bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fidelity protocol for the Action Success Knowledge (ASK) trial: a psychosocial intervention administered by speech and language therapists to prevent depression in people with post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Carragher Marcella , Ryan Brooke , Worrall Linda , Thomas Shirley , Rose Miranda , Simmons-Mackie Nina , Khan Asad , Hoffmann Tammy C , Power Emma , Togher Leanne , Kneebone Ian
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Treatment fidelity is a complex, multifaceted evaluative process which refers to whether a studied intervention was delivered as intended. Monitoring and enhancing fidelity is one recommendation of the TiDIER (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) checklist, as fidelity can inform interpretation and conclusions drawn about treatment effects. Despite the methodological and translational benefits, fidelity strategies have been used inconsistently within health behaviour intervention studies; in particular, within aphasia intervention studies, reporting of fidelity remains relatively rare. This paper describes the development of a fidelity protocol for the Action Success Knowledge (ASK) study, a current cluster randomised trial investigating an early mood intervention for people with aphasia (a language disability caused by stroke).

Methods and analysis

A novel fidelity protocol and tool was developed to monitor and enhance fidelity within the two arms (experimental treatment and attention control) of the ASK study. The ASK fidelity protocol was developed based on the National Institutes of Health Behaviour Change Consortium fidelity framework.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee in Queensland, Australia under the National Mutual Acceptance scheme of multicentre human research projects. Specific ethics approval was obtained for those participating sites who were not under the National Mutual Agreement at the time of application. The monitoring and ongoing conduct of the research project is in line with requirements under the National Mutual Acceptance. On completion of the trial, findings from the fidelity reviews will be disseminated via publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000979651.
Coping, mood and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Chinese patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: He Yaping , Jian Hong , Yan Meiqiong , Zhu Jingfen , Li Guohong , Lou Vivian W Q , Chen Jieling
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The ways patients cope with advanced cancer can influence their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aims to examine the mediating role of positive and negative mood in the relationship between coping and HRQoL in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 261 patients (mean age: 59.99±9.53) diagnosed with stage III or IV lung cancer was recruited from the inpatient unit in a hospital that specialises in chest-related disease in Shanghai, China. Participants completed measurements including Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and 5-level EuroQol 5-dimension instrument.

Results

Although the total effects of confrontation on HRQoL were not significant, competing indirect effects via mood were identified: (1) positive indirect effects through positive mood were found for confrontation on mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort and overall utility index (indirect effect=0.01, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.03); (2) negative indirect effects through negative mood were found for confrontation on mobility, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression and overall utility index (indirect effect=−0.01, 95% CI −0.03 to −0.001). Resigned acceptance was negatively associated with HRQoL, and indirect effects via mood were identified: (1) negative indirect effects through positive mood were found for resigned acceptance on mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and overall utility index (indirect effect=−0.01, 95% CI −0.03 to −0.003); (2) negative indirect effects through negative mood were found for resigned acceptance on domains of HRQoL and overall utility index (indirect effect=−0.04, 95% CI −0.06 to −0.02).

Conclusions

Confronting advanced lung cancer can fuel ambivalent emotional experiences. Nevertheless, accepting the illness in a resigned way can be maladaptive for health outcomes. The findings suggest interventions that facilitate adaptive coping, reduce negative mood and enhance positive mood, as this could help to improve or maintain HRQoL in patients with advanced lung cancer.
Developing an ecological framework of factors associated with substance use and related harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Snijder Mieke , Lees Briana , Ward James , Stearne Annalee E , Newton Nicola Clare , Stapinski Lexine
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience high rates of substance use and related harms. Previous prevention programmes and policies have met with limited success, particularly among youth, and this may be a result of inadequately targeting the unique risk and protective factors associated with substance use for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The purpose of this systematic review is to therefore synthesise the risk and protective factors associated with substance use and related harms among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and critically appraise the methodological quality of the included studies.

Methods and analysis

A total of seven peer-reviewed (Cochrane, Embase, PsychInfo, Medline, ProQuest, Informit, and CINAHL) and two grey literature (HeathInfoNetand Closing the Gap Clearinghouse) databases will be systematically searched using search terms in line with the aims of this review and based on previous relevant reviews. Studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 April 2018 will be included if they identify risk and/or protective factors for substance use or related harms in a study sample that consists of at least 50% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A narrative synthesis will be undertaken where the identified factors will be organised using an ecological approach into individual, relationship, community, societal and cultural levels. A critical appraisal of study quality will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data and the qualitative assessment tool by Godfrey and Long.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethics approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and social media.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017073734.
Effects of native language on CPR skills and willingness to intervene in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest after film-based basic life support training: a subgroup analysis of a randomised trial
Authors: Hollenberg Jacob , Claesson Andreas , Ringh Mattias , Nordberg Per , Hasselqvist-Ax Ingela , Nord Anette
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The aim was to investigate whether the students’ native language, Swedish as native language (SNL) versus other native language (ONL), affects cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills or willingness to act after film-based training in Swedish.

