bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on dynamic characteristics of boom system for balance hoist based on rigid-flexible coupling simulation
Authors: Liu Yu , Hao Jie , Sha Zhihua , Ma Fujian , Su Chong , Zhang Shengfang 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
Aiming at the unbalancing problem of the neutral equilibrium characteristic for balance hoist in the loading process, the purpose of this paper is to establish a dynamic equation for multi-body using the Lagrange method. It is not difficult to find that the deformation of the boom system has a great influence on the stability of the whole system, through the simulation analysis of the multi-rigid-body system model.

Design/methodology/approach
Aiming at the unbalancing problem of the neutral equilibrium characteristic for balance hoist in the loading process, the dynamic equation for multi-body is established by Lagrange method. It is not difficult to find that the deformation of the boom system has a great influence on the stability of the whole system, through the simulation analysis of the multi-rigid-body system model.

Findings
Result shows that different weights have a great influence on the force deformation and vibration of the boom system of balance hoist. With the increase in lifting weight, the force and deformation of the boom system increase; lead to balance hoist unique with characteristics of indifferent equilibrium, proportional amplification, labor-saving operation will be lost, easy to cause the imbalance of balance hoist. Therefore, the appropriate increase in the basic length of the compression bar, reduction in the basic length of the tension rod and the increase stiffness of the boom system can improve the stability of balance hoist, which provides a reference for the optimization and manufacture of the balance hoist structure.

Originality/value
The simulation model was established by analyzing the working principle and the load condition of the balance hoist, and the simulation and dynamic characteristics of three typical working conditions are analyzed by using ADAMS; result shows that different weights have a great influence on the force deformation and vibration of the boom system of balance hoist. With the increase in lifting weight, the force and deformation of a boom system increase, lead to balance hoist unique with characteristics of indifferent equilibrium, proportional amplification, labor-saving operation will be lost, easy to cause the imbalance of balance hoist.
Using orthogonal Legendre polynomials to parameterize global geophysical optimizations: Applications to seismic‐petrophysical inversion and 1D elastic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Aleardi Mattia 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTWe use Legendre polynomials to reparameterize geophysical inversions solved through a particle swarm optimization. The subsurface model is expanded into series of Legendre polynomials that are used as basis functions. In this framework, the unknown parameters become the series of expansion coefficients associated with each polynomial. The aim of this peculiar parameterization is threefold: efficiently decreasing the number of unknowns, inherently imposing a 1D spatial correlation to the recovered subsurface model and searching for maximally decoupled parameters. The proposed approach is applied to two highly non‐linear geophysical optimization problems: seismic‐petrophysical inversion and 1D elastic full‐waveform inversion. In this work, with the aim to maintain the discussion at a simple level, we limit the attention to synthetic seismic data. This strategy allows us to draw general conclusions about the suitability of this peculiar parameterization for solving geophysical problems. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach ensures fast convergence rates together with accurate and stable final model predictions. In particular, the proposed parameterization reveals to be effective in reducing the ill conditioning of the optimization problem and in circumventing the so‐called curse‐of‐dimensionality issue. We also demonstrate that the implemented algorithm greatly outperforms the outcomes of the more standard approach to global inversion in which each subsurface parameter is considered as an independent unknown.
