bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Curved Ballasted Track-Vehicle Dynamic Interaction: Effects of Curve Radius and Track Structural Nonlinearity
Authors: Pan Liu , Xu Lei , Chen Xianmai , Zhu Zixu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, a model for characterizing the ballasted track-vehicle interaction is presented. The vehicle is modelled as a multi-rigid-body system consisting of a car body, two bogie frames and four wheelsets, and the track is modelled by finite elements including the rail, the sleeper and the track bed. All bodies are connected by spring-dashpot elements. With novelty, the geometric nonlinearity of curved rail beam and mechanical nonlinearity of ballasted bed lateral resistance have been fully considered. Besides, numerical solution procedures including iteration and increment have been also developed to accurately clarify the dynamic nonlinear performance of vehicle-track systems. Apart from model validations in statics and dynamics, the influence of track nonlinearity and curved track radius on vehicle-track dynamic performance has been revealed in detail.
A Study of Hydroformed Bellows, Applying a Finite Element Method: Relationship of Bellows Dimensions, Shape, Spring Rate and Stress
Authors: Ishiyama Asahiko , Suefuji Yoshihiro , Yonemitsu Masato , Ura Akira 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The spring rate of hydroformed bellows are generally calculated by shell theory or energy theory. In both cases, the calculation model of the bellows will be simplified and the thickness of the bellows convolutions will be assumed as a uniform thickness plate. It is often found that calculated solutions differ from experimental spring rates and stresses since the outside thickness of the bellows is different to the inside thickness. In this paper a finite element method (FEM) is applied to obtain the spring rate and stress of bellows. The calculated spring rates are almost the same as those of experimental data and indicate that the spring rate value is very sensitive to the ratio of OD thickness and ID thickness. The design diagrams for spring rate and maximum shear stress reflecting OD and ID thickness ratio are therefore presented.
Structural Optimization Methods for Aluminum Beverage Can Bottoms
Authors: Bhakuni Nila D. , Trageser Andrew B. , Sundaresan Sivakumar , Ishii Kosuke 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The objective of this research is to minimize the weight of beverage cans subject to structural, geometric, manufacturing, and volume constraints. The structural constraints are: internal pressure, drop loading, and axial column loading which can buckle and damage the can. This study concentrates on the variation of the geometry of the can bottom. Parameterization is a key issue as three distinct parameter sets are essential to the optimization of the can: the Tooling parameters allow the can to be made, the geometric parameters allow the can to be analyzed by the finite element method, and the continuous parameters allow the can to be optimized. The optimization can be done only by integrating geometric, mechanical, mathematical, and physical insight to the problem. Finite element automation and monotonicity analysis were essential in optimizing this problem in a solution space with 14 variables. A sensitivity analysis of both the nominal and optimal design provided insight to the variation of tooling tolerances on the structural performance, fill volume, and weight of the can. Additional research could address robust design by minimizing sensitivity.
High rate and large intercentre variability in retreatment of retinopathy of prematurity in infants born <24 gestational weeks
Authors: Lundgren Pia , Jacobson Lena , Hård Anna-Lena , Al-Hawasi Abbas , Larsson Eva , Gränse Lotta , Saric Marie , Sunnqvist Birgitta , Tornqvist Kristina , Wallin Agneta , Holmstrom Gerd E , Smith Lois LE , Morsing Eva , Hellström Ann 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivePrematurity is a major risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We aimed to elucidate ROP prevalence, treatment and retreatment in infants born before 24 gestational age (GA) weeks in a Swedish cohort.Methods and analysisInfants with completed ROP screening, born at <24 GA weeks, 2007–2018 in Sweden were included. Data of GA, birth weight (BW), sex, neonatal morbidities, maximal ROP stage, aggressive posterior ROP (APROP), ROP treatments, treatment modality and treatment centre were retrieved.ResultsIn total, 399 infants, with a mean GA of 23.2 weeks (range 21.9–23.9) and a mean BW of 567 g (range 340–874), were included. ROP was detected in 365 (91.5%) infants, 173 (43.4%) were treated for ROP and 68 of 173 (39.3%) were treated more than once. As the first treatment, 142 (82.0%) received laser and 29 (16.1%) received intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Retreatment was performed after first laser in 46 of 142 (32.4%) and in 20 of 29 (69.0%) after first anti-VEGF treatment. Retreatment rate was not associated with GA, BW or sex but with APROP, treatment method (anti-VEGF) and treatment centre where the laser was performed (p<0.001). Twenty eyes progressed to retinal detachment, and two infants developed unilateral endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF treatment.ConclusionInfants, born at <24 weeks’ GA, had high rates of treatment-warranting ROP and retreatments. Treatment centre highly influenced the retreatment rate after laser indicating that laser treatment could be improved in some settings.
