bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combating escalating harms associated with pharmaceutical opioid use in Australia: the POPPY II study protocol
Authors: Gisev Natasa , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Dobbins Timothy , Currow David C , Blyth Fiona , Larney Sarah , Dunlop Adrian , Mattick Richard P , Wilson Andrew , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Opioid prescribing has increased 15-fold in Australia in the past two decades, alongside increases in a range of opioid-related harms such as opioid dependence and overdose. However, despite concerns about increasing opioid use, extramedical use and harms, there is a lack of population-level evidence about the drivers of long-term prescribed opioid use, dependence, overdose and other harms.

Methods and analysis

We will form a cohort of all adult residents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, who initiated prescribed opioids from 2002 using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing records. This cohort will be linked to a wide range of other datasets containing information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, health service use and adverse outcomes (eg, opioid dependence and non-fatal and fatal overdose). Analyses will initially examine patterns and predictors of prescribed opioid use and then apply regression and survival analysis to quantify the risks and risk factors of adverse outcomes associated with prescribed opioid use.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received full ethical approval from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Ethics Committee, the NSW Population and Health Services Research Committee and the ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee. This will be the largest postmarketing surveillance study of prescribed opioids undertaken in Australia, linking exposure and outcomes and examining risk factors for adverse outcomes of prescribed opioids. As such, this work has important translational promise, with direct relevance to regulatory authorities and agencies worldwide. Project findings will be disseminated at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. We will also conduct targeted dissemination with policy makers, professional bodies and peak bodies in the pain, medicine and addiction fields through stakeholder workshops and advisory groups. Results will be reported in accordance with the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely collected Data (RECORD) Statement.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Geriatric Depression Scale-30, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Geriatric Depression Scale-5 and Geriatric Depression Scale-4 for detecting major depression: protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Benedetti Andrea , Wu Yin , Levis Brooke , Wilchesky Machelle , Boruff Jill , Ioannidis John P A , Patten Scott B , Cuijpers Pim , Shrier Ian , Gilbody Simon , Ismail Zahinoor , McMillan Dean , Mitchell Nicholas , Ziegelstein Roy C , Thombs Brett D
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) and the shorter GDS-15, GDS-5 and GDS-4 are recommended as depression screening tools for elderly individuals. Existing meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of the GDS have not been able to conduct subgroup analyses, have included patients already identified as depressed who would not be screened in practice and have not accounted for possible bias due to selective reporting of results from only better-performing cut-offs in primary studies. Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA), which involves a standard systematic review, then a synthesis of individual participant data, rather than summary results, could address these limitations. The objective of our IPDMA is to generate accuracy estimates to detect major depression for all possible cut-offs of each version of the GDS among studies using different reference standards, separately and among participant subgroups based on age, sex, dementia diagnosis and care settings. In addition, we will use a modelling approach to generate individual participant probabilities for major depression based on GDS scores (rather than a dichotomous cut-off) and participant characteristics (eg, sex, age, dementia status, care setting).

Methods and analysis

Individual participant data comparing GDS scores to a major depression diagnosis based on a validated structured or semistructured diagnostic interview will be sought via a systematic review. Data sources will include Medline, Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Bivariate random-effects models will be used to estimate diagnostic accuracy parameters for each cut-off of the different versions of the GDS. Prespecified subgroup analyses will be conducted. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings of this study will be of interest to stakeholders involved in research, clinical practice and policy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018104329.
Serum sodium changes in marathon participants who use NSAIDs
Authors: Whatmough Steven , Mears Stephen , Kipps Courtney
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The primary mechanism through which the development of exercise-associated hyponatraemia (EAH) occurs is excessive fluid intake. However, many internal and external factors have a role in the maintenance of total body water and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) have been implicated as a risk factor for the development of EAH. This study aimed to compare serum sodium concentrations ([Na]) in participants taking an NSAID before or during a marathon (NSAID group) and those not taking an NSAID (control group).

Methods

Participants in a large city marathon were recruited during race registration to participate in this study. Blood samples and body mass measurements took place on the morning of the marathon and immediately post marathon. Blood was analysed for [Na]. Data collected via questionnaires included athlete demographics, NSAID use and estimated fluid intake.

Results

We obtained a full data set for 28 participants. Of these 28 participants, 16 took an NSAID on the day of the marathon. The average serum [Na] decreased by 2.1 mmol/L in the NSAID group, while it increased by 2.3 mmol/L in the control group NSAID group (p=0.0039). Estimated fluid intake was inversely correlated with both post-marathon serum [Na] and ∆ serum [Na] (r=−0.532, p=0.004 and r=−0.405 p=0.032, respectively).

Conclusion

Serum [Na] levels in participants who used an NSAID decreased over the course of the marathon while it increased in those who did not use an NSAID. Excessive fluid intake during a marathon was associated with a lower post-marathon serum [Na].
Surgical plantaris tendon removal for patients with plantaris tendon-related pain only and a normal Achilles tendon: a case series
Authors: Alfredson Håkan , Masci Lorenzo , Spang Christoph
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Surgical removal of the plantaris tendon can cure plantaris-associated Achilles tendinopathy, a condition in which Achilles and plantaris tendinopathy coexist. However, rare cases with plantaris tendinopathy alone are often misdiagnosed due to a normal Achilles tendon.

