bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Love wave propagation in a piezoelectric layer overlying in an inhomogeneous elastic half-space
Authors: Manna Santanu , Kundu Santimoy , Gupta Shishir
Published: November 2013

The present paper is devoted to study the propagation of Love wave in a piezoelectric layer overlying an inhomogeneous half-space. This paper deals with two different piezoelectric layers, one is an electrically open and another is an electrically short circuit. As mathematical tools, the method of separation of variables and Whittaker’s function are applied to obtain the dispersion equation of Love wave. In a particular case the dispersion equation reduces to the classical equation of Love wave when the layer is not piezoelectric and half-space is homogeneous. The numerical values of the dimensionless phase velocities are calculated and presented graphically to illustrate the effects of inhomogeneity, piezoelectricity and dielectric constants. It is observed that the phase velocities decrease with the increase of inhomogeneity parameters and electricity constant. It is also found that the phase velocity increases with the increases of the dielectric constant. Graphical user interface software has been developed by using MATLAB software to generalize the effect of various parameters.
Some remarks on metric and deformation
Authors: Federico Salvatore
Published: November 2013

This work is aimed at emphasising the relationship between metric and deformation, under the light of a novel formalism for the Polar Decomposition Theorem. All results are first presented in the classical formalism of Cauchy’s celebrated theorem, and then in the proposed alternative formalism. Although the latter requires a little more work to be established, it allows for directly defining all strain tensors as “covariant”, i.e. with both feet being covectors. Emphasis is also placed on how, in the absence of the metric structure, the available mathematical tools are restricted to the deformation gradient alone. Along with these main results, and in the didactical intention that permeates this work, several hints are given, which could be useful in teaching Continuum Mechanics, e.g. the rigorous definition of the determinant of the deformation gradient in Riemannian manifolds, and a caveat on the definition of the spatial Hencky logarithmic strain. The setting is that of modern Continuum Mechanics, based on the description given by Differential Geometry in terms of differentiable manifolds. However, passing to the simpler case of affine spaces takes almost no effort, paying attention to keeping the distinction between vectors and covectors, and therefore allowing the matrices representing the metric tensors to differ from the unit matrix.
Rotational elasticity and couplings to linear elasticity
Authors: Böhmer CG , Tamanini N
Published: November 2013

It is the aim of the paper to present a new point of view on rotational elasticity in a nonlinear setting using orthogonal matrices. The proposed model, in the linear approximation, can be compared to the well-known equilibrium equations of static linear elasticity. An appropriate kinetic energy is identified, and we present a dynamical model of rotational elasticity. The propagation of elastic waves in such a medium is studied and we find two classes of waves, transversal rotational waves and longitudinal rotational waves, both of which are solutions of the nonlinear partial differential equations. For certain parameter choices, the transversal wave velocity can be greater than the longitudinal wave velocity. Moreover, parameter ranges are identified where the model describes an auxetic material. However, in all cases the potential energy functional is positive definite. Finally, we couple the rotational waves to linear elastic waves to study the behaviour of the coupled system. We find wave-like solutions to the coupled equations and can visualise our results with the help of suitable figures.
Effects of texture shape and fluid–solid interfacial slip on the hydrodynamic lubrication performance of parallel sliding contacts
Authors: Ismail Syed , Sarangi M
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of texture shape and fluid–solid interfacial slip on the hydrodynamic lubrication performance of parallel sliding contact. The modified Reynolds equation is solved using finite difference method with a Gauss–Seidel relaxation scheme. The two-component slip length model has been used in order to calculate the slip velocity terms. Results indicate that the consideration of fluid slip around the surface texture enhances the hydrodynamic performance of textured parallel sliding contact as compared to the conventional textured surface. It is concluded that the surface texture should be designed with lower texture height ratio and aspect ratio in order to achieve better hydrodynamic lubrication performance. Furthermore, it is observed that the lower critical threshold shear stress and the higher slip length coefficient improve the performance of parallel sliding contact.
The temperature and pressure dependence of the dynamic properties of branched perfluoropolyethers
Authors: Bair Scott
Published: November 2013

