bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Vibration Prediction of a Highly Flexible Rotor Supported by an Axial Groove Journal Bearing Considering Journal Angular Whirling Motion
Authors: Koondilogpiboon Nuntaphong , Inoue Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2019

The difference in dynamic behavior of the rotor-bearing system supported by the bearing model that considers both lateral and angular whirling motions of the journal (model A), and the model that considers only lateral whirling motion (model B) is investigated. The rotor model consists of a slender shaft, a large disk, and two small disks supported by a self-aligning rolling element bearing (REB) and an axial groove journal bearing (JB) of length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) = 0.6. Three positions of the large disk: 410, 560, and 650 mm measured from the REB, are investigated. Numerical integration of the rotor-bearing system which is modally reduced to the first forward (FWD) mode is performed at above the onset speed of instability until either a steady-state journal orbit or contact between the journal and the bearing occurs to identify the bifurcation type. Numerical results using model A indicate subcritical bifurcation with the contact between the journal and the inboard (IB) side of the bearing in all three large disk positions, whereas those of model B indicate subcritical bifurcation when the large disk position is at 410 mm, and supercritical bifurcation is observed in the other two cases. Finally, the experiments at the same three large disk positions are performed. Subcritical bifurcation with the contact between the journal and the IB side of the bearing is observed in all large disk positions, which conforms with the calculation result of model A. Hence, model A is essential in nonlinear vibration analysis of a highly flexible rotor system.
Using Machine Learning to Predict Core Sizes of High-Efficiency Turbofan Engines
Authors: Tong Michael T.
Published: September 2019

With the rise in big data and analytics, machine learning is transforming many industries. It is being increasingly employed to solve a wide range of complex problems, producing autonomous systems that support human decision-making. For the aircraft engine industry, machine learning of historical and existing engine data could provide insights that help drive for better engine design. This work explored the application of machine learning to engine preliminary design. Engine core-size prediction was chosen for the first study because of its relative simplicity in terms of number of input variables required (only three). Specifically, machine-learning predictive tools were developed for turbofan engine core-size prediction, using publicly available data of two hundred manufactured engines and engines that were studied previously in NASA aeronautics projects. The prediction results of these models show that, by bringing together big data, robust machine-learning algorithms and data science, a machine learning-based predictive model can be an effective tool for turbofan engine core-size prediction. The promising results of this first study paves the way for further exploration of the use of machine learning for aircraft engine preliminary design.
Validation of a Turbine Blade Component Test With Frictional Contacts by Phase-Locked-Loop and Force-Controlled Measurements
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Kohlmann Lukas , Hartung Andreas , Gross Johann , Scheel Maren , Krack Malte
Published: September 2019

In this paper, a validation approach for a turbine blade component test with frictional contacts is presented. The investigated system is derived from a high cycle fatigue test setup, where a turbine blade is base-excited in the clamped blade foot. The setup has been extended by laser scanning vibrometry, a force measurement platform, and feedback-controllers for both force level and phase. At first, a conventional validation of a linearized model of the system is performed at low amplitudes to ensure the correct modal basis for model reduction. After that, the nonlinear behavior around the fundamental mode is analyzed in detail. Frequency responses for different excitation levels and backbone curves are measured and assessed regarding repeatability and robustness of the measurement chain. Among other effects, overhanging branches of the frequency response were encountered. Nonlinear, amplitude-dependent modal frequencies and damping ratios are identified from the backbone curves. These data form the validation basis for a reduced-order model of the system considering nonlinear friction in the blade foot. The correlation of measurement and simulation is investigated and advantages and shortcomings of the different validation metrics are discussed.
Machining of Microholes in Thin Wires
Authors: Serizawa Masaki , Matsumura Takashi
Published: September 2019

Machining of microholes in thin wires is presented to manufacture the microdevices. A machine tool was developed to machine 0.1–0.15 mm diameter holes in 0.3 mm diameter titanium alloy wires with drills or end mills. In order to realize high stiffness and damping of the workpiece holding, the workpiece inserted into a polyurethane tube was clamped on a groove of a machine table. Blind and through holes were machined with controlling the position, the orientation, and the inclination of the holes. The cutting forces were measured in drillings of 0.1 mm diameter through holes and in milling of the inclined holes with a piezoelectric dynamometer. The damping effect of the polyurethane tube support appears in the dynamic components in the cutting force. The cutting forces were also simulated to discuss the effect of the tool positioning error with respect to the workpiece axis on the cutting force in an analytical force model. The X and Y components at engagement and exit of the tool increase with the positioning error. The positioning error should be reduced to improve the machining accuracy without the tool breakage in this operation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Throughflow Analysis of Transonic Flows in Steam Turbines
Authors: Ricci Martina , Pacciani Roberto , Marconcini Michele , Macelloni Paolo , Cecchi Stefano , Bettini Claudio
Published: September 2019

