bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National Trends (2007‐2013) of Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients with Septic Shock: Impact on Outcome
Authors: Chatterjee Kshitij , Goyal Abhinav , Chada Aditya , Kakkera Krishna Siva Sai , Corwin Howard L 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUNDClostridium difficile is the most common infectious cause of healthcare‐associated diarrhea and is associated with worse outcomes and higher cost. Patients with septic shock (SS) are at increased risk of acquiring C. difficile infections (CDIs) during hospitalization, but little data are available on CDI complicating SS.OBJECTIVEPrevalence of CDI in SS between 2007‐2013 and impact of CDI on outcomes in SS.DESIGNWe used the National Inpatient Sample to identify hospitalizations (2007‐2013) of adults with SS and CDI and the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2013 to calculate 30‐day readmissions.MAIN MEASUREMENTSOutcomes were prevalence of CDI in SS, effect on mortality, length of stay (LOS), and 30‐day readmission.RESULTSThere were 2,031,739 hospitalizations with SS (2007‐2013). CDI was present in 8.2% of SS. The in‐hospital mortality of SS with and without CDI were comparable (37.1% vs 37.0%; P = 0.48). Median LOS was longer for SS with CDI (13 days vs 9 days; P < 0.001). LOS >75th percentile (>17 days) was 36.9% in SS with CDI vs 22.7% without CDI (P < 0.001). Similarly, LOS > 90th percentile (> 29 days) was 17.5% vs 9.1%, P < 0.001. Odds of LOS >75% and >90% in SS were greater with CDI (odds ratio [OR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06‐2.15; P < 0.001 and OR 2.25; 95% CI, 2.22‐2.28; P < 0.001, respectively). Hospital readmission of SS with CDI was increased, adjusted OR 1.26 (95% CI, 1.22‐1.31; P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSCDI complicating SS is common and is associated with increased hospital LOS and 30‐day hospital readmission. This represents a population in which a focus on prevention and treatment may improve clinical outcomes.
On the Cauchy problem of a degenerate parabolic-hyperbolic PDE with Lévy noise
Authors: Biswas Imran H. , Majee Ananta K. , Vallet Guy 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
In this article, we deal with the stochastic perturbation of degenerate parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). The particular emphasis is on analyzing the effects of a multiplicative Lévy noise on such problems and on establishing a well-posedness theory by developing a suitable weak entropy solution framework. The proof of the existence of a solution is based on the vanishing viscosity technique. The uniqueness of the solution is settled by interpreting Kruzhkov’s doubling technique in the presence of a noise.
The Argument against the Friends of the Forms Revisited: Sophist 248a4–249d5
Authors: Wiitala Michael 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThere are only two places in which Plato explicitly offers a critique of the sort of theory of forms presented in thePhaedoandRepublic: at the beginning of theParmenidesand in the argument against the Friends of the Forms in theSophist. An accurate account of the argument against the Friends, therefore, is crucial to a proper understanding of Plato’s metaphysics. How the argument against the Friends ought to be construed and what it aims to accomplish, however, are matters of considerable controversy. My aim in this article is twofold. First, I show that the two readings of the argument against the Friends that dominate the contemporary literature – the “Cambridge Change” reading and the “Becoming-is-Being” reading – lack sufficient textual support. Second, I offer an alternative reading of the argument against the Friends that better explains both the text of 248a4–249d5 and the role the argument plays within the Stranger’s wider project of demonstrating that non-being is. My thesis is that the Stranger’s argument against the Friends seeks to demonstrate that the forms must be both at rest and moved, where “moved” (kineisthai) has the sense of “affected.” To participate in a form is to be affected by that form. I argue that since, according to the Stranger, every form participates in some other forms (see 251d5–253a2), every form is “moved” in the sense that it is affected by the forms in which it participates. Likewise, I argue that every form is at rest in the sense that its unique nature remains unaffected by the other forms in which it participates.
