bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Options for Severe Obesity in the Pediatric Population: Current Limitations and Future Opportunities
Authors: Ryder Justin R. , Fox Claudia K. , Kelly Aaron S.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Severe obesity is the only obesity classification increasing in prevalence among children and adolescents. Treatment options that produce meaningful and sustained weight loss and comorbidity resolution are urgently needed.

Methods

The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the current treatment options for pediatric severe obesity and offer suggestions regarding future opportunities for accelerating the development and evaluation of innovative treatment strategies.

Results

At present, there are three treatment options for youth with severe obesity: lifestyle modification therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. Lifestyle modification therapy can be useful for improving many chronic disease risk factors and comorbid conditions but often fails to achieve clinically meaningful and sustainable weight loss. Pharmacotherapy holds promise as an effective adjunctive treatment but remains in the primordial stages of development in the pediatric population. Bariatric surgery provides robust weight loss and risk factor/comorbidity improvements but is accompanied by higher risks and lower uptake compared to lifestyle modification therapy and pharmacotherapy. New areas worth pursuing include combination pharmacotherapy, device therapy, identification of predictors of response aimed at precision treatment, and interventions in the postbariatric surgical setting to improve long‐term outcomes.

Conclusions

Treating pediatric severe obesity effectively and safely is extremely challenging. Some progress has been made, but substantially more effort and innovation are needed in the future to combat this serious and ongoing medical and public health issue.
The influence of montmorillonite on the processing and properties of anionic polyamide 6/montmorillonite composites via vacuum assisted resin infusion
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Ying Jie , Wang Jikui , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2018

In this article, the vacuum assisted resin infusion (VARI) process was employed to prepare anionic polyamide 6/montmorillonite (APA6/MMT) nanocomposites. The ɛ‐caprolactam and MMT mixture are infused into the mold by vacuum. At the same time, the anionic polymerization of ɛ‐caprolactam proceeds all the way which results in fast viscosity rise. To make the VARI process has more practical application value, enough infusion time is necessary. Three types of MMT were chosen in this paper: Na+‐MMT, OMMT‐CTAB, and OMMT‐AUA. In order to study the effects of MMT on infusion process and material's performance, conversion, and temperature test, X‐ray diffraction analysis, transmission electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Molau test, and mechanical test were performed. The results indicated that the OMMT‐AUA can both further improve the material's performance and has longer infusion time for VARI process. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1481–1491, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Static, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of untreated and alkali treated mulberry fiber reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Shanmugasundaram N. , Rajendran I. , Ramkumar T.
Published: May 2018

In this research work, the untreated and various concentrations of alkali treated continuous mulberry fibers were used as reinforcement in polyester matrix and its static and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. The composites were fabricated using untreated, 5%, 10%, and 15% alkali treated mulberry fibers (ATMF) reinforced in polyester resin by compression molding technique. The result showed that the 10% alkali treated mulberry fiber composite (ATMFC) considerable increase in tensile, flexural, and impact properties compared to untreated, 5% and 15% alkali treated mulberry fiber composites. The 15% alkali treated mulberry fiber composite showed decrease in water absorption property. The fractured surface morphology of composite samples was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) shows that the 10% alkali treated mulberry fiber composite enhanced storage and loss modulus compared to untreated, 5% and 15% alkali treated mulberry fiber composites. The weight loss of untreated, 5%, 10%, and 15% alkali treated composites were studied under varying temperature by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermo Gravimetric analysis (DTG). POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1908–E1919, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hydrophilically modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers incorporating cellulose acetate fabricated by colloidal electrospinning for future tissue‐regeneration applications
Authors: Sheikh Faheem A , Beigh Mushtaq A , Qadir Abdul S , Qureshi Shabir H , Kim Hern
Published: May 2018

A composite consisting of mechanically strong Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and biochemically favorable Cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers can be considered as an excellent choice due to their excellent mechanical properties of PVDF and desirable biological properties of CA. However, preparing nanofibers of composites, involving CA requires the use of harsh acidic solutions and high temperatures, which can have serious consequences on a bio‐aspect of CA. In this study, we have successfully prepared suitable solutions comprising of PVDF and CA in dimethylformamide. Subsequently, these solutions were directly ejected out as nanofibers during the process of electrospinning. The nanofibers synthesized were characterized for physicochemical properties by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric, and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy. The results revealed that CA can be easily introduced in PVDF nanofibers, using a single solvent (i.e., dimethylformamide). The introduced strategy can favorably preserve the inherent biological nature of CA. Moreover, the nanofibers prepared using this methodology was investigated for cell toxicity and cell attachment properties. These studies were carried to figure out the beneficial features shown by the CA to suppress inherent toxicity of PVDF nanofibers. The results of these studies proved that NIH 3T3 fibroblasts upon incubation in the presence of composite nanofibers containing CA can proliferate well when compared to pristine PVDF nanofibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1619–1630, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhancing fracture toughness of polymer‐based functional energetic composites by filling nano‐graphene in matrix
Authors: Li Yubin , Yang Zhijian , Liu Jiahui , Lin Congmei , Zhang Jianhu , Zheng Xue
Published: May 2018

