bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moderate Sustained Virologic Response Rates With 6-Week Combination Directly Acting Anti–Hepatitis C Virus Therapy in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Kattakuzhy Sarah , Wilson Eleanor , Sidharthan Sreetha , Sims Zayani , McLaughlin Mary , Price Angie , Silk Rachel , Gross Chloe , Akoth Elizabeth , McManus Maryellen , Emmanuel Benjamin , Shrivastava Shikha , Tang Lydia , Nelson Amy , Teferi Gebeyehu , Chavez Jose , Lam Brian , Mo Hongmei , Osinusi Anuoluwapo , Polis Michael A. , Masur Henry , Kohli Anita , Kottilil Shyamasundaran 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background.  Treatment of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with combination directly acting antivirals (DAA) for 8–24 weeks is associated with high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR). We previously demonstrated that adding a third DAA to ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) can result in high SVR rates in patients without cirrhosis. In this study, we investigated whether a similar regimen would yield equivalent rates of cure in patients with advanced liver fibrosis.
Methods.  Fifty patients were enrolled at the Clinical Research Center of the National Institutes of Health and associated healthcare centers. Enrollment and follow-up data from April 2014 to June 2015 are reported here. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years, had chronic HCV genotype 1 infection (serum HCV RNA ≥2000 IU/mL), and stage 3–4 liver fibrosis. HCV RNA was measured using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay.
Results.  Of patients treated with LDV, SOF, and the NS3/4A protease inhibitor GS-9451 for 6 weeks, 76% (38 of 50; 95% confidence interval, 60%–85%) had SVR achieved 12 weeks after the end of treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in treatment efficacy between treatment-naive patients (72%, 18 of 25) and those with treatment experience (80%; 20 of 25) (P = .51). Overall, 11 patients (22%) experienced virologic relapse, and 1 (2%) was lost to follow-up at 4 weeks after treatment. No serious adverse events, discontinuations, or deaths were associated with this regimen.
Conclusions.  Adding a third DAA to LDV/SOF may result in a moderate SVR rate, lower than that observed in patients without cirrhosis. Significant liver fibrosis remains an impediment to achieving SVR with short-duration DAA therapy.
Chinese Clinical Trials Registration.  CT01805882.
Simultaneous Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Hepatitis B-Hepatitis C Point-of-Care Tests Improve Outcomes in Linkage-to-Care: Results of a Randomized Control Trial in Persons Without Healthcare Coverage
Authors: Bottero Julie , Boyd Anders , Gozlan Joel , Carrat Fabrice , Nau Jean , Pauti Marie-Dominique , Rougier Hayette , Girard Pierre-Marie , Lacombe Karine 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground.  In Europe and the United States, more than two thirds of individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 15%–30% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals are unaware of their infection status. Simultaneous HIV-, HBV-, and HCV-rapid tests could help improve infection awareness and linkage-to-care in particularly vulnerable populations.Methods.  The OptiScreen III study was a single-center, randomized, control trial conducted at a free clinic (“Médecins du Monde”, Paris, France). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive 1 of 2 interventions testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV: standard serology-based testing (S-arm) or point-of-care rapid testing (RT-arm). The main study endpoints were the proportion of participants who became aware of their HIV, HBV, and HCV status and who were linked to care when testing positive.Results.  A total of 324 individuals, representing mainly African immigrants, were included. In the S-arm, 115 of 162 (71.0%) participants performed a blood draw and 104 of 162 (64.2%) retrieved their test result. In comparison, 159 of 162 (98.2%) of participants randomized to the RT-arm obtained their results (P &lt; .001). Of the 38 (11.7%) participants testing positive (HIV, n = 7; HBV, n = 23; HCV, n = 8), 15 of 18 (83.3%) in the S-arm and 18 of 20 (90.0%) in the RT-arm were linked-to-care (P = .7). In post hoc analysis assuming the same disease prevalence in those without obtaining test results, difference in linkage-to-care was more pronounced (S-arm = 60.0% vs RT-arm = 90.0%; P = .04).Conclusions.  In a highly at-risk population for chronic viral infections, the simultaneous use of HIV, HBV, and HCV point-of-care tests clearly improves the “cascade of screening” and quite possibly linkage-to-care.
Upper Eyelid Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing With Incisional Blepharoplasty
Authors: Kotlus Brett S. , Schwarcz Robert M. , Nakra Tanuj 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:
Laser resurfacing, performed at the same time as blepharoplasty, has most commonly been applied to the lower eyelid skin but can effectively be used on the upper eyelid to reduce rhytidosis and improve skin quality. The authors evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Methods:
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing was performed in conjunction with incisional upper blepharoplasty. The ultrapulsed laser energy was applied to the sub-brow skin, the upper medial canthal skin, and the pretarsal skin in 30 patients. Photos were obtained preoperatively and at 3 months.