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based throughflow solver is applied to the meridional analysis of low-pressure steam turbine modules. The throughflow code inherits its numerical scheme from a state-of-the-art CFD solver (TRAF code) and incorporates real gas capabilities, three-dimensional flow features, and spanwise mixing models. Secondary flow effects are introduced via a concentrated vortex model. Tip gap and shroud leakage effects are modeled in terms of source vectors in the system of governing equations. The impact of part-span shrouds and snubbers are accounted for, on a local basis, through suitable body force fields. The advection upstream splitting method (AUSM+-up) upwind strategy has been adopted as a basis to construct a numerical flux scheme explicitly suited for throughflow applications. The original formulation has been adapted to handle real gas flows and to embed the treatment of body force fields in a fully consistent framework. The capability of the procedure is assessed by analyzing the low-pressure modules of two large steam turbines designed and manufactured by Ansaldo Energia. These modules include rotor tip shrouds and part-span snubbers and feature supersonic flow and large blade twist. Throughflow predictions in terms of main performance figures and radial distributions of flow quantities are compared with experimental data and 3D steady viscous analyses. It will be shown how the proposed CFD-based throughflow model can be fruitfully used in the early stages of the design as it delivers predictions of comparable accuracy with 3D CFD analyses at a fraction of the computational time.
Supplementary descriptions and DNA barcodes of two rarely encountered Trisetacus species (Eriophyoidea, Phytoptidae) associated with Tertiary relict conifers from the Mediterranean region

Authors: Chetverikov Philipp , Bolton S.J. , Burlakovskiy M.S. , Craemer C. , Efimov P.G. , Klimov P. , Neser S. , Paponova S.S. , Romanovich A. , Sukhareva S.I. , Amrine J.
Published: September 2019

New records and supplementary morphological descriptions of two rarely encountered Trisetacus species from Pinaceae, T. abietis Postner 1968 and T. cedri (Nalepa 1920), are reported. Trisetacus abietis was found in Abkhazia under the needle epidermis of Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach, a conifer endemic to the mountainous Asian coast of the Black Sea. Trisetacus cedri was found in buds of introduced Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don in Abkhazia and South Africa. It is the only member of Trisetacus known from Cedrus spp. For the first time we provide sequences of two genes (COI and D1–D2 28S) of T. abietis (MN022221, MN025333) and T. cedri (MN022222, MN022223, MN025334, MN025335), along with microphotographs of the damage caused by these mites on their coniferous hosts. Sequences of D1–D2 28S of T. cedri from Abkhazian and South African populations are identical; COI sequences from different populations differ by only one synonymous substitution in a codon for asparagine. Females of T. abietis have long asymmetrical 8/7-rayed empodia, whereas males have shorter symmetrical 6/6-rayed empodia and shorter solenidia ω I. Similar sexual dimorphism in tarsal appendages was previously reported in Novophytoptus, representing an endoparasitic lineage of phytoptids on monocots. In T. cedri, a “long form” and a “short form” of both males and females were detected, suggesting a complex life cycle in this species. The evolution of Trisetacus is discussed within the broader context of the molecular phylogenies of Pinaceae and Eriophyoidea, including estimations of divergence times.
Two new species of Cryptognathidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from north-western Iran

Authors: Mohammad Doustaresharaf Mojtaba , Bagheri Mohammad , Saber Moosa
Published: September 2019

Herein, two new species of  the family Cryptognathidae: Cryptognathus khaustovi sp. nov., collected from soil in Urmia and Favognathus kazemii sp. nov., collected from soil and litter in Mahabad, are described from north-western Iran. Also, Cryptognathus ayyldizi Akyol & Koç, 2010 is reported for the first time from Iran.
Resolution and Cooccurrence Patterns of Gardnerella leopoldii, G. swidsinskii, G. piotii, and G. vaginalis within the Vaginal Microbiome
Authors: Hill Janet E. , Albert Arianne Y. K. ,   the VOGUE Research Group
Published: September 2019

Gardnerella vaginalis
is a hallmark of vaginal dysbiosis, but it is found in the microbiomes of women with and without vaginal symptoms and those who do not have microbiologically defined dysbiosis.
G. vaginalis
encompasses diverse taxa differing in attributes that are potentially important for virulence, and there is evidence that clades or subgroups within the species are differentially associated with clinical outcomes.
Effect of Phosphatase Activity of the Control of Virulence Sensor (CovS) on Clindamycin-Mediated Streptolysin O Production in Group A
Streptococcus
Authors: Chiang-Ni Chuan , Tseng Huei-Chuan , Shi Yong-An , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: September 2019