With the emergence and commercialization of graphene, new opportunities have emerged for toughening polymer‐based functional energetic composites (e.g., polymer‐bonded explosives [PBX]) using nano‐graphene without sacrificing strength and glass transition temperature, as compared with conventional elastomeric tougheners. In this work, inorganic nano‐graphene is used to study the toughness enhancing effects and mechanical properties of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX)‐based PBX. Fabrication procedures of HMX‐based PBX with different content of graphene are presented, and well‐dispersion for graphene in binder matrix is obtained by ultrasonic processing. Experimental results indicated the addition of nano‐graphene can greatly increase the toughness, with the fracture energy enhanced from 32.5 to 64.9 J m−3 compared with normal HMX‐based PBX. Such improvement was obtained at a low graphene concentration (0.2–0.4 wt%). Strong interaction of the graphene and the binder matrix, combined with the inherent properties of well‐dispersed graphene are the decisive factors with respect to the outstanding toughening effect. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1151–E1161, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of Magnetically Stirrable Anisotropic Microparticles via the Microfluidic Method
Authors: Xia Ming , Kim Kyung Hak , Park Bumkyo , Yu Taekyung , Park Bum Jun
Published: May 2018

A one‐step strategy to fabricate magnetically stirrable microparticles with geometric/chemical anisotropies via a microfluidic technique combined with partial phase separation is presented. Monodisperse oil‐in‐water microemulsions composed of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and two polymers, polystyrene and poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), dissolved in chloroform are generated using the microfluidic method. Upon incubating the microemulsions in pure water at ambient conditions, the solvent contained in the microemulsions is gradually removed and partial phase separation between the two polymers occurs spontaneously. In the meantime, the microemulsion droplets are vertically aligned due to the density difference of the two polymer phases. During the spontaneous phase separation, the MNPs become unstable and the aggregated MNPs segregate downward by gravity to the denser PLGA phase. After complete removal of the solvent, the resulting particles adopt geometric/chemical anisotropies, and they are magnetically rotatable under an external magnetic field. It is demonstrated that the morphology of the anisotropic particles can be controlled readily by adjusting the ratio of the two polymers as well as the concentration of MNPs. It is believed that the developed method based on the partial phase separation and the gravity‐induced segregation of the MNPs enables large‐scale production of magnetically stirrable microparticles.
Optical Force Sensing with Cylindrical Microcontainers
Authors: Meissner Robert , Oliver Neus , Denz Cornelia
Published: May 2018

Quantitative force sensing reveals essential information for the study of biological systems. Forces on molecules, cells, and tissues uncover functioning conditions and pathways. To analyze such forces, spherical particles are trapped and controlled inside an optical tweezers (OT) trap. Although these spherical particles are well‐established sensors in biophysics, elongated probes are envisioned for remote force sensing reducing heat damage caused by OT. There is thus a growing demand for force metrology with OT using complexly shaped objects, e.g., sac‐like organelles or rod‐like bacteria. Here, the employment of Zeolite‐L crystals as cylindrical force sensing probes inside a single optical trap is investigated. It is shown that cylindrical objects can be used as force probes since existing calibration assays can be performed with suitable corrections. Forces of active driving assays are compared with passive calibration methods. Finally, the investigations are extended to direct force measurements based on momentum calibration, in which the influence of rotation due to torque in a single optical trap is unveiled. Simulations reveal the relation between torque and the position of equilibrium in the trap. The results highlight the functionality of Zeolite‐L crystals as probes for force sensing, while opening perspectives for enhanced, accurate force metrology in biophotonics.
Structure dissection of zebrafish progranulins identifies a well‐folded granulin/epithelin module protein with pro‐cell survival activities
Authors: Wang Ping , Chitramuthu Babykumari , Bateman Andrew , Bennett Hugh P.J. , Xu Ping , Ni Feng
Published: May 2018

