bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is breast feeding associated with offspring IQ at age 5? Findings from prospective cohort: Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study
Authors: Strøm Marin , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Halldorsson Thorhallur , Olsen Jørn , Olsen Sjurdur F
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Breast feeding is associated with health benefits for both mother and child, but many studies focusing on neurodevelopment have lacked information on important confounders and few randomised trials exist. Our objective was to examine the influence of breast feeding on child IQ at 5 years of age while taking maternal IQ and other relevant factors into account.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Population-based birth cohort in Denmark.

Participants

We used data from The Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study 1782 mother–child pairs sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort (n=101 042).

Outcome measures

Child IQ was assessed at age 5 years by the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scales of Intelligence-Revised. On the same occasion maternal intelligence was assessed by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Exposure data on duration of breast feeding (n=1385) were extracted from telephone interviews conducted when the child was 6 and 18 months, and analyses were weighted by relevant sampling fractions.

Results

In multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders breast feeding was associated with child IQ at 5 years (categorical χ2test for overall association p=0.03). Compared with children who were breast fed ≤1 month, children breast fed for 2–3, 4–6, 7–9 and 10 or more months had 3.06 (95% CI 0.39 to 5.72), 2.03 (95% CI −0.38 to 4.44), 3.53 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.87) and 3.28 (95% CI 0.88 to 5.67) points higher IQ after adjustment for core confounders, respectively. There was no dose–response relation and further analyses indicated that the main difference in IQ was between breast feeding ≤1 month versus >1 month.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding duration of 1 month or shorter compared with longer periods was associated with approximately three points lower IQ, but there was no evidence of a dose–response relation in this prospective birth cohort, where we were able to adjust for some of the most critical confounders, including maternal intelligence.
Trend and risk factors of recurrence and complications after arrhythmias radiofrequency catheter ablation: a nation-wide observational study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wu Hsin-Kuan , Wang Te-Hsiung , Chen Tien-Hsing , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This study determined the recurrence and complication rates after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for those with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), atrial flutter (AFL), atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Study design and setting

This retrospective study included RFCAs for 2001–2010 in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Primary outcomes included perioperative complications (pericardial effusion and new-onset stroke), RFCA recurrence and long-term outcomes (high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) and pacemaker implantation).

Results

Of 19,475 patients who underwent RFCA, prevalence rates were 56.7% for PSVT, 13.5% for WPW, 9.5% for AFL, 5.1% for AF and 2.7% for VT. Prevalence rates increased in AF, AFL and VT over the study years. During an average follow-up period of 4.3 years (SD: 2.8 years), recurrence rates for PSVT, WPW, VT, AFL and AF were 2.0%, 4.9%, 5.7%, 5.8% and 16.1%, respectively. Compared with the PSVT group, the WPW and AF groups had significantly higher risk of pericardial effusion during admission (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.98, 95% CI (CI) 1.24 to 7.15; aOR 4.09, 95% CI 1.90 to 8.79, respectively); the AFL group had a higher risk of new-onset stroke during admission (aOR 4.07, 95% CI 1.39 to 11.91); the WPW group had a lower risk of high-grade AVB during follow-up (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.71) while the AFL group had a greater risk (aHR 1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.60); and the AFL group had a higher risk of permanent pacemaker (aHR 2.14, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.62).

Conclusions

The RFCA rate increased rapidly during 2001–2010 for AF, AFL and VT. Recurrence was associated with congenital heart disease in PSVT and WPW, and with age in AF and AFL. AFL had a higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation and new stroke. AF had a higher risk of life-threatening pericardial effusion.
Evaluating the use of job aids and user instructions to improve adherence for the treatment of childhood pneumonia using amoxicillin dispersible tablets in a low-income setting: a mixed-method study
Authors: Sarma Haribondhu , Gerth-Guyette Emily , Shakil Syaket Ahmed , Alom Kazi Robiul , Abu-Haydar Elizabeth , D’Rozario Methelda , Tariqujjaman Md , Arifeen Shams E , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: May 2019

Objectives

We conducted a study to evaluate the use of job aids and simple user instructions to improve adherence for the treatment of childhood pneumonia with amoxicillin dispersible tablet (DT).

Design

A mixed-method study implemented in three phases between October 2015 and February 2016.

Settings

The study was implemented in two subdistricts of Bangladesh.

Participants

Caregivers of children aged 2–59 months, health service providers and key stakeholders at national and district level.

Interventions

An intervention including training and job aids and user-friendly instructions was introduced in one subdistrict while standard amoxicillin DT packaging and instructions with no training served as the control in the comparison subdistrict.

Primary outcome

Adherence behaviour of caregivers of children aged 2–59 months for the treatment of childhood pneumonia with amoxicillin DT.

