bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Cooling System Operations on Withdrawal for Thermoelectric Power
Authors: Clement Zachary , Fields Fletcher , Bauer Diana , Tidwell Vincent , Shaneyfelt Calvin Ray , Klise Geoff
Published: September 2017

A new dataset released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) — which combines water withdrawal, electricity generation, and plant configuration data into a single database — enables detailed examination of cooling system operation at thermoelectric plants at multiple scales, most importantly at the unit level. This dataset was used to explore operations across the population of U.S. thermoelectric plants, leading to the conclusion that roughly 32% of all thermoelectric water withdrawal occurs while power plants are not generating electricity. Based on interviews with industry representatives, a unit’s location on the dispatch curve will largely dictate how the cooling system is operated. Peaking plants and intermediate plants might keep their cooling system running to maintain dispatchability. Other considerations include minimizing wear and tear on the pumps and controlling water chemistry.

This observation has implications for understanding water use at thermoelectric plants, policy analysis, and modeling. Previous studies have estimated water use as a function of cooling technology, fuel type, prime mover, pollution controls, and ambient climate (1) or by calculating the amount of water that is thermodynamically necessary for cooling (2). This, however, does not capture all the water a plant is withdrawing simply to maintain dispatchability. This paper uses the new data set from EIA and interviews with plant operators to illuminate the role cooling systems operations play in determining the amount of water a plant withdraws.
Investigation of Sub-Models in CFD Simulation of a Large-Scale Pulverized Coal Fired Boiler
Authors: Zhang Juwei , Ito Takamasa , Suda Toshiyuki
Published: September 2017

Simplified sub-models for coal combustion are widely used in CFD simulation of pulverized coal fired boiler. A large-scale boiler was simulated to investigate the effects of some advanced sub-models. Through calculating several cases using different sub-models, it is known that the predicted ignitability of burners is closely related with the generation of H2. In the case without taking into account H2, the burners show poor ignitability. Using a multi-step mechanism for gas combustion, including char gasification and detailed compositions of volatile largely improve the ignitability of burners. The good ignitability also leads to more heat absorption in boiler and less CO in furnace. CO can be also increased because of the char gasification and detailed compositions of volatiles. Therefore, it is necessary to using multi-step mechanisms for gas combustion, char gasification, and detailed compositions of volatiles to obtain more accurate simulation results.
Spectral complexity reduction of music signals based on frequency-domain reduced-rank approximations: An evaluation with cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Nagathil Anil , Weihs Claus , Neumann Katrin , Martin Rainer
Published: September 2017

Methods for spectral complexity reduction of music signals were evaluated in a listening test with cochlear implant (CI) listeners. To this end, reduced-rank approximations were computed in the constant-Q spectral domain using blind and score-informed dimensionality reduction techniques, which were compared to a procedure using a supervised source separation and remixing scheme. Previous works have shown that timbre and pitch cues are transmitted inaccurately through CIs and thus cause perceptual distortions in CI listeners. Hence, the scope of this evaluation was narrowed down to classical chamber music, which is mainly characterized by timbre and pitch and less by rhythmic cues. Suitable music pieces were selected in accordance to a statistical experimental design, which took musically relevant influential factors into account. In a blind two-alternative forced choice task, 14 CI listeners were asked to indicate a preference either for the original signals or a specific processed variant. The results exhibit a statistically significant preference rate of up to 74% for the reduced-rank approximations, whereas the source separation and remixing scheme did not provide any improvement.
Metabolism and Whole-Body Fat Oxidation Following Postexercise Carbohydrate or Protein Intake
Authors: Andersson-Hall Ulrika , Pettersson Stefan , Edin Fredrik , Pedersen Anders , Malmodin Daniel , Madsen Klavs
Published: September 2017

Purpose: This study investigated how postexercise intake of placebo (PLA), protein (PRO), or carbohydrate (CHO) affected fat oxidation (FO) and metabolic parameters during recovery and subsequent exercise. Methods: In a cross-over design, 12 moderately trained women (VO2max 45 ± 6 ml·min−1·kg−1) performed three days of testing. A 23-min control (CON) incremental FO bike test (30–80% VO2max) was followed by 60 min exercise at 75% VO2max. Immediately postexercise, subjects ingested PLA, 20 g PRO, or 40 g CHO followed by a second FO bike test 2 h later. Results: Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the intensity at which MFO occurs (Fatmax) increased at the second FO test compared to the first following all three postexercise drinks (MFO for CON = 0.28 ± 0.08, PLA = 0.57 ± 0.13, PRO = 0.52 ± 0.08, CHO = 0.44 ± 0.12 g fat·min−1; Fatmax for CON = 41 ± 7, PLA = 54 ± 4, PRO = 55 ± 6, CHO = 50 ± 8 %VO2max, p < 0.01 for all values compared to CON). Resting FO, MFO, and Fatmax were not significantly different between PLA and PRO, but lower for CHO. PRO and CHO increased insulin levels at 1 h postexercise, though both glucose and insulin were equal with PLA at 2 h postexercise. Increased postexercise ketone levels only occurred with PLA. Conclusion: Protein supplementation immediately postexercise did not affect the doubling in whole body fat oxidation seen during a subsequent exercise trial 2 h later. Neither did it affect resting fat oxidation during the postexercise period despite increased insulin levels and attenuated ketosis. Carbohydrate intake dampened the increase in fat oxidation during the second test, though a significant increase was still observed compared to the first test.
Reliability and Precision of the Nana Protocol to Assess Body Composition Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Shiel Flinn , Persson Carl , Simas Vini , Furness James , Climstein Mike , Pope Rod , Schram Ben
Published: September 2017

