bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of numerical modeling in the solution of static and transient dynamic problems using finite element method based on spherical Hankel shape functions
Authors: Hamzehei‐Javaran S. , Shojaee S. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryIn this paper, finite element method is reformulated using new shape functions to approximate the state variables (ie, displacement field and its derivatives) and inhomogeneous term (ie, inertia term) of Navier's differential equation. These shape functions and corresponding elements are called spherical Hankel hereafter. It is possible for these elements to satisfy the polynomial and the first and second kind of Bessel function fields simultaneously, while the classic Lagrange elements can only satisfy polynomial ones. These shape functions are so robust that with least degrees of freedom, much better results can be achieved in comparison with classic Lagrange ones. It is interesting that no Runge phenomenon exists in the interpolation of proposed shape functions when going to higher degrees of freedom, while it may occur in classic Lagrange ones. Moreover, the spherical Hankel shape functions have a significant robustness in the approximation of folded surfaces. Five numerical examples related to the usage of suggested shape functions in finite element method in solving problems are studied, and their results are compared with those obtained from classic Lagrange shape functions and analytical solutions (if available) to show the efficiency and accuracy of the present method.
Obesity and weight misperception among adults in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study
Authors: Hassan S. , Ojo T. , Galusha D. , Martinez‐Brockman J. L. , Adams O. P. , Maharaj R. , Nazario C. , Nunez M. , Nunez‐Smith M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryObjectivePrior studies have suggested that weight misperception – underestimating one's actual weight – may be associated with reduced engagement in weight loss programmes, decreasing the success of initiatives to address obesity and obesity‐related diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with weight misperception among Eastern Caribbean adults and its influence on engagement in weight control behaviour.MethodsData from the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study were analysed (adults aged 40 and older, residing in the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Barbados and Trinidad). Weight misperception is defined as participants who under‐assess their weight measured by body mass index (BMI). Multivariable logistic regression (n = 1,803 participants) was used to examine the association of weight misperception with BMI category, age, gender, education, history of non‐communicable disease and attempt to lose weight.ResultsWeight misperception was common, with 54% of overweight (BMI 25–29 kg m−2), and 23% of obese class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg m−2) participants under‐assessing their actual weight. Participants with higher levels of education, versus lower, had decreased odds of weight misperception (OR 0.5, p < 0.001). There were no significantly reduced odds of weight misperception in women versus men (OR 1.13, p = 0.367) or in individuals with history of diabetes versus none (OR 0.88, p = 0.418). Participants with weight misperception had 85% (p < 0.0001) lower odds of attempting weight loss than those with accurate weight perception.ConclusionWeight misperception is common among adults with overweight and obesity in the Eastern Caribbean and is associated with lower likelihood of attempting weight loss. Obesity interventions, targeting similar populations, should incorporate approaches for addressing weight misperception to achieve measurable success.
Scoring the best deal: Quantity discounts and street price variation of diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone
Authors: Lebin Jacob A. , Murphy David L. , Severtson Stevan Geoffrey , Bau Gabrielle E. , Dasgupta Nabarun , Dart Richard C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeDiverted prescription opioids are significant contributors to drug overdose mortality. Street price has been suggested as an economic metric of the diverted prescription opioid black market. This study examined variables that may influence the street price of diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the previously validated, crowdsourcing website StreetRx. Street price reports of selected oxycodone and oxymorphone products, between August 22, 2014 and June 30, 2016, were considered for analysis. Geometric means and 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing prices per milligram of drug in US dollars. Univariate and multivariable regressions were used to examine the influence of dosage strength, drug formulation, and bulk purchasing on street price.ResultsA total of 5611 oxycodone and 1420 oxymorphone reports were analyzed. Across various dosages and formulations, geometric mean prices per milligram ranged between $0.12 and $1.07 for oxycodone and $0.73 and $2.90 for oxymorphone. For a 2‐fold increase in dosage strength, there is a 24.0% (95% CI: −28.1%, −19.6%, P < 0.001) and a 22.5% (95% CI: −24.2%, −20.8%, P < 0.001) decrease on average in price per milligram for oxycodone and oxymorphone, respectively. Lower potency, high dosage strength, crush‐resistant opioids, and those purchased in bulk were significantly cheaper.ConclusionStreet prices for diverted oxycodone and oxymorphone are influenced by multiple factors including potency, dosage, formulation, and bulk purchasing. Buyers who purchase large quantities of low potency, large dosage, crush‐resistant formulation prescription opioids can expect to achieve the lowest price.
