bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast Meshless Solution With Lumped Friction for Water Hammer
Authors: Xu Yuanzhi , Jiao Zongxia , Zhao Longfei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The water hammer in pipelines, with the absence of fluid friction, could be solved by a time-domain exact solution, using a simple recursive process. No computational grid was needed, but the calculation time cost was extremely high. Its improved method, named as the fast meshless solution (FMS), was developed to speed the computation by introducing the time-line interpolation. For the purpose of practical applications, the attempt to consider fluid friction in the FMS is presented here. As there is no mesh grid in the distance-time plane, the distributed friction model can not be employed upon the presented method directly. The fluid friction lumped at the pipe end is proposed, and both steady and unsteady friction are studied. A benchmark problem of the water hammer in a reservoir-pipe-valve (RPV) system is employed for the validation and comparison. The water hammer considering lumped friction can be calculated fast by the FMS, and the accuracy is acceptable. The method discussed here may be of interest in a quick assessment of the piping water hammer.
Hydraulic Ankle Foot Orthosis Emulator for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Durfee William , Hashemi Saeed , Ries Andrew 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are used by nearly 50% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) to ameliorate gait impairments. The methods used to prescribe and tune the mechanical properties of an AFO, including its angular stiffness about the ankle, are based on the intuition and experience of the practitioner. The long-term goal of this research is to develop and deploy a technology-based solution to prescribing passive AFOs that uses an AFO emulator to be used in the clinic that can, under computer control, vary its stiffness in real-time to determine the best stiffness for walking. The objective of this project was to design and bench-test a first-generation wearable hydraulic ankle exoskeleton, and to conduct a small clinical trial to determine whether walking in a conventional plastic AFO was the same as walking in the hydraulic exoskeleton whose stiffness was programmed to match that of the conventional AFO. Methods: The hydraulic ankle exoskeleton was comprised of a wearable ankle exoskeleton tethered by small-diameter hydraulic hose to a push-behind cart that contained the hydraulic power supply and control components. The ankle component contained a novel double-ended cylinder with a cable anchored to the piston. The system was controlled to emulate a rotary spring. Bench top tests were performed to validate the performance of the system. In addition, an early feasibility clinical trial was conducted with five children with cerebral palsy who walked in three conventional AFOs (flexible, medium and stiff) and the hydraulic AFO controlled to match each stiffness. Kinematics and dynamics of gait were measured with a 12-camera motion capture system and a force plate. Results: The weight of the wearable exoskeleton plus shoe was 1.5 kg, 60% over the design goal. The system, running at a rail pressure of 141 bar (2,050 psi), could produce 62 Nm of torque and could emulate springs from 1 to 4.6 Nm/deg, the stiffness range of most conventional AFOs. Once calibrated, the torque-displacement properties were similar to the matched conventional AFO. Walking metrics were the same for hydraulic and conventional AFOs. Interpretation: Small-scale hydraulics are effective for a wearable exoskeleton that is designed to mimic a passive AFO and hydraulics can be used to emulate a rotary stiffness. While heavier than the design target, the added weight of the hydraulic system did not seem to impact walking in a significant way. The metrics used to evaluate walking were not sensitive enough to detect any subtle differences between walking with the hydraulic system and walking in a normal AFO.
Fossilization potential of marine assemblages and environments
Authors: Shaw Jack O. , Briggs Derek E.G. , Hull Pincelli M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe fossil record provides the only direct record of the history of life, but it is an incomplete one. Discriminating between what is absent and what is simply not preserved is critical to macroevolutionary and macroecological inferences. A comparison of diversity data in over 20,000 modern marine assemblages from the Ocean Biogeographic Information System database (OBIS) with fossil occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database (PBDB) yielded a global assessment of assemblage-level fossilization potential. We used two different metrics, taxon fossilization potential and within-environment fossilization potential, to assess the proportion of taxa in a modern community with PBDB occurrences or with PBDB occurrences in the same environment, respectively. Taxon fossilization potential of marine genera varies between environments, from 34% in shallow and deep water to 44% in coral reefs, 51% on seamounts, and 15% in pelagic assemblages. Within-environment fossilization potential, in contrast, does not exceed 32% (in shallow water), a lower value than that obtained in other studies, and it may be zero (on seamounts and pelagic environments). These differences are mainly a product of representation in the rock record and sampling biases rather than taxon duration.