Results:
All patients demonstrated reduction in upper eyelid rhytidosis without any serious complications. Independent rhytidosis grading (0–4) showed a mean improvement of 42%. One patient experienced wound dehiscence that satisfactorily resolved without intervention.

Conclusions:
Upper eyelid laser resurfacing is effective and can be safely performed at the same time as upper blepharoplasty. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for medial incisions to address medial canthal skin redundancy and rhytidosis and it directly treats upper eyelid wrinkles on residual eyelid and infra-brow skin during blepharoplasty.
Invasive Aspergillosis Manifested as Lumbar Vertebral Osteomyelitis in an Immunocompetent Man
Authors: Soule Daniel , Bearman Gonzalo 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Aspergillus, a saprophytic fungus ubiquitously present in the environment, is rarely pathogenic in immunocompetent hosts, as such invasive Aspergillus osteomyelitis in immunocompetent hosts is uncommonly reported. A 50-year-old immunocompetent man, intravenous drug user with hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus, presented with lumbago and was diagnosed with L5-S1 discitis/osteomyelitis with associated phlegmon, s1 nerve root impingement, and no epidural abscess in August 2014. Needle biopsy cultures were negative. The patient was readmitted in October 2014 with worsening lumbago after completion of antibiotics. Inflammatory markers were significantly elevated (erythrocyte sedimentation rate = 97 mm in 1 hour; C-Reactive Protein = 13.5 mg/dL) and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated ongoing acute L5-S1 discitis/osteomyelitis with involvement of vertebral bodies and endplate erosion, progressive impingement of the s1 nerve root, and no epidural abscess. Intraoperative cultures and histopathology were consistent with invasive aspergillosis and was treated successfully with voriconazole. Lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis in immunocompetent patients is a potentially life-threatening diagnosis often made late in the presentation because of nonspecific serologic test options and difficulty culturing fungal organisms. Open biopsy should be obtained when suspicion for a nonbacterial pathogen is high, especially after failure of antibacterial therapy. Aspergillosis should be considered in patients with a history of intravenous drug use, because drugs can be contaminated with Aspergillus. Voriconazole is the antifungal of choice for invasive aspergillosis osteomyelitis with excellent oral bioavailability, bone penetrance, and superior adverse effect profile compared with amphotericin B. Treatment for invasive aspergillosis osteomyelitis should involve both surgical and medical interventions.
Mash: fast genome and metagenome distance estimation using MinHash
Authors: Ondov Brian D. , Treangen Todd J. , Melsted Páll , Mallonee Adam B. , Bergman Nicholas H. , Koren Sergey , Phillippy Adam M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTMash extends the MinHash dimensionality-reduction technique to include a pairwise mutation distance andP-value significance test, enabling the efficient clustering and search of massive sequence collections. Mash reduces large sequences and sequence sets to small, representative sketches, from which global mutation distances can be rapidly estimated. We demonstrate several use cases, including the clustering of all 54,118 NCBI RefSeq genomes in 33 CPU hours; real-time database search using assembled or unassembled Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, and Oxford Nanopore data; and the scalable clustering of hundreds of metagenomic samples by composition. Mash is freely released under a BSD license (https://github.com/marbl/mash).
Control strategies for variable-speed permanent magnet synchronous generator systems
Authors: Shen Jian-Xin , Miao Dong-Min , Jin Mengjia 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on various control strategies for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) systems, in order to stabilize the dc link output voltage over a wide operation speed range.

Design/methodology/approach
– Two control methods, namely, the flux regulation control (FRC) which adjusts the stator flux linkage and then indirectly stabilize the dc link voltage, and the direct voltage control (DVC) which directly stabilize the dc link voltage by regulating the power angle, are proposed in this paper. Both methods can be realized by either approach of the conventional space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) or the proposed single voltage vector modulation (SVVM).

Findings
– The FRC can optimize the field in the PMSG, however, the realization is complicated. The DVC need not estimate and regulate the stator flux linkage, hence is easy to implement. On the other hand, the SVPWM can provide smooth armature current and dc link voltage, while the SVVM applies only one voltage vector during each control cycle, hence, is simple to realize and requires the minimum switching on the PWM rectifier. All cross-combinations between the two control methods and the two realization approaches work well.