The Nana positioning protocol is widely used to position participants to minimize technical error when undertaking body composition scanning and analysis with a Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine. Once biological and technical errors are accounted for, the only variation in test–retest results is from statistical fluctuation or machine error. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the test–retest reliability of the Nana positioning protocol and establish the smallest real difference percentage (SRD%). A gender-balanced group of 30 participants (15 males, 15 females) underwent two scans in succession using the Nana positioning protocol, with repositioning between scans. Percentage change in mean with typical error, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and standard error measurement percentage (SEM%) were used to identify the test–retest reliability and error rate of these protocols. Additionally, SRD% was calculated to assess the point at which clinically important changes occurred in a participant. The reliabilities of the whole body and regional scans were excellent. Percentage change in mean ranged between 0.00% and 0.23%. High reproducibility of the Nana positioning protocol was evident through an ICC ranging between 0.966–1.000. Additionally, typical error, SEM%, and SRD% were all low. Interestingly, fat mass was associated with the largest fluctuations observed to be associated with any of the parameters assessed. When all sources of biological and technical errors have been accounted for, the Nana positioning protocol has excellent test–retest reliability and produces low SEM% and SRD%.
Coaching Philosophy and Methods of Anatoly Tarasov: ‘Father’ of Russian Ice Hockey
Authors: Bespomoshchnov Vladislav A. , Caron Jeffrey G.
Published: September 2017

Anatoly Tarasov was the architect of the Russian ice hockey system—one of the most storied program’s in the history of International ice hockey. As a head coach, he led his team to 3 Olympic gold medals, 9 World Championships, and 18 National Championships. He was also the first European inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Canada. Given all that he accomplished, it is surprising that relatively little is known about Tarasov outside of Russia. The purpose of this paper is to introduce coach Tarasov and, through an analysis of his own writings and what others have written about him, shed some light on his coaching methods that we believe comprise his coaching philosophy. As we will demonstrate, Tarasov’s coaching methods, which would have been viewed as unusual at the time—particularly by ice hockey coaches in North America—are now widely supported in the coaching science literature and practiced by some of the world’s most regarded coaches. Rooted in Tarasov’s coaching methods, we also provide a number of “best practices” for ice hockey coaches, which we believe might also be applicable to coaches working in other contexts.
Age and Sex Differences in Fundamental Movement Skills Among a Cohort of Irish School Children
Authors: Bolger Lisa E. , Bolger Linda A. , O’ Neill Cian , Coughlan Edward , O’Brien Wesley , Lacey Seán , Burns Con
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency of Irish primary school children relative to age and sex. Data collected were baseline measures forProject Spraoi, a physical activity (PA) and nutrition-based intervention. Participants (N = 203) were senior infant (n = 102,Mage: 6.0 ± 0.4 years) and fourth class (n = 101,Mage: 9.9 ± 0.4 years) children from three primary schools in the south of Ireland. FMS testing was conducted using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), assessing six locomotor and six object-control skills. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess age and sex related differences in FMS proficiency. Older children scored significantly higher than younger children in both locomotor (p < .05) and object-control score (p < .05). Boys scored significantly higher than girls in object-control score (p < .05), while girls scored significantly higher in locomotor score (p < .05). FMS levels among Irish primary school children are similar to children worldwide, with age and sex differences evident. Early interventions, aimed at improving FMS, are warranted among Irish primary school aged children as greater proficiency is related to greater PA participation and numerous health benefits.
Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment After Acute Patellar Dislocation: Which Is More Effective at Reducing Recurrence in Adolescents?
Authors: Fuller Julie A. , Hammil Heidi L. , Pronschinske Kelly J. , Durall Chris J.
Published: September 2017

