bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avian host composition, local speciation and dispersal drive the regional assembly of avian malaria parasites in South American birds
Authors: Fecchio Alan , Bell Jeffrey A. , Pinheiro Rafael B.P. , Cueto Victor R. , Gorosito Cristian A. , Lutz Holly L. , Gaiotti Milene G. , Paiva Luciana V. , França Leonardo F. , Toledo‐Lima Guilherme , Tolentino Mariana , Pinho João B. , Tkach Vasyl V. , Fontana Carla S. , Grande Juan Manuel , Santillán Miguel A. , Caparroz Renato , Roos Andrei L. , Bessa Rafael , Nogueira Wagner , Moura Thiago , Nolasco Erica C. , Comiche Kiba J.M. , Kirchgatter Karin , Guimarães Lilian O. , Dispoto Janice H. , Marini Miguel Â. , Weckstein Jason D. , Batalha‐Filho Henrique , Collins Michael D.
Published: April 2019

Identifying the ecological factors that shape parasite distributions remains a central goal in disease ecology. These factors include dispersal capability, environmental filters and geographic distance. Using 520 haemosporidian parasite genetic lineages recovered from 7,534 birds sampled across tropical and temperate South America, we tested (a) the latitudinal diversity gradient hypothesis and (b) the distance–decay relationship (decreasing proportion of shared species between communities with increasing geographic distance) for this host–parasite system. We then inferred the biogeographic processes influencing the diversity and distributions of this cosmopolitan group of parasites across South America. We found support for a latitudinal gradient in diversity for avian haemosporidian parasites, potentially mediated through higher avian host diversity towards the equator. Parasite similarity was correlated with climate similarity, geographic distance and host composition. Local diversification in Amazonian lineages followed by dispersal was the most frequent biogeographic events reconstructed for haemosporidian parasites. Combining macroecological patterns and biogeographic processes, our study reveals that haemosporidian parasites are capable of circumventing geographic barriers and dispersing across biomes, although constrained by environmental filtering. The contemporary diversity and distributions of haemosporidian parasites are mainly driven by historical (speciation) and ecological (dispersal) processes, whereas the parasite community assembly is largely governed by host composition and to a lesser extent by environmental conditions.
A cortical microvascular structure in vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and nondemented controls: a sign of angiogenesis due to brain ischaemia?
Authors: Ek Olofsson H. , Englund E.
Published: April 2019

Aims

We observed a microvascular structure in the cerebral cortex that has not, to our knowledge, been previously described. We have termed the structure a ‘raspberry’, referring to its appearance under a bright‐field microscope. We hypothesized that raspberries form through angiogenesis due to some form of brain ischaemia or hypoperfusion. The aims of this study were to quantify raspberry frequency within the cerebral cortex according to diagnosis (vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and nondemented controls) and brain regions (frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital cortices, regardless of diagnosis).

Materials and methods

In each of 10 age‐matched subjects per group, a 20‐mm section of the cerebral cortex was examined in haematoxylin‐and‐eosin‐stained sections of the frontal, temporal and parietal, and/or occipital lobes. Tests were performed to validate the haematoxylin‐and‐eosin‐based identification of relative differences between the groups, and to investigate inter‐rater variability.

Results

Raspberry frequency was highest in subjects with vascular dementia, followed by those with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, Alzheimer's disease and last, nondemented controls. The frequency of raspberries in subjects with vascular dementia differed from that of all other groups at a statistically significant level. In the cerebral lobes, there was a statistically significant difference between the frontal and occipital cortices.

Conclusions

We believe the results support the hypothesis that raspberries are a sign of angiogenesis in the adult brain. It is pertinent to discuss possible proangiogenic stimuli, including brain ischaemia (such as mild hypoperfusion due to a combination of small vessel disease and transient hypotension), neuroinflammation and protein pathology.
Let's Work This Out: Is Work A Basic Human Good?
Authors: Playford Richard
Published: April 2019

In this paper, I explore the axiological status of work. I engage with a number of prominent natural law theorists who consider it a basic human good and explain why their arguments fail. In the process, I put forward a novel argument against the very possibility of work being considered a basic good. I conclude that whilst work may be very important to us psychologically and instrumentally it should not be considered a basic human good.
Achalasia diagnosed despite normal integrated relaxation pressure responds favorably to therapy
Authors: Sanagapalli Santosh , Roman Sabine , Hastier Audrey , Leong Rupert W. , Patel Kalp , Raeburn Amanda , Banks Matthew , Haidry Rehan , Lovat Laurence , Graham David , Sami Sarmed S. , Sweis Rami
Published: April 2019

Background

Achalasia diagnosis requires elevated integrated relaxation pressure (IRP; manometric marker of lower esophageal sphincter [LES] relaxation). Yet, some patients exhibit clinical features of achalasia despite normal IRP and have LES dysfunction demonstrable by other means. We hypothesized these patients to exhibit equivalent therapeutic response compared to standard achalasia patients.

