bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct slicing of T-spline surfaces for additive manufacturing
Authors: Feng Jiawei , Fu Jianzhong , Lin Zhiwei , Shang Ce , Li Bin 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
T-spline is the latest powerful modeling tool in the field of computer-aided design. It has all the merits of non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) whilst resolving some flaws in it. This work applies T-spline surfaces to additive manufacturing (AM). Most current AM products are based on Stereolithograph models. It is a kind of discrete polyhedron model with huge amounts of data and some inherent defects. T-spline offers a better choice for the design and manufacture of complex models.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a direct slicing algorithm of T-spline surfaces for AM is proposed. Initially, a T-spline surface is designed in commercial software and saved as a T-spline mesh file. Then, a numerical method is used to directly calculate all the slicing points on the surface. To achieve higher manufacturing efficiency, an adaptive slicing algorithm is applied according to the geometrical properties of the T-spline surface.

Findings
Experimental results indicate that this algorithm is effective and reliable. The quality of AM can be enhanced at both the designing and slicing stages.

Originality/value
The T-spline and direct slicing algorithm discussed here will be a powerful supplement to current technologies in AM.
Hunger makes apex predators do risky things
Authors: Boutin Stan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn Focus: Blecha, K. A., Boone, R. B., & Alldredge, M. W. (2018). . Journal of Animal Ecology, 87, 609–622. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12801Puma (Puma concolor), an apex predator, can live at the edge of cities where pockets of low‐density human dwellings form residential patches in the wildland–urban interface. Blecha, Boone, and Alldredge () tracked puma via global positioning system (GPS) telemetry collars to determine when and where they hunted and made kills. Well‐fed puma (1–2 days between kills) strongly avoided residential patches despite these areas having higher mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) densities and higher kill success for puma. However, the strong avoidance of residential patches completely disappeared as puma became hungrier (4–10 days since last kill) making it more likely that hungry individuals hunted in residential areas and ultimately increasing the likelihood of puma–human conflict.
Invaders among locals: Alien species decrease phylogenetic and functional diversity while increasing dissimilarity among native community members
Authors: Loiola Priscilla P. , de Bello Francesco , Chytrý Milan , Götzenberger Lars , Carmona Carlos Pérez , Pyšek Petr , Lososová Zdeňka 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Plant invasions can drastically change the structure of native communities, but it is not fully understood whether alien species occupy phylogenetic and functional space within the range occupied by natives, or provide a novel set of evolutionary origins and traits to the invaded communities.

Here, we evaluated this open question with data on a large number of plant communities from different terrestrial habitats. We used ~27,000 vegetation plots from 26 terrestrial habitats in the Czech Republic and compared phylogenetic and functional diversity (PD and FD, respectively) and community trait means in invaded and non‐invaded plots. We tested for differences (1) between invaded vs. non‐invaded plots, (2) among natives in invaded vs. non‐invaded plots, and (3) in invaded plots only, with and without aliens. To minimize habitat filtering effects on PD and FD, we ran these tests within the habitat‐specific species pools of the 26 vegetation types.

In general, PD, FD and trait mean values changed with invasion, with changes being rather consistent across the habitats considered. Invaded plots were less phylogenetically, but more functionally diverse than non‐invaded plots. The greater FD in invaded plots, compared to non‐invaded ones, was due to greater dissimilarity between natives. In fact, native species in invaded plots showed higher PD and FD than native species in non‐invaded plots, while alien species reduced PD and FD in invaded plots. Changes in the trait means with invasion were due to differences in native species in invaded and non‐invaded plots, rather than to an effect of alien species. Within most habitats, the trait means and variance of all aliens were similar to those of all natives, while in some habitats, the variability in traits was greater between aliens that belonged to phylogenetically closer clades.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that alien species more often occupy a phylogenetic and functional space within the range formed by the native species in a community. They do so either by filling empty gaps or by excluding natives from the existing phylogenetic and functional space, rather than occupying or creating a phylogenetic and trait space outside of it.
Capital Inflows and Exports Diversification in Sub‐Saharan Africa during the MDGs Era
Authors: Ouedraogo Rasmane , Sourouema Windemanegda Sandrine , Zahonogo Pam 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of different forms of capital inflows, including foreign direct investment, foreign aid, portfolio investment, and remittances, on exports diversification in sub‐Saharan Africa during the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era. We employ the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to deal with the endogeneity issue. Using a sample of 35 countries over the period 2000–15, it shows that the impact of capital inflows on exports diversification depends on the type of capital. We find evidence that foreign aid, foreign direct investment, and remittances have positive effects on exports diversification, while portfolio inflows negatively affect exports diversification. Moreover, we find that the impact of capital inflows on exports diversification differs across the region of destination of the exported products. This study underscores the important role of international cooperation and capital inflows in sub‐Saharan Africa, and lends support to policies aiming to attract foreign capital.
Fuzzy ecospace modelling
Authors: Dick Daniel G. , Laflamme Marc 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Quantitative ecospace models are a numerical approach to comparing the functional structure of different ecosystems on macroevolutionary time‐scales, by quantifying the distribution of functional ecological traits. Ecospace modelling has historically been restricted to a combination of visual interpretation and quantification via metrics such as mean sum of ranges. We argue that comparing ecosystem function in this way overlooks critical information about degrees of overlap and redundancy, and potentially misrepresents the role of “empty ecospace” in driving macroevolution. Fuzzy ecospace modelling (FEM) places conventional ecospace modelling within a fuzzy set‐theoretic framework, wherein functional groups are learned from the dataset, creating models which are sensitive to overlap and the role of empty ecospace.