Methods

We conducted a survey with 56 caregivers in the intervention subdistrict and 38 caregivers in the comparison subdistrict. We also conducted 44 in-depth interviews to evaluate the job aids and user-friendly instructions with healthcare providers and caregivers to assess the feasibility, usability and acceptability of the tools in intervention subdistrict.

Results

For 5-day treatment course, 32.1% (95% CI 23.1% to 41.1%) of caregivers in the intervention subdistrict and 2.6% (95% CI 0.3% to 7.8%) in the comparison subdistrict maintained full adherence to the amoxicillin DT treatment for pneumonia. More children under 12 months were given age-appropriate treatment than older children. Key stakeholders and healthcare providers considered the use and integration of the tools into the health system to be feasible and acceptable.

Conclusions

The provision of tools for the treatment of childhood pneumonia with amoxicillin DT had a positive influence on adherence behaviours. These tools can help close information gaps and overcome the barriers posed by medical illiteracy and remembering instructions from providers.
Survival among the older adults with clinical signs of Lewy body dementia in 40 Swedish nursing homes: a 6-year follow-up study
Authors: Zahirovic Iris , Torisson Gustav , Wattmo Carina , Londos Elisabet
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To investigate survival among elderly residents of Swedish nursing homes (NHs), with specific focus on those with two or more signs of Lewy body dementia (LBD).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

NHs in Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden.

Participants

The study population was older adults (aged ≥65 years) living in the 40 NHs in Malmö. Clinical data were collected with a customised questionnaire assessing core clinical LBD signs. Patients were categorised based on 0–1 or 2–4 LBD signs. The head nurse at each NH collected the study data: LBD questionnaires, electronic medication lists and electronic medical records from 2012 to 2013.

Main outcome measures

80-month mortality.

Results

Five hundred and fifty-eight (96%) of the residents were deceased at follow-up; among these, mean (95% CI) overall survival time was 29 (28–31) months. Mean survival differed between the LBD groups; those with 0–1 LBD signs lived 8 months longer than those with 2–4 LBD signs. Mortality risk for residents in the LBD 2–4 group was also significantly higher. HR adjusted for age and sex was HR (95% CI) 1.60 (1.30 to 1.97). Mortality risk was also significantly higher in residents with signs of fluctuating cognition 1.36 (1.15 to 1.62), rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder 1.49 (1.11 to 1.98), balance problems 1.36 (1.14 to 1.61) or rigidity 1.41 (1.18 to 1.68).

Conclusions

This large, longitudinal study shows the important survival effects of identifying and diagnosing older adults NH residents who have two or more LBD signs.
NT-proBNP, race and endothelial function in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Sushan , Huang Shi , Daniels Lori B , Yeboah Joseph , Lima Joao A C , Cannone Valentina , Burnett Jr John C , Beckman Joshua A , Carr J Jeffrey , Wang Thomas J , Gupta Deepak K
Published: May 2019

Objective

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones with cardioprotective effects. NP levels vary by race; however, the pathophysiological consequences of lower NP levels are not well understood. We aimed to quantify the association between NPs and endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and the contribution of NP levels to racial differences in endothelial function.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 2938 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (34% Caucasian, 20% African-American, 20% Asian-American and 26% Hispanic) without cardiovascular disease at baseline, multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between serum N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) and natural log-transformed FMD. We also tested whether NT-proBNP mediated the relationship between race and FMD using the product of coefficients method.

Results

Among African-American and Chinese-American individuals, lower NT-proBNP levels were associated with lower FMD, β=0.06 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.09; p<0.001) and β=0.06 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.09; p=0.002), respectively. Non-significant associations between NT-proBNP and FMD were found in Hispanic and Caucasian individuals. In multivariable models, endothelial function differed by race, with African-American individuals having the lowest FMD compared with Caucasians, p<0.001. Racial differences in FMD among African-Americans and Chinese-Americans were mediated in part by NT-proBNP levels (African-Americans, mediation effect: −0.03(95% CI: −0.05 to −0.01); Chinese-Americans, mediation effect: −0.03(95% CI: −0.05 to −0.01)).

Conclusions

Lower NP levels are associated with worse endothelial function among African-Americans and Chinese-Americans. A relative NP deficiency in some racial/ethnic groups may contribute to differences in vascular function.
Rehabilitating and releasing badgers in England
Authors: Mullineaux Elizabeth , Phoenix Jessica , Brown Eleanor
Published: May 2019

Wildlife groups and Defra have worked together to update the Badger Rehabilitation Protocol, which was first published in 2003, in response to recent interest in badger translocations from vets and farmers. The protocol provides guidelines about all aspects of how badgers should be rehabilitated and released, with a particular focus on reducing the risk of Mycobacterium bovis transmission. This article outlines the new protocol and how vets should handle all badger rehabilitation.
Implementing successful pet health plans in practice
Authors: Moriarty Liam
Published: May 2019

