bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What factors are associated with the increase of anemia in Ethiopian children aged 6 to 59 months between 2011 and 2016?
Authors: Amaha Nebyu Daniel
Published: October 2020

Background

In Ethiopia more than half of the children under 5 years are anemic and between 2011 and 2016 anemia in children under-5 increased by 28.7%. This study aimed to analyze this increase in anemia by socio-demographic characteristics.

Method

This study was a secondary analysis of the data from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys (EDHS) for 2011 and 2016. The increase of anemia was calculated using percentage change. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between anemia and six predictor variables of age, sex, mother’s educational level, residence, wealth quintile and region. The strength of association was measured using Cramer’s V.

Results

Anemia increased in all age groups, both sexes, urban and rural residencies, across all wealth quintiles, all maternal education levels and all regions of Ethiopia except Benishangul Gumuz. The highest increase of anemia was seen among children born to mothers with above secondary education (65.8%), living in urban areas (40.1%), in the lowest wealth quintile (41.5%), and children from Tigray region (42.9%). Severe anemia increased in all age categories except in infants aged 9–11 months. Children of mothers with above secondary educational level had the highest increase of mild and moderate anemia. Severe anemia decreased in the second and middle wealth quintiles whereas it increased in the rest quintiles. Benishangul Gumuz is the only region where mild, moderate, and severe anemia decreased. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) test showed that all the predictor variables except sex were significantly associated with anemia. Although highly significant (p < 0.001) using the chi-square test, Cramer’s V showed that residence (V = 0.052–0.066) and maternal education (V = 0.041–0.044) were only weakly associated with anemia.

Conclusion

Anemia in children under-5 continues to be a severe public health problem in Ethiopia. Benishangul Gumuz region is the only region that was able to reduce the prevalence of all forms of anemia under-5 between 2011 and 2016, consequently other regions of Ethiopia could learn from this experience. The high increase of anemia in children born to mothers with above secondary education and highest wealth quintiles points to poor dietary practices, therefore, community based nutrition education for mothers needs to be strengthened.
Quantification, description and international comparison of antimicrobial use on Irish pig farms
Authors: O’Neill Lorcan , Rodrigues da Costa Maria , Leonard Finola C. , Gibbons James , Calderón Díaz Julia Adriana , McCutcheon Gerard , Manzanilla Edgar García
Published: October 2020

Background

There is concern that the use of antimicrobials in livestock production has a role in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. Consequently, there are increasing efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture. As the largest consumer of veterinary antimicrobials in several countries, the pig sector is a particular focus of these efforts. Data on AMU in pig production in Ireland are lacking. This study aimed to quantify AMU on Irish pig farms, to identify the major patterns of use employed and to compare the results obtained to those from other published reports and studies.

Results

Antimicrobial use data for 2016 was collected from 67 Irish pig farms which represented c. 35% of national production. The combined sample population consumed 14.5 t of antimicrobial by weight of active ingredient suggesting that the pig sector accounted for approximately 40% of veterinary AMU in Ireland in 2016. At farm level, median AMU measured in milligram per population correction unit (mg/PCU) was 93.9 (range: 1.0–1196.0). When measured in terms of treatment incidence (TI200), median AMU was 15.4 (range: 0.2–169.2). Oral treatments accounted for 97.5% of all AMU by weight of active ingredient and were primarily administered via medicated feed to pigs in the post weaning stages of production. AMU in Irish pig production in 2016 was higher than results obtained from the national reports of Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and France but lower than the United Kingdom.

Conclusions

Pig production in Ireland is an important consumer of veterinary antimicrobials. The quantities and patterns of AMU on Irish pig farms are comparable to pig production in other European countries but higher than some countries with more advanced AMU reduction strategies. This AMU is characterised by a high proportion of prophylactic use and is primarily administered to pigs post weaning via medicated feed. Further studies to better understand the reasons for AMU on Irish pig farms and strategies to improve health among weaner pigs will be of benefit in the effort to reduce AMU.
An empirical examination of investor sentiment and stock market volatility: evidence from India
Authors: P H Haritha , Rishad Abdul
Published: October 2020

Understanding the irrational sentiments of the market participants is necessary for making good investment decisions. Despite the recent academic effort to examine the role of investors’ sentiments in market dynamics, there is a lack of consensus in delineating the structural aspect of market sentiments. This research is an attempt to address this gap. The study explores the role of irrational investors’ sentiments in determining stock market volatility. By employing monthly data on market-related implicit indices, we constructed an irrational sentiment index using principal component analysis. This sentiment index was modelled in the GARCH and Granger causality framework to analyse its contribution to volatility. The results showed that irrational sentiment significantly causes excess market volatility. Moreover, the study indicates that the asymmetrical aspects of an inefficient market contribute to excess volatility and returns. The findings are crucial for retail investors as well as portfolio managers seeking to make an optimum portfolio to maximise profits.
Primary urethral small cell melanoma with neuroendocrine differentiation: a case report
Authors: Nakra Tripti , Dadhwal Rohit , Nayyar Rishi , Rastogi Sameer , Kakkar Aanchal , Sharma Mehar Chand , Yadav Rajni
Published: October 2020

