bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colour Relations in Form
Authors: Davies Will
Published: February 2020

The orthodoxmonadic determination thesisholds that we represent colour relations by virtue of representing colours. Against this orthodoxy, I argue that it is possible to represent colour relations without representing any colours. I present a model of iconic perceptual content that allows for such primitive relational colour representation, and provide four empirical arguments in its support. I close by surveying alternative views of the relationship between monadic and relational colour representation.
Role of l‐arginine and CD11b+Gr‐1+ cells in immunosuppression induced by Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri
Authors: Brodaczewska Klaudia K. , Donskow‐Łysoniewska Katarzyna , Krawczak Katarzyna , Doligalska Maria
Published: February 2020

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are heterogeneous population of monocyte and granulocyte progenitors that are highly suppressive against T cells. In BALB/c mice infected with a nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, we studied the dynamics of MDSCs, identified as CD11b+Gr‐1+, induction in different tissues along with the development of parasite infection. We observed that MDSC‐like cells are induced both by larvae and adult stages of H polygyrus bakeri. Gr‐1+ cells of suppressive phenotype are recruited in the bone marrow, peripheral blood and peritoneal cavity during histotropic phase of infection and are present at that time in the intestine wall, where worms reside. Later, during intestinal phase, suppressive Gr‐1+ cells increased in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. l‐arginine metabolism was important for the protective immunity, and parasite‐induced Gr‐1+ cells showed elevated arginase‐1 and iNOS expression. Inhibition of arginase‐1 and l‐arginine administration caused reduced level of infection that coincided with weaker suppressive phenotype of Gr‐1+ cells. We identified that l‐arginine pathway activation and induction of MDSC‐like cells characterize immunosuppressive state during H polygyrus bakeri infection in mice. Our findings confirm the role of MDSCs in parasitic infections and point l‐arginine pathway as a potential target for immunomodulation during nematode infections.
The relationship between social network characteristics and depressive symptoms among older adults in the United States: differentiating between network structure and network function
Authors: Bui Bonnie Khanh Ha
Published: February 2020

Background

Social networks and social support can influence older adults' depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms can also influence network maintenance. This study examined longitudinal relationships between social network structure, social support, and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Data are from Waves 1 (2005–2006) and 2 (2010–2011) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a longitudinal study on health and social factors of older adults. Models examining: (i) the influence of T1 network structure and T1 social support on T2 depressive symptoms; (ii) the influence of T1 depressive symptoms and T1 network structure on T2 social support; and (iii) the influence of T1 depressive symptoms and T1 social support on T2 network structure, were estimated using ordinary least squares lagged dependent variable regression models.

Results

Evidence of reciprocal associations between social support and depressive symptoms were found, as well as social support and the number of close ties and frequency of contact. No clear reciprocal associations between social network structure and depressive symptoms were found, although density was associated with later depressive symptoms, and depressive symptoms were associated with later number of close ties.

Conclusion

The reciprocal relationship between network structure and depressive symptoms is weak, whereas social support is strongly related to both depression and network structure, suggesting the importance of having supportive ties in an older adult's personal network for positive mental health.
Variable selection and estimation for high‐dimensional spatial autoregressive models
Authors: Cai Liqian , Maiti Tapabrata
Published: February 2020

Spatial regression models are important tools for many scientific disciplines including economics, business, and social science. In this article, we investigate postmodel selection estimators that apply least squares estimation to the model selected by penalized estimation in high‐dimensional regression models with spatial autoregressive errors. We show that by separating the model selection and estimation process, the postmodel selection estimator performs at least as well as the simultaneous variable selection and estimation method in terms of the rate of convergence. Moreover, under perfect model selection, the ℓ2 rate of convergence is the oracle rate of , compared with the convergence rate of in the general case. Here, n is the sample size and p, s are the model dimension and number of significant covariates, respectively. We further provide the convergence rate of the estimation error in the form of norm, and ideally the rate can reach as fast as .
A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of incentive‐ and non‐incentive‐based interventions for increasing blood donations
Authors: Irving Adam H. , Harris Anthony , Petrie Dennis , Mortimer Duncan , Ghijben Peter , Higgins Alisa , McQuilten Zoe
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Blood services are tasked with efficiently maintaining a reliable blood supply, and there has been much debate over the use of incentives to motivate prosocial activities. Thus, it is important to understand the relative effectiveness of interventions for increasing donations.

Materials and Methods

This systematic review used a broad search strategy to identify randomized controlled trials comparing interventions for increasing blood donations. After full‐text review, 28 trials from 25 published articles were included. Sufficient data for meta‐analysis were available from 27 trials. Monetary incentives were assumed to be equivalent regardless of value, and non‐monetary incentives were assumed to be equivalent regardless of type. Non‐incentive‐based interventions identified included existing practice, letters, telephone calls, questionnaires, and the combination of a letter & telephone call. A network meta‐analysis was used to pool the results from identified trials. A subgroup analysis was performed in populations of donors and non‐donors as sensitivity analyses.

