bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Switch Delays on Piezoelectric-Based Semi-Active Vibration Reduction Techniques
Authors: Kelley Christopher R. , Kauffman Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2016

Piezoelectric transducers have been used for semi-active vibration reduction in structures by altering the stiffness state and dissipating electrical energy. Common approaches include state switching, synchronized switch damping on a resistor (SSDS), and synchronized switch damping on an inductor (SSDI). Each of these methods requires four switches per vibration cycle, so any delay in the switch from the ideal moment could have a significant effect on the vibration reduction. An experimental investigation into the effect of switch delays on these techniques reveals that the abrupt change in piezoelectric voltage from the switch has the effect of a step input on the structure, which may excite higher order modes and increase the peak strain. This non-ideal switching of boundary conditions has implications towards the design and performance of these state switching techniques. Switching at the peak is classically considered the ideal switch time, but the influence of the switch on the local strain may actually result in a higher peak strain for the structure than with a delayed switch. This paper will examine switch times that lead and lag the ideal case for state switching, SSDS, and SSDI to quantify the level of vibration reduction achieved under non-ideal peak sensing.
Water-Repellent Slippery Surfaces for HVAC&R Systems
Authors: Yu Rong , Jacobi Anthony M.
Published: January 2016

Minimizing water retention on the air side of aluminum surfaces is important in the design and operation of efficient heat exchangers for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. Accumulation of water degrades the performance of heat exchangers by lowering the heat transfer rate and increasing the pressure drop. As a result, power consumption in such systems increases. In this work, a method of fabricating liquid-infused slippery surfaces with honeycomb-like superhydrophobic micro-/nano-structure substrate via an anodization process is developed. The slippery surface exhibits superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 155° and a sliding angle smaller than 5°. The delay of ice formation is observed during condensation/frosting experiment. Frost-melt retention experiments show that the liquid-infused slippery surface reduces the water retention by 90% compared to an untreated specimen. The longevity of the slippery surface is also explored. The water retention ratio does not show a significant change after 60 frosting/defrosting cycles, and is still only one third that of the baseline. The slippery surface has potential in HVAC&R applications.
Gain-Scheduled ℋ∞-Control for Active Vibration Isolation of a Gyroscopic Rotor
Authors: Becker Fabian B. , Sehr Martin A. , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with active vibration isolation of unbalance-induced oscillations in rotors using gain-scheduled H∞-controller via active bearings. Rotating machines are often exposed to gyroscopic effects, which occur due to bending deformations of rotors and the consequent tilting of rotor disks. The underlying gyroscopic moments are proportional to the rotational speed and couple the rotor’s radial degrees of freedom. Accordingly, linear time-varying models are well suited to describe the system dynamics in dependence on changing rotational speeds. In this paper, we design gain-scheduled H∞-controllers guaranteeing both robust stability and performance within a predefined range of operating speeds. The paper is based on a rotor test rig with two unbalance-induced resonances in its operating range. The rotor has two discs and is supported by one active and one passive bearing. The active support consists of two piezoelectric stack actuators and two collocated piezoelectric load washers. In addition, the rig is equipped with four inductive displacement sensors located at the discs. Closed-loop performance is assessed via isolation of unbalance-induced vibrations using both simulation and experimental data. This contribution is the next step on our path to achieving the long-term objective of combined vibration attenuation and isolation.
Chemical physics of water–water interfaces
Authors: Vis Mark , Erné Ben H. , Tromp Robert H.
Published: January 2016

A brief review is given on recent progress in experimental and theoretical investigations of the interface between coexisting aqueous phases of biopolymers. The experimental aspects are introduced using results obtained from a model system consisting of aqueous mixtures of nongelling gelatin and dextran. The focus is on the interfacial tension and interfacial electric potential (Donnan potential). These quantities are experimentally accessible and can be shown to be closely related.
Effect of intermetallic compounds on the thermal conductivity of Ti-Cu composites
Authors: Jagannadham K.
Published: January 2016

Ti films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on polycrystalline Cu substrates. The samples were annealed at different temperatures and characterized by x-ray diffraction for phase identification, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry for microstructure and composition and transient thermoreflectance for thermal conductivity and interface thermal conductance. The results showed that the diffused layer of Ti in Cu contained intermetallic compounds and solid solution of Ti in Cu. The thermal conductivity of the diffused layer is reduced, and the thickness increased for higher annealing temperature. The interface thermal conductance also decreased for higher temperature of annealing. A stable Cu4Ti phase was formed after annealing at 725 °C with thermal conductivity of 10 W m−1 K−1. The interface thermal conductance between the intermetallic compound and the solid solution of Ti in Cu also was reduced to 30 MW m−2 K−1. The effective thermal resistance of the diffused layer and the interface was found to increase for higher annealing temperature.
Conjugated gold nanoparticles as a tool for probing the bacterial cell envelope: The case of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Jahnke Justin P. , Cornejo Jose A. , Sumner James J. , Schuler Andrew J. , Atanassov Plamen , Ista Linnea K.
Published: January 2016