Background

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra is an exceedingly rare tumor. It represents 0.2% of all malignant melanomas. Divergent differentiation towards non-melanocytic lineages has not been reported in urethral melanoma.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of neuroendocrine differentiation in a large primary small cell malignant melanoma involving the urethra, in a 62-year-old lady, who presented with obstructive urinary symptoms. Clinical and radiological workup revealed a large urethral mass with liver and lymph nodal metastases. A biopsy was performed from the urethral and liver lesions which showed poorly differentiated tumor cells with small cell morphology and presence of melanin pigment. These cells were immunopositive for melanocytic and neuroendocrine markers. Ultrastructural examination showed presence of melanosomes and neurosecretory granules in the tumor cells.

Conclusions

Although malignant melanoma with neuroendocrine differentiation is exceptionally rare, it needs to be recognized among the other well-known variants of malignant melanoma.
Prestack waveform inversion based on analytical solution of the viscoelastic wave equation
Authors: Li Yuanqiang , Li Jingye , Chen Xiaohong , Zhang Jian , Bo Xin
Published: October 2020

Amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) inversion is based on single interface reflectivity equations. It involves some restrictions, such as the small-angle approximation, including only primary reflections, and ignoring attenuation. To address these shortcomings, the analytical solution of the 1D viscoelastic wave equation is used as the forward modeling engine for prestack inversion. This method can conveniently handle the attenuation and generate the full wavefield response of a layered medium. To avoid numerical difficulties in the analytical solution, the compound matrix method is applied to rapidly obtain the analytical solution by loop vectorization. Unlike full-waveform inversion, the proposed prestack waveform inversion (PWI) can be performed in a target-oriented way and can be applied in reservoir study. Assuming that a Q value is known, PWI is applied to synthetic data to estimate elastic parameters including compressional wave (P-wave) and shear wave (S-wave) velocities and density. After validating our method on synthetic data, this method is applied to a reservoir characterization case study. The results indicate that the reflectivity calculated by our approach is more realistic than that computed by using single interface reflectivity equations. Attenuation is an integral effect on seismic reflection; therefore, the sensitivity of seismic reflection to P-and S-wave velocities and density is significantly greater than that to Q, and the seismic records are sensitive to the low-frequency trend of Q. Thus, we can invert for the three elastic parameters by applying the fixed low-frequency trend of Q. In terms of resolution and accuracy of synthetic and real inversion results, our approach performs superiorly compared to AVO inversion.
An adaptive node-distribution method for radial-basis-function finite-difference modeling with optimal shape parameter
Authors: Duan Peiran , Gu Bingluo , Li Zhenchun , Ren Zhiming , Li Qingyang
Published: October 2020

The radial-basis-function finite-difference (RBF-FD) method has been proven successful in modeling seismic-wave propagation. Node distribution is typically the first and most critical step in RBF-FD. Regarding the difficulties in seismic modeling, such as node distribution of complex geologic structures, we have designed an adaptive node-distribution method that can generate nodes automatically and flexibly as the computation proceeds with the adaptive grain-radius satisfied dispersion relation and stability condition of seismic-wave propagation. Our method consists of two novel points. The first one is that we adopt an adaptive grain-radius generation method, which can automatically provide a wider scope of grain radius in seismic modeling while satisfying the dispersion relation and stability condition; the second one is that the node-generation algorithm is built by a smoothed model, which significantly improves the modeling stability at a reduced computational cost. Excessive or undesirable shape parameters will create a very ill-conditioned problem. A set of optimal shape parameters for different numbers of neighbor nodes is found quantitatively by minimizing root-mean-square error functions. This optimization method enables us to achieve an improved meshfree modeling process with higher accuracy and practicability and fewer spurious diffractions caused by the transition of different sampling areas. Several numerical results verify the feasibility of our adaptive node-distribution method and the optimal shape parameters.
Surface-wave dispersion spectrum inversion method applied to Love and Rayleigh waves recorded by distributed acoustic sensing
Authors: Song Zhenghong , Zeng Xiangfang , Thurber Clifford H.
Published: October 2020