Results

The best performing interventions were letter & telephone call and telephone call‐only with odds ratios of 3·08 (95% CI: 1·99, 4·75) and 1·99 (95% CI: 1·47, 2·69) compared to existing practice, respectively. With considerable uncertainty around the pooled effect, we found no evidence that monetary incentives were effective at increasing donations compared to existing practice. Non‐monetary incentives were only effective in the donor subgroup.

Conclusion

When pooling across modes of interventions, letter & telephone call and telephone call‐only are effective at increasing blood donations. The effectiveness of incentives remains unclear with limited, disparate evidence identified.
Analytic Calculation and Experimental Study on the Wear of the Slide Guide of Machine Tool Considering Boundary Lubrication
Authors: Tan Yanqing , Ma Lianjie
Published: February 2020

A slide guide is the core component of a machine tool feed system, and its wear significantly affects feeding accuracy, machining accuracy, and product quality. This study aims to obtain a suitable wear calculation model for the slide guide under working conditions. The slide guide is a typical plane sliding pair. Based on the principle of friction fatigue, the wear model of plane sliding pairs had been previously established without considering lubrication. Actually, the friction surface of the slide guide is in the state of boundary lubrication when it works normally. In this study, the analysis on the interactions among friction surface asperities covered with a boundary film indicated that the wear model of plane sliding pairs was also applicable to calculate the wear of the slide guide under boundary lubrication by substituting the friction coefficient µ and the fatigue exponent k under lubricating conditions into the wear model. Then, a series of pin-on-disc wear tests with material specimens of the slide guide under boundary lubrication were designed with the working load and working speed of the pair as the experimental parameters. The comparison between the experimental results and calculated results showed that the wear model of plane sliding pairs could be used to predict the wear of the slide guide under boundary lubrication. The wear model reflected the quantitative relationship between the wear rate of the slide guide and its main influencing factors. The study also provides the basis for the tribological design and precision design of the slide guide.
Hydrodynamic Bulge Testing: Materials Characterization Without Measuring Deformation
Authors: Anand Vishal , Muchandimath Sanjan C. , Christov Ivan C.
Published: February 2020

Characterizing the elastic properties of soft materials through bulge testing relies on accurate measurement of deformation, which is experimentally challenging. To avoid measuring deformation, we propose a hydrodynamic bulge test for characterizing the material properties of thick, pre-stressed elastic sheets via their fluid–structure interaction with a steady viscous fluid flow. Specifically, the hydrodynamic bulge test relies on a pressure drop measurement across a rectangular microchannel with a deformable top wall. We develop a mathematical model using first-order shear deformation theory of plates with stretching and the lubrication approximation for the Newtonian fluid flow. Specifically, a relationship is derived between the imposed flowrate and the total pressure drop. Then, this relationship is inverted numerically to yield estimates of the Young’s modulus (given the Poisson ratio) if the pressure drop is measured (given the steady flowrate). Direct numerical simulations of two-way-coupled fluid–structure interaction are carried out in ansys to determine the cross-sectional membrane deformation and the hydrodynamic pressure distribution. Taking the simulations as “ground truth,” a hydrodynamic bulge test is performed using the simulation data to ascertain the accuracy and the validity of the proposed methodology for estimating material properties. An error propagation analysis is performed via Monte Carlo simulation to characterize the susceptibility of the hydrodynamic bulge test estimates to noise. We find that, while a hydrodynamic bulge test is less accurate in characterizing material properties, it is less susceptible to noise, in the input (measured) variable, than a hydrostatic bulge test.
Numerical ellipsometry: Methods for selecting measurements and techniques for advanced analysis applied to β-gallium oxide
Authors: Urban Frank K. , Barton David , Schubert Mathias
Published: February 2020

