bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Human Factors and Ergonomics of P300-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Powers J. , Bieliaieva Kateryna , Wu Shuohao , Nam Chang
Published: August 2015

Individuals with severe neuromuscular impairments face many challenges in communication and manipulation of the environment. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) show promise in presenting real-world applications that can provide such individuals with the means to interact with the world using only brain waves. Although there has been a growing body of research in recent years, much relates only to technology, and not to technology in use—i.e., real-world assistive technology employed by users. This review examined the literature to highlight studies that implicate the human factors and ergonomics (HFE) of P300-based BCIs. We assessed 21 studies on three topics to speak directly to improving the HFE of these systems: (1) alternative signal evocation methods within the oddball paradigm; (2) environmental interventions to improve user performance and satisfaction within the constraints of current BCI systems; and (3) measures and methods of measuring user acceptance. We found that HFE is central to the performance of P300-based BCI systems, although researchers do not often make explicit this connection. Incorporation of measures of user acceptance and rigorous usability evaluations, increased engagement of disabled users as test participants, and greater realism in testing will help progress the advancement of P300-based BCI systems in assistive applications.
Special Issue: Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sensitive Environments
Authors: Scandellari Francesca
Published: August 2015

The scope of this special issue is to understand whether and how mycorrhizal symbiosis can be included as an agriculture and agroforestry tool that promotes more environmentally friendly practices, and whether it promotes the protection of sensitive areas. Three papers are included in this special issue, each dealing with a different sensitive environment. These papers present fundamental aspects that should be taken into account when planning or reporting studies related to mycorrhizal fungi in sensitive environments.
Sexual Violence, Race and Media (In)Visibility: Intersectional Complexities in a Transnational Frame
Authors: Patil Vrushali , Purkayastha Bandana
Published: August 2015

Intersectional scholarship argues that women of color have distinct experiences of rape compared to white women and highlights their relative invisibility as victims compared to white women victims in news media. While the bulk of intersectional work has examined such issues within one nation and particularly within the US, in an era of increasingly transnationalized media content, we explore such intersectionalities in a transnational frame. That is, we explore the treatment of the rape of a local Indian woman in New Delhi, India, and the rape of a white woman in Steubenville, USA, in the New York Times and the Times of India. We find that contra assumptions in the intersectional literature, the racialized Indian victim is hyper-visible across both papers while the white US victim is relatively invisible. Situating both newspapers within the global histories of the development of news as a particular genre of storytelling, we argue that their respective locations within larger processes shaped by colonial, imperial and neo-colonial histories have critical implications for the coverage each paper offers. Thus, we argue that issues of race and visibility in media operate very differently depending on the space and scale of analysis. In an increasingly globalized world, then, we must start paying attention to the transnational and its implications for rape, race and (in)visibility in news media. Ultimately, our approach brings together processes of racialization at multiple scales—both below the nation and above the nation—to offer a more complex, multi-scalar understanding of how racialization processes impact rape coverage.
Kas kinta kintant technikos sampratai
Authors: Kanišauskas Saulius
Published: August 2015

The paper focuses on two terms of “technics” and “technology” used in the Lithuanian language, which both correspond to “technology” in the English language. Explanatory dictionaries and encyclopaedias provide rather different meanings of the words “technics” and “technology”; however, they tend to be used as synonyms. Thus, it is concluded that though the meanings of these words are closely related, it can be argued that “technology” is the same “technics” only used in a more scientific way. The paper poses a question what the terms “technics” and “technology” mean in actual fact, and why they are related to such words as instrument, apparatus, machine, mechanism, factory, industry, etc., in social, political, cultural, philosophical and even everyday discourses. With the rapid development of modern electronic communication means, this question becomes truly fundamental because this means allows emerging of local communities that use their own specific language and develop a certain linguistic culture. Moreover, the terms of “technics” and “technology” seem to acquire symbolic power, and this brings up new questions related to the impact of the word and sign on human thinking and feelings. On the basis of insights of neuroscience and analytical philosophy, it is maintained that extremely frequent usage of the mentioned terms may trigger irreversible changes in the structures of the human brain, which in turn may lead to the change of the human essence.
Study of a Test Bench for Artificial Heart Valves: Description and Preliminary Results
Authors: Mor Maurizio , Petrogalli Gianluigi , Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Faglia Rodolfo
Published: August 2015

The work described involves the implementation of a testing bench prototype, used to control the behavior of heart valves, taking into account the characteristics of the blood.
The Use of Smart Sensors in Healthcare Applications: Review
Authors: Bellagente Paolo , Bona Michele , Gorni Domenico
Published: August 2015

