bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Dual-Resonance Excitation Langevin Piezoelectric Actuator Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Wang Yu-Jen , Chang Shyang-Jye , Fu Kuo-Chieh , Weng Chien-Erh
Published: September 2016

For injection molding, knock-out pin will leave ejector marks on the parts of product. While making micro-structured components, the pin for normal ejector system is usually bigger than the micro-structured one. It would leave marks while part ejection process and it would even destroy the exterior of micro-structured components sometimes. In order to avoid this situation, this research is to design a Langevin transducer using the theory of Smooth Impact Drive Mechanism (SIDM) as a linear actuator. The dimensions of the Langevin piezoelectric actuator was determined using the Taguchi method to set the first and third minimum impedance frequency ratio at nearly 1:2. The mold equipped with the double layer Langevin transducer could demold the parts without knock-out pin in the plastic injection molding process.
Depth Profile Analysis of Chemical Structures Around Lubricant/Overcoat Interface Using Plasmonic Sensor
Authors: Yanagisawa M. , Kunimoto M. , Homma T.
Published: September 2016

A chemical depth profile in lubricant films, carbon films, and their interfaces is an informative parameter for hard disk media because molecular features of lubricants bonded to a surface of carbon overcoats (COCs), which usually consist of a nitrogen doped layer, are important to achieve high tribological performance. However, it was difficult to analyze their interfaces with high depth resolution because thickness of lubricant films and COC films are so thin, i.e. 1.5nm and 2nm, respectively. We have developed new method using plasmonic sensors, which has measurement capability for chemical structures with depth resolution of 0.1nm by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We examined the lubricant film composed of perfluorinated polyether (PFPE) with phosphazene derivative (A2OH) on a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film. The result shows that the functional group is adsorbed on the DLC surface, where lower shift in the wave number of phenyl group is observed. The depth profile of the intensity ratio of D-peak to G-peak shows the maximum at around the surface of the DLC film. A variety of organic components in the DLC films, fabricated by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD), were observed in it. Besides, the depth profiles shows that organic materials, involving methyl, ethyl, or ethylene groups, Co(OH)x exist in the film.
Superlubricity Relevant in Hard Disk Drive Applications
Authors: Zhang Shou-Mo , Vu Cuong-C. , Li Qun-Yang , Tagawa Norio , Zheng Quan-Shui
Published: September 2016

Reduction of head-media spacing (HMS) keeps crucial during the increase of areal density of hard disk drives (HDD). The design of hard disk drive with a superlubric interface is reported with two schemes for HDI design to realize superlubricity. For the first scheme, the DLC layer is kept on the disk while removing the lubricant layer. The DLC layer on the transducer is replaced by graphene-like layer. The direct contact between head and disk could reduce the HMS to about 2.3 nm. For the second scheme, the DLC layer on disk is further replaced by graphene and the HMS could be reduced to below 1 nm. For the first scheme, the basic proof of concept experiments are conducted using micro-scale graphite island samples. Ultralow COF, with the average of 0.0344 on the interface of single crystalline graphite surface and DLC substrate is demonstrated by AFM. What’s more, the temperature dependence of friction between single crystalline graphite and DLC is measured by micro-force sensor mounted on micro-manipulator. The results show that heating helps to significantly decrease the friction. Desorption of contaminants along the interface is speculated to be the key mechanism for temperature dependence of friction. This work provides the concept of large-scale superlubricity relevant in HDD applications, which could be a promising technology to ultimately reduce HMS for future HDI development.
Autonomous Path Planning of Space Manipulator for Capturing a Target Using Visual Information
Authors: Guan Yingzi , Song Chunlin , Dong Huijuan
Published: September 2016

In this work, we present a fast and reliable motion planning method for a free-floating manipulator considering various complex environmental factors. The proposed method employs a stereo camera system and hand-eye camera as sensors to measure position of a moving target. Simulation carried out in this work demonstrated the proposed method.
Quantum Dissipative Mechanism of Noncontact Friction
Authors: Mandel’ Arkadiy M. , Oshurko Vadim B. , Solomakho George I. , Shartz Alexandr A. , Solomakho Kirill G.
Published: September 2016

It is well known that two ideally confident surfaces should give the effect of superlubricity, e.g. should slide without friction. In principle, the superlubricity deals with absence of energy dissipation mechanism. If we consider interatomic interactions, we see that the number of atoms, which resist sliding is equal to the number of atoms that push slider. In the case of noncontact quantum friction interacting surfaces are divided by some spatial interval. This sliding can take place in probe (atomic force or scanning tunneling) microscopy. However, experiments usually show nonzero friction force in this case.

Nowadays there are several mechanisms of the noncontact friction. According to all of these models the noncontact friction arises from photons momentum transfer between surfaces.

But there is much more efficient mechanism of noncontact friction dealing with electron tunneling. Two tunneling electron flows or tunneling currents between close conductive surfaces transmit momentum from a moving body (slider) to the fixed one (substrate) and at the same time in backward direction.