Short-course IL-15 given as a continuous infusion led to a massive expansion of effective NK cells: implications for combination therapy with antitumor antibodies
Authors: Dubois Sigrid P , Miljkovic Milos D , Fleisher Thomas A , Pittaluga Stefania , Hsu-Albert Jennifer , Bryant Bonita R , Petrus Michael N , Perera Liyanage P , Müller Jürgen R , Shih Joanna H , Waldmann Thomas A , Conlon Kevin C 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundFull application of cytokines as oncoimmunotherapeutics requires identification of optimal regimens. Our initial effort with intravenous bolus recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) was limited by postinfusional reactions. Subcutaneous injection and continuous intravenous infusion for 10 days (CIV-10) provided rhIL-15 with less toxicity with CIV-10 giving the best increases in CD8+lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. To ease rhIL-15 administration, we shortened time of infusion. Treatment with rhIL-15 at a dose of 3–5 µg/kg as a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion (CIV-5) had no dose-limiting toxicities while effector cell stimulation was comparable to the CIV-10 regimen.MethodsEleven patients with metastatic cancers were treated with rhIL-15 CIV-5, 3 µg (n=4), 4 µg (n=3), and 5 µg/kg/day (n=4) in a phase I dose-escalation study (April 6, 2012).ResultsImpressive expansions of NK cells were seen at all dose levels (mean 34-fold), including CD56brightNK cells (mean 144-fold for 4 µg/kg), as well as an increase in CD8+T cells (mean 3.38-fold). At 5 µg/kg/day, there were no dose-limiting toxicities but pulmonary capillary leak and slower patient recovery. This led to our choice of the 4 µg/kg as CIV-5 dose for further testing. Cytolytic capacity of CD56brightand CD56dimNK cells was increased by interleukin-15 assayed by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), natural cytotoxicity and natural killer group 2D-mediated cytotoxicity. The best response was stable disease.ConclusionsIL-15 administered as CIV-5 substantially expanded NK cells with increased cytotoxic functions. Tumor-targeting monoclonal antibodies dependent on ADCC as their mechanism of action including alemtuzumab, obinutuzumab, avelumab, and mogamulizumab could benefit from those NK cell expansions and provide a promising therapeutic strategy.Trial registration numbersNCT01572493,NCT03759184,NCT03905135,NCT04185220andNCT02689453.
Transepithelial nasal potential difference in patients with, and at risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Mac Sweeney Rob , Reddy Kiran , Davies Jane C , Parker Mike , Kelly Barry , Elborn J Stuart , Conlon John , Verghis Rejina M , Calfee Carolyn S , Matthay Michael A , Alton Eric W F W , McAuley Daniel F 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundImpaired alveolar fluid clearance, determined in part by alveolar sodium transport, is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Nasal sodium transport may reflect alveolar transport. The primary objective of this prospective, observational study was to determine if reduced nasal sodium transport, as measured by nasal potential difference (NPD), was predictive of the development of and outcome from ARDS.MethodsNPD was measured in 15 healthy controls and in 88 patients: 40 mechanically ventilated patients defined as ‘at-risk’ for ARDS, 61 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS (13 who were previously included in the ‘at-risk’ group) and 8 ARDS survivors on the ward.ResultsIn at-risk subjects, maximum NPD (mNPD) was greater in those who developed ARDS (difference –8.4 mV; 95% CI –13.8 to –3.7; p=0.005) and increased mNPD predicted the development of ARDS before its onset (area under the curve (AUC) 0.75; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.89). In the ARDS group, mNPD was not significantly different for survivors and non-survivors (p=0.076), and mNPD was a modest predictor of death (AUC 0.60; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.75). mNPD was greater in subjects with ARDS (−30.8 mV) than in at-risk subjects (−24.2 mV) and controls (−19.9 mV) (p<0.001). NPD values were not significantly different for survivors and controls (p=0.18).ConclusionsIncreased NPD predicts the development of ARDS in at-risk subjects but does not predict mortality. NPD increases before ARDS develops, is greater during ARDS, but is not significantly different for controls and survivors. These results may reflect the upregulated sodium transport necessary for alveolar fluid clearance in ARDS. NPD may be useful as a biomarker of endogenous mechanisms to stimulate sodium transport. Larger studies are now needed to confirm these associations and predictive performance.
Network Capacity as Common Pool Resource
Authors: Johnson Matthew William , Jang Esther Han Beol , O'Rourke Frankie , Ye Rachel , Heimerl Kurtis 
Published: April 2021

