bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of ghrelin receptor agonist, relamorelin, on gastric motor functions and satiation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Nelson A. D. , Camilleri M. , Acosta A. , Busciglio I. , Linker Nord S. , Boldingh A. , Rhoten D. , Ryks M. , Burton D. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundSynthetic human ghrelin accelerates gastric emptying, reduces gastric accommodation, and results in numerical increases in postprandial symptom scores. The ghrelin receptor agonist, relamorelin, accelerates gastric emptying in patients with diabetic gastroparesis.AimTo measure pharmacological effects of relamorelin on gastric accommodation, distal antral motility, and satiation in healthy volunteers.MethodsIn a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized study of 16 healthy volunteers, we compared effects of 30 μg subcutaneous (s.c.) relamorelin to placebo on: (i) gastric volumes measured by single photon emission computed tomography, (ii) 1‐h postprandial distal antral motility index (MI) by 15‐lumen perfusion gastroduodenal manometry, and (iii) satiation tested by Ensure nutrient drink test. Primary endpoints were: fasting and postprandial gastric volumes, distal antral phasic pressure activity (number of contractions, mean amplitude, and MI), and maximum tolerated volume. Results were normally distributed and the two treatment groups were compared using t‐test.Key ResultsRelamorelin, 30 μg s.c., significantly increased the number of contractions in the distal antrum during 0–60 min postmeal when compared to placebo (p = 0.022); this was also observed in the first two 15‐min periods (p = 0.005 and 0.015 for number of contractions 0–15 and 16–30). There was borderline increase in MI0‐15 (p = 0.055) and numerically increased MI0‐60 (p = 0.139) and MI16‐30 (p = 0.116). The amplitude of contractions was not significantly increased. Relamorelin did not significantly alter fasting or postprandial gastric volumes, gastric accommodation, or satiation volumes and symptoms.Conclusions & InferencesRelamorelin increases frequency of distal antral motility contractions without significant effects on amplitude of contractions. The lack of inhibition of accommodation and absence of increase in satiation symptoms support relamorelin for the treatment of symptomatic gastroparesis (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02466711).
MANAGING THE UNEXPECTED: SENSE‐MAKING IN THE CHINESE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: LU XIAOLI , XUE LAN 
Published: June 2016

AbstractChina built a new National Emergency Management System (NEMS) after the 2003 SARS crisis to cope with the challenges of crisis and disaster management, particularly the challenge of joint sense‐making. This article investigates how the NEMS addresses joint sense‐making challenges in crisis management. It explores several recent crises in China to uncover factors that undermine or facilitate joint sense‐making. Our study unearths a low degree of professionalization, plans that do not match crisis events, a lack of accountability, and the absence of unified leadership. These critical factors make it hard for the newly built NEMS to establish a common understanding of a crisis. This article concludes with lessons for China's NEMS that may also be useful for other large countries.
Brimonidine Toxicity Secondary to Topical Use for an Ulcerated Hemangioma
Authors: Gill Kamalvir , Bayart Cheryl , Desai Ritu , Golden Alex , Raimer Patricia , Tamburro Joan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCombigan (Allergan, Irvine, CA) is an ophthalmic solution that combines 0.2% brimonidine, a selective α‐2 adrenergic agonist, with 0.5% timolol, a nonselective β‐adrenergic antagonist. It is approved for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. There have been recent reports of successful treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IHs) using Combigan topically. We report the case of a 2‐month‐old girl who developed life‐threatening brimonidine toxicity requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation secondary to central nervous system depression and apnea after topical application to an ulcerated IH.
Multifocal Lymphangioendotheliomatosis with Thrombocytopenia: Presentation of Two Cases Treated with Sirolimus
Authors: Lanöel Agustina , Torres Huamani Adriana Natalia , Feliú Aurora , Sala María Josefina , Alvarez Mariana , Cervini Andrea Bettina 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMultifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a rare disease characterized by congenital and progressive vascular lesions of the skin and gastrointestinal tract that may be associated with thrombocytopenia and possibly life‐threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Reports published on the disease and treatment strategies are scarce. We present two cases of MLT treated with sirolimus.
