bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Periodization and Training Intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kenneally Mark , Casado Arturo , Santos-Concejero Jordan
Published: November 2017

This review aimed to examine the current evidence for 3 primary training intensity distribution types: (1) pyramidal training, (2) polarized training, and (3) threshold training. Where possible, the training intensity zones relative to the goal race pace, rather than physiological or subjective variables, were calculated. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched in May 2017 for original research articles. After analysis of 493 resultant original articles, studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) Their participants were middle- or long-distance runners; (2) they analyzed training intensity distribution in the form of observational reports, case studies, or interventions; (3) they were published in peer-reviewed journals; and (4) they analyzed training programs with a duration of 4 wk or longer. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which included 6 observational reports, 3 case studies, 6 interventions, and 1 review. According to the results of this analysis, pyramidal and polarized training are more effective than threshold training, although the latest is used by some of the best marathon runners in the world. Despite this apparent contradictory finding, this review presents evidence for the organization of training into zones based on a percentage of goal race pace, which allows for different periodization types to be compatible. This approach requires further development to assess whether specific percentages above and below race pace are key to inducing optimal changes.
Validity and Reliability of the Cycleops Hammer Cycle Ergometer
Authors: Lillo-Bevia José R. , Pallarés Jesús G.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To validate the new drive indoor trainer Hammer designed by Cycleops®. Methods: A total of 11 cyclists performed 44 randomized and counterbalanced graded exercise tests (100–500 W) at 70-, 85-, and 100-rpm cadences in seated and standing positions on 3 different Hammer units, while a scientific SRM system continuously recorded cadence and power output data. Results: No significant differences were detected between the 3 Hammer devices and the SRM for any workload, cadence, or pedaling condition (P value between 1.00 and .350), except for some minor differences (P = .03 and .04) found in the Hammer 1 at low workloads and for Hammer 2 and 3 at high workloads, all in seated position. Strong intraclass correlation coefficients were found between the power output values recorded by the Hammers and the SRM (≥.996; P = .001), independently from the cadence condition and seated position. Bland–Altman analysis revealed low bias (−5.5 to 3.8) and low SD of bias (2.5–5.3) for all testing conditions, except marginal values found for the Hammer 1 at high cadences and seated position (9.6 [6.6]). High absolute reliability values were detected for the 3 Hammers (150–500 W; coefficient of variation <1.2%; SEM <2.1). Conclusions: This new Cycleops trainer is a valid and reliable device to drive and measure power output in cyclists, providing an alternative to larger and more expensive laboratory ergometers and allowing cyclists to use their own bicycles.
Cell-Free DNA as an Earlier Predictor of Exercise-Induced Performance Decrement Related to Muscle Damage
Authors: Andreatta Michely V. , Curty Victor M. , Coutinho João Victor S. , Santos Miguel Ângelo A. , Vassallo Paula F. , de Sousa Nuno F. , Barauna Valério G.
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To evaluate whether cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels increase immediately after an acute light and heavy resistance exercise (RE) bout and whether cfDNA levels are associated with functional muscle capacity up to 48 h after an exercise session. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers performed 3 sets of leg-press RE with 80% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) (RE80) or 40% of 1RM (RE40) with similar exercise volume. Blood lactate was measured after completion of the 3 sets. Creatine kinase, cfDNA, and jump performance were evaluated before (pre) exercise, immediately postexercise (post-0h), and every 24 h until 48 h. Results: Lactate concentration increased similarly in both groups (RE40 4.0 [1.3] mmol/L; RE80 4.8 [1.3] mmol/L). No changes were observed in squat-jump and countermovement-jump performance after RE40; however, both jumps remained reduced until 48 h in the RE80 group. Creatine kinase concentration increased post-24h only in the RE80 group (pre 128.8 [73.7] U/L to post-24h 313.8 [116.4] U/L). cfDNA concentration increased post-0h only in the RE80 group (pre 249.8 [82.3] ng/mL to post-0h 406.3 [67.2] ng/mL). There was a negative correlation between post-0h cfDNA concentration and post-24h squat jump (r = −.521; P = .01) and post-0h cfDNA concentration and post-24h countermovement jump (r = −.539; P = .01). Conclusion: cfDNA increases in response to RE intensity even when not performed until exhaustion. cfDNA measured immediately after RE is a promising biomarker for muscle-performance decrement up to 48 h after a RE bout.
Salivary Biomarkers and Training Load During Training and Competition in Paralympic Swimmers
Authors: Sinnott-O’Connor Ciara , Comyns Thomas M. , Nevill Alan M. , Warrington Giles D.
Published: November 2017

