bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leading and Learning through Dynamic Performance Management in Government
Authors: Munteanu Ioana , Newcomer Kathryn 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPerformance management in government is at a crossroads. The advent of big data and advances in technological and analytical tools have provided opportunities to measure and track a wider variety of internal and external indicators on a more timely basis. Public leaders require new vision and capacity to design and manage knowledge‐building systems. This article provides two tools: (1) a more comprehensive open systems performance management framework and (2) a model of leadership needed to orchestrate such systems—knowledge brokers who orchestrate the demand for and supply of evidence. This article recommends that public agencies strategically build evidence to better track measures of the effects of governmental actions on public value and their intended and unintended consequences on the ecosystem; articulate, measure, and test the assumptions built into their operating models; and learn from routine monitoring of the dynamic environment in which their organizations strive to achieve their missions.
Membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm frozen with low‐density lipoproteins and trehalose
Authors: Varela Elizabeth , Rojas Mauricio , Restrepo Giovanni 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCryopreservation results in the destabilization of the sperm plasma membrane, leading to negative side effects such as premature cryocapacitation, apoptosis and the low mitochondrial activity of bovine spermatozoa. Low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and trehalose have been used in seminal freezing to protect the integrity and stability of sperm membranes. Likewise, trehalose can increase the mitochondrial activity of sperm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine sperm after being frozen and treated with LDL sources and trehalose. Ten ejaculates from five bulls were cryopreserved under the treatments, CEY: chicken egg yolk (20% v/v); CCEY: centrifuged CEY (20% v/v); LDL: LDL (8% v/v); T: trehalose (100 mM); and TLDL: T (100 mM) plus LDL (8% v/v). After thawing, membrane stability and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) were assessed by flow cytometry through the M‐540/Yopro‐1 and DiOC6/PI probes. The structural membrane integrity (SMI) was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy using SYBR14/PI dyes. A generalized linear model was adjusted, and the means were compared using the Tukey test. Centrifuged chicken egg yolk and LDL had a higher proportion of non‐cryocapacitated non‐apoptotic sperm (M−Y−), while CEY and T had the largest populations of cryocapacitated non‐apoptotic sperm (M+Y−) and cryocapacitated apoptotic sperm (M+Y+). Centrifuged chicken egg yolk also showed a higher proportion of sperm with high‐ΔΨM. Treatments that included egg yolk or purified LDL had a positive effect on SMI. Centrifuged chicken egg yolk has a superior cryoprotective effect on membrane stability and mitochondrial activity of bovine semen over the conventional use of CEY or the individual or simultaneous use of LDL and trehalose.
Comparison of different intracellular cryoprotectants on the solid surface vitrification of red‐rumped agouti (Dasyprocta Leporina Lichtenstein, 1823) ovarian tissue
Authors: Praxedes Érica Camila G. , Lima Gabriela L. , da Silva Andréia M. , Campos Lívia B. , de Souza Carla Michelle P. , Moreira Samara Sandy J. , de Oliveira Moacir F. , Silva Alexandre R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn contributing to the conservation of wild rodents, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of distinct cryoprotectants, separately or in combination, for solid surface vitrification (SSV) of red‐rumped agouti ovarian tissue. Ovarian cortex from nine females was recovered and fragmented. Fresh fragments (control) were used to analyse the pre‐antral follicle (PF) morphology using a histologic procedure, viability using the Trypan blue test, cell proliferation by counting the argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (Ag‐NORs technique) and DNA integrity using the TUNEL assay. The remaining fragments were vitrified using SSV method with 3 M or 6 M ethylene glycol (EG) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or in combination (3 M EG/3 M DMSO), and further evaluated as reported for the fresh samples. All cryoprotectants were effective at preserving PFs morphology compared to the control group (80.7 ± 5.21%), except 6 M EG and 3 M DMSO that provoked a significant (p < .05) decrease on the values of morphologically normal primary (60.0 ± 19.0%) and primordial (44 ± 4.5%) follicles, respectively. Regarding viability, all cryoprotectants provided values similar to that verified for the control group (79.0%), but a significant decrease (p < .05) was observed with EG/DMSO combination (59%). Using Ag‐NORs technique, the highest (p < .05) cell proliferative capacity was detected when using EG at each tested concentration. The TUNEL proved the preservation of DNA integrity regardless of the cryoprotectant. In summary, we suggest the use of 3 M EG for the solid surface vitrification of red‐rumped agouti ovarian tissue.