The bacterial cell envelope forms the interface between the interior of the cell and the outer world and is, thus, the means of communication with the environment. In particular, the outer cell surface mediates the adhesion of bacteria to the surface, the first step in biofilm formation. While a number of ligand-based interactions are known for the attachment process in commensal organisms and, as a result, opportunistic pathogens, the process of nonspecific attachment is thought to be mediated by colloidal, physiochemical, interactions. It is becoming clear, however, that colloidal models ignore the heterogeneity of the bacterial surface, and that the so-called nonspecific attachment may be mediated by specific regions of the cell surface, whether or not the relevant interaction is ligand-mediate. The authors introduce surface functionalized gold nanoparticles to probe the surface chemistry of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as it relates to surface attachment to ω-substituted alkanethiolates self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A linear relationship between the attachment of S. oneidensis to SAM modified planar substrates and the number of similarly modified nanoparticles attached to the bacterial surfaces was demonstrated. In addition, the authors demonstrate that carboxylic acid-terminated nanoparticles attach preferentially to the subpolar region of the S. oneidensis and obliteration of that binding preference corresponds in loss of attachment to carboxylic acid terminated SAMs. Moreover, this region corresponds to suspected functional regions of the S. oneidensis surface. Because this method can be employed over large numbers of cells, this method is expected to be generally applicable for understanding cell surface organization across populations.
Ionic strength dependent vesicle adsorption and phase behavior of anionic phospholipids on a gold substrate
Authors: Pramanik Sumit Kumar , Seneca Senne , Ethirajan Anitha , Neupane Shova , Renner Frank Uwe , Losada-Pérez Patricia
Published: January 2016

The authors report on the effect of ionic strength on the formation of supported vesicle layers of anionic phospholipids 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-glycerol (DMPG) and dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS) onto gold. Using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring the authors show that vesicle adsorption is mainly governed by NaCl concentration, reflecting the importance of electrostatic interactions in anionic lipids, as compared to zwitterionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. At low ionic strength, low or no adsorption is observed as a result of vesicle–vesicle electrostatic repulsion. At medium ionic strength, the negative charges of DMPG and DMPS are screened resulting in larger adsorption and a highly dissipative intact vesicle layer. In addition, DMPS exhibits a peculiar behavior at high ionic strength that depends on the temperature of the process.
In-plane and out-of-plane motions of the human tympanic membrane
Authors: Khaleghi Morteza , Cheng Jeffrey Tao , Furlong Cosme , Rosowski John J.
Published: January 2016

Computer-controlled digital holographic techniques are developed and used to measure shape and four-dimensional nano-scale displacements of the surface of the tympanic membrane (TM) in cadaveric human ears in response to tonal sounds. The combination of these measurements (shape and sound-induced motions) allows the calculation of the out-of-plane (perpendicular to the surface) and in-plane (tangential) motion components at over 1 000 000 points on the TM surface with a high-degree of accuracy and sensitivity. A general conclusion is that the in-plane motion components are 10–20 dB smaller than the out-of-plane motions. These conditions are most often compromised with higher-frequency sound stimuli where the overall displacements are smaller, or the spatial density of holographic fringes is higher, both of which increase the uncertainty of the measurements. The results are consistent with the TM acting as a Kirchhoff–Love's thin shell dominated by out-of-plane motion with little in-plane motion, at least with stimulus frequencies up to 8 kHz.
Characterization and reduction of flow separation in jet pumps for laminar oscillatory flows
Authors: Timmer Michael A. G. , Oosterhuis Joris P. , Bühler Simon , Wilcox Douglas , van der Meer Theo H.
Published: January 2016

A computational fluid dynamics model is used to predict the oscillatory flow through tapered cylindrical tube sections (jet pumps). The asymmetric shape of jet pumps results in a time-averaged pressure drop that can be used to suppress Gedeon streaming in closed-loop thermoacoustic devices. However, previous work has shown that flow separation in the diverging flow direction counteracts the time-averaged pressure drop. In this work, the characteristics of flow separation in jet pumps are identified and coupled with the observed jet pump performance. Furthermore, it is shown that the onset of flow separation can be shifted to larger displacement amplitudes by designs that have a smoother transition between the small opening and the tapered surface of the jet pump. These design alterations also reduce the duration of separated flow, resulting in more effective and robust jet pumps. To make the proposed jet pump designs more compact without reducing their performance, the minimum big opening radius that can be implemented before the local minor losses have an influence on the jet pump performance is investigated. To validate the numerical results, they are compared with experimental results for one of the proposed jet pump designs.
Hyperarticulation in Lombard speech: Global coordination of the jaw, lips and the tongue
Authors: Šimko Juraj , Beňuš Štefan , Vainio Martti
Published: January 2016