Severe manifestations of group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) infections are associated with massive tissue destruction and high mortality. Clindamycin (CLI), a bacterial protein synthesis inhibitor, is recommended for treating patients with severe invasive GAS infection. Nonetheless, the subinhibitory concentration of CLI induces the production of GAS virulent exoproteins, such as streptolysin O (SLO) and NADase, which would enhance bacterial virulence and invasiveness.
Acute reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with 5-fluorouracil therapy: a rare and increasingly recognised cardiotoxicity of a commonly used drug
Authors: Mishra Tushar , Shokr Mohamed , Ahmed Abdelrahman , Afonso Luis
Published: September 2019

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the third most common chemotherapeutic agent for treating solid cancers and the second most common to cause cardiotoxicity. We present a rare case of acute reversible severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with 5-FU. A 54-year-old woman with a history of stage IV gastric cancer presented with features of transient ischaemic attack after receiving the first dose of FLOT (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel). During the diagnostic workup, it was found that her ejection fraction was severely reduced to 15% with features of global hypokinesis, which later improved back to 65% within 13 days. These cases challenge our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this cardiotoxicity. Additionally, even though the patient did not experience any cardiac symptoms, it is important to monitor these patients closely as they are at high risk for fatal complications like arrhythmia and thrombus formation.
Barriers and facilitators for implementation of electronic consultations (eConsult) to enhance access to specialist care: a scoping review
Authors: Osman Mohamed A , Schick-Makaroff Kara , Thompson Stephanie , Bialy Liza , Featherstone Robin , Kurzawa Julia , Zaidi Deenaz , Okpechi Ikechi , Habib Syed , Shojai Soroush , Jindal Kailash , Braam Branko , Keely Erin , Liddy Clare , Manns Braden , Tonelli Marcello , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Klarenbach Scott , Bello Aminu K
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Electronic consultation (eConsult)—provider-to-provider electronic asynchronous exchanges of patient health information at a distance—is emerging as a potential tool to improve the interface between primary care providers and specialists. Despite growing evidence that eConsult has clinical benefits, it is not widely adopted. We investigated factors influencing the adoption and implementation of eConsult services.

Methods

We applied established methods to guide the review, and the recently published Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews to report our findings. We searched five electronic databases and the grey literature for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles and full texts to identify studies that reported barriers to and/or facilitators of eConsult (asynchronous (store-and-forward) use of telemedicine to exchange patient health information between two providers (primary and secondary) at a distance using secure infrastructure). We extracted data on study characteristics and key barriers and facilitators were analysed thematically and classified using the Quadruple Aim framework taxonomy. No date or language restrictions were applied.

Results

Among the 2579 publications retrieved, 130 studies met eligibility for the review. We identified and summarised key barriers to and facilitators of eConsult adoption and implementation across four domains: provider, patient, healthcare system and cost. Key barriers were increased workload for providers, privacy concerns and insufficient reimbursement for providers. Main facilitators were remote residence location, timely responses from specialists, utilisation of referral coordinators, addressing medicolegal concerns and incentives for providers to use eConsult.

Conclusion

There are multiple barriers to and facilitators of eConsult adoption across the domains of Quadruple Aim framework. Our findings will inform the development of practice tools to support the wider adoption and scalability of eConsult implementation.
Association between diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart attack in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2015
Authors: Yang Guang-Ran , Dye Timothy D , Li Dongmei
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are both associated with heart attack. Evidence regarding which condition—MS or DM—is better associated with heart attack, however, is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine DM and MS, and their comparative associations with heart attack, using the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 332 008 subjects aged over 18 years were included in the analysis. All subjects were classified into four groups based on their DM and MS status: neither DM nor MS, DM without MS, MS without DM, and both DM and MS. A weighted hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the difference between the four groups in their association with the risk of a heart attack.

Results

Differences in weighted frequency distributions of gender, age category (over 45 years or not), smoking status, education, race, physical activity and daily vegetable and fruit consumption were significantly different across the four groups (p<0.05). The weighted prevalence of heart attack was 5.2% for neither DM nor MS group, 8.5% for DM without MS group, 11.0% for MS without DM group and 16.1% for both DM and MS group. The weighted prevalence of heart attack in MS without DM group was significantly higher than that in the DM without MS group (p<0.01). After adjusting for confounding variables, DM without MS and MS without DM were both found to be independently associated with heart attack compared with those without DM nor MS (DM without MS, OR=2.09; MS without DM, OR=2.58, all p<0.01).

Conclusion

The BRFSS 2015 data indicated that MS without DM and DM without MS had comparable effects on heart attack, and the odds of risk are doubled than US adults with neither DM nor MS.
The proximal hamstring avulsion clinical trial (PHACT)—a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial of operative versus non-operative treatment of proximal hamstrings avulsions: study protocol
Authors: Pihl Elsa , Kristoffersen Målfrid Holen , Rosenlund Anne-Mari , Laszlo Sofia , Berglöf Mida , Ribom Eva , Eriksson Karl , Frihagen Frede , Mattila Ville M , Schilcher Jörg , Eklund Martin , Snellman Greta , Skorpil Mikael , Sköldenberg Olof , Hedbeck Carl Johan , Jonsson Kenneth
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The treatment of proximal hamstring avulsions is controversial. While several trials have investigated the outcome for patients treated surgically, there is today no prospective trial comparing operative treatment with non-operative treatment. This protocol describes the design for the proximal hamstring avulsion clinical trial (PHACT)—the first randomised controlled trial of operative versus non-operative treatment for proximal hamstring avulsions.

