bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skewing of the glottal flow with respect to the glottal area measured in natural production of vowels
Authors: Alku Paavo , Murtola Tiina , Malinen Jarmo , Geneid Ahmed , Vilkman Erkki
Published: October 2019

In the production of voiced speech, glottal flow skewing refers to the tilting of the glottal flow pulses to the right, often characterized as a delay of the peak, compared to the glottal area. In the past four decades, several studies have addressed this phenomenon using modeling of voice production with analog circuits and computer simulations. However, previous studies measuring flow skewing in natural production of speech are sparse and they contain little quantitative data about the degree of skewing between flow and area. In the current study, flow skewing was measured from the natural production of 40 vowel utterances produced by 10 speakers. Glottal flow was measured from speech using glottal inverse filtering and glottal area was captured with high-speed videoendoscopy. The estimated glottal flow and area waveforms were parameterized with four robust parameters that measure pulse skewness quantitatively. Statistical tests obtained for all four parameters showed that the flow pulse was significantly more skewed to the right than the area pulse. Hence, this study corroborates the existence of flow skewing using measurements from natural speech production. In addition, the study yields quantitative data about pulse skewness in simultaneous measured glottal flow and area in natural production of speech.
Blood Volumes Following Preseason Heat Versus Altitude: A Case Study of Australian Footballers
Authors: McLean Blake D. , White Kevin , Gore Christopher J. , Kemp Justin
Published: October 2019

Purpose: There is debate as to which environmental intervention produces the most benefit for team sport athletes, particularly comparing heat and altitude. This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare blood volume (BV) responses with heat and altitude training camps in Australian footballers. Methods: The BV of 7 professional Australian footballers (91.8 [10.5] kg, 191.8 [10.1] cm) was measured throughout 3 consecutive spring/summer preseasons. During each preseason, players participated in altitude (year 1 and year 2) and heat (year 3) environmental training camps. Year 1 and year 2 altitude camps were in November/December in the United States, whereas the year 3 heat camp was in February/March in Australia after a full exposure to summer heat. BV, red cell volume, and plasma volume (PV) were measured at least 3 times during each preseason. Results: Red cell volume increased substantially following altitude in both year 1 (d = 0.67) and year 2 (d = 1.03), before returning to baseline 4 weeks postaltitude. Immediately following altitude, concurrent decreases in PV were observed during year 1 (d = −0.40) and year 2 (d = −0.98). With spring/summer training in year 3, BV and PV were substantially higher in January than temporally matched postaltitude measurements during year 1 (BV: d = −0.93, PV: d = −1.07) and year 2 (BV: d = −1.99, PV: d = −2.25), with year 3 total BV, red cell volume, and PV not changing further despite the 6-day heat intervention. Conclusions: We found greater BV after training throughout spring/summer conditions, compared with interrupting spring/summer exposure to train at altitude in the cold, with no additional benefits observed from a heat camp following spring/summer training.
Synthetic presentation of noncanonical Wnt5a motif promotes mechanosensing-dependent differentiation of stem cells and regeneration
Authors: Li Rui , Lin Sien , Zhu Meiling , Deng Yingrui , Chen Xiaoyu , Wei Kongchang , Xu Jianbin , Li Gang , Bian Liming
Published: October 2019

A rational approach promotes mechano-dependent osteogenesis and effective bone regeneration with conjugated biomimetic peptide.
Mutant neuropeptide S receptor reduces sleep duration with preserved memory consolidation
Authors: Xing Lijuan , Shi Guangsen , Mostovoy Yulia , Gentry Nicholas W. , Fan Zenghua , McMahon Thomas B. , Kwok Pui-Yan , Jones Christopher R. , Ptáček Louis J. , Fu Ying-Hui
Published: October 2019

A human neuropeptide S receptor mutation renders mutant mice to be short sleepers with more resilience to memory deficits caused by sleep deprivation.
Neutralization Breadth and Potency of Single-Chain Variable Fragments Derived from Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Targeting Multiple Epitopes on the HIV-1 Envelope
Authors: van Dorsten Rebecca T. , Lambson Bronwen E. , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Weinberg Marc S. , Moore Penny L. , Morris Lynn
Published: October 2019

Monoclonal antibodies have been isolated against conserved epitopes on the HIV trimer and are being investigated for passive immunization. Some of the challenges associated with full-sized antibody proteins may be overcome by using single-chain variable fragments (scFv). These smaller forms of antibodies can be produced more efficiently, may show fewer off-target effects with increased tissue penetration, and are more adaptable to vectored-mediated expression than IgG. Here, we demonstrate that scFv of four HIV-directed bNAbs (CAP256-VRC26.25, PGT121, 3BNC117, and 10E8v4) had significant neutralizing activity against diverse global strains of HIV. Loss of potency and/or breadth was shown to be due to increased dependence of the scFv on key residues within the epitope. These smaller antibody molecules with functional activity in the therapeutic range may be suitable for further development as passive immunity for HIV prevention.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Basidiomycete Yeast
Sporisorium graminicola
CBS10092, a Producer of Mannosylerythritol Lipids
Authors: Solano-González Stefany , Darby Alistair C. , Cossar Doug , Caddick Mark X.
Published: October 2019