Design and setting

Prospective case series study at one centre.

Participants

Ten consecutive patients (9 men and one woman, mean age 35 years, range 19–67) with plantaris tendon-related pain alone in altogether 13 tendons were included. All had had a long duration (median 10 months, range 3 months to 10 years) of pain symptoms on the medial side of the Achilles tendon mid-portion. Preoperative ultrasound showed thickened plantaris tendon but a normal Achilles tendon.

Interventions

Operative treatment consisting of ultrasound-guided excision of the plantaris tendon.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Scores from Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A)were taken preoperatively and postoperatively (median duration 10 months). Patient satisfaction and time until full return to sports activity level was asked by a questionnaire.

Results

The VISA-A scores increased from 61 (range 45–81) preoperatively to 97 (range 94–100) postoperatively (p<0.01). Follow-up results at 10 months (range 7–72 months) on 9/10 patients showed full satisfaction and return to their preinjury sports or recreational activity

Conclusion

The plantaris tendon should be kept in mind when evaluating painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region, especially when no Achilles tendinopathy is present. Excision of the plantaris tendon via a minor surgical procedure in local anaesthesia results in a good outcome.
Cardiovascular drugs attenuated myocardial resistance against ischaemia-induced and reperfusion-induced injury in a rat model of repetitive occlusion
Authors: Gatzke Nora , Güc Nadija , Hillmeister Philipp , Dülsner André , Le Noble Ferdinand , Buschmann Eva Elina , Ingwersen Maja , Bramlage Peter , Buschmann Ivo R
Published: December 2018

Objective

We investigated the impact of cardioprotective drugs on ST-elevation, arrhythmias and infarct size in a rat model of repetitive coronary artery occlusion.

Methods

Seventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to two control and five treatment groups. Placebo was either implantation of a pneumatic occluder onto the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) without starting repetitive occlusion (SHAM) or subsequent RO of the LAD over 10 days without medication (ROP). Treatment groups underwent RO and additionally received nitroglycerin (NTG), metoprolol, verapamil (VER), ranolazine (RAN) or candesartan (CAN). Two weeks after the intervention, rats underwent a single, sustained LAD occlusion followed by reperfusion. To evaluate differences in cardiac resistance against myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury, cardiac surrogate parameters including maximal ST-elevation, arrhythmias and infarct size were assessed.

Results

Compared with sham, RO alone and RO plus nitroglycerin were associated with significantly lower maximal ST-elevation and percentage of infarcted myocardium (SHAM 0.12 mV, ROP 0.06 mV (p=0.004), NTG 0.05 mV (p=0.005); SHAM 16.2%, ROP 6.6% (p=0.008), NTG 5.9% (p=0.006). Compared with RO alone, RO plus RAN was accompanied by increased ST-elevation (0.13 mV, p=0.018) and RO plusVER or CAN by more infarcted myocardium (14.2%, p=0.004% and 15.5%, p=0.003, respectively). Rats treated with VER, RAN or CAN tended to severe arrhythmias more frequently than those of the control groups.

Conclusions

RO led to an increased myocardial resistance against ischaemia and reperfusion injury. Concomitant administration of nitroglycerin did not affect the efficacy of RO. Cardiovascular channel or receptor blockers reduced the efficacy of RO.
Duration of myocardial early systolic lengthening for diagnosis of coronary artery disease
Authors: Minamisawa Masatoshi , Koyama Jun , Kozuka Ayako , Miura Takashi , Saigusa Tatsuya , Ebisawa Soichiro , Motoki Hirohiko , Okada Ayako , Ikeda Uichi , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: December 2018

Objective

Myocardial early systolic lengthening (ESL) duration is prolonged in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship between the fractional flow reserve (FFR), the current gold standard for evaluating physiological myocardial ischaemia, and ESL has not been studied. The aims of this study were to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) ESL duration could identify patients with CAD, and to examine the relationship between FFR and LV ESL duration.

Methods

In this single-centre, cross-sectional, prospective study of 75 patients with suspected or known CAD, we performed two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography at rest on the day before coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention. Apical 3 views were used to examine ESL duration, defined as time from onset of the Q wave to maximum myocardial systolic lengthening.

Results

Thirty-five patients had non-significant stenosis. Forty patients with CAD underwent FFR testing: 17 had an FFR≥0.8 and 23 had an FFR<0.8. Global ESL duration was 20.9±22.2 ms in patients with non-significant stenosis, 36.4±23.2 ms in patients with FFR≥0.8 and 39.6±29.5 ms in patients with FFR<0.8 (p=0.020). However, global and regional ESL durations were not significantly correlated with FFR and demonstrated poor reproducibility.