Methods and analysis

PHACT is a multicentre randomised controlled trial conducted across Sweden, Norway and Finland. Eligible patients (60 participants/treatment arm) with a proximal hamstring avulsion of at least two of three tendons will be randomised to either operative or non-operative treatment. Participants allocated to surgery will undergo reinsertion of the tendons with suture anchors. The rehabilitation programme will be the same for both treatment groups. When patient or surgeon equipoise for treatment alternatives cannot be reached and randomisation therefore is not possible, patients will be invited to participate in a parallel observational non-randomised cohort. The primary outcome will be the patient-reported outcome measure Perth hamstring assessment tool at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include the Lower Extremity Functional Score, physical performance and muscle strength tests, patient satisfaction and MR imaging. Data analysis will be blinded and intention-to-treat analysis will be preformed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the Ethical Committee of Uppsala University (DNR: 2017–170) and by the Norwegian ethical board (REC: 2017/1911). The study will be conducted in agreement with the Helsinki declaration. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT03311997
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Acute Care Surgery model: risk factors for complications
Authors: Fletcher Emily , Seabold Erica , Herzing Karen , Markert Ronald , Gans Alyssa , Ekeh Akpofure Peter
Published: September 2019

Background

The Acute Care Surgery (ACS) model developed during the last decade fuses critical care, trauma, and emergency general surgery. ACS teams commonly perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute biliary disease. This study reviewed LCs performed by an ACS service focusing on risk factors for complications in the emergent setting.

Methods

All patients who underwent LC on an ACS service during a 26-month period were identified. Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were collected and analyzed with Fisher’s exact test, χ2test, and Mann-Whitney U Test.

Results

During the study period, 547 patients (70.2% female, mean age 46.1±18.1, mean body mass index 32.4±7.8 kg/m2) had LC performed for various acute indications. Mean surgery time was 77.9±50.2 minutes, and 5.7% of cases were performed “after hours.” Rate of conversion to open procedure was 6%. Complications seen included minor bile leaks (3.8%), infection (3.8%), retained gallstones (1.1%), organ injury (1.1%), major duct injury (0.9%), and postoperative bleeding (0.9%). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant relationships between conversion, length of surgery, age, gender, and intraoperative cholangiogram with various complications. No significant relationships were detected between complications and BMI, pregnancy, attending experience, and time of operation.

Discussion

Although several statistically significant relationships were identified between several risk factors and complications, these findings have limited clinical significance. Factors including attending years in practice and time of the operation were not associated with increased complications. ACS services are capable of performing a high volume of LCs for emergent indications with low complication and conversion rates.

­

Level of evidence:IV
Extracorporeal life support in pediatric trauma: a systematic review
Authors: Puzio Thaddeus , Murphy Patrick , Gazzetta Josh , Phillips Michael , Cotton Bryan A , Hartwell Jennifer L
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was once thought to be contraindicated in trauma patients, however ECMO is now used in adult patients with post-traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multisystem trauma. Despite acceptance as a therapy for the severely injured adult, there is a paucity of evidence supporting ECMO use in pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

An electronic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Collected Reviews from 1972 to 2018 was performed. Included studies reported on ECMO use after trauma in patients ≤18 years of age and reported outcome data. The Institute of Health Economics quality appraisal tool for case series was used to assess study quality.

Results

From 745 studies, four met inclusion criteria, reporting on 58 pediatric trauma patients. The age range was <1–18 years. Overall study quality was poor with only a single article of adequate quality. Twenty-nine percent of patients were cannulated at adult centers, the remaining at pediatric centers. Ninety-one percent were cannulated for ARDS and the remaining for cardiovascular collapse. Overall 60% of patients survived and the survival rate ranged from 50% to 100%. Seventy-seven percent underwent venoarterial cannulation and the remaining underwent veno-venous cannulation.

Conclusion

ECMO may be a therapeutic option in critically ill pediatric trauma patients. Consideration should be made for the expansion of ECMO utilization in pediatric trauma patients including its application for pediatric patients at adult trauma centers with ECMO capabilities.
Pilot study on serum C‐reactive protein in pet rabbits: clinical usefulness
Authors: Oohashi Eiji , Kimura Yuki , Matsumoto Kotaro
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The present study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) as an acute phase reactive protein in pet rabbits in clinical practice.

