bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of a Novel Optical Sensing System for Detecting Rail Lubricity Conditions
Authors: Pan Yu , Mast Timothy , Holton Carvel , Ahmadian Mehdi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a laboratory evaluation of a novel optical sensing system mounted on a moving platform for detecting the presence and adequacy of Top-of-Rail (TOR) friction modifiers and flange greases. The friction modifiers are applied on the top of rail for managing the coefficient of friction to reduce wear while maintaining stable traction. Flange greases are intended to reduce wear that happens when wheel flange makes contact with the rail gage-face during curving. Additionally, friction modifiers and flange greases could influence fuel consumption. The U.S. railroads have made the application of TOR adopted on the mainlines. The tools, however, for evaluating the rail lubricity condition are limited and there is often uncertainty about the required or “optimal” amount of friction modifiers, except for the trained eye of the track engineer. The proposed sensing system provides an innovative non-contact method by using the optical laser’s reflective and scattering properties when directed at the rail surface to assess the friction modifiers’ conditions. In addition, the laser’s near-UV (Ultraviolet) wavelength is able to excite fluorescent elements in the flange grease and detect any top-of-rail contamination of grease that may exist. The design and working principles of the system are demonstrated and explained in this paper. Static and dynamic tests are performed in the lab under a controlled environment for various lubricity conditions, in order to experimentally validate and evaluate the performance of the optical sensing system. The lab evaluation indicates that the proposed optical sensing system is capable of successfully detecting the diverse lubricity conditions and shows a great potential to be widely tested and used in the field on revenue-service tracks.
Scheduling Maintenance Technicians in a Railway Depot
Authors: Alves Tiago , Andrade António R. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a mathematical programming model that optimizes the daily schedule of maintenance technicians in a railway depot. The aim of the model is the minimization of the associated labor costs, while assigning the different technicians and skills required for each maintenance task. A case study of a Portuguese train operating company is explored, including many technical constraints imposed by the company. A mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated and applied to the case study, while observing the rolling stock schedule and the maintenance tactical plan. The optimized solution shows that the maintenance team could be shortened, as some workers are not necessary to carry out all maintenance actions, suggesting the need for more flexible maintenance crew scheduling and associated labor conditions. The present model is integrated within a tactical maintenance planning model, which finds a feasible annual maintenance plan for the entire fleet, and an operational maintenance scheduling model, which assigns train units to service tasks and schedules the maintenance tasks within the rolling stock. Together, the three models provide a decision framework that can support maintenance planning and scheduling decisions. Finally, the present maintenance crew scheduling model adds a key aspect to the literature: the skills of maintenance technicians.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Regional Versus Global Myocardial Sympathetic Activity to Improve Risk Stratification in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zelt Jason G.E. , Wang Jean Zhuo , Mielniczuk Lisa M. , Beanlands Rob S.B. , Fallavollita James A. , Canty John M. , deKemp Robert A. 
Published: June 2021

Background:

Current risk assessment approaches fail to identify the majority of patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Noninvasive imaging of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system using single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography offers the potential for refining SCA risk assessment. While various [
11
C]meta-hydroxyephedrine quantification parameters have been proposed, it is currently unknown whether regional denervation or global innervation yields greater SCA risk discrimination. The aim of the study was to determine whether the global innervation parameters yield any independent and additive prognostic value over the regional denervation alone.

Methods:

In a post hoc competing-risks analysis of the PAREPET trial (Prediction of Arrhythmic Events With Positron Emission Tomography), we compared global innervation and regional denervation parameters using the norepinephrine analog [
11
C]meta-hydroxyephedrine for SCA risk discrimination. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n=174) eligible for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for the primary prevention of SCA were recruited into the trial. [
11
C]meta-hydroxyephedrine uptake and clearance rates were measured to assess global (left ventricle mean) retention index and volume of distribution. Regional defects were quantified as the percentage of the left ventricle having values <75% of the maximum.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, there were 56 cardiac-related deaths, of which 26 were SCAs. For any given regional denervation volume, there was substantial heterogeneity in global innervation scores. Global retention index and distribution volume did not decrease until regional defects exceeded 40% left ventricle. Global scale parameters, retention index, and distribution volume (area under the curve=0.61,
P
=0.034,
P
=0.046, respectively), yielded inferior SCA risk discrimination compared to regional heterogeneity (area under the curve=0.74).

