bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productivity Growth, Human Capital and Technology Spillovers: Nonparametric Evidence for EU Regions
Authors: Badinger Harald , Egger Peter H. , Ehrlich Maximilian von
Published: March 2019

This paper assesses the strength of productivity spillovers nonparametrically in a data set of 12 industries and 231 NUTS2 regions in 17 European Union member countries between 1992 and 2006. It devotes particular attention to measuring the catching up through spillovers depending on the technology gap of a unit to the industry leader and the local human capital endowment. We find evidence of a nonlinear relationship between the technology gap to the leader as well as human capital and growth in logs. Spillovers are smallest for units with a medium‐high technology gap to the leader, especially for regions where human capital endowments are low.
A comprehensive diagnostic approach to detect underlying causes of obesity in adults
Authors: van der Valk Eline S. , van den Akker Erica L.T. , Savas Mesut , Kleinendorst Lotte , Visser Jenny A. , Van Haelst Mieke M. , Sharma Arya M. , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C.
Published: March 2019

Obesity is a worldwide growing problem. When confronted with obesity, many health care providers focus on direct treatment of the consequences of adiposity. We plead for adequate diagnostics first, followed by an individualized treatment. We provide experience‐based and evidence‐based practical recommendations (illustrated by clinical examples), to detect potential underlying diseases and contributing factors. Adult patients consulting a doctor for weight gain or obesity should first be clinically assessed for underlying diseases, such as monogenetic or syndromic obesity, hypothyroidism, (cyclic) Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency, and hypothalamic obesity. The most important alarm symptoms for genetic obesity are early onset obesity, dysmorphic features/congenital malformations with or without intellectual deficit, behavioral problems, hyperphagia, and/or striking family history. Importantly, also common contributing factors to weight gain should be investigated, including medication (mainly psychiatric drugs, (local) corticosteroids, insulin, and specific β‐adrenergic receptor blockers), sleeping habits and quality, crash diets and yoyo‐effect, smoking cessation, and alcoholism. Other associated conditions include mental factors such as chronic stress or binge‐eating disorder and depression.Identifying and optimizing the underlying diseases, contributing factors, and other associated conditions may not only result in more effective and personalized treatment but could also reduce the social stigma for patients with obesity.
Coordination and trade‐offs between leaf and stem hydraulic traits and stomatal regulation along a spectrum of isohydry to anisohydry
Authors: Fu Xiaoli , Meinzer Frederick C. , Woodruff David R. , Liu Yan‐Yan , Smith Duncan D. , McCulloh Katherine A. , Howard Ava R.
Published: March 2019

The degree of plant iso/anisohydry, a widely used framework for classifying species‐specific hydraulic strategies, integrates multiple components of the whole‐plant hydraulic pathway. However, little is known about how it associates with coordination of functional and structural traits within and across different organs. We examined stem and leaf hydraulic capacitance and conductivity/conductance, stem xylem anatomical features, stomatal regulation of daily minimum leaf and stem water potential (Ψ), and the kinetics of stomatal responses to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in six diverse woody species differing markedly in their degree of iso/anisohydry. At the stem level, more anisohydric species had higher wood density and lower native capacitance and conductivity. Like stems, leaves of more anisohydric species had lower hydraulic conductance; however, unlike stems, their leaves had higher native capacitance at their daily minimum values of leaf Ψ. Moreover, rates of VPD‐induced stomatal closure were related to intrinsic rather than native leaf capacitance and were not associated with species' degree of iso/anisohydry. Our results suggest a trade‐off between hydraulic storage and efficiency in the leaf, but a coordination between hydraulic storage and efficiency in the stem along a spectrum of plant iso/anisohydry.
Integrating Stakeholder Mapping and Risk Scenarios to Improve Resilience of Cyber‐Physical‐Social Networks
Authors: Almutairi Ayedh , Wheeler John P. , Slutzky David L. , Lambert James H.
Published: March 2019

The future of energy mobility involves networks of users, operators, organizations, vehicles, charging stations, communications, materials, transportation corridors, points of service, and so on. The integration of smart grids with plug‐in electric vehicle technologies has societal and commercial advantages that include improving grid stability, minimizing dependence on nonrenewable fuels, reducing vehicle emissions, and reducing the cost of electric vehicle ownership. However, ineffective or delayed participation of particular groups of stakeholders could disrupt industry plans and delay the desired outcomes. This article develops a framework to address enterprise resilience for two modes of disruptions—the first being the influence of scenarios on priorities and the second being the influence of multiple groups of stakeholders on priorities. The innovation of this study is to obtain the advantages of integrating two recent approaches: scenario‐based preferences modeling and stakeholder mapping. Public agencies, grid operators, plug‐in electric vehicle owners, and vehicle manufacturers are the four groups of stakeholders that are considered in this framework, along with the influence of four scenarios on priorities.
In the NAT era, is routine lookback to recipients still required when donors seroconvert for HIV infection?
Authors: Vishram Bhavita , Reynolds Claire , Brailsford Susan R. , Hewitt Patricia
Published: March 2019

Human immuno virus screening assays have improved in sensitivity over the last 20 years and our data demonstrates that there is no evidence of missed HIV positive window period donations since the introduction of pooled HIV NAT screening. Here we recommend that extensive lookback investigations are not routinely required if the most recent negative donation is negative on individual sample HIV PCR testing.
Use of a cerclage cable‐plate system to stabilize a periprosthetic femoral fracture after total hip replacement in a dog
Authors: Carvajal Jose L. , Kim Stanley E. , Pozzi Antonio
Published: March 2019

Objective

To report the successful use of cerclage cables around the periprosthetic region of a femoral fracture after total hip replacement (THR) in a dog with bone stock too limited for other methods of fixation.

