bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Tracked-Wheeled Multi-Directional Mobile Robot
Authors: Ben-Tzvi Pinhas , Saab Wael 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This paper presents the novel design and integration of a mobile robot with multi-directional mobility capabilities enabled via a hybrid combination of tracks and wheels. Tracked and wheeled locomotion modes are independent from one another, and are cascaded along two orthogonal axes to provide multi-directional mobility. An actuated mechanism toggles between these two modes for optimal mobility under different surface-traction conditions, and further adds an additional translational axis of mobility. That is, the robot can move in the longitudinal direction via the tracks on rugged terrain for high traction, in the lateral direction via the wheels on smooth terrain for high-speed locomotion, and along the vertical axis via the translational joint. Additionally, the robot is capable of yaw axis mobility using differential drives in both tracked and wheeled modes of operation. The paper presents design and analysis of the proposed robot along with a dynamic stabilization algorithm to prevent the robot from tipping over while carrying an external payload on inclined surfaces. Experimental results using an integrated prototype demonstrate multi-directional capabilities of the mobile platform and the dynamic stability algorithm to stabilize the robot while carrying various external payloads on inclined surfaces measuring up to 2.5 kg and 10 deg, respectively.
Design and Analysis of Reconfigurable Deployable Polyhedral Mechanisms With Straight Elements
Authors: Li Ruiming , Sun Xuemin , Chen Yaqiong , Yao Yan-an , Ding Xilun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This paper presents the construction method of a family of reconfigurable deployable polyhedral mechanisms (RDPMs) based on straight elements. First, reconfigurable straight element (RSE) is designed from two aspects: two prismatic-revolute-revolute-prismatic mechanisms aspect and reconfigurable angulated element aspect, and the kinematics and multifurcation of RSE are investigated. Then reconfigurable multiple straight elements (RMSEs) with n pairs of straight elements are proposed, RMSEs can reach two different transition configurations, the constraint conditions of RMSEs at transition configuration I and transition configuration II are analyzed with all link lengths identified. Finally, two typical polyhedra are used as a basis to construct RDPMs to verify the feasibility of the proposed construction method. A combination of half platforms and whole platforms for the first time is used in the construction of RDPMs, and the obtained mechanisms can switch between two kinds of conventional deployment configurations (the Hoberman sphere motion configuration and radially reciprocating motion configuration) and their compound configurations.
OC 8526 THE RWANDA CLINICAL RESEARCH NETWORK (RWANDA-CRN): A MODEL FOR MIXED SOUTH-SOUTH AND NORTH-SOUTH COLLABORATIONS FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Musabyiman Jean Pierre , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Dushimiyimana Valentine , Namabajimana Jean Pierre , Karame Prosper , Nshimiyimana Ladislas , Ndishimye Pacific 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundPoor countries carry 90% of the global burden of disease, with access to only 10% of globally available health research funding and technical capacity. Fragile south–south collaborations hinder effective use of limited resources, career opportunities and funding to retain the insufficiently available quality scientists. The Rwanda Health System established a clinical research network involving academia, non-governmental organisations and private sector to accelerate generation of talented scientists, create enabling environment and incentives to retain scientists by establishing a local funding model.MethodsBased on a baseline assessment, potential clinical trial units were mapped and developed through adoption of a Clinical trial management training model from European Universities. The Rwandan law on Public Private Partnership was leveraged to attract and engage local and international private players in a win-win approach. So far, countries such as Kenya and Sweden were engaged in the roadmap.ResultsFrom 2014 to date, a total of 285 scientists are trained on various clinical research components: Good Clinical Practice (28%), Research Grant writing (14%), systematic review and meta-analysis (9%) and scientific communication (8.7%). Ten Clinical Research Units and one centre for evidence-based healthcare were established. So far 13 health investigator-initiated projects in malaria, metabolic disorders and maternal health were funded through the local funding model. A process to empower six malaria sentinel sites into fully functioning clinical research sites is underway.ConclusionThe creation of strong networks of excellence forclinical research among southern academic, research institutions and pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical industry is a promising strategic approach to promote sustainable clinical research capacity. The government vision is that beyond national boundaries, resource sharing and involvement of private players are key factors to mitigate the high burden of disease, nationally and regionally.
