bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The iliosacral joint in lizards: an osteological and histological analysis
Authors: Paparella Ilaria , LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Doschak Michael R. , Caldwell Michael W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe development of the iliosacral joint (ISJ) in tetrapods represented a crucial step in the evolution of terrestrial locomotion. This structure is responsible for transferring forces between the vertebral column and appendicular skeleton, thus supporting the bodyweight on land. However, most research dealing with the water‐to‐land transition and biomechanical studies in general has focused exclusively on the articulation between the pelvic girdle and femur. Our knowledge about the contact between the pelvic girdle and vertebral column (i.e. the ISJ) at a tissue level is restricted so far to human anatomy, with little to no information available on other tetrapods. This lack of data limits our understanding of the development and evolution of such a key structure, and thus on the pattern and processes of the evolution of terrestrial locomotion. Therefore, we investigated the macro‐ and microanatomy of the ISJ in limb‐bearing squamates that, similar to most non‐mammalian, non‐avian tetrapods, possess only two sacral ribs articulating with the posterior process of the ilium. Using a combination of osteology, micro‐computed tomography and histology, we collected data on the ISJ apparatus of numerous specimens, sampling different taxa and different ontogenetic stages. Osteologically, we recorded consistent variability in all three processes of the ilium (preacetabular, supracetabular and posterior) and sacral ribs that correlate with posture and locomotion. The presence of a cavity between the ilium and sacral ribs, abundant articular cartilage and fibrocartilage, and a surrounding membrane of dense fibrous connective tissue allowed us to define this contact as a synovial joint. By comparison, the two sacral ribs are connected to each other mostly by dense fibrous tissue, with some cartilage found more distally along the margins of the two ribs, defining this joint as a combination of a syndesmosis and synchondrosis. Considering the intermediary position of the ISJ between the axial and appendicular skeletons, the shape of the articular surfaces of the sacral ribs and ilium, and the characteristics of the muscles associated with this structure, we argue that the mobility of the ISJ is primarily driven by the movements of the hindlimb during locomotion. We hypothesize that limited torsion of the ilium at the ISJ happens when the hip is abducted, and the joint is likely able to absorb the compressional and extensional forces related to the protraction and retraction of the femur. The mix of fibres and cartilage between the two sacral ribs instead serves primarily as a shock absorber, with the potential for limited vertical translation during locomotion.
A‐scan ultrasonography and optic nerve sheath diameter evaluation in children with acute liver failure
Authors: De Bernardo Maddalena , Vitiello Livio , Capone Michela , Rosa Nicola 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this Letter to the Editor we would like to comment the article by Das and colleagues, concerning the optic nerve sheath diameter evaluation with ultrasonography in children with acute liver failure. In particular, this letter highlights several limitations in the use of B scan for such a purpose and suggests a more precise assessment with the standardized A scan technique.
Grassland conversion along a climate gradient in northwest China: Implications for soil carbon and nutrients
Authors: Huang Xiaomin , Song Zhenwei , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Xu Zhiyu , Huang Bo , Zhang Yi , Hang Xiaoning , Tan Shuhao , Zhang Degang , Zhang Weijian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and nutrient availability are key indicators of soil quality, and both can be influenced by land‐use change. However, it is still unclear whether the impact of land‐use change on SOC and nutrient stocks differs between ecoregions. Grasslands near the northeast border of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) occur across several ecoregions that have recently been subjected to substantial land‐use change. Based on long‐term land‐use history, we conducted a field investigation comparing soil C and nutrient stocks between natural grassland (NGL) and three types of converted grassland (agricultural grassland, AGL; farmland, FL; and abandoned farmland, AFL) in three ecoregions along a climate gradient: alpine meadow, temperate steppe and temperate desert. Compared with NGL, soil C stocks in converted grasslands were 22%–30% lower in the alpine meadow, but 60–82% higher in the temperate steppe and 6%–76% higher in the temperate desert. Converted grasslands also contained higher stocks of available nitrogen and phosphorus than NGL in the temperate steppe and desert. Soils (0–40 cm) in NGL contained 14.8 ± 0.1 kg C m−2 in alpine meadow, 6.7 ± 0.6 kg C m−2 in temperate steppe and 1.7 ± 0.3 kg C m−2 in temperate desert. Together, our results indicate that the responses of soil C and nutrients to grassland conversion differed between ecoregions. Thus, to optimize soil C sequestration rates and overall soil quality, we suggest that land‐use policies in this area should take into account local environmental conditions.
Improvement in Savonius Wind Turbines Efficiency by Modification of Blade Designs—A Numerical Study
Authors: Laws Praveen , Saini Jaskaran Singh , Kumar Ajit , Mitra Santanu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Savonius wind turbines are special class of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). These are low-cost drag-driven turbines and are known to be inefficient. It is proposed in this study that a simple modification to the turbine blade design can yield a significant improvement in power efficiency. The performance of the new design is extensively studied on openfoam-v1812, a popular open source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) library. The flow equations coupled with equations of rotation of the turbine are solved on an overset mesh framework. This study also serves as a validation of recently released overset support in openfoam. The turbulence is incorporated by coupling Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) with shear stress transport (SST) κ − ω eddy viscosity turbulence model. The turbulence parameters are set to produce a flow with the Reynolds number, Re = 4.8 × 105. To have better confidence in simulations, this study also presents a comparison of numerical flow over conventional Savonius turbine designs with the published data. It is observed that a majority of CFD analysis on wind turbine designs are performed for the fixed tip speed ratio on a traditional static mesh structure. But, in this CFD study, a wind-driven rotation of Savonius turbine is simulated on an overset dynamics approach. The results of the study are compared and discussed based on the predicted moment and power coefficients, pressure variation on the blades, flow velocity field, and wake analysis. The study indicates that the blade design presented here has a potential to increase the power efficiency of a Savonius wind turbine by 10–28%.
