bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Stiffness of Dielectric Elastomer Isolators
Authors: Cooley Christopher G. , Lowe Robert L. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This work calculates the quasi-static and dynamic stiffnesses of dielectric elastomer isolators that are mechanically loaded by nominal (constant) compressive forces with sinusoidal fluctuations and have constant voltages applied through their thickness. Quasi-static membrane stretches due to nominal compressive loads are determined numerically for a wide range of voltages, and quasi-static compressive stiffnesses are calculated from the corresponding through-thickness displacements. Two calculations of quasi-static stiffness are presented, with each intended to be used for a different analysis relevant to isolator system design. The first determines the stiffness by finding the average slope of the force-displacement curve, where the nominal compressive load of interest is divided by the corresponding nominal compressive deflection. This is called the average slope stiffness, and it should be used for static calculations that determine nominal load sharing in vibration isolation systems. The second approach calculates the local slope of the force-displacement curve numerically at a particular nominal compressive load. This is called the local slope stiffness. It is intended for vibration isolation analyses. The two notions of stiffness introduced from quasi-static loading are then used to calculate dynamic stiffnesses from the time-dependent stretches induced by sinusoidal load fluctuations. For the average slope calculation, the stiffness is determined by dividing the nominal compressive load by the average dynamic stretch of the isolator. The local slope stiffness is calculated by dividing the fluctuating component of the compressive load by the first harmonic of the dynamic stretch. Comparisons of the stiffness calculations are presented for a wide range of excitation frequencies that include the resonances of the isolator. The resulting stiffnesses are shown to be controllable by varying the though-thickness voltage. The frequency dependence of the isolator’s stiffness is determined numerically. At excitation frequencies near resonance, the dynamic stiffness of the isolator changes substantially, and multi-valued stiffnesses are possible. The stiffnesses determined in this work could be used in component or system-level lumped-parameter models used in the design of vibration control systems. Dielectric elastomer isolators could be used as variable stiffness devices with semi-active, open-loop control of their properties.
Variable expressivity ofBEST1-associated autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) in a three-generation pedigree
Authors: da Palma Mariana Matioli , Vargas Maurício E , Burr Amanda , Chen Rui , Pennesi Mark E , Weleber Richard G , Yang Paul 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveAutosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) is associated with pathogenic variants inBEST1, which typically causes visual impairment in the late stage of disease. We present a pedigree with variable expressivity and the youngest case in the literature with visual impairment in early childhood.Methods and analysisThis is a retrospective, observational, case series describing multigenerational members of one family affected with ADVIRC. Patients underwent examination, ultra-widefield fundus photography and angiography, optical coherence tomography, full-field electroretinography (ffERG) and full-field perimetry.ResultsThree affected members of the pedigree, one from each successive generation, were found to harbour a mutation, c.715G>A:p.Val239Met, inBEST1. The proband characterised in this report is, to our knowledge, the youngest documented case of ADVIRC in early childhood. Yet, this patient has the most severe retinal dysfunction compared with the father and paternal grandmother, whom exhibit classic characteristics of ADVIRC. Longitudinal data from the paternal grandmother showed that there was a rapid decline in ffERG responses (photopic decline worse than scotopic) from the fourth to fifth decade of life, which correlated with severe concentric constriction of visual fields.ConclusionThis multigenerational case series provides new insights into the ADVIRC disease spectrum and rate of progression. While ADVIRC typically causes a slowly progressive disease, we show that variable phenotypic expressivity is possible among affected members of the same family with the same mutation inBEST1. Thus, ADVIRC must also be considered in the differential diagnosis of paediatric patients with severe retinal dystrophy in early childhood.
