bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Pig-Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) as a Model of Human Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage
Authors: Cole Amy L. , Cosgrove Sweeney Yvonne , Lasseter Amanda G. , Gray Justin M. , Beavis Ashley C. , Chong Christine F. , Hajheidari Safarali V. , Beyene Alex , Patton Dorothy L. , Cole Alexander M.
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
nasal carriage is a common condition affecting both healthy and immunocompromised populations and provides a reservoir for dissemination of potentially infectious strains by casual contact. The factors regulating the onset and duration of nasal
S. aureus
colonization are mostly unknown, and a human-relevant animal model is needed. Here, we screened 17 pig-tailed macaques (
Macaca nemestrina
) for
S. aureus
carriage, and 14 of 17 animals tested positive in the nose at one or both screening sessions (8 weeks apart), while the other 3 animals were negative in the nose but positive in the pharynx at least once. As in humans,
S. aureus
colonization was densest in the nose, and treatment of the nostrils with mupirocin ointment effectively cleared the nostrils and 6 extranasal body sites. Experimental nasal
S. aureus
colonization was established with 10
4
CFU/nostril, and both autologous and nonautologous strains survived over 40 days without any apparent adverse effects. A human nasal
S. aureus
isolate (strain D579, sequence type 398) was carried in 4 of 6 animals for over 3 weeks. Nostrils that did eradicate experimentally applied
S. aureus
exhibited neutrophilic innate immunity marked by elevated nasal interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 levels and a 10-fold decreased IL-1 receptor antagonist/IL-1β ratio within 7 days postinoculation, analogous to the human condition. Taken together, pig-tailed macaques represent a physiological model of human
S. aureus
nasal carriage that may be utilized for testing natural colonization and decolonization mechanisms as well as novel classes of anti-
S. aureus
therapeutics.
Influence of Chemotaxis and Swimming Patterns on the Virulence of the Coral Pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Ushijima Blake , Häse Claudia C.
Published: March 2018

Corals are responsible for creating the immense structures that are essential to reef ecosystems; unfortunately, pathogens like the bacterium
Vibrio coralliilyticus
can cause fatal infections of reef-building coral species. However, compared to related human pathogens, the mechanisms by which
V. coralliilyticus
initiates infections and locates new coral hosts are poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of chemotaxis, the directional swimming in response to chemical signals, and bacterial swimming patterns on infection of the coral
Montipora capitata
. Infection experiments with different mutant strains suggested that a smooth-swimming pattern resulted in hypervirulence. These results demonstrate that the role of chemotaxis in coral infection may not be as straightforward as previously hypothesized and provide valuable insight into
V. coralliilyticus
pathogenesis.
Assessment of 30/20-Microgram Disk Content versus MIC Results for Ceftazidime-Avibactam Tested against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Huband Michael D. , Critchley Ian A. , Stone Gregory G. , Flamm Robert K. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: March 2018

We evaluated the correlation between MIC and disk diffusion inhibition zones when testing ceftazidime-avibactam, using the 30/20-μg disk and the disk diffusion and MIC breakpoints established by the U.S. FDA and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Organisms used included 2 groups of
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates and 2 groups of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates; 1 group of each consisted of randomly selected isolates and the second group consisted of a challenge group from thousands of surveillance isolates with an increased proportion of organisms displaying ceftazidime-avibactam MIC values close to the breakpoints. Broth microdilution, disk diffusion tests, and data analysis were performed according to reference standardized methods. Ceftazidime-avibactam breakpoints of ≤8/4 (susceptible) and ≥16/4 μg/ml (resistant) for MIC and ≥21/≤20 mm for disk diffusion, as established by the U.S. FDA and the CLSI, were applied for
Enterobacteriaceae
and
P. aeruginosa
. Ceftazidime-avibactam MIC and disk zone (30/20-μg disk) correlation were acceptable when testing
Enterobacteriaceae
(overall, very major [VM] and major [Ma] error rates of 0.4% and 0.0%, respectively) and nearly so when testing
P. aeruginosa
(2.3% VM and 2.9% Ma errors). In summary, disk diffusion and broth microdilution testing results demonstrated good categorical agreement for ceftazidime-avibactam against
Enterobacteriaceae
and
P. aeruginosa
, using 30/20-μg disks.
Effectiveness of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to prevent serious health complications in adults with chronic liver disease: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Härmälä Suvi , Parisinos Constantinos , Shallcross Laura , O’Brien Alastair , Hayward Andrew
Published: March 2018

Introduction

In advanced chronic liver disease, diseases caused by common bacteriaStreptococcus pneumoniaeor influenza virus put people at an increased risk of serious health complications and death. The effectiveness of the available vaccines in reducing the risk of poor health outcomes, however, is less clear.