Subscription‐based business can greatly influence the success of your practice and improve the relationship between your staff and your clients. By offering a range of pet health plans you can tailor your products to your patients as well as generate regular income to ensure the growth of your business. This article discusses the key benefits, challenges and steps needed to implement a successful health plan.
Accuracy of a mixed effects model interpolation technique for the estimation of pregnancy weight values
Authors: Darling Anne Marie , Werler Martha M , Cantonwine David E , Fawzi Wafaie W , McElrath Thomas F
Published: May 2019

Background

Interpolation of missing weight values is sometimes used in studies of gestational weight gain, but the accuracy of these methods has not been established. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of estimated weight values obtained by interpolating from the nearest observed weight values and by linear and spline regression models when compared with measured weight values.

Methods

The study population included participants enrolled in the LIFECODES cohort at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We estimated weights at 28 (n=764) and 40 (n=382) weeks of gestation using participants’ two nearest observed weights and subject-specific slopes and intercepts derived from repeated measures mixed effects models. In separate models, gestational age was parameterised as a linear and restricted cubic spline variable. Mean differences, absolute error measures and correlation coefficients comparing observed and estimated weights were calculated.

Results

Mean differences and mean absolute error for weights derived from the 28-week linear model (0.18 lbs (SD 6.92), 2.73 lbs (SD 6.35)) and 40-week linear model (−0.40 lbs (SD 5.43) and 2.84 lbs (SD 4.65)) were low. Mean differences were somewhat greater at 28 weeks for weight values derived from the nearest two observed values (mean difference −1.97 lbs (SD 8.74)) and from spline models (mean difference −2.25 lbs (SD 7.13)). Results were similar at 40 weeks.

Conclusions

Overall, weight values estimated using this interpolation approach showed good agreement with observed values. When repeated measures of weight are available, mixed effects models may be used to interpolate of missing weight values with minimal error.
Association of change in cognitive function from early adulthood to middle age with risk of cause-specific mortality: the Vietnam Experience Study
Authors: Batty G David , Deary Ian J , Shipley Martin J
Published: May 2019

Background

Studies with single baseline measurements of cognitive function consistently reveal inverse relationships with mortality risk. The relation of change in functioning, particularly from early in the life course, which may offer additional insights into causality, has not, to the best of our knowledge, been tested.

Aims

To examine the association of change in cognition between late adolescence and middle age with cause-specific mortality using data from a prospective cohort study.

Methods

The analytical sample consisted of 4289 former US male military personnel who were administered the Army General Technical Test in early adulthood (mean age 20.4 years) and again in middle age (mean age 38.3 years).

Results

A 15-year period of mortality surveillance subsequent to the second phase of cognitive testing gave rise to 237 deaths. Following adjustment for age, a 10-unit increase in cognitive function was related to a reduced risk of death from all causes (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.93) and cardiovascular disease (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.95) but not from all cancers (HR 1.14; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.47) nor injury (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.29). Adjustment for markers of socioeconomic status in middle age resulted in marked attenuation in the magnitude of these associations and statistical significance at conventional levels was lost in all analyses.

Conclusions

In the present study, the apparent link between increased cognition and mortality was mediated by socioeconomic status.
Parental offending and children’s emergency department presentations in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Whitten Tyson , Green Melissa J , Laurens Kristin R , Tzoumakis Stacy , Harrs Felicity , Carr Vaughan , Dean Kimberlie
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Children whose parents have a history of criminal offending may be at risk of higher rates of emergency department (ED) presentation, along with other adverse health outcomes. We used data from a large, population-based record linkage project to examine the association between maternal and paternal criminal offending and the incidence of ED presentations among child offspring.

Methods

Data for 72 772 children with linked parental records were drawn from the New South Wales Child Development Study. Information on parental criminal offending (spanning 1994–2016) and child ED presentations (spanning 2005–2016; approximately ages 2–12 years) was obtained from linked administrative records. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between parental offending and the incidence of children’s ED presentations for any reason and for physical injury, while accounting for important covariates.

Results

Child rates of ED presentation, particularly for physical injury, were higher among those with parental history of criminal offending, after adjusting for covariates. The magnitude of the association was higher for paternal criminal offending (ED presentation for any reason: HR=1.44 (95% CI 1.41 to 1.48);physical injury: HR=1.70 (95% CI 1.65 to 1.75)) than maternal criminal offending (any reason: HR=0.99 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.03);physical injury: HR=1.05 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.10)).

