bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on Combustion Characteristics of Density by Density Analyzed Coal
Authors: Behera Dibyajyoti , Nandi Barun Kumar , Bhattacharya Sumantra 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This work presents the effect of specific gravity of coal on its combustion characteristics. Coals with different specific gravity fractions represented by the arithmetic mean specific gravity (MSG) in the range of 1.35 to 2.0 were prepared by sink–float based density separation from run-of-mine (ROM) coal. The characterization of coal with different MSG was done using proximate, ultimate, and gross calorific value (GCV) analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG) studies of coals with different MSG were carried out in oxygen atmosphere to analyze their combustion characteristics. Various burning profile parameters (Ti, Tp, Tf, DTGmax) were assessed to identify the impacts of MSG of coals on their combustion characteristics. Further, different combustion indices (Di, Df, S, Hf) were evaluated to get the insights of combustion. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that, with an increase in coal MSG from 1.35 to 2.0, GCV decreased from 7426 to 3625 kcal/kg, Ti varied from 355 to 412 °C, Tp varied between 466 and 487 °C, and DTGmax decreased from 6.73 to 4.83 wt%/min. The result signifies that with an increase in MSG of coal, its combustion properties weaken. The activation energy for combustion varied between 93 and 119 kJ/mol. Based on the present analysis, it may be observed that lower MSG coals have enhanced combustion characteristics than higher MSG coals.
Smoking and treatment outcomes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration over 12 months
Authors: Detaram Harshil Dharamdasani , Joachim Nichole , Liew Gerald , Vu Kim Van , Burlutsky George , Mitchell Paul , Gopinath Bamini 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundTo assess the association of smoking with age of onset of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT) and the presence of fluid in patients with nAMD.Methods547 patients with nAMD were recruited from a tertiary eye clinic during 2012–2015; of these, 490 patients were followed up 12 months later. Clinical diagnosis of nAMD was confirmed by a retinal specialist. Smoking was determined from self-reported history as never, past or current. Age of onset was defined as date of first recorded diagnosis of nAMD in either eye or date of first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection. CMT and presence of fluid were recorded from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images. VA was recorded as number of letters read at 3 m.ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment, current smokers developed nAMD at an average 5.5 years younger age than never smokers and 4.4 years younger age than past smokers (p<0.0001 and p=0.0008, respectively). At baseline, adjusted mean CMT was significantly higher in current compared with past smokers (259.2 µm vs 231.9 µm, respectively, p=0.04). Current smokers versus never smokers had greater odds of presence of subretinal fluid at 12-month follow-up: multivariable-adjusted OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.09 to 3.67). Smoking status was not significantly associated with VA over 12 months.ConclusionsCurrent smoking was associated with a younger age of nAMD onset and key treatment outcomes such as higher mean CMT and greater odds of subretinal fluid presence. These findings suggest that smoking cessation may benefit patients being treated for nAMD.
