bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant communities mediate the interactive effects of invasion and drought on soil microbial communities
Authors: Fahey Catherine , Koyama Akihiro , Antunes Pedro M , Dunfield Kari , Flory S Luke
Published: February 2020

Soil microbiomes could play a major role in ecosystem responses to escalating anthropogenic global change. However, we currently have a poor understanding of how soil microbes will respond to interacting global change factors and if responses will be mediated by changes in plant community structure. We used a field experiment to assess changes in soil fungal and bacterial communities in response to plant invasion, experimental drought, and their combination. In addition, we evaluated the relative importance of direct versus indirect pathways of invasion and drought through changes in associated plant communities with structural equation models. We found that fungal communities were interactively structured by invasion and drought, where fungal richness was lowest with invasion under ambient conditions but highest with invasion under drought conditions. Bacterial richness was lower under drought but unaffected by invasion. Changes in the plant community, including lower plant richness and higher root biomass, moderated the direct effects of invasion on microbial richness. Fungal and bacterial functional groups, including pathogens, mutualists, and nitrogen metabolizers, were also influenced by plant community changes. In sum, plant communities mediated the effects of interacting global change drivers on soil microbial community structure, with significant potential consequences for community dynamics and ecosystem functions.
Hydrothermal synthesis of delafossite CuScO2 hexagonal plates as an electrocatalyst for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Deng Yanwen , Xiong Dehua , Gao Han , Wu Jie , Verma Santosh Kumar , Liu Baoshun , Zhao Xiujian
Published: February 2020

CuScO2 hexagonal plates were prepared through a hydrothermal method and used for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.
Carbon–sulfur bond strength in methanesulfinate and benzenesulfinate ligands directs decomposition of Np(v) and Pu(v) coordination complexes
Authors: Vallet Valérie , Gong Yu , Saab Mohamad , Réal Florent , Gibson John K.
Published: February 2020

Adjusting intra-ligand bond strengths in actinide sulfinate complexes directs towards alternative cleavage of carbon–sulfur or actinide–sulfinate bonds.
Event‐triggered based decentralised control for frequency regulation of power systems
Authors: Dahiya Pankaj , Mukhija Pankaj , Saxena Anmol Ratna
Published: February 2020

The present work focuses on the design of optimal proportional–integral–derivative with filter controller for the frequency regulation in single and multi‐area thermal power systems considering effective utilisation of the network resources. The proposed strategy uses global neighbourhood algorithm (GNA), a meta‐heuristic algorithm, to obtain optimal controller parameters. Since the controller, in load frequency control (LFC) systems, communicates via open channels there is a need for effective utilisation of channel bandwidth. Therefore, for effective communication, the decentralised adaptive periodic event‐triggered scheme is adopted in this study. In order to find the appropriate values of sampling time and to study the effects of time‐delay introduced by the communication channel, delay‐dependent stability is investigated using Lyapunov theory. The theoretical concepts, developed in this study, are verified using the time‐domain simulations carried out using MATLAB which validates the superiority of the GNA‐based approach for LFC systems.
VSSMLMS‐based control of multifunctional PV‐DSTATCOM system in the distribution network
Authors: Sahoo Sandeep Kumar , Kumar Shailendra , Singh Bhim
Published: February 2020

The variable step size modified least mean square (VSSMLMS) learning algorithm based multifunctional double‐stage grid interactive photovoltaic (PV) system is implemented in this paper which feeds power to the grid and the load, ensures unity power factor operation and compensates reactive power. Along with this, it mitigates high grid neutral current during unbalanced loading condition. This algorithm uses variable step sizes to have a smooth dynamic and steady state performances. The boost converter (booster) is used in the first stage to extract peak power from a PV array using perturb and observe peak power point tracking technique. Next to this, a four leg voltage source converter (VSC) is placed to interlink the solar PV system to the grid and the loads. VSSMLMS‐based control technique is used to filter the fundamental component of load current and hence gate pulses are generated for the four‐leg VSC. This system is simulated in SIMULINK/MATLAB software under several working conditions and the obtained simulation results are validated on a developed laboratory prototype. The performance of the VSSMLMS‐based control technique is compared with that of the traditional LMS‐based technique. All results validate the IEEE‐519 standard.
Interactive protocols for distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS)
Authors: Ilic Marija D. , Jaddivada Rupamathi , Korpas Magnus
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a novel approach to designing technical and financial protocols needed to support the penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). It first formulates a complex, hard‐to‐implement, centralized decision‐making objective for providing end‐to‐end electricity service. It then introduces a new taxonomy of an end‐to‐end interactive operations planning framework. The taxonomy rests on the dynamic monitoring and decisions systems (DyMoNDS) principles for supporting interactive protocols of (i) end‐to‐end interactions within a complex, multilayered multi‐voltage power system; (ii) dynamic energy resource management system (DERMS) interactions with their DERs as well as with the bulk power system (BPS) operators; and (iii) DERs interactions with DERMS. The distributed model predictive control for creating physically implementable cost functions is essential. Also, the minimal coordination of different layers utilizes an AC optimal power flow that is essential for ensuring power flow delivery. We next provide a proof‐of‐concept illustration on the IEEE 14 bus system augmented by two standardized microgrids of the proposed interactive protocols, and their potential use for enhancing dynamic host capacity (DHC). While novel, this approach is a natural outgrowth of the existing industry operations: It only requires enhancing decision‐making tools by the stakeholders, and carefully‐defined protocols for implementing their interactions.
Distributed predictive cruise control based on reinforcement learning and validation on microscopic traffic simulation
Authors: Mynuddin Mohammed , Gao Weinan
Published: February 2020

