bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Networks for Postprocessing Ensemble Weather Forecasts
Authors: Rasp Stephan , Lerch Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Ensemble weather predictions require statistical postprocessing of systematic errors to obtain reliable and accurate probabilistic forecasts. Traditionally, this is accomplished with distributional regression models in which the parameters of a predictive distribution are estimated from a training period. We propose a flexible alternative based on neural networks that can incorporate nonlinear relationships between arbitrary predictor variables and forecast distribution parameters that are automatically learned in a data-driven way rather than requiring prespecified link functions. In a case study of 2-m temperature forecasts at surface stations in Germany, the neural network approach significantly outperforms benchmark postprocessing methods while being computationally more affordable. Key components to this improvement are the use of auxiliary predictor variables and station-specific information with the help of embeddings. Furthermore, the trained neural network can be used to gain insight into the importance of meteorological variables, thereby challenging the notion of neural networks as uninterpretable black boxes. Our approach can easily be extended to other statistical postprocessing and forecasting problems. We anticipate that recent advances in deep learning combined with the ever-increasing amounts of model and observation data will transform the postprocessing of numerical weather forecasts in the coming decade.
Integration of a Ground-Based Lightning Warning System into a Mining Operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Clulow Alistair D. , Strydom Sheldon , Grant Bryan , Savage Michael J. , Everson Colin S.
Published: October 2018

Central Africa is a global lightning hot spot, with the tropical areas including the top 10 highest lightning-flash-rate densities in the world. There are no lightning-locating-system networks available across most of Africa, however, and it becomes necessary to make use of real-time, ground-based lightning early warning systems. Such a system was established in the southern Congo basin at the Kinsevere copper mine and has been operational since early 2015. The early warning system includes an electrical-field meter and a lightning-flash sensor, which produce two states of warning. Two years of data (July 2015–June 2016 and July 2016–July 2017) indicated a clear annual and daily peak in lightning activity, with an average lightning warning duration of 1.18 h and a maximum storm duration of 8.60 h. The seasonal flash occurrence was reasonably constant over the two years but was variable at a monthly level during the lightning season. Analysis of alarm state showed that the majority of events start with an escalation to an alarm state of 2 but that, over two years, 69.3% escalated further to an alarm state of 3. Alarm-duration analysis indicated that more time was spent in alarm state 3 (warning) than alarm state 2 (caution). It was concluded that a single warning state would be suitable at this location and would simplify the warning system but that appropriate alarm-activation thresholds in electric field and flash distance need further assessment.
Fishing-Related Injuries Among Pediatric Patients Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 1997 to 2016
Authors: Vajdic Tyler , Bergmann Kelly R. , Zagel Alicia , Ortega Henry
Published: October 2018

An estimated 14.8 million youth under the age of 25 years participate in recreational fishing. Despite its popularity, fishing can be associated with injuries ranging from mild to severe trauma. There is a paucity of research available that describes characteristics of fishing-related injuries among youth. We examined the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System 1997-2016 to describe injury patterns by age and sex. Linear regressions estimated changes in injuries over time. There were an estimated 412 171 pediatric patients treated in US emergency departments for fishing-related injuries. The majority of injuries occurred in males (81.4% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.3-82.6]) and in youth ages 11 to 18 years (53.7% [95% CI: 51.0-56.5]). Injuries were most likely due to hooks and lures (79.7% [95% CI: 75.7-83.7]), and the arm/hand accounted for 43.9% of injuries (95% CI: 42.5-45.2). Based on these findings, we suggest that injury prevention efforts should be focused on older male children and wearing appropriate clothing.
The New Product Portfolio Innovativeness–Stock Returns Relationship: The Role of Large Individual Investors’ Culture
Authors: Cillo Paola , Griffith David A. , Rubera Gaia
Published: October 2018

The marketing–finance interface literature has investigated the direct link between innovativeness and stock returns. The authors extend this research by focusing on two open questions: How and under what conditions is innovativeness associated with stock returns? Answering these questions is important for managers who have to defend innovation investments to board members and time the introductions of new products. The authors investigate large individual investors and their national culture in the food and beverage industry. Combining multiple data sets, they first examine the relationship between innovativeness and large individual investors’ stock holding decisions (i.e., to sell, hold onto, or buy a firm’s stocks). The results indicate that national culture moderates this relationship. At the firm level, the authors show that large investors’ stock holding partially mediates the innovativeness–stock returns relationship and that the culture of a firm’s large investors moderates this mediated relationship. Thus, they unveil a special segment of investors, large individual investors, who influence the extent to which firms benefit from innovativeness in the stock market in the food and beverage industry.
A New Age for Media Coverage of Women’s Sport? An Analysis of English Media Coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Authors: Petty Kate , Pope Stacey
Published: October 2018