The basidiomycete
Sporisorium graminicola
(formally
Pseudozyma graminicola
) strain CBS10092 was originally isolated from an herbaceous plant in Russia. It is a known producer of mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), the main component being MEL-C. Here, we present the 19.9-Mb draft genome sequence, which comprises 6,602 genes, including those encoding the MEL biosynthetic pathway.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridioides difficile Ribotype 255 Strain Mta-79, Assembled Using Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Sequencing
Authors: Spinler Jennifer K. , Gonzales-Luna Anne J. , Raza Sabeen , Runge Jessica K. , Luna Ruth Ann , Savidge Tor C. , Garey Kevin W.
Published: October 2019

Hybrid
de novo
assembly of Illumina/Nanopore sequence data produced a complete circular sequence of the chromosome for a
Clostridioides difficile
ribotype 255 (RT255) isolate from an elderly patient with recurrent
C. difficile
infection (CDI). This provides a high-quality representative sequence for the RT255 lineage.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a
Pantoea
sp. Strain Isolated from an Olive (Olea europaea L.) Knot
Authors: Vuletin Selak Gabriela , Raboteg Marina , Dubost Audrey , Abrouk Danis , Žanić Katja , Normand Philippe , Pujić Petar
Published: October 2019

Here, we present the total genome sequence of
Pantoea
sp. strain paga, a plant-associated bacterium isolated from knots present on olive trees grown on the Adriatic Coast. The genome size of
Pantoea
sp. paga is 5.08 Mb, with a G+C content of 54%. The genome contains 4,776 predicted coding DNA sequences (CDSs), including 70 tRNA genes and 1 ribosomal operon. Obtained genome sequence data will provide insight on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of
Pantoea
spp.
Genome Sequence of an Unknown Subtype of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6: Another Piece for the Taxonomic Puzzle
Authors: Pedersen Martin Schou , Mollerup Sarah , Nielsen Lone Gilmor , Jenssen Håvard , Bukh Jens , Schønning Kristian
Published: October 2019

The surveillance and correct subtyping of hepatitis C virus strains require available and up-to-date publicly available reference genomes. Here, we present the complete open reading frame sequence of a hepatitis C virus genotype 6 strain of an unknown subtype that was discovered during routine subtyping of patients in the clinic.
Genome Sequence of Oxalobacter formigenes Strain SSYG-15
Authors: Sun Ning-yun , Gao Yuan , Yu Hong-jing
Published: October 2019

Colonization of the intestine with
Oxalobacter formigenes
reduces urinary oxalate excretion and lowers the risk of forming calcium oxalate kidney stones. Here, we report the genome sequence of
Oxalobacter formigenes
SSYG-15, a strain isolated from a stool sample from a healthy Chinese boy.
Uranium isotopic constraints on the nature of the prehistoric flood at the Lajia site, China
Authors: Li Le , Chen Jun , Hedding David William , Fu Yuanhe , Ye Maolin , Li Gaojun
Published: October 2019

The catastrophic landslide-dam outburst flood, possibly caused by the same earthquake that destroyed the well-dated Lajia archaeological site, in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in China, may provide an accurate constraint on the age of the first Chinese dynasty (Xia Dynasty), which, according to Chinese ancient documents, has been associated with flood-control activities. The key link between the destructive earthquake and the megaflood is a flood-related blackish sand layer (BSL) covering the Lajia site on terraces high above the Yellow River channel. However, the BSL, which mainly consists of debris of local schist, may have originated from mudflows in local gullies rather than an outburst flood from the Yellow River that swept predominantly schist debris from channel slopes and/or a landslide dam. The composition of the fine particles in the BSL can help to discriminate the provenance of the BSL because an outburst flood would consist of suspended particles from the Yellow River, while a mudflow origin would incorporate fine particles from the local gullies. However, the similar geological origin between the Yellow River sediments and the Quaternary eolian loess and Tertiary reddish clay sediments that feed the local gullies precludes the application of traditional geochemical source tracers. This work shows that the 234U/238U activity ratio, which reflects the comminution age, of the fine particles in the BSL is very similar to that of the Yellow River sediments but not to the sediments in the local gullies, supporting an outburst flood origin of the BSL. Thus, the emergence of the Xia Dynasty can be constrained to be shortly after the sudden destruction of the Lajia site, if the outburst flood is the same event that initiated nationalization as described in the Chinese ancient documents.
Fault reactivation and strain partitioning across the brittle-ductile transition
Authors: Meyer Gabriel G. , Brantut Nicolas , Mitchell Thomas M. , Meredith Philip G.
Published: October 2019