Study design

Case report.

Animal

6‐year‐old male neutered, golden retriever.

Methods

Locking plate fixation of a type‐B1 diaphyseal periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) failed 14 days after cementless THR and 6 days after initial femoral fracture repair. Total hip replacement implants seemed unchanged on radiographs, but lateral retraction of the screw‐plate construct from the proximal segment was evident. Bone stock was assessed as insufficient for adequate screw purchase, prompting revision of the fixation with cerclage cable fixation of the proximal segment; the cables were anchored to the original locking plate construct with threaded positioning pins that screwed into the locking holes.

Results

Acceptable union was documented on radiographs by 3 months after revision. No lameness and good range of motion of the hip were observed on clinical examination 13 months after surgery. Radiographs at 13 months documented static implant positioning and remodeling at the fracture site.

Conclusion

Use of a cable‐plate construct to stabilize a type‐B1 PFF led to successful long‐term outcome in this dog.

Clinical significance

Use of a cable‐plate construct may be considered to treat type‐B1 PFF with limited bone stock.
Injuries involving the central tarsal bone in nonracing dogs: Short‐term outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Armstrong Andrew J. , Bruce Mieghan , Adams Robert , Kulendra Elvin , Pease Tony , Perry Karen L.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To describe traumatic injuries involving the central tarsal bone (Tc) in nonracing dogs.

Study design

Retrospective multicenter study.

Animals

Thirty‐two client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records from January 2010 to December 2016 were searched for dogs with Tc injury. Fracture classification, concurrent tarsal fractures, treatment, and perioperative management were tested for association with postoperative complications and short‐term outcome. Outcome measures consisted of the latest lameness score reported in the record.

Results

The most common injuries consisted of type V fractures (22) and luxation of the Tc (8). Other injuries included 1 case each of type III and type IV fractures. Twenty‐two concurrent fractures involved other tarsal bones. Complications were diagnosed in 18 (62.1%) dogs, consisting of 13 minor, 4 major, and 1 catastrophic complication. Lameness at final follow‐up (median 7 weeks) in 28 dogs was scored as 0 of 5 in 14 (50.0%) dogs, 1 of 5 in 7 (25.0%) dogs, 2 of 5 in 4 (14.3%) dogs, 4 of 5 in 1 (3.5%) dogs, and 5 of 5 in 2 (7.1%) dogs. Major complications were associated with the presence of multiple tarsal fractures (risk ratio [RR] 3.94, 95% CI 0.80–19.37, P = .13), specifically when the calcaneus was involved (RR 5.78, 95% CI 1.53–21.88, P = .05).

Conclusion

The most common diagnosis in this population of nonracing dogs consisted of type V Tc fractures. Fractures affecting other tarsal bones were common and were associated with a higher risk of major complications, especially those affecting the calcaneus.

Clinical significance

Short‐term outcomes seem favorable in nonracing dogs with isolated Tc fractures, but dogs with concomitant tarsal fractures are predisposed to major complications.
Impact of Server Thermal Design on the Cooling Efficiency: Chassis Design
Authors: Khalili Sadegh , Alissa Husam , Nemati Kourosh , Seymour Mark , Curtis Robert , Moss David , Sammakia Bahgat
Published: March 2019

There are various designs for segregating hot and cold air in data centers such as cold aisle containment (CAC), hot aisle containment (HAC), and chimney exhaust rack. These containment systems have different characteristics and impose various conditions on the information technology equipment (ITE). One common issue in HAC systems is a pressure build-up inside the HAC (known as backpressure). Backpressure also can be present in CAC systems in case of airflow imbalances. Hot air recirculation, limited cooling airflow rate in servers, and reversed flow through ITE with weaker fan systems (e.g., network switches) are some known consequences of backpressure. Currently, there is a lack of experimental data on the interdependency between overall performance of ITE and its internal design when backpressure is imposed on ITE. In this paper, three commercial 2-rack unit (RU) servers with different internal designs from various generations and performance levels are tested and analyzed under various environmental conditions. Smoke tests and thermal imaging are implemented to study the airflow patterns inside the tested equipment. In addition, the impact of hot air leakage into the servers through chassis perforations on the fan speed and the power consumption of the servers are studied. Furthermore, the cause of the discrepancy between measured inlet temperatures by the intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) and external sensors is investigated. It is found that arrangement of fans, segregation of space upstream and downstream of fans, leakage paths, the location of baseboard management controller (BMC) sensors, and the presence of backpressure can have a significant impact on ITE power and cooling efficiency.
A Review of State of Health Estimation of Energy Storage Systems: Challenges and Possible Solutions for Futuristic Applications of Li-Ion Battery Packs in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Sarmah Sudipta Bijoy , Kalita Pankaj , Garg Akhil , Niu Xiao-dong , Zhang Xing-Wei , Peng Xiongbin , Bhattacharjee Dipanwita
Published: March 2019

