bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Tidal Breathing Through the Human Respiratory Tract
Authors: Azarnoosh Jamasp , Sreenivas Kidambi , Arabshahi Abdollah
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study is to explore the complexity of airflow through the human respiratory tract by carrying out computational fluid dynamics simulation. In order to capture the detailed physics of the flow in this complex system, large eddy simulation (LES) is performed. The crucial step in this analysis is to investigate the impact of breathing transience on the flow field. In this connection, simulations are carried out for transient breathing in addition to peak inspiration and expiration. To enable a fair comparison, the flowrates for constant inspiration/expiration are selected to be identical to the peak flowrates during the transient breathing. Physiologically appropriate regional ventilation for two different flowrates is induced. The velocity field and turbulent flow features are discussed for both flowrates. The airflow through the larynx is observed to be significantly complex with high turbulence level, recirculation, and secondary flow while the level of turbulence decreases through the higher bifurcations.
Influence of Emergency Stop Operation for Strength of Brazed Structure With Rectangular Fins and Plates in Liquefied Natural Gas Heat Exchanger
Authors: Ma Hongqiang , Song Xingpeng , Liu Yemin , Liang Nuo , Han Jianping , Hou Caiqin
Published: January 2020

In order to ensure the structural safety of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) heat exchanger in emergency stop operation process, the strength of a brazed structure with rectangular fins and plates is investigated by means of the finite element method. The microstructure of brazed joints and brazing filler is tested by metallographic examination with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the maximum shear stress is the main reason for the structural failure at the brazing seam while the brazed joint is mainly subjected to the maximum normal stress. The peak value of the Von Mises equivalent stress in brazed structure with rectangular fins and plates linearly increases with the HMR pressure when the temperature difference is less than 10 K between HMR and LMR. At the same time, the peak value of Von Mises equivalent stress also increases with the equilibrium temperature and temperature difference between LMR and HMR. The aggregation of the elemental Si in the brazed joints and brazing seam will exacerbate the structural safety of the brazed structure in the emergency stop operation process. The above results provide some constructive guidance for the emergency stop operational process for an LNG heat exchanger.
In Situ Measurement of Carbon Nanotube Growth Kinetics in a Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition Reactor With Multizone Infrared Heating
Authors: Abdulhafez Moataz , Lee Jaegeun , Bedewy Mostafa
Published: January 2020

Understanding and controlling the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forests by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is essential for unlocking their potential as candidate materials for next generation energy and mass transport devices. These advances in CNT manufacturing require developing in situ characterization techniques capable of interrogating how CNTs grow, interact, and self-assemble. Here we present a technique for real-time monitoring of VACNT forest height kinetics applied to a unique custom designed rapid thermal processing (RTP) reactor for CVD of VACNTs. While the integration of multiple infrared heating lamps enables creating designed spatiotemporal temperature profiles inside the reactor, they pose challenges for in situ measurements. Hence, our approach relies on contrast-adjusted videography and image processing, combined with calibration using 3D optical microscopy with large depth-of-field. Our work enables reliably measuring VACNT growth rates and catalytic lifetimes, which are not possible to measure using ex situ methods.
Forging global cooperation and collaboration
Authors: Yang Guang-Zhong , Quek Tong Boon , Stramigioli Stefano , Ding Han , Sun Dong , Yuh Junku
Published: January 2020

Major robotics initiatives and government funding programs need better international cooperation and collaboration.
Akkermansia muciniphila Prevents Fatty Liver Disease, Decreases Serum Triglycerides, and Maintains Gut Homeostasis
Authors: Kim Sejeong , Lee Yewon , Kim Yujin , Seo Yeongeun , Lee Heeyoung , Ha Jimyeong , Lee Jeeyeon , Choi Yukyung , Oh Hyemin , Yoon Yohan
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the effect of
Akkermansia muciniphila
on fatty liver disease. Although some research about the effects of
A. muciniphila
on host health has been published, study of the relationship between
A. muciniphila
administration and fatty liver, as well as changes in the gut microbiota, has not been conducted. In this study, we demonstrated that
A. muciniphila
prevented fatty liver disease by regulation of the expression of genes that regulate fat synthesis and inflammation in the liver.
The Bacterial Enhancer Binding Protein VasH Promotes Expression of a Type VI Secretion System in Vibrio fischeri during Symbiosis
Authors: Guckes Kirsten R. , Cecere Andrew G. , Williams Amanda L. , McNeil Anjali E. , Miyashiro Tim
Published: January 2020

Animals harbor bacterial symbionts with specific traits that promote host fitness. Mechanisms that facilitate intercellular interactions among bacterial symbionts impact which bacterial lineages ultimately establish symbiosis with the host. How these mechanisms are regulated is poorly characterized in nonhuman bacterial symbionts. This study establishes a model for the transcriptional regulation of a contact-dependent killing machine, thereby increasing understanding of mechanisms by which different strains compete while establishing symbiosis.
Effects of Spatial Variability and Relic DNA Removal on the Detection of Temporal Dynamics in Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Carini Paul , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Hinckley Eve-Lyn S. , Holland‐Moritz Hannah , Brewer Tess E. , Rue Garrett , Vanderburgh Caihong , McKnight Diane , Fierer Noah
Published: January 2020