Sensors have always represented a fundamental component in most systems which have to guarantee a high reliability and huge performances. Industrial world provides a perfect example. During the last years, such instruments have increased their capabilities, thanks to the integration of functionalities which only certain devices had in the past, reaching a level of smartness which has allowed them to enlarge the range of their applications. One of the most interesting field, that has a great potential of development in the future, regards human healthcare (and rehabilitation in particular), which technology is giving a great contribution for. This paper aims to provide a general view of the exploitation of smart sensors in such domain. After having introduced the conceptual schemes which are the basis for the realization of a smart sensor, different typologies are described, which are utilized in implantable devices, wearable instruments and rehabilitation systems, trying to explain why they are the most suitable for certain applications.
Effects of High Fat Feeding on Adipose Tissue Gene Expression in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats
Authors: Xue Bai , Nie Jing , Wang Xi , DuBois Debra C. , Jusko William J. , Almon Richard R.
Published: August 2015

Development and progression of type 2 diabetes is a complex interaction between genetics and environmental influences. High dietary fat is one environmental factor that is conducive to the development of insulin-resistant diabetes. In the present report, we compare the responses of lean polygenic, diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats to those of control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats fed a high fat diet from weaning to 20 weeks of age. This comparison included a wide array of physiological measurements along with gene expression profiling of abdominal adipose tissue using Affymetrix gene array chips. Animals of both strains fed a high fat diet or a normal diet were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks for this comparison. The microarray analysis revealed that the two strains developed different adaptations to increased dietary fat. WKY rats decrease fatty acid synthesis and lipogenic processes whereas GK rats increase lipid elimination. However, on both diets the major differences between the two strains remained essentially the same. Specifically relative to the WKY strain, the GK strain showed lipoatrophy, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Accounting for the effects of sastrugi in the CERES clear-sky Antarctic shortwave angular distribution models
Authors: Corbett J. , Su W.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The Cloud and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments on NASA's Terra, Aqua and Soumi NPP satellites are used to provide a long-term measurement of Earth's energy budget. To accomplish this, the radiances measured by the instruments must be inverted to fluxes by the use of a scene-type-dependent angular distribution model (ADM). For permanent snow scenes over Antarctica, shortwave (SW) ADMs are created by compositing radiance measurements over the full viewing zenith and azimuth range. However, the presence of small-scale wind blown roughness features called sastrugi cause the BRDF (bidirectional reflectance distribution function) of the snow to vary significantly based upon the solar azimuth angle and location. This can result in monthly regional biases between −12 and 7.5 Wm−2 in the inverted TOA (top-of-atmosphere) SW flux. The bias is assessed by comparing the CERES shortwave fluxes derived from nadir observations with those from all viewing zenith angles, as the sastrugi affect fluxes inverted from the oblique viewing angles more than for the nadir viewing angles. In this paper we further describe the clear-sky Antarctic ADMs from Su et al. (2015). These ADMs account for the sastrugi effect by using measurements from the Multi-Angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR) instrument to derive statistical relationships between radiance from different viewing angles. We show here that these ADMs reduce the bias and artifacts in the CERES SW flux caused by sastrugi, both locally and Antarctic-wide. The regional monthly biases from sastrugi are reduced to between −5 and 7 Wm−2, and the monthly-mean biases over Antarctica are reduced by up to 0.64 Wm−2, a decrease of 74 %. These improved ADMs are used as part of the Edition 4 CERES SSF (Single Scanner Footprint) data.
Impact of aerosols on the OMI tropospheric NO2 retrievals over industrialized regions: how accurate is the aerosol correction of cloud-free scenes via a simple cloud model?
Authors: Chimot J. , Vlemmix T. , Veefkind J. P. , de Haan J. F. , Levelt P. F.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) instrument has provided daily global measurements of tropospheric NO2 for more than a decade. Numerous studies have drawn attention to the complexities related to measurements of tropospheric NO2 in the presence of aerosols. Fine particles affect the OMI spectral measurements and the length of the average light path followed by the photons. However, they are not explicitly taken into account in the current OMI tropospheric NO2 retrieval chain. Instead, the operational OMI O2-O2 cloud retrieval algorithm is applied both to cloudy scenes and to cloud free scenes with aerosols present. This paper describes in detail the complex interplay between the spectral effects of aerosols, the OMI O2-O2 cloud retrieval algorithm and the impact on the accuracy of the tropospheric NO2 retrievals through the computed Air Mass Factor (AMF) over cloud-free scenes. Collocated OMI NO2 and MODIS Aqua aerosol products are analysed over East China, in industrialized area. In addition, aerosol effects on the tropospheric NO2 AMF and the retrieval of OMI cloud parameters are simulated. Both the observation-based and the simulation-based approach demonstrate that the retrieved cloud fraction linearly increases with increasing Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT), but the magnitude of this increase depends on the aerosol properties and surface albedo. This increase is induced by the additional scattering effects of aerosols which enhance the scene brightness. The decreasing effective cloud pressure with increasing AOT represents primarily the absorbing effects of aerosols. The study cases show that the actual aerosol correction based on the implemented OMI cloud model results in biases between −20 and −40 % for the DOMINO tropospheric NO2 product in cases of high aerosol pollution (AOT ≥ 0.6) and elevated particles. On the contrary, when aerosols are relatively close to the surface or mixed with NO2, aerosol correction based on the cloud model results in overestimation of the DOMINO tropospheric NO2 product, between 10 and 20 %. These numbers are in line with comparison studies between ground-based and OMI tropospheric NO2 measurements under conditions with high aerosol pollution and elevated particles. This highlights the need to implement an improved aerosol correction in the computation of tropospheric NO2 AMFs.
Singular vector based targeted observations of chemical constituents: description and first application of the EURAD-IM-SVA
Authors: Goris N. , Elbern H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Measurements of the large dimensional chemical state of the atmosphere provide only sparse snapshots of the state of the system due to their typically insufficient temporal and spatial density. In order to optimize the measurement configurations despite those limitations, the present work describes the identification of sensitive states of the chemical system as optimal target areas for adaptive observations. For this purpose, the technique of singular vector analysis (SVA), which has been proved effective for targeted observations in numerical weather predication, is implemented into the chemical transport model EURAD-IM (EURopean Air pollution and Dispersion – Inverse Model) yielding the EURAD-IM-SVA. Besides initial values, emissions are investigated as critical simulation controlling targeting variables. For both variants, singular vectors are applied to determine the optimal placement for observations and moreover to quantify which chemical compounds have to be observed with preference. Based on measurements of the airship based ZEPTER-2 campaign, the EURAD-IM-SVA has been evaluated by conducting a comprehensive set of model runs involving different initial states and simulation lengths. Since the considered cases are restricted in terms of considered chemical compounds and selected areas, they allow for a retracing of the results and a confirmation of their correctness. Our analysis shows that the optimal placement for observations of chemical species is not entirely determined by mere transport and mixing processes. Rather, a combination of initial chemical concentrations, chemical conversions, and meteorological processes determine the influence of chemical compounds and regions. We furthermore demonstrate that the optimal placement of observations of emission strengths is highly dependent on the location of emission sources and that the benefit of including emissions as target variables outperforms the value of initial value optimisation with growing simulation length. The obtained results confirm the benefit of considering both initial values and emission strengths as target variables and of applying the EURAD-IM-SVA for measurement decision guidance with respect to chemical compounds.
Food Security
Authors: Nayak Aparna
Published: August 2015

