bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist Final Oocyte Maturation and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as Exclusive Luteal Support in Normal Responders
Authors: Beck-Fruchter Ronit , Baram Shira , Geslevich Yoel , Weiss Amir 
Published: July 2018

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triggering results in an endogenous gonadotropin flare. Although it effectively stimulates ovulation, GnRH agonist triggers results in an early luteolysis and requires modification of the luteal support. The current study aims to evaluate GnRH agonist triggering with exclusive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) luteal support. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this prospective observational study, 56 normogonadotropic-assisted reproductive technology patients, stimulated using a GnRH-antagonist protocol, were studied. Final oocyte maturation was achieved with 0.2 mg triptorelin acetate followed by progesterone free luteal support with human choriogonadotropin (1,500 IU * 2). A control group was selected from a pool of 1,023 normogonadotropic patients who received Choriogonadotropin alfa for final oocyte maturation and progesterone suppositories for luteal support. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No significant difference was found for the number of oocytes, oocyte maturation rate, fertilization and implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate (25 vs. 26.7%) and live birth rate (25 vs. 21.4%). Progesterone levels in conception cycles were significantly higher in the study group than corresponding levels in the control group. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> GnRH agonist triggering with exclusive hCG support may be a valid alternative to hCG triggering with progesterone support. This protocol combines the potential advantages of a physiological trigger with a simple, patient-friendly, luteal support.
Depressive Symptoms in Dialysis: Prevalence and Relationship with Uremia-Related Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Cirillo Luigi , Cutruzzulà Roberta , Somma Chiara , Gregori Marco , Cestone Giuseppe , Pizzarelli Chiara , Toccafondi Alessandro , Pizzarelli Francesco , Dattolo Pietro Claudio 
Published: July 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in long-term dialysis patients and a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Although there is a relevance of the issue in the dialysis setting, we still know little about possible relationships between depression and uraemia-related biochemical abnormalities. Our aims were to evaluate (1) the prevalence of depression in our haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) population using a validated and easy-to-implement screening tool and (2) the association between depression and the main uraemia-related clinical and biochemical parameter changes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this monocentric cross-sectional study, all patients of our centre with at least 3 months of dialysis were screened by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a self-administered depression-screening questionnaire validated in dialysis setting. The impact of depressive symptoms on daily life was also assessed. We then analysed relationships between the PHQ-9-derived depressive score, functional impairment score, demographic, clinical and laboratory variables. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In our cohort of 145 patients, depressive symptoms were found in 69 patients (46%). Stratifying for severity, mild, moderate and severe grade accounted for 31, 13 and 2% respectively. Depressive symptoms affected 36% of patients on PD versus 52% of patients on HD. Moreover, the PD patients had significantly less functional impairment derived from depressive symptoms than the HD patients. Simple and multiple regression analysis identified serum phosphorus as the only uraemia-related laboratory parameter that was high statistically associated with depressive score. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Using a reliable, simple and fast tool, we found that depressive symptoms affect almost half of dialysis patients, particularly so the HD cohort. Severity of depressive symptoms seems related to serum levels of phosphorus possibly because depression affects compliance to therapy.
Modeling and Simulation of Fuzzy Logic based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for PV Application
Authors: Samosir Ahmad Saudi , Gusmedi Herri , Purwiyanti Sri , Komalasari Endah 
Published: July 2018

This paper presents modeling and simulation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) used in solar PV power systems. The Fuzzy logic algorithm is used to minimize the error between the actual power and the estimated maximum power. The simulation model was developed and tested to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT controller. MATLAB Simulink was employed for simulation studies. The proposed system was simulated and tested successfully on a photovoltaic solar panel model. The Fuzzy logic algorithm succesfully tracking the MPPs and performs precise control under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. Simulation results indicate the feasibility and improved functionality of the system.
Low Power CMOS Electrocardiogram Amplifier Design for Wearable Cardiac Screening
Authors: Weng Ow Tze , Isaak Suhaila , Yusof Yusmeeraz 
Published: July 2018