Conclusions:
Regional denervation volume has superior cause-specific mortality prediction for SCA versus global parameters of sympathetic innervation. These results have widespread implications for future cardiac sympathetic imaging, which will greatly simplify innervation analysis.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01400334.
Parents’ Beliefs about Their Influence on Children’s Scientific and Religious Views: Perspectives from Iran, China and the United States
Authors: McLoughlin Niamh , Davoodi Telli , Cui Yixin Kelly , Clegg Jennifer M. , Harris Paul L. , Corriveau Kathleen H. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Parents in Iran, China and the United States were asked 1) about their potential influence on their children’s religious and scientific views and 2) to consider a situation in which their children expressed dissent. Iranian and US parents endorsed their influence on the children’s beliefs in the two domains. By contrast, Chinese parents claimed more influence in the domain of science than religion. Most parents spoke of influencing their children via Parent-only mechanisms in each domain (e.g., discussion, teaching), although US parents did spontaneously note Multiple sources for the transmission of religious views (e.g., church, other influential adults). Parents proposed a similar stance towards children’s dissenting religious and scientific views. Chinese and US parents were more likely to express Supportive approaches and Iranian parents were more likely to express a Directive approach by comparison. The present research informs our understanding of the cultural transmission of views about science and religion.
Does “Faith” in Science Correlate with Indicators of Well-Being?
Authors: Saide Anondah , McCaffree Kevin , Richert Rebekah 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Religion has long been theorized to serve important functions for societies and individuals; specifically, as a source of knowledge about what is real and as a source of norms prescribing how individuals should behave. However, science and scientists appear to be playing an increasingly large role in public discourse. A majority of adults in the U.S. report interest in science and an increasing number are obtaining degrees in the sciences – more so among males than females. As a result, we examined (1) whether and how participants’ demographic background, religious background, and two indicators of well-being relate to a “belief in science” index, and (2) whether those relations differed among males and females. 560 young adults from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds participated. The findings presented here suggest that belief in science and religiosity are strongly inversely correlated, and if belief in science does confer emotion-related benefits, it may operate differently across demographic categories. Specifically, we find that belief in science is related to emotion dysregulation and death anxiety among males, but not females, even though females scored lower on these indicators of well-being overall.
Angel Spirituality in the World’s Happiest Country: The Attraction of Lorna Byrne among Finnish Women
Authors: Mikkola Elisa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article discusses how women in Finland, the happiest country in the world in 2019, use new spiritual services and angels to cope with everyday life. Should not the high living standard and level of happiness decrease spirituality, as Norris and Inglehart suggest? The research material was collected using questionnaires in talks given by Irish mystic Lorna Byrne in Helsinki in 2011 and 2015. For the women studied, angels offer support and bring enchantment to their lives in a way institutionalized religion does not. While the high level of existential security decreases their religiousness, it opens these women up to other alternatives for new spirituality.
Zip Code-Related Income Disparities in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Qwaider Yasmeen Z. , Sell Naomi M. , Boudreau Chloe , Stafford Caitlin E. , Ricciardi Rocco , Cauley Christy E. , Bordeianou Liliana G. , Berger David L. , Kunitake Hiroko , Goldstone Robert N. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction Screening and early detection reduce morbidity and mortality in colorectal cancer. Our aim is to study the effect of income disparities on the clinical characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer in Massachusetts. Methods Patients were extracted from a database containing all surgically treated colorectal cancers between 2004 and 2015 at a tertiary hospital in Massachusetts. We split patients into 2 groups: “above-median income” and “below-median income” according to the median income of Massachusetts ($74,167). Results The analysis included 817 patients. The above-median income group consisted of 528 patients (65%) and the below-median income group consisted of 289 patients (35%). The mean age of presentation was 64 ± 15 years for the above-median income group and 67 ± 15 years for the below-median income group ( P = .04). Patients with below-median income were screened less often ( P < .001) and presented more frequently with metastatic disease ( P = .02). Patients with above-median income survived an estimated 15 months longer than those with below-median income ( P < .001). The survival distribution was statistically significantly different between the groups for stage III disease ( P = .004), but not stages I, II, or IV ( P = 1, 1, and .2, respectively). For stage III disease, a lower proportion of below-median income patients received chemotherapy (61% vs. 79%, P = .002) and a higher proportion underwent nonelective surgery (5% vs. 2%, P = .007). Conclusions In Massachusetts, patients with colorectal cancer residing in lower income areas are screened less, received adjuvant chemotherapy less, and have worse outcomes, especially when analyzing those who present with stage III disease.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism and venous thromboembolism: A meta-analysis of 9 studies involving 3993 subjects
Authors: Huang Guangbin , Deng Xuejun , Xu Yanan , Wang Pan , Li Tao , Hu Ping 
Published: June 2021