Autogenic delta progradation during sea-level rise within incised valleys
Authors: Guerit L. , Foreman B.Z. , Chen C. , Paola C. , Castelltort S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUsing a simple conceptual model of incised-valley evolution, we show that the classic sequence stratigraphic phenomenon of bayhead deltaic systems can be generated by purely autogenic progradation during the late stage of valley flooding. This transient “auto-advance” event occurs under conditions of constant base-level rise and sediment supply, and it results from a strong decrease of in-valley accommodation as base level rises toward the valley apex. We present a laboratory experiment to illustrate the plausibility of this mechanism and apply it to the incised valleys of the Trinity and Brazos Rivers (Texas, USA) as field case studies. Auto-advance can produce out-of-sequence regressive bayhead diastems during highstands similar to a transient change in allogenic forcing. Combined with other recent studies, our findings support the idea that mesoscale autogenic patterns are ubiquitous in the fluviodeltaic record and need to be more extensively incorporated into reconstructions of Earth surface evolution and reservoir models.
Integrating zircon trace-element geochemistry and high-precision U-Pb zircon geochronology to resolve the timing and petrogenesis of the late Ediacaran–Cambrian Wichita igneous province, Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen, USA
Authors: Wall Corey J. , Hanson Richard E. , Schmitz Mark , Price Jonathan D. , Donovan R. Nowell , Boro Joseph R. , Eschberger Amy M. , Toews Chelsea E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe bimodal Wichita igneous province (WIP) represents the only exposed Ediacaran to Cambrian anorogenic magmatic assemblage present along the buried southern margin of Laurentia and was emplaced during rifting in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen prior to Cambrian opening of the southern Iapetus Ocean. Here, we establish the first high-precision U-Pb zircon geochronological framework for the province. Weighted mean 206Pb/238U dates from mafic and felsic rocks in the Wichita Mountains indicate emplacement in a narrow time frame from 532.49 ± 0.12 Ma to 530.23 ± 0.14 Ma. Rhyolite lavas in the Arbuckle Mountains farther east yield weighted mean 206Pb/238U dates of 539.20 ± 0.15 Ma and 539.46 ± 0.13 Ma. These dates for the WIP indicate that magmatism in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen postdated the ca. 540 Ma rift-drift transition along the Appalachian margin to the east. Whole-rock trace-element and isotopic geochemistry, supplemented by trace elements in zircon, tracks the evolution of magma sources during WIP petrogenesis. These data indicate that initial melting and assimilation of subcontinental mantle lithosphere by an uprising mantle plume were followed by increasing involvement of asthenospheric melts with time. We suggest that upwelling of this plume in the area of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen triggered an inboard jump of the spreading center active along the eastern margin of Laurentia, which led to separation of the Precordillera terrane (now located in Argentina) from the Ouachita embayment present in the southern Laurentian margin.