Methods and analysis

We will search Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published reports on randomised controlled trials and observational studies on the effectiveness of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines in people with chronic liver disease. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies for eligibility, extract data and assess study quality and risk of bias. Random effects meta-analyses will be performed as appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required, as no primary data will be collected for this study. We will publish results of this study in relevant peer-reviewed medical journal or journals. Where possible, the study results will also be presented as posters or talks at relevant medical conferences and meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017067277.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa 3DY and Short Blessed Test to detect cognitive dysfunction in geriatric patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Barbic David , Kim Brian , Salehmohamed Qadeem , Kemplin Kate , Carpenter Christopher R , Barbic Skye Pamela
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is a common finding in geriatric patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Our primary objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa 3DY (O3DY) and Short Blessed Test (SBT) as screening tools for the detection of CD in the ED. Our secondary objective was to estimate the inter-rater reliability of these instruments.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional comparative study at an inner-city academic medical centre (annual ED visit census 86 000). Patients aged 75 years or greater were evaluated for inclusion, 163 were screened, 150 were deemed eligible and 117 were enrolled. The research team completed the O3DY, SBT and Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) for each participant. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity of the O3DY and SBT were calculated in STATA V.11.2 using the MMSE as our criterion standard.

Results

We enrolled 117 patients from June to November 2016. The median ED length of stay at the time of completion of all tests was 1:40 (IQR 1:34–1:46). The sensitivity of the O3DY was 71.4% (95% CI 47.8 to 95.1), and specificity was 56.3% (46.7–65.9). Sensitivity of the SBT was 85.7% (67.4–99.9) and specificity was 58.3% (48.7–67.8). The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was calculated for the O3DY (0.51; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.61) and SBT (0.52; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.61) relative to the MMSE. Inter-rater reliability for the O3DY (k=0.64) and SBT (k=0.63) were good.

Conclusion

In a cohort of geriatric patients presenting to an inner-city academic ED, the O3DY and SBT tools demonstrate moderate sensitivity and specificity for the detection of CD. Inter-rater reliability for the O3DY and SBT were good. Future research on this topic should attempt to derive and validate ED-specific screening tools, which will hopefully result in more robust likelihood ratios for the screening of CD in ED geriatric patients.
Effectiveness of serious games and impact of design elements on engagement and educational outcomes in healthcare professionals and students: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Maheu-Cadotte Marc-André , Cossette Sylvie , Dubé Véronique , Fontaine Guillaume , Mailhot Tanya , Lavoie Patrick , Cournoyer Alexis , Balli Fabio , Mathieu-Dupuis Gabrielle
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Serious games (SGs) are interactive and entertaining digital software with an educational purpose. They engage the learner by proposing challenges and through various design elements (DEs; eg, points, difficulty adaptation, story). Recent reviews suggest the effectiveness of SGs in healthcare professionals’ and students’ education is mixed. This could be explained by the variability in their DEs, which has been shown to be highly variable across studies. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesise the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of SGs and the impact of DEs on engagement and educational outcomes of healthcare professionals and students.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of the literature will be conducted using a combination of medical subject headings terms and keywords in Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Embase, Education Resources Information Center, PsycInFO, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies assessing SGs on engagement and educational outcomes will be included. Two independent reviewers will conduct the screening as well as the data extraction process. The risk of bias of included studies will also be assessed by two reviewers using the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care criteria. Data regarding DEs in SGs will first be synthesised qualitatively. A meta-analysis will then be performed, if the data allow it. Finally, the quality of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of SGs on each outcome will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

As this systematic review only uses already collected data, no Institutional Review Board approval is required. Its results will be submitted in a peer-reviewed journal by the end of 2018.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077424.
Forgone care among middle aged and elderly with chronic diseases in China: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Baseline Survey
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Chen Mingsheng , Wang Zhonghua , Si Lei
Published: March 2018

Objective

In general, published studies analyse healthcare utilisation, rather than foregone care, among different population groups. The assessment of forgone care as an aspect of healthcare system performance is important because it indicates the gap between perceived need and actual utilisation of healthcare services. This study focused on a specific vulnerable group, middle-aged and elderly people with chronic diseases, and evaluated the prevalence of foregone care and associated factors among this population in China.

Methods

Data were obtained from a nationally representative household survey of middle-aged and elderly individuals (≥45 years), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which was conducted by the National School of Development of Peking University in 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse sample characteristics and the prevalence of foregone care. Andersen’s healthcare utilisation and binary logistic models were used to evaluate the determinants of foregone care among middle-aged and elderly individuals with chronic diseases.

