bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum osmolarity and mortality in patients who are critically ill: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shen Yanfei , Cheng Xuping , Ying Manzhen , Chang Hao-Tang , Zhang Weimin 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThis research aims to explore the association between serum osmolarity and mortality in patients who are critically ill with specific categories of disease.DesignA retrospective cohort study.Setting and participantsData were extracted from an online database named ‘Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II’. 16 598 patients were included.MethodsPatients were divided into six disease subgroups based on the diagnosis at admission: cardiac, cerebral, vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and non-respiratory. The association between maximum osmolarity (osmolaritymax) and hospital mortality in each subgroup was evaluated using osmolaritymaxas a design variable (six levels).ResultsAnalysis of the 16 598 patients revealed a ‘U’-shaped relationship between osmolarity and mortality with a threshold of 300 mmoL/L. For patients with non-respiratory disease, both hypo-osmolarity and hyperosmolaritymaxwere associated with increased mortality, with the OR increasing from osmolaritymaxlevel 3 (OR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.33, p<0.001) to level 6 (OR: 4.45, 95% CI 3.58 to 5.53, p<0.001), using level 2 (290–309 mmoL/L) as the reference group. For patients with respiratory disease, however, neither hypo-osmolarity nor hyperosmolaritymaxwas significantly associated with mortality (levels 1 to 5) except for extreme hyperosmolaritymax(≥340 mmoL/L, OR: 2.03, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.42, p=0.007). ORs of mortality in the other four subgroups (cardiac, cerebral, vascular, gastrointestinal) were similar, with OR progressively increasing from level 3 to 6. In all six subgroups, vasopressin use was consistently associated with increased mortality.ConclusionsHyperosmolarity is associated with increased mortality in patients who are critically ill with cardiac, cerebral, vascular and gastrointestinal admission diagnoses, with thresholds at 300 mmoL/L. For patients with respiratory disease, however, no significant association was detected.
Red blood cell distribution width and myocardial scar burden in coronary artery disease
Authors: Magri Caroline Jane , Tian Tan Xiao , Camilleri Liberato , Xuereb Robert , Galea Joseph , Fava Stephen 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a novel independent marker of cardiovascular disease including heart failure, coronary artery disease and myocardial ischaemia. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible relationship between RDW and myocardial scar burden, as assessed by a MIBI viability scan. A secondary objective was to assess whether there is an association between RDW and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).MethodsThe study comprised 123 subjects with ischaemic heart disease who underwent a myocardial viability scan between June 2008 and July 2014. Haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, RDW, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), estimated glomerular filtration rate, fasting blood glucose, liver and lipid profiles were evaluated for all patients. The extent of myocardial scarring and LVEF were noted. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. Univariate followed by multivariate analyses were performed to assess for independent predictors of myocardial scarring and LVEF, respectively.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 63.5 years; most of the subjects were men. The median LVEF was 31% and median percentage of myocardial scarring was 8.7%. Multivariate analyses revealed that RDW, HDL-cholesterol and alanine transaminase were independent predictors of myocardial scarring while RDW, MPV, LDL-cholesterol and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were independent predictors of LVEF.ConclusionsIncreased RDW is an independent predictor both of myocardial scar burden and of impaired left ventricular function in subjects with coronary artery disease.
Drell–Yan constraints on new electroweak states: LHC as a pp → ℓ+ℓ− precision machine
Authors: Gross Christian , Lebedev Oleg , No Jose Miguel 
Published: May 2017

The Standard Model (SM) extensions with vector-like states which have either zero hypercharge or zero weak isospin are rather poorly constrained by the electroweak precision measurements. Such new states would however modify the running of the gauge couplings at high energies. As a result, the Drell–Yan process [Formula: see text] at the LHC places useful constraints on these models. The relevant observables include both the dilepton invariant mass distribution [Formula: see text] and the forward–backward asymmetry [Formula: see text]. We find that the LHC Run 1 data and the initial data from Run 2 surpass the sensitivity of LEP and already put meaningful constraints on the existence of such particles, which will become progressively stronger with more data.
Simulated HAZ continuous cooling transformation diagram of a bogie steel of high-speed railway
Authors: Liu Yue , Chen Hui , Liu Yan , Hang Zongqiu 
Published: May 2017