Global food security is one of the most unrelenting issues for humanity, and agricultural production is not sufficient in accomplishing this. However, earlier analyses of agricultural food production barely ever bring out the contrasts associated with economic development and different climatic zones. The world population is increasing day by day and climate change will be causing more extreme weather, higher temperatures and changed precipitation. The crop contributes about 20 % of the total dietary calories and proteins globally. There is 1% annual growth in food demand in the developing regions. The developing regions (including China and Central Asia) account for roughly 53 % of the total harvested area and 50 % of the production. Although, unmatched productivity growth from the Green Revolution since the 1960s dramatically transformed world food production, benefitting both producers and consumers through low production costs and low food prices. One of the key challenges today is to replace today’s food system with new ones for better sustainability. While the Green Revolution freed essential ecosystems from conversion to agriculture, it also created its own ecological problems. Moreover productivity increase is now slow or stagnant. Attaining the productivity gains needed to ensure food security will therefore require more than a repeat performance of the Green Revolution of the past. Future demand will need to be achieved through sustainable intensification that combines better crop resistance plants, adaptation to warmer climates, and less use of water, fuel, fertilizer, and labor. Meeting these challenges will require concerted efforts in research and innovation to develop and set up feasible solutions. Necessary investment will be required to realize sustainable productivity growth through better technologies and policy and institutional innovations that facilitate farmer adoption and adaptation. The persistent lessons from the Green Revolution and the recent efforts for sustainable escalation of food systems in South Asia and other developing nations will definitely providing useful insights for the future.
Holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate: Can prostate size predict the long-term outcome?
Authors: Elkoushy Mohamed A. , Elshal Ahmed M. , Elhilali Mostafa M.
Published: August 2015