Feasibility and Sensitivity Analysis of a Hybrid Photovoltaic/Wind/Biogas/Fuel-Cell/Diesel/Battery System for Off-Grid Rural Electrification Using homer
Authors: Anwar Khalid , Deshmukh Sandip , Mustafa Rizvi Saad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Integrating renewable energy technologies in a single system is becoming more reliable to meet electrical demand of remote locations. Here, integration and the optimal use of various available energy resources in a stand-alone microgrid are investigated. An integrated renewable energy system (IRES) approach has been proposed and analyzed using homer software. Seven scenarios with different combinations of energy sources and storage systems have been investigated based on their levelized cost of energy (LCOE) supply and net present cost (NPC). The proposed IRES, which includes photovoltaic (PV), wind, and biogas, gives the least LCOE as $0.207/kW h without any policy intervention. This LCOE reduces to $0.12/kW h with policy intervention and consideration of carbon abetment cost. Moreover, sensitivity analysis has been carried out with variation in load, solar radiation, and wind speed. The NPC is found to be most sensitive to the variation of load and least sensitive to the variation of wind speed.
Heat Transfer-Friction Factor and Correlations for Wavy Porous Screens as Inserts in Channel Thermal Performance
Authors: Torr A. , Mahmood G. I. , Cramer L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Structural inserts are employed to enhance the heat transfer in channel flow with the expense of thermal performance. The present investigation employs the wavy porous screens as inserts in an air channel and measures the pressure drop and heat transfer along the channel. The wave vectors are parallel to the flow and in point contact at the tips with the channel walls. The pores in the insert generate turbulence to enhance the heat transfer from the channel walls with a moderate pressure penalty because of the low blockage ratio. The objectives are to investigate the effects of wavelength (λ), porosity (ξ), and height (H) of the sinusoidal wave of the insert as well as the Reynolds number (Re) on the friction factors (f) and Nusselt numbers (Nu). Twelve inserts are formed from the flat metal mesh screens for testing between the Reynolds number (Re) of 400 and 35,000. The results of (f, Nu) and smooth channel-based enhancements (f/f0, Nu/Nu0) are affected the most by Re followed by λ and then ξ. The values of both (f/f0, Nu/Nu0) increase significantly as the Reynolds number increases in Re &lt; 3000. However, both the (f/f0, Nu/Nu0) decrease little as both the (λ, ξ) increase at all Re. The performance factor index, (Nu/Nu0)/(f/f0)(1/3) &gt; 1.0 irrespective of (λ, ξ, H) only when Re is about 3000. The correlations developed for the f, Nu, and performance factor provide reasonable predictions of the experimental results.
Utilisation of emergency departments of behavioural disorders and supply of workforce in Nebraska
Authors: Wani Rajvi Jayant , Watanabe-Galloway Shinobu , Tak Hyo Jung , Chen Li-Wu , Wehbi Nizar , Wilson Fernando 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundEmergency departments (EDs) have become entry points for treating behavioural health (BH) conditions, thereby rendering the evaluation of their utilisation necessary.ObjectivesThis study estimated behavioural-related hospital-based ED visits and outcomes of leaving against medical advice as well as the incurred charges within the primarily rural State of Nebraska. Also, the study correlated behavioural workforce distribution and location of EDs with ED utilisation.MethodsNebraska State Emergency Department Database provided information on utilisation of services, charges, diagnoses and demographic. Health Professional Tracking Services survey provided the distribution of EDs and BH workforce by region. To examine the effect of patient characteristics on discharge against medical advice, multivariable logistic regression modelling was used.FindingsUS$96.4 million were ED charges for 52 035 visits for BH disorders over 3 years. Of these, 35% and 50% were between 25 and 44-years old and privately insured, respectively. The uninsured (OR:1.53, p=0.0047) and 45–64 years old (OR:2.31, p<0.001) had higher odds of leaving against medical advice. The findings from this study identified ED outcomes among high-risk cohort.ConclusionsThere were high ED rates among the limited number EDs facilities in rural Nebraska. Rural regions of Nebraska faced workforce shortages and had high numbers of ED visits at relatively few accessible EDs.Clinical implicationsCustomised rural-centric public health programmes, which are based in clinical settings, can encourage patients to adhere to ED-treatment. Also, increasing the availability of BH workforce (either via telehealth or part-time presence) in rural areas can alleviate the problem and reduce ED revisits.
Viable non-singular cosmic bounce in holonomy improved F(R) gravity endowed with a Lagrange multiplier
Authors: Elizalde Emilio , Odintsov S. D. , Paul Tanmoy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMatter and quasi-matter bounce scenarios are studied for an F(R) gravity model with holonomy corrections and a Lagrange multiplier, with a scale factor $$a(t) = \left( a_0t^2 + 1 \right) ^n$$a(t)=a0t2+1n, where the Hubble parameter squared has a linear and a quadratic dependence on the effective energy density. Provided $$n < 1/2$$n<1/2, it is shown that the primordial curvature perturbations are generated deeply into the contracting era, at large negative time, which makes the low-curvature limit a good approximation for calculating the perturbation power spectrum. Moreover, it is shown that, for n within this range, the obtained cosmological quantities are fully compatible with the Planck constraints, and that the “low curvature limit” comes as a viable approximation to calculate the power spectra of both scalar and tensor perturbations. Using reconstruction techniques for F(R) gravity with the Lagrange multiplier, the precise form of the effective F(R) gravity is found, from which one determines the power spectra of scalar and tensor perturbations in such bouncing scenario. Correspondingly, the spectral index for curvature perturbations and the tensor to scalar ratio are obtained, and these values are successfully confronted with the latest Planck observations. Further, it is shown that both the weak and the null energy conditions are satisfied, thanks to the holonomy corrections performed in the theory–which are then proven to be necessary for achieving this goal. In fact, when approaching the bouncing era, the holonomy corrections become significant and play a crucial role in order to restore the energy conditions. Summing up, a cosmological bouncing scenario with the scale factor above and fulfilling the energy conditions can be adequately described by the F(R) model with a Lagrange multiplier and holonomy corrections, which prove to be very important.
Carbon nanotube accelerator — Path toward TeV/m acceleration: Theory, experiment, and challenges
Authors: Shin Young-Min 
Published: January 2020