Simulated HAZ continuous cooling transformation (SH-CCT) diagram presents the start and end points of phase transformation and the relationships of the microstructures of HAZ, temperature and cooling rates. It is often used to assess the weldability of materials. In this paper, a weathering steel Q345C which is widely used in the bogies manufacturing was studied. The cooling times from 800[Formula: see text]C to 500[Formula: see text]C ([Formula: see text]) were from 3 s to 6000 s, aiming to study the microstructures under different cooling rates. Different methods such as color metallography were used to obtain the metallography images. The results show that ferrite nucleates preferentially at the prior austenite grain boundaries and grows along the grain boundaries with a lath-like distribution when [Formula: see text] is 300 s. Austenite transforms into ferrite, pearlite and bainite with decreasing [Formula: see text]. Pearlite disappears completely when [Formula: see text] s. Martensite gradually appears when [Formula: see text] decreases to 30 s. The hardness increases with decreasing [Formula: see text]. The SH-CCT diagram indicates that the welding input and [Formula: see text] should be taken into consideration when welding. This work provides the relationships of welding parameters and microstructures.
Morphology, photophysics and optoelectronics of P3HT nanoparticles and TiO2 nanorods composite
Authors: Xu Wei-Long , Yuan Hongchun , Xiao Jin , Xiong Chao , Zhu Xifang 
Published: May 2017

Morphology and photophysics of polymers are critical to the performance of organic optoelectronics. In this work, poly(3-thiophene) (P3HT) nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by the miniemulsion and reprecipitation methods. The P3HT nanoparticles demonstrated uniform distribution with the domain size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]40 nm. The photophysics of P3HT nanoparticles was investigated by absorption and steady-state and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. P3HT nanoparticles showed more ordered and longer conjugation length than pristine P3HT. At the same time, P3HT nanoparticles showed aggregate species which are favorable for interchain charge transfer. The organic/inorganic hybrid photodetectors based on P3HT and TiO2 nanorods were fabricated. The superior performance of the photodetector based on P3HT nanoparticle and TiO2 nanorods comes from the efficient charge transfer and large donor/acceptor interface.
Formaldehyde adsorption on carbon nanotubes fragment by density functional theory
Authors: Chen D. , Yuan Yong J. 
Published: May 2017

The interaction between formaldehyde (HCOH) and pristine single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) fragment was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the detection of HCOH. The simulation results demonstrated less adsorption on surface of SWCNT and doped CNTs, while a HCOH molecule tended to be chemisorbed to the C atom located on SWCNT’s edge positions with larger binding energy of 1.742 eV and smaller binding distance of 1.351 Å. Furthermore, charge transfer and density of states study indicated that the electronic properties changed evidently in the most stable HCOH-SWCNT system, and were mainly around the Fermi level. More importantly, the adsorption of HCOH affected the electronic conductance of SWCNT. It is expected that the results could provide a useful theoretical guidance for the investigation of molecular films interface bonding and design of HCOH sensing devices.
Preparation of broadband absorption ceramic coatings by using plasma electrolytic deposition
Authors: Yao Caizhen , Li Yuan , Li Qin , Lu Songtao , Wu Xiaohong , Jiang Yong , Gao Wei , Yan Hongwei , Wang Haijun , Ye Yayun 
Published: May 2017

