bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Hybrid SPH–FEM Model to Evaluate Seismic Response of TSD Equipped-Structures
Authors: Halabian Amir M. , Karamnasab Amin , Chamani Mohammad R.
Published: March 2019

Tuned Sloshing Dampers (TSD) are passive devices, working based on shallow liquid sloshing in a rigid tank to suppress the horizontal structural vibrations induced by wind loading or earthquake excitations. The key parameters in design of a TSD could be referred to the natural frequency of the liquid sloshing motion and the inherent damping of the TSD during the excitation. Due to the highly nonlinear behavior of the liquid free-surface occurring in TSDs, accurate prediction of the TSD-structure’s behavior during strong excitations is highly desirable. In the current paper, Weakly Compressible form of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) method is used to simulate the flow within rectangular TSDs during large movements. Characteristics of the flow such as wave height and sloshing forces acting on the container’s walls are calculated and compared with the existing experimental and numerical data. A hybrid SPH-Finite Element Method (FEM) was developed to investigate the seismic response of MDOF structures equipped with multiple TSDs. The proposed model was employed to evaluate the dynamic response of MDOF structures under severe seismic excitations with different frequency contents. The results showed that depending on the frequency content of the ground motion, having the TSDs tuned to a frequency close to the natural frequency of the structure could significantly alter the seismic response of the structures. The effectiveness of TSD is also related to the higher modes effect for MDOF structures and location of TSDs placed on the structural floors.
The Healthy China Initiative: Reality, Problems and Remedies
Authors: SHAN Jingjing , WU Zhanyun
Published: March 2019

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee passed the resolution to build a healthy China, which was then upgraded to a national strategy in the Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council in October 2016. This paper begins with describing health development in China and then argues that despite the good foundation that has been laid for building a healthy China, the country still faces serious problems, such as healthcare services falling short of demand, people’s health and quality of life yet to be improved, the wide gap between the rich and poor and structural imbalances, serious environmental pollution, and increasing security risks. In the end, suggestions are provided from the perspectives of creating a healthy environment, improving health services, developing a healthy population, building a healthy society, and increasing support for health development to advance the Healthy China initiative.
Risk Assessment and Regulation of Plants Modified by Modern Biotechniques: Current Status and Future Challenges
Authors: Schiemann Joachim , Dietz-Pfeilstetter Antje , Hartung Frank , Kohl Christian , Romeis Jörg , Sprink Thorben
Published: March 2019

This review describes the current status and future challenges of risk assessment and regulation of plants modified by modern biotechniques, namely genetic engineering and genome editing. It provides a general overview of the biosafety and regulation of genetically modified plants and details different regulatory frameworks with a focus on the European situation. The environmental risk and safety assessment of genetically modified plants is explained, and aspects of toxicological assessments are discussed, especially the controversial debate in Europe on the added scientific value of untargeted animal feeding studies. Because RNA interference (RNAi) is increasingly explored for commercial applications, the risk and safety assessment of RNAi-based genetically modified plants is also elucidated. The production, detection, and identification of genome-edited plants are described. Recent applications of modern biotechniques, namely synthetic biology and gene drives, are discussed, and a short outlook on the future follows.
Assembly of the Complexes of the Oxidative Phosphorylation System in Land Plant Mitochondria
Authors: Meyer Etienne H. , Welchen Elina , Carrie Chris
Published: March 2019

Plant mitochondria play a major role during respiration by producing the ATP required for metabolism and growth. ATP is produced during oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), a metabolic pathway coupling electron transfer with ADP phosphorylation via the formation and release of a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The OXPHOS system is composed of large, multiprotein complexes coordinating metal-containing cofactors for the transfer of electrons. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about assembly of the OXPHOS complexes in land plants. We present the different steps involved in the formation of functional complexes and the regulatory mechanisms controlling the assembly pathways. Because several assembly steps have been found to be ancestral in plants—compared with those described in fungal and animal models—we discuss the evolutionary dynamics that lead to the conservation of ancestral pathways in land plant mitochondria.
Frontiers of Medical Robotics: From Concept to Systems to Clinical Translation
Authors: Troccaz Jocelyne , Dagnino Giulio , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: March 2019

Medical robotics is poised to transform all aspects of medicine—from surgical intervention to targeted therapy, rehabilitation, and hospital automation. A key area is the development of robots for minimally invasive interventions. This review provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of interventional robots and discusses how the integration of imaging, sensing, and robotics can influence the patient care pathway toward precision intervention and patient-specific treatment. It outlines how closer coupling of perception, decision, and action can lead to enhanced dexterity, greater precision, and reduced invasiveness. It provides a critical analysis of some of the key interventional robot platforms developed over the years and their relative merit and intrinsic limitations. The review also presents a future outlook for robotic interventions and emerging trends in making them easier to use, lightweight, ergonomic, and intelligent, and thus smarter, safer, and more accessible for clinical use.
BRAF Inhibition: Bridge or Boost to T-cell Therapy?
Authors: Goff Stephanie L. , Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: March 2019

The concept of treatment-refractory disease has evolved as checkpoint modulation has changed the therapeutic landscape for patients with metastatic melanoma. Developing meaningful salvage strategies will involve the exploration of combination therapies and new immunotherapeutics, including adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or other T-cell–based therapy.

