bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation and Protection of Citizens’ Environmental Rights in a Coal Mining Region
Authors: Volkov Nikolay
Published: June 2019

Kemerovo region is one of the territories richest in coal deposits. Kuznetsky coal basin is one of the largest coal basins in the world. Constant increase in mining of that natural treasure has an impact on the ecological well-being of the region. For that reason, current conditions of Russian economy make the issues concerning social responsibility of industrial enterprises for sustainable social and economic development of the territory in the mining region especially important. Besides, at present moment ideological paradigms of the technology aimed at dealing with ecological issues are gaining more and more influence on problem solving in the process of production upgrade, where important role is given to protection and preservation of environment as well as observation and protection of citizens’ environmental rights.
The Ins and Outs of the Pragmatic Language Function in the Professional Community of Mining Engineers
Authors: Znikina Lyudmila , Sedykh Dina , Bystray Elena , Yarotskaya Ludmila
Published: June 2019

The article deals with the pragmatic function of language in the miners’ professional communication context. It is identified that the main task of the communication process is an adequate interpretation of the communicants’ intentions in business. Communicative readiness of specialists of mining engineering is considered as providing the language and intercultural communication in professional situations, social adaptation and professional interaction in the multilingual environment. The pragmatic language function is regarded as a communicative integrator in the conditions of modern academic mobility and expansion of business contacts
Innovative Clustering of Mining Regions as a Tool for Sustainable Development of Resource-Extracting Country
Authors: Shavina Evgeniya , Fisunov Sergey
Published: June 2019

Increasing the degree of mineral processing directly determines the environmental burden on the nature of countries that concentrate on the extraction of mineral raw materials. In the modern world, with the transition to the priorities of advanced technological structures, the creation of a dynamically developing innovative system is becoming increasingly important for mineral extracting countries in the context of the transition to sustainable development. Due to the large territorial fragmentation of the Russian mining regions, it is difficult to identify development of mechanisms and tools for each of them, which provide for the formation of a new technological structures based on the use of the latest advances in science and technology and will help putting the economy on a sustainable development path. The author examines the aspects of the organization of innovation activity at the regional level and substantiates the need for innovative modernization of resource-producing regions, in particular through the creation of innovative regional clusters. The article discusses the prospects of innovative modernization of the coal mining cluster in Kemerovo region.
Support of the International Students Studying Earth Sciences at Mining Region University
Authors: Greenwald Oksana , Resenchuck Anna , Sergeychick Tatyana
Published: June 2019

Being the leading coal mining region in Russia, Kuzbass has significant experience in training specialists in geology, mining industry, ecology and nature management. Therefore, the states-partners of Russia such as Tajikistan, Kirgizia and Uzbekistan are interested in training their specialists for mining industry at Kuzbass universities. In accordance with the Russian state policy for internationalization of Russian higher education it has resulted in sharp increasing of the number of international students at the universities of Kuzbass. A survey of the international students’ attitudes carried out at Kemerovo State University, the leading regional university, indicates the necessity to arrange their sociocultural and educational support aimed at their socialization and sociocultural adaptation to the conditions of educational environment of the university. The main principle of sociocultural and educational support of international students is based on the consolidation of different university departments in their organization of educational, scientific, cultural events to create favorable conditions for sociocultural adaptation of international students and their successful achievements in higher education programmes. Moreover, students’ intercultural communication promotes business relationships with representatives of the leading coal mining countries.
The Land Rent Theory Evolution in Sustainable Development Paradigm
Authors: Ivanenko Olesya
Published: June 2019

The problem of land rent is directly related to the achievement of the limit of land involvement in agricultural production. In turn, the paradigm of sustainable development includes the issues of the constant growth of the food security of the people of the Earth, the fight against hunger, etc. The theoretical and methodological foundations of land rent are considered in the paradigm of sustainable development, in relation to the evolution of the concepts of leading scientific schools. The nature of land rent is described, its main types and sources of genesis are revealed. From the point of view of the institutional approach, land rent is considered as an institutional relation. The category of the land rent institution has been clarified. The role of land rent in ensuring sustainable development in the understanding of various schools of economics is shown; conclusions are drawn that make it possible to distinguish the features of basic approaches to determining land rent from the perspective of key sustainable development issues studied by schools of economics. It is concluded that it is necessary to use an integrated approach to the study of the category of land rent as a combination of environmental, cognitive, economic and institutional relations.
Innovative Technological Potential as the Basis of Mining Regions Sustainable Development in the Era of Knowledge
Authors: Kalenov Oleg , Kukushkin Sergey , Kamanina Raisa
Published: June 2019

