bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of select discharge parameters on electric field transients triggered in collisionless very high frequency capacitive discharges
Authors: Sharma Sarveshwar , Sirse Nishant , Sen Abhijit , Turner Miles M. , Ellingboe Albert R.
Published: October 2019

Self-consistent particle-in-cell simulations are carried out to investigate the effect of discharge voltage, driving frequency, and the extent of the electrode gap on the formation of electric field transients. The shape of the electron energy distribution function into the bulk plasma and the nature of the mode transition in plasma density are presented for the driving frequency range of 27.12 MHz to 80 MHz. The present results, taken in conjunction with our previous study [Sharma et al., Phys. Plasmas 23, 110701 (2016)] that only looked at the driving frequency dependence in collisionless capacitive Ar discharges, provide a comprehensive and detailed account of the dynamics of such discharges over a multiparameter operational space.
Palladium oxidation directly precedes methane oxidation in catalyzed reactions
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: October 2019

X-ray absorption study shows oxidation pre-treatment performs as well as reduction pre-treatment and enhances low-temperature combustion in uniform alloyed platinum-palladium nanoparticles.
Atlas describes structural regularities between proposed zeolites
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: October 2019

Machine learning approach uses molar energy and volume of zeolites to compare local environments between hypothetical frameworks.
The perception of a robot partner’s effort elicits a sense of commitment to human-robot interaction
Authors: Székely Marcell , Powell Henry , Vannucci Fabio , Rea Francesco , Sciutti Alessandra , Michael John
Published: October 2019

Previous research has shown that the perception that one’s partner is investing effort in a joint action can generate a sense of commitment, leading participants to persist longer despite increasing boredom. The current research extends this finding to human-robot interaction. We implemented a 2-player version of the classic snake game which became increasingly boring over the course of each round, and operationalized commitment in terms of how long participants persisted before pressing a ‘finish’ button to conclude each round. Participants were informed that they would be linked via internet with their partner, a humanoid robot. Our results reveal that participants persisted longer when they perceived what they believed to be cues of their robot partner’s effortful contribution to the joint action. This provides evidence that the perception of a robot partner’s effort can elicit a sense of commitment to human-robot interaction.
The situational context and the reliability of an adult model influence infants’ imitation
Authors: Stenberg Gunilla
Published: October 2019

Four studies examined 15- to 16-month-olds’ imitation of a model’s novel action with a familiar or an unfamiliar
object. The infants observed a reliable or an unreliable model demonstrating a novel action with the object in a solitary
observational (Study 1, 44 infants; Study 3, 40 infants) or in an interactive (Study 2, 48 infants; Study 4, 44 infants) context.
The model’s reliability was manipulated by having the model acting competently or incompetently with different familiar objects.
In two out of four studies infants imitated the model’s behavior when the model had previously shown to be reliable than when the
model had been unreliable. The infants’ motivation to imitate was related to whether the reliable model interacted with the
infants during object demonstration. More infants imitated the reliable model, who demonstrated the objects while interacting with
the infants, than the reliable model who behaved in a disinterested manner during object demonstration.
Reservoir engineering of Cooper-pair-assisted transport with cold atoms
Authors: Damanet François , Mascarenhas Eduardo , Pekker David , Daley Andrew J
Published: October 2019

We show how Cooper-pair-assisted transport, which describes the stimulated transport of electrons in the presence of Cooper-pairs, can be engineered and controlled with cold atoms, in regimes that are difficult to access for condensed matter systems. Our model is a channel connecting two cold atomic gases, and the mechanism to generate such a transport relies on the coupling of the channel to a molecular BEC, with diatomic molecules of fermionic atoms. Our results are obtained using a Floquet–Redfield master equation that accounts for an exact treatment of the interaction between atoms in the channel. We explore, in particular, the impact of the coupling to the BEC and the interaction between atoms in the junction on its transport properties, revealing non-trivial dependence of the produced particle current. We also study the effects of finite temperatures of the reservoirs and the robustness of the current against additional dissipation acting on the junction. Our work is experimentally relevant and has potential applications to dissipation engineering of transport with cold atoms, studies of thermoelectric effects, quantum heat engines, or Floquet Majorana fermions.
Reconstructing the temporal evolution of the speed of light in a flat FRW Universe
Authors: Wang Dan-Dan , Zhang Han-Yu , Zheng Jing-Lan , Wang Yu-Ting , Zhao Gong-Bo
Published: October 2019

We present a novel method to reconstruct the temporal evolution of the speed of light c(z) in a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe using astronomical observations. After validating our pipeline with mock datasets, we apply our method to the latest baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and supernovae observations, and reconstruct c(z) in the redshift range of z ∈ [0,1.5]. We find no evidence of a varying speed of light, although we see some interesting features of Δc(z), the fractional difference between c(z) and c
0 (the speed of light in the International System of Units), eg, Δc(z) < 0 and Δc(z) > 0 at 0.2 ≲ z ≲ 0.5 and 0.8 ≲ z ≲ 1.3, respectively, although the significance of these features is currently far below statistical importance.
Data ultrametricity and clusterability
Authors: Simovici Dan , Hua Kaixun
Published: October 2019