Conclusion

Although myocardial ESL duration was significantly prolonged in patients with CAD compared with patients without CAD, ESL at rest showed poor reproducibility, and this new parameter did not predict FFR in patients with suspected CAD.
Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula mistaken as cervical transverse myelitis
Authors: Peethambar Gowri A , Whittam Daniel H , Huda Saif , Alusi Sundus , Puthuran Mani , Chandran Arun , Eldridge Paul R , Jacob Anu
Published: December 2018

We describe a man with an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula that presented as a subacute longitudinally extensive cervical myelopathy. The uncommon location of the fistula and the absence of specific radiological signs resulted in initial misdiagnosis as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Neurologists should have a high index of suspicion for dural arteriovenous fistula in older men, especially those with subacute or chronic symptoms, acellular cerebrospinal fluid and, particularly, if there is neurological deterioration soon after corticosteroid treatment. Patients need early angiography to identify this treatable cause of myelopathy.
Effects of exercise and physical activity promotion: meta-analysis informing the 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and hip/knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Rausch Osthoff Anne-Kathrin , Juhl Carsten Bogh , Knittle Keegan , Dagfinrud Hanne , Hurkmans Emalie , Braun Juergen , Schoones Jan , Vliet Vlieland Theodora P M , Niedermann Karin
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity (PA) promotion on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, neuromotor performance (eg, balance) and daily PA in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and hip/knee osteoarthritis (HOA/KOA).

Methods

systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) were performed searching the databases PubMed/Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, Emcare and PsycInfo until April 2017. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (≥18 years) with RA, SpA and HOA/KOA, investigating the effects of exercise or PA promotion according to the public health PA recommendations by the American College of Sports Medicine. The time point of interest was the first assessment after the intervention period. If suitable, data were pooled in a MA using a random-effects model presented as standardised mean difference (SMD).

Results

The SR included 63 RCTs, of which 49 (3909 people with RA/SpA/HOA/KOA) were included in the MA. Moderate effects were found of aerobic exercises and resistance training on cardiovascular fitness (SMD 0.56 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.75)) and muscle strength (SMD 0.54 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.72)), respectively, but no effect of combined strength/aerobic/flexibility exercises on flexibility (SMD 0.12 (95% CI -0.16 to 0.41)). PA promotion interventions produced a small increase in PA behaviour (SMD 0.21 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.38)).

Conclusion

Exercises and PA promotion according to public health recommendations for PA improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and PA behaviour, with moderate effect sizes in people with SpA, RA and HOA/KOA.

Trial registration number

CRD42017082131.
Experimental study on lateral pile–soil interaction of offshore tetrapod piled jacket foundations in sand
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wen Kai , Li Tao , Wang Lujun , Kong Deqiong
Published: December 2018

Recently, tetrapod piled jacket (TPJ) foundations have shown considerable promise in offshore developments, due to the increases in power capacity and water depth for offshore wind turbines. This paper presents a set of centrifuge tests to look into the lateral loading behaviour of TPJ foundations in sand, with the overall load–displacement responses of the foundation as well as the soil resistance and internal forces on or within individual piles being examined carefully. Test results show that the back-row piles are more likely to be pulled out when the TPJ foundation is loaded laterally along the diagonal direction compared to when loaded along the orthogonal direction. The lateral soil resistance per unit length on the back-row pile(s) is approximately 60% of that on the front-row one(s) in the orthogonal loading case, and only about 40% in the diagonal loading case. Moreover, although the TPJ foundation is in its form a special case of pile groups, it is highlighted in the present study that the former case exhibits distinct loading behaviour from the latter case due to the typically large overturning moment encountered by the foundations for offshore wind turbines. Finally, the p-multipliers of the piles are demonstrated to be dependent on pile deflections, but independent on soil depths, and as a result, a modified pm model is proposed to provide guidance for the design of TPJ foundations in sand.
Bioinformatics analysis of the auxin response factor gene family in Prunus persica
Authors: Guo Liping , Gao Jianzhou , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Yu Xiaonan
Published: December 2018

Auxin plays an important role in various aspects of plant growth and development. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that regulate the expression of auxin-responsive genes by binding with auxin response elements (AuxinREs) in the promoter region of such genes. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of the ARF genes in Prunus persica was carried out using the latest updated genomics data of this plant. A total of 17 ARF genes were identified and were named PpARF1 to PpARF17. A comprehensive overview of these PpARFs was undertaken, including a phylogenetic analysis and analysis of gene structures, conserved motifs and domains, chromosome location, cis-elements in the promoter region, and gene expression patterns. The 17 PpARF genes were distributed over eight chromosomes. All identified PpARF proteins had an ARF domain and a typical B3-DNA-binding domain that consisted of two α-helixes and seven β-sheets. Some of the PpARF proteins also had an Aux/IAA domain. Phylogenetic analysis categorized PpARF proteins into four groups. PpARF genes had many elements related to stress responses in the promotor region and showed distinct expression levels in leaves and roots. The present study provides basic information about the ARF gene family in Prunus persica and enables further verification of candidate genes related to plant growth.
THE INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF AUTOMATIC OPENING/CLOSING GULL-WING FRAME SYSTEM BY MORPHOLOGICAL CHART ANALYSIS
Authors: Hsieh Long-Chang , Chen Tzu-Hsia
Published: December 2018

