bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electropolishing of 316L Stainless Steel Using Sulfuric Acid-Free Electrolyte
Authors: Han Wei , Fang Fengzhou 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The study is to investigate the electropolishing characteristics of 316L stainless steel in a sulfuric acid-free electrolyte of phosphoric acid and glycerol and to explore the possibility of using this eco-friendly electrolyte instead of the widely used sulfuric acid-based electrolyte. The influences of process parameters on polishing effects and the corrosion resistance of electropolished samples are investigated. The experimental results show that the electropolishing temperature and acid concentration are directly related to the mass transport mechanism in the limiting current plateau region. The grain boundaries of workpiece were electrochemically dissolved faster than the grain themselves at the beginning of the electropolishing process because they are more reactive than grains. Moreover, the conventional sulfuric—phosphoric acid electrolyte was also used to electropolish the 316L stainless steel, and the electropolished surfaces were compared with the sulfuric acid-free electrolyte proposed in this study. When the sulfuric acid-free electrolyte was used to electropolish the 316L stainless steel, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that atomic Cr/Fe ratio of 316L stainless steel was increased from 0.802 to 1.909 after electropolishing process in the sulfuric acid-free electrolyte of phosphoric acid and glycerol. The corrosion resistance of the electropolished 316L stainless steel is studied using electrochemical analysis, and the results are verified experimentally.
An Oxyfuel Combustion-Based Torrefaction Process: Technoeconomic Analysis
Authors: Hasan M. , Haseli Y. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
A torrefaction process operating on oxyfuel combustion concept is introduced. The working fluid employed in the process is carbon dioxide captured from the combustion products. The thermodynamic modeling of the process is carried out to determine the energy requirement, recycled CO2 flow rate, energy yield, and CO2 production rate at various torrefaction conditions. The total capital investment and production costs of the new system are also estimated. By increasing the torrefaction severity, the CO2 production rate, recycled gas mass, and the process thermal energy requirement increase, whereas the grinding energy and the energy yield decrease. A comparison made between the performance and economic parameters of the new and a conventional torrefaction processes shows that the proposed process is expected to produce torrefied wood pellet of compatible fuel quality and overall efficiency while eliminating CO2 and NOx emissions at the expense of 11.5% and 9% increase in the capital and production costs, respectively. The proposed torrefaction process requires 91.8 M$ capital investment and 113.2 $ to produce 1 ton of torrefied wood pellets with 91% energy yield and 88% overall plant efficiency. Sensitivity analysis shows that the reactor type and raw biomass costs have significant impact on cost structures.
Simulation and Experimental Study of a Diesel Engine Based on an Electro-Hydraulic FVVA System Optimization
Authors: Lu Yong , Li Jian , Xiong Lijun , Li Bo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Variable valve timing technologies for internal combustion engines are used to improve power, torque, reduce emissions, and increase fuel efficiency. First, the paper presents a new electrohydraulic full variable valve actuator (FVVA) system which can control the seating velocity of engine valve flexibly. Second, based on the NSGA-II genetic algorithm, the paper outlines a multi-objective optimization strategy and designs the parameters of the FVVA system to make the system easier to implement. Third, the paper builds the combined FVVA engine simulation model. The combined simulation and experimental results are executed to validate the designed FVVA engine. The simulation results show that brake power is improved between 1.31% and 4.48% and the torque is improved by 1.32–4.47%. Brake thermal efficiency and volumetric efficiency also show improvement. Experimental results have good agreement with the simulation results. The research results can provide a basis for engine modification design.
Suitability Assessment and Experimental Characterization of Phase Change Materials for Energy Conservation in Indian Buildings
Authors: Saxena Rajat , Agarwal Naman , Rakshit Dibakar , Kaushik S. C. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
With increasing energy consumption in buildings, energy efficiency measures are matter of prime concern. A huge portion of energy consumed in buildings is used for regulating the thermal comfort. A solution to this is to incorporate phase change material (PCM) within the building elements which increases their overall thermal capacity. In the present study, the temperature of inner room surface, with and without PCM incorporation, is calculated for composite climate of Delhi. The analysis of PCM sandwiched walls has been performed. The performance analysis of five PCMs, having different melting temperatures, is carried out with nodal temperatures as the output. The results show that a phase change temperature range of 34–38 °C is suitable for peak summer conditions of Delhi. It is also observed that due to the low thermal conductivity of PCMs, they act as both storage medium and insulation, thus reducing temperature fluctuation during summer/winter. Based on the simulation, three PCMs were found suitable and hence were experimentally tested for their characteristic charging and discharging properties and performance, using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Based on the characterization results, it is concluded that two commercially available PCMs (Eicosane and OM35) are suitable for Delhi. All the other PCMs have also been simulated for different climatic conditions in India and their impact on heat gain has been assessed.