Nearly all microbial communities are dynamic in time. Understanding how temporal dynamics in microbial community structure affect soil biogeochemistry and fertility are key to being able to predict the responses of the soil microbiome to environmental perturbations. Here, we explain the effects of soil spatial structure and relic DNA on the determination of microbial community fluctuations over time. We found that intensive spatial sampling was required to identify temporal effects in microbial communities because of the high degree of spatial heterogeneity in soil and that DNA from nonliving sources masks important temporal patterns. We identified groups of microbes with shared temporal responses and show that these patterns were predictable from changes in soil characteristics. These results provide insight into the environmental preferences and temporal relationships between individual microbial taxa and highlight the importance of considering relic DNA when trying to detect temporal dynamics in belowground communities.
RNA G-Quadruplex Structures Mediate Gene Regulation in Bacteria
Authors: Shao Xiaolong , Zhang Weitong , Umar Mubarak Ishaq , Wong Hei Yuen , Seng Zijing , Xie Yingpeng , Zhang Yingchao , Yang Liang , Kwok Chun Kit , Deng Xin
Published: January 2020

G-quadruplex in RNA (rG4) mediates various biological functions and cellular processes in eukaryotic organisms. However, the presence, locations, and functions of rG4 are still elusive in prokaryotes. Here, we found that rG4 is an abundant RNA secondary structure across a wide range of bacterial species. Subsequently, the transcriptome-wide rG4 structure sequencing (rG4-seq) revealed that the model
E. coli
strain and a major human pathogen,
P. aeruginosa
, have 168 and 161
in vitro
rG4 sites, respectively, involved in virulence, gene regulation, cell envelope, and metabolism. We further verified the regulatory functions of two rG4 sites in bacteria (
hemL
and
bswR
). Overall, this finding strongly suggests that rG4s play key regulatory roles in a wide range of bacterial species.
Cryo-electron Microscopy Structure of the Acinetobacter baumannii 70S Ribosome and Implications for New Antibiotic Development
Authors: Morgan Christopher E. , Huang Wei , Rudin Susan D. , Taylor Derek J. , Kirby James E. , Bonomo Robert A. , Yu Edward W.
Published: January 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a severe nosocomial threat largely due to its intrinsic antibiotic resistance and remarkable ability to acquire new resistance determinants. The bacterial ribosome serves as a major target for modern antibiotics and the design of new therapeutics. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of the
A. baumannii
70S ribosome, revealing several unique species-specific structural features that may facilitate future drug development to combat this recalcitrant bacterial pathogen.
Early-Stage
Staphylococcus aureus
Bloodstream Infection Causes Changes in the Concentrations of Lipoproteins and Acute-Phase Proteins and Is Associated with Low Antibody Titers against Bacterial Virulence Factors
Authors: Michalik Stephan , Sundaramoorthy Nandakumar , Murr Annette , Depke Maren , Völker Uwe , Bröker Barbara M. , Aamot Hege Vangstein , Schmidt Frank
Published: January 2020

S. aureus
sepsis has a high complication and mortality rate. Given the limited therapeutic possibilities, effective prevention strategies, e.g., a vaccine, or the early identification of high-risk patients would be important but are not available. Our study showed an acute-phase response in patients with
S. aureus
bloodstream infection and evidence that lipoproteins are downregulated in plasma. Using immunoproteomics, stratification of patients appears to be achievable, since at the early stages of systemic
S. aureus
infection patients had low preexisting anti-
S. aureus
antibody levels. This strengthens the notion that a robust immune memory for
S. aureus
protects against infections with the pathogen.
Prediction of Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance for Multiple Bacterial Species Using Neural Networks
Authors: Aytan-Aktug D. , Clausen P. T. L. C. , Bortolaia V. , Aarestrup F. M. , Lund O.
Published: January 2020

Machine learning is a proven method to predict AMR; however, the performance of any machine learning model depends on the quality of the input data. Therefore, we evaluated different methods of representing information about mutations as well as mobilizable genes, so that the information can serve as input for a robust model. We combined data from multiple bacterial species in order to develop species-independent machine learning models that can predict resistance profiles for multiple antimicrobials and species with high performance.
Multi-stage arc magma evolution recorded by apatite in volcanic rocks
Authors: Nathwani Chetan L. , Loader Matthew A. , Wilkinson Jamie J. , Buret Yannick , Sievwright Robert H. , Hollings Pete
Published: January 2020