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack is vital for storage of energy produced from different sources and has been extensively used for various applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), watches, cookers, etc. For an efficient real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis of battery operated systems, it is important to have a quantified information on the state-of-health (SoH) of batteries. This paper conducts comprehensive literature studies on advancement, challenges, concerns, and futuristic aspects of models and methods for SoH estimation of batteries. Based on the studies, the methods and models for SoH estimation have been summarized systematically with their advantages and disadvantages in tabular format. The prime emphasis of this review was attributed toward the development of a hybridized method which computes SoH of batteries accurately in real-time and takes self-discharge into its account. At the end, the summary of research findings and the future directions of research such as nondestructive tests (NDT) for real-time estimation of battery SoH, finding residual SoH for the recycled batteries from battery packs, integration of mechanical aspects of battery with temperature, easy assembling–dissembling of battery packs, and hybridization of battery packs with photovoltaic and super capacitor are discussed.
Direct Numerical Simulation of a Low Prandtl Number Rayleigh–Bénard Convection in a Square Box
Authors: Satbhai Ojas , Roy Subhransu , Ghosh Sudipto
Published: March 2019

Direct numerical simulations for low Prandtl number fluid (Pr = 0.0216) are used to study the steady-state Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RB) in a two-dimensional unit aspect ratio box. The steady-state RB convection is characterized by analyzing the time-averaged temperature-field, and flow field for a wide range of Rayleigh number (2.1 × 105 ⩽ Ra ⩽ 2.1 × 108). It is seen that the time-averaged and space-averaged Nusselt number (Nuh¯) at the hot-wall monotonically increases with the increase in Rayleigh number (Ra) and the results show a power law scaling Nuh¯∝Ra0.2593. The current Nusselt number results are compared with the results available in the literature. The complex flow is analyzed by studying the frequency power spectra of the steady-state signal of the vertical velocity at the midpoint of the box for different Ra and probability density function of dimensionless temperature at various locations along the midline of the box.
Natural Convective Heat Transfer From the Horizontal Isothermal Surface of Polygons of Octagonal and Hexagonal Shapes
Authors: Kalendar Ahmad , Kalendar Abdulrahim , Alhendal Yousuf , Karar Sayed , Alenzi Adel , Oosthuizen Patrick
Published: March 2019

Heat transfer often occurs effectively from horizontal elements of relatively complex shapes in natural convective cooling of electronic and electrical devices used in industrial applications. The effect of complex surface shapes on laminar natural convective heat transfer from horizontal isothermal polygons of hexagonal and octagonal flat surfaces facing upward and downward of different aspect ratios has been numerically investigated. The polygons’ surface is embedded in a large surrounding plane adiabatic surface, where the adiabatic surface is in the same plane as the surface of the heated element. For the Boussinesq approach used in this work, the density of the fluid varies with temperature, which causes the buoyancy force, while other fluid properties are assumed constants. The numerical solution of the full three-dimensional form of governing equations is obtained by using the finite volume method-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT14.5. The solution parameters include surface shape, dimensionless surface width, different characteristic lengths, the Rayleigh number, and the Prandtl number. These parameters are considered as follows: the Prandtl number is 0.7, the Rayleigh numbers are between 103 and 108, and for various surface shapes the width-to-height ratios are between 0 and 1. The effect of different characteristic lengths has been investigated in defining the Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers for such complex shapes. The effect of these parameters on the mean Nusselt number has been studied, and correlation equations for the mean heat transfer rate have been derived.
Flatness Control of the Crossbowed Hot Plate Using Cold Roller Leveling
Authors: Seo Jae Hyung , Han Sang Wook , Van Tyne Chester J. , Moon Young Hoon
Published: March 2019

A crossbow is one of the shape defects caused by width differences between the top and bottom plate surfaces. To improve the plate flatness, leveling must be performed to flatten the crossbowed plate prior to the second manufacturing process. Leveling is a process for minimizing shape defects and enhancing the internal stress uniformity in shape-critical applications. As roller levelers mainly correct shape defects across the plate length, the entire plate width must be worked to correct the crossbow. Owing to the high sensitivity of roll positions in the leveler on the plate geometry, a unique leveling machine setup should be determined for flattening the crossbowed plate. As the problem is complicated by the high inherent nonlinearity and sensitivity, the finite element method has been used to simulate numerically the effect of work roll configurations on leveling efficiency. In order to verify the accuracy of numerical simulations, actual leveling experiments were performed using crossbowed plates. Through the analysis, the leveling strategy for increasing the leveling efficiency of crossbowed plates is validated with a high degree of reliability.
SpinyHand: Contact Load Sharing for a Human-Scale Climbing Robot
Authors: Wang Shiquan , Jiang Hao , Myung Huh Tae , Sun Danning , Ruotolo Wilson , Miller Matthew , Roderick William R. T. , Stuart Hannah S. , Cutkosky Mark R.
Published: March 2019