See related article by Atay et al., p. 2783
Microvascular Rarefaction and Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tian Hongwei , Yang Chengzhi , Song Yunhu , Wang Hongyue , Yuan Jiansong , Cui Jingang , Liu Shengwen , Hu Fenghuan , Yang Weixian , Jiang Xiaowei , Qiao Shubin
Published: March 2019

Background: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a myocardial disease characterized by fibrosis and microvascular ischemia. Microvessels play a critical role in myocardial fibrosis in HOCM. However, it remains unclear whether or not myocardial fibrosis is associated with microvascular density (MVD) changes. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a reduction in MVD is related to myocardial fibrosis in HOCM cardiac samples. Methods: We analyzed MVD and fibrosis in myectomy left ventricular (LV) septal wall specimens from 53 HOCM patients. Control myocardium from the LV septal wall was collected at autopsy of 9 individuals who died of noncardiac causes. Results: The fibrosis ratio (% area) in HOCM was higher and the MVD was lower than that in control subjects (i.e., 12.7 ± 10.0 vs. 4.0 ± 1.4%, p = 0.012, and 480.9 ± 206.7 vs. 1,425 ± 221/mm2, p < 0.001). Patients with mild fibrosis had a higher MVD than patients with moderate fibrosis (i.e., 568.2 ± 214.8 vs. 403.2 ± 167.8/mm2, p = 0.006) and patients with severe fibrosis (i.e., 568.2 ± 214.8 vs. 378.6 ± 154.0/mm2, p = 0.024). Furthermore, a signiﬁcant negative correlation was found between myocardial ﬁbrosis and MVD in HOCM patients (r = –0.40, p = 0.003), which was also found in mild fibrosis (r = –0.40, p = 0.043), moderate fibrosis (r = –0.50, p = 0.024), and severe fibrosis (r = –0.24, p = 0.61), although no significant differences were observed in severe fibrosis. Additionally, we demonstrated that late gadolinium enhancement was negatively correlated with MVD (r = –0.37, p = 0.03) and positively correlated with fibrosis (r = 0.44, p = 0.01). Conclusion: HOCM patients had a higher myocardial ﬁbrosis ratio and a lower MVD. The severity of myocardial fibrosis was negatively correlated with MVD in HOCM. These findings showed that a reduced MVD may contribute to myocardial ﬁbrosis in HOCM.
Integration of a Personalized Molecular Targeted Therapy into the Multimodal Treatment of Refractory Childhood Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR)
Authors: Hartman Lisa L.R. , Oaxaca Derrick M. , Carcamo Benjamin , Wilson Harry L. , Ross Jeremy A. , Robles-Escajeda Elisa , Kirken Robert A.
Published: March 2019

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) are rare pediatric brain tumors with increased malignant potential. Despite the advances in multimodal treatment schemes the overall 5-year event free survival rates for ETMR are not favorable. Further, therapeutic regimes are limited to a case by case basis due to the limited amount of literature and guidelines available for treating childhood ETMR. We report one patient with refractory ETMR who was successfully treated by implementing a molecular profiling approach which identified the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib as a viable therapy. Our results suggest that utilizing this precision medicine approach might prove useful in treating patients with refractory ETMR.
Uncommon Association of Tuberculous Dactylitis and Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Yincharoen Picha , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: March 2019

Tuberculous dactylitis, defined as the infection of the metacarpals, metatarsals, or phalanges of the hands or feet, is an uncommon manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It is mainly seen in pediatric populations, especially those less than 6 years old. Here, we present a case of tuberculous dactylitis in an elderly patient with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Moreover, our patient also developed generalized nodular lesions during hospitalization. Skin biopsy was consistent with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa, which is a rare association with tuberculosis. She was treated with antituberculous drugs with significant improvement in both cutaneous nodules and dactylitic lesions.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Trajectories in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Lessons from the HEMO Study
Authors: Jovanovich Anna , You Zhiying , Isakova Tamara , Nowak Kristen , Cheung Alfred , Wolf Myles , Chonchol Michel , Kendrick Jessica
Published: March 2019

