bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability Analysis of Validation Evidence for Biomedical Computational Models
Authors: Pathmanathan Pras , Gray Richard A. , Romero Vicente J. , Morrison Tina M.
Published: August 2017

Computational modeling has the potential to revolutionize medicine the way it transformed engineering. However, despite decades of work, there has only been limited progress to successfully translate modeling research to patient care. One major difficulty which often occurs with biomedical computational models is an inability to perform validation in a setting that closely resembles how the model will be used. For example, for a biomedical model that makes in vivo clinically relevant predictions, direct validation of predictions may be impossible for ethical, technological, or financial reasons. Unavoidable limitations inherent to the validation process lead to challenges in evaluating the credibility of biomedical model predictions. Therefore, when evaluating biomedical models, it is critical to rigorously assess applicability, that is, the relevance of the computational model, and its validation evidence to the proposed context of use (COU). However, there are no well-established methods for assessing applicability. Here, we present a novel framework for performing applicability analysis and demonstrate its use with a medical device computational model. The framework provides a systematic, step-by-step method for breaking down the broad question of applicability into a series of focused questions, which may be addressed using supporting evidence and subject matter expertise. The framework can be used for model justification, model assessment, and validation planning. While motivated by biomedical models, it is relevant to a broad range of disciplines and underlying physics. The proposed applicability framework could help overcome some of the barriers inherent to validation of, and aid clinical implementation of, biomedical models.
Dynamics of Liquid Sheet Breakup in Splash Plate Atomization
Authors: Thunivumani G. , Gadgil Hrishikesh
Published: August 2017

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the breakup of a liquid sheet produced by oblique impingement of a liquid jet on a plane solid surface. Experiments are carried out over a wide range of jet Weber number (80–6300) and various jet impingement angles (30 deg, 45 deg, and 60 deg) are employed to study the sheet dynamics. The breakup of a liquid sheet takes place in three modes, closed rim, open rim, and perforated sheet, depending upon the Weber number. The transitions across the modes are also influenced by the impingement angle with the transition Weber number reducing with increase in impingement angle. A modified regime map is proposed to illustrate the role of impingement angle in breakup transitions. A theoretical model based on force balance at the sheet edge is developed to predict the sheet parameters by taking the shear interaction between the sheet and the solid surface into account. The sheet shape predicted by the model fairly matches with the experimentally measured sheet shape. The breakup length and width of the sheet are measured and comparisons with the model predictions show good agreement in closed rim mode of breakup.
InnoGPS for Data-Driven Exploration of Design Opportunities and Directions: The Case of Google Driverless Car Project
Authors: Luo Jianxi , Yan Bowen , Wood Kristin
Published: August 2017

Engineers and technology firms must continually explore new design opportunities and directions to sustain or thrive in technology competition. However, the related decisions are normally based on personal gut feeling or experiences. Although the analysis of user preferences and market trends may shed light on some design opportunities from a demand perspective, design opportunities are always conditioned or enabled by the technological capabilities of designers. Herein, we present a data-driven methodology for designers to analyze and identify what technologies they can design for the next, based on the principle—what a designer can currently design condition or enable what it can design next. The methodology is centered on an empirically built network map of all known technologies, whose distances are quantified using more than 5 million patent records, and various network analytics to position a designer according to the technologies that they can design, navigate technologies in the neighborhood, and identify feasible paths to far fields for novel opportunities. Furthermore, we have integrated the technology space map, and various map-based functions for designer positioning, neighborhood search, path finding, and knowledge discovery and learning, into a data-driven visual analytic system named InnoGPS. InnoGPS is a global position system (GPS) for finding innovation positions and directions in the technology space, and conceived by analogy from the GPS that we use for positioning, neighborhood search, and direction finding in the physical space.
In-Cylinder Flow Evolution Using Tomographic Particle Imaging Velocimetry in an Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Kumar Agarwal Avinash , Gadekar Suresh , Pratap Singh Akhilendra
Published: August 2017