Over the last century, researchers have collected a considerable amount of data reflecting the properties of Lombard speech, i.e., speech in a noisy environment. The documented phenomena predominately report effects on the speech signal produced in ambient noise. In comparison, relatively little is known about the underlying articulatory patterns of Lombard speech, in particular for lingual articulation. Here the authors present an analysis of articulatory recordings of speech material in babble noise of different intensity levels and in hypoarticulated speech and report quantitative differences in relative expansion of movement of different articulatory subsystems (the jaw, the lips and the tongue) as well as in relative expansion of utterance duration. The trajectory modifications for one articulator can be relatively reliably predicted by those for another one, but subsystems differ in a degree of continuity in trajectory expansion elicited across different noise levels. Regression analysis of articulatory modifications against durational expansion shows further qualitative differences between the subsystems, namely, the jaw and the tongue. The findings are discussed in terms of possible influences of a combination of prosodic, segmental, and physiological factors. In addition, the Lombard effect is put forward as a viable methodology for eliciting global articulatory variation in a controlled manner.
Comparison of ActiGraph GT3X+ and StepWatch Step Count Accuracy in Geriatric Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Webber Sandra C. , St. John Philip D.
Published: January 2016

Activity monitors may not accurately detect steps in hospitalized older adults who walk slowly. We compared ActiGraph GT3X+ step counts (hip and ankle locations, default and low frequency extension [LFE] analyses) to the StepWatch monitor (ankle) during a hallway walk in 38 geriatric rehabilitation patients (83.2 ± 7.1 years of age, 0.4 ± 0.2 m/s gait speed). Absolute percent error values were low (<3%) and did not differ for the StepWatch and the GT3X+ (ankle, LFE); however, error values were high (19–97%) when the GT3X+ was worn at the hip and/ or analyzed with the default filter. Although these finding suggest the GT3X+ (ankle, LFE) functions as well as the StepWatch in detecting steps during walking in older adults with slow gait speeds, further research is needed to determine whether the GT3X+ is also able to disregard other body movements (e.g., fidgeting) that occur when full day monitoring is utilized.
Microbial and Functional Diversity within the Phyllosphere of Espeletia Species in an Andean High-Mountain Ecosystem
Authors: Ruiz-Pérez Carlos A. , Restrepo Silvia , Zambrano María Mercedes
Published: January 2016

Microbial populations residing in close contact with plants can be found in the rhizosphere, in the phyllosphere as epiphytes on the surface, or inside plants as endophytes. Here, we analyzed the microbiota associated with
Espeletia
plants, endemic to the Páramo environment of the Andes Mountains and a unique model for studying microbial populations and their adaptations to the adverse conditions of high-mountain neotropical ecosystems. Communities were analyzed using samples from the rhizosphere, necromass, and young and mature leaves, the last two analyzed separately as endophytes and epiphytes. The taxonomic composition determined by performing sequencing of the V5-V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene indicated differences among populations of the leaf phyllosphere, the necromass, and the rhizosphere, with predominance of some phyla but only few shared operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Functional profiles predicted on the basis of taxonomic affiliations differed from those obtained by GeoChip microarray analysis, which separated community functional capacities based on plant microenvironment. The identified metabolic pathways provided insight regarding microbial strategies for colonization and survival in these ecosystems. This study of novel plant phyllosphere microbiomes and their putative functional ecology is also the first step for future bioprospecting studies in search of enzymes, compounds, or microorganisms relevant to industry or for remediation efforts.
Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding
Authors: Malisoux Laurent , Chambon Nicolas , Delattre Nicolas , Gueguen Nils , Urhausen Axel , Theisen Daniel
Published: January 2016

Background/aim

This randomised controlled trial investigated if the usage of running shoes with a motion control system modifies injury risk in regular leisure-time runners compared to standard shoes, and if this influence depends on foot morphology.

Methods

Recreational runners (n=372) were given either the motion control or the standard version of a regular running shoe model and were followed up for 6 months regarding running activity and injury. Foot morphology was analysed using the Foot Posture Index method. Cox regression analyses were used to compare injury risk between the two groups, based on HRs and their 95% CIs, controlling for potential confounders. Stratified analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of motion control system in runners with supinated, neutral and pronated feet.

Results

The overall injury risk was lower among the participants who had received motion control shoes (HR=0.55; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.85) compared to those receiving standard shoes. This positive effect was only observed in the stratum of runners with pronated feet (n=94; HR=0.34; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.84); there was no difference in runners with neutral (n=218; HR=0.78; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.37) or supinated feet (n=60; HR=0.59; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.73). Runners with pronated feet using standard shoes had a higher injury risk compared to those with neutral feet (HR=1.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.22).