This study proposes a novel distributed predictive cruise control (PCC) algorithm based on reinforcement learning. The algorithm aims at reducing idle time and maintaining an adjustable speed depending on the traffic signals. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been validated through Paramics microscopic traffic simulations by proposing a scenario in Statesboro, Georgia. For different traffic demands, the travel time and fuel consumption rate of vehicles are compared between non‐PCC and PCC algorithms. Microscopic traffic simulation results demonstrate that the proposed PCC algorithm will reduce the fuel consumption rate by 4.24% and decrease the average travel time by 3.78%.
Non-detection of TiO and VO in the atmosphere of WASP-121b using high-resolution spectroscopy
Authors: Merritt S. R. , Gibson N. P. , Nugroho S. K. , de Mooij E. J. W. , Hooton M. J. , Matthews S. M. , McKemmish L. K. , Mikal-Evans T. , Nikolov N. , Sing D. K. , Spake J. J. , Watson C. A.
Published: February 2020

Thermal inversions have long been predicted to exist in the atmospheres of ultra-hot Jupiters. However, the detection of two species thought to be responsible – titanium oxide and vanadium oxide – remains elusive. We present a search for TiO and VO in the atmosphere of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121b (Teq ≳ 2400 K), an exoplanet with evidence of VO in its atmosphere at low resolution which also exhibits water emission features in its dayside spectrum characteristic of a temperature inversion. We observed its transmission spectrum with the UV-Visual Echelle Spectrograph at the Very Large Telescope and used the cross-correlation method – a powerful tool for the unambiguous identification of the presence of atomic and molecular species – in an effort to detect whether TiO or VO were responsible for the observed temperature inversion. No evidence for the presence of TiO or VO was found at the terminator of WASP-121b. By injecting signals into our data at varying abundance levels, we set rough detection limits of [VO] ≲−7.9 and [TiO] ≲−9.3. However, these detection limits are largely degenerate with scattering properties and the position of the cloud deck. Our results may suggest that neither TiO or VO are the main drivers of the thermal inversion in WASP-121b; however, until a more accurate line list is developed for VO, we cannot conclusively rule out its presence. Future works will consist of a search for other strong optically-absorbing species that may be responsible for the excess absorption in the red-optical.
Effects of junction profiles in bottom protection p-well on electrical characteristics of 1.2 kV SiC trench-gate MOSFETs
Authors: Seok Ogyun , Kim Hyoung Woo , Kang In Ho , Ha Min-Woo , Bahng Wook
Published: February 2020

Effects of junction profiles in bottom protection p-well (BPW) on electrical characteristics of 1.2 kV SiC trench-gate MOSFETs were investigated using simulation methods. Breakdown mechanisms of BPW in the device were also elucidated by energy-band diagram and electric-field distribution across trench-gate. Monte Carlo Al-implantation simulation on the trench structure for BPW formation was carried out with variations in peak depth (DBPW), concentration (NBPW), and thickness of SiO2spacer (Tspacer) on trench sidewall. The SiC trench-gate MOSFETs with deepDBPW, highNBPW, and thinTspacerare suitable for high drain voltage due to a shielded trench gate by BPW. However, specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) increased because of laterally penetrated Al into p-base and accumulation regions during ion implantation for BPW formation. In case of shallowDBPW, lowNBPW, and thickTspacer, however, the gate oxide at trench bottom corner is considerably vulnerable to the dielectric breakdown due to fully depleted BPW near trench bottom corner and electric-field crowding at gate oxide.
Traumatic medial clavicle fracture induced by chin bar of a full-face helmet following a downhill mountainbike accident
Authors: Schmitt Thilo , Pfalzer Florian , Huth Jochen , Mauch Frieder
Published: February 2020