The increasing role of human capital, knowledge and high technology indicates the formation of a new stage of economic development – the knowledge economy, from which innovation becomes an integral part of business. However, in terms of innovation development, Russia lags behind the western countries several times. At the same time, the development of Russian regions is extremely uneven. First, it concerns mining regions. For analysis, a key mining cluster of Russian Federation was chosen – Kemerovo Region. The article assesses the innovative potential of the region, and identifies the most pressing problems that impede its integration into the knowledge economy. Solving existing problems should be carried out through a set of measures aimed at developing partnerships of government, mining science and mineral resources extracting business, creating conditions for attracting and retaining highly qualified specialists to the mining enterprises, creating an appropriate infrastructure, increasing the region’s investment attractiveness, developing interregional and international cooperation in the field of subsoil extracting management.
Mining Engineers Training: Case Study Method
Authors: Kolomiets Svetlana , Medvedeva Elena , Perevalova Alena
Published: June 2019

Currently, the minerals’ extractive industries are going through a deep technological modernization, with a characteristic expansion of international exchange of knowledge and know-how. The unification of the equipment used in open-pit and underground mining, the global spread of advanced mining technologies increases the importance of the linguistic competencies of mining engineers. At the same time, the specifics of training mining engineers is the uniqueness of situations in the extraction and processing of mineral resources, which actualizes the case study method in the training of mining engineers. The paper provides a description of the term «case study» and its basic characteristics and principles of application. The content is based on the authors’ own experience of mining engineers in case studies while teaching English. Some examples of case studies for mining engineering students studying English are presented. The paper notes the effectiveness of implementing case study method and shows its benefits for introducing in the process of mining engineers training. In addition to listing positive effects of the method for developing skills necessary for competitive specialists such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, etc., the authors mention possible problems that are likely to occur while using this method as well.
Environmental and Economic Role of the Lean Production in Transition to Sustainable Development
Authors: Anastasov Mark , Kazitskaya Nina , Politkovskaya Irina
Published: June 2019

The concept of “lean production” today is one of the most effective strategic measures for the transition to sustainable development. It is aimed primarily at the initiation of resource-saving technologies at the micro level of production, and gradually takes a global character, turning from a tool of progressive organization of production into harmonization of an ever-expanding industry and environment. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of sustainable development policies that are currently being implemented in technologically advanced countries. However, the uneven economic development of the territories and the high level of differentiation in the technological and socio-economic development of different countries and regions necessitate the creation of new clusters of lean production based on the competitive advantages of the regions. The success of the implementation of sustainable development policies in any country depends largely on how effectively business leaders are aware of the need to invest in resource-saving technologies and use lean production mechanisms designed to reduce overspending of natural resources.
The Impact of Global Crisis on the Innovative Processes in Sustainable Development of Russia as a Resource-Mining Country
Authors: Miliushenko Olesia , Kovalev Aleksander , Zhidkova Margarita
Published: June 2019

The global crisis processes that began in 2008 are special, as they signify a change in the epoch shift – from industrial to post-industrial, with a radical reduction in the negative impact on nature and a careful attitude to non-renewable natural resources. The innovations arising during this period affect all spheres of sustainable development – from environmental and technological to economic and social ones. The penetration of global crisis processes into Russian economy has reduced the demand for innovative products, has reoriented investments to maintain output volumes instead of improving the environmental performance of production. The negative consequences of the crisis in Russia include reducing the chances of survival for emerging innovative enterprises, reducing the share of regions that have taken the path of sustainable development, when industrial output growth does not worsen the ecological situation. Therefore, the relevance of an accurate analysis of the factors influencing the global crisis on the innovative development of industry, defining prospects for reducing resource use and investing in environmental protection measures, is greater than ever. In this article, a factor analysis of the impact of the crisis on the innovation activities of Russian industrial firms in the crisis years of 2008 and 2015 was carried out based on data on the main indicators of the enterprises activities. The authors highlighted a number of independent factors influencing crises on sustainable development, with special attention paid to innovative human potential.
The Educational and Globalization Components of Sustainable Development, and Their Factors
Authors: Borisova Olga , Frolova Victoria , Artamonova Larisa
Published: June 2019

The strategic task of the world community is to create a global network of environmental education, in which all educational systems include acquaintance with environmental problems faced by humanity, and form an understanding of the interconnection of man, society and nature on a global scale. The article is devoted to the study of basic provisions and current trends in the formation of innovative processes of globalization of education, in particular, environmental education. Environmental education can be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge of environmental problems, the reasons for their occurrence, the need and the possibilities for their solution. Understood in this way, it should contribute to the formation of environmental awareness and to the development of ecological culture as integral components of the concept of environmental policy aimed at preserving the environment. It has been established that globalization processes in education are universal, they are not inherently essential to the industry-specific training of specialists. Digital transformation, international governmental and institutional agreements, competition relations are the main drivers for the development of environmental education.
New Industrial Conditions of Sustainable Development of Mineral Resource Dependent Russian Economy in High Volatility Conditions
Authors: Skryl Tatiana , Shavina Evgeniya , Dotsenko Elena
Published: June 2019