Frequent refresher training on newborn resuscitation and potential impact on perinatal outcome over time in a rural Tanzanian hospital: an observational study
Authors: Mduma Estomih , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Soreide Eldar , Svensen Erling , Mdoe Paschal , Perlman Jeffrey , Johnson Caroline , Kidanto Hussein Lessio , Ersdal Hege Langli 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesGlobally, perinatal mortality remains high, especially in sub-Saharan countries, mainly because of inadequate obstetric and newborn care. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) resuscitation training as part of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme may improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe observed changes in perinatal survival during a 6-year period, while adjusting for relevant perinatal risk factors.SettingDelivery rooms and operating theatre in a rural referral hospital in northern-central Tanzania providing comprehensive obstetric and basic newborn care 24 hours a day. The hospital serves approximately 2 million people comprising low social-economic status.ParticipantsAll newborns (n=31 122) born in the hospital from February 2010 through January 2017; 4893 were born in the 1-year baseline period (February 2010 through January 2011), 26 229 in the following CQI period.InterventionsThe HBB CQI project, including frequent HBB training, was implemented from February 2011. This is a quality assessment analysis of prospectively collected observational data including patient, process and outcome measures of every delivery. Logistic regression modelling was used to construct risk-adjusted variable life adjusted display (VLAD) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) plots to monitor changes in perinatal survival (primary outcome).ResultsDuring the 6-year CQI period, the unadjusted number of extra lives saved according to the VLAD plot was 150 despite more women admitted with pregnancy and labour complications and more caesarean deliveries. After adjusting for these risk factors, the risk-adjusted VLAD plot indicated that an estimated 250 extra lives were saved. The risk-adjusted CUSUM plot confirmed a persistent and steady increase in perinatal survival.ConclusionsThe risk-adjusted statistical process control methods indicate significant improvement in perinatal survival after initiation of the HBB CQI project with continuous focus on newborn resuscitation training during the period, despite a concomitant increase in high-risk deliveries. Risk-adjusted VLAD and CUSUM are useful methods to quantify, illustrate and demonstrate persistent changes in outcome over time.
Knowledge towards human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and attitude towards its vaccine in the Kingdom of Bahrain: cross-sectional study
Authors: Husain Yusra , Alalwan Amal , Al- Musawi Zakeya , Abdulla Ghadeer , Hasan Khulood , Jassim Ghufran 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the level of awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and to assess attitudes towards receiving the vaccine among men and women in Bahrain.DesignA cross-sectional study. An interview-based questionnaire was used to measure HPV knowledge and attitude towards HPV vaccine.SettingTen randomly selected primary health centres (PHCs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Participants408 PHC attendees, including 268 women and 140 men aged 18–65 years. Only residents from Bahrain and English or Arabic speakers were invited to participate.Primary and secondary outcome measuresExtent of awareness of HPV infection, acceptance of HPV vaccine and describing the results in association to gender, educational level and other demographics.ResultsA response rate of 91.4% was achieved, with a majority being female responders as opposed to male responders (65.7% vs 34.3%, respectively). Only 13.5% of the participants had heard of HPV, with female gender and employment in the health sector (p<0.001 for both) having a significant association with awareness of HPV. The majority of the participants (76%) were willing to take the vaccine if recommended, with 84.8% believing that both genders should be vaccinated. However, 48.5% were concerned about possible side effects from the vaccine and 83.6% wanted reassurance that the vaccine will protect against HPV. More than 90% of the participants agreed on the need for educating the community about the HPV infection.ConclusionDespite the limited knowledge about HPV infection among the study’s participants, there is a favourable attitude towards the HPV vaccine. These data can support the initiation of a nationwide HPV immunisation programme.
Keratoconus detection using deep learning of colour-coded maps with anterior segment optical coherence tomography: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Ayatsuka Yuji , Kato Yudai , Fujimura Fusako , Takahashi Masahide , Shoji Nobuyuki , Mori Yosai , Miyata Kazunori 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of keratoconus using deep learning of the colour-coded maps measured with the swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).DesignA diagnostic accuracy study.SettingA single-centre study.ParticipantsA total of 304 keratoconic eyes (grade 1 (108 eyes), 2 (75 eyes), 3 (42 eyes) and 4 (79 eyes)) according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification, and 239 age-matched healthy eyes.Main outcome measuresThe diagnostic accuracy of keratoconus using deep learning of six colour-coded maps (anterior elevation, anterior curvature, posterior elevation, posterior curvature, total refractive power and pachymetry map).ResultsDeep learning of the arithmetical mean output data of these six maps showed an accuracy of 0.991 in discriminating between normal and keratoconic eyes. For single map analysis, posterior elevation map (0.993) showed the highest accuracy, followed by posterior curvature map (0.991), anterior elevation map (0.983), corneal pachymetry map (0.982), total refractive power map (0.978) and anterior curvature map (0.976), in discriminating between normal and keratoconic eyes. This deep learning also showed an accuracy of 0.874 in classifying the stage of the disease. Posterior curvature map (0.869) showed the highest accuracy, followed by corneal pachymetry map (0.845), anterior curvature map (0.836), total refractive power map (0.836), posterior elevation map (0.829) and anterior elevation map (0.820), in classifying the stage.ConclusionsDeep learning using the colour-coded maps obtained by the AS-OCT effectively discriminates keratoconus from normal corneas, and furthermore classifies the grade of the disease. It is suggested that this will become an aid for improving the diagnostic accuracy of keratoconus in daily practice.Clinical trial registration number000034587.