This article examines English print media coverage of the England national women’s football (soccer) team during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It draws on a content analysis of five English national newspapers from 24 May to 14 August 2015. A wide body of research has demonstrated that women’s sport continues to be greatly underrepresented in the media but our findings are important as they demonstrate that during this tournament, women’s football received a significant amount of print media coverage and that this coverage was largely positive. We argue that we have entered a new age of media coverage of women’s sport in the UK, with a shift towards greater gender equality.
“We Are Not a Token!”: Cultural Citizenship and Transformational Resistance in Higher Education
Authors: Deeb-Sossa Natalia , Boulware Janet
Published: October 2018

Based on ethnographic and archival research, we explore how 10 students asserted their rights to belong and secure a space where they felt safe at UC Davis. We examine the activities and practices of 10 undergraduate Chicanxs and Latinxs students: members of “Radical Academics for Pedagogy” (RAP) and RESISTENCIA. Our interest lies on examining how they enacted cultural citizenship—a process by which they defined themselves, interpreted their histories, constructed their own symbols and political rhetoric, and claimed rights through speeches, actions, cultural discourses, and dialogues. We contend that the students challenged the definitions of belonging and citizenship at UC Davis.
An autoethnographic perspective on the broadening of missiological perspectives in teaching mission in Anglican TEIs in England
Authors: Worsley Howard
Published: October 2018

This is a reflection on how attitudes to mission in England have changed during the last half century. It offers a comparison between a pre-adolescent’s and an adult theological educator’s understanding of Anglican mission seen through the lens of Robinson Crusoe. Defoe’s foundational novel Robinson Crusoe is used as the launch point by using the author’s personal experience as he rereads this childhood favorite alongside his wider sociological study of missiological perspectives. Beginning with the personal perspective of a child growing up in England in the 1960s, developmental, societal, and sectarian influences are considered as ways in which the author’s individualized outlook on world mission was initially shaped as a child. Second, a wider lens is used to look at how anthropological and general ecclesiological outlooks have served to broaden the author’s adult understanding of mission in the context of an Anglican TEI.
Lessons from the Left in Lima: Susana Villarán and the Fleeting Return of Progressive Politics to City Hall
Authors: Dosh Paul , Coyoli Julia Smith
Published: October 2018

Amid a rightward shift in Latin America, how can the left gain ground in cities characterized by entrenched neoliberalism? The case of Susana Villarán, the progressive mayor who led Lima, Peru, from 2011 to 2014, illustrates the uphill battle facing the left. Villarán’s surprise election put a leftist in City Hall for the first time in 25 years. She confronted unrelenting opposition but defied expectations and beat back a recall election only to face a punishing defeat in her reelection bid. Weak policy-making capacity and a lack of party machinery forced her to expend all her political capital on the recall battle, leaving her with nothing to secure reelection. Her trajectory suggests an important lesson for progressives in cities where the left is weak: a headline-grabbing win by an individual leftist is no substitute for a robust left base. Absent the latter, simply electing a progressive mayor is likely to prove a fleeting victory.

En medio de un movimiento hacia la derecha en América Latina, ¿cómo puede la izquierda ganar terreno en ciudades caracterizadas por un neoliberalismo atrincherado? El caso de Susana Villarán, la alcaldesa progresista que gobernó Lima, Perú, de 2011 a 2014, ilustra la batalla cuesta arriba que enfrenta la izquierda. La sorprendente victoria electoral de Villarán logró colocar a alguien de la izquierda en la alcaldía por primera vez en 25 años. Ella se enfrentó a una oposición implacable, pero desafió las expectativas y ganó una revocatoria solo para enfrentar una derrota contundente en su intento por la reelección. Dado la poca capacidad para crear políticas públicas y la ausencia de una maquinaria electoral partidista, se vio forzada a gastar todo su capital político en la batalla por la revocatoria, lo cual la dejó sin recursos para conseguir la reelección. Su trayectoria presenta una lección importante para los progresistas en ciudades donde la izquierda es débil: una victoria llamativa por parte de un individuo de la izquierda no funge como substituto para una base robusta de la izquierda. Lo anterior sugiere que cuando esta base se encuentra ausente, es probable que el simple acto de elegir un alcalde progresista sea una victoria efímera.
Loneliness effects on personality
Authors: Mund Marcus , Neyer Franz J.
Published: October 2018

Individuals feel lonely when they perceive a discrepancy between their desired and their actually experienced quantity and quality of social relationships. Prior research has demonstrated the importance of loneliness for various health-related aspects. In the present article, we extend the existing literature on loneliness by investigating its role for predicting personality traits and their development from late adolescence to early midlife. Using data from a representative German sample ( N = 12,402) sampling individuals from three different birth cohorts, we found loneliness to predict the levels of all Big Five traits except openness five years later. The effects of loneliness on the development of neuroticism and extraversion reached statistical significance but were only marginal in terms of effect size. Furthermore, we found that a self-regulatory focus geared to the prevention of negative events mediated the effects of loneliness on later levels of the Big Five.
Immunopathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Radi Zaher A.
Published: October 2018