The trend of health care screening devices in the world is increasingly towards the favor of portability and wearability. This is because these wearable screening devices are not restricting the patient’s freedom and daily activities. While the demand of low power and low cost biomedical system on chip is increasing in exponential way, the front-end electrocardiogram (ECG) amplifiers are still suffering from flicker noise for low frequency cardiac signal acquisition, 50Hz power line electromagnetic interference, and the large unstable input offsets due to the electrode-skin interface is not attached properly. In this paper, a CMOS based ECG amplifier that suitable for low power wearable cardiac screening is proposed. The amplifier adopts the highly stable folded cascode topology and later being implemented into RC feedback circuit for low frequency DC offset cancellation. By using 0.13µm CMOS technology from Silterra, the simulation results show that this front-end circuit can achieve a very low input referred noise of 1pV/Hz1/2 and high common mode rejection ratio of 174.05dB. It also gives voltage gain of 75.45dB with good power supply rejection ratio of 92.12dB. The total power consumption is only 3µW and thus suitable to be implemented with further signal processing and classification back end for low power wearable biomedical device.<br /><br />
An Evaluation of MÉRA, a High-Resolution Mesoscale Regional Reanalysis
Authors: Whelan Eoin , Gleeson Emily , Hanley John 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMet Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service, has generated a very high resolution (2.5-km horizontal grid) regional climate reanalysis for Ireland called the Met Éireann Reanalysis (MÉRA). MÉRA spans the period from 1981 to 2015 and was produced using the shared ALADIN–HIRLAM numerical weather prediction system. This article includes comparisons with the ERA-Interim and Uncertainties in Ensembles of Regional Reanalyses (UERRA) datasets, analysis of data assimilation outputs, precipitation comparisons, and a focus on extremes of wind and rainfall. The comparisons with the reanalysis datasets show that MÉRA provides a high-quality reconstruction of recent Irish climate and benefits from the use of a very high resolution grid, in particular in relation to wind and precipitation extremes.
Applications of a Spatially Variable Advection Correction Technique for Temporal Correction of Dual-Doppler Analyses of Tornadic Supercells
Authors: Wienhoff Zachary B. , Bluestein Howard B. , Wicker Louis J. , Snyder Jeffrey C. , Shapiro Alan , Potvin Corey K. , Houser Jana B. , Reif Dylan W. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
In many instances, synchronization of Doppler radar data among multiple platforms for multiple-Doppler analysis is challenging. This study describes the production of dual-Doppler wind analyses from several case studies using data from a rapid-scanning, X-band, polarimetric, Doppler radar—the RaXPol radar—and data from nearby WSR-88Ds. Of particular interest is mitigating difficulties related to the drastic differences in scanning rates of the two radars. To account for differences in temporal resolution, a variational reflectivity tracking scheme [a spatially variable advection correction technique (SVAC)] has been employed to interpolate (in a Lagrangian sense) the coarser temporal resolution data (WSR-88D) to the times of the RaXPol volume scans. The RaXPol data and temporally interpolated WSR-88D data are then used to create quasi–rapid scan dual-Doppler analyses. This study focuses on the application of the SVAC technique to WSR-88D data to create dual-Doppler analyses of three tornadic supercells: the 19 May 2013 Edmond–Carney and Norman–Shawnee, Oklahoma, storms and the 24 May 2016 Dodge City, Kansas, storm. Results of the dual-Doppler analyses are briefly examined, including observations of the ZDR columns as a proxy for updrafts. Potential improvements to this technique are also discussed.
Modification of the Classroom Behavior of a “Disadvantaged” Kindergarten Boy by Social Reinforcement and Isolation
Authors: Abbott Martha Schatt , Aikman Louis 
Published: July 2018

This 1967 Master's degree thesis, by Martha Schatt Abbott, has been abridged by me, in order to conserve space. Secondary analysis and findings not vital to the understanding of the main hypothesis being tested, the discussion of background literature and experimental methodology of classical and operant conditioning, tables and figures portraying daily means and standard deviations, percentages of change in daily behavior of the subject under various experimental conditions, and mean frequency and length of teacher interaction by experimental condition, have been either omitted or abridged. The results of the study have important implications relative to methodology and demonstrate that systematic use of social reinforcement in the classroom can change a child's behavior. Acknowledgement and grateful appreciation is given to Dr. fames J. Gallagher, Director of the Education Improvement Program, Duke University, whose direction and collaboration made the study possible and to others who contributed their-time and effort at Durham where the data was collected. The complete thesis is available in Boston University's Mugar Library.
New Roles for the University: The British Experience
Authors: Pinto-Duschinsky Michael 
Published: July 2018

To survey the expansion of British higher education during the last twenty years is to conduct an inquest into an almost unmitigated disaster. The greatly enlarged university system and the new polytechnics have yielded few of the advantages originally claimed by the proponents of rapid growth. The main reason for this failure is that “expansion” has generally been seen as “more of the same.” Since the 1950s, and particularly since the authoritative Robbins Report of 1963, the new universities and polytechnics have too easily become replicas of the old. Higher education has remained geared to the traditional Oxbridge function — the provision of full time, non-vocational, residential, degree courses for 18 – 22 year olds. Significantly, one of the most notable success stories has been the Open University. Unlike conventional institutions, this has introduced a fresh concept of higher education. It offers part time courses catering mainly for adults. The courses are based on correspondence materials and television lectures. The Open University has shown how it is possible to extend the role of the university.
How uncertainty affects career behaviour: A narrative approach
Authors: Trevor-Roberts Edwin , Parker Polly , Sandberg Jorgen 
Published: July 2018

