bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Measurements and Numerical Computation of Nano Heat Transfer Enhancement Inside a Porous Material
Authors: Saghir M. Z. , Welsford C. , Thanapathy P. , Bayomy A. M. , Delisle C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The rapid rate of improvement in electronic devices has led to an increased demand for effective cooling techniques. The purpose of this study is to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of an aluminum metallic foam for use with an Intel core i7 processor. The metal foams used have a porosity of 0.91 and different permeabilities ranging from 10 pores per inch (PPI) to 40 PPI. The flow rate at the entrance of the porous cavity varied from 0.22 USGPM to 0.1 USGPM. The fluid consists of water with aluminum nanoparticles having a concentration from 0.1% to 0.5%. The heat fluxes applied at the bottom of the porous test cell vary from 13.25 W/cm2 to 8.34 W/cm2. It has been observed that nanofluid and forced convection improves heat extraction. These observations lead to the conclusion that heat enhancement is possible with nanofluid and it is enhanced further in the presence of a high flow rate. However, it was detected experimentally, verified numerically, and agreed upon by different researchers that higher heat extraction is found for a nanofluid concentration of 0.2%. This observation is independent of the porous permeability or applied heat flux. It has also been shown that heat enhancement in the presence of nanofluid is evident, when experimental results were compared to water.
Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Auto-Ignition Combustion Dynamics
Authors: Tripathi Abhinav , Zhang Chen , Sun Zongxuan 
Published: November 2018

From engine controls’ perspective, understanding autoignition dynamics is a key to enabling new combustion modes for internal combustion engines, especially for renewable fuels. Conventional autoignition investigations of fuels commonly involve a rapid compression of oxidizer-fuel mixture to a desired set of temperature-pressure conditions in a rapid compression machine (RCM), and subsequent measurement of the ignition delay. However, even for relatively close thermal states at the compressed condition, different thermodynamic paths (pressure-temperature histories) may lead to significantly different chemical kinetic states and hence significantly different ignition delay measurements. Currently, there exists no systematic method to study this path dependence of auto-ignition.
In this work we present, for the first time, a systematic framework for investigation of the effect of small perturbations in the thermo-kinetic states, caused by perturbing the thermodynamic path of compression, on the ignition delay of fuels from a dynamical systems perspective. First, we introduce a novel controlled trajectory rapid compression and expansion machine (CT-RCEM) which offers the ability to precisely control the piston trajectory during compression of the fuel-oxidizer mixture, allowing the thermodynamic path to be tailored as desired. We use the CT-RCEM to experimentally investigate the influence of compression trajectory perturbation on the ignition delay of a specific fuel — dimethyl-ether (DME). Next, using a reduced order model of the combustion dynamics in the CT-RCEM that we developed, we investigate the evolution of the perturbation in the thermo-kinetic states resulting from trajectory perturbation to explain the experimental observations. Finally, we show that the sensitivity of auto-ignition to the thermodynamic path perturbation essentially arises from changes in the chemical reaction rates due to different amounts of intermediate species buildup for different thermodynamic paths.
Negative Obstacle Detection Using LiDAR Sensors for a Robotic Wheelchair
Authors: Baum Taylor E. , Wolkowicz Kelilah L. , Chobot Joseph P. , Brennan Sean N. 
Published: November 2018

The objective of this work is to develop a negative obstacle detection algorithm for a robotic wheelchair. Negative obstacles — depressions in the surrounding terrain including descending stairwells, and curb drop-offs — present highly dangerous navigation scenarios because they exhibit wide characteristic variability, are perceptible only at close distances, and are difficult to detect at normal operating speeds. Negative obstacle detection on robotic wheelchairs could greatly increase the safety of the devices.
The approach presented in this paper uses measurements from a single-scan laser range-finder and a microprocessor to detect negative obstacles. A real-time algorithm was developed that monitors time-varying changes in the measured distances and functions through the assumption that sharp increases in this monitored value represented a detected negative obstacle.