We present a hand specialized for climbing unstructured rocky surfaces. Articulated fingers achieve grasps commonly used by human climbers. The gripping surfaces are equipped with dense arrays of spines that engage with asperities on hard rough materials. A load-sharing transmission system divides the shear contact force among spine tiles on each phalanx to prevent premature spine slippage or grasp failure. Taking advantage of the hand’s kinematic and load-sharing properties, the wrench space of achievable forces and moments can be computed rapidly. Bench-top tests show agreement with the model, with average wrench space errors of 10–15%, despite the stochastic nature of spine/surface interaction. The model provides design guidelines and control strategy insights for the SpinyHand and can inform future work.
Superdirective beamforming applied to SWellEx96 horizontal arrays data for source localization
Authors: Yang T. C.
Published: March 2019

Arrays employing superdirective beamforming can provide the same directivity and directivity index (or array gain) with less aperture as a large size array using conventional beamforming (CBF). Superdirective arrays offer a practical and significant improvement in the reception of low frequency signals and is useful for many applications where the array size is limited, such as a miniature microphone array or an underwater acoustic array with a limited aperture. Deconvolving the CBF is a method of superdirective beamforming. The improvement in directivity (beam width) and array gain is studied/illustrated using the SWellEx96 horizontal array data where only sub-arrays are used.
Shock Amorphization of Cristobalite
Authors: Gratz A. J. , DeLoach L. D. , Clough T. M. , Nellis W. J.
Published: March 2019

Shock amorphization of cristobalite is reported and related to shock metamorphism of quartz, both being silicon dioxide polymorphs. Whereas amorphization of quartz takes place over a broad pressure range and is complete only at 35 to 40 gigapascals (350 to 400 kilobars), amorphization of cristobalite was complete (greater than 99.9 percent) by 28 gigapascals with a relatively sharp phase transformation; lower shock pressures up to 23 gigapascals resulted in no significant amorphization. Also, unlike quartz, there was no sign of lamellar amorphization, which is common in shock compression. Cristobalite amorphization should prove a useful indicator of shock pressure and is the first case of pressure amorphization of isochemical polymorphs. The diaplectic glass that is produced has a refractive index and density essentially identical to those of the diaplectic glass made from quartz, which suggests that both polymorphs collapse during shock to similar disordered phases.
Clinical trials test potential CPR upgrade
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: March 2019

Doctors hope a life support system boosts dismal survival rates for cardiac arrest.
New tarantula highlights illegal trade in spiders
Authors: Law Yao-Hua
Published: March 2019

Arachnologists named species based on poached specimens.
Epithelial endoplasmic reticulum stress orchestrates a protective IgA response
Authors: Grootjans Joep , Krupka Niklas , Hosomi Shuhei , Matute Juan D. , Hanley Thomas , Saveljeva Svetlana , Gensollen Thomas , Heijmans Jarom , Li Hai , Limenitakis Julien P. , Ganal-Vonarburg Stephanie C. , Suo Shengbao , Luoma Adrienne M. , Shimodaira Yosuke , Duan Jinzhi , Shih David Q. , Conner Margaret E. , Glickman Jonathan N. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Palm Noah W. , de Zoete Marcel R. , van der Woude C. Janneke , Yuan Guo-Cheng , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Targan Stephan R. , Rosenstiel Philip , Flavell Richard A. , McCoy Kathy D. , Macpherson Andrew J. , Kaser Arthur , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: March 2019

Stressed gut epithelium gets some relief

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundantly expressed antibody isotype and can be found at various mucosal surfaces in the body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IgA is polyreactive and can coat and restrain both commensal bacteria and enteric pathogens. Grootjans
et al.
found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the intestinal epithelial cells of mice induced the T cell– and microbiota-independent expansion of peritoneal B1b cells, which secrete IgA. Similarly, human subjects homozygous for a variant of an autophagy gene (
ATG16L1
) known to cause ER stress showed increased numbers of GI IgA
+
cells compared with controls. Thus, epithelial ER stress serves as an advantageous “eustress” response that can functionally antagonize its well-characterized role in promoting inflammation.

Science
, this issue p.
993
Measuring Hall viscosity of graphene’s electron fluid
Authors: Berdyugin A. I. , Xu S. G. , Pellegrino F. M. D. , Krishna Kumar R. , Principi A. , Torre I. , Ben Shalom M. , Taniguchi T. , Watanabe K. , Grigorieva I. V. , Polini M. , Geim A. K. , Bandurin D. A.
Published: March 2019

Electron hydrodynamics in graphene

Electrons can move through graphene in a manner reminiscent of fluids, if the conditions are right. Two groups studied the nature of this hydrodynamic flow in different regimes (see the Perspective by Lucas). Gallagher
et al.
measured optical conductivity using a waveguide-based setup, revealing signatures of quantum criticality near the charge neutrality point. Berdyugin
et al.
focused on electron transport in the presence of a magnetic field and measured a counterintuitive contribution to the Hall response that stems from hydrodynamic flow.