Gullwing vehicles, also known as "mobile stores", although belong to transportation but also belong to product marketing industry. In this paper, we focus on innovative design of opening/closing gull-wing frame system to reduce the manufacturing costs and enhance mechanical precision. By using the morphological chart analysis, many new gull-wing frames are generated. One of these designs is “Automatic opening/closing gull-wing frame with four electric power systems”. Based on the design requirements and constraints of opening/closing gull-wing frame, the driving mechanism and power system are synthesized. Finally, the prototype “automatic opening/closing gull-wing frame with four electric power systems” is carried out.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEM FOR MACHINE SELECTION IN METALWORKING INDUSTRY
Authors: Dinh Hoai-Nam , Cheng Shang-Liang , Yu Cheng-Ru
Published: December 2018

In this research, a knowledge-based system with a function module in manufacturing processing is used to recommend machining algorithms and to provide a cost analysis for manufacturers and clients. In each manufacturing segment, metal processing plants will be able to upload an engineering drawing into a machine information database system. Machine processing capability for management work is then analyzed via Siemens PLM Software NX. The result of the analysis includes axes of movement, mass, volume, accuracy, surface roughness, geometric features and other information uploaded into the database system. Users select the recommended machine specification requirements and establish a postprocessor. This research aims to improve the customized manufacturing and manufacturing capabilities of metal processing companies in order to quickly respond to the target date and to integrate the three technical keywords “Selecting machine system”, “Cost estimation” and “Machine recommendation algorithms”.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DESIGN OF GLOBE VALVE FOR OPTIMIZED FLOW
Authors: Azam Farooq I , Rani Ahmad Majdi Abdul , Altaf Khurram , Zaharin Haizum Aimi
Published: December 2018

Valves have wide usage in industries ranging from food industries to petrochemical industries. Existing manufacturing processes, such as casting and forging, limit the design of globe valve to design for manufacturing. The purpose of this study is to optimize the design of current globe valve for optimized flow path. Current design of valve was modelled in CAD software and CFD analysis was performed on its geometry to identify the optimization points. Results obtained from simulations show significant increase in valve’s performance, flow efficiency and decreases in pressure drop. Comparison of flow coefficient between original design and new design show approx. 35% increase in efficiency. Proposed design can be manufactured using additive manufacturing to overcome the manufacturing constraints.
FORCED CONVECTION BASED HEAT TRANSFER ANALYSIS OF SPHERICAL DIMPLE AND PROTRUSION SURFACE IN TURBULENT FLOW
Authors: Perwez Ashif , Shende Shreyak , Kumar Rakesh
Published: December 2018

An experimental and numerical investigation is performed to study the effect of dimple and protrusion geometry on the heat transfer enhancement and the friction factor of surfaces with dimples and protrusions subjected to turbulent flow. The parameters used to compare the spherical dimples and protrusions are Nusselt Number, friction factor, and flow pattern. These parameters are obtained for a Reynolds number of 10500-60900. The spherical dimple results showed the greater heat transfer, which is about 6.97% higher and pressure loss which is 5.07% lower than the spherical protrusion. The realistic heat transfer augmentation capabilities of channels with dimples and protrusions can be studied from the experimental results. The comparison is made with respect to the smooth rectangular channel under the same flow and thermal boundary conditions. The numerical analysis is performed which shows the different vortex flow structures of the spherical dimples and protrusions channel.
DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF MOTORIZED SPINDLE BEARING LOCATIONS BASED ON DYNAMIC MODEL AND GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: Li Denghui , Cao Hongrui , Xi Songtao , Linand Xiaoman , Chen Xuefeng
Published: December 2018

In this paper, an optimization method based on dynamic model and genetic algorithm is proposed for the design of motorized spindle bearing locations. Firstly, the dynamic model of motorized spindles is developed based on the Timoshenko beam model and Jones’ quasi-static bearing model. Then, the developed dynamic model is validated with the hammer response test on a motorized grinding spindle system. Finally, the design optimization method is proposed by combining the dynamic model with genetic algorithm. In order to obtain higher rigidity, the optimal locations of bearings on the spindle are calculated with the genetic algorithm. The results show that the first mode natural frequency (FMNF) of the system increases by 12.38% than the original value after optimization.
A NOVEL DESIGN OF AN ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BIKE BASED ON HELICAL GEARS
Authors: Tsai* Chung-Yu
Published: December 2018

An electric power-assisted bike (EPAB) is a bicycle with an attached electric motor to assist with human pedaling, where the electric power output of the motor is provided in accordance with the pedaling-force. This makes the pedaling-force sensor (PFS), which is used to sense the human pedaling force, the critical device in the EPAB. Accordingly, the present study proposes a novel design for the PFS, comprising of a helical gear system and an annular magnet device. The study then develops a mathematical model for the force distribution on the helical gears, and provides a general design rule to determine the parameter values of the PFS which will prevent a self-lock situation. A prototype is produced to verify and demonstrate the proposed approach.
SEGMENT WEAR COMPARISON OF HALF-CYCLE AND HORIZONTAL RECIPROCATING CUTTING MODE WHEN USING FRAME SAW TO CUT GRANITE
Authors: Sun Qin , Zhang Jinsheng , Zhang Heng , Dong Peiyu
Published: December 2018