Fuzzy ecospace modelling is a machine learning program which quantifies functional ecological similarity, and uses this information to classify new taxa. It creates functional groups using a Gower dissimilarity coefficient‐based approach to the k‐medoids algorithm, and uses fuzzy discriminant analysis to classify the taxa present in another ecosystem into these clusters, based on minimal Gower dissimilarity with a fuzzy threshold. This has the effect of quantifying the similarity between these ecosystems in terms of their functional groups, accounting for total redundancy, partial redundancy/novelty and total novelty.

By using fuzzy membership functions, FEM can classify taxa which are highly ecologically dissimilar (outliers with respect to all functional groups), taxa which are fully redundant (100% similarity to those in a given functional group) and taxa in‐between, which represent degrees of niche overlap. This can be used to compare the functional groups present in different ecosystems (as well as their degrees of overlap), and as a metric approach to comparing total ecological disparity. These results can be used to test models of the role of empty ecospace in macroevolutionary trends, or to investigate how ecosystems respond to global perturbations. Furthermore, it allows us to define numerically the concept of empty ecospace for n‐dimensional datasets.

A cluster‐based approach to the quantification of ecospace allows for a numerical estimate of niche overlap, a value particularly difficult to quantify in fossil contexts.
Sex modulates the association of fibroblast growth factor 21 with end‐stage renal disease in Asian people with Type 2 diabetes: a 6.3‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu J.‐J. , Liu S. , Choo R. W. M. , Wee S. L. , Xu A. , Lim S. C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo study whether plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 independently predicts the risk of end‐stage renal disease in Asian people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 1700 Asian people with Type 2 diabetes were followed for a mean of 6.3 years in a regional hospital in Singapore. Incident end‐stage renal disease was identified by linkage with a national renal registry. The association of baseline fibroblast growth factor 21 levels with risk of progression to end‐stage renal disease was studied using survival analyses.ResultsParticipants were aged 60 ± 10 years, with an average diabetes duration of 12 years. Their estimated GFR was 73 ± 28 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 62% had albuminuria at baseline. A total of 179 incident end‐stage renal disease cases were identified. Plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 interacted with sex in its association with end‐stage renal disease (Pinteraction = 0.003). A 1‐sd increment in fibroblast growth factor 21 (natural log‐transformed) was associated with a 1.32‐fold (95% CI 1.05–1.66, P = 0.02) increased hazard for end‐stage renal disease in women, after adjustment for traditional risk factors including estimated GFR and albuminuria. Taking death as a competing risk did not materially change the outcome [sub‐distribution hazard ratio 1.35 (95% CI 1.11–1.66, P = 0.003)]. Fibroblast growth factor 21 did not predict end‐stage renal disease risk in men after adjustment for baseline estimated GFR and albuminuria [hazard ratio 1.07 (95% CI 0.89–1.28, P = 0.49)].ConclusionsPlasma fibroblast growth factor 21 level independently predicted risk of progression to end‐stage renal disease in women with Type 2 diabetes. The pathophysiological relationships among FGF21, sex and renal progression warrant further study.
Therapeutic effect of propiverine hydrochloride on mixed‐type urinary incontinence in women: The Female Urgency and Stress Urinary Incontinence Study of Propiverine Hydrochloride trial
Authors: Minagawa Tomonori , Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Sugaya Kimio , Yamanishi Tomonori , Kawahara Kazuya , Kaga Kanya , Kikuchi Takashi , Nishizawa Osamu ,   the FRESH study group
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo show the efficacy of propiverine hydrochloride in the management of symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in female patients with mixed‐type urinary incontinence.MethodsThe study was carried out as a multicenter single‐arm clinical trial at 64 institutions in Japan. The participants were female patients aged ≥20 years with mixed‐type urinary incontinence. The frequency of stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence was evaluated at baseline and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment with propiverine hydrochloride. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form. Functional urethral length and maximum urethral closing pressure were also measured at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment at the institutions where the urethral pressure profile was taken.ResultsIn total, 49 mixed‐type urinary incontinence patients were enrolled in the present study. The number of cases of urgency urinary incontinence was reduced time‐dependently, which showed statistically significant differences between baseline and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. A similar statistically different reduction was also observed for stress urinary incontinence. The mean reduction rates of urgency urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence at 12 weeks after treatment were 63.9% and 44.3%, respectively. The total scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score were gradually reduced, and the differences were statistically significant. Functional urethral length and maximum urethral closing pressure at 12 weeks after treatment did not show any statistical differences compared with those at baseline.ConclusionsPropiverine hydrochloride can be an effective therapeutic option for stress urinary incontinence in patients with mixed‐type urinary incontinence.
β-Alanine Supplementation’s Improvement of High-Intensity Game Activities in Water Polo
Authors: Brisola Gabriel Motta Pinheiro , de Souza Malta Elvis , Santiago Paulo Roberto Pereira , Vieira Luiz Henrique Palucci , Zagatto Alessandro Moura 
Published: April 2018