Downhill mountain biking is a rapidly growing sport. In our case we want to present an isolated medial clavicular fracture following a mountain bike accident with a critical review on the used protection device. A 35 year old healthy patient presented to our hospital after bike accident during downhill mountain biking in Austria with pain over his right medial clavicle. The imaging showed a multifragmentary medial clavicle fracture with an intact SC-joint. Surgical intervention was recommended. Postoperative x-rays showed an anatomic reposition and correct plate positioning. The implant was removed after 18 months without any complications. A full-face helmet with a chin bar is used to achieve better protection of the maxilla, mandible and the teeth. In a hyperflexion situation of the cervical spine, a direct contact of the chin bar with the sternum, sc-joint and the medial clavicle can occur. This impact sets the mentioned structures on a high risk of dislocation and fracture as seen in our case. This risk can be significantly reduced by the combined use of a full face helmet and a neck brace. If the injury is properly identified, positive results can be achieved by surgery.
Association between Psychological Stress and Periodontitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Castro Micaele M. L. , Ferreira Railson de O. , Fagundes Nathalia C. F. , Almeida Anna P. C. P. S. C. , Maia Lucianne C. , Lima Rafael R.
Published: February 2020

This systematic review aims to investigate the association between psychological stress and periodontitis through analysis of cortisol levels and periodontal clinical parameters. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide and based on PECO (Participants, Exposure, Comparators, Outcomes) question and registered at PROSPERO under the code CRD42017076670. As eligibility criteria, observational studies performed in adult humans presenting periodontitis (P), which evaluated patients exposed (E) and nonexposed to psychological stress (C) and to verify the association between this type of stress and periodontitis (O) were included. The searches were performed until March 2018. The following databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar. After searches, the duplicate results were removed. The remaining citations were selected according to eligibility criteria in two phases. In the first phase, the title/abstract was evaluated. In the second phase, the articles were chosen previously were assessed by full text. After selection, the studies were submitted to data extraction and risk of bias evaluation by Fowkes and Fulton. A total of 1,386 citations were retrieved. After duplicates removal and selection process, three articles were selected by full text. Among them, two articles reported a positive association between psychological stress and periodontitis. All articles were classified as low risk of bias. Even though two articles highlighted an association between psychological stress and the presence of a possible modulatory pattern of cortisol levels in clinical parameters of periodontitis, more studies are necessary to elucidate this question.
Analysis of public procurement of translation services from the point of view of issues and solutions in the actual
procurement practice in Montenegro
Authors: Mujević Mersad
Published: February 2020

A number of issues faced by contracting authorities in the procedure of public procurement of services for
translation of the acquis result from the lack of an overall coordination system for the translation project. One of the key
elements for a well-balanced and efficient system is to properly plan the needs for translation services. Translation is an
extraordinary skill. The skill to communicate reflections, feelings, facts from one language to another. If the job has been well
done by a translator, the reader of the translation (prospective tenderer) must have the impression that the text of the
documentation was originally written or spoken in his own language. As far as translation of tender documentation is concerned,
the tenderer/reader of the translation should not have any doubts about the meaning of the message he receives. Moreover: it is
not enough only to understand the message. Any message conveyed using unusual expressions, unnatural sentences, even if
understood, is annoying and irritating to the prospective tenderer, who, due to this, may even be repelled by the tender
documentation itself. In a good translation, in other words, the intervention of the translator should not be noticeable, and this
actually constitutes the translator’s skill. Therefore, clearly defined conditions, criteria, deadlines, clear description of the
job to be performed etc. are an important segment in defining the quality-based selection of the translator.

The purpose of this paper is to address the most important aspects in the public procurement procedure the
contracting authorities and tenderers are dealing with, in terms of the procedural aspects of procurement, which should result in
a referential framework for requirements concerning the quality and supervision of the quality of translation services.
A lexical-semantic analysis of anglicisms in sports terminology
Authors: Ilinčić Milisav
Published: February 2020

Anglicisms are words borrowed from the English language that are customarily used in the Serbian language; they
are frequently used in the Serbian media and in everyday speech. Trying to shed light on the role and importance of anglicisms in
the Serbian language, this paper places a special emphasis on the influence of anglicisms in the sphere of sports terminology. The
reasons for conducting an all-encompassing analysis of sports terms are quite obvious. First of all, if we exclude the growing
vocabulary pertaining to informatics, we could say that it is precisely in the sphere of sports terminology that the greatest
number of anglicisms is to be found. Taking into consideration separate functions of the English language (English for special
purposes, English for academic and professional purposes), the paper introduces a general classification of anglicisms, following
which, providing numerous examples, it analyses the adaptation of sports terminology within the framework of the Serbian
language – on the level of phonology, morphology and semantics. Finally, in order to provide a complete answer to this question,
the final research encompasses the broader context of the use of linguistic means. Naturally, the broadening of lexis makes it
increasingly diverse and rich on a daily basis, with new syntagms being coined in English, giving surprising results. At this
moment, we do not know fully what can be accomplished with them, as their use is still being developed.
On computing the eventual behavior of an 𝐹𝐼-module over the rational numbers
Authors: Wiltshire-Gordon John
Published: February 2020