Conclusions

The overall injury risk was lower in participants who had received motion control shoes. Based on secondary analysis, those with pronated feet may benefit most from this shoe type.
Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a study protocol of a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial
Authors: Chaibi Aleksander , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Tuchin Peter J , Russell Michael Bjørn
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Migraine affects 15% of the population, and has substantial health and socioeconomic costs. Pharmacological management is first-line treatment. However, acute and/or prophylactic medicine might not be tolerated due to side effects or contraindications. Thus, we aim to assess the efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) for migraineurs in a single-blinded placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Method and analysis

According to the power calculations, 90 participants are needed in the RCT. Participants will be randomised into one of three groups: CSMT, placebo (sham manipulation) and control (usual non-manual management). The RCT consists of three stages: 1 month run-in, 3 months intervention and follow-up analyses at the end of the intervention and 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary end point is migraine frequency, while migraine duration, migraine intensity, headache index (frequency x duration x intensity) and medicine consumption are secondary end points. Primary analysis will assess a change in migraine frequency from baseline to the end of the intervention and follow-up, where the groups CSMT and placebo and CSMT and control will be compared. Owing to two group comparisons, p values below 0.025 will be considered statistically significant. For all secondary end points and analyses, a p value below 0.05 will be used. The results will be presented with the corresponding p values and 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

The RCT will follow the clinical trial guidelines from the International Headache Society. The Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics and the Norwegian Social Science Data Services have approved the project. Procedure will be conducted according to the declaration of Helsinki. The results will be published at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT01741714.
Does COPD have a clinically relevant impact on hearing loss? A retrospective matched cohort study with selection of patients diagnosed with COPD
Authors: Kamenski Gustav , Bendova Jana , Fink Waltraud , Sönnichsen Andreas , Spiegel Wolfgang , Zehetmayer Sonja
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a multisystemic disease has a measurable and biologically explainable impact on the auditory function detectable in the laboratory. This study tries to clarify if COPD is also a significant and clinically relevant risk factor for hearing impairment detectable in the general practice setting.

Design

Retrospective matched cohort study with selection of patients diagnosed with COPD.

Setting

12 general practices in Lower Austria.

Participants

Consecutive patients >35 years with a diagnosis of COPD who consulted 1 of 12 single-handed GPs in 2009 and 2010 were asked to participate. Those who agreed were individually 1:1 matched with controls according to age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure.

Main outcome measures

Sensorineural hearing impairment as assessed by pure tone audiometry, answers of three questions concerning a self-perceived hearing problem, application of the whispered voice test and the score of the Hearing Inventory for the Elderly, Screening Version (HHIE-S).

Results

194 patients (97 pairs of 194 cases and controls) with a mean age of 65.5 (SD 10.2) were tested. Univariate conditional logistic regression resulted in significant differences in the mean bone conduction hearing loss and in the total score of HHIE-S, in the multiple conditional regression model, only smoking (p<0.0001) remained significant.

Conclusions

The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that there is an association between COPD and hearing impairment which, if found, would have allowed better management of patients with COPD.
Vaginal birth after caesarean section: why is uptake so low? Insights from a meta-ethnographic synthesis of women's accounts of their birth choices
Authors: Black Mairead , Entwistle Vikki A , Bhattacharya Siladitya , Gillies Katie
Published: January 2016

Objective

To identify what women report influences their preferred mode of birth after caesarean section.

Design

Systematic review of qualitative literature using meta-ethnography.

Data sources

Medline, EMBASE, ASSIA, CINAHL and PsycINFO (1996 until April 2013; updated September 2015). Hand-searched journals, reference lists and abstract authors.

Study selection

Primary qualitative studies reporting women's accounts of what influenced their preferred mode of birth after caesarean section.

Data extraction and synthesis

Primary data (quotations from study participants) and authors’ interpretations of these were extracted, compared and contrasted between studies, and grouped into themes to support the development of a ‘line of argument’ synthesis.

Results

20 papers reporting the views of 507 women from four countries were included. Distinctive clusters of influences were identified for each of three groups of women. Women who confidently sought vaginal birth after a caesarean section were typically driven by a long-standing anticipation of vaginal birth. Women who sought a repeat caesarean section were strongly influenced by distressing previous birth experiences, and at times, by encouragement from social contacts. Women who were more open to information and professional guidance had fewer strong preconceptions and concerns, and viewed a range of considerations as potentially important.

Conclusions

Women's attitudes towards birth after caesarean section appear to be shaped by distinct clusters of influences, suggesting that opportunities exist for clinicians to stratify and personalise decision support by addressing relevant ideas, concerns and experiences from the first caesarean section birth onwards.
Calcium channel blockers and cancer: a risk analysis using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)
Authors: Grimaldi-Bensouda Lamiae , Klungel Olaf , Kurz Xavier , de Groot Mark C H , Maciel Afonso Ana S , de Bruin Marie L , Reynolds Robert , Rossignol Michel
Published: January 2016

Objective

The evidence of an association between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and cancer is conflicting. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the risk of cancer (all, breast, prostate and colon cancers) in association with exposure to CCB.