The increasing needs of clustering massive datasets and the high cost of running clustering algorithms poses difficult problems for users. In this context it is important to determine if a data set is clusterable, that is, it may be partitioned efficiently into well-differentiated groups containing similar objects. We approach data clusterability from an ultrametric-based perspective. A novel approach to determine the ultrametricity of a dataset is proposed via a special type of matrix product, which allows us to evaluate the clusterability of the dataset. Furthermore, we show that by applying our technique to a dissimilarity space will generate the sub-dominant ultrametric of the dissimilarity.
Comparison of hydrocarbons synthesis mathematical models for dimethyl ether catalytic transformation process
Authors: Doluda V. , Sulamn E. , Brovko R. , Tarasyuk I. , Filippov D. , Lefedova O.
Published: October 2019

A comparison of mathematical models applicable for hydrocarbons formation process by catalytic transformation of dimethyl ether is discussed in the article. Dimethyl transformation is complex catalytic process used for aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins formation. The process can be realized for transformation of renewable and waste organic resources into fuel range hydrocarbons. Proper mathematical modelling for this complex process can play a driver role for process productivity intensification. A mathematical models proposed by different authors are discussed and compared to self-developed Eley-Rideal based model. Advantages and models limitations are discussed in the article.
Intelligent system to monitor and diagnose performance deviation in Industrial Equipment
Authors: Sankara Subramanian A T , Udayakumar M D , Indragandhi V. , Ramkumar R.
Published: October 2019

As per ISO norms, industries used to calibrate the meters which they are using, but performance deviations of the working equipment which are not affecting the economy or production of industries are not given significant importance. So, this work aims at concentrating on fine performance deviation in induction machine which if avoided without taking corrective action may even stop production. This is done by taking a set of reference parameters and the newly taken values are compared with the reference ones and error margin is determined. Various sensors are interfaced for measuring the physical parameters of the machines. Thus, with all these the performance of industrial induction motor with different loading conditions are carried out and the possible damage that could occur if the fault in the machine is not cleared, and also will show the preventive measures to be taken to avoid the failure of the drives are framed. In industries the machines used will be of higher ratings. And if there occurs any error or fault then its production will be greatly affected, which in turn will create huge production and economic losses, so to avoid that the proposed system to forecast the performance deviations of the drives will be of great commercial significance. With this system, the production and economic losses can be reduced to greater extent and also can prevent the machines from damage.
An IBSMF Optimization Technique used Distribution system with Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Suresh J , Ganesh V
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the interconnection of renewable energy sources is proposed for power quality improvement of renewable energy sources (RESs) with an energy storage system. The proposed system is the combined execution of Improved Bat Search Algorithm (IB SA) through Moth Flame Optimization Algorithm (MFOA) named as IBSMFO. The searching behaviour of the bats is modified with efficient neighborhood search functions like crossover & mutation. In the proposed method, the MFOA has handled the searching behavior of the IBSA in perspective of the minimum error objective function. The objective of the proposed IBSMFO approach was to enhance the power quality as for the real and reactive power variations. To accomplish the objective, MFOA is optimized for minimize power variations as well as the operational cost of the RESs in light of weekly and daily forecast of data for grid electricity charge, electrical load and environmental parameter. The proposed IBSMFO procedure deals with the performance of the energy storage apparatus as far as the enhancement of power in the entire system. By at that point, the proposed system is executed in MATLAB/SIMULINK working model and the execution is surveyed with the current procedure.
Recognition of fault and security of three phase induction motor by means of programmable logic controller
Authors: Pradeep M. , Sathishkumar S. , John de britto C. , Sankara Subramanian A.T.
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a fault protection of three phase induction motor. Induction motor is common in many industries. Fault can be occurred due to over speed, over load, high temperature, vibration, over current and over voltage. Complete monitoring is necessary to prevent the motor from the damage. Various protection schemes are implemented to protect the motor from the fault. Here we come with the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for the detection and protection of three phase induction motor from the fault. PLC is used to control the system and the SCADA is used to control and monitor the motor. Motor status can be viewed and controlled in remote location by using the SCADA software. If any fault occurs, motor automatically turns off and gives the warning to the person working in the vicinity. Hereby we can avoid unexpected failure of the motor and prevent the whole industrial process from shutting down all of a sudden which can be dangerous to the people working in the industry. This possesses high efficiency, low cost and more safety benefits than relay basedsystem.
An improved P&O MPPT control algorithm for increasing power extraction efficiency of solar PV module
Authors: Dinesh Kumar D , Babu Challa , Jyotheeswara Reddy K , Kumar K , Kumar N K
Published: October 2019

