bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the COugh Assessment Test (COAT)
Authors: Koo Hyeon‐Kyoung , Jeong Ina , Kim Joo‐Hee , Kim Sung‐Kyoung , Shin Jong‐Wook , Park So Young , Rhee Chin Kook , Choi Eun Young , Moon Ji‐Yong , Kim Yee Hyung , Lee Hyun , Kang Hye Seon , Min Kyung Hoon , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Je Hyeong , Lee Sang Haak , Yoo Kwang Ha , Kim Deog Kyeom , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Kim Dong‐Gyu , Kim Hui Jung , Jung Ki‐Suck , Jang Seung Hun ,   on behalf of the Cough Study Group of the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveA cough‐specific quality‐of‐life questionnaire is recommended to assess the impact of cough; however, a simple instrument to quantify cough is required for everyday clinical practice. This study was aimed to develop a short patient‐completed questionnaire (COugh Assessment Test, COAT).MethodsThe COAT was developed and validated by comparison with the Korean version of Leicester Cough Questionnaire (K‐LCQ) and cough numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10, 11‐point scale) for chronic cough patients.ResultsItem selection identified five items regarding cough frequency, daily activity, sleep disturbance, fatigue and cough hypersensitivity (0–4 scaling of items, 0–20 score range) through reliability test cohort (n= 78). Test–retest reliability was strong (intra‐class correlation coefficient = 0.88). The final COAT was compared with K‐LCQ and cough NRS in a validation cohort (n= 323). In Rasch analysis, COAT fitted well to a unidimensional model. Pearson correlations of COAT versus K‐LCQ (i) before treatment, (ii) after treatment; COAT versus cough NRS (iii) before treatment, (iv) after treatment; (v) delta‐COAT versus delta‐cough NRS, (vi) delta‐COAT versus delta‐K‐LCQ were (i) −0.71, (ii) −0.81, (iii) 0.69, (iv) 0.82, (v) −0.66 and (vi) 0.72, respectively.ConclusionThe COAT is a useful, simple questionnaire for assessing and monitoring cough.
Integration of Critical Infrastructure and Societal Consequence Models: Impact on Swedish Power System Mitigation Decisions
Authors: Svegrup Linn , Johansson Jonas , Hassel Henrik 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCritical infrastructures provide society with services essential to its functioning, and extensive disruptions give rise to large societal consequences. Risk and vulnerability analyses of critical infrastructures generally focus narrowly on the infrastructure of interest and describe the consequences as nonsupplied commodities or the cost of unsupplied commodities; they rarely holistically consider the larger impact with respect to higher‐order consequences for the society. From a societal perspective, this narrow focus may lead to severe underestimation of the negative effects of infrastructure disruptions. To explore this theory, an integrated modeling approach, combining models of critical infrastructures and economic input–output models, is proposed and applied in a case study. In the case study, a representative model of the Swedish power transmission system and a regionalized economic input–output model are utilized. This enables exploration of how a narrow infrastructure or a more holistic societal consequence perspective affects vulnerability‐related mitigation decisions regarding critical infrastructures. Two decision contexts related to prioritization of different vulnerability‐reducing measures are considered—identifying critical components and adding system components to increase robustness. It is concluded that higher‐order societal consequences due to power supply disruptions can be up to twice as large as first‐order consequences, which in turn has a significant effect on the identification of which critical components are to be protected or strengthened and a smaller effect on the ranking of improvement measures in terms of adding system components to increase system redundancy.