In-cylinder flows in internal combustion (IC) engines have always been a focus of study in order to gain better understanding of fuel–air mixing process and combustion optimization. Different conventional experimental techniques such as hot wire anemometry (HWA), laser Doppler anemometry (LDA), and numerical simulations have been grossly inadequate for complete understanding of the complex 3D flows inside the engine cylinder. In this experimental study, tomographic particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) was applied in a four-valve, single-cylinder optical research engine, with an objective of investigating the in-cylinder flow evolution during intake and compression strokes in an engine cycle. In-cylinder flow seeded with ultra-fine graphite particles was illuminated by a high energy, high frequency Nd:YLF laser. The motion of these tracer particles was captured using two cameras from different viewing angles. These two-directional projections of flowfield were used to reconstruct the 3D flowfield of the measurement volume (36 × 25 × 8 mm3), using multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) algorithm. Captured images of 50 consecutive engine cycles were ensemble averaged to analyze the in-cylinder flow evolution. Results indicated that the in-cylinder flows are dependent on the piston position and spatial location inside the engine cylinder. The randomness of air-flow fields during the intake stroke was very high, which became more homogeneous during the compression stroke. The flows were found to be highly dependent on Z plane location inside the engine. During the intake stroke, flows were highly turbulent throughout the engine cylinder, and velocities vectors were observed in all directions. However, during the compression stroke, flow velocities were higher near the injector, and they reduced closer to the valves. Absolute velocity during compression stroke was mainly contributed by the out of plane velocity (Vz) component.
Simulation and Measurement of Refractive Index Variation in Localized Rapid Heating Molding for Polymer Optics
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Zhou Tianfeng , Zhang Lin , Zhou Wenchen , Yu Jianfeng , James Lee L. , Yi Allen Y.
Published: August 2017

Localized rapid heating process utilizing carbide-bonded graphene-coated silicon molds is a high-efficiency and energy-saving technique for high-volume fabrication of polymer optics. The graphene coating is used as a rapid heating element because of its high thermal conductivity and low electrical resistivity. However, the optical property of molded polymer and its dependence on process conditions such as heat transfer have not been thoroughly investigated. In this research, finite element method (FEM) simulation was utilized to interpret temperature changes of the graphene coating and heat transfer between graphene and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in localized rapid heating. Experiments were then carried out under different voltages to validate the numerical model. In addition, refractive index variation of the PMMA lens resulting from nonuniform thermal history in molding was demonstrated by simulation modeling as well. Finally, wavefront variation of a PMMA lens molded by localized rapid heating was first studied using an FEM model and then verified by optical measurements with a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWFS). The wavefront variation in a PMMA lens molded by conventional method was also measured. Compared with conventional molding process, localized rapid heating is shown to be a possible alternative for better optical performance with a much shorter cycle time.
Roughness dynamic in surface growth: Layer-by-layer thin films of carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan for biomedical applications
Authors: Spera Marcelle B. M. , Taketa Thiago B. , Beppu Marisa M.
Published: August 2017

Surfaces are responsible for important interactions of biomaterials since they create the interface with the biological environment and affect the response that the body will have to the material. Surface roughness and morphology have great impact on the material performance, affecting cell, bacterial, and biomolecular adhesion. Thin films of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were produced by layer-by-layer deposition at different pH values and had their surface growth process studied throughout roughness measurements. Both polymers are nontoxic and biocompatible to the human biological system, with biomedical applications from tissue engineering to drug delivery. Growth exponents are presented, and it is suggested that fractal-based growth models are suitable for describing surface evolution and morphology of carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan layer-by-layer thin film growth during deposition, primarily nonlinear models.
Characterization of syntrophic Geobacter communities using ToF-SIMS
Authors: Wei Wenchao , Zhang Yanyan , Komorek Rachel , Plymale Andrew , Yu Rujia , Wang Bingchen , Zhu Zihua , Liu Fanghua , Yu Xiao-Ying
Published: August 2017