Despite increased uncertainty in the environment, the role of uncertainty in people’s careers is poorly understood. Those few theories that account for uncertainty portray it as a negative influence on people’s career and should therefore be reduced or avoided. This article presents an empirical study that investigated the impact of uncertainty on people’s career behaviour using a narrative approach. The findings reveal that people have different understandings of career uncertainty, which leads to distinct differences in subsequent career behaviour. Specifically, we identified four qualitatively different meanings of career uncertainty we have called Stabiliser, Glider, Energiser and Adventurer. The findings add to the existing literature by showing how each meaning of career uncertainty affects career decision making, criteria to gauge career success and meaning, and negotiating transitions. This significantly broadens current conceptualisation of career uncertainty and its impact on career behaviour than existing literature. JEL Classification: M10, M50, L10
Case series of unique adverse events related to the use of ibrutinib in patients with B-cell malignancies—A single institution experience and a review of literature
Authors: Shaikh Hira , Khattab Ahmed , Faisal Muhammad S , Chilkulwar Abhishek , Albrethsen Mary , Sadashiv Santhosh , Fazal Salman 
Published: July 2018

Background Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor has reformed the treatment of various B-cell malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Although generally well tolerated, here we describe our institutional experience of unique adverse effects encountered with the use of ibrutinib in patients with B-cell lymphomas. Methods This is a retrospective observational study done at a tertiary care facility, to evaluate adverse events in patients with B-cell malignancies on treatment with ibrutinib between 2014 and 2018. Further details including type of malignancy, cytogenetics, interventions for treatment of the side effect, and outcomes were obtained through electronic health record. Case series We found 10 patients with unique adverse events related to ibrutinib. Among those, six had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, two had Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, and two had mantle cell lymphoma. The events included palindromic rheumatoid arthritis, diffuse spongiotic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, recurrent hemorrhagic stroke, peripheral neuropathy, recurrent paronychia, intramedullary fibrosis, recurrent joint pains, pulmonary aspergillosis, dyspnea with exacerbation of atrial fibrillation, and resolution of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Conclusion Our case series illustrates the wide variety of unique events recognized in patients treated with ibrutinib, some of which required cessation and most had dose reduction of the treatment. Thus, stressing the importance of early identification and intervention for the events to avoid worsening of toxicity and inability to continue treatment in such patients.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations of the flow field characteristics in a novel exhaust purification muffler of diesel engine
Authors: Jun Fu , ZengFeng Zhang , Wei Chen , Hong Mao , JianXing Li 
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is to improve the emission performance of diesel engines. A novel exhaust purification muffler was proposed and designed. The flow field characteristics of the exhaust purification muffler were studied based on the finite volume method, the pressure loss of the exhaust purification muffler was 3315 Pa, and the pressure loss of the exhaust purification muffler was just 2% higher than the original muffler. Then, a three-dimensional numerical simulation model was established and used to investigate the effect of different expansion ratio, cavity length ratio, and ratio of length to diameter on the flow field characteristics in an exhaust purification muffler of diesel engine. The study was shown that the porous media (ceramic foam) had a great influence on the flow field distribution, where the air flow velocity was stable and the pressure distribution was trapezoidal, having a good pressure reduction and deceleration effect. With the increase of the expansion ratio parameter, the airflow cross-section area changed when air entered into the inlet silencing cavity, which had great influence on the velocity field and the pressure loss. Because of the improvement of cavity length ratio parameter, the flowing distance in the inlet silencing increased, which caused more local turbulence and pressure fluctuation. Also with the increase of the ratio of length to diameter parameter, the volume of inlet silencing chamber and the air flow space increased. The change of the structural parameters of each scheme had a certain influence on the pressure loss. The maximum pressure loss changing value among the expansion ratio schemes was 878 Pa, then the maximum pressure loss changing value among the cavity length ratio schemes was 328 Pa, and it was 89 Pa among the cavity length ratio schemes. The pressure loss caused by the expansion ratio parameter changed greatly, and the pressure loss changing value caused by the change of the cavity length ratio parameter and the ratio of length to diameter parameter was relatively small. In this paper, a muffler which contained a ceramic foam and had the functions of exhaust soot purification and noise elimination was supplied. The effects of the structure factors on flow field characteristics were studied. The guidance for the design and improvement of muffler is able to be supplied in this paper.
Assessing the stochastic error of acoustic scattering matrices using linear methods
Authors: Peerlings Luck , Bake Friedrich , Boij Susann , Bodén Hans 
Published: July 2018