The ancient and pluripotent progranulins contain multiple repeats of a cysteine‐rich sequence motif of ∼60 amino acids, called the granulin/epithelin module (GEM) with a prototypic structure of four β‐hairpins zipped together by six inter‐hairpin disulfide bonds. Prevalence of this disulfide‐enforced structure is assessed here by an expression screening of 19 unique GEM sequences of the four progranulins in the zebrafish genome, progranulins 1, 2, A and B. While a majority of the expressed GEM peptides did not exhibit uniquely folded conformations, module AaE from progranulin A and AbB from progranulin B were found to fold into the protopypic 4‐hairpin structure along with disulfide formation. Module AaE has the most‐rigid three‐dimensional structure with all four β‐hairpins defined using high‐resolution (H–15N) NMR spectroscopy, including 492 inter‐proton nuclear Overhauser effects, 23 3J(HN,Hα) coupling constants, 22 hydrogen bonds as well as 45 residual dipolar coupling constants. Three‐dimensional structure of AaE and the partially folded AbB re‐iterate the conformational stability of the N‐terminal stack of two beta‐hairpins and varying degrees of structural flexibility for the C‐terminal half of the 4‐hairpin global fold of the GEM repeat. A cell‐based assay demonstrated a functional activity for the zebrafish granulin AaE in promoting the survival of neuronal cells, similarly to what has been found for the corresponding granulin E module in human progranulin. Finally, this work highlights the remaining challenges in structure‐activity studies of proteins containing the GEM repeats, due to the apparent prevalence of structural disorder in GEM motifs despite potentially a high density of intramolecular disulfide bonds.
Deciphering the Role of Oxygen Vacancies on Structural, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Fe‐Substituted Strontium Titanate
Authors: Sarin Neha , Mishra Monu , Gupta Govind , Arora Manju , Luthra Vandna
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive investigation of incorporation of Fe into SrTiO3 is reported. SrFexTi1−xO3−δ (x = 0.0 – 0.3) powders are prepared via solid state route. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques are used to analyze the phase formation, surface chemistry, and electronic structure while scanning electron microscope (SEM) is employed to investigate the surface morphology and microstructural properties. The electrical and magnetic properties are studied at room temperature (RT) to explore the effect of iron substitution on the current conduction and magnetic phase transformation. XPS results indicate the presence of mixed valence state as Fe content increased resulting in considerable enhancement of oxygen vacancies. Moreover, a continuous decrease in Fermi level (FL) is observed as Fe concentration is increased. The increment in Fe concentration leads to variation of current–voltage (I–V) characteristics from linear to non‐linear. Magnetic measurements demonstrate three behaviors; an intrinsic diamagnetic behavior (x = 0.0, 0.05) followed by ferromagnetic behavior (x = 0.1, 0.2), and finally a paramagnetic behavior (x = 0.3) due to transition metal impurities and defects. These studies have been used to establish correlation between the evolution of oxygen vacancies emanating from Fe‐substitution on structural, electrical, and magnetic properties.
Bonding/antibonding character of “lone pair” molecular orbitals from their energy derivatives; consequences for experimental data
Authors: Chaquin Patrick , Fuster Franck , Volatron François
Published: May 2018

The derivative of molecular orbitals (MO) energies with respect to a bond length (dynamic orbital force [DOF]) is used to estimate the bonding/antibonding character of valence MOs along this bond, with a focus on lone pair MOs, in a series of small molecules: AH (A = F, Cl, Br), AH2 (A = O, S, Se), AX3 (A = N, P, As; X = H, F), and H2CO. The HOMO DOF agrees with the calculated variation of bond length and force constant in the corresponding ground state cation, and of bond length variation by protonation. These results also agree with available experimental data. It is worthy to note that the p‐type HOMOs in AH and AH2 are found bonding. The lone pair MO is bonding in NH3, while it is antibonding in PH3, AsH3, and AF3.
Colloidal Behavior of Cellulose Nanocrystals in Presence of Sodium Chloride
Authors: Moud Aref Abbasi , Arjmand Mohammad , Yan Ning , Nezhad Amir Sanati , Hejazi Seyed Hossein
Published: May 2018

Aggregation and gelation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) induced by sodium chloride (NaCl) were investigated as a function of NaCl and CNC concentrations. Incorporation of NaCl improved CNCs ability to form clusters via screening surface charges of CNCs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed the formation of porous CNC clusters following NaCl addition. The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) micrographs indicated the presence of regions with colloid‐rich and colloid‐poor patterns in CNC clusters. Fluorescent brightener 28 was found to have a strong hydrogen bonding to the cellulose surface and used as the staining agent in CLSM. The CLSM images also indicated a dynamic structure for gels, continually rearranging over the course of time. Zeta potential data coupled with CLSM images confirmed the impact of NaCl on the gel formation of CNCs.
Fabrication of a Vertically Aligned Au Nanorod Array via Block‐Copolymer‐Templated Electroplating
Authors: Komiyama Hideaki
Published: May 2018

Hexagonally assembled gold (Au) nanorod arrays oriented perpendicular to the substrate are fabricated by block‐copolymer‐templated electroplating. An amphiphilic diblock copolymer consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methacrylate) bearing an azobenzene mesogen on the side chain (PEO‐b‐PMA(Az)) thin film is used as a template without any nanopore‐generation processes. The PEO within the microphase‐separated cylindrical domains of the template function as an electrolytic medium to electroplate Au. The Au nanorods selectively grow through the PEO cylindrical domains. The growth process of the Au nanorods is monitored using cyclic voltammetry and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The feature size (diameter, periodicity, and length) of the Au nanorods is controlled by the feature size and thickness of the template and the amount of passed charge. The optical characteristics of the resulting Au nanorod array are carefully investigated, including angle‐dependent ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectra and surface enhanced Raman scattering activity. In addition, the morphology of Au nanorods in the template change into Au nanoparticles based on Rayleigh instability.
Sandwichbauteile mit vorgehängter Fassade – Bemessungskonzepte
Authors: Berner Klaus , Misiek Thomas , Raabe Oliver
Published: May 2018