At the thermodynamic equilibrium conditions these two counter-flows are equal. We have calculated these flows. Two different approaches have been applied — quantum mechanical and quasi-classical ones. The complex shape of the sliding surface have been taken into account by introduction of special function for the distribution of the tunneling gap width. In this model, noncontact friction is similar to Newtonian viscous friction in the fluid.

Friction force has been calculated for both variants. Numerical evaluations according to both formulas have shown rather similar results. It has been found that in both cases friction force is proportional to the slider’s speed and exponentially decreases with increase of the tunneling gap.

In addition, the friction force disappears at zero temperature. The tangential stresses have been obtained from numerical calculations for different surfaces with different roughness and for the atomically smooth surfaces. These values are close to macroscopic friction stress in experiments.
Formation and Control of a Rotating Magnetic Field in Magnetic Abrasive Finishing
Authors: Al-dulaimi Thamir , Khamesee Mir Behrad
Published: September 2016

Surface finishing is the final operation in manufacturing processes and it costs around 15% of the total manufacturing cost [1]. A high quality surface with very low values of surface roughness and high accuracy are required for some products in many applications. These characteristics are required especially for products with a complex shape which are made from advanced materials such as alloys of hard materials, glass, and ceramics.
High Bandwidth Control of a Piezoelectric Stage in the Presence of Rate-Dependent Hysteresis
Authors: Chen Jinhao , Ren Beibei , Zhong Qing-Chang
Published: September 2016

Piezoelectric nanopositioning actuators are widely employed in many applications, including the hard disk drives [1–3], gyroscopes [4] and the scanning probe microscopes [5]. Besides the precise position control, high-bandwidth tracking control is crucial for the applications of piezoelectric actuators, since, for example, it will allow hard disk drives to meet the demand for higher data storage capacities with lower access times [6]. However, the existence of vibration dynamics, the coupled hysteresis and other uncertainty (e.g. creep) greatly limit the positioning and tracking performance of the piezoelectric actuators over a broad bandwidth. As a solution to tackle this problem and achieve precise control over a broad frequency range, stiffer piezoelectric actuators that have higher resonant frequencies can be employed. In this way, the scan frequency at which the vibration is significant becomes higher, while, as a major disadvantage, the range of motion is reduced [7]. This highly motivates the development of control techniques that enable high-bandwidth nanopositioning of piezoelectric-actuated systems.
Design Improvement of Multi-Bent Leaf Springs to Prevent Jamming Problem in Blu-Ray Type Archiving System During Disc Inserting
Authors: Yoon Joo Young , Oh Wonseok , Park No-Cheol , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: September 2016

Blu-ray type archiving system has a jamming problem of a blu-ray disc when it inserts into a rack. To prevent jamming problem, multi-bent leaf springs are analyzed by design variables using finite element analysis (FEA). Measuring movements of a disc during inserting state and modal experiment of components are tested to design the FEA model. This study is shown influence over jamming problem and stress analysis of the discs to decrease the damage in disc storing state using a finite element analysis by design variables.
Data Interaction Without Physical Linked Network Using Automatically CD Burning Robots
Authors: Li Changle , Liu Gangfeng , Yu Xianfu , Song Caiwei , Zhao Jie , Li Liyi
Published: September 2016

In order to make large amount of data interaction safely, two physically isolated networks, and an automatic CD burning robot system were adopted to accomplish this tasks effectively. In this practical application, a multi-joint robot system has been developed to automatically manipulate CD disk for CD burning operation. FPGA module is used as the central controller of the whole system, and B-spline curve is adopted to improve the robot’s trajectory planning efficiently. Experiments were carried out to validate the reliability of the robot system, and also the control precision and efficiency of the whole system were improved by the trajectory planning method.
Assessing task performance in FFDM, DBT, and synthetic mammography using uniform and anthropomorphic physical phantoms
Authors: Ikejimba Lynda C. , Glick Stephen J. , Choudhury Kingshuk Roy , Samei Ehsan , Lo Joseph Y.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to quantify the differences in detectability between full field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and synthetic mammography (SM) for challenging, low contrast signals, in the context of both a uniform and an anthropomorphic, textured phantom.

Methods

Images of the phantoms were acquired using a Hologic Selenia Dimensions system. Images were taken at 50%, 100%, and 200% of the dose delivered under automatic exposure control (AEC). Low‐contrast disks, created using an inkjet printer with iodine‐doped ink, were inserted into the phantom. The disks varied in diameter from 210 to 630 μm, and in local contrast from 1.1% to 2.8% in regular increments. Human observers located the disks in a 4 alternative forced choice experiment. Proportion correct (PC) was computed as the number of correct localizations out of the total number of tries.

Results

Overall, scores from FFDM and DBT were consistently greater than scores from SM. At an exposure corresponding to the AEC setting, mean PC scores for the largest disks with the uniform phantom were 0.80 for FFDM, 0.83 for DBT, and 0.66 for SM, with the same rank ordering at other doses. Scores were similar but lower for the nonuniform background. At an exposure twice the AEC setting, however, the difference between uniform and nonuniform scores was most pronounced for DBT alone. Differences between scores for FFDM and SM were statistically significant, while those between FFDM and DBT were not. Scores were used to compute the minimum contrast level needed to reach 62.5% detection rate. The minimum contrast for SM was 36%–81% higher compared to FFDM or DBT, in either background.