Recently, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) has been applied to shallow seismic structure imaging providing dense spatial sampling at a relatively low cost. DAS on a standard straight fiber-optic cable mostly records axial dynamic strain, which makes it difficult to separate the Rayleigh and Love wavefields. As a result, the mixed Rayleigh and Love wave signals cannot be used in the conventional surface-wave dispersion inversion method. Therefore, it is often ensured that the source and the cable are in the same line and only Rayleigh wave dispersion is used, which limits the constraints on structure and model resolution. We have inverted surface-wave dispersion spectra instead of dispersion curves. This inversion method can use mixed Rayleigh and Love waves recorded when the source and receiver array are not aligned. The multiple-channel records are transformed to the frequency domain, and a slant stack method is used to construct the dispersion spectra. The genetic algorithm method is used to obtain an optimal S-wave velocity model that minimizes the difference between theoretical and observed dispersion spectra. A series of synthetic tests are conducted to validate our method. The results suggest that our method not only improves the flexibility of the acquisition system design, but the Love wave data also provide additional constraints on the structure. Our method is applied to the active source and ambient noise data sets acquired at a geothermal site and provides consistent results for different data sets and acquisition geometries. The sensitivity of the dispersion spectra to layer thickness, density, and P-wave velocity is also discussed. With our method, the amount of usable data can be increased, helping deliver better subsurface images.
Efficient acoustic scalar wave equation modeling in VTI media
Authors: Nikonenko Yury , Charara Marwan
Published: October 2020

We have developed a new approach for acoustic wave modeling in transversely isotropic media with a vertical axis of symmetry. This approach is based on using a pure acoustic wave equation derived from the basic physical laws — Hooke’s law and the equation of motion. We find that the conventional equation noted as a pure quasi-P-wave equation computes only one stress component. In our approach, there is no need to approximate the pseudodifferential operator for decomposition purposes. We make a discrete inverse Fourier transform of the desired frequency response contained in the pseudodifferential operator to build the corresponding spatial operator. We then cut off the operator with a window to reduce edge effects. As a result, the obtained spatial operator is applied locally to the wavefield through a simple convolution. Consequently, we derive an explicit numerical scheme for a pure quasi-P-wave mode. The most important advantage of our method lies in its locality, which means that our spatial operator can be applied in any selected region separately. Our approach can be combined with classical fast finite-difference methods when media are isotropic or elliptically anisotropic, therefore avoiding spurious fields and reducing the total computational time and memory. The accuracy, stability, and absence of residual S-waves of our approach were proven with several numerical examples.
Full-waveform inversion of intensity-focused seismic data
Authors: Bosch Miguel , Mijares Solange , Panchano Roxana , Peña Francis
Published: October 2020

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is a promising tool for the comprehensive analysis of seismic data because it involves modeling the complete elastodynamic phenomena in 3D for the estimation of medium parameters. However, the application for reservoir characterization is still limited in achieving the inverse problem solution using reasonable computational resources and the required model resolution. Following a data-driven approach, we have implemented the isotropic elastic FWI with sensitivity emphasis on a prescribed target zone of the propagation volume, showing that the method is useful in improving the estimation over the target zone compared with nonlocalized methods. Our method uses the superposition principle to construct multipoint sources that focus the primary wave intensity (seismic illumination) over the specific target area. Thus, the secondary wavefield scattered from the target area to the receivers increases, providing improved information on the model parameters that control the property heterogeneity within the target zone. We design two types of focused macrosource (FMS) configurations that accomplish this objective: the convergent FMS and the combined beam FMS. Although multipoint seismic sources are not implemented in the field for practical reasons, they can be synthetized computationally using the superposition principle, interpolation, and the current seismic survey data (point-source) to compose the FMS observed gathers, which are then used as input data for the FWI. We perform elastic FWI synthetic tests in a 2D modified Marmousi model to compare the inversion performance with focused and nonfocused data, under the same computational conditions, with and without the presence of noise. Our tests show faster convergence and improved estimation in the target zone with the use of the intensity-focused seismic data for FWI; improved focusing effects are expected in 3D. Being target-oriented, the method is suitable for reducing computational requirements in elastic FWI application for reservoir description.
Reservoir facies design and modeling using probabilistic rock-physics templates
Authors: Xie Wei , Spikes Kyle T.
Published: October 2020

We have developed a technique to design and optimize reservoir lithofluid facies based on probabilistic rock-physics templates. Subjectivity is promoted to design possible facies scenarios with different pore-fluid conditions, and quantitative simulations and evaluations are conducted in facies model selection. This method aims to provide guidelines for reservoir-facies modeling in an exploration setting in which limited data exist. The work includes two parts: facies-model simulations and uncertainty evaluations. We have first derived scenarios with all possible fluid types using Gassmann fluid substitution. We designed models with different numbers of facies and pore-fluid conditions using site-specific rock-physics templates. Detailed facies simulations were conducted in the petroelastic, elastic, and seismic domains in a step-by-step framework to preserve the geologic interpretability. The use of probabilistic rock-physics templates allowed for multiple realizations of each facies model to account for different types and magnitudes of errors and to infer facies probability and uncertainty. For each realization, we used Bayesian classification to assign facies labels. Comparisons between the predicted and true labels provided the success rates and entropy indices to quantify the prediction errors and confidence degrees, respectively. This workflow was tested with well-log data from a clastic reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico. We simulated models with five to seven facies with different pore-fluid parameters. From the petroelastic, elastic, and seismic domains, the uncertainty of facies models significantly increased due to well-log measurement errors, data-model mismatch, and resolution differences. The facies model consisting of oil sand, gas sand, and shale was the optimal set based on the high success rates and low entropy indices. Facies profiles estimated from this optimal model presented significant consistency with well-log interpretations. The techniques and results demonstrated here could be applied to different types of clastic reservoirs, and they provide useful constraints for reservoir facies modeling during early oilfield exploration stages.
The effect of geologic structure on fracture characterization using azimuthal vertical seismic profiles
Authors: Sayed Ali , Stewart Robert R. , Kumar Dhananjay
Published: October 2020