Atrial fibrillation following transcatheter atrial septal defect closure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Himelfarb Jonah Daniel , Shulman Healey , Olesovsky Christopher James , Rumman Rawan K , Oliva Laura , Friedland Joshua , Farrell Ashley , Huszti Ella , Horlick Eric , Abrahamyan Lusine 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveThe ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is among the most common congenital cardiac anomalies diagnosed in adulthood. A known complication of transcatheter ASD closure is the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation and flutter (AFi/AFl). These arrhythmias confer an increased risk of postoperative stroke, thrombus formation and systemic emboli. This systematic review examines the burden of de novo AFi/AFl in adults following transcatheter closure and seeks to identify risk factors for AFi/AFl development.MethodsStudies were identified by a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception until 29 April 2020. A meta-analysis of AFi/AFl incidence was performed using a random-effects model.ResultsA total of 31 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 4788 adult patients without a history of AFi/AFl. Twenty-three studies were included in quantitative synthesis and demonstrated an overall incidence rate of 1.82 patients per 100 person-years of follow-up (I2=83%). In studies that enrolled only patients ≥60 years old, the incidence was 5.21 patients per 100 person-years (I2=0%). Studies with follow-up duration ≤2 years reported an incidence of 4.05 per 100 person-years (I2=55%) compared with a rate of 1.19 per 100 person-years (I2=85%) for studies with follow-up duration >2 years.ConclusionsThe incidence of new-onset AFi/AFl is relatively low following transcatheter closure of secundum ASDs. The rate of de novo AFi/AFl, however, was significantly higher in elderly patients. Shorter follow-up time was associated with a higher reported incidence of AFi/AFl.
The Diagnosis and Prognosis of Upper Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage
Authors: Hunt R.H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere have been major advances in the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding over the past two decades but the overall mortality figure remains about 10 per cent. This paper reviews the place of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in diagnosis and discusses the argument that this form of earlier, more accurate diagnosis has had no influence on the outcome of the condition.
Data Analysis II. Some Statistical Methods for 2×2 Tables
Authors: Pethybridge R. J. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTTrial design and data collection methods determine the appropriate statistical tests for analysing 2×2 tables. Data-examples are given to illustrate the use of the classical chi-square test and Fisher’s exact probability test in assessing for any association between two factors of the data or for testing differences in proportions ‘responding’ in two unrelated groups. In medical trials where two different treatments are being compared, patients may be ‘matched’ and subject to one treatment only or each patient may be exposed to both treatments. Statistical tests such as McNemar’s and Cart’s may be applicable and data examples are provided to demonstrate the relatively simple computations involved.
A Study of the Immediate Effects of Welding Fume on Pulmonary Function
Authors: Francis T. J. R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA laboratory experiment was undertaken to assess what immediate changes, if any, take place in the pulmonary function of welders after exposure to the high level of fume to which they are routinely subjected at work. Twenty-five fit volunteer welders were exposed to fume levels of about 20 mg m−3 for 90 minutes. The results of pulmonary function tests performed before and after exposure demonstrate that the fume generated by manual metal arc welding with a Fortrex E 11018 rod does not impair ventilatory function as measured. The small improvement seen may have been a temperature effect due to the heat generated by the process. This finding should be extrapolated to the fume generated by other rods and welding techniques with caution.
A comparison of lung volumes between divers and submariners in the Royal Navy
Authors: Clifford G. M. , Smith D. J. , Searing Cardine S. M. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryA comparison of spirometric values in divers and submariners of the Royal Navy and their physical characteristics was undertaken. Four hundred and twenty-two subjects were included in the study, of whom 192 were divers and 230 submariners. Measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio were made using a single breath wedge spirometer (VitalographR). The data was analysed by multiple linear regression and analysis of variance. FVC and FEV1 increased with height and decreased with age though inclusion of a quadratic age term showed that the decline with age did not begin until the mid-thirties, casting doubt on the validity of predictive equations which assume a linear decrease from age 25. The divers had significantly larger lung volumes than the submariners though in the former this did not correlate with either experience or job classification. The FEV1/FVC ratio declined with age in both groups. It was also shown that those individuals with a large FVC tend to have a relatively lower FEV1/FVC ratio than those with small FVCs. Predictive equations for both divers and submariners were calculated which are more appropriate for determining expected values for the two groups than hose currently in use.
An assessment of forced expiratory volumes and flow rates in the detection of early ventilatory impairment in RN submariners
Authors: Clifford G. M. , Smith D. J. , Searing Caroline S. M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA prospective study of an early diagnostic test of small airway dysfunction, the forced expiratory flow between 75 and 85% of the forced vital capacity, was carried out in 230 RN submariners. All the subjects were male caucasians, of whom 105 were smokers and 125 non-smokers. Measurements were performed using a single breath wedge spirometer (Vitalograph®) and forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), ratio of the FEV1 to the FVC (FEV1/FVC%) and the forced expiratory flow between 75 and 85% of the forced vital capacity (FEF75–85) obtained from the tracings in accordance with the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. Multiple linear regression analysis of these four measurements together with height, age and smoking habit showed age to be the most significant factor for FEF75–85, followed by height Height was the most significant factor for FVC and FEV1 followed by age. Age was the only significant factor for FEV1/FVC%. FEF75-85 was highly correlated with FEV1/FVC% (r = 0.72) and to a lesser extent with FEV1 and FVC (r = 0.70 and 0.37 respectively). In the presence of age and height no significant effect of smoking habit on FEF75–85 could be demonstrated. However when the FEV1/FYC%, age and smoking habit were examined, there was found to be a significantly greater decrease in FEV1/FYC% with age in the smokers. It would appear that in this study FEV1/FVC% is a more sensitive index of early obstructive changes induced by smoking than measurement of flow at low lung volumes.
