bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution esophageal manometry in pediatrics: Effect of esophageal length on diagnostic measures
Authors: Singendonk Maartje M. J. , Ferris Lara F. , McCall Lisa , Seiboth Grace , Lowe Katie , Moore David , Hammond Paul , Couper Richard , Abu‐Assi Rammy , Cock Charles , Benninga Marc A. , van Wijk Michiel P. , Omari Taher I. ,   In Association with the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Pediatric Motility Network
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM), derived esophageal pressure topography metrics (EPT), integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), and distal latency (DL) are influenced by age and size. Combined pressure and intraluminal impedance also allow derivation of metrics that define distension pressure and bolus flow timing. We prospectively investigated the effects of esophageal length on these metrics to determine whether adjustment strategies are required for children.MethodsFifty‐five children (12.3 ± 4.5 years) referred for HREM, and 30 healthy adult volunteers (46.9 ± 3.8 years) were included. Studies were performed using the MMS system and a standardized protocol including 10 × 5 mL thin liquid bolus swallows (SBM kit, Trisco Foods) and analyzed via Swallow Gateway (www.swallowgateway.com). Esophageal distension pressures and swallow latencies were determined in addition to EGJ resting pressure and standard EPT metrics. Effects of esophageal length were examined using partial correlation, correcting for age. Adult‐derived upper limits were adjusted for length using the slopes of the identified linear equations.Key ResultsMean esophageal length in children was 16.8 ± 2.8 cm and correlated significantly with age (r = 0.787, P = .000). Shorter length correlated with higher EGJ resting pressure and 4‐s integrated relaxation pressures (IRP), distension pressures, and shorter contraction latencies. Ten patients had an IRP above the adult upper limit. Adjustment for esophageal length reduced the number of patients with elevated IRP to three.Conclusions & InferencesWe prospectively confirmed that certain EPT metrics, as well as potential useful adjunct pressure‐impedance measures such as distension pressure, are substantially influenced by esophageal length and require adjusted diagnostic thresholds specifically for children.
Might smoking assuage the pro‐inflammatory effect of diabetes in periodontal sites?
Authors: Miranda Tamires Szeremeske , Almeida Mariana Linhares , Marins Letícia Macedo , da Silva Hélio Doyle Pereira , Feres Magda , Duarte Poliana Mendes 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and these two factors combined on gingival crevicular fluid levels and ratios of pro‐/anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Associations between cytokines with each other and with key periodontal pathogens in periodontal sites under the challenge of one or both of these risk factors were also assessed.MethodsA total of 102 subjects with periodontitis were included in this cross‐sectional study and assigned to one of the following groups: non‐diabetic non‐smokers (control group, n = 25), non‐smokers with DM (DM group, n = 30), non‐diabetic smokers (S group, n = 26), and smokers with DM (S + DM group, n = 21). The levels of 13 pro‐inflammatory (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, MIP‐1α, GM‐CSF, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐12, IL‐17, IL‐21, and IL‐23) and 5 anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐13, and TGF‐β) cytokines were assessed in healthy and diseased sites, using multiplex immunoassay. Ratios of pro‐/anti‐inflammatory cytokines were obtained in all possible permutations. The levels of 7 key periodontal pathogens were evaluated by qPCR.ResultsOverall, the ratios of pro‐/anti‐inflammatory cytokines were higher in healthy and diseased sites of the DM group and in healthy sites of the S + DM group, and lower in diseased sites of the S group, compared with the control (p < .05). The proportion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines in relation to the 18 cytokines studied was higher in the DM group and lower in the S group, whereas the proportion of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines was lower in both diabetic groups and higher in the S group, compared to the control (p < .05). A cluster of six common cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐21, and IL‐23) was observed in the diseased sites of all groups studied. Eight common cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐23, and IFN‐γ) grouped closely in the healthy sites of both diabetic groups. Significant associations between pathogens and cytokines occurred mainly in the diseased sites of the S + DM group (p < .05).ConclusionDiabetes mellitus induced an overall pro‐inflammatory state, while smoking mainly stimulated immunosuppression in periodontal sites. When the two risk factors overlapped, smoking seemed to partially assuage the hyperinflammatory effect of DM.
Extending the Modified Inertia Representation to Constrained Rigid Multibody Systems
Authors: Xu X. M. , Luo J. H. , Wu Z. G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe inertia representation of a constrained system includes the formulation of the kinetic energy and its corresponding mass matrix, given the coordinates of the system. The way to find a proper inertia representation achieving better numerical performance is largely unexplored. This paper extends the modified inertia representation (MIR) to the constrained rigid multibody systems. By using the orthogonal projection, we show the possibility to derive the MIR for many types of non-minimal coordinates. We present examples of the derivation of the MIR for both planar and spatial rigid body systems. Error estimation shows that the MIR is different from the traditional inertia representation (TIR) in that its parameter γ can be used to reduce the kinetic energy error. With preconditioned γ, numerical results show that the MIR consistently presents significantly higher numerical accuracy and faster convergence speed than the TIR for the given variational integrator. The idea of using different inertia representations to improve the numerical performance may go beyond constrained rigid multibody systems to other systems governed by differential algebraic equations.
