bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Кинетика изменения концентраций магнитных ионов примеси в сплавах Pb-=SUB=-1-x-y-=/SUB=-Sn-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-V-=SUB=-y-=/SUB=-Te при легировании
Authors: Скипетров Е.П. , Константинов Н.С. , Скипетрова Л.А. , Кнотько А.В. , Слынько В.Е.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe field and temperature dependences of the magnetization (magnetic fields B ≤ 7.5 T, temperatures T = 2.0–75 K) of samples from a Pb_1– x – y Sn_ x V_ y Te ( x = 0.08, y = 0.01) single-crystal ingot synthesized by the Bridgman–Stockbarger method. It is established that the sample magnetization contains two main contributions, notably, the paramagnetism of vanadium ions and diamagnetism of the crystal lattice. The field and temperature dependences of the magnetization are approximated by the sum of modified Brillouin functions corresponding to the paramagnetic contributions of vanadium in two different charge states and the diamagnetic contribution linear in terms of field. The concentrations of vanadium ions in two different magnetic states and the character of their variation along the ingot are determined within the scope of the alloy’s electronic-structure rearrangement because of doping. The results are compared with the data of X-ray fluorescence microanalysis and the results of studying the galvanomagnetic properties of the samples.
Структура и свойства полученных методом магнетронного распыления тонких графитоподобных пленок
Authors: Виноградов А.Я. , Грудинкин С.А. , Беседина Н.А. , Коняхин С.В. , Рабчинский М.К. , Эйдельман Е.Д. , Голубев В.Г.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe structural, electrical, and optical properties of thin graphite-like films produced by magnetron- assisted sputtering onto crystalline silicon and quartz at substrate temperatures in the range from 320 to 620°C are studied. From analysis of the Raman spectra, it is established that, as the substrate temperature is elevated, the crystallite size increases and the concentration of structural defects and the content of amorphous carbon in the phase composition of the films decrease. It is found that, as the substrate temperature is elevated, the maximum of the absorption intensity in the ultraviolet spectral region of the optical absorption spectra shifts to longer wavelengths and the absorption intensity in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions increases. As the deposition temperature is elevated, the conductivity of the films increases from 0.2 Ω^–1 cm^–1 at 320°C to 30 Ω^–1 cm^–1 at 620°C.
Кинетика развития паттернов макролокализации пластического течения металлов
Authors: Зуев Л.Б. , Баранникова С.А. , Семухин Б.С.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe features of the macroscopic inhomogeneity of plastic deformation in the form of autowaves with a pulsating amplitude are analyzed, and data on the localization of sources of acoustic emission at different stages of plastic flow in the stretching of fcc mono- and polycrystals are presented. The relationship between the local components of the plastic distortion tensor in the strain localization zone is traced. The role of acoustic phenomena accompanying the localization of plastic strain in the development of the process of plastic deformation is considered.
Структурные фазовые превращения при твердофазной реакции в тонких двухслойных пленках Al/Pt
Authors: Алтунин Р.Р. , Моисеенко Е.Т. , Жарков С.М.
Published: June 2018

AbstractA sequence of phases forming during the solid-phase reaction in Al/Pt bilayer thin films has been investigated by in situ electron diffraction. It is shown that the amorphous PtAl_2 phase forms first during the solid-phase reaction initiated by heating. Upon further heating, PtAl_2, Pt_2Al_3, PtAl, and Pt_3Al crystalline phases sequentially form, which is qualitatively consistent with an effective formation heat model. The content of phases forming during the reaction has been quantitatively analyzed and the structural phase transformations have been examined.
Общность термодинамических свойств кристаллов нормальных длинноцепочечных алифатических соединений и полиметилена
Authors: Егоров В.М. , Марихин В.А.
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe analyze the dependency of melting points of molecular crystals with different chain lengths on the crystal habit of elementary volume for the first-order phase transition. We demonstrate that molecular crystals with identical chemical structure of their cores—unbranched alkanes CH_3(CH_2)_ n CH_3, diols HOC(CH_2)_ n COH, unbranched aliphatic alcohols CH_3(CH_2)_ n COH, saturated carboxylic acids CH_3(CH_2)_ n COOH, and dicarboxylic acids HOOC(CH_2) n COOH—lose their identity and individual properties and evolve toward polyethylene as the number of repeating–CH_2–groups increases.
Влияние слабого сцепления на магнитный переход Фредерикса в ферронематическом жидком кристалле
Authors: Попов В.А. , Гилев В.Г. , Захлевных А.Н.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe magnetic Freedericksz transition in a ferronematic representing a diluted suspension of magnetic nanoparticles in an N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (MBBA) nematic liquid crystal was experimentally studied. The transition point was determined by means of dielectric capacitance measurements in cells of different thickness for samples with various volume fractions of ferroparticles. The effect of weak coupling between the magnetic and liquid-crystal subsystems was studied. Low concentrations of quasispherical magnetic particles were shown to decrease the magnetic Freedericksz transition threshold in comparison with a pure liquid crystal. The obtained results were theoretically substantiated. The phase diagram of the suspension was plotted, and the method of estimating the energy of coupling between magnetic particles and a liquid-crystal matrix was proposed.
Релаксационные потери магнитных возбуждений в наноразмерных пленках железо-иттриевого граната
Authors: Луцев Л.В. , Сутурин С.М. , Коровин А.М. , Бурсиан В.Э. , Соколов Н.С.
Published: June 2018