Results

The prevalence of foregone outpatient and inpatient care among middle-aged and elderly people was 10.21% and 6.84%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of foregone care for physical examinations was relatively high (57.88%). Predisposing factors, including age, marital status, employment, education and family size, significantly affected foregone care in this population. Regarding enabling factors, individuals in the highest income group reported less foregone inpatient care or physical examinations compared with those in the lowest income group. Social healthcare insurance could significantly reduce foregone care in outpatient and inpatient situations; however, these schemes (except for urban employee medical insurance) did not appear to have a significant impact on foregone care involving physical examinations.

Conclusion

In China, policy-makers may need to further adjust healthcare policies, such as health insurance schemes, and improve the hierarchical medical system, to promote reduction in foregone care and effective utilisation of health services.
Protocol for a 1-year prospective, longitudinal cohort study of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: the BARI-LIFESTYLE observational study
Authors: Jassil Friedrich C , Carnemolla Alisia , Kingett Helen , Paton Bruce , O’Keeffe Aidan G , Doyle Jacqueline , Morris Stephen , Lewis Neville , Kirk Amy , Pucci Andrea , Chaiyasoot Kusuma , Batterham Rachel L
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are the two most common bariatric surgery performed in the UK that result in comparable weight loss and remission of obesity-associated comorbidities. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the impact of these procedures on body composition, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, physical function and strength, dietary intake, health-related quality of life and costs.

Methods and analysis

The BARI-LIFESTYLE observational study is a 1-year prospective, longitudinal cohort study within a real-world routine clinical care setting aiming to recruit 100 patients with severe obesity undergoing either primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy from two bariatric centres in London, UK. Participants will be followed up four times during the study period; presurgery baseline (T0) and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) postsurgery. In addition to the standard follow-up investigations, assessments including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, bioelectric impedance analysis, 6 min walk test, sit-to-stand test and handgrip test will be undertaken together with completion of questionnaires. Physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour will be assessed using accelerometer, and dietary intake will be recorded using a 3-day food diary. Outcome measures will include body weight, body fat mass, lean muscle mass, bone mineral density, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, physical function and strength, dietary intake, health-related quality of life, remission of comorbidities, healthcare resource utilisation and costs.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by London-Dulwich Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/0950). The results will be presented to stakeholder groups locally, nationally and internationally and published in peer-reviewed medical journals. The lay-person summary of the findings will be published on the Centre for Obesity Research, University College London website (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/obesity).
Does a prostate cancer diagnosis affect management of pre-existing diabetes? Results from PCBaSe Sweden: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Crawley Danielle , Garmo Hans , Rudman Sarah , Stattin Pär , Zethelius Björn , Armes Jo , Holmberg Lars , Adolfsson Jan , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Both prostate cancer (PCa) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasingly prevalent conditions, which frequently coexist in men. Here, we set out to specifically examine the impact of a PCa diagnosis and its treatment on T2DM treatment.

Setting

This study uses observational data from Prostate Cancer database Sweden Traject.

Participants

The study was undertaken in a cohort of 16 778 men with T2DM, of whom 962 were diagnosed with PCa during mean follow-up of 2.5 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We investigated the association between PCa diagnosis and escalation in T2DM treatment in this cohort. A treatment escalation was defined as a new or change in anti-T2DM prescription, as recorded in the prescribed drug register (ie, change from diet to metformin or sulphonylurea or insulin). We also investigated how PCa diagnosis was associated with two treatment escalations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression with age as a time scale was used while adjusting for educational level and initial T2DM treatment.

Results

We found no association between PCa diagnosis and risk of a single treatment escalation (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.13). However, PCa diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of receiving two consecutive T2DM treatment escalations (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.22). This increase was strongest for men on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (HR 3.08, 95% CI 2.14 to 4.40). The corresponding HR for men with PCa not on hormonal treatment was 1.40 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.92) and for men with PCa on antiandrogens 0.91 (95% CI 0.29 to 2.82).

Conclusions

Men with T2DM who are diagnosed with PCa, particularly those treated with GnRH agonists, were more likely to have two consecutive escalations in T2DM treatment. This suggests a need for closer monitoring of men with both PCa and T2DM, as coexistence of PCa and its subsequent treatments could potentially worsen T2DM control.
Expert practice patterns and opinions on corneal cross-linking for infectious keratitis
Authors: Hsia Yen C , Moe Caitlin A , Lietman Thomas M , Keenan Jeremy D , Rose-Nussbaumer Jennifer
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the current opinion and practice patterns from cornea experts regarding the benefit of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for infectious keratitis (IK).

