bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robustness of Relations between the MJO and U.S. Tornado Occurrence
Authors: Tippett Michael K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is the leading mode of tropical variability on subseasonal time scales and has predictable impacts in the extratropics. Whether or not the MJO has a discernible influence on U.S. tornado occurrence has important implications for the feasibility of extended-range forecasting of tornado activity. Interpretation and comparison of previous studies is difficult because of differing data periods, methods, and tornado activity metrics. Here, a previously described modulation of the frequency of violent tornado outbreaks (days with six or more tornadoes reported rated EF2 or greater) by the MJO is shown to be fairly robust to the addition or removal of years to the analysis period and to changes in the number of tornadoes used to define outbreak days, but is less robust to the choice of MJO index. Earlier findings of a statistically significant MJO signal in the frequency of days with at least one tornado report are shown to be incorrect. The reduction of the frequency of days with tornadoes rated EF1 and greater when MJO convection is present in the Maritime Continent and western Pacific is statistically significant in April and robust across varying thresholds of reliably reported tornado numbers and MJO indices.
How do pre-service physical education teachers understand health education and their role as health educators?
Authors: Fane Jennifer , Pill Shane , Rankin Joss 
Published: September 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine how pre-service physical education (PE) teacher education students understand health education and their role as health educators. The challenges that a cohort of pre-service teachers ( n = 20) majoring and minoring in PE face in engaging in a socially contextualised understanding of health are examined. Design: Study participants were in a semester length foundational health education course. Following ethics board approval, participants’ reflective journals were accessed for data. The data were coded for themes and then analysed using Windschitl’s framing of constructivism in practice. Setting: Undergraduate health education teacher education programme at an Australian university. Results: Findings reveal how PE teacher education students made meaning of socially contextualised and contested areas of health, and developed their own understanding of health education pedagogical practice. Common challenges were evidenced by the students when attempting to explain their expanding understanding of health education pedagogy and practice. Conclusion: The simple understandings and conceptual ambiguities evident in this group of students help to explain why health education taught in secondary schools by PE teachers more often takes the form of ‘PE theory’ than health education.
Self-Efficacy as a Mechanism Linking Daily Stress to Mental Health in Students: A Three-Wave Cross-Lagged Study
Authors: Schönfeld Pia , Brailovskaia Julia , Zhang Xiao Chi , Margraf Jürgen 
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives While stress is generally well established to be predictive for different indicators of mental health, little is known about the longitudinal effects of daily life stressors and the role of self-evaluation factors. We tested whether perceived general self-efficacy is a mediator for the association between daily life stressors and psychopathological symptoms as well as subjective well-being. Methods Data derived from 2160 Chinese university students was assessed at three time points with one-year intervals. We used the Brief Daily Stressor Screening, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Positive Mental Health Scale, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales. Total, direct, and indirect effects were estimated using 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals and structural equation modeling. Results Latent variable mediation analyses showed that daily stressors were associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and with decreased subjective well-being. All cross-lagged mediational paths via self-efficacy were significant in predicting positive and negative mental health. Conclusions Considering stress of daily life as well as including the two dimensions of mental health may be important for future research and practice. This study provides novel evidence for mediating stress effects by perceived self-efficacy, which should be focused in intervention- and prevention-based approaches.
Design and application of Type-2 fuzzy logic system based on improved ant colony algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Wang Tao , Chen Yang , Lan Jie 
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an improved ant colony optimization (IACO) with global pheromone update is proposed based on ant colony optimization (ACO), and it is used to design interval Type-2 TSK fuzzy logic system (FLS), including parameters adjustment and rules selection. The performance of the system can be improved by obtaining the optimal parameters and reducing the redundant rules. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method, the intelligent FLS is applied to predict the international petroleum price and the Zhongyuan environmental protection shares price. It is proved that the IACO can improve the efficiency of the original algorithm and accelerate the convergence speed. The simulations show that both IACO and ACO are feasible and have a high performance for the design of FLS. The simulation results compared with back-propagation design (BP algorithm) show that intelligent algorithms have an advantage over the classical algorithm, the simulation result compared with without rule-selection shows that reduced redundant rules can improve the performance, and the result compared with the Type-1 FLS shows that interval Type-2 TSK FLS has a better performance than the Type-1 TSK FLS.
A code-switching asymmetry in bilingual children: Code-switching from Dutch to Frisian requires more cognitive control than code-switching from Frisian to Dutch
Authors: Bosma Evelyn , Blom Elma 
Published: September 2018