The relative volume and the limiting low shear viscosity have been accurately determined as functions of temperature and pressure for a series of eight branched perfluoropolyether liquids. The Murnaghan equation of state was fitted to the volumes and three correlations for viscosity were examined: the Doolittle free volume, the Bair and Casalini thermodynamic scaling, and the improved Yasutomi. The ambient-pressure bulk modulus increases gradually with molecular weight and is low compared with conventional lubricants. The Doolittle parameter increases with molecular mass as does the occupied volume fraction. The Ashurst–Hoover interaction parameter decreases with increasing molecular mass. The improved Yasutomi model provides accuracy comparable to models requiring an equation of state. When the kinematic viscosity at 40℃ is greater than about 200 mm2/s, fragility is independent of pressure. When the kinematic viscosity is less than about 200 mm2/s fragility increases with pressure. The pressure counterpart to the Angell plot and to the Vogel, Tammann, and Fulcher equation suggested by Drozd-Rzoska et al. is shown to be workable using stability limit pressures in the tensile domain. Clearly, progress in quantitative elastohydrodynamic lubrication must rely upon accurate measurements of the dynamic properties as a function of temperature and pressure and upon accurate temperature and pressure correlations for these properties. Only then can precise predictions of film thickness and friction be made.
Neoliberalism, securitization and racialization in the Irish taxi industry
Authors: Maguire Mark , Murphy Fiona
Published: November 2013

The Irish taxi industry was deregulated in 2000 during an era of neoliberal reform and record economic growth. Driving a taxi became a popular occupation for new immigrants, and the industry came to be associated with racial tensions. Today, the taxi industry is undergoing a process of re-regulation that includes a variety of security and identification measures. This article explores contested trends in governance, contemporary interventions that make use of new technologies and processes of subjectification such as racialization. We draw on several years of ethnographic research on the integration of African migrants in Ireland, which includes an exploration of labour integration, and extend this work here. We retrace the political rationalities behind deregulation and re-regulation and show the specific ways in which security interventions manifest themselves. We also look to the ways in which racialization processes operate within the industry and are nested in the modes of governance and (in)securitization.
‘Being open, but sometimes closed’. Conviviality in a super-diverse London neighbourhood
Authors: Wessendorf Susanne
Published: November 2013

The London Borough of Hackney is one of the most diverse places in the United Kingdom. It is characterized not only by a multiplicity of ethnic minorities but also by differentiations in terms of migration histories, religions and educational and economic backgrounds, both among long-term residents and newcomers. This article attempts to describe how people negotiate social interactions in such a ‘super-diverse’ context. It develops the notion of ‘commonplace diversity’, referring to ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity being experienced as a normal part of social life by local residents. This commonplace diversity has resulted in people acting with ‘civility towards diversity’. While in public space people do not change their behaviour according to other people’s backgrounds, in semi-public spaces, such as associations and local institutions, here conceptualized as ‘parochial space’, people’s different backgrounds are acknowledged and sometimes talked about. The article discusses how people negotiate their differences in these two different kinds of spaces. It shows how civility towards diversity is used as a strategy to both engage with difference as well as avoid deeper contact. Civility thus facilitates the negotiation of both positive relations and possible tensions.
Glyph sorting: Interactive visualization for multi-dimensional data
Authors: Chung David HS , Legg Philip A , Parry Matthew L , Bown Rhodri , Griffiths Iwan W , Laramee Robert S , Chen Min
Published: November 2013

Glyph-based visualization is an effective tool for depicting multivariate information. Since sorting is one of the most common analytical tasks performed on individual attributes of a multi-dimensional dataset, this motivates the hypothesis that introducing glyph sorting would significantly enhance the usability of glyph-based visualization. In this article, we present a glyph-based conceptual framework as part of a visualization process for interactive sorting of multivariate data. We examine several technical aspects of glyph sorting and provide design principles for developing effective, visually sortable glyphs. Glyphs that are visually sortable provide two key benefits: (1) performing comparative analysis of multiple attributes between glyphs and (2) to support multi-dimensional visual search. We describe a system that incorporates focus and context glyphs to control sorting in a visually intuitive manner and for viewing sorted results in an interactive, multi-dimensional glyph plot that enables users to perform high-dimensional sorting, analyse and examine data trends in detail. To demonstrate the usability of glyph sorting, we present a case study in rugby event analysis for comparing and analysing trends within matches. This work is undertaken in conjunction with a national rugby team. From using glyph sorting, analysts have reported the discovery of new insight beyond traditional match analysis.
The stakeholder enterprise: Caring for the community by attending to employees
Authors: Ni Na , Qian Cuili , Crilly Donal
Published: November 2013

A core issue in stakeholder theory is how firms can engender joint interests among competing stakeholders. We draw on theories of normative influence and reciprocity to identify how firms positively influence the relations between their internal and external stakeholders. We propose that firms can send credible corporate signals, such as philanthropy and sustainability reporting, to exert social influence on employees, but that employees’ own treatment by their firm and career prospects are also important in shaping their behavior toward the external community. We investigate these arguments in the context of Chinese firms’ donation behavior following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Empirical analysis shows that the credibility of corporate signals differs. Sustainability reporting that adheres to global standards has a direct bearing on employees’ behavior. In contrast, corporate giving by itself has no general influence on the willingness of employees to donate. However, firms that have either positive employee relations or have employees with superior career prospects and make donations to earthquake relief stimulate their employees to make their own donations too. In so doing, firms gain from the efforts of internal stakeholders to serve external stakeholders. We discuss the implications of our study for stakeholder theory and, in particular, the jointness of stakeholder interests.
An innovative vehicle headlamp design based on a high-efficiency LED light pipe system
Authors: Whang AJW , Jhan KC , Chao SM , Chen GW , Chou CH , Lin CM , Chang CM , Chen KY , Lai YL
Published: November 2013