Regional-scale abrupt Mid-Holocene ice sheet thinning in the western Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Jones R.S. , Whitmore R.J. , Mackintosh A.N. , Norton K.P. , Eaves S.R. , Stutz J. , Christl M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Outlet glaciers drain the majority of ice flow in the Antarctic ice sheet. Theory and numerical models indicate that local bed topography can play a key role in modulating outlet glacier response to climate warming, potentially resulting in delayed, asynchronous, or enhanced retreat. However, the period of modern observations is too short to assess whether local or regional controls dominate ice sheet response on time scales that are critical for understanding ice sheet mass loss over this century and beyond. The recent geological past allows for insight into such centennial-scale ice sheet behavior. We present a cosmogenic surface-exposure chronology from Mawson Glacier, adjacent to a region of the Ross Sea that underwent dynamic marine-based ice sheet retreat following the Last Glacial Maximum. Our data record at least 220 m of abrupt ice thinning between 7.5 and 4.5 ka, followed by more gradual thinning until the last millennium. The timing, rates, and magnitudes of thinning at Mawson Glacier are remarkably similar to that documented 100 km to the south at Mackay Glacier. Together, both outlet glaciers demonstrate that abrupt deglaciation occurred across a broad region in the Mid-Holocene. This happened despite the complex bed topography of the western Ross Sea and implies an overarching external driver of retreat. When compared to regional sea-level and ocean-temperature changes, our data indicate that ocean warming most likely drove grounding-line retreat and ice drawdown, which then accelerated as a result of marine ice sheet instability.
Parental experience of prophylactic antibiotics
Authors: Hardman Simon Jonathan , Shackley Fiona , Condliffe Alison , Ugonna Kelechi , Lee Andrew 
Published: October 2020

Background and objectivesLong-term prophylactic antibiotics are often used to prevent bacterial infections. However, supporting evidence for this is not always robust. Including parents in decisions relating to medication is key to medicines optimisation. Parental concern regarding medication is a major determinant of poor adherence. This study explores parental experiences of having a child prescribed prophylactic antibiotics and how that affects their antibiotic use behaviour.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, single-centre, exploratory, qualitative study at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Through 15 interviews, involving 18 participants, we explored parental ‘lived experiences’ and attitudes towards azithromycin prophylaxis prescribed for various respiratory conditions. Thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsThe overriding factor influencing parental decisions about the uptake of antibiotic prophylaxis is wanting their child to be well now. The main concern voiced by parents is that of antibiotic resistance given their children are high users of antibiotics. This is however seen as a problem for the future, not the present. Preparing families adequately helps prevent practical difficulties relating to medication. Facilitating ‘normalisation’ of prophylaxis through daily routines and minimising disruption to the family environment may reduce parental anxiety, promote adherence and result in easing of potential restrictions to the child’s daily activities.ConclusionGrounded in our deeper understanding, we propose a behavioural model that describes phases parents go through while having a child on prophylactic antibiotics. Time invested in holistically addressing the parental experience and having an awareness of potential issues parents face, may facilitate medication adherence, reduce anxieties and improve doctor-parent relationships.
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome: clinical course and factors influencing visual acuity recovery
Authors: Bosello Francesca , Westcott Mark , Casalino Giuseppe , Agorogiannis Georgios , Micciolo Rocco , Rees Angela , Pavesio Carlos 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo report the demographics and the clinical course of patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and to investigate for those factors which influence visual acuity (VA) recovery.MethodsThis is a retrospective single-centre observational study. Electronic medical records and retinal imaging of patients with a diagnosis of MEWDS with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were reviewed. Patients were categorised into three groups according to the VA at presentation and at the last visit: group 1 >0.48 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR), group 2 ≤0.48 and ≥0.18 LogMAR and group 3 <0.18 LogMAR. All patients had non-invasive multimodal imaging including optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance imaging and blue fundus autofluorescence at presentation and during follow-up.ResultsA total of 51 eyes from 51 patients (41 women, mean age 29.8±7.8 years) were included. Significantly more patients presented in the autumn (X2=8.69, p=0.034). The percentage of eyes recovering vision to 0.0 LogMAR or better was 80.3% (41/51). Worse presenting vision and young age at presentation were independent significant predictive variables for poorer final VA (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively). No imaging features were significantly predictive of complete versus incomplete recovery, but disc hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography was more common in those with incomplete recovery.ConclusionsAlthough the majority of cases have a benign prognosis, the clinical spectrum of MEWDS includes incomplete visual recovery. In our series, poor presenting VA and young age were associated with poor VA outcome. Further study is warranted to confirm these findings.