Plasma extracellular vesicle long RNA profiling identifies a diagnostic signature for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Shulin , Li Yuchen , Liao Zhuan , Wang Zheng , Wang Zhen , Li Yan , Qian Ling , Zhao Jingjing , Zong Huajie , Kang Bin , Zou Wen-Bin , Chen Kun , He Xianghuo , Meng Zhiqiang , Chen Zhen , Huang Shenglin , Wang Peng 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose at resectable stage. Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain long RNAs. The aim of this study was to develop a diagnostic (d-)signature for the detection of PDAC based on EV long RNA (exLR) profiling.DesignWe conducted a case-control study with 501 participants, including 284 patients with PDAC, 100 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and 117 healthy subjects. The exLR profile of plasma samples was analysed by exLR sequencing. The d-signature was identified using a support vector machine algorithm and a training cohort (n=188) and was validated using an internal validation cohort (n=135) and an external validation cohort (n=178).ResultsWe developed a d-signature that comprised eight exLRs, including FGA, KRT19, HIST1H2BK, ITIH2, MARCH2, CLDN1, MAL2 and TIMP1, for PDAC detection. The d-signature showed high accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.960, 0.950 and 0.936 in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. The d-signature was able to identify resectable stage I/II cancer with an AUC of 0.949 in the combined three cohorts. In addition, the d-signature showed superior performance to carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in distinguishing PDAC from CP (AUC 0.931 vs 0.873, p=0.028).ConclusionThis study is the first to characterise the plasma exLR profile in PDAC and to report an exLR signature for the detection of pancreatic cancer. This signature may improve the prognosis of patients who would have otherwise missed the curative treatment window.
Regular, sustained-release morphine for chronic breathlessness: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Currow David , Louw Sandra , McCloud Philip , Fazekas Belinda , Plummer John , McDonald Christine F , Agar Meera , Clark Katherine , McCaffery Nikki , Ekström Magnus Pär 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionMorphine may decrease the intensity of chronic breathlessness but data from a large randomised controlled trial (RCT) are lacking. This first, large, parallel-group trial aimed to test the efficacy and safety of regular, low-dose, sustained-release (SR) morphine compared with placebo for chronic breathlessness.MethodsMultisite (14 inpatient and outpatient cardiorespiratory and palliative care services in Australia), parallel-arm, double-blind RCT. Adults with chronic breathlessness (modified Medical Research Council≥2) were randomised to 20 mg daily oral SR morphine and laxative (intervention) or placebo and placebo laxative (control) for 7 days. Both groups could take ≤6 doses of 2.5 mg, ‘as needed’, immediate-release morphine (≤15 mg/24 hours) as required by the ethics review board. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in intensity ofbreathlessness now(0–100 mm visual analogue scale; two times per day diary) between groups. Secondary endpoints included:worst,bestandaverage breathlessness; unpleasantness ofbreathlessness now, fatigue; quality of life; function; and harms.ResultsAnalysed by intention-to-treat, 284 participants were randomised to morphine (n=145) or placebo (n=139). There was no difference between arms for the primary endpoint (mean difference −0.15 mm (95% CI −4.59 to 4.29; p=0.95)), nor secondary endpoints. The placebo group used more doses of oral morphine solution during the treatment period (mean 8.7 vs 5.8 doses; p=0.001). The morphine group had more constipation and nausea/vomiting. There were no cases of respiratory depression nor obtundation.ConclusionNo differences were observed between arms for breathlessness, but the intervention arm used less rescue immediate-release morphine.Trial registration numberACTRN12609000806268.