Herrn Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Jörg Lange zur Vollendung seines 60. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Eine neue Bauweise bestehend aus Sandwichbauteilen mit vorgehängten Fassadenelementen hat sich in den letzten Jahren für Außenwände entwickelt. Deren wesentlichen Ausführungsvarianten werden eingeführt: Sie unterscheiden sich durch die Tragrichtung der einzelnen Bauteile. Im folgenden Beitrag werden die sich aus der Konstruktion ergebenden zusätzlichen Besonderheiten, Schnittgrößen und Beanspruchungen vorgestellt und deren Behandlung bei der Bemessung erläutert. Auf die aufgrund der Beanspruchungen erforderlichen Versuche wird ebenfalls eingegangen.
Concise Review: The Regenerative Journey of Pericytes Toward Clinical Translation
Authors: Cathery William , Faulkner Ashton , Maselli Davide , Madeddu Paolo
Published: May 2018

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single leading cause of death worldwide. Advances in treatment and management have significantly improved patient outcomes. On the other hand, although mortality rates have decreased, more people are left with sequelae that require additional treatment and hospitalization. Moreover, patients with severe nonrevascularizable CAD remain with only the option of heart transplantation, which is limited by the shortage of suitable donors. In recent years, cell-based regenerative therapy has emerged as a possible alternative treatment, with several regenerative medicinal products already in the clinical phase of development and others emerging as competitive preclinical solutions. Recent evidence indicates that pericytes, the mural cells of blood microvessels, represent a promising therapeutic candidate. Pericytes are abundant in the human body, play an active role in angiogenesis, vessel stabilization and blood flow regulation, and possess the capacity to differentiate into multiple cells of the mesenchymal lineage. Moreover, early studies suggest a robustness to hypoxic insult, making them uniquely equipped to withstand the ischemic microenvironment. This review summarizes the rationale behind pericyte-based cell therapy and the progress that has been made toward its clinical application. We present the different sources of pericytes and the case for harvesting them from tissue leftovers of cardiovascular surgery. We also discuss the healing potential of pericytes in preclinical animal models of myocardial ischemia (MI) and current practices to upgrade the production protocol for translation to the clinic. Standardization of these procedures is of utmost importance, as lack of uniformity in cell manufacturing may influence clinical outcome.
System engineering risk analysis of diesel engine durability in Latin America
Authors: Azevedo Kurt , Olsen Daniel B.
Published: May 2018

Between 2010 and 2015, engines in 20‐ton excavators in Latin American countries failed with low hours of usage. System maintenance data such as engine oil samples are critical to address engine durability issues seen in equipment operating in the Latin America region. Risk analysis addressing premature engine wear in the Latin America region has not been described in peer‐reviewed literature. Thus, the primary objective of this paper is to apply a system engineering standard risk model evaluation to identify, quantify, and prioritize cost risks associated with diesel engine durability in Latin America. This research is based on several data sources, including a database of 7561 engine oil analysis results for the period of 2010 through 2015. These results were obtained from oil analysis laboratories located in the following Latin American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. This research applied the standard risk model and cataloged the root‐causes of risks under two groups: fuel and environment. The paper identified a cause and effect correlation between risk drivers and abnormal oil sample analysis results. After calculating, prioritizing, and mapping each risk, the research concludes that diesel sulfur content and diesel quality are the primary risks that should be addressed in machinery operating in Latin America. Risk and cost threshold formulas are presented in this research and support the conclusions.
Quantifying damage from wild pigs with small unmanned aerial systems
Authors: Samiappan Sathishkumar , Prince Czarnecki Joby M. , Foster Hearne , Strickland Bronson K. , Tegt Jessica L. , Moorhead Robert J.
Published: May 2018

Wild pig (Sus scrofa) population expansion and associated damage to crops, wildlife, and the environment is a growing concern in the United States. The destructive rooting behavior of wild pigs indicates where they have foraged and their general presence on the landscape. We used aerial imagery with a small unmanned aerial system to assess damage of corn (Zea mays) fields by wild pigs in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley of Mississippi, USA, during the 2016 growing season. Images were automatically classified using segmentation‐based fractal texture analysis and support vector machines. We assessed the accuracy of automated classification with 5,400 Global Positioning System ground reference points collected in the fields. Classification accuracies for identification of damaged and nondamaged areas were between 65% and 78%. In general, automated classification underestimated the area of damage present within fields. Kappa values ranged from 0.26 to 0.51, on a scale of 0.0–1.0. Small unmanned aerial systems overcome limitations of existing methods because they can survey an entire field rapidly and without significant field labor. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Rare‐Earth Metal Tetracyanidoborate Hydrate Salts: Structural, Spectral, and Thermal Properties as well as the Luminescence of Dehydrated Salts
Authors: Falk Fanni , Hackbarth Liisa , Lochbrunner Stefan , Marciniak Henning , Küppers Torsten , Köckerling Martin
Published: May 2018