Clinical Scenario: Acute patellar dislocations during adolescence often lead to future patellar instability. Two common treatment options include nonoperative treatment or operative repair of injured structures. Focused Clinical Question: In adolescents with acute patellar dislocation, how does operative stabilization compare with nonoperative treatment for reducing dislocation recurrence? Summary of Key Findings: Three studies were included: 2 randomized controlled trials and 1 nonrandomized study. All studies compared operative and nonoperative treatment outcomes in adolescents who experienced an acute patellar dislocation. Each study included nonoperative treatment such as patellar bracing and quadriceps strengthening. The operative treatments utilized in each study included lateral retinacular release and medial retinacular repair. All 3 of the studies included a follow-up of at least 6 years. Two of the studies concluded there to be no significant difference between treatment groups regarding redislocation rate, pain, and function. The third study reported a lower redislocation rate following operative treatment. Clinical Bottom Line: Reviewed evidence suggests that outcomes are similar when comparing operative and nonoperative treatment approaches with little agreement as to which is the optimal plan of action. Strength of Recommendation: One level II randomized controlled trial and a level III nonrandomized study suggest that patellar dislocation recurrence rates are similar among operative and nonoperative treatment approaches, while another level II randomized controlled trial suggests that an operative approach is superior.
Intensified Training Period Increases Salivary IgA Responses But Does Not Affect the Severity of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Prepuberal Rhythmic Gymnasts
Authors: Antualpa Kizzy , Aoki Marcelo Saldanha , Moreira Alexandre
Published: September 2017

This study examined the effect of a 4-week intensified training (IT) period, followed by a 2-week tapering period (TP), on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA), salivary cortisol, and the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in 23 rhythmic gymnasts [12.1 (2.6) y; 143.9 (13.7) cm; 37.2 (9.4) kg]. Saliva sampling was conducted at pre- and post-IT, and post-TP (analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) questionnaire was completed daily to analyze the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. The session rating of the perceived exertion was used to determine the internal training load and the acute:chronic workload ratio. A higher SIgA concentration [SIgAabs (μg/mL); F = 7.6; P = .001] for post-IT [234 (104)] versus pre-IT [173 (91)], and post-TP [182 (70)], and a higher SIgA secretion rate [SIgArate (μg/min); F = 3.4; P = .04] for post-IT [69 (28)] versus pre-IT [55 (27)], and post-TP [58 (22)] were observed. No significant change was observed for cortisol (F = 0.81; P = .45) or for the severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (χ2 = 2.81; P = .24). Internal training load was higher during IT (vs TP; effect size = 2.37). The acute:chronic workload for the IT weeks varied from 1.2 (0.3) to 1.4 (0.3). These results suggest that a 4-week IT may temporarily augment the oral mucosal immunity, and an acute:chronic workload of 1.2–1.4 seems to be a safe approach to periodized training loads in youth rhythmic gymnasts.
Genomics and Susceptibility Profiles of Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Spain
Authors: del Barrio-Tofiño Ester , López-Causapé Carla , Cabot Gabriel , Rivera Alba , Benito Natividad , Segura Concepción , Montero María Milagro , Sorlí Luisa , Tubau Fe , Gómez-Zorrilla Silvia , Tormo Nuria , Durá-Navarro Raquel , Viedma Esther , Resino-Foz Elena , Fernández-Martínez Marta , González-Rico Claudia , Alejo-Cancho Izaskun , Martínez Jose Antonio , Labayru-Echverria Cristina , Dueñas Carlos , Ayestarán Ignacio , Zamorano Laura , Martinez-Martinez Luis , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Oliver Antonio
Published: September 2017

This study assessed the molecular epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, and susceptibility profiles of a collection of 150 extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates obtained from a 2015 Spanish multicenter study, with a particular focus on resistome analysis in relation to ceftolozane-tazobactam susceptibility. Broth microdilution MICs revealed that nearly all (>95%) of the isolates were nonsusceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, imipenem, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin. Most of them were also resistant to tobramycin (77%), whereas nonsusceptibility rates were lower for ceftolozane-tazobactam (31%), amikacin (7%), and colistin (2%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis–multilocus sequence typing (PFGE-MLST) analysis revealed that nearly all of the isolates belonged to previously described high-risk clones. Sequence type 175 (ST175) was detected in all 9 participating hospitals and accounted for 68% (
n
= 101) of the XDR isolates, distantly followed by ST244 (
n
= 16), ST253 (
n
= 12), ST235 (
n
= 8), and ST111 (
n
= 2), which were detected only in 1 to 2 hospitals. Through phenotypic and molecular methods, the presence of horizontally acquired carbapenemases was detected in 21% of the isolates, mostly VIM (17%) and GES enzymes (4%). At least two representative isolates from each clone and hospital (
n
= 44) were fully sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. Classical mutational mechanisms, such as those leading to the overexpression of the β-lactamase AmpC or efflux pumps, OprD inactivation, and/or quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) mutations, were confirmed in most isolates and correlated well with the resistance phenotypes in the absence of horizontally acquired determinants. Ceftolozane-tazobactam resistance was not detected in carbapenemase-negative isolates, in agreement with sequencing data showing the absence of
ampC
mutations. The unique set of mutations responsible for the XDR phenotype of ST175 clone documented 7 years earlier were found to be conserved, denoting the long-term persistence of this specific XDR lineage in Spanish hospitals. Finally, other potentially relevant mutations were evidenced, including those in penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3), which is involved in β-lactam (including ceftolozane-tazobactam) resistance, and FusA1, which is linked to aminoglycoside resistance.
Can health indicators and psychosocial characteristics predict attrition in youths with overweight and obesity seeking ambulatory treatment? Data from a retrospective longitudinal study in a paediatric clinic in Luxembourg
Authors: Pit-ten Cate Ineke M , Samouda Hanen , Schierloh Ulrike , Jacobs Julien , Vervier Jean Francois , Stranges Saverio , Lair Marie Lise , Beaufort Carine de
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The current study aimed to identify factors that could predict attrition in youths starting ambulatory treatment to control or lose weight.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Paediatric clinic: ambulatory treatment programme.