The extraction of solar energy is done by using power point tracking techniques. The solar PV cells available have low efficiency in the order of 15-20%. The extraction efficiency depends on solar insolation, cell temperature, angle of incidence and the load current. These factors resulting a non linear V-I characteristics for a PV cell. A Perturb & Observation MPPT is developed to operate the PV cell at a reference voltage corresponding to maximum power point in the characteristic curve. This algorithm is incorporated to improve the performance and thereby increasing the efficiency of PV cell. A 225W solar PV module at different cell temperatures and solar insolation is simulated in MATLAB environment. The simulated results shows the deviation of output power of solar module at maximum power point with ideal PV power is about 12% for different cell temperature and solar insolation.
Measuring effectiveness and efficiency of a new product development project using performance matrix – The PROTON case
Authors: Boejang H , Hassan M Z , Mokudai T , Ariff H , Esa S
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a study on the development of a performance matrix to measure the new product development project performance for a small car producer in Malaysia. This study was carried out through open-ended interview sessions, involving a couple of project managers, a new product introduction manager and senior product planning manager and engineers. The questionnaires were developed based on the literatures and pre-tested prior the interview sessions. The feedbacks were used to identify the most important internal and external performance outcomes that crucial to the car producer. The development lead-time represents the efficiency, while the market share represents the effectiveness of the product development process. The performance matrix was successfully developed and the relation between the development lead time and market share is asymmetric. This performance matrix is best used for comparing NPD performances between plan and actual of a developed project, as well as between actual performances of a previous project and a new project that are having a similar project scopes and contents. The application of the performance matrix through a case study indicates that the success or failure status of the new product development project can be determined. The performance matrix is found to be viable and suitable for this indigenous car producer.
The Study of Geometric Parameters of the Mong Impact on Natural Frequency
Authors: Bamrungwong Joompon , Arthibenyakul Bancha
Published: October 2019

The Mong or Tam-tam is sometimes also called Gong, which is a percussion instrument in Thailand. The Mong with boss generates a tone with less shim and a one-key sound. A player has to percuss the Mongs to create a rhythm with a hard rubber mallet. It was originally used for signaling peasant workers in from the fields and telling time in Thai because the Mongs are loud enough to be heard from up to 8 km away. The sound of the Mong is usually generated from the vibration of its own structure. The aims of this analysis were to study the eigen modes and identify the important parameters to generate a natural frequency, in which the boss of the Mong are excited. Finite element analysis and the design of the experiment were used to find the relation of geometric parameters that impact the eigen mode. In this paper, the inertia relief method was used to study the natural frequency of the Mong, while the spectrum analyzer was used to measure the eigen mode. The results showed that the diameter of the horizontal flange and the thickness of the Mong had a significant effect on the eigen natural frequency, which is similar to the Gong. This implies that the thickness and horizontal flange diameter must be increased if wanting to use the Mong with many key tones. The analysis agreed with the actual behavior of the structure of the Gong of Khong Wong Yai.
Application of Fuel Oil Distribution Route Using Ford Algorithm
Authors: Siregar I
Published: October 2019

The company which is engaged in Fuel Oil distribution is located in Riau City. Distribution in the company is to distribute Fuel Oil to each distribution center (SPBU) which is the scope of the company with the amount set by the distribution center. Distribution often experiences delays because there is no distribution route. This causes the company’s losses in the form of increasing working hours (overtime and adding of transportation vehicles. Determination of distribution routes to the company is a key to success in handling the problem of distributing Fuel Oil to each distribution center. This method provides alternatives for the company about the shortest distance traveled for the Fuel Oil distribution and delay can be minimized. The final result in this study is the company find out the loading time of the vehicle in the form of distance traveled by vehicle, distance time and cost distribution and the company can find out how long the distribution time needed to each distribution center, the shortest path problem method with the Ford algorithm can minimize the distance as much as 13 distribution center and minimize the average savings of distance for 56 km / hour.
Inventory Planning at Painting Section in the Indonesian Automotive Industry
Authors: Sitepu Muhammad Haikal , Situmorang Dian Pratama , Sembiring Meilita Tryana
Published: October 2019

An increase of competition in the Indonesian automotive industry due to an emergence of new products and the presence of new players has pushed the companies in this industry to have proper planning for inventory. Many models are available in the literature to support good planning for inventory, However, not all models are appropriate to be used in inventory planning for a specific department in the Automotive industry. Economic impacts such as cost can be used as consideration in selecting the appropriate model. This paper aims to compare models for inventory planning at painting section in one of the Indonesian automotive industry based on inventory cost. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Kanban and Economic Order Interval (EOI) are models compared in this study. The results of this study indicated that EOQ and EOI are the inventory model that produces the lowest inventory cost.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition for Indonesian License Plate by Using K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm
Authors: Gunawan D , Rohimah W , Rahmat R F
Published: October 2019