Tyrosinemia type II: Novel mutations in TAT in a boy with unusual presentation
Authors: Gokay Songul , Kendirci Mustafa , Ustkoyuncu Pembe Soylu , Kardas Fatih , Bayram Ayse Kacar , Per Hüseyin , Poyrazoğlu Hatice Gamze 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTyrosinemia type II is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT). It may occur with ocular and cutaneous symptoms with or without mental retardation, but epileptic seizure is a rare presentation of this disease. Herein we report the clinical, biochemical and genetic features of a 4‐year‐old boy who presented with afebrile seizure and photophobia. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood leukocytes from the whole family. Sequencing analysis was performed using the MiSeq next‐generation sequencing platform. Sequencing of TAT indicated two new homozygous mutations p.L312P (c.935T>C) and p.T408M (c.1223C>T) for the proband and his asymptomatic sister. During a 2 year follow‐up period, the patient had overall poor compliance with protein‐restricted diet, but his asymptomatic sister had good compliance with the diet. Cognitive function of the patient worsened steadily, but his asymptomatic sister maintained normal mental status. Tyrosinemia type II should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with epileptic seizure and photophobia; furthermore, early diagnosis and protein‐restricted regimen are important to reduce the risk of long‐term complications of tyrosinemia type II such as mental disability.
The effects of training group exercise class instructors to adopt a motivationally adaptive communication style
Authors: Ntoumanis N. , Thøgersen‐Ntoumani C. , Quested E. , Hancox J. 
Published: June 2016

Drawing from self‐determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2002), we developed and tested an intervention to train fitness instructors to adopt a motivationally adaptive communication style when interacting with exercisers. This was a parallel group, two‐arm quasi‐experimental design. Participants in the intervention arm were 29 indoor cycling instructors (n = 10 for the control arm) and 246 class members (n = 75 for the control arm). The intervention consisted of face‐to‐face workshops, education/information video clips, group discussions and activities, brainstorming, individual planning, and practical tasks in the cycling studio. Instructors and exercisers responded to validated questionnaires about instructors’ use of motivational strategies and other motivation‐related variables before the first workshop and at the end of the third and final workshop (4 months later). Time × arm interactions revealed no significant effects, possibly due to the large attrition of instructors and exercisers in the control arm. Within‐group analyses in the intervention arm showed that exercisers’ perceptions of instructor motivationally adaptive strategies, psychological need satisfaction, and intentions to remain in the class increased over time. Similarly, instructors in the intervention arm reported being less controlling and experiencing more need satisfaction over time. These results offer initial promising evidence for the positive impact of the training.
Towards an integrated approach to postcolonial and non‐postcolonial Englishes
Authors: BUSCHFELD SARAH , KAUTZSCH ALEXANDER 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTThe categories ‘ESL’ and ‘EFL’ should not be seen as discrete as traditionally assumed but as located on a continuum. Since the traditional categorization as either foreign or second‐language English strongly depends on the historical and sociopolitical development of a territory, with postcolonial speech communities normally ascribed ESL status and non‐postcolonial speech communities being treated as EFL, recent research has made first attempts for an integrative analysis of such Englishes. Based on the framework of Schneider's Dynamic Model, the paper at hand introduces the model of Extra‐ and Intra‐territorial Forces (EIF model) to meet the aim of a joint approach to those Englishes which have so far mostly been treated independently of each other. Its practical application is demonstrated in reference to the development of English in Namibia.
Comparison of Energy-Saving Driving Style Strategies
Authors: Fidansoy Yigit , Wanjani Sohejl , Schmidt Sebastian 
Published: June 2016

Due to the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the climate change, the importance of energy efficiency is increasing. This importance is major especially in areas where the energy consumption is high. Rail transport depicts such an area. The highest proportion of energy consumed in the railway is the so called traction energy. This energy is required for the train run. In the timetable, allowances leave a margin for the driving style of train run. By the selective use of strategies that change the driving style, it is possible to exploit these allowances and reduce the traction energy consumption. The first objective of this study deals with the development of algorithms for energy-saving driving style.
First, the necessary input variables of the algorithms based on the literature research and the formulas of train dynamics were determined. Then the algorithms were developed to create different energy-saving driving styles, resulting choose the best result which should be shown as a driving recommendation. The developed algorithms were used in an application example in order to calculate the potential of energy-savings. The example should represent the influence of the input variables for a comparison of different situations. At last the acceptance of the determined driving strategies in practice was investigated. By implementing the design thinking method it was identified that driver advisory systems and training programs are necessary to facilitate energy-saving driving in practice.
Suitability of Earth and Granular Materials Pressure Cells for Measuring Railway Trackbed Tie/Ballast Interfacial Pressures
Authors: Rose Jerry G. , Purcell Macy L. , Liu Qingjie 
Published: June 2016

The magnitudes and relative distributions of pressures at the tie/ballast interface are important trackbed engineering design and analysis aspects. The pressures produced by millions of load applications ultimately affect the long-term performance of the track and the service lives of the component materials and layers. Ideally the interstitial pressure intensities can be reduced by distributing pressures uniformly over large areas thereby reducing abrasion of the bottom of the tie and crushing of the surface layer of the ballast.