Introduction: We determine the impact of prostate size on the long-term outcome of holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate (Ho-TUIP) for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostate enlargement (BPE).Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing Ho-TUIP by a single surgeon for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BOO. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients with prostate ≤30 cc and Group 2 included patients with prostate >30 cc. Demographic, operative and followup data were recorded and analyzed. In addition, intraoperative and long-term adverse events were included.Results: In total, 82 patients underwent surgery between March 1998 and March 2013, including 9 (11%) reoperated patients. Only prostate size independently predicted reoperation after Ho-TUIP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.12 [2.92–9.14], p = 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an optimal cutoff value of prostate volume of 29 cc to characterize long-term reoperation after TUIP, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96, sensitivity of 89.7 and specificity of 88.9. Group 1 included 51 patients and Group 2 included 31 patients. The international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) and peak flow rate (Qmax) significantly improved in both groups at different follow-up points. At the 12-month follow-up, the percent change in IPSS and Qmax were comparable between both groups. However, after 12 months, the degree of improvement in all voiding parameters was significantly higher in Group 1 (p < 0.001 at all points of follow-up). After a median follow-up of 5.3 years (range: 1–13), both groups had comparable early and late adverse events with significantly higher reoperation rate in Group 2 (3.9% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.02). Overall retrograde ejaculation was detected in 25.6% of sexually active men and it was comparable between both groups (23.5% vs. 29%, p = 0.61). On multivariable analysis, patients with prostate volume >30 cc were associated with significantly higher reoperation for BOO (aOR 95% CI 5.72 [2.83– 8.14], p = 0.02), significantly higher IPSS (aOR 1.72), higher quality of life index (aOR 1.72) and lower Qmax (aOR 0.28).Conclusion: Ho-TUIP is a durable, safe and efficient treatment of BOO secondary to a small-sized prostate. The long-term outcome could be improved and the re-operation rate could be minimized with appropriate selection of cases, with prostate glands no bigger than 30 cc.
Mésothéliome paratesticulaire malin : cas clinique et revue de la littérature
Authors: Ziouziou Imad , Karmouni Tariq , El Khader Khalid , Koutani Abdellatif , Iben Attya Andaloussi Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Les mésothéliomes sont des tumeurs rares, liées surtout à l’exposition à l’amiante. La localisation dans la tunique vaginale est moins fréquente que les localisations pleurale et péritonéale. Nous faisons état du cas clinique d’un jeune patient de 30 ans qui présentait une masse testiculaire gauche avec lésion tissulaire intratesticulaire visible à l’échographie. Il a subi une orchidectomie ; l’examen anatomopathologique de la pièce opératoire orientait le diagnostic en faveur d’un mésothéliome malin de la tunique vaginale. Une hémiscrotectomie a été réalisée par la suite, et le bilan d’extension n’a pas révélé de lésion secondaire. L’évolution s’est avérée favorable moyennant un recul de quatre ans. À travers ce cas clinique et par l’entremise d’une revue de littérature, nous analysons les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques de cette pathologie rare.
De dagelijkse praktijk
Authors: Haimé M.L.
Published: August 2015

De dagelijkse praktijk

De auteur schetst wat tegenwoordig van de wetgevingsjurist wordt verwacht tegen de achtergrond van de huidige politiek-bestuurlijke context, het samenspel tussen beleid, wetgeving en uitvoering en de positionering van de juridische functie in de ambtelijke organisatie. Ten aanzien van de politiek-bestuurlijke context constateert zij dat er steeds meer sprake is van een ‘gulzig bestuur’: problemen moeten terstond en krachtig worden aangepast, zo nodig met wetgeving. De wetgevingsjurist krijgt ook steeds meer te maken met andere rationaliteiten, die wellicht botsen met zijn eigen, juridische, rationaliteit. Dit maakt het samenspel tussen beleid, wetgeving en uitvoering complex. De positionering van de wetgevende functie is in elke organisatie anders. De auteur ziet ook in de huidige tijd het signaleren van rechtsstatelijke risico’s, het bieden van tegenspraak door op die risico’s te wijzen of alternatieven aan te reiken als een belangrijke taak van de wetgevingsjurist. Dit vergt dat hij goed kan samenwerken en kan netwerken.
De minnelijke beslechting van familiale geschillen in België
Authors: Brouwers Steven
Published: August 2015

Extrajudicial solution of family conflicts in Belgium New ways of conflict solution since the statute on family and juvenile courts of 30 July 2013

In a sequal to his earlier contribution in TMD 2014 (18) 2, p. 63, the author describes in more detail the ins and outs of the statute of 30 July 2013 on family and juvenile courts. With this new statute Belgian family and juvenile law are modernized. Also, the new statute started an autonomous development in family procedure, apart from the general civil procedure rules: most of the family conflicts can be solved in a shortened procedure and the possibility of mediation is introduced.
Line‐of‐sight displacement from ALOS‐2 interferometry: Mw 7.8 Gorkha Earthquake and Mw 7.3 aftershock
Authors: Lindsey Eric O. , Natsuaki Ryo , Xu Xiaohua , Shimada Masanobu , Hashimoto Manabu , Melgar Diego , Sandwell David T.
Published: August 2015