Context: Stress responses in athletes can be attributed to training and competition, where increased physiological and psychological stress may negatively affect performance and recovery. Purpose: To examine the relationship between training load (TL) and salivary biomarkers immunoglobulin A (IgA), alpha-amylase (AA), and cortisol across a 16-wk preparation phase and 10-d competition phase in Paralympic swimmers. Methods: Four Paralympic swimmers provided biweekly saliva samples during 3 training phases—(1) normal training, (2) intensified training, and (3) taper—as well as daily saliva samples in the 10-d Paralympic competition (2016 Paralympic Games). TL was measured using session rating of perceived exertion. Results: Multilevel analysis identified a significant increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA: 94.98 [27.69] μg·mL−1), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA: 45.78 [19.07] μg·mL−1), and salivary cortisol (7.92 [2.17] nM) during intensified training concurrent with a 38.3% increase in TL. During the taper phase, a 49.5% decrease in TL from the intensified training phase resulted in a decrease in sIgA, sAA, and salivary cortisol; however, all 3 remained higher than baseline levels. A further significant increase was observed during competition in sIgA (168.69 [24.19] μg·mL−1), sAA (35.86 [16.67] μg·mL−1), and salivary cortisol (10.49 [1.89] nM) despite a continued decrease (77.8%) in TL from the taper phase. Conclusions: Results demonstrate that performance in major competition such as Paralympic games, despite a noticeable reduction in TL, induces a stress response in athletes. Because of the elevated stress response observed, modifications to individual postrace recovery protocols may be required to enable athletes to maximize performance across all 10 d of competition.
Effects of Single Set Resistance Training With Different Frequencies on a Cellular Health Indicator in Older Women
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Nascimento Matheus A. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Nunes João Pedro , Aguiar Andreo F. , Cavalcante Edilaine F. , Silva Analiza M. , Sardinha Luís B. , Fleck Steven J. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: November 2017

The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training (RT) performed two versus three times per week on phase angle (a cellular health indicator) in older women. A total of 39 women (69.1 ± 5.5 years) were randomly assigned to perform a RT program two (G2X) or three (G3X) days per week for 12 weeks. The RT was a whole-body program (eight exercises, one set, 10–15 repetitions). Phase angle, resistance, reactance, and total body water were assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Intracellular water, reactance, and phase angle increased significantly in G2X (2.1%, 3.0%, and 5.6%, respectively) and G3X (5.0%, 6.9%, and 10.3%, respectively) from pretraining to posttraining, with no significant difference between groups. Bioimpedance resistance decreased similarly in both groups (G2X = −1.7% vs. G3X = −3.2%). We conclude that a single set RT program with a frequency of 2 days per week may be sufficient to promote an improvement in cellular health in older women.
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture Combined with Madopar for Parkinson—s Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Chen Lingxiu , Zhang Zhe , Geng Guozhu , Chen Wenjun , Dong Hanqiu , Chen Liang , Zhan Sha , Li Tianhao
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with Madopar for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), compared to the use of Madopar alone.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and Madopar for the treatment of PD published between April 1995 and April 2015. The primary outcome was total effectiveness rate and secondary outcomes included Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores. Data were pooled and analysed with RevMan 5.3. Results were expressed as relative ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CIs).

Results

Finally, 11 RCTs with 831 subjects were included. Meta-analyses showed that acupuncture combined with Madopar for the treatment of PD can significantly improve the clinical effectiveness compared with Madopar alone (RR=1.28, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.38, P<0.001). It was also found that acupuncture combined with Madopar significantly improved the UPDRS II (SMD=−1.00, 95% CI −1.71 to −0.29, P=0.006) and UPDRS I–IV total summed scores (SMD=−1.15, 95% CI −1.63 to −0.67, P<0.001) but not UPDRS I (SMD=−0.37, 95% CI −0.77 to 0.02, P=0.06), UPDRS III (SMD=−0.93, 95% CI −2.28 to 0.41, P=0.17) or UPDRS IV (SMD=−0.78, 95% CI −2.24 to 0.68, P=0.30) scores. Accordingly, acupuncture combined with Madopar appeared to have a positive effect on activities of daily life and the general condition of patients with PD, but was not better than Madopar alone for the treatment of mental activity, behaviour, mood and motor disability. In the safety evaluation, it was found that acupuncture combined with Madopar was associated with significantly fewer adverse effects including gastrointestinal reactions (RR=0.38, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.65, P<0.001), on–off phenomena (RR=0.27, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.66, P=0.004) and mental disorders (RR=0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.92, P=0.04) but did not significantly reduce dyskinesia (RR=0.64, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.16, P=0.14).