Methods

This is a population-based cohort study in patients exposed to CCBs from across the UK, using two comparison cohorts: (1) patients with no exposure to CCB (non-CCB) matched on age and gender and (2) unmatched patients unexposed to CCB and at least one other antihypertensive (AHT) prescription. Cancer incidence rates computed in the exposed and the two unexposed groups were compared using HRs and 95% CIs obtained from multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

Overall, 150 750, 557 931 and 156 966 patients were included, respectively, in the CCB, non-CCB and AHT cohorts. Crude cancer incidence rates per 1000 person-years were 16.51, 15.75 and 10.62 for the three cohorts, respectively. Adjusted HRs (CI) for all cancers comparing CCB, non-CCB and AHT cohorts were 0.88 (0.86 to 0.89) and 1.01 (0.98 to 1.04), respectively. Compared to the AHT cohort, adjusted HRs (CI) for breast, prostate and colon cancer for the CCB cohort were 0.95 (0.87 to 1.04), 1.07 (0.98 to 1.16) and 0.89 (0.81 to 0.98), respectively. Analyses by duration of exposure to CCB did not show excess risk.

Conclusions

This large population-based study provides strong evidence that CCB use is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. The analyses yielded robust results across all types of cancer and different durations of exposure to CCBs.
Assessing access to paediatric trauma centres in Canada, and the impact of the golden hour on length of stay at the hospital: an observational study
Authors: Amram Ofer , Schuurman Nadine , Pike Ian , Friger Michael , Yanchar Natalie L
Published: January 2016

Objectives

In Canada injuries are a leading cause of death and morbidity among the paediatric population. Trauma systems have been established across North America to provide comprehensive injury care and to lead injury control efforts. However, not all populations have equal access to trauma care services. This is an observational study with the aim of assessing the impact of geographical access to paediatric trauma centres (PTCs) on patient outcomes, and to determine spatial access to PTCs across Canada.

Setting

To examine the relationship between access to PTC and injury outcome, length of stay at the PTC was determined for all injured patients who live within and outside of 60 min driving time of the PTC. To determine spatial access to PTCs across Canada, a list of level 1 and 2 PTCs was identified across Canada. A 1 h driving time catchment was created around each PTC in order to estimate spatial accessibility.

Participants

Hospital administration data sets from British Columbia (BC) and the Nova Scotia (NS) trauma registry were used to assess the impact of spatial access on paediatric injury (ages 0–15 years) outcomes. The data sets provided case-level data including the Injury Severity Score, postal code of place of residence, age and length of hospital stay.

Results

In NS and BC, average length of stay at the hospital is significantly lower inside 60 min driving time compared to outside of 60 min driving time from a PTC (p<0.05, using a non-parametric t test). In Canada, approximately 65% of the paediatric population resides within 1 h of a PTC.

Conclusions

This paper highlights differences in injury outcomes as a result of access. However, further investigation is needed as other considerations such as type of injury, age and/or gender may also affect injury outcomes.
The safety and efficacy of low profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) stents in assisting coil embolization of intracranial saccular aneurysms: a single center experience
Authors: Feng Zhengzhe , Fang Yibin , Xu Yi , Hong Bo , Zhao Wenyuan , Liu Jianmin , Huang Qinghai
Published: January 2016

Background

The low profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is a new generation of self-expanding braided stents recently introduced into China for stent assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms. This study assessed the clinical safety and efficacy of the LVIS stent for embolization of intracranial saccular aneurysms.

Methods

Patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms treated using the LVIS device in our center between April 2014 and December 2014 were reviewed. The primary outcomes were procedural safety, target aneurysm recurrence, and mid-term follow-up of clinical and angiographic outcomes.

Results

97 patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms were treated using the LVIS stent, with 100% technical success rate. No mortality was observed. One patient had transient deficit (1/97, 1.0%). Immediate angiographic outcome evaluation showed complete occlusion in 28 (28.8%) and neck remnant in 39 (40.2%) of the 97 patients, respectively. Of the 76 (78.35%) patients who underwent angiographic follow-up at a mean of 8.1 months, complete occlusion was achieved in 64 (84.2%) patients. In the remaining patients, neck remnant in nine (11.8%) and residual sac in three (4%) patients were observed. None of the patients had any target aneurysm recurrence, and the mortality rate was 0%.

Conclusions

The LVIS stent is safe and effective in the treatment of intracranial saccular aneurysms.
Silent ischemic events after Pipeline embolization device: a prospective evaluation with MR diffusion-weighted imaging
Authors: Brasiliense Leonardo B C , Stanley Morgan A , Grewal Sanjeet S , Cloft Harry J , Sauvageau Eric , Lanzino Giuseppe , Miller David , Kallmes David F , Hanel Ricardo
Published: January 2016

Background

The development of ischemic events is relatively common after endovascular interventions, and flow diverters may pose a particular threat owing to their increased technical complexity and high metal content.