The so-called “brittle-ductile transition” is thought to be the strongest part of the lithosphere, and defines the lower limit of the seismogenic zone. It is characterized not only by a transition from localized to distributed (ductile) deformation, but also by a gradual change in microscale deformation mechanism, from microcracking to crystal plasticity. These two transitions can occur separately under different conditions. The threshold conditions bounding the transitions are expected to control how deformation is partitioned between localized fault slip and bulk ductile deformation. Here, we report results from triaxial deformation experiments on pre-faulted cores of Carrara marble over a range of confining pressures, and determine the relative partitioning of the total deformation between bulk strain and on-fault slip. We find that the transition initiates when fault strength (σf) exceeds the yield stress (σy) of the bulk rock, and terminates when it exceeds its ductile flow stress (σflow). In this domain, yield in the bulk rock occurs first, and fault slip is reactivated as a result of bulk strain hardening. The contribution of fault slip to the total deformation is proportional to the ratio (σf − σy)/(σflow − σy). We propose an updated crustal strength profile extending the localized-ductile transition toward shallower regions where the strength of the crust would be limited by fault friction, but significant proportions of tectonic deformation could be accommodated simultaneously by distributed ductile flow.
Recrystallization and chemical changes in apatite in response to hypervelocity impact
Authors: Kenny Gavin G. , Karlsson Andreas , Schmieder Martin , Whitehouse Martin J. , Nemchin Alexander A. , Bellucci Jeremy J.
Published: October 2019

Despite the wide utility of apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH), in the geosciences, including tracing volatile abundances on the Moon and Mars, little is known about how the mineral responds to the extreme temperatures and pressures associated with hypervelocity impacts. To address this deficiency, we here present the first microstructural analysis and chemical mapping of shocked apatite from a terrestrial impact crater. Apatite grains from the Paasselkä impact structure, Finland, display intragrain crystal-plastic deformation as well as pervasive recrystallization—the first such report in terrestrial apatite. A partially recrystallized grain offers the opportunity to investigate the effect of shock recrystallization on the chemical composition of apatite. The recrystallized portion of the fluorapatite grain is depleted in Mg and Fe relative to the remnant non-recrystallized domain. Strikingly, the recrystallized region alone hosts inclusions of (Mg,Fe)2(PO4)F, wagnerite or a polymorph thereof. These are interpreted to be a product of phase separation during recrystallization and to be related to the reduced abundances of certain elements in the recrystallized domain. The shock-induced recrystallization of apatite, which we show to be related to changes in the mineral’s chemical composition, is not always readily visible in traditional imaging techniques (such as backscattered electron imaging of polished interior surfaces), thus highlighting the need for correlated microstructural, chemical, and isotopic studies of phosphates. This is particularly relevant for extraterrestrial phosphates that may have been exposed to impacts, and we urge the consideration of microstructural data in the interpretation of the primary or secondary nature of elemental abundances and isotopic compositions.
Stable oxygen and carbon isotopes of carbonates in lake sediments as a paleoflood proxy
Authors: Kämpf Lucas , Plessen Birgit , Lauterbach Stefan , Nantke Carla , Meyer Hanno , Chapligin Bernhard , Brauer Achim
Published: October 2019

Lake sediments are increasingly explored as reliable paleoflood archives. In addition to established flood proxies including detrital layer thickness, chemical composition, and grain size, we explore stable oxygen and carbon isotope data as paleoflood proxies for lakes in catchments with carbonate bedrock geology. In a case study from Lake Mondsee (Austria), we integrate high-resolution sediment trapping at a proximal and a distal location and stable isotope analyses of varved lake sediments to investigate flood-triggered detrital sediment flux. First, we demonstrate a relation between runoff, detrital sediment flux, and isotope values in the sediment trap record covering the period 2011–2013 CE including 22 events with daily (hourly) peak runoff ranging from 10 (24) m3 s−1 to 79 (110) m3 s−1. The three- to ten-fold lower flood-triggered detrital sediment deposition in the distal trap is well reflected by attenuated peaks in the stable isotope values of trapped sediments. Next, we show that all nine flood-triggered detrital layers deposited in a sediment record from 1988 to 2013 have elevated isotope values compared with endogenic calcite. In addition, even two runoff events that did not cause the deposition of visible detrital layers are distinguished by higher isotope values. Empirical thresholds in the isotope data allow estimation of magnitudes of the majority of floods, although in some cases flood magnitudes are overestimated because local effects can result in too-high isotope values. Hence we present a proof of concept for stable isotopes as reliable tool for reconstructing flood frequency and, although with some limitations, even for flood magnitudes.
Insights into post-Miocene uplift of the western margin of the Colorado Plateau from the stratigraphic record of the lower Colorado River
Authors: Crow Ryan S. , Howard Keith A. , Beard L. Sue , Pearthree Philip A. , House P. Kyle , Karlstrom Karl E. , Peters Lisa , McIntosh William , Cassidy Colleen , Felger Tracey J. , Block Debra
Published: October 2019