Methods

Symptomatic achalasia‐like cases, despite normal IRP, displayed evidence of impaired LES relaxation using rapid drink challenge (RDC), solid swallows during high‐resolution manometry, and/or barium esophagogram; were treated with achalasia therapies and compared to standard achalasia patients with raised IRP. Outcomes included equivalence for short‐ and long‐term symptom response and stasis on barium esophagogram.

Key Results

Twenty‐nine normal IRP achalasia cases (14 males, median age 50 year, median Eckardt 6, barium stasis 12 ± 7 cm) and 29 consecutive standard achalasia controls underwent therapy. Among cases, LES dysfunction was most often identified by RDC and/or barium esophagogram. Short‐term symptomatic success was equivalent in cases vs controls (90% vs 93%; 95% CI for difference: −19% to 13%). Median short‐term (1 vs 1; 95% CI for difference: 0‐1) and long‐term Eckardt scores (2 vs 1; 95% CI for difference: 0‐2) were similar in cases and controls, respectively. Adequate clearance was observed in 67% of cases vs 81% of controls on post‐therapy esophagogram.

Conclusions and Inferences

We described a subset of achalasia patients with normal IRP, but impaired LES relaxation identifiable only on additional provocative tests. These patients benefited from treatment, suggesting that such tests should be performed to increase the number of clinically relevant diagnoses.
Cycloplegia and spectacle prescribing in children: attitudes of UK optometrists
Authors: Doyle Lesley A , McCullough Sara J , Saunders Kathryn J
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To survey a large number of UK‐based optometrists, in a variety of settings, to determine current attitudes relating to the use of cycloplegia and spectacle prescribing in children aged ≤11 years.

Methods

One thousand randomly selected members of the College of Optometrists (UK) were invited to complete an electronic questionnaire. The questionnaire was comprised of 42 questions relating to respondent demographics, practitioner use of cycloplegia and attitudes to using cycloplegia to assess childhood refractive error and prescribing spectacles for children aged ≤11 years.

Results

Three hundred and eleven practitioners (31%) completed the questionnaire. Practitioners agreed that they are confident carrying out cycloplegic refraction (60%) and instilling cyclopentolate (77%); are not concerned about the time the procedure takes (69%); feel parents are receptive to its use (65%) and are not discouraged by side effects (72%). Most practitioners agreed that they would carry out a cycloplegic refraction in pre‐school children (aged 2–4 years) at their first eye exam (34% vs 27%), but would not carry out a cycloplegic refraction in a child of school age (5–7 years: 25% vs 47%, 8–11 years: 12% vs 45%). More recently qualified practitioners are more likely to be proactive in using cycloplegia (Mann‐Whitney, p = 0.003). Community practitioners prescribed at slightly lower levels of ametropia in non‐strabismic children than those working in a hospital setting both in the present study and in comparison to previously published hospital optometry values, particularly for hyperopia at 1 year of age.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report practitioner use of cycloplegia and attitudes to using cycloplegia to assess childhood refractive error and prescribing spectacles for children in a large number of UK‐based optometrists practising in a variety of settings. The majority of practitioners responded in a positive manner to the use of cycloplegia and reported patterns of use which adhere closely to available professional guidance. However, outcomes indicate practitioners may appreciate more comprehensive evidence‐based resources to inform their decision‐making relating to use of cycloplegia in paediatric examination.
Antifeedant and cytotoxic activity of gibberellic acid against Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Shayegan Davood , Jalali Sendi Jalal , Sahragard Ahad , Zibaee Arash
Published: April 2019

The present study investigates the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3), a terpenoid and phytohormone, on the digestive physiology and intermediary metabolism of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). Incorporation of GA3 (800 μg g−1 diet) in an artificial diet results in significant reductions in the rates of diet consumption and the efficiency of conversion of food consumption by by H. armigera larvae. The relative growth rate decreases as the concentration increases. The relative α‐amylase activity in sixth‐instar larvae of H. armigera decreases significantly after ingestion of four concentrations of GA3. Histological studies of the midgut in GA3‐treated larvae (800 μg g−1 diet) show degeneration of the epithelial cells. The alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activity decreases at the highest concentration. However, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity increase significantly compared with the control. The results clearly demonstrate the adverse effects of GA3 on H. armigera via interruption of nutritional physiology and metabolism.
Effect of Environmental Temperature on High-Intensity Intervals in Well-Trained Cyclists
Authors: Boynton Jason R. , Danner Fabian , Menaspà Paolo , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Abbiss Chris R.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To examine the effect of environmental temperature (TA) on performance and physiological responses (eg, body temperature, cardiopulmonary measures) during a high-intensity aerobic interval session. It was hypothesized that power output would be highest in the 13°C condition and lower in the 5°C, 22°C, and 35°C conditions. Methods: Eleven well-trained cyclists randomly completed 4 interval sessions at 5°C, 13°C, 22°C, and 35°C (55% [13%] relative humidity), each involving five 4-min intervals interspersed with 5 min of recovery. During the intervals, power output, core temperature (TC), skin temperature, VO2, and heart rate were recorded. Results: Mean session power output for 13°C (366 [32] W) was not higher than 5°C (363 [32] W; P = 1.00, effect size = 0.085), 22°C (364 [36] W; P = 1.00, effect size = 0.061), or 35°C (352 [31] W; P = .129, effect size = 0.441). The 5th interval of the 35°C condition had a lower power output compared with all other TA. TC was higher in 22°C compared with both 5°C and 13°C (P = .001). VO2 was not significantly different across TA (P = .187). Heart rate was higher in the 4th and 5th intervals of 35°C compared with 5°C and 13°C. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that while mean power outputs for intervals are similar across TA, hot TA (≥35°C) reduces interval power output later in a training session. Well-trained cyclists performing maximal high-intensity aerobic intervals can achieve near-optimal power output over a broader range of TA than previous literature would indicate.
Improvement of Lipids and Reduction of Oxidative Stress With Octacosanol After Taekwondo Training
Authors: Lee Sang-Ho , Scott Steven D. , Pekas Elizabeth J. , Lee Jeong-Gi , Park Song-Young
Published: April 2019