IL‐27 signaling deficiency develops Th17‐enhanced Th2‐dominant inflammation in murine allergic conjunctivitis model
Authors: Chen Xin , Deng Ruzhi , Chi Wei , Hua Xia , Lu Fan , Bian Fang , Gao Ning , Li Zhijie , Pflugfelder Stephen C. , de Paiva Cintia S. , Li De‐Quan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundWhile most studies focus on pro‐allergic cytokines, the protective role of immunosuppressive cytokines in allergic inflammation is not well elucidated. This study was to explore a novel anti‐inflammatory role and cellular/molecular mechanism of IL‐27 in allergic inflammation.MethodsA murine model of experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) was induced in BALB/c, C57BL/6 or IL‐27Rα‐deficient (WSX‐1−/−) mice by short ragweed pollen, with untreated or PBS‐treated mice as controls. The serum, eyeballs, conjunctiva, cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) were used for study. Gene expression was determined by RT‐qPCR, and protein production and activation were evaluated by immunostaining, ELISA and Western blotting.ResultsTypical allergic manifestations and stimulated thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) signaling and Th2 responses were observed in ocular surface of EAC models in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. The decrease of IL‐27 at mRNA (IL‐27/EBI3) and protein levels were detected in serum, conjunctiva and CLN, as evaluated by RT‐qPCR, immunofluorescent staining, ELISA and Western blotting. EAC induced in WSX‐1−/− mice showed aggravated allergic signs with higher TSLP‐driven Th2‐dominant inflammation, accompanied by stimulated Th17 responses, including IL‐17A, IL‐17F, and transcription factor RORγt. In contrast, Th1 cytokine IFNγ and Treg marker IL‐10, with their respective transcription factors T‐bet and foxp3, were largely suppressed. Interestingly, imbalanced activation between reduced phosphor (P)‐STAT1 and stimulated P‐STAT6 were revealed in EAC, especially WSX‐1−/−‐EAC mice.ConclusionThese findings demonstrated a natural protective mechanism by IL‐27, of which signaling deficiency develops a Th17‐type hyperresponse that further aggravates Th2‐dominant allergic inflammation.
Long‐term outcomes in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Ojanguren Iñigo , Morell Ferran , Ramón María‐Antonia , Villar Ana , Romero Christian , Cruz María Jesús , Muñoz Xavier 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to analyze mortality, possible predictors of long‐term survival, and health‐related quality of life of a large chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) patient sample.MethodsLongitudinal study in patients diagnosed with CHP during 2004‐2013, followed for at least 1 year. Patients remaining alive and consenting to participate had a follow‐up visit during 2015, including a complete pulmonary function study and the EuroQol‐5D and Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories.ResultsOut of the 160 patients finally included, 87 remained alive. Seventy‐three had died or underwent lung transplantation at the time of the study with a median survival of 7.0 (4.4‐14.5) years. A Cox proportional risk model showed that factors associated with lower survival were as follows: increased age, a low percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a decreased transfer factor of the lung for carbonmonoxide (DLCO), presence of honeycomb in the high‐resolution chest scan (HRCT), and the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) histologic pattern. At follow‐up, all patients presented an EuroQol‐5D score <0.8 and 21(50%) and 9(28.6%) subjects presented a probable anxiety and depressive syndrome, respectively.ConclusionCHP is a severe disease with a bad mid‐term prognosis. Lymphocyte values in BAL and DLCO values at baseline, presence of honeycomb in HRCT, and UIP histologic pattern were found to be predictors of survival. Early accurate diagnosis of the disease is fundamental for prompt initiation of antigen avoidance.
Down‐regulation of steroidogenesis‐related genes and its accompanying fertility decline in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats: ameliorative effect of metformin
Authors: Nna V. U. , Bakar A. B. A. , Ahmad A. , Mohamed M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMetformin has long been used for glycemic control in diabetic state. Recently, other benefits of metformin beyond blood glucose regulation have emerged.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of metformin on the expression of testicular steroidogenesis‐related genes, spermatogenesis, and fertility of male diabetic rats.Materials and methodsEighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups, namely normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and metformin‐treated (300 mg/kg body weight/day) diabetic rats (D+Met). Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w.), followed by oral treatment with metformin for four weeks.ResultsDiabetes decreased serum and intratesticular testosterone levels and increased serum but not intratesticular levels of luteinizing hormone. Sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology were decreased, while sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation was increased in DC group, relative to NC group. Testicular mRNA levels of androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP11A1), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), and 17β‐HSD, as well as the level of StAR protein and activities of CYP11A1, 3β‐HSD, and 17β‐HSD, were decreased in DC group. Similarly, decreased activities of epididymal antioxidant enzymes and increased lipid peroxidation were observed in DC group. Consequently, decreased litter size, fetal weight, mating and fertility indices, and increased pre‐ and post‐implantation losses were recorded in DC group. Following intervention with metformin, we observed increases in serum and intratesticular testosterone levels, Leydig cell count, improved sperm parameters, and decreased sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, mRNA levels and activities of steroidogenesis‐related enzymes were increased, with improved fertility outcome.Discussion and conclusionDiabetes mellitus is associated with dysregulation of steroidogenesis, abnormal spermatogenesis, and fertility decline. Controlling hyperglycemia is therefore crucial in preserving male reproductive function. Metformin not only regulates blood glucose level, but also preserves male fertility in diabetic state.
