bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Design of Multiple Tuned Mass Dampers to Reduce Vibrations of a Ram-Type Structure With Varying Dynamics via a Control Theoretic Framework
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kim Chang-Ju , Lee Changho , Oh Changwon 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper investigates the use of a linear time-invariant (LTI) control framework to optimally design multiple tuned mass dampers (TMDs) that minimize unwanted vibrations caused by exogenous disturbance forces to a ram-type structure with varying dynamic characteristics. A key challenge for the development of the LTI control framework is the reformulation of the TMDs’ design parameters, which consist of linear and nonlinear parameters as static feedback gains. This paper proposes the use of extra cascade control inputs to reformulate the optimization problem into an LTI control framework for the simultaneous optimization of linear (i.e., stiffness and damping) and nonlinear (i.e., location) parameters. A rigid planar system with multiple attached TMDs is developed as a mathematical model. It is reconstituted as an LTI framework by connecting a control input for the location parameter with control inputs for the stiffness and damping parameters. The model is then optimized using multi-model H∞ synthesis. A commercial gantry-type machining center is used to validate the proposed approach. Results from the simulation and experiment show that the optimized multiple TMDs systematically designed by this approach improve the system's dynamic stiffness by up to 83% and increase the allowable maximum depth of cut from 1 mm to 1.5 mm.
Needle-Size Bending Actuators Based on Controlled Nitinol Curvatures and Elastic Structures
Authors: Kalairaj Manivannan Sivaperuman , Yeow Bok Seng , Lim Chwee Ming , Ren Hongliang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Surgical navigation of small lumens during surgery is a challenging task, requiring expert knowledge and dexterity. The challenge pertains to the manipulation of the distal tip (inside the patient) from the proximal end (outside the patient). Limitations in down-scaling tendon-based manipulation have led our group to investigate shape-memory-alloy, curvature-based actuation for small lumen navigation. We demonstrate two prototype designs with different approaches and characterize the deflection angles for use in surgical navigation. Nitinol wire was shape trained to memorize a particular curvature and assembled without using micro-fabrication techniques. By varying actuation voltage and control signal pulse width, we show controlled deflections ranging between 5 deg and 22 deg, which applies to surgical navigation. This concept improves distal control and makes the actuation of surgical actuators easier and safer. By varying voltage between 5.7 V to 6.3 V, we show the temperature generated ranging between 37 °C and 43 °C, the force generated ranging between 0.015 N and 0.021 N experimentally and 0.01 N and 0.028 N theoretically.
The Effect of Fatigue on Leg Muscle Activation and Tibial Acceleration During a Jumping Task
Authors: Sandrey Michelle A. , Chang Yu-Jen , McCrory Jean L. 
Published: December 2019

Context:Lower-extremity stress fractures (SFx) are a common occurrence during load-bearing activities of jumping and landing. To detect biomechanical changes during jumping postinjury, a fatigue model could be used.Objective:To evaluate muscle activation in the lower leg and tibial accelerations (TAs) prefatigue to postfatigue following a jumping task in those with and without a history of SFx.Design:Repeated-measures.Setting:Athletic Training Research Lab.Participants:A total of 30 active college-aged students with and without a history of lower-extremity (leg or foot) SFx (15 males and 15 females; 21.5 [5.04] y, height = 173.5 [12.7] cm, weight = 72.65 [16.4] kg).Intervention:A maximal vertical jump on one leg 3 times with arms folded across the chest prefatigue to postfatigue was performed. Fatigue protocol was standing heel raises on a custom-built platform at a pace controlled by a metronome until task failure was reached. Legs were tested using a randomized testing order. Electromyographic (EMG) surface electrodes were placed on the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior following a standardized placement protocol. A triaxial accelerometer was attached to the proximal anteromedial surface of the tibia.Main Outcome Measures:Linear envelopes of the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior and peak accelerations (resultant acceleration takeoff and landing).Results:Significant interaction for leg × test for tibialis anterior with a posttest difference between SFx and control (P = .05). There were decreases in EMG linear envelope following fatigue for medial gastrocnemius (P < .01) and tibialis anterior (P = .12) pretest to posttest. At takeoff, TA was greater in the SFx contralateral leg in comparison with the control leg (P = .04). At landing, TA was greater in posttest (P < .01) and in the SFx leg compared with SFx contralateral (P = .14).Conclusion:A decrease in muscle activity and an increase in TA following fatigue were noted for all subjects but especially for those with a history of SFx.
Half-metallic properties in Co2XSn (X = Ti, V and Cr) full-Heusler compound
Authors: Abbassa H. , Labdelli A. , Meskine S. , Cherif Y. Benaissa , Boukortt A. 
Published: December 2019