HIV-related excess mortality and age-related comorbidities in patients with HIV aged ≥60: a relative survival analysis in the French Dat’AIDS cohort
Authors: Hentzien Maxime , Dramé Moustapha , Delpierre Cyrille , Allavena Clotilde , Cabié André , Cuzin Lise , Rey David , Pugliese Pascal , Hédelin Guy , Bani-Sadr Firouzé 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThe objective was to evaluate the association between age-related comorbidities (ARCs) and 5-year HIV-related excess mortality in people living with HIV aged ≥60 years.DesignCohort study using relative survival analysis (Estève’s model).SettingThe French multicentre prospective Dat’AIDS cohort that involves 12 French hospitals.ParticipantsInclusion of 1415 HIV-1 infected patients actively followed aged ≥60 years on January 2008, with a 5-year follow-up period in the late combination antiretroviral therapy era.ResultsAmong 1415 patients included, 154 died. By multivariable analysis, factors predictive of 5-year HIV-related excess mortality were non-AIDS-related cancer (adjusted excess HR (aEHR)=2.94; 95% CI 1.32 to 6.57), cardiovascular disease (aEHR=6.00; 95% CI 2.45 to 14.65), chronic renal disease (aEHR=4.86; 95% CI 2.24 to 10.53), cirrhosis (aEHR=3.58; 95% CI 1.25 to 10.28), hepatitis C co-infection (aEHR=3.63; 95% CI 1.44 to 9.12), body mass index<18.5 kg/m² (aEHR=4.10; 95% CI 1.61 to 10.48) and having a CD4 cell count ≤200/mm3(aEHR=5.79; 95% CI 2.28 to 14.69).ConclusionsARCs, particularly cardiovascular disease and chronic renal disease, are predictive of HIV-related excess mortality, with an increase in hazard similar to that of CD4 cell count.Trial registration numberNCT02898987.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treatment of dysphagia in infants and young children with neurological impairment: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Marcus Sherna , Friedman Jeremy N , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Mahant Sanjay 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in infants and young children with neurological impairment (NI) who have severe dysphagia.DesignA prospective pilot study using a before and after study design.SettingThe Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.PatientsTen infants and young children (0–24 months) with NI and severe dysphagia on videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) who were referred to an occupational therapist (OT). Those with neurodegenerative conditions were excluded.InterventionNMES treatments lasting 20–45 min twice weekly for the duration of 2–4 months. The NMES was administered during feeding therapy sessions by a trained OT.Main outcome measuresImprovement in swallowing function as measured by VFSS and the need for tube feeding, adverse events and parental acceptability.ResultsSeven of 10 enrolled subjects (median age, 8.9 months) completed biweekly NMES treatments (median number of treatments per subject, 18). All of the seven (100%) subjects who completed treatment showed an improvement in swallow function on VFSS. Of the five patients who were not safe to orally feed on any consistency of liquid or puree at baseline, three established full oral feeding and two established partial oral feeding. At baseline, 5/7 children were completely fed by tube versus 0/7 at the end of treatment. No adverse events occurred other than mild skin irritation at the site of electrode placement. Five of seven caregivers felt that feeding was improved and were satisfied with the intervention.ConclusionsOur prospective pilot study of NMES in seven neurologically impaired infants and young children with severe dysphagia suggests that NMES is safe, acceptable to parents and has potential efficacy. Trials are needed to determine if any treatment benefit exists.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01723358.
In-vehicle noise exposure among military personnel depending on type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface
Authors: Luha Assar , Merisalu E , Reinvee M , Kinnas S , Jõgeva R , Orru H 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common health problems among military service personnel. Exposure to noise in military vehicles constitutes a large proportion of total noise exposure. This pilot study aimed to evaluate in-vehicle noise levels depending on the type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface.MethodNoise levels were measured in armoured personnel carriers and heavy all-terrain trucks, in the cab and rear passenger compartment, while driving on paved or off-road surfaces. The results were compared with national LLV and allowed noise exposure times were calculated per vehicle and surface.ResultsThe equivalent noise levels in the cab of SISU XA-188 (p=0.001) and peak noise levels in MAN 4620 (p=0.0001) and DAF 4440 (p=0.0047) were higher on paved road, compared with off-road. The equivalent noise levels in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 were significantly higher than in the cab on both paved (p=0.004) and off-road (p=0.0003). Peak noise levels in the cab of DAF 4440 exceeded the parameters measured in the canvas covered rear compartment on both paved (p=0.002) and off-road (p=0.0002). In most cases, peak noise levels were below the LLV (p=0.02–0.0001). The maximum noise exposure to passengers in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 despite road surface was calculated 0.6 hours per working day.ConclusionA high risk of noise-induced hearing loss among military personnel occurs during long distance transportation with vehicles showing noise levels higher than allowed LLV.
Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in high-risk adult patients undergoing coronary angiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sharp Alexander J , Patel Nishith , Reeves Barney C , Angelini Gianni D , Fiorentino Francesca 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveQuantify the efficacy of strategies to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in high-risk patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).BackgroundCI-AKI remains a common problem. The renoprotective efficacy of existing pharmacological agents remains uncertain in high-risk populations.MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to compare different strategies versus hydration in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing CAG±PCI. Primary outcome was incident CI-AKI. Fixed-effects meta-analyses estimated ORs, 95% CIs and heterogeneity.ResultsForty-eight RCTs were included. Seven pharmacological strategies were evaluated by multiple RCTs and 10 by one RCT each. These had varying risk of bias; >25% of trials were at high risk of performance bias. Five strategies significantly reduced the odds of CI-AKI: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (27 trials, 5694 participants; OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.91, p=0.002, I2=36%), ascorbic acid (four trials, 759 participants; OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.89, p=0.01, I2=0%), statin (two trials, 3234 participants; OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.89, p=0.75, I2=0%), trimetazidine (two trials, 214 participants; OR=0.27, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.71, p=0.01, I2=0%) and nicorandil (two trials, 389 participants; OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.94, p=0.03, I2=52%). Theophylline had a similar, but non-significant, effect. A subgroup analysis found that the benefit of NAC was highest in patients requiring a high-contrast dose.ConclusionsSeveral drugs are renoprotective in patients with CKD undergoing CAG±PCI. The evidence is strongest for NAC. We recommend that NAC should be used when a high dose of contrast is anticipated.Trial registration numberPROSPERO registration CRD42014014704.Open Science Framework link:https://osf.io/vxg7d/?view_only=62bad0404b18405abd39ff2ead2575a8
Retrospective cohort study of healthcare utilization and opioid use following radiofrequency ablation for chronic axial spine pain in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Loh Eldon , Reid Jennifer N , Alibrahim Fatimah , Welk Blayne 
Published: January 2019

Background and objectivesRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common treatment modality for chronic axial spine pain. Controversy exists over its effectiveness, and outcomes in a real-world setting have not been evaluated despite increasing use of RFA. This study examined changes in healthcare utilization and opioid use after RFA in Ontario, Canada.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in Ontario using administrative data. Ontario residents receiving their initial RFA between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2015 were included. Physician visits, spinal injections, and opioid dosing/prescriptions in the 12-month periods before and after RFA were compared.ResultsThe study included 4653 patients. The number of RFA procedures significantly increased from 2009 to 2014 (22.5 cases/1 000 000 person-years to 82.5 cases/1 000 000 person-years). 4465 patients had at least one physician visit pre-RFA; there was a significant 23.89% reduction in physician visits post-RFA (pre-RFA: 29 616 visits; post-RFA: 22 542 visits). All reviewed specialties demonstrated a decrease in physician visits post-RF except neurosurgery. 3445 (85.70%) fewer spinal interventions for axial pain (medial/lateral branch blocks, facet/sacroiliac injections) were performed post-RFA. Significantly fewer epidurals were also performed post-RFA. 198 of 1007 patients (19.66%) on the Ontario Drug Benefit who received opioids pre-RFA did not require a postprocedure opioid prescription. Mean opioid dosing was unchanged post-RFA.ConclusionsHealthcare utilization was significantly reduced in the 12 months following RFA, and some patients eliminated opioid use. Selection criteria for RFA are not standardized in Ontario, and appropriate use guidelines for spine interventions may improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary procedures.
Exact solutions in Weyl-cubed gravity
Authors: Ganjali Mohammad A. 