Pathophysiologically, the classification of acute kidney injury (AKI) can be divided into three categories: (1) prerenal, (2) intrinsic, and (3) postrenal. Emerging evidence supports the involvement of renal tubular epithelial cells and the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system in the pathogenesis of intrinsic AKI. Pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, hypoxia inducible factors, toll-like receptors, complement system, oxidative stress, adhesion molecules, cell death, resident renal dendritic cells, neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, natural killer T cells, cytokines, and secreted chemokines contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AKI. However, other immune cells and pathways such as M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, progranulin, and autophagy exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and facilitate kidney tissue repair after AKI. Thus, therapies for AKI include agents such as anti-inflammatory (e.g., recombinant alkaline phosphatase), antioxidants (iron chelators), and apoptosis inhibitors. In preclinical toxicity studies, drug-induced kidney injury can be seen after exposure to a nephrotoxicant test article due to immune mechanisms and dysregulation of innate, and/or adaptive cellular immunity. The focus of this review will be on intrinsic AKI, as it relates to the immune and renal systems cross talks focusing on the cellular and pathophysiologic mechanisms of AKI.
Educational Selectivity and Language Acquisition among Recently Arrived Immigrants
Authors: Spörlein Christoph , Kristen Cornelia
Published: October 2018

This article investigates destination language proficiency upon arrival and subsequent proficiency growth among recently arrived immigrants in Germany, Great Britain, and Ireland. We introduce selectivity considerations to a model of language acquisition, arguing that positively selected individuals should display higher levels of language skills upon arrival and faster growth in destination language proficiency thereafter. The results show that upon arrival, positively selected immigrants are less proficient, holding absolute levels of educational attainment constant. In terms of language proficiency growth, however, our longitudinal findings suggest that positively selected immigrants, net of differences in pre-migration investments, post-migration exposure, and incentives, acquire the destination language faster. The findings add to a growing body of literature demonstrating the benefits of using novel measurement approaches to migrant selectivity.
Immune response and differentially expressed proteins in the lung tissue of BALB/c mice challenged by aerosolized Brucella melitensis 5
Authors: Fu Yingying , Wang Zhongyi , Lu Bing , Zhao Siyan , Zhang Yi , Zhao Zongzheng , Zhang Chunmao , Li Jiaming , Zhou Bo , Guo Zhendong , Qian Jun , Liu Linna
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study was performed to develop a murine aerosol infection model of brucellosis to investigate the pathogenicity and immune reactions induced by aerosolized Brucella and to identify key proteins associated with Brucella infection in lung tissue.

Methods

BALB/c mice were exposed to aerosolized Brucella melitensis 5 (M5) for 30 minutes and killed at 1, 3, 7, and 15 days post-exposure. Clinical observation, pathological analysis of lung tissue, and cytokine expression detection were then performed. Proteomic analysis based on two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry was used to identify proteins exhibiting significant changes in expression in lung tissues during Brucella infection.

Results

Pathological analysis revealed alveolar wall thickening, telangiectasia with hyperemia, inflammatory cell infiltration, large areas of congestion and bleeding, and areas of focal necrosis. The T-helper 1 type immune response played an important role during aerosol infection, and 12 differentially expressed proteins were involved in the infectious process in lung tissue.

Conclusion

These results contribute to our understanding of the pathogenic process of Brucella in the lung tissue of BALB/c mice challenged with aerosolized Brucella. Some of the identified proteins may be potential targets in future therapeutic strategies.
A microcomputed tomography evaluation of the shaping ability of three thermally-treated nickel-titanium rotary file systems in curved canals
Authors: Huang Zhuwei , Quan Jingjing , Liu Jia , Zhang Wen , Zhang Xiaolei , Hu Xiaoli
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the shaping ability of three thermally-treated rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems including ProTaper Next (PTN), HyFlex™ CM (HFCM) and HyFlex™ EDM (HFEDM) during root canal preparation in simulated root canals.

Methods

A total of 45 simulated root canals were divided into three groups ( n = 15) and prepared with PTN, HFCM or HFEDM files up to size 25. Microcomputed tomography (microCT) was used to scan the specimens before and after instrumentation. Volume and diameter changes, transportations and centring ratios at 11 levels of the simulated root canals were measured and compared.

Results

HFEDM caused significantly greater volume increases than HFCM and PTN in the entire root canal and in the apical and middle thirds. HFCM removed the least amount of resin in the coronal third compared with HFEDM and PTN. Overall, HFCM caused significantly less transportation in the apical 2 mm and was better centred than PTN in the apical 3 mm.