Conclusions

This study shows that an anthropomorphic phantom and lesions inserts may be used to conduct a reader study. Detectability was significantly lower for synthetic mammography than for FFDM or DBT, for all conditions. Additionally, observer performance was consistently lower for the anthropomorphic phantom, indicating the greater challenge due to anatomical background. Because of this, it may be important to use realistic phantoms in observer studies in order to draw conclusions that are more clinically relevant.
Correlation between k‐space sampling pattern and MTF in compressed sensing MRSI
Authors: Heikal A. A. , Wachowicz K. , Fallone B. G.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the k‐space sampling patterns used for compressed sensing MR spectroscopic imaging (CS‐MRSI) and the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the metabolite maps. This relationship may allow the desired frequency content of the metabolite maps to be quantitatively tailored when designing an undersampling pattern.

Methods

Simulations of a phantom were used to calculate the MTF of Nyquist sampled (NS) 32 × 32 MRSI, and four‐times undersampled CS‐MRSI reconstructions. The dependence of the CS‐MTF on the k‐space sampling pattern was evaluated for three sets of k‐space sampling patterns generated using different probability distribution functions (PDFs). CS‐MTFs were also evaluated for three more sets of patterns generated using a modified algorithm where the sampling ratios are constrained to adhere to PDFs.

Results

Strong visual correlation as well as high R2 was found between the MTF of CS‐MRSI and the product of the frequency‐dependant sampling ratio and the NS 32 × 32 MTF. Also, PDF‐constrained sampling patterns led to higher reproducibility of the CS‐MTF, and stronger correlations to the above‐mentioned product.

Conclusions

The relationship established in this work provides the user with a theoretical solution for the MTF of CS MRSI that is both predictable and customizable to the user's needs.
A selective insecticidal protein from
Pseudomonas
for controlling corn rootworms
Authors: Schellenberger Ute , Oral Jarred , Rosen Barbara A. , Wei Jun-Zhi , Zhu Genhai , Xie Weiping , McDonald Mark J. , Cerf David C. , Diehn Scott H. , Crane Virginia C. , Sandahl Gary A. , Zhao Jian-Zhou , Nowatzki Timothy M. , Sethi Amit , Liu Lu , Pan Zaiqi , Wang Yiwei , Lu Albert L. , Wu Gusui , Liu Lu
Published: September 2016

Soil microbes yield insecticidal peptide

The microbial peptide BT, derived from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
, is widely used to protect crops from insect pests. Schellenberger
et al.
identified another insecticidal peptide from a different soil-dwelling bacterium,
Pseudomonas chlororaphis
(see the Perspective by Tabashnik). Corn plants expressing the
Pseudomonas
peptide were protected from attack by western corn rootworm. Rootworms that were resistant to BT were susceptible to the
Pseudomonas
peptide. Addition of another insecticidal peptide diversifies the arsenal against insect pests, which may slow down the development of resistance.

Science
, this issue p.
634
; see also p.
552
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SBo1 Isolated from
Bactrocera oleae
Authors: Blow Frances , Vontas John , Darby Alistair C.
Published: September 2016

Bacteria of the genus
Stenotrophomonas
are ubiquitous in the environment and are increasingly associated with insects.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
SBo1 was cultured from the gut of
Bactrocera oleae
. The draft genome sequence presented here will inform future investigations into the nature of the interaction between insects and their microbiota.
Genome Sequence of the Oral Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius JF
Authors: Jia Fang
Published: September 2016

Streptococcus salivarius
is a nonpathogenic Gram-positive bacterium and the predominant colonizer of the oral microbiota. It finds a wide application in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections, also reducing the frequency of other main pathogens. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the oral probiotic
S. salivarius
JF.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Clostridium
sp. Strain W14A Isolated from a Cellulose-Degrading Biofilm in a Landfill Leachate Microcosm
Authors: Ransom-Jones Emma , McDonald James E.
Published: September 2016

Here, we report the draft genome of
Clostridium
sp. strain W14A, isolated from the anaerobic, cellulolytic biofilm of a cotton string sample incubated in a landfill leachate microcosm. The draft genome comprises 131 contigs, 3,823,510 bp, 51.5% G+C content, and 4,119 predicted coding domain sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain (New Sequence Type 2357) Carrying Tn
3926
Authors: Weng Xing-bei , Mi Zu-huang , Wang Chun-xin , Zhu Jian-ming
Published: September 2016

We present the draft genome sequence of a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase–producing sequence type 2357 (ST2357) strain, NB60, which contains drug-resistant genes encoding resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, colistin, macrolides, and tetracycline. Strain NB60 was isolated from human blood, making it an important tool for studying
K. pneumoniae
pathogenesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Plasmopara viticola
, the Grapevine Downy Mildew Pathogen
Authors: Dussert Yann , Gouzy Jérôme , Richart-Cervera Sylvie , Mazet Isabelle D. , Delière Laurent , Couture Carole , Legrand Ludovic , Piron Marie-Christine , Mestre Pere , Delmotte François
Published: September 2016

