bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an evidence-based model of care for low back pain in emergency departments: protocol for the Sydney Health Partners Emergency Department (SHaPED) trial
Authors: Machado Gustavo C , Richards Bethan , Needs Chris , Buchbinder Rachelle , Harris Ian A , Howard Kirsten , McCaffery Kirsten , Billot Laurent , Edwards James , Rogan Eileen , Facer Rochelle , Lord Cowell David , Maher Chris G 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionPatients with low back pain often seek care in emergency departments, but the problem is that many patients receive unnecessary or ineffective interventions and at the same time miss out on the basics of care, such as advice on self-management. This pattern of care has important consequences for the healthcare system (expensive and inefficient) and for patients (poor health outcomes). We hypothesised that the implementation of an evidence-based model of care for low back pain will improve emergency care by reducing inappropriate overuse of tests and treatments and improving patient outcomes.Methods and analysisA stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted to implement and evaluate the use of the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) model of care for acute low back pain at four emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia. Clinician participants will be emergency physicians, nurses and physiotherapists. Codes from the Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine—Clinical Terms—Australian version will be used to identify low back pain presentations. The intervention, targeting emergency clinicians, will comprise educational materials and seminars and an audit and feedback approach. Health service delivery outcomes are routinely collected measures of imaging (primary outcome), opioid use and inpatient admission. A random subsample of 200 patient participants from each trial period will be included to measure patient outcomes (pain intensity, physical function, quality of life and experience with emergency service). The effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed by comparing the postintervention period with the retrospective baseline control period.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from the Sydney Local Health District (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital zone) Ethics Committee (X17-0043). The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN 12617001160325.
High-fibre high-lipid by-product pellets containing calcium oxide-treated oat hulls as a partial replacement for barley grain in finishing diets for beef cattle
Authors: Johnson J.A. , Joy F. , McKinnon J.J. , Penner G.B. 
Published: April 2018

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of treating oat hulls with calcium oxide (CaO) prior to inclusion in a high-lipid by-product pellet (HLP) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, and total-tract digestibility (Study 1) and growth performance (Study 2). In Study 1, six ruminally cannulated heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Study 2 used 210 steers in 21 pens in a 113 d finishing study. Dietary treatments for both studies included a barley-based control diet (CON), a diet where HLP partially replaced barley grain (NT-HLP), and a diet where HLP contained oat hulls treated with 7.5% CaO [dry matter (DM) basis; CaO-HLP]. For Study 1, DMI and ruminal pH were not affected. Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and organic matter (OM) were greater (P < 0.05) for CON than NT-HLP and CaO-HLP. In Study 2, final body weight tended to be greater for NT-HLP and CaO-HLP than CON (P = 0.065). For CaO-HLP and NT-HLP, DMI was greater than CON (P < 0.01), but average daily gain (ADG) (2.0 kg d−1) and gain:feed (G:F) (0.16 kg kg−1) were not different. Thus, HLP can partially replace barley grain in finishing diets without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation or growth performance, but treatment with CaO has no effect.
The Theta-lnvariant Signature Algorithm (TISA) for Incipient Failure Detection in Cyclic Machines
Authors: Gupta Madan M. , Davall Peter W. 
Published: April 2018

High reliability and high availability are perhaps two of the most stringent demands made upon modern complex cyclic machines. Early detection and diagnosis of incipient machine failures, can lead to significant reductions in maintenance and repair costs, and ensure reliable operation of machines such as nuclear generating power plant in a complex operating environment. A most commonly used screening and fault detection method employs the spectral analysis of machine vibrations; usually the low frequency vibration signals obtained using velocity transducers are processed. In this paper, it is shown that conventional methods often fail to identify incipient failures, i.e., the statistical accuracy and the sensitivity of classical methods to incipient failure is poor. A signature analysis called the “θ-Invariant Signature Algorithm“ (TISA) is developed and several algorithms based upon this TISA approach are presented. The statistical sensitivities of TISA algorithms and conventional signature methods are compared and their ability to identify successfully some of the most common faults encountered in cyclic machines is discussed, using simulated fault conditions. The applications of TISA algorithms to the detection and diagnosis of incipient failures in rotating machines are reported in Part II.
An Expression of Strain Energy with Couple Stresses
Authors: Lakhanpal S.K. 
Published: April 2018

Modern Technology has required a continuous search for better materials. Hence, the desire among engineers to study the material properties rigorously. Throughout the literature, the concept of load transfer is based on linear stresses. However, the material behavior is better defined when load transfer is considered to be by couple stresses, in addition to linear stresses. The strain energy expression is an important tool for the study of the material. With this in mind, an expression with couple stresses included is developed.
On a Tensorial Study of the Energy Density Equation of a Momentless Elastic Solid
Authors: Urrutia-Galicia J.L. 
Published: April 2018