New tetracyanidoborate salts with hydrated rare‐earth metal cations (RE3+) were obtained by the reaction of rare‐earth metal oxides or hydroxides with tetracyanidoboronic acid. A group of isostructural compounds was obtained, which has the chemical formula [RE{B(CN)4}3(H2O)5]·nH2O (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd; n ≤ 0.5). In all compounds the rare‐earth metal cations have the coordination number nine with a RE‐O5N4 environment. They are connected to chains through one bridging tetracyanidoborate anion per RE3+ cation, according to [RE{μ‐B(CN)4}{κN‐B(CN)4}2(H2O)5]·nH2O. Solid samples of the Eu salt show luminescence with intense lines in the excitation and emission spectra caused by electronic transitions within the f and d shells.Thermal investigations indicate that all water molecules but one can be removed at temperatures below 160 °C and the last one by heating up to 340 °C. On further heating decomposition is observed.
Transcriptome remodeling of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 during mcl-PHAs synthesis: effect of different carbon sources and response to nitrogen stress
Authors: Mozejko-Ciesielska Justyna , Pokoj Tomasz , Ciesielski Slawomir
Published: May 2018

Bacterial response to environmental stimuli is essential for survival. In response to fluctuating environmental conditions, the physiological status of bacteria can change due to the actions of transcriptional regulatory machinery. The synthesis and accumulation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are one of the survival strategies in harsh environments. In this study, we used transcriptome analysis of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to gain a genome-wide view of the mechanisms of environmental-friendly biopolymers accumulation under nitrogen-limiting conditions during conversion of metabolically different carbon sources (sodium gluconate and oleic acid). Transcriptomic data revealed that phaG expression is associated with medium-chain-length-PHAs’ synthesis not only on sodium gluconate but also on oleic acid, suggesting that PhaG may play a role in this process, as well. Moreover, genes involved in the β-oxidation pathway were induced in the PHAs production phase when sodium gluconate was supplied as the only carbon and energy source. The transition from exponential growth to stationary phase caused a significant expression of genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, energy supply, and transport system. In this study, several molecular mechanisms, which drive mcl-PHAs synthesis, have been investigated. The identified genes may provide valuable information to improve the efficiency of this bioprocess and make it more economically feasible.
Simplified Estimation and Testing in Unbalanced Repeated Measures Designs
Authors: Spiess Martin , Jordan Pascal , Wendt Mike
Published: May 2018

In this paper we propose a simple estimator for unbalanced repeated measures design models where each unit is observed at least once in each cell of the experimental design. The estimator does not require a model of the error covariance structure. Thus, circularity of the error covariance matrix and estimation of correlation parameters and variances are not necessary. Together with a weak assumption about the reason for the varying number of observations, the proposed estimator and its variance estimator are unbiased. As an alternative to confidence intervals based on the normality assumption, a bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap technique is considered. We also propose the naive percentile bootstrap for Wald-type tests where the standard Wald test may break down when the number of observations is small relative to the number of parameters to be estimated. In a simulation study we illustrate the properties of the estimator and the bootstrap techniques to calculate confidence intervals and conduct hypothesis tests in small and large samples under normality and non-normality of the errors. The results imply that the simple estimator is only slightly less efficient than an estimator that correctly assumes a block structure of the error correlation matrix, a special case of which is an equi-correlation matrix. Application of the estimator and the bootstrap technique is illustrated using data from a task switch experiment based on an experimental within design with 32 cells and 33 participants.
Using rhetorical appeals to credibility, logic, and emotions to increase your persuasiveness
Authors: Varpio Lara
Published: May 2018

None
The Cahn–Hilliard–Hele–Shaw system with singular potential
Authors: Giorgini Andrea , Grasselli Maurizio , Wu Hao
Published: May 2018

The Cahn–Hilliard–Hele–Shaw system is a fundamental diffuse-interface model for an incompressible binary fluid confined in a Hele–Shaw cell. It consists of a convective Cahn–Hilliard equation in which the velocity

\boldsymbol u

is subject to a Korteweg force through Darcy's equation. In this paper, we aim to investigate the system with a physically relevant potential (i.e., of logarithmic type). This choice ensures that the (relative) concentration difference

φ

takes values within the admissible range. To the best of our knowledge, essentially all the available contributions in the literature are concerned with a regular approximation of the singular potential. Here we first prove the existence of a global weak solution with finite energy that satisfies an energy dissipative property. Then, in dimension two, we further obtain the uniqueness and regularity of global weak solutions. In particular, we show that any two-dimensional weak solution satisfies the so-called strict separation property, namely, if

φ

is not a pure state at some initial time, then it stays instantaneously away from the pure states. When the spatial dimension is three, we prove the existence of a unique global strong solution, provided that the initial datum is regular enough and sufficiently close to any local minimizer of the free energy. This also yields the local Lyapunov stability of the local minimizer itself. Finally, we prove that under suitable assumptions any global solution converges to a single equilibrium as time goes to infinity.
THREE GENERATIONS UNDER ONE ROOF? BAYESIAN MODELING OF RADIOCARBON DATA FROM NUNALLEQ, YUKON-KUSKOKWIM DELTA, ALASKA
Authors: Ledger Paul M. , Forbes Véronique , Masson-Maclean Edouard , Hillerdal Charlotta , Hamilton W. Derek , McManus-Fry Ellen , Jorge Ana , Britton Kate , Knecht Richard A.
Published: May 2018