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we will use a unitary gravitational action up to third-order of curvature with respect to the holographic a-theorem. In particular, its third-order term has a Weyl-cubed term. In this paper, we study this Weyl-cubed theory and find some of its exact classical solutions. We show that the theory admits conformally flat, Lifshitz, Schrödinger and also hyperscaling-violating backgrounds as the solutions of the equations of motion. Our analysis has been done for the pure Weyl-cubed gravity, Einstein plus Weyl-cubed term and gravity with matter.
Unveiling electrically tunable characteristics of second-order dispersion in graphene-silicon nitride waveguides
Authors: Xie Peng , Xue Mantian , Wen Yu , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Xinyu , Yin Haoyi , Du Chengze , Liu Jiarui , Liu Jianhua 
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we proposed a graphene-silicon nitride (GSN) waveguide model, which was unveiled to unveil its second-order dispersion (SOD) characteristics. The influences of the different thicknesses of graphene layer and the different heights from graphene to the core material of silicon nitride on SOD were investigated in detail. The tunability of SOD via controlling the bias voltage applied to the graphene layer was demonstrated and a 50 nm wavelength tuning was achieved with a small perturbation in voltage while keeping the geometric structure of the waveguide unchanged. Moreover, a flat SOD curve of the GSN waveguide was obtained with a large bandwidth of 700 nm between the two zero-dispersion wavelengths (ZDWs). These results provided significant insights for potential applications of graphene-related optoelectronic devices, integrated optics, and optical communications.
A Lockable Abnormal Electromagnetic Signal Joint Detection Algorithm
Authors: Lu Jiazhong , Niu Weina , Liu Xiaolei , Hu Teng , Zhang Xiaosong 
Published: January 2019

With the development of computers and network technologies, network security has gradually become a global problem. Network security defenses need to be carried out not only on the Internet, but also on other communication media, such as electromagnetic signals. Existing electromagnetic signal communication is easily intercepted or infiltrated. In order to effectively detect the abnormal electromagnetic signal to find out the specific location, then classify it, it is necessary to study the way of communication. The existing electromagnetic signal detection accuracy is low and cannot be located. Considering the characteristics of different power sources in different locations, combined with spark streaming technology and machine learning classification technology, a joint platform for electromagnetic signal anomaly detection based on big data analysis is proposed. The electromagnetic signal is abnormally detected by feature comparison and small signal analysis, and the position and number between the signal sources are determined by three-point positioning and signal attenuation. The experimental results show that the method can detect abnormal electromagnetic signals and classify abnormal electromagnetic signals well, the accuracy rate can reach 95%, and the positioning accuracy can reach 89%.
Arrangements of ideal type are inductively free
Authors: Cuntz Michael , Röhrle Gerhard , Schauenburg Anne 
Published: January 2019

Extending earlier work by Sommers and Tymoczko, in 2016, Abe, Barakat, Cuntz, Hoge, and Terao established that each arrangement of ideal type [Formula: see text] stemming from an ideal [Formula: see text] in the set of positive roots of a reduced root system is free.Recently, Röhrle showed that a large class of the [Formula: see text] satisfy the stronger property of inductive freeness and conjectured that this property holds for all [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we confirm this conjecture.
China—US Trade War: A Modern Version of the Thucydides Trap
Authors: XING Yuqing 
Published: January 2019

China—US trade war looks like a modern version of the Thucydides Trap. The devastating consequences of the trade war can be avoided if China takes the drastic step to open its market to US firms and allow foreign firms to have a level playing field to compete with Chinese firms. It is time that Chinese consumers embrace products “made beyond China”. Strengthening economic cooperation with the European Union (EU) and Japan would give China the leverage to counterbalance the pressure of the United States. China, however, should be ready to offer significant concessions in opening its domestic market too.
Big Data Development in China
Authors: SHIH Huimin , XUE Jianyue 
Published: January 2019

Since 2012, the Chinese government has released several national-level plans to develop the big data industry, with an aim to improve governance and to push Chinese manufacturing up the value chain. Over the years, the Chinese big data industry has experienced rapid but uneven growth. Although more Chinese companies and government departments are adopting big data technologies, administrative fragmentation and privacy protection policies remain obstacles to further development.