Purpose:Athletes in combat sports undergo rapid changes in body weight prior to competition in order to gain a size advantage over their opponent. However, these large weight changes with concomitant high-intensity exercise training create poor lipid profiles and high levels of oxidative stress, which can be detrimental to health and sport performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the nutritional supplement octacosanol to combat the physiological detriments that occur in taekwondo players during rapid weight loss with high-intensity exercise training.Methods:A total of 26 male taekwondo players were randomly divided into 2 groups: An experimental group performed a 5% weight-loss and taekwondo training program with 40-mg octacosanol intake (OCT; n = 13) for 6 d, and a control group performed the same weight-loss and taekwondo training program with a placebo (CON; n = 13).Results:There were significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which significantly decreased (Δ18 [5] mg/dL and Δ80 [7] mg/dL, respectively), and high-density lipoprotein, which significantly increased (Δ10 [7] mg/dL), in the OCT group compared with the CON group. There were also significant (P < .05) group × time interactions for superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), with SOD increasing (Δ226 [121] U/gHb) in the OCT group, while GPx decreased (Δ20 [13] U/gHb) and MDA increased (Δ72 [0.04] nmol/mL) in the CON group.Conclusion:These results suggest that octacosanol may be a beneficial supplement to protect against the poor cholesterol levels and oxidative stress that occurs during taekwondo training.
The Effect of the “11+ Kids” Program on the Isokinetic Strength of Young Football Players
Authors: Zarei Mostafa , Abbasi Hamed , Daneshjoo Abdolhamid , Gheitasi Mehdi , Johari Kamran , Faude Oliver , Rommers Nikki , Rössler Roland
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The “11+ Kids” injury-prevention program has been shown to reduce injuries and related costs in youth football players less than 14 y of age. A major argument to convince coaches to use this exercise-based injury-prevention program is a potential performance enhancement of the players. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of the “11+ Kids” program on isokinetic strength. Methods: Two teams were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group replaced their warm-up by the “11+ Kids” and the control group warmed up as usual. Two days before and after the 10-wk intervention, isokinetic strength of the hip adductors and abductors, knee flexors and extensors, and ankle invertors and evertors was tested. Results: Thirty-one players (mean age 11.5 [0.8] y) completed the study. The intervention group showed large improvements in all isokinetic strength measures (P < .001 for all measures; Cohen d = 0.8–1.4), whereas the control group only showed negligible to medium positive effects (P values ranging from .006 to .718; Cohen d = −0.1 to 0.7). The intervention was beneficial compared with the control group regarding isokinetic strength of the hip adductors (P < .001), knee flexors (P = .002), and ankle evertors (P < .001) and invertors (P = .005). Conclusions: Given the relatively short intervention period of 10 wk, the observed improvements relate to a practically meaningful effect of the intervention. The gain in strength may improve players’ performance and may contribute to a reduction of injury risk in the long-term application.
The Influence of Exercise Intensity on the Association Between Kilojoules Spent and Various Training Loads in Professional Cycling
Authors: van Erp Teun , Hoozemans Marco , Foster Carl , de Koning Jos J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose:A valid measure for training load (TL) is an important tool for cyclists, trainers, and sport scientists involved in professional cycling. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of exercise intensity on the association between kilojoules (kJ) spent and different measures of TL to arrive at valid measures of TL.Methods:Four years of field data were collected from 21 cyclists of a professional cycling team, including 11,716 training and race sessions. kJ spent was obtained from power output measurements, and others TLs were calculated based on the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), heart rate (Lucia training impulse [luTRIMP]), and power output (training stress score [TSS]). Exercise intensity was expressed by the intensity factor (IF). To study the effect of exercise intensity on the association between kJ spent and various other TLs (sRPE, luTRIMP, and TSS), data from low- and high-intensity sessions were subjected to regression analyses using generalized estimating equations.Results:This study shows that the IF is significantly different for training and race sessions (0.59 [0.03] vs 0.73 [0.03]). Significant regression coefficients show that kJ spent is a good predictor of sRPE, and luTRIMP, as well as TSS. However, IF does not influence the associations between kJ spent and sRPE and luTRIMP, while the association with TSS is different when sessions are done with low or high IF.Conclusion:It seems that the TSS reacts differently to exercise intensity than sRPE and luTRIMP. A possible explanation could be the quadratic relation between IF and TSS.
Preclinical Development of Inhalable
d
-Cycloserine and Ethionamide To Overcome Pharmacokinetic Interaction and Enhance Efficacy against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Srivastava Ashish , Bharti Reena , Roy Trisha , Verma Sonia , Ray Lipika , Misra Amit
Published: April 2019