Protracted magma storage in the deep crust is a key stage in the formation of evolved, hydrous arc magmas that can result in explosive volcanism and the formation of economically valuable magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits. High magmatic water content in the deep crust results in extensive amphibole ± garnet fractionation and the suppression of plagioclase crystallization as recorded by elevated Sr/Y ratios and high Eu (high Eu/Eu*) in the melt. Here, we use a novel approach to track the petrogenesis of arc magmas using apatite trace element chemistry in volcanic formations from the Cenozoic arc of central Chile. These rocks formed in a magmatic cycle that culminated in high-Sr/Y magmatism and porphyry ore deposit formation in the Miocene. We use Sr/Y, Eu/Eu*, and Mg in apatite to track discrete stages of arc magma evolution. We apply fractional crystallization modeling to show that early-crystallizing apatite can inherit a high-Sr/Y and high-Eu/Eu* melt chemistry signature that is predetermined by amphibole-dominated fractional crystallization in the lower crust. Our modeling shows that crystallization of the in situ host-rock mineral assemblage in the shallow crust causes competition for trace elements in the melt that leads to apatite compositions diverging from bulk-magma chemistry. Understanding this decoupling behavior is important for the use of apatite as an indicator of metallogenic fertility in arcs and for interpretation of provenance in detrital studies.
Is kidney function associated with primary open-angle glaucoma? Findings from the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium
Authors: Tham Yih-Chung , Tao Yijin , Zhang Liang , Rim Tyler Hyung Taek , Thakur Sahil , Lim Zhi Wei , Chee Miao Li , Bikbov Mukharram M , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M , Wang Ningli , Cao Kai , Hao Jie , Nangia Vinay , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Wang Ya Xing , Wong Ian Y , Chan Jonathan Cheuk Hung , Meng Qianli , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Wong Tien Y , Jonas Jost B , Zhong Hua , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: January 2020

Aim

To comprehensively examine the association between kidney function and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in a large consortium of multiple Asian population-based studies.

Methods

28 925 participants (57 340 eyes) from 9 population-based studies (from China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Russia, Singapore) of the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium were included. Across all studies, POAG was defined based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from serum creatinine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m
2
. Eye-specific data were pooled from each study. Multivariable regression analysis with generalised estimating equation models was performed to evaluate the associations between kidney function with POAG and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results

After adjusting for age, gender, study group, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, body mass index, smoking status and IOP, lower eGFR (per 10 mL/min/1.73 m
2
decrease) was not significantly associated with POAG (OR=1.01; p=0.77). Presence of CKD was also not significantly associated with POAG (OR=1.01; p=0.739). Furthermore, lower eGFR and presence of CKD were not associated with IOP (all p≥0.12), However, in the subgroup of combined Korean and Chinese individuals, significant associations between lower eGFR (OR=1.09; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18; p=0.048) and severe kidney function decline (<45 mL/min/1.73 m
2
; OR=2.57; 95% CI 1.34 to 4.93; p=0.004) with POAG, were observed.

Conclusion

In this large pooled-analysis of multiple Asian population-based studies, our findings suggest that the association between CKD and POAG may only be present in East Asians specifically but not in the overall Asian population. Further evaluation in Japanese population is warranted to confirm this observation.
Outcomes in randomised controlled trials of multifocal lenses in cataract surgery: the case for development of a core outcome set
Authors: Evans Jennifer R , de Silva Samantha R , Ziaei Mohammed , Kirthi Varo , Leyland Martin D
Published: January 2020

Background/aims

To describe and summarise the outcomes reported in randomised controlled trials of multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses in cataract surgery.

Methods

We identified all randomised controlled trials of multifocal versus monofocal lenses in a Cochrane review (last search date June 2016). We extracted and summarised data on all outcomes reported using the framework of domain, measurement, metric and method of aggregation.

Results

All studies collected data on distance and near visual acuity but there was considerable variation in the measures used and whether these outcomes were unaided or best corrected. Most studies reported final value measurements, rather than change from baseline. Approximately half of the studies reported data as a continuous measure only, one-third reported both continuous and categorical measures and a minority reported categorical measures only. There was little consensus as to cut-points. Although a majority of studies included one or more patient-reported outcome measures, none of the studies reported patient involvement in the choice of outcomes.

Conclusion

The collection and analysis of data on outcome measures in studies of multifocal intraocular lenses in cataract surgery are complicated. As a result, there is considerable heterogeneity in collection and reporting in the medical literature. This makes it difficult to synthesise such data to provide robust estimates of effect and is a potential source of research waste. Investigators in this field must produce a core outcome set that is informed by patients’ views and we propose an initial set of outcomes on which these could be based.
Accuracy of the ISNT rule and its variants for differentiating glaucomatous from normal eyes in a population-based study
Authors: Maupin Edouard , Baudin Florian , Arnould Louis , Seydou Allasane , Binquet Christine , Bron Alain M , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P
Published: January 2020

Aims

To evaluate the accuracy of the ISNT rule (I=inferior, S=superior, N=nasal, T=temporal) and its variants with neuroretinal rim width and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements differentiating normal from glaucomatous eyes.