Setting

13-year-old students in two municipalities.

Design

A subgroup from a previous randomised study was analysed. During 2013 to 2014, a film-based CPR method was evaluated. Practical skills and willingness to act were assessed directly after training and after 6 months. CPR skills were evaluated using a modified Cardiff test.

Participants

A total of 641 students were included in the analysis (SNL, n=499; ONL, n=142).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary endpoint was the total score of the modified Cardiff test at 6 months. The secondary endpoints were total score directly after training, individual variables for the test and self-reported willingness to act.

Results

At the practical test, SNL students scored better than ONL students; directly after training, 67% vs 61% of maximum score, respectively (p<0.001); at 6 months, 61% vs 56% of maximum score (p<0.001). Most students were willing to perform compressions and ventilation on a friend (SNL 85% vs ONL 84%). However, if the victim was a stranger, ONL students were more willing to perform both compressions and ventilation than SNL students (52% vs 38% after training, p<0.001; 42% vs 31% at 6 months, p=0.032). SNL students preferred to initiate chest compressions only.

Conclusions

SNL students scored slightly higher in the practical CPR skill test than ONL students. Willingness to act was generally high, however ONL students reported higher willingness to perform both compressions and ventilation if the victim was a stranger. Further research is needed to investigate how CPR educational material should be designed and simplified for optimal learning by students. Different language versions or including feedback in CPR training can be a way to increase learning.

Ethics approval

The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board of Linköping, Sweden (2013/358-31).

Trial registration number

NCT03233490; Pre-results.
Outcomes associated with hospital admissions for accidental opioid overdose in British Columbia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Morrow Richard L , Bassett Ken , Maclure Malcolm , Dormuth Colin R
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To study the association between accidental opioid overdose and neurological, respiratory, cardiac and other serious adverse events and whether risk of these adverse events was elevated during hospital readmissions compared with initial admissions.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Population-based study using linked administrative data in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

The primary analysis included 2433 patients with 2554 admissions for accidental opioid overdose between 2006 and 2015, including 121 readmissions within 1 year of initial admission. The secondary analysis included 538 patients discharged following a total of 552 accidental opioid overdose hospitalizations and 11 040 matched controls from a cohort of patients with ≥180 days of prescription opioid use.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was encephalopathy; secondary outcomes were adult respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, pulmonary haemorrhage, aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure, rhabdomyolysis, paraplegia or tetraplegia, acute renal failure, death, a composite outcome of encephalopathy or any secondary outcome and total serious adverse events (all-cause hospitalisation or death). We analysed these outcomes using generalised linear models with a logistic link function.

Results

3% of accidental opioid overdose admissions included encephalopathy and 25% included one or more adverse events (composite outcome). We found no evidence of increased risk of encephalopathy (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.13 to 2.49) or other outcomes during readmissions versus initial admissions. In the secondary analysis, <5 patients in each cohort experienced encephalopathy. Risk of the composite outcome (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.48 to 3.12) and all-cause mortality (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.86) were higher for patients in the year following overdose relative to controls.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that risk of encephalopathy or other adverse events was higher in readmissions compared with initial admissions for accidental opioid overdose. Risk of serious morbidity and mortality may be elevated in the year following an accidental opioid overdose.
Protocol for a scoping review of multi-omic analysis for rare diseases
Authors: Kerr Katie , McAneney Helen , McKnight Amy Jayne
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The development of next generation sequencing technology has enabled cost-efficient, large scale, multiple ‘omic’ analysis, including epigenomic, genomic, metabolomic, phenomic, proteomic and transcriptomic research. These integrated approaches hold significant promise for rare disease research, with the potential to aid biomarker discovery, improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutic targets. In this paper we outline a systematic approach for a scoping review designed to evaluate what primary research has been performed to date on multi-omics and rare disease.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was designed using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched will include: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar for primary studies relevant to the key terms ‘multi-omics’ and ‘rare disease’, published prior to 30thDecember 2018. Grey literature databases GreyLit and OpenGrey will also be searched, as well as reverse citation screening of relevant articles and forward citation searching using Web of Science Cited Reference Search Tool. Data extraction will be performed using customised forms and a narrative synthesis of the results will be presented.

Ethics and dissemination

As a secondary analysis study with no primary data generated, this scoping review does not require ethical approval. We anticipate this review will highlight a gap in rare disease research and provide direction for novel research. The completed review will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences discussing rare disease research and/or molecular strategies.
Do beer and wine respond to price and tax changes in Vietnam? Evidence from the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey
Authors: Chelwa Grieve , Toan Pham Ngoc , Hien Nguyen Thi Thu , Thu Le Thi , Anh Pham Thi Hoang , Ross Hana
Published: May 2019

Objective

To provide the first ever published estimates of the price and expenditure elasticities of demand for beer and wine in Vietnam and thereby contribute to policy initiatives aimed at reducing the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Methods

We use a linear approximation of the Almost Ideal Demand System and data from the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey for 2010, 2012 and 2014.