The aggregation of syntrophic Geobacter metallireducens and Geobacter sulfurreducens is beneficial for enhancing direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). Although DIET was suspected to occur on the microbial community surface, the surface chemical speciation of such cocultured communities remains unclear. In order to better understand surface interactions related to DIET, the authors characterized a series of samples associated with syntrophic G. metallireducens and G. sulfurreducens using surface sensitive time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Principal component analysis was used in spectral analysis. Our results show that the syntrophic Geobacter aggregates are significantly different from their planktonic cells, indicating a distinct chemical composition (i.e., amino acids, fatty acids, and lipids) and structure formed on their surface. Among these characteristic components, amino acid fragments dominated in the variance, suggesting the importance of proteins in the coculture. Additionally, the quorum sensing signal molecule N-butyryl-l-homoserine lactone was observed in cocultured Geobacter aggregates, implying its role in syntrophic growth and aggregate formation. Furthermore, the electron acceptor organism G. sulfurreducens was shown to be the dominant species in syntrophic communities that drove the syntrophic growth. These results demonstrate that unique chemical compositions distinguish syntrophic Geobacter aggregates from planktonic cells and suggest that ToF-SIMS may be a promising tool to understand the syntrophic mechanism and investigate interspecies electron transfer pathways in complex biofilms.
Student understanding of electric and magnetic fields in materials
Authors: Mitchem Savannah L. , Zohrabi Alaee Dina , Sayre Eleanor C.
Published: August 2017

We discuss the clusters of resources that emerge when upper-division students write about electromagnetic fields in linear materials. The data analyzed for this paper come from students' written tests in an upper-division electricity and magnetism course. We examine how these clusters change with time and context. The evidence shows that students benefit from activating resources related to the internal structure of the atom when thinking about electric fields and their effect on materials. We argue that facilitating activation of certain resources by the instructor in the classroom can affect the plasticity of those resources in the student, making them more solid and easily activated. We find that the wording of the questions posed to students affects which resources are activated, and that students often fill in resources to link known phenomena to phenomena described by the question when lacking detailed mental models.
Distinct phases of Polycomb silencing to hold epigenetic memory of cold in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Hongchun , Berry Scott , Olsson Tjelvar S. G. , Hartley Matthew , Howard Martin , Dean Caroline
Published: August 2017

A multifactorial strategy establishes and maintains repressive chromatin marks in plants in response to environmental signals.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mumps and Measles Virus Isolates from Three States in the United States
Authors: Magaña Laura C. , Espinosa Alex , Marine Rachel L. , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Castro Christina J. , Montmayeur Anna M. , Hacker Jill K. , Scott Samantha , Whyte Thomas , Bankamp Bettina , Oberste M. Steven , Rota Paul A.
Published: August 2017

We report here the full coding sequence of nine paramyxovirus genomes, including two full-length mumps virus genomes (genotypes G and H) and seven measles virus genomes (genotypes B3 and D4, D8, and D9), from respiratory samples of patients from California, Virginia, and Alabama obtained between 2010 and 2014.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Enterobacter cloacae subsp.
cloacae
Strains Isolated from Australian Hematology Patients with Bacteremia
Authors: Leong Lex E. X. , Shaw David , Papanicolas Lito , Lagana Diana , Bastian Ivan , Rogers Geraint B.
Published: August 2017

Enterobacter cloacae
is a common member of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals. However, it is also an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing bacteremia. We report the draft genomes of two
Enterobacter cloacae
subspecies
cloacae
strains isolated from hematology patients with bacteremia. Both isolates carry genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Hobi-Like Virus Isolated from a Nelore Cow with Gastroenteric Disease in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Cortez Adriana , Araújo João Pessoa , Flores Eduardo Furtado , Ribeiro Márcio Garcia , Megid Jane , Paes Antonio Carlos , de Oliveira Filho José Paes , Ullmann Leila Sabrina , Malossi Camila Dantas , Heinemann Marcos Bryan
Published: August 2017

The Hobi-like virus presents antigenic and molecular differences in relation to bovine virus diarrhea virus 1 and 2. The description of the complete genome of the Hobi-like virus SV757/15, isolated from a Nelore cow with gastroenteric disease in Brazil, will help in understanding the evolution and diversity of pestiviruses.
Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic Biomass-Degrading Fungus
Malbranchea cinnamomea
FCH 10.5
Authors: Granchi Zoraide , van Pelt Sake , Thanh Vu Nguyen , Olsson Lisbeth , Hüttner Silvia
Published: August 2017

We report here the annotated draft genome sequence of the thermophilic biomass-degrading fungus
Malbranchea cinnamomea
strain FCH 10.5, isolated from compost at a waste treatment plant in Vietnam. The genome sequence contains 24.96 Mb with an overall GC content of 49.79% and comprises 9,437 protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Sphingobacterium
sp. CZ-UAM, Isolated from a Methanotrophic Consortium
Authors: Steffani-Vallejo José Luis , Zuñiga Cristal , Cruz-Morales Pablo , Lozano Luis , Morales Marcia , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtemoc , Revah Sergio , Utrilla José
Published: August 2017