Plasmopara viticola
is a biotrophic pathogenic oomycete responsible for grapevine downy mildew. We present here the first draft of the
P. viticola
genome. Analysis of this sequence will help in understanding plant-pathogen interactions in oomycetes, especially pathogen host specialization and adaptation to host resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Spiroplasma turonicum Tab4c
T
, a Bacterium Isolated from Horse Flies (
Haematopota
sp.)
Authors: Lo Wen-Sui , Gasparich Gail E. , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: September 2016

Spiroplasma turonicum
Tab4c
T
was isolated from a horse fly (
Haematopota
sp.; probably
Haematopota pluvialis
) collected at Champchevrier, Indre-et-Loire, Touraine, France, in 1991. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this bacterium to facilitate the investigation of its biology and the comparative genomics among
Spiroplasma
spp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Heavy Metal-Resistant Cupriavidus alkaliphilus ASC-732
T
, Isolated from Agave Rhizosphere in the Northeast of Mexico
Authors: Rojas-Rojas Fernando Uriel , Huntemann Marcel , Clum Alicia , Pillay Manoj , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Varghese Neha , Mikhailova Natalia , Stamatis Dimitrios , Reddy T. B. K. , Markowitz Victor , Ivanova Natalia , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Ibarra J. Antonio , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina
Published: September 2016

Cupriavidus alkaliphilus
ASC-732
T
was isolated from the rhizosphere of agave plant growing in alkaline soils in San Carlos, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The species is able to grow in the presence of arsenic, zinc, and copper. The genome sequence of strain ASC-732
T
is 6,125,055 bp with 5,586 genes and an average G+C content of 67.81%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces clavuligerus F613-1, an Industrial Producer of Clavulanic Acid
Authors: Cao Guangxiang , Zhong Chuanqing , Zong Gongli , Fu Jiafang , Liu Zhong , Zhang Guimin , Qin Ronghuo
Published: September 2016

Streptomyces clavuligerus
strain F613-1 is an industrial strain with high-yield clavulanic acid production. In this study, the complete genome sequence of
S. clavuligerus
strain F613-1 was determined, including one linear chromosome and one linear plasmid, carrying numerous sets of genes involving in the biosynthesis of clavulanic acid.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Cheese Isolate Streptococcus macedonicus 679
Authors: Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Bolotin Alexander , Tsakalidou Effie , Renault Pierre
Published: September 2016

It is well recognized that
Streptococcus macedonicus
can populate artisanal fermented foods, especially those of dairy origin. However, the safety of
S. macedonicus
remains to be established. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence of strain 679, which was isolated from a French uncooked semihard cheese made with cow milk.
Complete Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides Type Strain NCTC10360
Authors: Alexander Sarah , Fazal Mohammed-Abbas , Burnett Edward , Deheer-Graham Ana , Oliver Karen , Holroyd Nancy , Parkhill Julian , Russell Julie E.
Published: September 2016

Plesiomonas shigelloides
is a Gram-negative rod within the
Enterobacteriaceae
family. It is a gastrointestinal pathogen of increasing notoriety, often associated with diarrheal disease.
P. shigelloides
is waterborne, and infection is often linked to the consumption of seafood. Here, we describe the first complete genome for
P. shigelloides
type strain NCTC10360.
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria mimic of MDR-TB infection in Pott's disease
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Verma Sheetal , Dhole Tapan N , Kumar Raj
Published: September 2016

A 34 year-old woman presented with history of progressive back pain which was diagnosed as Pott's disease with recurrent paravertebral abscess, and had received a total of 23 months of antitubercular treatment for lumbar infection. The patient was non-responsive to treatment and was referred to a higher centre where the infection was finally identified as non-tuberculous mycobacterium (Mycobacterium fortuitum) by genotypic testing. The drugs were initiated according to results of drug susceptibility testing by the broth microdilution method. We describe here an unusual case ofM. fortuituminfection that presented as Pott's disease identified by molecular test which was followed by treatment and successful cure of the disease.
Management of postvitrectomy retinal detachment due to multiple laser-induced retinal holes
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Jain Shreyans , Chandra Parijat , Kumar Atul
Published: September 2016

A 25-year-old man presented with retinal detachment in his right eye 20 days after pars plana vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane peeling and endolaser assisted panretinal photocoagulation performed for non-resolving vitreous haemorrhage secondary to Eales disease. Inferior retina of the right eye showed multiple (around 120) retinal holes in relation to the previous photocoagulation marks. The patient was managed with repeat vitrectomy, endolaser and silicone oil infusion. The aetiology of multiple holes, precautions to prevent them and their management are described.
Rare case ofCorynebacterium striatumseptic arthritis
Authors: Roy Moni , Ahmad Sharjeel
Published: September 2016