Multiple earth pressure cells and granular materials pressure cells were used in a series of laboratory tests to ascertain the applicability of using these types of sensors for accurate measurement of the vertical pressures at the tie/ballast interface. Test loads were applied through a section of a tie that was positioned on the ballast. In addition, the effects of several variables were evaluated; — primary variables included the type of granular support — ranging from new and worn ballast size to fine sand size aggregate and the type of cushioning — including resilient pads and thin rubber membranes. These tests were conducted to validate or negate the relative effects of variables on test results.
Pressures calculated from the controlled testing, using a 50,000-lbf (222 kN) MTS hydraulic servo system test machine, were compared to simultaneously measured pressures indicated by the outputs from the pressure cells for machine test loads typical of in-track train loadings. Near perfect correlations were obtained. Furthermore, test repeatability was consistent with little variability of replicated tests. The results indicated that the cells were capable of accurately recording known pressure inputs and therefore applicable for in-track measurement of tie/ballast interfacial pressures.
In-track tests were conducted under typical locomotive and freight car loadings with cells positioned at the tie/ballast interfaces directly under the rail/tie intersection — the point of maximum pressure intensities on the ballast layer. These values were very consistent over periods of elapsed time as the track experienced typical loadings from normal train operations. These test results are described in detail as related to measured pressure intensities and distributions from typical locomotive and freight car wheel loadings of 33,000 and 36,000 lbs. (15,000 and 16,300 kg).
Liquefied Natural Gas Tender Crashworthiness in Train-to-Train Collisions
Authors: Tyrell David 
Published: June 2016

Research to facilitate industry efforts to safely use natural gas as a locomotive fuel is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. This research is being conducted cooperatively with the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The research results are being shared with the AAR’s Natural Gas Fuel Tender Technical Advisory Group (NGFT TAG), which includes AAR, Member Railroads, and FRA, with support from ARA and Volpe Center. The NGFT TAG is developing industry requirements, including crashworthiness requirements, for revenue-service natural gas fuel tenders.
Five accident scenarios have been drafted by the NGFT TAG: a train-to-train collision, a grade-crossing collision, rollover, shell impact, and head impact. Each scenario includes a description of the equipment, the impact conditions, and the prescribed outcome. Conceptually, these tender scenarios parallel the scenarios described in 49 CFR Part 229 Appendix E for locomotive crashworthiness.
The focus of the NGFT TAG discussions has expanded to include alternative static requirements. Conceptually, the tender static requirements parallel the requirements for locomotive crashworthiness in AAR S-580. Requirements in S-580 for locomotive structure include static load capacities, material properties, and material thicknesses. For conventionally-designed locomotives, meeting the static requirements of S-580 is accepted as meeting the dynamic requirements of Appendix E. The tender static requirements under development are intended to provide the same level of crashworthiness as the previously proposed dynamic requirements.
The primary advantage of static crashworthiness requirements is that compliance can be shown with classical closed-form engineering analyses. A disadvantage is that design features are presumed, such as the inclusion and location of collision posts in a conventional locomotive design. Design features are not presumed in dynamic crashworthiness requirements; however, compliance must be shown with a design-specific validated computer simulation model. So while dynamic requirements allow for a wide range of design approaches, showing compliance often requires extensive effort.
This paper focuses on technical information to help support development of alternative static requirements for the train-to-train collision scenario. The goal of the static requirements is to provide the same level of crashworthiness as the dynamic requirements under discussion by the NGFT TAG. Tender features capable of providing the desired level of performance are proposed. These features have been selected such that a tender with these features would be crashworthy-compatible with a wide range of new and existing locomotive structural designs.
Conventional Locomotive Coupling Tests: Test Requirements and Pre-Test Analysis
Authors: Llana Patricia , Tyrell David , Rakoczy Przemyslaw 
Published: June 2016

Research to develop new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and crew in rail equipment is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. Crash energy management (CEM) components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. These components are designed to inhibit override in the event of a collision. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. The components are designed to improve crashworthiness for equipped locomotives in a wide range of potential collisions, including collisions with conventional locomotives, conventional cab cars, and freight equipment.
Concerns have been raised in discussions with industry that push-back couplers may trigger prematurely, and may require replacement due to unintentional activation as a result of service loads. It has been shown analytically that push back coupler trigger loads exceed the service load capacity of conventional couplers and draft gears. Two sets of coupling tests are planned to demonstrate this, one with a locomotive equipped with conventional draft gear and coupler and another with a locomotive equipped with a pushback coupler. These tests allow for comparison of conventional with CEM-equipped locomotive measured performance during coupling. In addition to the coupling tests, car-to-car compatibility tests of equipped locomotives and a train-to-train test are also planned. This arrangement of tests allows for evaluation of the CEM-equipped locomotive performance, as well as comparison of measured with simulated locomotive performance in the car-to-car and train-to-train tests. In the coupling tests of conventional equipment, the maximum coupling speed for which there is no damage to either vehicle will be measured. A moving locomotive will be coupled to a standing cab car. The coupling speed for the first test will be 2 mph, the second test 4 mph, and the tests will continue with the speed incrementing by 2 mph until damage occurs to either vehicle.