We give a formula for the eventual multiplicities of irreducible representations appearing in a finitely presented

F
I

\mathrm {FI}

-module over the rational numbers. The result relies on structure theory due to Sam–Snowden [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 146 (2018), no. 10, pp. 4117-4126].
The essential role of law in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Zeegers Paget Dineke , Patterson David
Published: February 2020

In this article, we examine the essential role of law in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the World Health Organization’s broad definition of health, all SDGs can be seen to impact on human health and hence the health goal (SDG3) should be right at the centre of the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We note recent research on the contribution of law, including international human rights law, to achieving health for all and discuss the role of law in addressing seven emerging health challenges. Law can and should play an important role in achieving all health-related SDGs, by respecting, protecting and fulfilling the right to health, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Cortical Thickness and Diffusion Properties in the Injured Brain: The Influence of Chronic Health Complaints
Authors: Adamson Maheen M , Main Keith L , Milazzo Anna-Clare , Soman Salil , Kong Jennifer , Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie , Furst Ansgar J , Ashford J Wesson , Kang Xiaojian
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Cortical thickness and diffusion properties can be served as an indicator of aging and other brain changes such as those related to brain injury. It can additionally provide another platform by which we can characterize the injury and its associated symptoms, especially in the chronic condition.

Methods

We examined the changes in cortical thickness and diffusion properties in white matter tracts in 51 patients with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or self-report chronic symptoms.

Results

Significant cortical thinning was observed in the frontal lobe and temporal lobe for TBI patients with chronic symptoms, but not for TBI patients without chronic symptoms, compared with control group. Significant reduction in fractional anisotropy occurred on average across left and right major fiber tracts for TBI patients with chronic symptoms. No mean diffusivity changes were found in any individual white matter tract for TBI patients with or without chronic symptoms.

Conclusions

Traumatic brain injury patients with chronic symptoms have more significant cortical thinning or degeneration of diffusion properties than the mild to severe TBI patients without chronic symptoms. This finding suggests that symptom reporting should be assessed in line with objective measures in clinical practice.
Whole-Body Vibration Training Increases Stem/Progenitor Cell Circulation Levels and May Attenuate Inflammation
Authors: Jawed Yameena , Beli Eleni , March Keith , Kaleth Anthony , Loghmani M Terry
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) may benefit individuals with difficulty participating in physical exercise. The objective was to explore the effects of WBVT on circulating stem/progenitor cell (CPC) and cytokine levels.

Methods

Healthy male subjects each performed three activities randomly on separate days: (1) standing platform vibration, (2) repetitive leg squat exercise; and (3) in combination. Pre- and post-activity blood samples were drawn. Cell populations were characterized using flow cytometry. Biomarkers were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

CPC levels increased significantly 21% with exercise alone (1465 ± 202–1770 ± 221 cells/mL; P = 0.017) and 33% with vibration alone in younger participants (1918 ± 341–2559 ± 496; P = 0.02). Angiogenic CPCs increased 39% during combined activity in younger (633 ± 128–882 ± 181; P = 0.05). Non-angiogenic CPCs increased 42% with vibration alone in younger (1181 ± 222–1677 ± 342; P = 0.04), but 32% with exercise alone in older participants (801 ± 251–1053 ± 325; P = 0.05). With vibration alone, anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 increased significantly (P < 0.03), although inflammatory interleukin-6 decreased (P = 0.056); tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < 0.01) and vascular endothelial growth factor levels increased (P < 0.005), which are synergistically pro-angiogenic.

Conclusions

WBVT may have positive vascular and anti-inflammatory effects. WBVT could augment or serve as an exercise surrogate in warfighters and others who cannot fully participate in exercise programs, having important implications in military health.
Neurodevelopmental Characterization of Young Children Diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1
Authors: Thurm Audrey , Chlebowski Colby , Joseph Lisa , Farmer Cristan , Adedipe Dee , Weiss Madison , Wiggs Edythe , Farhat Nicole , Bianconi Simona , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Porter Forbes D.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, with the age of diagnosis ranging from the prenatal period through adulthood. Although neurological symptoms usually precede genetic diagnosis, they do not necessarily prompt diagnosis in the early years. Few prospective data are available to describe neurological onset, including neurodevelopmental delays, in children with NPC1. This dearth of information hinders the planning and implementation of adequate monitoring and treatment for the neurodevelopmental sequelae of NPC1.

Method:

Twenty-nine infants, toddlers, and preschoolers younger than 6 years participated in a natural history study and were administered neurodevelopmental assessments using instruments commonly used for early intervention screening in the community.

Results:

Twenty-two of 29 participants met the criteria for a significant delay of at least 1.5 SDs below the mean in at least one domain of development; the youngest children often met these criteria for a significant delay based on motor delays, but cognitive and language delays were also common. However, only 11 of the 22 participants were reported to receive early intervention services before study entry.

