bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particle swarm optimization–based power allocation for Alamouti amplify and forward relaying protocol
Authors: K Shoukath Ali , Palaniswami Sampath 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe performance of wireless communication systems is improved over flat fading channel by using Alamouti coding scheme, which provides the quality of diversity gain. In this paper, performance analysis of symbol error rate (SER) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)–based power allocation (PA) for Alamouti amplify and forward (AF) relaying protocol using maximum ratio combining (MRC) technique is presented. Analytical expression of SER upper bound and SER approximation is derived for Alamouti AF relaying protocol with quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation over Rayleigh fading channel and Rician fading channel. In addition, PSO‐based optimum PA factor is calculated on the basis of the minimum SER of proposed method. PSO‐based optimum PA gives 0.5 dB of improved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) compared with the equal power allocation (EPA). The theoretical approximate SER result is compared with the simulated SER. The proposed protocol provides full diversity gain and reduces SER compared with the existing AF and decode and forward (DF) relaying protocols over Rayleigh fading channel and Rician fading channel.
Wertschöpfungs‐ und Beschäftigungseffekte der Mauersteinindustrie
Authors: Günther Matthias 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn Germany manufacturing and distribution of bricks care for direct employment of about 10,000 persons. Procurement of preliminary work and the utilisation of the payed salaries, social security contributions, taxes, and profits secure more than further 25,000 jobs. It can be assumed that a substitution of masonry by other building materials is not possible in the near term, since the masonry has increased its market share in the past few years even slightly. Thereby the masonry participates in the added value based on the shell construction of buildings in the amount of 32.4 billion Euro, and in the employment of 480,000 working people. The expansion of these buildings leads to further added value in the amount of 39 billion Euro and further employment of 691,000 employees.In the year 2016 in total, the construction of buildings with masonry has led to an overall economic added value amounting to more than 70 billion Euro and to an employment of about 1.17 million persons. Masonry products form the basis of this added value and employment, without which the construction of the buildings would not be possible.
Graue Energie von Einfamilienhäusern in Niedrigstenergie‐Gebäudestandard
Authors: Holm Andreas H. , Kagerer Florian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUntil now, the standards framework for the energy‐related balancing of buildings has concentrated on the operating/use phase of the building by using energy consumption or demand values as the essential parameters. Energy used for the production of the building materials, the building of the building and finally any disposal required are not included. The German government therefore formulated the target in their climate protection plan 2050 [1], published at the end of 2016, to further the use of sustainable building and insulation materials. Climate protection aspects before and after the period of use, i.e. emissions caused by the production, processing and disposal or recycling of the building materials, were to be taken into account on the basis of freely available eco‐balance data. In addition, instruments for the greater integration of the lifecycle (”Cradle to Grave“ or ”Cradle to Cradle“) of building materials were to be investigated and included more in building design practice.
Exenatide modulates visual cortex responses
Authors: Binda Paola , Eldor Roy , Huerta Claudia , Adams John , Lancaster John , Fox Peter , Del Prato Stefano , DeFronzo Ralph , Abdul‐Ghani Muhammad , Daniele Giuseppe 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that metabolism affects brain physiology. Here, we examine the effect of GLP‐1 on simple visual‐evoked functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) responses in cortical areas.MethodsLean (n = 10) and nondiabetic obese (n = 10) subjects received exenatide (a GLP‐1 agonist) or saline infusion, and fMRI responses to visual stimuli (food and nonfood images) were recorded. We analysed the effect of exenatide on fMRI signals across the cortical surface with special reference to the visual areas. We evaluated the effects of exenatide on the raw fMRI signal and on the fMRI signal change during visual stimulation (vs rest).ResultsIn line with previous studies, we find that exenatide eliminates the preference for food (over nonfood) images present under saline infusion in high‐level visual cortex (temporal pole). In addition, we find that exenatide (vs saline) also modulates the response of early visual areas, enhancing responses to both food and nonfood images in several extrastriate occipital areas, similarly in obese and lean participants. Unexpectedly, exenatide increased fMRI raw signals (signal intensity during rest periods without stimulation) in a large occipital region, which were negatively correlated to BMI.ConclusionsIn both lean and obese individuals, exenatide affects neural processing in visual cortex, both in early visual areas and in higher order areas. This effect may contribute to the known effect of GLP1 analogues on food‐related behaviour.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors in addition to insulin therapy on glucose control and safety outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lu Jingli , Tang Lijuan , Meng Haiyang , Zhao Junjie , Liang Yan 
Published: April 2019

SummarySodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors added to insulin therapy have been proposed as treatment strategy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). We thus conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of this combination in T1D. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15. Ten eligible placebo‐controlled trials involving 5961 patients were included. Compared with placebo, SGLT inhibitors were associated with a reduction in HbA1c of −0.39% (95% CI, −0.43 to −0.36), an improved mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) of −14.81 mg/dL (95% CI, −19.08 to −10.54), and a reduction in body weight of −3.47% (95% CI, −3.78 to −3.16), as well as no increased relative risk of hypoglycaemia (1.01; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.02) or severe hypoglycaemia (0.91; 95% CI, 0.77‐1.07). SGLT inhibitors decreased fasting plasma glucose and insulin requirement but increased the risk of genital infection (3.57; 95% CI, 2.97‐4.29) and diabetic ketoacidosis (3.11; 95% CI, 2.11‐4.58). However, the very low dose empagliflozin (2.5 mg) did not increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (risk ratio [RR] 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11‐3.95). SGLT inhibitors had no effect on overall adverse events, urinary tract infection, or bone fracture but slightly increased the risk of serious adverse events (1.35; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.58), severe adverse events (1.84; 95% CI, 1.20‐2.84), adverse events leading to discontinuation (1.50; 95% CI, 1.22‐1.84), drug‐related adverse events (1.78; 95% CI, 1.44‐2.19), and diarrhoea (1.54; 95% CI, 1.15‐2.05). Although adverse events exist, the available data provide evidence that the combination of SGLT inhibitors with basal insulin treatment is beneficial in patients with T1D.
