bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying weak signals in inhomogeneous neuronal images for large-scale tracing of neurites
Authors: Li Shiwei , Quan Tingwei , Zhou Hang , Yin FangFang , Li Anan , Fu Ling , Luo Qingming , Gong Hui , Zeng Shaoqun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractReconstructing neuronal morphology across different regions or even the whole brain is important in many areas of neuroscience research. Large-scale tracing of neurites constitutes the core of this type of reconstruction and has many challenges. One key challenge is how to identify a weak signal from an inhomogeneous background. Here, we addressed this problem by constructing an identification model. In this model, empirical observations made from neuronal images are summarized into rules, which are used to design feature vectors that display the differences between the foreground and background, and a support vector machine is used to learn these feature vectors. We embedded this identification model into a tool that we previously developed, SparseTracer, and termed this integration SparseTracer-Learned Feature Vector (ST-LFV). ST-LFV can trace neurites with extremely weak signals (signal-to-background-noise ratio <1.1) against an inhomogeneous background. By testing 12 sub-blocks extracted from a whole imaging dataset, ST-LFV can achieve an average recall rate of 0.99 and precision rate of 0.97, which is superior to that of SparseTracer (which has an average recall rate of 0.93 and average precision rate of 0.86), indicating that this method is well suited to weak signal identification. We applied ST-LFV to trace neurites from large-scale images (approximately 105 GB). During the tracing process, obtaining results equivalent to the ground truth required only one round of manual editing for ST-LFV compared to 20 rounds of manual editing for SparseTracer. This improvement in the level of automatic reconstruction indicates that ST-LFV has the potential to rapidly reconstruct sparsely distributed neurons at the scale of an entire brain.
Kafka interfaces for composable streaming genomics pipelines
Authors: Versaci Francesco , Pireddu Luca , Zanetti Gianluigi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractModern sequencing machines produce order of a terabyte of data per day, which need subsequently to go through a complex processing pipeline. The standard workflow begins with a few independent, shared-memory tools, which communicate by means of intermediate files. Given the constant increase of the amount of data produced, this approach is proving more and more unmanageable, due to its lack of robustness and scalability.In this work we propose the adoption of stream computing to simplify the genomic pipeline, boost its performance and improve its fault-tolerance. We decompose the first steps of the genomic processing in two distinct and specialized modules (preprocessing and alignment) and we loosely compose them via communication through Kafka streams, in order to allow for easy composability and integration in the already existing Hadoop-based pipelines. The proposed solution is then experimentally validated on real data and shown to scale almost linearly.
Effects of some design parameters on bifurcation behavior of a magnetically supported coaxial rotor in auxiliary bearings
Authors: Ebrahimi Reza , Ghayour Mostafa , Mohammad Khanlo Heshmatallah 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to present bifurcation analysis of a magnetically supported coaxial rotor model in auxiliary bearings, which includes gyroscopic moments of disks and geometric coupling of the magnetic actuators.

Design/methodology/approach
Ten nonlinear equations of motion were solved using the Runge–Kutta method. The vibration responses were analyzed using dynamic trajectories, power spectra, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The analysis was carried out for different system parameters, namely, the inner shaft stiffness, inter-rotor bearing stiffness, auxiliary bearing stiffness and disk position.

Findings
It was shown that dynamics of the system could be significantly affected by varying these parameters, so that the system responses displayed a rich variety of nonlinear dynamical phenomena, including quasi-periodicity, chaos and jump. Next, some threshold values were provided with regard to the design of appropriate parameters for this system. Therefore, the proposed work can provide an effective means of gaining insights into the nonlinear dynamics of coaxial rotor–active magnetic bearing systems with auxiliary bearings in the future.

Originality/value
This paper considered the influences of the inner shaft stiffness, inter-rotor bearing stiffness, auxiliary bearing stiffness and disk position on the bifurcation behavior of a magnetically supported coaxial rotor system in auxiliary bearings.
How buyer roles and critical times affect buyer-supplier exchange episodes
Authors: Newell William James 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to examine how buyer-supplier episodes are characterised by their dimensions of time and social space, and how these dimensions interact to impact the criticality of an episode; second, to explore how time and social space create patterns of episodes that lead to buyer-supplier relationship change and continuity; and third, to examine the social space by the different roles that the buyer assumes among their episodes, while focusing on the concept of critical time to denote the temporal context.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a small retailer and five suppliers is employed. The primary data are e-mail communications between the buying and selling firms, along with a two-week field study at the retailer’s location. A total of 2,000 e-mails are coded to yield 75 episodes for the analysis.FindingsThe criticality of episodes differs depending on the role that the buyer assumes, and whether the episode occurs within a critical time period. The social space affects the type of criticality, while critical times enhance an episode’s criticality. This study outlines five different patterns of episodes occurring within critical times and across social spaces that characterise each of the buyer-supplier relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on e-mail communication, with little data on interactions occurring outside of this medium.Originality/valueTo the researcher’s knowledge, this paper is the first to link specific patterns of episode characteristics to the concept of buyer roles. It also examines episodes using e-mail communication, which is not a common source within the IMP research stream.
A new health and social care context in Wales
Authors: Greenwell Stewart , Antebi Daniel 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 provide a direction of travel for all public services in Wales and a framework for delivering the aspirations in the legislation. Although specifically referring to social care, both pieces of legislation are as relevant to the NHS as they are to other public bodies, providing an opportunity for NHS Wales and local government, in particular, to be equal partners in making a difference to the people and communities they serve. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
A viewpoint paper.