Transportation surveillance requires many human resources to cover all the road in a city. The human resources might be reduced by utilizing automation. For example, a task to recognize the license plate can be automated by utilizing CCTVs or surveillance cameras that usually installed in the crossroads. The automatic number plate recognition is required to record the license plate of the vehicle that violates the traffic rules. This number can be processed for future references. This research utilizes K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) to recognize the license plate. The research is conducted to 125 license plate images which are divided into 100 training images and 25 testing images. The success rate of this research is 92.86%. The condition of the license plate and light intensity influence the recognition result.
Automatic regulator design for Liquified Petroleum Gas
Authors: Nasution T H , Nasution R Y , Putri K A , Nasution C F
Published: October 2019

In Indonesia, cases of explosions due to gas cylinder leakage have begun to become the attention of the government and the development company. If a leakage happens when there are no people around it this can be dangerous because no one open the regulator on the LPG tube. To handle this, we design a system to detect leakage and release regulators if a gas leakage is detected. We build the automatic regulator system, we use several equipment including Arduino Nano, MQ-2 sensor and servo motor. The MQ-2 sensor is used as an input for gas leakage detection when the servo motor is used as a control output to open the regulator knob. Arduino Nano is used as a control device to read sensor signal input and control the output in the servo motor. Based on the results of the tests have been carried out the automatic regulator work well when a gas leakage happens by opening the regulator knob and the gas does not flow continuously. From the test results obtained an average response time to open the knop after the detected gas is 1,796 seconds.
Interaction 3D Human Anatomy of Ear, Nose, Throat Using Mix Reality
Authors: Syahputra M F , Rahmat R F , Zahara Devira , Saragih M Arfiza Putra , Lubis M Anggia , Muchtar M A , Andayani U
Published: October 2019

The development of information technology in the future will continue to grow and full of innovations, all shortcomings in an application or equipment will continue to be minimized, all ways to simplify and efficiently a technology are continuously looked for and developed by experts in their respective fields. The frequent use of 3D objects and animation in medical learning media is felt to be incomplete without the direct interaction of users with modern computers so that users are more interested in learning for Ear, Nose and Throat. Therefore, in this study, an interaction system was made on the Ear Nose Throat medical learning application using Microsoft HoloLens. In this study used interactions that use hand gesture and voice input. The results of this study, users will be able to interact with the Ear, Nose and Throat using Microsoft HoloLens. With this extensive application, it will facilitate users in Ear, Nose and Throat medical learning more interactively with the unique features of applications that use voice input and hand gesture.
3D Modelling Intestine Anatomy with Augmented Reality for Interactive Medical Learning
Authors: Andayani U , Syahputra M F , Muchtar M A , Sattar M , Prayudani Santi , Fahmi F
Published: October 2019

Humans, one of the heterotrophic living things must meet energy needs by consuming food. The food is then described in the digestive system to become an energy source. The digestive system is composed of the digestive tract and digestive gland glands. In the excerpt of the book “Prometheus” human anatomy, the digestive tract acts as a tool for receiving, chewing, delivering, storing, digesting, absorbing (absorbing) and eliminating food. The small intestine, large intestine, and rectum are organs included in the digestive process. This organ is one of the materials taught to science students to the level of students, especially in medicine. Submission of material about the digestive system in humans themselves is still through conventional media such as blackboards, and images contained in books. Several innovations have been carried out, but still, the development of learning innovations must continue to be developed, so that less interesting subject matter makes it easier for students to know a subject matter with the help of technology and multimedia. The conventional method can only be told without being visualized. If using Augmented Reality (AR) has advantages, namely virtual storage (memory), can be learned at any time, can only be installed on a smartphone, each of them can be studied without thematic tools, and can be visualized by scenarios or stories about problems. The marker was used from the Prometheus book [10] then the AR as the visualization of the organs. The results by developing a 3D model using blender and unity showed that the optimal models could be created by combining both their applications and the testing result of marker detection stable from 15-45 cm and tilt marker detection between 45° - 150°.
Designing an IoT-based air quality monitoring system
Authors: Nasution T H , Muchtar M A , Simon A
Published: October 2019

The air quality in an area very influential on the state of the population in an area because of the quality can affect both the health of humans, animals or plants. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically monitor air quality conditions in an area. In this study an IoT-based air quality monitoring system was designed to determine the air quality conditions in an area. The system will monitor using sensors to see the levels of several substances in the air including O3, SO2, CO and particulates. Reading sensor data using an Arduino microcontroller. Then the data sent to the ThingSpeak cloud system uses a WIFI module on Arduino by accessing the API provided by the ThingSpeak cloud service. The monitoring results will be visible through a web page provided by the ThingSpeak cloud service.
Additive and Multiplicative Interactions Between Genetic Risk Score and Family History and Lifestyle in Relation to Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ding Ming , Ahmad Shafqat , Qi Lu , Hu Yang , Bhupathiraju Shilpa N , Guasch-Ferré Marta , Jensen Majken K , Chavarro Jorge E , Ridker Paul M , Willett Walter C , Chasman Daniel I , Hu Frank B , Kraft Peter
Published: October 2019