Methods

The CRP level using a rabbit CRP ELISA and white blood cell (WBC) count in pet rabbits (30 healthy controls and 62 with various diseases) were measured in the clinical practice setting. The CRP level and WBC count were measured before and after ovariohysterectomy of a healthy rabbit and a rabbit with uterine adenocarcinoma. The association between the CRP level and mortality in rabbits with various diseases was assessed.

Results

The CRP level in healthy controls was 0.52±0.82 mg/dl (mean±SD). No age and sex‐related differences in neither the CRP level nor WBC count were observed in the healthy control rabbits. The CRP levels in rabbits with gastrointestinal disease (n=22, 11.74±22.89 mg/dl), reproductive and urinary system disease (n=20, 21.19±49.68 mg/dl), dental disease (n=6, 4.87±5.47 mg/dl) and musculoskeletal disease (n=4, 85.66±107.28 mg/dl) were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The CRP levels in rabbits with neurological disease (n=7, 2.55±1.79 mg/dl) and dermatological disease (n=3, 8.84±7.71 mg/dl) were higher than those in healthy controls, but no significant difference was observed. The WBC counts were not significantly different between rabbits with diseases and healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from two rabbits before and after ovariohysterectomy. In both rabbits, the CRP peaked on postoperative day 1, but no obvious WBC peak was observed. The mortality rate increased as the CRP level increased; the mortality rate was significantly higher in rabbits with a CRP level of ≥100 mg/dl than of <10 mg/dl.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the serum CRP level is useful to determine the disease status, monitor the treatment course and evaluate the prognosis in pet rabbits in clinical practice.
Wellbeing in partnership
Authors: Toye Simon
Published: September 2019

Simon Toye is all too aware of the pressures of the veterinary profession, given his wife works in the field. But he wonders whether vets are sufficiently aware of how those pressures affect their partners, and of how they can work together on wellbeing.
Making some time for self‐care
Authors: Sturman Kirsty
Published: September 2019

If a veterinary professional were presented with an animal which had not eaten, drunk, moved or slept, the understandable reaction would be concern. Yet all too often those same professionals do not take care to ensure they are doing each of those things. Here, Kirsty Sturman looks at the critical importance of self‐care.
Relationships between lower extremity strength and the multi-directional reach test in children aged 7 to 12 years
Authors: Hirunyaphinun Benjaporn , Taweetanalarp Soontharee , Tantisuwat Anong
Published: September 2019

Objective: This study investigates the relationships between the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) and lower extremity strength in typical children.

Methods: The MDRT including forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions was measured in 60 children aged between 7 and 12 years old with typical development. The lower extremity muscle groups were measured using a hand-held dynamometer.

Results: The reaching score in each direction had positive relationships with the strengths of several lower extremity muscle groups ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]). Only the strengths of the hip flexor and knee flexor muscles significantly correlated with the MDRT scores in all directions ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: This study highlights the strength of the hip and knee flexor muscle groups as being important domain to control balance in all directions. These findings may be used for therapists in planning a balance program to improve the limits of stability.
Experiences of occupational health doctors and nurses about the role of physiotherapists in occupational health rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Chetty Laran
Published: September 2019

Background: Occupational health physiotherapy has been practiced in the UK over several decades. In the past decade, the role of occupational health physiotherapy has gained recognition as a profession that can be embedded within occupational health departments; however, limited information is known about the role of physiotherapists from professional groups outside the allied health domain in this context.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of occupational health doctors and nurses about the role of physiotherapy in occupational health rehabilitation.

Methods: This study is a qualitative investigation underpinned by an interpretative construct. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted. Two occupational health doctors and 12 nurses were purposively recruited from two National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, coded manually and verified by member checking.

Results: The benefits of occupational health physiotherapists were rapid access intervention, advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and providing an additional perspective. The emerging themes of the challenges that occupational health physiotherapists may face include dealing with occupational health challenges, managing role conflicts, personal qualities and attributes, and role substitution.

Conclusion: Participants described numerous roles of occupational health physiotherapists ranging from clinical to organizational components. On-going research is needed to support the role development of physiotherapists providing occupational health rehabilitation and to further advocate for its relevance in this setting.
In situ synthesis and encapsulation of copper phthalocyanine into MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-100(Fe) pores and investigation of their catalytic performance in the epoxidation of styrene
Authors: Yeganeh Ardeshir Dadgar , Amini Mostafa M. , Safari Nasser
Published: September 2019