We propose an innovative vehicle headlight design based on a highly efficient LED light pipe system. In the system, light rays are emitted from multiple high-power LEDs in front of a total internal reflection (TIR) lens. After passing through the TIR lens, the rays are divided into two beams by a prism splitter, and each beam is guided to each headlamp by a light pipe. We propose the system because it uses fewer LEDs but provides enough lumens and reduces the number of TIR lenses required. Detailed analysis of the system is given, and the simulation results show that the headlamp produces a legal Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) low-beam pattern, with a total optical efficiency up to 40.2%, when four LED (Lumileds-K2) sources are used.
Real-Time Functional Mapping With Electrocorticography in Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Korostenskaja Milena , Wilson Adam J. , Rose Douglas F. , Brunner Peter , Schalk Gerwin , Leach James , Mangano Francesco T. , Fujiwara Hisako , Rozhkov Leonid , Harris Elana , Chen Po-Ching , Seo Joo-Hee , Lee Ki H.
Published: November 2013

SIGFRIED (SIGnal modeling For Real-time Identification and Event Detection) software provides real-time functional mapping (RTFM) of eloquent cortex for epilepsy patients preparing to undergo resective surgery. This study presents the first application of paradigms used in functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) and electrical cortical stimulation mapping (ESM) studies for shared functional cortical mapping in the context of RTFM. Results from the 3 modalities are compared. A left-handed 13-year-old male with intractable epilepsy participated in functional mapping for localization of eloquent language cortex with fMRI, ESM, and RTFM. For RTFM, data were acquired over the frontal and temporal cortex. Several paradigms were sequentially presented: passive (listening to stories) and active (picture naming and verb generation). For verb generation and story processing, fMRI showed atypical right lateralizing language activation within temporal lobe regions of interest and bilateral frontal activation with slight right lateralization. Left hemisphere ESM demonstrated no eloquent language areas. RTFM procedures using story processing and picture naming elicited activity in the right lateral and basal temporal regions. Verb generation elicited strong right lateral temporal lobe activation, as well as left frontal lobe activation. RTFM results confirmed atypical language lateralization evident from fMRI and ESM. We demonstrated the feasibility and usefulness of a new RTFM stimulation paradigm during presurgical evaluation. Block design paradigms used in fMRI may be optimal for this purpose. Further development is needed to create age-appropriate RTFM test batteries.
The Clinical Features and Prognosis of Patients With Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Referral Center in Turkey
Authors: Dericioglu Nese , Arsava Ethem Murat , Topcuoglu Mehmet Akif
Published: November 2013

The availability of video electroencephalography monitoring (VEEGM) in neurological intensive care units has allowed the recognition and treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). However, little is known about characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients with NCSE in developing countries. We retrospectively reviewed the video-EEG reports of 120 patients who were monitored from November 2009 to March 2013. Indications for video-EEG were mostly unexplained alterations of consciousness or witnessed convulsive seizures. We identified the clinical characteristics, treatment regimes, and outcomes of patients with NCSE and tried to determine which parameters were associated with prognosis. NCSE was detected in 12/120 (10%) patients (3 females, 9 males; age 24-86 years). Admission diagnoses were: stroke (3), epilepsy (3), autoimmune limbic encephalitis (3), herpes encephalitis (1), presumed encephalitis-cardiac arrest (1), and malignancy (1). Eight patients had witnessed convulsive seizures before video-EEG. Interictal periodic epileptiform discharges were detected in 9 patients. In one-third of patients, ≥2 EEG recordings were required to capture seizures. In addition to anticonvulsants, 3 patients received immunosuppressive therapy, while intravenous anesthetics were given to 7 patients. Four patients (33.3%; 1 female, 3 males; age 51-67 years; etiology: stroke, autoimmune encephalitis, encephalitis-cardiac arrest, and malignancy; Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score <8 in 3 patients; all had periodic discharges; intravenous anesthetics were used) died in the intensive care unit. NCSE is not an infrequent finding in neurological intensive care units, thus necessitating prolonged video-EEG monitoring in patients at risk. Witnessed convulsions may indicate the presence of nonconvulsive seizures in patients with altered consciousness. Repeated recordings may increase the detection of ictal events. Periodic epileptiform discharges are commonly observed and may predict poor prognosis. Mortality seems to be influenced mostly by the underlying etiology.
Preliminary Findings of Single- and Multifocused Epileptiform Discharges in Nonepileptic Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Zimmerman Elizabeth M. , Konopka Lukasz M.
Published: November 2013