Originality/value
– The proposed FRC and DVC methods are simpler than the conventional field oriented control, while the proposed SVVM is a novel and efficient approach to generate the PWM status. Optimal cross-combination, either of SVPWM-FRC, SVVM-FRC, SVPWM-DVC and SVVM-DVC, can be chosen to satisfy the system characters and requirements.
MEC-based prediction to the loss of claw pole alternators
Authors: Ibala Amina , Masmoudi Ahmed 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to deal with the modeling of a claw pole alternator (CPA) by a 3D magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) taking into account the saturation and magnetic armature reaction effects then its utilization for the prediction of the machine losses.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following the derivation of the proposed model, it is validated experimentally at no-load and load operations. Proposed MEC is applied to the investigation of a conventional CPA losses.

Findings
– The CPA efficiency is affected by different loss mechanisms. Indeed, the copper losses are dominant at lower speeds, while the iron and ventilation ones are more significant at high speeds.

Research limitations/implications
– An experimental validation of the losses computed by the MEC shall be treated in the future.

Practical implications
– The CPA is equipping most if not all embedded generating systems of road vehicles. The improvement of its efficiency is of great importance.

Originality/value
– The MEC-based prediction of the CPA losses represents the major contribution of the present work.
The combination of adaptive database SDM and multi-output SVM for eddy current testing
Authors: Chelabi M. , Hacib T. , Belli Z. , Mekideche M. R. , Le Bihan Y. 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– Eddy current testing (ECT) is a nondestructive testing method for the detection of flaws that uses electromagnetic induction to find defects in conductive materials. In this method, eddy currents are generated in a conductive material by a changing magnetic field. A defect is detected when there is a disruption in the flow of the eddy current. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new noniterative inversion methodology for detecting degradation (defect characterization) such as cracking, corrosion and erosion from the measurement of the impedance variations.

Design/methodology/approach
– The methodology is based on multi-output support vector machines (SVM) combined with the adaptive database schema design method (SDM). The forward problem was solved numerically using finite element method (FEM), with its accuracy experimentally verified. The multi-output SVM is a statistical learning method that has good generalization capability and learning performance. FEM is used to create the adaptive database required to train the multi-output SVM and the genetic algorithm is used to tune the parameters of multi-output SVM model.

Findings
– The results show the applicability of multi-output SVM to solve eddy current inverse problems instead of using traditional iterative inversion methods which can be very time-consuming. With the experimental results the authors demonstrate the accuracy which can be provided by the multi-output SVM technique.

Practical implications
– The work allows extending the capability of the experimentation ECT defect characterization system developed at LGEP.

Originality/value
– A new inversion method is developed and applied to ECT defect characterization. This new concept introduces multi-output SVM in the context of ECT. The real data together with estimated one obtained by multi-output SVM model are compared in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed technique.
The analysis of successors’ competencies in family enterprises with the use of grey system theory
Authors: Mierzwiak Rafal , Więcek-Janka Ewa 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationships between the competency structure of the successors of family enterprises in Poland and dimensions like gender, self-awareness of development, taking their ideas into consideration in shaping the strategy of the firm and the size of the firm.Design/methodology/approach– Grey relational analysis was employed to analyse the empirical material in the paper. The results of the analysis served a more thorough qualitative analysis of the subject of the family enterprise successors’ competencies by comparing them to theoretical assumptions and other research within this scope.Findings– In the paper, the relation was shown between the structure of family firm successors’ competencies and the variables such as gender, development self-awareness, taking their ideas into consideration in shaping the strategy of the firm and the size of the firm.Research limitations/implications– The research was conducted in Poland and therefore its generalisation has limited scope resulting from the cultural and historical conditioning.Practical implications– The results of the research may serve the creation of tools and methods of succession process management in a family enterprise.Originality/value– The paper presents the possibilities of employing grey system theory in the research remaining within the scope of the subject of succession in family enterprises, as a tool complementing qualitative analysis.
The exponential grey forecasting model for CO2 emissions in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Chen-Fang , Lu Shin-Li 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to improve the forecasting efficiency of a grey model.

Design/methodology/approach
– The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) algorithm is proposed to modify background values for a new grey model optimization.

Findings
– The experimental results reveal that the proposed models (EGM, REGM) outperform traditional grey models.

Originality/value
– A genetic algorithm (GA) optimizer is used to select the optimal weights for the background values of the EGM(1,1) and REGM(1,1) forecast models. The results of the current study are very encouraging, as the empirical results show that the REGM(1,1) and EGM(1,1) models reduce the MAPE rates over the traditional GM(1,1) and RGM(1,1) models.
Extension of TODIM combined with grey numbers: an integrated decision making module
Authors: Sen Dilip Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra Siba Sankar 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– Decision making is the task of selecting the most appropriate alternative among a finite set of possible alternatives with respect to some attributes. The attributes may be subjective or objective (or combination of both), depending upon the situation; requirements may also be conflicting. In practice, most of the real-world decision-making problems are based on subjective evaluation criteria which are basically ill-defined and vague. Since subjective human judgment bears ambiguity and vagueness in the decision making; application of grey numbers set theory may be proved fruitful in this context. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Owing to the advantages of grey numbers set theory in tackling subjectivity in decision making; the crisp-TODIM needs to be extended by integrating with grey numbers set theory in order to facilitate decision making consisting of subjective data. Hence, the unified objective of this paper is to propose a grey-based TODIM approach in the context of decision making.