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions: Recent research suggests that cognitive control plays a role in code-switching, both in bilingual adults and in bilingual children. Code-switching would only require cognitive control, however, when speakers maintain some degree of separation between their two languages, not when they completely mix the lexicons and grammars of their languages. For Frisian–Dutch bilinguals, mixing of Dutch (majority language) into Frisian (minority language) is common, but mixing of Frisian into Dutch is not. Therefore, Frisian–Dutch bilinguals need to maintain some degree of language separation when they speak Dutch, but not when they speak Frisian, predicting that code-switching from Dutch to Frisian would affect cognitive control more than vice versa. Design/Methodology/Approach: Frisian–Dutch bilingual children aged 5 and 6 ( n = 104) completed a Flanker task. Information about frequency of code-switching from Dutch to Frisian and frequency of code-switching from Frisian to Dutch was obtained through a parental questionnaire. Data and Analysis: Multiple hierarchical regression analyses showed that frequency of code-switching from Dutch to Frisian significantly predicted performance on a Flanker task, but that frequency of code-switching from Frisian to Dutch did not. Findings/Conclusions: The results suggests that code-switching from Dutch to Frisian requires more cognitive control than code-switching from Frisian to Dutch. Originality: This is the first study that shows a code-switching asymmetry in the context of a minority–majority language pair. Significance/Implications: The study supports the hypothesis that code-switching requires more cognitive control when a bilingual speaker has to maintain some degree of language separation between her or his two languages.
Correlation of Exhaled Nasal Nitric Oxide With Sinus Computed Tomography and Sinonasal Outcome Test Scores: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Oliver Jeremie D. , Lim Kaiser G. , O’Brien Erin K. 
Published: September 2018

Background Computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses is the diagnostic reference standard for chronic rhinosinusitis and related inflammatory sinus pathology. Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) levels have been investigated as a diagnostic tool in sinus disease because it decreases with sinus obstruction. Objective The primary aim of the study was to determine the correlation of passive (baseline) and dynamic (humming) nNO to CT findings of sinus inflammation and to sinonasal symptoms measured by the modified Sinonasal Outcome Test (26 items) (SNOT-26). Methods From June 2015 through January 2016, subjects had baseline and humming nNO levels measured with a chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and each subject underwent CT imaging and completed the SNOT-26 survey. CT images were scored using the Lund–Mackay (LM) system (LM scores >3 indicated sinus inflammation). Correlation was measured by linear and ordinal regression analysis that compared SNOT-26 scores, LM scores, and nNO measurements. Results Fourteen subjects were recruited. LM scores had a positive pairwise correlation with total SNOT-26 scores ( R2 = .1457; correlation = .3817) and nasal-specific SNOT-26 scores ( R2 = .4036; correlation = .6353). Baseline nasal nNO scores had a negative pairwise correlation with LM scores ( R2 = .1580; correlation = −.3582), total SNOT-26 scores ( R2 = .1515; correlation = −.3893), and nasal-specific SNOT-26 scores ( R2 = .0805; correlation = −.4343). Although baseline nNO levels correlated with LM and SNOT-26 scores, humming nNO levels did not show a similar correlation. Conclusion Baseline passive nNO may be a useful and inexpensive point-of-care screening test for sinonasal opacification.
Actionable vascular and other incidental findings on CTA in patients undergoing acute stroke intervention
Authors: Kanesa-Thasan Riti , Cox Mougnyan , Patel Manisha , Curtis Brian , Hurst Robert W , Kung David , Flanders Adam E 
Published: September 2018

Providing a fast and accurate diagnosis of acute large-vessel occlusion on computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) is essential for timely intervention and good stroke outcomes. However, the detection and appropriate management of incidental findings are also important parts of any clinical radiology practice and can greatly affect patient care. The intricate anatomy covered by CTAs of the head and neck coupled with the time pressures of acute stroke diagnosis creates an environment in which unrelated, important findings can potentially be missed. The purpose of our study was to document clinically actionable incidental findings on CTA in 225 patients undergoing acute stroke intervention. After institutional review board approval, a retrospective six-year review of CTAs of the head and neck in patients undergoing acute stroke intervention was performed for actionable incidental vascular and nonvascular findings. A total of 225 patients undergoing acute stroke intervention with documented intracranial large-vessel occlusion on CTAs were consecutively enrolled in the study. Incidental vascular findings were identified in 17 of 225 patients (7.5%, 95% confidence interval 5% to 12%). Previously unreported aneurysms ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm in size represented 18 of 19 vascular findings in these patients. Incidental nonvascular findings were identified in 32 patients (14%, 95% confidence interval 5% to 12%). These included malpositioned support lines and tubes; pneumothorax; interstitial lung disease; newly diagnosed metastatic disease; nasopharyngeal, parotid, and pituitary masses; and cervical spine compression fractures. CTAs of the head and neck in patients undergoing acute stroke intervention contain a relatively high frequency of vascular and nonvascular incidental findings requiring further follow-up, and therefore should be evaluated carefully and systematically.
Development of KIINCE: A kinetic feedback-based robotic environment for study of neuromuscular coordination and rehabilitation of human standing and walking
Authors: Boehm Wendy L , Gruben Kreg G 
Published: September 2018