Half-cycle cutting mode and horizontal reciprocating cutting mode were employed in this study. Average depth model of single diamond was established. Segments topography was examined. Radial wear of segments was analyzed. Experimental results show that half-cycle cutting mode has advantages in heat dissipation, detritus removal, self-sharpening ability and slab flatness. The matrix tail also can be formed in the half-cycle cutting mode which can increase the retention of matrix to diamond particles. Radical wear in half-cycle cutting mode is also smaller than that in horizontal reciprocating cutting mode.
Fuzzy Systems in Business Valuation
Authors: Brotons José M. , Sansalvador Manuel E.
Published: December 2018

This research aims to develop a model that is able to integrate and objectify information provided by the different business valuation methods, incorporating quality management in its formal approach, which to date has not been considered in the literature about business valuation or quality management. Firstly, the company is valued using the methods which best adapt to its specific characteristics. Because of the subjectivity inherent in any valuation process, the results will be expressed through Triangular Fuzzy Numbers (TFN). These Fuzzy Numbers will be aggregated and summarized by applying Basic Defuzzification Distribution Uncertain Probabilistic Ordered Weighted Averaging operator (BADD-UPOWA). The weighting factors will be: the degree of confidence in each of the business valuation methods applied, and the innovative use of the company’s position on Crosby’s Quality Administration Grid. The results from application of the model in a case study show a significant reduction in uncertainty in contrast to the initial valuations. Moreover, the proposed methodology is seen to increase the final value of the company as its advances in quality management.
Identifying Emerging Technologies with Smart Patent Indicators: The Example of Smart Houses
Authors: Guderian Carsten C.
Published: December 2018

Patent information plays a key role in technology intelligence. As granted patent rights provide temporary exclusivity to commercialize inventions, emerging technologies are marked by brisk increases in patenting, revealing patent-based information as sources for corporate technology intelligence. In this paper, I analyze one such emerging technology, smart houses, which refers to connected and centrally controlled everyday household solutions. I provide a detailed technology landscape study that tracks longitudinal patenting changes in the technology during the 18-year period from 2000 to 2017. Central to the analyses is the use of smart indicators and longitudinal annual data, allowing tracking changes over time. The analyses encompass general patenting trends in the technology of smart houses, including the detection of key players, pertinent technology class developments, and most relevant countries for the technology of smart houses. The case study results indicate that the use of smart indicators and longitudinal data supplements established patent indicators in technology intelligence by providing additional insights to the emergence of new technologies that cannot be detected by conventional measures.
Rotational submanifolds in Euclidean spaces
Authors: Arslan Kadri , Bayram Bengü , Bulca Betül , Öztürk Günay
Published: December 2018

The rotational embedded submanifold was first studied by Kuiper as a submanifold in [Formula: see text]. The generalized Beltrami submanifolds and toroidal submanifold are the special examples of these kind of submanifolds. In this paper, we consider [Formula: see text]-dimensional rotational embedded submanifolds in Euclidean [Formula: see text]-space [Formula: see text]. We give some basic curvature properties of this type of submanifolds. Further, we obtain some results related with the scalar curvature and mean curvature of these submanifolds. As an application, we give an example of rotational submanifold in [Formula: see text].
Grain boundary effects on piezoelectric properties of the core–shell-structured BaTiO3@TiO2 ceramics
Authors: Li Xixi , Yao Zhonghua , Xie Juan , Li Zongxin , Hao Hua , Cao Minghe , Ullah Amjad , Ullah Atta , Manan Abdul , Liu Hanxing
Published: December 2018

Grain boundary effect on BaTiO3 has been widely investigated for several decades. However, all of them tailored the grain boundary by grain size of BaTiO3. In this case, a direct way was introduced to modify the grain boundary by coating technique to investigate the role of grain boundary in ferroelectric materials. Nonferroelectric phase TiO2 was employed to investigate grain boundary effects on the electrical properties of BaTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics. TiO2 coating can result in the reduction of piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties and the annealing process in oxygen can increase piezoelectric behavior of pure BaTiO3 due to valence state of Ti ions while that remains for Ti-modified composition possibly due to the increased grain boundary effect by impedance analysis. Compared with ferroelectric grain, grain boundary plays a critical role to impact the electrical properties of perovskite-type ferroelectric materials.
Numerical solution of Burgers’ equation using Biorthogonal wavelet-based full approximation scheme
Authors: Shiralashetti S. C. , Angadi L. M. , Deshi A. B.
Published: December 2018