PO 8418 NEW MALARIA EPIDEMIOLOGY IN COASTAL LAGOON OF BENIN:PLASMODIUMINFECTION INANOPHELES MELAS
Authors: Adigbonon Claudiane , Assogba Benoît S , Djogbenou Luc S 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionMalaria is a worldwide disease affecting many people particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is caused byPlasmodiumparasites and essentially transmitted by female mosquitoes belonging to theAnophelesgenus. Our understanding of the infectivity of these vectors toPlasmodiumis necessary to design sustainable strategies for their control. This aspect remains unknown in the coastal and lagoon area of Benin whereAnopheles melasandAnopheles coluzziiare sympatric. This study aims to investigate the infectivity of these two vectors toPlasmodiumto understand their role in malaria transmission in southern Benin.MethodsInsecticide spray catch technique was used to collect females in 80 houses randomly selected in our study site. Three hundred and twenty (320) females were identified using PCR–species technique,Plasmodiuminfection was determined by the TaqMan method during the dry season. This assay detects all four malaria-causing species and discriminatesPlasmodium falciparumfromPlasmodium ovale,Plasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariae(OVM).ResultsDuring the dry season, the sporozoïte rates were 0.2% and 0.3% forAnopheles melasandAnopheles coluzzii, respectively. However, we observed that positivity to the OVM (one ofPlasmodium ovale,Plasmodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariaespecies) was significantly higher inAnopheles melas(95%) than inAnopheles coluzzii(33.33%) (Chi-sq=15 857, df=1, p<0.001). These results indicated thatAnopheles melasis more infected by one of the speciesPlasmodium ovale,Plamodium vivaxandPlasmodium malariaethan byPlasmodium falciparum, contrarily toAnopheles coluzzii.ConclusionThese findings reinforce the debate on the role ofAnopheles melasin malaria transmission in coastal lagoon areas of Benin.
PO 8426 DELIVERY OF POST-DISCHARGE MALARIA CHEMOPREVENTION (PMC) WITH DIHYDROARTEMESININ-PIPERAQUINE FOR MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SEVERE ANAEMIA IN MALAWI
Authors: Gondwe Thandile , Robberstad Bjarne , Mukaka Mavuto , Blomberg Bjorn , Phiri Kamija 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundChildren hospitalised with severe anaemia in Africa are at high risk of readmission or death within 6 months after discharge. No strategy addresses this post-discharge period. In Malawi, 3 months of post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PMC) with monthly 3 day courses of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in children with severe malarial anaemia prevented 31% of deaths and readmissions. There is now a need to design and evaluate an effective delivery strategy for PMC.MethodsThis is a cluster-randomised trial whose primary objective is to determine the optimum PMC delivery strategy by comparing community versus health facility-based strategies with the aim to inform policy. Convalescent children under 5 years old, weighing >5 kg, admitted with severe anaemia and clinically stable are included. All children received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine 2, 6 and 10 weeks after discharge, either: 1) at discharge with SMS reminder; 2) at discharge without an SMS reminder; 3) at discharge and community health worker reminder; 4) at the hospital with an SMS reminder; or 5) at the hospital without an SMS reminder. The primary outcome measure is uptake of courses of PMC drugs. Children will be followed up for 15 weeks. The sample size is 75 children per arm (375 total).ResultsThe study has nearly completed enrollment and preliminary data analysis is in progress. We expect to identify the most effective, cost-effective, acceptable and feasible strategy for delivering intermittent preventive therapy post-discharge for management of severe anaemia in under-five children.ConclusionThe findings of this study will be presented; they address the knowledge gap regarding the potentially preventable component of the burden that occurs after discharge from hospital, and inform the optimal delivery strategy for PMC.