Automated quantification of macular fluid in retinal diseases and their response to anti-VEGF therapy
Authors: Michl Martin , Fabianska Maria , Seeböck Philipp , Sadeghipour Amir , Haj Najeeb Bilal , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula Margarethe , Gerendas Bianca S 
Published: October 2020

AimTo objectively assess disease activity and treatment response in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and centre-involved diabetic macular oedema (DME), using artificial intelligence–based fluid quantification.MethodsPosthoc analysis of 2311 patients (11 151 spectral-domain optical coherence tomography volumes) from five clinical, multicentre trials, who received a flexible antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy over a 12-month period. Fluid volumes were measured with a deep learning algorithm at baseline/months 1, 2, 3 and 12, for three concentric circles with diameters of 1, 3 and 6 mm (fovea, paracentral ring and pericentral ring), as well as four sectors surrounding the fovea (superior, nasal, inferior and temporal).ResultsIn each disease, at every timepoint, most intraretinal fluid (IRF) per square millimetre was present at the fovea, followed by the paracentral ring and pericentral ring (p<0.0001). While this was also the case for subretinal fluid (SRF) in RVO/DME (p<0.0001), patients with nAMD showed more SRF in the paracentral ring than at the fovea up to month 3 (p<0.0001). Between sectors, patients with RVO/DME showed the highest IRF volumes temporally (p<0.001/p<0.0001). In each disease, more SRF was consistently found inferiorly than superiorly (p<0.02). At month 1/12, we measured the following median reductions of initial fluid volumes. For IRF: RVO, 95.9%/97.7%; nAMD, 91.3%/92.8%; DME, 37.3%/69.9%. For SRF: RVO, 94.7%/97.5%; nAMD, 98.4%/99.8%; DME, 86.3%/97.5%.ConclusionFully automated localisation and quantification of IRF/SRF over time shed light on the fluid dynamics in each disease. There is a specific anatomical response of IRF/SRF to anti-VEGF therapy in all diseases studied.
Impact of tissue macrophage proliferation on peripheral and systemic insulin resistance in obese mice with diabetes
Authors: Morita Yutaro , Senokuchi Takafumi , Yamada Sarie , Wada Toshiaki , Furusho Tatsuya , Matsumura Takeshi , Ishii Norio , Nishida Saiko , Nishida Syuhei , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Komohara Yoshihiro , Yamagata Kazuya , Araki Eiichi 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionObesity-related insulin resistance is a widely accepted pathophysiological feature in type 2 diabetes. Systemic metabolism and immunity are closely related, and obesity represents impaired immune function that predisposes individuals to systemic chronic inflammation. Increased macrophage infiltration and activation in peripheral insulin target tissues in obese subjects are strongly related to insulin resistance. Using a macrophage-specific proliferation inhibition mouse model (mac-p27Tg), we previously reported that suppressed plaque inflammation reduced atherosclerosis and improved plaque stabilization. However, the direct evidence that proliferating macrophages are responsible for inducing insulin resistance was not provided.Research design and methodsThe mac-p27Tg mice were fed a high-fat diet, and glucose metabolism, histological changes, macrophage polarization, and tissue functions were investigated to reveal the significance of tissue macrophage proliferation in insulin resistance and obesity.ResultsThe mac-p27Tg mice showed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, along with a decrease in the number and ratio of inflammatory macrophages. Obesity-induced inflammation and oxidative stress was attenuated in white adipose tissue, liver, and gastrocnemius. Histological changes related to insulin resistance, such as liver steatosis/fibrosis, adipocyte enlargement, and skeletal muscle fiber transformation to fast type, were ameliorated in mac-p27Tg mice. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and free fatty acid were decreased, which might partially impact improved insulin sensitivity and histological changes.ConclusionsMacrophage proliferation in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle was involved in promoting the development of systemic insulin resistance. Controlling the number of tissue macrophages by inhibiting macrophage proliferation could be a therapeutic target for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Geospatial evaluation of trade-offs between equity in physical access to healthcare and health systems efficiency