Background Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphism may influence the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, data from published studies with low statistical power are inconclusive. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between eNOS polymorphism and the risk of VTE. Method Case-control studies evaluating the association between the eNOS polymorphism and VTE were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). Results A total of 1588 cases and 2405 controls from 9 studies were included in the analysis. The results showed that eNOS G894T polymorphism was related to VTE susceptibility and the difference was statistically significant [T vs G: OR = 1.41, 95% CI (1.13, 1.75), P = 0.002; TT + GG vs TG: OR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.60, 0.84), P = 0.000; TT + TG vs GG: OR = 1.45, 95% CI (1.23, 1.70), P = 0.000]. Additionally, eNOS Intron 4 VNTR polymorphism was related to VTE susceptibility and the difference was statistically significant [4b4b vs 4a4a + 4a4b: OR = 2.77, 95% CI (1.01, 7.61), P = 0.048]. Conclusion ENOS G894T and eNOS Intron 4 VNTR polymorphisms were associated with VTE susceptibility, especially in Asian populations. However, multicenter studies with larger samples should be conducted to further clarify this association and verify our findings.
Beliefs About the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes Among First-Generation Asian Indians in the United States
Authors: Deol Rupinder M. , Thompson Lisa M. , Chun Kevin M , Chesla Catherine 
Published: June 2021

Introduction Asian Indians (AIs) have the highest prevalence rates (18.3%-29%) of diabetes in any minority group in the United States, yet little is known about their beliefs about what causes type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine first generation AIs causal beliefs about type 2 diabetes. Method Interpretative phenomenology was used to interview 12 first-generation AI participants with type 2 diabetes to elicit causal beliefs of their disease. Interpretative and thematic analysis were completed. Results Beliefs about the causes of diabetes in AIs were influenced by a general familiarity with the disease, limited knowledge about causal and preventative factors of the disease, and gender specific roles and norms. Discussion Health programs that aim to incorporate AI’s cultural and health beliefs about the causes of diabetes are warranted.
Effect of dentin pretreatment on the resulting abrasive dentin wear
Authors: Hamza Blend , Kazimi Marina , Körner Philipp , Attin Thomas , Wegehaupt Florian Just 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate the influence of different dentin pretreatment procedures on the resulting abrasive dentin wear.

Methods
Two groups (A, B) of 60 dentin samples each were prepared. Group A was brushed with an abrasive slurry (RDA = 85) and group B with a different abrasive slurry (RDA = 174). Four subgroups in each group (n = 15) were created (A1–A4) and (B1–B4). The subgroups were pretreated as follows: A1 + B1 with 1200-grit grinding paper, A2 + B2 with 1200- and 2000-grit papers, A3 + B3 with 1200-, 2000-, and 4000-grit papers, A4 + B4 with 1200-, 2000-, 4000-grit papers and with 1000 brushing strokes with a slurry of Elmex toothpaste. All samples were brushed for 25 min at 120 strokes/min. Abrasive dentin wear was measured for each sample profilometrically and the subgroups were compared with each other within the same group. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the subgroups and pairwise contrasts were estimated for multiple testing according to Tukey (α = 0.05).

Results
The resulting abrasive dentin wear in group A ranged between 15.3 ± 3.4 µm and 17.3 ± 5.5 µm and between 20.3 ± 6.8 µm and 22.5 ± 2.6 µm in group B. No statistically significant difference was noticed between any subgroups within the same group (p ˃ 0.05).

Conclusions
Different dentin pretreatment procedures do not affect the resulting abrasive dentin wear independent of the RDA value of the employed abrasive slurry.
A robust multi-feature based method for distinguishing between humans and pets to ensure signal source in vital signs monitoring using UWB radar
Authors: Ma Yangyang , Wang Pengfei , Huang Wenzhe , Qi Fugui , Liang Fulai , Lv Hao , Yu Xiao , Wang Jianqi , Zhang Yang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPets have been indispensable members for many families in modern life, especially significant for the elderly and the blind. However, they may cause false alarm when misused as signal source in non-contact monitoring of the vital signs using ultra-wideband (UWB) radar. Distinguishing between humans and pets can help ensure the correct signal source. Nevertheless, existing solutions are few or only utilize a single feature, which can hinder robustness and accuracy because of individual differences. In this study, we proposed a robust multi-feature based method to solve the problem. First, 19 discriminative features were extracted to reflect differences in aspects of energy, frequency, wavelet entropy, and correlation coefficient. Second, the features were ranked by recursive feature elimination algorithm and the top eight were then selected to build an optimal support vector machine (SVM) model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the optimal SVM model reached 0.9620. The false and missing alarms for identifying humans were 0.0962 and 0.0600, respectively. Finally, comparison with the state-of-the-art method that only employed one feature validated the advance and accuracy of the proposed method. The method is envisioned to facilitate the UWB radar applications in non-contact and continuous vital signs monitoring.
Confidence interval methods for antimicrobial resistance surveillance data
Authors: Kalanxhi Erta , Osena Gilbert , Kapoor Geetanjali , Klein Eili 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest global health challenges today, but burden assessment is hindered by uncertainty of AMR prevalence estimates. Geographical representation of AMR estimates typically pools data collected from several laboratories; however, these aggregations may introduce bias by not accounting for the heterogeneity of the population that each laboratory represents.