Epileptiform discharges (EDs) in nonepileptic populations remain controversial as to their role in psychopathology. Previous studies have unsuccessfully attempted to correlate specific waveforms of EDs, defined by duration and morphology, with broad diagnostic categories such as depression and anxiety. These diagnostic categories often include heterogeneous patient populations, with potentially divergent biological underpinnings of clinical presentation. This study examined epileptiform activities as a single phenomenon, identifying the relationships between distribution patterns of EDs and endorsement of clinical symptoms across affective, cognitive, and somatic domains. In a sample of 71 nonepileptic psychiatric patients, those with EDs appearing in homologous electrode pairs endorsed significantly fewer symptoms related to affective deregulation. These patients were also significantly less likely to endorse a history of severe symptomatology, including suicidal ideation/previous attempt, self-injurious behavior, psychoses or dissociation, and previous psychiatric hospitalization. Conversely, patients with isolated EDs focused to a single brain region endorsed greater affective deregulation and severe clinical symptoms. These findings offer new possibilities regarding the potentially protective role that EDs may play when distributed across hemispheres, particularly in light of recent theories exploring functional connectivity of neuronal networks.
Thoracoscopic Half Carina Resection and Bronchial Sleeve Resection for Central Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Xin , Chen Hanzhang , Yin Weiqiang , Shao Wenlong , Xiong Xinguo , Huang Jun , He Jianxing
Published: November 2013

Background. The objectives of this study were to report the surgical techniques and clinical outcome of thoracoscopic half carina resection and thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection for central lung cancer. Methods. Between January 2011 and November 2012, 675 patients with lung cancer underwent radical surgery by thoracoscopy, and 49 (7.3%) underwent bronchial sleeve resection. Among 49 patients, 20 (41%) received thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve lobectomy. Perioperative variables and postoperative outcomes of these cases were analyzed to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of this operation. Results. In one patient, right upper lung sleeve resection was combined with half-carinal resection and reconstruction. In another, right medial lung sleeve resection was combined with lower right dorsal segment resection. The average time of surgery was 239 ± 51 minutes (range = 142-330 minutes), and the average time of airway reconstruction was 44 ± 17 minutes (range = 22-75 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss averaged 207 ± 96 mL (range = 80-550 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 10 days (interquartile range = 8-12 days). Postoperatively, extubation was achieved in the recovery room without further need for mechanical ventilation. None of the patients developed anastomotic leak. Perioperative mortality was not observed. Conclusion. Thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection can be considered a feasible and safe operation for selected patients with central lung cancer. The complicated anastomosis technique of half carina resection was feasible.
Investigation of the structure and mechanical properties of castings of alloy AlSi7Mg, cast irons GG15 and GG25 and steel GX120Mn12, modified by nanosized powders
Authors: Kuzmanov Pavel , Dimitrova Rosica , Lazarova Rumyana , Cherepanov Anatoly , Popov Saho , Petrov Roumen , Manolov Valentin
Published: November 2013

The influence of nanopowders on the structure and mechanical properties was investigated in castings of aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg, grey cast irons GG15 and GG25 and steel GX120Mn12. Mixtures of SiC, TiCN and Y2O3 nanopowders were used. These mixtures or nanocompositions were coated with Cu, Cr, Ni and Fe metal protectors in order to improve wetting of the metal melt. Introducing small amounts of nanocompositions (less than 0.1 wt%) into the melt was found to refine the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of the castings.
Epstein–Barr virus-associated acute cholecystitis in a teenager
Authors: Strehle EM , De Alwis Y , Saleem M
Published: November 2013

A 14-year-old girl was admitted to hospital with fever, headache, sore throat and abdominal pain. Her blood lymphocyte count and inflammatory markers were raised. Acute Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection was suspected and confirmed serologically and by measuring the viral load. On day 7, she developed jaundice with abnormal liver function tests. An abdominal ultrasound scan revealed thickening of the gallbladder and bile duct walls without calculi suggesting acute acalculous cholecystitis. The patient improved slowly with symptomatic treatment, and a repeat ultrasound scan six months later was normal. Acalculous cholecystitis is a rare complication of EBV infection and usually has a good prognosis.
Interpretative cooperation with biographical texts: A semiotic approach to analyzing collective memory
Authors: Hájek Martin , Dlouhá Marie
Published: November 2013