Introduction The objective of this article is to introduce the robotic platform KIINCE and its emphasis on the potential of kinetic objectives for studying and training human walking and standing. The device is motivated by the need to characterize and train lower limb muscle coordination to address balance deficits in impaired walking and standing. Methods The device measures the forces between the user and his or her environment, particularly the force of the ground on the feet ( F) that reflects lower limb joint torque coordination. In an environment that allows for exploration of the user’s capabilities, various forms of real-time feedback guide neural training to produce F appropriate for remaining upright. Control of the foot plate motion is configurable and may be user driven or prescribed. Design choices are motivated from theory of motor control and learning as well as empirical observations of F during walking and standing. Results Preliminary studies of impaired individuals demonstrate the feasibility and potential utility of patient interaction with kinetic immersive interface for neuromuscular coordination enhancement. Conclusion Applications include study and rehabilitation of standing and walking after injury, amputation, and neurological insult, with an initial focus on stroke discussed here.
Study on buffer characteristics of air cushion used as hip protector
Authors: Song Yilin , Zhang Tong , Wang Zhongxian 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: In order to develop a good hip protector to prevent in the elderly hip fracture as a result of a fall, we studied the buffer characteristics of sponges and air cushions. Methods: The buffer rate of material was defined, and the absorption ability of the material to instantaneous impact was evaluated. An experimental device was developed and used to measure the buffer rates of sponges and leak-allowed air cushions with orifice(s). Results: According to the experimental results, the buffer rate largely depended on the hardness of the sponge materials, and on the total area of the orifice(s) for the leak-allowed air cushions. Compared with the sponge with correct hardness and thickness, the buffer characteristic of the air cushion seems slightly inferior. Conclusions: Nevertheless, the air cushion’s overall performance, including the better buffer rate, ultra-lightness, flexibility, and low cost, makes it a potentially useful material for hip protectors and other sport protectors.
Preparation and properties studies of UV-curable silicone modified epoxy resin composite system
Authors: Yu Zhouhui , Cui Aiyong , Zhao Peizhong , Wei Huakai , Hu Fangyou 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Modified epoxy suitable for ultraviolet (UV) curing is prepared by using organic silicon toughening. The curing kinetics of the composite are studied by dielectric analysis (DEA), and the two-phase compatibility of the composite is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: The tensile properties, heat resistance, and humidity resistance of the cured product are explored by changing the composition ratio of the silicone and the epoxy resin. Results: SEM of silicone/epoxy resin shows that the degree of cross-linking of the composites decreases with an increase of silicone resin content. Differential thermal analysis indicates that the glass transition temperature and the thermal stability of the composites decrease gradually with an increase of silicone resin content. The thermal degradation rate in the high temperature region, however, first decreases and then increases. In general, after adding just 10%–15% of the silicone resin and exposing to light for 15 min, the composite can still achieve a better curing effect. Conclusions: Under such conditions, the heat resistance of the cured product decreases a little. The tensile strength is kept constant so that elongation at breakage is apparently improved. The change rate after immersion in distilled water at 60°C for seven days is small, which shows excellent humidity resistance.
Preparation and Application of a New Crosslinked Polyammonium as a Shale Inhibitor
Authors: Zhengqin Ye , Zhongbin Ye , Lei Huang , Yun Bai , Lili Li , Jie Zhang , Chentun Qu , Gang Chen 
Published: September 2018

