bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Swirl on the Stabilization of Non-Premixed Oxygen-Enriched Flames Above Coaxial Injectors
Authors: Degeneve A. , Mirat C. , Caudal J. , Vicquelin R. , Schuller T. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
An experimental study is carried out to analyze the effects of swirl on the structure and stabilization of methane non-premixed oxygen-enriched flames above a coaxial injector in which the two streams are eventually swirled. The mean position of the flame and the liftoff height above the injector lips are investigated with OH* chemiluminescence images. The oxygen enrichment, the momentum flux ratio between the two coflows, the swirl level inside the central jet, and the swirl level in the annular jet are varied over a large range of operating conditions. It is found that, in the absence of swirl in the central stream, the flame is always attached to the lips of the internal injection tube. As the inner swirl level increases, the flame front located at the lips of the internal injection tube disappears. When the annular swirl level is high enough to create a central recirculating bubble, the flame detaches from the nozzle rim and remains lifted at a finite distance above the injector. Increasing the oxygen concentration shifts this transition to smaller momentum flux ratios and smaller annular swirl levels. The liftoff distance can be finely tuned and depends on the inner and outer swirl levels, and on the momentum flux ratio between the two coaxial streams. It is shown that this feature depends neither on the confinement of the injector nor on the thermal stress exerted by the hot burnt gases on the injector back plane. About 1000 configurations were investigated that could be classified into only four distinct stabilization modes, in which the flame structure was shown to follow a similar pathway when the momentum flux ratio between the two streams, the swirl level in the central and external streams, and the quarl angle of the annular stream are varied. It is finally shown how these limits are altered when the oxygen concentration in the annular oxidizer stream is varied from air to oxygen-enriched operation.
Multiobjective Design Optimization of a Biconcave Mobile-Bearing Lumbar Total Artificial Disk Considering Spinal Kinematics, Facet Joint Loading, and Metal-on-Polyethylene Contact Mechanics
Authors: Zhou Chaochao , Willing Ryan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Total disk arthroplasty (TDA) using an artificial disk (AD) is an attractive surgical technique for the treatment of spinal disorders, since it can maintain or restore spinal motion (unlike interbody fusion). However, adverse surgical outcomes of contemporary lumbar TDAs have been reported. We previously proposed a new mobile-bearing AD design concept featuring a biconcave ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) mobile core. The objective of this study was to develop an artificial neural network (NN) based multiobjective optimization framework to refine the biconcave-core AD design considering multiple TDA performance metrics, simultaneously. We hypothesized that there is a tradeoff relationship between the performance metrics in terms of range of motion (ROM), facet joint force (FJF), and polyethylene contact pressure (PCP). By searching the resulting three-dimensional (3D) Pareto frontier after multiobjective optimization, it was found that there was a “best-tradeoff” AD design, which could balance all the three metrics, without excessively sacrificing each metric. However, for each single-objective optimum AD design, only one metric was optimal, and distinct sacrifices were observed in the other two metrics. For a commercially available biconvex-core AD design, the metrics were even worse than the poorest outcomes of the single-objective optimum AD designs. Therefore, multiobjective design optimization could be useful for achieving native lumbar segment biomechanics and minimal PCPs, as well as for improving the existing lumbar motion-preserving surgical treatments.
Deep Friction Massage in the Management of Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes: Short-Term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Chaves Paula , Simões Daniela , Paço Maria , Silva Sandra , Pinho Francisco , Duarte José Alberto , Ribeiro Fernando 
Published: October 2019

Context: Deep friction massage (DFM) is often used in the treatment of tendinopathies; however, the pressure applied may vary and interfere with the obtained results. Objective: To assess whether the immediate effects of DFM on pain (pain intensity and time to onset of analgesia) and muscle strength are dependent on the pressure applied during the DFM application in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Design: Randomized, controlled, cross-over trial. Setting: University research laboratory (institutional). Participants: Ten athletes with diagnosis of unilateral patellar tendinopathy (age 27.90 [5.24] y). Interventions: All participants attended 4 sessions, 3 treatment sessions with DFM applied with different pressures (the mean pressure—previously determined for each participant—and the mean pressure ± 25%) and a control session, each of which was separated by 48 hours. Main Outcome Measures: Pain (intensity upon palpation and time to onset of analgesia), and muscle strength of knee extensors were assessed before and immediately after each session. Results: Pain intensity changed significantly over time (F1,9 = 52.364; P < .001; ) and among sessions (F3,27 = 82.588; P < .001; ), with a significant interaction for group × time (F3,27 = 19.841; P < .001; ). The knee extensors strength did not change significantly over time (F1,9 = 2.240; P = .17; ), nor a significant interaction for session × time was observed (F3,27 = 3.276; P = .07; ). Regardless of the pressure applied, the time to onset of analgesia was not significantly different (F2,18 = 1.026; P > .05; ). Conclusion: It was shown that DFM induces an immediate reduction in pain intensity upon palpation, regardless of the pressure performed. Notwithstanding, the reader should take into account the small sample size and the caution needed in the results’ interpretation.