Findings
– Application potential of grey-TODIM has been demonstrated through a case empirical robot selection problem. Result obtained thereof, has also been compared to that of existing grey-based decision support systems available in literature.

Originality/value
– Application potential of grey-based decision support systems (grey-TOPSIS, grey analysis, grey-MOORA) have been highlighted in available literature resource. However, the shortcoming of these approaches is that they do not consider decision-makers’ risk attitude while decision making. TODIM method is derived from the philosophy of Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) which considers risk averting attitude of the decision maker in case of gain and risk seeking attitude in case of loss, while comparing dominance between two alternatives with respect to a particular criterion. Hence, this paper contributes a mathematical foundation of TODIM coupled with grey numbers set theory for logical decision making.
Public policy and electrical-grid sector innovation
Authors: Rehme Jakob , Nordigården Daniel , Chicksand Daniel 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate the manner in which technological innovation in the European electrical-grid sector has developed by focusing, in particular, on the effect of public policy on innovation. To achieve this aim, this paper highlights how technological innovation and development progressed from the 1960s to the 1980s, and contrasts this period with the deregulated/privatization environment.Design/methodology/approach– The paper is based on a series of in-depth multiple company case studies of grid companies, some of their suppliers and other actors in their broader business network. Empirical data were collected through 55 interviews.Findings– The authors find that a phase of mutual collaboration was encouraged in the first period, which led to strong technological innovation with a focus on product quality and the development of functionality. Buyers played a pivotal role in the development of products and posed technical requirements. In contrast, the current role of the buyer has transformed principally into one of evaluating competing bids for specific projects. Today, buyers face increasing pressure to substantially lower CO2emissions and transform the energy grid system. These goals are difficult to achieve without a new way of thinking about innovation.Research limitations/implications– Models to achieve innovation must not only focus on individual research projects; instead, the innovation should be factored into normal business dealings in the supply chain.Practical implications– We propose that policymakers and regulators need to: accommodate for innovation and address the collaborative elements of innovation when developing policies and regulations. Furthermore, regulators have the option of either developing a strategic vision for the electrical-grid network or incorporating sustainability into the evaluation of electrical grids and, thus, consumers’ willingness to pay.Originality/value– This paper makes a distinctive contribution in the area of innovation for electrical grids. Our paper shows how innovation and the development of new technology for electrical grids changed over time. Furthermore, this paper describes the energy sector in terms of a business network comprising the different actors involved in innovation and development and, thus, their role in the energy supply chain.
Factory eco-efficiency modelling
Authors: Davé Aanand , Oates Michael , Turner Christopher , Ball Peter 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– This paper reports on the experimentation of an integrated manufacturing and building model to improve energy efficiency. Traditionally, manufacturing and building-facilities engineers work independently, with their own performance objectives, methods and software support. However, with progresses in resource reduction, advances have become more challenging. Further opportunities for energy efficiency require an expansion of scope across the functional boundaries of facility, utility and manufacturing assets.Design/methodology/approach– The design of methods that provide guidance on factory modelling is inductive. The literature review outlines techniques for the simulation of energy efficiency in manufacturing, utility and facility assets. It demonstrates that detailed guidance for modelling across these domains is sparse. Therefore, five experiments are undertaken in an integrated manufacturing, utility and facility simulation software IES < VE > . These evaluate the impact of time-step granularity on the modelling of a paint shop process.Findings– Experimentation demonstrates that time-step granularity can have a significant impact on simulation model results quality. Linear deterioration in results can be assumed from time intervals of 10 minutes and beyond. Therefore, an appropriate logging interval, and time-step granularity should be chosen during the data composition process. Time-step granularity is vital factor in the modelling process, impacting the quality of simulation results produced.Practical implications– This work supports progress towards sustainable factories by understanding the impact of time-step granularity on data composition, modelling, and on the quality of simulation results. Better understanding of this granularity factor will guide engineers to use an appropriate level of data and understand the impact of the choices they are making.Originality/value– This paper reports on the use of simulation modelling tool that links manufacturing, utilities and facilities domains, enabling their joint analysis to reduce factory resource consumption. Currently, there are few available tools to link these areas together; hence, there is little or no understanding of how such combined factory analysis should be conducted to assess and reduce factory resource consumption.