The conditions for the transition to sustainable development and new industrial transformation for resource-dependent countries are closely linked. With the increasing volatility of the world market of raw materials and finance, the innovative modernization of the extractive industries, as the basis of the new industrialization of the economy, is experiencing significant difficulties. The article analyzes the problems of transition of the resource-dependent Russian economy to sustainable development, associated with the slowdown of the process of new industrialization in the context of the world market volatility. The authors assessed the new industrialization of the Russian economy following the 5-year period of sanctions imposed by Western countries. The article provides a theoretical review of the concept of the influence of sanctions on transition to sustainable development. The authors concluded that the mineral resources export-oriented strategy of the Russian economy still gives positive results, although the internal structure of the Russian economy has not changed significantly.
Tidal dissipation in stars and giant planets: Jean-Paul Zahn's pioneering work and legacy
Authors: Mathis S.
Published: June 2019

In this lecture opening the session focused on tides in stellar and planetary systems, I will review the Jean-Paul Zahn's key contributions to the theory of tidal dissipation in stars and fluid planetary layers. I will first recall the general principles of tidal friction in celestial bodies. Then, I will focus on the theories of the stellar equilibrium and dynamical tides founded by Jean-Paul and their predictions for the evolution of binary stars. I will underline their essential legacy for ongoing studies of tidal dissipation in stars hosting planets and in fluid planetary regions. I will also discuss his pioneering work on the turbulent friction applied on tidal flows by stellar convection and the corresponding still unsolved challenging problems. Next, I will present the results we obtained on tidal dissipation in the potential dense rocky/icy core of gaseous giant planets such as Jupiter and Saturn within the Encelade international team. This mechanism provides important keys to interpret the high-precision astrometric measurements of the rates of tidal orbital migration of the moons of these planets, which are found to be larger than expected. This corresponds to a Jovian and Saturnian tidal frictions which are higher by one order of magnitude than the usually used values calibrated on formation scenarios. Finally, I will review the work done by Jean-Paul and Michel Rieutord on potential Ekman boundary layers associated to tidal flows. As a consequence, a coherent physical modeling of tides is now mandatory to understand the properties and the evolution of stellar and planetary systems. To progress on this forefront research subject, we are walking on the path first drawn by Jean-Paul.
Fossil magnetic fields in intermediate-mass and massive stars
Authors: Alecian E. , Villebrun F. , Grunhut J. , Hussain G. , Neiner C. , Wade G.A. ,   The BinaMIcS collaboration
Published: June 2019

A small fraction of the population of intermediate-mass and massive stars host strong and stable magnetic fields organised on large scales. These fields are believed to be remnants of star formation. It is however not clear how such fossil fields have been shaped during their formation and subsequent evolution. We report recent and ongoing studies on the magnetic properties of pre-main sequence stars and main sequence binaries, allowing us to make progress in this field.
Dipole collapse in rotating stratified dynamos
Authors: Petitdemange L. , Raynaud R.
Published: June 2019

Numerical modelling of convection driven dynamos in the Boussinesq approximation revealed fundamental characteristics of the dynamo-generated magnetic fields, but the relevance of these results remains to be assessed for highly stratified systems, like gas planets and stars. The common approach is then to rely on the anelastic approximation to model the background density stratification. A conclusion from different anelastic studies is that dipolar solutions seem more difficult to obtain in presence of a substantial density contrast. We review some important results obtained by Raynaud et al. (2015), who investigated the influence of the density stratification on the stability of dipolar dynamos. This study indicates that the loss of the dipolar branch does not ensue from a specific modification of the dynamo mechanisms related to the background stratification, but could instead result from a bias as our observations naturally favour a certain domain in the parameter space characterized by moderate values of the Ekman number. In strongly stratified systems, the force balance may vary with depth, and a local increase of inertia close to the outer surface can explain the loss of the dipolar branch, while volume-averaged measures may underestimate the role of inertia on the field topology.
Zombie vortex instability in the protoplanetary disk: can we find it in the lab?
Authors: Facchini G. , Wang M. , Marcus P. , Le Bars M.
Published: June 2019