Results

We find that the demand for beer and wine in Vietnam is price and expenditure inelastic with average price elasticities of −0.283 and −0.317 and average expenditure elasticities of 0.401 and 0.156, respectively. That is, we find that beer and wine consumption decline whenever their respective prices increase and their consumption increases whenever expenditure rises.

Conclusions

The results of the study lend confidence to calls for increased taxation of alcoholic products on public health grounds in Vietnam.
Efficacy of a personalised pelvic floor muscle training programme on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (MaTchUP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hodges Paul , Stafford Ryan , Coughlin Geoff D , Kasza Jessica , Ashton-Miller James , Cameron Anne P , Connelly Luke , Hall Leanne M
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostatectomy is the most common treatment. Morbidity from prostatectomy is high—80% of men experience urinary incontinence which negatively impacts the quality of life. Postsurgical pelvic floor muscle training is commonly prescribed but recent systematic reviews found no evidence of efficacy. We propose a new treatment that commences preoperatively and targets functional training of specific pelvic floor muscles that contribute to urinary continence. Assessment and biofeedback using transperineal ultrasound imaging assists in training. This will be compared against conventional training (maximal pelvic floor muscle contraction assessed by digital rectal examination) and no training. Embedded physiological studies will allow the investigation of moderation and mediation of the treatment effect on the outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This randomised clinical trial will include 363 men scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Participants will be randomised into urethral training, conventional training and no training groups. Clinical data will be collected at baseline (1–2 weeks presurgery) and postsurgery after catheter removal, weekly to 3 months (primary endpoint) and monthly to 12 months. Outcomes include 24-hour pad weight test (primary), incontinence, quality of life and cost-effectiveness data. Neuromuscular control measures of pelvic floor muscles will be measured at baseline, postsurgery, 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months. Study assessors and statisticians will be blinded to the group allocation.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and has ethical approval from the university and host hospital ethics committees. Trial outcomes will be shared via national/international conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000788370; Pre-results.
Prevalence and incidence of kidney diseases leading to hospital admission in people living with HIV in France: an observational nationwide study
Authors: Louis Magali , Cottenet Jonathan , Salmon-Rousseau Arnaud , Blot Mathieu , Bonnot Pierre-Henri , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Chavanet Pascal , Mousson Christiane , Quantin Catherine , Piroth Lionel
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To describe hospitalisations for kidney disease (KD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in France and to identify the factors associated with such hospitalisations since data on the epidemiology of KD leading to hospitalisation are globally scarce.

Design

Observational nationwide study using the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Information database.

Setting

France 2008–2013.

Participants

Around 10 862 PLHIV out of a mean of 5 210 856 patients hospitalised each year. All hospital admissions with a main diagnosis code indicating KD (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes, N00 to –N39) were collected.

Main outcome measures

The prevalence and incidence of KD leading to hospital admission in PLHIV and the associated risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of patients hospitalised for KD was 1.5 higher in PLHIV than in the general population, and increased significantly from 3.0% in 2008 to 3.7% in 2013 (p<0.01). The main cause of hospitalisation for KD was acute renal failure (ARF, 25.4%). Glomerular diseases remained stable (6.4%) throughout the study period, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis being the main diagnosis (37.6%). Only 41.3% of patients hospitalised for glomerular disease were biopsied. The other common motives for admission were nephrolithiasis (22.1%) and pyelonephritis (22.6%).

The 5-year cumulative incidence of KD requiring hospitalisation was 5.9% in HIV patients newly diagnosed for HIV in 2009. Factors associated with a higher risk of incident KD requiring hospitalisation were cardiovascular disease (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.46 to 7.49), and, for female patients, AIDS (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.58). Two-thirds of hospitalisations for incident ARF occurred in the first 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

Hospital admission for KD is more frequent in PLHIV than in the general population and increases over time. ARF remains the leading cause. Glomerular diseases are infrequently documented by renal biopsies. Older patients and those with cardiovascular disease are particularly concerned.
Serum biomarkers and outcomes in patients with moderate COPD: a substudy of the randomised SUMMIT trial
Authors: Celli Bartolome R , Anderson Julie A , Brook Robert , Calverley Peter , Cowans Nicholas J , Crim Courtney , Dixon Ian , Kim Victor , Martinez Fernando J , Morris Andrea , Newby David E , Yates Julie , Vestbo Joergen
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Systemic levels of C reactive protein (CRP), surfactant protein D (SPD), fibrinogen, soluble receptor of activated glycogen end-product (sRAGE) and club cell protein 16 (CC-16) have been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes. However, they require validation in different cohorts.