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is a key tool for the analysis of displacement and stress changes caused by large crustal earthquakes, particularly in remote areas. A challenge for traditional InSAR has been its limited spatial and temporal coverage especially for very large events, whose dimensions exceed the typical swath width of 70–100 km. This problem is addressed by the ALOS‐2 satellite, whose PALSAR‐2 instrument operates in ScanSAR mode, enabling a repeat time of 2 weeks and a swath width of 350 km. Here we present InSAR line‐of‐sight displacement data from ALOS‐2/PALSAR‐2 observations covering the Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake and its Mw 7.3 aftershock that were acquired within 1 week of each event. The data are made freely available and we encourage their use in models of the fault slip and associated stress changes. The Mw 7.3 aftershock not only extended the rupture area of the main shock toward the east but also left a 20 km gap where the fault has little or no coseismic slip. We estimate this unslipped fault patch has the potential to generate a Mw 6.9 event.
Set‐membership estimation‐based adaptive reconfiguration scheme for linear systems with disturbances
Authors: Guo Yuying , Zhang Youmin , Jiang Bin
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an adaptive reconfiguration control for linear systems with both unknown actuator failures and disturbances. The model uncertainties are included to present additive disturbances which are unknown but bounded. By using set‐membership estimation technique for such a problem, two interval observers are developed to estimate the system states subject to model uncertainties. Based on these state estimates, an adaptive state feedback reconfiguration controller is proposed to compensate actuator failures for achieving system states tracking to those of reference model under the framework of model reference adaptive control approach. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Promotes Neurogenesis and Ameliorates Autism Related Behaviors in BTBR Mice
Authors: Segal‐Gavish Hadar , Karvat Golan , Barak Noy , Barzilay Ran , Ganz Javier , Edry Liat , Aharony Israel , Offen Daniel , Kimchi Tali
Published: August 2015

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social communication deficits, cognitive rigidity, and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have a paracrine regenerative effect, and were speculated to be a potential therapy for ASD. The BTBR inbred mouse strain is a commonly used model of ASD as it demonstrates robust behavioral deficits consistent with the diagnostic criteria for ASD. BTBR mice also exhibit decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and reduced hippocampal neurogenesis. In the current study, we evaluated the behavioral and molecular effects of intracerebroventricular MSC transplantation in BTBR mice. Transplantation of MSC resulted in a reduction of stereotypical behaviors, a decrease in cognitive rigidity and an improvement in social behavior. Tissue analysis revealed elevated BDNF protein levels in the hippocampus accompanied by increased hippocampal neurogenesis in the MSC‐transplanted mice compared with sham treated mice. This might indicate a possible mechanism underpinning the behavioral improvement. Our study suggests a novel therapeutic approach which may be translatable to ASD patients in the future. Autism Res 2015. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quinoline‐substituted Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine for the Dual Detection of Ferric and Zinc Ions
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Kim A‐Rong , Kim Kyung‐Sub , Na Kun , Choi Myung‐Seok , Park Jong S.
Published: August 2015

Here we present the synthesis and properties of quinoline‐substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine, Zn[Pc(O‐QN)
4
]. Zn[Pc(O‐QN)
4
] can function as a highly selective chemosensor against Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions, exhibiting efficient fluorescence quenching and enhancement, respectively. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate the intermolecular interactions of Zn[Pc(O‐QN)
4
] with metal ions. A double‐electron exchange and a forbidden photoinduced electron transfer behavior in Zn[Pc(O‐QN)
4
] were attributed to such opposite responses. Furthermore, by taking advantage of selectivity, we successfully employed Zn[Pc(O‐QN)
4
] to stain and record confocal fluorescence microscopy images of Chang liver cells in the presence of metal ions.
Kounis syndrome with Samter–Beer triad treated with intracoronary adrenaline
Authors: Ihdayhid Abdul Rahman , Rankin Jamie
Published: August 2015

Kounis syndrome is a well‐described clinical condition characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of chest pain and an allergic reaction accompanied by clinical and laboratory findings of angina caused by inflammatory mediators released during an allergic insult. We present the case of a 50‐year‐old male with the Samter–Beer triad of asthma, nasal polyps, and salicylate intolerance with an ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated with cardiac arrest due to multi‐vessel coronary artery spasm secondary to aspirin anaphylaxis. Adrenaline is recommended during anaphylaxis but is controversial in Kounis syndrome as it may worsen coronary spasm. We report the use of intracoronary adrenaline in successfully reversing coronary artery spasm in this hemodynamically unstable patient. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Women in interventional cardiology: Update in percutaneous coronary intervention practice patterns and outcomes of female operators from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry®
Authors: Wang Tracy Y. , Grines Cindy , Ortega Rebecca , Dai David , Jacobs Alice K. , Skelding Kimberly A. , Mauri Laura , Mehran Roxana
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To examine the practice patterns and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures performed by female interventional cardiologists in the United States (U.S.).

Background

Little is known about the prevalence, volume, case mix, and outcomes of PCI procedures performed by female interventional cardiologists.