Methods and analysis

An international survey was distributed to corneal specialists via an internet survey. The survey data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

A survey was sent to 190 recipients, and 29 (15%) respondents completed the survey with an average of 7 years’ experience using CXL. A majority of respondents (66%) used CXL to treat IK due to bacterial, fungal, protozoan or unknown aetiology. Main indications to use CXL as adjuvant therapy were worsening infiltrate diameter or depth despite therapy (74%), followed by antibiotic resistance (68%), corneal thinning (53%), poor compliance with medication (26%) and other reasons (21%). Most respondents felt CXL would be at least moderately helpful as an adjuvant therapy for bacterial (96%) or fungal (75%) keratitis; about half (46%) thought it would be helpful for acanthamoeba keratitis. As sole therapy, fewer respondents believed CXL would be at least moderately helpful to treat bacterial (75%), fungal (58%) and acanthamoeba (43%) keratitis.

Conclusion

The survey offered insights into current expert practices and opinions of using CXL as therapy for IK. The results of this survey serve to guide in the design of future clinical studies.
Tracking workflow during high-stakes resuscitation: the application of a novel clinician movement tracing tool during in situ trauma simulation
Authors: Petrosoniak Andrew , Almeida Rodrigo , Pozzobon Laura Danielle , Hicks Christopher , Fan Mark , White Kari , McGowan Melissa , Trbovich Patricia
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Clinician movement and workflow analysis provides an opportunity to identify inefficiencies during trauma resuscitation care. Inefficient workflows may represent latent safety threats (LSTs), defined as unrecognised system-based elements that can negatively impact patients. In situ simulation (ISS) can be used to model resuscitation workflows without direct impact on patients. We report the pilot application of a novel, tracing tool to track clinician movement during high-fidelity ISS trauma sessions.

Methods

Twelve unannounced ISSs were conducted. An open source, Windows-based video overlay tracing tool was developed to generate a visual representation of participant movement during ISS. This tracing tool used a manual mouse tracking algorithm to produce point-by-point location information of a selected participant in a video. The tracing tool was applied to video recordings of clinicians performing a cricothyroidotomy during ISS trauma scenarios. A comparative workflow and movement analysis was completed, which included distance travelled and space utilisation. This data was visually represented with time-lapsed movement videos and heat maps.

Results

A fourfold difference in the relative distance travelled was observed between participants who performed a cricothyroidotomy during an ISS trauma resuscitation. Variation in each participant’s movement was attributable to three factors: (1) team role assignment and task allocation; (2) knowledge of clinical space: equipment location and path to equipment retrieval; and (3) equipment bundling. This tool facilitated LST identification related to cricothyroidotomy performance.

Conclusion

This novel tracing tool effectively generated a visual representation of participants’ workflows and quantified movement during ISS video review. An improved understanding of human movement during ISS trauma resuscitations provides a unique opportunity to augment simulation debriefing, conduct human factor analysis of system elements (eg, tools/technology, physical environment/layout) and foster change management towards efficient workflows.
Social marketing to address attitudes and behaviours related to preventable injuries in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Smith Jennifer , Zheng Xin , Lafreniere Kevin , Pike Ian
Published: March 2018

Background

Social marketing is a tool used in the domain of public health for prevention and public education. Because injury prevention is a priority public health issue in British Columbia, Canada, a 3-year consultation was undertaken to understand public attitudes towards preventable injuries and mount a province-wide social marketing campaign aimed at adults aged 25–55 years.

Methods

Public response to the campaign was assessed through an online survey administered to a regionally representative sample of adults within the target age group between 1 and 4 times per year on an ongoing basis since campaign launch. A linear regression model was applied to a subset of this data (n=5186 respondents) to test the association between exposure to thePreventablecampaign and scores on perceived preventability of injuries as well as conscious forethought applied to injury-related behaviours.

Results

Campaign exposure was significant in both models (preventability: β=0.27, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.35; conscious thought: β=0.24, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.35), as was parental status (preventability: β=0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.21; conscious thought: β=0.18, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.30). Exposure to the more recent campaign slogan was predictive of 0.47 higher score on conscious thought (95% CI 0.27 to 0.66).

Discussion

This study provides some evidence that thePreventableapproach is having positive effect on attitudes and behaviours related to preventable injuries in the target population. Future work will seek to compare these data to other jurisdictions as thePreventablesocial marketing campaign expands to other parts of Canada.
Future-proofing pathology part 2: building a business case for digital pathology
Authors: Williams Bethany Jill , Bottoms David , Clark David , Treanor Darren
Published: March 2018

Diagnostic histopathology departments are experiencing unprecedented economic and service pressures, and many institutions are now considering digital pathology as part of the solution. In this document, a follow on to our case for adoption report, we provide information and advice to help departments create their own clear, succinct, individualised business case for the clinical deployment of digital pathology.
Emilia-Romagna Study on Pregnancy and Exposure to Antiepileptic drugs (ESPEA): a population-based study on prescription patterns, pregnancy outcomes and fetal health
Authors: Mostacci Barbara , Bisulli Francesca , Poluzzi Elisabetta , Cocchi Guido , Piccinni Carlo , Curti Alessandra , Simonazzi Giuliana , Astolfi Gianni , Rizzo Nicola , Zenesini Corrado , D’Alessandro Roberto , Tinuper Paolo
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure in pregnant women and the comparative risk of terminations of pregnancy (TOPs), spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, major birth defects (MBDs), neonatal distress and small for gestational age (SGA) infants following intrauterine AED exposure in the Emilia Romagna region, Italy (4 459 246 inhabitants on 31 December 2011).