Methods

The diagnosis accuracy of the ISNT rule and its variants was evaluated in a population-based study. Neuroretinal rim widths were measured on monoscopic optic disc photographs with an image-processing program. RNFL thickness measurements were obtained with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results

In this study including 940 normal subjects and 93 patients with glaucoma, the sensitivity of the ISNT rule with optic disc photographs was 94.1% (95% CI 90.2 to 98.1), whereas its specificity was 49.2% (46.9 to 51.6). When using the IST rule, the sensitivity decreased to 69.9% (62.1 to 77.6) with a higher specificity, 87.0% (85.3 to 88.6). All the diagnosis indicators were somewhat lower for the different rules using RNFL thickness: the sensitivity of the ISNT rule was 79.4% (72.6 to 86.2) and its specificity was 34.1% (31.9 to 36.4). With the IST rule, the sensitivity decreased to 50.0% (41.6 to 58.4) while the specificity increased to 64.9% (62.7 to 67.2).

Conclusions

The ISNT and IST rules applied to neuroretinal rim width measurement by optic disc photographs are useful and simple tools for differentiating normal from glaucomatous eyes. The translation of these rules to RNFL thickness by SD-OCT is of limited value.
Prehospital critical care is associated with increased survival in adult trauma patients in Scotland
Authors: Maddock Alistair , Corfield Alasdair R , Donald Michael J , Lyon Richard M , Sinclair Neil , Fitzpatrick David , Carr David , Hearns Stephen
Published: January 2020

Background

Scotland has three prehospital critical care teams (PHCCTs) providing enhanced care support to a usually paramedic-delivered ambulance service. The effect of the PHCCTs on patient survival following trauma in Scotland is not currently known nationally.

Methods

National registry-based retrospective cohort study using 2011–2016 data from the Scottish Trauma Audit Group. 30-day mortality was compared between groups after multivariate analysis to account for confounding variables.

Results

Our data set comprised 17 157 patients, with a mean age of 54.7 years and 8206 (57.5%) of male gender. 2877 patients in the registry were excluded due to incomplete data on their level of prehospital care, leaving an eligible group of 14 280. 13 504 injured adults who received care from ambulance clinicians (paramedics or technicians) were compared with 776 whose care included input from a PHCCT. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) across all eligible patients was 9; 3076 patients (21.5%) met the ISS>15 criterion for major trauma. Patients in the PHCCT cohort were statistically significantly (all p<0.01) more likely to be male; be transported to a prospective Major Trauma Centre; have suffered major trauma; have suffered a severe head injury; be transported by air and be intubated prior to arrival in hospital. Following multivariate analysis, the OR for 30-day mortality for patients seen by a PHCCT was 0.56 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86, p=0.01).

Conclusion

Prehospital care provided by a physician-led critical care team was associated with an increased chance of survival at 30 days when compared with care provided by ambulance clinicians.
Injuries among all-terrain vehicle users: a population-based study
Authors: Siman-Tov Maya , Marom-Trabelsi Inbar , Radomislensky Irina , Bodas Moran , Peleg Kobi
Published: January 2020

Background

The use of off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles has increased in recent years. A higher percentage of patients hospitalised following ATV crashes suffered severe injuries, compared with those hospitalised following other MVCs.

Objective

To identify incidence of ATV-related injury and characterise groups with higher prevalence.

Methods

A retrospective study of the Israel National Trauma Registry data between years 2008 and 2016. ATV crash victims were compared with other types of MVC casualties according to demographics, injuries and hospital resource utilisation. Identifying groups with greater prevalence for severe injuries caused by ATV crashes was conducted using logistic regressions.

Results

An increase of 49% in the number of casualties hospitalised following an ATV crash was observed between 2013 and 2016. Non-Jews, males and users 15–29 years old were hospitalised at a higher rate compared with their proportion in the population. ATV crash casualties were more severely injured compared with other MVC casualties (22% vs 14%), had longer hospital length of stay (8+ days) (25% vs 18%), more admissions to intensive care units (16% vs 10%) and underwent more surgery (39% vs 26%, respectively). Males, non-Jews and casualties who did not wear a helmet were about two times more likely to suffer from severe head injury (95% CI 1.20 to 3.60, 1.41 to 2.75 and 1.27 to 4.73, respectively).

Conclusions

An increase in ATV-related casualties was observed. A customised safety intervention programme is needed that targets demographic groups identified with higher injury incidence. Awareness of legislated and common sense ATV safety practices, specifically helmet use, should be raised.
IMPACT and CRASH prognostic models for traumatic brain injury: external validation in a South-American cohort
Authors: Wongchareon Kwankaew , Thompson Hilaire J , Mitchell Pamela H , Barber Jason , Temkin Nancy
Published: January 2020

Objective

To develop a robust prognostic model, the more diverse the settings in which the system is tested and found to be accurate, the more likely it will be generalisable to untested settings. This study aimed to externally validate the International Mission for Prognosis and Clinical Trials in Traumatic Brain Injury (IMPACT) and Corticosteroid Randomization after Significant Head Injury (CRASH) models for low-income and middle-income countries using a dataset of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from the Benchmark Evidence from South American Trials: Treatment of Intracranial Pressure study and a simultaneously conducted observational study.