AbstractRelaxation losses of magnetic excitations in nanoscale films of Y_3Fe_5O_12 (YIG) were studied. The films were obtained by laser molecular-beam epitaxy (LMBE). Ferromagnetic resonance linewidth Δ H was found to increase sharply as the temperature decreased from 300 to 77 K. The observed growth of Δ H is explained by typical relaxation processes caused by the presence of Fe^2+ ions. This effect is not observed in thick films of YIG grown by liquid-phase epitaxy and containing Pb^4+ ions, and, hence, we have concluded that the presence of acceptor ions in YIG films obtained by LMBE will facilitate decreasing the concentration of Fe^2+ ions and, a result, diminishing relaxation losses.
Импульсная активация топливного элемента на основе протонпроводящей полимерной мембраны
Authors: Галицкая Е.А. , Герасимова Е.В. , Добровольский Ю.А. , Дон Г.М. , Афанасьев А.С. , Левченко А.В. , Сивак А.В. , Синицын В.В.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe influence of pulsed activation on the electrochemical characteristics of fuel cells based on the Nafion proton-conducting membrane is studied. The activation was a repeated pulsed operation of the membrane–electrode assembly (MEA), which was characterized by alternating a constant load of the MEA near a short-circuit current at voltage U _L = 0.1 V and its “idle time” corresponding to the open circuit voltage of the MEA, U _OCV ≈ 0.95 V. It is shown that there is an optimal ratio of the time parameters of the pulsed load at which the activation is much more efficient than in the case of constant potentiostatic or galvanostatic regimes often used in practice.
Условия финитности движения иона в электростатической ловушке с разделением переменных в параболических координатах
Authors: Соловьев К.В. , Виноградова М.В.
Published: June 2018

AbstractRefined conditions for the confinement of ion motion in the trapping field admitting separation of variables in parabolic coordinates are formulated. The simplicity of equations allows some results to be obtained in an elementary form, which makes it possible to consider the issue of particle confinement in these systems in detail.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Musical Cognitive Restructuring App for Black Inner-City Girls: Survey, Usage, and Focus Group Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Neal-Barnett Angela , Stadulis Robert , Ellzey Delilah , Jean Elizabeth , Rowell Tiffany , Somerville Keaton , Petitti Kallie , Siglow Benjamin , Ruttan Arden , Hogue Mary
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Research on mobile health (mHealth) app use during adolescence is growing; however, little attention has been paid to black adolescents, particularly black girls, who are generally underresearched and underserved in psychological intervention research. Cognitive restructuring is an important tool in anxiety and fear management and involves two parts: (1) recognizing and deconstructing erroneous thoughts and (2) replacing negative anxiety and stress-provoking thoughts with positive thoughts. In our work with black adolescent females, we found that cognitive restructuring is a difficult skill to practice on one’s own. Thus, drawing upon the importance of music in the black community, we developed the Build Your Own Theme Song (BYOTS) app to deliver a musical form of the technique to middle-school black girls.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this mixed methods study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the BYOTS app. We hypothesize that participants will expect the app to be effective in reducing negative thoughts and that the app will meet their expectations and data generated from the app will demonstrate a reduction in negative thinking and anxiety.

METHODS

A total of 72 black or biracial seventh- and eighth-grade adolescent females were enrolled in Sisters United Now (SUN), an eight-session culturally infused and app-augmented stress and anxiety sister circle intervention. Before using the BYOTS app, girls completed the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children 2 and the App Expectations Survey. Usage data collected from the app included an assessment of negative thinking before and after listening to their song. After completion of the intervention, focus groups were held to gather qualitative data on participants’ app experience.

RESULTS

Results using paired sample t tests indicated negative thinking was significantly lower at day 7 than day 1 (t31=1.69, P=.05). Anxiety from preuse to postuse of the app was also reduced (t38=2.82, P=.004). Four effectiveness themes emerged from the focus groups: difference in behavior and temperament, promoted calmness, helpfulness in stressful home situations, and focused thinking via the SUN theme song.