The absolute tensorial energy density equation of a momentless elastic solid is studied. The energy density concept is developed in arbitrary non-cartesian curvilinear coordinates and the final equation is applicable to theories such as those developed for beams, plates or shells. The use of the Trefftz’s method in connection with the absolute energy density equation will allow us to obtain the following: the non-linear equations of equilibrium, the stability condition, the post-buckling equation and a fourth order functional related to the fourth variation of the energy density equation for an elastic solid.
Effect of Connecting Rod Obliquity on the Torsional Vibration of Marine Diesel Engines with Variable Inertia
Authors: Haddara M.R. , Younis M.A. 
Published: April 2018

Recent instances of marine crankshaft failure were attributed to secondary resonance which is a consequence of variable inertia. More insight into the secondary resonance producing mechanism may be gained by considering the effect of connecting rod obliquity. In this work an analytical method for the study of the effect of variable inertia, taking into account the obliquity of the connecting rod, is developed. New resonant frequencies are found. Expressions defining the boundaries between resonant and non-resonant solutions are derived. Moreover, numerical solutions are obtained using a fourth order Runge-Kutta algorithm. Results obtained from both approaches are in agreement.
DAMAGE ACCUMULATION IN FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITE LAMINATES
Authors: LABOSSIERE P. , NEALE K.W. , NEGLO K. 
Published: April 2018

Finite element calculations are carried out to simulate progressive damage in fibre-reinforced composite laminates. Each element is taken to be linearly elastic up to failure, which is assumed to be caused by either fibre breakage, matrix rupture or delamination. These damage modes are modelled by incorporating Lee’s [2] failure criteria in the analysis. Behaviour subsequent to each type of damage is modelled by suitably modifying the element properties in the failure zones. Numerical results are present for the progressive failure of a four-layer symmetric cross-ply laminate with a circular hole.
DESIGNING RELIABLY FOR WIND ENERGY
Authors: ALAWI H. 
Published: April 2018

In this study the methodology for probabilistic modeling of wind speed using computer oriented techniques is presented. This approach makes it possible to simulate the wind speed on a computer thereby allowing for proper planning and reliably designing matters involving wind. The computer program developed is used to simulate power production and to determine probability density function of wind power produced for reliability purposes and idle times of a wind power production plant for determining the back-up storage system needed. An example is given on wind energy production and standby storage requirements for Kuwait during the month of January.
CHAOTIC VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCES IN A FLEXIBLE-ARM ROBOT
Authors: Golnaraghi M.F. 
Published: April 2018

Once flexibility is introduced into the arm of the robot, severe problems in the accuracy and stability are likely to occur which make control a critical issue. These problems can successfully be eliminated only if the nonlinear dynamics associated with the flexible–arm is properly accounted for. In this paper we study the behaviour of a two degree of freedom high speed robot with a flexible–arm, having quadratic nonlinearities with natural frequencies defined as ω1 and ω2, at ω1 ∝ 2ω2 internal resonance. We perform numerical simulations as well as analytical investigations on a simplified mathematical model of the system, subjected to periodic excitation. The two variable expansion perturbation method is used to show the existence of jump phenomena and ‘saturation’ when both forced resonance and internal resonance occur. Numerical studies indicate the existence of chaotic solutions in the resonance regions. The routes to chaos contain subharmonic bifurcations.
ANALYSIS, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A TENSION CONTROLLED SKYLINE LOG-YARDING CARRIAGE
Authors: Dayson C. 
Published: April 2018

This paper describes a novel skyline yarding carriage invented and developed at the National Research Council’s engineering laboratories in Vancouver. A skyline system has advantages over other cable systems for long distance haulage of logs and for selective cutting; it has a very tight fixed “skyline” on which the carriage runs. The new NRC carriage has several advantages compared with the standard one; it feeds line to the chokerman who attaches the cables to the logs; it increases the system’s capacity for pulling the logs to the skyline and it improves the efficiency of the log’s transportation along the skyline. These advantages are achieved with a low cost, all mechanical system which relies on the tensions in the hauling cables to change the mode of operation of the carriage. This patented system is described in detail and a theoretical analysis is presented which allows the performance of the system to be predicted. Two prototypes of the device, which have been built, are described and their performance in field trials is reported.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF SIMULTANEOUS HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER IN FLUIDIZED BED DRYING OF LARGE PARTICLES
Authors: Hajidavaloo E. , Hamdullahpur F. 
Published: April 2018