Universal Basic Income and Helicopter Money
Authors: Mencinger Jože 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA unique opportunity for testing whether universal basic income (UBI) on the European level is a realistic option could be provided by its monetary financing as an alternative to “traditional” fiscal financing. Fiscal financing of UBI would namely request a much larger European “federal” budget financed by a specific European tax or by participation of the “federation” on some of the existing tax bases, and by agreed upon allotment of the accumulated “federal” fiscal revenues. Though ensuing redistribution of GDP would be relatively modest, the European UBI without an alternative to the tax revenues requirements remains illusionary. Helicopter money (HM) replacing quantitative easing (QE) might provide such an alternative. Modalities of its implementation differ and the idea raises questions of its compliance with the legal regime of the ECB and opens many other topics such as the effectiveness of “QE for the people” and its long-run consequences.
A Numerical Study of Non-hydrostatic Shallow Flows in Open Channels
Authors: Zerihun Yebegaeshet T. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The flow field of many practical open channel flow problems, e.g. flow over natural bed forms or hydraulic structures, is characterised by curved streamlines that result in a non-hydrostatic pressure distribution. The essential vertical details of such a flow field need to be accounted for, so as to be able to treat the complex transition between hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic flow regimes. Apparently, the shallow-water equations, which assume a mild longitudinal slope and negligible vertical acceleration, are inappropriate to analyse these types of problems. Besides, most of the current Boussinesq-type models do not consider the effects of turbulence. A novel approach, stemming from the vertical integration of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, is applied herein to develop a non-hydrostatic model which includes terms accounting for the effective stresses arising from the turbulent characteristics of the flow. The feasibility of the proposed model is examined by simulating flow situations that involve non-hydrostatic pressure and/or nonuniform velocity distributions. The computational results for free-surface and bed pressure profiles exhibit good correlations with experimental data, demonstrating that the present model is capable of simulating the salient features of free-surface flows over sharply-curved overflow structures and rigid-bed dunes.
Lignin-based carbon fibers for renewable and multifunctional lithium-ion battery electrodes
Authors: Nowak Andrzej P. , Hagberg Johan , Leijonmarck Simon , Schweinebarth Hannah , Baker Darren , Uhlin Anders , Tomani Per , Lindbergh Göran 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Lignin-based carbon fibers (LCFs) from the renewable resource softwood kraft lignin were synthesized via oxidative thermostabilization of pure melt-spun lignin and carbonization at different temperatures from 1000°C to 1700°C. The resulting LCFs were characterized by tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confocal Raman spectroscopy. The microstructure is mainly amorphous carbon with some nanocrystalline domains. The strength and stiffness are inversely proportional to the carbonization temperature, while the LCFs carbonized at 1000°C exhibit a strength of 628 MPa and a stiffness of 37 GPa. Furthermore, the application potential of LCFs was evaluated as negative electrodes in a lithium-ion battery (LIB) by electrochemical cycling at different current rates in a half-cell setup. The capacity drops with the carbonization temperature and the LCFs carbonized at 1000°C have a capacity of 335 mAh g−1. All LCFs showed good cycling stability. Because of the mechanical integrity and conductivity of the LCFs, there is no need to apply current collectors, conductive additives or binders. The advantage is an increased gravimetric energy density compared to graphite, which is the most common negative electrode material. LCFs show a promising multifunctional behavior, including good mechanical integrity, conductivity and an ability to intercalate lithium for LIBs.