A clinical trial on the acute effects of methadone and buprenorphine on actual driving and cognitive function of healthy volunteers
Authors: Strand Maren Cecilie , Vindenes Vigdis , Gjerde Hallvard , Mørland Jørg Gustav , Ramaekers Johannes G. 
Published: December 2018

AimsThe present study assessed the acute effects of methadone and buprenorphine on actual on‐road driving performance and neurocognitive function.MethodsMethadone (5 and 10 mg per os) and buprenorphine (0.2 and 0.4 mg sublingual) were administered to 22 healthy volunteers in a five‐way, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐dummy, cross‐over study. Driving performance was assessed with an on‐road driving test. The primary outcome measure was standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), a measure of road tracking control. Laboratory tests were used to measure cognitive function (e.g. reaction time and attention) and questionnaires were used to assess subjective measures of mood and sedation.ResultsThere was no significant main effect of treatment on SDLP. Yet, analysis of individual drug‐placebo contrast data revealed that buprenorphine 0.4 mg significantly increased SDLP. Driving impairment was mild and below the impairment threshold of a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 mg ml−1. Four participants stopped their driving test while under the influence of either opioid due to sleepiness. Both opioids produced impairments of cognitive task performance and increased sleepiness particularly at the highest dose.ConclusionsAnalgesic doses of buprenorphine produced mild impairing effects on driving and related cognitive skills, while methadone impaired cognitive task performance but not driving performance. Large individual variations were observed for both drugs. Patients should be informed about the possibility of driving impairment when initiating opioid treatment.
Supreme audit institutions and public value: Demonstrating relevance
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , Hay David 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSupreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) have an important role in ensuring public sector accountability; their main activities being managing the audit of public sector entities’ financial statements and assessing probity/compliance, providing advice to parliamentary committees, and undertaking performance audits. Standards issued by the International Organization of SAIs encourage SAIs to recognize the value they deliver through their activities and to demonstrate that to citizens, Parliament, and other stakeholders. The recognition of the need to be democratically accountable for efficiency and effectiveness is one aspect of public value, which is also concerned with the just use of authority (Moore, 2013). The purpose of this article is to develop the components of a SAI's public value and, through a comparative international study, to analyze how SAIs’ report on the public value they deliver. Analyzing reporting against the model developed in this article indicates that SAIs reporting prioritizes critiques to increase public sector efficiency and effectiveness, rather than government policy. In addition, it finds SAIs generally fail to discuss any negative consequences of their work. SAIs are encouraged to develop new ways to demonstrate their ongoing relevance.
Willow production during 12 consecutive years—The effects of harvest rotation, planting density and cultivar on biomass yield
Authors: Stolarski Mariusz Jerzy , Szczukowski Stefan , Tworkowski Józef , Krzyżaniak Michał , Załuski Dariusz 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWillow biomass produced in short rotation coppice systems can potentially be used as biomass feedstock in Europe, the United States and Canada. However, most researchers focus on data from the first harvest rotation only, whereas multiple rotations have been rarely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cultivar (5), planting density (12,000–96,000 cuttings/ha) and harvest rotation (annual, biennial, triennial) on willow biomass yields during 12 consecutive years in northern Poland. Every experimental factor and the interactions between factors significantly impacted willow yields. Biomass yield was highest in the triennial harvest rotation (13.3 Mg ha−1 year−1), 15.9% lower in the biennial rotation and 26.9% lower in the annual rotation. The highest average yield (14.6 Mg ha−1 year−1) was noted at a planting density of 24,000 cuttings/ha, and yields were 9.3%–46.0% lower at the remaining densities. Cultivar UWM 095 had the highest average yield (13.0 Mg ha−1 year−1), whereas the yield of the remaining cultivars was 4.6%–32.4% lower. During the 12‐year period, yields were higher after the first harvest in annual, biennial and triennial harvest rotations. This above implies that high biomass yields can be obtained after the first harvest rotation if willows are cultivated on fertile soils at higher planting density, well managed and coppiced after the first year. However, yields are unlikely to be higher in successive harvest rotations, and they can even be lower, but more stable than in the first harvest rotation.