Background: Long-term patterns of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are poorly characterized among dialysis patients. Objectives: To identify different FGF23 trajectories and determine clinical factors that predict distinct FGF23 trajectories and whether FGF23 trajectories differ in regard to their associations with all-cause mortality among prevalent hemodialysis patients. Methods: The HEMO study was a randomized multicenter study evaluating the effects of high-dose vs. standard-dose and high-flux vs. low-flux hemodialysis on mortality. We measured intact FGF23 levels in stored serum samples at baseline and annually among 919 HEMO participants and identified FGF23 trajectories using group-based modeling. Logistic regression determined predictors of trajectories. Cox regression models evaluated the association between trajectory and all-cause mortality. Results: We identified 5 distinct FGF23 trajectory groups during the initial 24 months: low stable, low increasing, elevated increasing, elevated decreasing, and elevated stable. In multivariable models, diabetes, high dose dialysis, no venous catheter, low serum calcium, phosphorus, and interleukin-6, no vitamin D analog use, and greater residual kidney function were associated with the low stable trajectory group compared to the elevated stable group. High flux dialysis, no venous catheter, and low serum phosphorus and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with the elevated decreasing trajectory group compared to the elevated stable group. After full adjustment, the low stable trajectory group was associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI ­0.41–0.91) compared to the elevated stable trajectory group. Conclusions: We identified 5 distinct FGF23 trajectories over 24 months among HEMO study participants including a decreasing trajectory. The low stable FGF23 trajectory was associated with a reduced HR of all-cause mortality.
Accuracy of Different Rapid Urease Tests in Comparison with Histopathology in Patients with Endoscopic Signs of Gastritis
Authors: Dechant Franz-Xaver , Dechant Rebecca , Kandulski Arne , Selgrad Michael , Weber Florian , Reischl Udo , Wilczek Wolf , Mueller Martina , Weigand Kilian
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim: According to several guidelines, both invasive and non-invasive tests can be used to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Invasive methods include H. pylori culture, histological staining, rapid urease tests (RUTs) and PCR. Non-invasive methods include urease breath test, stool antigen and serum IgG testing. The aim of our study was to compare all commercially available RUTs and histology in Germany. Material and Methods: One hundred fifty patients were enrolled in our study, irrespective of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antibiotic use. If the results of RUTs and histology were diverging, real-time PCR to detect H. pylori DNA was undertaken. Results: We detected no differences in the sensitivity or specificity between the different RUTs. In PPI and/or antibiotic-treated patients, RUTs seemed to be more sensitive for the detection of H. pylori infection compared to histology. In addition to the cheaper price of RUTs, they are also quicker to process. We show that histological staining in patients with signs of gastritis is expensive and not necessary, if there are no additional histological questions besides H. pylori status. Conclusions: In conclusion, we consider RUTs to be cheap and fast alternatives to histology in patients with endoscopic signs of gastritis, independently of whether PPIs or antibiotic are used. Histological evaluation is expensive, time consuming and may be unnecessary in some cases.
Abnormal Microstructural Development of the Cerebral Cortex in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease Is Associated With Impaired Cerebral Oxygen Delivery
Authors: Kelly Christopher J. , Christiaens Daan , Batalle Dafnis , Makropoulos Antonios , Cordero‐Grande Lucilio , Steinweg Johannes K. , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Khan Hammad , Lee Geraint , Victor Suresh , Alexander Daniel C. , Zhang Hui , Simpson John , Hajnal Joseph V. , Edwards A. David , Rutherford Mary A. , Counsell Serena J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Abnormal macrostructural development of the cerebral cortex has been associated with hypoxia in infants with congenital heart disease (
CHD
). Animal studies have suggested that hypoxia results in cortical dysmaturation at the cellular level. New magnetic resonance imaging techniques offer the potential to investigate the relationship between cerebral oxygen delivery and cortical microstructural development in newborn infants with
CHD
.

Methods and Results

We measured cortical macrostructural and microstructural properties in 48 newborn infants with serious or critical
CHD
and 48 age‐matched healthy controls. Cortical volume and gyrification index were calculated from high‐resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging. Neurite density and orientation dispersion indices were modeled using high‐angular‐resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral oxygen delivery was estimated in infants with
CHD
using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and preductal pulse oximetry. We used gray matter–based spatial statistics to examine voxel‐wise group differences in cortical microstructure. Microstructural development of the cortex was abnormal in 48 infants with
CHD
, with regions of increased fractional anisotropy and reduced orientation dispersion index compared with 48 healthy controls, correcting for gestational age at birth and scan (family‐wise error corrected for multiple comparisons at
P
<0.05). Regions of reduced cortical orientation dispersion index in infants with
CHD
were related to impaired cerebral oxygen delivery (
R
2
=0.637; n=39). Cortical orientation dispersion index was associated with the gyrification index (
R
2
=0.589;
P
<0.001; n=48).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the primary component of cerebral cortex dysmaturation in
CHD
is impaired dendritic arborization, which may underlie abnormal macrostructural findings reported in this population, and that the degree of impairment is related to reduced cerebral oxygen delivery.
The Effectiveness of Credit Policy: Evidence from the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Jiho
Published: March 2019