A mathematical model for simulation of simultaneous unsteady heat and mass transfer in fluidized-bed drying of large particles is proposed. A set of coupled non-linear partial differential equations is employed to accurately model the process without using adjustable parameters. A three phase model representing a bubble (dilute) phase, interstitial gas phase and a solid phase is used to describe the thermal and hydrodynamic characteristics of the bed. The bubble and temperature distributions inside the solid phase is applied. The flow field is divided by an orthogonal grid to a finite number of control volumes to simulate the variation of the properties for the three phases in longitudinal direction. The Crank-Nicholson implicit numerical method is applied to solve the set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations with variable mass and thermal diffusivity for a spherical-shape particle. A pilot-scaled fluidized bed dryer was built to test the results of proposed model with those obtained by experiments using wheat particles as a bed charge. A good agreement between the numerical and experimental results is observed.
KINEMATIC OPTIMIZATION OF MECHANICAL PRESSES BY OPTIMAL SYNTHESIS OF CAM-INTEGRATED LINKAGES
Authors: Mundo D. , Danieli G.A. , Yan H.S. 
Published: April 2018

The paper proposes a method for the synthesis of planar mechanisms, where a combination of cams and linkages is used in order to improve the kinematic behaviour of mechanical presses. The purpose is to synthesize a function generating mechanism, with a constant input-velocity, able to move the press ram according to an optimal law of motion. The proposed synthesis methodology consists of two phases. As a first step, a linkage type-synthesis is performed, based on the mobility the generation task requires. An initial multi degree-of-freedom (d.o.f.) mechanism is thus selected. One or more disc cams are then synthesized in order to reduce the system’s mobility and to obtain a single-input combined mechanism. The final system is able to generate a specific input/output relationship, as defined by any number of precision configurations. In order to optimize the synthesis process, according to dimensional and kinematical criteria, a genetic algorithm is employed. A goal function is defined on the basis of both performance criteria and design rules, and minimized by means of evolutionary theory. The proposed methodology is applied to the kinematic optimization of mechanical presses for deep drawing and precision cutting processes.
Differential equations of smooth loops related to some space-time models: Integrability conditions and geometry
Authors: Sbitneva L. 
Published: April 2018

The original approach of Lie to the theory of transformation groups acting on smooth manifolds, on the basis of differential equations, being applied to smooth loops, has permitted the development of the infinitesimal theory of smooth loops generalizing the Lie group theory.A loop with the law of associativity verified for its binary operation is a group. It has been shown that the system of differential equations characterizing a smooth loop with the right Bol identity and the integrability conditions lead to the binary-ternary algebra as a proper infinitesimal object, which turns out to be the Bol algebra (i.e. a Lie triple system with an additional bilinear skew-symmetric operation). There exist the analogous considerations for Moufang loops.We will consider the differential equations of smooth loops, generalizing smooth left Bol loops, with the identities that are the characteristic identities for the algebraic description of some relativistic space-time models. Further examinations of the integrability conditions for the differential equations allow us to introduce the proper infinitesimal object for some subclass of loops under consideration.The geometry of corresponding homogeneous spaces can be described in terms of tensors of curvature and torsion.
An endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand, ITE, induces regulatory T cells and ameliorates experimental colitis
Authors: Abron Jessica D. , Singh Narendra P. , Mishra Manoj K. , Price Robert L. , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Singh Udai P. 
Published: April 2018

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition that affects millions of people with high morbidity and health care costs. The precise etiology of IBD is unknown, but clear evidence suggests that intestinal inflammation is caused by an excessive immune response to mucosal antigens. Recent studies have shown that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppresses autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we investigated if a nontoxic ligand of AhR, 2-(1′ H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), can attenuate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Our studies demonstrated that in mice that received ITE treatment in vivo, colitis pathogenesis, including a decrease in body weight, was significantly reversed along with the systemic and intestinal inflammatory cytokines. ITE increased the expression of Tregs in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and colon lamina propria lymphocytes (cLPL) of mice with colitis when compared with controls. This induction of Tregs was reversed by AhR antagonist treatment in vitro. ITE treatment also increased dendritic cells (CD11c+) and decreased macrophages (F4/80+) from the spleen, MLNs, and cLPL in mice with colitis. ITE also reversed the systemic and intestinal frequency of CD4+T cells during colitis and suppressed inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and IL-1 as well as induced IL-10 levels. These findings suggest that ITE attenuates colitis through induction of Tregs and reduction in inflammatory CD4+T cells and cytokines. Therefore, our work demonstrates that the nontoxic endogenous AhR ligand ITE may serve as a therapeutic modality to treat IBD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report the novel finding that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with the nontoxic ligand 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) and suppresses inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our data suggest that ITE diminishes colitis pathology through induction of Tregs; reduces inflammatory cytokines, inflammation score, and macrophage frequency; and induces DCs resulting in amelioration of colitis. Therefore, nontoxic endogenous ITE promotes the induction of Tregs and may be useful for the treatment of IBD.
Effects of mild whole body hypothermia on self-paced exercise performance
Authors: Ferguson Steven A. H. , Eves Neil D. , Roy Brian D. , Hodges Gary J. , Cheung Stephen S. 
Published: April 2018