CONCLUSIONS

The BYOTS app is a useful tool for delivering musical cognitive restructuring to reduce negative thinking and anxiety in an underserved urban population. Changes were supported both quantitatively and qualitatively. Participants, their peers, and their family noted the difference. Findings support expanding the research to black girls of various socioeconomic statuses and geographic diversity. Currently, the app augments SUN, a culturally relevant intervention. Future research will explore BYOTS as a stand-alone app.
Communicating data: interactive infographics, scientific data and credibility
Authors: Li Nan , Brossard Dominique , Scheufele Dietram A. , Wilson Paul H. , Rose Kathleen M.
Published: June 2018

Information visualization could be used to leverage the credibility of displayed scientific data. However, little was known about how display characteristics interact with individuals' predispositions to affect perception of data credibility. Using an experiment with 517 participants, we tested perceptions of data credibility by manipulating data visualizations related to the issue of nuclear fuel cycle based on three characteristics: graph format, graph interactivity, and source attribution. Results showed that viewers tend to rely on preexisting levels of trust and peripheral cues, such as source attribution, to judge the credibility of shown data, whereas their comprehension level did not relate to perception of data credibility. We discussed the implications for science communicators and design professionals.
Effect of Training and Gender on Plasma Irisin, Leptin, and Insulin Levels
Authors: Arıkan Şükran , Revan Serkan , Balcı Şükrü Serdar , Şahin Metin , Serpek Behiç
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study is the comparison of the irisin, leptin, and insulin hormone levels of the female and male elite taekwondo athletes and non-athletes. Elite taekwondo athletes (7 males, 6 females) and university students (8 males, 6 females) between the ages of 16 and 20 who do not do exercise regularly and who are moderately active have taken part in the study. In the beginning of the study, the body compositions of the participants were determined and their plasma irisin, leptin, and insulin hormone analyses were determined by means of the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method receiving their blood samples at 8:00 a.m. after a night of staying hungry. It was found that no impact of training and gender on the irisin and insulin hormone levels had appeared jointly or separately (p>0,05) while they affected the leptin levels significantly (p<0.05). The leptin levels in females in both athletes and non-athletes were determined to be higher than males to significant extent and the leptin levels of both female and male athletes were significantly lower than non-athletes. As a result, it can be said that regular exercise and gender do not affect the levels of irisin and insulin hormones but they affect the leptin level significantly.
Torsional behaviour of normal strength RCC beams with ferrocement “U” wraps
Authors: Behera Gopal , Dhal Manoranjan
Published: June 2018

Wrapping technology is one of the effective ways of strengthening concrete
elements. Several researchers reported the effectiveness of Glass fiber
reinforced polymers and carbon fiber reinforced polymers for improving the
strength of the concrete elements. Wrapping on three sides is one of the
effective methods for strengthening the beams supporting slabs. Scant
literature is available on the strength enhancement of ?U? wrapped concrete
elements subjected to torsional loads. In this investigation an attempt is
made to quantify the improvement in the behaviour of ?U? wrapped rectangular
concrete members subjected to torsional loads ?U? wraps. Ferrocement is
taken here as wrapping material. Beams were cast with different number of
mesh layers with different torsional reinforcement. The beams were analyzed
with MARS. The predictions are in good agreement with experimental test
results.
Potential of usage of self compacting concrete with addition of recycled CRT glass for production of precast concrete elements
Authors: Grdic Dusan , Ristic Nenad , Toplicic-Curcic Gordana , Krstic Dejan
Published: June 2018

The electronic and electric waste (e-waste) quantities have been sharply
increasing since the beginning of the 21st century. A significant portion of
e-waste is composed of glass originating from the cathode ray tubes of the
TV-set screens and computer monitors (CRT glass) which, due to the complexity
of the recycling process and its chemical composition is very hazardous and
represents a huge environmental problem. One of the modes of recycled CRT
glass application is for making of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The paper
investigated various properties of fresh and hardened SCC where CRT glass
played the role of powdery mineral admixture. SCC made in such a way, with
satisfactory physical-mechanical characteristics is suitable for production
of various precast concrete elements. In order to monitor the durability of
experimental concrete in actual conditions, several curbs were experimentally
placed in the course of reconstruction of a street in Nis.
An alternative approach to finite deformation
Authors: Trajkovic-Milenkovic Marina , Bruhns Otto
Published: June 2018

In elastoplasticity formulation constitutive relations are usually given in
rate form, i.e. they represent relations between stress rate and strain rate.
The adopted constitutive laws have to stay independent in relation to the
change of frame of reference, i.e. to stay objective. While the objectivity
requirement in a material description is automatically satisfied, in an
Eulerian description, especially in the case of large deformations, the
objectivity requirement can be violated even for objective quantities. Thus,
instead of a material time derivative in the Eulerian description objective
time derivatives have to be implemented. In this work the importance of the
objective rate implementation in the constitutive relations of finite
elastoplasticity is clarified. Likewise, it shows the overview of the most
frequently used objective rates nowadays, their advantages and shortcomings,
as well as the distinctive features of the recently introduced logarithmic
rate.
Fragility and reliability analyses of soil - pile - bridge pier interaction
Authors: Cosic Mladen , Folic Radomir , Folic Boris
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology for performance-based
seismic evaluation of soil-pile-bridge pier interaction using the
incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis (INDA). The system's input signal was
treated through the generated artificial accelerograms which were
subsequently processed by soil layers and for the bedrock. The INDA analysis
was post processed separately for the pier and for the pile, so that the
constructed PGA=f(DR) curves are in the capacitive domain. For these curves
the authors identified the performance levels, while the regression analyses
were conducted based on the specific DR and PGA parameters. Fragility curves
were constructed based on the solutions of regression analysis and the
probability theory of log-normal distribution. Based on the results of
fragility analysis, reliability curves were also constructed. The
methodological procedure for seismic performance analysis presented in this
study provides an integrated quantitative-qualitative consideration and
evaluation of the complex soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI).
Bathymetric surveys of Shpilje reservoir
Authors: Ivanoski Dragan , Trajkovic Slavisa , Gocic Milan
Published: June 2018