Azimuthal vertical seismic profile (AzVSP) surveys have commonly been used for fracture characterization by analyzing the P-to-S converted wave response across fractured zones. Fractured media produce characteristic two-cycle patterns on AzVSP gathers that are disrupted in the presence of complex structures. Aiming to characterize the complexity of the AzVSP response in the presence of geologic structures, we have derived anisotropy parameters for effective horizontal transverse isotropic media, generated AzVSP signatures for the flat-interface case as the baseline, and compared the baseline signatures with AzVSP signatures for the dipping-interface cases. The fracture fill and fracture intensity are varied to capture the effect of the intrinsic fracture parameters on the AzVSP signatures. We find that dry fractures produce a stronger response compared with fluid-filled fractures for the same fracture density. The structural response on AzVSP signatures is isolated by generating synthetic seismograms across structurally equivalent isotropic models. Transverse energy, resulting from structures, could be misinterpreted as evidence for fracturing. The AzVSP signatures for a fractured dipping-interface two-layer model show significant distortion of the fracture response for the 10° dip case compared with the flat-interface signatures. As a possible solution to the structural problem, we use the arrival azimuths of the transmitted P-to-S event in synthetic signatures generated with the isotropic structural model, to orient the radial and transverse components parallel and perpendicular to the isotropic P-to-S event, respectively. Such structurally consistent orientation negates the effect of structure on AzVSP gathers and uncovers the underlying fracture response. This methodology can be extended to complex overburdens that are structurally well constrained.
On parameterization in monoclinic media with a horizontal symmetry plane
Authors: Stovas Alexey
Published: October 2020

I have derived accurate anisotropy parameters for a monoclinic anisotropy model with a horizontal symmetry plane based on normal moveout (NMO) ellipses for P-, S1-, S2-, and converted waves. The NMO velocity ellipse is also defined for all types of converted waves. The parameters are defined in the phase domain and compared with existing approximate monoclinic anisotropy parameters. These parameters are evaluated for two benchmark models consisting of two nonorthogonal fracture sets embedded into a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis. The dependence of monoclinic parameters on the azimuth angle between the fracture sets is analyzed. Being linearized with respect to fracture weaknesses, the monoclinic anisotropy parameters can be decomposed into sine functions of double and quartic azimuth angle between the fracture sets with the weights given by the stiffness coefficients of the background model. The discrimination between the fracture parameters computed from a given set of monoclinic parameters is dependent on the background model and controlled by the azimuth angle between the fracture sets.
Strength Training: In Search of Optimal Strategies to Maximize Neuromuscular Performance
Authors: Duchateau Jacques , Stragier Séverine , Baudry Stéphane , Carpentier Alain
Published: October 2020

Training with low-load exercise performed under blood flow restriction can augment muscle hypertrophy and maximal strength to a similar extent as the classical high-load strength training method. However, the blood flow restriction method elicits only minor neural adaptations. In an attempt to maximize training-related gains, we propose using other protocols that combine high voluntary activation, mechanical tension, and metabolic stress.
A Role for Exercise to Counter Skeletal Muscle Clock Disruption
Authors: Erickson Melissa L. , Esser Karyn A. , Kraus William E. , Buford Thomas W. , Redman Leanne M.
Published: October 2020

Disruption of the skeletal muscle circadian clock leads to a preferential shift toward lipid oxidation while reducing carbohydrate oxidation. These effects are apparent at the whole-body level, including glucose intolerance, increased energy expenditure, and fasting hyperglycemia. We hypothesize that exercise counters these metabolic disturbances by modifying the skeletal muscle clock and reverting substrate metabolism back toward an optimal substrate balance.
Optimizing Microbiota Profiles for Athletes
Authors: Mancin Laura , Rollo Ian , Mota Joao Felipe , Piccini Fabio , Carletti Mattia , Susto Gian Antonio , Valle Giorgio , Paoli Antonio
Published: October 2020

Gut microbiome influences athletes’ physiology, but because of the complexity of sport performance and the great intervariability of microbiome features, it is not reasonable to define a single healthy microbiota profile for athletes. We suggest the use of specific meta-omics analysis coupled with innovative computational systems to uncover the hidden association between microbes and athlete’s physiology and predict personalized recommendation.
The Interaction between Mobility Status and Exercise Specificity in Older Adults
Authors: Brahms Clemens Markus , Hortobágyi Tibor , Kressig Reto Werner , Granacher Urs
Published: October 2020