Science
, this issue p.
158
, p.
162
; see also p.
125
Climate change impacts on fisheries
Authors: Plagányi Éva
Published: March 2019

Assessment of past fisheries productivity helps to predict and manage future changes
How high were these mountains?
Authors: van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J. , Boschman Lydian M.
Published: March 2019

An iterative approach is needed to constrain the past elevation of mountain belts
Insight into the Bacterial Endophytic Communities of Peach Cultivars Related to Crown Gall Disease Resistance
Authors: Li Qian , Guo Rongjun , Li Yujia , Hartman Wyatt H. , Li Shifang , Zhang Zhixiang , Tringe Susannah G. , Wang Hongqing
Published: March 2019

Agrobacterium tumefaciens
as the causal agent of peach crown gall disease can be controlled by planting resistant cultivars. This study profiles the endophytic bacteria in susceptible and resistant peach cultivars, advancing our understanding of the relationships between endophytic bacterial communities and peach crown gall disease, with potential implications for other complex microbiome-plant-pathogen interactions. The resistant cultivar may defend itself by increasing the diversity and abundance of beneficial endophytic bacteria. The antagonists identified among the genera
Streptomyces
,
Pseudomonas
, and
Rhizobium
may have application potential for biocontrol of crown gall disease in fruit trees.
Mycobiome Profiles in Breast Milk from Healthy Women Depend on Mode of Delivery, Geographic Location, and Interaction with Bacteria
Authors: Boix-Amorós Alba , Puente-Sánchez Fernando , du Toit Elloise , Linderborg Kaisa M. , Zhang Yumei , Yang Baoru , Salminen Seppo , Isolauri Erika , Tamames Javier , Mira Alex , Collado Maria Carmen
Published: March 2019

During recent years, human breast milk has been documented as a potential source of bacteria for the newborn. Recently, we have reported the presence of fungi in breast milk from healthy mothers. It is well known that environmental and perinatal factors can affect milk bacteria; however, the impact on milk fungi is still unknown. The current report describes fungal communities (mycobiota) in breast milk samples across different geographic locations and the influence of the mode of delivery. We also provide novel insights on bacterium-fungus interactions, taking into account environmental and perinatal factors. We identified a core of four genera shared across locations, consisting of
Malassezia, Davidiella, Sistotrema
, and
Penicillium
, which have been reported to be present in the infant gut. Our data confirm the presence of fungi in breast milk across continents and support the potential role of breast milk in the initial seeding of fungal species in the infant gut.
Degradation of Fungal MicroRNAs Triggered by Short Tandem Target Mimics Is via the Small-RNA-Degrading Nuclease
Authors: Wang Yulong , Wang Zhangxun , Yang Wenjing , Xie Xiangyun , Cheng Haiyan , Qin Li , Tang Guiliang , Huang Bo
Published: March 2019

The development and application of STTM technology to block miR-like RNAs in
M. robertsii
and
A. flavus
may allow for efficient generation of miR-like RNA mutants in various fungi, providing a powerful tool for functional genomics of small RNA molecules in fungi.
Delayed diagnosis of postcardiac injury syndrome
Authors: Nishimura Mitsushige , Goda Naho , Hatazawa Keiko , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2019

Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is a rare condition that is considered to have a trauma-induced autoimmune mechanism triggered by damage to pericardial and/or pleural tissues. We report a case of PCIS accompanied by systemic oedema after thymectomy. A 73-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for dyspnoea and oedema, 9 months after thymectomy. Evaluation revealed the presence of pericardial effusion, pleural effusion and systemic oedema. Differential diagnosis included constrictive pericarditis (secondary to tuberculosis), serositis caused by collagen disease and malignancy. Detailed investigations led to the diagnosis of PCIS, which was successfully treated with prednisolone. This report focuses on the diagnostic approach to PCIS. Since it took time to make a final diagnosis in our patient, we analysed several past case reports and series to determine the cause of the delay in diagnosis.
Repeat thyroid function tests for healthy older people are not needed
Authors: Cook Rob , Fortescue-Webb Duncan , Taft Rachel
Published: March 2019

The study

Roberts L, McCahon D, Johnson O, Haque MS, Parle J, Hobbs FR. Stability of thyroid function in older adults: the Birmingham Elderly Thyroid Study.

Published on 28 August 2018
Br J Gen Pract
2018;68:e718-26.