Conclusion

Children of parents, particularly of fathers, with a history of criminal offending have an increased incidence of ED presentation, including for potentially avoidable physical injury. These findings require replication and further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Long-term safety of certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn’s disease: a pooled analysis of 11 317 patients across clinical trials
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R , Mariette Xavier , Gaujoux-Viala Cécile , Blauvelt Andrew , Kvien Tore K , Sandborn William J , Winthrop Kevin , de Longueville Marc , Huybrechts Ivo , Bykerk Vivian P
Published: May 2019

Objective

To review long-term certolizumab pegol (CZP) safety across all approved indications: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis (PSO) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Data were pooled across 49 UCB-sponsored CZP clinical trials (27 RA, one axSpA, one PsA, five PSO, 15 CD) to August 2017. Serious adverse events (SAEs) of interest (infections, malignancies, autoimmunity/hypersensitivity events, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, psoriasis events, laboratory abnormalities) and deaths were medically reviewed by an external expert committee, using predefined case rules. Incidence rates (IRs)/100 patient-years (PY) are presented by indication; standardised mortality and malignancy rates were calculated using WHO/GLOBOCAN/SEER databases. Pregnancies with maternal CZP exposure are also reported.

Results

Of 11 317 CZP-treated patients across indications (21 695 PY CZP exposure; maximum: 7.8 years), infections were the most common SAEs (overall IR: 3.62/100 PY; IRs ranged from 1.50/100 PY(PSO) to 5.97/100 PY(CD)). The IR for malignancies was 0.82/100 PY, including lymphoma (0.06/100 PY). MACE and GI perforation IRs in CZP-treated patients were 0.47/100 PY and 0.08/100 PY and were highest in RA and CD, respectively. Patients with PSO had the lowest SAE rates. The incidence of deaths and malignancies aligned with expected general population data.

Conclusion

This extensive overview of the CZP safety profile in clinical trials, across all indications, provides large-scale confirmation of previous reports. No new safety signals or relevant non-disease-related laboratory abnormalities were identified. The study demonstrated some indication-specific differences in certain SAE rates that may be attributable to the underlying inflammatory disease.
Identification of unbalanced bids based on grey-fuzzy evaluation method
Authors: Su Limin , Li Huimin , Li Zhangmiao , Cao Yongchao
Published: May 2019

To provide theoretical reference for owners to identify unbalanced bids, this paper aims to construct an identification method based on grey relational and fuzzy set theory. Firstly, to measure the closeness degree between bidding unit price from engineering’s estimated price, grey relational analysis theory is used to express the relationship between them. Secondly, a combined weight method determining all line items is calculated through integrating analytic hierarchy model and maximizing deviation method. Thirdly, based on fuzzy set theory, the membership degree and the fuzzy relation matrix are constructed, and then a fuzzy comprehensive identification method is established to identify unbalanced bidding. Fourthly, on the basis of fuzzy comprehensive identification method, the scoring set and total score vector are designed, and the rank of unbalanced bids is obtained by total score vector. Finally, a practical construction project bidding is stated to illustrate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.
Control of volunteer adzuki bean and soybean in white bean with halosulfuron
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: May 2019

Halosulfuron (35 g a.i. ha−1) applied preemergence (PRE), early-postemergence (EPOST), and late-postemergence (LPOST) does not adequately control volunteer adzuki bean in white bean, but halosulfuron applied EPOST and LPOST has the potential to be used for control of volunteer soybean in white bean.
Charged fermions tunneling from stationary axially symmetric black holes with generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Zubair , Övgün Ali
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study the tunneling of charged fermions from the stationary axially symmetric black holes using the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) via Wentzel, Kramers, and Brillouin (WKB) method. The emission rate of the charged fermions and corresponding modified Hawking temperature of Kerr–Newman black hole, Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton-axion (EMDA) black hole, Kaluza–Klein dilaton black hole, and then, charged rotating black string are obtained and we show that the corrected thermal spectrum is not purely thermal because of the minimal scale length which cause the black hole’s remnant.
First principles calculations of the electronic, optical and thermoelectric performance of RbZn1−x NixF3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) alloys
Authors: Mubarak A. A.
Published: May 2019

First principles investigations of the electronic, optical and thermoelectric performance of RbZn[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]F3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) alloys are calculated using spin polarized full-potential linear augmented plane wave method, as implemented in Wien2k code. These alloys are found to be stable, ductile and can be formed with ferromagnetic character. RbZn[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]F3 are found to be insulator alloys with bandgap energy of range 7.02–5.14 eV using the modified Becke–Johnson functional. This gap is decreasing with increasing the Ni concentration in the unit cell. The optical parameters are calculated in the energy range upto 35 eV. The calculated static refractive index values are found directly proportional with the higher concentration of Ni atoms in the alloys. The transport coefficients are calculated using BoltzTrap code. The hole assumes the main charge carriers of the present alloys with p-type-doping for RbZnF3 alloy and n-type-doping for RbZn[Formula: see text]Ni[Formula: see text]F3. The calculated optical and transport coefficient values show promising optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications of the studied alloys.
The lump, lumpoff and rouge wave solutions of a (3+1)-dimensional generalized shallow water wave equation
Authors: Yang Jin-Jie , Tian Shou-Fu , Peng Wei-Qi , Li Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Tian-Tian
Published: May 2019