Without instabilities, the gas in the protoplanetary disk approximately a forming protostar remains in orbit rather than falling onto the protostar and completing its formation into a star. Moreover without instabilities in the fluid flow of the gas, the dust grains within the disk’s gas cannot accumulate, agglomerate, and form planets. Keplerian disks are linearly stable by Rayleigh theorem because the angular momentum of the disk increases with increasing radius. This has led to the belief that there exists a large region in protoplanetary disks, known as the dead zone, which is stable to pure hydrodynamic disturbances. The dead zone is also believed to be stable against magneto-rotational instability (MRI) because the disks’ cool temperatures inhibit ionization and therefore prevent the MRI. A recent study Marcus et al. (2013) shows the existence of a new hydrodynamic instability called the Zombie Vortex Instability (ZVI), where successive generations of self-replicating vortices (zombie vortices) fill the disk with turbulence and destabilize it. The instability is triggered by finite-amplitude perturbations, including weak Kolmogorov noise, in stratified flows with Brunt-Väisälä frequency N, background rotation Ω and horizontal shear σ. So far there is no observational evidence of the Zombie Vortex Instability and there are very few laboratory experiments of stratified plane Couette flow with background rotation in the literature. We perform systematic simulations to determine where the Zombie Vortex Instability exists in terms of the control parameters (Reynolds number Re, σ/f and N/f). We present a parameter map showing two regimes where ZVI occurs, and interpret the physics that determines the boundaries of the two regimes. We also discuss the effects of viscosity and the existence of a threshold for Re. Our study on viscous effects, parameter map and its underlying! physics provide guidance for designing practical laboratory experiments in which ZVI could be observed.
Dossier : Perspectives franco-brésiliennes autour de l’agroécologie – Le rôle de l’écoformation dans les processus d’écologisation : le cas de l’agriculture familiale au Paraná (Brésil)
Authors: Silva Julio Carlos Bittencourt Viega , Lamine Claire , Brandenburg Alfio
Published: June 2019

Dans l’agroécologie, les connaissances des agriculteurs et les modalités participatives sont fortement valorisées, car censées favoriser les processus de transition agroécologique. L’objectif est ici d’explorer ce lien, souvent postulé mais peu démontré, entre modes d’apprentissage et processus de transition agroécologique. Si les processus d’apprentissage interindividuels jouent un rôle bien établi dans la littérature, nous montrons, à partir d’une enquête auprès d’agriculteurs familiaux du Paraná, que les modes d’apprentissage s’appuyant sur les interactions sensibles entre l’individu et son milieu, relevant de l’écoformation, favorisent eux aussi les processus de transition agroécologique. Ils renforcent chez les agriculteurs la vision systémique de leur activité, en adjoignant aux composantes cognitives de cette vision, cette dimension sensible, ce qui appuie la robustesse des transitions en rendant moins probables des retours en arrière.
Warehouse redesigning in a three-echelon supply chain network with consideration of routing under uncertainty
Authors: Azadehranjbar Zahra , Bozorgi-Amiri Ali , Zandi Arash
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the problem of redesigning a three-echelon supply chain network under uncertainty. Since one of the most realistic problems that supply chains are dealt with is routing of vehicles, routing constraints with a split delivery condition are considered in our proposed model. Also, the possibility of outsourcing is considered in order to satisfy demands that exceed the production capacity. Furthermore, in order to deal with the presence of uncertainty in the problem, a light robust approach is developed. The performance of the proposed model is illustrated using a simulation procedure. Sensitivity analysis on the proposed model is also presented in the paper. The results show that the proposed method has a better performance than Light Robust approach and can be used as a useful managerial tool in redesign problems.
Circulating Tumor DNA and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Ju Dong , Liu Minetta C. , Kisiel John B.
Published: June 2019

There is a clear and unmet need for biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circulating cell free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) is a fragmented DNA subtype, found in the blood circulation. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the fraction of total cfDNA, which originates from the primary tumor or metastases in patients with cancer. Earlier studies reported that quantitative measurement cfDNA has diagnostic and prognostic role for HCC. More recently, improvement in next-generation sequencing technology and better understanding of genetic or epigenetic alteration of HCC have allowed comprehensive analysis of mutational and methylation landscape of ctDNA. Hotspot mutation panels and methylation panels have both shown promising performance. None of these tests have yet been validated in longitudinal cohorts for preclinical detection of HCC. In this article, the authors discuss the currently available ctDNA detection technologies, their diagnostic and prognostic performance in HCC, and future research directions.
Revacept, a Novel Inhibitor of Platelet Adhesion, in Patients Undergoing Elective PCI—Design and Rationale of the Randomized ISAR-PLASTER Trial
Authors: Schüpke Stefanie , Hein-Rothweiler Ralph , Mayer Katharina , Janisch Marion , Sibbing Dirk , Ndrepepa Gjin , Hilz Raphaela , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Bernlochner Isabell , Gschwendtner Sarah , Kupka Danny , Gori Tommaso , Zeiher Andreas M. , Schunkert Heribert , Massberg Steffen , Kastrati Adnan ,   for the ISAR-PLASTER-Trial Investigators
Published: June 2019