Methods

Using data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry®, we performed a retrospective study of 2,465,685 PCI procedures performed at 1,431 U.S. hospitals between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2013. Interventionalist sex was ascertained from the National Provider Identifier number of each operator.

Results

Women accounted for only 4% (412/9,179) of interventional cardiologists in the U.S., and performed 3% (n = 70,009) of all PCI procedures during the time period studied. Forty‐one percent of female interventionalists operated at an institution with no other female operators. Female interventionalists performed a median of 48 PCI procedures per year (interquartile range: 22–87). Of the cases performed by female interventionalists, 77% were performed on patients with acute coronary syndrome, 3% on patients with cardiogenic shock, and 16% on call. In‐hospital mortality was low (1.8%), and was not significantly different between female operators with high (≥50 cases/year) versus low (1.95% vs. 1.75%, unadjusted P = 0.12, adjusted OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.84–1.27) annual procedure volume.

Conclusions

Female interventional cardiologists remain uncommon in contemporary U.S. practice. Performing only a very small proportion of PCI cases, female interventionalists are often low‐volume operators, yet no significant differences in patient mortality were observed in low‐ versus high‐volume operators. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Combo” technique for the use of 7F guide catheter system during transradial approach
Authors: Patel Tejas , Shah Sanjay , Pancholy Samir
Published: August 2015

Even a regular lumen of radial artery may create difficulty in smooth negotiation and propagation of a 7F guide catheter while performing intervention through transradial approach. We describe successive five cases of a simple and innovative “Combo” technique, which helps relatively atraumatic tracking of a 7F guide catheter through the course of arm and chest vasculature for successful completion of procedure without significant damage and local pain. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning curves for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the PARTNER‐I trial: Technical performance
Authors: Alli Oluseun , Rihal Charanjit S. , Suri Rakesh M. , Greason Kevin L. , Waksman Ron , Minha Sa'ar , Torguson Rebecca , Pichard Augusto D. , Mack Michael , Svensson Lars G. , Rajeswaran Jeevanantham , Lowry Ashley M. , Ehrlinger John , Tuzcu E. Murat , Thourani Vinod H. , Makkar Raj , Blackstone Eugene H. , Leon Martin B. , Holmes David
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To assess technical performance learning curves of teams performing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF‐TAVR).

Background

TF‐TAVR is a new procedure for treating severe aortic stenosis. The number of cases required for procedural efficiency is unknown.

Methods

In the PARTNER‐I trial, 1,521 patients underwent TF‐TAVR from 4/2007–2/2012. Learning curve analysis of technical performance metrics was performed using institution‐specific patient sequence number, interval between procedures, and institutional trial entry date. Learning curve characteristics were assessed using semi‐parametric and parametric mixed‐effects models.

Results

As patient sequence number increased, average procedure time decreased from 154 to 85 minutes (P < 0.0001), and fluoroscopy time from 28 to 20 minutes (P < 0.0001). Procedure time plateaued at an average of 83 minutes (range 52–140). Procedure time plateau was dynamic during the course of the trial, averaging 25 cases (range 21–52) by its end. The later institutions enrolled in the trial, the shorter the initial procedure time. During the trial, percutaneous rather than surgical access increased from 7.9% to 69%.

Conclusions

Technical performance learning curves exist for TF‐TAVR; procedural efficiency increased with experience, with concomitant decreases in radiation and contrast media exposure. The number of cases needed to achieve efficiency decreased progressively, with optimal procedural performance reached after approximately 25 cases for late‐entering institutions. Knowledge and experience accumulated by early TF‐TAVR institutions were disseminated, shortening the learning curve of late‐entering institutions. Technological advances resulting from learning during the trial moved the field from initial conservative surgical cut‐down to percutaneous access for most patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers as Alternative Electrode Materials for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Fetyan Abdulmonem , Derr Igor , Kayarkatte Manoj Krishna , Langner Joachim , Bernsmeier Denis , Kraehnert Ralph , Roth Christina
Published: August 2015

Non‐woven carbon nanofiber networks were produced by electrospinning. Electrospinning is a process that can easily be up‐scaled, producing carbon fibers that can be used as electrodes with increased surface area and reaction sites. The structure of electrospun carbon nanofibers (ES‐CNFs) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and compared to a commercial carbon felt (CF). The electrochemical properties of the obtained ES‐CNFs were studied for the negative half‐cell reaction in a three‐electrode setup and a single‐cell battery test system. The performance and stability of the generated materials were tested by charging and discharging the cell and carrying out X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy before and after operation. An increase in the energy efficiency of about 10 % was achieved when using five sheets of free‐standing ES‐CNFs compared to commercial CFs, revealing the potential use of ES‐CNFs as electrode materials in the negative half‐cell of all‐vanadium redox flow batteries.
Data Envelopment Analysis for Evaluating Structure of Input and Output Items
Authors: INOUE KAZUSHIGE , AOKI SHINGO , FUKUOKA KENJI , TSUJI HIROSHI
Published: August 2015