Objective

To investigate the incidence and potential risk factors for thromboembolic lesions after treatment with a Pipeline embolization device (PED).

Methods

This prospective study included a total of 59 patients electively treated with a PED over 12 months. Postprocedural diffusion-weighted imaging sequences of the brain were obtained 24 h after interventions to detect ischemic lesions. Demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, antiplatelet management, and perioperative data were correlated with the rate of ischemic events.

Results

The incidence of silent ischemic events after use of a PED was 62.7% (37 patients) and neurological symptoms occurred in 8.1% of affected patients. Development of ischemic events was significantly associated with older patients (≥60 years; p=0.038). Routine use of platelet function assays and newer P2Y12 receptor inhibitors (ticagrelor) were not associated with fewer thromboembolic events.

Conclusions

Thromboembolic events are relatively common after treatment with a PED with an incidence comparable to stent-assisted and conventional coiling but the risk of neurological morbidity from ischemic burden is low. Older patients are at particularly increased risk of thromboembolic events.
Evidence of between-population differences in natural selection on extra-floral nectaries of the shrubAnemopaegma album(Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Nogueira Anselmo , Rey Pedro J. , Alcántara Julio M. , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: January 2016

Extra-floral nectaries (EFNs) are thought to represent protective adaptations against herbivory, but studies on the evolutionary ecology of EFNs have seldom been conducted. Here we investigate the patterns of natural selection and genetic variation in EFN traits in two wild populations of Anemopaegma album Mart. ex DC. (Bignoniaceae) that have been previously described as contrasting EFN – ant adapted localities in the Neotropical savanna (Cristália and Grão Mogol). In each population, four EFN descriptors, foliar damage, and reproductive success variables were measured per plant (100–120 plants per population). To estimate the heritability of EFN traits, we crossed reproductive plants in the field, and grew offspring plants in a common garden. The results showed that ant assemblages differed between populations, as did the range of foliar herbivory. Genetic variation and positive phenotypic selection in EFN abundance were only detected in the Cristália population, in which plants with more EFNs were more likely to reproduce. An evaluation of putative causal links conducted by path analysis corroborated the existence of phenotypic selection on EFNs, which was mediated by the herbivory process in the Cristália population. While EFNs could be currently under selection in Cristália, it is possible that past selection may have driven EFN traits to become locally adapted to the local ant assemblage in the Grão Mogol population.
Molecular cloning and characterization of an ADP-ribosylation factor 6 gene (ptARF6) fromPisolithus tinctorius
Authors: Wang Liling , Li Haibo , Zhou Yifeng , Qin Yuchuan , Wang Yanbin , Liu Bentong , Qian Hua
Published: January 2016

ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is an evolutionarily conserved molecule that has an essential function in intracellular trafficking and organelle structure. To better understand its role during presymbiosis between plant roots and compatible filamentous fungi, the full-length cDNA sequence of ARF6 from Pisolithus tinctorius was cloned and a variety of bioinformatics analyses performed. The full-length sequence was 849 bp long and contained a 549 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 182 amino acids. A phylogenetic analysis showed that ptARF6 was the ortholog of the ADP ribosylation factor 6/GTPase SAR1 gene from the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor. A domain architecture analysis of the ARF6 protein revealed a repeat region, which is a common feature of ARF6 in other species. Recombinant ARF6 protein was expressed with an N-terminal 6×His tag and purified using Ni2+-NTA affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of the recombinant protein was estimated by SDS–PAGE to be 25 kDa. The recombinant ARF6 protein bound strongly to 18:1 and 18:2 phosphatidic acids. Thus, ARF6 may participate in the signaling pathways involved in membrane phospholipid composition. The intracellular distribution of ptADP6 in HEK239T cells also indicates that ptADP6 may function not only in plasma membrane events but also in endosomal membranes events. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that the differential expression of ptARF6 was associated with the presymbiotic stage. ptARF6 may be induced by presymbiosis during the regulation of mycorrhizal formation.
Minimizing Makespan in Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling with Proportional Deterioration
Authors: Yin Na , Kang Liying
Published: January 2016

The [Formula: see text]-job and [Formula: see text]-machine permutation flow shop scheduling problem with a proportional deterioration is considered in which all machines process the jobs in the same order, i.e., a permutation schedule. A proportional deterioration means that the job deterioration as an increasing function that is proportional to a linear function of time. The objective is to minimize the makespan, i.e., the maximum completion time. When some dominant relationships between [Formula: see text] machines can be satisfied, we show that some special cases of the problem can be polynomial solvable. For the general case, we also propose a heuristic algorithm and give the computational experiments.
Reflecting disk with black edge
Authors: Troshin S. M. , Tyurin N. E.
Published: January 2016