Despite dual antiplatelet therapy patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) continue to experience periprocedural ischemic events. In addition, all currently used antithrombotic drugs increase the bleeding risk. Thus, there is an unmet clinical need for antithrombotic strategies with improved efficacy and no increase in bleeding. Revacept is a novel, lesion-directed antithrombotic drug that does not interfere with the function of circulating platelets. This dimeric fusion protein of the extracellular domain of glycoprotein VI (the major platelet collagen receptor) and the human Fc-fragment inhibits collagen-mediated platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregation at the site of vascular injury. The randomized, double-blinded, phase II ISAR-PLASTER trial is based on extensive preclinical evaluation of Revacept and a favorable first-in-man trial. A total of 332 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI will be randomized to either Revacept 160 mg, Revacept 80 mg, or placebo administered as single intravenous infusion directly before the intervention, on top of standard dual antiplatelet therapy and either heparin or bivalirudin, based on local practice and current guidelines. The primary endpoint is the composite of death or myocardial injury (defined as increase in high sensitivity troponin T ≥ 5 times the upper limit of normal) at 48 hours. The safety endpoint is bleeding of class 2 or higher according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium at 30 days. This phase II randomized, double blind trial will assess for the first time the efficacy and safety of Revacept—a lesion-directed inhibitor of platelet adhesion—in patients undergoing elective PCI.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Well-Defined Subgroup of Patients
Authors: Jiang Xin , Du Yao , Cheng Chun-Yan , Denas Gentian , Zhou Yu-Ping , Wu Tao , Zhang Yi-Xin , Han Zhi-Yan , Pengo Vittorio , Jing Zhi-Cheng
Published: June 2019

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilia with an uncertain role in the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We aimed to assess the association of APS with the clinical phenotype of CTEPH. We retrospectively reviewed data of CTEPH patients referred to our center. Clinical, angiographic, and hemodynamic data were available for all patients. APS was diagnosed in the presence of one or more positive antiphospholipid (aPL) tests confirmed more than 12 weeks apart. Data were compared between APS-positive and APS-negative patients. From May 2013 to December 2018, 297 patients with CTEPH were enrolled. Twenty-three (7.7%) were positive for laboratory tests exploring aPL antibodies. Among them, 17 patients (74%) had a triple positive aPL profile. When compared with the APS-negative group, APS patients were significantly younger (30.0 ± 11.1 vs. 55.6 ± 12.9 years, p < 0.0001), had more frequently a history of pulmonary embolism (95.6% vs. 65.7%, p = 0.003), and had more frequently associated autoimmune disease (43.5% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001). In APS-positive patients, pulmonary artery lesions were more proximal and hemodynamic profiles were less compromised. Our results show that patients with APS are a unique group of CTEPH patients with well-defined clinic and hemodynamic characteristics.
Gender and Outcomes following Guided De-Escalation of Antiplatelet Treatment in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: The TROPICAL-ACS Gender Substudy
Authors: Gross Lisa , Kupka Danny , Trenk Dietmar , Geisler Tobias , Hadamitzky Martin , Löw Anja , Orban Martin , Huber Kurt , Kiss Robert Gabor , Merkely Bela , Huczek Zenon , Beuthner Bo Eric , Hein-Rothweiler Ralph , Baylacher Monika , Rizas Konstantinos , Massberg Steffen , Aradi Daniel , Sibbing Dirk , Jacobshagen Claudius
Published: June 2019

Objectives This prespecified analysis of the TROPICAL-ACS trial aimed to assess the impact of gender on clinical outcomes and platelet reactivity (PR) following guided de-escalation of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Background Guided de-escalation of DAPT was recently identified as an effective alternative treatment strategy in ACS.

Methods We used Cox proportional hazards models and linear regression analysis to assess the interaction of gender with clinical endpoints and PR.

Results In both male (n = 2,052) and female (n = 558) patients, the 1-year incidence of the primary endpoint did not differ in guided de-escalation versus control group patients (male: 7.0% vs. 9.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–1.06, p = 0.11; female: 8.4% vs. 9.2%; HR, 0.92, 95% CI, 0.53–1.62, p = 0.76, p
int = 0.60). The 1-year incidence of combined ischemic events (male: 2.5% vs. 3.3%; HR, 0.76, 95% CI, 0.46–1.26, p = 0.29; female: 2.2% vs. 2.8%; HR, 0.78,95% CI, 0.27–2.25, p = 0.65, p
int = 0.96) as well as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium ≥ 2 bleeding (male: 4.6% vs. 6.0%; HR, 0.77, 95% CI, 0.52–1.12, p = 0.17; female: 6.2% vs. 6.4%; HR, 0.99, 95% CI, 0.51–1.92, p = 0.97, p
int = 0.51) was similar in the guided de-escalation versus control group for both male and female patients. Interaction testing revealed no significant impact of gender on PR levels (prasugrel or clopidogrel) across treatment groups (p
int = 0.72).

Conclusion Guided de-escalation of DAPT appears to be equally safe and effective in women and men. Especially in patients with increased bleeding risk and independent from gender, a guided DAPT de-escalation strategy may be used as an alternative treatment strategy.

Clinical Trial Registration URL: https//www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT: 01959451.
Sex Differences in the Association between Inflammation and Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Fiechter Michael , Haider Ahmed , Bengs Susan , Marȩdziak Monika , Burger Irene A. , Roggo Andrea , Portmann Angela , Warnock Geoffrey I. , Schade Katharina , Treyer Valerie , Becker Anton S. , Messerli Michael , Felten Elia von , Benz Dominik C. , Fuchs Tobias A. , Gräni Christoph , Pazhenkottil Aju P. , Buechel Ronny R. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Gebhard Catherine
Published: June 2019

Background Inflammation plays a fundamental role in mediating all stages of atherosclerosis. Given the higher prevalence of inflammatory rheumatologic conditions in women and the female propensity towards worse cardiovascular outcomes, refined strategies are needed to better identify the high-risk female cardiovascular phenotype.