Failure in Two-Dimensional Materials: Defect Sensitivity and Failure Criteria
Authors: Qin Huasong , Sorkin Viachesla , Pei Qing-Xiang , Liu Yilun , Zhang Yong-Wei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted a great deal of attention recently owing to their fascinating structural, mechanical, and electronic properties. The failure phenomena in 2D materials can be diverse and manifested in different forms due to the presence of defects. Here, we review the structural features of seven types of defects, including vacancies, dislocations, Stone-Wales (S-W) defects, chemical functionalization, grain boundary, holes, and cracks in 2D materials, as well as their diverse mechanical failure mechanisms. It is shown that in general, the failure behaviors of 2D materials are highly sensitive to the presence of defects, and their size, shape, and orientation also matter. It is also shown that the failure behaviors originated from these defects can be captured by the maximum bond-stretching criterion, where structural mechanics is suitable to describe the deformation and failure of 2D materials. While for a well-established crack, fracture mechanics-based failure criteria are still valid. It is expected that these findings may also hold for other nanomaterials. This overview presents a useful reference for the defect manipulation and design of 2D materials toward engineering applications.
Tribological Property Investigation of Self-Lubricating Molybdenum-Based Zirconia Ceramic Composite Operational at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Ghosh Kunal , Mazumder Subhrojyoti , Kumar Singh Bipin , Hirani Harish , Roy Poulomi , Mandal Nilrudra 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Three mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) with 0.5 wt% of magnesium oxide (MgO) and 6 wt% of molybdenum (Mo) were prepared by the pressureless sintering process, and the friction and wear behavior of the ceramic composite were studied against the alumina disc. Tribological tests were carried out both at room temperature as well as at an elevated temperature (500 °C). The result revealed that a substantial reduction of ∼50% in the friction coefficient and ∼31% reduction in the wear rate were achieved while 6 wt% Mo was added into the 3Y-TZP matrix operational at 500 °C. No significant tribological influence was observed with the addition of Mo at the normal operating temperature. The minimum coefficient of friction and low specific wear rate were achieved because of the formation of MoO3 in between the mating surfaces at elevated temperature. The worn surfaces were characterized by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The formation of MoO3 phases was identified by wear debris analysis which was performed with the help of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Closed-Form Stress Intensity Factor Solutions for Surface Cracks With Large Aspect Ratios in Plates
Authors: Azuma Kisaburo , Li Yinsheng , Xu Steven 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Alloy 82/182/600, which is used in light-water reactors, is known to be susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking. The depth of some of these cracks may exceed the value of half-length on the surface. Although the stress intensity factor (SIF) for cracks plays an important role in predicting crack propagation and failure, Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code does not provide SIF solutions for such deep cracks. In this study, closed-form SIF solutions for deep surface cracks in plates are discussed using an influence coefficient approach. The stress distribution at the crack location is represented by a fourth-degree-polynomial equation. Tables for influence coefficients obtained by finite element analysis in the previous studies are used for curve fitting. The closed-form solutions for the influence coefficients were developed at the surface point, the deepest point, and the maximum point of a crack with an aspect ratio a/c ranging from 1.0 to 8.0, where a is the crack depth and c is one-half of the crack length. The maximum point of a crack refers to the location on the crack front where the SIF reaches a maximum value.
A New Global Variance Reduction Technique Based on Geometry and Energy Splitting/Roulette
Authors: Zheng Z. , Li R. , Zhou Y. , Mei Q. , Deng L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
With the increase of computer resources and the application of global variance reduction (GVR) method, it is a trend to obtain global distribution using the Monte Carlo (MC) method in deep-penetration shielding calculation. GVR technique uses biased source and weight window to decrease the MC calculation tally error for deep-penetration problems. However, excessive splitting of large weight particles out of the source region is time-consuming for problems with significant fluence rate variation. A new GVR technique, which performs space and energy splitting/roulette based on the importance of the phase space, is proposed in this paper to avoid excessive splitting of large weight particles. The improved GVR technique is applied to the H. B. Robinson Unit 2 (HBR-2) benchmark and CAP1400 dose rate distribution calculation. Numerical results show that the new GVR technique shows excellent performance for deep-penetration shielding calculation.