It was found that LiDAR sensors with slight beam divergence and significant error produced impressive obstacle detection accuracy, detecting controlled examples of negative obstacles with 88% accuracy for 6 cm obstacles and above on a robotic development platform and 90% accuracy for 7.5 cm obstacles and above on a robotic wheelchair. The implementation of this algorithm could prevent life-changing injuries to robotic wheelchair users caused by negative obstacles.
Living with disabling chronic pain: results from a face-to-face cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Cabrera-León Andrés , Cantero-Braojos Miguel Ángel , Garcia-Fernandez Llenalia , Guerra de Hoyos Juan Antonio 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of disabling chronic pain (DCP) in Spanish adults, to analyse its characteristics, to determine its multimorbidity and to identify its associated factors.Settings2011 Andalusian Health Survey, a cross-sectional population survey based on face-to-face home interviews.Participants6507 people aged 16 years or older and living in Andalusia, Spain.OutcomesThe response variable was disabling chronic pain. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse the association of factors with disabling chronic pain. The sample design was considered throughout the statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of disabling chronic pain in the Spanish adult population was 11.36% (95% CI 11.23 to 11.49), while that of non-disabling chronic pain was 5.67% (95% CI 5.57 to 5.77). Disabling chronic pain was associated with high multimorbidity (especially in women (51%) and in the elderly (70%) with three or more additional chronic diseases), as well as with disadvantaged social status (such as female gender (OR=2.12), advanced age (OR10-year increase=1.28), unemployment (OR=1.33), manual work (OR=1.26), low income (OR=1.14) and reduced emotional social support (OR=1.04)). Other influential factors were tobacco consumption (OR=1.42), sleeping ≤7 hours (OR=1.2)], environmental or work conditions (OR=1.16) and quality of life (ORmental=1.21, ORphysical=2.37).ConclusionsThe population with disabling chronic pain was associated with multimorbidity, vulnerable social status and an impaired quality of life. In contrast, the population with non-disabling chronic pain showed almost no differences when compared with the population without chronic pain. The association between DCP and mental disorders highlights the need for psychosocial services in the management of chronic pain.
Quality improvement collaborative aiming for Proactive HEAlthcare of Older People in Care Homes (PEACH): a realist evaluation protocol
Authors: Devi Reena , Meyer Julienne , Banerjee Jay , Goodman Claire , Gladman John Raymond Fletcher , Dening Tom , Chadborn Neil , Hinsliff-Smith Kathryn , Long Annabelle , Usman Adeela , Housley Gemma , Bowman Clive , Martin Finbarr , Logan Phillipa , Lewis Sarah , Gordon Adam Lee 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThis protocol describes a study of a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) to support implementation and delivery of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in UK care homes. The QIC will be formed of health and social care professionals working in and with care homes and will be supported by clinical, quality improvement and research specialists. QIC participants will receive quality improvement training using the Model for Improvement. An appreciative approach to working with care homes will be encouraged through facilitated shared learning events, quality improvement coaching and assistance with project evaluation.Methods and analysisThe QIC will be delivered across a range of partnering organisations which plan, deliver and evaluate health services for care home residents in four local areas of one geographical region. A realist evaluation framework will be used to develop a programme theory informing how QICs are thought to work, for whom and in what ways when used to implement and deliver CGA in care homes. Data collection will involve participant observations of the QIC over 18 months, and interviews/focus groups with QIC participants to iteratively define, refine, test or refute the programme theory. Two researchers will analyse field notes, and interview/focus group transcripts, coding data using inductive and deductive analysis. The key findings and linked programme theory will be summarised as context-mechanism-outcome configurations describing what needs to be in place to use QICs to implement service improvements in care homes.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was reviewed by the National Health Service Health Research Authority (London Bromley research ethics committee reference: 205840) and the University of Nottingham (reference: LT07092016) ethics committees. Both determined that the Proactive HEAlthcare of Older People in Care Homes study was a service and quality improvement initiative. Findings will be shared nationally and internationally through conference presentations, publication in peer-reviewed journals, a graphical illustration and a dissemination video.