We consider the (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional generalized shallow water wave (GSWW) equation. By virtue of the binary Bell polynomials theory, we obtain the bilinear form of the equation. Then its lump wave solutions, a kind of rational solution localized in all directions of the space, are derived by employing its bilinear form at the special situation for [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the lump wave solutions can interact with single-stripe soliton waves and double-stripe solution waves to generate lumpoff waves and a kind of predictable rouge waves, respectively. Especially, it is interesting that we can predict when and where the peculiar rouge waves will occur. Moreover, in order to understand the dynamics and propagation of the lump waves and the interaction solution, some graphic analyses are exhibited by selecting special parameters. The results of this work can be used to understand the propagation behavior of these solutions of the GSWW equation, which is of great significance for ocean engineering.
A sub-equation method for solving the cubic–quartic NLSE with the Kerr law nonlinearity
Authors: Rezazadeh Hadi , Neirameh Ahmad , Eslami Mostafa , Bekir Ahmet , Korkmaz Alper
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study a class of cubic–quartic NLSE with the Kerr law nonlinearity via a new sub-equation method. Considered method of undetermined coefficients is applied to obtain the introduced solutions. The outcomes are useful in describing the diffusion of optical solitons. The performance of the approach is reliable, useful and gives more new general exact solutions than the other methods.
Enhancing Static Symmetry Breaking with Dynamic Symmetry Handling in CDCL SAT Solvers
Authors: Tchinda Rodrigue Konan , Tayou Djamegni Clémentin
Published: May 2019

Symmetry exploitation techniques in SAT can be classified into two main categories: static symmetry breaking and dynamic symmetry handling. It is currently recognized that the most effective approach is the static one, which proceeds by preprocessing the formula to be solved in order to add symmetry-breaking predicates (SBPs) that guarantee the preservation of equisatisfiability but not equivalence. Due to the large size of the CNF symmetry groups, only a subset of the SBPs is generated resulting in a partial symmetry breaking. It is at this level that dynamic symmetry handling can intervene to help the solver avoid as much as possible, the exploration of isomorphic symmetrical subspaces for symmetries not (entirely) broken by the static approach. However, the use of both techniques within the same solver could compromise the result. We propose in this paper in addition to an optimization of the dynamic scheme SLS, an approach that allows the two methods of symmetry exploitation to coexist within the same solver in order to increase its efficiency while preserving its correctness. This is to the best of our knowledge, the first time such an integration is envisaged within the framework of SAT solving. Experimental results conducted on hard combinatorial instances drawn from SAT competitions show that symmetrical learning can indeed improve static symmetry breaking.
Effect of Long-Term Bridge Deformations on Safe Operation of High-Speed Railway and Vibration of Vehicle–Bridge Coupled System
Authors: Gou Hongye , Yang Longcheng , Mo Zhixiang , Guo Wei , Shi Xiaoyu , Bao Yi
Published: May 2019

Operation safety of high-speed trains is dependent on their vibration characteristics, which vary with bridge deformation. This paper studies the influence of bridge pier settlement and girder creep camber, which are two typical types of long-term bridge deformation, on the vibration of high-speed trains. To this end, an analytical approach is presented to link the bridge deformation with railway track deformation; the track deformation is used to analyze the vibration of the CRH2 high-speed train in China. The vibration analysis results are validated using the in-situ measurement data. The present study shows that bridge pier settlement greatly affects the vertical acceleration, derailment coefficient and wheel unloading rate of the high-speed train; incorporating bridge girder camber aggravates the vibration of the train–bridge system. The threshold of bridge pier settlement is suggested to be 11.1[Formula: see text]mm for trains moving at 350[Formula: see text]km/h with regard to the code-specified vibration limit. This study has significant implications for the design and operation of high-speed railways.
Biprojectivity and biflatness of amalgamated duplication of Banach algebras
Authors: Ebadian Ali , Jabbari Ali
Published: May 2019

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be two Banach algebras such that [Formula: see text] is a Banach [Formula: see text]-bimodule with the left and right compatible action of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a strongly splitting Banach algebra extension of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. We show that (super) amenability of [Formula: see text] implies (super) module amenability of [Formula: see text] and (super) amenability [Formula: see text]. We investigate biprojectivity and biflatness of [Formula: see text] in the some especial cases. We also give some results related to module biprojectivity and module biflatness of [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] is biprojective or biflat.
Density Functional Theory Investigations of the Optoelectronic Properties of Li2MnGeS4 and Li2CoSnS4
Authors: Azam Sikander , Mahboob Mamoona , Ali Sobia , Rani Malika , Irfan Muhammad , Wang Xiaotian , Khan Saleem Ayaz , Kanoun Mohammed Benali , Goumri-Said Souraya
Published: May 2019