Objectives

Relate systemic levels of those proteins to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline, exacerbations, hospitalisations and mortality in COPD patients (FEV1of ≥50 and ≤70% predicted) and heightened cardiovascular risk in a substudy of the Study to Understand Mortality and MorbidITy trial.

Methods

Participants were randomised to daily inhalations of placebo, vilanterol 25 µg (VI), fluticasone furoate 100 µg (FF) or their combination (VI 25/FF 100) and followed quarterly until 1000 deaths in the overall 16 485 participants occurred. Biomarker blood samples were available from 1673 patients. The FEV1decline (mL/year), COPD exacerbations, hospitalisations and death were determined. Associations between biomarker levels and outcomes were adjusted by age and gender.

Results

Systemic levels of CC-16, CRP, sRAGE, SPD and fibrinogen did not relate to baseline FEV1, FEV1decline, exacerbations or hospitalisations. Fibrinogen and CRP were related to mortality over a median follow-up of 2.3 years. Only the CC-16 changed with study therapy (VI, FF and FF/VI, p<0.01) at 3 months.

Conclusions

In COPD, systemic levels of CC-16, CRP, sRAGE, SPD and fibrinogen were not associated with FEV1decline, exacerbations or hospitalisations. These results cast doubts about the clinical usefulness of the systemic levels of these proteins as surrogate markers of these COPD outcomes. The study confirms that CRP and fibrinogen are associated with increased risk of death in patients with COPD.

Trial registration number

NCT01313676.
Assessing telephone-delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and web-delivered CBT versus treatment as usual in irritable bowel syndrome (ACTIB): a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Everitt Hazel Anne , Landau Sabine , O’Reilly Gilly , Sibelli Alice , Hughes Stephanie , Windgassen Sula , Holland Rachel , Little Paul , McCrone Paul , Bishop Felicity , Goldsmith Kimberley , Coleman Nicholas , Logan Robert , Chalder Trudie , Moss-Morris Rona
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of two modes of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for IBS compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in refractory IBS.

Design

A three-arm randomised controlled trial assessing telephone-delivered CBT (TCBT), web-based CBT (WCBT) with minimal therapist support, and TAU. Blinding participants and therapists was not possible. Chief investigator, assessors and statisticians were blinded. Participants were adults with refractory IBS (clinically significant symptoms for ≥12 months despite first-line therapies), recruited by letter and opportunistically from 74 general practices and three gastroenterology centres in London and South of England between May 2014 to March 2016. Co-primary outcomes were IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) at 12 months.

Results

558/1452 (38.4%) patients screened for eligibility were randomised: 76% female: 91% white: mean age 43 years. (391/558) 70.1% completed 12 months of follow-up. Primary outcomes: Compared with TAU (IBS-SSS 205.6 at 12 months), IBS-SSS was 61.6 (95% CI 33.8 to 89.5) points lower (p<0.001) in TCBT and 35.2 (95% CI 12.6 to 57.8) points lower (p=0.002) in WCBT at 12 months. Compared with TAU (WSAS score 10.8 at 12 months) WSAS was 3.5 (95% CI 1.9 to 5.1) points lower (p<0.001) in TCBT and 3.0 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.6) points lower (p=0.001) in WCBT. All secondary outcomes showed significantly greater improvement (p≤0.002) in CBT arms compared with TAU. There were no serious adverse reactions to treatment.

Conclusion

Both CBT interventions were superior to TAU up to 12 months of follow-up.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN44427879.
Neuroplasticity and aphasia treatments: new approaches for an old problem
Authors: Crosson Bruce , Rodriguez Amy D , Copland David , Fridriksson Julius , Krishnamurthy Lisa C , Meinzer Marcus , Raymer Anastasia M , Krishnamurthy Venkatagiri , Leff Alexander P
Published: May 2019

Given the profound impact of language impairment after stroke (aphasia), neuroplasticity research is garnering considerable attention as means for eventually improving aphasia treatments and how they are delivered. Functional and structural neuroimaging studies indicate that aphasia treatments can recruit both residual and new neural mechanisms to improve language function and that neuroimaging modalities may hold promise in predicting treatment outcome. In relatively small clinical trials, both non-invasive brain stimulation and behavioural manipulations targeting activation or suppression of specific cortices can improve aphasia treatment outcomes. Recent language interventions that employ principles consistent with inducing neuroplasticity also are showing improved performance for both trained and novel items and contexts. While knowledge is rapidly accumulating, larger trials emphasising how to select optimal paradigms for individualised aphasia treatment are needed. Finally, a model of how to incorporate the growing knowledge into clinical practice could help to focus future research.
C0-characterization of symplectic and contact embeddings and Lagrangian rigidity
Authors: Müller Stefan
Published: May 2019