We compared the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a combination of
d
-cycloserine (DCS) and ethionamide (ETO) via oral and inhalation routes in mice. The plasma half-life (
t
1/2
) of oral ETO at a human-equivalent dose decreased from 4.63 ± 0.61 h to 1.64 ± 0.40 h when DCS was coadministered.
Impact of the Timing of Antibiotic Administration on Digestive Colonization with Carbapenemase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
in a Murine Model
Authors: Le Guern Rémi , Grandjean Teddy , Bauduin Marvin , Figeac Martin , Millot Guillaume , Loquet Aurore , Faure Karine , Kipnis Eric , Dessein Rodrigue
Published: April 2019

While antibiotic use is a risk factor of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) acquisition, the importance of timing of antibiotic administration relative to CPE exposure remains unclear. In a murine model of gut colonization by New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, a single injection of clindamycin within at most 1 week before or after CPE exposure induced colonization persisting up to 100 days.
A Novel Redox-Sensing Histidine Kinase That Controls Carbon Catabolite Repression in
Azoarcus
sp. CIB
Authors: Valderrama J. Andrés , Gómez-Álvarez Helena , Martín-Moldes Zaira , Berbís M. Álvaro , Cañada F. Javier , Durante-Rodríguez Gonzalo , Díaz Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Two-component signal transduction systems comprise a sensor histidine kinase and its cognate response regulator, and some have evolved to sense and convert redox signals into regulatory outputs that allow bacteria to adapt to the altered redox environment. The work presented here expands knowledge of the functional diversity of redox-sensing kinases to control carbon catabolite repression (CCR), a phenomenon that allows the selective assimilation of a preferred compound among a mixture of several carbon sources. The newly characterized AccS sensor kinase is responsible for the phosphorylation and activation of the AccR master regulator involved in CCR of the anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds in the betaproteobacterium
Azoarcus
sp. CIB. AccS seems to have a thiol-based redox switch that is modulated by the redox state of the quinone pool. The AccSR system is conserved in several betaproteobacteria, where it might play a more general role controlling their global metabolic state.
JC Polyomavirus Uses Extracellular Vesicles To Infect Target Cells
Authors: Morris-Love Jenna , Gee Gretchen V. , O’Hara Bethany A. , Assetta Benedetta , Atkinson Abigail L. , Dugan Aisling S. , Haley Sheila A. , Atwood Walter J.
Published: April 2019

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen that causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe and often fatal neurodegenerative disease in immunocompromised or immunomodulated patients. The mechanisms responsible for initiating infection in susceptible cells are not completely known. The major attachment receptor for the virus, lactoseries tetrasaccharide c (LSTc), is paradoxically not expressed on oligodendrocytes or astrocytes in human brain, and virus does not bind to these cells. Because these are the major cell types targeted by the virus in the brain, we hypothesized that alternative mechanisms of infection must be responsible. Here we provide evidence that JCPyV is packaged in extracellular vesicles from infected cells. Infection of target cells by vesicle-associated virus is not dependent on LSTc and is not neutralized by antisera directed against the virus. This is the first demonstration of a polyomavirus using extracellular vesicles as a means of transmission.
Genetic Screen in Chlamydia muridarum Reveals Role for an Interferon-Induced Host Cell Death Program in Antimicrobial Inclusion Rupture
Authors: Giebel Amanda M. , Hu Shuai , Rajaram Krithika , Finethy Ryan , Toh Evelyn , Brothwell Julie A. , Morrison Sandra G. , Suchland Robert J. , Stein Barry D. , Coers Jörn , Morrison Richard P. , Nelson David E.
Published: April 2019

Multiple obligatory intracellular bacteria in the genusChlamydiaare important pathogens. In humans, strains ofC. trachomatiscause trachoma, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum. These diseases are all associated with extended courses of infection and reinfection that likely reflect the ability of chlamydiae to evade various aspects of host immune responses. Interferon-stimulated genes, driven in part by the cytokine interferon gamma, restrict the host range of variousChlamydiaspecies, but how these pathogens evade interferon-stimulated genes in their definitive host is poorly understood. VariousChlamydiaspecies can inhibit death of their host cells and may have evolved this strategy to evade prodeath signals elicited by host immune responses. We present evidence that chlamydia-induced programmed cell death resistance evolved to counter interferon- and immune-mediated killing ofChlamydia-infected cells.
Persistent troublesome floaters necessitating the explantation of XtraFocus Pinhole IOL (Morcher)
Authors: Agarwal Prateek , Navon Samuel Edward
Published: April 2019