Accessibility of hydroxyl groups in anhydride modified wood as measured by deuterium exchange and saponification
Authors: Beck Greeley , Strohbusch Sarah , Larnøy Erik , Militz Holger , Hill Callum 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Acetylated wood (WAc) shows improved properties largely due to the reduced amount of water in its cell wall, but the exact mechanism of water reduction remains unclear. Acetylation reduces hydroxyl (OH) content by acetyl (Ac) substitution but may also limit water access to unmodified OH groups by steric hindrance. In the present work, the accessibility of OH groups in acetylated or propionylated Radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) wood (WAc and WPr) was investigated by deuterium exchange, saponification in sodium hydroxide followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and weight percentage gain determination of the modified samples. Acetylation reduced OH accessibility (OHA) to a greater extent than would be predicted, if OH substitution were the only responsible mechanism for accessibility reduction. The combination of deuterium exchange and saponification results provides strong evidence that steric hindrance plays a key role in reduction of water accessibility to unmodified OH groups in WAc. The supramolecular architecture of WPr samples seems to be modified by the propionylation reaction, which leads to increased OHA at low levels of substitution. This suggests that molecular restructuring within the cell wall exposes new OH groups after propionylation. At higher levels of substitution, however, the WPr exhibited less OHA than expected indicating steric hindrance from the propionyl groups.
A case-control association study of 12 candidate genes and attempted suicide in French adolescents
Authors: Mirkovic Bojan , Cohen David , Laurent Claudine , Lasfar Malaika , Marguet Christophe , Gerardin Prsicille 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Background
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10–19-year-olds. Evidence has shown that attempted suicide is a complex interplay of genes and environmental factors. In the adult population, possible associations between genetic polymorphisms and suicidal behaviors have been investigated for several genes, most often with inconsistent findings and poor replicability of significant associations. This study aimed to identify gene variants conferring risk for adolescent suicide attempt.

Methods
We selected the genes and variants after an analysis of the literature and a selection of the most significant associations identified. We performed analysis on 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 genes (COMT, CRHR1, FKBP5, SLC6A4, HTR1B, HTR2A, TPH1, TPH2, BDNF, NTRK2, NOS1 and IL28RA) for association with suicide attempt, hopelessness and impulsivity in an independent sample, composed of 98 adolescent suicide attempters who required hospitalization based on emergency assessments, and 150 healthy volunteers. Quality controls, deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium and statistical tests of association (case/control) were calculated using PLINK. Asymptotic p-values were corrected with the Benjamini-Hochberg method. The level of significance was set to 0.05.

Results
We identified four polymorphisms of interest, rs10868235 (NTRK2), rs1659400 (NTRK2), rs2682826 (NOS1) and rs7305115 (TPH2), with significant associations for suicide attempts or for the quantitative hopelessness or impulsivity phenotypes. However, none of the associations withstand statistical correction tests.

Conclusion
Our results do not support the role of the 22 SNPs selected in suicide attempt or hopelessness and impulsivity in adolescent population. However, the relatively small sample size and the probable effect of gene-gene interaction or gene-environment interaction on suicidal behavior could not be ruled out.
Design techniques for low-voltage analog integrated circuits
Authors: Rakús Matej , Stopjaková Viera , Arbet Daniel 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a review and analysis of different design techniques for (ultra) low-voltage integrated circuits (IC) are performed. This analysis shows that the most suitable design methods for low-voltage analog IC design in a standard CMOS process include techniques using bulk-driven MOS transistors, dynamic threshold MOS transistors and MOS transistors operating in weak or moderate inversion regions. The main advantage of such techniques is that there is no need for any modification of standard CMOS structure or process. Basic circuit building blocks like differential amplifiers or current mirrors designed using these approaches are able to operate with the power supply voltage of 600 mV (or even lower), which is the key feature towards integrated systems for modern portable applications.
Theoretical concept and FEM simulations of improved shielding for round horizontal yokes for rotational power loss measurement
Authors: Zurek Stan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The paper introduces a theoretical concept of a shielding for horizontal yokes for measurements of rotational power loss and other rotational and two-dimensional properties. Apart from horizontal parts, the shielding relies on vertical pieces distributed uniformly around the sample circumference, symmetrically on both sides. The simulations in 2D and 3D FEM show significant improvement in reduction of H perpendicular to the sample surface (Hz). The gradient of the tangential H is reduced so that the extrapolation of values towards the surface might be no longer required. There is also an added benefit that the required magnetomotive force is significantly lower (20-70%) for achieving the same B in the sample, as compared to the previously used simple horizontal shields.