Unfavourable treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients with different vitamin D status and blood glucose levels in a programme setting in China
Authors: Lin Yan , Bai Yunlong , Zhang Tiejuan , Kang Wanli , Kang Demei , Miao Qiang , Wang Yunlong , Shao Hongshan , Li Xiangwen , Brigden Grania , Dlodlo Riitta A. , Harries Anthony D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTuberculosis (TB) treatment success rates are high in China, but there are still a considerable number of cases who have unfavourable treatment outcomes (UTO). We aimed to determine the proportion of TB patients with UTO and to assess whether baseline characteristics that included glycaemic status [normal fasting blood glucose (FBG), transient hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus (DM)] and vitamin D status were associated with UTO.MethodProspective cohort study conducted between November 2015 and July 2016 at six clinics within routine TB services in Jilin province, where persons with TB were consecutively recruited. Data analysis was performed using the chi‐squared test and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOf the 306 recruited TB patients, 96 (31.4%) had smear‐positive pulmonary TB, 187 (61.1%) had smear‐negative pulmonary TB and 23 (7.5%) had extrapulmonary TB (EPTB). Of these, 95 (31.1%) had normal blood glucose, 83 (27.1%) had transient hyperglycaemia and 128 (41.8%) had DM. 227 (74.2%) patients had vitamin D deficiency/severe deficiency. There were 125 (40.8%) patients with UTO of whom the majority were lost to follow‐up (57.6%) or not evaluated (28.8%). UTO was significantly associated with smear‐negative pulmonary TB (P = 0.009), EPTB (P < 0.001) and DM (P = 0.007).ConclusionThe proportion of TB patients with UTO increased with smear‐negative pulmonary TB, EPTB and DM. TB programmes need to pay more attention to these issues and ensure intensive patient support to those at risk and early detection of DM.
Red blood cell transfusion results in adhesion of neutrophils in human endotoxemia and in critically ill patients with sepsis
Authors: van Hezel Maike E. , Boshuizen Margit , Peters Anna L. , Straat M. , Vlaar Alexander P. , Spoelstra ‐ de Man Angelique M.E. , Tanck Michael W.T. , Tool Anton T.J. , Beuger Boukje M. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Juffermans Nicole P. , van Bruggen Robin 
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUNDRed blood cell (RBC) transfusion is associated with adverse effects, which may involve activation of the host immune response. The effect of RBC transfusion on neutrophil Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and adhesion ex vivo was investigated in endotoxemic volunteers and in critically ill patients that received a RBC transfusion. We hypothesized that RBC transfusion would cause neutrophil activation, the extent of which depends on the storage time and the inflammatory status of the recipient.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSVolunteers were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transfused with either saline, fresh, or stored autologous RBCs. In addition, 47 critically ill patients with and without sepsis receiving either fresh (<8 days) or standard stored RBC (2‐35 days) were included. Neutrophils from healthy volunteers were incubated with the plasma samples from the endotoxemic volunteers and from the critically ill patients, after which priming of neutrophil ROS production and adhesion were assessed.RESULTSIn the endotoxemia model, ex vivo neutrophil adhesion, but not ROS production, was increased after transfusion, which was not affected by RBC storage duration. In the critically ill, ex vivo neutrophil ROS production was already increased prior to transfusion and was not increased following transfusion. Neutrophil adhesion was increased following transfusion, which was more notable in the septic patients than in non‐septic patients. Transfusion of fresh RBCs, but not standard issued RBCs, resulted in enhanced ROS production in neutrophils.CONCLUSIONRBC transfusion was associated with increased neutrophil adhesion in a model of human endotoxemia as well as in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Prevalence of serologic markers of transfusion and sexually transmitted infections and their correlation with clinical features in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Blatyta Paula F. , Kelly Shannon , Sabino Ester , Preiss Liliana , Mendes Franciane , Carneiro‐Proietti Anna B. , Werneck Rodrigues Daniela de Oliveira , Mota Rosimere , Loureiro Paula , Maximo Claudia , Park Miriam , Mendrone‐Jr Alfredo , Gonçalez Thelma T. , de Almeida Neto Cesar , Custer Brian ,   for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study III (REDS‐III) International Component, Brazil