Methods

We identified all deliveries and hospitalised abortions in Emilia Romagna in the period 2009–2011 from the certificate of delivery assistance registry (Certificato di Assistenza al Parto— CedAP) and the hospital discharge card registry, exposure to AEDs from the reimbursed drug prescription registries, MBDs from the regional registry of congenital malformations, and Apgar scores and cases of SGA from the CedAP. Records from different registries were linked.

Results

We identified 145 243 pregnancies: 111 284 deliveries, 16 408 spontaneous abortions and 17 551 TOPs. Six hundred and eleven pregnancies (0.42%; 95% Cl 0.39 to 0.46) were exposed to AEDs. In the AED-exposed group 21% of pregnancies ended in TOPs vs 12% in the non-exposed women (OR: 2.24; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.56). Rates of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, neonatal distress and SGA were comparable. Three hundred and fifty-three babies (0.31%; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.35) were exposed to AEDs during the first trimester. MBD rates were 2.3% in the exposed vs 2.0% in the non-exposed pregnancies (OR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.55).

Conclusion

The Emilia Romagna prevalence of AED exposure in pregnancy was 0.42%, comparable with previous European studies. Rates of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, neonatal distress, SGA and MBDs following AED exposure were not significantly increased. The rate of TOPs was significantly higher in the AED-exposed women.
Endovascular therapy versus thrombolysis in patients with large vessel occlusions within the anterior circulation aged ≥80 years
Authors: Kastrup Andreas , Brunner Freimuth , Hildebrandt Helmut , Roth Christian , Winterhalter Michael , Papanagiotou Panagiotis
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

In patients with large vessel occlusions, endovascular treatment (ET) has been shown to be superior to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in recent trials. However, the effectiveness of ET in elderly patients is uncertain.

Methods

Using our stroke database, we compared the rates of good outcome (modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2), excellent outcome (mRS 0–1), poor outcome (mRS 5–6) at discharge, in-hospital death, infarct size, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) in patients aged ≥80 years with distal intracranial carotid artery, M1 and M2 occlusions during two time periods.

Results

From January 2008 to October 2012, 217 patients were treated with IVT and, from November 2012 to October 2017, 209 patients received ET with stent retrievers (with or without IVT). Significantly more patients in the ET group than in the IVT group had a good outcome (25% vs 16%, P<0.05), as well as an excellent outcome (12% vs 4%, P<0.01). Significantly fewer patients in the ET group than in the IVT group died (14% vs 22%, P<0.05) or had a poor outcome (35% vs 52%, P<001). The SICH rates were lower after ET than after IVT (1% vs 6%, P<0.01), and the infarct sizes were smaller after ET than after IVT.

Conclusions

Compared with IVT, the routine use of ET significantly improved the early clinical and radiological outcome in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions aged ≥80 years. Nevertheless, poor outcome rates were high so the role of ET needs to be defined further in this population.
Application of qualitative biospeckle methods for the identification of scar region in a green orange
Authors: Retheesh R. , Ansari Md. Zaheer , Radhakrishnan P. , Mujeeb A.
Published: March 2018

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a view-based method, the motion history image (MHI) to map biospeckle activity around the scar region in a green orange fruit. The comparison of MHI with the routine intensity-based methods validated the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that MHI can be implementated as an alternative online image processing tool in the biospeckle analysis.
Critical de Broglie wavelength in superconductors
Authors: Talantsev E. F.
Published: March 2018