This article reports on research into the little-known process of how documents of memory, in this case biographical narratives of life under the communist regime, are received by members of the community of memory. The research is based on an experiment in which three generations of family members (two generations of eyewitnesses of communism and one postcommunist generation) were asked to infer the political identity of narrators from very short fragments of biographical texts concerning the communist era. Using a semiotic approach, the authors perform a detailed analysis of how readers, in their formulation of an acceptable interpretation of the narratives, cooperate with these excerpts of biographical texts. The results show that behind generally weak intergenerational differences in cooperation with the texts, there are certain specific differences in such cooperation between the young postcommunist generation and the generations of their parents and grandparents. The authors suggest that these distinctions indicate the role semiotic competencies play in determining what memory will be accomplished in a given situation.
Update on vitamin D: More than just a nutrient
Authors: White Christopher
Published: November 2013

An increasing number of pregnancy complications have been ascribed or at least associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D has undergone a metamorphosis from nutrient to hormone and more recently has been recognised to have broader biological relevance. This includes potential immunogenic, oncogenic and metabolic actions. This review outlines the roles of vitamin D, the problems in accurate measurement and determining normal ranges and how this is important in an understanding of vitamin D in normal and abnormal pregnancy.
An Update in Postcardiac Arrest Management and Prognosis in the Era of Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Cahill Elizabeth A. , Tirschwell David L. , Khot Sandeep
Published: November 2013

Prognostication of patients who remain comatose following successful resuscitation after cardiac arrest has long posed a challenge for the consulting neurologist. With increasing rates of early defibrillation, out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and expanding use of therapeutic hypothermia, prognostication in hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy has become an increasingly common consult for neurologists. Much of the data we previously relied upon for prognostication were taken from patients who were not treated with therapeutic hypothermia. In this review, we examine useful prognostic tools and markers, including the physical examination, evaluation of myoclonus, electroencephalogram monitoring, somatosensory-evoked potentials, biochemical markers of neuronal injury, and neuroimaging. Neurologists must avoid overly pessimistic prognostic statements regarding survival, awakening from coma, or future quality of life, as such statements may unduly influence decisions regarding the continuation of life-sustaining treatment. Conversely, continuation of aggressive medical management in a patient without any hope of awakening should also be avoided. Thus, an understanding of the utility and the limitations of these prognostic tools in the era of therapeutic hypothermia is essential.
Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus on MDCT: a rare intracardiac mass
Authors: Mallat Najoua , Limeme Manel , Zaghouani Houneida , Mootemri Feriel , Majdoub Senda , Amara Habib , Bakir Dejla , Kraiem Chakib
Published: November 2013

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is a rare form of chronic degenerative process in the mitral valve fibrous ring with a mass-like appearance that has to be in the differential of the radiologist and cardiologist. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman in whom a tumor-like calcified mass in the posterior side of the mitral valve annulus was detected at echocardiography, and the diagnosis of caseous calcification was confirmed on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). The diagnostic features of this rare cardiac mass are described.
Increased expression of ADAMTS13 mRNA correlates with ischemic cerebrovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: López De Padilla Consuelo M , Hein Molly S , Crowson Cynthia S , Choo Christopher S , Green Abigail B , Petri Michelle , Bilgic Hatice , Baechler Emily C , Reed Ann M
Published: November 2013

Objective:

We investigated ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) messenger RNA levels as a biomarker of disease features in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods:

We measured and compared messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of ADAMTS13 in peripheral blood cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy control subjects by whole-genome microarray. We retrospectively analyzed the correlations of ADAMTS13 mRNA expression with clinical features, laboratory parameters, therapeutic features, and disease activity (according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index). We also examined the association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4962145, rs2285467, and rs685523) of the ADAMTS13 gene with patient characteristics.

Results:

In 309 patients, the median ADAMTS13 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in blood cells of systemic lupus erythematosus patients than in 23 healthy controls ( p = .03). Notably, ADAMTS13 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with a history of stroke ( p = .02) or transient ischemic attack ( p = .02). Among the three single nucleotide polymorphisms analyzed, rs2285467 was significantly associated with stroke ( p = .03) and anticardiolipin antibodies ( p = .04).

Conclusions:

Increased expression of ADAMTS13 mRNA in blood cells is associated with the presence of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and suggests a potential role for ADAMTS13 in the pathogenesis of ischemic cerebrovascular disease in these patients.
Deposition of Ti–Si–N films on Al substrates by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Pang J. , Bai Y. , Qin F. , Pan L. , Zhao Y. , Kang R.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this work is to settle the problem of adhesion between hard films and soft metal substrates. Hard Ti–Si–N films were deposited onto soft Al substrates with a double target magnetron sputtering system. The composition, structure, surface morphologies and mechanical properties were characterised by electron probe microanalyser, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, scratch test and nanoindentation respectively. The as-deposited films had good adhesion to the Al substrates and had a smooth and lustrous surface. The maximum hardness of the films achieved was as high as 27·2 GPa at the Si target power of 80 W.
Microstructure and visible light photocatalytic activity of Fe–TiO2 films on steel by PEO
Authors: Wang M. , Lei Y. C. , Wang Y. L. , Zhou M. , Zhu Q. , Wu B. , Amoako G. , Ding H.
Published: November 2013