Patients and measures

A youth sample (n=191; 89 boys; aged 7–17 years) completed measures of demographic characteristics, and health and psychosocial traits before starting an ambulatory weight management programme. Anthropometric and biological markers related to obesity were also obtained. Tests of mean differences and regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between these variables and attrition after 1 year.

Results

The χ2and t test results showed both psychosocial and health indicators differentiated between participants who continued attending the treatment programme and those who dropped out. More specifically, youths that dropped out of treatment were significantly older, had higher body mass index z scores, higher levels of insulin, triglycerides and HOMA-IR, reported poorer health, had more conduct problems and were more dissatisfied with themselves and their bodies before starting treatment. Results of regression analyses revealed that weight status (anthropometric and biological markers), age and body dissatisfaction predicted attrition (overall prediction success 73%; prediction success for continued attendance 90/91%; prediction success for dropouts 42/44%).

Conclusion

Attrition, but especially the continued attendance in treatment, can be successfully predicted by age, weight status and body dissatisfaction. For patients who present with one or more risk factors, careful consideration is needed to decide which (combination of) inpatient or outpatient programme may facilitate prolonged engagement of the patient and hence may be most effective in establishing weight loss.
Exploring the association between chorangioma and infantile haemangioma in singleton and multiple pregnancies: a case–control study in a Swedish tertiary centre
Authors: Sirotkina Meeli , Douroudis Konstantinos , Wahlgren Carl-Fredrik , Westgren Magnus , Papadogiannakis Nikos
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Placenta or placental chorangioma could be the origin site of infantile haemangioma since they share various histochemical and genetic characteristics with placental vascular tissue. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between chorangiomas and infantile haemangiomas in singleton and multiple pregnancies.

Materials and methods

An informative questionnaire enquiring about the presence or not of infantile haemangioma and including illustrative photos of haemangioma was sent to 469 (153 cases with chorangioma and 316 controls) mothers of 323 singleton (104 cases and 219 controls) and 146 multiple (49 cases and 97 controls) liveborn neonates registered in Sweden. Overall, 310 mothers (66.1%) from 216 singleton and 94 multiple pregnancies (96 cases and 214 controls) provided feedback and their consent to participate in the current case–control study.

Results

The incidence of infantile haemangioma showed no statistically significant differences between cases and controls (18.8% vs 18.2%) or between singleton and multiple pregnancies (18.9% vs 17.0%). The frequency of pre-eclampsia was significantly higher in cases with chorangioma compared with controls (41.7% vs 24.3%, OR=2.22, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.71, p=0.0022) and in singleton compared with multiple pregnancies (33.3% vs 21.3%, OR=1.85, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.26, p=0.034), whereas there were no significant differences in the incidence of infantile haemangioma in neonates of mothers with or without pre-eclampsia or in neonates of mothers with multiple compared with singleton pregnancies.

Conclusion

There was no association between placental chorangiomas and infantile haemangiomas. Multiple pregnancies or pre-eclampsia were not significantly related to higher incidence of infantile haemangioma.
Health-related quality of life in residents aged 18 years and older with and without disease: findings from the First Provincial Health Services Survey of Hunan, China
Authors: Deng Xin , Dong Peng , Zhang Lingling , Tian Danping , Zhang Lin , Zhang Wei , Li Li , Deng Jing , Ning Peishan , Hu Guoqing
Published: September 2017

Objective

Published research has not considered acute diseases and injuries in assessing the impact of varying disease counts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We used Chinese value sets of EQ-5D-3L to examine the relationship between the number of diseases individuals had (including chronic diseases, acute diseases and injuries) and their HRQoL.