There are growing numbers of experimental evidences that the self-field critical currents, [Formula: see text], are a new instructive tool to investigate fundamental properties of superconductors ranging from atomically thin films [M. Liao et al., Nat. Phys. 6 (2018), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-017-0031-6 ; E. F. Talantsev et al., 2D Mater. 4 (2017) 025072; A. Fete et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 109 (2016) 192601] to millimeter-scale samples [E. F. Talantsev et al., Sci. Rep. 7 (2017) 10010]. The basic empirical equation which quantitatively accurately described experimental [Formula: see text] was proposed by Talantsev and Tallon [Nat. Commun. 6 (2015) 7820] and it was the relevant critical field (i.e. thermodynamic field, [Formula: see text], for type-I and lower critical field, [Formula: see text], for type-II superconductors) divided by the London penetration depth, [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we report new findings relating to this empirical equation. It is that the critical wavelength of the de Broglie wave, [Formula: see text], of the superconducting charge carrier which within a numerical pre-factor is equal to the largest of two characteristic lengths of Ginzburg–Landau theory, i.e. the coherence length, [Formula: see text], for type-I superconductors or the London penetration depth, [Formula: see text], for type-II superconductors. We also formulate a microscopic criterion for the onset of dissipative transport current flow: [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the charge carrier momentum, [Formula: see text] is Planck’s constant and the inequality sign “[Formula: see text]” is reserved for the dissipation-free flow.
Fourier–Mellin moment-based intertwining map for image encryption
Authors: Kaur Manjit , Kumar Vijay
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a robust image encryption technique that utilizes Fourier–Mellin moments and intertwining logistic map is proposed. Fourier–Mellin moment-based intertwining logistic map has been designed to overcome the issue of low sensitivity of an input image. Multi-objective Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) based on Reinforcement Learning (MNSGA-RL) has been used to optimize the required parameters of intertwining logistic map. Fourier–Mellin moments are used to make the secret keys more secure. Thereafter, permutation and diffusion operations are carried out on input image using secret keys. The performance of proposed image encryption technique has been evaluated on five well-known benchmark images and also compared with seven well-known existing encryption techniques. The experimental results reveal that the proposed technique outperforms others in terms of entropy, correlation analysis, a unified average changing intensity and the number of changing pixel rate. The simulation results reveal that the proposed technique provides high level of security and robustness against various types of attacks.
Simulation Analysis and Performance Testing Investigation of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Lv Yunfei , Wang Chaojie , Wang Xiangjun , He Changde , Xue Chenyang , He Shuang
Published: March 2018

In various applications of ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic transducer is the key device of ultrasonic testing and ultrasonic imaging. Compared with the traditional piezoelectric transducer, the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) has many striking advantages, such as low impedance, high bandwidth, easy integration and low cost, and it is expected to become a next generation of mainstream products. In this paper, a CMUT structure for underwater-imaging applications is designed, and the finite element model is established by using COMSOL software, then the modal analysis, harmonic response analysis, electromechanical coupling analysis and transient analysis are carried out. As a consequence, the key parameters of CMUT are obtained, namely resonance frequency, voltage collapse and electromechanical coupling coefficient. For the processed CMUT line array consisting of 16 elements, a test system is built and the emission performance, receiving performance, directivity, bandwidth and preliminary imaging of the designed transducer are tested and analyzed. The results show that the designed CMUT array can meet the requirements of underwater-imaging applications.
Robust Transductive Support Vector Machine for Multi-View Classification
Authors: Li Yanchao , Wang Yongli , Zhou Junlong , Jiang Xiaohui
Published: March 2018

Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL) aims to improve the performance of models trained with a small set of labeled data and a large collection of unlabeled data. Learning multi-view representations from different perspectives of data has proved to be very effectively for improving generalization performance. However, existing semi-supervised multi-view learning methods tend to ignore the specific difficulty of different unlabeled examples, such as the outliers and noise, leading to error-prone classification. To address this problem, this paper proposes Robust Transductive Support Vector Machine (RTSVM) that introduces the margin distribution into TSVM, which is robust to the outliers and noise. Specifically, the first-order (margin mean) and second-order statistics (margin variance) are regularized into TSVM, which try to achieve strong generalization performance. Then, we impose a global similarity constraint between distinct RTSVMs each trained from one view of the data. Moreover, our algorithm runs with fast convergence by using concave–convex procedure. Finally, we validate our proposed method on a variety of multi-view datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm is effective. By exploring large amount of unlabeled examples and being robust to the outliers and noise among different views, the generalization performance of our method show the superiority to single-view learning and other semi-supervised multi-view learning methods.
A System-Level Correction SAR ADC with Noise-Tolerant Technique
Authors: Xu Daiguo , Xu Kaikai , Xu Shiliu , Liu Lu , Liu Tao
Published: March 2018

A system-level correction successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) with regulated comparator of noise-tolerant technique is proposed. First, a substrate voltage boost technique is provided to improve the linearity and speed of sampling switch. Secondly, the proposed SAR ADC provides a comparator of noise regulation without redundant comparison cycle. The proposed comparator would be regulated in high-speed large noise state in large input differential signals. In the condition of small input differential signals, the comparator would be adjusted to low-speed small noise state. Furthermore, a high-speed low-power technique is proposed to optimize the performance of dynamic comparator. Additionally, a fast SAR logic structure is provided to increase the conversion speed of SAR ADC. To demonstrate the proposed techniques, a design example of SAR ADC is fabricated in 65[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology. The SAR ADC is able to tolerate about 1.1 LSB noise errors in post-simulation with the operation state regulated automatically. The core occupies an active area of only 0.025[Formula: see text]mm2 and consumes 1.5[Formula: see text]mW. Measurement results achieve SFDR [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB and SNDR [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB, resulting in the FOM of 21.6[Formula: see text]fJ per conversion step.
Enhanced Gain Low-Power CMOS Amplifiers: A Novel Design Approach Using Bulk-Driven Load and Introduction to GACOBA Technique
Authors: Dubey Avaneesh K. , Nagaria R. K.
Published: March 2018