Objectives This article aims to assess sex-specific links between inflammatory processes and the development and progression of ischemic heart disease.

Patients and Methods The relationship between vertebral bone marrow metabolism—a marker of inflammation—and myocardial injury was retrospectively assessed in 294 patients (28.6% women, mean age: 66.9 ± 10.0 years) who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and 99mTc-tetrofosmin single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI).

Results A significant increase in 18F-FDG bone marrow uptake was observed in women with impaired myocardial perfusion (SPECT-MPI) as compared to women with normal myocardial perfusion (standardized uptake value [SUV]: 2.2 ± 1.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.013), while no such difference was observed in men (SUV: 1.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.372). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and bone marrow metabolism was seen in women (r = –0.229, p = 0.037), but not in men (r = –0.075, p = 0.289). Accordingly, in women, but not in men, bone marrow activity was identified as an independent predictor of both, reduced LVEF (β-coefficient, –4.537; p = 0.040) and impaired myocardial perfusion (β-coefficient, 0.138; p = 0.014).

Conclusion A strong link between bone marrow metabolism and impaired myocardial function and perfusion was observed in women, but not in men. Our data suggest that novel biomarkers of inflammation might help to identify women at risk for ischemic cardiomyopathy and to tailor disease management to the female cardiovascular phenotype.
Disorders Involving a Persistent Craniopharyngeal Canal: A Case Series
Authors: Poonia Seerat K. , Cazzador Diego , Kaufman Adam C. , Kohanski Michael A. , Kuan Edward C. , Tong Charles C. L. , Carlson Roy D. , Borsetto Daniele , Emanuelli Enzo , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: June 2019

Objectives A persistent craniopharyngeal canal (CPC) is a rare embryologic remnant that presents as a well-corticated defect of the midline sphenoid body extending from the sellar floor to the nasopharynx. Our case series aims to describe three unique presentations of this congenital anomaly and their subsequent management.

Design Retrospective review.

Setting Tertiary academic medical center.

Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal surgical repair of a CPC lesion.

Main Outcome Measures Resolution of symptoms and surgical outcomes.

Results A total of three patients were identified. The clinical presentation varied, however, all cases prompted further imaging which demonstrated a persistent CPC and associated pathologic lesion. The presentation of a persistent CPC with nasal obstruction and subsequent iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak as in Case 1 demonstrates the importance of imaging in this work-up. Cases 2 and 3 in the series were representative of the larger subset of patients in the literature who present with the defect incidentally but still warrant surgical management. Nonetheless, a standard approach to diagnosis with preoperative imaging and subsequent transnasal endoscopic repair of the skull base defect was undertaken.

Conclusion The persistent CPC is a rare congenital anomaly associated with diverse pathology and careful review of preoperative radiology is critical to the management. When warranted, subsequent surgical repair and reconstruction is associated with excellent postoperative outcomes.
Prescribing Patterns of Continuous Infusions in Nonobese versus Obese Children Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Johnson Peter N. , Stephens Katy , Barker Philip , Bergeron Erica , Lim Sin Yin , Hagemann Tracy M. , Lewis Teresa V. , Neely Stephen , Miller Jamie L.
Published: June 2019

This retrospective study compared the continuous infusions prescribed for obese and nonobese children. Ninety-five (13.2%) received an infusion. A greater percentage of obese (n = 42/168) versus nonobese (53/552) children received infusions, p < 0.01. No difference was noted in the median number of infusions between the obese and nonobese groups, 2 versus 2, p = 0.975. The top 20 prescribed infusions included ten (50%) for sedation/analgesia or neuromuscular blockade and six (30%) for hemodynamic support. A literature search was performed for these 20 agents to determine pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and dosing in obese children and revealed six studies evaluating fentanyl (n = 2), midazolam (n = 1), and propofol (n = 3).
Potential Antimigraine Effects of Warfarin: An Exploration of Biological Mechanism with Survey of Patients
Authors: Nilsson Benjamin , Back Valentina , Wei Ran , Plane Frances , Jurasz Paul , Bungard Tammy J.
Published: June 2019