We examined interactions between lifestyle factors and genetic risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D-GR), captured by genetic risk score (GRS) and family history (FH). Our initial study cohort included 20,524 European-ancestry participants, of whom 1,897 developed incident T2D, in the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2016), Nurses’ Health Study II (1989–2016), and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2016). The analyses were replicated in 19,183 European-ancestry controls and 2,850 incident T2D cases in the Women’s Genome Health Study (1992–2016). We defined 2 categories of T2D-GR: high GRS (upper one-third) with FH and low GRS or without FH. Compared with participants with the healthiest lifestyle and low T2D-GR, the relative risk of T2D for participants with the healthiest lifestyle and high T2D-GR was 2.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76, 2.86); for participants with the least healthy lifestyle and low T2D-GR, it was 4.05 (95% CI: 3.56, 4.62); and for participants with the least healthy lifestyle and high T2D-GR, it was 8.72 (95% CI: 7.46, 10.19). We found a significant departure from an additive risk difference model in both the initial and replication cohorts, suggesting that adherence to a healthy lifestyle could lead to greater absolute risk reduction among those with high T2D-GR. The public health implication is that a healthy lifestyle is important for diabetes prevention, especially for individuals with high GRS and FH of T2D.
Probing the Impact of Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment on Odor Perception
Authors: Kranz Georg S , Kaufmann Ulrike , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: October 2019

Evidence suggests that women outperform men in core aspects of odor perception, and sex hormones may play a significant role in moderating this effect. The gender-affirming treatment (GAT) of transgender persons constitutes a powerful natural experiment to study the psychological and behavioral effects of high dosages of cross-sex hormone applications. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects of GAT on odor perception in a sample of 131 participants including female and male controls, as well as transmen and transwomen over their first 4 months of gender transition. The Sniffin’ Sticks test battery was used to measure odor detection, discrimination, and identification at baseline, as well as 1 and 4 months after the start of GAT. Plasma levels of estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were analyzed for each assessment point. Results revealed no significant change of olfactory performance in the two transgender groups compared with female and male controls. There was no significant difference between groups at baseline or any other time point. Neither biological sex, nor gender identity had an influence on odor perception. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between sex hormones and odor perception and between GAT-induced changes in sex hormones and changes in odor perception. Our results indicate that the effects of sex hormones on olfactory performance are subtle, if present at all. However, our results do not preclude hormonal effects on odors not included in the Sniffin’ Sticks test battery, such as body odors or odors associated with sex.
Characterizing Clinical Features and Creating a Gene Expression Profile Associated With Pain Burden in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Grossi Victoria , Hyams Jeffrey S , Glidden Nicole C , Knight Brittany E , Young Erin E
Published: October 2019

Background

There is often dissociation between inflammatory activity and abdominal pain in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), suggesting other factors may play a role in the pain experience.

Methods

Patients (8 to 17 years) newly diagnosed with IBD were enrolled in the ALLAY Study: Assessing Risk Factors for Abdominal Pain in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (NCT02984059). At diagnostic colonoscopy, 3 rectal biopsies were collected, and gene expression analysis was performed using Qiagen RT2 Profiler Neuropathic and Inflammatory Pain PCR Array. Relative fold difference in gene expression for 84 pain-associated genes was calculated using the 2-ΔΔ Cq method compared with pain-free controls. Factors affecting pain burden (Pain Burden Interview; PBI) were analyzed, including age, sex, rectal inflammation, and gene expression. Data were analyzed using multiple stepwise linear regression and 2-tailed t tests (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Thirty-nine newly diagnosed IBD patients were included (65% male, mean age 12.75 years [SD 2.63], 23 Crohn’s disease, 16 ulcerative colitis), along with 3 controls. Mean PBI score was 7.73 (SD 6.4, range 0 to 23) for all patients. Age and sex were not predictive of pain burden, but disease activity score was (P = 0.03). Expression of TRPV3, OPRM1, P2X3, SCN9A, PTGS2, and MAPK14 were associated with PBI score. Subsequent 2-tailed t tests comparing patients with no pain (PBI score ≦ 2, N = 11) to those with pain (PBI > 2, N = 28) confirmed differential expression of TRPV3, PTGS2, and MAPK14 was in patients with pain (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pain burden in newly diagnosed IBD patients may be linked to TRPV3, PTGS2, and MAPK14 expression, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for managing pain in IBD.
Bariatric Surgery and Its Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Koenen Brian , Kirby Donald F
Published: October 2019