Many adults older than 60 yr experience mobility limitations. Although physical exercise improves older adults' mobility, differences in baseline mobility produce large variations in individual responses to interventions, and these responses could further vary by the type and dose of exercise. Here, we propose an exercise prescription model for older adults based on their current mobility status.
Heat Versus Altitude Training for Endurance Performance at Sea Level
Authors: Baranauskas Marissa N. , Constantini Keren , Paris Hunter L. , Wiggins Chad C. , Schlader Zachary J. , Chapman Robert F.
Published: October 2020

Environmental stressors, such as heat or altitude, elicit dissimilar physiological adaptations to endurance training programs. Whether these differences (i.e., increased hemoglobin mass vs plasma volume) differentially influence performance is debated. We review data in support of our novel hypothesis, which proposes altitude as the preferred environmental training stimulus for elite endurance athletes preparing to compete in temperate, sea-level climates (5°C–18°C).
The Accurate Assessment of Muscle Excitation Requires the Detection of Multiple Surface Electromyograms
Authors: Vieira Taian Martins , Botter Alberto
Published: October 2020

When sampling electromyograms (EMGs) with one pair of electrodes, it seems implicitly assumed the detected signal reflects the net muscle excitation. However, this assumption is discredited by observations of local muscle excitation. Therefore, we hypothesize that the accurate assessment of muscle excitation requires multiple EMG detection and consideration of electrode-fiber alignment. We advise prudence when drawing inferences from individually collected EMGs.
The Effects of Fire Academy Training and Probationary Firefighter Status on Select Basic Health and Fitness Measurements
Authors: LAN FAN-YUN , YIANNAKOU IOANNA , SCHEIBLER CHRISTOPHER , HERSHEY MARIA SOLEDAD , CABRERA JUAN LUIS ROMERO , GAVIOLA GABRIEL C. , FERNANDEZ-MONTERO ALEJANDRO , CHRISTOPHI COSTAS A. , CHRISTIANI DAVID C. , SOTOS-PRIETO MERCEDES , KALES STEFANOS N.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate changes in firefighter recruits’ select health and fitness measurements, from academy training to the early probationary firefighter period.

Methods

Firefighter recruits from two New England fire academies were followed up prospectively from enrollment at the academy to graduation after 15- to 16-wk training programs, and then for an average of 8 months as probationary firefighters. The participants’ demographic, lifestyle, and mental health information was collected using a questionnaire. Body mass index, percent body fat, blood pressure, and push-ups were also measured at each time point. Furthermore, the academies tested the recruits on selected fitness measures (push-ups, pull-ups, and 1.5-mile running time) at academy entry, midtraining, and at graduation.

Results

Ninety-two recruits consented and were included in the analyses. The recruits’ percent body fat significantly decreased (median, 21.0%–18.2%) from baseline to graduation, and push-up capacity significantly improved (median, 34–53 per minute) in the same period, along with pull-ups and 1.5-mile running time. However, the recruits’ blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, increased significantly by an average of 3 mm Hg during the training. Those completing probationary follow-up (45/92 recruits) showed that most health/fitness improvements declined after graduation. From academy graduation to probationary follow-up, recruits’ physical activity decreased and TV screen time increased significantly, leading to a lower healthy lifestyle score (median, 4–3). After multivariate adjustments, the recruits’ diastolic blood pressure increased by 2 mm Hg per measuring time throughout the study period.

Conclusions

Fire academy training improved recruits’ select health and fitness measurements, but the benefits dissipated as probationary firefighters, and blood pressures increased throughout the study period. Further interventions regarding blood pressure and to maintain training benefits after joining fire departments are warranted.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Quadriceps Changes during an Extreme Mountain Ultramarathon
Authors: Nguyen Hoai-Thu , Grenier Thomas , Leporq Benjamin , Le Goff Caroline , Gilles Benjamin , Grange Sylvain , Grange Rémi , Millet Grégoire P. , Beuf Olivier , Croisille Pierre , Viallon Magalie
Published: October 2020

Introduction/Purpose

Extreme ultra-endurance races are growing in popularity, but their effects on skeletal muscles remain mostly unexplored. This longitudinal study explores physiological changes in mountain ultramarathon athletes’ quadriceps using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with serological biomarkers. The study aimed to monitor the longitudinal effect of the race and recovery and to identify local inflammatory and metabolic muscle responses by codetection of biological markers.

Methods

An automatic image processing framework was designed to extract imaging-based biomarkers from quantitative MRI acquisitions of the upper legs of 20 finishers at three time points. The longitudinal effect of the race was demonstrated by analyzing the image markers with dedicated biostatistical analysis.

