-18:1 in beef. The time required for changes in t18:1 in RBC to reflect in changes in SCF still, however, needs to be determined to establish optimal durations for beneficial modification.
Analysis of moisture damage susceptibility of semi-rigid base materials based on hydrodynamic pressure erosion test and damage constitutive model
Authors: Sha Dong , Pan Baofeng , Sun Yiren , Che Tiankai , Lu Jiale
Published: March 2020

The hydrodynamic erosion generated by the pumping action of the wheel load during rain and snow is the main cause of the semi-rigid base failure. Unfortunately, however, very few experimental methods and damage models can reasonably describe and predict the moisture damage performance of semi-rigid base materials under the pumping action. To address this issue, a hydrodynamic pressure erosion test was conducted firstly. Then, the compressive test was performed on the eroded specimens to evaluate the damage mechanism of semi-rigid base materials subjected to hydrodynamic erosion. Finally, a moisture-induced damage model that is applicable to the semi-rigid base materials was established by the concept of damage mechanics. The results indicated that the presented damage model encapsulates the complex behavior of the semi-rigid base materials under the hydrodynamic pressure and provides a more rational method for predicting the moisture damage performance of semi-rigid base materials.
Chinese Economy in 2019: Structural Reforms and Firms’ Behaviour amid Growing Uncertainties
Authors: QIAN Jiwei
Published: March 2020

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 grew by 6.1% in the face of rising global uncertainties and underperforming structural reforms. Productivity growth had also slowed down, and this is associated with resource misallocation at the micro level. In 2019, the Chinese government had introduced various policies to promote productivity and to support the new economy. These policies have yet to make substantial changes, and local governments are lacking the incentives and capacity to implement structural reforms.