Methods

A total of 19 387 individuals aged 18 years and older were included in the study. Using data from the First Provincial Health Services Survey of Hunan, China, HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D-3L scale, a standardized instrument developed by the EuroQoL group. The EQ-5D-3L utility score was calculated using the Chinese EQ-5D-3L value set. This survey coded disease using the list of 133 conditions that was defined by the First Provincial Health Services Survey of Hunan, China, based on the 10th International Classification of Diseases. 126 conditions were disease-related and were therefore included in data analysis.

Results

Of 15 245 respondents, urban residents and male constituted 53.0% and 48.2%, respectively. 19.3% of respondents had one disease and 5.0% had at least two diseases. Of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L, the pain/discomfort dimension had the highest proportion of moderate or serious problems among the respondents (14.4%, 95% CI 10.5% to 18.2%). The average Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and utility score were 78.0 (95% CI 76.9 to 79.1) and 0.958 (95% CI 0.946 to 0.970), respectively. Residents with 1 and ≥2 diseases had higher proportions of moderate or serious problems in five dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L scale during the previous 2 weeks than those without disease after controlling for location (urban/rural), sex, age, education level and household income, respectively (adjusted ORs: 3.1–3.7 and 4.4–6.6, respectively). The mean of the EQ VAS score was 8.4 and 13.6 points lower in respondents with 1 and ≥2 diseases than in respondents without disease; the corresponding mean score difference was 0.048 and 0.086 in EQ-5D-3L utility score. Disease-specific analyses were not conducted due to the inadequacy of sample size.

Conclusions

The HRQoL of residents aged 18 years and older declines distinctly as the number of diseases increases. Actions should be taken to improve the HRQoL of residents with multiple diseases in China (including acute diseases, chronic diseases and injuries).
Scoping review protocol: education initiatives for medical psychiatry collaborative care
Authors: Shen Nelson , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Abi Jaoude Alexxa , Bailey Sharon M , Bernier Thérèse , Freeland Alison , Hawa Aceel , Hollenberg Elisa , Woldemichael Bethel , Wiljer David
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The collaborative care model is an approach providing care to those with mental health and addictions disorders in the primary care setting. There is a robust evidence base demonstrating its clinical and cost-effectiveness in comparison with usual care; however, the transitioning to this new paradigm of care has been difficult. While there are efforts to train and prepare healthcare professionals, not much is known about the current state of collaborative care training programmes. The objective of this scoping review is to understand how widespread these collaborative care education initiatives are, how they are implemented and their impacts.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review methodology uses the established review methodology by Arksey and O’Malley. The search strategy was developed by a medical librarian and will be applied in eight different databases spanning multiple disciplines. A two-stage screening process consisting of a title and abstract scan and a full-text review will be used to determine the eligibility of articles. To be included, articles must report on an existing collaborative care education initiative for healthcare providers. All articles will be independently assessed for eligibility by pairs of reviewers, and all eligible articles will be abstracted and charted in duplicate using a standardised form. The extracted data will undergo a ‘narrative review’ or a descriptive analysis of the contextual or process-oriented data and simple quantitative analysis using descriptive statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. The results of this scoping review will inform the development of a collaborative care training initiative emerging from the Medical Psychiatry Alliance, a four-institution philanthropic partnership in Ontario, Canada. The results will also be presented at relevant national and international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Early-life exposure to air pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes: protocol for a prospective cohort study in Beijing
Authors: Song Jing , Chen Yi , Wei Ling , Ma Ying , Tian Ning , Huang Shi Yun , Dai Yin Mei , Zhao Li Hong , Kong Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2017

Introduction

The association between early exposure to ambient air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes in China is unclear. This study will assess the risk of early-life exposure to air pollutants in Beijing and explore the viability of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a biological indicator to assess oxidative stress induced by early-life exposure to air pollution.

Methods and analysis

Here, 2500 women with singleton pregnancies and their infants will be recruited from the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. We will collect nine types of biological samples, including maternal serum, urine, placental tissue, umbilical cord tissue and umbilical cord blood during all three trimesters. The air pollution data (particulate matter (PM)2.5, PM10 and similar factors) will be recorded at official fixed-site monitoring stations closest to where the pregnant women live. We plan to assess the effect of air pollutants on adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant respiratory and circulatory disease using Cox regression and competitive risk analysis and explore possible critical windows of exposure during pregnancy using daily pollutant concentrations averaged over various periods of pregnancy combined with individual activity and physiological parameters. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples (1000 samples) will be randomly selected for 8-OHdG assays to assess the correlation between exposures to air pollutants and oxidative stress. We will determine whether air pollutant exposure or 8-OHdG levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. SPSS and SAS statistical software will be used for data analysis. Cox regression and competing risk analysis will be used to compute the HR and population attributable risk.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol has already been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Written informed consent will be obtained from all study participants prior to enrolment. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals or disseminated through conference presentations.