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUNDPatients with sickle cell disease (SCD) often require red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for clinical complications, so may be exposed to transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs). The prevalence of markers for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B (HBV), human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV‐1/2), Chagas disease, and syphilis in an SCD cohort in Brazil were studied.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSClinical history, interview data, blood samples, and medical chart review data were collected during cohort enrollment from November 2013 to May 2015. Serologic markers of infection were assessed. Standard measures of statistical association were calculated, and multivariable models were developed for the most prevalent infections to identify associated factors.RESULTSInfection markers were evident in 5.2% (144/2779) of the enrolled cohort. Anti‐HCV was detected in 69 (2.5%), syphilis antibodies in 34 (1.2%), anti‐HTLV‐1/2 in 17 (0.6%), HBV surface antigen in 13 (0.5%), Chagas disease antibodies in 13 (0.5%), and anti‐HIV in 8 (0.3%) of participants. Factors associated with increased odds of being anti‐HCV reactive were older age, illegal drug use, increasing number of RBCs, more than three pain crises in the previous year, and geographic location. Syphilis was associated with older age, females, and smoking history.CONCLUSIONHCV infection was more common in older patients who may have received RBCs before testing was performed on donations, suggesting possible historic transfusion transmission. The cohort showed decreasing rates of infections and a reduction in transfusion transmission markers in younger patients compared to historical literature except for syphilis, indicating contemporary reduced risk of TTI.
Hydroxysafflor yellow A exerts beneficial effects by restoring hormone secretion and alleviating oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome mice
Authors: Luo Man , Huang Ji‐Cheng , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Wang Yu‐Si , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan‐Peng 
Published: December 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What are the potential therapeutic roles of ginsenoside Rb1 and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What is the main finding and its importance?
HSYA restored the oestrous cycles of PCOS mice, reduced follicular cysts in ovaries and rescued abnormal hormone secretion; ginsenoside Rb1 did not ameliorate the main symptoms of PCOS mice. HSYA alleviated oxidative stress along with an enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity. This highlights a potential role of HSYA in PCOS therapy.

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease resulting in female infertility. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and ginsenoside Rb1 have been shown to have antioxidant properties, but little is known about their impact in PCOS. Here dehydroepiandrosterone was used to induce PCOS in a mouse model that was characterized by an irregular oestrous cycle, cystic follicles and an elevated serum testosterone level. Supplementation of HSYA restored the oestrous cycle of PCOS mice, reduced follicular cysts in PCOS mouse ovaries and brought about a decline in serum testosterone level, while ginsenoside Rb1 did not ameliorate the above symptoms of PCOS mice. After HSYA treatment, there was elevation of serum oestradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone and anti‐Müllerian hormone levels and a reduction of follicle‐stimulating hormone level, but ginsenoside Rb1 only rescued the levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone and anti‐Müllerian hormone. Further analysis evidenced that HSYA reversed the expression of steroid hormone secretion‐related genes Star, Hsd3b1, Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1. In PCOS mice HSYA weakened the elevation of ovarian malondialdehyde, which is regarded as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Moreover, HSYA improved reduced glutathione content accompanied by a simultaneous increase in reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio, and enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Collectively, HSYA exerted beneficial effects on PCOS mice by restoring hormone secretion and alleviating oxidative stress.
Acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia and sympathetic neurovascular transduction in men
Authors: Stuckless Troy J. R. , Vermeulen Tyler D. , Brown Courtney V. , Boulet Lindsey M. , Shafer Brooke M. , Wakeham Denis J. , Steinback Craig D. , Ayas Najib T. , Floras John S. , Foster Glen E. 
Published: December 2019

Key points
Intermittent hypoxia leads to long‐lasting increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure, contributing to increased risk for hypertension in obstructive sleep apnoea patients.
We determined whether augmented vascular responses to increasing sympathetic vasomotor outflow, termed sympathetic neurovascular transduction (sNVT), accompanied changes in blood pressure following acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia in men.
Lower body negative pressure was utilized to induce a range of sympathetic vasoconstrictor firing while measuring beat‐by‐beat blood pressure and forearm vascular conductance.
IH reduced vascular shear stress and steepened the relationship between diastolic blood pressure and sympathetic discharge frequency, suggesting greater systemic sNVT.
Our results indicate that recurring cycles of acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia characteristic of obstructive sleep apnoea could promote hypertension by increasing sNVT.
AbstractAcute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia (IH) induces long‐lasting elevations in sympathetic vasomotor outflow and blood pressure in healthy humans. It is unknown whether IH alters sympathetic neurovascular transduction (sNVT), measured as the relationship between sympathetic vasomotor outflow and either forearm vascular conductance (FVC; regional sNVT) or diastolic blood pressure (systemic sNVT). We tested the hypothesis that IH augments sNVT by exposing healthy males to 40 consecutive 1 min breathing cycles, each comprising 40 s of hypercapnic hypoxia (: +4 ± 3 mmHg above baseline; : 48 ± 3 mmHg) and 20 s of normoxia (n = 9), or a 40 min air‐breathing control (n = 7). Before and after the intervention, lower body negative pressure (LBNP; 3 min at –15, –30 and –45 mmHg) was applied to elicit reflex increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, fibular microneurography) when clamping end‐tidal gases at baseline levels. Ventilation, arterial pressure [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP)], brachial artery blood flow (BA), FVC (BA/MAP) and MSNA burst frequency were measured continuously. Following IH, but not control, ventilation [5 L min–1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1–9] and MAP (5 mmHg; 95% CI = 1–9) were increased, whereas FVC (–0.2 mL min–1 mmHg–1; 95% CI = –0.0 to –0.4) and mean shear rate (–21.9 s–1; 95% CI = –5.8 to –38.0; all P < 0.05) were reduced. Systemic sNVT was increased following IH (0.25 mmHg burst–1 min–1; 95% CI = 0.01–0.49; P < 0.05), whereas changes in regional forearm sNVT were similar between IH and sham. Reductions in vessel wall shear stress and, consequently, nitric oxide production may contribute to heightened systemic sNVT and provide a potential neurovascular mechanism for elevated blood pressure in obstructive sleep apnoea.
Direct Validation of Human Knee-Joint Contact Mechanics Derived From Subject-Specific Finite-Element Models of the Tibiofemoral and Patellofemoral Joints
Authors: Gu Wei , Pandy Marcus G. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to validate predictions of human knee-joint contact mechanics (specifically, contact pressure, contact area, and contact force) derived from finite-element models of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints against corresponding measurements obtained in vitro during simulated weight-bearing activity. A secondary aim was to perform sensitivity analyses of the model calculations to identify those parameters that most significantly affect model predictions of joint contact pressure, area, and force. Joint pressures in the medial and lateral compartments of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints were measured in vitro during two simulated weight-bearing activities: stair descent and squatting. Model-predicted joint contact pressure distribution maps were consistent with those obtained from experiment. Normalized root-mean-square errors between the measured and calculated contact variables were on the order of 15%. Pearson correlations between the time histories of model-predicted and measured contact variables were generally above 0.8. Mean errors in the calculated center-of-pressure locations were 3.1 mm for the tibiofemoral joint and 2.1 mm for the patellofemoral joint. Model predictions of joint contact mechanics were most sensitive to changes in the material properties and geometry of the meniscus and cartilage, particularly estimates of peak contact pressure. The validated finite element modeling framework offers a useful tool for noninvasive determination of knee-joint contact mechanics during dynamic activity under physiological loading conditions.