We present a novel [Formula: see text]-characterization of symplectic embeddings and diffeomorphisms in terms of Lagrangian embeddings. Our approach is based on the shape invariant, which was discovered by Sikorav and Eliashberg, intersection theory and the displacement energy of Lagrangian submanifolds, and the fact that non-Lagrangian submanifolds can be displaced immediately. This characterization gives rise to a new proof of [Formula: see text]-rigidity of symplectic embeddings and diffeomorphisms. The various manifestations of Lagrangian rigidity that are used in our arguments come from [Formula: see text]-holomorphic curve methods. An advantage of our techniques is that they can be adapted to a [Formula: see text]-characterization of contact embeddings and diffeomorphisms in terms of coisotropic (or pre-Lagrangian) embeddings, which in turn leads to a proof of [Formula: see text]-rigidity of contact embeddings and diffeomorphisms. We give a detailed treatment of the shape invariants of symplectic and contact manifolds, and demonstrate that shape is often a natural language in symplectic and contact topology. We consider homeomorphisms that preserve shape, and propose a hierarchy of notions of Lagrangian topological submanifold. Moreover, we discuss shape-related necessary and sufficient conditions for symplectic and contact embeddings, and define a symplectic capacity from the shape.
Two-Agent Advertisement Scheduling on Physical Books to Maximize the Total Profit
Authors: Jea Kuen-Fang , Wang Jen-Ya , Hsu Chih-Wei
Published: May 2019

Most of us may have had the experience of forgetting some term from a physical book when the term appears in neither the table of contents nor the index. Unfortunately, we must search for it page by page. In one edition of the popular physical book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, for example, the term “dragon’s blood” only appears on pages 81 and 175, so browsing through the whole book to find it would be inevitable. In this study, a mechanism is provided to carry out an online search on physical books. To financially support this mechanism, we can put online advertisements with different offers on these physical books. An advertisement scheduling problem (ASP) is therefore formulated to maximize the total profit. To obtain the optimal schedules, we propose a branch-and-bound algorithm equipped with an upper bound. Experimental results show that the proposed upper bound performs well and completes the search in only 4% of the execution time of an ordinary branch-and-bound algorithm.
Nonsmooth Optimization Method for H∞ Output Feedback Control
Authors: Wu Qiong , Wang Jin-He , Zhang Hong-Wei , Wang Shuang , Pang Li-Ping
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a nonsmooth optimization method for [Formula: see text] output feedback control problem of linear time-invariant(LTI) systems based on bundle technique. We formulate this problem as a nonconvex and nonsmooth semi-infinite constrained optimization problem by quantifying both internal stability of closed-loop system and measurement of system performance, where [Formula: see text] norm of closed-loop transfer function and a stabilization channel is used. Our method uses progress function and bundle technique to solve the resulting problem which has a composite structure. We prove the convergence to a critical point from a feasible initial point and test some benchmarks to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.
Knot invariants from Laplacian matrices
Authors: Silver Daniel S. , Williams Susan G.
Published: May 2019

A checkerboard graph of a special diagram of an oriented link is made a directed, edge-weighted graph in a natural way so that a principal submatrix of its Laplacian matrix is a Seifert matrix of the link. Doubling and weighting the edges of the graph produces a second Laplacian matrix such that a principal submatrix is an Alexander matrix of the link. The Goeritz matrix and signature invariants are obtained in a similar way. A device introduced by Kauffman makes it possible to apply the method to general diagrams.
Orbit design for space atom-interferometer AIGSO
Authors: Wang Gang , Gao Dongfeng , Ni Wei-Tou , Wang Jin , Zhan Mingsheng
Published: May 2019

Atom-interferometric gravitational-wave (GW) space observatory (AIGSO) is a mission concept mainly aimed at the middle-frequency (0.1-10 Hz) GW detection. AIGSO proposes to have three spacecrafts in linear formation with extension of 10[Formula: see text]km. The three spacecrafts need to maintain [Formula: see text] constant arm-length formation. In this study, we address the issue of orbit design and thruster requirement. The acceleration to maintain the formation can be designed to be less than 30[Formula: see text]pm/s2and the thruster requirement is in the 30[Formula: see text]nN range. Application to other arm-length-maintaining missions is also discussed.
A NOVEL TWO-LEAD ARRHYTHMIA CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM BASED ON CNN AND LSTM
Authors: CHU JINGHUI , WANG HONG , LU WEI
Published: May 2019

Arrhythmia classification is useful during heart disease diagnosis. Although well-established for intra-patient diagnoses, inter-patient arrhythmia classification remains difficult. Most previous work has focused on the intra-patient condition and has not followed the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards. Here, we propose a novel system for arrhythmia classification based on multi-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The core of the design is that we fuse two types of deep learning features with some common traditional features and select discriminating features using a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (BPSO). Then, the feature vector is classified using a weighted support vector machine (SVM) classifier. For a better generalization of the model and to draw fair comparisons, we carried out inter-patient experiments and followed the AAMI standards. We found that, when using common metrics aimed at multi-classification either macro- or micro-averaging, our system outperforms most other state-of-the-art methods.
Optimality Studies of Human Sprinting Motions with and Without Running-Specific Prostheses
Authors: Emonds Anna Lena , Mombaur Katja
Published: May 2019