Conclusion

Under the conditions of this study, all systems prepared curved canals without significant shaping errors and instrument fracture. PTN and HFCM cut less resin than HFEDM. HFCM stayed centred apically and cut the least material coronally.
Microstructure-Based Random Finite Element Method Simulation of Frost Heave: Theory and Implementation
Authors: Dong Shaoyang , Yu Xiong (Bill)
Published: October 2018

Frost heave can cause serious damage to civil infrastructure. For example, interactions of soil and water pipes under frozen conditions have been found to significantly accelerate pipe fracture. Frost heave may cause the retaining walls along highways to crack and even fail in cold climates. This paper describes a holistic model to simulate the temperature, stress, and deformation in frozen soil and implement a model to simulate frost heave and stress on water pipelines. The frozen soil behaviors are based on a microstructure-based random finite element model, which holistically describes the mechanical behaviors of soils subjected to freezing conditions. The new model is able to simulate bulk behaviors by considering the microstructure of soils. The soil is phase coded and therefore the simulation model only needs the corresponding parameters of individual phases. This significantly simplifies obtaining the necessary parameters for the model. The capability of the model in simulating the temperature distribution and volume change are first validated with laboratory scale experiments. Coupled thermal-mechanical processes are introduced to describe the soil responses subjected to sub-zero temperature on the ground surface. This subsequently changes the interaction modes between ground and water pipes and leads to increase of stresses on the water pipes. The effects of cracks along a water pipe further cause stress concentration, which jeopardizes the pipe’s performance and leads to failure. The combined effects of freezing ground and traffic load are further evaluated with the model.
Double-Layer Rotator Cuff Repair: Anatomic Reconstruction of the Superior Capsule and Rotator Cuff Improves Biomechanical Properties in Repairs of Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Pauzenberger Leo , Heuberer Philipp R. , Dyrna Felix , Obopilwe Elifho , Kriegleder Bernhard , Anderl Werner , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Delamination in rotator cuff tears has been identified as a prognostic factor for negative outcome after repair, with a reported prevalence between 38% and 88%.

Purpose:

To compare biomechanical properties of 3 repair techniques for delaminated rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used to evaluate rotator cuff footprint reconstruction, contact area and pressure, displacement under cyclical loading, and load to failure of 3 double-row repair configurations: double-row suture repair with medial row knots (medially knotted bridge, mkB); knotless double-row repair using suture tapes (knotless bridge, klB); and knotless double-row, double-layer-specific repair (double-layer, DL). Dynamic pressure sensors were used to assess contact patterns at the footprint region in 0°, 30°, and 60° of glenohumeral abduction and 5 rotational positions (0°, 30° of internal rotation, 30° of external rotation, 60° of internal rotation, 60° of external rotation). Optical markers were used to document whole tendon and individual layer displacement after rotator cuff repair under cyclical loading for 200 cycles (10 N to 100 N at 1 Hz). Specimens were then loaded monotonically to failure at a rate of 33 mm/min.

Results:

Mean contact area and footprint restoration were highest in the DL group at 60° of glenohumeral abduction for all rotational positions (mkB mean ± SD, 195.4 ± 54.3 mm2, 66.7% ± 19.7%; klB, 250.6 ± 34.9 mm2, 76.2% ± 10.3%; DL, 318.4 ± 36.6 mm2, 109.1% ± 24.0%; P < .001). The double-layer-specific repair showed the least displacement under cyclical loading (mkB mean ± SD, 0.53 ± 0.18 mm; klB, 0.79 ± 0.37 mm; DL, 0.31 ± 0.24 mm; P = .029), most closely resembling the native tendon. Peak loads at failure were comparable between repair groups (mkB mean ± SD, 366.92 ± 70.59 N; klB, 280.05 ± 77.66 N; DL, 398.35 ± 109.04 N; P = .083).

Conclusion:

Anatomic restoration of the superior capsular and tendon insertion in delaminated rotator cuff tears with a double-layer-specific repair configuration demonstrated superior footprint restoration with increasing abduction, while providing construct displacement comparable to the native tendon under cyclical loading. Peak load at failure was comparable between repair constructs.

Clinical Relevance:

The prevalence and clinical importance of delaminated rotator cuff tears have long been underestimated. Anatomically correct individual reconstruction of the superior capsule and rotator cuff could restore near-native biomechanics and potentially reduce the risk of rotator cuff repair failure.
Assessing Students’ Enjoyment in Physical Education: Measurement Invariance Across School Tracks and Relationships With Grades
Authors: Lohbeck Annette , Engels Eliane Stephanie , Freund Philipp Alexander
Published: October 2018

The Questionnaire for the Assessment of Enjoyment in Physical Education (QUAEPE) is an instrument for the assessment of three specific facets (pleasure, flow, recovery) of students’ enjoyment in physical education. Based on a sample of 1,351 students, the aim of the present study was to examine measurement invariance across school tracks and relationships with students’ grades in physical education. Support for strict measurement invariance across school tracks was found. The three facets of enjoyment correlated highest with grades in physical education for students attaining school in the lowest ability track and lowest for students in the highest ability track. These results suggest that there may be distinct classroom practices in physical education for different school tracks, which have an impact on the relationship between performance and affect.
Mechanism and modeling of the multi-stage bending process for large-scale forgings
Authors: Li Lu , Pan Zhi-Yuan
Published: October 2018