Two types of black ceramic coatings with high spectrum absorptivity were prepared on Al alloy substrate by using plasma electrolytic deposition method. The spectrum absorption properties of coatings were tested by using 355 nm ultraviolet laser pulses. Particle counter device was employed to collect and analyze the particles formed during the irradiation process. Experimental results showed that the coatings have porous structures. The sample coatings 1 and 2 have thickness of 120 [Formula: see text]m and 60 [Formula: see text]m with holes’ diameter of about 70 [Formula: see text]m and 15 [Formula: see text]m, respectively. The coating 1 is mainly composed of Al2O3 and SiO2 while coating 2 consists of Al2O3. The reflectivity of both coatings is much lower than that of Al alloy substrate. The absorptivity of samples 1 and 2 is about 99.88% and 99.92% for wavelength from 300 nm to 800 nm. The mechanisms of spectrum absorption were also explored.
Bound-state solutions, Lax pair and conservation laws for the coupled higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equations in the birefringent or two-mode fiber
Authors: Liu De-Yin , Tian Bo , Xie Xi-Yang 
Published: May 2017

For describing the propagation of ultrashort pulses in the birefringent or two-mode fiber, we consider the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with higher-order effects. According to the Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur system, 3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]3 Lax pair for such equations is derived. Based on the Lax pair, we construct the conservation laws and Darboux transformation (DT). One- and two-soliton solutions are obtained via the DT, and we graphically present the one soliton and bound-state two solitons.
Formal Model-Based Synthesis of Application-Specific Static RTOS
Authors: Tigori Kabland Toussaint Gautier , Béchennec Jean-Luc , Faucou Sébastien , Roux Olivier Henri 
Published: May 2017

In an embedded system, the specialization of the code of the real-time operating system (RTOS) according to the requirements of the application allows one to remove unused services and other sources of dead code from the binary program. The typical specialization process is based on a mix of precompiler macros and build scripts, both of which are known for being sources of errors.
In this article, we present a new model-based approach to the design of application-specific RTOS. Starting with finite state models describing the RTOS and the application requirements, the set of blocks in the RTOS code actually used by the application is automatically computed. This set is used to build an application-specific RTOS model. This model is fed into a code generator to produce the source code of an application-specific RTOS. It is also used to carry on model-based validations and verifications, including the formal verification that the specialization process did not introduce unwanted behaviors or suppress expected ones.
To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, it is applied to specialize Trampoline, an open-source implementation of the AUTOSAR OS standard, to an industrial case study from the automotive domain.
Automated Fault Tree Analysis from AADL Models
Authors: Feiler Peter , Delange Julien 
Published: May 2017

Cyber-physical systems, used in domains such as avionics or medical devices, perform critical functions where a fault might have catastrophic consequences (mission failure, severe injuries, etc.). Their development is guided by rigorous practice standards that prescribe safety analysis methods in order to verify that failure have been correctly evaluated and/or mitigated. This laborintensive practice typically focuses system safety analysis on system engineering activities.
As reliance on software for system operation grows, embedded software systems have become a major source of hazard contributors. Studies show that late discovery of errors in embedded software system have resulted in costly rework, making up as much as 50% of the total software system cost. Automation of the safety analysis process is key to extending safety analysis to the software system and to accommodate system evolution.
In this paper we discuss three elements that are key to safety analysis automation in the context of fault tree analysis (FTA). First, generation of fault trees from annotated architecture models consistently reflects architecture changes in safety analysis results. Second, use of a taxonomy of failure effects ensures coverage of potential hazard contributors is achieved. Third, common cause failures are identified based on architecture information and reflected appropriately in probabilistic fault tree analysis. The approach utilizes the SAE Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) standard and the recently published revised Error Model Annex V2 (EMV2) standard to represent annotated architecture models of systems and embedded software systems.
The approach takes into account error sources specified with an EMV2 error propagation type taxonomy and occurrence probabilities as well as direct and indirect propagation paths between system components identified in the architecture model to generate a fault graph and apply transformations into a fault tree representation to support common mode analysis, cut set determination and probabilistic analysis.
Design Requirements Iterative Process (DRIP) Tool Demonstration Concurrent Engineering of Design, Requirements and Knowledge
Authors: Müller Josef , Narasimhan Prashanth Lakshmi , Gopalswamy Swaminathan 
Published: May 2017