Fe doped TiO2 ceramic films were fabricated on carbon steel by plasma electrolytic oxidation. The microstructure of the film was characterised, and the photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated. The results showed that the phases of the films were anatase TiO2 and Al2TiO5. The film surface was rough and porous. With increasing the treatment time, the pores on film surfaces gradually became deep and large, which made the film surfaces rougher. Fe–TiO2 films showed red shift in photoresponse towards the visible region. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of Rhodamine B aqueous under visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the film showed visible light photocatalytic activity. With increasing treatment time, the degradation rate of rhodamine B gradually increased and the highest degradation rate was ∼80% in visible light irradiation for 6 h.
Effects of pH values on electroless deposition of CoP films
Authors: Yu Y. D. , Li M. G. , Wei G. Y. , Ge H. L.
Published: November 2013

CoP thin films were prepared on copper substrates from an alkaline bath by electroless deposition. Influences of pH values on deposition rates, compositions, structures, surface morphologies and magnetic performances of films were studied. Higher pH values could improve deposition rates and cobalt contents in the films. However, when the pH value is higher than 10, hydroxide depositions can result in the decrease of deposition rates and cobalt contents. Films prepared with different pH values show dissimilar surface morphologies. The films are densely covered with typical nodular structures when the pH value is equal to 10. However, films obtained with pH = 11 show agglomerate and rough structures. Phosphorus in the films would help to increase coercivity.
Plasma sprayed coatings of glass microspheres premixed with Al2O3 particles
Authors: Gupta G. , Satapathy A.
Published: November 2013

Plasma sprayed coatings are widely used these days to improve wear, thermal and corrosion resistance of machine components. Although much work have been reported on such coatings made up of a large number of metals and ceramic particles, no effort has so far been made with glass microspheres for this purpose despite its high hardness. In view of this, the present work is undertaken to study the preparation and characterisation of a new class of coatings made up of borosilicate glass microspheres (BGMs) premixed with microsized aluminium oxide (Al2O3) in different proportions. Deposition of BGM/Al2O3 coatings is done at five different torch input power. The coatings are characterised in terms of their thickness, hardness, adhesion strength, porosity and deposition efficiency. This work reveals that premixing of Al2O3 results in improved properties in BGM coatings. With fairly good hardness and low porosity, these coatings can be used in many engineering applications.
Nanoindentation testing of pulse electrodeposited thin zirconia coatings
Authors: Samiee F. , Raeissi K. , Golozar M. A.
Published: November 2013

Zirconia coatings were prepared by heat treating the zirconium hydroxide, electrodeposited on 316L stainless steel by pulse current. Heat treatment at 400 and 600°C resulted in crystallisation of amorphous hydroxide to tetragonal zirconia, which improved the nanohardness and Young's modulus of the coatings. Nanoindentation testing of the coatings showed that heat treatment at 600°C would increase the nanohardness and Young's modulus of the coatings. This can be attributed to the complete crystallization and thus development of a single tetragonal phase in the coatings.
Effects of substrate bias on structure and mechanical properties of AlCrTiWNbTa coatings
Authors: Zhao F. , Song Z. X. , Zhang G. F. , Hou X. D. , Deng D. W.
Published: November 2013

AlCrTiWNbTa multielements high entropy alloy films have been synthesised by using magnetron co-sputtering of three binary alloy targets. Effects of substrate bias on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the films are studied. The composition and the crystallographic structure of the films are characterised by an electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) and an X-ray diffractometer respectively. The surface micrographs of the films are described by atomic force microscope (AFM). The microhardness and elastic modulus of the films are measured using a nanoindenter. It is found that the deposition rate of the AlTiWTaNbCr films decreases as the increase in the bias voltage. The microstructure of the deposited films is amorphous. The microhardness and elastic modulus of the films keep at about 12·5 and 180 GPa respectively. The surface roughness is in the range of 0·3–0·5 nm.
Magnetic performance and corrosion resistance of cobalt based magnetic films
Authors: Wu P. P. , Jiang L. , Sun Y. , Peng Q. J. , Yu Y. D. , Ge H. L.
Published: November 2013