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with Madopar appears, to some extent, to improve clinical effectiveness and safety in the treatment of PD, compared with Madopar alone. This conclusion must be considered cautiously, given the quality of most of the studies included was low. Therefore, more high-quality, multicentre, prospective, RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to further clarify the effect of acupuncture combined with Madopar for PD.
An infant with congenital rubella syndrome in developing India
Authors: Singh Ajit , Narula Sharon , Kareem Hashir , Devasia Tom
Published: November 2017

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), caused by rubella virus infection during pregnancy, remains a public health concern in developing countries. Three to five per cent of all suspected CRS cases in India have been proven to be a rubella infection. Only about 45%–60% of pregnant women and infants in India receive the rubella vaccination. We present a case of a preterm female infant who tested positive for the rubella virus. The baby was born with low birth weight and, on examination, showed pallor and hepatosplenomegaly. She was detected to have an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on echocardiography. On ophthalmic examination, she was diagnosed with bilateral cataract. She was treated with diuretics, and she underwent surgical correction for PDA. With this case we intend to present the literature, clinical manifestations and management of CRS. We will also focus on prevention, vaccination and disease burden in India.￼
Oral anticoagulants for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation: systematic review, network meta-analysis, and cost effectiveness analysis
Authors: López-López José A , Sterne Jonathan A C , Thom Howard H Z , Higgins Julian P T , Hingorani Aroon D , Okoli George N , Davies Philippa A , Bodalia Pritesh N , Bryden Peter A , Welton Nicky J , Hollingworth William , Caldwell Deborah M , Savović Jelena , Dias Sofia , Salisbury Chris , Eaton Diane , Stephens-Boal Annya , Sofat Reecha
Published: November 2017

Objective

To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Design

Systematic review, network meta-analysis, and cost effectiveness analysis.

Data sources

Medline, PreMedline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Published randomised trials evaluating the use of a DOAC, vitamin K antagonist, or antiplatelet drug for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Results

23 randomised trials involving 94 656 patients were analysed: 13 compared a DOAC with warfarin dosed to achieve a target INR of 2.0-3.0. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.94), dabigatran 150 mg twice daily (0.65, 0.52 to 0.81), edoxaban 60 mg once daily (0.86, 0.74 to 1.01), and rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (0.88, 0.74 to 1.03) reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared with warfarin. The risk of stroke or systemic embolism was higher with edoxaban 60 mg once daily (1.33, 1.02 to 1.75) and rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (1.35, 1.03 to 1.78) than with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily. The risk of all-cause mortality was lower with all DOACs than with warfarin. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily (0.71, 0.61 to 0.81), dabigatran 110 mg twice daily (0.80, 0.69 to 0.93), edoxaban 30 mg once daily (0.46, 0.40 to 0.54), and edoxaban 60 mg once daily (0.78, 0.69 to 0.90) reduced the risk of major bleeding compared with warfarin. The risk of major bleeding was higher with dabigatran 150 mg twice daily than apixaban 5 mg twice daily (1.33, 1.09 to 1.62), rivaroxaban 20 mg twice daily than apixaban 5 mg twice daily (1.45, 1.19 to 1.78), and rivaroxaban 20 mg twice daily than edoxaban 60 mg once daily (1.31, 1.07 to 1.59). The risk of intracranial bleeding was substantially lower for most DOACs compared with warfarin, whereas the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was higher with some DOACs than warfarin. Apixaban 5 mg twice daily was ranked the highest for most outcomes, and was cost effective compared with warfarin.

Conclusions

The network meta-analysis informs the choice of DOACs for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Several DOACs are of net benefit compared with warfarin. A trial directly comparing DOACs would overcome the need for indirect comparisons to be made through network meta-analysis.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD 42013005324.
Changes in the gut microbiota composition and the plasma ghrelin level in patients withHelicobacter pylori-infected patients with eradication therapy
Authors: Yanagi Hidetaka , Tsuda Ayumi , Matsushima Masashi , Takahashi Shunsuke , Ozawa Genki , Koga Yasuhiro , Takagi Atsushi
Published: November 2017

Objective

To investigate the influence of antimicrobials on both the gut microbiota structure and the plasma ghrelin level usingHelicobacter pylori-infected patients who underwent eradication therapy.

Design

TwentyH. pylori-infected patients (mean age 68.3 years old) who underwent eradication therapy participated in the study. For the therapy, patients had 1 week of triple therapy consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and proton-pump inhibitors. Stool and blood samples were obtained before (S1), immediately after (S2) and/or 3 months after (S3) the therapies. The concentrations of ghrelin and leptin in the blood were assayed using an ELISA. The V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using bacterial DNA from the stool, and about 50 000 high-quality amplicons per sample were grouped into operational taxonomic units for bacteriological analyses.

Results

The Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes (B:F) ratio was significantly greater at S3 than S1 (P<0.01). This increase in the B:F ratio between S3 and S1 was found in 15 out of 20 patients. A significant decrease in the concentration of active ghrelin (P=0.003) in the plasma was observed between S3 and S1. There was a statistically significant correlation between the rate of patients whose B:F ratio increased and that of patients whose active ghrelin level decreased between S3 and S1 according to Fisher’s exact probability test (P=0.03).