PO 8439 EFFECT OFPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMEXPOSURE ON HUMAN URINARY METABOLOMICS PROFILING
Authors: E Betouke Ongwe Madeleine , Verhoeven Aswin , Ayola Adegnika Akim , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Mayboroda Oleg 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundImmunity against malaria infection is being studied extensively but the underlying mechanisms of protection remain not fully understood. Metabolomics is a post-genomic technology enabling a minimally invasive monitoring of the physiological responses to external and internal stimuli. Here, we present a longitudinal study of the urinary metabolic profiles of healthy individuals before and after intravenous administration ofP. falciparumsporozoïtes, aiming at deciphering the metabolic changes observed during malaria infection.MethodsTwenty (20) healthy Gabonese and 5 Europeans were voluntary challenged by liveP. falciparumsporozoïtes (3200 PfSPZ) and followed up until they developed symptoms and became thick blood smear-positive. Urine samples were collected before and after challenge at several time points until treatment. Samples were analysed in an untargeted approach using state-of-the-art analytical platforms, namely hydrophilic interaction chromatography-mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A combination of the multivariate and univariate data analysis approaches was used for dissecting the metabolic effects of a host response to the infection.ResultsUnlike the Europeans participants, a part of the Gabonese volunteers did not become parasitaemic. Unsupervised data analysis shows sample discrimination between Europeans and Gabonese at baseline, before and after challenge and between Gabonese who controlled their parasitaemia and those who did not.ConclusionThis metabolomics study highlighted the differences in the urinary metabolite profiles duringP. falciparuminfection. These differences observed between parasitaemic and non-parasitaemic Gabonese after challenge withP. falciparum, may suggest an underlying metabolic mechanism of protection against malaria infection which we will investigate in detail.
PO 8441 EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON OF SENSITIVITY OF LAMP AND REAL-TIME PCR
Authors: Kaboré Jacques , Ilboudo Hamidou , Compaoré Charlie FA , Camara Oumou , Bamba Mohamed , Sakandé Hassane , Camara Mamadou , Bucheton Bruno , Kaba Dramane , Jamonneau Vincent , Deborggraeve Stijn , Lejon Veerle 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundHuman African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, remains a serious problem in tropical Africa. Timely diagnosis of this disease requires systematic population screening, particularly forTrypanosoma brucei gambiense, which has a long asymptomatic period.The lack of sensitivity and specificity of conventional diagnostic tests has led in recent years to the use of molecular tools. Amplification of parasite-specific DNA sequences significantly improved diagnosis of infection. However, these molecular tools still have some limitations especially in the case of low parasitaemia. Furthermore, research is still needed to make molecular detection a real control tool for the fight against sleeping sickness. The purpose of this study is to determine the threshold of sensitivity of real-time PCR using the 18S and TgsGp primers and of the LAMP technique, applied in the DiTECT-HAT project as molecular reference tests.MethodsWe used serial dilutions containing 0, 1, 10, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106parasites per ml of blood. Samples were extracted, and DNA was amplified.ResultsThe analytical sensitivity of the 18S real-time PCR with the Taqman probe of the filter paper samples is 100 parasites/ml and that of the TgsGp real-time PCR with the Taqman probe of filter paper samples is 104parasites/ml. For Lamp technique, the analytical sensitivity is 103parasites/ml.ConclusionThis study shows that a ‘negative PCR’ would not mean ‘no parasite’. It suggests that DNA detection techniques should still be improved.