Fine‐root decomposition characteristics of four typical shrubs in sandy areas of an arid and semiarid alpine region in western China
Authors: He Ling‐Xianzi , Jia Zhi‐Qing , Li Qing‐Xue , Feng Li‐Li , Yang Kai‐Yue 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsResearch into the variability of fine‐root decomposition and nutrient cycling processes in arid and semiarid ecosystems is highly significant not only for investigations of regional and global carbon and nitrogen cycling but also for offering a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration and reconstruction. In particular, information is limited on fine‐root decomposition processes and nutrient releasing characteristics in the high‐altitude Qinghai Gonghe basin, which has different tree species and variable fine‐root diameters.Materials and methodsFour types of Salicaceae and Caragana shrubs were selected at the Qinghai Gonghe desert ecosystem research station. The litterbag method was adopted to measure decomposition rates of fine‐roots with three diameter classes (1–2 mm, 0.5–1 mm, and 0–0.5 mm). Chemical analysis was performed to determine nutrient (C, N, P, and K) concentrations of fine‐root, and nutrient release rates were compared among fine‐roots with different diameters during different decomposition periods. The differences in mass residual ratio and nutrient release rate among different diameter classes were studied with one‐way ANOVA.ResultsFine‐root decomposition rates were in the order Caragana intermedia > Caragana korshinskii > Salix psammophila > Salix cheilophila. Fine‐root decomposition showed a trend of “fast‐slow‐fast” variation, and decomposition rate increased as the diameter of fine‐roots increased, irrespective of tree species. During the decomposition process, the nutrients C, N, and P of fine‐root were in a release state for the four shrubs with different fine‐root diameters, and the corresponding release rates of Caragana shrubs were higher than those of Salicaceae shrubs. Release rates of nutrients C and N accelerated as fine‐root diameter increased, whereas release rates of nutrients P and K had no observed relation with fine‐root diameter. Fine‐root decomposition ratio was significantly correlated with initial values of N, P, C/N, C/P, and N/P of fine‐root. Fine‐root mass loss ratio was significantly correlated with initial concentration of soil nutrient K, and the correlation was positive for fine‐roots with diameters of 0–0.5 mm and 0.5–1 mm; however, no other significant correlation was observed between fine‐root mass loss ratio and initial soil environmental factors within this study.ConclusionsOur study showed that tree species and fine‐root diameter strongly affected decomposition rates, whereas diameter class exerted little effect on nutrient release rates.
The life history with seasonal migration of the lacustrine shrimpPalaemon paucidensin an ancient lake in Japan
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Takami Yasuoki , Minamoto Toshifumi , Ishikawa Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe lacustrine shrimpPalaemon paucidensundertakes seasonal migration between shallow waters in spring and summer to deep waters in autumn and winter in Lake Biwa in Japan. Previous studies hypothesized that the migration to deep waters was for hibernation. The findings of this study oppose this hypothesis. We showed thatP. paucidensis physiologically active in deep waters during winter; that the carbon stable isotope ratio indicated that the species forages in winter and that there was a difference in food sources between summer and winter; that lipid content was highest in January; and that gene expression activity (as measured by theRNA/DNAratio) remained constant throughout the year. Thus,P. paucidensindividuals that migrate to the bottom are likely to forage in winter, but do not hibernate. Nutrients gained in winter were not reflected in individual growth but may have been allocated to gonadal growth and the production of gametes, suggesting that winter foraging by this species in deep sites contributes to obtain resources for reproductive investment. In addition, we found that both small individuals with no reproductive experience and relatively large females with reproductive experience overwintered, indicating thatP. paucidenshas a life‐cycle that is longer than 1 yr in Lake Biwa.