Objectives: To investigate whether 4 wk of β-alanine supplementation improves total distance covered, distance covered and time spent in different speed zones, and sprint numbers during a simulated water polo game. Design: Double-blind, parallel, and placebo controlled. A total of 11 male water polo players participated in the study, divided randomly into 2 homogeneous groups (placebo and β-alanine). Methods: The participants performed a simulated water polo game before and after the supplementation period (4 wk). They received 4.8 g·d−1 of dextrose or β-alanine on the first 10 d and 6.4 g·d−1 on the final 18 d. Results: Only the β-alanine group presented a significant improvement in total sprint numbers compared with the presupplementation moment (PRE = 7.8 [5.2] arbitrary units [a.u.]; POST = 20.2 [7.8] a.u.; P = .002). Furthermore, β-alanine supplementation presented a likely beneficial effect in improving total distance covered (83%) and total time spent (81%) in speed zone 4 (ie, speed ≥ 1.8 m·s−1). There was no significant interaction effect (group × time) for any variable. Conclusions: Four weeks of β-alanine supplementation slightly improved sprint numbers and had a likely beneficial effect on improving distance covered and time spent in speed zone 4 in a simulated water polo game.
Validity and Reliability of the 3-Minute All-Out Test in National and International Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Piatrikova Eva , Sousa Ana C. , Gonzalez Javier T. , Williams Sean 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the 3-minute all-out test (3MT) against conventional methods (CM) of determining critical speed (CS) and curvature constant (D′) and to examine the test–retest reliability of the 3MT in highly trained swimmers. Methods: Thirteen highly trained swimmers (age 16 [2] y, weight 64.7 [8.5] kg, height 1.76 [0.07] m) completed 4 time trials and two 3MTs over 2 wk. The distance–time (DT) and speed–1/time (1/T) models were used to determine CS and D′ from 4 time trials. CS3MT and were determined as the mean speed in the final 30 s of 3MT and as the speed–time integral above CS, respectively. Results: CS3MT (1.33 [0.06] m·s−1) did not differ from CSCM (1.33 [0.06] m·s−1, P > .05) and correlated nearly perfectly with CSCM (r = .95, P < .0001). (19.50 [3.52] m) was lower than (23.30 [6.24] m, P < .05) and (22.15 [5.75] m, P = .09). Correlations between and were very large (r = .79, P = .002). CS and D′ between the two 3MT trials were not different (CS mean change = −0.009 m·s−1, P = .102; D′ mean change = 0.82 m, P = .221). Correlations between the two 3MT trials were nearly perfect and very large for CS (r = .97) and D′ (r = .87, P < .05), respectively, with coefficients of variation of 0.9% for CS and 9.1% for D′. Conclusion: The 3MT is a valid protocol for estimation of CS and produces high test–retest reliability for CS and D′ in highly trained swimmers.
Intramuscular tendon injury is not associated with an increased hamstring reinjury rate within 12 months after return to play
Authors: van der Made Anne D , Almusa Emad , Reurink Gustaaf , Whiteley Rod , Weir Adam , Hamilton Bruce , Maas Mario , Ngai Aston S H , Moen Maarten H , Goudswaard Gert Jan , Tol Johannes L 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundAcute hamstring injury that includes intramuscular tendon injury has been suggested to be associated with increased reinjury risk. These observations were based on a relatively small number of retrospectively analysed cases.ObjectiveTo determine whether intramuscular tendon injury is associated with higher reinjury rates in acute hamstring injury.MethodsMRIs of 165 athletes with an acute hamstring injury were obtained within 5 days of injury. Treatment consisted of a standardised criteria-based rehabilitation programme. Standardised MRI parameters and intramuscular tendon injury, the latter subdivided into tendon disruption and waviness, were scored. We prospectively recorded reinjuries, defined as acute onset of posterior thigh pain in the same leg within 12 months after return to play.ResultsParticipants were predominantly football players (72%). Sixty-four of 165 (39%) participants had an index injury with intramuscular hamstring tendon disruption, and waviness was present in 37 (22%). In total, there were 32 (19%) reinjuries. There was no significant difference (HR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.12, P=0.898) in reinjury rate between index injuries with intramuscular tendon disruption (n=13, 20%) and without tendon disruption (n=19, 20%). There was no significant difference in reinjury rate (X²(1)=0.031, P=0.861) between index injuries with presence of waviness (n=7, 19%) and without presence of waviness (n=25, 20%).ConclusionIn athletes with an acute hamstring injury, intramuscular tendon injury was not associated with an increased reinjury rate within 12 months after return to play.