Trial registration number

This study has been registered in WHO International Clinical Trial Register—Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under registration

number ChiCTR-ROC-16010181 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=17328).
Effectiveness of two psychological interventions for pain management, emotional regulation and promotion of quality of life among adult Portuguese men with haemophilia (PSY-HaEMOPEQ): study protocol for a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pinto Patrícia Ribeiro , Paredes Ana Cristina , Costa Patrício , Carvalho Manuela , Lopes Manuela , Fernandes Susana , Pedras Susana , Almeida Armando
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Haemophilia is a bleeding disorder associated with significant pain, emotional distress, quality of life (QoL) impairment and considerable healthcare costs. Psychosocial health and effective pain management are considered essential end points for optimal haemophilia care, but there is a significant gap in evidence-based treatments targeting these outcomes in people with haemophilia (PWH). Psychological interventions are cost-effective in promoting emotional well-being, QoL and pain control, although these have been scarcely used in haemophilia field. This investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two psychological interventions for pain management, emotional regulation and promotion of QoL in PWH.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre parallel randomised controlled trial conducted at a European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre in Portugal, with five assessment points: baseline (T0), postintervention (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 (T4) months follow-up. Eligible adult males, with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B will be randomised to experimental (EG) or control (CG) group. Intervention is either cognitive-behavioural therapy (EG1) or hypnosis (EG2), both consisting of four weekly sessions following standardised scripts delivered by trained psychologists. Randomisation will be computer generated, allocation concealment will be guaranteed and outcome assessors will be blind to EG/CG allocation. Main outcomes are pain and haemophilia-related QoL and secondary outcomes include clinical (clotting factor replacement consumption, joint bleeding episodes, analgesic intake) and psychological (pain coping strategies, anxiety, depression, illness perceptions) variables, functional assessment of the joints, inflammatory biomarkers (cytokines, high-sensitivity C reactive protein) and white blood cell count.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the competent authorities and all procedures will comply with international ethical guidelines for clinical studies involving humans. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The dissemination plan includes peer-reviewed scientific publications, conference participation and web and media coverage.

Trial registration number

NCT02870452.
Case management in primary care among frequent users of healthcare services with chronic conditions: protocol of a realist synthesis
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Muhajarine Nazeem , Burge Fred , Pluye Pierre , Bush Paula L , Ramsden Vivian R , Legare France , Guenette Line , Morin Paul , Lambert Mireille , Groulx Antoine , Couture Martine , Campbell Cameron , Baker Margaret , Edwards Lynn , Sabourin Véronique , Spence Claude , Gauthier Gilles , Warren Mike , Godbout Julie , Davis Breanna , Rabbitskin Norma
Published: September 2017

Introduction

A common reason for frequent use of healthcare services is the complex healthcare needs of individuals suffering from multiple chronic conditions, especially in combination with mental health comorbidities and/or social vulnerability. Frequent users (FUs) of healthcare services are more at risk for disability, loss of quality of life and mortality. Case management (CM) is a promising intervention to improve care integration for FU and to reduce healthcare costs. This review aims to develop a middle-range theory explaining how CM in primary care improves outcomes among FU with chronic conditions, for what types of FU and in what circumstances.

Methods and analysis

A realist synthesis (RS) will be conducted between March 2017 and March 2018 to explore the causal mechanisms that underlie CM and how contextual factors influence the link between these causal mechanisms and outcomes. According to RS methodology, five steps will be followed: (1) focusing the scope of the RS; (2) searching for the evidence; (3) appraising the quality of evidence; (4) extracting the data; and (5) synthesising the evidence. Patterns in context–mechanism–outcomes (CMOs) configurations will be identified, within and across identified studies. Analysis of CMO configurations will help confirm, refute, modify or add to the components of our initial rough theory and ultimately produce a refined theory explaining how and why CM interventions in primary care works, in which contexts and for which FU with chronic conditions.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics is not required for this review, but publication guidelines on RS will be followed. Based on the review findings, we will develop and disseminate messages tailored to various relevant stakeholder groups. These messages will allow the development of material that provides guidance on the design and the implementation of CM in health organisations.

Trial registration number

Prospero CRD42017057753.
Improving the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)
Authors: Khan Ahsan Aftab , Nash Edward F , Whitehouse Joanna , Rashid Rifat
Published: September 2017

Background

The West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centre based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital provides care for adults with CF in the West Midlands. People with CF are prone to pulmonary exacerbations, which often require inpatient admission for intravenous antibiotics. We observed that the admission process was efficient during working hours (9:00–17:00, Monday–Friday) when the CF team are routinely available, but out-of-working hours, there were delays in these patients being clerked and receiving their first antibiotic dose. We were concerned that this was resulting in quality and potential safety issues by causing delays in starting treatment and prolonging hospital inpatient stays. We therefore undertook a quality improvement project (QIP) aimed at addressing these issues. An initial survey showed median time to clerk of 5 hours, with 60% of patients missing their first dose of antibiotics and mean length of stay of 16 days.

