bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insertion of triangulated surfaces into a meccano tetrahedral discretization by means of mesh refinement and optimization procedures
Authors: Ruiz‐Gironés Eloi , Oliver Albert , Socorro‐Marrero Guillermo Valentín , Cascón José Manuel , Escobar José María , Montenegro Rafael , Sarrate Josep 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn this paper, we present a new method for inserting several triangulated surfaces into an existing tetrahedral mesh generated by the meccano method. The result is a conformal mesh where each inserted surface is approximated by a set of faces of the final tetrahedral mesh. First, the tetrahedral mesh is refined around the inserted surfaces to capture their geometric features. Second, each immersed surface is approximated by a set of faces from the tetrahedral mesh. Third, following a novel approach, the nodes of the approximated surfaces are mapped to the corresponding immersed surface. Fourth, we untangle and smooth the mesh by optimizing a regularized shape distortion measure for tetrahedral elements in which we move all the nodes of the mesh, restricting the movement of the edge and surface nodes along the corresponding entity they belong to. The refining process allows approximating the immersed surface for any initial meccano tetrahedral mesh. Moreover, the proposed projection method avoids computational expensive geometric projections. Finally, the applied simultaneous untangling and smoothing process delivers a high‐quality mesh and ensures that the immersed surfaces are interpolated. Several examples are presented to assess the properties of the proposed method.
Pretreatment Fasting Plasma Glucose Modifies Dietary Weight Loss Maintenance Success: Results from a Stratified RCT
Authors: Hjorth Mads F. , Due Anette , Larsen Thomas M. , Astrup Arne 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveLevels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FI) were studied as diet‐specific prognostic markers for successful weight loss maintenance in participants with overweight.MethodsAfter losing ≥ 8% of body weight, participants received one of three ad libitum diets for 6 months: (1) a moderate‐fat diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); a low‐fat, high‐fiber diet (Nordic Nutrition Recommendations [NNR]); and the Average Danish Diet (ADD). Participants were categorized as having low (< 90 mg/dL) or high (90‐105 mg/dL) FPG based on preintervention values. Median FI among those having high FPG was used as a cutoff for FI (FI ≤ 50 pmol/L; FI > 50 pmol/L).ResultsParticipants with low FPG and randomized to MUFA, NNR, and ADD regained similarly 2.1 to 2.5 kg after 6 months. By contrast, participants with high FPG and randomized to MUFA, NNR, and ADD regained 2.73 kg (95% CI 1.33 to 4.13; P < 0.001), −0.05 kg (95% CI −1.95 to 1.86; P = 0.96), and 4.16 kg (95% CI 2.27 to 6.06; P < 0.001) after 6 months, respectively, resulting in lower weight regain on NNR compared to ADD (−4.21 kg [95% CI −6.83 to −1.59]; P = 0.002) and MUFA (95% CI −2.77 kg [−5.12 to −0.43]; P = 0.020). The addition of FI strengthened these associations.ConclusionsSlightly elevated pretreatment FPG determined success in dietary weight loss maintenance among overweight patients on ad libitum diets differing in macronutrient and fiber content.
Influence of graphene nanosheets on stereocomplex crystallization behaviors of star‐shaped poly (D(L)‐lactide) stereoblock copolymer
Authors: Wu Xiaomeng , Chen Xiaoyu , Fan Zhongyong 
Published: October 2017

The nanocompsites of star‐shaped poly(D‐lactide)‐co‐poly(L‐lactide) stereoblock copolymers (s‐PDLA‐PLLA) with two‐dimensional graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were prepared by solution mixing method. Crystallization behaviors were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. The results of isothermal crystallization behaviors of the nanocompsites clearly indicated that the GNS could remarkably accelerate the overall crystallization rate of s‐PDLA‐PLLA copolymer. Unique stereocomplex crystallites with melting temperature about 207.0°C formed in isothermal crystallization for all samples. The crystallization temperatures of s‐PDLA‐PLLAs shifted to higher temperatures, and the crystallization peak shapes became sharper with increasing GNS contents. The maximum crystallization temperature of the sample with 3 wt% GNS was about 128.2°C, ie, 15°C higher than pure s‐PDLA‐PLLA. At isothermal crystallization processes, the halftime of crystallization (t0.5) of the sample with 3 wt% GNS decreased to 6.4 minutes from 12.9 minutes of pure s‐PDLA‐PLLA at 160°C.The Avrami exponentnvalues for the nanocomposites samples were 2.6 to 3.0 indicating the crystallization mechanism with three‐dimensional heterogeneous nucleation and spherulites growth. The morphology and average diameter of spherulites of s‐PDLA‐PLLA with various GNS contents were observed in isothermal crystallization processes by polarized optical microscopy. Spherulite growth rates of samples were evaluated by using combined isothermal and nonisothermal procedures and analyzed by the secondary nucleation theory. The results evidenced that the GNS has acceleration effects on the crystallization of s‐PDLA‐PLLA with good nucleation ability in the s‐PDLA‐PLLA material.