To be able to compare the measured scattering matrices with model predictions, the quality of the measurements has to be known. Uncertainty analyses are invaluable to assess and improve the quality of measurement results in terms of accuracy and precision. Linear analyses are widespread, computationally fast and give information of the contribution of each error source to the overall measurement uncertainty; however, they cannot be applied in every situation. The purpose of this study is to determine if linear methods can be used to assess the quality of acoustic scattering matrices. The uncertainty in measured scattering matrices is assessed using a linear uncertainty analysis and the results are compared against Monte-Carlo simulations. It is shown that for plane waves, a linear uncertainty analysis, applied to the wave decomposition method, gives correct results when three conditions are satisfied. For higher order mode measurements, the number of conditions that have to be satisfied increases rapidly and the linear analysis becomes an unsuitable choice to determine the uncertainty on the scattering matrix coefficients. As the linear uncertainty analysis is most suitable for the plane wave range, an alternative linear method to assess the quality of the measurements is investigated. This method, based on matrix perturbation theory, gives qualitative information in the form of partial condition numbers and the implementation is straightforward. Using the alternative method, the measurements of higher order modes are analyzed and the observed difference in the measured reflection coefficients for different excitation conditions is explained by the disparity in modal amplitudes.
Establishing Minimal Important Differences for the VR-12 and SANE Scores in Patients Following Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Zhou Lingjie , Natarajan Madhuri , Miller Bruce S. , Gagnier Joel J. 
Published: July 2018

Background: Minimal important differences (MIDs) for the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) have not been reported in patients following treatment for rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Purpose: To determine the MIDs for the VR-12 and SANE among patients with RCT after treatment. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Method: A total of 222 patients diagnosed with RCT completed the VR-12 and SANE at baseline and then received surgical or nonsurgical treatment. After 64 weeks, 160 patients completed the VR-12, the SANE, and a global change questionnaire. We applied a distribution-based approach to estimate the MIDs for the SANE and for the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) of the VR-12. We then used the global rating score as an anchor for 20 patients who perceived a minimal improvement, and we applied an anchor-based approach. One-half standard deviation of the baseline score was used in the distribution-based approach. Linear regression analyses and backward model selection were conducted to evaluate the associations between patients’ characteristics and the anchor-based MIDs. Results: The MIDs derived from distribution-based method estimates for the VR-12 PCS, MCS, and SANE scores were 4.94, 5.99, and 11.80, respectively. The MIDs estimated using the anchor-based method for the PCS, MCS, and SANE scores were 2.57 (90% CI, –1.62 to 6.76), 1.87 (90% CI, –2.07 to 5.80), and 27.25 (90% CI, 16.17 to 38.33), respectively. The final regression model for significant predictors of the MID on the PCS included baseline PCS ( P < .001), body mass index ( P = .014), symptom duration ( P = .011), diabetes ( P = .009), and surgery ( P = .089). The final model for the MID on the MCS included baseline MCS ( P < .001), patient sex ( P = .027), and diabetes ( P = .083). The final model for the MID on SANE included baseline SANE score ( P = .059) and diabetes ( P = .050). Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the MIDs for the VR-12 and SANE scores in patients with rotator cuff disease. The estimates of MID will facilitate the interpretation and application of these outcome measures in clinical practice and research.
The Learning Curve for the Latarjet Procedure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ekhtiari Seper , Horner Nolan S. , Bedi Asheesh , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Khan Moin 
Published: July 2018

Background: Anterior shoulder instability, including recurrent instability, is a common problem, particularly in young, active patients and contact athletes. The Latarjet procedure is a common procedure to treat recurrent shoulder instability. Purpose: To identify the reported learning curves associated with the Latarjet procedure and to determine a point on the learning curve after which a surgeon can be considered to have achieved proficiency. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Three online databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed) were systematically searched and screened in duplicate by 2 independent reviewers. The search included results from the inception of each database to January 23, 2017. Data regarding study characteristics, patient demographics, learning curve analyses, and complications were collected. Study quality was assessed in duplicate. Results: Two level 3 studies and 3 level 4 studies of fair methodological quality were included. Overall, 349 patients (350 shoulders) with a mean age of 25.1 years (range, 14-52 years) were included in the final data analysis. Patients were predominantly male (93.7%). After 22 open and 20 to 40 arthroscopic Latarjet procedures, surgeons achieved a level of proficiency as measured by decreased operative time. For open procedures, complication rates and lengths of hospital stay decreased significantly with increased experience (Spearman ρ = –0.3, P = .009 and Spearman ρ = –0.6, P < .0001, respectively). Conclusion: With experience, surgeons achieved a level of proficiency in performing arthroscopic and open Latarjet procedures, as measured by decreased operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate. The most commonly reported difference was operative time, which was significant across all studies. Overall, the Latarjet procedure is a safe procedure with low complication rates, although further research is required to truly characterize this learning curve.