High-frequency murine ultrasound provides enhanced metrics of BAPN-induced AAA growth
Authors: Romary Daniel J. , Berman Alycia G. , Goergen Craig J. 
Published: September 2019

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), defined as a pathological expansion of the largest artery in the abdomen, is a common vascular disease that frequently leads to death if rupture occurs. Once diagnosed, clinicians typically evaluate the rupture risk based on maximum diameter of the aneurysm, a limited metric that is not accurate for all patients. In this study, we worked to evaluate additional distinguishing factors between growing and stable murine aneurysms toward the aim of eventually improving clinical rupture risk assessment. With the use of a relatively new mouse model that combines surgical application of topical elastase to cause initial aortic expansion and a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), in the drinking water, we were able to create large AAAs that expanded over 28 days. We further sought to develop and demonstrate applications of advanced imaging approaches, including four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS), to evaluate alternative geometric and biomechanical parameters between 1) growing AAAs, 2) stable AAAs, and 3) nonaneurysmal control mice. Our study confirmed the reproducibility of this murine model and found reduced circumferential strain values, greater tortuosity, and increased elastin degradation in mice with aneurysms. We also found that expanding murine AAAs had increased peak wall stress and surface area per length compared with stable aneurysms. The results from this work provide clear growth patterns associated with BAPN-elastase murine aneurysms and demonstrate the capabilities of high-frequency ultrasound. These data could help lay the groundwork for improving insight into clinical prediction of AAA expansion. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This work characterizes a relatively new murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by quantifying vascular strain, stress, and geometry. Furthermore, Green-Lagrange strain was calculated with a novel mapping approach using four-dimensional ultrasound. We also compared growing and stable AAAs, finding peak wall stress and surface area per length to be most indicative of growth. In all AAAs, strain and elastin health declined, whereas tortuosity increased.
An empirical study for evaluating performance of King Abdulaziz International Airport with Six Sigma
Authors: Basahel Abdullah 
Published: September 2019

This research is intended to evaluate the efficiency of proceures and processes used by the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the help of Six Sigma. For, we have framed different objectives for analyzing the effect of six sigma in decision makings and quality control of the KAIA. The aim is also to find out the relationship of Six Sigma on an information system used by KAIA. We have used the qualitative research method (semi-structured interview method) with the target population of five employees working at KAIA. Qualitative data was collected from participants through transcribed, audio-recorded and codes. Thematic analysis was carried out in order to obtain the study result. Our study finds that there is a significant effect of Six Sigma in streamlining of all the processes of KAIA, which contributed towards the improvement of the quality and providing better control. We found that the KAIA applies KPIs to measure the decision makin, empowering the decision makers or managers. We have also reflected on the role of Six Sigma towards the effective performance of individuals in finance, customer support, and internal business process and team development.
Heart Failure in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Siedler Gabriela , Sommer Kim , Macha Kosmas , Marsch Armin , Breuer Lorenz , Stoll Svenja , Engelhorn Tobias , Dörfler Arnd , Arnold Martin , Schwab Stefan , Kallmünzer Bernd 
Published: September 2019

Background and Purpose—
Heart failure (HF) in patients with acute ischemic stroke constitutes the source of various detrimental pathophysiologic mechanisms including prothrombotic and proinflammatory states, worsening of cerebral tissue oxygenation, and hemodynamic impairment. In addition, HF might affect the safety and efficacy of the acute recanalization stroke therapies.

Methods—
Patients treated with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator or mechanical recanalization at a universitary stroke center were included into a prospective registry. Patients received cardiological evaluation, including echocardiography, during acute care. Functional outcome was assessed after 90 days by structured telephone interviews. Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy were investigated among patients with HF and compared with patients with normal cardiac function after propensity score matching.