Methods
We used AMR data from up to 381 laboratories in the United States from The Surveillance Network to evaluate methods for estimating uncertainty of AMR prevalence estimates. We constructed confidence intervals for the proportion of resistant isolates using (1) methods that account for the clustered structure of the data, and (2) standard methods that assume data independence. Using samples of the full dataset with increasing facility coverage levels, we examined how likely the estimated confidence intervals were to include the population mean.

Results
Methods constructing 95% confidence intervals while accounting for possible within-cluster correlations (Survey and standard methods adjusted to employ cluster-robust errors), were more likely to include the sample mean than standard methods (Logit, Wilson score and Jeffreys interval) operating under the assumption of independence. While increased geographical coverage improved the probability of encompassing the mean for all methods, large samples still did not compensate for the bias introduced from the violation of the data independence assumption.

Conclusion
General methods for estimating the confidence intervals of AMR rates that assume data are independent, are likely to produce biased results. When feasible, the clustered structure of the data and any possible intra-cluster variation should be accounted for when calculating confidence intervals around AMR estimates, in order to better capture the uncertainty of prevalence estimates.
A scalable association rule learning heuristic for large datasets
Authors: Li Haosong , Sheu Phillip C.-Y. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany algorithms have proposed to solve the association rule learning problem. However, most of these algorithms suffer from the problem of scalability either because of tremendous time complexity or memory usage, especially when the dataset is large and the minimum support (minsup) is set to a lower number. This paper introduces a heuristic approach based on divide-and-conquer which may exponentially reduce both the time complexity and memory usage to obtain approximate results that are close to the accurate results. It is shown from comparative experiments that the proposed heuristic approach can achieve significant speedup over existing algorithms.
Lymphoepthelial cyst of submandibular region: a case report
Authors: Iqbal Sana , Ahmed Sufyan , Kashif Mehwash 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The oral lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC) is a rare, soft-tissue, developmental cyst, initially presented by Gold in 1962 as a “branchial cleft cyst”. It may occur in the pancreas, tongue, neck, and other regions of the oral cavity. No study has been reported in Pakistan and Karachi reporting a case of lymphoepithelial cyst in the submandibular region. This rare case of LEC has been reported to help the clinicians to bring LEC into their differential diagnosis for lesions affecting the submandibular region.

Case presentation
We report a case of 57 years old female reported to the Maxillofacial OPD of a tertiary care hospital with the complaint of swelling on the right side of the neck for 3 weeks which was rapidly increasing in size. She was having difficulty in mastication. On extra-oral examination, there was swelling on the right side in the submandibular area. The overlying skin is normal with no evidence of pus and discharge. On palpation, the swelling was soft, non-tender, non-fluctuant, non-displaceable into the submandibular area. Lymph nodes were impalpable. Excision of the lesion performed under general anesthesia and biopsy revealed lymphoepithelial cyst associated with submandibular gland. Here we present an attention-grabbing case of swelling in the right submandibular region which was provisionally diagnosed as a malignant submandibular lymph node however later evidence histopathologically as a lymphoepithelial cyst of the submandibular gland.

Conclusion
An unusual cause of swelling in the neck is lymphoepithelial cysts. Submandibular gland appearance is not usual and can prove to be a clinical problem.
TEM sample preparation using micro-manipulator for in-situ MEMS experiment
Authors: Lee Hyunjong , Okello Odongo Francis Ngome , Kim Gi-Yeop , Song Kyung , Choi Si-Young 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGrowing demands for comprehending complicated nano-scale phenomena in atomic resolution has attracted in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques for understanding their dynamics. However, simple to safe TEM sample preparation for in-situ observation has been limited. Here, we suggested the optical microscopy based micro-manipulating system for transferring TEM samples. By adopting our manipulator system, several types of samples from nano-wires to plate-like thin samples were transferred on micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) chip in a single step. Furthermore, the control of electrostatic force between the sample and the probe tip is found to be a key role in transferring process.