Case reports suggest a link between anticoagulant use and improved migraine symptoms, and a role for platelet-induced cerebral vasoconstriction in migraine pathobiology. Hence, we investigated the mechanism by which warfarin may affect migraine symptoms and whether there is a change in migraine symptomology in patients initiating oral anticoagulants, most commonly warfarin. The effects of warfarin on human platelet aggregation and secretion as well as platelet-induced rat cerebral artery vasoconstriction were studied. A survey of migraine and symptom change after starting or stopping oral anticoagulants was also conducted. Warfarin inhibited platelet aggregation and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Warfarin-inhibited platelet secretion products constricted middle cerebral arteries from male but not from female rats. For the survey, patient demographic information, migraine and medical history, and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) changes were collected. Out of 175 consenting, 40 respondents met the criteria for migraine and completed the survey. A total of 11 patients reported migraine symptom change, all coinciding with starting warfarin. Of those having symptom and MIDAS improvement, most were female with migraines with aura, whereas those worsening were male with fewer having migraine with aura. Of those reporting migraine symptom change with warfarin, female sex may be associated with improved MIDAS, and those experiencing an aura component are more likely to report a symptom change. Warfarin-mediated symptom improvement in females may occur due to inhibition of platelet 5-HT secretion and a lower sensitivity of female cerebral blood vessels to platelet-derived 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction.
Static and dynamic correlation lengths in supercooled polymers
Authors: Balbuena Cristian , Gianetti Melisa M. , Soulé Ezequiel R.
Published: June 2019

A key point to understand the glass transition is the relationship between structural and dynamic behavior experienced by a glass former when it approaches Tg. In this work, the relaxation in a simple bead-spring polymer system in the supercooled regime near its glass transition temperature was investigated with molecular dynamic simulations. We develop a new manner to look at the dynamic length scales in a supercooled polymeric system, focusing on correlated motion of particles in an isoconfigurational ensemble (that is, associated with the structure), as measured by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We found that while the usual dynamic four-point correlation length deviates from the structural (mosaic or point-to-set) length scale at low temperatures, Pearson’s length behaves similarly to the static length in the whole temperature range. The results lead to a consensus of similar scaling of structural and dynamical length scales, reinforcing the idea of the theories of Adam-Gibbs and random first order transition.
Measurement of plasma stream velocity in a pulsed plasma accelerator
Authors: Talukdar N. , Ahmed A. , Borthakur S. , Neog N. K. , Borthakur T. K. , Ghosh J.
Published: June 2019

The measurement of plasma stream velocity in a coaxial pulsed plasma accelerator using two pairs of double plate probe (DPP) is reported in this article. The device produces a quasisteady type high velocity and high energy plasma stream for a duration of a few hundreds of microseconds. A simple arrangement of DPP with capacitor based biasing circuits was developed in-house which detected two different instances of plasma stream reaching the probe plates. This time interval gave the measure of plasma stream velocity using the known distance of separation between the probes. A spectroscopic study of the stream velocity was also performed to validate the findings of DPP. In this experiment, nitrogen and argon gases were considered as the operating medium. The velocities of Argon and Nitrogen were found to be (25 ± 1.5) km/s and (28.5 ± 0.5) km/s, respectively. The energy density of the plasma stream is calculated from the measured velocity, and it is found to be (0.8 ± 0.05) MJ/m2 for argon plasma and (0.3 ± 0.02) MJ/m2 for nitrogen plasma. The value of energy density is significant for studying fusion relevant plasma matter interaction.
A modular, multi-diagnostic, automated shock tube for gas-phase chemistry
Authors: Fuller Mark E. , Skowron Mal , Tranter Robert S. , Goldsmith C. Franklin
Published: June 2019

A new shock tube has been constructed for investigations of high-temperature chemical kinetics with an emphasis on combustion chemistry. This instrument includes a diaphragmless driver and electrical control of valving. A diaphragmless design significantly improves repeatability of experimental conditions vs the use of diaphragms and leads to an approximate order of magnitude reduction in turnaround time between experiments. Electrical control of valves, combined with diaphragmless operation, also enables remote and automated operation of the shock tube. The design allows for both incident and reflected shock experiments with multiple diagnostics. The performance of the shock tube is demonstrated by reproducing previous literature measurements on the unimolecular decomposition of isobutyl nitrite and cyclohexene.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of bubble rising in viscous liquids: A conservative phase-field lattice-Boltzmann study
Authors: Zhang Ang , Guo Zhipeng , Wang Qigui , Xiong Shoumei
Published: June 2019

Simulating bubble rising in viscous liquids is challenging because of the large liquid-to-gas density ratio and complex topological evolution of the gas-liquid interface. In this study, a conservative phase-field model is employed to accurately track the interface during bubble rising, and the lattice Boltzmann model is used to determine the flow field driven by the buoyancy force and the surface tension force. To facilitate large-scale three-dimensional simulations, a parallel-adaptive mesh refinement algorithm is developed to reduce the computing overhead. The simulated bubble shapes under different configurations are compared with the shape chart through experiments [D. Bhaga and M. E. Weber, “Bubbles in viscous liquids: shapes, wakes, and velocities,” J. Fluid Mech. 105, 61–85 (1981)]. The influence of the numerical parameters (including domain size, surface tension, liquid viscosity, gravity, and density ratio) on the bubble dynamics is investigated, which demonstrates the capability of the current numerical scheme in simulating multiphase flow. Furthermore, complex topology changes including the bubble coalescence, splitting, and interplay with obstacles (i.e., squeeze deformation and bubble splitting) are simulated and compared in different cases, i.e., with different Reynolds, Eötvös, and Morton numbers. The effect of the initial bubble spacing on the coalescence of the two bubbles and the influence of boundary conditions on multiple bubble dynamics are investigated. When the bubbles can be completely blocked by the obstacle is quantified in terms of the obstacle width. Numerical results validate the robustness of the present numerical scheme in simulating multiphase flow.
Discriminating organic isomers by high harmonic generation: A time-dependent configuration interaction singles study
Authors: Bedurke Florian , Klamroth Tillmann , Krause Pascal , Saalfrank Peter
Published: June 2019