Findings
In Wales the time is right to do things differently in health and social care, so the authors will reflect on why current services are struggling and propose an approach that is rooted in communities rather than in specialities. The authors suggest developing a centre of gravity in the community through a multi-agency collaboration to achieve the greatest health, social care and economic impact.

Originality/value
Attention needs to be directed to supporting people, communities and frontline workers to become more resilient, rather than our current focus on specialist services.
Joining up dementia: not as easy as it sounds
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Iliffe Steve 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the different meanings of integration as expressed in dementia care practice and service organisation in England. Dementia is frequently complicated by concurrent illnesses or long-term conditions at the end of life.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a policy discussion.

Findings
The paper describes three forms of integration: linkage, co-ordination of care, and full integration. Each form or level is related to dementia as a progressive neurological disorder with multiple symptoms, which also overlaps with other long-term conditions, making each individual’s dementia unique. Linkage means being able to identify appropriate resources to meet the needs of the individual and their family. Co-ordination usually means multi-disciplinary working at least with general practice and often wider practitioner input. Full integration is best expressed by the work of care homes, which co-ordinate care and often draws on diverse funding streams.

Practical implications
Greater specificity of the meaning of integration may be helpful to policy makers and practitioners. The care and treatment of people with dementia may be optimised if practitioners think about work styles and engagement with other sectors, agencies and professionals rather than pursuing all-encompassing organisational integration. Care homes may have much to teach other practice settings about full integration.

Originality/value
Integration is often seen uncritically as the solution to all problems; this paper explores the varieties of integration and explores their implications for practitioners and policy makers supporting people with dementia and their carers.
Resection accuracy of patient‐specific cutting guides in total knee replacement
Authors: Wernecke Gregory C. , Taylor Scott , Wernecke Penny , MacDessi Samuel J. , Chen Darren B. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundPatient‐specific guides (PSGs) have been thoroughly investigated with regards to reconstitution of mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The ability to replicate the preoperative surgical plan is essential for optimal outcomes but intraoperative measurements to confirm accurate progression through the operation are limited. This leads to our clinical question: can PSGs replicate the planned bone resection depth during TKA?MethodsThis is a prospective case series of 118 patients who underwent TKA using magnetic resonance imaging‐based patient‐specific cutting guides. Intraoperative bone resection thickness was measured and compared with the preoperative planned bone resections as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the need for additional bone resections, the number of cases for which the PSG technique was abandoned, final component sizes and mechanical alignment.ResultsPSGs could not accurately recreate preoperative plan. PSGs resulted in over‐resection in all bone cuts compared with the preoperative surgical resection plan. Secondary osteotomies were required in 37% of patients. PSGs had to be abandoned in 10.5% of cases, mostly due to suboptimal fit of the femoral block. The tibial component size was altered more frequently than the femoral.ConclusionIntraoperatively, PSGs could not accurately recreate the preoperative plan. PSGs are marketed as user‐friendly tools to simplify TKA but our research demonstrates the need for surgeons to monitor surgical progression and compensate for errors occurring during the use of PSGs.
Hemodynamic Evaluation of a Biological and Mechanical Aortic Valve Prosthesis Using Patient‐Specific MRI‐Based CFD
Authors: Hellmeier Florian , Nordmeyer Sarah , Yevtushenko Pavlo , Bruening Jan , Berger Felix , Kuehne Titus , Goubergrits Leonid , Kelm Marcus 
Published: August 2017