The spatial and temporal distribution of Pliocene to Holocene Colorado River deposits (southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico) form a primary data set that records the evolution of a continental-scale river system and helps to delineate and quantify the magnitude of regional deformation. We focus in particular on the age and distribution of ancestral Colorado River deposits from field observations, geologic mapping, and subsurface studies in the area downstream from Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA). A new 4.73 ± 0.17 Ma age is reported for a basalt that flowed down Grand Wash to near its confluence with the Colorado River at the eastern end of what is now Lake Mead (Arizona and Nevada). That basalt flow, which caps tributary gravels, another previously dated 4.49 ± 0.46 Ma basalt flow that caps Colorado River gravel nearby, and previously dated speleothems (2.17 ± 0.34 and 3.87 ± 0.1 Ma) in western Grand Canyon allow for the calculation of long-term incision rates. Those rates are ∼90 m/Ma in western Grand Canyon and ∼18–64 m/Ma in the eastern Lake Mead area. In western Lake Mead and downstream, the base of 4.5–3.5 Ma ancestral Colorado River deposits, called the Bullhead Alluvium, is generally preserved below river level, suggesting little if any bedrock incision since deposition. Paleoprofiles reconstructed using ancestral river deposits indicate that the lower Colorado River established a smooth profile that has been graded to near sea level since ca. 4.5 Ma. Steady incision rates in western Grand Canyon over the past 0.6–4 Ma also suggest that the lower Colorado River has remained in a quasi–steady state for millions of years with respect to bedrock incision. Differential incision between the lower Colorado River corridor and western Grand Canyon is best explained by differential uplift across the Lake Mead region, as the overall 4.5 Ma profile of the Colorado River remains graded to Pliocene sea level, suggesting little regional subsidence or uplift. Cumulative estimates of ca. 4 Ma offsets across faults in the Lake Mead region are similar in magnitude to the differential incision across the area during the same approximate time frame. This suggests that in the past ∼4 Ma, vertical deformation in the Lake Mead area has been localized along faults, which may be a surficial response to more deep-seated processes. Together these data sets suggest ∼140–370 m of uplift in the past 2–4 Ma across the Lake Mead region.
Geotechnical data synthesis for GIS-based analysis of fault zone geometry and hazard in an urban environment
Authors: Weidman Luke , Maloney Jillian M. , Rockwell Thomas K.
Published: October 2019

Many fault zones trend through developed urban areas where their geomorphic expression is unclear, making it difficult to study fault zone details and assess seismic hazard. One example is the Holocene-active Rose Canyon fault zone, a strike-slip fault with potential to produce a M6.9 earthquake, which traverses the city of San Diego, California (USA). Several strands trend through densely populated areas, including downtown. Much of the developed environment in San Diego predates aerial imagery, making assessment of the natural landscape difficult. To comply with regulations on development in a seismically active area, geotechnical firms have conducted many private, small-scale fault studies in downtown San Diego since the 1980s. However, each report is site specific with minimal integration between neighboring sites, and there exists no resource where all data can be viewed simultaneously on a regional scale. Here, geotechnical data were mined from 268 individual reports and synthesized into an interactive geodatabase to elucidate fault geometry through downtown San Diego. In the geodatabase, fault segments were assigned a hazard classification, and their strike and dip characterized. Results show an active zone of discontinuous fault segments trending north-south in eastern downtown, including active faults outside the mapped regulatory Earthquake Fault Zone. Analysis of fault geometry shows high variability along strike that may be associated with a stepover into San Diego Bay. This type of geodatabase offers a method for compiling and analyzing a high volume of small-scale fault investigations for a more comprehensive understanding of fault zones located in developed regions.
Сравнение методов аппроксимации градиентов в схемах, ориентированных на вихреразрешающие расчеты
Authors: Бахнэ Сергей , Bakhne Sergei , Босняков Сергей Михайлович , Bosnyakov Sergei Mikhailovich , Михайлов Сергей Владимирович , Mikhailov Sergei Vladimirovich , Трошин Алексей Игоревич , Troshin Aleksei Igorevich
Published: October 2019

Рассмотрены различные способы аппроксимации градиентов повышенной точности, входящих в диффузионные потоки. Исследовались линейные комбинации разностных схем второго порядка для неравномерной сетки, переходящие в схемы четвeртого порядка в равномерном случае. Также рассматривались схемы третьего и четвeртого порядка аппроксимации градиентов на неравномерной сетке в нормальном и касательном направлении к грани ячейки соответственно, построенные на основе полиномов Лагранжа. Первоначальное тестирование схем было проведено на одномерных функциях: гладкой функции Гаусса и кусочно-линейной функции-зубце. Далее схемы были применены в прямом численном моделировании вихря Тейлора-Грина.
Генерация трехмерных однородных изотропных турбулентных полей скорости на основе рандомизированного спектрального метода
Authors: Александров Анатолий Витальевич , Alexandrov A V , Дородницын Людвиг Вацлавович , Dorodnicyn Ludwig W , Дубень Алексей Петрович , Duben Aleksei Petrovich
Published: October 2019