Impact of major depression on cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with hypertension: prospective survival analysis in UK Biobank
Authors: Graham Nicholas , Ward Joey , Mackay Daniel , Pell J P , Cavanagh Jonathan , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Smith Daniel J 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo assess whether a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) in middle-aged individuals with hypertension influences first-onset cardiovascular disease outcomes.DesignProspective cohort survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards regression with a median follow-up of 63 months (702 902 person-years). Four mutually exclusive groups were compared: hypertension only (n=56 035), MDD only (n=15 098), comorbid hypertension plus MDD (n=12 929) and an unaffected (no hypertension, no MDD) comparison group (n=50 798).SettingUK Biobank.ParticipantsUK Biobank participants without cardiovascular disease aged 39–70 who completed psychiatric questions relating International Classification of Diseases-10 Revision (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria on a touchscreen questionnaire at baseline interview in 2006–2010 (n=134 860).Primary and secondary outcome measuresFirst-onset adverse cardiovascular outcomes leading to hospital admission or death (ICD-10 codes I20–I259, I60–69 and G45–G46), adjusted in a stepwise manner for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle features. Secondary analyses were performed looking specifically at stroke outcomes (ICD-10 codes I60–69 and G45–G46) and in gender-separated models.ResultsRelative to controls, adjusted HRs for adverse cardiovascular outcomes were increased for the hypertension only group (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.52) and were higher still for the comorbid hypertension plus MDD group (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.9). HRs for the comorbid hypertension plus MDD group were significantly raised compared with hypertension alone (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.35). Interaction measured using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and likelihood ratios (LRs) were identified at baseline (RERI 0.563, 95% CI 0.189 to 0.938; LR p=0.0116) but not maintained during the follow-up.LimitationsPossible selection bias in UK Biobank and inability to assess for levels of medication adherence.ConclusionsComorbid hypertension and MDD conferred greater hazard than hypertension alone for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, although evidence of interaction between hypertension and MDD was inconsistent over time. Future cardiovascular risk prediction tools may benefit from the inclusion of questions about prior history of depressive disorders.
Benefits and harms of lower blood pressure treatment targets: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Brunström Mattias , Carlberg Bo 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of antihypertensive treatment in the 130–140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure range.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Information sourcesPubMed, CDSR and DARE were searched for the systematic reviews, which were manually browsed for clinical trials. PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for trials directly in February 2018.Eligibility criteriaRandomised double-blind trials with ≥1000 patient-years of follow-up, comparing any antihypertensive agent against placebo.Data extraction and risk of biasTwo reviewers extracted study-level data, and assessed risk of bias using Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias assessment tool, independently.Main outcomes and measuresPrimary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events and discontinuation due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, hypotension-related adverse events and renal impairment.ResultsEighteen trials, including 92 567 participants (34% women, mean age 63 years), fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Primary preventive antihypertensive treatment was associated with a neutral effect on all-cause mortality (relative risk 1.00, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.06) and major cardiovascular events (1.01, 0.96 to 1.06), but an increased risk of discontinuation due to adverse events (1.23, 1.03 to 1.47). None of the secondary efficacy outcomes were significantly reduced, but the risk of hypotension-related adverse events increased with treatment (1.71, 1.32 to 2.22). In coronary artery disease secondary prevention, antihypertensive treatment was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality (0.91, 0.83 to 0.99) and major cardiovascular events (0.85, 0.77 to 0.94), but doubled the risk of adverse events leading to discontinuation (2.05, 1.62 to 2.61).ConclusionPrimary preventive blood pressure lowering in the 130–140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure range adds no cardiovascular benefit, but increases the risk of adverse events. In the secondary prevention, benefits should be weighed against harms.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018088642.