Optimization of the Width of Vapor Chamber Regions by Using Particle Swarm Optimization Method
Authors: Hassan Hamdy , Harmand Souad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
An optimization of vapor chamber (VC) region's width and its wick porosity to achieve the minimum temperature rise of the vapor chamber is studied in this paper. The optimization process is carried out by particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. The study is performed at various widths of the vapor chamber, cooling rates, and input powers. The vapor chamber includes two solid copper plates, two wick regions, and vapor region between them. The required chamber characteristics for the optimization process are obtained by solving a complete VC mathematical model, which couples the thermal and hydrodynamic models. The optimum vapor chamber regions' thicknesses and the fluid flow through the vapor chamber regions are studied. The results illustrate that to minimize the chamber temperature, the wick region width must be minimized. They also show that increasing the total width of the chamber from 3 to 7 mm does not have a great impact on the chamber optimized temperature. Moreover, the vapor chamber width does not have a great impact on the optimum wick region width. The optimum width of the vapor region and the chamber walls augments with increasing the total vapor chamber width. Additionally, the form of temperature, streamlines, and velocity distributions at liquid and vapor regions at optimum conditions are not greatly influenced by increasing vapor chamber width.
Soft Morphing Buttons Based on Actuator and Sensor Properties of Shape Memory Alloy Wires
Authors: Scholtes Dominik , Goergen Yannik , Motzki Paul , Seelecke Stefan , Scheiner Philipp 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
As a smart material thermal shape memory alloys (SMAs) feature actuator behavior combined with self-sensing capabilities. With their high energy density and design flexibility they are predestined to be used in soft robotics and the emerging field of morphing surfaces. Such shape changing surfaces can be used for novel human-machine interaction (HMI) elements based on mode-/situation-dependent interfaces that may be applied to all kind of machines, appliances and smart home devices as well as automotive interiors. Since many of those contain textile surfaces, it is of special interest to place SMA-based actuator-sensor-elements beneath a textile cover or integrated them in the textile itself. In this study, the unique features of SMAs are used to design a system which represents an active “morphing” button. It can lower into the surface it is integrated in, pops up to be used and shows a proportional signal output depending on the pushing stroke. The system is characterized concerning haptics and sensor technology. The button consists of a TPU structure, to which two NiTi wires are attached. When activated, the SMAs contract and the structure curves upwards. The user can now push on the device to use it as a button. In the future, the use of SMA wires and for example TPU fibers enables direct integration in the production process of a possible smart and functional textile.
Design-Oriented Multifidelity Fluid Simulation Using Machine Learned Fidelity Mapping
Authors: Fuchi Kazuko , Wolf Eric M. , Makhija David S. , Wukie Nathan A. , Schrock Christopher R. , Beran Philip S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A machine learning algorithm that performs multifidelity domain decomposition is introduced. While the design of complex systems can be facilitated by numerical simulations, the determination of appropriate physics couplings and levels of model fidelity can be challenging. The proposed method automatically divides the computational domain into subregions and assigns required fidelity level, using a small number of high fidelity simulations to generate training data and low fidelity solutions as input data. Unsupervised and supervised machine learning algorithms are used to correlate features from low fidelity solutions to fidelity assignment. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated in a problem of viscous fluid flow around a cylinder at Re ≈ 20. Ling et al. built physics-informed invariance and symmetry properties into machine learning models and demonstrated improved model generalizability. Along these lines, we avoid using problem dependent features such as coordinates of sample points, object geometry or flow conditions as explicit inputs to the machine learning model. Use of pointwise flow features generates large data sets from only one or two high fidelity simulations, and the fidelity predictor model achieved 99.5% accuracy at training points. The trained model was shown to be capable of predicting a fidelity map for a problem with an altered cylinder radius. A significant improvement in the prediction performance was seen when inputs are expanded to include multiscale features that incorporate neighborhood information.