A study of the food eaten in conventional Royal Navy submarines
Authors: Gilbert J. R. , Brooks G. J. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryA detailed study of the food eaten at sea in three conventional submarines was performed. The composition of the ships’ companies’ diet was taken from forms which detailed daily transfers from store to galley. The constituents were analysed by computer using a database drawn from The Composition of Foods (HMSO).From this investigation it is evident that during the period studied (62 days at sea in total) in comparison with the national average the submariners’ daily diet contains 50-100% excess salt, fat, sugar, protein and energy. Due to this general excess of consumption, the daily fibre intake was found to be greater than the national average but less than advised by the National Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education (NACNE).In view of the present consensus, as expressed in the NACNE report, on what constitutes a healthy diet, it was felt that the food consumed in the sample would contribute in the short term to loss of overall fitness and predispose in the long term to disease. This has implications for the efficiency of the Submarine Service if the sample was truly representative.
The gastroenterological manifestations of AIDS and HIV infection
Authors: Miller A. R. O. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDisturbance of gastrointestinal structure and function is common in AIDS patients and may be due to infection, neoplasia or other, as yet unidentified factors. Gastrointestinal upset also occurs in individuals who have been infected with the causative agent of AIDS but have not developed clinical consequences severe enough to define them as having AIDS. This review examines the various disease processes which can affect the gut in these groups.
A comparison of oral cholecystography and real time ultrasonography in the diagnosis of non-acute disease of the gall bladder
Authors: Evans S. D. , Dewar E. P. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryIn a retrospective study to assess the accuracy of our methods of diagnosing non-acute surgical pathology of the gall bladder, we compared oral cholecystography (OCG) with biliary ultrasound in 80 patients who had their pathology confirmed at operation. OCG was 100% accurate but ultrasound was correct in only 76%. There were no failures of examination with OCG but ultrasound failed 16 times (22.5%) and in addition gave one false negative result, but no false positives. Ultrasound followed by OCG, if no abnormality is detected, is the safest and most cost-effective method of making a correct diagnosis using these diagnostic techniques, but OCG is the more accurate of the two.
Conjunctival Amyloid—A case report
Authors: Jeffrey M. N. , Jeffrey M. J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA case of conjunctival amyloid in a 56 year old lady is described in whom no evidence of predisposing localised or systemic disease was found. Histochemistry and immunocytochemistry showed that the amyloid was immunoglobulin-derived. The clinical and pathological features of conjunctival amyloid are discussed.
Computers: Application of Micro Computer in a Royal Naval Air Station
Authors: Sheard S. C. , Johnston R. P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAn HP 150 II Microprocessor was installed in the Sick Bay RNAS Yeovilton in January 1986 to undertake the following tasks:a. As a word processor to assist the secretarial work load.b. To assist with the Medical History Section.To date it has proved a tremendous success. This article describes the progress made towards attaining these aims and the other uses which have been found for the system.
A simple test for the assessment of aerobic fitness
Authors: Smith D. J. , Pethybridge R. J. , Duggan A. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe relationship between physical fitness, anthropometric measures, and the scores in three submaximal step tests have been evaluated in a group of 30 male subjects. Physical fitness was assessed as VO2max measured directly during uphill treadmill running. Each submaximal exercise test was of six minutes duration and the heart rate recorded during the last minute (fH6) constituted the test score. Significant negative correlation coefficients were found between VO2max and each test score while lean body mass, gross body weight and body surface area were all positively correlated with VO2max (1/min). The score in the least severe step test was included with anthropometric measures in multiple linear regression analysis for the prediction of VO2max and a number of prediction equations were derived. It was found that when lean body mass is calculated from skinfold measurements and weight, VO2max can be calculated from the equation:VO2max(1/min) = 1.470 + 0.0614 × Lean Body mass −0.0131 × fH6This equation accounts for 73% of the total variation of VO2max. If lean body mass cannot be calculated, a combination of gross body weight and age plus fH6 gives the equation:VO2max = 3.614 + 0.0349 × Weight −0.0177 × fH6 −0.0161 × Ageaccounting for 66% of the variance. The test has the following advantages over those currently employed:It is simple to administer requiring 6 minutes of stepping onto a 32 cm platform—the height of a gymnasium bench—20 times per minute.Although ideally an assessment of lean body mass is required, gross body weight plus age is a good second best.It is submaximal, minimising the stress on the individual (mean heart rate achieved 121 beats per minute).Its accuracy in terms of its ability to predict maximal aerobic power is better than either the Ohio or Harvard University tests.It is suggested that this test could be used where maximal testing is contraindicated or where currently used tests are insufficiently accurate.