Cellulosic biofuel crops alter evapotranspiration and drainage fluxes: Direct quantification using automated equilibrium tension lysimeters
Authors: Parish Autumn L. , Kendall Anthony D. , Thompson Anita M. , Stenjem Ryan S. , Hyndman David W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAn increasing number of crops are being considered as potential sources of biomass for both conventional (e.g., maize/corn) and cellulosic (e.g., switchgrass, miscanthus, and hybrid poplar) biofuels. Studies investigating the hydrologic characteristics of these crops are often conducted at either the field scale with a focus on evapotranspiration (ET) or at the plot scale where experiments generally rely on soil water storage dynamics and residual water balances. While this has led to many important insights into crop–soil water interactions under these crops, there does not appear to be any multiyear direct comparisons of the drainage fluxes under this range of biofuel crops. Furthermore, important advancements in drainage flux measurement technologies have yet to be applied to quantify hydrologic fluxes below a range of biofuel crops. Here, we use soil water content (SWC) probes and automated equilibrium tension lysimeters (AETL) to characterize detailed differences in soil water storage and drainage fluxes under conventional and cellulosic biofuel crops. The results of this study suggest that there are significant differences between subsurface water fluxes under some conventional and cellulosic biofuel crops, such as 75% greater average annual drainage and more rapid drainage accumulation under switchgrass relative to maize.
Migraine and Markers of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle‐Aged Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Magalhães João Eudes , Barros Isly Maria Lucena de , Pedrosa Rodrigo Pinto , Sampaio Rocha‐Filho Pedro Augusto 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the association between migraine and the markers of carotid artery disease.BackgroundMigraine increases the risk of cardiovascular events, but its relationship with vascular dysfunction is unclear.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, middle‐aged women with no known cardiovascular diseases underwent clinical, neurological, and laboratory evaluations; pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment; and carotid artery ultrasonography. We divided the participants based on the presence of migraine and, further, based on the type of migraine. Associations between migraine and carotid thickening (intima‐media thickness >0.9 mm), carotid plaques, or arterial stiffening (PWV >10 m/s) were evaluated using a multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe study comprised 112/277 (40%) women with migraine, of whom 46/277 (17%) reported having an aura. Compared to the non‐migraineurs, the migraine with aura group had an increased risk of diffuse carotid thickening (3/46 [6.8%] vs 2/165 [1.3%], adjusted OR = 7.12, 95% CI 1.05–48.49). Migraine without aura was associated with a low risk of carotid plaques (3/66 [4.7%] vs 26/165 [16.7%], adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.08–0.99) and arterial stiffening (21/66 [34.4%] vs 82/165 [51.2%], adjusted OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.79). There were no correlations between migraine characteristics and arterial stiffness or carotid thickness measurements.ConclusionMigraine with aura is associated with an increased risk of carotid thickening, and migraine without aura is associated with a low risk of carotid plaques and arterial stiffening.