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) confirm the half-metallic ferromagnetism in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and the nearly half-metallic ferromagnetism in [Formula: see text] Heusler alloys with the [Formula: see text]-type structure [Formula: see text]. The electronic band structures and density of states (DOS) calculations of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compounds show that the spin-up electrons are metallic, whereas the spin-down bands are semiconducting with a gap of 0.47 eV and 0.53 eV, respectively, with 0.21 eV and 0.36 eV as a spin-flip gap, respectively. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Heusler were half-metal compounds with magnetic moment of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at the equilibrium lattice constants [Formula: see text] Å and [Formula: see text] Å, respectively, which agrees with the Slater–Pauling rule, and have 100% polarization for a wide range of lattice parameters. The [Formula: see text] is a nearly half-metal (NHF) compound with magnetic moment of [Formula: see text] and 92.9% polarization at the equilibrium lattice constants [Formula: see text] Å and acquire half-metal behavior under the pressure 16.70 GPa.
Interaction of Blood Pressure Lowering and Alteplase Dose in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study
Authors: Wang Xia , Song Lili , Yang Jie , Sun Lingli , Moullaali Tom J. , Sandset Else Charlotte , Delcourt Candice , Lindley Richard I. , Robinson Thompson G. , Minhas  Jatinder S. , Arima Hisatomi , Chalmers John , Kim Jong S. , Sharma Vijay  , Wang Ji-Guang , Pontes-Neto Octávio  , Lavados Pablo M. , Olavarría Verónica V. , Lee Tsong-Hai , Levi Christopher  , Martins Sheila O. , Thang Nguyen H. , Anderson Craig S. ,   on behalf of the ENCHANTED Investigators
Published: December 2019

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To determine the extent to which the effects of intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering are modified by doses of alteplase in thrombolysis-eligible acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Prespecified analyses of the Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study for patients enrolled in both arms: (i) low-dose (0.6 mg/kg body weight) or standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) alteplase and (ii) intensive (target systolic BP [SBP] 130–140 mm Hg) or guideline-recommended (target SBP &#x3c;180 mm Hg) BP management. The primary outcome was functional recovery, measured by a shift in scores on modified Rankin scale at 90 days. The safety outcome was any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were 925 participants (mean age 67 years, 39% female, 77% Asian) randomized to both arms: 242 randomly assigned to guideline/standard-dose (GS); 234 to guideline/low-dose (GL); 227 to intensive/standard-dose (IS); and 222 to intensive/low-dose (IL). Overall, average SBP levels within 24 h were lower in the low-dose compared to standard-dose alteplase group (146 and 144 vs. 151 and 150 mm Hg, for GS and GL vs. IS and IL, respectively, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001). There was no heterogeneity of the effects of BP lowering (intensive vs. guideline) on functional recovery between standard-dose (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.12) and low-dose alteplase (1.06, 0.77–1.47; <i>p</i> = 0.25 for interaction). Similar results were observed for ICH (<i>p</i> = 0.50 for interaction). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In thrombolysis-treated patients with predominantly mild-to-moderate severity AIS, intensive BP lowering neither improve functional recovery, either with low- or standard-dose intravenous alteplase, nor beneficially interact with low-dose alteplase in reducing ICH. <b><i>Trial Registration:</i></b> The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01422616).
Validation of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance–Derived Equation for Predicted Left Ventricular Mass Using the UK Biobank Imaging Cohort
Authors: Fung Kenneth , Cheshire Caitlin , Cooper Jackie A. , Catarino Pedro , Piechnik Stefan K. , Neubauer Stefan , Bhagra Sai , Pettit Stephen , Petersen Steffen E. 
Published: December 2019

Background:
Current guidance from International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation recommends using body weight for donor-recipient size matching for heart transplantation. However, recent studies have shown that predicted heart mass, using body weight, height, age, and sex, may represent a better method of size matching. We aim to validate a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)–derived equation for predicted left ventricular mass (LVM) in a cohort of normal individuals in the United Kingdom.