A 41-year-old patient presented with blurred vision and photophobia in the left eye with an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/150, improving to 20/30 with pinhole and diagnostic rigid gas permeable lens trial. He had a history of trauma with subsequent cataract extraction with residual irregular astigmatism and traumatic mydriasis. XtraFocus Pinhole intraocular lens (Morcher) was implanted in the left eye and the vision improved to 20/40. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant floaters which persisted to the extent of necessitating explantation of implant.
Depression in primary care: part 2—management
Authors: Ramanuj Parashar , Ferenchick Erin K , Pincus Harold Alan
Published: April 2019

Depression is a common and heterogeneous condition with a chronic and recurrent natural course that is frequently seen in the primary care setting. Primary care providers play a central role in managing depression and concurrent physical comorbidities, and they face challenges in diagnosing and treating the condition. In this two part series, we review the evidence available to help to guide primary care providers and practices to recognize and manage depression. The first review outlined an approach to screening and diagnosing depression in primary care. This second review presents an evidence based approach to the treatment of depression in primary care, detailing the recommended lifestyle, drug, and psychological interventions at the individual level. It also highlights strategies that are being adopted at an organizational level to manage depression more effectively in primary care.
Anticoagulation therapy in heart failure and sinus rhythm: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beggs Simon A S , Rørth Rasmus , Gardner Roy S , McMurray John J V
Published: April 2019

Objective

Heart failure is a prothrombotic state, and it has been hypothesised that thrombosis and embolism cause non-fatal and fatal events in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We sought to determine the effect of anticoagulant therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF who are in sinus rhythm.

Methods

We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of anticoagulation therapy in patients with HFrEF in sinus rhythm. Our analysis compared patients randomised to anticoagulant therapy with those randomised to antiplatelet therapy, placebo or control, and examined the endpoints of all-cause mortality, (re)hospitalisation for worsening heart failure, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke of any aetiology and major haemorrhage.

Results

Five trials were identified that met the prespecified search criteria. Compared with control therapy, anticoagulant treatment did not reduce all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.99, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.08), (re)hospitalisation for heart failure (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.13) or non-fatal myocardial infarction (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.13). Anticoagulation did reduce the rate of non-fatal stroke (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.81, p=0.001), but this was offset by an increase in the incidence of major haemorrhage (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.38, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis provides evidence to oppose the hypothesis that thrombosis or embolism plays an important role in the morbidity and mortality associated with HFrEF, with the exception of stroke-related morbidity.
Effects of high-velocity resistance training and creatine supplementation in untrained healthy aging males
Authors: Bernat Patrick , Candow Darren G. , Gryzb Karolina , Butchart Sara , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Bruno Paul
Published: April 2019

The purpose was to investigate the effects of high-velocity resistance training (HVRT) and creatine supplementation in untrained healthy aging males. Participants were randomized to supplement with creatine (0.1 g·kg−1·day−1 of creatine + 0.1 g·kg−1·day−1 of maltodextrin) or placebo (0.2 g·kg−1·day−1 of maltodextrin) during 8 weeks of HVRT. Prior to and following HVRT and supplementation, assessments were made for muscle strength, muscle thickness, peak torque, and physical performance. There was a significant increase over time for all measures of muscle strength (p < 0.001), muscle thickness (p < 0.001), and some measures of peak torque (knee flexion; 1.05 and 3.14 rad/s; p < 0.001) and physical performance (balance board time-to-completion; p = 0.017). There was a group × time interaction for leg press strength (p = 0.044) and total lower-body strength (leg press, knee flexion, knee extension combined; p = 0.039). The creatine group experienced greater gains in leg press and total lower-body strength compared with the placebo group, with no other differences. HVRT increases muscle strength, muscle thickness, and some measures of peak torque and physical performance in untrained healthy aging males. The addition of creatine supplementation to HVRT further augments the gains in leg press and total lower-body strength.

Novelty High-velocity resistance training increases muscle mass and performance. Creatine supplementation increases lower-body muscle strength. High-velocity resistance training and creatine supplementation are safe interventions for aging adults.
Interaction between dry granular flow and rigid barrier with basal clearance: analytical and physical modelling
Authors: Choi Clarence Edward , Ng Charles Wang Wai , Liu Haiming , Wang Yu
Published: April 2019

Some types of barriers are designed with a clearance between the bottom of the barrier and the channel bed. This feature allows small discharges to pass, thereby reducing the maintenance required over the service life of the barrier. Aside from the practical function of a clearance, it influences the impact force, jump height, and discharge. In this paper, a series of physical experiments was conducted using a 6 m long flume to model the interaction between dry granular flow and rigid barrier with a basal clearance. The ratio between the clearance and particle diameter Hc/D was varied from 0 to 10. The channel inclination was varied from 15° to 35° to achieve different Froude numbers before impact. A new impact model for predicting impact force exerted on the barrier with a basal clearance is presented and evaluated. Results reveal that Hc ≥ 3D is capable of reducing the impact force and overflow. Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering the effects of basal clearance on the design of multiple-barrier systems.
Statistical evaluation of model factors in reliability calibration of high-displacement helical piles under axial loading
Authors: Tang Chong , Phoon Kok-Kwang
Published: April 2019