Bending process is very important for the mechanical performance of large-scale forgings. Unfortunately, the bending mechanism and failure control remain poorly understood until now. In this work, the bending processes of the forged coupler yoke which is a typical large-scale forging are comparatively evaluated. A novel multi-stage bending process is proposed to overcome defects such as fracture, scratches and local thinning occurred during the initial bending process. Based on the comparative study on deformation and failure behaviors of conventional and newly proposed processes, the multi-stage bending mechanism was deeply analyzed. Furthermore, to obtain the optimum die design, the Kriging surrogate models and the genetic algorithm were adopted to optimize the primary evaluation indexes of bending performance. Finally, the presented bending process and optimal die design were further validated by trial production. The results show that the newly proposed bending process is an efficient and low-cost method for enhancing the bending quality of large-scale forgings.
Mind the Depth: Visual Perception of Shapes Is Better in Peripersonal Space
Authors: Blini Elvio , Desoche Clément , Salemme Romeo , Kabil Alexandre , Hadj-Bouziane Fadila , Farnè Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Closer objects are invariably perceived as bigger than farther ones and are therefore easier to detect and discriminate. This is so deeply grounded in our daily experience that no question has been raised as to whether the advantage for near objects depends on other features (e.g., depth itself). In a series of five experiments ( N = 114), we exploited immersive virtual environments and visual illusions (i.e., Ponzo) to probe humans’ perceptual abilities in depth and, specifically, in the space closely surrounding our body, termed peripersonal space. We reversed the natural distance scaling of size in favor of the farther object, which thus appeared bigger, to demonstrate a persistent shape-discrimination advantage for close objects. Psychophysical modeling further suggested a sigmoidal trend for this benefit, mirroring that found for multisensory estimates of peripersonal space. We argue that depth is a fundamental, yet overlooked, dimension of human perception and that future studies in vision and perception should be depth aware.
Reliability analysis of hybrid renewable energy system by fault tree analysis
Authors: Khare Vikas , Nema Savita , Baredar Prashant
Published: October 2018

This study is based on the simulation and optimization of renewable energy system of a Police Control Room Sagar Central India. The meteorological data of solar insolation, hourly wind speed, are taken from Sagar Central India (Longitude 78° 45′ and Latitude 23°50) and the pattern of load consumption of Police control room is studied and suitably modeled for the optimization of the hybrid energy system using HOMER software. The report offers a reliability assessment of hybrid renewable energy system of the field region. Weather data and the load profile of the study area are recorded and fault tree analysis is used for the reliability assessment of hybrid renewable energy system which further provides a static depiction of the combinations of failures and actions that can cause the specified critical fault to occur.
Weather risk assessment of Indian power sector: A conditional value-at-risk approach
Authors: Basu Mahuya , Chakraborty Tanupa
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to assess the weather risk exposure of Indian power sector from both generation and demand sides. The study considers two representative firms – firstly, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a hydro-generator, to assess its rainfall exposure, and secondly, Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC), a retail power supplier, to assess the temperature sensitivity of power demand. The study opts for ‘Value at Risk’ approach, which combines both the sensitivity of power variables towards weather variable and the probability of weather change. The sensitivity is measured using regression analysis with autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). Parametric distributions are fitted to weather data to assess probabilities. Due to the ‘fat-tail’ characteristic of the fitted distribution, a ‘conditional value-at-risk’ model is considered more effective. The study reveals that the hydroelectricity generation is highly exposed to monsoon rainfall fluctuation and hence the hydro-generator may experience substantial loss of revenue due to insufficient monsoon, whereas the revenue of retail power distributor is moderately exposed to fluctuation of daily surface temperature.
Remote monitoring and control of LQR-PI controller parameters for an oil pipeline transport system
Authors: Priyanka EB , Maheswari C , Thangavel S
Published: October 2018