Requirements definition and design decisions are highly coupled for mechatronic systems, and heavily influenced by prior knowledge. Upfront engineering of requirements and design is often addressed by inefficient, ad-hoc iterative methods. We propose a methodology to perform concurrent engineering of high level requirements and design along with prior knowledge by using a "common constraint framework" to describe the requirements, design and knowledge precisely. Then an upfront symbolic simultaneous analysis of all the constraints allows us to identify infeasibilities.
Next we define a design architecture that can be used to extend the above constraint framework to include temporal aspects leading to an ability to define low level requirements and test scenarios under which these requirements can be verified. Importantly the low level requirements and test scenarios can be specified independent of the final implementation. These provide the critical link between upfront requirements engineering process and downstream implementation verification.
Finally we define "mappings" between implementations and the design architecture that allows definitions of executable tests in the implementation environment that in turn can be used to verify the low level requirements.
We demonstrate the above methodologies using the tool DRIP.
A First-in-Human, Phase I, Dose-Escalation Study of TAK-117, a Selective PI3Kα Isoform Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies
Authors: Juric Dejan , de Bono Johann S. , LoRusso Patricia M. , Nemunaitis John , Heath Elisabeth I. , Kwak Eunice L. , Macarulla Mercadé Teresa , Geuna Elena , Jose de Miguel-Luken Maria , Patel Chirag , Kuida Keisuke , Sankoh Serap , Westin Eric H. , Zohren Fabian , Shou Yaping , Tabernero Josep 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the safety, MTD, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of TAK-117 (MLN1117/INK1117), an investigational PI3Kα-selective inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Experimental Design: Seventy-one patients received oral TAK-117 once daily [100–300 mg (n = 24)] or 3 days per week [Monday–Wednesday–Friday (MWF), 200–1,200 mg (n = 27); Monday–Tuesday–Wednesday (MTuW), 200–900 mg (n = 20)], in 21-day cycles. Dose escalation proceeded via a 3 + 3 design.
Results: TAK-117 once-daily dosing was associated with dose-limiting grade ≥3 alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) elevations, resulting in a narrow range of tolerable doses (100–150 mg once daily). With MWF/MTuW dosing, no dose-limiting ALT/AST elevations occurred until the MTD of 900 mg; total weekly dose was 2.6-fold that of 150 mg once daily. Drug-related grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 25%/22%/35% (including hyperglycemia in 0%/7%/15%) of once-daily/MWF/MTuW patients. TAK-117 (100–1,200 mg) exhibited moderately fast oral absorption, a generally dose proportional increase in exposure, and plasma half-life of approximately 11 hours. Total weekly exposures with 900 mg MWF/MTuW dosing were approximately 4 times greater than with 150 mg once daily. Skin pS6 expression was suppressed at ≥200 mg. There were 3/1/0 partial responses (once daily/MWF/MTuW) and 5/7/5 patients had stable disease lasting ≥3 months (all PIK3CA mutated).
Conclusions: Intermittent dosing of TAK-117 had an acceptable safety profile and enabled higher doses and total weekly exposures versus once-daily dosing. Although the potential for TAK-117 as single-agent therapy appears limited, further evaluation in combination approaches for advanced solid tumors is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5015–23. ©2017 AACR.
Application of Employability Skills and Contextual Performance Level of Employees in Government Agencies
Authors: C. Abas Maripaz 
Published: May 2017