В работе исследуется стохастический метод генерации искусственных трехмерных, бездивергентных, однородных и изотропных полей скорости, основанный на рандомизированном спектральном методе. Анализируются статистические и спектральные свойства турбулентных полей, построенных с помощью данного генератора. Валидационный LES расчет, использующий полученные турбулентные поля в качестве начальных условий, демонстрирует хорошее совпадение результатов с экспериментальными данными.
Моделирование нестационарных явлений в осевом компрессоре
Authors: Ворошнин Денис Владимирович , Voroshnin Denis Vladimirovich , Маракуева Ольга Валериевна , Marakueva Ol'ga Valerievna , Муравейко Александр Сергеевич , Muraveiko Aleksandr Sergeevich
Published: October 2019

Проводится численное исследование течения в осевом четырeхступенчатом компрессоре в ПК FINE/Turbo с применением различных подходов по моделированию ротор-статор взаимодействия: в стационарной постановке с использованием граничного условия Mixing Plane, в полной нестационарной постановке и с применением нелинейного гармонического метода NLH. Сравнение подходов выполняется по осредненным во времени и нестационарным интегральным параметрам компрессора, а также по пульсациям локальных параметров.
Численное моделирование акустических полей, индуцированных колебанием тел в потоке
Authors: Абалакин Илья Владимирович , Abalakin Ilya Vladimirivich , Вершков Владислав Александрович , Vershkov Vladislav Aleksandrovich , Жданова Наталья Сергеевна , Zhdanova Natal'ya Sergeevna , Козубская Татьяна Константиновна , Kozubskaya Tatiana Konstantinovna
Published: October 2019

Представлены две вычислительные методики, не требующие изменения топологии сетки, для моделирования течения около колеблющихся тел. Первая методика использует метод погруженных границ, вторая - метод деформируемых сеток. Возможности этих двух подходов демонстрируются на примере решения модельных задач в двумерной постановке по расчету акустических полей, генерируемых в дозвуковом потоке осциллирующим цилиндром - как одиночным, так и в присутствии неподвижного тела цилиндрической формы.
Процедура определения интенсивности вихревого слоя при моделировании обтекания тела пространственным потоком несжимаемой среды
Authors: Марчевский Илья Константинович , Marchevsky Il'ya Konstantinovich , Щеглов Георгий Александрович , Scheglov Georgii Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2019

Применительно к вихревым методам вычислительной гидродинамики разработана
оригинальная процедура определения интенсивности вихревого слоя на поверхности тела, обтекаемого пространственным потоком несжимаемой среды. В отличие
от распространенного в подобных методах подхода к удовлетворению граничного
условия прилипания на обтекаемой поверхности, основанного на обеспечении равенства нулю нормальной компоненты скорости среды, предлагаемая процедура
базируется на математически эквивалентном условии равенства нулю касательной
составляющей скорости на поверхности. Искомая интенсивность вихревого слоя
полагается кусочно-постоянной на треугольных панелях, аппроксимирующих поверхность обтекаемого тела. Возникающее интегральное уравнение аппроксимируется системой линейных алгебраических уравнений, размерность которой вдвое
превышает число панелей. Коэффициенты матрицы системы выражены через двойные интегралы по панелям. Предложена методика вычисления данных интегралов
для случая соседних панелей, когда указанные интегралы являются несобственными. Произведено аддитивное выделение особенности и получены аналитические
выражения для интегралов от них. Гладкие части подынтегральных выражений интегрируются численно с использованием квадратурных формул Гаусса.
Предложенная процедура позволяет существенно повысить точность определения
интенсивности вихревого слоя при моделировании вихревыми методами обтекания
тел сложной формы при использовании произвольных треугольных сеток на их поверхности, в том числе существенно неравномерных и имеющих сильно вытянутые
ячейки.
Моделирование процессов кристаллизации наномодифицированного бинарного сплава
Authors: Попов Владимир Николаевич , Popov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Черепанов Анатолий Николаевич , Cherepanov Anatoliy Nikolaevich
Published: October 2019

Предложена математическая модель неравновесной кристаллизации бинарного сплава алюминия (Al-Si) с модифицирующими тугоплавкими наноразмерными частицами, которые являются центрами зарождения кристаллической фазы. Модель описывает термодинамические процессы, а также гетерогенное зародышеобразование и кристаллизацию $\alpha$-компоненты и $\beta$-компоненты расплава. Зарождение кристаллической фазы происходит на поверхности нанозатравок при переохлаждении расплава. Температура ликвидуса в расплаве зависит от концентрации растворенного легирующего компонента, которая определяется из уравнения неравновесного рычага. При охлаждении металла до температуры эвтектики происходит кристаллизация $\alpha$-компоненты сплава, а при дальнейшем охлаждении - эвтектическая кристаллизация $\beta$-компоненты. Скорость роста кристаллической фазы пропорциональна переохлаждению. Объем твердой фазы, сформировавшейся вокруг зародыша характеризует размер зеренной структуры в затвердевшем сплаве. Проведено численное моделирование затвердевания расплава в цилиндрической форме. Параметры теплообмена системы расплав-форма с окружающей средой определены в результате экспериментов. Рассмотрены особенности кинетики гетерогенного зародышеобразования и кристаллизации остывающего расплава. Определено, что условия зародышеобразования, темп кристаллизации, переохлаждение и время затвердевания существенно различаются внутри отливки. Согласно полученным результатам установлено, что по мере охлаждения расплава имеет место объемно-последовательная кристаллизация металла. Область с наиболее мелкой структурой застывшего металла находится вблизи стенки формы. Оценка размеров зеренной структуры в отливке согласуется с результатами экспериментов. Достоверность предложенной модели подтверждена сравнением результатов численного расчета с данными физического эксперимента по измерению температуры при затвердевании расплава и изучении свойств отливки.
Версия динамической стохастической модели общего равновесия для условий открытой экономики
Authors: Балута Виктор Иванович , Baluta Viktor Ivanovich , Шульц Дмитрий Николаевич , Shul'ts Dmitrii Nikolaevich
Published: October 2019