Proposals on Kaplan–Meier plots in medical research and a survey of stakeholder views: KMunicate
Authors: Morris Tim P , Jarvis Christopher I , Cragg William , Phillips Patrick P J , Choodari-Oskooei Babak , Sydes Matthew R 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo examine reactions to the proposed improvements to standard Kaplan–Meier plots, the standard way to present time-to-event data, and to understand which (if any) facilitated better depiction of (1) the state of patients over time, and (2) uncertainty over time in the estimates of survival.DesignA survey of stakeholders’ opinions on the proposals.SettingA web-based survey, open to international participation, for those with an interest in visualisation of time-to-event data.Participants1174 people participated in the survey over a 6-week period. Participation was global (although primarily Europe and North America) and represented a wide range of researchers (primarily statisticians and clinicians).Main outcome measuresTwo outcome measures were of principal importance: (1) participants’ opinions of each proposal compared with a ‘standard’ Kaplan–Meier plot; and (2) participants’ overall ranking of the proposals (including the standard).ResultsMost proposals were more popular than the standard Kaplan–Meier plot. The most popular proposals in the two categories, respectively, were an extended table beneath the plot depicting the numbers at risk, censored and having experienced an event at periodic timepoints, and CIs around each Kaplan–Meier curve.ConclusionsThis study produced a high response number, reflecting the importance of graphics for time-to-event data. Those producing and publishing Kaplan–Meier plots—both authors and journals—should, as a starting point, consider using the combination of the two favoured proposals.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) versus conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in couples with non-severe male infertility (NSMI-ICSI): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Danni , Zeng Lin , Yang Rui , Lian Ying , Zhu Yi-Min , Liang Xiaoyan , Tang Li , Wang Huichun , Cao Yunxia , Hao Guimin , Liu Jianqiao , Zhao Junli , Wang Rui , Mol Ben Willem , Li Rong , Huang He-Feng , Qiao Jie 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), originally introduced as add-on to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for couples with severe male infertility, is in current clinical practice also used in couples with mild male or even unexplained infertility. However, ICSI has involved unresolved concerns regarding the selection and damage to gametes and the health conditions of the offspring, and it is also labour intensive and therefore more expensive than conventional IVF. High-quality well-powered randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing ICSI and IVF are lacking.Methods and analysisWe propose a multicentre, open-label RCT in 10 reproductive medical centres across China. We will study couples with non-severe male infertility (defined as a semen concentrate 5–15×106/mL or sperm with a progressive motility 10%–32%) scheduled for their first or second ICSI or IVF cycle, as low fertility rate after fertilisation are more frequent in this population, which could lead to controversy about ICSI or conventional IVF for fertilisation. On the day of oocyte retrieval, eligible participants are after informed consent be randomised to undergo either ICSI or conventional IVF in a 1:1 treatment ratio. Other standard assisted reproductive treatments are similar and parallel between two groups. Our primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth after the first cycle with embryo transfer. To demonstrate or refute a difference of 7% between ICSI and conventional IVF, we need to include 2346 women (1173 in each intervention arm). In addition, we will follow-up neonatal outcomes after delivery to identify the influence of ICSI on offspring.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from Peking University Third Hospital medical science research ethics committee. The findings will be disseminated to the public through conference presentations and peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT03298633).
Evidence map of pancreatic surgery: protocol for a living systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Probst Pascal , Hüttner Felix J , Meydan Ömer , Kalkum Eva , Kretschmer Rüdiger , Jensen Katrin , Kenngott Hannes G , Mihaljevic André L , Hackert Thilo , Büchler Markus W , Diener Markus K 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionPancreatic surgery is a large and complex field of research. Several evidence gaps exist for specific diseases or surgical procedures. An overview on existing knowledge is needed to plan and prioritise future research. The aim of this project is to create a systematic and living evidence map of pancreatic surgery.Methods and analysisA systematic literature search in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be performed searching for all randomised controlled trials (RCT) and systematic reviews (SR) on pancreatic surgery. RCT and SR will be grouped in research topics. Baseline and outcome data from RCT will be extracted, presented and effect sizes meta-analysed. Data from SR will be used to identify evidence gaps. A freely accessible web-based evidence map in the format of a mind map will be created. The evidence map and meta-analyses will be updated periodically.DisseminationAfter completion of the project, a permanently updated evidence map of pancreatic surgery will be available to patients, physicians, researchers and funding bodies viawww.evidencemap.surgery. Its use will allow clinical decision-making based on primary data and prioritisation of future research endeavours.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019133444.