Dichlorocarbene modified butadiene rubber (DCBR): Preparation, kinetic study, and its properties in natural rubber/DCBR blend vulcanizates
Authors: Witinuntakit Tapanee , Kiatkamjornwong Suda , Poompradub Sirilux 
Published: October 2017

Dichlorocarbene modified butadiene rubber (DCBR) was prepared via the addition of the dichlorocarbene group in the presence of 2 phase transfer agents (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetraethylammonium chloride). The effects of the reaction temperature and time, amount of dichlorocarbene precursor, and the type and amount of phase transfer agent on the chlorine content were investigated. The highest chlorine content (30%) in DCBR was obtained using 0.062 mol chloroform and 0.003 mol cetyltrimethylammonium bromide at room temperature for 19 hours although 27.9% was obtained after 12 hours. The kinetics of this dichlorocarbene modification was best described by the pseudo–first order rate law with 2 rate constants. For practical applications, the DCBR with chlorine contents of 10%, 20%, or 30% were blended with natural rubber (NR) and then vulcanized using the sulfur‐curing system. Although the polarity of DCBR was increased, a good compatibility between NR and DCBR still existed, resulting in improved mechanical properties. The oil resistance, flame retardant, and ozone resistance properties of the NR/DCBR blend vulcanizates were enhanced compared to those of a NR/butadiene rubber blend vulcanizate, which was related to the amount of chlorine incorporated into the DCBR.
Comparison of the ability of double‐robust estimators to correct bias in propensity score matching analysis. A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Nguyen Tri‐Long , Collins Gary S. , Spence Jessica , Devereaux Philip J. , Daurès Jean‐Pierre , Landais Paul , Le Manach Yannick 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveAs covariates are not always adequately balanced after propensity score matching and double‐ adjustment can be used to remove residual confounding, we compared the performance of several double‐robust estimators in different scenarios.MethodsWe conducted a series of Monte Carlo simulations on virtual observational studies. After estimating the propensity scores by logistic regression, we performed 1:1 optimal, nearest‐neighbor, and caliper matching. We used 4 estimators on each matched sample: (1) a crude estimator without double‐adjustment, (2) double‐adjustment for the propensity scores, (3) double‐adjustment for the unweighted unbalanced covariates, and (4) double‐adjustment for the unbalanced covariates, weighted by their strength of association with the outcome.ResultsThe crude estimator led to highest bias in all tested scenarios. Double‐adjustment for the propensity scores effectively removed confounding only when the propensity score models were correctly specified. Double‐adjustment for the unbalanced covariates was more robust to misspecification. Double‐adjustment for the weighted unbalanced covariates outperformed the other approaches in every scenario and using any matching algorithm, as measured by the mean squared error.ConclusionDouble‐adjustment can be used to remove residual confounding after propensity score matching. The unbalanced covariates with the strongest confounding effects should be adjusted.