Представлена динамическая стохастическая модель общего равновесия для описания динамики ключевых индикаторов российской экономики. Особенностью подхода является кейнсианский микроэкономический фундамент, учитывающий несовершенство рыночных механизмов регулирования, таких как колебания спроса и предложения, негибкие цены и заработные платы. Второй специфической чертой является гипотеза рациональных ожиданий. Модель представляет собой систему из 17 уравнений, описывающих динамику относительно своих равновесных траекторий таких ключевых макроэкономических переменных, как ВВП, инфляция и ставка процента, обменный курс, показатели экспорта и импорта. Модель предназначается для оценки характера реакции ключевых экономических показателей на резкие изменения экзогенных факторов. С помощью построенной модели оценены эффекты влияния на ключевые макроэкономические показатели резких колебаний спроса, совокупной факторной производительности, мировой ставки процента. Результаты моделирования и проведeнных расчетов могут быть использованы монетарными властями при разработке денежно-кредитной политики.
Модель для исследования физических свойств системы заряженных частиц с учетом внешнего магнитного поля и силы трения
Authors: Джумагулова К Н , Dzhumagulova K N , Рамазанов Т С , Ramazanov T S , Машеева Р У , Masheeva R U , Джумагулов М Н , Jumagulov M N
Published: October 2019

В представленной работе получена модифицированная численная схема Верле. Данная схема предназначена для решения уравнений движения заряженных частиц, погруженных во внешнюю стационарную среду и однородное магнитное поле, для примера, заряженных частиц конденсированного вещества в буферной плазме (пылевая плазма). Влияние окружающей среды на динамику частиц описывается силой трения. Также на динамику частиц влияет межчастичное взаимодействие и внешнее однородное магнитное поле. Для получения схемы Верле координаты и скорости частиц разлагаются в ряд Тейлора с учетом силы Лоренца и силы трения. Учитывались все члены разложения в ряд Тейлора, дающие одинаковый порядок точности. В полученной численной схеме временной шаг моделирования не зависит от величины магнитного поля, а определяется только внутренними физическими свойствами рассматриваемой системы, что является важным при моделировании ансамбля заряженных частиц с учетом электромагнитных полей. В работе решалась тестовая задача, для которой были сравнены траектории частиц, полученные на основе обычной и модифицированной схемы Верле для разных значений как параметра трения, так и параметра магнитного поля. На основе анализа зависимости максимального относительного отклонения координаты от временного шага показана независимость шага по времени от магнитного поля в схеме разложения Тейлора, в то время как в инверсной схеме Верле имеется такая зависимость.
Spontaneous renoalimentary fistula as a complication of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: unknown complication of a rare disease
Authors: Jena Rahul , Sureka Sanjoy Kumar , Ruidas Surojit , Lal Hira
Published: October 2019

Fistulae of the upper urinary tract with the alimentary tract are rare. Most cases of renoalimentary fistulae are secondary to penetrating trauma, which may be iatrogenic or due to locally invasive benign infective processes or complicated nephrolithiasis, or following surgical procedures. Spontaneous renoalimentary fistulae developing secondary to locally advanced malignancies, namely renal cell carcinoma, are very rare, and unknown due to upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. We present a case where a 60-year-old man, presented with clinical symptoms suggestive of upper gastrointestinal tract pathology, with no urological complaints and was diagnosed to have a renoalimentary fistula on cross-sectional imaging and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with histopathology of duodenal growth biopsy showing high-grade transitional cell carcinoma. Due to unresectable nature of this mass, this patient had a gastric and biliary diversion and was started on palliative chemotherapy. Renoalimentary fistulae due to benign inflammatory causes may be treated by nephrectomy with or without resection of the involved bowel segment. However, all malignant fistulae have to be treated as locally advanced tumours and en bloc resection should be attempted whenever feasible.
Hypereosinophilic dermatitis: generalised lichenification and gyrate erythema as the sole manifestation of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Yadav Deepika , Sharma Ananya , Agarwal Shipra , Gupta Vishal
Published: October 2019