Decline of an ecotone forest: 50 years of demography in the southern boreal forest
Authors: Birch Joseph D. , Lutz James A. , Hogg E. H. , Simard Suzanne W. , Pelletier Rick , LaRoi George H. , Karst Justine 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVariation in tree recruitment, mortality, and growth can alter forest community composition and structure. Because tree recruitment and mortality events are generally infrequent, long‐time scales are needed to confirm trends in forests. We performed a 50‐yr demographic census of a forest plot located on the southern edge of the Canadian boreal forest, a region currently experiencing forest die‐back in response to direct and indirect effects of recent severe droughts. Here, we show that over the last 30 yr biomass, basal area, growth, and recruitment have decreased along with a precipitous rise in mortality across the dominant tree species. The stand experienced periods of drought in combination with multiple outbreaks of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and bark beetles. These insect disturbances interacted to increase mortality rates within the stand and decrease stand density. The interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors may shift forests in this region onto novel successional trajectories with the possibility of changes in regional vegetation type.
Assessing the clinical utility of the diabetes eating problem survey‐revised (DEPS‐R) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ryman Brianna , MacIsaac Jenna , Robinson Tracy , Miller Michael R. , Herold Gallego Patricia 
Published: April 2019

SummaryObjectiveEating disorders are prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined the clinical utility of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey‐Revised (DEPS‐R), a brief self‐report questionnaire developed for patients with T1D, to identify at‐risk adolescents. We aimed to determine whether a positive DEPS‐R screen was predictive of a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder as per the DSM‐V. In addition, we assessed whether other variables including psychosocial characteristics and diabetes conflict were associated with an abnormal DEPS‐R screen.MethodsCross‐sectional study of 116 T1D adolescents aged 12‐17 years. All participants completed the DEPS‐R screening; both participants and parents completed a questionnaire addressing psychosocial characteristics/conflict around diabetes management. Clinical variables were obtained from participant charts. Differences were examined between positive and negative DEPS‐R groups. Adolescents who screened positive were offered a referral to a specialized eating disorder team for further assessment.ResultsFrom 116 participants (mean age ± SD = 14.6 years ± 1.56), 21% (24/116) scored positive for DEPS‐R More females than males had abnormal DEPS‐R (75% vs 25%, P = 0.001). Those with positive DEPS‐R score had higher HbA1c% (mean = 9.3 ± 1.3 vs 8.3 ± 1.2, P = 0.001). Positive DEPS‐R group had higher conflict score for diabetes management in both parents’ and children's assessments (both ps < 0.001). In regression analysis, being female (OR males = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.010‐0.46, P = 0.006), older (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.16‐3.48, P = 0.040) and > child‐reported conflict (OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.02‐3.11, P = 0.044) were predictors of an abnormal DEPS‐R score.ConclusionThe DEPS‐R score is a useful clinical tool for identifying T1D adolescents at risk for disordered eating behaviour, but has a low positive predictive value (PPV) for identifying adolescents who meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Female gender, suboptimal diabetes control and increased conflict in diabetes management are associated with an abnormal DEPS‐R score.
Optimal stopping of Brownian motion with broken drift
Authors: Mordecki Ernesto , Salminen Paavo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe solve an optimal stopping problem where the underlying diffusion is Brownian motion on with a positive piecewise constant drift changing at zero. It is assumed that the drift μ1 on the negative side is smaller than the drift μ2 on the positive side. The main observation is that if , then there exist values of the discounting parameter for which it is not optimal to stop in the vicinity of zero where the drift changes. However, when the discounting gets larger, the stopping region becomes connected and contains zero. This is in contrast with results concerning optimal stopping of skew Brownian motion where the skew point is for all values of the discounting parameter in the continuation region in case the skew parameter is bigger than 1/2. In all cases, a practical implementation of these optimal stopping strategies, based on hitting times of boundaries of continuation regions, would require access to the highest‐possible frequency data which is consistent with the continuous‐time modeling framework.
Do quality improvements in assisted reproduction technology increase patient numbers in a managed competition setting?