The widespread practice of contractualization even in government institutions is a big challenge facing newly-hired employees in seeking a stable position. Researchers have argued that the quality of practice of employability skills could help employees have better job performance, provide them better working condition or status, and consequently meet the higher expectations of employers. The present study employs descriptive research design to explain the extent of application of employability skills and contextual performance. Based on The Conference Board of Canada’s Employability Skills 2000+ and Borman and Motowidlo’s Taxonomy of Contextual Performance, two sets of survey questionnaires were adopted to gather data from 220 respondents representing employers and employees from 25 government institutions. Data analysis showed that novice employees in public institutions applied their employability skills such as fundamental, personal management and teamwork skills to some extent. Moreover, results revealed that employees had satisfactory contextual performance. Thus, this may suggest that the application of employability skills and contextual behaviors should be enhanced to meet the increasing and complex challenges of their respective government agencies.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Experiences during Off-Campus Observation: Basis for Improving the Roles of Teacher Education Institutions and Cooperating Schools
Authors: C. Abas Maripaz 
Published: May 2017

Observing experienced teachers is an indispensable part of practicum studies in teacher education. This paper examined the perceptions of pre-service teachers from five major fields of teacher education program on their experiences during off-campus observation in selected secondary schools. This used qualitative content analysis method in order to “subjectively interpret the content of text data through the systematic classification process of coding and identifying themes or patterns” (Hsieh Shanon, 2005 p. 1278) . Data were taken from 136 pre-service teachers through open-ended questions and two high school principals, 10 cooperating teachers, six student supervisors and 12 pre-service teachers through Focus Group Interview (FGI) and Key Informant Interview (KII). Codes and emerging themes were derived using content analysis. Results showed 18 themes for desirable experiences and 24 themes for undesirable experiences. Pre-service teachers’ experiences mostly focused on students’ attitudes and behaviors. Suggestions to improve off-campus observation from multi-level participants of the study concentrated on preparedness, orientation programs, supervision and monitoring, personal attributes and roles, values, attitudes and behaviors, deployment, post conferences, supervisory plan, observation policies and guidelines, required documents, seminars, time management, evaluation, coordination, and cultural diversity. To sustain the desirable experiences, both cooperating teachers and student supervisors believed that their roles were to serve as model, guide, leader, monitor, planner, and motivator. The varied experiences of pre-service teachers imply that Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) and cooperating schools should provide opportunities, develop competencies, take responsibilities and strengthen partnership to enhance off-campus observation.
A Model of Women Literacy Preservation through Koran Ibu Program
Authors: Abbas Fauzi Ikka Kartika 
Published: May 2017

The effect of literacy education is often disappointing, because many participants do not practice their literacy so that it becomes dull. Government has done efforts to preserve literariness through Koran Ibu program. This program is an effort to improve women literacy which is implemented after basic and advanced literacy education through the activity of journalism. The research focus is the improvement of literacy ability of women through Koran Ibu using with case study method. The research’s subjetcs are 20 housewives who have completed the basic and advanced literacy education program. The result of the research shows that participants significantly develops the literacy skills, it is indicated from that they are able to participate in Koran Ibu’s rubrics with their literary works based on reportage and personal experience. The program is succesful due to the coordination among local participants (Lurah, Camat, PKK of local level), the cooperation with proper stakeholders (university and local tutor), the appropriate approach of adult learning, flexible implementation strategy but planned, and the routine evaluation.
Blended Learning Approach of the Flipped Model for Partograph Short Course
Authors: Linawati Linawati 
Published: May 2017

Crucial demand of professional and well-trained midwives, midwifery lecturers, general practitioner, and OBGYN in Indonesia could be fulfilled by providing effective learning process to them. Udayana University through its Distance Learning Centre has offered Partograph short course in order to respond the demand. The short course has implemented blended learning approach of the flipped classroom with international collaboration. The course was joint by participants from 11 countries through video conference. The course was well designed, conducted follow Global Development Learning Network standard, and then it was evaluated. The course yielded high impact to the participants which could be seen from the participants’ feedback. They testified that the course was marvelous, effective and informative. Finally the evaluation results showed that all components of the learning process have significant result to the overall learning quality which was shown by their correlation coefficients.