Sphingobacterium
sp. CZ-UAM was isolated from a methanotrophic consortium in mineral medium using methane as the only carbon source. A draft genome of 5.84 Mb with a 40.77% G+C content is reported here. This genome sequence will allow the investigation of potential methanotrophy in this isolated strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aquitalea magnusonii Strain H3, a Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium of Duckweed (
Lemna minor
)
Authors: Ishizawa Hidehiro , Kuroda Masashi , Ike Michihiko
Published: August 2017

Aquitalea magnusonii
strain H3 is a promising plant growth-promoting bacterium for duckweed. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain H3 comprising 4,750,601 bp in 73 contigs. Several genes associated with plant root colonization were identified.
Draft Genome Sequence of the
d
-Xylose-Fermenting Yeast
Spathaspora xylofermentans
UFMG-HMD23.3
Authors: Lopes Daiane D. , Cibulski Samuel P. , Mayer Fabiana Q. , Siqueira Franciele M. , Rosa Carlos A. , Hector Ronald E. , Ayub Marco Antônio Z.
Published: August 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the yeast
Spathaspora xylofermentans
UFMG-HMD23.3 (=CBS 12681), a
d
-xylose-fermenting yeast isolated from the Amazonian forest. The genome consists of 298 contigs, with a total size of 15.1 Mb, including the mitochondrial genome, and 5,948 predicted genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter freundii 705SK3, an OXA-48-Encoding Wastewater Isolate
Authors: Zurfluh Katrin , Stephan Roger , Klumpp Jochen , Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Hummerjohann Jörg , Bagutti Claudia , Marti Roger
Published: August 2017

We present the genome sequence of
Citrobacter freundii
705SK3, a wastewater isolate harboring an IncL OXA-48-encoding plasmid. Assembly of the genome resulted in a 5,242,839-bp circular chromosome (GC content, 52%) and two closed plasmids of 296,175 bp and 63, 458 bp in size.
What’s new in paediatric hypertension?
Authors: Lalji Rowena , Tullus Kjell
Published: August 2017

Paediatric hypertension predisposes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adult life. Despite clear guidelines, there remains a lack of screening. Diagnosis remains challenging given the high rate of false-positive high blood pressure (BP) readings at a single visit; thus, multiple visits are required to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the normative data sets used, hypertension in overweight and obese children can be underestimated by up to 20%. Specific BP targets are required for subgroups such as adolescents, children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 1 diabetes. High dietary salt intake is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Given the rise in processed food consumption, children in developed nations are likely to benefit from salt restriction at a population-based level.
Nasal midazolam vs ketamine for neonatal intubation in the delivery room: a randomised trial
Authors: Milési Christophe , Baleine Julien , Mura Thibault , Benito-Castro Fernando , Ferragu Félicie , Thiriez Gérard , Thévenot Pierre , Combes Clémentine , Carbajal Ricardo , Cambonie Gilles
Published: August 2017

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of sedation by intranasal administration of midazolam (nMDZ) or ketamine (nKTM) for neonatal intubation.

Design

A multicentre, prospective, randomised, double-blind study.

Setting

Delivery rooms at four tertiary perinatal centres in France.

Patients

Preterm neonates with respiratory distress requiring non-emergent endotracheal intubation for surfactant instillation.

Interventions

Treatment was randomly allocated, with each neonate receiving a bolus of 0.1 mL/kg in each nostril, corresponding to 0.2 mg/kg for nMDZ and 2 mg/kg for nKTM. The drug was repeated once 7 min later at the same dose if adequate sedation was not obtained.

Main outcome measures

Success was defined by adequate sedation before intubation and adequate comfort during the procedure. Intubation features, respiratory and cardiovascular events were recorded.

Results

Sixty newborns, with mean (SD) gestational age and birth weight of 28 (3) weeks and 1100 (350) g, were included within the first 20 min of life. nMDZ was associated with a higher success rate (89% vs 58%; RR: 1.54, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.12, p<0.01) and shorter delays between the first dose and intubation (10 (6) vs 16 (8) min, p<0.01).