In response to the global financial crisis and subsequent Great Recession, central banks embarked on a variety of unconventional measures. Among others, credit policy has been widely employed in many advanced economies. However, credit policy is far less understood than unconventional monetary policy by both policy makers and academic scholars. This paper sheds new light on what credit policy is, how it differs from other central bank policies, and what its risks and limitations might be. In particular, I examine whether credit policy has been effective in stimulating the real economy in the Republic of Korea.
A Prince Went Up a Tree and Climbed into Colonial Typography: or Reversing Lettered and Unlettered in the Wampanoag Bible
Authors: Dippold Steffi
Published: March 2019

“A Prince Went up a Tree” traces the reversal of unlettered Native and lettered colonist in the Wampanoag Bible (1663). Focusing on the acorn-shaped printers' flowers that obsessively decorate the Bible, the article follows the Restoration motif that cleverly appropriates Charles II's escape in an oak tree from English pottery, snuffboxes, and delicate cut-paper work across the Atlantic to the first printing press at Harvard college and the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project.
“Bedtime” for a Boston Marriage: Sarah Orne Jewett's Illustrated Deephaven
Authors: Sonstegard Adam
Published: March 2019

The illustrations in 1893 edition of Deephaven crosse conventional boundaries, arresting the objectification that is often inherent in portraits and landscapes. Jewett and the illustrators preserve felt lesbian passions as they become portraits' subjects, and produce a kind of queer, visual keepsake album that effectively stops the hands of time.
Detection of Fronts as a Metric for Numerical Model Accuracy
Authors: Douglass Elizabeth M. , Mask Andrea C.
Published: March 2019

As numerical modeling advances, quantitative metrics are necessary to determine whether the model output accurately represents the observed ocean. Here, a metric is developed based on whether a model places oceanic fronts in the proper location. Fronts are observed and assessed directly from along-track satellite altimetry. Numerical model output is then interpolated to the locations of the along-track data, and fronts are detected in the model output. Scores are determined from the percentage of observed fronts correctly simulated in the model and from the percentage of modeled fronts confirmed by observations. These scores depend on certain parameters such as the minimum size of a front, which will be shown to be geographically dependent. An analysis of two models, the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) and the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM), is presented as an example of how this metric might be applied and interpreted. In this example, scores are found to be relatively stable in time, but strongly dependent on the mesoscale variability in the region of interest. In all cases, the metric indicates that there are more observed fronts not found in the models than there are modeled fronts missing from observations. In addition to the score itself, the analysis demonstrates that modeled fronts have smaller amplitude and are less steep than observed fronts.
A smartphone game to prevent HIV among young Kenyans: Household dynamics of gameplay in a feasibility study
Authors: Winskell Kate , Sabben Gaëlle , Ondeng’e Ken , Odero Isdorah , Akelo Victor , Mudhune Victor
Published: March 2019

Objective:

mHealth interventions often favour individual-level effects. This is particularly problematic in contexts where social support and shifts in social norms are critical to sustained behaviour change. Mobile digital games represent a promising health education strategy for youth, including in low-resource settings. We sought to better understand the interpersonal and social interactions that can be elicited by digital games for health.

Design:

We piloted Tumaini, a smartphone game rooted in interactive narrative designed to prevent HIV among young Africans (aged 11–14), in a randomised controlled feasibility study and analysed reports of the household dynamics surrounding gameplay. Following a 16-day intervention period, phone gameplay log files were downloaded, and intervention arm participants ( n = 30) completed a gameplay experience survey; eight focus group discussions were held, four with intervention arm participants ( n = 27) and four with their parents ( n = 22).

Setting:

This study took place in Kisumu, Kenya, in Spring 2017.

Method:

Descriptive statistics were computed from survey responses and log files. Focus group transcripts were labelled, analysed thematically and compared demographically using MAXQDA software.

Results:

Data from log files, surveys and focus groups indicate that the game generated considerable interaction and dialogue with parents, siblings and friends and served as a catalyst for children to act as advocates for healthful decisions about sex, both within the family and beyond. The game showed a high level of acceptability with parents.