Today’s main energy sources such as natural gas, petrol, and petroleum products are transported via pipelines that are safe at long distances. Most of these pipelines are buried and their integrity is highly important. Deformations such as corrosions, dents, and cracks destruct the integrity of the pipeline and they can cause highly dangerous results. In oil transport system, at every specific interval of distance when petroleum products enter circular pipelines at uniform velocity due to no-slip condition, transported fluid particles come in contact with the surface of the pipe results in a complete stop. This complete stop causes higher pressure drops which lower the flow rates of the fluids. Due to higher pressure drops, cracks/bursts occur on the pipelines and also affect the production performance by lowering flow rate at destination during transportation. Hence, prevention of such adversities can be done by remotely monitoring pressure and flow by controlling the operation of control valves through modern optimal controllers as local intelligent decision controllers which unveils fast settling time on the setpoint at a desired interval of time along with supervisory control and data acquisition. The proposed work uses Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional Integral (LQR-PI) controller in LabVIEW platform to regulate the desired flow rate by monitoring the various pressure signals during the oil transportation through pipelines remotely. The performance analyses are verified experimentally with the real-time data of pressure and flow which are monitored through supervisory control and data acquisition to provide instantaneous information for the operator. The experimental results spectacle the enhanced performance of flow rate control by LQR-PI controller in comparison with Gain and Phase Margin-Proportional Integral (GPM-PI) and Zigler Nicholas-Proportional Integral (ZN-PI) controllers by its faster settling time and effective robustness.
Effects of Xiaoshuan Enteric-Coated Capsule on White and Gray Matter Injury Evaluated by Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Shengpan , Shi Weilong , Li Manzhong , Zhan Yu , Yang Le , Zou Haiyan , Lei Jianfeng , Chai Xinlou , Gao Kuo , Liu Junjie , Wang Wei , Wang Yong , Zhao Hui
Published: October 2018

Xiaoshuan enteric-coated capsule (XSECC) is a drug approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of stroke. This study was to investigate the effects of XSECC on white and gray matter injury in a rat model of ischemic stroke by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and histopathological analyses. The ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The cerebral blood flow measured by arterial spin labeling was improved by treatment with XSECC on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 30th days after MCAO. Spatiotemporal white and gray matter changes in MCAO rats were examined with DTI-derived parameters (fractional anisotropy, FA; apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC; axial diffusivity, λ//; radial diffusivity, λ⊥). The increased FA was found in the XSECC treatment group in the corpus callosum, external capsule and internal capsule, linked with the decreased λ//, λ⊥ and ADC on the 3rd day and reduced ADC on the 30th day in the external capsule, suggesting XSECC reduced the axon and myelin damage in white matter after stroke. The relative FA in the striatum, cortex and thalamus in XSECC treatment group was significantly increased on the 3rd, 7th, 14th and 30th days accompanied by the increased λ// on the 3rd day and reduced relative ADC and λ⊥ on the 30th day, indicating that XSECC attenuated cell swelling and membrane damage in the early stage and tissue liquefaction necrosis in the late stage in gray matter after stroke. Additionally, XSECC-treated rats exhibited increased mean fiber length assessed by diffusion tensor tractography. Moreover, histopathological analyses provided evidence that XSECC relieved nerve cell and myelin damage in white and gray matter after stroke. Our research reveals that XSECC could alleviate white and gray matter injury, especially reducing nerve cell damage and promoting the repair of axon and myelin after ischemic stroke.
Institutionalizing Women’s Enterprise Policy: A Legitimacy-Based Perspective
Authors: Arshed Norin , Chalmers Dominic , Matthews Russell
Published: October 2018

Despite efforts to increase the quantity and quality of women-owned businesses, enterprise policy has enjoyed only modest success. This article explores the role of legitimacy in these outcomes by examining how and when individual stakeholders evaluate and then influence the legitimacy of women’s enterprise policy. We draw on 45 interviews with actors in the UK enterprise policy ecosystem and an ethnographic study of the policy process. We present a multilevel model of two opposing legitimacy processes: a legitimacy repair loop and a delegitimizing loop. In doing so, we provide a novel perspective on policy institutionalizing.
Testing rational choice theories of institutional change
Authors: Leeson Peter T. , Harris Colin
Published: October 2018

Having empirically identified institutions as critical determinants of socioeconomic outcomes, social scientists are starting to turn their attention to empirically identifying sources of institutional change. Rational choice scholars offer two theories of such change: conflict theory and cooperation theory. We highlight crucial but easily overlooked methodological issues involved in attempting to evaluate these theories empirically. To do so, we critically examine Coleman and Mwangi’s study of property evolution among Maasai pastoralists in Kajiado, Kenya. Lessons from our examination, we hope, will help this burgeoning area of research proceed productively.
Planform, aero-structural and flight control optimization for tailless morphing aircraft
Authors: Molinari Giulio , Arrieta Andres F , Ermanni Paolo
Published: October 2018

Tailless swept wing airplanes rely on variations of the spanwise lift distribution to achieve controllability in all axes. As every flight condition requires different control moments, the conventional discrete control surfaces will be practically continuously deflected, leading to drag penalties. Shape adaptation base on chordwise morphing can achieve continuous deformations of the wing profile, leading to local lift variations with minimum drag penalties. As the shape is varied continuously along the wingspan, the lift distribution can be tailored to each flight condition. Tailless aircraft appear therefore as prime candidates for morphing, as the attainable benefits are potentially significant. This work presents a methodology to determine the optimal planform, profile shape, and morphing structure for a tailless aircraft. The employed morphing concept is based on a distributed compliance structure, actuated by piezoelectric elements. The multidisciplinary optimization considers the static and dynamic aeroelastic behavior of the structure and aims to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of the plane while guaranteeing its controllability by means of morphing. The potential of the resulting wing design is fully exploited by means of a second optimization process, which identifies the actuation configuration resulting in the highest aerodynamic efficiency for a wide variety of control moments.
Race-Specific Patterns of Treatment Intensification Among Hypertensive Patients Using Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Analysis Using Defined Daily Doses in the Heart Healthy Lenoir Study
Authors: Cummings Doyle M. , Adams Alyssa , Halladay Jacquie , Hinderliter Alan , Donahue Katrina E. , Cene Crystal W. , Li Quefeng , Miller Cassandra , Garcia Beverly , Tillman Jim , Little Edwin , DeWalt Darren
Published: October 2018