Periodic bathymetric surveys are carried out to define quantity of sedimented
material in reservoirs, as well as to determine the areas most endangered by
the silting process. Such surveys in the Republic of Macedonia were started
as an obligatory and regular practice in the seventies of the last century,
immediately after the formation of the larger artificial lakes. These were
carried out for almost all reservoirs in the country and it can be said that
there is already a sufficient amount of data on some of them that can serve
as a basis for high quality analyses of the silting trend of the reservoirs
and of the extent to which erosion is affecting the basin area. This paper
provides a review of the results from the latest field surveys and analyses
of changes in the configuration of the Shpilje reservoir bottom, carried out
in the period 2014 to 2016.
Valine-mediated borane reduction of ketones
Authors: Teodorovic A.V. , Joksovic M.D. , Konstantinovic S.K. , Milovanovic J.N. , Mojsilovic В.M.
Published: June 2018

Acetophenone, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone, and 2-penta-none
were reduced with (S)-valine-mediated borane in very good yields (86-91%)
giving predominantly alcohols of the (R)-configuration (80, 64, 55, and 36
% ??, respectively).
The vanadium isotopic constitution of petroleum asphaltenes: La Luna Formation (Venezuela)
Authors: Premovic Pavle , Djordjevic Dragan , Tonsa Ivan , López Liliana , Lomonaco Salvador , Pavlovic Mirjana , Veljkovic Miomir , Neskovic Olivera
Published: June 2018

High resolution mass spectrometry indicates that the isotopic abundance of
50Vanadium (V) of the Late Cretaceous La Luna petroleum asphaltenes and
related source kerogen of marine origin (both highly enriched with V > 2000
ppm) is higher by about 3.5% than that of an inorganic vanadium source
(VOS04?5H20, Merek). It is proposed that the difference in the 50V/51V
values between the La Luna source kerogen/the associated petroleum
asphaltenes and the inorganic source can be best ascribed to the biological
processing of seawater V. The fact that the isotopic compositions of V vary
over a very narrow range (2.46-2.50) suggest an essentially same (or
similar) and fixed biological source of V.
On the application of line graphs in quantitative structure-property studies
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Tomovic Zeljko
Published: June 2018

Let G be a molecular graph possessing m0(G) edges. Let m1(G) be the number of
edges of the line graph L(G) of G, known as the Bertz index. Let m2(G) be
the number of edges of the line graph of L(G), etc. We examine the
applicability of the sequence mi(G), i = 0,1,2, ..., for predicting
physicochemical properties of alkanes. Some earlier obtained results are
extended and amended.
Coulometric titrations of bases in propylene carbonate and γ-butyrolactone using hydroquinone as the depolarizer and a quinhydrone indicator electrode
Authors: Jaksic Lj.N. , Dzudovic R.M. , Mihajlovic R.P. , Stanic Z.D.
Published: June 2018

The application of hydroquinone for the coulometric generation of hydrogen
ions in propylene carbonate (PC) and ?-butyrolactone (GBL) is described. The
current-potential curves recorded for this depolarizer, titrated bases,
indicator and the solvents used showed that the investigated depolarizer is
oxidized at lower potentials than the oxidation potentials of other
components in the solution. The hydrogen ions generated by the oxidation of
hydroquinone were used for the titration of organic bases (triethylamine,
n-butylamine, pyridine, quinoline, aniline, N,N'-diphenylguanidine,
piperidine, and 2,2?-bi?pyridine) in PC and GBL with with visual (Crystal
Violet as indicator) and potentiometric end-point detection using a
quinhydrone electrode as the indicator electrode. The quinhydrone added to
the to be analyzed solution served both as a source of hydrogen ions and,
together with the immersed platinum electrode, as a quinhydrone electrode.
The relative error of the determination of the bases was about 1%.
Kinetic determination of Se(IV) in pharmaceutical samples
Authors: Mitic S.S. , Vucetic J.I. , Miletic S.M. , Kostic D.A.
Published: June 2018

A kinetic method is described for the determination of Se(IV) based on its
inhibiting effect on the Fe(III) catalysis of the oxidation of C6H5COONa
with hydrogen peroxide. The detection limit is 0.06 pg cmT The relative
error ranges between 2.1 and 9.5 % for the concentration interval 0.26 to
2.6 ?g cm-3. Kinetic equations are proposed for the investigated process.
The effects of certain foreign ions upon the reaction rate were determined
in order to assess the selectivity of the method. The method was applied for
the determination of Se(IV) in pharmaceutical samples.
Effect of methyl oleate and Tween 80 on the antibiotic productivity and the fatty acid composition of the total lipids of Streptomyces hygroscopicus CH-7
Authors: Gojgic-Cvijovic Gordana , Karadzic Ivanka , Vucetic Jovan
Published: June 2018