Results

Our framework allows for a reliable calculation of statistical data not only inside the whole quadriceps volume but also within each individual muscle head. Local changes in MRI parameters extracted from quantitative maps were described and found to be significantly correlated with principal serological biomarkers of interest. A decrease in the PDFF after the race and a stable paramagnetic susceptibility value were found. Pairwise post hoc tests suggested that the recovery process differs among the muscle heads.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study conducted during a prolonged and extreme mechanical stress showed that quantitative MRI-based markers of inflammation and metabolic response can detect local changes related to the prolonged exercise, with differentiated involvement of each head of the quadriceps muscle as expected in such eccentric load. Consistent and efficient extraction of the local biomarkers enables to highlight the interplay/interactions between blood and MRI biomarkers. This work indeed proposes an automatized analytic framework to tackle the time-consuming and mentally exhausting segmentation task of muscle heads in large multi–time-point cohorts.
Caffeine Exacerbates Hyperventilation and Reductions in Cerebral Blood Flow in Physically Fit Men Exercising in the Heat
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Fujimoto Tomomi , Yinhang Cao , Dobashi Kohei , Matsutake Ryoko , Amano Tatsuro , Watanabe Koichi , Nishiyasu Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Caffeine is an exercise performance enhancer widely used by individuals engaged in training or competition under heat-stressed conditions. Caffeine ingestion during exercise in the heat is believed to be safe because it does not greatly affect body temperature responses, heart rate, or body fluid status. However, it remains unknown whether caffeine affects hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation or reductions in the cerebral blood flow index. We tested the hypothesis that under conditions inducing severe hyperthermia, caffeine exacerbates hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and reduces the cerebral blood flow index during exercise.

Methods

Using a randomized, single-blind, crossover design, 12 physically active healthy young men (23 ± 2 yr) consumed a moderate dose of caffeine (5 mg·kg−1) or placebo in the heat (37°C). Approximately 60 min after the ingestion, they cycled for ~45 min at a workload equal to ~55% of their predetermined peak oxygen uptake (moderate intensity) until their core temperature increased to 2.0°C above its preexercise baseline level.

Results

In both trials, ventilation increased and the cerebral blood flow index assessed by middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity decreased as core temperature rose during exercise (P < 0.05), indicating that hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and lowering of the cerebral blood flow occurred. When core temperature was elevated by 1.5°C or more (P < 0.05), ventilation was higher and the cerebral blood flow was lower throughout the caffeine trial than the placebo trial (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A moderate dose of caffeine exacerbates hyperthermia-induced hyperventilation and reductions in the cerebral blood flow index during exercise in the heat with severe hyperthermia.
A Single Bout of Premeal Resistance Exercise Improves Postprandial Glucose Metabolism in Obese Men with Prediabetes
Authors: BITTEL ADAM J. , BITTEL DANIEL C. , MITTENDORFER BETTINA , PATTERSON BRUCE W. , OKUNADE ADEWOLE L. , ABUMRAD NADA A. , REEDS DOMINIC N. , CADE WILLIAM TODD
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Prediabetes is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Although resistance exercise (RE) is recommended for individuals with prediabetes, the effects of RE on postprandial glucose metabolism in this population are poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate how RE affects postprandial glucose kinetics, insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and glucose oxidation during the subsequent meal in sedentary men with obesity and prediabetes.

Methods

We studied 10 sedentary men with obesity (body mass index, 33 ± 3 kg·m−2) and prediabetes by using a randomized, cross-over study design. After an overnight fast, participants completed either a single bout of whole-body RE (seven exercises, 3 sets of 10–12 repetitions at 80% one-repetition maximum each) or an equivalent period of rest. Participants subsequently completed a mixed meal test in conjunction with an intravenous [6,6-2H2]glucose infusion to determine basal and postprandial glucose rate of appearance (Ra) and disappearance (Rd) from plasma, insulin sensitivity, and the insulinogenic index (a measure of beta cell function). Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained 90 min postmeal to evaluate pyruvate-supported and maximal mitochondrial respiration. Whole-body carbohydrate oxidation was assessed using indirect calorimetry.

Results

RE significantly reduced the postprandial rise in glucose Ra and plasma glucose concentration. Postprandial insulin sensitivity was significantly greater after RE, whereas postprandial plasma insulin concentration was significantly reduced. RE had no effect on the insulinogenic index, postprandial pyruvate respiration, or carbohydrate oxidation.

Conclusion/Interpretation

A single bout of RE has beneficial effects on postprandial glucose metabolism in men with obesity and prediabetes by increasing postprandial insulin sensitivity, reducing the postprandial rise in glucose Ra, and reducing postprandial plasma insulin concentration.
Heat Acclimation Improves Heat Tolerance Test Specificity in a Criteria-dependent Manner
Authors: MITCHELL KATHERINE M. , SALGADO ROY M. , BRADBURY KARLEIGH E. , CHARKOUDIAN NISHA , KENEFICK ROBERT W. , CHEUVRONT SAMUEL N.
Published: October 2020

A major ongoing challenge in sports medicine and the military is the determination of when an athlete or a military service member is ready to return to activity (RTA) after suffering an exertional heat stroke. A heat tolerance test (HTT) is one method used for RTA assessment, but its test specificity is unknown and may be affected by heat acclimation (HA) status.