This article presents the results of a program of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modeling from the precontact Yup'ik site of Nunalleq (GDN-248) in subarctic southwestern Alaska. Nunalleq is deeply stratified, presenting a robust relative chronological framework of well-defined individual house floors abundant in ecofacts suitable for radiocarbon dating. Capitalizing on this potential, we present the results of one of the first applications of Bayesian statistical modeling of radiocarbon data from an archaeological site in the North American Arctic. Using these methods, we demonstrate that it is possible to generate robust, high-resolution chronological models from Arctic archaeology. Radiocarbon dates, procured prior to the program of dating and modeling presented here, suggested an approximately three-century duration of occupation at the site. The results of Bayesian modeling nuance this interpretation. While it is possible that there may have been activity for almost three centuries (beginning in the late fourteenth century), occupation of the dwelling complex, which dominates the site, was more likely to have endured for no more than a century. The results presented here suggest that the occupation of Nunalleq likely encompassed three generations beginning cal AD 1570–1630 before being curtailed by conflict around cal AD 1645–1675.
Modelling and simulation studies of the runway capacity of Changi Airport
Authors: Tee Y. Y. , Zhong Z. W.
Published: May 2018

International air travel becomes more affordable over the years with the introduction of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Asia Pacific. As a result, this region has seen an exponential growth in its air traffic movements. Asia Pacific has been recording faster air traffic growths, compared to regions such as Europe and North America. This is largely due to emerging markets and developing economies in Asia Pacific. This is especially seen in the demand and supply for LCCs in Southeast Asia. Changi Airport, being one of the major air traffic hubs in Asia, is facing overloaded traffic in the future due to this exponential growth. Although a new runway and new terminals are proposed and in the process of being built, the coming years could still bring a huge challenge to the airport, if its existing capacity is not maximised to cope with the increasing traffic demand. Hence, we studied the impacts of increasing LCC flights on the airport runway capacity. Different runway operational scenarios were simulated to investigate their advantages and disadvantages. It is found that the segregated parallel arrival-departure runway operation is beneficial. By simulating various operational scenarios with the projected increasing flight movements, it is found that a dedicated runway to medium-sized arrival aircraft may be more beneficial, as this would possibly enable it to have a higher runway capacity.
Blood Stream Infection in Patients on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure
Authors: Na Soo Jin , Chung Chi Ryang , Choi Hee Jung , Cho Yang Hyun , Yang Jeong Hoon , Suh Gee Young , Jeon Kyeongman
Published: May 2018

Bloodstream infection (BSI) occurred in 21 of 121 patients (17%) receiving venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation within the median time of 6 days after initiation (interquartile range, 4–19 days). Longer duration of arterial catheterization and more blood transfusions were independently associated with BSI, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;1–4
The effect of buttressing on grounding line dynamics
Authors: HASELOFF MARIANNE , SERGIENKO OLGA V.
Published: May 2018

Determining the position and stability of the grounding line of a marine ice sheet is a major challenge for ice-sheet models. Here, we investigate the role of lateral shear and ice-shelf buttressing in grounding line dynamics by extending an existing boundary layer theory to laterally confined marine ice sheets. We derive an analytic expression for the ice flux at the grounding line of confined marine ice sheets that depends on both local bed properties and non-local ice-shelf properties. Application of these results to a laterally confined version of the MISMIP 1a experiment shows that the boundary condition at the ice-shelf front (i.e. the calving law) is a major control on the location and stability of the grounding line in the presence of buttressing, allowing for both stable and unstable grounding line positions on downwards sloping beds. These results corroborate the findings of existing numerical studies that the stability of confined marine ice sheets is influenced by ice-shelf properties, in contrast to unconfined configurations where grounding line stability is solely determined by the local slope of the bed. Consequently, the marine ice-sheet instability hypothesis may not apply to buttressed marine ice sheets.
The Influence of Top Management Team on Chinese Firms’ FDI Ambidexterity
Authors: Li Yi , Cui Lin
Published: May 2018

Strategic ambidexterity has been under researched in the context of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI). An ambidextrous FDI, balancing between exploratory and exploitive activities, is strategically desirable but managerially challenging. We examine the role of top management team (TMT) functional diversity in influencing Chinese firms’ degree of FDI ambidexterity, and its boundary conditions in relation to the informal and formal institutional environments within which the TMT operates. Based on a panel of Chinese outward-investing manufacturing firms, our empirical analyses show that a marginal positive effect of TMT functional diversity on a firm's FDI ambidexterity is strengthened by the social faultline presence in the firm's TMT, but is weakened by the development of formal institutions in the firm's external environment.
New Dates for Old Kilns: A Revised Radiocarbon Chronology of Stoneware Production for Angkorian Cambodia
Authors: Marriner Gary P , Grave Peter , Kealhofer Lisa , Stark Miriam T , Ea Darith , Chhay Rachna , Kaseka Phon , Suy Tan Boun
Published: May 2018