Ellipsometry is an optical technique through which properties of materials may be determined from measurements of light reflecting from or transmitting through a sample. Usually, the measurements require data processing, and a key issue is determining which measurements to make. Previously, two of the authors (Urban and Barton) have addressed this for orthorhombic, anisotropic films on substrates. Here, the authors treat the case of reflection from a single anisotropic, monoclinic β-Ga2O3 crystal, which is nondepolarizing as determined by Mueller matrix measurements and has a smooth, flat surface. Prior work on Ga2O3 by one author (Schubert et al.) used a very large dataset requiring more than 45 days of instrument time to collect. In the previous work, the sample optical response, ɛ, was determined over a restricted wavenumber range using just over 5 days of measurements. The work here shows how more accurate results can be obtained with approximately 5% of the data or just less than seven hours of instrument time assuming scaling. The data reduction mainly affects measurement time and has little effect on compute time in these days of fast computers. The reduction in measurements has been accomplished by excluding measurements that are less useful due to large instrument-reported estimated experimental errors (σ), noise (low intensity), and mathematical insensitivity to the desired solutions. Examples using two β-Ga2O3 crystals, (010) and (−201), are presented. Solutions are found using each crystal independently. From 20 to 40 numerical solutions to the model equations are found at each wavenumber using the reduced dataset as these allow an analysis of measurement accuracy. Further data reductions are expected in future works.
Hydrogen-Rich Water Supplementation and Up-Hill Running Performance: Effect of Athlete Performance Level
Authors: Botek Michal , Krejčí Jakub , McKune Andrew J. , Sládečková Barbora
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been shown to have an antifatigue effect. This study assessed up-hill running performance, as well as physiological and perceptual responses after supplementation with 1680 mL HRW between 24 h and 40 min before running, in athletes of heterogeneous running ability. Methods: Sixteen males (mean [SD] age 31.6 [8.6] y, VO2max 57.2 [8.9] mL·kg−1·min−1, body fat 13.4% [4.4%]) participated in this study. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, participants consumed either HRW or placebo prior to performing two 4.2-km up-hill races separated by a week. Race time (RT), average race heart rate, and immediately postrace rating of perceived exertion were assessed. Results: After analysis of data for all runners, HRW effect was unclear (−10 to 7 s, 90% confidence interval) for RT, likely trivial for heart rate (−2 to 3 beats·min−1), and likely trivial for postrace rating of perceived exertion (−0.1 to 1.0). A possible negative correlation was found between RT differences and average RT (r = −.79 to −.15). HRW for the 4 slowest runners (RT = 1490 [91] s) likely improved the RT (−36 to −3 s), whereas for the 4 fastest runners (RT = 1069 [53] s) the performance effect of HRW was unclear (−10 to 26 s). Conclusions: HRW intake had an unclear antifatigue effect on performance in terms of mean group values. However, it appears that the magnitude of the antifatigue effect of HRW on performance depends on individual running ability.
Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity’s Association With Environmental, Demographic, and Lifestyle Factors in the United States
Authors: Merrill Ray M.
Published: February 2020

Background: This study examined the effects of environmental, demographic, and lifestyle factors on leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI). Methods: Analyses were based on county-level data in the contiguous United States. Statistical methods included simple regression, univariate, and multivariate 2-level organizational models (mixed models), and the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Higher average daily maximum air temperature was directly and indirectly (through smoking and obesity) positively associated with LTPI. Higher average fine particulate matter was positively associated with LTPI. Higher precipitation was negatively associated with LTPI. Altitude (≥1500 m) was associated with lower LTPI, directly because of better physical health at higher altitude and indirectly through temperature, fine particulate matter, precipitation, poverty, smoking, and obesity. Urban dwelling had direct and indirect (through poverty) negative associations with LTPI. Poverty had direct and indirect (through smoking and obesity) associations with LTPI. Smoking, poverty, and black race were each positively associated with LTPI. The association between black race and LTPI was explained by poverty. Modifying influences of gender, precipitation, and altitude were identified. Conclusions: The significant effects of temperature, fine particulate matter, precipitation, altitude, urban dwelling, poverty, smoking, and obesity on LTPI were both direct and indirect, and sex, precipitation, and altitude modified many of these associations.
Synergistic Interactions of Indole-2-Carboxamides and β-Lactam Antibiotics against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Raynaud Clément , Daher Wassim , Roquet-Banères Françoise , Johansen Matt D. , Stec Jozef , Onajole Oluseye K. , Ordway Diane , Kozikowski Alan P. , Kremer Laurent
Published: February 2020

New drugs or therapeutic combinations are urgently needed against
Mycobacterium abscessus
. Previously, we demonstrated the potent activity of indole-2-carboxamides 6 and 12 against
M. abscessus
. We show here that these compounds act synergistically with imipenem and cefoxitin
in vitro
and increase the bactericidal activity of the β-lactams against
M. abscessus
. In addition, compound 12 also displays synergism with imipenem and cefoxitin within infected macrophages.
The Francisella tularensis Polysaccharides: What Is the Real Capsule?
Authors: Freudenberger Catanzaro Kelly C. , Inzana Thomas J.
Published: February 2020

Francisella tularensisis a tier 1 select agent responsible for tularemia in humans and a wide variety of animal species. Extensive research into understanding the virulence factors of the bacterium has been ongoing to develop an efficacious vaccine. At least two such virulence factors are described as capsules ofF. tularensis: the O-antigen capsule and the capsule-like complex (CLC). These two separate entities aid in avoiding host immune defenses but have not been clearly differentiated.
Whipple’s disease: imaging contribution for a challenging case
Authors: Aguiar Ferreira Ana , Gomes Paula , Curvo-Semedo Luís , Donato Paulo
Published: February 2020