Conclusion:

Although neurological symptoms may not prompt the genetic diagnosis of NPC1, the current findings support the use of a multimethod approach to repeated assessments for young children with the diagnosis because of the frequency of developmental delays or decline in multiple domains. The diagnosis of NPC1 alone should qualify children for evaluation for early intervention services and consideration of investigational therapeutic interventions.
Allgrove Syndrome: A Report of New Pathological Variants in the AAAS Gene
Authors: Jabbour Samir , Hamel Patrick , Soucy Jean-François , Ospina Luis H.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To report 2 novel variants in the AAAS gene consistent with the diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome.

Methods:

A 12-year-old girl was referred to our clinic for progressive bilateral decrease in visual acuity. She was known for achalasia that had been surgically treated at a very early age. On examination, she was found to have dry eye disease secondary to lacrimal insufficiency. She also had anisocoria, light-near dissociation, and bilateral optic nerve atrophy.

Results:

Neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging were within normal limits. Genetic workup revealed compound heterozygosity for 2 novel variants in the AAAS gene, confirming the diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome. The patient was referred to endocrinology to screen for adrenocorticotropic hormone insufficiency. She was started on topical lubricating therapy that improved her symptoms.

Conclusions:

Allgrove syndrome is a rare genetic disease that is characterized by the triad of achalasia, alacrima, and adrenal insufficiency. Early diagnosis, confirmed with genetic testing, is essential to initiate an appropriate follow-up and prevent a life-threatening addisonian crisis. Report of novel mutations is important to further characterize this disease.
Permanent Interests Versus Paying for Better Outcomes
Authors: Goldfield Norbert
Published: February 2020

In the wake of the election of Donald Trump, I resigned from my research work. I decided to become politically involved and since I am a health care professional, in June 2018, I started a bipartisan political consulting firm, Ask Nurses and Doctors (AND; www.asknursesdoctors.com). This start-up is focused on electing candidates or incumbents committed to health care reform. There are 2 approaches to universal coverage—either the Affordable Care Act or Medicare for All. To implement either approach, there are 10 lessons from my 30 years of research that may be useful to enact universal coverage.
Using the electronic health record for genomics research
Authors: Safarova Maya S. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Although primarily designed for medical documentation and billing purposes, the electronic health record (EHR) has significant potential for translational research. In this article, we provide an overview of the use of the EHR for genomics research with a focus on heritable lipid disorders.

Recent findings

Linking the EHR to genomic data enables repurposing of vast phenotype data for genomic discovery. EHR data can be used to study the genetic basis of common and rare disorders, identify subphenotypes of diseases, assess pathogenicity of novel genomic variants, investigate pleiotropy, and rapidly assemble cohorts for genomic medicine clinical trials. EHR-based discovery can inform clinical practice; examples include use of polygenic risk scores for assessing disease risk and use of phenotype data to interpret rare variants. Despite limitations such as missing data, variable use of standards and poor interoperablility between disparate systems, the EHR is a powerful resource for genomic research.

When linked to genomic data, the EHR can be leveraged for genomic discovery, which in turn can inform clinical care, exemplifying the virtuous cycle of a learning healthcare system.
Cannabidiol as a treatment option for schizophrenia: recent evidence and current studies
Authors: Schoevers Julie , Leweke Judith E. , Leweke F. Markus
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

The most recent studies published or initiated in the last 18 months, investigating cannabidiol in the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia and related conditions are summarized, including observed tolerability and reported side-effects.

Recent findings

Recent studies focused on patients with sub-acute psychotic syndromes of schizophrenia, clinical high-risk state for psychosis (CHR-P), or frequent cannabis users, as well as cognitive functioning in chronic schizophrenia. There is further, although not consistent evidence for cannabidiol-reducing positive symptoms, but not negative symptoms. Evidence for improvement of cognition was weaker, with one study reporting a worsening. Regarding side effects and tolerability, cannabidiol induced sedation in one study, with the other studies indicating good tolerability, even at high doses.

Recent clinical trials added further evidence for an antipsychotic potential of cannabidiol. In general, studies following trial designs as suggested by regulators in schizophrenia are needed in sufficient numbers to clarify the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol herein. In addition, such studies will further elucidate its ability to target specific aspects of the syndrome, such as negative or cognitive symptoms. Furthermore, aiming for an add-on treatment with cannabidiol will require further studies to identify potentially useful or even harmful combinations.
Effects of flow control in the presence of asymmetric inflows in twin air-intake
Authors: Rajnath Yadav Krishna Kumar , Paul Akshoy Ranjan , Jain Anuj
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of air-intake duct used in combat aircrafts is to decelerate the inlet flow and concurrently raise the static pressure recovery at the compressor inlet. Because of side-slip movement during sharp maneuvers of the aircrafts, the airflows ingested into twin air-intake ducts are not same and symmetric at its two inlets but are asymmetric in nature. The asymmetric inlet flow conditions at the twin air-intakes thus caused instabilities and deteriorated aerodynamic performance of aircraft components such as compressors and other downstream components. This study aims to investigate the flow control in a twin air-intake with asymmetric inflows.