Method

A total of 550 patients with severe TBI were enrolled in the study, and 466 of those were included in the analysis. Patient admission characteristics were extracted to predict unfavourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale: GOS<3) and mortality (GOS 1) at 14 days or 6 months.

Results

There were 48% of the participants who had unfavourable outcome at 6 months and these included 38% who had died. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were 0.683–0.775 and 0.640–0.731 for the IMPACT and CRASH models respectively. The IMPACT CT model had the highest AUC for predicting unfavourable outcomes, and the IMPACT Lab model had the best discrimination for predicting 6-month mortality. The discrimination for both the IMPACT and CRASH models improved with increasing complexity of the models. Calibration revealed that there were disagreement between observed and predicted outcomes in the IMPACT and CRASH models.

Conclusion

The overall performance of all IMPACT and CRASH models was adequate when used to predict outcomes in the dataset. However, some disagreement in calibration suggests the necessity for updating prognostic models to maintain currency and generalisability.
‘The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper’ (WB Yeats): enhancing resilience among deaf young people in South Africa through photography and filmmaking
Authors: Young Alys , Ferrarini Lorenzo , Irving Andrew , Storbeck Claudine , Swannack Robyn , Tomkins Alexandra , Wilson Shirley
Published: January 2020

This article concerns deaf children and young people living in South Africa who are South African Sign Language users and who participated in an interdisciplinary research project using the medium of teaching film and photography with the goal of enhancing resilience. Specifically, this paper explores three questions that emerged from the deaf young people’s experience and involvement with the project: (i) What is disclosed about deaf young people’s worldmaking through the filmic and photographic modality? (ii) What specific impacts do deaf young people’s ontologically visual habitations of the world have on the production of their film/photographic works? (iii) How does deaf young people’s visual, embodied praxis through film and photography enable resilience? The presentation of findings and related theoretical discussion is organised around three key themes: (i) ‘writing’ into reality through photographic practice, (ii) filmmaking as embodied emotional praxis and (iii) enhancing resilience through visual methodologies. The discussion is interspersed with examples of the young people’s own work.
Preclinical evaluation of the ANCD thrombectomy device: safety and efficacy in a swine clot model
Authors: Sanchez Sonia , Bailey Lynn , Ducore Rebecca , Andersson Tommy , Nogueira Raul , Cognard Christophe , Ribo Marc , Villanova Helena , Rios Anna , Galve Iñaki
Published: January 2020

Background

The Advanced Thrombectomy System (ANCD) provides a new funnel component designed to reduce clot fragmentation and facilitate retrieval in patients with stroke by locally restricting flow, allowing distal aspiration in combination with a stent retriever (SR).

Objective

To evaluate the preclinical efficacy and safety of the ANCD in a swine clot model.

Methods

Soft and firm clots were implanted in the lingual and cervical arteries of 11 swine to obtain Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 0 blood flow. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed with either a balloon guide catheter+Solitaire 2 stent retriever (BGC+SR, n=13) or ANCD+SR (n=13). TICI flow was evaluated and successful revascularization was defined as TICI 3 (normal perfusion). To characterize safety, a total of 3 passes were performed in each vessel independent of recanalization. Tissues were explanted for histopathological analysis after 3 and 30 days, respectively.

Results

First pass reperfusion rates were ANCD+SR: 69% and BGC+SR: 46%. Reperfusion increased after the third pass in both groups (ANCD+SR: 100%, vs BGC+SR: 77%). Recanalization was achieved after an average of 1.4 and 1.9 passes in ANCD+SR and BGC+SR (p=0.095), respectively. Vessel injury was comparable in both groups; endothelial loss at 3 days was the most common injury seen (ANCD+SR: 1.78±1.22; BGC+SR: 2.03±1.20; p=0.73), while other histopathological markers were absent or minimal. Tissues downstream from targeted vessels also showed absence or minimal lesions across both groups.

Conclusions

Results in a swine clot model support the high efficacy of the ANCD+SR without causing clinically significant vessel injury potentially related to the new funnel component.
Occupational load as a risk factor for clinically relevant base of thumb osteoarthritis
Authors: Wolf Jennifer Moriatis , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Atroshi Isam , Englund Martin
Published: January 2020

Objective

It is postulated that increased load from pinch and grasp in occupational tasks increases the risk of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis (OA). We sought to characterise the relationship between doctor-diagnosed CMC1 OA and occupation in a large working population.

Methods

We performed a matched case–control study using a Swedish healthcare register. We identified residents aged 30–65 years in 2013 with physician-diagnosed CMC1 OA from 1998 to 2013. We matched four controls per person with CMC1 OA by age, sex, education and postcode. Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations was used to assign occupation. Occupation was categorised as light, light–moderate, moderate and heavy labour. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate ORs with 95% CIs.