Quality of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) care from the patient’s perspective: a qualitative study
Authors: Berrevoets Marvin A H , Oerlemans Anke J M , Tromp Mirjam , Kullberg Bart Jan , ten Oever Jaap , Schouten Jeroen A , Hulscher Marlies E 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesCurrent outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) guidelines recommend delivering patient-centred care. However, little is known about what patients define as good quality of OPAT care and what their needs and preferences are.The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the patients’ perspective on high-quality care, and to explore what patient-centred care means to adult OPAT patients.Design and settingThis is an explorative, descriptive study using qualitative methods. We conducted focus group interviews with 16 adult patients (5 female, 11 male) from 3 different hospitals, who received OPAT and 2 individual semistructured interviews with their informal caregivers in the Netherlands. We used purposive sampling to ensure diversity of participants. We used the eight Picker principles of patient-centredness to guide data collection and analysis.ResultsParticipants reported several elements considered as important for patient-centred OPAT care, like patient involvement in the decision-making process, a responsible OPAT lead, intensive collaboration between all disciplines involved, information provision and adherence to hygiene guidelines. Two central dimensions emerged as essential constituents of patient-centred OPAT care: freedom and safety. Both are heavily influenced by the behaviours of healthcare professionals and by organisational aspects beyond the direct influence of these professionals.ConclusionThis study provides insights into the needs and preferences of adult patients who receive OPAT care. Future interventions directed at the improvement of patient-centredness of OPAT care should focus on elements that enhance patients’ feelings of freedom and safety.
Cost-effectiveness of a care manager collaborative care programme for patients with depression in primary care: economic evaluation of a pragmatic randomised controlled study
Authors: Holst Anna , Ginter Annika , Björkelund Cecilia , Hange Dominique , Petersson Eva-Lisa , Svenningsson Irene , Westman Jeanette , André Malin , Wikberg Carl , Wallin Lars , Möller Christina , Svensson Mikael 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a care manager (CM) programme compared with care as usual (CAU) for treatment of depression at primary care centres (PCCs) from a healthcare as well as societal perspective.DesignCost-effectiveness analysis.Setting23 PCCs in two Swedish regions.ParticipantsPatients with depression (n=342).Main outcome measuresA cost-effectiveness analysis was applied on a cluster randomised trial at PCC level where patients with depression had 3 months of contact with a CM (11 intervention PCCs, n=163) or CAU (12 control PCCs, n=179), with follow-up 3 and 6 months. Effectiveness measures were based on the number of depression-free days (DFDs) calculated from the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results were expressed as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio: ∆Cost/∆QALY and ∆Cost/∆DFD. Sampling uncertainty was assessed based on non-parametric bootstrapping.ResultsHealth benefits were higher in intervention group compared with CAU group: QALYs (0.357 vs 0.333, p<0.001) and DFD reduction of depressive symptom score (79.43 vs 60.14, p<0.001). The mean costs per patient for the 6-month period were €368 (healthcare perspective) and €6217 (societal perspective) for the intervention patients and €246 (healthcare perspective) and €7371 (societal perspective) for the control patients (n.s.). The cost per QALY gained was €6773 (healthcare perspective) and from a societal perspective the CM programme was dominant.DiscussionThe CM programme was associated with a gain in QALYs as well as in DFD, while also being cost saving compared with CAU from a societal perspective. This result is of high relevance for decision-makers on a national level, but it must be observed that a CM programme for depression implies increased costs at the primary care level.Trial registration numberNCT02378272; Results.