Predicting Humphrey 10-2 visual field from 24-2 visual field in eyes with advanced glaucoma
Authors: Sugisaki Kenji , Asaoka Ryo , Inoue Toshihiro , Yoshikawa Keiji , Kanamori Akiyasu , Yamazaki Yoshio , Ishikawa Shinichiro , Nemoto Hodaka , Iwase Aiko , Araie Makoto 
Published: September 2019

AimsTo predict Humphrey Field Analyzer Central 10-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm-Standard test (HFA 10-2) results (Carl Zeiss Meditec, San Leandro, CA) from HFA 24-2 results of the same eyes with advanced glaucoma.MethodsTraining and testing HFA 24-2 and 10-2 data sets, respectively, consisted of 175 eyes (175 patients) and 44 eyes (44 patients) with open advanced glaucoma (mean deviation of HFA 24-2 ≤−20 dB). Using the training data set, the 68 total deviation (TD) values of the HFA 10-2 test points were predicted from those of the innermost 16 HFA 24-2 test points in the same eye, using image processing or various machine learning methods including bilinear interpolation (IP) as a standard for comparison. The absolute prediction error (PredError) was calculated by applying each method to the testing data set.ResultsThe mean (SD) test–retest variability of the HFA 10-2 results in the testing data set was 2.1±1.0 dB, while the IP method yielded a PredError of 5.0±1.7 dB. Among the methods tested, support vector regression (SVR) provided a smallest PredError (4.0±1.5 dB). SVR predicted retinal sensitivity at HFA 10-2 test points in the preserved ‘central isle’ of advanced glaucoma from HFA 24-2 results of the same eye within an error range of about 25%, while error range was approximately twice of the test–retest variability.ConclusionApplying SVR to HFA 24-2 results allowed us to predict TD values at HFA 10-2 test points of the same eye with advanced glaucoma with an error range of about 25%.
Fall and risk factors for veterans and non-veterans inpatients over the age of 65 years: 14 years of long-term data analysis
Authors: Perng Huey-Jen , Chiu Yu-Lung , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Kao Senyeong , Chien Wu-Chien 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionFalls are one of the most important causes of injuries and accidental deaths among this segment of over the age of 65 years.The long-term follow-up study of fall-related injuries was conducted in elderly veterans over the age of 65 years, and the risk of falls in veterans and non-veterans was compared.MethodsThis study used the National Health Insurance Research Database for the period from 2000 to 2013 in Taiwan. This longitudinal study tracked falls in veterans over the age of 65 years, designated a control group (non-veterans), using 1:2 pairing on the basis of sex and time receiving medical care, and used Cox regression to analyse and compare the risk of falls among veterans and non-veterans.ResultsThis study subjects consisted of 35 454 of the veterans had suffered falls (9.5%), as had 55 037 of the non-veterans (7.4%). After controlling for factors such as comorbidities/complications, the veterans had 1.252 times the risk of falls of the non-veterans. Furthermore, among persons in the 75–84 years old age group, veterans had 1.313 times the risk of falls of non-veterans, and among persons with mental illnesses and diseases of the eyes, veterans had 1.300 and 1.362 times the risk of falls of non-veterans. In addition, each veteran had an average of 4.07 falls during the 2000–2013 period, which was significantly higher than in the case of non-veterans (3.88 falls).ConclusionsVeterans’ risk of falls and recurrent falls were both higher than those of non-veterans, and age level, comorbidities/complications and level of low urbanisation were all important factors affecting veterans’ falls. The responsible authorities should, therefore, use appropriate protective measures to reduce the risk of falls and medical expenses in high-risk groups.
General practitioners’ engagement in end-of-life care: a semi-structured interview study
Authors: Deckx Laura , Mitchell Geoffrey , Rosenberg John , Kelly Michaela , Carmont Sue-Ann , Yates Patsy 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundEarly identification of approaching end-of-life and care planning improve outcomes at the end of life. Nevertheless, the majority of people who die are not identified in time to enable appropriate care planning. We aimed to describe the challenges general practitioners (GPs) found in providing end-of-life care; what prompted GPs to identify and discuss approaching end of life with their patient and how their practice changed.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study of 15 Australian GPs using semi-structured interviews, examining end-of-life care of one of their randomly selected, deceased patients. Interviews were analysed using a general inductive approach.ResultsWhen a life-limiting prognosis was articulated, GPs integrated end-of-life care into their clinical care directly. Care often included a care plan developed in consultation with the patient. Even when death was not articulated, GPs were aware of approaching end of life and changed their focus to comfort of the patient. GPs generally had an informal care plan in mind, but this developed gradually and without discussing these plans with the patient. How GPs provided end-of-life care depended primarily on patient traits (eg, willingness to discuss physical decline) and the GP’s characteristics (eg, experience, training and consulting style).ConclusionsGPs were aware of their patients’ approaching end of life and care was adjusted accordingly. However, under certain circumstances this was not explicitly articulated and discussed. It is not clear if implicit but unarticulated end-of-life care is sufficient to meet patients’ needs. Future studies should investigate this.