Activation of Notch signaling by soluble Dll4 decreases vascular permeability via a cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway
Authors: Boardman Rachel , Pang Vincent , Malhi Naseeb , Lynch Amy P. , Leach Lopa , Benest Andrew V. , Bates David O. , Machado Maria J. C. 
Published: January 2019

The Notch ligand delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), upregulated by VEGF, is a key regulator of vessel morphogenesis and function, controlling tip and stalk cell selection during sprouting angiogenesis. Inhibition of Dll4 results in hypersprouting, nonfunctional, poorly perfused vessels, suggesting a role for Dll4 in the formation of mature, reactive, functional vessels, with low permeability and able to restrict fluid and solute exchange. We tested the hypothesis that Dll4 controls transvascular fluid exchange. A recombinant protein expressing only the extracellular portion of Dll4 [soluble Dll4 (sDll4)] induced Notch signaling in endothelial cells (ECs), resulting in increased expression of vascular-endothelial cadherin, but not the tight junctional protein zonula occludens 1, at intercellular junctions. sDll4 decreased the permeability of FITC-labeled albumin across EC monolayers, and this effect was abrogated by coculture with the γ-secretase inhibitor N-[ N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]- S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester. One of the known molecular effectors responsible for strengthening EC-EC contacts is PKA, so we tested the effect of modulation of PKA on the sDll4-mediated reduction of permeability. Inhibition of PKA reversed the sDll4-mediated reduction in permeability and reduced expression of the Notch target gene Hey1. Knockdown of PKA reduced sDLL4-mediated vascular-endothelial cadherin junctional expression. sDll4 also caused a significant decrease in the hydraulic conductivity of rat mesenteric microvessels in vivo. This reduction was abolished upon coperfusion with the PKA inhibitor H89 dihydrochloride. These results indicate that Dll4 signaling through Notch activation acts through a cAMP/PKA pathway upon intercellular adherens junctions, but not tight junctions, to regulate endothelial barrier function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Notch signaling reduces vascular permeability through stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A.
Design of Linear Plasma Position Controllers with Intelligent Feedback Systems for Aditya Tokamak
Authors: Roseline J Femila , Nandhitha N M. 
Published: January 2019

<p><span>In order to increase the performance of Aditya tokamak, it is necessary to determine the feedback coil current for positioning the plasma within the magnetic chamber. In this paper, transfer functions are obtained for the plasma position prediction system. Four different feedback controllers are developed to improve the performance of the prediction system. From the analysis, Neural Network controller does not have overshoot while the PID controller has lesser settling time than the other two controllers. </span></p>
Information System Success Framework based on Interpersonal Conflict Factors
Authors: Aboaoga Mohammed , Aziz Mohd Juzaiddin Ab , Mohamed Ibrahim 
Published: January 2019

Information system success (ISS) has received considerable attention from researchers as it plays an important role in improving the efficiency and productivity of an organization. Several researchers have conducted empirical studies using numerous factors (e.g. organizational, technological, and individual factors) which affect the information system success. However, there are several factors which are related to interpersonal conflict which may affect information system success. The interpersonal conflict is a critical dimension which can greatly influence information system success in a competitive environment such as the financial sector. Therefore, this study introduces a framework to investigate the influence of interpersonal conflict factors on information system success in the Ministry of Finance, Yemen. The study employed a quantitative method which consists of the following steps: survey design, data collection and data analysis. A sample size comprising 130 employees were distributed in the Ministry of Finance, Yemen. Questionnaires were used to collect data from this sample. Data analysis (reliability, validity, correlation and factor analysis) has been carried out using SPSS. In addition, structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used for evaluation the research model. Based on the experimental results, the findings in this study revealed that the interpersonal factors (interference, disagreement and instability) significantly negatively (at 0.05 level of significance) influence user satisfaction of information system success.