Reducing usage of the computational resources by event driven approach to model predictive control
Authors: Misik Stefan , Bradac Zdenek , Cela Arben 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This paper deals with a real-time and optimal control of dynamic systems while also considers the constraints which these systems might be subject to. Main objective of this work is to propose a simple modification of the existing Model Predictive Control approach to better suit needs of computational resource-constrained real-time systems. An example using model of a mechanical system is presented and the performance of the proposed method is evaluated in a simulated environment.
RNA-Seq Mouse Brain Regions Expression Data Analysis: Focus on ApoE Functional Network
Authors: Babenko Vladimir N. , Smagin Dmitry A. , Kudryavtseva Natalia N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractApoE expression status was proved to be a highly specific marker of energy metabolism rate in the brain. Along with its neighbor, Translocase of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 kDa (TOMM40) which is involved in mitochondrial metabolism, the corresponding genomic region constitutes the neuroenergetic hotspot. Using RNA-Seq data from a murine model of chronic stress a significant positive expression coordination of seven neighboring genes in ApoE locus in five brain regions was observed. ApoE maintains one of the highest absolute expression values genome-wide, implying that ApoE can be the driver of the neighboring gene expression alteration observed under stressful loads. Notably, we revealed the highly statistically significant increase of ApoE expression in the hypothalamus of chronically aggressive (FDR < 0.007) and defeated (FDR < 0.001) mice compared to the control. Correlation analysis revealed a close association of ApoE and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression profiles implying the putative neuroendocrine stress response background of ApoE expression elevation therein.
Arguing Against Corporate Claims Visually and Multimodally: The Genre of Subvertisements
Authors: Tseronis Assimakis , Forceville Charles 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we describe the conditions under which the manipulation of the verbal and the visual elements or of the visual elements alone in the genre of subvertisements can be considered as an act of objecting or rebutting in an implicit argumentative discussion. We thus consider the cognitive and pragmatic aspects of communication while paying serious attention to the interaction of semiotic modes in order to analyse a number of images produced by anti-consumerist groups such as Adbusters. We identify four different ways in which image-text relations or the visuals alone can cue an incongruity between the message of the original ad and the message of the subvertisement in such a way that the latter functions as an objection or rebuttal of the claim advanced by the original advertisement.
Crystal structure of dodecaguanidinium bis(tetrapropylammonium) heptacarbonate, C43H128N38O21
Authors: Zhu Xin , Liu Xianghua 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
C43H128N38O21, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 19.556(4) Å, b = 20.105(4) Å, c = 20.573(4) Å, V = 8089(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0592, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1028, T = 296 K.
Genotype-by-environment interaction and stability of sweetpotato genotypes for root dry matter, β-carotene and fresh root yield
Authors: Gurmu Fekadu , Hussein Shimelis , Laing Mark 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of genotype x environment interactions (G x E) and to select stable and high yielding sweetpotato genotypes for root dry matter content (RDMC), β-carotene content and fresh root yield, and to identify the most discriminating and representative test environments in Ethiopia. The study was conducted across six environments (Halaba, Kokate, Areka, Arbaminch, Hawassa and Dilla) in southern Ethiopia. Twenty four selected genotypes and one check variety (Tula) were evaluated using a 5 × 5 simple lattice design. Stability analysis was conducted using Genotype plus Genotype by Environment Interaction (GGE bi-plot). Environment, genotype and G × E interaction variances were significant (p < 0.001) for the three traits. The magnitude of environment and G x E interaction was 66.8% for fresh root yield, 44.0% for RDMC and 7.6% for β-carotene content. Three genotypes designated as G1, G6 and G20 were identified as having above average RDMC of 31.82, 32.60 and 30.06%, high β-carotene content of 12.48, 14.27 and 13.99 mg 100 g-1 and, stable and high fresh root yields of 25.09, 26.92 and 25.46 t ha-1, respectively. These genotypes were selected for final evaluation and recommendations. Among the test environments, Arbaminch, Halaba and Areka better discriminated among genotypes for RDMC and fresh root yield while Areka, Dilla and Halaba were the environments better discriminated among genotypes for β-carotene content. Four environments, Arbaminch, Halaba, Areka and Dilla can be considered good environments for sweetpotato screening in southern Ethiopia. Kokate is not a good environment for sweetpotato testing in Southern Nation, Nationalities and People’s Regional State (SNNPRS). Generally, the current study demonstrated the possibility of breeding sweetpotato varieties with combined high RDMC, β-carotene content and a high fresh root yield, with wide adaptation for large scale production.