Whipple’s disease is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose infectious disease, related to infection by gram-positive bacillumTropheryma whipplei. Clinical manifestations are very variable, but the classic form usually begins with recurring arthritis, followed several years later by non-specific abdominal symptoms, leading to late diagnosis. We present the case of a 52-year-old man who was admitted in the emergency department with an insidious clinical picture characterised by weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and arthralgias. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, showing findings suggestive of Whipple’s disease, which, in conjunction with the clinical and laboratory findings, allowed the diagnosis to be correctly addressed. Upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsy revealed findings compatible with Whipple’s disease, and the diagnosis was also confirmed through PCR techniques of blood. The patient was given antibiotic therapy, with rapid and substantial clinical improvement.
Algorithm based smartphone apps to assess risk of skin cancer in adults: systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Freeman Karoline , Dinnes Jacqueline , Chuchu Naomi , Takwoingi Yemisi , Bayliss Sue E , Matin Rubeta N , Jain Abhilash , Walter Fiona M , Williams Hywel C , Deeks Jonathan J
Published: February 2020

Objective

To examine the validity and findings of studies that examine the accuracy of algorithm based smartphone applications (“apps”) to assess risk of skin cancer in suspicious skin lesions.

Design

Systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies.

Data sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CPCI, Zetoc, Science Citation Index, and online trial registers (from database inception to 10 April 2019).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies of any design that evaluated algorithm based smartphone apps to assess images of skin lesions suspicious for skin cancer. Reference standards included histological diagnosis or follow-up, and expert recommendation for further investigation or intervention. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed validity using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool). Estimates of sensitivity and specificity were reported for each app.

Results

Nine studies that evaluated six different identifiable smartphone apps were included. Six verified results by using histology or follow-up (n=725 lesions), and three verified results by using expert recommendations (n=407 lesions). Studies were small and of poor methodological quality, with selective recruitment, high rates of unevaluable images, and differential verification. Lesion selection and image acquisition were performed by clinicians rather than smartphone users. Two CE (Conformit Europenne) marked apps are available for download. No published peer reviewed study was found evaluating the TeleSkin skinScan app. SkinVision was evaluated in three studies (n=267, 66 malignant or premalignant lesions) and achieved a sensitivity of 80% (95% confidence interval 63% to 92%) and a specificity of 78% (67% to 87%) for the detection of malignant or premalignant lesions. Accuracy of the SkinVision app verified against expert recommendations was poor (three studies).

Conclusions

Current algorithm based smartphone apps cannot be relied on to detect all cases of melanoma or other skin cancers. Test performance is likely to be poorer than reported here when used in clinically relevant populations and by the intended users of the apps. The current regulatory process for awarding the CE marking for algorithm based apps does not provide adequate protection to the public.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42016033595.
Insulin resistance, beta-cell function, adipokine profiles and cardiometabolic risk factors among Chinese youth with isolated impaired fasting glucose versus impaired glucose tolerance: the BCAMS study
Authors: Li Yu , Feng Dan , Esangbedo Issy C , Zhao Yanglu , Han Lanwen , Zhu Yingna , Fu Junling , Li Ge , Wang Dongmei , Wang Yonghui , Li Ming , Gao Shan , Willi Steven M
Published: February 2020

Objective

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) may convey disparate risks of metabolic consequences. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), while an expedient screening procedure, may not adequately assess metabolic risk, particularly among youths. In order to inform a strategy for screening Chinese youth for pre-diabetes, we examined the relative value of IFG versus IGT to define metabolic risk by assessing their association with insulin resistance, beta-cell dysfunction, adverse adipokine profiles and other cardiometabolic risk factors.

Research design and methods

We recruited 542 subjects (age 14–28 years) from the Beijing Child and Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome study for an in-depth assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors, including a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, liver ultrasound and serum levels of four adipokines.

Results

FPG failed to identify nearly all (32/33) youths with IGT, whereas 2-hour plasma glucose (2 h PG) missed 80.8% (21/26) of subjects with IFG. Impaired beta-cell function was evident from decreased oral disposition indices in those with isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG) or isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (all p<0.001), whereas reduced insulin sensitivity (Matsuda) index was most pronounced in the iIGT group (p<0.01). Moreover, alterations in adipokine levels (fibroblast growth factor 21, adiponectin and leptin/adiponectin ratio) were associated with iIGT (p<0.05) but not iIFG. Youths with iIGT had a 2-fold to 32-fold increased incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared with those with NGT. In addition, subgroup analyses of participants with normal FPG revealed that the odds of having IGT increased 3-fold to 18-fold among those with elevated TGs, hypertension, moderate-to-severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or MetS.

Conclusions

Chinese youth with iIGT exhibit a higher cardiometabolic risk profile than those with iIFG. Thus, 2 h PG is preferred over FPG to identify the pre-diabetes phenotype at greatest risk of subsequent development of cardiovascular disease.