Number of attempts, time to intubation, mean arterial blood pressure measures over the first 12 hours after birth and length of invasive ventilation were not different.

Conclusions

nMDZ was more efficient than nKTM to adequately sedate neonates requiring intubation in the delivery room. The haemodynamic and respiratory effects of both drugs were comparable.

Clinical trial

This clinical trial was recorded on the National Library of Medicine registry (NCT01517828).
Lessons from Popper for science, paradigm shifts, scientific revolutions and exercise physiology
Authors: Robergs Robert Andrew
Published: August 2017

A connection has been made to the possible role of the central governor model (CGM) to be a paradigm shift within the exercise sciences. Unfortunately, very little evidence was presented to support this notion, and a narrow view of scientific philosophy was used to reflect on the role of the CGM in understanding exercise physiology and the pursuit of a more ideal scientific method. When contrasting the scientific philosophies of Kuhn to Popper, and applying the tenant of falsification to the research and commentary on the CGM, it is probable that the scholarship pertaining to the CGM adheres more to pseudoscience than science. To improve the scientific contributions of research on the CGM, fellow scientists need to adopt a more critical platform where questions are raised and research designs are employed in efforts to refute the theory. The inability to falsify a theory is the most meaningful way to prove that it is likely to be correct. To support this development, the CGM needs to be more carefully worded to form a theory that clearly reveals key features that can be researched and potentially falsified. In addition, the wording of the CGM needs to allow scientists to make predictions that can then be tested in controlled experimental research studies. Until this happens for the CGM and all other pertinent paradigms within exercise physiology, the discipline will never rise out of the abyss ofnormal sciencetoextraordinary scienceinvolving paradigm shifts and scientific revolutions.
Nodes, paranodes and neuropathies
Authors: Fehmi Janev , Scherer Steven S , Willison Hugh J , Rinaldi Simon
Published: August 2017

This review summarises recent evidence supporting the involvement of the specialised nodal and perinodal domains (the paranode and juxtaparanode) of myelinated axons in the pathology of acquired, inflammatory, peripheral neuropathies.

The identification of new target antigens in the inflammatory neuropathies heralds a revolution in diagnosis, and has already begun to inform increasingly targeted and individualised therapies. Rapid progress in our basic understanding of the highly specialised nodal regions of peripheral nerves serves to strengthen the links between their unique microstructural identities, functions and pathologies. In this context, the detection of autoantibodies directed against nodal and perinodal targets is likely to be of increasing clinical importance. Antiganglioside antibodies have long been used in clinical practice as diagnostic serum biomarkers, and associate with specific clinical variants but not to the common forms of either acute or chronic demyelinating autoimmune neuropathy. It is now apparent that antibodies directed against several region-specific cell adhesion molecules, including neurofascin, contactin and contactin-associated protein, can be linked to phenotypically distinct peripheral neuropathies. Importantly, the immunological characteristics of these antibodies facilitate the prediction of treatment responsiveness.
Veterinary nurse to medical diagnostic radiographer
Authors: Taylor Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Nicholas Taylor is senior diagnostic radiographer at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, having initially qualified as a veterinary nurse. It was a college lecture that initially sparked his interest in radiography – little did he know where it would lead
Prevalence and expression of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes inStaphylococcus aureusisolated from food poisoning outbreaks
Authors: Bastos Caroline Peixoto , Bassani Milena Tomasi , Mata Marcia Magalhães , Lopes Graciela Volz , da Silva Wladimir Padilha
Published: August 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen of foodborne origin. The pathogen produces a variety of toxins that include the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE). The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and expression of 5 SE genes (sea, seb, sec, sed, and see) in S. aureus isolated from outbreaks occurred in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. All isolates, with the exception of 2, presented the same or higher transcriptional expression than the reference strains for at least 1 of these genes. The presence of SE genes combined with high levels of transcriptional expression suggests that 1 or more SEs were involved with the staphylococcal food poisoning outbreak analyzed in the present study.
A Brief Review on Electric Spring: Analysis, Control and Applications
Authors: Subramani C. , Ramanand K. R.
Published: August 2017