Methods:
This observational study was conducted in 5065 middle-aged (44–77 years old) UK Biobank participants who underwent CMR imaging in 2014 to 2015. Individuals with cancer diagnosis in the previous 12 months or history of cardiovascular disease were excluded. Predicted LVM was calculated based on participants’ sex, height, and weight recorded at the time of imaging. Correlation analyses were performed between the predicted LVM and the LVM obtained from manual contouring of CMR cine images. The analysis included 3398 participants (age 61.5±7.5 years, 47.8% males).

RESULTS:

Predicted LVM was considerably higher than CMR-derived LVM (mean±SD of 138.8±28.9 g versus 86.3±20.9 g). However, there was a strong correlation between the 2 measurements (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.802,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:
Predicted LVM calculated using a CMR-derived equation that incorporates height, weight, and sex has a strong correlation with CMR LVM in large cohort of normal individuals in the United Kingdom. Our findings suggest that predicted heart mass equations may be a valid tool for donor-recipient size matching for heart transplantation in the United Kingdom.
Randomized Trial of an Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Owolabi Mayowa O. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Akinyemi Rufus O. , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Akpa Onoja , Olaniyan Olanrewaju , Salako Babatunde L. , Arulogun Oyedunni , Tagge Raelle , Uvere Ezinne , Fakunle Adekunle , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: December 2019

Background:
We conducted the first-of-its kind randomized stroke trial in Africa to test whether a THRIVES (Tailored Hospital-based Risk reduction to Impede Vascular Events after Stroke) intervention improved blood pressure (BP) control among patients with stroke.

Methods and Results:

Intervention comprised a patient global risk factor control report card, personalized phone text-messaging, and educational video. Four hundred patients recruited from 4 distinct medical facilities in Nigeria, aged ≥18 years with stroke-onset within one-year, were randomized to THRIVES intervention and control group. The control group also received text messages, and both groups received modest financial incentives. The primary outcome was mean change in systolic BP (SBP) at 12 months. There were 36.5% females, 72.3% with ischemic stroke; mean age was 57.2±11.7 years; 93.5% had hypertension and mean SBP was 138.33 (23.64) mm Hg. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in SBP reduction from baseline in the THRIVES versus control group (2.32 versus 2.01 mm Hg,
P
=0.82). In an exploratory analysis of subjects with baseline BP >140/90 mm Hg (n=168), THRIVES showed a significant mean SBP (diastolic BP) decrease of 11.7 (7.0) mm Hg while control group showed a significant mean SBP (diastolic BP) decrease of 11.2 (7.9) mm Hg at 12 months.

Conclusions:
THRIVES intervention did not significantly reduce SBP compared with controls. However, there was similar significant decrease in mean BP in both treatment arms in the subgroup with baseline hypertension. As text-messaging and a modest financial incentive were the common elements between both treatment arms, further research is required to establish whether these measures alone can improve BP control among stroke survivors.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01900756.
Old and New Hierarchies: Rewritten Social Norms in "Silent Valley"
Authors: Batori Anna 
Published: December 2019