The effects of methyl oleate and Tween 80, hexaene H-85 production
stimulators, on the fatty acid composition of the total lipids of S.
hygroscopicus CH-7 were investigated. Besides oleic acid in the biomass, an
increase of the branched chain fatty acid contents was observed: from 1.6 to
2.1 fold in the medium with methyl oleate and 2.5-2.9 in the medium with
Tween 80 compared to the base medium. These two additives act differently
on the growth of the producing strain and the uptake of valine, an
essential nutrient. A decreased proteolytic activity and similar cellular
fatty acid profiles indicate that the main effect of the added compounds is
to facilitate the excretion of antibiotics to the outer medium, thus
increasing biosynthesis.
An alternative synthesis of clindamycin
Authors: Bowden Keith , Stevens Graham
Published: June 2018

A novel synthesis of clindamycin from lincomycin using N-chlorosuccinimide
and triphenylphosphine is reported. This results in high yields and avoids
the use of tetrachloromethane employed in the current manufacturing process.

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/JSC0012975E
Protonation of maleic and fumaric acid in aqueous sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Jankovska Katica , Soptrajanova Lidija , Spirevska Ilinka
Published: June 2018

The protonations of maleic and fumaric acid in an acidic medium (aqueous
solutions of sulfuric acid) were followed spectrophotometrically at room
temperature. The acid-base equilibria were characterised qualitatively and
quantitatively. The pKBH+ values were determined using the Hammett equation,
employing several acid functions in order to determine which of them
describes best the protonation process of the studied organic acids. The
thermodynamic pKBH+ values as well as those of the solvation parameters m,
m* and ? and of the thermodynamic protonation constants (or, rather, the
pKa,p values) were also defermined. The method of characteristic vector
analysis (CVA) was used to reconstruct the experimental spectra.
Belousov-Zhabotínsky oscillatory reaction. Kinetics of malonic acid decomposition
Authors: Blagojevic Slavica , Pejic Natasa , Anic Slobodan , Kolar-Anic Ljiljana
Published: June 2018

The kinetics of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillatory reaction was
analyzed. With this aim, the tune evolution of a reactionmixture composedof
malonic acid, bromate, sulfuric acid and cerium(III) was studied at 298 K.
Pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to malonic acid as the species
undergoing decomposition with a corresponding rate constant, k = 7.5x10-3
min-1, was found.
An experimental study of the drying of granular materials in a packed bed passed by hot air. The local humidity of the material
Authors: Moise Anca , Tudose Radu
Published: June 2018

With the purpose of establishing the mechanism responsible for the drying of
granular materials in a packed bed passed by a gaseous thermic agent,
experimental kinetic study was performed. In a pilot plant, the axial and
radial distributions of the local humidity were determined in the non-steady
regime. The results show that it is possible for three zones, each at a
different state of dryness, to exist in the bed: one zone with initial
humidity, one zone with variable humidity and one zone with dried material.
Glucagon Receptor Signaling Regulates Energy Metabolism via Hepatic Farnesoid X Receptor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21
Authors: Kim Teayoun , Nason Shelly , Holleman Cassie , Pepin Mark , Wilson Landon , Berryhill Taylor F. , Wende Adam R. , Steele Chad , Young Martin E. , Barnes Stephen , Drucker Daniel J. , Finan Brian , DiMarchi Richard , Perez-Tilve Diego , Tschöp Matthias , Habegger Kirk M.
Published: June 2018

Glucagon, an essential regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, also promotes weight loss, in part through potentiation of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) secretion. However, FGF21 is only a partial mediator of metabolic actions ensuing from glucagon receptor (GCGR) activation, prompting us to search for additional pathways. Intriguingly, chronic GCGR agonism increases plasma bile acid levels. We hypothesized that GCGR agonism regulates energy metabolism, at least in part, through farnesoid X receptor (FXR). To test this hypothesis, we studied whole-body and liver-specific FXR-knockout (Fxr∆liver) mice. Chronic GCGR agonist (IUB288) administration in diet-induced obese (DIO) Gcgr, Fgf21, and Fxr whole-body or liver-specific knockout (∆liver) mice failed to reduce body weight when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. IUB288 increased energy expenditure and respiration in DIO WT mice, but not Fxr∆liver mice. GCGR agonism increased [14C]palmitate oxidation in hepatocytes isolated from WT mice in a dose-dependent manner, an effect blunted in hepatocytes from Fxr∆liver mice. Our data clearly demonstrate that control of whole-body energy expenditure by GCGR agonism requires intact FXR signaling in the liver. This heretofore-unappreciated aspect of glucagon biology has implications for the use of GCGR agonism in the therapy of metabolic disorders.
Process characterization of powder based laser metal deposition on thin substrates
Authors: Guepner Michael , Rietzke Sebastian , Paetzold Robert , Bliedtner Jens , Bergman Jean Pierre
Published: June 2018