Fiber length distribution and thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of thermally conductive polycarbonate/chopped carbon fiber composites
Authors: Yu Zhixing , Bai Yu , Li Yingcheng , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Wei , Liu Junyan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChopped carbon fibers (CCFs) coated by poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were treated using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (Si), and then used for fabricating thermally conductive polycarbonate/CCF (PC/(Si + PET)@CCFi) composites with various filler contents. Optical microscopy measurements indicated that CCF fillers in the composites had a wide length distribution and, with CCF content increasing, the mean fiber length and mean fiber aspect ratio steadily decreased. Compared to PC/(Si + PET)@CCF0, the molten flowability of composites declined. Thermogravimetric analysis and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry characterizations showed that introducing CCFs could enhance the thermal stability of the composites and restrict the pyrolytic degradation of the polymer matrix. Moreover, both in‐plane and through‐thickness thermal conductivities increased with increasing CCF content. These conductivities at 50% CCF content reached 2.45 and 0.59 W m−1 K−1, and were improved by 11.25 and 1.95, respectively. Furthermore, the tensile and flexural properties of the composites continuously enhanced, accompanying decreased impact strength and elongation at break. Fractography revealed that fillers dispersed in matrix uniformly and a great many fiber cross‐sections and circular cavities coexisted in fracture surface, besides a clear interface and reduced long fibers. And the fracture behavior was mainly the breaking and peeling of fibers from matrix. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of hospitalized tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients in administrative data
Authors: Giambra Barbara K. , Mangeot Colleen , Benscoter Dan T. , Britto Maria T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence are hospitalized more frequently and use more healthcare resources than other patients with complex chronic conditions. However, data to compare variation in hospitalization and resource use among patients in this population across the United States is deficient, partly due to the lack of structured methods to query national databases.AimDetermine the best method for identifying the subset of children with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence in Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS).HypothesisA combination of identifiable characteristics coded in the PHIS database can be used to identify the population of patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence who are admitted to the hospital.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, retrospective cohort study used established methods to extract data from PHIS and assessed the sensitivity and specificity of an algorithm to identify patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence as compared with a local registry of ventilator dependent patients.ResultsA newly created algorithm identified >90% of the 157 patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence hospitalized at our organization during 2014. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm to identify these patients was 91% and 99%, respectively.ConclusionsThis new algorithm can be used to reliably identify and further study healthcare utilization by this population of patients with established tracheostomy and ventilator dependence. In addition, future work can determine the applicability of this algorithm to other administrative datasets.
Enhancing Hydrogen Generation Through Nanoconfinement of Sensitizers and Catalysts in a Homogeneous Supramolecular Organic Framework
Authors: Yu Shang‐Bo , Qi Qi , Yang Bo , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan‐Wei , Liu Yi , Li Zhan‐Ting 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEnrichment of molecular photosensitizers and catalysts in a confined nanospace is conducive for photocatalytic reactions due to improved photoexcited electron transfer from photosensitizers to catalysts. Herein, the self‐assembly of a highly stable 3D supramolecular organic framework from a rigid bipyridine‐derived tetrahedral monomer and cucurbit[8]uril in water, and its efficient and simultaneous intake of both [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐based photosensitizers and various polyoxometalates, that can take place at very low loading, are reported. The enrichment substantially increases the apparent concentration of both photosensitizer and catalyst in the interior of the framework, which leads to a recyclable, homogeneous, visible light‐driven photocatalytic system with 110‐fold increase of the turnover number for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Wind effect of a twin‐tower super high‐rise building with weak connection
Authors: Zhang Lele , Cheng Wentao , Xie Zhuangning 
Published: May 2018

SummaryAn analysis and estimation method of multibalance synchronous test is established to study the wind effect of a complex super high‐rise building with weak connection. First, the frequency domain method is applied to deduce the calculation process of the wind effect of the multitower structure on the basis of the high frequency force balance (HFFB) technique. Then, the synchronous force test of HFFB is conducted on a twin‐tower super high‐rise building connected by a bridge. The wind‐induced response and loads and the interference effect between the two towers are analyzed based on the wind tunnel test data. The displacement correlation between the towers and the relative displacement of the multitower structure are investigated. Results show that the maximum and minimum relative displacements in the along‐bridge direction are 0.26 m in the along‐wind direction and −0.26 m in the crosswind direction, respectively. The channeling effect formed by the surrounding buildings is the main cause of the maximum cross‐bridge displacement. The influence of the correlation between the two towers can be ignored for the along‐bridge relative displacement. The results of the HFFB and high‐frequency pressure integral test agree with each other, thereby indicating the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Towards Agile Scalability Engineering
Authors: Brataas Gunnar , Hanssen Geir Kjetil , Ræder Georg 
Published: May 2018

AbstractScalability engineering is currently not well integrated into agile development techniques. This paper extends agile development techniques so that scalability can be handled in an incremental and iterative development process. By scalability we mean the ability of a system to handle increasing workload. We propose the ScrumScale Method which includes scalability engineering in Scrum. This extension should also be applicable to other agile techniques. For scalability testing, we indicate how quality thresholds should be scaled up or down according to the degree of completeness of the product, test hardware, test software, test data and test workload. Using action research, we have conducted three pilots in three Norwegian software organizations. These three pilots have different architectures and operate in different markets yet have in common scalability challenges.