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (SPCR).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to:
https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000703/repeat-thyroid-function-tests-for-healthy-older-people-are-not-needed
Incorporating patients’ perspectives into the initial stages of core outcome set development: a rapid review of qualitative studies of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gorst Sarah L , Young Bridget , Williamson Paula R , Wilding John P H , Harman Nicola L
Published: March 2019

Conducting systematic reviews of qualitative studies to incorporate patient perspectives within the early stages of core outcome set (COS) development can be resource intensive. We aimed to identify an expedited approach to be used as part of the wider COS development process. Specifically, we undertook a rapid review of qualitative studies of patients’ views and experiences of type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE from inception to June 2017 to identify studies reporting qualitative empirical findings of perspectives of people with type 2 diabetes. Qualitative methodological filters were used to minimize irrelevant references. Drawing on content analysis, data synthesis involved identifying text in eligible studies relevant to outcomes of type 2 diabetes and interpreting and categorizing this according to the 38 core domains of the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy. Of 146 studies screened, 26 were included. Four hundred and fifty-eight outcomes were derived from the included studies. In comparison to the outcomes extracted from clinical trials, more life impact outcomes were derived from the qualitative studies, but fewer physiological/clinical outcomes. Outcomes relating to ‘mortality/survival’ and ‘role functioning’ were more prevalent in studies conducted in low/middle-income countries. This rapid review and synthesis of qualitative studies identified outcomes that had not previously been identified by a systematic review of clinical trials. It also identified differences in the types of outcomes given prominence to in the clinical trials and qualitative literatures. Incorporating qualitative evidence on patient perspectives from the outset of the COS development process can help to ensure outcomes that matter to patients are not overlooked. Our method provides a pragmatic and resource-efficient way to do this. For those developing international COS, our method has potential for incorporating the perspectives of patients from diverse countries in the early stages of COS development.
Intubation drug pack containing pre-filled syringes reduces the time to endotracheal intubation in a simulated paediatric emergency
Authors: Lawson Sara , Flannigan Christopher , Green Carolyn , Freeburn Lynsey , Burns Anne , McCann Joseph , Bourke Thomas
Published: March 2019

To determine if an intubation drugs pack containing pre-filled syringes can reduce the time to endotracheal intubation compared with standard care during a simulated paediatric emergency. Twenty doctors (10 consultants and 10 registrars) who worked in the paediatric intensive care unit or anaesthetic department of a tertiary paediatric hospital were asked to participate in an in situ simulated emergency paediatric intubation scenario. The participants were instructed to prepare and administer intubation medications. They were randomised to either an intubation drug pack, containing pre-filled syringes or to standard care where each of the drugs had to be individually drawn-up. The mean time to intubation when using the pre-filled syringes of 159.5 s was over three times faster than with standard care of 497.5 s (p<0.001), allowing intubation to occur on average 5 min and 38 s earlier. Utilising an intubation drug pack containing pre-filled syringes significantly reduced the time from decision to intubate to intubation in a simulated paediatric emergency. This applied irrespective of clinical experience with registrars utilising the pre-filled syringes outperforming consultant anaesthetists when they used standard care.
Acute mitral regurgitation
Authors: Watanabe Nozomi
Published: March 2019

The diagnosis of acute mitral regurgitation (MR) is often missed or delayed because the clinical presentation is substantially different from that in patients with chronic MR. Management of acute MR depends on the specific aetiology of valve dysfunction and there is a lack of consensus on the optimal therapeutic approach in many patients. In particular, management of secondary MR due to acute ischaemia is challenging because of unique mechanisms of valve incompetence compared with chronic ischaemic MR. Another clinical challenge is management of acute MR due to transient systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in the acute phase of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which commonly resolves within a few weeks. Additionally, iatrogenic MR induced by intraventricular devices is a recently recognised aetiology of acute MR. Acute primary MR typically requires early surgical intervention, for example, with a flail leaflet or endocarditis, because of acute cardiovascular decompensation with an abrupt increase in left atrial pressure. In an emergency situation and high surgical risk, a percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair is an alternative therapeutic option. Firm diagnosis of the severity and aetiology of acute MR is necessary for proper decision making, including timing and types of surgical intervention.
A framework to assess the costs and benefits of advanced work packaging in industrial construction
Authors: Halala Yonas Samuel , Fayek Aminah Robinson
Published: March 2019

The term advanced work packaging (AWP), coined by the Construction Industry Institute (CII), refers to a disciplined process for project planning and execution; it was developed to address challenges such as cost and schedule overruns in the industrial construction sector. Case studies conducted on AWP report a number of benefits in the areas of productivity, cost, safety, and schedule. However, since there is no clear method to assess the costs and benefits of AWP implementation, a significant challenge in AWP adoption is the lack of quantitative evidence to support these reported benefits. This paper presents a structured framework to assess multiple aspects of AWP implementation, which will enable the quantification of both its costs and benefits. The framework will enable the future comparison of AWP and non-AWP projects. This paper contributes to the industrial construction sector by providing a framework to assess AWP implementation in practice.
Prediction of Forelimb EMGs and Movement Phases from Corticospinal Signals in the Rat During the Reach-to-Pull Task
Authors: Gok Sinan , Sahin Mesut
Published: March 2019