Recent data have suggested that bariatric procedures, especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are safe and effective weight loss measures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But most of the studies have looked at short-term outcomes, and there is a general lack of awareness of underlying disease processes and baseline comorbidities in IBD patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Postbariatric issues in IBD patients including diarrhea from dumping syndrome, choleretic diarrhea, a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, stomal ulcerations, stenosis, and renal and gallstones can complicate the natural history of IBD. This could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, change of medical therapy, and poor surgical and quality of life outcomes. In this review, we will discuss major complications after common bariatric procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and gastric banding) and suggest possible management strategies.
Early outcome of aortic balloon occlusion during total aortic arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique for aortic dissection
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Guo Hongwei , Shi Yi , Liu Yanxiang , Sun Xiaogang
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to propose and evaluate the new operative technique of aortic balloon occlusion in total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with the frozen elephant trunk that can significantly decrease the time of circulatory arrest and increase the hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) temperature.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2018, 1335 patients with aortic dissection who underwent TAR with the frozen elephant trunk were included in the study. The newest 80 cases were treated with aortic balloon occlusion. To illustrate the difference with the new procedure, 1255 conventional TAR cases served as the historical control. Femoral and right axillary artery cannulations were used for CPB and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. Circulatory arrest was implemented at the nasopharyngeal temperature of 28°C with continuous antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. After the stent graft was inserted into the true lumen of the descending aorta, the aortic balloon in a sheath was deployed into the stent graft and positioned at the metal part of the stent graft. When the balloon was inflated with enough saline to compress the stent graft, the sheath was simultaneously pressed by hand to properly fix the balloon and avoid displacement. Then femoral perfusion could be resumed.

RESULTS

The aortic balloon occlusion technique was successful in all patients, with the median duration of circulatory arrest being 5 (interquartile range 3–7) min. The 30-day mortality rate was 6.25% (5/80), whereas with the conventional method it was 9.40% (118/1255). The postoperative conscious revival (8.67 vs 11.40 h, P < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation times (19.70 vs 24.45 h, P = 0.02) were significantly shorter. Decreases in postoperative acute kidney injuries (13.75% vs 32.11%, P = 0.001) and liver injuries (8.75% vs 37.61%, P < 0.001) were also observed. The patients were transfused with lesser quantities of red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

The aortic balloon occlusion technique is a feasible way to shorten circulatory arrest significantly, to obviate the need for deep hypothermia in TAR with the frozen elephant trunk and to provide favourable protective effects on the central nervous, haematological and visceral systems. With these satisfactory results, this technique deserves further investigation.
Contemporary outcomes of composite aortic root replacement in elderly patients
Authors: Okamura Homare , Arakawa Mamoru , Kimura Naoyuki , Yuri Koichi , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: October 2019

Figure 4:

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the clinical and haemodynamic outcomes in elderly patients undergoing composite aortic root replacement.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2017, 135 patients underwent aortic root surgery at our hospital. Of these 135 patients, 47 patients aged ≥65 years were included in this study. Pathologies included aneurysms in 31, chronic aortic dissection in 6, acute aortic dissection in 4 and other causes in 6 patients. A bioprosthesis was used in 27 and a mechanical valve in 20 patients. The mean age was 71.0 ± 4.3 years. The mean follow-up period was 61 ± 35 months. Follow-up echocardiographic data (average 48 months after surgery) were collected in 35 patients (74%).

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.1% (1 patient). Seven late deaths occurred during follow-up. The 1-, 5- and 8-year overall survival was 93.6%, 82.9% and 82.9%, respectively. Infective endocarditis, Marfan syndrome and diabetes were independent predictors of poorer survival. During the follow-up, thromboembolism occurred in 1 patient, major bleeding events in 5 patients, or proximal reoperation for prosthetic valve endocarditis in 1 patient. The type of valve, mechanical or biological valve, did not affect late mortality and morbidity. Follow-up echocardiography revealed significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction compared with that at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Composite aortic root replacement provided satisfactory midterm outcomes in patients aged ≥65 years. Further studies with a longer follow-up are warranted to evaluate late valve-related events.
Healthcare-seeking behaviour, barriers to care and predictors of symptom improvement among patients with cardiovascular disease in northern Tanzania
Authors: Hertz Julian T , Sakita Francis M , Kweka Godfrey L , Loring Zak , Thielman Nathan M , Temu Gloria , Bartlett John A
Published: October 2019

Background

Little is known about healthcare-seeking behaviour and barriers to care for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Emergency department patients in Tanzania with acute CVD were prospectively enrolled. Questionnaires were administered at enrollment and 30 d later.