Conclusions

Changes in the gut microbiota, such as the B:F ratio after treatment with antimicrobials, might cause a change in the plasma ghrelin level, as the direct and earliest target of antimicrobials would be the microbiota rather than the hormone-secreting system.
Cluster-randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an obesity prevention programme for Chinese primary school-aged children: the CHIRPY DRAGON study protocol
Authors: Li Bai , Liu Wei Jia , Adab Peymane , Pallan Miranda , Hemming Karla , Frew Emma , Lin Rong , Martin James , Liu Wei , Cheng Kar Keung
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Childhood obesity in China has increased more rapidly and over a shorter time period than in other countries. However, there is a paucity of rigorously developed and evaluated prevention interventions. We aim to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness as well as the implementation process of a complex multicomponent intervention developed using the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. This study provides one of the first examples of rigorous development and evaluation of a childhood obesity prevention programme in a non-western population using the MRC methods.

Methods and analysis

A cluster-randomised controlled trial in 40 primary schools in Guangzhou, China, including children aged 6–7 years at baseline. Schools will be randomly allocated to either the usual practice (n=20) or intervention arm (n=20). The 12-month intervention consists of four components targeting diet and physical activity behaviours in and outside school, with family involvement. The primary objective is to compare the difference in mean body mass index (BMI) z-score between the intervention and control arms at the end of the intervention (starting March/April 2017). A sample size of 1640 pupils recruited from 40 schools is sufficient to detect a difference of 0.17 units in the mean BMI z-score with a power of 80% (ICC=0.01. ICC, intraclass correlation coefficient) and a significance level of 5%. Treatment effects will be tested using a mixed linear model in STATA adjusting for the child baseline BMI z-score and clustering by school. All analyses will be by intention to treat. Secondary analyses will additionally adjust for prespecified school-level and child-level covariates. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the intervention versus usual practice will be ‘cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY)’. Cost per change in BMI z-score will also be assessed. A range of methods will be used to evaluate intervention implementation, mechanisms of impact and contextual factors.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Life and Health Sciences Ethical Review Committee at the University of Birmingham and the Ethical Committee of Guangzhou Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The primary, secondary, process evaluation and economic evaluation results of the trial will be disseminated through relevant international peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11867516; Pre-results.
Managing alcohol-related attendances in emergency care: can diversion to bespoke services lessen the burden?
Authors: Irving Andy , Goodacre Steve , Blake Joanne , Allen Davina , Moore Simon C
Published: November 2017

Acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) has a long history of burdening emergency care services. Healthcare systems around the world have explored a variety of different services that divert AAI away from EDs to better manage their condition. Little formal evaluation has been undertaken, particularly in the UK where alcohol misuse is one of the highest in the world. In this article, we outline a brief history of diversionary services, introduce the concept of Alcohol Intoxication Management Services (AIMS) and describe examples of AIMS in the UK. We then describe Evaluating the Diversion of Alcohol-Related Attendances, a natural experiment including six cities with AIMS compared with six cities without, that involves an ethnographic study, records patient experiences in both AIMS and EDs, assesses impact on key performance indicators in healthcare and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of AIMS.
Stereotactic EEG-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Tao James X , Wu Shasha , Lacy Maureen , Rose Sandra , Issa Naoum P , Yang Carina W , Dorociak Katherine E , Bruzzone Maria , Kim Jisoon , Daif Ahmad , Choi Jason , Towle Vernon L , Warnke Peter C
Published: November 2017

Objective

To determine the outcomes of combined stereo-electroencephalography-guided and MRI-guided stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in the treatment of patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE).

Methods

We prospectively assessed the surgical and neuropsychological outcomes in 21 patients with medically refractory mTLE who underwent LITT at the University of Chicago Medical Center. We further compared the surgical outcomes in patients with and without mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS).

Results

Of the 21 patients, 19 (90%) underwent Invasive EEG study and 11 (52%) achieved freedom from disabling seizures with a mean duration of postoperative follow-up of 24±11 months after LITT. Eight (73%) of 11 patients with MTS achieved freedom from disabling seizures, whereas 3 (30 %) of 10 patients without MTS achieved freedom from disabling seizures. Patients with MTS were significantly more likely to become seizure-free, as compared with those without MTS (P=0.002). There was no significant difference in total ablation volume and the percentage of the ablated amygdalohippocampal complex between seizure-free and non-seizure-free patients. Presurgical and postsurgical neuropsychological assessments were obtained in 10 of 21 patients. While there was no group decline in any neuropsychological assessment, a significant postoperative decline in verbal memory and confrontational naming was observed in individual patients.