Congestion control mechanisms, by which network users share constrained capacity on Internet links, are heavily studied in computer science. Such mechanisms are traditionally automated, assuming that users do not wish to be involved in addressing congestion. However, in community-owned and operated networks, users have control over daily operational choices. We explore the design of community-based congestion policies and mechanisms, through the lens of network capacity as a Common Pool Resource (CPR).
Through a series of workshops and interviews in a rural community in Oaxaca, Mexico, we encounter design opportunities for new types of tools supporting communal network management. Participants expressed desires for preserving individual privacy while collecting longitudinal data to track the network's impact on the community, prioritization of high-value applications, equal link sharing between users, and human-mediated congestion management in lieu of automated enforcement. We report qualitative insights and offer design directions for future systems to address network resources in a manner compatible with Ostrom's principles for CPR governance.
Antielastase Activity of Macassar Kernels (Rhus javanica) Stem Extract and Skin Elasticity Evaluation of Its Topical Gel Formulation
Authors: Anggraini Nadia Bunga , Elya Berna , Iskandarsyah Iskandarsyah 
Published: April 2021

Background. Macassar kernels (Rhus javanica L.) has potential as an antiaging agent as it has antielastase activity, especially its stem extract which has best percent inhibition compared to its leaves and fruit extract. Moreover, the antiaging agent can be commonly used in the form of gel for topical applications. Hence, formulation of HEC-based topical gel from the stem extract of Macassar kernels was conducted. This study aims to determine the antielastase activity of the stem extract of Macassar kernels and evaluate the skin elasticity of its topical gel formulation by conducting dermatological safety and skin antiaging efficacy test. Methods. The stem extract was in vitro tested for antielastase activity using a microplate reader. Then, a formulation of a topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract was made. Five stages of quality control, which consisted of an organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH measurement, viscosity measurement, and physicochemical stability test, were conducted to ensure the quality of topical gel formulation. Last, clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the dermatological safety and antiaging efficacy of gel preparation containing stem extract of Rhus javanica. Results. The stem extract provided antielastase activity (IC50 = 245.68 μg/mL), and its polyphenol was valued at 23.28 ± 1.52 mg GAE/g). The gel containing 10% stem extract had better stability than the gel containing 5% stem extract. The dermatology safety test and efficacy test results indicated that the topical gel containing 10% Rhus javanica stem extract did not cause any skin irritation and significantly improved skin elasticity