Statin adherence and persistence on secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Taiwan
Authors: Shau Wen-Yi , Lai Chao-Lun , Huang Shih-Ting , Chen Shu-Ting , Li Jim Z , Fung Selwyn , Tse Vicki C , Lai Mei-Shu 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundEvidence and treatment guidelines support the use of statins in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) for secondary prevention of subsequent cardiovascular (CV) event. However, treatment adherence and persistence are still a concern.MethodsWe constructed a retrospective population-based cohort of patients, who initiated statin treatment within 90 days after discharge from hospital for ASCVD using the claims database of Taiwan National Health Insurance. Proportion of days covered (PDC) was used to measure statin adherence, and PDC ≥80% was defined as good adherence. The study outcomes were subsequent rehospitalisation or in-hospital death due to composite ASCVD, myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke. Their associations with statin prescription adherence or persistence were analysed using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe study cohort included 185 252 postdischarge statin initiators. There were 50 015 subsequent ASCVD rehospitalisations including 2858 in-hospital death during 7 years of study period. Good adherence was significantly associated with lower risk of ASCVD rehospitalisation (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.90; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.92) and significantly lower risk of in-hospital death (aHR 0.59; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.65). Compared with constant use of statin, patients in the three less persistent states (recent stop, non-persistence and intermittent use) were associated with higher risk of subsequent ASCVD rehospitalisation, aHRs were 1.16, 1.13 and 1.26, respectively (all p<0.05). The increased risks were consistent with specific outcome of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. Also, patients in the recent stop period had significantly higher risk for fatal CV event.ConclusionsGood adherence and persistence to statin therapy are significantly associated with lower risk of secondary ASCVD rehospitalisation and in-hospital death.
β2-Adrenergic genotypes and risk of severe exacerbations in COPD: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ingebrigtsen Truls Sylvan , Vestbo Jørgen , Rode Line , Marott Jacob Louis , Lange Peter , Nordestgaard Børge G 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundIndividual susceptibility to exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is likely influenced by genetic factors; however, most such variance is unexplained. We hypothesised that β2-adrenergic receptor genotypes, Gly16Arg (rs1042713, c.46G>A) and Gln27Glu (rs1042714, c.79C>G) influence risk of severe exacerbations in COPD.MethodsAmong 96 762 individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study, we identified 5262 with COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second divided by forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC, below 0.7, FEV1less than 80% of predicted value, age above 40 years and no asthma) who had genotyping performed. Severe exacerbations were defined as acute admissions due to COPD during 5 years of follow-up (mean 3.4 years). 923 individuals with COPD diagnosed similarly in the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) were used for replication analyses.ResultsWe recorded 461 severe exacerbations in 5262 subjects. The HRs for severe exacerbations were 1.62 (95% CI 1.30 to 2.03, p=0.00002) for 16Gly/Arg heterozygotes and 1.41 (1.04 to 1.91, p=0.03) for 16Arg homozygotes, compared with 16Gly homozygotes. HRs were 1.35 (1.03 to 1.76, p=0.03) for 27Gln/Glu heterozygotes and 1.49 (1.12 to 1.98, p=0.006) for 27Gln homozygotes, compared with 27Glu homozygotes. Similar trends were observed in the CCHS. Among 27Gln homozygotes only, HRs were 5.20 (1.81 to 14.9, p=0.002) for 16Gly/Arg heterozygotes and 4.03 (1.40 to 11.6, p=0.01) for 16Arg homozygotes, compared with 16Gly homozygotes.ConclusionCommon β2-adrenergic receptor genotypes influence risk of severe exacerbations in COPD, potentially mainly by genetic influence of the 16Arg allele in rs1042713.
Comparison of early warning scores in patients with COPD exacerbation: DECAF and NEWS score
Authors: Echevarria Carlos , Steer John , Bourke Stephen C 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundThe National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) includes two oxygen saturation scales; the second adjusts target saturations to 88%–92% for those with hypercapnic respiratory failure. Using this second scale in all patients with COPD exacerbation (‘NEWS2All COPD’) would simplify practice, but the impact on alert frequency and prognostic performance is unknown. Admission NEWS2 score has not been compared with DECAF (dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidaemia, atrial fibrillation) for inpatient mortality prediction.MethodsNEWS, NEWS2 and NEWS2All COPDand DECAF were calculated at admission in 2645 patients with COPD exacerbation attending consecutively to one of six UK hospitals, all of whom met spirometry criteria for COPD. Alert frequency and appropriateness were assessed for all NEWS iterations. Prognostic performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation.FindingsCompared with NEWS, NEWS2 reclassified 3.1% patients as not requiring review by a senior clinician (score≥5). NEWS2All COPDreduced alerts by 12.6%, or 16.1% if scoring for injudicious use of oxygen was exempted. Mortality was low in reclassified patients, with no patients dying the same day as being identified as low risk. NEWS2All COPDwas a better prognostic score than NEWS (AUROC 0.72 vs 0.65, p<0.001), with similar performance to NEWS2 (AUROC 0.72 vs 0.70, p=0.090). DECAF was superior to all scores (validation cohort AUROC 0.82) and offered a more clinically useful range of risk stratification (DECAF=1.2%–25.5%; NEWS2=3.5%–15.4%).ConclusionNEWS2All COPDsafely reduces the alert frequency compared with NEWS2. DECAF offers superior prognostic performance to guide clinical decision-making on admission, but does not replace repeated measures of NEWS2 during hospitalisation to detect the deteriorating patient.