A 22-year-old female presented with generalised lichenification and severe pruritus, along with multiple annular papules and concentric plaques over trunk and extremities for the last 3 years. Her haematological investigations revealed leucocytosis with peripheral blood eosinophilia and raised serum IgE levels. Skin biopsy showed perivascular and interstitial infiltrate of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the dermis. Bone marrow examination showed myeloid hypercellularity with increased number of eosinophils, but no atypical cells. Cytogenetic studies did not reveal any chromosomal alterations. No systemic involvement was found on imaging. A diagnosis of idiopathic skin-limited hypereosinophilic syndrome was made. She was treated with tapering doses of oral prednisolone and weekly methotrexate with significant improvement in skin lesions and pruritus in 2 months, which was maintained at 7-month follow-up.
Thinning rates of retinal nerve layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer in various stages of normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Inuzuka Hiroko , Sawada Akira , Inuzuka Masayuki , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: October 2019

Aims

To compare the changes in the macular retinal nerve fibre layer (mRNFL), macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL), and circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) in various stages of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods

Eyes with NTG (n=218) were assigned into three groups based on initial mean deviation (MD) as follows: mild (MD>−6 dB), moderate (−6 dB≥MD≥−12 dB) and severe (−12 dB>MD>−20 dB). Annual rates of change in mRNFL, mGCIPL and cpRNFL thickness were calculated by linear regression analysis.

Results

Age, gender, spherical equivalent, and average intraocular pressure during follow-up were not significantly different among the three groups. There were significant differences in the mRNFL, mGCIPL and cpRNFL among the three groups at baseline (p<0.0001 in all sectors except for the mRNFL in the superonasal sector). The average thinning rates of the mRNFL, mGCIPL and cpRNFL were −0.38±0.32 µm/year, −0.62±0.46 µm/year and −0.86±0.83 µm/year, respectively. No significant difference in the rates of change in the mRNFL and mGCIPL were found among the groups in any sector. However, there was a significant difference in the rate of change in the cpRNFL among the groups (in all sectors: p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Changes in the mRNFL and mGCIPL can reflect the progression of NTG even in its advanced stage. However, careful interpretation of changes in the cpRNFL in the advanced stage of glaucoma is warranted due to a potential floor effect.
Effects of moderately increased testosterone concentration on physical performance in young women: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study
Authors: Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Elings Knutsson Jona , Helge Torbjörn , Godhe Manne , Ekblom Maria , Bermon Stephane , Ekblom Björn
Published: October 2019

Objective

To investigate the effects of a moderate increase in serum testosterone on physical performance in young, physically active, healthy women.

Methods

A double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial was conducted between May 2017 and June 2018 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT03210558). 48 healthy, physically active women aged 18–35 years were randomised to 10 weeks of treatment with 10 mg of testosterone cream daily or placebo (1:1). All participants completed the study. The primary outcome measure was aerobic performance measured by running time to exhaustion (TTE). Secondary outcomes were anaerobic performance (Wingate test) and muscle strength (squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and knee extension peak torque). Hormone levels were analysed and body composition assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Serum levels of testosterone increased from 0.9 (0.4) nmol/L to 4.3 (2.8) nmol/L in the testosterone supplemented group. TTE increased significantly by 21.17 s (8.5%) in the testosterone group compared with the placebo group (mean difference 15.5 s; P=0.045). Wingate average power, which increased by 15.2 W in the testosterone group compared with 3.2 W in the placebo group, was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.084). There were no significant changes in CMJ, SJ and knee extension. Mean change from baseline in total lean mass was 923 g for the testosterone group and 135 g for the placebo group (P=0.040). Mean change in lean mass in the lower limbs was 398 g and 91 g, respectively (P=0.041).

Conclusion

The study supports a causal effect of testosterone in the increase in aerobic running time as well as lean mass in young, physically active women.
effect of physical activity on independent living ability among community-dwelling elderly in urban areas of Liaoning Province in China: a population-based study
Authors: Wang Bowen , Wu Yijiao , Zhang Tianjiao , Han Jinsong , Yu Lianzheng , Sun Wei
Published: October 2019

Objective

Independent living ability is crucial for the elderly; however, its assessment performed in China employs various scales and lacks risk factors, especially behavioural and social-psychological factors, which could be improved through health education. This study aimed to assess the independent living ability of community-dwelling elderly in urban areas of China and to identify the association with behavioral and social-psychological factors.

Design

A population-based study using random cluster sampling method was performed in two core cities in Liaoning Province during March–November 2012.

Study population

3686 individuals who were >=65 years old, had no dementia and cognitive impairment, had lived in the sampled communities for >=5 years and could take part in the study were enrolled.

Main outcome measures

Interviews were conducted to collect information of independent living ability, indicated by the instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), behavioural factors, social-psychological factors and confounders (demographic characteristics and health status). The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to screen for cognitive impairment.

Results

The independence rate was 46.3% in men and 41.1% in women. Structural equation modelling analysis showed that physical activity, drawn from taking a walk and doing exercise, had the strongest association with the IADL in both men (−0.34, SE 0.10) and women (−0.33, SE 0.11). Falling in the last year and worrying about falling were also significantly associated with IADL. The effects of regular drinking, feeling lonely and participating in entertainment were significant in men.