Background: Racial disparities in blood pressure (BP) control persist, but whether differences by race in antihypertensive medication intensification (AMI) contribute is unknown. Objective: To compare AMI by race for patients with elevated home BP readings. Methods: This prospective cohort study followed adult patients from 6 rural primary care practices who used home BP monitoring (HBPM) and recorded/reported values. For providers, AMI was encouraged when mean HBPM systolic blood pressure (SBP) values were ⩾135 mm Hg; patients received phone-based coaching on HBPM technique and sharing HBPM findings. AMI was assessed between baseline and 12 months using defined daily dose (DDD) and summed to create a total antihypertensive DDD value. Results: A total of 217 patients (mean age = 61.4 ± 10.2 years; 66% female; 57% black) provided usable HBPM data. Among 90 (41%) intensification-eligible hypertensive patients (ie, mean HBPM SBP values for 6-months ⩾135 mm Hg), mean total antihypertensive DDD was increased in 61% at 12 months. Blacks had significantly higher mean DDD at baseline and 12 months, but intensification (+0.72 vs +0.65; P = 0.83) was similar by race. However, intensification was greater in males than females (+1.1 vs +0.39; P = 0.031). Reduction in mean SBP following intensification was greater in white versus black patients (−8.2 vs −3.9 mm Hg; P = 0.14). Conclusion/Relevance: Treatment intensification in HBPM users was similar by race, differed significantly by gender, and may produce a greater response in white patients. Differential AMI in HBPM users does not appear to contribute to persistent racial disparities in BP control.
Responsiveness of the PROMIS and FAAM Instruments in Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Population
Authors: Hung Man , Baumhauer Judith F. , Licari Frank W. , Bounsanga Jerry , Voss Maren W. , Saltzman Charles L.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Investigating the responsiveness of an instrument is important in order to provide meaningful interpretation of clinical outcomes. This study examined the responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF), the PROMIS Pain Interference (PI), and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Sports subscale in an orthopedic sample with foot and ankle ailments.

Methods:

Patients presenting to an orthopedic foot and ankle clinic during the years 2014–2017 responded to the PROMIS and FAAM instruments prior to their clinical appointments. The responsiveness of the PROMIS PF v1.2, PROMIS PI v1.1, and FAAM Sports were assessed using paired samples t test, effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) at 4 different follow-up points. A total of 785 patients with an average age of 52 years (SD = 17) were included.

Results:

The PROMIS PF had ESs of 0.95 to 1.22 across the 4 time points (3, >3, 6, and <6 months) and SRMs of 1.04 to 1.43. The PROMIS PI had ESs of 1.04 to 1.63 and SRMs of 1.17 to 1.23. For the FAAM Sports, the ESs were 1.25 to 1.31 and SRMs were 1.07 to 1.20. The ability to detect changes via paired samples t test provided mixed results. But in general, the patients with improvement had statistically significant improved scores, and the worsening patients had statistically significant worse scores.

Conclusion:

The PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, and FAAM Sports were sensitive and responsive to changes in patient-reported health.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
PROMIS Pain Interference Is Superior vs Numeric Pain Rating Scale for Pain Assessment in Foot and Ankle Patients
Authors: Bernstein David N. , Kelly Meghan , Houck Jeffrey R. , Ketz John P. , Flemister A. Samuel , DiGiovanni Benedict F. , Baumhauer Judith F. , Oh Irvin
Published: October 2018

Background:

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a popular method to assess pain. Recently, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has been suggested to be more accurate in measuring pain. This study aimed to compare NPRS and PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) scores in a population of foot and ankle patients to determine which method demonstrated a stronger correlation with preoperative and postoperative function, as measured by PROMIS Physical Function (PF).

Methods:

Prospective PROMIS PF and PI and NPRS data were obtained for 8 common elective foot and ankle surgical procedures. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at a follow-up visit at least 6 months after surgery. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship among NPRS (0-10) and PROMIS domains (PI, PF) pre- and postoperatively. A total of 500 patients fit our inclusion criteria.

Results:

PROMIS PF demonstrated a stronger correlation to PROMIS PI in both the pre- and postoperative settings (preoperative: ρ = −0.66; postoperative: ρ = −0.69) compared with the NPRS (preoperative: ρ = −0.32; postoperative:ρ = −0.33). Similar results were found when data were grouped by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code.