To optimise the composition of magnetic materials applied in the fabrication of ultralarge scale integration (ULSI) devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), the magnetic performance and anticorrosion property of cobalt based magnetic films (CoWP, CoPtP and CoMoP) were investigated using vibration sample magnetometer (VSM) and electrochemical technologies (potentiodynamic polarisation curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Results indicate that CoWP has a small coercivity (592·73 Oe) and large saturation magnetisation value (144·20 emu.g−1); while CoPtP and CoMoP films are hard magnetic materials with coercivity of 1786·57 and 2745·20 Oe, saturation magnetisation value of 91·72 and 120·74 emu.g−1 respectively. Electrochemical measurements reveal the order of corrosion resistance in 3·5%NaCl solution was CoPtP film>CoWP film>CoMoP film. In the fabrication of ULSI devices and MEMS, CoPtP film was recommend to be one of the most suitable magnetic materials. CoPtP film was thick with finer grains (52–78 nm) and lower roughness (18·212 nm).
Systematic review of the dry powder inhalers colistimethate sodium and tobramycin in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Uttley Lesley , Harnan Sue , Cantrell Anna , Taylor Chris , Walshaw Martin , Brownlee Keith , Tappenden Paul
Published: November 2013

This systematic review evaluated evidence for two dry powder formulations, colistimethate sodium and tobramycin, for the treatment of chronicPseudomonas aeruginosain cystic fibrosis, as part of the UK national recommendation process for new technologies. Electronic bibliographic databases were searched in May 2012 (MEDLINE, MEDLINE in-Process, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, CINAHL, Web of Science, Conference Proceedings Citation Index and BIOSIS Previews). Relevant outcomes included rate and extent of microbial response (e.g.sputum density ofP. aeruginosa), lung function (e.g.forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)), frequency, severity of acute exacerbations and adverse events. Three trials were included, and both dry powder formulations were reported to be non-inferior in the short term to nebulised tobramycin for FEV1. However, long-term follow-up data were missing and the effect on exacerbation rates was not always reported. Whilst short-term results showed that both dry powder drugs were non-inferior to nebulised tobramycin, there was no long-term follow-up and no phase 3 trials compared nebulised and dry powder colistimethate sodium. The use of FEV1as the primary end-point may not accurately represent changes in lung health. This review illustrates the difficulty in assessing new technologies where the evidence base is poor.
How to adapt the pulmonary rehabilitation programme to patients with chronic respiratory disease other than COPD
Authors: Holland Anne E. , Wadell Karin , Spruit Martijn A.
Published: November 2013

Dyspnoea, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, peripheral muscle dysfunction and mood disorders are common features of many chronic respiratory disorders. Pulmonary rehabilitation successfully treats these manifestations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emerging evidence suggests that these benefits could be extended to other chronic respiratory conditions, although adaptations to the standard programme format may be required. Whilst the benefits of exercise training are well established in asthma, pulmonary rehabilitation can also provide evidence-based interventions including breathing techniques and self-management training. In interstitial lung disease, a small number of trials show improved exercise capacity, symptoms and quality of life following pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a positive development for patients who may have few treatment options. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, exercise training is safe and effective if patients are stable on medical therapy and close supervision is provided. Pulmonary rehabilitation for bronchiectasis, including exercise training and airway clearance techniques, improves exercise capacity and quality of life. In nonsmall cell lung cancer, a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach is required to ensure the success of pulmonary rehabilitation following surgery. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes provide important and underutilised opportunities to improve the integrated care of people with chronic respiratory disorders other than COPD.
Understanding the impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on patients' and carers' lives
Authors: Guillevin Loïc , Armstrong Iain , Aldrighetti Rino , Howard Luke S. , Ryftenius Henrik , Fischer Aryeh , Lombardi Sandra , Studer Sean , Ferrari Pisana
Published: November 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, debilitating and rapidly progressive disease. Although there have been important medical advances in PAH management, the search for a cure continues. Despite an increased understanding of the disease, data on the wider effect of PAH on patients and carers, beyond the clinical symptoms, are still limited. In order to explore this, a large-scale international survey investigated four key areas affected by PAH (physical and practical, emotional, social, and information needs) and provides new insight into patients’ and carers’ experiences of living with the disease. The results from the survey highlight not only the limited ability of patients to carry out everyday tasks, but also the financial impact and social isolation experienced by both patients and carers. The study confirmed that a decline in a patient’s World Health Organization functional class, which indicates an increase in clinical severity of the disease, is associated with greater limitations. Results from the survey demonstrate the need for multidisciplinary PAH management and a comprehensive standard of care to assess and improve all aspects of well-being for both patients and carers. In addition, they underline the need for updated PAH guidelines that address these needs.
Screening patients with scleroderma for pulmonary arterial hypertension and implications for other at-risk populations
Authors: Schwaiger Johannes P. , Khanna Dinesh , Gerry Coghlan J.
Published: November 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vasculopathy that is advanced by the time symptoms develop. As symptoms are nonspecific and the condition uncommon, continued progression toward end-stage disease occurs for an average of 2 years between symptom onset and diagnosis. There is need for earlier diagnosis and treatment, as most patients are severely symptomatic when diagnosed and their mortality is high despite therapy. Screening can help; however, it is not straightforward due to the diversity of patient profiles and lack of sufficiently accurate tools. Echocardiography, currently the best available screening tool, lacks both sensitivity and specificity. The low prevalence of PAH renders many screening tools unfit for purpose. However, this may be overcome, in some instances, by using enrichment tools to preselect screening populations. The majority of data are available for systemic sclerosis. A recent study has demonstrated how lung function can be used to enrich PAH prevalence in a systemic sclerosis population. A screening bundle then selects patients for right heart catheterisation with improved rates of sensitivity compared to current guidelines.
The need to move from 6-minute walk distance to outcome trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Gaine Sean , Simonneau Gérald
Published: November 2013