We discuss geometrical picture of hadron interactions and, in particular, the presence of energy-invariant edge in elastic scattering resulting from a transition to the reflective scattering mode which is supported by the recent LHC data. The energy-invariant edge represents a black ring around the reflecting disk.
The Bar-Natan theory splits
Authors: Wigderson Yuval
Published: January 2016

We show that over the binary field [Formula: see text], the Bar-Natan perturbation of Khovanov homology splits as the direct sum of its two reduced theories, which we also prove are isomorphic. This extends Shumakovitch’s analogous result for ordinary Khovanov homology, without the perturbation.
Flat quasi-coherent sheaves of finite cotorsion dimension
Authors: Hosseini Esmaeil
Published: January 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a quasi-compact and semi-separated scheme. If every flat quasi-coherent sheaf has finite cotorsion dimension, we prove that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-perfect for some [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] is coherent and [Formula: see text]-perfect (not necessarily of finite Krull dimension), we prove that every flat quasi-coherent sheaf has finite pure injective dimension. Also, we show that there is an equivalence [Formula: see text] of homotopy categories, whenever [Formula: see text] is the homotopy category of pure injective flat quasi-coherent sheaves and [Formula: see text] is the pure derived category of flat quasi-coherent sheaves.
ICCM2015(Paper ID:1148): DPD Simulation of the Movement and Deformation of Bioconcave Cells
Authors: Zhou L. W. , Zhang Yu-Qian , Deng Xiao-Long , Liu M. B.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a dissipative particle dynamics (DPDs) method for investigating the movement and deformation of biconcave shape red blood cells (RBCs) with the worm-like chain (WLC) bead spring. First, the stretching of a RBC is modeled and the obtained shape evolution of the cell agrees well with experimental results. Second, the movement and deformation of a RBC in shear flows are investigated and three typical modes (tumbling, intermittent and tank-treading) are observed. Lastly, an illustrating example of multi-RBCs in Poiseuille flow in a tube is simulated. We conclude that the presented DPD method with WLC spring can effectively model the movement and deformation of bioconcave cells.
DISMANTLING THE BOX — APPLYING PRINCIPLES FOR REDUCING PRECONCEPTIONS DURING IDEATION
Authors: FOX STEPHEN
Published: January 2016

Many methods to facilitate “thinking outside the box” are described in the literature. However, less consideration has been given to reducing the limiting influence of preconceptions in order to increase the potential scope of innovative thinking. In other words, less consideration has been given to “dismantling the box”. Here, research is reported that involved application of principles for reducing preconceptions. These principles are drawn from research into diverse methods from a variety of disciplines, which are used to reduce the limiting influence of preconceptions. Prior to the reported field studies, and without knowledge of the field studies being carried out in the future, participants had ideated innovation proposals focused upon using technologies to achieve improvements to their internal operating efficiency. Subsequently, in all three field studies, participants ideated innovation proposals focused upon using technologies to introduce new offerings which could create new markets. Yet, the field studies involved no methods for facilitating “thinking outside the box” — rather application of principles for reducing preconceptions.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance of One-Dimensional In2O3 Nanofibers, CuO Microfibers and CuO/In2O3 Heterostructured Nanofibers by Electrospinning Process
Authors: Zhao Fei , Lu Qifang , Xiu Zhiliang , Zhu Chaofeng
Published: January 2016

One-dimensional (1D) CuO/In2O3 heterostructured nanofibers with the diameter of about 300 nm were successfully prepared through combining a facile single-capillary electrospinning with sintering process, and investigated by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques, etc. The photocatalytic activities were examined by degrading methylene blue (MB) under 500W xenon lamp, halogen lamp and mercury lamp irradiation, respectively. The heterostructured nanofibers exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity than P25-TiO2 under 500W xenon lamp irradiation due to the enhanced absorption for visible light and the efficient electron–hole separation and transportation. The single CuO microfibers and In2O3 nanofibers were also prepared as the control groups by the same method.
QRF
Authors: Casale Giuliano , Personé Vittoria De Nitto , Smirni Evgenia
Published: January 2016

The Quadratic Reduction Framework (QRF) is a numerical modeling framework to evaluate complex stochastic networks composed of resources featuring queueing, blocking, state-dependent behavior, service variability, temporal dependence, or a subset thereof. Systems of this kind are abstracted as network of queues for which QRF supports two common blocking mechanisms: blocking-after-service and repetitive-service random-destination. State-dependence is supported for both routing probabilities and service processes. To evaluate these models, we develop a novel mapping, called
Blocking-Aware Quadratic Reduction (BQR)
, which can describe an intractably large Markov process by a large set of linear inequalities. Each model is then analyzed for bounds or approximate values of performance metrics using optimization programs that provide different levels of accuracy and error guarantees. Numerical results demonstrate that QRF offers very good accuracy and much greater scalability than exact analysis methods.
The Extrinsic Noise Effect on Lateral Inhibition Differentiation Waves
Authors: Reppas Andreas I. , Lolas Georgios , Deutsch Andreas , Hatzikirou Haralampos
Published: January 2016