Design/methodology/approach

The continuity and momentum equations are solved with second-order upwind scheme for computing finite-volume method-based unsteady computational fluid dynamics simulation.

Findings

Performance parameters are deteriorated with the increase of inflow asymmetry in the twin air-intake duct. Slotted synthetic jets are used to manage flow separation, thereby increasing aerodynamic performance of the air-intake. A variety of vortical structures are generated from the rectangular slots, convected downstream of the twin air-intake. The use of slotted synthetic jets increases static pressure recovery by 64 per cent whereas reducing total pressure loss coefficient by 63 per cent, distortion coefficient by 58 per cent and swirl coefficient by 55 per cent which is an indicative of better aerodynamic performance of twin air-intake.

Originality/value

The study stresses the need of robust flow control technique to improve the performance of combat air-intake system under extreme maneuvering conditions. The results can be useful in designing air-intake satisfying the stealth features for modern combat aircrafts.
Modelling of fuel flow-rate of commercial aircraft for the climbing flight using cuckoo search algorithm
Authors: Oruc Ridvan , Baklacioglu Tolga
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create a new fuel flow rate model adopting cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) for the climbing phase of the flight.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the real flight data records (FDRs) of B737-800 passenger aircraft, a new fuel flow rate model for the climbing phase of the flight was developed by incorporating CSA. In the model, fuel flow rate is given as a function of altitude and true airspeed. The aim is to create a model that yields results that are closest to the real fuel flow rate values obtained from flight data records. Various error analysis methods were used to test the accuracy of the obtained values. Finally, the effect of change of some CSA parameters on the model was investigated.

Findings

It was observed that the derived model is able to predict real fuel flow rate values with high accuracy. It has been deduced that increasing the number of nest (n) and discovery rate of alien nests (pa) values of CSA parameters to a certain value gradually decreases the model’s accuracy.

Practical implications

This model is considered to be useful in air traffic management decision support systems, simulation applications, aircraft trajectory prediction models and aircraft performance modelling studies because of the high accuracy accomplished by the CSA model.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the development of a new fuel flow rate model using CSA as a first attempt in the literature. The use of real flight data is important for the originality and reliability of the model.
Brand and firm values in distinct national cultures
Authors: Chowdhury Reza , Chun Wootae , Choi Sungchul , Friend Kurtis
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The objective of this article is to investigate the moderating role of national cultures in the relationship between brand value and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines the topic in the context of different national cultural attributes, including individualism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, power distance, and long-term orientation. We use brand values of the Financial Times Global 500 companies and national cultural values reported by Hofstede, GLOBE, and Schwartz.

Findings

Results exhibit that brands are more value-additive to companies in highly individualistic cultures. Furthermore, a valuable brand contributes more to firm value in countries with low uncertainty avoidance, high masculine, low power distance, and short-term oriented cultures.

Originality/value

The evidence suggests that while a valuable brand contributes to firm value, the level of its effect on firm value varies by national cultures.
Ungrateful slaves? An examination of job quality and job satisfaction for male part‐time workers in the UK
Authors: Warren Tracey , Lyonette Clare
Published: February 2020

Research on part‐time work has concentrated over many decades on the experiences of women but male part‐time employment is growing in the UK. This article addresses two sizable gaps in knowledge concerning male part‐timers: are men's part‐time jobs of lower quality than men's full‐time jobs? Are male part‐timers more or less job‐satisfied compared to their full‐time peers? A fundamental part of both interrogations is whether men's part‐time employment varies by occupational class. The article is motivated by the large body of work on female part‐timers. Its theoretical framework is rooted in one of the most controversial discussions in the sociology of women workers: the “grateful slave” debate that emerged in the 1990s when researchers sought to explain why so many women expressed job satisfaction with low‐quality part‐time jobs. Innovatively, this article draws upon those contentious ideas to provide new insights into male, rather than female, part‐time employment. Based upon analysis of a large quantitative data set, the results provide clear evidence of low‐quality male part‐time employment in the UK, when compared with men's full‐time jobs. Men working part‐time also express deteriorating satisfaction with jobs overall and in several specific dimensions of their jobs. Male part‐timers in lower occupational class positions retain a clear “lead” both in bad job quality and low satisfaction. The article asks whether decreasingly satisfied male part‐time workers should be termed “ungrateful slaves?” It unpacks the “grateful slave” metaphor and, after doing so, rejects its value for the ongoing analysis of part‐time jobs in the formal labor market.
Laparoscopic liver resection in cirrhotics: feasibility and short‐term outcomes compared to non‐cirrhotics
Authors: Srinivasa Sanket , Hughes Michael , Azodo Ijeoma A. , Adair Anya , Ravindran Ravi , Harrison Ewen , Wigmore Stephen J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is increasingly common worldwide but its suitability in patients with cirrhosis is not clearly defined. There are minimal data in the western literature on this topic and previous work has compared LLR to open hepatectomy rather than to LLR in non‐cirrhotic patients. This study compared short‐term outcomes of LLR in cirrhotic patients to LLR in non‐cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Retrospective review of minor LLR at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from January 2006 to January 2018 was conducted. Patients were stratified by whether they had cirrhosis – defined as per radiological appearances and liver function tests. Variables of interest included baseline clinicopathological information with short‐term outcomes (length of stay and complications) regarded as the primary outcome of interest.