An industry survey suggests an increasing application of high-displacement helical piles with greater shaft and helix diameters to support various structures. In this paper, a database of 84 static load tests is compiled and analyzed to evaluate the disturbance effect and characterize the model factors that can be used for reliability-based limit state design. The measured capacity is defined as the load at a pile head settlement equal to 5% of helix diameter. For similar helix configurations tested at the same site, the ratio of uplift to compression capacity indicates a low degree of disturbance for very stiff clay (0.8–1) and a medium degree of disturbance for dense sand (0.6–0.8). At the ultimate limit state, the model factor is defined as the ratio between measured and calculated capacity, where three design guidelines are considered. A hyperbolic model with two parameters is used to fit the load–displacement curves. At the serviceability limit state, the model factor can be defined with the hyperbolic parameters. Based on the database, probabilistic distributions of the capacity model factor and hyperbolic parameters are established. Finally, the capacity model statistics are applied to calculate the resistance factor in the load and resistance factor design.
Study of micropolar nanofluids with power-law spin gradient viscosity model by the Keller box method
Authors: Akmal N. , Sagheer M. , Hussain S. , Kamran A.
Published: April 2019

The spin gradient viscosity with power-law model and its representation of the heat transfer capabilities of nanofluids have been examined. The theoretical analysis provides an insight into the heat conduction properties of shear-thinning and the shear-thickening fluids. Boundary-layer-approximation-based nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations before their solution is approximated by the finite-difference-based Keller box method. The results demonstrate that the heat exchange in nanofluids is affected substantially by the index exponent and the modified material parameter. In addition, the physical quantities of interest from the engineering perspective, the Nusselt and the Sherwood numbers, are calculated to examine the heat and mass transport efficiency of the nanofluids. It is discovered that the temperature profile augments with an increase in the Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters and decreases with an increase in the Prandtl number and power-law index. However, the concentration deceases with a rise in the Brownian motion parameter and Lewis number, but increases with an increase in the thermophoresis parameter, Prandtl number, and the power-law index.
Performance of a hybrid computational scheme on traveling waves and its dynamic transition for Gilson–Pickering equation
Authors: Ak Turgut , Saha Asit , Dhawan Sharanjeet
Published: April 2019

In this work, we developed a hybrid scheme for Gilson–Pickering equation by extracting advantageous features of collocation method and B-splines. Collocation method involves satisfying a differential equation to some tolerance at finite number of points and has low computational cost. The idea is to extract the superior accuracy and smoothness of B-spline functions with the low computational cost of collocation scheme. In the vision of a superficial periodic force, we obtain the quasiperiodic and chaotic behaviors of the forced Gilson–Pickering equation by perusing phase portrait technique, time series and Poincaré section. The sequel of frequency ([Formula: see text]) of the superficial periodic force is very prime in case of transition from weakly chaotic feature to quasiperiodic feature of the forced Gilson–Pickering equation.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND PERFORMANCE IN THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY
Authors: KUO KUO-CHENG , LU WEN-MIN , CHANG GRACE TZU-YI
Published: April 2019

This paper researches a method of rating competitiveness involving the estimation of the performance of semiconductor firms through Malmquist productivity index (MPI) and metafrontier Malmquist productivity index (MMPI). Regressions are used to find the relationship between intellectual capital and performance. Overall, technological innovations contribute to the improvement in the integrated circuit (IC) design sub-industry while increases in efficient production allow the IC foundry sub-industry and the IC packaging and testing sub-industry to maintain position. The regression results show human capital was critical to technological innovation while relational capital was important to efficient production.
Two-Period Pricing with Selling Effort in the Presence of Strategic Customers
Authors: Yang Feng , Kong Junjun , Jin Minyue
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the implications of selling effort upon a monopolistic seller’s optimal pricing decisions and its performance in the presence of strategic customers. In our model, strategic customers can anticipate future price discounts and decide on when to purchase products from the seller over two periods. The direct impact of selling effort is to induce more customers to purchase in the first period. Two pricing policies are under consideration: (i) preannounced pricing under which the seller commits to a price path over two periods in advance; (ii) contingent pricing under which the seller can dynamically set a price in each period. The analytical results demonstrate that preannounced pricing always dominates contingent pricing from the seller’s perspective. Moreover, compared with the results under contingent pricing, selling effort is enhanced but market demand is shrunk under preannounced pricing. Through sensitivity analysis, we further find that when customers become more willing to postpone their purchases to the second period, the seller should reduce its selling effort in the first period if the demand-enhancement effect of selling effort is sufficiently low.
Pocket formula for mass excess of nuclei in the range 57 <Z <103
Authors: Manjunatha H. C. , Sowmya N.
Published: April 2019