Authors: Stadhouders Niek W. , Kremer Jan A.M. , Jeurissen Patrick P.T. , Tanke Marit A.C. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn a system of managed competition, selective contracting and patient choice reward providers for quality improvements through increases in patient numbers and revenue. We research whether these mechanisms function as envisioned by investigating the relationship between quality improvements and patient numbers in assisted reproduction technology in the Netherlands. Success rate improvements primarily reduce volume as fewer secondary treatments are necessary, but this can be compensated by attracting new patients. Using nationwide registry data from 1996 to 2016, we find limited evidence that high‐quality clinics attract new patients, and insufficiently as to compensate for the reduction in secondary treatments. The net effect of quality increases appears to be a small decline in revenue. Therefore, we conclude that patient choice and active purchasing reward quality improvements insufficiently. Nevertheless, clinics have improved quality drastically over the last years, showing that financial incentives are perhaps less important factors for quality improvements than factors such as intrinsic motivation and professional autonomy.
Prevalence of fibromyalgia among women with deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Coloma Jose Luis , Martínez‐Zamora Maria‐Angeles , Collado Antonio , Gràcia Meritxell , Rius Mariona , Quintas Lara , Carmona Francisco 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia among women with endometriosis and analyze the effect of fibromyalgia on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsAn observational case–control study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Barcelona between April 2015 and March 2017 among women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE; n=80), women with superficial endometriosis or ovarian endometrioma (non‐DIE; n=76), and control women without endometriosis (n=73). Fibromyalgia was assessed via the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiological Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ). HRQoL was evaluated with the 36‐Item Short Form (SF‐36) questionnaire. The impact of fibromyalgia and other clinical characteristics was assessed by multivariate regression analysis.ResultsMore women fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia in the DIE group than in the non‐DIE and control groups by LFESSQ‐4 (31 [39%], 12 [16%], and 6 [8%], respectively; P=0.009) and LFESSQ‐6 (22 [28%], 8 [11%], and 4 [5%], respectively; P=0.008). The DIE group reported significantly poorer HRQoL for all SF‐36 dimensions. Women with DIE who fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia had lower physical component scores (−31.6; 95% confidence interval, −50.8 to −12.3; P=0.003).ConclusionThe estimated prevalence of fibromyalgia was higher among women with DIE. Women with DIE and positive fibromyalgia screening had lower HRQoL.
Contrast enhancement of medical images using fuzzy set theory and nonsubsampled shearlet transform
Authors: Qingrong Guo , Zhenhong Jia , Jie Yang , Kasabov Nikola 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNoises and artifacts are introduced in medical images during the process of imaging and transmission, resulting in reduced definition and lack of detail. Therefore, a contrast enhancement method, based on fuzzy set theory and nonsubsampled shearlet transform (NSST), is proposed. First, the original image is decomposed into several high‐frequency components and a low‐frequency component by NSST. Then, the threshold method is used to remove noises in the high‐frequency components. In addition, a linear stretch is used to improve the overall contrast in the low‐frequency component. Then, the reconstruct image is reconstructed by applying the inverse NSST to the processed high‐frequency and low‐frequency components. Finally, the fuzzy contrast is used to improve the detail information and global contrast in the reconstruct image. Experimental results indicate that, relative to contrast algorithms, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio of the proposed method is improved by approximately 18%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is optimized to approximately 48%. The proposed method also improves the image definition and texture information. Moreover, when compared with the Improved Fuzzy Contrast Combined Adaptive Threshold in NSCT for Medical Image Enhancement, the processing time (time) of this proposed method optimizes about 86%, which can obviously improve the computational efficiency of this method.
Particle analysis of shape factors according to American Society for Testing and Materials
Authors: Schroeder Stefan , Braun Steffen , Mueller Ulrike , Sonntag Robert , Jaeger Sebastian , Kretzer Jan Philippe 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPolyethylene wear is one of the major factors influencing the survivorship of joint replacements. Depending on the number, size and morphology of the polyethylene particles, biological responses of the periprosthetic soft tissue in terms of inflammatory processes can occur, leading to loosening of the implant. Various parameters are used to analyze wear particles, which are usually determined by examining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with a particle analysis program. In this study, three different software solutions for particle analysis (self‐developed Particleanalyzer_HD, Leica QWin and ImageJ) were compared regarding particle number, size and morphology. These solutions were also compared to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1877‐16 specifications regarding particle morphology. SEM image analysis revealed no differences for the equivalent circle diameter (p = 0.969). However, a significant difference was found for the aspect ratio between the Particleanalyzer_HD and the other two software solutions (p < 0.001) and between Leica QWin and the other two software solutions regarding the roundness (p < 0.001). Only the Particleanalyzer_HD showed an excellent agreement with the ASTM standard for both morphology parameters (intraclass correlation = 1.000). Only the Particleanalyzer_HD calculated the two morphology parameters according to the ASTM standard. A comparison of the particle morphology between different studies is barely possible, as different algorithms for particle analysis are used. It is strongly recommended that the calculation according to the ASTM standard is used to improve future comparability of findings from wear analysis studies. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:225–233, 2020.