Conclusion:

Serious digital games using a smartphone platform can generate considerable household interaction. Games can model and facilitate these exchanges, maximising multi-level effects. An additional app for parents could reinforce these effects.
Experimental Methods to Inform Diagnostic Approaches for Painful TMJ Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sperry M.M. , Kartha S. , Winkelstein B.A. , Granquist E.J.
Published: March 2019

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joint that can produce persistent orofacial pain as well as functional and structural changes to its bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Despite advances in the clinical utility and reliability of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, clinical tools inadequately predict which patients will develop chronic TMJ pain and degeneration, limiting clinical management. The challenges of managing and treating TMJ OA are due, in part, to a limited understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the development and maintenance of TMJ pain. OA is initiated by multiple factors, including injury, aging, abnormal joint mechanics, and atypical joint shape, which can produce microtrauma, remodeling of joint tissues, and synovial inflammation. TMJ microtrauma and remodeling can increase expression of cytokines, chemokines, and catabolic factors that damage synovial tissues and can activate free nerve endings in the joint. Although studies have separately investigated inflammation-driven orofacial pain, acute activity of the trigeminal nerve, or TMJ tissue degeneration and/or damage, the temporal mechanistic factors leading to chronic TMJ pain are undefined. Limited understanding of the interaction between degeneration, intra-articular chemical factors, and pain has further restricted the development of targeted, disease-modifying drugs to help patients avoid long-term pain and invasive procedures, like TMJ replacement. A range of animal models captures features of intra-articular inflammation, joint overloading, and tissue damage. Although those models traditionally measure peripheral sensitivity as a surrogate for pain, recent studies recognize the brain’s role in integrating, modulating, and interpreting nociceptive inputs in the TMJ, particularly in light of psychosocial influences on TMJ pain. The articular and neural contributors to TMJ pain, imaging modalities with clinical potential to identify TMJ OA early, and future directions for clinical management of TMJ OA are reviewed in the context of evidence in the field.
Road-testing the first turnpikes. The enduring value of Daniel Defoe’s account of English highways
Authors: Rogers Pat
Published: March 2019

A famous appendix, devoted mainly to the state of English roads, appeared in the second volume of Daniel Defoe’s Tour thro’ the Whole Island of Great Britain (1724–26). Though cited on countless occasions by historians over almost three centuries, the text has never been properly edited with detailed attention to its coverage of the newly emergent method of maintaining roads through the establishment of turnpike trusts. In default, this study seeks to describe major features of the account, to indicate its timeliness, and to set out the factors which enabled Defoe to provide an unrivalled picture of the communications network of his time. The appendix carries even more weight because it fills out a comprehensive survey of road conditions throughout the text, as part of the author’s overall design in the Tour. This shows the interdependence of separate regions of the country, bound together in a system centred on London.
Navigating the Process of Curriculum Redesign in Sociology: Challenges and Lessons from One Program
Authors: Downey Dennis J. , O’Connor Lindsey Trimble , Abell Leslie , Armanino Daniel , Jepson Mark , Kadakal Reha , Nam Sunghee , Sánchez Luis , Sowers Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

The American Sociological Association has produced a wide range of reports and materials addressing curricular best practices. Collectively, those materials are an invaluable resource for guiding revisions of the sociology major, but they do not address processes for implementing such revisions. In this conversation piece, we describe the steps by which our department implemented a thorough curricular redesign—a process nearing completion after five years of formal discussions, and with roots reaching back even farther. We organize our discussion around three areas of effort that comprised our process: charting a course, bringing colleagues along, and institutionalizing outcomes. We highlight important milestones, challenges, and successes that we encountered along the way and provide recommendations based on our experiences for colleagues in other departments interested in undertaking their own redesign.
An observer-based continuous adaptive sliding mode guidance against chattering for homing missiles
Authors: Guo Jianguo , Li Yifei , Zhou Jun
Published: March 2019

A novel observer-based continuous adaptive sliding mode guidance (OCASMG) is proposed for homing missiles. First, a new sliding mode guidance law is derived from the nonlinear dynamics describing the pursuit situation of a missile and a target in the two-dimensional space, where a continuous adaptive function is introduced to overcome the chattering problem in sliding mode. Second, to improve the accuracy of target interception, a new nonlinear extended state observer (NESO) is presented to estimate target acceleration and compensate for the sliding mode guidance law. The stability of observer-based closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulations are conducted on the nonlinear longitudinal missile model and results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Diabetes in the African Immigrant Population of Sacramento County, California
Authors: Kindarara Désiré M. , Silva Graciela E.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes in the African immigrant population in Sacramento County, California.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sacramento County, California, from June to August 2018. The convenience sample included 126 African immigrants aged 21 years and older. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) level, blood pressure, height, and weight were measured per standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 test at value of P < .05.

Results

Of 126 adult individuals included in this study, 32 (25.4%) had diabetes, of whom 25 (19.8%) were previously diagnosed and 7 (5.6%) represented new cases of diabetes. Also, 36 (28.6%) had prediabetes, of whom 24 (19.1%) had previously been told they had prediabetes and 12 (9.5%) represented new cases of prediabetes. Diabetes and prediabetes were significantly higher among participants in the age group of 36 to 60 years, married, employed full-time, and those with hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and participating in 0 to 2 days per week of moderate physical activities. Only one-fifth of all participants with previously known diabetes or previously on treatment had a good glycemic control status.