Results

We identified 3462 patients with CMC1 OA and matched 13 211 controls. The mean age of the CMC1 OA group was 63 (SD 7) years, with 81% women. The ORs for CMC1 OA in men were 1.31 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.79) for light–moderate, 1.76 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.40) for moderate and 2.00 (95% CI 1.59 to 2.51) for heavy compared with light work. Women had ORs for CMC1 OA of 1.46 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.61) for light–moderate, 1.27 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.46) for moderate and 1.31 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.59) for heavy compared with light work.

Conclusions

The association between increased manual load in occupation and risk of CMC1 OA is more pronounced in men than in women, likely due to higher workload in the heavy labour category.
Out-of-plane behavior of confined masonry walls with aspect ratios greater than one
Authors: Varela-Rivera Jorge , Moreno-Herrera Joel , Fernandez-Baqueiro Luis , Cacep-Rodriguez Juan , Freyre-Pinto Cesar
Published: January 2020

An experimental study on the out-of-plane behavior of confined masonry walls is presented. Four confined walls with aspect ratios greater than one were tested in the laboratory. Walls were subjected to combined axial and out-of-plane uniform loads. The variables studied were the aspect ratio and the axial compressive stress of walls. It was observed that the out-of-plane strength of walls increased as the aspect ratio or the axial compressive stress increased. Failure of walls was associated with crushing of masonry. Analytical out-of-plane strength of walls was determined using the yielding line, failure line, modified yielding line, compressive strut and bidirectional strut methods. It was concluded that the experimental out-of-plane strength of walls was best predicted with the bidirectional strut method.
Ancient DNA reveals northwest range extension of Richardson’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii) into northeastern British Columbia, Canada, during the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Royle Thomas C.A. , Yang Dongya Y. , Driver Jonathan C.
Published: January 2020

Ancient DNA was extracted from 12 500 to 10 500 year old ground squirrel bones from Tse’K’wa, an archaeological site in the Peace River region of northeastern British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from seven individuals demonstrates that all are Urocitellus richardsonii (Richardson’s ground squirrel), a species not found in the region today. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses indicate these individuals share a previously undocumented mitochondrial control region haplotype that is most closely related to haplotypes observed in modern specimens from Saskatchewan and Montana. At the end of the Pleistocene these ground squirrels extended their range north and west into open vegetation communities that developed when ice sheets melted and glacial lakes drained. They were subsequently extirpated from the Peace River region when forests replaced earlier pioneering vegetation communities.
Resonant production of electron-positron pairs by a hard gamma-ray on a nucleus in an external electromagnetic field
Authors: Larin Nikita R. , Dubov Victor V. , Roshchupkin Sergei P.
Published: January 2020

The resonant production of electron-positron pairs by a hard gamma-ray on nucleus in an external electromagnetic field is studied theoretically. The main property of this process is that the initial process of the second order in the fine structure constant in an external field effectively splits into two successive processes of the first order due to the fact that in resonant conditions intermediate virtual electron (positron) becomes a real particle. One of these processes is a single-photoproduction of electron-positron pair in a laser field (laser-stimulated Breit-Wheeler process) another is a laser-assisted scattering of electron (positron) on nucleus (laser-assisted Mott scattering). It is shown that the resonances are possible only for the energies of the initial hard gamma-ray more than the characteristic threshold energy. Resonant differential cross section of this process is obtained. It is shown that the resonant differential cross section can significantly exceed the corresponding cross section without an external field. The obtained results may be experimentally verified using the facilities of pulsed laser radiation (SLAC, FAIR, XFEL, ELI, XCELS).
Multidimensional influencing factors of public opinion information dissemination in social media: Evidence from Weibo dataset
Authors: Wang Guanghui , Wang Yufei , Liu Kaidi , Li Jimei
Published: January 2020

The factors influencing the dissemination of public opinion on social media, the main carrier of public opinion, are diverse, complex and changeable. Existing studies of influential factors of public opinion dissemination focus on the information itself and information sources in the dissemination process, failing to consider the comprehensive influence of multidimensional factors, such as information content, sources and channels. This study takes the identification of multidimensional influential factors of social media information dissemination as the research object and comprehensively sorts out the influencing factors of public opinion. To improve the scientific basis and accuracy of the research, multidimensional factors, including information characteristics, dissemination network structure and user-level attributes, are selected to analyze the effect of influential factors in different dimensions on the dissemination of social media public opinion information using econometric models. Three main conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) The traditional information characteristics (information content) and information source attributes (user-level factor) are not the only key factors affecting information dissemination, while the information channel (network structure) is worth more consideration. (2) Netizens tend to pay more attention to the psychological and emotional attributes of information when forwarding public opinions. The communication mode in which offline social elites enlighten the public no longer exists; whether a user is a network celebrity or lives in the central area no longer significantly affects public opinion dissemination. (3) The higher the total amount of information users release, the more the information would interfere with the public opinion. This is mainly because users with a higher level of activity may release more invalid information about advertising that has nothing to do with public opinion events.
Quantum error correction nested codes derived from jacket transform
Authors: Li Yuan , Chen Niansheng , Luo Yiyuan
Published: January 2020