p
<
0.05

. In the treatment group, the moisture parameter was significantly changed on day 14

p
<
0.0001

, day 21

p
<
0.0001

, and day 29

p
<
0.0001

. The elasticity parameter was also changed significantly on day 14

p
=
0.0485

, day 21

p
=
0.0537

, and day 29

p
=
0.0002

. Conclusion. The stem extract of Rhus javanica has potential antielastase activity. The topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract also has potential antielastase activity by increasing the skin moisture and enhancing skin elasticity.
Relationship Between Central Artery Stiffness, Brain Arterial Dilation, and White Matter Hyperintensities in Older Adults: The ARIC Study—Brief Report
Authors: Caughey Melissa C. , Qiao Ye , Meyer Michelle L. , Palta Priya , Matsushita Kunihiro , Tanaka Hirofumi , Wasserman Bruce A. , Heiss Gerardo 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Nonatherosclerotic outward remodeling of the large intracranial arteries may facilitate propagation of excessive aortic pulsatile energy into the cerebral microcirculation and has been associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. We sought to determine the relationship between central artery stiffness, brain arterial diameters, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume in the general population of older adults.

Approach and Results:

We examined data from 1275 stroke-free participants of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study (59% female, 30% Black, mean age 77 years) who underwent carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging. A cf-PWV >12 m/s was considered elevated. Relationships between WMH and arterial diameters at the M1A1 segment of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries (whichever larger) were analyzed in the absence of artery-specific plaque, adjusting for intracranial volume and potential confounders. The average cf-PWV was 11.7 m/s and WMH volume was 11.2 cm
3
. Each 0.5 mm increment in M1A1 diameter was associated with 24% greater WMH volume in participants with elevated cf-PWV (exponentiated β=1.24 [95% CI, 1.12–1.36]), compared with a 10% greater WMH volume in participants without elevated cf-PWV (exponentiated β=1.10 [95% CI, 1.01–1.19]),
P
value for interaction=0.04.