Old and New Hierarchies: Rewritten Social Norms in Silent ValleyThe article discusses the socialist and post-socialist hierarchical structure in Romania by focusing on the sociological reading of the series Silent Valley (Valea Mutã, 2016). As argued in the text, the production shows a remarkable, novel approach to breaking the discursive taboos of the Ceaușescu system by featuring homosexuality, corruption and revised gender roles on screen. The main focus of the article is on revealing how the old socialist socio-political hierarchies have been inherited and/or transferred to the capitalist-democratic epoch. By analysing such structures, the text provides a gender-centred description of the Romanian socialist and contemporary framework, while giving special attention to the situation of the Roma minority in the country. In a formalist-structuralist reading, it aims to dissect the phenomena of gender hierarchy, political and social dominance, and people’s subjugated position within this context. Régi és új hierarchiák: Átírt társadalmi normák a Silent ValleyA tanulmány egy formalistra-strukturalista olvasaton belül a szocialista és kapitalista hierarchikus struktúrákat vizsgálja a Silent Valley (Valea Mutã, 2016) című roman sorozatban, miközben amellett érvel, hogy – a Ceaușescu-rendszer tabuit megdöntő, avagy a homoszexualitás, változó nemi szerepek, a roma helyzet és korrupció témaköreit nyíltan felvállaló – produkció új fejezetet nyitott az ország televíziós sorozatgyártásában. A tanulmány központi fókusza a szocialista politikai hierarchiák felfedése jelen kontextusban, és a változó domináns nemi szerepek reflexiójának leképezése a kortárs televíziós szférában. Stare i nowe hierarchie. Napisane na nowo normy społeczne w Silent ValleyArtykuł bada socjalistyczne i kapitalistyczne struktury hierarchiczne w rumuńskim serialu Silent Valley (Valea Mutã, 2016) w ujęciu formalno-strukturalnym. [Autorka] argumentuje jednocześnie, że przełamując tabu systemu Ceaușescu poprzez otwarte podjęcie tematów homoseksualizmu, zmieniania ról płciowych, sytuacji Romów i korupcji, produkcja otworzyła nowy rozdział w dziejach seriali telewizyjnych w Rumunii. Głównym przedmiotem artykułu jest ukazanie w tym kontekście socjalistycznych hierarchii politycznych oraz refleksja nad zmianą dominujących ról płciowych we współczesnej sferze telewizyjnej.
A Two-Moment Bulk Parameterization of the Drop Collection Growth in Warm Clouds
Authors: Zeng Xiping , Li Xiaowen 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
To improve the modeling of warm rain initiation, a two-moment bulk parameterization of the drop collection growth in warm clouds is developed by two steps: (i) its prototype is first derived based on the analytic solution of the stochastic collection equation (SCE) with the Golovin kernel, and (ii) the prototype is then revamped empirically to fit the numerical solution of SCE with the real hydrodynamic collection kernel, reaching the final version of the parameterization. Since the final version represents the self-collection of cloud drops explicitly, it replicates warm rain initiation well even when liquid water content (cloud-drop number concentration) is very low (high). It also replicates the autoconversion threshold and time delay of rain initiation via a small autoconversion rate.
Green walking groups: A mixed-methods review of the mental health outcomes for adults with mental health problems
Authors: Swinson Tom , Wenborn Jennifer , Sugarhood Paul 
Published: December 2019