Purpose

This study aimed to characterize HTT specificity and to determine any effect of HA on the outcome.

Methods

Thirteen unacclimatized, healthy men (V˙O2peak, 43.0 ± 4.8 mL·kg−1⋅min−1) with no previous history of heat illness completed 8 d of HA using the HTT protocol (40°C/40% RH; 120 min; 5 km·h−1 and 2% grade). Heart rate (HR) and core temperature (T
core) recorded every 5 min during exercise and at the end of 120 min (terminal value) were compared between days 1 and 8. Test specificity (given no previous history of heat illness, the probability of being heat tolerant) was calculated on days 1 and 8.

Results

There was a significant reduction in HR and T
core between days 1 and 8, indicating successful HA. All volunteers successfully completed 120 min of walking on all days. HTT specificity ranged between 54% and 85% on day 1 and between 77% and 92% on day 8, depending on the HTT criteria used.

Conclusion

Young healthy men without any previous heat illness experienced a 15% to 46% false-positive fail rate for the HTT without HA. After HA, the false-positive fail rate decreased to between 8% and 13%. Outcomes of the HTT are significantly affected by the criteria used and by HA status. The use of HTT for RTA decisions should be done with the recognition of these effects.
Bibliometric analysis of road traffic injuries research in the Gulf Cooperation Council region
Authors: Butt Farhan Muhammad , Ashiq Murtaza , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Minhas Khurram Shahid , Ajmal Khan Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite governmental interventions, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region continues to experience higher road traffic crash and fatality rates relative to Western nations. This trend suggests a potential disconnect between Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) research and the mitigation measures put in place.

Method: Here, we present an in-depth bibliometric analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of RTI research in the GCC region. The Web of Science database was used to search and retrieve the relevant articles during the period of 1981-2019.

Results: The volume of RTI research increased from 2015–2019, suggesting an increased focus on traffic safety in the GCC region. Saudi Arabia had the highest RTI research productivity level (126 publications); Bahrain had the lowest (7 publications). Inconsistent with its low publication volume, Hammad Medical Corps of Qatar had the highest citation impact score of 16.33. Global collaboration for RTI research was highest between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The most prevalent publication journal for the region was Accident Analysis and Prevention. The most common keywords were “road traffic accidents” and “road traffic injuries”; terms such as “mobile phones”, “pedestrian safety”, “pedestrians”, and “distracted driving” were least common. In the five most productive GCC nations with respect to RTI research (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman), researchers tended to publish works related to road traffic safety in traffic safety-oriented journals.

Conclusions: The quantity and quality of RTI publications in GCC is insufficient to meet the increasing related public health and economic burden in the region. The trends among publication volumes, citations, and impact were inconsistent. There is a lack of research collaboration among the institutions. Most of the research related to RTI is being conducted by researchers with a medical background. Research focusing on pedestrians, cyclists and road user behavior is also inadequate.
Mensuração e avaliação de impacto social de empreendimentos sociais
Authors: Pereira Murad Elisa , Carvalho Alves Cappelle Mônica , Meirelles Andrade Daniela
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho compreende uma revisão integrativa que tem como objetivo identificar metodologias e ferramentas utilizadas para acompanhar, mensurar e avaliar o impacto social de empreendimentos sociais e discutir suas características e potenciais de contribuição. A revisão foi realizada a partir da literatura nacional e internacional, e possibilitou constatar que na maioria dos estudos o foco encontra-se na identificação de indicadores de resultado. Conclui-se que é necessário discutir a mensuração de impacto em uma perspectiva de processo e de envolvimento das partes interessadas. Para tanto, deve-se ter o conhecimento do contexto e das necessidades presentes, tendo como foco a comunidade e a sua participação.
Complications associated with oncological therapy - how to minimize?
Authors: Szczęśniak Angelika , Serwin Natalia , Cecerska-Heryć Ela , Stangret Anna , Mularczyk Agata , Grzeszczak Konrad , Topczewska Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

During cancer therapy, patients undergo long-term treatment with chemotherapists. Unfortunately, although chemotherapy effectively destroys cancer cells, its toxicity may cause many adverse effects, weakening the patient's body. Their intensity is determined by many factors, including the age of the patient, the dose and type of drugs, the efficiency of metabolism and the occurrence of coexisting diseases. The most common side effects associated with chemotherapy include: myelosuppression, anaemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, thromboembolic disease, cardiovascular disorders, hair loss, nausea, diarrhoea, mucositis, taste change or fatigue.The complications that occur during or after chemotherapy are still a huge challenge for modern oncology. It is very important that the treatment of a patient with cancer is conducted by a team of doctors with many specializations. The individualization of treatment and the introduction of combined therapy may significantly minimize the occurrence of many serious complications, which may affect not only the quality of treatment, but also the patient life expectancy.
The legitimacy of experts in policy: navigating technocratic and political accountability in the case of global poverty governance
Authors: Bandola-Gill Justyna
Published: October 2020

Background:

The canonical view of expert legitimacy in policymaking links it to objectivity and autonomy from politics. Yet, in practice such ‘epistemic gains’ stemming from the separation of facts and values are problematic, as expert advice inherently combines political and technical considerations.