Powder-based laser metal deposition is a well-established generative manufacturing process in the field of tool and mould building to produce or repair components. Conventionally manufactured tools are often completely constructed of a high-alloyed, hardened-tempered, and expensive tool steel. An alternative way to manufacture tools and moulds is the combination of a cost-efficient, mild steel, and a functional coating. Such specific, locally adapted coating can be generated by laser metal deposition. The functional coating is just located in the area of the interaction zone of the tool. Consequently, costs and resources can be saved. Such coatings are created by positioning multiple individual weld tracks next to and on top of each other in an overlapping manner. It is therefore useful to characterize und optimize the individual weld track. Thermal processing methods, like a laser metal deposition, are always characterized by thermal distortion. The resistance against the thermal distortion of the work piece is decreasing with the reduction of the material thickness. Thus, there is a special process management for the laser based coating of thin-walled parts or tools with a small material thickness needed to reduce thermal distortion. The experimental approach in the present paper is to keep the energy and the mass per unit length constant by varying the laser power, the feed rate, and the powder mass flow. The typical seam parameters (such as width, height and depth, cross-sectional area, and angular distortion) are measured in order to characterize the cladding process, define process limits, and evaluate the process efficiency of an individual weld track. Ways to optimize dilution, angular distortion, and clad height are presented. After the characterization of individual weld tracks, optimized process parameters are deduced from the process window and used to create functional, two-dimensional coatings on thin substrates. Different scanning strategies are compared with each other to reduce processing time and thermal distortion.
Unconsented linkage between dormant trials and administrative data: practical and regulatory implications
Authors: Verfuerden Maximiliane , Fewtrell Mary , Kennedy Kathy , Lucas Alan , Jerrim John , Harron Katie , Gilbert Ruth
Published: June 2018

Half of all infants are fed formula milk. However, attrition biases evidence on the long-term safety of formula ingredients. We used unconsented linkage between administrative education and health records of 3,500 young people who were randomised as infants to formula milks, to determine long-term safety and efficacy.

We discuss the steps that were implemented to safeguard the participants' privacy and achieve ethical and multi-institutional approvals.

Achieving provisional ethical approval took 41 days. Achieving agreement-in-principle to match trial data to individual-level education records took 4 months and 2 weeks, while agreement to match trial data to individual level hospital records is still underway (5.5 months so far). Delays in institutional approval were largely due to unharmonised data security certificates between the two government departments holding the health and education records. Digitising all handwritten participant identifiers prior to linkage took 9 months. Results on the success of linkage between trial and education records will be presented at the conference.

While directly contributing to the evidence around infant-formula-composition, this project will also act as a proof-of-concept study. Unconsented linkage between dormant RCTs and administrative data could be a novel and cost-effective method to generate evidence on the long-term efficacy and safety of interventions.
Research Transparency and Data Privacy – a fine balance
Authors: Tilbrook Amy
Published: June 2018

Preserving the confidentiality of information is of paramount importance to data controllers sharing data for research use. Work within the Administrative Data Research Network is built upon strict information governance and assurance protocols to minimise any privacy risks and maximise public benefit. However, research funders and publishers are ever more requiring research to be as transparent and open as possible, with increasing pressure to publish datasets underpinning the research. This is seen as crucial for both verification and to maintain the integrity of the research.

While Safe Havens and data repositories provide some reassurance in terms of storage and citation, how can researchers prepare to walk this fine line between publisher and funder requirements and the need to protect privacy?

This presentation will explore the issue of privacy vs research transparency from the viewpoints of researchers, safe haven providers and research co-ordinators. Examining such issues as disclosure control, statistical packages updating, public opinion and the potential impact of the new European data protection legislation, it will outline challenges and provide potential guidelines for researchers and administrators involved in administrative data research.
Linking the National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register to Hospital Episode Statistics: Methods and challenges
Authors: Doidge James , Morris Joan , Gilbert Ruth
Published: June 2018

BackgroundLinking national disease and congenital anomaly registers to other routinely collected data could provide multiple benefits. It could allow researchers to examine long-term outcomes for people with registered conditions and to explore synergies between services that are provided in different sectors, such as health and education. Linkage could also allow for the quality of diagnostic codes in electronic health records to be assessed using the national registers coverage and, conversely, for coverage of the national registers to be assessed using diagnostic codes.

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the feasibility and value of creating a linked data resource to support research on health, social and educational services and outcomes for children with Down’s Syndrome.

MethodsWe are currently linking the National Down’s Syndrome Cytogenetic Register (NDSCR), which includes all births with Down’s syndrome from 1989 to 2014 in England and Wales, to Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) for England and ONS Mortality data, and to the National Pupil Database (NPD). This requires a complex sequence of new linkages: (1) linkage  of mothers to babies in HES, (2) linkage of mother-baby pairs to the NDSCR to identify a population cohort, (3) linkage of the cohort to the Personal Demographic Service to update address histories, and (4) linkage of updated cohort to NPD.