High Harmonic Generation (HHG) is a nonlinear optical process that provides a tunable source for high-energy photons and ultrashort laser pulses. Recent experiments demonstrated that HHG spectroscopy may also be used as an analytical tool to discriminate between randomly oriented configurational isomers of polyatomic organic molecules, namely, between the cis- and trans-forms of 1,2-dichloroethene (DCE) [M. C. H. Wong et al., Phys. Rev. A 84, 051403 (2011)]. Here, we suggest as an economic and at the same time a reasonably accurate method to compute HHG spectra for polyatomic species, Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction Singles (TD-CIS) theory in combination with extended atomic orbital bases and different models to account for ionization losses. The HHG spectra are computed for aligned and unaligned cis- and trans-DCE. For the unaligned case, a coherent averaging over possible rotational orientations is introduced. Furthermore, using TD-CIS, possible differences between the HHG spectra of cis- and trans-DCE are studied. For aligned molecules, spectral differences between cis and trans emerge, which can be related to their different point group symmetries. For unaligned, randomly oriented molecules, we also find distinct HHG spectra in partial agreement with experiment. In addition to HHG response in the frequency space, we compute time-frequency HHG spectra to gain insight into which harmonics are emitted at which time. Further differences between the two isomers emerge, suggesting time-frequency HHG as another tool to discriminate configurational isomers.
Suppression of Rayleigh-Bénard secondary instability in dielectric fluids by unipolar charge injection
Authors: Li Tian-Fu , Luo Kang , Yi Hong-Liang
Published: June 2019

In this study, the strong unipolar charge injection induced by a uniform electric field was found to have a suppressing effect on Rayleigh-Bénard secondary instability, regardless of the charge injection direction. The liquid was modeled as a perfect dielectric, and the charge injection was assumed to be autonomous and homogeneous. Direct numerical simulations were performed using a newly developed unified lattice Boltzmann model for electrothermohydrodynamics (ETHD). The electric field was applied only when the flow is in a stable oscillation state of the secondary instability. Two different cases representing charge injection from above and below were considered. The results show that periodic temperature fluctuations can be fully suppressed by a sufficiently strong electric field and that the charge injection direction has a significant impact on the flow patterns. For even stronger electric field strength, the system turns into periodic oscillatory flow again and the fundamental frequency is two orders of magnitude higher than the original ones. Besides, the effects of charge injection direction on the flow intensity and heat transfer rate of ETHD are also investigated.
Metal-insulator-metal diodes based on alkyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Jin Jidong , Wang Lei , Zheng Zhaoliang , Zhang Jiawei , Hu Xuzhi , Lu Jian R. , Etor David , Pearson Chris , Song Aimin , Wood David , Gallant Andrew J. , Balocco Claudio
Published: June 2019

This paper reports on the experimental investigation of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes based on alkyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with different alkyl chain lengths. The insulating SAM is sandwiched between two metal contacts, Pt and Ti, with different work functions. The electronic properties of the MIM diodes can be tuned by controlling the alkyl chain length of the SAMs to address different constraints in high speed electronics applications. Data fitting of the tunneling current through the MIM junctions using the Fowler-Nordheim model suggests that the device operation is influenced by the barrier heights of the diodes and thicknesses of the SAMs. The current-voltage characteristics achieved in MIM diodes based on alkyltrichlorosilane SAMs make them promising candidates for high speed electronics applications.
East coast gas: resource potential at different gas price scenarios (Part 1: quantification of unconventional gas resource potential)
Authors: Cockerill Ian , Collins Joe , Rasheed Zain
Published: June 2019

A qualitative ranking of the remaining gas potential of Australian east coast basins was undertaken using a spatial analysis methodology of play fairway sweet-spot mapping. Play components considered important for the presence and recovery of unconventional gas were mapped across the plays of interest in Australian east coast basins. Modelled horizontal well type curves and development plans from North American analogues for unconventional gas production were used to quantify the sweet-spot mapping using a methodology we developed called common recovery segment mapping. A range of potential resource numbers were calculated for each play, leading to a quantification of the potential resource across the entire area of interest. Part 2 of this paper will show how these undeveloped unconventional gas resources may ultimately contribute to the east coast Australia energy mix.