The current energy scenario in the world considering the overconsumption of fossil fuels as well as its disastrous impact on environment calls for the promotion of renewable resources to take part in the growth towards sustainable development. With the penetration of such intermittent renewable energy sources into the existing grid, it not only enhanced the capability of the grid but also posed challenges regarding system stability. A practical solution to these problems by means of a new technological concept called “electric springs” is presented in this paper which enhances the system stability and provides voltage regulation for the same. Reviewing the various analyses, control methodologies as well as applications regarding the electric spring provides the confidence to further analyze its scope in large-scale power distribution system.
A 0.5 to 1.7 Gbps PI-CDR with a Wide Frequency-Tracking Range
Authors: Li Tianyi , Xu Xiaodong , Yin Tao , Xin Fubin , Li Wei , Yang Haigang
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a continuous-rate clock-data-recovery (CDR) circuit that covers a data rate range of 500[Formula: see text]Mbps to 1.7[Formula: see text]Gbps. The proposed CDR is based on the phase interpolation principle and implemented in 130[Formula: see text]nm CMOS. The design utilizes digital voter and phase control logic instead of analog charge pump and filter, which facilitates migration among different technologies. To avoid the phase interpolator (PI) getting into the nonlinear region, multiple modes are selected to limit the frequency range of the sampling clock within 500[Formula: see text]MHz to 1[Formula: see text]GHz. A 5[Formula: see text]mm2 test chip is fabricated, where the CDR core occupies 0.359[Formula: see text]mm2 of silicon area. The PI achieves a resolution of 7 bits and a good linearity of 0.9955. The proposed CDR also achieves a BER less than 10[Formula: see text] and has a frequency tracking range of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ppm. The power consumed by the proposed CDR is 32.6[Formula: see text]mW/Gbps.
A High-Performance and Hardware-Efficient PCIe Transmission for a Multi-Channel Video Using Command Caching and Dynamic Splicing on FPGA
Authors: Jiang Hongxu , Li Shenglan , Li Huiyong , Liu Tingshan , Lu Jinyuan
Published: August 2017

With the increasing requirements of transmitting larger amounts of diverse video and image data, the PCI express (PCIe) interface has been extensively used in high-speed digital systems for multimedia processing and communication. However, the existing PCIe transmission methods are not efficient to transmit multi-channel videos on FPGA processors, as they waste PCIe bandwidth and hardware resources. In this paper, an efficient PCIe transmission method for multi-channel video is presented on an FPGA processor. First, to reduce the programmed I/O (PIO) write latency, the command caching method is adopted. The traditional DMA descriptors are transformed into DMA commands, which are smaller, and the command buffer is used to store these commands. Second, a dynamic splicing mechanism is proposed for data transmission and commands the scheduling separately. The multi-type data is transmitted concurrently in this dynamic splicing mechanism. Moreover, the adjacent commands are spliced into one command, which reduces the DMA initiation times. Finally, the direct kernel memory access technique and timer self-feedback monitor technique are applied to improve the transmission efficiency and enhance the system reliability. The experimental results show that the transmission efficiency of the proposed method is increased by nearly 30% compared with other conventional methods, and the highest measured transfer rate is 1631 Mbytes/s on write and 1582 Mbytes/s on read, which reaches 84.4% of the theoretical maximum.
A Low-Noise Biopotential CMOS Amplifier IC Using Low-Power Two-Stage OTA for Neural Recording Applications
Authors: Kim Hyung Seok , Cha Hyouk-Kyu
Published: August 2017

This work presents a low-power biopotential amplifier integrated circuit (IC) for implantable neural recording prosthetic devices which have been implemented using 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS technology. The proposed neural recording amplifier is based on a capacitive-feedback architecture and utilizes a low-power two-stage source-degenerated operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with a modified current buffer compensation for large open-loop gain, low-noise and wide bandwidth. The designed amplifier achieves a measured gain of 39.2[Formula: see text]dB with a bandwidth between 0.25[Formula: see text]Hz to 28[Formula: see text]kHz, integrated input referred noise of 5.79[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Vrms and noise efficiency factor of 3.16. The IC consumes 2.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W at 1.2[Formula: see text]V supply and the die area is 0.09[Formula: see text]mm2.
Test of indestructibility of a nonsingular black hole
Authors: Paik Biplab
Published: August 2017