Conclusion:

PROMIS PI was a superior tool to gauge a patient’s preoperative level of pain and functional ability. This information may assist surgeons and patients in setting postoperative functional expectations and pain management.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prognostic.
Diet Quality and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pocovi-Gerardino G. , Correa-Rodríguez M. , Rubio J.-L. Callejas , Fernández R. Ríos , Ortego-Centeno N. , Rueda-Medina B.
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly used as a biomarker for inflammation. Mild elevations of CRP have been seen in chronic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and CRP has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Diet quality and certain dietary factors seem to influence CRP levels in healthy subjects. To date, the effect of diet on serum CRP in SLE has not been studied. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between dietary nutrients, antioxidant intake, and serum CRP in SLE.

Design and Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 patients with SLE. High-sensitivity hsCRP values were determined using an immuno-turbidimetry assay in a Beckman Coulter analyzer (AU5800). Dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients was assessed through a 24-hr diet recall. Antioxidant nutrient intake was evaluated using the dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs). Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationships between serum hsCRP levels, dietary nutrient intake, and DAQs.

Results:

The mean serum hsCRP level observed (3.76 ± 6.68 mg/L) was above the established normal range. However, participating SLE patients had low-quality diets, and we found no significant correlations between dietary intake of macro- or micronutrients or antioxidant nutrient intake (DAQs) and serum CRP levels.

Conclusion:

Our study reveals that participating SLE patients had a low-quality diet that did not influence inflammatory status measured using serum CRP levels. Further interventional studies with high-quality diets in this population are necessary to dissect the role of diet on CRP levels in SLE.
Vitrectorhexis in penetrating eye injuries in adults
Authors: Resch Miklós D , Balogh Anikó , Sándor Gábor L , Géhl Zsuzsanna , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Vitrectorhexis is an alternative for manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis originally developed for paediatric cataract surgery. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the technique in adult patients with penetrating ocular injury and traumatic cataracts.

Methods:

Eight eyes of 8 patients (23–41 years, all males) had penetrating mechanical corneal trauma. Anterior lens capsule was penetrated in all cases and additional posterior capsule defect in five cases. Intraocular foreign body was detected in one case in the crystalline lens and in two cases in the posterior segment. Standard 23G infusion cannula and vitreous cutter were applied to perform anterior capsule opening, removal of lens material, anterior vitrectomy and pars plana vitrectomy if needed. No phacoemulsification or irrigation/aspiration probe was used.

Results:

Vitrectorhexis could be performed in 7 out of 8 cases with the preservation of peripheral anterior capsule; primary implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens was possible in all cases (in the bag in three eyes and into the sulcus in five eyes). Anterior chamber was stable in all cases intraoperatively, and no dropped nucleus or lens fragment loss was observed. Surgery was combined with pars plana vitrectomy in three cases, with foreign body removal (when necessary). No postoperative complication occurred.

Conclusion:

Vitrectorhexis was found to be an effective and safe alternative method in the management of complex anterior segment trauma cases. With its use, traditional cataract surgical devices can be substituted and additional benefits of vitreous cutter can be utilized in selected cases, especially in young adults.
Management of renal injury in a UK major trauma centre
Authors: Torrance Robert , Kwok Abigail , Mathews David , Elliot Matthew , Baird Andrew , Lucky Marc A
Published: October 2018

Introduction

This study reviews the type, severity, management and follow-up of renal trauma presenting to a major trauma centre in the northwest of England in the four years following inception of the major trauma centre. Given the recent introduction of major trauma centres nationally, research is needed within every specialty to ensure that the centralisation of services benefits all patients affected by these changes.

Methods

Patients presenting to Aintree University Hospital with renal trauma between June 2012 and June 2016 were identified using the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database. The data gathered retrospectively for each patient included mechanism of injury, injury severity score, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading, management of injury, and follow-up.

Results

Out of a total of 2595 trauma patients, 33 renal injuries were identified. The 31 patients who received imaging were classified according to AAST grading, with 8 Grade I (25.8%), 4 Grade II (12.9%), 8 Grade III (25.8%), 4 Grade IV (12.9%), and 7 Grade V (22.6%) injuries. Twenty-five out of the 30 surviving patients received conservative treatment, three patients received angioembolisation (AE), one patient received a laparotomy with renal suturing, and one patient required a nephrectomy. Of these 30 surviving patients, seven received urology follow-up in clinic (23%).

Conclusion

The findings appear to support the growing trend towards the conservative management of high-grade renal injuries, and provide further evidence for the value of AE in renal trauma. The success of AE in this study appears to support the centralisation of services in renal trauma; however, the low nephrectomy rate could be interpreted as suggestive of the opposite. The study revealed that improvements to follow-up are needed, and that further research should seek to inform the optimal radiological follow-up of high-grade renal injury.