A novel approach for construction of quantum codes employing jacket transform is proposed in this paper. The constructed quantum nested codes has less complexities than the previous quantum codes in encoding procedures as well as decoding procedures. Furthermore, the quantum error codes can be constructed with an arbitrary size using the number decomposition, and the corresponding distance of constructed quantum codes can be adjusted by changing decomposition methods.
Enhancing link prediction by exploring community membership of nodes
Authors: Bai Shenshen , Fang Shiyu , Li Longjie , Liu Rui , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: January 2020

With the proliferation of available network data, link prediction has become increasingly important and captured growing attention from various disciplines. To enhance the prediction accuracy by making full use of community structure information, this paper proposes a new link prediction model, namely CMS, in which different community memberships of nodes are investigated. In the opinion of CMS, different memberships can have different influence to link’s formation. To estimate the connection likelihood between two nodes, the CMS model weights the contribution of each shared neighbor according to the corresponding community membership. Three CMS-based methods are derived by introducing three forms of contribution that neighbors make. Extensive experiments on 12 networks are conducted to evaluate the performance of CMS-based methods. The results manifest that CMS-based methods are more effective and robust than baselines.
A novel 4D chaotic system with nonhyperbolic hyperbolic shape equilibrium points: Analysis, circuit implementation and color image encryption
Authors: Cai Xinshan , Liu Chongxin , Wang Yaoyu , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a new 4D chaotic system by extending a 3D system to investigate chaotic systems2 with hidden attractors further and explore their engineering applications in color image encryption. The system has hyperbolic shape equilibriums and the equilibriums are nonhyperbolic which is interesting and rarely mentioned before. The system has been investigated deeply by phase plot, time series, the largest Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation diagram, Poincaré map and 0–1 test. A coexisting hidden attractor has been found in this new system and the circuit simulation model of the system is built by Power Simulation (PSIM). Circuit simulation results are consistent with results of numerical simulations which verify its dynamic behavior further. Then, by combining the generalized Arnold transform with the new chaotic system, a new color image encryption algorithm has been proposed which has large key space and can encrypt either square images or nonsquare images with different size. Finally, the results of encryption experiment and security analysis prove the effectiveness of the algorithm.
战争文化视野下的中国南下文人与新马华文文学关系(1937-1965)
Authors: 金 进
Published: January 2020

自“九·一八事件”开始，中国开始了漫长的抗日战争，抗战热情燃遍海内外华人世界，马来亚（包括今天的新加坡、马来西亚）华人竭尽全力支援中国抗战，抗战文艺盛极一时。从1942年2月开始，日本占领马来亚三年零八个月，华人族群首当其冲地承受了民族的苦难，“二战”后又经历了马共、英殖民者两股政治势力的恩怨情仇，直至1948年底国共两党政治势力被迫撤出马来亚地区。但东西对峙的冷战格局的影响继续存在，新马左翼文学的继续存在，左翼文学和来自中国香港的第三势力也参与着新马当代文学的建构。本文试图从战争文化的角度入手，选择二战前夕（1937年）到新加坡建国（1965年）的新马文学重要文学现象和经典作品为分析对象，力图还原新加坡（文学）那段长达二十年的构成的历史真相，寻找这段历史中文学对于当代新加坡（人）的意义，同时也为中国现代文学与东南亚文学互动关系进行重新定位，进而为反思两者之间的历史定位和文化属性提供一个历史向度。
Characterization of shallow overpressure in consolidating submarine slopes via seismic full waveform inversion
Authors: Provenzano Giuseppe , Zervos Antonis , Vardy Mark E. , Henstock Timothy J.
Published: January 2020

Pore pressures higher than hydrostatic correspond to localized reductions of the level of shear stress required to induce lateral mass movement in a slope, and therefore play a key role in preconditioning submarine landsliding. In this paper, we investigate whether multi-channel seismic reflection data can be used to infer potentially destabilizing pore-pressure levels at a resolution and sensitivity useful for
in-situ
slope stability characterization. We simulate the continuous deposition of sediment on consolidating slopes in two scenarios, with combinations of sedimentation rate and permeability distribution leading to disequilibrium compaction. Ultra-high-frequency (UHF; 0.2–2.5 kHz) seismic reflection data are computed for each model and a stochastic full waveform inversion (FWI) method is used to retrieve the sub-seabed properties from the computed seismograms. These are then interpreted as time–depth variations in the effective stress (σʹ) regime, and therefore local overpressure ratio and factor of safety, using a combination of p-wave velocity to σʹ transforms. The results demonstrate that multi-channel UHF seismic data can provide valuable constraints on the distribution of physical properties in the top 50 m below seabed at a sub-metric scale, and with a sensitivity useful to infer destabilizing excess pore pressure levels.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Measurement and monitoring collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/measurement-and-monitoring
Mass transport deposits in the Donegal Barra Fan and their association with British–Irish Ice Sheet dynamics
Authors: Roy Srikumar , Georgiopoulou Aggeliki , Benetti Sara , Sacchetti Fabio
Published: January 2020