Brain-computer interfaces access the volitional command signals from various brain areas in order to substitute for the motor functions lost due to spinal cord injury or disease. As the final common pathway of the central nervous system (CNS) outputs, the descending tracts of the spinal cord offer an alternative site to extract movement-related command signals. Using flexible 2D microelectrode arrays, we have recorded the corticospinal tract (CST) signals in rats during a reach-to-pull task. The CST activity was then classified by the forelimb movement phases into two or three classes in a training dataset and cross validated in a test set. The average classification accuracies were [Formula: see text] (min: [Formula: see text] to max: [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] (min: 43% to max: 71%) for two-class and three-class cases, respectively. The forelimb flexor and extensor EMG envelopes were also predicted from the CST signals using linear regression. The average correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted EMG signals was [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], whereas the highest correlation was 0.81 for the biceps EMG. Although the forelimb motor function cannot be explained completely by the CST activity alone, the success rates obtained in reconstructing the EMG signals support the feasibility of a spinal-cord-computer interface as a concept.
Noise in gene expression may be a choice of cellular system
Authors: Karmakar Rajesh
Published: March 2019

Gene expression and its regulation is a nonequilibrium stochastic process. Different molecules are involved in several biochemical steps in this process with low copies. It is observed that the stochasticity in biochemical processes is mainly due to the low copy number of the molecules present in the system. Several studies also show that the nonequilibrium biochemical processes require energy cost. But cellular system has developed itself through natural evolution by minimizing energy cost for optimum output. Here, we study the role of stochasticity qualitatively in a network of two genes using stochastic simulation method and approximately measure the energy consumption for the gene expression process. We find that the noise in gene expression process reduces the energy cost of protein synthesis. Therefore, we argued that the stochasticity in gene expression may be a choice of cellular system for protein synthesis with minimum energy cost.
Dimer coverings on the Tower of Hanoi graph
Authors: Li Wei-Bang , Chang Shu-Chiuan
Published: March 2019

We present the number of dimer coverings Nd(n) on the Tower of Hanoi graph THd(n) at n stage with dimension 2 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]d[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 5. When the number of vertices v(n) is even, Nd(n) gives the number of close-packed dimers; when the number of vertices is odd, it is impossible to have a close-packed configurations and one of the outmost vertices is allowed to be unoccupied. We define the entropy of absorption of diatomic molecules per vertex as S[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] Nd(n)/v(n), that can be shown exactly for TH2, while its lower and upper bounds can be derived in terms of the results at a certain n for THd(n) with 3 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]d[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 5. We find that the difference between the lower and upper bounds converges rapidly to zero as n increases, such that the value of S[Formula: see text] with d[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]3 and 5 can be calculated with at least 100 correct digits.
Generalized teleportation by means of discrete-time quantum walks on N-lines and N-cycles
Authors: Yang Yu-Guang , Cao Sheng-Nan , Cao Wei-Feng , Li Dan , Zhou Yi-Hua , Shi Wei-Min
Published: March 2019

Recently, Wang et al. [Wang et al., Quantum Inf. Process. 16 (2017) 221] developed generalized teleportation schemes based on different quantum walks structures. In their paper, an interesting open question is whether there are other graphs suitable for teleportation. Here, we extend the results of quantum teleportation of an unknown qubit state by means of discrete-time quantum walks and propose two kinds of schemes for quantum teleportation by means of discrete-time quantum walks on N-lines and N-cycles, respectively. Likewise, prior quantum entanglement is unnecessary for teleportation and quantum entanglement is generated by means of quantum walks. This further opens wider applications of quantum walks in quantum communication protocols.
Preservation of Class Invariants in Refactoring UML Models
Authors: Dao Thi-Huong , Nguyen Xuan-Truong , Truong Ninh-Thuan
Published: March 2019

In the field of software engineering, the term class invariants is known as a valuable term employed to delineate the semantic of UML class diagram elements (attributes and relationships) and must be held throughout the life-time of instances of the class. Refactoring, the activities of re-distributing classes, attributes and methods across the class hierarchy, is a powerful technique that is used to improve the quality of software systems. Performing refactoring on UML class diagrams obviously requires a special investigation of invariant-preserving on the refactored models. In this paper, we propose an approach to preserve class invariants in refactoring UML models. In order to achieve this aim, we first formalize the class diagram along with class invariants by mathematical notations. We then constitute the rules for five refactoring operations (deal with class hierarchies) in such a way to guarantee class invariants as well as proving correctness of the refactoring rules. Finally, the paper also makes provision of the proposed approach for practical applications in software re-engineering development process.
A note on the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set of solutions to elasticity type systems
Authors: Conti Sergio , Focardi Matteo , Iurlano Flaviana
Published: March 2019

We prove partial regularity for minimizers to elasticity type energies with [Formula: see text]-growth, [Formula: see text], in a geometrically linear framework in dimension [Formula: see text]. Therefore, the energies we consider depend on the symmetrized gradient of the displacement field. It is an open problem in such a setting either to establish full regularity or to provide counterexamples. In particular, we give an estimate on the Hausdorff dimension of the potential singular set by proving that is strictly less than [Formula: see text], and actually [Formula: see text] in the autonomous case (full regularity is well-known in dimension [Formula: see text]). The latter result is instrumental to establish existence for the strong formulation of Griffith type models in brittle fracture with nonlinear constitutive relations, accounting for damage and plasticity in space dimensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Weak solutions to Vlasov–McKean equations under Lyapunov-type conditions
Authors: Mehri Sima , Stannat Wilhelm
Published: March 2019