Conclusion

The independent living ability of the elderly in urban areas in Liaoning Province in China was at a low level. Physical activity was one of the important roles in both men and women; whereas the role of social-psychological factors only existed in men. Gender-specific healthcare and education to avoid sedentary life should be advocated for the elderly to maintain/improve their independent living ability.
From menu to mouth: the decay pathway of nutrient intake from planned menu to consumed and characteristics of residents in an aged care facility with greater nutrient decay rates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nanayakkara Wathsala Sripali , Skidmore Paula , O'Brien Leigh , Wilkinson Tim , Frampton Chris , Gearry Richard
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To observe the cascade of nutrient loss from meals planned to those provided and subsequently consumed by older people in residential care. A secondary aim was to determine the characteristics of residents with higher nutrient loss resulting in lower intake of key nutrients.

Design

A single-centre cross-sectional study.

Setting

An aged residential care facility in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Participants

All low and high level of care residents except those who are end of life, enterally fed or on short-term stay were invited to participate in the study. 54 of 60 selected residents who consumed all three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for three non-consecutive days were included in the analyses.

Main outcome measures

Nutrient contents of planned menu; nutrient contents of meals served and consumed using modified 3-day diet records; and percentage of planned nutrients served and consumed.

Results

Vitamins C, B12 and folate had the greatest total decay rates of 50% or more from that planned to be consumed to what was actually consumed, while unsaturated fats, beta carotene, iodine and zinc had the lowest decay rates of 25% or less. Male participants and lower care level residents consumed significantly more nutrients, compared with female participants and those receiving higher level care. Increased age, female gender, higher level of care, smaller meal size, pureed diet and lower body mass index were associated with larger decay rates and lower nutrient intakes.

Conclusions

Not all planned and served food and beverages are consumed, contributing to potential multiple nutrient deficiencies including energy and protein in the majority of aged-care residents. As a consequence, some nutrients may need to be oversupplied if consumption is to match planned intakes.
Pay-for-performance programmes reduce stroke risks in patients with type 2 diabetes: a national cohort study
Authors: Chou Chien-Wen , Kung Pei-Tseng , Chou Wen-Yu , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: October 2019

Objectives

A pay-for-performance (P4P) programme is a management strategy that encourages healthcare providers to deliver high quality of care. In Taiwan, the P4P programme has been implemented for diabetes, and certified diabetes physicians voluntarily enrol patients with diabetes into the P4P programme. The objectives of this study were to compare the risk of stroke and its related factors in patients with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled in a P4P programme compared with those who were not.

Study design

This study is a natural experiment in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort investigation was conducted from 2002 to 2013, which included 459 726 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were grouped according to P4P enrolment status following a propensity score matching process.

Methods

We reviewed patients ≥45 years of age newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the relative risk of stroke between patients with type 2 DM enrolled in the P4P programme and those who were not enrolled.

Results

Compared with the patients not enrolled, there was a significantly lower stroke risk in P4P participants (HR=0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99). Although a significantly lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke was observed (HR=0.87, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.93) in P4P participants, no statistically significant difference for the risk of ischaemic stroke between P4P and non-P4P patients (HR=0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.02) was found. Following stratification analysis, a significantly reduced stroke risk was observed in male patients with type 2 diabetes, but not in women.

Conclusions

Participants in Taiwan’s Diabetes P4P programme displayed a significantly reduced stroke risk, especially haemorrhagic stroke. We recommend the continual promotion of this programme to the general public and to physicians.
Physician Mental Workload Scale in China: Development and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Lu Chuntao , Hu Yinhuan , Fu Qiang , Governor Samuel , Wang Liuming , Li Chao , Deng Lu , Xie Jinzhu
Published: October 2019

Objective

The purpose of our study is to develop a mental workload scale for physicians in China and assess the scale’s reliability and validity.

Design

The instrument was developed over three phases involving 396 physicians from different tiers of comprehensive public hospitals in China. In the first phase, an initial item pool was developed through a systematic literature review. The second phase consisted of two rounds of Delphi expert consultations and a pilot survey. The third phase tested the reliability and validity of the instrument.

Setting

Public hospitals in China.

Participants

A total of 396 physicians from different tiers of comprehensive public hospitals in China participated in this study in 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Cronbach’s α, content validity index, item-total score correlation coefficient, dimension-total score correlation coefficient and indices of confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

Six dimensions (mental demands, physical demands, temporal demands, perceived risk, frustration level and performance) and 12 items were identified in the instrument. For reliability, Cronbach’s α for the whole scale was 0.81. For validity, the corrected item-content validity index of each item ranged from 0.85 to 1, item-total score correlation coefficients ranged from 0.31 to 0.75, and the correlation coefficients between the dimensions and total score ranged from 0.37 to 0.72. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the goodness-of-fit indices of the scale were satisfactory.

Conclusion

The instrument showed good reliability and validity, and it is useful for diagnosing the mental workload of physicians.