Conclusions

The present study found a high prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes, and multiple risk factors of diabetes in the African immigrant population, as well as a poor glycemic control among those with diabetes, calling for urgent attention. Strategies aimed to improving a healthy lifestyle in the African immigrant population are necessary to reduce the burden of diabetes.
Nondisplaced fractures on hip CT: added value of dual-energy CT virtual non-calcium imaging for detection of bone marrow edema using visual and quantitative analyses
Authors: Jang Seong Won , Chung Bo Mi , Kim Wan Tae , Gil Jea Ryung
Published: March 2019

Background

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) virtual non-calcium (VNCa) imaging can demonstrate bone marrow edema.

Purpose

To evaluate the added value of DECT VNCa imaging for detection of non-displaced fractures on hip CT and to determine the attenuation value cut-off to identify bone marrow edema around fractures.

Material and Methods

We identified 35 patients who underwent DECT due to suspicion of a non-displaced fracture of the proximal femur or pelvic bone. Twenty-seven non-displaced fractures were present in 24 patients, while 11 patients had no fractures. Radiological, clinical follow-up, or surgical record was the standard of reference. Two radiologists visually interpreted CT images in two sessions: one with bone reconstruction images only and one with bone reconstruction images and VNCa images. Diagnostic performances were compared between the two reading sessions. Quantitative analyses of CT numbers on VNCa images were performed and a cut-off value was obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

In the visual analysis, area under the curve, sensitivity, and negative predictive value were improved in the second session with VNCa images for both readers. In the quantitative analysis, a cut-off value of –55.3 HU yielded 100% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 95.4% accuracy, 69.0% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value for detection of non-displaced fractures.

Conclusion

Visual and quantitative analyses of VNCa images may be useful in detection of non-displaced fractures in the proximal femur and in pelvic bones.
Improved empirical models for estimating surface direct and diffuse solar radiation at monthly and daily level: A case study in North China
Authors: Feng Yao , Chen Dongmei , Zhao Xinyi
Published: March 2019

Precise knowledge of direct and diffuse solar radiation is important for energy utilization and agricultural activities. However, field measurements in most areas of the world are only for total solar radiation. The satellite-retrieved direct and diffuse solar radiation show poor performance under overcast skies. Therefore, better empirical models are needed to estimate direct and diffuse solar radiation by considering the impact of aerosols over polluted regions. A case study is conducted in North China with the ground-measured solar radiation and satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth to improve new empirical models at monthly (from 2000 to 2016) and daily (from 2006 to 2009) level. The improved empirical models are validated using the field measurements and compared with the existing models. Results suggest that these models perform well in estimating direct solar radiation at monthly ( R2 = 0.86–0.91, RMSE = 0.76–0.83 MJ/m2) and daily ( R2 = 0.91–0.94, RMSE = 1.51–1.64 MJ/m2) level. The accuracy of estimated monthly ( R2 = 0.95–0.96, RMSE = 0.57–0.65 MJ/m2) and daily ( R2 = 0.91–0.93, RMSE = 1.09–1.15 MJ/m2) diffuse solar radiation, particularly the maximum diffuse solar radiation value, has been improved compared to the existing models. The models presented in this study can be useful in the improvement and evaluation of solar radiation dataset over polluted regions similar to North China.
Damage and fatigue analysis of AA7050-T7451 plate with cold expanded hole based on a micro-void evolution model
Authors: Xue Fengmei , Li Fuguo , Cui Xiaolei
Published: March 2019

The ultimate tensile strength and fatigue life of plate with cold worked hole under high loading are always key designing parameters in engineering field. In this article, different cold expanded degrees (ranging from 1.69% to 11.11%) are applied to plate specimens with a central hole, made of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy. The damage and fatigue properties are investigated by the three-dimensional finite element method with a user subroutine embedded into a void evolution model under complex stress states. The damage analysis indicates that plastic damage becomes critical when the cold expanded degree is larger than 7.14%, which does not suit for further service due to the loss of toughness. The cold expanded degree of 5.26% is identified as the best. It can be found that the fatigue life improves with the increased cold expanded degree. The small cold expanded degree leads to poor strengthening effect because of lacking sufficient residual stress, while large cold expanded degree makes micro-cracks emerge, which is beneficial to the increase in strengthening. All these results prove that the numerical analysis can accurately predict fatigue behavior of AA7050-T7451 plate based on our proposed approach, which is expected to be a powerful method in engineering field.
Propofol-based sedation does not negatively influence oxygenator running time compared to midazolam in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Lamm Wolfgang , Nagler Bernhard , Hermann Alexander , Robak Oliver , Schellongowski Peter , Buchtele Nina , Bojic Andja , Schmid Monika , Zauner Christian , Heinz Gottfried , Ullrich Roman , Staudinger Thomas
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are frequently in need for sedation. Use of propofol has been associated with impaired oxygenator function due to adsorption to the membrane as well as lipid load. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to compare two different sedation regimens containing either propofol or midazolam with respect to oxygenator running time.