Conclusions

MRI-guided LITT is a safe and effective alternative to selective amygdalohippocampectomy and anterior temporal lobectomy for mTLE with MTS. Nevertheless, its efficacy in those without MTS seems modest. Large multicentre and prospective studies are warranted to further determine the efficacy and safety of LITT.
Asymmetric multiscale multifractal analysis of wind speed signals
Authors: Zhang Xiaonei , Zeng Ming , Meng Qinghao
Published: November 2017

We develop a new method called asymmetric multiscale multifractal analysis (A-MMA) to explore the multifractality and asymmetric autocorrelations of the signals with a variable scale range. Three numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. Then, the proposed method is applied to investigate multifractality and asymmetric autocorrelations of difference sequences between wind speed fluctuations with uptrends or downtrends. The results show that these sequences appear to be far more complex and contain abundant fractal dynamics information. Through analyzing the Hurst surfaces of nine difference sequences, we found that all series exhibit multifractal properties and multiscale structures. Meanwhile, the asymmetric autocorrelations are observed in all variable scale ranges and the asymmetry results are of good consistency within a certain spatial range. The sources of multifractality and asymmetry in nine difference series are further discussed using the corresponding shuffled series and surrogate series. We conclude that the multifractality of these series is due to both long-range autocorrelation and broad probability density function, but the major source of multifractality is long-range autocorrelation, and the source of asymmetry is affected by the spatial distance.
The pressure and entropy of a unitary Fermi gas with particle-hole fluctuation
Authors: Gong Hao , Ruan Xiao-Xia , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: November 2017

We calculate the pressure and entropy of a unitary Fermi gas based on universal relations combined with our previous prediction of energy which was calculated within the framework of the non-self-consistent T-matrix approximation with particle-hole fluctuation. The resulting entropy and pressure are compared with the experimental data and the theoretical results without induced interaction. For entropy, we find good agreement between our results with particle-hole fluctuation and the experimental measurements reported by ENS group and MIT experiment. For pressure, our results suffer from a systematic upshift compared to MIT data.
Nonlinear density wave investigation for an extended car-following model considering driver’s memory and jerk
Authors: Jin Zhizhan , Li Zhipeng , Cheng Rongjun , Ge Hongxia
Published: November 2017

Based on the two velocity difference model (TVDM), an extended car-following model is developed to investigate the effect of driver’s memory and jerk on traffic flow in this paper. By using linear stability analysis, the stability conditions are derived. And through nonlinear analysis, the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau (TDGL) equation and the modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation are obtained, respectively. The mKdV equation is constructed to describe the traffic behavior near the critical point. The evolution of traffic congestion and the corresponding energy consumption are discussed. Numerical simulations show that the improved model is found not only to enhance the stability of traffic flow, but also to depress the energy consumption, which are consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Fusion dynamics of 30Si +238U reaction using variety of interaction potentials
Authors: Sharma Ishita , Gautam Manjeet S. , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: November 2017

The fusion dynamics of [Formula: see text] reaction has been studied using different theoretical approaches like energy-dependent Woods–Saxon potential (EDWSP) model, coupled channel formulation and Wong approach. At sub-barrier energies, the anomalously large enhancement of the fusion cross-section signifies the importance of barrier modification effects for the adequate addressal of experimental data. The EDWSP model, wherein barrier modification effects are introduced via the energy-dependent diffuseness parameter, is used to examine the sub-barrier fusion anomalies. In the framework of coupled channel model, the impacts of collective excitations and/or static deformations of colliding partners are incorporated in the fusion dynamics. In Wong formula, the role of different Skyrme forces such as SIII, KDE0v1, SkT1, SSk, GSkI is analyzed to address the observed fusion enhancement around the Coulomb barrier. Among these, GSkI and SSk forces seem more appropriate for the addressal of fusion dynamics at sub-barrier energies while SIII, SkT1 and KDE0v1 forces give relatively better results at the above barrier region. The SSk (GSkI) force at higher energies overestimate the experimental data and hence treated with the [Formula: see text]-summed Wong approach. The effect of deformations and optimum orientations is duly incorporated in the calculation and hence gives better description to the observed data. In addition, the fusion cross-sections are predicted over extreme energies using EDWSP and [Formula: see text]-summed Wong approach. It is worth mentioning here that the different theoretical approaches (EDWSP, coupled channel and Wong) induce similar kinds of barrier lowering effects, henceforth, they reasonably describe the sub-barrier fusion data of [Formula: see text] reaction.
Invariant Poisson–Nijenhuis structures on Lie groups and classification
Authors: Ravanpak Zohreh , Rezaei-Aghdam Adel , Haghighatdoost Ghorbanali
Published: November 2017