Assessment of change in exercise capacity using the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test has been the primary end-point in the majority of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) clinical trials. The 6MWD has some advantages as an end-point in such studies. It is simple and inexpensive to perform, reproducible and validated. In short-term studies with small patient numbers, as is typical in a rare disease like PAH, using change from baseline in 6MWD as the primary outcome measure demonstrated statistically significant differences between placebo and study drugs, leading to their approval. However, there have been increasing calls for clinical trials to employ primary end-points that reflect long-term disease progression and morbidity. While the 6MWD was initially considered to be a potentially reliable surrogate for disease progression in PAH, there is increasing evidence that this is not necessarily the case. Given this, there is a need to re-examine the role of 6MWD in PAH trials, and to evaluate the evidence supporting whether there is a need to move from 6MWD to more robust measures of clinical outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality. However, in the clinic the 6MWD test, alongside symptoms, haemodynamics and biomarkers, remains a useful tool in the assessment and management of PAH patients.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Peacock Andrew J. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton
Published: November 2013

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) provides accurate information about right ventricular (RV) mass, RV volumes and other markers of RV function. CMRI is proving to be a particularly useful tool in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as measures of RV function have been shown to be prognostic of long-term outcomes in this disease. Changes in RV function can also provide important information about a patient's disease course and response to treatment. As CMRI is noninvasive it can be used to regularly monitor patients with PAH, which is an important advantage over invasive right heart catheterisation. This review will explore the use of CMRI in the context of existing monitoring tools for PAH and will explore the forthcoming developments that are likely to be important in the future monitoring of patients with PAH.
New perspectives in long-term outcomes in clinical trials of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Preston Ioana R. , Suissa Samy , Humbert Marc
Published: November 2013

The past two decades have seen significant improvements in the management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although outcome has improved, long-term prognosis remains unsatisfactory. The development of new treatment options is clearly important. Equally important is testing new agents in trials designed to provide robust evidence for sustained clinical benefits enabling clinicians to determine the optimal treatment strategy for individual patients. End-points such as the change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) have been pivotal in the registration trials of currently available PAH-specific therapies. However, as current clinical trials enrol patients with milder disease, many already on background therapy, there is growing evidence that change from baseline in 6MWD is a weak surrogate of outcome in PAH. In addition, while short-term trials allowed for the rapid approval of PAH therapies in the past, there is increasing recognition that clinical trials for new agents must provide evidence of long-term benefits. Clinical trials need to evolve to provide the long-term, clinically relevant data required to appropriately assess new therapies. Event-driven long-term morbidity and mortality trials are currently underway, and will provide robust data on the frequency and timing of events, and are likely to reflect the future of clinical trial design in PAH.
New horizons in pulmonary arterial hypertension therapies
Authors: Galiè Nazzareno , Ghofrani Ardeschir-Hossein
Published: November 2013

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease associated with vasoconstriction and vascular remodelling. There are three well-known pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of PAH: endothelin, nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Treatments targeting these pathways are well established in clinical practice, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and epoprostenol. New treatments have been developed with the aim of improving efficacy and ease of administration of therapies targeting these three established pathways, and several of these new treatments have recently undergone phase III investigation. Ongoing pre-clinical studies are also beginning to uncover other mechanisms that play a role in the complex pathobiology of PAH. These include genetic targets, transcription factors and signalling pathways. The discovery of new treatment targets may change the landscape of PAH therapy in the future. Herein, we present some of the promising future treatments and interesting new therapeutic targets.
Eisenmenger syndrome in an adult patient with a large patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Dimopoulos Konstantinos
Published: November 2013

This is the case of a young female who was seen at our adult congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension service (Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK) at the age of 17 years. She initially presented at the age of 4 years with increasing shortness of breath. At that time, there was differential cyanosis with clubbing and lower oxygen saturations in the toes (82%) compared with her fingers (95%). On echocardiography there was evidence of severe pulmonary hypertension and a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with low velocity bidirectional shunting. She underwent cardiac catheterisation at the time which showed a pulmonary arterial pressure equal to that of the aorta.