Aspirations of modern high energy particle physics call for compact and cost efficient lepton and hadron colliders with energy reach and luminosity significantly beyond the modern HEP facilities. Strong interplanar fields in crystals of the order of 10–100 V/Å can effectively guide and collimate high energy particles. Besides continuous focusing crystals plasma, if properly excited, can be used for particle acceleration with exceptionally high gradients [Formula: see text](TeV/m). However, the angstrom-scale size of channels in crystals might be too small to accept and accelerate significant number of particles. Carbon-based nano-structures such as carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) and graphenes have a large degree of dimensional flexibility and thermo-mechanical strength and thus could be more suitable for channeling acceleration of high intensity beams. Nano-channels of the synthetic crystals can accept a few orders of magnitude larger phase-space volume of channeled particles with much higher thermal tolerance than natural crystals. This paper presents conceptual foundations of the CNT acceleration, including underlying theory, practical outline and technical challenges of the proof-of-principle experiment. Also, an analytic description of the plasmon-assisted laser acceleration is detailed with practical acceleration parameters, in particular with specifications of a typical tabletop femtosecond laser system. The maximally achievable acceleration gradients and energy gains within dephasing lengths and CNT lengths are discussed with respect to laser-incident angles and the CNT-filling ratios.
Generalized Langevin Equation: An Introductory Review for Biophysicists
Authors: Chung Shin-Ho , Roper Michael 
Published: January 2020