A simple pocket formula is proposed for mass excess of medium and heavy nuclei ([Formula: see text]). The good agreement of present formula with the experiment and other theoretical values suggests that the present formula could be used to evaluate the mass excess values of medium and heavy nuclei in the region [Formula: see text]. This formula produces mass excess values with the only simple inputs of only [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
DFT study of CuCoMnX (X = Si, Sn, Sb) quaternary Heusler alloys for phonon spectra
Authors: Afaq A. , Asif Ayesha , Bakar Abu , Rizwan M. , Munir H. Bushra , Shanian M. B. , Asif Muhammad
Published: April 2019

The CuCoMnX (X = Si, Sn, Sb) equiatomic quaternary Heusler alloys (QHAs) are studied for phonon spectra by using density functional theory. The crystals exist in three possible structures Y-type I, Y-type II and Y-type III on the basis of their crystallographic positions. Y-type III structural arrangements proved to be the most stable and phonon density of states and phonon dispersion curves are obtained by using nonconserving pseudo-potentials for this type. There are no negative vibrational phonon modes in phonon density of states and phonon dispersion curves, so the alloys are dynamically stable. From the phonon dispersion curves, reststrahlen bands are calculated for which these crystals behave as reflectors for incoming light. The calculated reststrahlen bands are 1.470 THz [Formula: see text], 0.357 THz [Formula: see text] and 0.220 THz [Formula: see text] for CuCoMnSi, CuCoMnSn and CuCoMnSb alloys, respectively. These values correspond to far infra-red (FIR) spectral region so these alloys can be used for manufacturing FIR-devices.
1/f3 (Close-in) Phase Noise Reduction by Tail Transistor Flicker Noise Suppression Technique
Authors: Mazloum Jalil , Sheikhaei Samad
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a novel circuit method is proposed to reduce 1/f3 (close-in) phase noise in a cross-coupled LC Voltage Control Oscillator (VCO) by suppressing flicker noise power of the tail transistor. Using an added resistor between drain and gate of the tail transistor, that works as a negative feedback, the tail transistor flicker noise is suppressed, and therefore, the 1/f3 output phase noise is reduced by 5.7[Formula: see text]dB. Also, the added resistor helps in better tail current shaping for phase noise reduction. The proposed oscillator is designed in a 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS technology with 1.8[Formula: see text]V supply and 3.6[Formula: see text]mW power consumption. Post-layout simulations predict a phase noise of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc/Hz for the proposed oscillator at 100[Formula: see text]KHz offset from 3.1[Formula: see text]GHz carrier frequency. Mathematical analysis is included in the paper for confirmation of the phase noise performance enhancement. The Figure of Merit (FOM) of the proposed oscillator is 188.3 and 190.6[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz at 100[Formula: see text]KHz and 1[Formula: see text]MHz offsets, respectively.
Collapsing solutions in higher-dimensional spacetime
Authors: Shah Hassan , Ahmad Zahid , Khan Suhail
Published: April 2019

We investigate higher-dimensional spherically symmetric anisotropic collapsing solutions of the field equations. Our aim is to check the effects of higher dimensions on the density and pressures profile of the collapsing fluid. It has been observed that the energy density, radial and tangential pressures of the collapsing system are strongly affected by higher dimensions. It also comes out that the anisotropy of the collapsing system becomes constant in higher dimensions.
A FRACTAL MODEL OF PERMEABILITY FOR THE LIQUID HELIUM FLOW IN CABLE-IN-CONDUIT CONDUCTORS
Authors: MA ZHICAI , TA WURUI , GAO YUANWEN
Published: April 2019

The heat removal capability and the coolant pumping costs in the design of cable-in-conduit conductors are depend on the thermo-hydraulics of the liquid helium flow. Therefore, the accurate knowledge of the thermo-hydraulics of the flow is significant for the design of the cables, especially for permeability. In this paper, the fractal method is proposed to describe the cable cross-section and an approximate expression is derived. Then, a fractal permeability model for helium flow in CICCs is presented based on a porous medium analogy. The feasibility and validity of this model is verified by the comparison of the predicted values and the experimental values. The fractal model indicates that permeability of cables is determined by the cable geometric parameters, such as the effective porosity, the average cabling angle, the average diameter of strands and the pore area fractal dimension of the cable cross-section. This model does not contain any empirical constants or fitting constants and can be used to explain the mechanism and to predict the permeability of the helium flow in CICCs. Furthermore, the effects of cable geometric characteristics on the presented fractal permeability model are also analyzed and simulated. The results imply that permeability of cables decreases with increasing the cabling angle, increases with the effective porosity, the pore fractal dimension and the average diameter of the strands increase. These results are consistent with the physical situations.
ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FRACTAL DIMENSION AND ROBUSTNESS OF COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: WU YIPENG , CHEN ZHILONG , YAO KUI , ZHAO XUDONG , CHEN YICUN
Published: April 2019