We study right-invariant (respectively, left-invariant) Poisson–Nijenhuis structures ([Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) on a Lie group [Formula: see text] and introduce their infinitesimal counterpart, the so-called r-n structures on the corresponding Lie algebra [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] structures can be used to find compatible solutions of the classical Yang–Baxter equation (CYBE). Conversely, two compatible [Formula: see text]-matrices from which one is invertible determine an [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] structure. We classify, up to a natural equivalence, all [Formula: see text]-matrices and all [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] structures with invertible [Formula: see text] on four-dimensional symplectic real Lie algebras. The result is applied to show that a number of dynamical systems which can be constructed by [Formula: see text]-matrices on a phase space whose symmetry group is Lie group a [Formula: see text], can be specifically determined.
Isospectral drums and simple groups
Authors: Thas Koen
Published: November 2017

Nearly every known pair of isospectral but nonisometric manifolds — with as most famous members isospectral bounded [Formula: see text]-planar domains which makes one “not hear the shape of a drum” [M. Kac, Can one hear the shape of a drum? Amer. Math. Monthly 73(4 part 2) (1966) 1–23] — arise from the (group theoretical) Gassmann–Sunada method. Moreover, all the known [Formula: see text]-planar examples (so counter examples to Kac’s question) are constructed through a famous specialization of this method, called transplantation. We first describe a number of very general classes of length equivalent manifolds, with as particular cases isospectral manifolds, in each of the constructions starting from a given example that arises itself from the Gassmann–Sunada method. The constructions include the examples arising from the transplantation technique (and thus in particular the known planar examples). To that end, we introduce four properties — called FF, MAX, PAIR and INV — inspired by natural physical properties (which rule out trivial constructions), that are satisfied for each of the known planar examples. Vice versa, we show that length equivalent manifolds with FF, MAX, PAIR and INV which arise from the Gassmann–Sunada method, must fall under one of our prior constructions, thus describing a precise classification of these objects. Due to the nature of our constructions and properties, a deep connection with finite simple groups occurs which seems, perhaps, rather surprising in the context of this paper. On the other hand, our properties define in some sense physically irreducible pairs of length equivalent manifolds — “atoms” of general pairs of length equivalent manifolds, in that such a general pair of manifolds is patched up out of irreducible pairs — and that is precisely what simple groups are for general groups.
Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Properties of Monometal/SiO2and Bimetal/SiO2Hollow Spheres with Mesoporous Structure
Authors: Sun Xinzhi , Du Fanglin
Published: November 2017

Monometallic M1(M[Formula: see text] Ni/Cu/Fe/Co) silicates and bimetallic Ni–M2(M[Formula: see text] Cu/Fe/Co) silicates hollow spheres with mesoporous structure and the controllable morphology have been synthesized successfully via one-step sacrificial template method under hydrothermal conditions. The catalysts were obtained by reducing the corresponding silicates in situ under the hydrogen atmosphere at a certain temperature. All the silicates and the catalysts M1/SiO2and Ni–M2/SiO2hollow spheres have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) thoroughly and systematically. The morphology and reaction conditions of bimetallic Ni–M2silicates hollow spheres depend on the second metal M2, which has been verified by SEM, TEM and XRD. From the results, it can be concluded that bimetallic silicates possess better physical properties in favor of the catalytic activity. Bimetallic Ni–M2/SiO2hollow spheres had higher catalytic property than the monometallic M1/SiO2and the conversion of nitrobenzene could reach 100% within 3[Formula: see text]h using Ni–Cu/SiO2and Ni–Fe/SiO2hollow spheres as catalysts.
Synthesis of Ag3PO4/RGO/Bi2WO6 Composites with Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Activity: Efficient Visible-Light Driven All-Solid-State Z-Scheme Photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Wang Jixiang , Shen Hongqiang , Huo Pengwei , Li Chunmei , Yan Yongsheng , Shi Weidong
Published: November 2017

The photocatalytic technology as a kind of green and potential technology has been paid more and more attention in ever-increasing environmental pollution and energy shortage. In this study, a practical strategy is proposed to facilitate effectively the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes by addition of graphene oxide in Ag3PO4 and Bi2WO6 nanocrystals semiconductor composites. Compared with GO-single component, the three-component RGO-Ag3PO4/Bi2WO6 composites exhibited improved photocatalytic activity with a degradation rate that reached up to 91% for tetracycline (TC) by visible light irradiation. Graphene oxide served as an electronic conduction medium to effectively transfer the photogenerated electrons from the conduction band of Bi2WO6 to the valence band of Ag3PO4; the all-solid-state Z-Scheme photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Our work provides an effective method for development of pragmatic photocatalysts in the present environmental pollution, energy problems and other related fields.
Flexible visualization framework for head-mounted display with gesture interaction interface
Authors: Jarsaillon Pierre J. , Sakamoto Naohisa , Kageyama Akira
Published: November 2017