Recently, wavelet-based numerical methods have been newly developed in the areas of science and engineering. In this paper, we proposed a full-approximation scheme for the numerical solution of Burgers’ equation using biorthogonal wavelet filter coefficients as prolongation and restriction operators. The presented scheme gives higher accuracy in terms of higher convergence in less CPU time, which has been illustrated through the test problem.
The Modeling and Simulation of Data Clustering Algorithms in Data Mining with Big Data
Authors: Chen Weiru , Oliverio Jared , Kim Jin Ho , Shen Jiayue
Published: December 2018

Big Data is a popular cutting-edge technology nowadays. Techniques and algorithms are expanding in different areas including engineering, biomedical, and business. Due to the high-volume and complexity of Big Data, it is necessary to conduct data pre-processing methods when data mining. The pre-processing methods include data cleaning, data integration, data reduction, and data transformation. Data clustering is the most important step of data reduction. With data clustering, mining on the reduced data set should be more efficient yet produce quality analytical results. This paper presents the different data clustering methods and related algorithms for data mining with Big Data. Data clustering can increase the efficiency and accuracy of data mining.
Smart Home Occupant Identification via Sensor Fusion Across On-Object Devices
Authors: Han Jun , Pan Shijia , Sinha Manal Kumar , Noh Hae Young , Zhang Pei , Tague Patrick
Published: December 2018

Occupant identification proves crucial in many smart home applications such as automated home control and activity recognition. Previous solutions are limited in terms of deployment costs, identification accuracy, or usability. We propose
SenseTribute
, a novel occupant identification solution that makes use of existing and prevalent on-object sensors that are originally designed to monitor the status of objects to which they are attached.
SenseTribute
extracts richer information content from such on-object sensors and analyzes the data to accurately identify the person interacting with the objects. This approach is based on the physical phenomenon that different occupants interact with objects in different ways. Moreover,
SenseTribute
may not rely on users’ true identities, so the approach works even without labeled training data. However, resolution of information from a single on-object sensor may not be sufficient to differentiate occupants, which may lead to errors in identification. To overcome this problem,
SenseTribute
operates over a sequence of events within a user activity, leveraging recent work on activity segmentation. We evaluate
SenseTribute
using real-world experiments by deploying sensors on five distinct objects in a kitchen and inviting participants to interact with the objects. We demonstrate that
SenseTribute
can correctly identify occupants in 96% of trials without labeled training data, while per-sensor identification yields only 74% accuracy even with training data.
The State of Empirical Evaluation in Static Feature Location
Authors: Razzaq Abdul , Wasala Asanka , Exton Chris , Buckley Jim
Published: December 2018

Feature location (FL) is the task of finding the source code that implements a specific, user-observable functionality in a software system. It plays a key role in many software maintenance tasks and a wide variety of Feature Location Techniques (FLTs), which rely on source code structure or textual analysis, have been proposed by researchers. As FLTs evolve and more novel FLTs are introduced, it is important to perform comparison studies to investigate “Which are the best FLTs?” However, an initial reading of the literature suggests that performing such comparisons would be an arduous process, based on the large number of techniques to be compared, the heterogeneous nature of the empirical designs, and the lack of transparency in the literature. This article presents a systematic review of 170 FLT articles, published between the years 2000 and 2015. Results of the systematic review indicate that 95% of the articles studied are directed towards novelty, in that they propose a novel FLT. Sixty-nine percent of these novel FLTs are evaluated through standard empirical methods but, of those, only 9% use baseline technique(s) in their evaluations to allow cross comparison with other techniques. The heterogeneity of empirical evaluation is also clearly apparent: altogether, over 60 different FLT evaluation metrics are used across the 170 articles, 272 subject systems have been used, and 235 different benchmarks employed. The review also identifies numerous user input formats as contributing to the heterogeneity. Analysis of the existing research also suggests that only 27% of the FLTs presented might be reproduced from the published material. These findings suggest that comparison across the existing body of FLT evaluations is very difficult. We conclude by providing guidelines for empirical evaluation of FLTs that may ultimately help to standardise empirical research in the field, cognisant of FLTs with different goals, leveraging common practices in existing empirical evaluations and allied with rationalisations. This is seen as a step towards standardising evaluation in the field, thus facilitating comparison across FLTs.
Locating primary somatosensory cortex in human brain stimulation studies: systematic review and meta-analytic evidence
Authors: Holmes Nicholas Paul , Tamè Luigi
Published: December 2018