Results

Out of 1207 liver resections in the study period, there were 120 LLR with 30 patients having cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to be male and have higher median American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (3 versus 2; P < 0.01). The most common operation was left lateral sectionectomy (n = 67). There was no difference in duration of surgery (cirrhosis 88 min versus no cirrhosis 99 min; P = 0.64) and patients in the cirrhosis arm had no conversions to open (0% versus 12%; P = 0.06). There was no difference in complications (12% versus 13%; P = 0.75) or median length of stay (4 versus 4 days; P = 0.14) and no difference in survival between both groups.

Conclusion

With careful patient selection, LLR is feasible in patients with cirrhosis and provides comparable outcomes to non‐cirrhotic patients undergoing LLR.
Efficacy and safety of twice a day, bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy using high‐dose tetracycline and metronidazole for second‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Lee Sun‐Young , Kim Jeong Hwan , Sung In‐Kyung , Park Hyung Seok
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims

Conventional second‐line, bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy is administered four times a day. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice a day administration compared to the four times a day therapy.

Methods

Medical records of consecutive patients with positive 13C‐urea breath tests (UBTs) after first‐line eradication were reviewed. From December 2018 to June 2019, 100 consecutive 13C‐UBT‐positive patients received tetracycline 1 g, metronidazole 750 mg, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg, and pantoprazole 20 mg twice a day for one week. The same number of consecutive13C‐UBT‐positive patients before December 2018 was included as controls. The control group received tetracycline 500 mg and bismuth subcitrate 300 mg four times a day, metronidazole 500 mg three times a day, and pantoprazole 20 mg twice a day for one week. Eradication was confirmed based on a 13C‐UBT performed in the 5th week after taking quadruple therapy.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients from the twice a day group and 99 patients from the four times a day group were analyzed. The eradication rate did not differ between the twice a day group (92/98, 93.9%) and the four times a day group (92/99, 92.9%). Adverse drug effects were found in 36 patients from the twice a day group and 50 patients from the four times a day group (P = .051). Abdominal pain, discomfort, and distention were more common with four times a day intake (13.1%) than with twice a day intake (4.1%; P = .024).

Conclusions

We determined for the first time that twice a day intake of bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy using 2 g/d of tetracycline, 1.5 g/d of metronidazole, and 600 mg/d of bismuth subcitrate for one week is effective and safe as the conventional four times a day therapy. Twice a day intake decreased abdominal pain, discomfort, and distention.
Parental Relationship Churning and Adolescent Well‐Being: Examining Instability Within Families
Authors: Turney Kristin , Halpern‐Meekin Sarah
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study examines the association between parental relationship churning (i.e., the separation and reunification of one's biological parents) and adolescent well‐being.

Background

Research examines how instability in parental romantic relationships is linked to adolescent well‐being, but it has largely neglected instability and transitions that occur within, rather than between, relationships. Family stress and family boundary ambiguity theories suggest that adolescents from churning families will experience deleterious outcomes when compared with their counterparts in stably together families.

Method

In this article, the authors used data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,327) to examine the association between parental relationship churning and adolescent socioemotional and behavioral outcomes (including internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, depressive symptoms, anxiety, delinquency, and exclusionary school discipline experience).

Results

Adolescents who experience parental relationship churning between birth and age 9 had similar outcomes to their counterparts with stably together parents or parents who dissolve their union and repartner, net of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Adolescents who experience parental relationship churning, compared with those who experience parental union dissolution without repartnership, had more externalizing problems. The associations were similar for boys and girls.