Aims and objectives:

This article addresses the puzzle of double – technocratic and political – legitimacy of experts by proposing a framework for understanding expert legitimacy as an interplay of three analytical levels: epistemic, individual actor and institutional. The paper explores this problem in the case study of global poverty measurement as a field located at the interface of science and policy.

Methods:

This is a comparative case study of poverty measurement in the World Bank and UNICEF. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 experts employed by the two organisations.

Findings:

The analysis posits expert legitimacy as constructed via navigation between specific practices of knowledge production, such as the production of policy-relevant and methodologically robust knowledge, a strategic distance between the research and the political setting aimed at extending or shortening the distance between experts and policymakers, and institutionalised cultures of evidence of the organisations through which expert advice is given.

Discussion and conclusion:

The paper offers a theorisation of expert legitimacy as symbiotic negotiation between technocratic and political modes of accountability which are irrevocably linked while remaining strategically separated.
Anti-external interference sensor based on cascaded side-coupled photonic crystal nanobeam cavities for simultaneous sensing of the refractive index and temperature
Authors: Wu Yongqin , Sun Fujun , Yang Shuo , Fu Zhongyuan , Wang Chao , Tian Huiping
Published: October 2020

We present a cascaded side-coupled silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) sensor for simultaneous sensing of the refractive index (RI) and temperature. Two types of PCNCs are designed for increasing the demodulation coefficient: the low-index mode cavity exposed to water directly (cav1) and the high-index mode cavity covered with SU-8 cladding (cav2). Moreover, the cascaded side-coupled system is modeled, and the transmission expression is derived based on temporal coupled-mode theory. Furthermore, the correlations between the structural parameters, the transmission, quality factor are discussed. By using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, we further prove the ability to detect RI and temperature simultaneously, obtaining a RI sensitivity of 210 nm/RI unit (RIU) and a temperature sensitivity of 53 pm/K forcav1, whereas there is a RI sensitivity of 0 nm/RIU and a temperature sensitivity of−90pm/Kforcav2. Moreover, the maximum of external interference ranges of the proposed sensor are7.5×10−6and 0.01 for the RI and temperature, respectively, and the deviation ratios are approximately 0.56% and 3.33% for the RI and temperature, respectively. Therefore, the proposed sensor has strong anti-interference ability and accuracy, which is a promising platform for future applications of dual-parameter sensing.
High-speed Gaussian-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution with a local local oscillator based on pilot-tone-assisted phase compensation
Authors: Wang Heng , Pi Yaodi , Huang Wei , Li Yang , Shao Yun , Yang Jie , Liu Jinlu , Zhang Chenlin , Zhang Yichen , Xu Bingjie
Published: October 2020

A high-speed Gaussian-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) with a local local oscillator (LLO) is experimentally demonstrated based on pilot-tone-assisted phase compensation. In the proposed scheme, the frequency-multiplexing and polarization-multiplexing techniques are used for the separate transmission and heterodyne detection between quantum signal and pilot tone, guaranteeing no crosstalk from strong pilot tone to weak quantum signal and different detection requirements of low-noise for quantum signal and high-saturation limitation for pilot tone. Moreover, compared with the conventional CVQKD based on homodyne detection, the proposed LLO-CVQKD scheme can measure X and P quadrature simultaneously using heterodyne detection without need of extra random basis selection. Besides, the phase noise, which contains the fast-drift phase noise due to the relative phase of two independent lasers and the slow-drift phase noise introduced by quantum channel disturbance, has been compensated experimentally in real time, so that a low level of excess noise with a 25 km optical fiber channel (with 5 dB loss) is obtained for the achievable secure key rate of 7.04 Mbps in the asymptotic regime and 1.85 Mbps under the finite-size block of 107.
Fractal photonic bandgap fibers
Authors: Watari Noriko , Takano Akemi , Naito Ayumi , Watanabe Toshiya , Fujiya Yasuyuki , Ishide Takashi
Published: October 2020

Photonic bandgap fibers have a critical constraint determined by wavelength. The principle of scale invariance requires that features remain unchanged even as the scale of an object changes. This paper introduces a new concept for fractal photonic crystal fibers integrating these two. Our simulation confirmed single-mode transmission is possible for a fiber whose core diameter exceeds 35 times the wavelength.