Methods

We applied the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle approach, with the first PDSA cycle involving raising awareness of the issue through education to doctors, nurses and patients.

Results

This led to a reduction of median time to clerk from 5 to 2 hours with 23% of patients missing their first antibiotic dose and mean length of stay reducing to 14 days. The second cycle involved introducing an admissions checklist and displaying education posters around the hospital, resulting in median time to clerk remaining at 2 hours but only 20% of patients missing their first antibiotic dose and the mean length of stay remaining at 14 days.

Conclusion

This QIP has improved the out-of-hours admissions process for adults with CF in our centre. We plan to review the longer term effects of the project including sustainability, effects on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Caregiver burden in owners of a sick companion animal: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Jacobson Dana M , Cox Melanie D , Carlson Mark D
Published: September 2017

Much recent work has focused on occupational stress in veterinary medicine, although little is known about the possible contribution of client‐based factors. Clients providing care for a companion animal with protracted illness are likely to experience ‘caregiver burden’ and reduced psychosocial functioning, which may ultimately lead to increased veterinarian stress. This cross‐sectional observational study assessed caregiver burden and psychosocial function in 238 owners of a dog or cat, comparing owners of an animal with chronic or terminal diseases (n=119) with healthy controls blindly matched for owner age/sex and animal species (n=119). Results showed greater burden, stress and symptoms of depression/anxiety, as well as poorer quality of life, in owners of companion animals with chronic or terminal disease (p<0.001 for all). Higher burden was correlated with reduced psychosocial function (p<0.001 for all). Owners of a sick companion animal exhibit elevated caregiver burden, which is linked to poorer psychosocial functioning. This knowledge may help veterinarians understand and more effectively handle client distress in the context of managing the challenges of sick companion animal caregiving. Future work is needed to determine whether clients with this presentation impact veterinarian stress and how burden in this population might be reduced.
On the dynamics of polarons in the strong-coupling limit
Authors: Griesemer Marcel
Published: September 2017

The polaron model of H. Fröhlich describes an electron coupled to the quantized longitudinal optical modes of a polar crystal. In the strong-coupling limit, one expects that the phonon modes may be treated classically, which leads to a coupled Schrödinger–Poisson system with memory. For the effective dynamics of the electron, this amounts to a nonlinear and non-local Schrödinger equation. We use the Dirac–Frenkel variational principle to derive the Schrödinger–Poisson system from the Fröhlich model and we present new results on the accuracy of their solutions for describing the motion of Fröhlich polarons in the strong-coupling limit. Our main result extends to [Formula: see text]-polaron systems.
Approximate analytic expression for the Skyrmions crystal
Authors: Grandi Nicolás , Sturla Mauricio
Published: September 2017

We find approximate solutions for the two-dimensional nonlinear [Formula: see text]-model with Dzyalioshinkii–Moriya term, representing magnetic Skyrmions. They are built in an analytic form, by pasting different approximate solutions found in different regions of space. We verify that our construction reproduces the phenomenology known from numerical solutions and Monte Carlo simulations, giving rise to a Skyrmion lattice at an intermediate range of magnetic field, flanked by spiral and spin-polarized phases for low and high magnetic fields, respectively.
The coupling of single-photon exciton–biexciton quantum dot and cavity
Authors: Diguna Lina Jaya , Darma Yudi , Birowosuto Muhammad Danang
Published: September 2017

We investigate the influence of multiple excitons on the photon emission properties of a quantum dot (QD)-cavity system via the master equation for the density matrix. We show that in the intermediate to strong coupling regimes, the multiple excitons lead to the suppressed QD emissions as well as the absence of anti-crossing near zero detuning, arising from the interaction between the multiple excitons and cavity. Furthermore, we analyze the role of the cavity-biexciton detuning in the photon emission properties of cavity and exciton through the second-order correlation function. The small cavity-biexciton detuning yields the significant Purcell effect and the high probability of single photon emissions. The proposed model offers the fundamental approach in developing efficient single-photon emitting devices.
Effects of geometry and doping level on dispersion and spectrum in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well waveguide for the near-IR region
Authors: Herrera Rodrigo Acuna , Ocampo C. A. Alvarez
Published: September 2017