Due to the remarkable performances of some amputee athletes, the power of their running-specific prostheses came to the fore of the discussions. The aim of our study was to compare non-amputee and amputee sprinting motions resulting from optimization using combinations of eight optimality criteria with either fixed or free average velocity. For the description of the amputee and the non-amputee athlete, we created rigid multi-body system models with 16 degrees of freedom in the sagittal plane. Each sprinting motion is the solution of a specific optimal control problem with periodicity and dynamic constraints. We found realistic human-like sprinting motions for both the non-amputee and the amputee athlete. We compared the optimized solutions to dynamics-reconstructed solutions from motion capture data and determined similarity measures for each of them. The investigation of the amputee athlete’s joint torques and ground reaction forces revealed that the real amputee athlete does not exploit the functionality of his running-specific prosthesis as much as the model. The optimal control problems with free average velocity generated human-like sprinting motions as well. However, for specific objective functions the velocities exceed the fastest measured velocities in human sprinting.
Characteristics Numerical Research on Power Battery Impact Strength of New Energy Vehicle
Authors: Tao Zhuhai , Jialin Yang , Xianglei Zhang , Bing Zhang
Published: May 2019

Based on the crash test of new energy vehicles, the mechanical response data of power batteries during the collision process were collected, and the average impact strength curve of power batteries of typical new energy vehicles in China was obtained. The average impact strength curve was mathematically processed to obtain the impact strength characteristic value and tolerance by using the equivalent trapezoidal wave and the least square method, thereby determining the test conditions of the dynamic strength of the domestic new energy vehicle power battery. The differences are analyzed by comparing with ISO 12405-3 test conditions, which provides an important reference for the revision of power battery test standards in the future.
Research on the Effect of Tree Barriers on Rockfall Using a Three-Dimensional Discontinuous Deformation Analysis Method
Authors: Liu Guoyang , Li Junjie
Published: May 2019

On rockfall slopes, trees can play a natural and efficient protective role in preventing the occurrence of rockfall disasters. This paper presents a study on the tree barrier effect on rockfall based on a three-dimensional discontinuous deformation analysis (3D DDA) method. The tree barrier effect on rockfall is studied considering the 3D spatial effect of rockfall movement and the 3D spatial distribution of trees. The basic movement forms and collision modes of rockfall related to the tree barrier are classified, and the impact factors of tree arrangements on rockfall are proposed. The contact mechanism employed in the 3D DDA method is illustrated, and the accuracy of the 3D DDA rockfall simulation is verified by comparing with the results obtained from laboratory experiments. Numerical examples are conducted to study the effect of the tree barrier on rockfall, and general laws are derived by analyzing the variation of kinetic energies and motion trajectories of moving blocks. The results show that the 3D DDA method can effectively predict the 3D motion behaviors of rockfall and assess the tree barrier effect. Furthermore, a reasonable arrangement of trees or a combination of protective facilities and trees can prevent or mitigate the rockfall hazards.
Fabrication of Langmuir–Blodgett chiral films from cationic (L)-proline-porphyrin derivatives
Authors: Colozza Noemi , Stefanelli Manuela , Venanzi Mariano , Paolesse Roberto , Monti Donato
Published: May 2019

Stable porphyrin films expressing specific chirality at a supramolecular level have been achieved by Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) deposition of two inherently chiral (L)-proline porphyrin derivatives. Spectroscopic measurements (UV-vis, CD and fluorescence) evidenced that the stereogenic center stored on the peripheral proline residue dictates the specific supramolecular organization of the macrocycles at the air/water interface, which is found to be significantly different from that observed in solution ([Formula: see text] EtOH/H2O 25/75, v/v solvent mixture). In the case of free-base porphyrin, the firmness as well as the homogeneity of the corresponding chiral LB films are not optimal for a number of layers below 10. For the zinc derivative, thermal annealing helps to make the films more oriented and produces an amplification of the chirality of the treated films. The results described are of relevance, for example, for the development of stereoselective sensors, where the fabrication of chiral surfaces with specific and reproducible stereochemistry represents a crucial issue.
Harmonic maps and wild Teichmüller spaces
Authors: Gupta Subhojoy
Published: May 2019

We use meromorphic quadratic differentials with higher order poles to parametrize the Teichmüller space of crowned hyperbolic surfaces. Such a surface is obtained on uniformizing a compact Riemann surface with marked points on its boundary components, and has noncompact ends with boundary cusps. This extends Wolf’s parametrization of the Teichmüller space of a closed surface using holomorphic quadratic differentials. Our proof involves showing the existence of a harmonic map from a punctured Riemann surface to a crowned hyperbolic surface, with prescribed principal parts of its Hopf differential which determine the geometry of the map near the punctures.
A general version of Neubauer’s lemma and closed range almost closed operators
Authors: Gherbi Abdellah , Messirdi Sanaa , Messirdi Bekkai
Published: May 2019