As the development of new visualization systems, within the field of simulation, offers their users more insights from their simulations, immersive systems are becoming a part of the visualization techniques. With the recent advancements of the Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) and popularity of motion sensors, human beings and computer become more interactive. This study aims to evaluate the potential of such systems as a visualization tool through the development of a new flexible framework for visualization within virtual reality (VR) environment, using an Oculus Rift and a Leap Motion. Two approaches are then compared: high-3D object rendering within the virtual scene approach and a user experience-oriented system with an intuitive interface. To assess the quality of the interface and its relevance for the user, different types of gestures are implemented and tested. From an experiment on users to evaluate the developed system as a proper visualization tool, the HMDs, paired with a motion sensor to make a gesture-controlled interface seem to be promising mediums despite various constraints on development regarding the technology limitations.
Gondwana Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs): distribution, diversity and significance
Authors: Sensarma Sarajit , Storey Bryan C. , Malviya Vivek P.
Published: November 2017

Gondwana, comprising >64% of the present-day continental mass, is home to 33% of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) and is key to unravelling the lithosphere–atmosphere system and related tectonics that mediated global climate shifts and sediment production conducive for life on Earth. Increased recognition of bimodal LIPs in Gondwana with significant, sometimes subequal, proportions of synchronous silicic volcanic rocks, mostly rhyolites to high silica rhyolites (±associated granitoids) to mafic volcanic rocks is a major frontier, not considered in mantle plume or plate process hypotheses. On a δ
18
O v. initial
87
Sr/
86
Sr plot for silicic rocks in Gondwana LIPs there is a remarkable spread between continental crust and mantle values, signifying variable contributions of crust and mantle in their origins. Caldera-forming silicic LIP events were as large as their mafic counterparts, and erupted for a longer duration (>20 myr). Several Gondwana LIPs erupted near the active continental margins, in addition to within-continents; rifting, however, continued even after LIP emplacements in several cases or was aborted and did not open into ocean by coeval compression. Gondwana LIPs had devastating consequences in global climate shifts and are major global sediment sources influencing upper continental crust compositions. In this Special Publication, papers cover diverse topics on magma emplacements, petrology and geochemistry, source characteristics, flood basalt–carbonatite linkage, tectonics, and the geochronology of LIPs now distributed in different Gondwana continents.
An experimental investigation into Martian gully formation: a slush-flow model
Authors: Auld Katherine S. , Dixon John C.
Published: November 2017

To understand the potential applicability of the process of ‘slush flow’ (a sediment-carrying flow with water and ice) to gullies on Mars, we undertook a series of flume experiments at Earth surface temperatures and pressures, which we subsequently scaled for Mars. Experiments were conducted in a 3 × 0.5 m hinged flume filled with medium-grain-size sand. The experiments were performed over a slope angle range of 10°–30°, corresponding to the slope range for gullies observed on Mars. A water ice mix, or ‘slush’, was flowed through a 19 mm-diameter silicone hose and released onto the surface at the top of the slope. A variety of morphometric parameters were measured on each form produced in the flume. The forms produced in our experiments developed the three principal morphological components of Martian gullies: alcove, channel and apron, and had a diversity of planimetric forms. The forms produced during simulations compared well to slush flows in terrestrial arctic climates, and open up the possibility that some Martian gullies may result from slush flows associated with the thawing of permafrost-active layers or surface frost under favourable thermal regimes.
New slope-normalized global gully density and orientation maps for Mars
Authors: Conway S. J. , Harrison T. N. , Soare R. J. , Britton A. W. , Steele L. J.
Published: November 2017

We reanalyse the global distribution of gullies in order to provide a set of observational constraints that models of gully formation must explain. We validate our results derived from the global data with four detailed case studies. We show that the availability of steep slopes is an essential factor to consider when assessing the spatial distribution and abundance of gullies. When the availability of steep slopes is taken into account, it reveals, with a few exceptions, that gullies are found almost uniformly across the whole 30°–90° latitude band. Our analysis also reveals that massive ice deposits are anti-correlated with gullies, and that the undulations in the equatorwards limits of the gully distribution could be explained by longitudinal variations in maximum surface temperatures (controlled by variations in surface properties, including thermal inertia and albedo). We find a sharp transition in both hemispheres between pole-facing gullies, which extend from 30° to 40°, to a more mixed, but dominantly equator-facing orientation of gullies polewards of 40°. We have no definitive explanation for this transition but, based on previous studies, we suggest it could be linked to the availability of near-surface ice deposits.
Gaming machine learning
Authors: Greengard Samuel
Published: November 2017

Game simulations are driving improvements in machine learning for autonomous vehicles and other devices.
The forgotten engineer
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: November 2017

Engineering has been marginalized by the unhealthy belief that engineering is the application of science.
Community colleges
Authors: Lyon Louise Ann , Denner Jill
Published: November 2017

Challenging a simplistic pathway metaphor.
Designing smartglasses applications for people with low vision
Authors: Azenkot Shiri , Zhao Yuhang
Published: November 2017