We present a Lyapunov-type approach to the problem of existence and uniqueness of general law-dependent stochastic differential equations. In the existing literature, most results concerning existence and uniqueness are obtained under regularity assumptions of the coefficients with respect to the Wasserstein distance. Some existence and uniqueness results for irregular coefficients have been obtained by considering the total variation distance. Here, we extend this approach to the control of the solution in some weighted total variation distance, that allows us now to derive a rather general weak uniqueness result, merely assuming measurability and certain integrability on the drift coefficient and some non-degeneracy on the dispersion coefficient. We also present an abstract weak existence result for the solution of law-dependent stochastic differential equations with merely measurable coefficients, based on an approximation with law-dependent stochastic differential equations with regular coefficients under Lyapunov-type assumptions.
Existence of solution for a class of quasilinear elliptic problem without Δ2-condition
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Silva Edcarlos D. , Pimenta Marcos T. O.
Published: March 2019

The existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of quasilinear elliptic problems are established for the type [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], is a smooth bounded domain. The nonlinear term [Formula: see text] is a continuous function which is superlinear at the origin and infinity. The function [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-function where the well-known [Formula: see text]-condition is not assumed. Then the Orlicz–Sobolev space [Formula: see text] may be non-reflexive. As a main model, we have the function [Formula: see text]. Here, we consider some situations where it is possible to work with global minimization, local minimization and mountain pass theorem. However, some estimates employed here are not standard for this type of problem taking into account the modular given by the [Formula: see text]-function [Formula: see text].
Health Risk Assessment through Incorporation of Dempster–Shafer Structure and Fuzzy Numbers within the Same Framework
Authors: Dutta Palash
Published: March 2019

It is always most important to accrue knowledge on the features of each and every existing data, information and model parameters in risk assessment. It is observed that most frequently model parameters, data, information are fouled with uncertainty due to lack of precision, deficiency in data, diminutive sample sizes. In such situations, fuzzy set theory or Dempster–Shafer structure (DSS) can be explored to represent uncertainty. More often, both type of uncertainty representation theories coexist in health risk assessment and need to amalgamate. This paper presents two algorithms to combine DSS and fuzzy numbers (FNs) of different shapes.

• The algorithms deal with the combination of DSS with fuzzy focal elements of different types and different fuzzy numbers of various types and shapes within the same framework. • Finally, non-cancer human health risk assessment is carried out under this setting. • Results are obtained in fuzzy numbers at different fractiles.

The approaches presented here have the ability to be used in any mathematical model which represents real-world problems, in which model parameters are tainted with uncertainty, where representations of uncertain model parameters are DSS and fuzzy numbers with different shapes and types.
Approaches to Multi-Attribute Group Decision-Making Based on Trapezoidal Linguistic Uncertain Cubic Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Fahmi Aliya , Amin Fazli , Abdullah Saleem , Ali Asad
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we describe the new idea of trapezoidal linguistic uncertain cubic fuzzy number. We discuss some basic operational laws of trapezoidal linguistic uncertain cubic fuzzy number and hamming distance of TrLUCFNs. We introduce the new concept of trapezoidal linguistic uncertain cubic fuzzy TOPSIS method. Furthermore, we extend the classical trapezoidal linguistic uncertain cubic fuzzy TOPSIS method to solve the MCDM method based on trapezoidal linguistic uncertain cubic fuzzy TOPSIS method. The new ranking method for TrLUCFNs is used to rank the alternatives. Finally, an illustrative example is given to verify and prove the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
(α,β)-Soft Intersectional Rings and Ideals with their Applications
Authors: Jana Chiranjibe , Pal Madhumangal , Karaaslan Faruk , Sezgi̇n Aslihan
Published: March 2019

Molodtsov initiated the soft set theory, providing a general mathematical framework for handling uncertainties that we encounter in various real-life problems. The main object of this paper is to lay a foundation for providing a new soft algebraic tool for considering many problems that contain uncertainties. In this paper, we introduce a new kind of soft ring structure called [Formula: see text]-soft-intersectional ring based on some results of soft sets and intersection operations on sets. We also define [Formula: see text]-soft-intersectional ideal and [Formula: see text]-soft-intersectional subring, and investigate some of their properties using these new concepts. We obtain some results in ring theory based on [Formula: see text]-soft intersection sense and its application in ring structures. Furthermore, we provide relationships between soft-intersectional ring and [Formula: see text]-soft-intersectional ring, soft-intersectional ideal and [Formula: see text]-soft-intersectional ideal.
Distribution and non-vanishing of special values of L-series attached to Erdős functions
Authors: Pathak Siddhi S.
Published: March 2019

In a written correspondence with A. Livingston, Erdős conjectured that for any arithmetical function [Formula: see text], periodic with period [Formula: see text], taking values in [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text], the series [Formula: see text] does not vanish. This conjecture is still open in the case [Formula: see text] or when [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain the characteristic function of the limiting distribution of [Formula: see text] for any positive integer [Formula: see text] and Erdős function [Formula: see text] with the same parity as [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we show that the Erdős conjecture is true with “probability” one.