Results—

One thousand two hundred nine patients were included. HF was present in 378 patients (31%) and an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcome. Recanalization rates were equal among patients with HF after intravenous thrombolysis and after mechanical recanalization or combined treatment. The rate of secondary intracranial hemorrhage was not different (7% versus 8%;
P
=0.909 after thrombolysis and 15% versus 20%,
P
=0.364 after mechanical recanalization or combined therapy). Early mortality within 48 hours after admission was equal (<1.5% in both groups).

Conclusions—
In this real-world cohort of patients with stroke, HF was an independent predictor of unfavorable functional long-term outcome, while the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical recanalization appeared unaffected.
Adaptation to Binocular Anticorrelation Results in Increased Neural Excitability
Authors: Rideaux Reuben , Michael Elizabeth , Welchman Andrew E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Throughout the brain, information from individual sources converges onto higher order neurons. For example, information from the two eyes first converges in binocular neurons in area V1. Some neurons are tuned to similarities between sources of information, which makes intuitive sense in a system striving to match multiple sensory signals to a single external cause—that is, establish causal inference. However, there are also neurons that are tuned to dissimilar information. In particular, some binocular neurons respond maximally to a dark feature in one eye and a light feature in the other. Despite compelling neurophysiological and behavioral evidence supporting the existence of these neurons [Katyal, S., Vergeer, M., He, S., He, B., & Engel, S. A. Conflict-sensitive neurons gate interocular suppression in human visual cortex. Scientific Reports, 8, 1239, 2018; Kingdom, F. A. A., Jennings, B. J., & Georgeson, M. A. Adaptation to interocular difference. Journal of Vision, 18, 9, 2018; Janssen, P., Vogels, R., Liu, Y., & Orban, G. A. At least at the level of inferior temporal cortex, the stereo correspondence problem is solved. Neuron, 37, 693–701, 2003; Tsao, D. Y., Conway, B. R., & Livingstone, M. S. Receptive fields of disparity-tuned simple cells in macaque V1. Neuron, 38, 103–114, 2003; Cumming, B. G., & Parker, A. J. Responses of primary visual cortical neurons to binocular disparity without depth perception. Nature, 389, 280–283, 1997], their function has remained opaque. To determine how neural mechanisms tuned to dissimilarities support perception, here we use electroencephalography to measure human observers' steady-state visually evoked potentials in response to change in depth after prolonged viewing of anticorrelated and correlated random-dot stereograms (RDS). We find that adaptation to anticorrelated RDS results in larger steady-state visually evoked potentials, whereas adaptation to correlated RDS has no effect. These results are consistent with recent theoretical work suggesting “what not” neurons play a suppressive role in supporting stereopsis [Goncalves, N. R., & Welchman, A. E. “What not” detectors help the brain see in depth. Current Biology, 27, 1403–1412, 2017]; that is, selective adaptation of neurons tuned to binocular mismatches reduces suppression resulting in increased neural excitability.
A Bridge between Worlds: Parallel Universes and the Observer in “The Celestial Plot” by Adolfo Bioy Casares
Authors: Carpenter Victoria , Halpern Paul 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAdolfo Bioy Casares’s story “The Celestial Plot” (1948) is among the best known examples of Latin American science fiction writing of the early twentieth century inspired by contemporary advances in quantum physics. Most readings of the story focus on the movements of its main protagonist, Captain Ireneo Morris, as he traverses realities while test-flying a plane. This approach overlooks the role of the story’s other protagonist, Dr. Carlos Servian, who, we argue, is the lynchpin upon which the multiple realities are dependent. We read the changes to Dr. Servian’s character from a variety of scientific and philosophical perspectives on parallel universes. By addressing variations in Servian’s character and language, and focusing on the disparate representations of the key objects in the story, we show how the story anticipates in some ways the Many Worlds notion which argues that reality bifurcates during quantum measurements, leading to near-identical copies of observers.