In recent years, because complex networks can be used to model real-world complex systems, such as the Internet, urban infrastructure networks, and gene interaction networks, such research has been widely applied in engineering, social sciences, and life sciences and has caused widespread concern. Fractal dimension, as a concept concerning the filling ability and complexity of an object space, has great significance for the study of the robustness of complex networks. This paper studies the relationship between fractal dimension and the robustness of different types of complex networks from the perspective of network structure and network scale. We find that fractal dimension is strongly correlated with robustness under certain conditions and can be used as an important index to evaluate the robustness of complex networks.
SPECTRAL PROPERTY OF CERTAIN MORAN MEASURES WITH THREE-ELEMENT DIGIT SETS
Authors: FU XIU-QUN , DONG XIN-HAN , LIU ZONG-SHENG , WANG ZHI-YONG
Published: April 2019

Let [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text][Formula: see text],[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], satisfy [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the infinite convolution of probability measures with finite support and equal distribution. In this paper, we show that if [Formula: see text], then there exists a discrete set [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is an orthonormal basis for [Formula: see text].
HE–ELZAKI METHOD FOR SPATIAL DIFFUSION OF BIOLOGICAL POPULATION
Authors: UL RAHMAN JAMSHAID , LU DIANCHEN , SULEMAN MUHAMMAD , HE JI-HUAN , RAMZAN MUHAMMAD
Published: April 2019

The foremost purpose of this paper is to present a valuable numerical procedure constructed on Elzaki transform and He’s Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) for nonlinear partial differential equation arising in spatial flow characterizing the general biological population model for animals. The actions are made usually by mature animals driven out by intruders or by young animals just accomplished maturity moving out of their parental region to initiate breeding region of their own. He–Elzaki method is a blend of Elzaki transform and He’s HPM. The results attained are compared with Sumudu decomposition method (SDM). The numerical results attained by suggested method specify that the procedure is easy to implement and precise. These outcomes reveal that the proposed method is computationally very striking.
CONTRAST OF ROCK FRACTURE SURFACE’S MORPHOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION BASED ON FRACTAL VARIATION
Authors: PAN XUEZAI , SHENG ZHIRONG , SHANG XUDONG
Published: April 2019

In order to research roughness of rock fracture surfaces and interior damaged status of rock, some Brazil discs of white marble and sandstone are loaded to fracture by Brazil Test and the mathematical model of fractal variation is used to distinguish the morphology characterization of fracture surface of white marble from that of sandstone. Through computing the acquired scanned data of rock fracture surfaces, the following three results are obtained. First, the roughness of fracture surface increases with increase of loading angles, furthermore, the anisotropy of white marble fracture surface is more obvious than that of sandstone one. Second, under the same loading mode, by analyzing the mean fractal variation, the fracture surface of white marble is rougher than that of sandstone. Finally, rock disc specimens loaded to 1/2 or 3/4 of mechanics of mean fracture threshold still do not fracture at the first time loading, but their interiors have been badly damaged.
DYNAMIC IDENTIFICATION OF WEAR STATE BASED ON NONLINEAR PARAMETERS
Authors: ZUO XUE , ZHOU YUANKAI , MA CHENBO , FANG HAIFENG
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a new methodology of wear state recognition by using fractal parameters, multifractal parameters and recurrence parameters. The relationship between these nonlinear parameters is analyzed. A nonlinear state point of worn surface is established by fractal dimension, average diagonal length and spectrum width. Further, a steady state sphere is obtained by the nonlinear state point and [Formula: see text]-means clustering algorithm. Results show that fractal, multifractal and recurrence parameters characterize the worn surface from different perspectives. They should be used simultaneously to comprehensively characterize the integral structures, partial structures and internal structures of worn surface. The proposed nonlinear state point shows a variation process of concentration–stabilization–separation during the wear process. The wear states can be identified effectively by the relationship between nonlinear state points and steady state sphere.
FINITE PART INTEGRALS ASSOCIATED WITH RIESZ AND HILFER DERIVATIVES
Authors: SARWAR SHAHZAD
Published: April 2019

Supersingular integrals arise in many areas of applied mathematics: Fluid dynamics and fracture mechanics are among the most important ones. This paper is devoted to investigating the relationship between Riesz, Riesz–Caputo, Hilfer fractional derivatives and the corresponding finite part integrals in Hadamard sense. We prove that Riesz, Riesz–Caputo, and Hilfer derivatives of a given function can be expressed by the finite part integrals of a supersingular integrals which do not exist.
DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF H62 Cu ALLOY FOIL SUBJECTED TO MULTI-PULSED LASER DYNAMIC FORMING: SIMULATIONS
Authors: GENG JIE , DAI FENGZE , REN XUDONG , LU JINZHONG , HUANG SHU
Published: April 2019

By utilizing the ABAQUS software, this paper simulates and analyzes the forming of the H62 foil subjected to multi-pulse laser dynamic forming (LDF). The Johnson–Cook failure mode is adopted to predict the fracture threshold value of the H62 foil. Compared with the single-pulsed LDF, the multi-pulsed LDF improves the limit depth and forming quality of the foil effectively. With the increase of impact number, the uniformity of foil is effectively improved. Appropriate peak pressure and impact number are important to increase limit forming depth and improve forming quality.