Trial registration number

NCT03421444.
Impact of sex and myocardial function on association of obesity with mortality in Asian patients with acute heart failure: a retrospective analysis from the STRATS-AHF registry
Authors: Park Chan Soon , Park Jun-Bean , Park Jin Joo , Park Jae-Hyeong , Cho Goo-Yeong
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Impact of sex and myocardial function on the obesity paradox in heart failure (HF) is unknown. We explored whether sex, myocardial function, and left ventricular (LV) geometry explains the protective association of body mass index (BMI) with mortality, and investigated whether metabolic health status affects this association.

Design

A multicentre cohort study with patients with acute HF admitted from January 2009 to December 2016 with a median follow-up of 33.7 months.

Setting

Three tertiary hospitals.

Participants

A total of 2021 overweight-to-obese (OW) and 1543 normal-weight (NW) patients with acute HF.

Measurements

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Patients were categorised as either OW (BMI≥23kg/m2) or NW (BMI<23kg/m2). BMI was used as both categorical and continuous variables. Clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic measures, including LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), LV-ejection fraction, LV geometry, were obtained.

Results

During the follow-up period, 1392 patients died (685 OW and 707 NW). BMI was significantly associated with mortality in univariate (HR=0.929 per kg/m2, p<0.001) and multivariate analyses (HR=0.954 per kg/m2, p<0.001). In multivariable fractional polynomials, higher BMIs were associated with lower mortality overall and in subgroups by sex, LV-GLS and LV geometry, with a steeper association in men (p-interaction <0.001). In women, there were significant interactions of BMI with LV-GLS (p-interaction=0.044) and age (p-interaction=0.040) for mortality; the protective association of BMI with mortality was confined to subgroups with high LV-GLS (>10.1%) or elderly patients (≥75 years). In men, this association was found in all subgroups without significant interaction. Metabolically healthy obese patients had better survival than metabolically unhealthy obese patients (log-rank p<0.001).

Conclusions

In women, a significant interaction was observed between BMI and age or LV-GLS in association with mortality, suggesting that sex, ageing and myocardial dysfunction can affect the magnitude of the obesity paradox in HF. Metabolic health status provides prognostic information beyond obesity status.

Trial registration number

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov Number:NCT03513653(https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03513653)
Improving depression outcomes among Australian primary care patients: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Carey Mariko , Sanson-Fisher Rob , Zwar Nick , Mazza Danielle , Meadows Graham , Piterman Leon , Waller Amy , Walsh Justin , Oldmeadow Christopher , Deeming Simon , Searles Andrew , Henskens Frans , Kelly Brian
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Depression is a common and debilitating condition. In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) are the key providers of depression care. However, available evidence suggests that case finding for depression in primary care is poor. This study will examine whether a systematic approach to screening for depression and assessing patient preferences for depression care improves depression outcomes among primary care patients.

Methods and analysis

A cluster randomised controlled design will be used with general practice clinics randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=12) or usual care group (n=12). Patients who are aged 18 and older, presenting for general practice care, will be eligible to participate. Eighty-three participants will be recruited at each clinic. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline survey administered on a touch screen computer at their GP clinic, and then a follow-up survey at 3, 6 and 12 months. Those attending usual care practices will receive standard care. GPs at intervention practices will complete an online Clinical e-Audit, and will be provided with provider and patient-directed resources for depression care. Patients recruited at intervention practices who score 10 or above on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 will have feedback regarding their depression screening results and preferences for care provided to their GP. The primary analysis will compare the number of cases of depression between the intervention and control groups.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee, and registered with Human Research Ethics Committees of the University of Wollongong, Monash University and University of New South Wales. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001139268; Pre-results.
Proximal Femoral Nail Unlocked versus Locked (ProFNUL): a protocol for a multicentre, parallel-armed randomised controlled trial for the effect of femoral nail mode of lag screw locking and screw configuration in the treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures
Authors: Sivakumar Arjun , Thewlis Dominic , Ladurner Andreas , Edwards Suzanne , Rickman Mark
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Intertrochanteric fractures are common fragility injuries in the elderly. Surgical fixation using intramedullary devices are one of the widely used management options. To date, evidence demonstrating the effects of lag screw configuration and the mode of lag screw locking in these devices is lacking. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the lag screw configuration (single vs integrated dual interlocking screw) and the mode of lag screw locking (static vs dynamic) of a femoral nail device result in differences in clinical and functional outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, pragmatic, single-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a three-arm parallel group design is proposed. Nine-hundred patients with intertrochanteric fractures (A1 and A2 AO/OTA) will be randomised to fracture treatment using a Gamma3 nail (Stryker; proximally dynamic) or a Trigen Intertan nail (Smith & Nephew) in a dynamic or static lag screw configuration. The primary outcome measure consists of radiological evidence of construct failure within 6 months following surgery, with failure being defined as breakage of the femoral nail or distal locking screw, a change in tip-apex distance of more than 10 mm or lag screw cut-out through the femoral head. Secondary outcomes include surgical data (operation time, fluoroscopy time), complications (surgical site infection, reoperation, patient death), return to mobility and home circumstances, functional independence, function and pain. Patients who are able to walk independently with or without a mobility aid and are able to answer simple questions and follow instructions will be asked to participate in three dimensional gait analysis at 6 weeks and 6 months to assess hip biomechanics from this cohort. Additional secondary measures of gait speed, hip range of motion, joint contact and muscle forces and gross activity monitoring patterns will be obtained in this subgroup.