Multipotent differentiation, where cells adopt one of several cell fates, is a determinate and orchestrated procedure that often incorporates stochastic mechanisms in order to diversify cell types. How these stochastic phenomena interact to govern cell fate is poorly understood. Nonetheless, cell fate decision-making procedure is mainly regulated through the activation of differentiation waves and associated signaling pathways. In the current work, we focus on the Notch/Delta signaling pathway, which is not only known to trigger such waves but also is used to achieve the principle of lateral inhibition (i.e., a competition for exclusive fates through cross-signaling between neighboring cells). Such a process ensures unambiguous stochastic decisions influenced by intrinsic noise sources, such as those found in the regulation of signaling pathways, and extrinsic stochastic fluctuations attributed to microenvironmental factors. However, the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic noise on cell fate determination is an open problem. Our goal is to elucidate how the induction of extrinsic noise affects cell fate specification in a lateral inhibition mechanism. Using a stochastic Cellular Automaton with continuous state space, we show that extrinsic noise results in the emergence of steady-state furrow patterns of cells in a “frustrated/transient” phenotypic state.
Contrail Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Paoli Roberto , Shariff Karim
Published: January 2016

There is large uncertainty in the radiative forcing induced by aircraft contrails, particularly after they transform to cirrus. It has recently become possible to simulate contrail evolution for long periods after their formation. We review the main physical processes and simulation efforts in the four phases of contrail evolution, namely the jet, vortex, vortex dissipation, and diffusion phases. Recommendations for further work are given.
Defect of mitochondrial respiratory chain is a mechanism of ROS overproduction in a rat model of alcoholic liver disease: role of zinc deficiency
Authors: Sun Qian , Zhong Wei , Zhang Wenliang , Zhou Zhanxiang
Published: January 2016

Morphological and functional alterations of hepatic mitochondria have been documented in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Our recent study demonstrated that zinc level was decreased in whole liver and mitochondria by chronic alcohol feeding. The present study was undertaken to determine whether zinc deficiency mediates alcohol-induced mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) defect and whether defective ETC function may lead to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Male Wistar rats were pair fed with the Lieber-DeCarli control or ethanol diet for 5 mo. Chronic alcohol exposure increased hepatic triglyceride, free fatty acid, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) levels; meanwhile hepatic mitochondrial 4HNE level was also increased. Moreover, hepatic mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, III, IV, and V and hepatic ATP production were decreased by chronic alcohol exposure. Chronic alcohol feeding decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1-alpha (PGC1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and mitochondrial DNA. HepG2 cells were treated with N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) for 6 h. Zinc deficiency significantly decreased mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, III, and IV. In addition, PGC1α, NRF1, and TFAM levels as well as mitochondrial DNA were significantly decreased by TPEN treatment. Knockdown of mitochondrial respiratory complexes I, III, or IV by shRNA caused a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in ROS production. These results suggest that alcohol-induced hepatic zinc deficiency could inactivate mitochondrial biogenesis pathway and decrease mitochondrial DNA replication, which, in turn, decreases mitochondrial complex protein expression. The defect of mitochondrial respiratory complexes may worsen alcohol-induced ROS production.
Morphometric and hemodynamic analysis of atherosclerotic progression in human carotid artery bifurcations
Authors: Huang Xu , Yin Xiaoping , Xu Yingjin , Jia Xinwei , Li Jianhui , Niu Pei , Shen Wenzeng , Kassab Ghassan S. , Tan Wenchang , Huo Yunlong
Published: January 2016

Although atherosclerosis has been widely investigated at carotid artery bifurcation, there is a lack of morphometric and hemodynamic data at different stages of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the lesion difference in patients with carotid artery disease compared with healthy control subjects. The three-dimensional (3D) geometry of carotid artery bifurcation was reconstructed from computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of Chinese control subjects ( n = 30) and patients with carotid artery disease ( n = 30). We defined two novel vector angles (i.e., angles 1 and 2) that were tangential to the reconstructed contour of the 3D vessel. The best-fit diameter was computed along the internal carotid artery (ICA) center line. Hemodynamic analysis was performed at various bifurcations. Patients with stenotic vessels have larger angles 1 and 2 (151 ± 11° and 42 ± 20°) and smaller diameters of the external carotid artery (ECA) (4.6 ± 0.85 mm) compared with control subjects (144 ± 13° and 36 ± 16°, 5.2 ± 0.57 mm) although there is no significant difference in the common carotid artery (CCA) (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 7.5 ± 1.0 mm, P = 0.18). In particular, all patients with carotid artery disease have a stenosis at the proximal ICA (including both sinus and carina regions), while 20% of patients have stenosis at the middle ICA and 20% have stenosis expansion to the entire cervical ICA. Morphometric and hemodynamic analyses suggest that atherosclerotic plaques initiate at both sinus and carina regions of ICA and progress downstream.