Automated Acceptance Tests as Software Requirements: An Experiment to Compare the Applicability of Fit Tables and Gherkin Language
Authors: dos Santos Ernani César , Vilain Patrícia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIt is estimated that 85% of the defects in the developed software are originated from ambiguous, incomplete and wishful thinking software requirements. Natural language is often used to write software requirements specifications as well as user requirements. However, natural language specifications can be confusing and hard to understand. Some agile methodologists consider that acceptance tests are more precise and accurate sources of information about the customer’s needs than descriptions in natural language. Several studies have addressed the use of acceptance tests as software requirements specification. Therefore, none of the previous studies has performed experiments to compare the applicability of different acceptance testing techniques in order to support an organization in the selection of one technique over another. This paper addresses this problem reporting an experiment conducted with undergraduate students in Computer Science. This experiment compares the applicability of two acceptance testing techniques (Fit tables and Gherkin language) as software requirements specification. This research tries to answer three questions: (a) Which technique is the easiest to learn in order to specify acceptance test scenarios? (b) Which technique requires less effort to specify acceptance tests? (c) Which technique is the best one to communicate software requirements? The results show that there is no sufficient evidence to affirm that one technique is easier to specify test scenarios or better to communicate software requirements. Whereas, the comparison of effort in terms of time to specify acceptance testing shows that the mean time to specify test scenarios using Gherkin language is lower than Fit tables.
Early universe with modified scalar-tensor theory of gravity
Authors: Mandal Ranajit , Sarkar Chandramouli , Sanyal Abhik Kumar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractScalar-tensor theory of gravity with non-minimal coupling is a fairly good candidate for dark energy, required to explain late-time cosmic evolution. Here we study the very early stage of evolution of the universe with a modified version of the theory, which includes scalar curvature squared term. One of the key aspects of the present study is that, the quantum dynamics of the action under consideration ends up generically with de-Sitter expansion under semiclassical approximation, rather than power-law. This justifies the analysis of inflationary regime with de-Sitter expansion. The other key aspect is that, while studying gravitational perturbation, the perturbed generalized scalar field equation obtained from the perturbed action, when matched with the perturbed form of the background scalar field equation, relates the coupling parameter and the potential exactly in the same manner as the solution of classical field equations does, assuming de-Sitter expansion. The study also reveals that the quantum theory is well behaved, inflationary parameters fall well within the observational limit and quantum perturbation analysis shows that the power-spectrum does not deviate considerably from the standard one obtained from minimally coupled theory.
Wavefront control of laser beam using optically addressed liquid crystal modulator
Authors: Huang Dajie , Fan Wei , Cheng He , Xia Gang , Pei Lili , Li Xuechun , Lin Zunqi 
Published: May 2018

An optically addressed liquid crystal modulator for wavefront control of 1053 nm laser beam is reported in this paper. Its working principle, control method and spatial phase modulation capability are mainly introduced. A new method of measuring the relationship between gray level and phase retardation is proposed. The rationality of the curve is further confirmed by designing special experiments. According to the curve, several spatial phase distributions have been realized by this home-made device. The results show that, not only the maximum phase retardation is larger than $2\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}$ for 1053 nm wavelength, but also the control accuracy is high. Compared with the liquid crystal on silicon type spatial light modulator, this kind of modulator has the advantages of generating smooth phase distribution and avoiding the black-matrix effect.