Background: Despite the fact that a number of traditional shale inhibitors have been utilized widely in drilling operations, the same additive may be unfavorable for different drilling due to environmental protection requirements which limit scales of use. Hence, a series of polyammonium compounds was prepared from dimethylamine, epichlorohydrin, and melamine (DEM). Methods: To concentrate our efforts, we used both standard and extra methods to investigate the inhibitive properties of a melamine crosslinking agent using mud balls immersion tests, linear expansion measurements, laser particle distribution measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The anti-swelling rate of DEM-8 reached up to 92.3% when its concentration reached 0.8%. DEM-8 has strong inhibitive capability to bentonite hydration swelling. DEM-8 can affect the bentonite particle size at a large scale. It may adsorb on the surface of clay through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction by an anchoring effect and a hydrophobic effect. Conclusions: Compared with a blank solution, DEM-8 displays high inhibitive ability against the hydration and swelling of clay. The mud ball is more stable in DEM-8 solution and its swelling degree is very low compared with that of the control test. The inhibition mechanism of DEM-8 to shale can be deduced in that hydrogen bonding, ion exchange, and anchoring effect help to control the hydration and swelling.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering investigation of bovine serum albumin by Au nanoparticles with different sizes
Authors: Xiaodan Wei , Dawei Zheng , Ping Zhang , Taifeng Lin , Huiqin Wang , Yongwei Zhu 
Published: September 2018

Background: Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has become a useful spectroscopic tool for studying biomolecule structures. The main types of plasmonic substrates used in biological systems are Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), whose surface plasmon resonance depends on the nanoparticle size, morphology, particle interspace, and so on. Methods: In this study, AuNP colloids with different sizes were synthesized and used as the sensors to probe SERS signals of different biomarkers and biomolecules. Results: The results showed that an AuNP colloid of ~50 nm had excellent SERS effects in probing various molecules, and could be preserved for about 3 months with excellent repeatability and reproducibility (RSD <5%) in terms of the probed signal intensity (rhodamine 6G and crystal violet). Meanwhile, the fabricated AuNPs were applied to study the SERS signals and structural information of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solution. It was found that SERS could rapidly provide the structural information and vibration characteristics of BSA. Conclusion: It was concluded that biocompatible AuNP colloid may be a promising biosensor in the rapid and label-free detection of biological systems.
Preparation of anticoagulant PyC biomaterials with super-hydrophobic surface
Authors: Ze Wang , Wen-sheng Tan , Ye-Xia  , Ming Zhang , Xiao-ping Li , Jian-guo Qiu , Xiao-Hong Yang 
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) is a kind of biomaterial which is chemically inert and has excellent biocompatibility. In order to obtain a super-hydrophobic PyC surface to improve anticoagulation and inhibit thrombus, this study prepares grating pair structure, microhole array structure, helix structure on PyC surface by nanoseconds laser etching. Methods: Rod-like ZnO film and ball-like ZnO film are prepared on the PyC surface by the hydrothermal method; polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiber film and PVP/TiO2 complex nanofiber film are prepared on the PyC surface by the electrospinning method; the PyC surface is silanized. Finally, surface microstructure and surface energy are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle meter (OCA20, German DataPhysics Co.). Results: The periodical microstructures are formed respectively by nanoseconds laser etching. The surface roughness is increased by the hydrothermal and electrospinning method. Conclusions: Through infiltration experiment on rough and smooth PyC surfaces, rough PyC surface with microstructure is super-hydrophobic and has greater than 150° contact angle, which decreases blood flow resistance and inhibits thrombus.
Local implantation of autologous adipose-derived stem cells increases femoral strength and bone density in osteoporotic rats: A randomized controlled animal study
Authors: Uri Ofir , Behrbalk Eyal , Folman Yoram 
Published: September 2018

Background: Deficient osteogenic capacity of bone marrow stem cells plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising source of skeletal progenitor cells. The capacity of ADSCs to undergo osteogenic differentiation and induce mineralized tissue formation may be beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis. We question whether administration of autologous ADSCs into the proximal femur of osteoporotic rats will induce osteogenesis and enhance bone quality and strength. Materials and Methods: Thirty ovariectomized female rats were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: (1) percutanous implantation of autogenous ADSCs-seeded scaffold into the proximal femur and (2) percutanous implantation of non-seeded scaffold. The contralateral untreated femur served as control. The effect of treatment on bone characteristics was assessed at 12-week follow-up by micro-computed tomography analysis, mechanical testing, and histological analysis. Results: The mean cortical thickness, total bone volume density, and bone load to failure in femora injected with autologous ADSCs-seeded scaffold was significantly higher compared to femora injected with non-seeded scaffold and compared to the untreated control femora ( p < 0.01). Histological examination of the injected specimens revealed complete osseo-integration of the scaffolds with direct conversion of the ADSCs into osteoblasts and no inflammatory response. Conclusions: Autogenous ADSCs implantation into the proximal femur of rats with ovariectomy-related osteoporosis promoted bone regeneration and increased bone strength at short-term follow-up. These findings highlight the potential benefit of autogenous ADSCs in the treatment of osteoporosis. Level of Evidence: Level I, randomized controlled trial, animal study.