Theoretical Development of Cross Section Uncertainty Library for Core Simulators
Authors: Huang Dongli , Abdel-Khalik Hany S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The current regulatory process allows for the use of models employing realistic assumptions as opposed to conservative bounding approaches, requiring a concerted use of best-estimate modeling and comprehensive estimation of uncertainties, collectively referred to as best-estimate-plus-uncertainty methods. This necessitates access to an integrated and automated procedure for the propagation and understanding of key sources of uncertainties. Focusing on neutronic reactor core simulation, this paper lays the theoretical foundations for an uncertainty characterization framework that is comprehensive, informative, and efficient, implying its ability to propagate all sources of uncertainties and identify key contributors in a computationally efficient manner. This paper represents the overarching objective of our work to propagate multigroup (MG) cross section uncertainties through lattice physics calculations and core-wide simulation. This requires the evaluation of few-group parameters uncertainties in terms of a wide range of local conditions, e.g., burnup, fuel temperature, etc., which results in a very high dimensional uncertainty space. The first strategy employed to compress the few-group uncertainties is the physics-guided coverage mapping (PCM) methodology developed to assess the similarity between the branch and base uncertainties in lattice calculation. To further compress the uncertainty propagated, this paper employs an accuracy-preserving reduced order modeling (ROM) technique relying on the use of range finding algorithms to construct all few-group parameters variations to a very small preset tolerance. In a separate cosubmitted paper, this framework is demonstrated to thermal reactors including both light and heavy water systems using a number of computer codes, including NESTLE-C, SERPENT, SCALE's NEWT, and SAMPLER codes.
Lie Group Based Type Synthesis Using Transformation Configuration Space for Reconfigurable Parallel Mechanisms With Bifurcation Between Spherical Motion and Planar Motion
Authors: Wei Jun , Dai Jian S. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This paper investigates novel reconfigurable parallel mechanisms with bifurcation between planar subgroup SE(2) and rotation subgroup SO(3) based on a transformation configuration space. Having recollected necessary theoretical fundamentals with regard to compositional submanifolds and kinematic bonds, the motion representation of the platform of reconfigurable parallel mechanisms are investigated. The transformation configuration space of a reconfigurable parallel mechanism with motion branches is proposed with respect to the fact that the intersection of Lie subgroups or submanifolds is the identity element or a non-identity element. The switch conditions of the transformation configuration space are discussed, leading to establishment of a theoretical foundation for realizing a switch of motion branches. The switch principle of reconfigurable parallel mechanisms is further investigated with respect to the common motion between SE(2) parallel-mechanism motion generators and SO(3) parallel-mechanism motion generators. Under this principle, the subchains with common motion generators are synthesized and divided into two types of generators. The first type of generators generates kinematic chains with a common intersection of three joint axes, and the second type of generators generates a common intersection of two joint axes. Following this, two types of reconfigurable parallel mechanisms with three identical subchains are synthesized, resulting in 11 varieties in which platforms can be switched between SE(2) and SO(3) after passing through the singularity configuration space.
Nonlinear Energy Sinks With Piecewise-Linear Nonlinearities
Authors: AL-Shudeifat Mohammad A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
An efficient nonlinear energy sink (NES) is developed here by employing a symmetric piecewise nonlinear coupling force. The proposed piecewise NES has a symmetric clearance about its equilibrium position in which zero stiffness is assumed. However, at the boundaries of the symmetric clearance, the NES is coupled to the linear structure by either linear or nonlinear stiffness elements. The damping is assumed to be continuous linear viscous damping during the oscillation of the NES mass inside and outside the clearance zone. This design is further modified by incorporating a negative coupling stiffness within the clearance zone. Therefore, the performance of the proposed piecewise NESs in rapid vibration suppression is numerically investigated with two-degree-of-freedom spring-mass system and compared with existing NESs in the literature. Accordingly, significant improvement in vibration suppression has been achieved by the proposed piecewise NES compared with other types of existing NESs. Moreover, the numerical simulation results have shown more robustness in the piecewise NES performance for a wide range of stiffness and damping variations than the linear absorber and other types of NESs in the literature.
Prediction Equations for Marathon Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Keogh Alison , Smyth Barry , Caulfield Brian , Lawlor Aonghus , Berndsen Jakim , Doherty Cailbhe 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: Despite the volume of available literature focusing on marathon running and the prediction of performance, no single prediction equations exists that is accurate for all runners of varying experiences and abilities. Indeed the relative merits and utility of the existing equations remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to collate, characterize, compare, and contrast all available marathon prediction equations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify observational research studies outlining any kind of prediction algorithm for marathon performance. Results: Thirty-six studies with 114 equations were identified. Sixty-one equations were based on training and anthropometric variables, whereas 53 equations included variables that required laboratory tests and equipment. The accuracy of these equations was denoted via a variety of metrics; r2 values were provided for 68 equations (r2 = .10–.99), and an SEE was provided for 19 equations (SEE 0.27–27.4 min). Conclusion: Heterogeneity of the data precludes the identification of a single “best” equation. Important variables such as course gradient, sex, and expected weather conditions were often not included, and some widely used equations did not report the r2 value. Runners should therefore be wary of relying on a single equation to predict their performance.