Alternative Religiosity in Communist Yugoslavia: Migration as a Survival Strategy of the Nazarene Community
Authors: Milovanović Aleksandra Djurić 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
The Nazarenes were founded by a former Reformed minister Samuel Fröhlich about 1830 in Switzerland, but they soon expanded to Central and Eastern Europe. Because of their pacifist beliefs and refusal to swear and to take an oath a large number of the Nazarenes were condemned to severe prison sentences. This religious community was persecuted primarily during the communist era in Southeastern European countries (Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia) since they were considered disloyal citizens and a threat to the government. From 1945 until 1960 the Nazarene illegal border crossing from Yugoslavia to Italy or Austria was highly present. Rejecting one of the essential components of Yugoslav communism, so-called “nationwide defence and social self-protection”, the Nazarenes were perceived as anti-communists and their existence was seen as illegitimate. The repression of this religious minority in communist Yugoslavia is the subject of this paper. The material collected for the purposes of this paper came to be the result of empirical research, conducted in Serbia (2009-2013) and the United States (2015), on the Nazarene community and their emigration to North America. Based on qualitative interviews and archival research, this paper aims to analyse community members’ narratives of their lives during communism and emigration of this religious minority across the Atlantic.
Construction of Waveform Library in Cognitive Radar
Authors: Yongqiang Guo , Yumin Wu , Hui Liu 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Based on the thoughts of cognitive radar, Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) is used to generate a rotatable waveform libraries of Frank coded/Barker coded waveform in this paper. Then, the ambiguity function is used to analyze the delay resolution, Doppler resolution, delay side-lobe level, and Doppler side-lobe level of the waveform libraries and orthogonality of them is also analyzed. Furthermore, we proved theoretically that there is a fixed coordinate transformation between the waveforms of library and its origin waveform. Therefore, the Cramér-Rao low bound (CRLB) of motion parameters can be computed easily using the waveforms of the libraries, which facilitate the subsequent waveform scheduled work. Simulation results show that the library waveforms can reduce delay resolution to satisfy the different situations and can bring significant benefits for delay resolution, orthogonality and reuse interval.
Fuzzy Method and Neural Network Model Parallel Implementation of Multi-Layer Neural Network Based on Cloud Computing for Real Time Data Transmission in Large Offshore Platform
Authors: Hu Zhang , Qin Wei 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
With the rapid development of electronic technology, network technology and cloud computing technology, the current data is increasing in the way of mass, has entered the era of big data. Based on cloud computing clusters, this paper proposes a novel method of parallel implementation of multilayered neural networks based on Map-Reduce. Namely in order to meet the requirements of big data processing, this paper presents an efficient mapping scheme for a fully connected multi-layered neural network, which is trained by using error back propagation (BP) algorithm based on Map-Reduce on cloud computing clusters (MRBP). The batch-training (or epoch-training) regimes are used by effective segmentation of samples on the clusters, and are adopted in the separated training method, weight summary to achieve convergence by iterating. For a parallel BP algorithm on the clusters and a serial BP algorithm on uniprocessor, the required time for implementing the algorithms is derived. The performance parameters, such as speed-up, optimal number and minimum of data nodes are evaluated for the parallel BP algorithm on the clusters. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed parallel BP algorithm in this paper has better speed-up, faster convergence rate, less iterations than that of the existed algorithms.