Can patients contribute to safer care in meetings with healthcare professionals? A cross-sectional survey of patient perceptions and beliefs
Authors: Ericsson Carin , Skagerström Janna , Schildmeijer Kristina , Årestedt Kristofer , Broström Anders , Pakpour Amir , Nilsen Per 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo investigate patients’ perceptions of their meetings with healthcare professionals and the extent to which they believe they can influence patient safety in these meetings.DesignCross-sectional survey of patients using a study-specific questionnaire. Data were analysed using both parametric and non-parametric statistics.SettingThe study was conducted in primary and secondary care in three county councils in southeast Sweden by means of a survey questionnaire despatched in January 2017.ParticipantsSurvey data were collected from 1445 patients, 333 of whom were complainants (patients who had filed a complaint about being harmed in healthcare) and 1112 regular patients (patients recruited from healthcare units).Main outcome measuresPatients’ perceptions of meetings with physicians and nurses, beliefs concerning patients’ contributions to safer care and whether the patients had suffered harm in healthcare during the past 10 years.ResultsMost respondents reported that it was easy to ask physicians and nurses questions (84.9% and 86.6%) and to point out if something felt odd in their care (77.7% and 80.7%). In general, complainants agreed to a higher extent compared with regular patients that patients can contribute to safer care (mean 1.92 and 2.13, p<0.001). Almost one-third (31.2%) of the respondents (both complainants and regular patients) reported that they had suffered harm in healthcare during the past 10 years.ConclusionsMost respondents believed that healthcare professionals can facilitate patient interaction and increase patient safety by encouraging patients to ask questions and take an active part in their care. Further research will need to identify strategies to support such questioning in routine practice and ensure that it achieves its intended goals.
Functional analysis of novel desert hedgehog gene variants improves the clinical interpretation of genomic data and provides a more accurate diagnosis for patients with 46,XY differences of sex development
Authors: Ayers Katie , van den Bergen Jocelyn , Robevska Gorjana , Listyasari Nurin , Raza Jamal , Atta Irum , Riedl Stefan , Rothacker Karen , Choong Catherine , Faradz Sultana M H , Sinclair Andrew 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundDesert hedgehog (DHH) gene variants are known to cause 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). We have identified six patients with 46,XY DSD with seven novel DHH gene variants. Many of these variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance due to their heterozygosity or associated milder phenotype. To assess variant pathogenicity and to refine the spectrum of DSDs associated with this gene, we have carried out the first reported functional testing of DHH gene variant activity.MethodsA cell co-culture method was used to assess DHH variant induction of Hedgehog signalling in cultured Leydig cells. Protein expression and subcellular localisation were also assessed for DHH variants using western blot and immunofluorescence.ResultsOur co-culture method provided a robust read-out of DHH gene variant activity, which correlated closely with patient phenotype severity. While biallelic DHH variants from patients with gonadal dysgenesis showed significant loss of activity, variants found as heterozygous in patients with milder phenotypes had no loss of activity when tested with a wild type allele. Taking these functional results into account improved clinical interpretation.ConclusionOur findings suggest heterozygous DHH gene variants are unlikely to cause DSD, reaffirming that DHH is an autosomal recessive cause of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Functional characterisation of novel DHH variants improves variant interpretation, leading to greater confidence in patient reporting and clinical management.