Explaining the outcomes of the 'Clean India' campaign: institutional behaviour and sanitation transformation in India
Authors: Curtis Val 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionMany less developed countries are struggling to provide universal access to safe sanitation, but in the past 5 years India has almost reached its target of eliminating open defaecation.ObjectiveTo understand how the Indian government effected this sanitation transformation.MethodsThe study employed interviews with 17 actors in the government’s ‘Clean India’ programme across the national capital and four states, which were analysed using a theory of change grounded in Behaviour Centred Design.ResultsTheSwachh Bharat Mission (Gramin)claims to have improved the coverage of toilets in rural India from 39% to over 95% of households between 2014 and mid-2019. From interviews with relevant actors we constructed a theory of change for the programme, in which high-level political support and disruptive leadership changed environments in districts, which led to psychological changes in district officials. This, in turn, led to changed behaviour for sanitation programming. The prime minister set an ambitious goal of eliminating open defaecation by the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (October 2019). This galvanised government bureaucracy, while early success in 100 flagship districts reduced the scepticism of government employees, a cadre of 500 young professionals placed in districts imparted new ideas and energy, social and mass media were used to inform and motivate the public, and new norms of ethical behaviour were demonstrated by leaders. As a result, district officials became emotionally involved in the programme and felt pride at their achievement in ridding villages of open defaecation.ConclusionsThough many challenges remain, governments seeking to achieve the sustainable development goal of universal access to safe sanitation can emulate the success of India’sSwachh Bharat Mission.
Using population-wide administrative and laboratory data to estimate type- and subtype-specific influenza vaccine effectiveness: a surveillance protocol
Authors: Scott Allison Nicole , Buchan Sarah A , Kwong Jeffrey C , Drews Steven J , Simmonds Kimberley A , Svenson Lawrence W 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionThe appropriateness of using routinely collected laboratory data combined with administrative data for estimating influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) is still being explored. This paper outlines a protocol to estimate influenza VE using linked laboratory and administrative data which could act as a companion to estimates derived from other methods.Methods and analysisWe will use the test-negative design to estimate VE for each influenza type/subtype and season. Province-wide individual-level records of positive and negative influenza tests at the Provincial Laboratory for Public Health in Alberta will be linked, by unique personal health numbers, to administrative databases and vaccination records held at the Ministry of Health in Alberta to determine covariates and influenza vaccination status, respectively. Covariates of interests include age, sex, immunocompromising chronic conditions and healthcare setting. Cases will be defined based on an individual’s first positive influenza test during the season, and potential controls will be defined based on an individual’s first negative influenza test during the season. One control for each case will be randomly selected based on the week the specimen was collected. We will estimate VE using multivariable logistic regression.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the University of Alberta’s Health Research Ethics Board—Health Panel under study ID Pro00075997. Results will be disseminated by public health officials in Alberta.
Testing the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of better child-health outcomes in Africa: a cross-sectional study among nations
Authors: Bradshaw Corey J A , Otto Sarah P , Annamalay Alicia A , Heft-Neal Sam , Wagner Zachary , Le Souëf Peter N 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveWe sought to test hypotheses regarding the principal correlates of child-health performance among African nations based on previous evidence collected at finer spatial scales.DesignRetrospective, cross-sectional study.SettingAll countries in Africa, excluding small-island nations.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe defined a composite child-health indicator for each country comprising the incidence of stunting, deaths from respiratory disease, deaths from diarrhoeal disease, deaths from other infectious disease and deaths from injuries for children aged under 5 years. We also compiled national-level data for Africa to test the effects of country-level water quality, air pollution, food supply, breast feeding, environmental performance, per capita wealth, healthcare investment, population density and governance quality on the child-health indicator.ResultsAcross nations, child health was lowest when water quality, improved sanitation, air quality and environmental performance were lowest. There was also an important decline in child health as household size (a proxy for population density) increased. The remaining variables had only weak effects, but in the directions we hypothesised.ConclusionsThese results emphasise the importance of continued investment in clean water and sanitation services, measures to improve air quality and efforts to restrict further environmental degradation, to promote the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 target to ‘… end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5’ and Goal 6 to ‘… ensure access to water and sanitation for all’ by 2030.