Methods:

Midazolam was used in 73 patients whereas propofol was used in 49 patients, respectively. In the propofol group, veno-arterial–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used predominantly (84%), while veno-venous–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used more often in the midazolam group (64%).

Results:

Oxygenator running time until first exchange was 7 days in both groups ( p = 0.759). No statistically significant differences could be observed between the subgroup of patients receiving lipid-free (n = 24) and lipid-containing (n = 31) parenteral nutrition, respectively. Laboratory parameters like triglycerides, free hemoglobin, fibrinogen, platelets, and activated partial thromboplastin time were not significantly different between both sedation regimens ( p = 0.462, p = 0.489, p = 0.960, p = 0.134, and p = 0.843) and were not associated with oxygenator running time.

Conclusion:

The use of propofol as sedative seems suitable in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Among Iranian Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zarrin Aein , Tourchian Nima , Heckman George A.
Published: March 2019

Background: Implementing care models that emphasize chronic disease self-management (CDSM) strategies may be an effective approach to the growing prevalence of chronic conditions in Iran. We, therefore, conducted a scoping review on CDSM among older Iranians to identify existing gaps and opportunities to improve chronic disease care. Method: We conducted a search in CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane library. Selected articles were charted based on year of publication, language, objectives, methods, target chronic disease(s), sample demographics, self-management type, and key findings. Results: We selected 73 articles. The main components of CDSM addressed were social support, education, physical activity, nutrition, self-monitoring, spirituality, and financial support. Older Iranians reported low levels of physical activity. Conclusion: Enhancing the quality of CDSM research and provision of coaching to enhance older adults’ social and mental health are among the main strategies to enhance CDSM among the Iranian older population.
Effect of White Light Devoid of “Cyan” Spectrum Radiation on Nighttime Melatonin Suppression Over a 1-h Exposure Duration
Authors: Nagare Rohan , Rea Mark S. , Plitnick Barbara , Figueiro Mariana G.
Published: March 2019

The intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells are the main conduit of the light signal emanating from the retina to the biological clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Lighting manufacturers are developing white light sources that are devoid of wavelengths around 480 nm (“cyan gap”) to reduce their impact on the circadian system. The present study was designed to investigate whether exposure to a “cyan-gap,” 3000 K white light source, spectrally tuned to reduce radiant power between 475 and 495 nm (reducing stimulation of the melanopsin-containing photoreceptor), would suppress melatonin less than a conventional 3000 K light source. The study’s 2 phases employed a within-subjects experimental design involving the same 16 adult participants. In Phase 1, participants were exposed for 1 h to 3 experimental conditions over the course of 3 consecutive weeks: 1) dim light control (<5 lux at the eyes); 2) 800 lux at the eyes of a 3000 K light source; and 3) 800 lux at the eyes of a 3000 K, “cyan-gap” modified (3000 K mod) light source. The same protocol was repeated in Phase 2, but light levels were reduced to 400 lux at the eyes. As hypothesized, there were significant main effects of light level ( F1,12 = 9.1, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.43) and exposure duration ( F1,12 = 47.7, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.80) but there was no significant main effect of spectrum ( F1,12 = 0.16, p > 0.05, ηp² = 0.01). There were no significant interactions with spectrum. Contrary to our model predictions, our results showed that short-term exposures (≤ 1 h) to “cyan-gap” light sources suppressed melatonin similarly to conventional light sources of the same CCT and photopic illuminance at the eyes.
Social class and children’s food practices in Mexican migrant households
Authors: Dreby Joanna , Tuñón-Pablos Esperanza , Lacy Griffin
Published: March 2019

This article uses qualitative data from children and parents to explore how children’s food practices in Mexican migrant households vary by social class in the United States. Irrespective of social class, children and parents expressed similar values associated with Mexican food, perceptions of unhealthy “American” diets, and difficulties in incorporating Mexican food practices into their diets. However, we show parents in working-class families to exert less control over children’s food practices than those in middle-class families. Experiences of families whose social class changed with migration suggest that resources and social class identity post-migration likely shape children’s food practices.
Material stiffness control of compliant tools by using electromagnetic suction
Authors: Zeng Ming , Li Yu-Jia , Ren Tao , Tu Qing
Published: March 2019