An introductory, pedagogical review of the generalized Langevin equation (GLE) within the classical regime is presented. It is intended to be accessible to biophysicists with an interest in molecular dynamics (MD).Section 1 presents why the equation may be of interest within biophysical modeling. A detailed elementary first principles derivation of the (multidimensional) Kac–Zwanzig model is presented. The literature is reviewed with a focus on biophysical applications and representation by Markovian stochastic differential equations. The relationship with the Mori–Zwanzig formalism is discussed. The framework of model reduction and approximation is emphasized. Some open problems are identified.
pVACtools: A Computational Toolkit to Identify and Visualize Cancer Neoantigens
Authors: Hundal Jasreet , Kiwala Susanna , McMichael Joshua , Miller Christopher A. , Xia Huiming , Wollam Alexander T. , Liu Connor J. , Zhao Sidi , Feng Yang-Yang , Graubert Aaron P. , Wollam Amber Z. , Neichin Jonas , Neveau Megan , Walker Jason , Gillanders William E. , Mardis Elaine R. , Griffith Obi L. , Griffith Malachi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIdentification of neoantigens is a critical step in predicting response to checkpoint blockade therapy and design of personalized cancer vaccines. This is a cross-disciplinary challenge, involving genomics, proteomics, immunology, and computational approaches. We have built a computational framework called pVACtools that, when paired with a well-established genomics pipeline, produces an end-to-end solution for neoantigen characterization. pVACtools supports identification of altered peptides from different mechanisms, including point mutations, in-frame and frameshift insertions and deletions, and gene fusions. Prediction of peptide:MHC binding is accomplished by supporting an ensemble of MHC Class I and II binding algorithms within a framework designed to facilitate the incorporation of additional algorithms. Prioritization of predicted peptides occurs by integrating diverse data, including mutant allele expression, peptide binding affinities, and determination whether a mutation is clonal or subclonal. Interactive visualization via a Web interface allows clinical users to efficiently generate, review, and interpret results, selecting candidate peptides for individual patient vaccine designs. Additional modules support design choices needed for competing vaccine delivery approaches. One such module optimizes peptide ordering to minimize junctional epitopes in DNA vector vaccines. Downstream analysis commands for synthetic long peptide vaccines are available to assess candidates for factors that influence peptide synthesis. All of the aforementioned steps are executed via a modular workflow consisting of tools for neoantigen prediction from somatic alterations (pVACseq and pVACfuse), prioritization, and selection using a graphical Web-based interface (pVACviz), and design of DNA vector–based vaccines (pVACvector) and synthetic long peptide vaccines. pVACtools is available at http://www.pvactools.org.
Long-Distance Skiing and Incidence of Hypertension
Authors: Andersen Kasper , Hållmarker Ulf , James Stefan , Sundström Johan 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for death worldwide, and high levels of physical activity are associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. The associations of excessive levels of exercise and incidence of hypertension are less well known. We aim to compare the incidence of hypertension among 206 889 participants in a long-distance cross-country skiing event and 505 542 people randomly sampled from the general population (matched to the skiers on age, sex, and place of residence).