Radiocarbon dates from recent excavations of a range of Angkorian Khmer (~9th–14th CE) stoneware kiln complexes provide a new and independent perspective on the timing and geography of Khmer ceramic production. These data demonstrate a clear two-phase sequence. The first, in the late 9th to late 12th centuries CE, marks a period of intensive production located both to the east of Angkor and to the south at Cheung Ek, south of Phnom Penh. A second shorter phase of production occurred in the late 13th to late 14th CE at more distant provincial settings following the collapse of the Angkorian state.
Timeline of changes in adaptive physiological responses, at the level of energy expenditure, with progressive weight loss
Authors: Nymo Siren , Coutinho Silvia R. , Torgersen Linn-Christin H. , Bomo Ola J. , Haugvaldstad Ingrid , Truby Helen , Kulseng Bård , Martins Catia
Published: May 2018

Diet-induced weight loss (WL) is associated with reduced resting and non-resting energy expenditure (EE), driven not only by changes in body composition but also potentially by adaptive thermogenesis (AT). When exactly this happens, during progressive WL, remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the timeline of changes in RMR and exercise-induced EE (EIEE), stemming from changes in body compositionv. the presence of AT, during WL with a very-low-energy diet (VLED). In all, thirty-one adults (eighteen men) with obesity (BMI: 37 (sem4·5) kg/m2; age: 43 (sem10) years) underwent 8 weeks of a VLED, followed by 4 weeks of weight maintenance. Body weight and composition, RMR, net EIEE (10, 25 and 50 W) and AT (for RMR (ATRMR) and EIEE (ATEIEE)) were measured at baseline, day 3 (2 (sem1) % WL), after 5 and 10 % WL and at weeks 9 (16 (sem2) %) and 13 (16 (sem1) %). RMR and fat mass were significantly reduced for the first time at 5 % WL (12 (sem8) d) (P<0·01 andP<0·001, respectively) and EIEE at 10 % WL (32 (sem8) d), for all levels of power (P<0·05), and sustained up to week 13. ATRMRwas transiently present at 10 % WL (−460 (sem690) kJ/d,P<0·01). A fall in RMR should be anticipated at ≥5 % WL and a reduction in EIEE at ≥10 % WL. Transient ATRMRcan be expected at 10 % WL. These physiological adaptations may make progressive WL difficult and will probably contribute to relapse.
Derivation and precision of mean field electrodynamics with mesoscale fluctuations
Authors: Zhou Hongzhe , Blackman Eric G. , Chamandy Luke
Published: May 2018

Mean field electrodynamics (MFE) facilitates practical modelling of secular, large scale properties of astrophysical or laboratory systems with fluctuations. Practitioners commonly assume wide scale separation between mean and fluctuating quantities, to justify equality of ensemble and spatial or temporal averages. Often however, real systems do not exhibit such scale separation. This raises two questions: (I) What are the appropriate generalized equations of MFE in the presence of mesoscale fluctuations? (II) How precise are theoretical predictions from MFE? We address both by first deriving the equations of MFE for different types of averaging, along with mesoscale correction terms that depend on the ratio of averaging scale to variation scale of the mean. We then show that even if these terms are small, predictions of MFE can still have a significant precision error. This error has an intrinsic contribution from the dynamo input parameters and a filtering contribution from differences in the way observations and theory are projected through the measurement kernel. Minimizing the sum of these contributions can produce an optimal scale of averaging that makes the theory maximally precise. The precision error is important to quantify when comparing to observations because it quantifies the resolution of predictive power. We exemplify these principles for galactic dynamos, comment on broader implications, and identify possibilities for further work.
A proof of the matrix version of Baker's conjecture in Diophantine approximation
Authors: DAS TUSHAR , SIMMONS DAVID
Published: May 2018

We prove that the matrix analogue of the Veronese curve is strongly extremal in the sense of Diophantine approximation, thereby resolving a question posed by Beresnevich, Kleinbock and Margulis (2015) in the affirmative.
Skin picking disorder: prevalence, correlates, and associations with quality of life in a large sample
Authors: Machado Myrela O. , Köhler Cristiano A. , Stubbs Brendon , Nunes-Neto Paulo R. , Koyanagi Ai , Quevedo João , Soares Jair C. , Hyphantis Thomas N. , Marazziti Donatella , Maes Michael , Stein Dan J. , Carvalho André F.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Evidence suggests that skin picking disorder (SPD) could be a prevalent condition associated with comorbidity and psychosocial dysfunction. However, just a few studies have assessed the prevalence and correlates of SPD in samples from low- and middle-income countries. In addition, the impact of SPD on quality of life (QoL) dimension after multivariable adjustment to potential confounders remains unclear.