Prevalence, incidence and predictors of analChlamydia trachomatis, analNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand syphilis among older gay and bisexual men in the longitudinal Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC)
Authors: Goddard Sian Louise , Poynten Isobel M , Petoumenous Kathy , Jin Fengyi , Hillman Richard J , Law Carmella , Roberts Jennifer M , Fairley Christopher K , Garland Suzanne M , Grulich Andrew E , Templeton David J 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesSexually transmitted infection (STI) notifications are increasing among older individuals. Many older gay and bisexual men (GBM) are sexually active and have multiple partners. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence and predictors of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis in older GBM.MethodsThe Study for the Prevention of Anal Cancer (SPANC) was a prospective cohort study of HPV infections and related anal lesions among community-recruited GBM age ≥ 35 years in Sydney, Australia. At baseline and subsequent annual visits, recent STI diagnoses were collected via questionnaire (‘interval diagnoses’) and STI testing occurred (‘study visit diagnoses’). Baseline STI prevalence was calculated using study visit diagnoses. Incidence of anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea was calculated using interval and study visit diagnoses. Syphilis incidence was calculated using interval diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards were undertaken to investigate the association between risk factors and incident STI.ResultsAmong 617 GBM, the median age was 49 years (range 35–79) and 35.8% (n=221) were HIV-positive. At baseline, STI prevalence was: anal chlamydia 2.3% (n=14); anal gonorrhoea 0.5% (n=3) and syphilis 1.0% (n=6). During 1428 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the incidence (per 100 PYFU) of anal chlamydia, anal gonorrhoea and syphilis was 10.40 (95% CI 8.82 to 12.25), 9.11 (95% CI 7.64 to 10.85) and 5.47 (95% CI 4.38 to 6.84), respectively. In multivariate analysis, HIV-positivity, higher number of recent condomless receptive anal intercourse partners and baseline methamphetamine use were associated with each STI. Sex with ‘fuck-buddies’ was associated with anal chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Age was not associated with any STI.DiscussionThere was a high incidence of STI among SPANC participants. Age should not be used as a proxy for sexual risk and older GBM require a detailed sexual behaviour and recreational drug use history. Interventions that specifically target STI risk among older GBM should be considered.
Stochastic Kinetics for a FitzHugh–Nagumo Neural System with Time Delay Driven by Non-Gaussian Noise and a Multiplicative Periodic Signal
Authors: Wang Kang-Kang , Zong De-Cai , Ye Hui , Wang Ya-Jun 
Published: April 2019

In the present paper, the stability and the phenomena of stochastic resonance (SR) for a FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) system with time delay driven by a multiplicative non-Gaussian noise and an additive Gaussian white noise are investigated. By using the fast descent method, unified colored noise approximation and the two-state theory for the SR, the expressions for the stationary probability density function (SPDF) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are obtained. The research results show that the two noise intensities and time delay can always decrease the probability density at the two stable states and impair the stability of the neural system; while the noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can increase the probability density around both stable states and consolidate the stability of the neural system. Furthermore, the other noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can increase the probability at the resting state, but reduce that around the excited state. With respect to the SNR, it is discovered that the two noise strengths can both weaken the SR effect, while time delay [Formula: see text] and the departure parameter [Formula: see text] will always amplify the SR phenomenon. Moreover, the noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can motivate the SR effect, but not alter the peak value of the SNR. What’s most interesting is that the other noise correlation time [Formula: see text] can not only stimulate the SR phenomenon, but also results in the occurrence of two resonant peaks, whose heights are simultaneously improved because of the action of [Formula: see text].
Laryngeal Contrast in Qatari Arabic: Effect of Speaking Rate on Voice Onset Time
Authors: Kulikov Vladimir 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Beckman and colleagues claimed in 2011 that Swedish has an overspecified phonological contrast between prevoiced and voiceless aspirated stops. Yet, Swedish is the only language for which this pattern has been reported. The current study describes a similar phonological pattern in the vernacular Arabic dialect of Qatar. Acoustic measurements of main (voice onset time, VOT) and secondary (fundamental frequency, first formant) cues to voicing are based on production data of 8 native speakers of Qatari Arabic, who pronounced 1,380 voiced and voiceless word-initial stops in the slow and fast rate conditions. The results suggest that the VOT pattern found in voiced Qatari Arabic stops b, d, g is consistent with prevoicing in voice languages like Dutch, Russian, or Swedish. The pattern found in voiceless stops t, k is consistent with aspiration in aspirating languages like English, German, or Swedish. Similar to Swedish, both prevoicing and aspiration in Qatari Arabic stops change in response to speaking rate. VOT significantly increased by 19 ms in prevoiced stops and by 12 ms in voiceless stops in the slow speaking rate condition. The findings suggest that phonological overspecification in laryngeal contrasts may not be an uncommon pattern among languages.