While our community has many active projects involving blind people, low vision is rarely addressed. People with low vision have functional vision, but their visual impairment adversely affects their daily life and it cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Over the last few years, we have been conducting research with this understudied demographic: understanding low vision people's needs and designing applications to address the challenges they face. In this article, we discuss our ongoing research in this area, focusing on designing augmented reality applications for low vision users. We begin this article by describing low vision and motivating our focus on augmented reality applications on smartglasses for low vision people. We then provide overviews of three research projects that exemplify our research agenda: a study where we observed low vision people conducting a navigation and shopping task, a study where we examined low vision people's perception of virtual text and shapes on smartglasses, and the design of a smartglasses application that facilitates a visual search task.
Effect of chronic liraglutide therapy and its withdrawal on time to postchallenge peak glucose in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tran Susan , Kramer Caroline K. , Zinman Bernard , Choi Haysook , Retnakaran Ravi
Published: November 2017

Delayed timing of peak serum glucose following an oral glucose challenge can predict declining β-cell function and worsening glucose tolerance over time. Accordingly, postchallenge peak glucose is typically delayed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, little is known about the capacity of antidiabetic medications to reverse this delay. Thus, we sought to evaluate the effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist liraglutide on time to peak glucose in early T2DM. In this secondary analysis of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 51 patients with T2DM of 2.6 ± 1.9 yr duration were randomized to daily subcutaneous liraglutide or placebo injection for 48 wk, with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed every 12 wk while on therapy and after a 2-wk washout. On each OGTT, time to peak glucose was determined from venous glucose measurements at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. At randomization, most patients in both arms exhibited peak glucose at 90 min postchallenge. By 12 wk, 65.4% of the liraglutide arm had shifted to an earlier peak (vs. 36% on placebo; P = 0.19), with little change thereafter at 24, 36, and 48 wk. After the 2-wk washout, however, 57.7% of those who had been on liraglutide reverted to a later peak (vs. 4.5% on placebo; P < 0.001). This shift was associated with declining β-cell function ( P = 0.001), resulting in higher 2-h blood glucose at washout in the liraglutide arm compared with placebo ( P = 0.001). Thus, although liraglutide possibly might improve the delay in peak glucose, its cessation yielded a worsening thereof and higher glycemia. The mechanisms underlying these observations and their clinical implications warrant further investigation.
Does the Polymorphism in the Length of the Polyalanine Tract ofFOXE1Gene Influence the Risk of Thyroid Dysgenesis Occurrence?
Authors: Pimentel Clebson Pantoja , Cortinhas-Alves Erik Artur , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Correa , Santana-da-Silva Luiz Carlos
Published: November 2017

Background.Recent data have suggested that polymorphisms in the length of the polyalanine tract (polyA) ofFOXE1gene may act as a susceptibility factor for thyroid dysgenesis. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of polyA ofFOXE1gene on the risk of thyroid dysgenesis.Method.A case-control study was conducted in a sample of 90 Brazilian patients with thyroid dysgenesis and 131 controls without family history of thyroid disease. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and the genotype of each individual was determined by automated sequencing.Results.More than 90% of genotypes found in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis and in controls subjects were represented by sizes 14 and 16 polymorphisms in the following combinations: 14/14, 14/16, and 16/16. Genotypes 14/16 and 16/16 were more frequent in the control group, while genotype 14/14 was more frequent in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis. There was no difference between agenesis group and control group. Genotype 14/14 when compared to genotypes 14/16 and 16/16A showed an association with thyroid dysgenesis.Conclusion.PolyA ofFOXE1gene alters the risk of thyroid dysgenesis, which may explain in part the etiology of this disease.
Acute Hypoxic and Refractory Respiratory Failure Induced by an Underlying PFO: An Unusual Case of Platypnea Orthodeoxia and Transient Complication after Transcatheter Closure
Authors: Salazar Carlos , Majano Romeo A.
Published: November 2017

Platypnea orthodeoxia (PO) is an infrequent condition of dyspnea with hypoxemia, increased by adopting an upright position and is relieved in decubitus. This condition may occur in patients with hidden intracardiac shunts, usually across a persistent foramen ovale (PFO). The incidence of PFO in general population is quite common, around 27%; however, the concurrent presentation with PO, especially in acute refractory respiratory failure, is extremely rare. PFO closure in this setting is still the treatment of choice with significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms after closure with an overall periprocedural complication in the first 24 hours of approximately less than 5%. A transient ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads is present in extremely rare occasions and most likely is induced by either an air embolism or a mechanically provoked spasm of coronary arteries. We report a case of an 83-year-old woman in acute hypoxic and refractory respiratory failure in whom PO was identified, most likely induced by a hidden PFO. The patient underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure and developed immediate chest pain, transient hemodynamic instability, and ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads; nevertheless, our patient recovered completely with rapid resolution of respiratory failure with no adverse clinical sequelae.