AbstractModeling different treatment options before a procedure is performed is a promising approach for surgical decision making and patient care in heart valve disease. This study investigated the hemodynamic impact of different prostheses through patient‐specific MRI‐based CFD simulations. Ten time‐resolved MRI data sets with and without velocity encoding were obtained to reconstruct the aorta and set hemodynamic boundary conditions for simulations. Aortic hemodynamics after virtual valve replacement with a biological and mechanical valve prosthesis were investigated. Wall shear stress (WSS), secondary flow degree (SFD), transvalvular pressure drop (TPD), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and normalized flow displacement (NFD) were evaluated to characterize valve‐induced hemodynamics. The biological prostheses induced significantly higher WSS (medians: 9.3 vs. 8.6 Pa, P = 0.027) and SFD (means: 0.78 vs. 0.49, P = 0.002) in the ascending aorta, TPD (medians: 11.4 vs. 2.7 mm Hg, P = 0.002), TKE (means: 400 vs. 283 cm2/s2, P = 0.037), and NFD (means: 0.0994 vs. 0.0607, P = 0.020) than the mechanical prostheses. The differences between the prosthesis types showed great inter‐patient variability, however. Given this variability, a patient‐specific evaluation is warranted. In conclusion, MRI‐based CFD offers an opportunity to assess the interactions between prosthesis and patient‐specific boundary conditions, which may help in optimizing surgical decision making and providing additional guidance to clinicians.
A Novel Three‐Compartmental Model for Artificial Pancreas: Development and Validation
Authors: Piemonte Vincenzo , Capocelli Mauro , De Santis Luca , Maurizi Anna Rita , Pozzilli Paolo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractClosed‐loop insulin delivery system, also known as artificial pancreas (AP), provides the blood glucose control in diabetic patients, enabling the automatic blood‐sugar management and reducing the risks and improving the lives of people with diabetes. A new three‐compartmental model of glucose‐insulin interaction for AP is presented and tested in this paper. The glucose and insulin “spaces” are split into a plasma compartment and interstitial fluids compartment, respectively. The model includes an additional subcutaneous compartment and provides three explicit delays and three parameters influencing the regulatory system and correlating with the physiopathology of the patients. Two delays are related with hepatic glucose production and insulin secretion; the third delay represents the lag time in the absorption of exogenous insulin in subcutaneous tissue. The parameters regulate the system dynamics acting on the glucose utilization and the insulin secretion. The clinical data (including information on food ingestion and exogenous insulin injection) from five case studies of Type 1 diabetics are presented and used to validate the mathematical model. After training the parameters for each case study, the model well simulates the glucose level during a 4‐day test. The estimated values are physiologically meaningful and provide a further insight on the subject's dysfunctions and on the state of the disease. The results have been also compared with a parallel simulation carried out by implementing a previous two‐compartmental model. The proposed algorithm produces a lower sum of the squared error between the simulated and the measured glucose concentrations over time.
Effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Leymus chinensis silage
Authors: Zhang Q. , Yu Z. , Na R. S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Leymus chinensis silage. Treatments included (i) no additive, (ii) 3 mL kg−1 formic acid (FA), (iii) 6 mL kg−1 FA, (iv) 5 mL kg−1 acetic acid (AA), (v) 10 mL kg−1 AA, (vi) 2 mL kg−1 propionic acid (PA), (vii) 4 mL kg−1 PA, (viii) 5 mL kg−1 butyric acid (BA), (ix) 10 mL kg−1 BA, (x) 1.0 g kg−1 potassium sorbate (PS), (xi) 1.0 g kg−1 sodium benzoate (SB), (xii) 1 × 108 colony‐forming units (cfu) kg−1 Lactobacillus (Lb) plantarum LP (LP), (xiii) 1 × 108 cfu kg−1 Lb. brevis LB (LB) and (xiv) 1 × 108 cfu kg−1 Lb. buchneri NCIMB40788 (Fresh). Each additive treatment was based on fresh matter (FM). Results showed that all additives decreased pH values. All additives except Fresh decreased ammonia‐N content (p < .001). Both LP and LB increased lactic acid content (p < .001). Butyric acid content increased with FA (3 mL kg−1) and BA, but decreased with PA, PS, SB, FA (6 mL kg−1), AA, LP, LB (p < .001). FA (3 mL kg−1), AA (10 mL kg−1), PA, BA, PS, SB and Fresh improved aerobic stability (p < .001). After 8 days exposure to air, the pH value and yeast count were lower in FA (3 mL kg−1), BA (10 mL kg−1), SB treatments than in other treatments. Overall, AA outperformed all other additives in improving fermentation quality. Sodium benzoate and AA could be used as an effective additive to improve aerobic stability of L. chinensis silage.
Numerical activities of daily living in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Burgio F. , Benavides‐Varela S. , Arcara G. , Trevisson E. , Frizziero D. , Clementi M. , Semenza C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to identify the mathematical domains affected in adults with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and the impact of the numerical difficulties on the patients' activities of daily living.MethodsWe assessed 28 adult patients with NF1 and 28 healthy control participants. All participants completed the standardised battery of numerical activities of daily living along with clinical batteries of cognitive (Mini‐Mental State Examination) and daily functioning (instrumental activities of daily living). The group comparisons of the performance on numerical activities of daily living were carried out using t‐test correcting for multiple comparisons.ResultsThe results showed that the NF1 group performed worse than controls in written subtractions, written multiplication, multiplication principles and digit comprehension (dot counting) tasks. Importantly, no significant differences in numerical ecological tasks were found between patients and controls, suggesting a possible use of compensatory strategies in daily living abilities in spite of calculation deficits.ConclusionThe findings indicate that NF1 affects calculation but not the basic comprehension or representation of numbers in adult patients. These data have important implications for designing cognitive interventions tailored to the cognitive profile of individuals with NF1.