This paper describes the test requirements and analysis predictions for the coupling tests of conventional equipment. The equipment to be tested, track conditions, test procedures, and measurements to be made are described. A one-dimensional model for predicting the longitudinal forces acting on the equipment and couplers has been developed, along with preliminary predictions for the conventional coupling tests. It is expected that damage will occur for coupling speeds between 6 and 8 mph.
Two schemes for quantitative photoacoustic tomography based on Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Liu Yubin , Jiang Huabei , Yuan Zhen 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:The aim of this study was to develop novel methods for photoacoustically determining the optical absorption coefficient of biological tissues using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.Methods:In this study, the authors propose two quantitative photoacoustic tomography (PAT) methods for mapping the optical absorption coefficient. The reconstruction methods combine conventional PAT with MC simulation in a novel way to determine the optical absorption coefficient of biological tissues or organs. Specifically, the authors’ two schemes were theoretically and experimentally examined using simulations, tissue‐mimicking phantoms, ex vivo, and in vivo tests. In particular, the authors explored these methods using several objects with different absorption contrasts embedded in turbid media and by using high‐absorption media when the diffusion approximation was not effective at describing the photon transport.Results:The simulations and experimental tests showed that the reconstructions were quantitatively accurate in terms of the locations, sizes, and optical properties of the targets. The positions of the recovered targets were accessed by the property profiles, where the authors discovered that the off center error was less than 0.1 mm for the circular target. Meanwhile, the sizes and quantitative optical properties of the targets were quantified by estimating the full width half maximum of the optical absorption property. Interestingly, for the reconstructed sizes, the authors discovered that the errors ranged from 0 for relatively small‐size targets to 26% for relatively large‐size targets whereas for the recovered optical properties, the errors ranged from 0% to 12.5% for different cases.Conclusions:The authors found that their methods can quantitatively reconstruct absorbing objects of different sizes and optical contrasts even when the diffusion approximation is unable to accurately describe the photon propagation in biological tissues. In particular, their methods are able to resolve the intrinsic difficulties that occur when quantitative PAT is conducted by combining conventional PAT with the diffusion approximation or with radiation transport modeling.
Coded excitation ultrasonic needle tracking: An in vivo study
Authors: Xia Wenfeng , Ginsberg Yuval , West Simeon J. , Nikitichev Daniil I. , Ourselin Sebastien , David Anna L. , Desjardins Adrien E. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:Accurate and efficient guidance of medical devices to procedural targets lies at the heart of interventional procedures. Ultrasound imaging is commonly used for device guidance, but determining the location of the device tip can be challenging. Various methods have been proposed to track medical devices during ultrasound‐guided procedures, but widespread clinical adoption has remained elusive. With ultrasonic tracking, the location of a medical device is determined by ultrasonic communication between the ultrasound imaging probe and a transducer integrated into the medical device. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the transducer data is an important determinant of the depth in tissue at which tracking can be performed. In this paper, the authors present a new generation of ultrasonic tracking in which coded excitation is used to improve the SNR without spatial averaging.Methods:A fiber optic hydrophone was integrated into the cannula of a 20 gauge insertion needle. This transducer received transmissions from the ultrasound imaging probe, and the data were processed to obtain a tracking image of the needle tip. Excitation using Barker or Golay codes was performed to improve the SNR, and conventional bipolar excitation was performed for comparison. The performance of the coded excitation ultrasonic tracking system was evaluated in an in vivo ovine model with insertions to the brachial plexus and the uterine cavity.Results:Coded excitation significantly increased the SNRs of the tracking images, as compared with bipolar excitation. During an insertion to the brachial plexus, the SNR was increased by factors of 3.5 for Barker coding and 7.1 for Golay coding. During insertions into the uterine cavity, these factors ranged from 2.9 to 4.2 for Barker coding and 5.4 to 8.5 for Golay coding. The maximum SNR was 670, which was obtained with Golay coding during needle withdrawal from the brachial plexus. Range sidelobe artifacts were observed in tracking images obtained with Barker coded excitation, and they were visually absent with Golay coded excitation. The spatial tracking accuracy was unaffected by coded excitation.Conclusions:Coded excitation is a viable method for improving the SNR in ultrasonic tracking without compromising spatial accuracy. This method provided SNR increases that are consistent with theoretical expectations, even in the presence of physiological motion. With the ultrasonic tracking system in this study, the SNR increases will have direct clinical implications in a broad range of interventional procedures by improving visibility of medical devices at large depths.