Ethics and dissemination

The Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee has approved the protocol for this RCT (HREC/17/RAH/433). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001431213.
A modified rheological model for the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures
Authors: Cannone Falchetto Augusto , Moon Ki Hoon , Wang Di , Park Hae-Won
Published: February 2020

In this paper, five rheological models, including a newly developed formulation based on the combination of the Christensen-Anderson-Marasteanu (CAM) model and the sigmoidal function, are used to evaluate the dynamic modulus of three different asphalt mixtures types. The effectiveness of the models in representing the experimental results is graphically and statistically compared. Clear differences in dynamic modulus computation are observed when using sigmoidal function-based models and CAM formulations. The newly introduced CAM model modified by the sigmodal function appears to provide reasonable fitting compared to the previously developed models and may represent an alternative formulation to be evaluated in the current pavement design software.
FLAG Review 2019
Authors: Aoki S. , Aoki Y. , Bečirević D. , Blum T. , Colangelo G. , Collins S. , Della Morte M. , Dimopoulos P. , Dürr S. , Fukaya H. , Golterman M. , Gottlieb Steven , Gupta R. , Hashimoto S. , Heller U. M. , Herdoiza G. , Horsley R. , Jüttner A. , Kaneko T. , Lin C.-J. D. , Lunghi E. , Mawhinney R. , Nicholson A. , Onogi T. , Pena C. , Portelli A. , Ramos A. , Sharpe S. R. , Simone J. N. , Simula S. , Sommer R. , Van de Water R. , Vladikas A. , Wenger U. , Wittig H.
Published: February 2020

We review lattice results related to pion, kaon,D-meson,B-meson, and nucleon physics with the aim of making them easily accessible to the nuclear and particle physics communities. More specifically, we report on the determination of the light-quark masses, the form factor$$f_+(0)$$f+(0)arising in the semileptonic$$K \rightarrow \pi $$K→πtransition at zero momentum transfer, as well as the decay constant ratio$$f_K/f_\pi $$fK/fπand its consequences for the CKM matrix elements$$V_{us}$$Vusand$$V_{ud}$$Vud. Furthermore, we describe the results obtained on the lattice for some of the low-energy constants of$$SU(2)_L\times SU(2)_R$$SU(2)L×SU(2)Rand$$SU(3)_L\times SU(3)_R$$SU(3)L×SU(3)RChiral Perturbation Theory. We review the determination of the$$B_K$$BKparameter of neutral kaon mixing as well as the additional fourBparameters that arise in theories of physics beyond the Standard Model. For the heavy-quark sector, we provide results for$$m_c$$mcand$$m_b$$mbas well as those forD- andB-meson decay constants, form factors, and mixing parameters. These are the heavy-quark quantities most relevant for the determination of CKM matrix elements and the global CKM unitarity-triangle fit. We review the status of lattice determinations of the strong coupling constant$$\alpha _s$$αs. Finally, in this review we have added a new section reviewing results for nucleon matrix elements of the axial, scalar and tensor bilinears, both isovector and flavor diagonal.
Comparison of existing and extended boundary conditions for the simulation of rarefied gas flows using the Lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Tucny Jean-Michel , Vidal David , Leclaire Sébastien , Bertrand François
Published: February 2020

Accurate imposition of boundary conditions (BCs) is of critical importance in fluid flow computation. This is especially true for the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), where BC imposition is done through operations on populations rather than directly on macroscopic variables. While the regular Cartesian structure of the lattices is an advantage for flow simulation through complex geometries such as porous media, imposition of correct BCs remains a topic of investigation for rarefied flows, where slip BCs need to be imposed. In this work, current kinetic BCs from the literature are reviewed for rarefied flows and an extended version of a technique that combines bounce-back and diffusive reflection (DBB BC) is proposed to solve such flows that exhibit effective viscosity gradients. The extended DBB BC is completely local and addresses ambiguities as regards to the definition of boundary populations in complex geometries. Numerical tests of a rarefied flow through a slit were performed, confirming the intrinsic second-order convergence of the proposed extended DBB BC. It settles a long-standing debate regarding the convergence of BCs in rarefied flows. Good agreement was also found with existing numerical schemes and experimental data.
Cramer’s rule over quaternions and split quaternions: A unified algebraic approach in quaternionic and split quaternionic mechanics
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Dong , Guo Zhenwei , Jiang Tongsong
Published: February 2020