Corynebacterium species are aerobic, Gram-positive bacilli that are commensal organisms of skin and mucosal membranes. Although its pathogenicity is well established,Corynebacterium striatumis frequently isolated in cultures and generally regarded as a contaminant. Rarely, this bacterium causes septic arthritis. We present a case of right shoulder joint septic arthritis due toC. striatumin a lung-transplant recipient with end-stage renal disease. A brief review of the literature regardingC. striatumseptic arthritis is also a part of this report.
Dupuytren disease is highly prevalent in male field hockey players aged over 60 years
Authors: Broekstra Dieuwke C , van den Heuvel Edwin R , Lanting Rosanne , Harder Tom , Smits Inge , Werker Paul M N
Published: September 2016

Background/aim

Dupuytren disease is a fibroproliferative hand condition. The role of exposure to vibration as a risk factor has been studied with contradictory results. Since field hockey is expected to be a strong source of hand-arm vibration, we hypothesised that long-term exposure to field hockey is associated with Dupuytren disease.

Methods

In this cross-sectional cohort study, the hands of 169 male field hockey players (IQR: 65–71 years) and 156 male controls (IQR: 59–71 years) were examined for signs of Dupuytren disease. Details about their age, lifestyle factors, medical history, employment history and leisure activities were gathered. Prior to the analyses, the groups were balanced in risk factors using propensity score matching. The association between field hockey and Dupuytren disease was determined using a subject-specific generalised linear mixed model with a binomial distribution and logit link function (matched pairs analysis).

Results

Dupuytren disease was observed in 51.7% of the field hockey players, and in 13.8% of the controls. After propensity score matching, field hockey playing as dichotomous variable, was associated with Dupuytren disease (OR=9.42, 95% CI 3.01 to 29.53). A linear dose-response effect of field hockey (hours/week x years) within the field hockey players could not be demonstrated (OR=1.03, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.56).

Discussion

We found that field hockey playing has a strong association with the presence of Dupuytren disease. Clinicians in sports medicine should be alert to this less common diagnosis in this sport.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal distress/birth asphyxia: a population-based nested case–control study
Authors: Lindqvist Pelle G , Silva Aldo T , Gustafsson Sven A , Gidlöf Sebastian
Published: September 2016

Objective

Vitamin D deficiency causes not only skeletal problems but also muscle weakness, including heart muscle. If the fetal heart is also affected, it might be more susceptible to fetal distress and birth asphyxia. In this pilot study, we hypothesised that low maternal vitamin D levels are over-represented in pregnancies with fetal distress/birth asphyxia.

Design and setting

A population-based nested case–control study.

Patients

Banked sera of 2496 women from the 12th week of pregnancy.

Outcome measures

Vitamin D levels were analysed using a direct competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vitamin D levels in early gestation in women delivered by emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress were compared to those in controls. Birth asphyxia was defined as Apgar <7 at 5 min and/or umbilical cord pH≤7.15.

Results

Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in mothers delivered by emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress (n=53, 43.6±18 nmol/L) compared to controls (n=120, 48.6±19 nmol/L, p=0.04). Birth asphyxia was more common in women with vitamin D deficiency (n=95) in early pregnancy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.7).

Conclusions

Low vitamin D levels in early pregnancy may be associated with emergency caesarean section due to suspected fetal distress and birth asphyxia. If our findings are supported by further studies, preferably on severe birth asphyxia, vitamin D supplementation/sun exposure in pregnancy may lower the risk of subsequent birth asphyxia.
Potentially avoidable and ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations among forced migrants: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lichtl Célina , Gewalt Sandra Claudia , Noest Stefan , Szecsenyi Joachim , Bozorgmehr Kayvan
Published: September 2016

Introduction

There is an increasing number of forced migrants globally, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and undocumented migrants. According to international law, forced migrants should enjoy access to health services free of discrimination equivalent to the host population, but they face barriers to healthcare worldwide. This may lead to a delay in care and result in preventable hospital treatment, referred to as potentially preventable hospitalisation (PPH) or ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisation (ACSH). There is as yet no overview of the prevalence of PPH in different countries and groups of forced migrants, and it is unknown whether the concept has been used among these migrant groups. We aim to systematically review the evidence (1) on the prevalence of PPH among forced migrants and (2) on differences in the prevalence of PPH between forced migrants and the general host population.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted searching databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science/Knowledge, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Google Scholar) and the internet (Google). Inclusion criteria: observational studies on forced migrants reporting PPH or ACSH with or without comparison groups published in the English or German language. Exclusion criteria: studies on general migrant groups or hospitalisations without clear reference to avoidability. Study selection: titles, abstracts and full texts will be screened in duplicate for eligibility. Data on the prevalence of PPH/ACSH among forced migrants, as well as any reported prevalence differences between host populations, will be systematically extracted. Quality appraisal will be performed using standardised checklists. The evidence will be synthesised in tabular form and by means of forest plots. A meta-analysis will be performed only among homogeneous studies (in terms of design and population).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical clearance is not necessary (secondary research). The results will be disseminated via publication in open access journals, conferences and public media.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016037081.
Prevalence and patterns of tobacco smoking among Chinese adult men and women: findings of the 2010 national smoking survey
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Zhang Mei , Yang Ling , Li Yichong , Wang Limin , Huang Zhengjing , Wang Linhong , Chen Zhengming , Zhou Maigeng
Published: September 2016

Background

China consumes about 40% of the world's cigarettes, predominantly by men, following a large increase in recent decades. We assess sex-specific prevalence and changing patterns of smoking in Chinese adults in the current decade.