Results

Of 241 patients, 186 (77.2%) had visited another facility for the same illness episode (median symptom duration prior to presentation was 7 d) and 82 (34.0%) reported that they were initially unaware of the potential seriousness of their symptoms. Of the 208 (86.3%) patients completing follow-up, 16 (7.7%) had died, 38 (18.3%) had visited another facility for persistent symptoms, 99 (47.6%) felt they understood their diagnosis, 87 (41.8%) felt they understood their treatment and 11 (7.8%) could identify any of their medications. Predictors of 30 d survival with symptom improvement included medication compliance (p<0.001), understanding the diagnosis (p=0.007), understanding the treatment (p<0.001) and greater CVD knowledge (p=0.008).

Conclusions

Patients with CVD in Tanzania usually visit multiple facilities for the same illness episode, typically after prolonged delays. Only a minority understand their diagnosis and treatment, and such understanding is correlated with survival with symptom improvement. Patient-centred interventions are needed to improve the quality of cardiovascular care in Tanzania.
Using electronic health record audit logs to study clinical activity: a systematic review of aims, measures, and methods
Authors: Rule Adam , Chiang Michael F , Hribar Michelle R
Published: October 2019

Objective

To systematically review published literature and identify consistency and variation in the aims, measures, and methods of studies using electronic health record (EHR) audit logs to observe clinical activities.

Materials and Methods

In July 2019, we searched PubMed for articles using EHR audit logs to study clinical activities. We coded and clustered the aims, measures, and methods of each article into recurring categories. We likewise extracted and summarized the methods used to validate measures derived from audit logs and limitations discussed of using audit logs for research.

Results

Eighty-five articles met inclusion criteria. Study aims included examining EHR use, care team dynamics, and clinical workflows. Studies employed 6 key audit log measures: counts of actions captured by audit logs (eg, problem list viewed), counts of higher-level activities imputed by researchers (eg, chart review), activity durations, activity sequences, activity clusters, and EHR user networks. Methods used to preprocess audit logs varied, including how authors filtered extraneous actions, mapped actions to higher-level activities, and interpreted repeated actions or gaps in activity. Nineteen studies validated results (22%), but only 9 (11%) through direct observation, demonstrating varying levels of measure accuracy.

Discussion

While originally designed to aid access control, EHR audit logs have been used to observe diverse clinical activities. However, most studies lack sufficient discussion of measure definition, calculation, and validation to support replication, comparison, and cross-study synthesis.

Conclusion

EHR audit logs have potential to scale observational research but the complexity of audit log measures necessitates greater methodological transparency and validated standards.
Seismic spectral sparse reflectivity inversion based on SBL-EM: experimental analysis and application
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Su Mingjun
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we propose a new method of seismic spectral sparse reflectivity inversion that, for the first time, introduces Expectation-Maximization-based sparse Bayesian learning (SBL-EM) to enhance the accuracy of stratal reflectivity estimation based on the frequency spectrum of seismic reflection data. Compared with the widely applied sequential algorithm-based sparse Bayesian learning (SBL-SA), SBL-EM is more robust to data noise and, generally, can not only find a sparse solution with higher precision, but also yield a better lateral continuity along the final profile. To investigate the potential of SBL-EM in a seismic spectral sparse reflectivity inversion, we evaluate the inversion results by comparing them with those of a SBL-SA-based approach in multiple aspects, including the sensitivity to different frequency bands, the robustness to data noise, the lateral continuity of the final profiles and so on. Furthermore, we apply the mean square error (MSE), residual variance (RV) of seismograms and residual energy (RE) between the frequency spectra of the true and inverted reflectivity model to highlight the advantages of the proposed method over the SBL-SA-based approach in terms of spectral sparse reflectivity inversion within a sparse Bayesian learning framework. Multiple examples, including both numerical and field experiments, are carried out to validate the proposed method.
Acoustic emission characteristics of pre-cracked specimens under biaxial compression
Authors: Liu Xuewei , Liu Quansheng , Liu Bin , Liu Qi
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an experimental study in which molded gypsum pre-cracked specimens with two types of flaw (single and X-shaped cross flaws) were tested under biaxial compression. Results show that acoustic emission (AE) energy rate curves can be divided into three different periods during uniaxial compression, which correspond to crack closure, linear elastic and unstable failure stages of specimens. However, only two periods are observed during biaxial compression, which correspond to linear elastic deformation and unstable failure. Furthermore, two proposed AE parameters, namely the AE energy ratio and AE energy release ratio, and a classical AE parameter b-value were used to analyze the influence of biaxial compression loading on AE energy, respectively. With increasing confining pressure, the AE energy release ratio, as well as AE b-value decreases gradually while AE energy ratio increases. Moreover, maximum and average AE energy rate values decrease as confining pressure increases. Data presented herein is useful to study the AE characteristics of pre-cracked specimens under biaxial compression.
Oxybutynin vs Placebo for Hot Flashes in Women With or Without Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial (ACCRU SC-1603)
Authors: Leon-Ferre Roberto A , Novotny Paul J , Wolfe Eric G , Faubion Stephanie S , Ruddy Kathryn J , Flora Daniel , Dakhil Christopher S R , Rowland Kendrith M , Graham Mark L , Le-Lindqwister Nguyet , Smith Thomas J , Loprinzi Charles L
Published: October 2019

Background

Hot flashes (HFs) negatively affect quality of life among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. This study investigated the efficacy of oxybutynin vs placebo in decreasing HFs.