In this paper, almost closed subspaces and almost closed linear operators are described in a Hilbert space. We show Neubauer’s lemma and we give necessary and sufficient conditions for an almost closed operator to be with closed range and we exhibit sufficient conditions under which it is either closed or closable.
A new single-particle model to evaluate the Li-ions diffusion coefficients of LiMn1−xFexPO4
Authors: Li Hejie , Wang Hongbin , Ren Wenju , Hu Jiangtao , Lin Yuan , Pan Feng
Published: May 2019

It remains a challenge to evaluate the Li-ions diffusion coefficients of LiMn[Formula: see text]FexPO4 due to the presence of two voltage platforms upon charge/discharge. In this paper, a new single-particle model based on Butler–Volmer (BV) equation and one-dimensional diffusion equation is established. Using this model, the cyclic voltammogram curves of LiMn[Formula: see text]FexPO4 single-particle electrodes are successfully fitted and their Li-ion diffusion coefficients in organic electrolyte are obtained. Through analyzing the diffusion coefficients, it is found that the Li-ions diffusion coefficients for both Fe and Mn redox processes in LiMn[Formula: see text]FexPO4 reach the maximum when [Formula: see text]. In addition, the values for oxidation processes are much larger than those for reduction processes.
Generalized Thermoelasticity Theories for Axisymmetric Hollow Cylinders Under Thermal Shock with Variable Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Zenkour Ashraf M.
Published: May 2019

The thermoelastic problem of clamped axisymmetric infinite hollow cylinders under thermal shock with variable thermal conductivity is presented. The outer surface of infinite hollow cylinder is considered to be thermally insulated while inner surface is subjected to an initial heating source. In addition, the cylinder is considered to be clamped at its inner and outer radii. Generalized thermoelasticity theories are used to deal with the field quantities. All generalized thermoelasticity theories such as Green and Lindsay, Lord and Shulman, and coupled thermoelasticity (CTE) are considered as special cases of the present theory. Effects of variable thermal conductivity and time parameters on radial displacement, temperature, and stresses of the hollow cylinders are investigated.
Service Supply Chain Research: A Conceptual Model Based on Business Processes
Authors: Zhang Rongyao , Wang Kan
Published: May 2019

When economy transfers from tangible manufacturing to intangible services, it is extremely important to understand whether the lessons learned from manufacturing industries can be directly applied to service supply chains. This paper aims to compare traditional manufacturing industries with service supply chain sector and the results emphasize that the similarities and differences do exist between these two sectors — demonstrating that effective supply chain strategies in one sector may not be appropriate in the other sector. Based on the unique characteristics of service, this study builds a conceptual model of service supply chain.
Batched Triangular Dense Linear Algebra Kernels for Very Small Matrix Sizes on GPUs
Authors: Charara Ali , Keyes David , Ltaief Hatem
Published: May 2019

Batched dense linear algebra kernels are becoming ubiquitous in scientific applications, ranging from tensor contractions in deep learning to data compression in hierarchical low-rank matrix approximation. Within a single API call, these kernels are capable of simultaneously launching up to thousands of similar matrix computations, removing the expensive overhead of multiple API calls while increasing the occupancy of the underlying hardware. A challenge is that for the existing hardware landscape (x86, GPUs, etc.), only a subset of the required batched operations is implemented by the vendors, with limited support for very small problem sizes. We describe the design and performance of a new class of batched triangular dense linear algebra kernels on very small data sizes (up to 256) using single and multiple GPUs. By deploying recursive formulations, stressing the register usage, maintaining data locality, reducing threads synchronization, and fusing successive kernel calls, the new batched kernels outperform existing state-of-the-art implementations.
Longitudinal Changes of PAI-1, MMP-2, and VEGF in Peritoneal Effluents and Their Associations with Peritoneal Small-Solute Transfer Rate in New Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Hao Na , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu , Wu Chien-Hsing , Lei Yang-Yang , Liang Pei-Ling , Chao Mei-Chen , Yang Hongtao , Chen Jin-Bor
Published: May 2019

Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) encounter peritoneal functional and structural alterations. It is still unknown whether levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), matrix metalloproteinases- (MMP-) 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exhibit dynamic changes in peritoneal effluents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in these biomarkers in PD patients and their association with peritoneal small-solute transfer rate (PSTR). This prospective, single-center cohort study included 70 new PD patients. The presence of PAI-1, MMP-2, and VEGF in peritoneal effluents was measured regularly after PD initiation. The association between those biomarkers and 4-hour effluent:plasma creatinine ratio (PSTR) was analyzed. Longitudinal follow-up showed a tendency for PAI-1 (p< 0.001) and VEGF (p= 0.04) to increase with the duration of PD. Both PSTR at baseline and PSTR at 2 years significantly associated with PAI-1, MMP-2, and VEGF levels at baseline. PSTR at 2 years also associated with the MMP-2 level at 6 months and PAI-1 level at baseline. The present study illustrated a positive association of PSTR with selected biomarkers in peritoneal effluents observed over a 2-year period.
PTPN22 Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Susceptibility to Large Artery Atherosclerotic Stroke and Microembolic Signals
Authors: Zhou Lingyan , Wang Kun , Wang Junhong , Zhou Zhenfeng , Cheng Yufei , Pan Xudong , Ma Aijun
Published: May 2019