Host community heterogeneity and the expression of host specificity in avian haemosporidia in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Jones Sharon M. , Cumming Graeme S. , Peters Jeffrey L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSimilar patterns of parasite prevalence in animal communities may be driven by a range of different mechanisms. The influences of host heterogeneity and host–parasite interactions in host community assemblages are poorly understood. We sampled birds at 27 wetlands in South Africa to compare four hypotheses explaining how host community heterogeneity influences host specificity in avian haemosporidia communities: the host-neutral hypothesis, the super-spreader hypothesis, the host specialist hypothesis and the heterogeneity hypothesis. A total of 289 birds (29%) were infected with Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and/or Leucocytozoon lineages. Leucocytozoon was the most diverse and generalist parasite genus, and Plasmodium the most conservative. The host-neutral and host specialist hypotheses received the most support in explaining prevalence by lineage (Leucocytozoon) and genus (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus), respectively. We observed that haemosporidian prevalence was potentially amplified or reduced with variation in host and/or parasitic taxonomic levels of analysis. Our results show that Leucocytozoon host abundance and diversity was influential to parasite prevalence at varying taxonomic levels, particularly within heterogeneous host communities. Furthermore, we note that prevalent mechanisms of infection can potentially act as distinct roots for shaping communities of avian haemosporidia.
Symptomatic myocardial bridging: a frequently occurring coronary variation can cause severe myocardial ischaemia in affected children with underlying cardiac conditions
Authors: Kiess Alexandra , Vollroth Marcel , Bakhtiary Farhad , Seki Hiroshi , Kostelka Martin , Djukic Milan , Daehnert Ingo , Wagner Robert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMyocardial bridging is a congenital coronary artery anomaly in which the coronary artery has a partly “tunnelled” intramyocardial course. This tunnelling leads to compression of the affected vessel segment during ventricular systole. It is considered to be a benign variation of the norm in about 25% of the population caused by an aberrancy of embryologic coronary development. The bridging is also thought to cause severe cardiac conditions in a few of those affected. The series of six young patients presented here is the largest series so far to report on symptomatic myocardial bridging in children with different underlying heart diseases. All patients recently presented to our centre with signs of myocardial ischaemia. They subsequently underwent coronary angiography, which revealed myocardial bridging of the ramus interventricularis anterior. In all patients, therapy with β blockers was started to reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility. β Blocker treatment was also given in order to prolong diastole and improve coronary artery blood flow. Two patients underwent surgical exposure of the involved coronary segment: a 2-year-old boy because of recurrent, severe myocardial ischaemia in combination with a reduction of general health, changes in ST-segments, and the presence of a dilative cardiomyopathy; and a 13-year-old girl because of evidence of myocardial ischaemia during exercise testing after surviving sudden cardiac death. Surgery was successful and recovery was complete and uneventful. The presented series shows that myocardial bridging can be symptomatic and may require urgent treatment and even surgical intervention in early childhood in rare cases.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads to Temperate Seepage Lakes Associated With Allochthonous Dissolved Organic Carbon Loads
Authors: Corman J. R. , Bertolet B. L. , Casson N. J. , Sebestyen S. D. , Kolka R. K. , Stanley E. H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTerrestrial loads of dissolved organic matter (DOM) have increased in recent years in many north temperate lakes. While much of the focus on the “browning” phenomena has been on its consequences for carbon cycling, much less is known about how it influences nutrient loading to lakes. We characterize potential loads of nitrogen and phosphorus to seepage lakes in northern Wisconsin, USA, based on a laboratory soil leaching experiment and a model that includes landscape cover and watershed area. In these seepage lakes, nutrient concentrations are positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon concentrations (nitrogen: r = 0.68, phosphorus: r = 0.54). Using long‐term records of browning, we found that dissolved organic matter‐associated nutrient loadings may have resulted in substantial increases in nitrogen and phosphorus in seepage lakes and could account for currently observed nutrient concentrations in the lake. “Silent” nutrient loadings to brown‐water lakes may lead to future water‐quality concerns.
Responses of Lower Thermospheric Temperature to the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Liu Xiao , Yue Jia , Wang Wenbin , Xu Jiyao , Zhang Yongliang , Li Jingyuan , Russell James M. , Hervig Mark E. , Bailey Scott , Nakamura Takuji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe altitude‐ and latitude‐dependent responses of neutral temperature in the lower thermosphere to the 2013 St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm have been studied using neutral temperature measurements from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument onboard the TIMED satellite and the Solar Occultation For Ice Experiment (SOFIE) instrument onboard the AIM satellite. Both SABER and SOFIE observations revealed that both temperature increase (having peaks of ~15–25 K) and decrease (having peak of ~15 K), which were associated with the storm, occurred in the two hemispheres. The magnitudes of temperature variations changed with latitude, altitude, and the phase of the storm. The peaks of the temperature increase occurred 0.5–1.5 days later than the peak of the AE index, depending on latitude and height. Global circulation changes initiated due to heating and ion drag in the auroral region are likely responsible for the temperature increases or decreases in the lower thermosphere.