This study analyses seismic data to investigate the kinematic indicators within the mass transport deposits (MTDs) of the Donegal Barra Fan complex in the Rockall Trough, along the NW European continental margin. Five episodes of mega-scale MTDs (DBF-01, -02, -03, -04 and -05) are identified. DBF-01 is the largest MTD in the NW British continental margin, comprising 1907 km
3
of sediments. Fold-and-thrusts were identified within the MTDs where they attain maximum thickness of
c.
300–380 ms TWT, but not at the toe region. This indicates that local erosion and deceleration caused bulking up of the MTD volume, but the MTD was not fully arrested due to the high mobility of the mass flow. MTD thickness distribution and thrust fault orientations indicate source areas and flow direction of MTD. The MTDs show a compensational stacking pattern with earlier deposits influencing the position and flow direction of succeeding slides, suggesting that glaciogenic debris flows are sensitive to topographic variability. We propose that increased sediment input associated with at least five expansions of the British–Irish Ice Sheet to the shelf edge led to the development of these MTDs and that the youngest of them, DBF-05, corresponds to the Last Glacial Maximum.
SIGCSE technical symposium 2020 preview
Authors: Zhang Jian , Sherriff mark
Published: January 2020

The 51st SIGCSE Technical Symposium is quickly approaching! From March 11-14, the SIGCSE community will gather at the Oregon Convention Center in beautiful Portland, Oregon, to once again share the latest in computer science education. The leadership team is incredibly excited about the program, the venues, and the city of Portland and we can't wait to share it all with you!
Application of the Kramers–Kronig Relations to Multi-Sine Electrochemical Impedance Measurements
Authors: You Chen , Zabara Mohammed Ahmed , Orazem Mark E. , Ulgut Burak
Published: January 2020

Impedance spectra obtained by fast Fourier transformation of the response to a multi-sine potential perturbation are shown to be consistent with the Kramers–Kronig relations, even for systems that are nonlinear and nonstationary. These results, observed for measurements on a Li/SOCl2 battery, were confirmed by numerical simulations. Consistency with the Kramers–Kronig relations was confirmed by use of the measurement model developed by Agrawal et al. and by a linear measurement model approach developed by Boukamp and implemented by Gamry. The present work demonstrates that application of the Kramers–Kronig relations to the results of multi-sine measurements cannot be used to determine whether the experimental system satisfies the conditions of linearity, causality and stability.
Perspective—Outlook on Operando Photoelectron and Absorption Spectroscopy to Probe Catalysts at the Solid-Liquid Electrochemical Interface
Authors: Carbonio Emilia A. , Velasco-Velez Juan-Jesus , Schlögl Robert , Knop-Gericke Axel
Published: January 2020

Operando X-ray Photoelectron and Absorption Spectroscopy (XPS and XAS) using soft (up to 2 KeV) and tender (2–10 KeV) X-rays applied to study functional materials for energy conversion has gone through great development in the last years and several approaches to different cell designs combined with instrumentation development now allow successful characterization of electrode-electrolyte interfaces under working conditions. An overview of the current state and challenges are presented along with an outlook into the direction that future development should take, which we expect would allow us to expand and complete our understanding of the liquid-solid electrochemical interfaces.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation (ExMI) in Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Weber-Rajek Magdalena , Strączyńska Agnieszka , Strojek Katarzyna , Piekorz Zuzanna , Pilarska Beata , Podhorecka Marta , Sobieralska-Michalak Kinga , Goch Aleksander , Radzimińska Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

Objective. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training and extracorporeal magnetic innervation in treatment of urinary incontinence in women with stress urinary incontinence. Methods. The randomized controlled trial enrolled 128 women with stress urinary incontinence who were randomly allocated to either one out of two experimental groups (EG1 or EG2) or the control group (CG). Subjects in the experimental group 1 (EG1) received 12 sessions of pelvic floor muscle training, whereas subjects in the experimental group 2 (EG2) received 12 sessions of extracorporeal magnetic innervation. Subjects in the control group (CG) did not receive any therapeutic intervention. The following instruments were used to measure results in all study groups at the initial and final assessments: Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale (RUIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES), and King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Results. In both experimental groups, a statistically significant decline in depressive symptoms (BDI‐II) and an improvement in urinary incontinence severity (RUIS) and quality of life (KHQ) were found in the following domains: “social limitations,” “emotions,” “severity measures,” and “symptom severity scale.” Moreover, self‐efficacy beliefs (GSES) improved in the experimental group that received ExMI (EG2). No statistically significant differences were found between all measured variables in the control group. Comparative analysis of the three study groups showed statistically significant differences at the final assessment in the quality of life in the following domains: “physical limitations,” “social limitations,” “personal relationships,” and “emotions.” Conclusion. Pelvic floor muscle training and extracorporeal magnetic innervation proved to be effective treatment methods for stress urinary incontinence in women. The authors observed an improvement in both the physical and psychosocial aspects.