Patterns of long‐term use of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for non‐valvular atrial fibrillation: Quebec observational study
Authors: Douros Antonios , Renoux Christel , Coulombe Janie , Suissa Samy 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPurposeStudies on long‐term utilization of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are scarce. We evaluated predictors of use and long‐term persistence of NOACs in a real‐world setting.MethodsThis population‐based cohort study used the computerized databases of the Canadian Province of Quebec's health insurance. Patients with a first NVAF diagnosis from 2011 until 2014 were included. A logistic regression model yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors of treatment initiation with NOACs versus VKAs. Cox proportional hazards models yielded adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for predictors of switching from VKAs to NOACs versus remaining on VKAs, and for predictors of discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment.ResultsOf the 62 867 newly diagnosed NVAF patients, 14 646 initiated NOACs and 17 685 VKAs. Initiation with NOACs was less likely for patients ≥ 80 years old (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41–0.73) or with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2 (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.42–0.57). Switching from VKAs to NOACs was less likely for patients with chronic kidney disease (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.48–0.59). After 3 years, persistence was 54% with NOACs and 25% with VKAs. Discontinuation of anticoagulation treatment was less likely for patients ≥ 80 years old (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.40–0.55) or with CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2 (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.57–0.70).ConclusionsOlder, high‐risk patients are less likely to initiate NOACs than VKAs. NOAC users show a higher long‐term persistence than VKA users, and older, high‐risk patients are less likely to discontinue anticoagulation treatment.
CZTSe solar cells developed on polymer substrates: Effects of low‐temperature processing
Authors: Becerril‐Romero Ignacio , Acebo Laura , Oliva Florian , Izquierdo‐Roca Víctor , López‐Marino Simón , Espíndola‐Rodríguez Moisés , Neuschitzer Markus , Sánchez Yudania , Placidi Marcel , Pérez‐Rodríguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo , Pistor Paul 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCu2ZnSn(S1−xSex)4 solar cells are well suited for roll‐to‐roll mass production since they are formed mainly by non‐toxic and earth‐abundant elements. Polyimide (PI) has proved to be a promising roll‐to‐roll compatible substrate yielding very high efficiency devices for Cu(In,Ga)Se2. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of using PI as a low‐weight and flexible alternative to soda‐lime glass for Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) solar cells. Two main concerns arise when working with PI. Firstly, its low thermal robustness limits process temperatures below 500°C. The second concern is the lack of alkali in PI in contrast to conventional soda‐lime glass fundamental for high efficiency devices. This work tackles both issues. First, different alkali doping strategies are investigated for the incorporation of Na and K into CZTSe absorbers prepared on PI substrates by sequential precursor sputtering and selenization at 470°C: pre‐absorber synthesis and post‐deposition treatment. Post‐deposition treatment does not lead to an improvement of performance. Pre‐absorber synthesis effectively dopes the CZTSe absorbers increasing the solar cell performance and carrier concentration of the devices. Cu2ZnSnSe4 devices are then fabricated on glass and PI at different temperatures (450°C‐490°C). A detrimental SnSe2 secondary phase is detected in most of these devices. The formation of this phase is proved to be strongly related to process temperature. Despite this, a 6.4% efficiency device is achieved at 490°C on glass. Finally, through further experimentation and the addition of a Ge nanolayer, we report a 4.9% efficiency flexible device on PI setting a new record for kesterite solar cells on a polymer substrate.
Caregiver knowledge and skills to safely care for pediatric tracheostomy ventilation at home
Authors: Amin Reshma , Parshuram Chris , Kelso Jeannie , Lim Audrey , Mateos Dimas , Mitchell Ian , Patel Hema , Roy Madan , Syed Faiza , Troini Rita , Wensley David , Rose Louise 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveCaregivers of children using home mechanical ventilation (HMV) via tracheostomy require appropriate knowledge and skills. Existing training curricula are locally developed and content variable. We sought to develop a competency checklist to inform initial training and subsequent assessment of knowledge and skills of family caregivers.MethodsWe used a 2‐step process. Candidate items were generated by synthesis of a scoping review, existing checklists, with additional items suggested by an eight member inter‐professional group representing pediatric HMV programs across Canada. Following removal of duplicate items, we conducted a three‐round Delphi to gain consensus on items for the KidsVent Checklist.ResultsThe scoping review and checklists from five HMV programs identified 18 domains and 172 items; one additional domain and 83 additional items were identified by our expert group who also classified domains as mandatory or optional. We recruited 95 clinicians representing 12 Canadian paediatric HMV programs to participate in Delphi round 1 (response rate 72%; 84%, and 100% for subsequent rounds). Importance rating of the 255 items reduced them to 246 items. In the final checklist, the 19 domains comprised 14 mandatory (189 mandatory items) and 5 optional domains (57 optional items).ConclusionsWe have developed the KidsVent checklist using rigorous consensus building methods, informed by participants with diverse geographic and inter‐professional representation. This checklist represents knowledge and skills required to safely care for children using tracheostomy ventilation at home. Further study is required to explore the impact of this checklist on outcomes of this growing group of technology‐dependent children.