Variable rigidity materials that are safe, controllable, reversible, and repeatable have potentially widespread implications in robotic technologies. This paper presents a method for controlling the stiffness of materials for compliant tools, such as grippers, soft robots, and endoscopes. The force of electromagnetic suction transforms two structures from their relaxed-state into a more rigid state. The system presented here has the ability of quickly increasing the stiffness with increased current in the coils that create electromagnetic suction, wherein the stiffness can be controlled by the variation of supply current. The process of controlling stiffness variation is reversible and repeatable under the safe voltage of human body. The system can lead to the production of tools that are small, flexible, dexterous, and safe. Suction force, friction force, and rotational stiffness were calculated to evaluate the performance of the system. Experiments were carried out to verify the proposed concept and the calculations.
The prediction of braking noise in regenerative braking system using closed-loop coupling disk brake model
Authors: Gao Pu , Ruan Jiageng , Du Yongchang , Walker Paul D , Zhang Nong
Published: March 2019

Aiming at improving regenerative braking ability in electric vehicles without compromising any safety, two different regenerative braking strategies are proposed in this study. The impact of continuously varying braking force distributions between front/rear wheel and electric/friction corresponding in two different strategies on braking noise are investigated. Based on the closed-loop coupling disk brake model, the relationship between the contact coupling stiffness and the braking force is established by considering the stationary modal test, the nonlinear optimization, and the relationship between brake-line pressure and braking force. The continuously varying braking force is initially transformed to continuously varying contact coupling stiffness, then, the brake noise tendency at each frequency band is calculated in closed-loop coupled model. The predicted result shows good consistency with the result recorded in bench test, verifying the reliability and effectivity of the presented method. The comparison of the two different electric braking strategies shows that the second braking strategy is superior to the first braking strategy in terms of suppressing the brake noise tendency.
Evidence of late-Holocene mud-volcanic eruptions in the Modena foothills (northern Italy)
Authors: Borgatti Lisa , Giovanna Bosi , Edoardo Bracci Antonio , Stefano Cremonini , Gloria Falsone , Francesca Guandalini , Donato Labate , Giuseppe Mainardi , Giovanni Martinelli , Chiara Montecchi Maria , Diego Pieraccini
Published: March 2019

Among natural hazards, mud volcanoes can damage property and infrastructures and affect hillslope evolution at different spatial and temporal scales. The results of 10-year-long multidisciplinary investigations performed on a Roman-age archaeological site, La Rovina di Montegibbio, are presented, showing a peculiar example of mutual interplay between human settlement and geological forcing in the mud-volcanic environment. The site (350 m a.s.l.) lies at the termination of the upper Secchia River catchment, near the town of Sassuolo (Modena Province). Here, a 4-km-long mud volcano belt borders the Apennines chain front, comprising one of the most prominent mud volcanoes of Italy ( Salsa di Montegibbio), and the still-active chain hinge tectonics gives origin to gas and oil seeps. Based on geological, geoarchaeological, palaeobotanical, geochemical, geophysical records and analytical data, we unravel the onset, the evolution and the abandonment of the settlement in relation to the existence of a previously unknown mud volcano, belonging to the larger Montegibbio mud volcano system. The damages affecting the Roman-age buildings record the ground deformations in the context of mud volcano tectonics. In particular, the pattern of faults set buried under the archaeological site is shown and compared with that of the main mud volcano conduit. At least two Roman-age eruptive episodes have been recorded, whose ejected muds are geochemically characterized. The first recorded eruption must be regarded as the reason for the initial location and function of the sacred ancient settlement. The final site abandonment was because of subsequent severe ground deformations affecting the hillslope as a consequence of mud volcano activity.
Early-Holocene monsoon instability and climatic optimum recorded by Chinese stalagmites
Authors: Yang Xunlin , Yang Hong , Wang Baoyan , Huang Li-Jung , Shen Chuan-Chou , Edwards R Lawrence , Cheng Hai
Published: March 2019

The timing and duration of the Holocene East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) maximum and the interpretation of Chinese stalagmite δ18O records have long been disputed. Notably, interpretations of Holocene EASM variations are frequently based on a single record or study area and are often contradictory. In this study, we conducted stable isotope analyses of four Holocene stalagmites from Chongqing, southwest China. The results reveal differences in the timing of the Holocene EASM maximum and to try to resolve the inconsistency we analyzed and statistically integrated a total of 16 Holocene stalagmite records from 14 caves in the EASM region. The resulting synthesized Holocene stalagmite δ18O (δ18Osyn) record is in agreement with other EASM records and confirms that stalagmite δ18O records are a valid indicator of EASM intensity, rather of local precipitation amount. The δ18Osyn record shows that the EASM intensified rapidly from the onset of the early Holocene; notably, however, there were distinct EASM oscillations in the early Holocene, consisting of three abrupt millennial-scale events. This indicates that, contrary to several previous interpretations, the early Holocene EASM was unstable. Subsequently, during 8–6 kyr BP, the EASM was relatively stable and strong, with the strongest monsoon occurring during 8–7 kyr BP. This evidence of a stable and strong mid-Holocene EASM in eastern China is in accord with the classical view of a mid-Holocene Optimum in China.