Publicly available apps for cancer survivors: a scoping review
Authors: Adam Rosalind , McMichael Drew , Powell Daniel , Murchie Peter 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo review the nature and scope of apps targeting individuals living with and beyond cancer.DesignScoping review, searching the two largest app stores, Google Play and Apple’s App store. App descriptions were exported verbatim, and summarised descriptively, thematically and by content coding.ResultsWe included 151 apps targeting individuals living with and beyond cancer. Most targeted all cancer types (n=89, 58.9%) or breast cancer (n=22, 14.6%) and originated in the USA (n=68, 45.0%). The country of origin was unclear for 31 (20.5%) apps. Most apps were developed by commercial companies/private individuals (n=64, 43%) or non-profit organisations (n=30, 19.9%) and marketed apps in terms of fighting metaphors, navigating a journey and becoming empowered to take control.App content could be summarised under five main categories: (1) imparting information about cancer; (2) planning and organising cancer care; (3) interacting with others (including others affected by cancer and healthcare professionals); (4) enacting management strategies and adjusting to life with or beyond cancer and (5) getting feedback about cancer management, for example, by sharing self-monitoring reports with professionals. We found some apps describing ‘cures’ for cancer or selling products, such as alkaline waters to cancer survivors.ConclusionsApps are currently available via on-line stores that cover a large spectrum of cancer survivorship activities. The effects of such apps on clinical consultations, patient work/burden and clinical outcomes merit further attention. Most apps are developed by commercial organisations, and promises of empowerment in the ‘fight’ against cancer are tempered by the potential for exaggerated claims and exploitation.
Using commercial ELISAs to assess humoral response in sows repeatedly vaccinated with modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Díaz Ivan , Genís‐Jorquera Blanca , Martín‐Valls Gerard E , Mateu Enric 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundSows in breeding herds are often mass vaccinated against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) every few months using modified live vaccines (MLV). Field veterinarians repeatedly report that multiple vaccinated sows test negative in ELISA. Obviously, this creates uncertainty when assessing the compliance of vaccination and the status of sows.MethodsIn the present study, four commercial ELISAs were used to assess the serological PRRS status in gilts and sows of three farms that were PRRS MLV vaccinated every four months. Animals were tested before vaccination (BV) and postvaccination (PV). Total and neutralising antibodies and cell‐mediated responses were also measured in animals that yielded negative results in all ELISAs.ResultsThe proportion of seronegative animals BV varied depending on the farm and the ELISA used. When samples were analysed using only one ELISA, a substantial number of negative results obtained BV remained as negative afterwards. Five animals were negative BV and PV with all the examined ELISAs. Those animals also yielded negative results in all the other immunological assays.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the use of ELISA for monitoring multiple PRRS MLV vaccinated sows is very limited due to the variability of the humoral responses and the moderate agreement between tests.
ELECTROCHEMICAL, DFT AND MD SIMULATION INVESTIGATIONS OF THE CORROSION INHIBITION PROPERTIES OF HETEROCYCLIC SULFIDE DERIVATIVES FOR MILD STEEL IN ACIDIC MEDIUM
Authors: BENMAHAMMED IMENE , DOUADI TAHAR , ISSAADI SAIFI , DAOUD DJAMEL , CHAFAA SALAH 
Published: October 2019

The study of the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acid medium 1 M HCl by the Schiff base compounds named {4,4′-Bis(pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde) diphenyl diimino sulfide (L1) and 4,4′-Bis(thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde) diphenyl diimino sulfide (L2)} was carried out using various techniques: weight loss measurements, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The influence of the concentration, immersion time and temperature was examined and the mode of adsorption of these inhibitors on the surface of the metal was highlighted by assigning the appropriate isotherm. The experimental results indicate that these compounds are effective corrosion inhibitors and the inhibitory competence rises with increasing inhibitor concentration. The adsorption of these compounds on the mild steel surface obeys the isotherm of Langmuir. The correlation between the molecular structures and the inhibitory properties of the compounds studied was performed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has been taken into account. The results indicate that the adsorption energy of L1 was less than L2, which is in accordance with the experimentally determined inhibition effect.
Weighted p-regular kernels for reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces and Mercer Theorem
Authors: Agud L. , Calabuig J. M. , Sánchez Pérez E. A. 
Published: October 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite measure space and consider a Banach function space [Formula: see text]. Motivated by some previous papers and current applications, we provide a general framework for representing reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces as subsets of Köthe–Bochner (vector-valued) function spaces. We analyze operator-valued kernels [Formula: see text] that define integration maps [Formula: see text] between Köthe–Bochner spaces of Hilbert-valued functions [Formula: see text] We show a reduction procedure which allows to find a factorization of the corresponding kernel operator through weighted Bochner spaces [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] — where [Formula: see text] — under the assumption of [Formula: see text]-concavity of [Formula: see text] Equivalently, a new kernel obtained by multiplying [Formula: see text] by scalar functions can be given in such a way that the kernel operator is defined from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] in a natural way. As an application, we prove a new version of Mercer Theorem for matrix-valued weighted kernels.