Methods:
Skiers’ best performance (in percent of winning time) and number of completed races during the study period were associated with incidence of hypertension after participation in Vasaloppet. Hypertension was defined as prescription of blood pressure–lowering drugs as obtained from the national drug registry. Models were adjusted for sex, age, education, and income (total effect).

Results:
During a median time of risk of 8.3 years, skiers had a lower incidence of hypertension compared with nonskiers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59 [95% CI, 0.58–0.60]). Among the skiers, better performance (in percent of winning time) in Vasaloppet was strongly associated with a lower incidence of hypertension (fastest fifth: HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.39-0.42]; slowest fifth: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75–0.81]). The association was nearly linear and did not differ between sexes. Among the skiers, a weaker association was seen between the number of completed races during the study period and the incidence of hypertension (1 race: HR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.62–0.65]; >5 races: HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.50–0.53]). A subanalysis of 10 804 participants including adjustment for lifestyle factors showed similar results.

Conclusions:
Participation in a long-distance skiing event was associated with a 41% lower incidence of hypertension over the next 8 years compared with nonparticipation. A near linear association between performance and incidence of hypertension was observed. This adds to the list of beneficial effects of intensive training, because hypertension is the leading risk factor of premature death globally.
Incidence, Trends, and Outcomes of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in a Community Cohort
Authors: Raphael Claire E. , Roger Véronique L. , Sandoval Yader , Singh Mandeep , Bell Malcolm , Lerman Amir , Rihal Charanjit S. , Gersh Bernard J. , Lewis Bradley , Lennon Ryan J. , Jaffe Allan S. , Gulati Rajiv 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) occurs because of an acute imbalance in myocardial oxygen supply and demand in the absence of atherothrombosis. Despite being frequently encountered in clinical practice, the population-based incidence and trends remain unknown, and the long-term outcomes are incompletely characterized.

Methods:
We prospectively recruited residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who experienced an event associated with a cardiac troponin T >99th percentile of a normal reference population (≥0.01 ng/mL) between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. Events were retrospectively classified into type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI, atherothombotic event), T2MI, or myocardial injury (troponin rise not meeting criteria for myocardial infarction [MI]) using the universal definition. Outcomes were long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and recurrent MI. T2MI was further subclassified by the inciting event for supply/demand mismatch.

Results:

A total of 5460 patients had at least one cardiac troponin T ≥0.01 ng/mL; 1365 of these patients were classified as index T1MI (age, 68.5±14.8 years; 63% male) and 1054 were classified as T2MI (age, 73.7±15.8 years; 46% male). The annual incidence of T1MI decreased markedly from 202 to 84 per 100 000 persons between 2003 and 2012 (
P
<0.001), whereas the incidence of T2MI declined from 130 to 78 per 100 000 persons (
P
=0.02). In comparison with patients with T1MI, patients with T2MI had higher long-term all-cause mortality after adjustment for age and sex, driven by early and noncardiovascular death. Rates of cardiovascular death were similar after either type of MI (hazard ratio, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7–1.0],
P
=0.11). Subclassification of T2MI by cause demonstrated a more favorable prognosis when the principal provoking mechanism was arrhythmia, in comparison with postoperative status, hypotension, anemia, and hypoxia. After index T2MI, the most common MI during follow-up was a recurrent T2MI, whereas the occurrence of a new T1MI was relatively rare (estimated rates at 5 years, 9.7% and 1.7%).

Conclusions:
There has been an evolution in the type of MI occurring in the community over a decade, with the incidence of T2MI now being similar to T1MI. Mortality after T2MI is higher and driven by early and noncardiovascular death. The provoking mechanism of supply/demand mismatch affects long-term survival. These findings underscore the healthcare burden of T2MI and provide benchmarks for clinical trial design.