What is the quality of the maternal near-miss case reviews in WHO European Region? Cross-sectional study in Armenia, Georgia, Latvia, Republic of Moldova and Uzbekistan
Authors: Bacci Alberta , Hodorogea Stelian , Khachatryan Henrik , Babojonova Shohida , Irsa Signe , Jansone Maira , Dondiuc Iurie , Matarazde George , Lazdane Gunta , Lazzerini Marzia 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThe maternal near-miss case review (NMCR) cycle is a type of clinical audit aiming at improving quality of maternal healthcare by discussing near-miss cases. In several countries this approach has been introduced and supported by WHO and partners since 2004, but information on the quality of its implementation is missing. This study aimed at evaluating the quality of the NMCR implementation in selected countries within WHO European Region.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsTwenty-three maternity units in Armenia, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova and Uzbekistan.Assessment toolsA predefined checklist including 50 items, according to WHO methodology. Quality in the NMCR implementation was defined by summary scores ranging from 0 (totally inappropriate) to 3 (appropriate).ResultsQuality of the NMCR implementation was heterogeneous among different countries, and within the same country. Overall, the first part of the audit cycle (from case identification to case analysis) was fairly well performed (mean score 2.00, 95% CI 1.94 to 2.06), with the exception of the ‘inclusion of users’ views’ (mean score 0.66, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.22), while the second part (developing recommendations, implementing them and ensuring quality) was poorly performed (mean score 0.66, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.22). Each country had at least one champion facility, where quality of the NMCR cycle was acceptable. Quality of the implementation was not associated with its duration. Gaps in implementation were of technical, organisational and attitudinal nature.ConclusionsEnsuring quality in the NMCR may be difficult but achievable. The high heterogeneity in results within the same country suggests that quality of the NMCR implementation depends, to a large extent, from hospital factors, including staff’s commitment, managerial support and local coordination. Efforts should be put in preventing and mitigating common barriers that hamper successful NMCR implementation.
Does bone mineral density improve the predictive accuracy of fracture risk assessment? A prospective cohort study in Northern Denmark
Authors: Dhiman Paula , Andersen Stig , Vestergaard Peter , Masud Tahir , Qureshi Nadeem 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the added predictive accuracy of bone mineral density (BMD) to fracture risk assessment.DesignProspective cohort study using data between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2012.SettingNorth Denmark Osteoporosis Clinic of referred patients presenting with at least one fracture risk factor to the referring doctor.ParticipantsPatients aged 40–90 years; had BMD T-score recorded at the hip and not taking osteoporotic preventing drugs for more than 1 year prior to baseline.Main outcome measuresIncident diagnoses of osteoporotic fractures (hip, spine, forearm, humerus and pelvis) were identified using the National Patient Registry of Denmark during 01 January 2012–01 January 2014. Cox regression was used to develop a fracture model based on predictors in the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®), with and without, binary and continuous BMD. Change in Harrell’s C-Index and Reclassification tables were used to describe the added statistical value of BMD.ResultsAdjusting for predictors included in FRAX®, patients with osteoporosis (T-score ≤−2.5) had 75% higher hazard of a fracture compared with patients with higher BMD (HR: 1.75 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.38)). Forty per cent lower hazard was found per unit increase in continuous BMD T-score (HR: 0.60 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.69)).Accuracy improved marginally, and Harrell’s C-Index increased by 1.2% when adding continuous BMD (0.76 to 0.77). Reclassification tables showed continuous BMD shifted 529 patients into different risk categories; 292 of these were reclassified correctly (57%; 95% CI 55% to 64%). Adding binary BMD however no improvement: Harrell’s C-Index decreased by 0.6%.ConclusionsContinuous BMD marginally improves fracture risk assessment. Importantly, this was only found when using continuous BMD measurement for osteoporosis. It is suggested that future focus should be on evaluation of this risk factor using routinely collected data and on the development of more clinically relevant methodology to assess the added value of a new risk factor.