A new design technique is proposed and discussed for the design of active load using the bulk-driven method. The proposed method uses gate-driven input drivers with bulk-driven MOS load. Further, it is used to design single stage amplifiers, such as common source (CS) and common gate (CG). In addition to the proposed technique, a very efficient method is implemented to improve and control the gain of the amplifiers, which is named as Gain Control by Bulk Amplification (GACOBA) Technique. The large signal, small signal and frequency domain analysis of proposed designs are done and to verify the outcomes it is simulated in SPECTER at 0.7[Formula: see text]V supply with 45[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology. The result shows that the transconductance and gain of proposed single stage CS amplifier are increased without affecting impedance seen by output node. On the other hand, GACOBA technique is useful for gain enhancement in CS and CG amplifier.
A 16.4 nW, Sub-1 V, Resistor-Less Voltage Reference with BJT Voltage Divider
Authors: Yang Qingshan , Han Peiqing , Mei Niansong , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: March 2018

A 16.4[Formula: see text]nW, sub-1[Formula: see text]V voltage reference for ultra-low power low voltage applications is proposed. This design reduces the operating voltage to 0.8[Formula: see text]V by a BJT voltage divider and decreases the silicon area considerably by eliminating resistors. The PTAT and CTAT are based on SCM structures and a scaled-down [Formula: see text], respectively, to improve the process insensitivity. This work is fabricated in 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS process with a total area of 0.0033[Formula: see text]mm2. Measured results show that it works properly for supply voltage from 0.8[Formula: see text]V to 2[Formula: see text]V. The reference voltage is 467.2[Formula: see text]mV with standard deviation ([Formula: see text]) being 12.2 mV and measured TC at best is 38.7[Formula: see text]ppm/[Formula: see text]C ranging from [Formula: see text]C to 60[Formula: see text]C. The total power consumption is 16.4[Formula: see text]nW under the minimum supply voltage at 27[Formula: see text]C.
Optimized Classification Predictions with a New Index Combining Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Tamvakis Androniki , Anagnostopoulos Christos-Nikolaos , Tsirtsis George , Niros Antonios D. , Spatharis Sofie
Published: March 2018

Voting is a commonly used ensemble method aiming to optimize classification predictions by combining results from individual base classifiers. However, the selection of appropriate classifiers to participate in voting algorithm is currently an open issue. In this study we developed a novel Dissimilarity-Performance (DP) index which incorporates two important criteria for the selection of base classifiers to participate in voting: their differential response in classification (dissimilarity) when combined in triads and their individual performance. To develop this empirical index we firstly used a range of different datasets to evaluate the relationship between voting results and measures of dissimilarity among classifiers of different types (rules, trees, lazy classifiers, functions and Bayes). Secondly, we computed the combined effect on voting performance of classifiers with different individual performance and/or diverse results in the voting performance. Our DP index was able to rank the classifier combinations according to their voting performance and thus to suggest the optimal combination. The proposed index is recommended for individual machine learning users as a preliminary tool to identify which classifiers to combine in order to achieve more accurate classification predictions avoiding computer intensive and time-consuming search.
Customer Value Analysis in Banks Using Data Mining and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Processes
Authors: Mosavi Alireza Bashiri , Afsar Amir
Published: March 2018

The customer value is a starting point for customer relationship management to realize and evaluate the value of the customers for every organization. Value is the base of all of the marketing activities because all parties expect to get value in their transactions. This study focusses on the Tejarat Bank branches in Iran and systematically integrates several data mining techniques and management issues in order to analyze customer value. First, we applied the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for weighing attributes and then imported the demographic, frequency, money and trust attributes to the [Formula: see text]-means. Using the proposed scoring model, we created the customer value pyramid. Finally, in order to analyze the obtained pyramid classes and perform the learning process from the data, we utilized a decision tree, support vector machine, random forest classification techniques, along with six chosen characteristics and introduced the most appropriate model according to the applied attributes. Including learning patterns for classifying new customers, with respect to the importance of defined factors, would be useful in this case. According to results, we achieved a model attribute with the best characteristics in accuracy, precision, recall, [Formula: see text]-measure and class error measures.
A New Stochastic MCDM Approach Based on COPRAS
Authors: Ayrim Yelda , Atalay Kumru Didem , Can Gülin Feryal
Published: March 2018