An Asian consensus on standards of diagnostic upper endoscopy for neoplasia
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Uedo Noriya , Singh Rajvinder , Gotoda Takuji , Ng Enders Kwok Wai , Yao Kenshi , Ang Tiing Leong , Ho Shiaw Hooi , Kikuchi Daisuke , Yao Fang , Pittayanon Rapat , Goda Kenichi , Lau James Y W , Tajiri Hisao , Inoue Haruhiro 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThis is a consensus developed by a group of expert endoscopists aiming to standardise the preparation, process and endoscopic procedural steps for diagnosis of early upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.MethodThe Delphi method was used to develop consensus statements through identification of clinical questions on diagnostic endoscopy. Three consensus meetings were conducted to consolidate the statements and voting. We conducted a systematic literature search on evidence for each statement. The statements were presented in the second consensus meeting and revised according to comments. The final voting was conducted at the third consensus meeting on the level of evidence and agreement.ResultsRisk stratification should be conducted before endoscopy and high risk endoscopic findings should raise an index of suspicion. The presence of premalignant mucosal changes should be documented and use of sedation is recommended to enhance detection of superficial upper GI neoplasms. The use of antispasmodics and mucolytics enhanced visualisation of the upper GI tract, and systematic endoscopic mapping should be conducted to improve detection. Sufficient examination time and structured training on diagnosis improves detection. Image enhanced endoscopy in addition to white light imaging improves detection of superficial upper GI cancer. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is recommended for characterisation of upper GI superficial neoplasms. Endoscopic characterisation can avoid unnecessary biopsy.ConclusionThis consensus provides guidance for the performance of endoscopic diagnosis and characterisation for early gastric and oesophageal neoplasia based on the evidence. This will enhance the quality of endoscopic diagnosis and improve detection of early upper GI cancers.
Epidemiology of pericardial diseases in Africa: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Ndoadoumgue Aude Laetitia , Nkeck Jan René , Kamguia Arnaud , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Ntsekhe Mpiko 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThis scoping review sought to summarise available data on the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of pericardial disease in Africa.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus and African Journals Online from 1 January 1967 to 30 July 2017 to identify all studies published on the prevalence, aetiologies, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of pericardial diseases in adults residing in Africa.Results36 studies were included. The prevalence of pericardial diseases varies widely according to the population of interest: about 1.1% among people with cardiac complaints, between 3.3% and 6.8% among two large cohorts of patients with heart failure and up to 46.5% in an HIV-infected population with cardiac symptoms. Tuberculosis is the most frequent cause of pericardial diseases in both HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected populations. Patients with tuberculous pericarditis present mostly with effusive pericarditis (79.5%), effusive constrictive pericarditis (15.1%) and myopericarditis (13%); a large proportion of them (up to 20%) present in cardiac tamponade. The aetiological diagnosis of pericardial diseases is challenging in African resource-limited settings, especially for tuberculous pericarditis for which the diagnosis is not definite in many cases. The outcome of these diseases remains poor, with mortality rates between 18% and 25% despite seemingly appropriate treatment approaches. Mortality is highest among patients with tuberculous pericarditis especially those coinfected with HIV.ConclusionPericardial diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, especially in HIV-infected individuals. Tuberculosis is the most frequent cause of pericardial diseases, and it is associated with poor outcomes.
Predicting tuberculosis relapse in patients treated with the standard 6-month regimen: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Romanowski Kamila , Balshaw Robert F , Benedetti Andrea , Campbell Jonathon R , Menzies Dick , Ahmad Khan Faiz , Johnston James C 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundRelapse continues to place significant burden on patients and tuberculosis (TB) programmes worldwide. We aimed to determine clinical and microbiological factors associated with relapse in patients treated with the WHO standard 6-month regimen and then evaluate the accuracy of each factor at predicting an outcome of relapse.MethodsA systematic review was performed to identify randomised controlled trials reporting treatment outcomes on patients receiving the standard regimen. Authors were contacted and invited to share patient-level data (IPD). A one-step IPD meta-analysis, using random intercept logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves, was performed to evaluate the predictive performance of variables of interest.ResultsIndividual patient data were obtained from 3 of the 12 identified studies. Of the 1189 patients with confirmed pulmonary TB who completed therapy, 67 (5.6%) relapsed. In multipredictor analysis, the presence of baseline cavitary disease with positive smear at 2 months was associated with an increased odds of relapse (OR 2.3(95% CI 1.3 to 4.2)) and a relapse risk of 10%. When area under the curve for each multipredictor model was compared, discrimination between low-risk and higher-risk patients was modest and similar to that of the reference model which accounted for age, sex and HIV status.ConclusionDespite its poor predictive value, our results indicate that the combined presence of cavitary disease and 2-month positive smear status may be the best currently available marker for identifying individuals at an increased risk of relapse, particularly in resource-limited setting. Further investigation is required to assess whether this combined factor can be used to indicate different treatment requirements in clinical practice.