FindingsEstablishment of this linked data resource has met with significant challenges. The main administrative challenge has been incompatible accreditation of information governance across government departments. Technical challenges have included overcoming issues with the internal linkage of contributing datasets, requiring additional linkage steps to be added, and the propagation of error and uncertainty across multiple linkages, which involves complex data structures that require novel ethods for analysis.

ConclusionsWe hope this project will demonstrate that while the challenges to intersectoral data linkage are great, they are surmountable and the benefits outweigh the costs.
Challenges of Analysing Case-Control Datasets: A Health and Homelessness Case Study
Authors: Waugh Andrew , Rowley David , Clarke Auren
Published: June 2018

BackgroundWe discuss the methodological challenges of analysing a casecontrol dataset.

ObjectivesThe study seeks to explore the relationship between health activity and homelessness in Scotland.

MethodsOur study involved 430,000 people with experience of homelessness, each matched with two controls of the same age and sex: one from each of the 20% least deprived and 20% most deprived areas. This gives 1.3 million people in total. We aimed to compare health service usage among the different groups to ascertain whether the health needs of the homeless group exceeded that of the general population, and in particular those of non-homeless deprived people.However, as the cases were defined individually, and the controls were defined only by proxy (via datazone of residence), observed differences between the groups could simply result from differences in the proportion of the group that were deprived, rather than specifically relating homelessness itself.To address this we compare the timing of health activity with the timing of the homelessness assessment to more directly isolate the relationship between homelessness and health. This temporal analysis also allows discussion of causation.This method raised further difficulties: effectively being a convolution of complicated functions. However as each group has the same age–sex structure the complexity applies equally. Thus direct comparisons can be made between the groups resulting in more-straightforward analysis.

FindingsFindings of the study are presented in a separate talk (The Relationship Between Health and Homelessness in Scotland) at this conference.

ConclusionsIdentifying the causal relationships involved in correlations can be difficult. However by comparing the case cohort to the control cohort, and more specifically comparing the time of activity of these relative to the identifying event of the casegroup (the homelessness assessment), it is possible to identify some causal relationships.
Enhancing the collection and analysis of survey and administrative data by linking
Authors: Smith Peter , Moore Jamie , Durrant Gabriele
Published: June 2018

BackgroundLinking survey and administrative data can enhance their collection and analysis. By linking the issued sample to administrative data, the representativeness of a survey can be assessed during and at the end of data collection. An understanding of the (lack of) representativeness can inform adaptive and responsive survey designs to improve representativeness and/or reduce survey costs. It can also aid the assessment of potential survey non-response bias and the implementation of strategies to adjust for such bias during analysis. Comparison of responses to the same question in two linked datasets can help identify problematic questions. This information can then be used to improve question wording to reduce measurement error in future surveys and to account for such error during analysis.

ObjectivesTo assess how the representativeness of a survey changes after each attempt to contact the interviewees, and to assess the nature and extent of differential reporting between a face-to-face survey and the self-completion 2011 UK Census.

Methods (including data)We present our recent research developing representativeness indicators based on the coefficient of variation of the response propensities calculated after each attempt to contact the interviewees and illustrate their use using Labour Force Survey (LFS) data linked to contemporaneous data from the 2011 Census. We also describe our work on differential reporting between the LFS and the Census, focussing on the reporting of highest qualification and ethnicity.

Findings and ConclusionsOur results suggest that considerable savings can be made by reducing the number of attempts to obtain a response without a detrimental effect on representativeness and that face-to-face interviews obtain more accurate information than self-completion questionnaires.
Are population health surveys reliable for self-reporting conditions and relative well-being for those with asthma?
Authors: Whiffen Tony , Akbari Ashley , Lowe Sarah , Lyons Ronan
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPerson reported population sample surveys have been used to record information on self-reported health for a number of years and provide a useful information source for studies of disease burdens. Developments since 2013 have led to integration of health-related quality of life and subjective well-being as topic areas in some UK-based health surveys. The relative impact of different morbidities on subjective well-being in the UK though is unclear and has not been extensively researched.

ObjectivesThis descriptive study of a combined sample of two years of population-based data from the Welsh Health Survey (n=11,323) aims to address research questions relating to chronic conditions, self-reported health and well-being. The main questions are whether population surveys under- or overreport chronic conditions, and whether the relative level of mental wellbeing is different for those with chronic conditions to those without. Following this initial analysis it seeks to identify potential risk factors to mental wellbeing for those not affected by selected chronic conditions.

MethodsSurvey data were linked with clinical data contained within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank using SQL (Structured Query Language). The association between selected chronic conditions and relative subjective well-being was then assessed using SF-36 Mental Component Scores as a measure of mental wellbeing. Analysis was based on contingency tables, graphs and logistic regression in SAS 9.4.