Large artery atherosclerotic stroke (LAAS) is the most common ischemic stroke (IS) subtype, and microemboli may be clinically important for indicating increased risk of IS. The inflammatory process of atherosclerosis is well known, and lymphoid phosphatase (Lyp), which is encoded by the protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene, plays an important role in the inflammatory response. Our study was intended to evaluate the relationship between PTPN22 gene and LAAS and microembolic signals (MES). Three loci of the PTPN22 gene (rs2476599, rs1217414, and rs2488457) were analyzed in 364 LAAS patients and 369 control subjects. A genotyping determination was performed using the TaqMan assay. The G allele of rs2488457 might be related to a higher risk for developing LAAS and MES (odds ratio OR=1.456, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.156-1.833, P=0.001; OR=1.652, 95% CI 1.177-2.319, P=0.004, respectively). In the LAAS group, the prevalence of the GTG haplotype was higher (P<0.001) and the prevalence of the GCC haplotype was lower (P=0.001). An interaction analysis of rs2488457 with smoking showed that smokers with the CG/GG genotypes had a higher risk of LAAS, compared to nonsmokers with the rs2488457 CC genotype (OR=2.492, 95% CI 1.510–4.114, P<0.001). Our research indicated that the PTPN22 rs2488457 might be related to the occurrence of LAAS and MES in the Han Chinese population. In addition, the rs2488457 polymorphism and the environmental factor of smoking jointly influenced the susceptibility of LAAS.
MicroRNA-155 Promotes Myocardial Infarction-Induced Apoptosis by Targeting RNA-Binding Protein QKI
Authors: Guo Jing , Liu Hui-Bin , Sun Chuan , Yan Xiu-Qing , Hu Juan , Yu Jie , Yuan Ye , Du Zhi-Min
Published: May 2019

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of sudden death worldwide. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) has been reported to target antiapoptotic genes in various diseases models, but the functional role of miR-155 in response to MI injury needs further investigations. This study investigated the role of miR-155 in myocardial ischemia injury. TUNEL and flow cytometry were performed to measure cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis was employed to detect protein expressions of Bcl-2, XIAP, Bax, and caspase-3. qRT-PCR was used to quantify miRNA levels. We showed that miR-155 was dynamically elevated in murine hearts subjected to MI and in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocyte (NRVM) injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In response to H2O2, the silencing of miR-155 using AMO-155 (antisense inhibitor oligodeoxyribonucleotides) significantly increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis. Moreover, AMO-155 reversed the H2O2-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and XIAP and upregulation of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3. Further study revealed that AMO-155 resulted in a decrease of H2O2-induced JC-1-labelled monomeric cell number. In addition, AMO-155 markedly decreased infarct size, ameliorated impaired cardiac function, and significantly reduced apoptotic cell percentages in MI mice heart. The RNA-binding protein Quaking (QKI) was predicted as a target gene of miR-155 through bioinformatic analysis, and AMO-155 attenuated the downregulation of QKI in H2O2-treated cardiomyocytes and MI mice heart. Knockdown of QKI by siRNA abolished the antiapoptotic effects of AMO-155. Taken together, miR-155 is upregulated in the MI heart and NRVMs in response to H2O2stress, and downregulating of miR-155 protects cardiomyocytes against apoptosis. Mechanistically, it is probably due to the repression of QKI signaling pathway.
Persistent Unilateral Sore Throat: Should It Be Included in the 2-Week Wait Referral Criteria by NICE
Authors: Allam Ahmed , Nijim Hazem
Published: May 2019

Design and Setting. A retrospective study was conducted on all 2WW referrals made to our tertiary head and neck centre in a 12-month period. Methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of presenting complaints in H&N cancer diagnosis using Excel® and the statistical package SPSS®. Results. The sensitivity and specificity of 2005 NICE guidelines in detecting H&N cancers were 91.2% and 59%, respectively; their PPV was 9%. The sensitivity and specificity of 2015 NICE guidelines were 75.4% and 71%, respectively; their PPV was 10.3%. Eight out of 85 patients who presented with unilateral sore throat for more than 4 weeks, with or without otalgia and normal otoscopy, had H&N cancer (PPV 9.5%). Conclusions. Although the 2015 NICE guidelines have a high rate in detecting H&N cancers, consideration of reincluding unilateral sore throat in the referral criteria might be necessary.