This study examined self-paced, high-intensity exercise during mild hypothermia and whether hyperoxia might offset any potential impairment. Twelve trained males each completed 15-km time trials in three environmental conditions: Neutral (23°C, [Formula: see text] 0.21), Cold (0°C, [Formula: see text] 0.21), and Cold+Hyper (0°C, [Formula: see text] 0.40). Cold and Cold+Hyper trials occurred after a 0.5°C drop in rectal temperature. Rectal temperature was higher ( P ≤ 0.016) throughout Neutral compared with Cold and Cold+Hyper; Cold had a higher ( P ≤ 0.035) rectal temperature than Cold+Hyper from 2.5 to 7.5 km, and hyperoxia did not alter thermal sensation or comfort. Oxyhemoglobin saturation decreased from ~98% to ~94% with Neutral and Cold, but was maintained at ~99% in Cold+Hyper ( P < 0.01). Cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI) was higher in Neutral than in Cold throughout the time trial (TT) ( P ≤ 0.001), whereas Cold+Hyper were unchanged ( P ≥ 0.567) from Neutral by 2.5 km. Muscle TOI was maintained in Cold+Hyper compared with Neutral and was higher ( P ≤ 0.046) than Cold throughout the entire TT. Power output during Cold (246 ± 41 W) was lower than Neutral (260 ± 38 W) at all 2.5-km intervals ( P ≤ 0.012) except at 12.5 km. Power output during Cold+Hyper (256 ± 42 W) was unchanged ( P ≥ 0.161) from Neutral throughout the TT, and was higher than Cold from 7.5 km onward. Average cadence was higher in Neutral (93 ± 8 rpm) than in either Cold or Cold+Hyper (Cold: 89 ± 7 and Cold+Hyper: 90 ± 8 rpm, P = 0.031). In conclusion, mild hypothermia reduced self-paced exercise performance; hyperoxia during mild hypothermia restored performance to thermoneutral levels, likely due to maintenance of oxygen availability rather than any thermogenic benefit. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined self-paced, high-intensity exercise with 0.5°C rectal temperature decreases in a 0°C ambient environment, along with whether hyperoxia could offset any potential impairment. During a 15-km time trial, power output was lower with hypothermia than with thermoneutral. However, with hypothermia, hyperoxia of [Formula: see text] = 0.40 restored power output despite there being no thermophysiological improvement. Hypothermia impairs exercise performance, whereas hyperoxia likely restored performance due to maintenance of oxygen availability rather than any thermogenic benefit.
Consumption of Sugars, Sugary Foods, and Sugary Beverages in Relation to Adiposity-Related Cancer Risk in the Framingham Offspring Cohort (1991–2013)
Authors: Makarem Nour , Bandera Elisa V. , Lin Yong , Jacques Paul F. , Hayes Richard B. , Parekh Niyati 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: Higher sugar consumption may increase cancer risk by promoting insulin-glucose dysregulation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and excess adiposity. This prospective study investigates the association between dietary sugars (fructose and sucrose) and sugary foods and beverages in relation to combined and site-specific (breast, prostate, colorectal) adiposity-associated cancers.Methods: The analytic sample consisted of 3,184 adults, aged 26–84 years, from the Framingham Offspring cohort. Diet data were first collected between 1991 and 1995 using a food frequency questionnaire. Intakes of fructose, sucrose, sugary foods, and sugary beverages (fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages) were derived. Participants were followed up until 2013 to ascertain cancer incidence; 565 doctor-diagnosed adiposity-related cancers, including 124 breast, 157 prostate, and 68 colorectal cancers occurred. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations. Tests for interaction with BMI and waist circumference were conducted.Results: No associations were observed between fructose, sucrose, sugary food consumption, and combined incidence of adiposity-related cancers or the examined site-specific cancers. While total consumption of sugary beverages was not associated with site-specific cancer risk, higher intakes of fruit juice were associated with 58% increased prostate cancer risk (HR: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.04–2.41) in multivariable-adjusted models. In exploratory stratified analyses, higher sugary beverage intakes increased overall adiposity-related cancer risk by 59% in participants with excessive central adiposity (HR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01–2.50; Ptrend = 0.057).Conclusions: In this cohort of American adults, higher sugary beverage consumption was associated with increased cancer risk among participants with central adiposity.Impact: These analyses suggest that avoiding sugary beverages represents a simple dietary modification that may be used as an effective cancer control strategy. Cancer Prev Res; 11(6); 347–58. ©2018 AACR.