FindingsResults show that some self-reported chronic conditions can more easily be verified than others from clinical data. Aside from the selected chronic conditions, potential risk factors to mental well-being include type 2 diabetes, a history of circulatory diseases, psychoactive substance abuse and hypertension.

ConclusionsLinkage of survey data can provide useful insights into relative levels of self-reported illnesses and subjective well-being but can also be used effectively to explore the risks that other morbidities present to mental wellbeing.
Replication of Acute Kidney Injury e-Alerts
Authors: Davies Gareth , Scale Timothy , Akbari Ashley , Chess James , Lyons Ronan
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAcute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a serious condition occurring in approximately 20% of emergency hospital admissions. A Welsh AKI e-Alert (electronic alerts) system was introduced from 2013 with the aim of improving patient outcomes through early recognition of AKI.

ObjectivesOur objective is to replicate the AKI e-Alert system which has been implemented throughout Wales and create a retrospective AKI cohort to facilitate data linkage.

MethodsThe e-alert algorithm was re-produced in SQL (Structured Query Language) and applied to serum creatinine (SCr) values 2011-2014 held in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank. The algorithm utilises ratios between current SCr value (C1) to lowest SCr value within the previous 7 days (RV1), SCr median values from the previous 8-365 days (RV2), and lowest SCr within 48hrs (D). >50% increase in RV1 or RV2 or >26µmol/L above D triggers an alert. We created a temporal AKI cohort by using a renal dataset to exclude patients undergoing chronic dialysis.

Findings2,407,590 SCr tests were performed on adult patients with 2,077,493 of these coming from people in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board who were not on dialysis at the time of the test. The average population for 2011-2014 was 520,293. 85,272 (4.1%) of these tests triggered alerts for AKI. The average incidence of AKI per 100,000 population per year for 2011-2014 was 1,717. The average first AKI episodes per year for 2011-2014 respectively were stage 1 (least severe): 79.2%; stage 2: 13.5%; stage 3 (most severe): 7.3%.

ConclusionsThe e-alert can be effectively reproduced using SQL to identify AKI in this large dataset, enabling subsequent validation of these alerts and evaluation of their impact through multisource data linkage.
A population-based data-linkage study of prescribed pain medications dispensed to persons with cerebral palsy
Authors: Garcia Jalon Guiomar , Maguire Aideen , Perra Oliver , Gavin Anna , O'Reilly Dermot , Thurston Allen
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPopulation-based surveys to investigate pain in cerebral palsy (CP) can be costly and results limited by recruitment bias, recall issues, and differences between self-reports and parental accounts. Secondary data analysis may provide a cost-effective alternative to study this issue and its impact in this population.

ObjectiveInvestigate factors associated with dispensing of prescribed pain medications for those with CP.

MethodsData from the Northern Ireland CP Register were linked with the Enhanced Prescribing Database, a database of prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacies, to investigate dispensing of prescribed pain medications (non-steroidal antiinflammatories, opioids, non-opioids) between 2010 and 2014. The sample comprised 1,430 individuals with CP and 699,645 with no diagnosis of CP, born 1981-2008.

FindingsPain medications were dispensed to 61% of the CP population and 51% of the general population (p < 0.05). Individuals with CP displayed increased odds of receiving opioid analgesics compared to the general population (OR 2.81, 95%CI 2.32 to 3.40). Among those with CP, likelihood of being dispensed prescribed pain medications was greater amongst females (OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.70), younger age individuals (OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.02 to 2.51), those with reduced motor function (GMFCS V: OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.52 to 4.47), having seizures (OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.68 to 3.87), and living in deprived areas (OR 2.06, 95%CI 1.41 to 3.24).

ConclusionDispensing of pain medications in CP is associated with clinical factors, though even after adjustment for these, living in deprived areas influences uptake of pain medication.
A tool to improve the efficiency and reproducibility of research using electronic health record databases
Authors: Al Sallakh Mohammad , Rodgers Sarah , Lyons Ronan , Sheikh Aziz , Davies Gwyneth
Published: June 2018

BackgroundInterrogation of electronic health record databases often involves time-consuming, manual, repetitive work in developing database queries. We developed a tool to automate this process.

MethodsWe identified elementary approaches to query primary care data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank of Wales. We designed a web-based query builder that allows using combinations of these approaches as ‘building blocks’ to query complex variables. We created an R programme to automatically generate and execute the corresponding Structured Query Language queries.

ResultsThe tool allows data extraction using combinations of the following methods: event count (e.g., asthma prescriptions); code/date of earliest/latest event; code/date/value of the event of maximum/minimum value; and frequency of temporally constrained events. Query intervals could be fixed, dynamic, or individualised. The tool integrates with a codeset repository. Data extraction procedures and codesets are saved on a web server as versioned, shareable, and citable objects.

ConclusionThis versatile tool allows rapid and complex data extraction with minimal to no programming skills, reduces human errors, and improves research transparency and reproducibility.

Funding/SupportHealth and Care Research Wales, ABMU Health Board, AUKCAR (AUK-AC-2012-01), Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research (MR/K006525/1-MR/K007017/1).