Conclusions

Differences in adolescents' outcomes by parental relationship history were largely driven by the variation in parental characteristics. These selection factors, however, did not similarly explain all of the differences between adolescents with churning parents and adolescents who experienced union dissolution without repartnering. This underlines the potential importance of distinguishing between different types of family instability experiences.
Brain MRI Findings in Coenurosis: A Helminth Infection
Authors: Kulanthaivelu Karthik , Bhat Maya D , Prasad Chandrajit , Srinivas Dwarakanath , Mhatre Radhika , Nandeesh Bevinhalli N
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parasitic neuroinfections in humans have etiological agents spanning a broad spectrum from unicellular (protozoan) to multicellular helminthic (metazoan) organisms. Cerebral coenurosis is a rare cestodal helminthic infection caused by Taenia multiceps. The neuroimaging features of this entity were reviewed to discern an imaging phenotype.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 6 cases of cerebral coenurosis, whose diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology. The clinical, imaging, and histopathological features were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS

Clinical expressions included focal neurological deficit due to mass effect (n = 4), intraventricular obstruction with features of raised intracranial tension (n = 1), headache (n = 3), seizures (n = 3), and incidental lesions (n = 1). One patient presented with recurrence 1 year after surgical excision. Neuroimaging revealed cystic thin‐walled lesions with clustered eccentric internal nodules corresponding to the plenitude of protoscolices of the tapeworm. Three of the lesions showed a multilocular cystic morphology. Spectroscopic metabolite signature of alanine and succinate commensurate with the parasitic etiology was remarkable in the lesions. Enhancement and edema inversely correlated with the signal suppression on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. The lesions had a predominantly juxtacortical distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

In an appropriate clinical setting, a cystic lesion with clustered eccentric internal nodular foci ought to raise the suspicion of this rare infection. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic signature of succinate and alanine, if present, further strengthens the likelihood of coenurosis. Signal characteristics, wall enhancement, and perilesional edema may vary, possibly determined by the stage in the evolution of the parasite.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke: Early versus Late Time Window Outcomes
Authors: Bhan Chantal , Koehler Tracy J. , Elisevich Lee , Singer Justin , Mazaris Paul , James Elysia , Zachariah Joseph , Combs Jordan , Dejesus Michelle , Tubergen Tricia , Packard Laurel , Min Jiangyong , Wees Nabil , Khan Nadeem , Mulderink Todd , Khan Muhib
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent trials have shown benefit of thrombectomy in patients selected by penumbral imaging in the late (>6 hours) window. However, the role penumbral imaging is not clear in the early (0‐6 hours) window. We sought to evaluate if time to treatment modifies the effect of endovascular reperfusion in stroke patients with evidence of salvageable tissue on CT perfusion (CTP).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy in a single center. Demographics, comorbidities, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), rtPA administration, ASPECTS, core infarct volume, onset to skin puncture time, recanalization (mTICI IIb/III), final infarct volume were compared between patients with good and poor 90‐day outcomes (mRS 0‐2 vs. 3‐6). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of a good (mRS 0‐2) 90‐day outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 235 patients were studied, out of which 52.3% were female. Univariate analysis showed that the groups (early vs. late) were balanced for age (P = .23), NIHSS (P = .63), vessel occlusion location (P = .78), initial core infarct volume (P = .15), and recanalization (mTICI IIb/III) rates (P = .22). Favorable outcome (mRS 0‐2) at 90 days (P = .30) were similar. There was a significant difference in final infarct volume (P = .04). Shift analysis did not reveal any significant difference in 90‐day outcome (P = .14). After adjustment; age (P < .001), NIHSS (P = .01), recanalization (P = .008), and final infarct volume (P < .001) were predictive of favorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Penumbral imaging‐based selection of patients for thrombectomy is effective regardless of onset time and yields similar functional outcomes in early and late window patients.
Behavioural sleep interventions in infants: Plan B – Combining models of responsiveness to increase parental choice
Authors: Blunden Sarah , Dawson Drew
Published: February 2020

In families with infants between the ages of 6 and 18 months, sleep disruption can be significant, often putting parents at risk of a range of negative psychological and psychosocial consequences. Commonly prescribed sleep interventions typically involve ‘extinction’ methods, which require parents to completely or periodically ignore their infant's overnight cries. These methods can be effective in many, but not all cases. For over 40 years 30–40% of parents have consistently reported difficulty ignoring their child. For this group, ignoring their child is behaviourally and/or ideologically difficult with attrition often leading to a perceived sense of failure. For these parents the treatment may be worse than the problem. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence to support the use of more responsive methods for those who find extinction approaches behaviourally or ideologically challenging. In this paper we propose an integrated, less polarised approach to infant behavioural sleep interventions that better caters to those who have difficulty with extinction methods – our so‐called ‘Plan B’. This approach potentially resolves the often opposing ideological and theoretical perspectives of extinction versus responsiveness into a practical, complementary and pragmatic treatment framework. Recommendations on how best to implement Plan B are also presented. In our view, Plan B could provide practitioners with a logically integrated well‐targeted suite of clinical interventions that could potentially improve compliance, reduce attrition and ultimately benefit the sleep and well‐being of all infants and their parents, especially those who struggle with traditional extinction methodologies.