In this work, we study numerically the optical nonlinear pulse propagation in a multiple quantum well waveguide made of [Formula: see text]. We show that this type of structure can have great potential as a supercontinuum (SC) source which could be integrated to a photonic circuit, due to its small size. We show that manipulating the geometry and the Al mole fraction [Formula: see text] of the structure, the dispersion and nonlinear coefficient parameters can be controlled.
Asymptotics of stochastic 2D hydrodynamical type systems in unbounded domains
Authors: Yang Juan , Zhai Jianliang
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we prove a central limit theorem and establish a moderate deviation principle for 2D stochastic hydrodynamical type systems with multiplicative noise in unbounded domains, which covers 2D Navier–Stokes equations, 2D MHD models and the 2D magnetic Bénard problem and also shell models of turbulence. The weak convergence method plays an important role in obtaining the moderate deviation principle.
Commutative hypergroups associated with a hyperfield
Authors: Heyer Herbert , Kawakami Satoshi , Tsurii Tatsuya , Yamanaka Satoe
Published: September 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative hypergroup and [Formula: see text] a discrete commutative hypergroup. In this paper we introduce a commutative hypergroup [Formula: see text] associated with a hyperfield [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] based on [Formula: see text]. Moreover, for the hyperfield [Formula: see text] of a compact commutative hypergroup [Formula: see text] of strong type based on a discrete commutative hypergroup [Formula: see text] of strong type, we introduce the dual hyperfield [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] based on [Formula: see text] and show that [Formula: see text].
Conformal maps between pseudo-Finsler spaces
Authors: Voicu Nicoleta
Published: September 2017

The paper aims to initiate a systematic study of conformal mappings between Finsler spacetimes and, more generally, between pseudo-Finsler spaces. This is done by extending several results in pseudo-Riemannian geometry which are necessary for field-theoretical applications and by proposing a technique that reduces some problems involving pseudo-Finslerian conformal vector fields to their pseudo-Riemannian counterparts. Also, we point out, by constructing classes of examples, that conformal groups of flat (locally Minkowskian) pseudo-Finsler spaces can be much richer than both flat Finslerian and pseudo-Euclidean conformal groups.
Classification of Kantowski–Sachs metric via conformal Ricci collineations
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Khan Fawad , Bokhari Ashfaque H. , Akhtar Sumaira Saleem
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we present a classification of the Kantowski–Sachs spacetime metric according to its conformal Ricci collineations (CRCs). Solving the CRC equations, it is shown that the Kantowski–Sachs metric admits 15-dimensional Lie algebra of CRCs when its Ricci tensor is non-degenerate and an infinite dimensional group of CRCs when the Ricci tensor is degenerate. Some examples of Kantowski–Sachs metric admitting nontrivial CRCs are presented and their physical interpretation is provided.
Weakly Ricci symmetric spacetimes
Authors: De Avik , Majhi Pradip
Published: September 2017

The objective of the present paper is to study weakly Ricci symmetric spacetimes. Among others, we prove that a weakly Ricci symmetric spacetime obeying Einstein’s field equation without cosmological constant represents stiff matter. Moreover, it is shown that the local cosmological structure of a weakly Ricci symmetric perfect fluid spacetime can be identified as Petrov type [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Next, we prove that a dust and dark fluid weakly Ricci symmetric spacetime satisfying Einstein’s field equation without cosmological constant is vacuum. Finally, we show the non-existence of radiation era in such a spacetime.
From Electromyogram to Password
Authors: Zhang Ruide , Zhang Ning , Du Changlai , Lou Wenjing , Hou Y. Thomas , Kawamoto Yuichi
Published: September 2017

With the increasing popularity of augmented reality (AR) services, providing seamless human-computer interactions in the AR setting has received notable attention in the industry. Gesture control devices have recently emerged to be the next great gadgets for AR due to their unique ability to enable computer interaction with day-to-day gestures. While these AR devices are bringing revolutions to our interaction with the cyber world, it is also important to consider potential privacy leakages from these always-on wearable devices. Specifically, the coarse access control on current AR systems could lead to possible abuse of sensor data.

Although the always-on gesture sensors are frequently quoted as a privacy concern, there has not been any study on information leakage of these devices. In this article, we present our study on side-channel information leakage of the most popular gesture control device, Myo. Using signals recorded from the electromyography (EMG) sensor and accelerometers on Myo, we can recover sensitive information such as passwords typed on a keyboard and PIN sequence entered through a touchscreen. EMG signal records subtle electric currents of muscle contractions. We design novel algorithms based on dynamic cumulative sum and wavelet transform to determine the exact time of finger movements. Furthermore, we adopt the Hudgins feature set in a support vector machine to classify recorded signal segments into individual fingers or numbers. We also apply coordinate transformation techniques to recover fine-grained spatial information with low-fidelity outputs from the sensor in keystroke recovery.

We evaluated the information leakage using data collected from a group of volunteers. Our results show that there is severe privacy leakage from these commodity wearable sensors. Our system recovers complex passwords constructed with lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols with a mean success rate of 91%.