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is an evaluation method that allows analysts to evaluate the efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) with multiple input and output items. When DMUs are evaluated only in terms of efficiency, analysts cannot evaluate how efficient combinations of input and output items are. In order to evaluate the efficiencies of such combinations, we propose a method that is based on DEA in order to evaluate the structure of the efficiency for input and output items based on the conventional hierarchical approach. The proposed method is composed of four steps. In Step 1, dividing the data set, we construct a hierarchical structure. In Step 2, efficiency values are calculated for each divided data set. In Step 3, nodes are integrated, and they are visualized in Step 4. Based on the visualization, analysts can evaluate the characteristics of a DMU structurally and find the second most efficient items and key items that improve efficiency when they are added to other items. A numerical example with a data set from the 2010 Quality of Life Index (35 DMUs, one input and five output items) is used to illustrate the features of the proposed method.
A Pulse‐Type Hardware Extremal Nucleus of the Inferior Colliculus Model for 2D Sound Source Localization Based on the Auditory Sense Mechanism of the Barn Owl
Authors: SAKURAI TSUBASA , NAKAE YUTA , SAEKI KATSUTOSHI , SEKINE YOSHIFUMI
Published: August 2015

Hearing information is very important when visual information is limited. Sound source localization has been noted as particularly important in hearing information processing. Barn owls have excellent auditory processing. We propose a hardware model based on the auditory sense mechanism of barn owls. In this paper, we consider a model of the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICx), which locates the source of a sound by the interaural time difference (ITD) for localization in the horizontal direction, and the interaural level difference (ILD) for localization in the vertical direction. The results show that the detection position of an ITD model and the detection position of an ILD model can converge. In addition, the output position of the ICx model changes with the position of the sound source.
Energy and environmental analysis of domestic solar hot water system in Asian developing country context—Thailand
Authors: Uddin Md. Shazib , Kumar S.
Published: August 2015

This study presents the life cycle energy consumption, emissions, and environmental impacts of flat plate and evacuated tube domestic solar hot water system manufactured and used in Thailand. The results presented in this article show that the life cycle energy consumption for the flat plate system is 5% lower than that of evacuated tube system. The application of flat plate system is useful over evacuated tube system for 8 out of 12 emissions are examined. The global warming potential is 3% lower for the flat plate system than that of evacuated tube system. The average reduction of energy consumption and environmental impact by reusing materials are 65 and 50%, respectively for the flat plate and evacuated tube system. A comparative study with other systems available in the literatures based on few performance indicators shows that the energetic and environmental performance of domestic solar hot water system in Thailand is quite attractive. This article is useful to enhance the local production in line with energy and environmental sustainability in home and Asian neighboring countries. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 271–283, 2016
Effect of microbiological inoculants DN‐1 on lignocellulose degradation during co‐composting of cattle manure with rice straw monitored by FTIR and SEM
Authors: Xu Jie , Xu Xiuhong , Liu Yue , Li Hongtao , Liu Huajing
Published: August 2015

Lignocellulose is the uppermost limiting factor influencing the maturity process of agricultural waste compost. The purpose of this study was to determine the promotion of lignocellulose degradation by the inoculants DN‐1 during co‐composting of cattle manure with rice straw. Lignocellulose content, functional groups, and microscopic structure were investigated by the chemical determination, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, respectively. The chemical determination indicated that the inoculants DN‐1 promoted the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose in the initial stage of composting and the degradation of lignin in the later thermophilic stage. After composting, the degradation rate of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin in the inoculated compost was 62.57%, 67.14%, and 42.54% respectively, while those in the natural compost was only 31.27%, 47.57%, and 22.21%, respectively. During composting, in the inoculated compost, the characteristic absorption peaks of cellulose and hemicellulose (at 3312, 2930, 1050, and 895 cm−1) and lignin (at 1506 cm−1) decreased noticeably, while in natural compost, except for the peak at 1050 cm−1, no obvious changes in these peaks were observed, confirming that the inoculants were effective in promoting the degradation of lignocellulose. The SEM images provided clear morphological evidence of lignocellulose degradation during composting. After composting, the serious degradation of parenchyma tissue (which is composed of cellulose and hemicellulose mainly) and sclerenchyma tissue (which is composed of lignin mainly) was observed in the inoculated compost. While in the natural compost, only the partial degradation of parenchyma tissue occurred, no obvious degradation of sclerenchyma tissue was found at the end of composting. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 345–351, 2016
Using species sensitivity distribution approach to assess the risks of commonly detected agricultural pesticides to Australia's tropical freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Pathiratne Asoka , Kroon Frederieke J.
Published: August 2015