Can Superconducting Cosmic Strings Piercing Seed Black Holes Generate Supermassive Black Holes in the Early Universe?
Authors: Lake Matthew J. , Harko Tiberiu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe discovery of a large number of supermassive black holes (SMBH) at redshifts , when the Universe was only 900 million years old, raises the question of how such massive compact objects could form in a cosmologically short time interval. Each of the standard scenarios proposed, involving rapid accretion of seed black holes or black hole mergers, faces severe theoretical difficulties in explaining the short‐time formation of supermassive objects. In this work we propose an alternative scenario for the formation of SMBH in the early Universe, in which energy transfer from superconducting cosmic strings piercing small seed black holes is the main physical process leading to rapid mass increase. As a toy model, the accretion rate of a seed black hole pierced by two antipodal strings carrying constant current is considered. Using an effective action approach, which phenomenologically incorporates a large class of superconducting string models, we estimate the minimum current required to form SMBH with masses of order by . This corresponds to the mass of the central black hole powering the quasar ULAS J112001.48+064124.3 and is taken as a test case scenario for early‐epoch SMBH formation. For GUT scale strings, the required fractional increase in the string energy density, due to the presence of the current, is of order 10−7, so that their existence remains consistent with current observational bounds on the string tension. In addition, we consider an “exotic” scenario, in which an SMBH is generated when a small seed black hole is pierced by a higher‐dimensional string, predicted by string theory. We find that both topological defect strings and fundamental strings are able to carry currents large enough to generate early‐epoch SMBH via our proposed mechanism.
Half‐Maximal Supersymmetry from Exceptional Field Theory
Authors: Malek Emanuel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe study‐dimensional half‐maximal flux backgrounds using exceptional field theory. We define the relevant generalised structures and also find the integrability conditions which give warped half‐maximal MinkowskiDand AdSDvacua. We then show how to obtain consistent truncations of type II / 11‐dimensional SUGRA which break half the supersymmetry. Such truncations can be defined on backgrounds admitting exceptional generalisedstructures, where, andNis the number of vector multiplets obtained in the lower‐dimensional theory. Our procedure yields the most general embedding tensors satisfying the linear constraint of half‐maximal gauged SUGRA. We use this to prove that allhalf‐maximal warped AdSDand MinkowskiDvacua of type II / 11‐dimensional SUGRA admit a consistent truncation keeping only the gravitational supermultiplet. We also show to obtain heterotic double field theory from exceptional field theory and comment on the M‐theory / heterotic duality. In five dimensions, we find a new SO(5,N) double field theory with a‐dimensional extended space. Its section condition has one solution corresponding to 10‐dimensionalsupergravity and another yielding six‐dimensionalSUGRA.
On Inflation and de Sitter in Non‐Geometric String Backgrounds
Authors: Hassler Falk , Lüst Dieter , Massai Stefano 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe study the problem of obtaining de Sitter and inflationary vacua from dimensional reduction of double field theory (DFT) on nongeometric string backgrounds. In this context, we consider a new class of effective potentials that admit Minkowski and de Sitter minima. We then construct a simple model of chaotic inflation arising from T‐fold backgrounds and we discuss the possibility of trans‐Planckian field range from nongeometric monodromies as well as the conditions required to get slow roll.