This paper aims to present, in a unified manner, Cramer’s rule which are valid on both the algebras of quaternions and split quaternions. This paper, introduces a concept of v-quaternion, studies Cramer’s rule for the system of v-quaternionic linear equations by means of a complex matrix representation of v-quaternion matrices, and gives an algebraic technique for solving the system of v-quaternionic linear equations. This paper also gives a unification of algebraic techniques for Cramer’s rule in quaternionic and split quaternionic mechanics.
A Numerical Study of Tsunami Generation by Horizontal Displacement of Sloping Seafloor
Authors: Hu Chentong , Wu Yifan , An Chao , Liu Hua
Published: February 2020

Tsunamis are generated primarily by the vertical displacement of the seafloor if the seafloor is flat. If the seafloor is slanted, the horizontal motion also contributes to the generation of tsunamis. A previous study proposed that such effects can be estimated by simply calculating the elevation of water due to the horizontal displacement of the slope. Two more studies later argued that the horizontal motion also results in horizontal momentum of the water, which amplifies the tsunami generation. In this study, we numerically simulate the tsunami generation process of flat and sloping seafloor. It is found that, for the flat seafloor, the initial water elevation equals the vertical seafloor displacement. For the sloping seafloor, the initial water elevation deviates from the vertical seafloor displacement, and the difference can be accurately evaluated by the horizontal seafloor displacement. Thus, the initial horizontal momentum of the water is negligible for tsunami generation.
A new depositional model for the Tuaheni Landslide Complex, Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Authors: Couvin Benjamin , Georgiopoulou Aggeliki , Mountjoy Joshu J. , Amy Lawrence , Crutchley Gareth J. , Brunet Morgane , Cardona Sebastian , Gross Felix , Böttner Christoph , Krastel Sebastian , Pecher Ingo
Published: February 2020

The Tuaheni Landslide Complex (TLC) is characterized by areas of compression upslope and extension downslope. It has been thought to consist of a stack of two genetically linked landslide units identified from seismic data. We used 3D seismic reflection, bathymetry data and International Ocean Discovery Program Core U1517C (Expedition 372) to understand the internal structures, deformation mechanisms and depositional processes of the TLC deposits. Units II and III of U1517C correspond to the two chaotic units in 3D seismic data. In the core, Unit II shows deformation, whereas Unit III appears more like an
in situ
sequence. Variance attribute analysis showed that Unit II is split into lobes around a coherent stratified central ridge and is bounded by scarps. By contrast, we found that Unit III is continuous beneath the central ridge and has an upslope geometry, which we interpreted as a channel–levee system. Both units show evidence of lateral spreading due to the presence of the Tuaheni Canyon removing support from the toe. Our results suggest that Units II and III are not genetically linked, are separated substantially in time and had different emplacement mechanisms, but they fail under similar circumstances.
Towards a national-scale assessment of the subaqueous mass movement hazard in Canada
Authors: Lintern D. Gwyn , Rutherford Jessica , Hill Philip R. , Campbell Calvin , Normandeau Alexandre
Published: February 2020

Characterized by an active margin to the west, passive margins to the east and north, and numerous fjords and estuaries, the seafloor of Canada is prone to subaqueous landslides. The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) facilitates government response in times of crisis by providing timely and concise information to Canadians, and informs the strategies to address natural hazards. Thus, the GSC is conducting a national assessment of the subaqueous landslide hazard. This paper reviews dozens of major subaqueous mass movement deposits with an emphasis on recent publications and summarizes the attempt to produce a national database. The types range from ephemeral turbidity current deposits to very large deposits (>100 km
3
). To date, 1266 deposits are identified with many more expected as mapping progresses. This work is important as it will feed into the larger national tsunami strategy, and is a step forward for the national government to manage the risk. Canada is among the first countries to enter its entire database using the consistent morphometric characterization recommended by members of the UNESCO IGCP-640 (S4SLIDE) Community.
Ecological Response of Plankton to Environmental Change: Thresholds for Extinction
Authors: Lowery Christopher M. , Bown Paul R. , Fraass Andrew J. , Hull Pincelli M.
Published: February 2020

Severe climatic and environmental changes are far more prevalent in Earth history than major extinction events, and the relationship between environmental change and extinction severity has important implications for the outcome of the ongoing anthropogenic extinction event. The response of mineralized marine plankton to environmental change offers an interesting contrast to the overall record of marine biota, which is dominated by benthic invertebrates. Here, we summarize changes in the species diversity of planktic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton over the Mesozoic–Cenozoic and that of radiolarians and diatoms over the Cenozoic. We find that, aside from the Triassic–Jurassic and Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction events, extinction in the plankton is decoupled from that in the benthos. Extinction in the plankton appears to be driven primarily by majorclimatic shifts affecting water column stratification, temperature, and, perhaps, chemistry. Changes that strongly affect the benthos, such as acidification and anoxia, have little effect on the plankton or are associated with radiation. ▪  Fossilizing marine plankton provide some of the most highly temporally and taxonomically resolved records of biodiversity since the Mesozoic. ▪  The record of extinction and origination in the plankton differs from the overall marine biodiversity record in revealing ways. ▪  Changes to water column stratification and global circulation are the main drivers of plankton diversity. ▪  Anoxia, acidification, and eutrophication (which strongly influence total marine fossil diversity) are less important in the plankton.
Neuronal modulation of hepatic lipid accumulation induced by bingelike drinking
Authors: Ibars Maria , Maier Matthew T. , Yulyaningsih Ernie , Perez Luz , Cheang Rachel , Vilhelmsson Anna , Louie Sharon M. , Wegner Scott A. , Yuan Xiaoyi , Eltzschig Holger K. , Hopf Frederic W. , Nomura Daniel K. , Koliwad Suneil K. , Xu Allison W.
Published: February 2020