Authors: Iyer Hari S , Flanigan John , Wolf Nicholas G , Schroeder Lee Frederick , Horton Susan , Castro Marcia C , Rebbeck Timothy R 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionDecisions regarding the geographical placement of healthcare services require consideration of trade-offs between equity and efficiency, but few empirical assessments are available. We applied a novel geospatial framework to study these trade-offs in four African countries.MethodsGeolocation data on population density (a surrogate for efficiency), health centres and cancer referral centres in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Rwanda were obtained from online databases. Travel time to the closest facility (a surrogate for equity) was estimated with 1 km resolution using the Access Mod 5 least cost distance algorithm. We studied associations between district-level average population density and travel time to closest facility for each country using Pearson’s correlation, and spatial autocorrelation using the Global Moran’s I statistic. Geographical clusters of districts with inefficient resource allocation were identified using the bivariate local indicator of spatial autocorrelation.ResultsPopulation density was inversely associated with travel time for all countries and levels of the health system (Pearson’s correlation range, health centres: −0.89 to −0.71; cancer referral centres: −0.92 to −0.43), favouring efficiency. For health centres, negative spatial autocorrelation (geographical clustering of dissimilar values of population density and travel time) was weaker in Rwanda (−0.310) and Tanzania (−0.292), countries with explicit policies supporting equitable access to rural healthcare, relative to Kenya (−0.579) and Malawi (−0.543). Stronger spatial autocorrelation was observed for cancer referral centres (Rwanda: −0.341; Tanzania: −0.259; Kenya: −0.595; Malawi: −0.666). Significant geographical clusters of sparsely populated districts with long travel times to care were identified across countries.ConclusionNegative spatial correlations suggested that the geographical distribution of health services favoured efficiency over equity, but spatial autocorrelation measures revealed more equitable geographical distribution of facilities in certain countries. These findings suggest that even when prioritising efficiency, thoughtful decisions regarding geographical allocation could increase equitable physical access to services.
Prevalence of tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke and knowledge on smoking cessation among students of health professions in Central Greece: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Samara Athina A , Rachiotis George , Pettemeridou Sofia , Papastamatiou Konstantinos , Tourlakopoulos Konstantinos , Chelioti Eythimia , Katsioulis Antonis , Hadjichristodoulou Christos S 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among students of health professions (SHPs) and determine possible risk factors for current smoking. In addition, we sought to investigate the level of students’ knowledge regarding smoking cessation.DesignCross-sectional.SettingCentral Greece.ParticipantsA convenient sample of 822 SHP volunteers were used, composed of 365 medical students, 123 students from a biochemistry department, 71 students from a nursing department, 176 from medical laboratory department and 84 students from a veterinary medicine department.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe investigated the prevalence of current smoking and secondhand smoke, their determinants and SHP’s knowledge and attitudes regarding smoking cessation. Univariate and logistic regression statistical analysis were used in order to identify risk factors associated with current smoking.ResultsThe prevalence of current smoking was estimated at 23.5% (95% CI 20.7% to 26.5%), while 49% of current smokers reported they wanted to quit smoking. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use was 1.2%. In addition, 96.5% (95% CI 94.9% to 97.5%) of SHP have been exposed to secondhand smoke at least 1 day per week. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age (p<0.001), alcohol consumption (p<0.001) and exposure to secondhand smoke in the home (p<0.001) were independent risk factors for current smoking. Notably, only 11.6% of the participants had learnt about methods to be used for smoking cessation.ConclusionsOur results underline the need for integrated tobacco control initiatives that should discourage tobacco use among SHP, promote smoke free schools of health science, and implement programs that train SHP in effective cessation-counseling techniques.