Bayesian assurance tests for degradation data
Authors: Weaver B.P. , Hamada M.S. , Wilson A.G. , Bakerman J.E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAssurance test plans are chosen to manage consumer's and producer's risks. We develop methods for planning Bayesian assurance tests for degradation data, ie, on the basis of the degradation data collected in the test, a decision is made whether to accept or reject a product. Bayesian assurance tests incorporate prior knowledge in the planning stage and use this information to evaluate posterior consumer's and producer's risks. We consider prior knowledge that takes the form of related degradation data. Assurance test plans are then found that meet the specified requirements for consumer's and producer's risks. We illustrate the planning of such assurance tests with an example involving printhead migration data. We also investigate the impact of measurement error on these assurance test plans.
Small Molecule Antagonist of Cell Surface Glycosaminoglycans Restricts Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in a Pluripotent State
Authors: Huang Mia L. , Michalak Austen L. , Fisher Christopher J. , Christy Mitchell , Smith Raymond A. A. , Godula Kamil 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Recently, the field of stem cell-based regeneration has turned its attention toward chemical approaches for controlling the pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) using drug-like small molecule modulators. Growth factor receptors or their associated downstream kinases that regulate intracellular signaling pathways during differentiation are typically the targets for these molecules. The glycocalyx, which plays an essential role in actuating responses to growth factors at the cellular boundary, offers an underexplored opportunity for intervention using small molecules to influence differentiation. Here, we show that surfen, an antagonist of cell-surface glycosaminoglycans required for growth factor association with cognate receptors, acts as a potent and general inhibitor of differentiation and promoter of pluripotency in mouse ESCs. This finding shows that drugging the stem cell Glycome with small molecules to silence differentiation cues can provide a powerful new alternative to existing techniques for controlling stem cell fate.
Effects of Rhei Undulati Rhizoma on lipopolysaccharide‐induced neuroinflammation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hwang Deok‐Sang , Gu Pil Sung , Kim Namkwon , Jang Young Pyo , Oh Myung Sook 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNeuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Microglia are the major components of the brain immune system that regulate inflammatory processes. Activated microglia release pro‐inflammatory factors and cytokines, resulting in neuronal cell death. We focused on inhibiting the activation of microglia from a stimulus as a strategy to search for neuroprotective drugs. Rhei Undulati Rhizoma (RUR) is traditionally used to treat various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we investigated whether RUR modulates inflammatory processes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV2 microglia cells and the mouse brain. RUR exerted anti‐neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species induced by LPS via the downregulation of transcription factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) without causing cytotoxicity. RUR also regulated mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B. Moreover, RUR attenuated LPS‐induced glial activation and COX‐2 expression in the substantia nigra and hippocampus of the mouse brain. These results indicate that RUR is a potential candidate to treat neurodegenerative diseases by regulating neuroinflammation.
Inhibitory effect of GMI, an immunomodulatory protein from Ganoderma microsporum, on myofibroblast activity and proinflammatory cytokines in human fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Ping‐Hui , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Liao Yi‐Wen , Yu Cheng‐Chia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been indicated as one of the oral potentially malignant disorders. Epidemiological studies have attributed this pathological fibrosis to the habit of areca nuts chewing, which causes chronic inflammation and persistent activation of myofibroblasts in the oral cavity. Hence, it is crucial to find an effective intervention to ameliorate inflammation in order to prevent the malignant progression of OSF. In this study, we assessed the anti‐inflammatory effect of the immunomodulatory protein, GMI, extracted from Ganoderma microsporum on the expression proinflammatory cytokines and the myofibroblast characteristics in human fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs). Our results demonstrated that the expression level of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 were decreased after exposure of GMI and the myofibroblast activities, including collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion, and wound healing abilities were inhibited as well. Furthermore, we confirmed these findings in the arecoline‐stimulated BMFs. Consistent with the above findings, the expression of the myofibroblast marker α‐smooth muscle actin and other fibrogenic markers, such as type I collagen, fibronectin, and vimentin in fBMFs were all reduced in a dose‐dependent manner. Collectively, our data suggested that GMI suppressed the proinflammatory cytokines and myofibroblast features in fBMFs, and could serve as a promising and natural antifibrosis agent.