This study proposes a novel integrated Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) approach by using stochastic decision process named as Stochastic COPRAS (COPRAS-S) to increase the evaluation performance of COPRAS. In COPRAS-S, criteria importance weights and the performance values of alternatives are determined by generating random numbers from uniform distribution in a range of minimum and maximum values of a limited number of decision-maker evaluations. Thus, the numbers of experts are increased and decision-making process is performed in an effective way because different opinions are incorporated. In addition, randomness feature brought with vagueness in decision is modeled in this process. A special normalization approach based on standard deviation is also implemented in COPRAS-S. In this way, cost and benefit type criteria are evaluated in a different way. This proposed stochastic structure for COPRAS is a practical and powerful tool that strengthens the decision.
Hybrid Monte Carlo with LAMMPS
Authors: Guo Jingxiang , Haji-Akbari Amir , Palmer Jeremy C.
Published: March 2018

We describe a strategy for performing canonical and isothermal-isobaric ensemble hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) simulations with the widely-used Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) molecular dynamics (MD) software package. The overall workflow for the HMC simulations is handled using an external Python driver script, which invokes LAMMPS’ library interface to perform numerically intensive tasks such as MD integration. We document several rigorous consistency checks that have been used to validate our HMC implementation. We also demonstrate that our approach can be readily extended to implement biased HMC sampling schemes for computing free energies. Codes and input files from the documented examples are available on the web.
POMDP-Based Coding of Child–Robot Interaction within a Robot-Assisted ASD Diagnostic Protocol
Authors: Petric Frano , Miklić Damjan , Kovačić Zdenko
Published: March 2018

The existing procedures for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis are often time consuming and tiresome both for highly-trained human evaluators and children, which may be alleviated by using humanoid robots in the diagnostic process. Hence, this paper proposes a framework for robot-assisted ASD evaluation based on partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) modeling, specifically POMDPs with mixed observability (MOMDPs). POMDP is broadly used for modeling optimal sequential decision making tasks under uncertainty. Spurred by the widely accepted autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS), we emulate ADOS through four tasks, whose models incorporate observations of multiple social cues such as eye contact, gestures and utterances. Relying only on those observations, the robot provides an assessment of the child’s ASD-relevant functioning level (which is partially observable) within a particular task and provides human evaluators with readable information by partitioning its belief space. Finally, we evaluate the proposed MOMDP task models and demonstrate that chaining the tasks provides fine-grained outcome quantification, which could also increase the appeal of robot-assisted diagnostic protocols in the future.
Lean Startup Method Hampers Breakthrough Innovations and Company's Innovativeness
Authors: Yordanova Zornitsa B.
Published: March 2018

The Lean Startup Method (LSM) provides a systematic management of innovation processes within startups and even within well-established companies. Despite its wide use by a lot of innovative companies, this study claims that using the LSM compromises the development of breakthrough and radical innovations and also companies' innovativeness is hindered given that companies usually follow the method and its principles blindly, without fully understanding its advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study is to make a critical analysis of the LSM with focus on the above two statements and to test the critical findings from the analysis with the help of innovation experts. The methods employed in the study are mainly statistical ones like Pearson correlation, linear regression and statistical mean. The results show that innovation experts generally do agree with the formulated critical points (CPs) in the research but still use the method because they had not been aware of these disadvantages before entering the research as respondents. Another finding is the negative correlation between commercializing breakthrough innovations and using customers in the innovation development process. The contribution of the paper for the readers is mainly related to the impact of customer utilization within the breakthrough innovation development process and how using the LSM might compromise companies' innovativeness in general.
Influence of Underlayer Thickness on Gilbert Damping in Exchange-Biased [Pd/CoFeB]4/MnIr Multilayers
Authors: Li Wei , Lu Yifan , Tang Minghong , Lou Shitao , Zhang Zongzhi , Zhang X. L. , Jin Q. Y.
Published: March 2018

We have studied the influence of underlayer thickness on the static and dynamic magnetic properties in perpendicular exchange-biased (PEB) [Pd/CoFeB]4/MnIr multilayers for both Pd and Cu cases. The PEB field [Formula: see text] decreases and the coercivity field [Formula: see text] increases with increasing thickness of Cu and Pd underlayers. The dynamic results demonstrate that the Gilbert damping constant [Formula: see text] increases with increasing the underlayer thickness in both cases. We attribute the enhancement in [Formula: see text] to the increased interfacial spin disordering due to the higher roughness. The increasing of spin disordering in the dead layer enhances the interfacial spin scattering or spin dephasing which makes an additional contribution to the damping constant [Formula: see text]. In addition, we find that the intrinsic damping constant becomes larger when exchange bias effect is established, because the introduction of anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) layer adds another transfer channel of angular momentum of ferromagnetic (FM) layer.