The influence of Periodontal screening upon dental hygienist practice in the Royal Navy
Authors: Woodman A. J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTreatment patterns and times were observed for 616 Royal Naval personnel following routine referral to a Dental Hygienist. Results were then related to the patient’s periodontal status recorded at their initial examination, using the Periodontal Index for Treatment, to determine whether the Index would allow prediction of the treatment necessary for such patients and whether the Index was being used, as intended, for prioritisation of resources for periodontal care. Results indicated that both the treatment time and oral health education time for each patient were related to the Index and thus to disease severity. However, the results failed to show that the Index was used for prioritising periodontal care and suggested that Dental Hygienist practice is dominated by the treatment of patients with little or no periodontal disease to the disadvantage of a minority of patients requiring intensive therapy for destructive periodontal disease.
Toe temperatures during Dartmoor training
Authors: Travis S. P. L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe surface temperature of eight Royal Marine recruits was monitored in the field during Autumn training on Dartmoor (minimum air temperature 4.5°C). The lowest skin temperature recorded was 6.1°C. One subject experienced a toe temperature below 10° for 5.5 hours and below 15°C for 12.6 hours during a 24 hour recording period. Ambient temperature and inactivity during exposure to cold were the main factors associated with low toe temperatures but individual responses varied widely.
Coxsackie B viruses and the post viral syndrome in nuclear submariners
Authors: Warnock P. J. , Bell E. J. , Riding M. H. 
Published: October 2021

SummarySera from 168 submariners, the entire crew of a Polaris submarine, were tested for Coxsackie B Virus (CBV) specific IgM antibodies using a μ antibody capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 36 (21%) were positive or weak positive with 22 (13%) confirmed by CBV neutralisation tests (NT) suggesting recent or active CBV infection. The sailors were observed over a two year period during which three patients (2%) developed illnesses suggestive of the post viral fatigue syndrome. These cases, all previously seronegative for CBV did not seroconvert once they became unwell and their illnesses are presumed to have been due to other viruses. The prevalence of CBV infections and the post viral fatigue syndrome in this close and confined community are discussed.
Postmortem accurate IR-level state recovery for deployed concurrent programs
Authors: Hoshino Shinji , Arahori Yoshitaka , Gondow Katsuhiko 
Published: October 2021

Debugging failures of deployed concurrent software is important for quality assurance. However, such failures are difficult to debug because their behavior is non-deterministic and limited information can be obtained with conventional means. Reverse debuggers such as REPT [11] assists with debugging by recovering data values before the failure. This is achieved by using a hardware-tracer to log control-flow information, then using the information and a conventional coredump to recover data values via reverse-execution at machine-level. REPT's algorithm for data value recovery is reliable and fast. But the implementation cost is high because of its dependence on architecture. Applying REPT to more abstract IR (Intermediate Representation) level instructions to counter this yielded limited results with low accuracy compared to the original x86_64 implementation. The main reason for this is that the stack layout is abstracted at IR-level.
In this paper, we present STRAB (State Recovery at Abstract-level), a collection of our proposed methods to solve these problems. STRAB works in two phases. First, the data values in the coredump are lifted from machine-level to IR-level using rich debug information (DWARF3) and a novel technique we call mid-recovery lifting, the latter helping to recover more heap data values at IR-level. Second, our novel hybrid memory location resolution reduces the accuracy loss due to the abstracted stack layout at IR-level.
Experimental results on a variety of real-world concurrent programs show that STRAB has significantly higher accuracy compared to REPT at IR-level (+40% on average) with only minor slowdowns (x2.7 on average), while also achieving architecture-independence.