Methods

In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind study, women with and without breast cancer with 28 or more HFs per week, lasting longer than 30 days, who were not candidates for estrogen-based therapy, were assigned to oral oxybutynin (2.5 mg twice a day or 5 mg twice a day) or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the intrapatient change from baseline in weekly HF score between each oxybutynin dose and placebo using a repeated-measures mixed model. Secondary endpoints included changes in weekly HF frequency, HF-related daily interference scale questionnaires, and self-reported symptoms.

Results

We enrolled 150 women. Baseline characteristics were well balanced. Mean (SD) age was 57 (8.2) years. Two-thirds (65%) were taking tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Patients on both oxybutynin doses reported greater reductions in the weekly HF score (5 mg twice a day: −16.9 [SD 15.6], 2.5 mg twice a day: −10.6 [SD 7.7]), placebo −5.7 (SD 10.2); P < .005 for both oxybutynin doses vs placebo), HF frequency (5 mg twice a day: −7.5 [SD 6.6], 2.5 mg twice a day: −4.8 [SD 3.2], placebo: −2.6 [SD 4.3]; P < .003 for both oxybutynin doses vs placebo), and improvement in most HF-related daily interference scale measures and in overall quality of life. Patients on both oxybutynin arms reported more side effects than patients on placebo, particularly dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and abdominal pain. Most side effects were grade 1 or 2. There were no differences in study discontinuation because of adverse effects.

Conclusion

Oxybutynin is an effective and relatively well-tolerated treatment option for women with HFs.
Astrocytic Tau Deposition Is Frequent in Typical and Atypical Alzheimer Disease Presentations
Authors: Nolan Amber , De Paula Franca Resende Elisa , Petersen Cathrine , Neylan Kyra , Spina Salvatore , Huang Eric , Seeley William , Miller Zachary , Grinberg Lea T
Published: October 2019

Typical Alzheimer disease (AD) features an amnestic syndrome that reflects the progression of pathology through specific neural networks. However, a subset of patients exhibits atypical onset with prominent language, behavioral, or visuospatial deficits that are not explained by current neuropathological staging schemes. Astrogliopathy featuring tau inclusions with thorn-shaped and granular fuzzy morphologies is common in the aging brain and collectively known as aging-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG). Prior studies have identified tau-positive thorn-shaped astrocytes in the white matter that associate with a primary progressive aphasia phenotype in an AD cohort. However, a possible contribution of ARTAG copathology to AD clinical heterogeneity has yet to be systematically examined. To investigate whether ARTAG pathology contributes to atypical presentations, we mapped the presence and density of ARTAG subtypes throughout cortical and subcortical regions in a well-characterized cohort of AD cases enriched for atypical presentations. In our cohort, ARTAG pathology is frequent and correlates with older age and higher Braak stage. ARTAG subtypes exhibit distinct distribution patterns with subpial and subependymal deposition occurring in the amygdala, while white and grey matter astrocytic deposition are distributed throughout cortical regions. However, ARTAG pathology is equally prevalent in cases with typical and atypical clinical presentations.
The DisGeNET knowledge platform for disease genomics: 2019 update
Authors: Piñero Janet , Ramírez-Anguita Juan Manuel , Saüch-Pitarch Josep , Ronzano Francesco , Centeno Emilio , Sanz Ferran , Furlong Laura I
Published: October 2019

One of the most pressing challenges in genomic medicine is to understand the role played by genetic variation in health and disease. Thanks to the exploration of genomic variants at large scale, hundreds of thousands of disease-associated loci have been uncovered. However, the identification of variants of clinical relevance is a significant challenge that requires comprehensive interrogation of previous knowledge and linkage to new experimental results. To assist in this complex task, we created DisGeNET (http://www.disgenet.org/), a knowledge management platform integrating and standardizing data about disease associated genes and variants from multiple sources, including the scientific literature. DisGeNET covers the full spectrum of human diseases as well as normal and abnormal traits. The current release covers more than 24 000 diseases and traits, 17 000 genes and 117 000 genomic variants. The latest developments of DisGeNET include new sources of data, novel data attributes and prioritization metrics, a redesigned web interface and recently launched APIs. Thanks to the data standardization, the combination of expert curated information with data automatically mined from the scientific literature, and a suite of tools for accessing its publicly available data, DisGeNET is an interoperable resource supporting a variety of applications in genomic medicine and drug R&D.