The impact of base-salt relief on salt flow and suprasalt deformation patterns at the autochthonous, paraautochthonous and allochthonous level: insights from physical models
Authors: Dooley Tim P. , Hudec Michael R. , Pichel Leonardo M. , Jackson Martin P. A. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Salt is sensitive to the geometry of the substrate it flows across. We use physical models to investigate the impact of base-salt relief on deformation patterns. First, we investigate early-stage gravity gliding across base-salt relief. Salt flowing onto structural high blocks forms a zone of thickened salt and associated shortening owing to a flux mismatch. On the downdip edge of the basement high another flux mismatch generates a topographic monocline (ramp-syncline basin) with associated extensional and contractional hinges. With multiple base-salt high blocks, this structural pattern was repeated down the entire slope. Laterally discontinuous base-salt relief generated additional complexities such as major rotations of raft blocks and intervening diapirs as salt is channelled around and between base-salt relief. At the allochthonous level, regional dip, salt budget and base-salt relief influence flow patterns. Individual salt sheets spread sub-radially with streamlines skewed down the regional slope. As the canopy coalesced along allosutures, inward flow from the canopy peripheries dominated, driven by more vigorous flow from outer feeders owing to less competition for source-layer salt. Subsequent shortening returned flow patterns to grossly dip-parallel. However, salt flows fastest where it is thickest and thus chains of feeders channel rapid intracanopy flow.
Mas Receptor Activation Slows Tumor Growth and Attenuates Muscle Wasting in Cancer
Authors: Murphy Kate T. , Hossain Mohammed I. , Swiderski Kristy , Chee Annabel , Naim Timur , Trieu Jennifer , Haynes Vanessa , Read Suzannah J. , Stapleton David I. , Judge Sarah M. , Trevino Jose G. , Judge Andrew R. , Lynch Gordon S. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with significant functional impairment. Cachexia robs patients of their strength and capacity to perform daily tasks and live independently. Effective treatments are needed urgently. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of activating the “alternative” axis of the renin-angiotensin system, involving ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7), and the mitochondrial assembly receptor (MasR), for treating cancer cachexia. Plasmid overexpression of the MasR or pharmacologic angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR activation did not affect healthy muscle fiber size in vitro or in vivo but attenuated atrophy induced by coculture with cancer cells in vitro. In mice with cancer cachexia, the MasR agonist AVE 0991 slowed tumor development, reduced weight loss, improved locomotor activity, and attenuated muscle wasting, with the majority of these effects dependent on the orexigenic and not antitumor properties of AVE 0991. Proteomic profiling and IHC revealed that mechanisms underlying AVE 0991 effects on skeletal muscle involved miR-23a–regulated preservation of the fast, glycolytic fibers. MasR activation is a novel regulator of muscle phenotype, and AVE 0991 has orexigenic, anticachectic, and antitumorigenic effects, identifying it as a promising adjunct therapy for cancer and other serious muscle wasting conditions.

Significance:
These findings demonstrate that MasR activation has multiple benefits of being orexigenic, anticachectic, and antitumorigenic, revealing it as a potential adjunct therapy for cancer.
See related commentary by Rupert et al., p. 699