Methods

A nationally representative survey of smoking was conducted in 2010 among 100 000 Chinese adults aged ≥18 years, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. Information on smoking frequency, type, amount, age started and quitting was collected. Sex-specific standardised prevalence and means were analysed and compared with estimates in the 1996 national survey.

Results

In Chinese men aged ≥18, 62.4% were ever-smokers in 2010, including 54.0% current smokers and 8.4% ex-smokers. The smoking prevalence was higher in rural than in urban men (63.9% vs 58.4%). In younger men, the age to start smoking was earlier and exclusive cigarette use was much higher. Among current smokers, only 17.3% intended to quit. Compared with a similar survey in 1996 among adults aged 30–69, more smokers had quit in 2010 than in 1996 (11.0% vs 4.2%), but the number of cigarettes smoked per current smoker was higher (17.9 vs 15.2). In Chinese women, only 3.4% ever smoked and there has been a large intergenerational decrease in smoking uptake rates. In 2010, there were 318 million current smokers in China, consuming an estimated 1740 billion cigarettes.

Conclusions

The prevalence of smoking remained extremely high in men, but low and falling in Chinese women. Tobacco smoking remains an important public health issue in China, and stronger and more efficient tobacco control is urgently needed.
The effectiveness of tobacco control policies on vulnerable populations in the USA: a review
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Maya , Schroeder Steven A , Kushel Margot
Published: September 2016

Despite population-wide efforts to reduce tobacco use, low-income populations in the USA have much higher rates of tobacco use compared with the general population. The principal components of tobacco control policies in the USA include cigarette taxes, clean indoor air laws and comprehensive interventions to increase access to tobacco cessation services. In this review, we describe the effectiveness of these policies and interventions in reducing tobacco use among vulnerable populations, focusing on persons with mental health disorders and substance use disorders, persons who have experienced incarceration or homelessness, and low-income tenants of public housing. We discuss the challenges that evolving tobacco and nicotine products pose to tobacco control efforts. We conclude by highlighting the clinical implications of treating tobacco dependence in healthcare settings that serve vulnerable populations.
Seed dormancy in Camellia sinensis L. (Theaceae): effects of cold-stratification and exogenous gibberellic acid application on germination
Authors: Song Danping , Jaganathan Ganesh K. , Han Yingying , Liu Baolin
Published: September 2016

There are several different opinions regarding dormancy in tea (Camellia sinensis L.), but there is no strong evidence available to conclude whether or not these seeds are dormant. Freshly matured tea seeds collected from Hangzhou, China, at the natural dispersal time did not germinate in light at daily alternative temperature regimes of 10/15, 15/20, 20/25, or 25/35 °C, or at a constant temperature of 25 °C. Seeds were permeable to water and the embryos did not grow prior to radicle emergence, thus, the seeds have no physical, morphological, or morphophysiological dormancy. When cold-stratified at 4 °C for 1, 2, and 3 months, 64%, 88%, and 93% of the seeds germinated, respectively. Intact fresh seeds failed to germinate after treatment with 0, 10, 500, and 1000 ppm GA3, whereas 3%, 4%, 61%, and 86% of cracked seeds germinated, respectively. Thus, the seeds have nondeep and intermediate physiological dormancy. Seeds cold-stratified for 2 months that were buried at soil depths of 0, 1, and 5 cm in pots showed that seeds at 1 cm depth established significantly higher number of seedlings (P < 0.05) than at other two depths. Because tea seeds are susceptible to summer temperature drying, these seeds do not establish a persistent seed bank.
On the Methodological Implications of Extracting Muscle Synergies from Human Locomotion
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Ekizos Antonis , Janshen Lars , Baltzopoulos Vasilios , Arampatzis Adamantios
Published: September 2016

We investigated the influence of three different high-pass (HP) and low-pass (LP) filtering conditions and a Gaussian (GNMF) and inverse-Gaussian (IGNMF) non-negative matrix factorization algorithm on the extraction of muscle synergies from myoelectric signals during human walking and running. To evaluate the effects of signal recording and processing on the outcomes, we analyzed the intraday and interday computation reliability. Results show that the IGNMF achieved a significantly higher reconstruction quality and on average needs one less synergy to sufficiently reconstruct the original signals compared to the GNMF. For both factorizations, the HP with a cut-off frequency of 250[Formula: see text]Hz significantly reduces the number of synergies. We identified the filter configuration of fourth order, HP 50[Formula: see text]Hz and LP 20[Formula: see text]Hz as the most suitable to minimize the combination of fundamental synergies, providing a higher reliability across all filtering conditions even if HP 250[Formula: see text]Hz is excluded. Defining a fundamental synergy as a single-peaked activation pattern, for walking and running we identified five and six fundamental synergies, respectively using both algorithms. The variability in combined synergies produced by different filtering conditions and factorization methods on the same data set suggests caution when attributing a neurophysiological nature to the combined synergies.
The universal sl2 invariant and Milnor invariants
Authors: Meilhan Jean-Baptiste , Suzuki Sakie
Published: September 2016