Introduction Evidence suggests group walking in natural environments is more beneficial to the general population’s mental health than walking indoors, in urban environments, and alone. Such ‘green walking groups’ have been suggested as an occupational therapy intervention that could be suitable for adults with mental health problems. However, there have been no reviews of the mental health outcomes of participating in green walking groups for this population. Method A mixed-methods literature review was conducted. A range of databases was systematically searched electronically. Papers that met pre-defined inclusion criteria were selected, critically appraised, and qualitative and quantitative data were extracted. Thematic analysis was used to identify key qualitative outcomes. Findings Six papers were included and eight mental health outcomes identified. The evidence suggests participants can experience connections with other people, connections with nature, and a sense of freedom. There is some limited evidence to support improvements to mood, self-esteem, reflection on life tasks, and symptoms of depression, with mixed evidence for experiencing a sense of achievement. Conclusion This review can be used to build the evidence base for the link between occupation and mental health, and inform the clinical decision-making of occupational therapists, who are well-placed to design and implement green walking groups.
Clinical Characteristics of Influenza in Season 2017/2018 in a German Emergency Department: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mohammad Sonia , Korn Klaus , Schellhaas Barbara , Neurath Markus F , Goertz Ruediger S 
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Influenza infection is a viral disease with significant morbidity and mortality during the cold months. Clinical presentation typically includes cough, fever, and pain. Influenza disease is hardly diagnosed only on the basis of clinical symptoms due to similar clinical presentation of other diseases such as a typical cold or other flu-like diseases. We evaluated patients with proven influenza who presented at an emergency department of internal medicine in a university hospital according to the clinical presentation and different age groups. Materials and Methods: From October 2017 to April 2018, 723 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for influenza were performed in the emergency department on patients with suspected influenza diagnosed clinically. A total of 240 influenza-positive patients were retrospectively assessed for documented main symptoms, vital parameters, risk factors for an unfavorable course, hospitalization, and death. Results: The mean age of influenza patients was 65 years. Overall, 30 patients were aged 18 to 39 years, 48 patients 40 to 59 years, and 162 patients ⩾60 years. Influenza B in 168 (70%) was predominant to 72 influenza A (mostly H1N1). In only 30% of the patients all three typical symptoms (cough, fever, and headache/myalgia) were documented. Headache or myalgia (with 34%) was rather uncommon in influenza B. Sudden onset was cited in only 5.4%; 57% of all influenza patients were in hospital for a mean of 7.1 days, and 5.8% of all influenza patients died. Patients aged above 60 years had more risk factors, showed typical symptoms less frequently, and were hospitalized longer than younger patients (<60 and <40 years). Conclusions: At an emergency department of internal medicine, influenza-diseased patients are of higher age, show an increased number of comorbidities, and are more likely to have milder symptoms documented. Elderly patients with influenza have a higher hospitalization rate with a longer hospital stay as compared with younger patients.
Minimal residual disease and stem cell transplantation outcomes
Authors: Cloos Jacqueline , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Dillon Richard 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Risk classification and tailoring of treatment are essential for improving outcome for patients with acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Both patient and leukemia-specific characteristics assessed using morphology, cytogenetics, molecular biology, and multicolor flow cytometry are relevant at diagnosis and during induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases of the treatment. In particular, minimal residual disease (MRD) during therapy has potential as a prognostic factor of outcome, determination of response to therapy, and direction of targeted therapy. MRD can be determined by cell surface markers using multicolor flow cytometry, whereas leukemia-specific translocations and mutations are measured using polymerase chain reaction–based techniques and recently using next-generation sequencing. All these methods of MRD detection have their (dis)advantages, and all need to be standardized, prospectively validated, and improved to be used for uniform clinical decision making and a potential surrogate end point for clinical trials testing novel treatment strategies. Important issues to be solved are time point of MRD measurement and threshold for MRD positivity. MRD is used for stem cell transplantation (SCT) selection in the large subgroup of patients with an intermediate risk profile. Patients who are MRD positive will benefit from allo-SCT. However, MRD-negative patients have a better chance of survival after SCT. Therefore, it is debated whether MRD-positive patients should be extensively treated to become MRD negative before SCT. Either way, accurate monitoring of potential residual or upcoming disease is mandatory. Tailoring therapy according to MRD monitoring may be the most successful way to provide appropriate specifically targeted, personalized treatment.
Prognostication with circulating tumor DNA: is it ready for prime time?
Authors: Kurtz David M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Emerging methods to detect tumor-derived DNA in the blood plasma of patients with lymphomas—so-called “circulating tumor DNA” (ctDNA)—have the potential to change the way in which lymphoma is diagnosed and managed in the clinic. The possible applications for ctDNA are numerous, including mutation genotyping, response monitoring, and detection of minimal residual disease during a time of radiographic remission. This article discusses the methodology for detecting ctDNA in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, including digital polymerase chain reaction, targeted sequencing of immunoglobulin receptors, and targeted next-generation sequencing. The advantages of each of these methods are also compared, with a focus on promising clinical applications. These include identification of molecular subtypes (eg, cell-of-origin and double-hit lymphomas) from pretreatment plasma, molecular response prediction after an initial course of therapy, and early detection of relapsing disease prior to clinical relapse. Finally, this article discusses the challenges in implementing ctDNA assays in the clinic today, including possible solutions to these challenges.