We are attempting to study the properties of new materials based on Diamond-like semiconductors (DLS). Due to broad collection of useful properties, DLS are exciting materials to study. The novel substances Li2MnGeS4 and Li2CoSnS4 result from using a rational and guileless design approach that leads the discovery of DLSs with wide-ranging regions of optical transparency. So here, we have analyzed their applications in atomic devices and system called “optoelectronic” using the FP-APW method and mBJ method. The band gap value for Li2MnGeS4 is 2.911[Formula: see text]eV and Li2CoSnS4 is 2.45[Formula: see text]eV. The present DLS materials confirm their semiconductor characters. The presence of iron and manganese in these compounds have generated magnetic properties that we explored by the calculation of magnetic moment and spin-densities maps.
Countermeasures against Worm Spreading
Authors: Boukerche Azzedine , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2019

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are essential components of the intelligent transport systems. They are attracting an increasing amount of interest in research and industrial sectors. Vehicular nodes are capable of transporting, sensing, processing information, and wireless communication, which makes them more vulnerable to worm infections than conventional hosts. This survey provides an overview on worm spreading over VANETs. We first briefly introduce the computer worms. Then the V2X communication and applications are discussed from malware and worms propagation perspective to show the indispensability of studying the characteristics of worm propagating on VANETs. The recent literature on worm spreading and containment on VANETs are categorized based on their research methods. The improvements and limitations of the existing studies are discussed. Next, the main factors influencing worm spreading in vehicular networks are discussed followed by a summary of countermeasure strategies designed to deal with these worms.
Robust algorithms for sparse interpolation of multivariate polynomials
Authors: Numahata Dai , Sekigawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

We consider the problem of symbolic-numeric sparse interpolation of multivariate polynomials. The problem is to find the coefficients and the exponents of a given black-box polynomial [EQUATION] by evaluating the value of
f
(
x
1
,...,

x
n

) at any point in C

n

in floating-point arithmetic and by using the conditions of the input.
Computation of geometric Galois groups and absolute factorizations
Authors: Sutherland Nicole
Published: May 2019

An algorithm being developed to compute geometric Galois groups of polynomials over Q(
t
) is discussed. This algorithm also computes a field extension such that the factorization of a polynomial over this field extension is the absolute factorization of the polynomial.
An Overview of Open-Ended Evolution: Editorial Introduction to the Open-Ended Evolution II Special Issue
Authors: Packard Norman , Bedau Mark A. , Channon Alastair , Ikegami Takashi , Rasmussen Steen , Stanley Kenneth O. , Taylor Tim
Published: May 2019

Nature's spectacular inventiveness, reflected in the enormous diversity of form and function displayed by the biosphere, is a feature of life that distinguishes living most strongly from nonliving. It is, therefore, not surprising that this aspect of life should become a central focus of artificial life. We have known since Darwin that the diversity is produced dynamically, through the process of evolution; this has led life's creative productivity to be called Open-Ended Evolution (OEE) in the field. This article introduces the second of two special issues on current research in OEE and provides an overview of the contents of both special issues. Most of the work was presented at a workshop on open-ended evolution that was held as a part of the 2018 Conference on Artificial Life in Tokyo, and much of it had antecedents in two previous workshops on open-ended evolution at artificial life conferences in Cancun and York. We present a simplified categorization of OEE and summarize progress in the field as represented by the articles in this special issue.
With Friends Like These: Australia, the United States, and Southeast Asian Détente
Authors: Benvenuti Andrea , Jones David Martin
Published: May 2019

A generation of scholars has depicted the premiership of Labor Party leader Gough Whitlam as a watershed in Australian foreign policy. According to the prevailing consensus, Whitlam carved out a more independent and progressive role in international affairs without significantly endangering relations with Western-aligned states in East and Southeast Asia or with Australia's traditionally closest allies, the United States and the United Kingdom. This article takes issue with these views and offers a more skeptical assessment of Whitlam's diplomacy and questions his handling of Australia's alliance with the United States. In doing so, it shows that Whitlam, in his eagerness to embrace détente, reject containment, and project an image of an allegedly more progressive and independent Australia, in fact exacerbated tensions with Richard Nixon's Republican administration and caused disquiet among Southeast Asian countries that were aligned with or at least friendly toward the West.
Computational Art Inspired by Genome Browsers
Authors: Calvino Martin
Published: May 2019

This article describes the genome browser of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana as an inspiration for the creation of geometric artworks developed with code. Genome browsers are bioinformatic tools that life scientists use to access and visualize genome sequence data from species of interest. The artworks presented are inspired by genome sequence data and provide aesthetic interpretations of genes and their genomic contexts by an individual artist alternatively to the conventional scientific visualization of genome data.
An Alchemy of DNA: Exploring the Chemistry of Biology through Bioart
Authors: Dumitriu Anna , Neely Robert K.
Published: May 2019