In this work, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) was encapsulated into mesocages of MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-100(Fe) by assembling CuPc’s constitutional fractions using a deep eutectic solvent. The prepared materials, CuPc@MIL-101(Cr) and CuPc@MIL-100(Fe), were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR, UV-vis and diffuse reflectance UV (DR-UV) spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ICP-OES spectrometry. The prepared materials were used as heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic epoxidation of styrene with molecular oxygen and also tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidants in acetonitrile as a solvent. The impact of MOFs and the role of the CuPc complex as the active species in the MOFs’ cages in the epoxidation of styrene were investigated. Among the prepared catalysts, CuPc@MIL-101(Cr) showed the best performance. The heterogeneity of the catalysts was examined by a hot filtration test and ICP-OES of the filtrates after the reaction. Spent catalysts were analyzed by PXRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS, and TEM for reusability investigation and also to further explore the heterogeneous nature of the hybrid materials. Results showed that the prepared catalysts could be recycled and used for several concoctive times without a considerable drop in activity.
A New Framework for Evaluating Straggler Detection Mechanisms in MapReduce
Authors: Phan Tien-Dat , Pallez Guillaume , Ibrahim Shadi , Raghavan Padma
Published: September 2019

Big Data systems (e.g., Google MapReduce, Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark) rely increasingly on speculative execution to mask slow tasks, also known as stragglers, because a job’s execution time is dominated by the slowest task instance. Big Data systems typically identify stragglers and speculatively run copies of those tasks with the expectation that a copy may complete faster to shorten job execution times. There is a rich body of recent results on straggler mitigation in MapReduce. However, the majority of these do not consider the problem of accurately detecting stragglers. Instead, they adopt a particular straggler detection approach and then study its effectiveness in terms of performance, e.g., reduction in job completion time or higher efficiency, e.g., high resource utilization. In this article, we consider a complete framework for straggler detection and mitigation. We start with a set of metrics that can be used to characterize and detect stragglers including Precision, Recall, Detection Latency, Undetected Time, and Fake Positive. We then develop an architectural model by which these metrics can be linked to measures of performance including execution time and system energy overheads. We further conduct a series of experiments to demonstrate which metrics and approaches are more effective in detecting stragglers and are also predictive of effectiveness in terms of performance and energy efficiencies. For example, our results indicate that the default Hadoop straggler detector could be made more effective. In a certain case, Precision is low and only 55% of those detected are actual stragglers and the Recall, i.e., percent of actual detected stragglers, is also relatively low at 56%. For the same case, the hierarchical approach (i.e., a green-driven detector based on the default one) achieves a Precision of 99% and a Recall of 29%. This increase in Precision can be translated to achieve lower execution time and energy consumption, and thus higher performance and energy efficiency; compared to the default Hadoop mechanism, the energy consumption is reduced by almost 31%. These results demonstrate how our framework can offer useful insights and be applied in practical settings to characterize and design new straggler detection mechanisms for MapReduce systems.
New Insights on the (Non-)Hardness of Circuit Minimization and Related Problems
Authors: Allender Eric , Hirahara Shuichi
Published: September 2019

The Minimum Circuit Size Problem (MCSP) and a related problem (MKTP) that deal with time-bounded Kolmogorov complexity are prominent candidates for NP-intermediate status. We show that, under very modest cryptographic assumptions (such as the existence of one-way functions), the problem of approximating the minimum circuit size (or time-bounded Kolmogorov complexity) within a factor of
n

1 −
o
(1)

is
indeed
NP-intermediate. To the best of our knowledge, these problems are the first natural NP-intermediate problems under the existence of an arbitrary one-way function. Our technique is quite general; we use it also to show that approximating the size of the largest clique in a graph within a factor of
n

1 −
o
(1)

is also NP-intermediate unless NP⊆ P/poly.

We also prove that MKTP is hard for the complexity class DET under non-uniform NC
0
reductions. This is surprising, since prior work on MCSP and MKTP had highlighted weaknesses of “local” reductions such as ≤

NC
0

m
. We exploit this local reduction to obtain several new consequences:

— MKTP is not in AC
0
[
p
].

— Circuit size lower bounds are equivalent to hardness of a relativized version MKTP

A

of MKTP under a class of uniform AC
0
reductions, for a significant class of sets
A
.

— Hardness of MCSP

A

implies hardness of MCSP

A

for a significant class of sets
A
. This is the first result directly relating the complexity of MCSP

A

and MCSP

A

, for any
A
.
Microglia in Brain Development, Homeostasis, and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Bohlen Christopher J. , Friedman Brad A. , Dejanovic Borislav , Sheng Morgan
Published: September 2019

Advances in human genetics have implicated a growing number of genes in neurodegenerative diseases, providing insight into pathological processes. For Alzheimer disease in particular, genome-wide association studies and gene expression studies have emphasized the pathogenic contributions from microglial cells and motivated studies of microglial function/dysfunction. Here, we summarize recent genetic evidence for microglial involvement in neurodegenerative disease with a focus on Alzheimer disease, for which the evidence is most compelling. To provide context for these genetic discoveries, we discuss how microglia influence brain development and homeostasis, how microglial characteristics change in disease, and which microglial activities likely influence the course of neurodegeneration. In all, we aim to synthesize varied aspects of microglial biology and highlight microglia as possible targets for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative disease.
Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Modeling for Drug Discovery
Authors: Zhu Hao
Published: September 2019