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over human primary somatosensory cortex (S1), unlike over primary motor cortex (M1), does not produce an immediate, objective output. Researchers must therefore rely on one or more indirect methods to position the TMS coil over S1. The “gold standard” method of TMS coil positioning is to use individual functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (f/sMRI) alongside a stereotactic navigation system. In the absence of these facilities, however, one common method used to locate S1 is to find the scalp location that produces twitches in a hand muscle (e.g., the first dorsal interosseus, M1-FDI) and then move the coil posteriorly to target S1. There has been no systematic assessment of whether this commonly reported method of finding the hand area of S1 is optimal. To do this, we systematically reviewed 124 TMS studies targeting the S1 hand area and 95 fMRI studies involving passive finger and hand stimulation. Ninety-six TMS studies reported the scalp location assumed to correspond to S1-hand, which was on average 1.5–2 cm posterior to the functionally defined M1-hand area. Using our own scalp measurements combined with similar data from MRI and TMS studies of M1-hand, we provide the estimated scalp locations targeted in these TMS studies of the S1-hand. We also provide a summary of reported S1 coordinates for passive finger and hand stimulation in fMRI studies. We conclude that S1-hand is more lateral to M1-hand than assumed by the majority of TMS studies.
New Predictor of Organ Failure in Acute Pancreatitis: CD4+ T Lymphocytes and CD19+ B Lymphocytes
Authors: Shi Chenyuan , Hou Chaoqun , Zhu Xiaole , Peng Yunpeng , Guo Feng , Zhang Kai , Huang Dongya , Li Qiang , Miao Yi
Published: December 2018

Objective. Lymphocytes are one of the main effector cells in the inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) subsets at admission change during AP based on clinical outcomes and to explore whether these changes vary by aetiology of AP. Hence, we performed a prospective study to find a predictor in lymphocyte subsets that might allow easier, earlier, and more accurate prediction of clinical outcomes. Methods. Patients with AP were enrolled from December 2017 to June 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Age, sex, clinical and biochemical parameters, and aetiology of AP were obtained at admission. PBL counts were assessed within 24 hours after admission. Clinical outcomes were observed as endpoints. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of different predictors were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. Overall, 133 patients were included. Patients (n=24) with organ failure (OF) had significantly lower CD4+ T lymphocyte levels than those (n=109) with No OF (NOF) (39.60 (33.94-46.13) vs. 32.41 (26.51-38.00), P=0.004). The OF group exhibited significantly higher CD19+ B lymphocytes than the NOF group (16.07 (10.67-21.06) vs. 23.78 (17.84-29.45), P=0.001). Of the AP cases, 68.8% were caused by gallstones; 10.1% were attributed to alcohol; 16.5% were due to hyperlipidaemia; and 4.6% had other causes. Across all aetiologies, a lower CD4+ T lymphocyte level was significantly related to OF (P<0.05). However, CD19+ B lymphocytes were significant only in gallstone pancreatitis (P<0.05). The ROC curve results showed that the AUC values of CD4+T lymphocytes, CD19+ B lymphocytes, and combined CD4+T lymphocytes and CD19+ B lymphocytes were similar to those of traditional scoring systems, such as APACHEII and Ranson. Conclusions. CD4+ T and CD19+ B lymphocytes during the early phase of AP can predict OF.
The Settlement Structure Is Reflected in Personal Investments: Distance‐Dependent Network Modularity‐Based Measurement of Regional Attractiveness
Authors: Gadar Laszlo , Kosztyan Zsolt T. , Abonyi Janos
Published: December 2018

How are ownership relationships distributed in the geographical space? Is physical proximity a significant factor in investment decisions? What is the impact of the capital city? How can the structure of investment patterns characterize the attractiveness and development of economic regions? To explore these issues, we analyze the network of company ownership in Hungary and determine how are connections are distributed in geographical space. Based on the calculation of the internal and external linking probabilities, we propose several measures to evaluate the attractiveness of towns and geographic regions. Community detection based on several null models indicates that modules of the network coincide with administrative regions, in which Budapest is the absolute centre, and where county centres function as hubs. Gravity model‐based modularity analysis highlights that, besides the strong attraction of Budapest, geographical distance has a significant influence over the frequency of connections and the target nodes play the most significant role in link formation, which confirms that the analysis of the directed company‐ownership network gives a good indication of regional attractiveness.
The Fractional Kalman Filter‐Based Asynchronous Multirate Sensor Information Fusion
Authors: Xue Guangyue , Xu Yubin , Guo Jing , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2018

A fractional Kalman filter‐based multirate sensor fusion algorithm is presented to fuse the asynchronous measurements of the multirate sensors. Based on the characteristics of multirate and delay measurement, the state is reestimated at the time when the delayed measurement occurs by using weighted fractional Kalman filter, and then the state estimation is updated at the current time when the delayed measurement arrives following the similar pattern of Kalman filter. The simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fusion method.
Evaluation of Antimony Tri-Iodide Crystals for Radiation Detectors
Authors: Onodera Toshiyuki , Baba Koei , Hitomi Keitaro
Published: December 2018

This study was carried out to examine the potential of antimony tri-iodide (SbI3) as a material for radiation detectors that operate at room temperature. SbI3 is a compound semiconductor with an AsI3-type crystal structure, high atomic number (Sb: 51, I: 53), high density (4.92 g/cm3), and a wide band-gap energy (2.2 eV). In addition, crystalline SbI3 is easy to grow by conventional crystal growth techniques from melting phase because the material exhibits a low melting point (171°C) and undergoes no phase transition in the range of its solid phase. In this study, SbI3 crystals were grown by the Bridgman method after synthesis of SbI3 from 99.9999% pure Sb and 99.999% pure I2. The grown crystals consisted of several large grains with red color and were confirmed to be single-phase crystals by X-ray diffraction analysis. SbI3 detectors with a simple planar structure were fabricated using the cleavage plates of the grown crystals, and the pulse-height spectra were recorded at room temperature using an 241Am alpha-particle (5.48 MeV) source. The detector showed response to the alpha-particle radiation.
Recurrent Patterns of User Behavior in Different Electoral Campaigns: A Twitter Analysis of the Spanish General Elections of 2015 and 2016
Authors: Martin-Gutierrez S. , Losada J. C. , Benito R. M.
Published: December 2018