This statement is a reflection by artist Anna Dumitriu on her residency with biochemist Robert K. Neely at the University of Birmingham, which led to the creation of The Chemistry of Biology: An Alchemy of DNA, a sculptural and bio-digital installation that premiered at Birmingham Open Media in October 2017. Their project explored the chemical nature of DNA, the enigmatic “instruction book of life” through new super-resolution laser imaging technologies using fluorescent molecules, enabling them to physically observe a region of DNA containing a scarless CRISPR edit to a bacterial genome, building on an earlier project, Make Do and Mend.
Merging Art, Science and Motherhood to Save Joshua Trees
Authors: Harrower Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Human behaviors have driven us into a planetwide species extinction crisis that is linked to the rapidly changing climate. To move forward we need interdisciplinary research approaches that protect our resources and a variety of outreach strategies to educate and inspire the public toward sustainable living. We need a public identity shift into the role of environmental caretaker to continue living on this planet and to improve the environmental conditions for ourselves and others. In her current doctoral ecological and arts research, the author draws on themes of motherhood to connect people to these ecological issues on a deep and tangible level. Her hope is to better communicate the complexity surrounding species loss and to motivate sustainable actions.
A new species of Deutella Mayer 1890 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from the Mexican Pacific coast
Authors: ALARCÓN-ORTEGA LUCY C. , CARBALLO JOSÉ L.
Published: May 2019

A new species of caprellid, Deutella mazatlanensis n. sp., is described from Mazatlán Bay, (east Pacific México). Deutella mazatlanensis was found associated with bryozoans, hydroids and sponges in shallow waters. The new species can be differentiated from the remaining species of the genus mainly by the dorsal, anteriorly directed projection on the head; the two dorsal projections and a lateral acute projection anteroventrally projected on pereonite 2 and gnathopod 2 in males. The presence of this species on the Mexican Pacific coast, constitutes the fourth report of Deutella genus for the Pacific Ocean and the first record from the tropical Eastern Pacific.
Stink bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) of the Catimbau National Park, a protected area in Brazil’s largest dry forest
Authors: BRITO LUCAS CAVALCANTI , GRAZIA JOCELIA , BARÃO KIM RIBEIRO
Published: May 2019

The knowledge about insects of the Caatinga, the largest seasonally dry tropical forest of South America, is largely incomplete. Aiming at reducing this knowledge gap, we conducted the first inventory of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) for the Catimbau National Park and Pernambuco State. After 48h of sampling, during dry and rainy seasons, we collected 168 specimens, comprising 12 species and 10 genera of Pentatomidae. Cyptocephala alvarengai, Dichelops (Diceraeus) caatinguensis, and Tetragonotum megacephalum are apparently restricted to the Caatinga biome and represented 40% of the collected specimens in our sample. The other nine species are widespread in South America and the majority are associated with agroecosystems.
Sample Consensus Model and Unsupervised Variable Consensus Model for Improving the Accuracy of a Calibration Model
Authors: Xu Zhou , Chen Xiaojing , Meng Liuwei , Yu Mingen , Li Limin , Shi Wen
Published: May 2019

In the quantitative analysis of spectral data, small sample size and high dimensionality of spectral variables often lead to poor accuracy of a calibration model. We proposed two methods, namely sample consensus and unsupervised variable consensus models, in order to solve the problem of poor accuracy. Three public near-infrared (NIR) or infrared (IR) spectroscopy data from corn, wine, and soil were used to build the partial least squares regression (PLSR) model. Then, Monte Carlo sampling and unsupervised variable clustering methods of a self-organizing map were coupled with the consensus modeling strategy to establish the multiple sub-models. Finally, sample consensus and unsupervised variable consensus models were obtained by assigning the weights to each PLSR sub-model. The calculated results show that both sample consensus and unsupervised variable consensus models can significantly improve the accuracy of the calibration model compared to the single PLSR model. The effectiveness of these two methods points out a new approach to achieve a further accurate result, which can take full advantage of the sample information and valid variable information.
A Comparison of Peer Influence Estimates from SIENA Stochastic Actor–based Models and from Conventional Regression Approaches
Authors: Ragan Daniel T. , Osgood D. Wayne , Ramirez Nayan G. , Moody James , Gest Scott D.
Published: May 2019

The current study compares estimates of peer influence from an analytic approach that explicitly address network processes with those from traditional approaches that do not. Using longitudinal network data from the PROmoting School–community–university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience peers project, we obtain estimates of social influence on multiple outcomes from both conventional linear modeling approaches and the stochastic actor–based modeling approach of the simulation investigation for empirical network analysis (SIENA) software. Our findings indicate that peer influence estimates from SIENA are not more conservative relative to other methods, that each method is subject to omitted variable bias from stable individual differences, and that imprecision among each method could lead to erroneous conclusions in samples that lack sufficient power. Together, these results underscore the difficulty in obtaining estimates of peer influence from observational data, and they give no indication that results from conventional methods tend to be biased toward overestimating peer influence, relative to SIENA.
Two-path model of information sharing in new product development activities
Authors: Luo Shiwen , Wang Jie , Xiao Yuchun , Tong David Yoon Kin
Published: May 2019