Due to the massive data sets available for drug candidates, modern drug discovery has advanced to the big data era. Central to this shift is the development of artificial intelligence approaches to implementing innovative modeling based on the dynamic, heterogeneous, and large nature of drug data sets. As a result, recently developed artificial intelligence approaches such as deep learning and relevant modeling studies provide new solutions to efficacy and safety evaluations of drug candidates based on big data modeling and analysis. The resulting models provided deep insights into the continuum from chemical structure to in vitro, in vivo, and clinical outcomes. The relevant novel data mining, curation, and management techniques provided critical support to recent modeling studies. In summary, the new advancement of artificial intelligence in the big data era has paved the road to future rational drug development and optimization, which will have a significant impact on drug discovery procedures and, eventually, public health.
Functional Specialization in the Attention Network
Authors: Fiebelkorn Ian C. , Kastner Sabine
Published: September 2019

Spatial attention is comprised of neural mechanisms that boost sensory processing at a behaviorally relevant location while filtering out competing information. The present review examines functional specialization in the network of brain regions that directs such preferential processing. This attention network includes both cortical (e.g., frontal and parietal cortices) and subcortical (e.g., the superior colliculus and the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus) structures. Here, we piece together existing evidence that these various nodes of the attention network have dissociable functional roles by synthesizing results from electrophysiology and neuroimaging studies. We describe functional specialization across several dimensions (e.g., at different processing stages and within different behavioral contexts), while focusing on spatial attention as a dynamic process that unfolds over time. Functional contributions from each node of the attention network can change on a moment-to-moment timescale, providing the necessary cognitive flexibility for sampling from highly dynamic environments.
Judging Truth
Authors: Brashier Nadia M. , Marsh Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2019

Deceptive claims surround us, embedded in fake news, advertisements, political propaganda, and rumors. How do people know what to believe? Truth judgments reflect inferences drawn from three types of information: base rates, feelings, and consistency with information retrieved from memory. First, people exhibit a bias to accept incoming information, because most claims in our environments are true. Second, people interpret feelings, like ease of processing, as evidence of truth. And third, people can (but do not always) consider whether assertions match facts and source information stored in memory. This three-part framework predicts specific illusions (e.g., truthiness, illusory truth), offers ways to correct stubborn misconceptions, and suggests the importance of converging cues in a post-truth world, where falsehoods travel further and faster than the truth.
Social Media Elements, Ecologies, and Effects
Authors: Bayer Joseph B. , Triệu Penny , Ellison Nicole B.
Published: September 2019

This review delineates core components of the social media ecosystem, specifying how online platforms complicate established social psychological effects. We assess four pairs of social media elements and effects: profiles and self-presentation; networks and social mobilization; streams and social comparison; and messages and social connectedness. In the process, we describe features and affordances that comprise each element, underscoring the complexity of social media contexts as they shift to a central topic within psychology. Reflecting on this transitional state, we discuss how researchers will struggle to replicate the effects of dynamic social environments. Consequently, we outline the obstacles in isolating effects that reoccur across platforms, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with measuring contexts across periods. By centering on the elements that define the online ecosystem, psychological research can establish a more durable foundation for replicating the effects of social media and chronicling the evolution of social interaction.
New Paradigms in the Psychology of Reasoning
Authors: Oaksford Mike , Chater Nick
Published: September 2019

The psychology of verbal reasoning initially compared performance with classical logic. In the last 25 years, a new paradigm has arisen, which focuses on knowledge-rich reasoning for communication and persuasion and is typically modeled using Bayesian probability theory rather than logic. This paradigm provides a new perspective on argumentation, explaining the rational persuasiveness of arguments that are logical fallacies. It also helps explain how and why people stray from logic when given deductive reasoning tasks. What appear to be erroneous responses, when compared against logic, often turn out to be rationally justified when seen in the richer rational framework of the new paradigm. Moreover, the same approach extends naturally to inductive reasoning tasks, in which people extrapolate beyond the data they are given and logic does not readily apply. We outline links between social and individual reasoning and set recent developments in the psychology of reasoning in the wider context of Bayesian cognitive science.
Male Breast Cancer: Surgical and Genetic Features and a Multidisciplinary Management Strategy
Authors: Pellini Francesca , Granuzzo Eleonora , Urbani Silvia , Mirandola Sara , Caldana Marina , Lombardi Davide , Fiorio Elena , Mandarà Marta , Pollini Giovanni Paolo
Published: September 2019

Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease with a rising incidence trend. The major risk factors related to MBC are a positive family history of breast cancer (BC) and BRCA1/2 mutations, which indicate a relevant genetic role. Methods: In this retrospective series, we enrolled 69 male patients presenting with male breast cancer (MBC) between 01/01/1992 and 31/12/2018, and 26 high-risk not-affected men presenting between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2018. Participants’ electronic clinical records were reviewed. Patients’ data reported age at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, therapeutic management, and BRCA1/2 status as well as a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer (PCa) in first-degree relatives. Results: We analyzed 69 MBC patients. Median age was 64 years. The majority of tumors diagnosed were of an early TNM stage. The most frequent histological subtype was invasive ductal carcinoma (76.7%). Hormone receptors were positive in >90% of MBC cases. Nearly all patients underwent modified radical mastectomy or total mastectomy. Adjuvant endocrine therapy was delivered in 59.4%. Among MBC-affected patients, we recorded a high percentage of a positive family history of BC. Mutational analysis for the BRCA1/2 genes was performed in 17 MBC patients; 11.8% were carriers of BRCA2 pathogenic mutations. Among 26 healthy high-risk subjects included in this case series, 4 were BRCA1 mutation carriers and 9 were BRCA2 mutation carriers. Discussion: We evaluated the distribution of clinicopathological characteristics in MBC subjects and assessed the frequency of mutations in the BRCA genes in affected patients and healthy high-risk subjects, with the aim of proposing a surveillance program for BC and PCa.
Rat Model of Ménière’s Attack: Intratympanic Injection of Potassium Chloride Produces Direction-Changing Spontaneous Nystagmus and Hearing Fluctuations
Authors: Kamakura Takefumi , Kitahara Tadashi , Kondo Makoto , Horii Arata , Hanada Yukiko , Takimoto Yasumitsu , Ishida Yusuke , Nakamura Yukiko , Imai Takao , Inohara Hidenori , Shimada Shoichi
Published: September 2019

The major symptoms of Ménière’s disease are episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. Direction-changing spontaneous nystagmus is a characteristic vestibular finding in Ménière’s disease. In the acute stage, spontaneous nystagmus beating to the affected side (irritative nystagmus) is often observed, while paralytic nystagmus beating to the healthy side is found in the chronic stage. This direction-changing nystagmus can be reproduced in guinea pigs by increasing the potassium ion concentration in the perilymph. The objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of increasing the potassium ion concentration of the rat perilymph on hearing and nystagmus. Under isoflurane anesthesia, 22 rats received intratympanic injection of different concentrations of potassium chloride (KCl) solution or distilled water: groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received saturated (3.4 M) KCl solution, 2 M KCl, 1 M KCl, and distilled water, respectively. The nystagmus direction and number per 15 s were monitored for 150 min. In the other 8 rats, hearing was monitored 30 min and 20 h after intratympanic injection of 2 M KCl (group 5) or distilled water (group 6) using the auditory brainstem responses. Rats in groups 1 and 2 showed spontaneous irritative nystagmus beating to the affected ear followed by paralytic nystagmus beating to the contralateral side. In group 3, irritative nystagmus occurred but paralytic nystagmus was rarely observed. Rats in group 4 showed no nystagmus. Rats in group 5 showed significant hearing impairment 30 min after KCl injection that recovered 20 h later. Control animals in group 6 showed no significant changes in hearing. The reversible hearing impairment with direction-changing spontaneous nystagmus induced by potassium injection into the tympanic cavity in rats was quite similar to that observed in acute Ménière’s attacks. This rat model could be used for basic research investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Ménière’s attacks.
Tacrolimus: Influence of the Posttransplant Concentration/Dose Ratio on Kidney Graft Function in a Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Nowicka Maja , Górska Monika , Nowicka Zuzanna , Edyko Krzysztof , Edyko Piotr , Wiślicki Sebastian , Zawiasa-Bryszewska Anna , Strzelczyk Janusz , Matych Józef , Kurnatowska Ilona
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Tacrolimus (TAC) metabolism rate has the potential to impact graft function after kidney transplantation (KTx). We aimed to analyze the relationship between the early post-KTx TAC C/D ratio (blood trough concentration normalized by total daily dose) and kidney graft function in a 2-year follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 101 post-KTx patients at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after KTx to identify the C/D ratio cutoff value optimal for dividing patients into fast and slow TAC metabolizers. We investigated the relationship between their TAC metabolism rate and graft function. Results: Patients were divided based on the TAC C/D ratio at 6 months after KTx of 1.47 ng/mL * 1 mg. Fast metabolizers (C/D ratio <1.47 ng/mL * 1 mg) presented with significantly worse graft function throughout the whole study period (p < 0.05 at each timepoint) and were significantly less likely to develop good graft function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2) than slow metabolizers. Our model based on donor and recipient age, recipient sex and slow/fast metabolism status allowed for identification of patients with compromised graft function in 2-year follow-up with 66.7% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity. Conclusion: Estimating TAC C/D ratio at 6 months post-KTx might help identify patients at risk of developing deteriorated graft function in a 2-year follow-up.