We have retrieved and analyzed several millions of Twitter messages corresponding to the Spanish general elections held on the 20th of December 2015 and repeated on the 26th of June 2016. The availability of data from two electoral campaigns that are very close in time allows us to compare collective behaviors of two analogous social systems with a similar context. By computing and analyzing the time series of daily activity, we have found a significant linear correlation between both elections. Additionally, we have revealed that the daily number of tweets, retweets, and mentions follow a power law with respect to the number of unique users that take part in the conversation. Furthermore, we have verified that the topologies of the networks of mentions and retweets do not change from one election to the other, indicating that their underlying dynamics are robust in the face of a change in social context. Hence, in the light of our results, there are several recurrent collective behavioral patterns that exhibit similar and consistent properties in different electoral campaigns.
Stochastic Block‐Coordinate Gradient Projection Algorithms for Submodular Maximization
Authors: Li Zhigang , Zhang Mingchuan , Zhu Junlong , Zheng Ruijuan , Zhang Qikun , Wu Qingtao
Published: December 2018

We consider a stochastic continuous submodular huge‐scale optimization problem, which arises naturally in many applications such as machine learning. Due to high‐dimensional data, the computation of the whole gradient vector can become prohibitively expensive. To reduce the complexity and memory requirements, we propose a stochastic block‐coordinate gradient projection algorithm for maximizing continuous submodular functions, which chooses a random subset of gradient vector and updates the estimates along the positive gradient direction. We prove that the estimates of all nodes generated by the algorithm converge to some stationary points with probability 1. Moreover, we show that the proposed algorithm achieves the tight ((pmin/2)F⁎ − ϵ) approximation guarantee after O(1/ϵ2) iterations for DR‐submodular functions by choosing appropriate step sizes. Furthermore, we also show that the algorithm achieves the tight ((γ2/(1 + γ2))pminF⁎ − ϵ) approximation guarantee after O(1/ϵ2) iterations for weakly DR‐submodular functions with parameter γ by choosing diminishing step sizes.
The Impact of Left Atrial Size in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Remote Magnetic Navigation
Authors: Liu Xiao-yu , Shi Hai-feng , Zheng Jie , Li Ku-lin , Zhao Xiao-xi , Dang Shi-peng , Wu Ying , Cheng Yan , Li Xiao-yan , Yu Zhi-ming , Wang Ru-xing
Published: December 2018

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of left atrial (LA) size for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Methods. A total of 165 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation using RMN were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on LA diameter. Eighty-three patients had small LA (diameter <40 mm; Group A), and 82 patients had a large LA (diameter ≥40 mm; Group B). Results. During mapping and ablation, X-ray time (37.0 (99.0) s vs. 12 (30.1) s, P<0.001) and X-ray dose (1.4 (2.7) gy·cm2 vs. 0.7 (2.1) gy·cm2, P=0.013) were significantly higher in Group A. No serious complications occurred in any of the patients. There was no statistical difference in the rate of first anatomical attempt of pulmonary vein isolation between the two groups (71.1% vs. 57.3%, P=0.065). However, compared with Group B, the rate of sinus rhythm was higher (77.1% vs. 58.5%, P<0.001) during the follow-up period. More patients in Group A required a sheath adjustment (47/83 vs. 21/82, P<0.001), presumably due to less magnets positioned outside of the sheath. In vitro experiments with the RMN catheter demonstrated that only one magnet exposed created the sheath affects which influenced the flexibility of the catheter. Conclusions. AF ablation using RMN is safe and effective in both small and large LA patients. Patients with small LA may pose a greater difficulty when using RMN which may be attributed to the fewer magnets beyond the sheath. As a result, the exposure of radiation was increased. This study found that having at least two magnets of the catheter positioned outside of the sheath can ensure an appropriate flexibility of the catheter.
A Case of Lymphangioma of the Anal Canal
Authors: Karapashis Kyriacos , Isaia Maria , Fotiou Antonia , Kalli Theodora , Michaelides Ioannis , Nikolaou Nikolaos
Published: December 2018

Lymphangiomas are unusual benign malformations, which can often be misdiagnosed due to their relatively mild and nonspecific symptomatology. Their appearance in the anal canal is extremely rare. Correct diagnosis is necessary for formulating appropriate management. We present the case of a 42-year-old man, with a medical history of ulcerative colitis and mild symptomatology, who was diagnosed with lymphangioma of the anal canal after undergoing a colonoscopy.