HER2 immunohistochemical scores provide prognostic information for patients with HER2‐type invasive breast cancer
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Fang , Tseng Ling‐Ming , Lien Pei‐Ju , Hsu Chih‐Yi , Lin Yen‐Shu , King Kuang‐Liang , Wang Yu‐Ling , Chao Ta‐Chung , Liu Chun‐Yu , Chiu Jen‐Hwey , Yang Muh‐Hwa 
Published: December 2018

AimsInvasive breast cancer patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) immunohistochemical (IHC) scores of 3+ or 2+ with reflex in‐situ hybridisation (ISH) positivity are suitable for anti‐HER2 therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the prognoses between IHC 3+ patients and IHC 2+/ISH+ patients are different.Methods and resultsWe analysed the clinicopathological information of 886 consecutive cases of HER2‐positive early breast cancer. The influences of the patients’ age, cancer stage, hormone receptor status and anti‐HER2 treatment were adjusted using a multivariate Cox regression model. Both HER2 copy numbers and HER2 ISH ratios of the IHC 3+ group were significantly higher than those of the IHC 2+/ISH+ group. The outcomes of IHC 3+ patients were significantly better than those of IHC 2+/ISH+ patients in the univariate and multivariate analyses. HER2 copy numbers of ≥8 represented the best prognostic value, and it was chosen to be the cut‐off value. The reflex ISH for IHC 2+ patients with high HER2 copy numbers (≥8) predicted a better overall survival than that for those with low HER2 copy numbers.ConclusionHER2 IHC scores and HER2 copy numbers can provide prognostic information for patients with HER2‐positive invasive breast cancer. Both IHC 3+ and IHC 2+ patients with high HER2 copy numbers had a better prognosis.
Geographical variation in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among US adolescents
Authors: DeBoer M. D. , Filipp S. L. , Gurka M. J. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundAmong adolescents, obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) contribute to adult cardiovascular disease risk. By parent report, obesity prevalence in the USA was highest in the South.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and MetS by US division and region.MethodsWe used in‐person assessment of 4600 US adolescents age 12–19 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2014.ResultsPrevalence of obesity was highest in the East North Central division (21.3%) and the three census divisions in the South (all >20%), compared with lower prevalence in the Mountain and New England divisions (both <15%). MetS was most prevalent in the two divisions in the Midwest (both >10%) and lowest in the Mountain and New England divisions (both <6%). For the amount of obesity in each division, there was a higher prevalence of MetS in the West North Central division (obesity 17.1%, MetS 13.6%) and lower prevalence in the East South Central (obesity 23.5%, MetS 6.6%) and South Atlantic divisions (obesity 20.4%, MetS 6.7%).ConclusionsThe degree of obesity‐related and MetS‐related risk among adolescents in the Midwest is higher than suggested from previous parent‐reported weight data. The Midwest and South may warrant particularly strong cardiovascular disease prevention efforts.
Impact of motivational interviewing on engagement in a parent‐exclusive paediatric obesity intervention: randomized controlled trial of NOURISH+MI
Authors: Bean M. K. , Thornton L. M. , Jeffers A. J. , Gow R. W. , Mazzeo S. E. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundAttrition and treatment adherence are notorious challenges in paediatric obesity interventions.ObjectiveTo evaluate if brief, pretreatment motivational interviewing (MI) can improve retention (at baseline, post‐assessment and follow‐up assessment) and adherence (i.e. attendance) in a parent‐exclusive paediatric obesity intervention.MethodsMI was implemented with parents as an adjunct to a larger randomized controlled trial of Nourishing Our Understanding of Role‐modeling to Improve Support and Health (NOURISH+), a parent intervention for children with overweight ages 5–11 years. Parents (N = 112) were randomized to receive two MI sessions (one telephone and one in person) or reminder calls.ResultsParents (91% women; 52% African American) who completed one telephone MI session were more likely to attend baseline (74%) compared with parents who received reminder calls only (53%, p < .001). After a second MI session, there were no group differences in treatment initiation (p > .05). Treatment attendance, post or 4‐month follow‐up assessment completion did not differ between conditions (p > .05).ConclusionOne MI session implemented prior to treatment can improve baseline attendance; a second MI session did not enhance these effects. A single‐session telephone‐based MI pretreatment might be a cost and time‐effective strategy to enhance recruitment efforts. Further strategies to address retention and treatment attendance are needed.