Conclusions:
In this examination of older adults from the general population, larger, plaque-free arterial diameters in the middle cerebral circulation were associated with greater WMH volume, particularly among participants with elevated central artery stiffness. Strategies to reduce central artery stiffness may mitigate the association between cerebrovascular outward remodeling and microvascular damage.
Approximate Variational Estimation for a Model of Network Formation
Authors: Mele Angelo , Zhu Lingjiong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We develop approximate estimation methods for exponential random graph models (ERGMs), whose likelihood is proportional to an intractable normalizing constant. The usual approach approximates this constant with Monte Carlo simulations; however, convergence may be exponentially slow. We propose a deterministic method, based on a variational mean-field approximation of the ERGM's normalizing constant. We compute lower and upper bounds for the approximation error for any network size, adapting nonlinear large deviation results. This translates into bounds on the distance between true likelihood and mean-field likelihood. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that in practice, our deterministic method performs better than our conservative theoretical approximation bounds imply, for a large class of models.
Can Agricultural Extension and Input Support Be Discontinued? Evidence from a Randomized Phaseout in Uganda
Authors: Fishman Ram , Smith Stephen C. , Bobić Vida , Sulaiman Munshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMany development programs that attempt to disseminate improved technologies are limited in duration because of external funding constraints or an assumption of impact sustainability, but there is limited evidence on whether and when terminating such programs is efficient. We provide novel experimental evidence on the impacts of a randomized phaseout of an agricultural extension and subsidy program that promotes improved inputs and cultivation practices among smallholder women farmers in Uganda. We find that phaseout does not diminish the use of either practices or inputs as farmers shift purchases from NGO-sponsored village-based supply networks to market sources. These results indicate that short-term interventions can suffice to trigger persistent effects, consistent with models of technology adoption that emphasize learning from experience.
Infant Health, Cognitive Performance, and Earnings: Evidence from Inception of the Welfare State in Sweden
Authors: Bhalotra Sonia , Karlsson Martin , Nilsson Therese , Schwarz Nina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We identify earnings impacts of exposure to an infant health intervention in Sweden, using individual-linked administrative data to trace potential mechanisms. Leveraging quasi-random variation in eligibility, we estimate that exposure was associated with higher test scores in primary school for boys and girls. However, only girls were more likely to score in the top quintile. Subsequent gains, in secondary schooling, employment, and earnings, are restricted to girls. We show that the differential gains for women accrued from both skills and opportunities.
Fiscal Incentives for Conflict: Evidence from India's Red Corridor
Authors: Shapiro Jacob N. , Vanden Eynde Oliver 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Can tax regimes shape the incentives to engage in armed conflict? Indian mining royalties benefit the states but are set by the central government. India's Maoist belt is mineral rich, and states are responsible for counterinsurgency operations. We exploit the introduction of a 10% ad valorem tax on iron ore that increased royalty collections of the affected states by a factor of 10. We find that the royalty hike was followed by a significant intensification of violence in districts with important iron ore deposits. The royalty increase was also followed by an increase in illegal mining activity in iron mines.
Leader Identity and Coordination
Authors: Bhalotra Sonia , Clots-Figueras Irma , Iyer Lakshmi , Vecci Joseph 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper examines policy effectiveness as a function of leader identity. We experimentally vary leader religious identity in a coordination game implemented in India and focus on citizen reactions to leader identity, controlling for leader actions. We find that minority leaders improve coordination, and majority leaders do not. Alternative treatment arms reveal that affirmative action for minorities reverses this result, while intergroup contact improves the effectiveness of leaders of both identities. We also find that minority leaders are less effective in towns with a history of intergroup conflict. Our results demonstrate that leader and policy effectiveness depend on citizen reactions, conditioned by social identity and past conflict.
Emotion at the Edge
Authors: Casey Edward S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
It is a modernist article of faith that emotion belongs to the human subject—that it is possessed by this subject from within. We find this view espoused by thinkers as various as Descartes, Hume, and Kant. It is also found in the conventional belief that emotions have their seat “in the heart.” In this essay I explore an alternative paradigm whereby emotion exists as much, if not more, at the outer edges of the subject: in expressive gestures and other forms of what I call “exophany,” i.e., the showing-forth of emotion from without. Instead of concerning ourselves with the endogeny of emotions—its internal generation in the body, brain, or soul—I look at the peripherality of emotions. Examining concrete examples, I demonstrate that emotions are transmissible thanks to their capacity for being located at the edges of our lives.
Spatial variations of North Atlantic landfalling tropical cyclone wind speed decay over the continental United States
Authors: Zhu Yi-Jie , Collins Jennifer M. , Klotzbach Philip J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUnderstanding tropical cyclone wind speed decay during the post-landfall stage is critical for inland hazard preparation. This paper examines the spatial variation of wind speed decay of tropical cyclones over the continental United States. We find that tropical cyclones making landfall over the Gulf Coast decay faster within the first 24 hours after landfall than those making landfall over the Atlantic East Coast. The variation of the decay rate over the Gulf Coast remains larger than that over the Atlantic East Coast for tropical cyclones that had made landfall more than 24 hours prior. Besides an average weaker tropical cyclone landfall intensity, the near-parallel trajectory and the proximity of storms to the coastline also help to explain the slower post-landfall wind speed decay for Atlantic East Coast landfalling tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones crossing the Florida peninsula only slowly weaken after landfall, with an average of less than 20% post-landfall wind speed drop while transiting the state. The existence of these spatial variations also brings into question the utility of a uniform wind decay model. While weak intensity decay over the Florida peninsula is well estimated by the uniform wind decay model, the error from the uniform wind decay model increases with tropical cyclones making direct landfall more parallel to the Atlantic East Coast. The underestimation of inland wind speed by the uniform wind decay model found over the western Gulf Coast brings attention to the role of land-air interactions in the decay of inland tropical cyclones.