To explore the mechanism of information sharing in new product development activities, 180 participants from 60 teams were invited to attend a simulation experiment. The results showed that unique information and common information are indispensable in new product development activities, and both of them have significant impact on team decision-making, but unique information is more significant than common information. At the same time, they were found to function in team decision-making through team cognition. That is, transactive memory systems played a mediating role in the relationship between unique information sharing and team decision-making, and shared mental models played a mediating role in the relationship between common information sharing and team decision-making. The experiment also showed that the relationship between unique information sharing and transactive memory systems was strengthened, while the relationship between common information sharing and shared mental models did not change significantly in the context of team psychological safety. By revealing the mechanism of information sharing, this experiment provided a useful reference for improving the efficiency and quality of team decision-making in new product development activities.
The effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in re-arrest after survival event: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Han Kap Su , Kim Su Jin , Lee Eui Jung , Lee Sung Woo
Published: May 2019

Background:

The objectives of this study were to 1) identify the risk factors for predicting re-arrest and 2) determine whether extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation results in better outcomes than conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation for managing re-arrest in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis was based on a prospective cohort. We included adult patients with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who achieved a survival event. The primary measurement was re-arrest, defined as recurrent cardiac arrest within 24 hours after survival event. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict re-arrest. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the survival to discharge in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who experienced re-arrest.

Results:

Of 534 patients suitable for inclusion, 203 (38.0%) were enrolled in the re-arrest group. Old age, prolonged advanced cardiac life support duration and the presence of hypotension at 0 hours after survival event were independent variables predicting re-arrest. In the re-arrest group, the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (n = 25) showed better outcomes than the conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation group. However, multiple logistic regression for predicting survival to discharge revealed that extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not an independent factor. Multiple logistic regression revealed that a hypotensive state at re-arrest was an independent risk factor for survival.

Conclusion:

Alternative methods that reduce the advanced cardiac life support duration should be considered to prevent re-arrest and attain good outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for re-arrest tended to show a good outcome compared to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation for re-arrest. Avoiding or immediately correcting hypotension may prevent re-arrest and improve the outcome of re-arrested patients.
An innovative approach to measuring youth concussion recovery: Occupational performance
Authors: Sang Robyn Chen , Vawda Yasira , Greenspoon Dayna , Reed Nick , Hunt Anne W
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Concussion is a common injury in youth. Studies report that active rehabilitation interventions reduce symptoms in these youth. There is no literature that addresses its impact on occupational performance. The purpose of this study was to identify: (a) occupational performance issues experienced by these youth; (b) changes in occupational performance and satisfaction following participation in a 6-week active rehabilitation intervention; and (c) the relationship between changes in occupational performance and symptoms.

Method

As part of a larger prospective repeated measures study, measures of occupational performance (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) and self-reported symptoms (Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory) were collected pre and post intervention. Paired t-test, Spearman correlation, and descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results

Youth (9–18 years; n = 52) reported a range of occupational performance issues in self-care, productivity, and leisure domains. The most frequently reported occupational performance issues were sport (32.70%) and school (31.75%) activities. Positive changes were found in both performance and satisfaction of occupational performance issues post intervention ( p<.001). Correlation analysis revealed that as symptoms decreased, occupational performance improved ( rs = –.359, p = .020).

Conclusion

Using a measure of occupational performance may provide meaningful insight into the functional recovery of concussion, and can help identify targeted functional approaches to paediatric concussion management.
Analysis of the wind and wave-induced dynamic response of a floating offshore wind turbine integrating a compressed air energy storage system
Authors: Farrugia Daniel , Sant Tonio , Buhagiar Daniel , Farrugia Robert N
Published: May 2019

In order to address the intermittency of offshore renewable energy sources, a novel form of compressed air energy storage integrated within a tension leg platform is proposed. The energy storage concept involves a hydro-pneumatic accumulator. The objective of this study was to investigate the variation in the physical and hydrodynamic characteristics of a hypothetical full-scale prototype of the proposed system. The design was developed so as to analyse the effect on said characteristics of the tension leg platform diameter and the inner diameter of the umbilical connecting the floating and seabed-mounted compressed air chambers. Results indicate that better hydrodynamic behaviour was observed for smaller diameter tension leg platforms, whereby the resulting motion became more restrained. Moreover, the dynamic characteristics were observed to indicate marginal improvement for increasing inner diameters of the pneumatic umbilical.