A Survey on PCM Lifetime Enhancement Schemes
Authors: Rashidi Saeed , Jalili Majid , Sarbazi-Azad Hamid 
Published: September 2019

Phase Change Memory (PCM) is an emerging memory technology that has the capability to address the growing demand for memory capacity and bridge the gap between the main memory and the secondary storage. As a resistive memory, PCM is able to store data based on its resistance values. The wide resistance range of PCM makes it possible to store even multiple bits per cell (MLC) rather than a single bit per cell (SLC). Unfortunately, PCM cells suffer from short lifetime. That means PCM cells could tolerate a limited number of write operations, and afterward they tend to permanently stick at a constant value.
Limited lifetime is an issue related to PCM memory; hence, in recent years, many studies have been conducted to prolong PCM lifetime. These schemes have vast variety and are applied at different architectural levels. In this survey, we review the important works of such schemes to give insights to those starting to research on non-volatile memories (NVMs). These schemes are not limited to PCM and are applicable on other NVM technologies due to the similarities between them and the generality of lifetime-prolonging schemes.
Know Thy PDX Model
Authors: Meehan Terrence F. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models are frequently used to study cancer mechanisms and potential therapeutics, however, differences in tumor evolution between models and patients have called into question their clinical relevance. In this issue, Mer and colleagues describe the Xenograft Visualization and Analysis (Xeva) software tool that empowers pharmacogenomic analysis through integration of PDX model tumor–drug response with genetic data. By performing the largest PDX model meta-analysis of its kind, the authors demonstrate PDX models are robust platforms for cancer treatment studies. With a clear need for more integrative studies, Xeva is well placed to make more important contributions to pharmacogenomic discovery.
See related article by Mer et al., p. 4539
Phase II Study of the ALK5 Inhibitor Galunisertib in Very Low-, Low-, and Intermediate-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Santini Valeria , Valcárcel David , Platzbecker Uwe , Komrokji Rami S. , Cleverly Ann L. , Lahn Michael M. , Janssen Jan , Zhao Yumin , Chiang Alan , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Guba Susan C. , Gueorguieva Ivelina , Girvan Allicia C. , da Silva Ferreira Mariana , Bhagat Tushar D. , Pradhan Kith , Steidl Ulrich , Sridharan Ashwin , Will Britta , Verma Amit 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPurpose:Overactivation of TGF-β signaling is observed in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and is associated with dysplastic hematopoietic differentiation. Galunisertib, a first-in-class oral inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor type 1 kinase (ALK5) has shown effectiveness in preclinical models of MDS and acceptable toxicity in phase I studies of solid malignancies.Patients and Methods:A phase II multicenter study of galunisertib was conducted in patients with very low-, low-, or intermediate-risk MDS by the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System criteria with hemoglobin ≤ 10.0 g/dL. Patients received oral galunisertib 150 mg twice daily for 14 days on/14 days off.Results:Ten of 41 evaluable patients (24.4%; 95% confidence interval, 12.4–40.3) achieved hematologic improvement erythroid response by International Working Group (IWG) 2006 criteria. A total of 18 of 41 patients (43.9%) achieved erythroid response as per IWG 2000 criteria. Nine of 28 (32.1%) of transfusion-dependent patients had hematologic improvement. A total of 18 of 41 (44%) patients had a significant reduction in fatigue. Overall median duration of response was 90 days in all patients. Rigorous stem and progenitor flow cytometry showed that patients with an early stem cell differentiation block were more likely to respond to galunisertib. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were grade 1 or 2 in 20 (49%) of 41 patients, including any-grade fatigue (8/41, 20%), diarrhea (7/41, 17%), pyrexia (5/41, 12%), and vomiting (5/41, 12%).Conclusions:In summary, galunisertib treatment has an acceptable safety profile and was associated with hematologic improvements in lower- and intermediate-risk MDS, with responses in heavily transfusion-dependent patients and in those with signs of an early stem cell differentiation block.