Masticatory performance‐related factors in preschool children: establishing a method to assess masticatory performance in preschool children using colour‐changeable chewing gum
Authors: Hama Y. , Hosoda A. , Komagamine Y. , Gotoh S. , Kubota C. , Kanazawa M. , Minakuchi S. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA knowledge gap regarding masticatory performance in preschool children exists, which in turn delays intervention for preventive care; therefore, a method to easily assess performance is needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of assessing masticatory performance using colour‐changeable chewing gum and to investigate masticatory performance‐related factors in preschool children. This cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two childcare facilities and our laboratory. First, a one‐third quantity of colour‐changeable chewing gum was masticated by six adults to assess the nature and progression of colour changes in this quantity. Then, masticatory performance in 370 children 4–6 years of age was assessed using the same quantity of colour‐changeable chewing gum (60 chew strokes). The maximum bite force, body height, weight, age and number of healthy teeth were recorded. A t‐test was performed to determine whether gum‐chewing experience or lack thereof produced a significant difference in masticatory performance. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was then determined for masticatory performance assessment values and other factors solely for children with gum‐chewing experience. Measurements from 259 children were obtained. Children with gum‐chewing experience demons trated significantly higher assessment values and were deemed to have been correctly assessed. A very weak but significant positive correlation was observed only between masticatory performance and the number of healthy teeth. The masticatory performance of preschool children was easily assessed using colour‐changeable chewing gum. The assessment values demonstrated significant correlation with the number of healthy teeth, but not with maximum bite force, body height, weight or age.
Effect of body posture on chewing behaviours in healthy volunteers
Authors: Iizumi T. , Magara J. , Tsujimura T. , Inoue M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMastication is essential to the eating process and forms an important part of feeding behaviour. Many factors related to the food bolus, such as bolus texture and size, are known to influence mastication. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of body posture on (i) chewing duration prior to the first swallow and (ii) patterns of mastication‐related EMG activity. We asked 10 healthy adults to chew 8 g of steamed rice with barium sulphate while we recorded masseter, suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle activity and simultaneously collected videofluorographic images. Participants chewed in either an upright or reclining position. Chewing duration, which was defined as the time from the start of mastication to the first swallow, was not different between the positions. However, the variability of chewing duration was larger in the upright versus reclining position, and the chewing duration in the reclining position was distributed around 15 s. Masseter activity gradually decreased in a time‐dependent manner and was significantly larger at the early versus late stage of mastication. Suprahyoid activity was significantly larger at the early versus middle stage of mastication in the upright position only. Finally, masseter activity per second was negatively correlated with changes in chewing duration, that is, the larger the increase in chewing duration in the reclining position, the more the decrease in masseter activity per second. These results suggest that position‐dependent changes in chewing behaviours, as described by chewing duration and EMG activity, may vary among participants.
Changes in psychological health, subjective food intake ability and oral health‐related quality of life during orthodontic treatment
Authors: Choi S.‐H. , Cha J.‐Y. , Lee K.‐J. , Yu H.‐S. , Hwang C.‐J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAssessing changes in patient's psychological health and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) over time during orthodontic treatment may help clinicians to treat patients more carefully. To evaluate changes in mental health, self‐reported masticatory ability and OHRQoL during orthodontic treatment in adults, this prospective study included 66 adults (30 men, 36 women; mean age, 24·2 ± 5·2 years). Each patient completed the Korean versions of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale, Rosenberg self‐esteem scale, key subjective food intake ability (KFIA) test for five key foods and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14K) at baseline (T0), 12 months after treatment initiation (T1) and debonding (T2). All variables changed with time. Self‐esteem and the total OHIP‐14K score significantly decreased and increased, respectively, at T1, with a particular increase in the psychological and social disabilities scores. There were no significant differences in any questionnaire scores before and after treatment. The total OHIP‐14K score was positively correlated with trait anxiety and depression, and negatively correlated with self‐esteem and KFIA at T0, regardless of the treatment duration. Older patients showed a significant increase in the total OHIP‐14K score at T1 and T2. OHRQoL worsened with an increase in the treatment duration. Our results suggest that OHRQoL temporarily deteriorates, with the development of psychological and social disabilities, during orthodontic treatment. This is related to the baseline age, psychological health and self‐reported masticatory function. However, patients recover once the treatment is complete.