To assess the potential impacts of agricultural pesticides on tropical freshwater ecosystems, the present study developed temperature-specific, freshwater species protection concentrations (i.e., ecotoxicity threshold values) for 8 pesticides commonly detected in Australia's tropical freshwaters. Because relevant toxicity data for native tropical freshwater species to assess the ecological risks were mostly absent, scientifically robust toxicity data obtained at ≥20 °C were used for ecologically relevant taxonomic groups representing primary producers and consumers. Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were subsequently generated for predicted chronic exposure using Burrlioz 2.0 software with mixed chronic and converted acute data relevant to exposure conditions at ≥20 °C. Ecotoxicity threshold values for tropical freshwater ecosystem protection were generated for ametryn, atrazine, diuron, metolachlor, and imidacloprid (all moderate reliability), as well as simazine, hexazinone, and tebuthiuron (all low reliability). Using these SSD curves, the retrospective risk assessments for recently reported pesticide concentrations highlight that the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and diuron are of major concern for ecological health in Australia's tropical freshwater ecosystems. The insecticide imidacloprid also appears to pose an emerging threat to the most sensitive species in tropical freshwater ecosystems. The exposed temperature-specific approach may be applied to develop water quality guideline values for other environmental contaminants detected in tropical freshwater ecosystems until reliable and relevant toxicity data are generated using representative native species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:419–428. © 2015 SETAC
A head to head comparison of nine tools predicting non‐sentinel lymph node status in sentinel node positive breast cancer women
Authors: van den Hoven Ingrid , Kuijt Gert , Roumen Rudi , Voogd Adri , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Vergouwe Yvonne
Published: August 2015

Background and objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of available tools predicting non‐sentinel lymph node (non‐SLN) status in women with SLN positive breast cancer and to see if they can be safely used in everyday clinical practice.

Methods

Data of 220 women with breast cancer who underwent a SLN biopsy at the Máxima Medical Centre between 2000–2008 were analysed. Tools evaluated were: the models from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, Stanford, Mayo, Cambridge, Gur, and MOU, and the scores from Saidi, Tenon, and MDA. Model performance was assessed using calibration, discrimination and Nagelkerke's explained variation.

Results

The MSKCC nomogram showed best overall performance with best discrimination (AUC 0.69), second best calibration, and highest explained variation (31%). The 10% low risk threshold led to defining only 22% (38/176) of the women as being low risk while in fact 66% (116/176) were non‐SLN negative. The false negative rate was 13% (5/38).

Conclusions

Current models for predicting non‐SLN metastases in SLN positive breast cancer are not yet ready for implementation in general practice. Further research efforts should improve model performance in selecting patients or perhaps find a role in support in the paradigm shift to a “treat none unless” approach. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:133–138. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of pKa values of some novel benzimidazole salts by using a new approach with 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Mumcu Akın , Küçükbay Hasan
Published: August 2015

Benzimidazoles and their derivatives including imidazole are studied widely because they exist in the structure of natural products and different drugs. pKa values are extremely important for drug discovery and improvement in order to determine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features such as permeation through biological barriers, interactions with the target area or side effects. Acid–base features (pKa) have great importance not only for physiological characteristics but also for being used as a ligand or changing physico‐chemical features by turning benzimidazoles into salts. Within the scope of this study, a variety of new benzimidazole salts were synthesized, and their characterizations were made by NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and element analysis techniques. The pKa values of synthesized benzimidazole salts were determined by inflection point approach using integration values obtained with 1H NMR spectroscopy and Henderson–Hasselbalch analysis. pKa values of some benzimidazole salts were also determined by potentiometric methods in order to compare those of NMR spectroscopy results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(arylene ether ketone)s bearing skeletal crown ether units for cation exchange membranes
Authors: Zoetebier Bram , Tas Sinem , Vancso G. Julius , Nijmeijer Kitty , Hempenius Mark A.
Published: August 2015

Poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PAEKs) are the most commonly known high‐performance materials used for ion exchange and fuel cell membranes. Described here is the design of novel sulfonated PAEKs (SPAEKs) and nonsulfonated PAEKs containing crown ether units in the main chain, which can be used in sensing applications and ion‐selective membranes. To this end, 4,4′(5′)‐di(hydroxybenzo)‐18‐crown‐6 was synthesized and used as monomer in a step growth polymerization to form crown ether‐containing PAEKs and SPAEKs. The successful synthesis of PAEKs containing 18‐crown‐6 and sulfonate groups was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Membranes are fabricated from the sulfonated polymers. Potassium ion transport properties of the SPAEK and crown ether‐containing SPAEK membranes are assessed by diffusion dialysis. Potassium ion diffusion in the crown ether‐containing SPAEK membranes is almost four times lower than K+ diffusion in the native polymer membranes, without crown ether. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2786–2793