The universal [Formula: see text] invariant of string links has a universality property for the colored Jones polynomial of links, and takes values in the [Formula: see text]-adic completed tensor powers of the quantized enveloping algebra of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we exhibit explicit relationships between the universal [Formula: see text] invariant and Milnor invariants, which are classical invariants generalizing the linking number, providing some new topological insight into quantum invariants. More precisely, we define a reduction of the universal [Formula: see text] invariant, and show how it is captured by Milnor concordance invariants. We also show how a stronger reduction corresponds to Milnor link-homotopy invariants. As a byproduct, we give explicit criterions for invariance under concordance and link-homotopy of the universal [Formula: see text] invariant, and in particular for sliceness. Our results also provide partial constructions for the still-unknown weight system of the universal [Formula: see text] invariant.
Holomorphic affine connections on non-Kähler manifolds
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dumitrescu Sorin
Published: September 2016

Our aim here is to investigate the holomorphic geometric structures on compact complex manifolds which may not be Kähler. We prove that holomorphic geometric structures of affine type on compact Calabi–Yau manifolds with polystable tangent bundle (with respect to some Gauduchon metric on it) are locally homogeneous. In particular, if the geometric structure is rigid in Gromov’s sense, then the fundamental group of the manifold must be infinite. We also prove that compact complex manifolds of algebraic dimension one bearing a holomorphic Riemannian metric must have infinite fundamental group.
Reinterpretaion of the friendship paradox
Authors: Fu Jingcheng , Wu Jianliang
Published: September 2016

The friendship paradox (FP) is a sociological phenomenon stating that most people have fewer friends than their friends do. It is to say that in a social network, the number of friends that most individuals have is smaller than the average number of friends of friends. This has been verified by Feld. We call this interpreting method mean value version. But is it the best choice to portray the paradox? In this paper, we propose a probability method to reinterpret this paradox, and we illustrate that the explanation using our method is more persuasive. An individual satisfies the FP if his (her) randomly chosen friend has more friends than him (her) with probability not less than [Formula: see text]. Comparing the ratios of nodes satisfying the FP in networks, [Formula: see text], we can see that the probability version is stronger than the mean value version in real networks both online and offline. We also show some results about the effects of several parameters on [Formula: see text] in random network models. Most importantly, [Formula: see text] is a quadratic polynomial of the power law exponent [Formula: see text] in Price model, and [Formula: see text] is higher when the average clustering coefficient is between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in Petter–Beom (PB) model. The introduction of the probability method to FP can shed light on understanding the network structure in complex networks especially in social networks.
Numerical study of traffic flow considering the probability density distribution of the traffic density
Authors: Guo L. M. , Zhu H. B. , Zhang N. X.
Published: September 2016

The probability density distribution of the traffic density is analyzed based on the empirical data. It is found that the beta distribution can fit the result obtained from the measured traffic density perfectly. Then a modified traffic model is proposed to simulate the microscopic traffic flow, in which the probability density distribution of the traffic density is taken into account. The model also contains the behavior of drivers’ speed adaptation by taking into account the driving behavior difference and the dynamic headway. Accompanied by presenting the flux-density diagrams, the velocity evolution diagrams and the spatial-temporal profiles of vehicles are also given. The synchronized flow phase and the wide moving jam phase are indicated, which is the challenge for the cellular automata traffic model. Furthermore the phenomenon of the high speed car-following is exhibited, which has been observed in the measured data previously. The results set demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in detecting the complicated dynamic phenomena of the traffic flow.
DFT study of the structural transformations and absorption properties of crystalline 2,6-dimethyl-4-(diphenylmethylene)-2,5-cyclohexadienone under hydrostatic compression
Authors: Chen Limin , Fang Henan , Xie Qiyun
Published: September 2016