Excessive alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, is a common cause of fatty liver disease. Binge drinking rapidly induces hepatic steatosis, an early step in the pathogenesis of chronic liver injury. Despite its prevalence, the process by which excessive alcohol consumption promotes hepatic lipid accumulation remains unclear. Alcohol exerts potent effects on the brain, including hypothalamic neurons crucial for metabolic regulation. However, whether or not the brain plays a role in alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis is unknown. In the brain, alcohol increases extracellular levels of adenosine, a potent neuromodulator, and previous work implicates adenosine signaling as being important for the development of alcoholic fatty liver disease. Acute alcohol exposure also increases both the activity of agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons and AgRP immunoreactivity. Here, we show that adenosine receptor A2Bsignaling in the brain modulates the extent of alcohol-induced fatty liver in mice and that both the AgRP neuropeptide and the sympathetic nervous system are indispensable for hepatic steatosis induced by bingelike alcohol consumption. Together, these results indicate that the brain plays an integral role in alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation and that central adenosine signaling, hypothalamic AgRP, and the sympathetic nervous system are crucial mediators of this process.
Latency-Aware Power Management in Software-Defined Radios
Authors: Malm Nicolas , Ruttik Kalle , Tirkkonen Olav
Published: February 2020

Cloud computing provides benefits in terms of equipment consolidation and power savings from higher utilization for virtualizable software. Cellular communication software faces challenges in cloud computing platforms. BSs create a specific load profile that differs from traditional cloud service loads. Cellular communication system implementations have real-time deadlines with fixed, periodic latency requirements. In this paper, we assess the suitability of an unmodified Ubuntu Linux OS running on a commodity server to operate latency-critical software using a 4G LTE BS software-defined radio implementation. Scaling of the CPU clock frequency is shown to be feasible without excessive impact on the platform’s ability to meet the 4 ms processing delay requirement imposed by the LTE standard. Measurements show the relationship between the processor’s operating frequency and the number of missed subframe processing deadlines to be nonlinear. The results obtained also indicate that a high computational capacity does not suffice to ensure satisfactory operation since fronthaul processing overhead can limit achievable performance. Use of offload-capable network interface cards is studied as a potential remedy.
Associations between Age-Related Changes in the Core Vestibular Projection Pathway and Balance Ability: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Yeo Sang Seok , Kwon Jung Won , Cho In Hee
Published: February 2020

Objective. We investigated the changes of the vestibulospinal tract (VST) and parietoinsular vestibular cortex (PIVC) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and relation to balance between old and young healthy adults. Methods. This study recruited eleven old adults (6 males, 5 females; mean age 63.36±4.25 years) and 12 young adults (7 males, 5 females; mean age 28.42±4.40 years). The lateral and medial VST and PIVC were reconstructed using DTI. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and tract volume were measured. The six-minute walk test (6-MWT), the timed up and go test (TUG), and the Berg balance scale (BBS) were conducted. Spatiotemporal parameters during tandem gait and values of sway during one-leg standing using the wearable sensors were measured. All parameters between two groups were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test. Results. Statistically significant decrease in old adults was detected in the tract volume of lateral (p=0.005) and medial VST (p≤0.001) and PIVC (p=0.020). A significant decrease in FA of lateral VST (p=0.044) and MD of medial VST (p=0.001) was seen in old adults. Stride length (p=0.003) and velocity (p=0.001) during tandem gait in old adults were significantly decreased. 6MWT (p≤0.001) showed significant decrease, while TUG (p≤0.001) showed significant increase in old adults. However, mean BSS (p=0.296) was nonsignificantly different. In eyes-open condition during one-leg standing, all parameters except for reciprocal compensatory index (RCI) values were significantly decreased in old adults. The RCI in the anteroposterior (AP) direction (p≤0.001) was increased in old adults; however, the mediolateral direction (p=0.301) was nonsignificantly different between the two groups. In eye-closed condition, the changes of ankle (p=0.031) and hip (p=0.004) sway and the center of mass in the AP direction (p=0.014) showed to be significantly higher in old adults than in young adults. Conclusion. The results suggested that there was a relationship between DTI parameters in the vestibular neural pathway and balance according to aging.