Methods

Data were obtained from a Brazilian anonymous Web-based research platform. Participants provided sociodemographic data and completed the modified Skin Picking–Stanford questionnaire, the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised inventory (SCL-90R), early trauma inventory self report–short form, and the World Health Organization quality of life abbreviated scale (WHOQOL-Bref). Associations were adjusted to potential confounders through multivariable models.

Results

For our survey, 7639 participants took part (71.3% females; age: 27.2±7.9 years). The prevalence of SPD was 3.4% (95% CI: 3.0–3.8%), with a female preponderance (P<0.001). In addition, SPD was associated with a positive screen for a major depressive episode, nicotine dependence, and alcohol dependence, as well as suicidal ideation. Physical and psychological QoL was significantly more impaired in participants with SPD compared to those without SPD, even after adjustment for comorbidity.

Conclusions

In this large sample, SPD was a prevalent condition associated with co-occurring depression, nicotine, and alcohol dependence. In addition, SPD was independently associated with impaired physical and psychological QoL. Public health efforts toward the early recognition and treatment of SPD are warranted.
Gender differences in abdominal aortic aneurysm therapy – a systematic review
Authors: Stoberock Konstanze , Kölbel Tilo , Atlihan Gülsen , Debus Eike Sebastian , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Larena-Avellaneda Axel , Behrendt Christian Alexander , Wipper Sabine
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This article analyses if and to what extent gender differences exist in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) therapy. For this purpose Medline (PubMed) was searched from January 1999 to January 2018. Keywords were: “abdominal aortic aneurysm”, “gender”, “prevalence”, “EVAR”, and “open surgery of abdominal aortic aneurysm”. Regardless of open or endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, women have a higher rate of complications and longer hospitalizations compared to men. The majority of studies showed that women have a lower survival rate for surgical and endovascular treatment of abdominal aneurysms after both elective and emergency interventions. Women receive less surgical/interventional and protective medical treatment. Women seem to have a higher risk of rupture, a lower survival rate in AAA, and a higher rate of complications, regardless of endovascular or open treatment. The gender differences may be due to a higher age of women at diagnosis and therapy associated with higher comorbidity, but also because of genetic, hormonal, anatomical, biological, and socio-cultural differences. Strategies for treatment in female patients must be further defined to optimize outcome.
Arctic Ocean Freshwater Content and Its Decadal Memory of Sea‐Level Pressure
Authors: Johnson Helen L. , Cornish Sam B. , Kostov Yavor , Beer Emma , Lique Camille
Published: May 2018

Arctic freshwater content (FWC) has increased significantly over the last two decades, with potential future implications for the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation downstream. We investigate the relationship between Arctic FWC and atmospheric circulation in the control run of a coupled climate model. Multiple linear lagged regression is used to extract the response of total Arctic FWC to a hypothetical step increase in the principal components of sea‐level pressure. The results demonstrate that the FWC adjusts on a decadal timescale, consistent with the idea that wind‐driven ocean dynamics and eddies determine the response of Arctic Ocean circulation and properties to a change in surface forcing, as suggested by idealized models and theory. Convolving the response of FWC to a change in sea‐level pressure with historical sea‐level pressure variations reveals that the recent observed increase in Arctic FWC is related to natural variations in sea‐level pressure.
Seasonal Nontectonic Loading Inferred From cGPS as a Potential Trigger for the M6.0 South Napa Earthquake
Authors: Kraner Meredith L. , Holt William E. , Borsa Adrian A.
Published: May 2018

We analyze crustal strain corresponding to transient continuous Global Positioning System (cGPS) horizontal displacements in Northern California, detecting a seasonal positive dilatational strain and Coulomb stress transient in the South Napa region peaking just before the 24 August 2014 M6.0 South Napa earthquake. Using data from 2007 to 2014, we show that average dilatational strain within a 500‐km2 region encompassing South Napa and northern San Pablo Bay peaks in late summer at 76 ± 17 × 10−9, accompanied by a Coulomb stress change of 1.9 ± 0.8 kPa. The situation reverses in winter, with an average dilatational strain of −51 ± 17 × 10−9 and Coulomb stress change of −1.4 ± 0.8 kPa. Within a smaller 100‐km2 area centered on the South Napa rupture, peak values are considerably higher, including a summer Coulomb stress peak of 5.1 ± 1.6 kPa. We examine regional seismicity but see no statistically significant correlation with seasonal Coulomb stressing in the declustered earthquake catalog. Using western U.S. vertical cGPS displacements, we estimate that strain from hydrologic loading explains ≤10% of the observed long‐wavelength strain and only 2–3% of peak strains around the South Napa rupture. Thermoelastic crustal strain estimated from temperature gradients between the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento Valley reaches values as high as 15% of the observed strain, but the strain patterns are not spatially consistent. Vertical deformation within the Sonoma and Napa Valley subbasins inferred from interferometric synthetic aperture radar explains large horizontal motions at nearby cGPS stations and suggests that seasonal changes in groundwater may contribute to observed strain and stress transients.