In this work, a detailed study of the structural, electronic and absorption properties of crystalline 2,6-dimethyl-4-(diphenylmethylene)-2,5-cyclohexadienone with [Formula: see text] form ([Formula: see text]-DDCD) in the pressure range of 0–250[Formula: see text]GPa is performed by density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The particular analysis of the variation tendencies of the lattice constants, bond lengths and bond angles under different pressures shows that there occur complex transformations in [Formula: see text]-DDCD under compression. In addition, it can be see that the [Formula: see text]-direction is much stiffer than the [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-axes in the structure of [Formula: see text]-DDCD, suggesting the compressible crystal of [Formula: see text]-DDCD has anisotropy. Then, by analyzing the bandgap and density of states (DOS) of [Formula: see text]-DDCD, it is found that the crystal undergoes a phase transformation from semiconductor to metal at 90[Formula: see text]GPa and it becomes more sensitive under compression. Besides, in the pressure range 110–170[Formula: see text]GPa, repeated transformations between metal and semiconductor occur four times, suggesting the structural instability of [Formula: see text]-DDCD in this pressure range. Finally, the relatively high optical activity with the pressure increases of [Formula: see text]-DDCD is seen from the absorption spectra, and two obvious structural transformations are also observed at 130[Formula: see text]GPa and 140[Formula: see text]GPa, respectively.
A comparative study of magnetic and optical properties of Mn-, Gd-, and Nd-doped ZnO nanowires
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Jong Chol-Sam , Ganguli Nirmal , Dasgupta I.
Published: September 2016

We present a comparative study of magnetism and optical properties for [Formula: see text] transition metal (TM) (Mn)-doped and [Formula: see text] rare-earth metals (Gd and Nd)-doped ultrathin ZnO nanowires using ab-initio density functional calculation. Our calculations indicate Nd-doped ZnO nanowires with oxygen vacancies are more favorable for ferromagnetism. Calculations including spin–orbit coupling for Nd-doped ZnO nanowires reveal not only giant anisotropy where magnetism parallel to the nanowire axis is found to be favorable but also stabilized ferromagnetism. We have calculated the absorption spectra for Mn-, Gd- and Nd-doped ZnO nanowires and found that the absorption intensity increases upon increasing the concentration of dopant ions. While Mn-doped ZnO nanowire allows absorption of light in the large energy window ranging from visible to ultraviolet, Gd- and Nd-doped systems absorb light primarily in the ultraviolet region. Our result indicates transition-metal-doped as well as rare-earth-doped ZnO nanowires may be ideal for spintronics and optoelectronic devices.
Theoretical research on bandgap of H-saturated Ga1−xAlxN nanowires
Authors: Xia Sihao , Liu Lei , Kong Yike , Wang Honggang , Wang Meishan
Published: September 2016

Based on first-principles plane-wave ultra-soft pseudopotential method, bandgaps of Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]N nanowires with different diameters and different Al constituents are calculated. After the optimization of the model, the bandgaps are achieved. According to the results, the bandgap of Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]N decreases with increasing diameter and finally, closed to that of the bulk. In addition, with increasing Al constituent, the bandgaps of Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]N nanowires increase. However, the amount of the increase is lower than that of the bulk Ga[Formula: see text]Al[Formula: see text]N with the increase of Al constituent.
Exact fractional revival in spin chains
Authors: Genest Vincent X. , Vinet Luc , Zhedanov Alexei
Published: September 2016

The occurrence of fractional revival in quantum spin chains is examined. Analytic models where this phenomenon can be exhibited in exact solutions are provided. It is explained that spin chains with fractional revival can be obtained by isospectral deformations of spin chains with perfect state transfer.
Improved Spectral Clustering Based on Density Combining DNA Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zang Wenke , Jiang Zhenni , Ren Liyan
Published: September 2016

Spectral clustering has become very popular in recent years, due to the simplicity of its implementation as well as the performance of the method, in comparison with other popular ones. But many studies show that clustering results are sensitive to the selection of the similarity graph and its parameters, e.g. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To address this issue, inspired by density sensitive similarity measure, we propose an improved spectral graph clustering method that utilizes the similarity measure based on data density combined with DNA genetic algorithms (ISC-DNA-GA), making it increase the distance of the pairs of data in the high density areas, which are located in different spaces. The method can reduce the similarity degree among the pairs of data in the same density region to find the spatial distribution characteristics of the complex data. After computing the Laplacian matrix, we apply DNA-GAs to obtain the clustering centroids and assign all of the points to the centroids, so as to achieve better clustering results. Experiments have been conducted on the artificial and real-world datasets with various multi-dimensions, using evaluation methods based on external clustering criteria. The results show that the proposed method improves the spectral clustering quality, and it is superior to those competing approaches.
Formal Derivation of Lotka–Volterra–Haken Amplitude Equations of Task-Related Brain Activity in Multiple, Consecutively Performed Tasks
Authors: Frank T. D.
Published: September 2016

The Lotka–Volterra–Haken equations have been frequently used in ecology and pattern formation. Recently, the equations have been proposed by several research groups as amplitude equations for task-related patterns of brain activity. In this theoretical study, the focus is on the circular causality aspect of pattern formation systems as formulated within the framework of synergetics. Accordingly, the stable modes of a pattern formation system inhibit the unstable modes, whereas the unstable modes excite the stable modes. Using this circular causality principle it is shown that under certain conditions the Lotka–Volterra–Haken amplitude equations can be derived from a general model of brain activity akin to the Wilson–Cowan model. The model captures the amplitude dynamics for brain activity patterns in experiments involving several consecutively performed multiple-choice tasks. This is explicitly demonstrated for two-choice tasks involving grasping and walking. A comment on the relevance of the theoretical framework for clinical psychology and schizophrenia is given as well.