Classical singular black holes are known to obey the cosmic censorship conjecture, and therefore are indestructible until they get completely evaporated by the Hawking radiation phenomenon. However, a nonsingular quantum black hole may not be necessarily indestructible. To proceed in this test, we deduce the first law of thermodynamics for the renormalization technique based, quantum improved, nonsingular Kerr class black hole, and then the test is done by Wald’s method. It emerges that while the quantum improvement leads to an escape for black hole from complete evaporation, it also makes a spinning black hole well destructible against overspinning. Even though, in general, spinning quantum black holes appear quite destructible, in the regime of exceedingly low rate of allowed spin, slower the spin becomes, weaker happens to be the probability of black hole getting destroyed. In particular, the minimally energized black hole relic, which is of a Schwarzschild class, emerges absolutely indestructible. It has further been argued that the practical stable existence of “G-lumps” is improbable. In context of our formal work, we find a great scope for figuring out the quantum corrected differential version of “entropy-area law” for Kerr class black hole.
MULTIFRACTAL APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF CRIME DYNAMICS: RESULTS FOR BURGLARY IN SAN FRANCISCO
Authors: MELGAREJO MIGUEL , OBREGON NELSON
Published: August 2017

This paper provides evidence of fractal, multifractal and chaotic behaviors in urban crime by computing key statistical attributes over a long data register of criminal activity. Fractal and multifractal analyses based on power spectrum, Hurst exponent computation, hierarchical power law detection and multifractal spectrum are considered ways to characterize and quantify the footprint of complexity of criminal activity. Moreover, observed chaos analysis is considered a second step to pinpoint the nature of the underlying crime dynamics. This approach is carried out on a long database of burglary activity reported by 10 police districts of San Francisco city. In general, interarrival time processes of criminal activity in San Francisco exhibit fractal and multifractal patterns. The behavior of some of these processes is close to [Formula: see text] noise. Therefore, a characterization as deterministic, high-dimensional, chaotic phenomena is viable. Thus, the nature of crime dynamics can be studied from geometric and chaotic perspectives. Our findings support that crime dynamics may be understood from complex systems theories like self-organized criticality or highly optimized tolerance.
Late transition metal complexes of oxypyriporphyrin and the platinum(II) complex of oxybenziporphyrin
Authors: Pokharel Komal , Ferrence Gregory M. , Lash Timothy D.
Published: August 2017

Even though oxypyriporphyrin, a pyridone-containing porphyrinoid system, has the equivalent coordination core to true porphyrins, its coordination chemistry has been little explored. In this study, the first examples of palladium(II), platinum(II) and silver(II) oxypyriporphyrins have been synthesized. Conventional conditions failed to result in the formation of a platinum(II) complex, but moderate yields were obtained when oxypyriporphyrin was reacted with platinum(II) chloride in refluxing mixtures of DMF and acetic acid containing potassium acetate. The palladium(II) and platinum(II) derivatives were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The structurally analogous carbaporphyrinoid system oxybenziporphyrin was also shown to react with platinum(II) chloride under the same conditions to give a platinum(II) hydroxybenziporphyrin complex. Unlike oxybenziporphyrin, this complex is only weakly diatropic. In the presence of base, the diatropic character was reasserted to afford an aromatic anionic species.
Galaxies, Globular Clusters, and Dark Matter
Authors: Freeman Kenneth C.
Published: August 2017

This is an autobiographical account of my scientific career. My main research interest is the structure and assembly of galaxies. The assembly narrative has evolved from the monolithic and baryonic collapse picture of the early 1960s to the current hierarchical scenario underpinned by dark matter, and is still evolving. Technology has changed: CCDs replaced photographic plates and image tubes, large optical telescopes are much larger and instruments are much better, Galactic archaeology is supported by vast stellar surveys, and we have space astronomy and radio synthesis telescopes. The article describes the scientific areas in which I have worked and the colleagues who have influenced my progress. I have much to be grateful for: the people who have mentored and supported me over the years, the privilege of long-term collaborations, and the pleasure of advising many Ph.D. students and postdocs.
Epigenomics and human adaptation to high altitude
Authors: Julian Colleen G.
Published: August 2017

Over the past decade, major technological and analytical advancements have propelled efforts toward identifying the molecular mechanisms that govern human adaptation to high altitude. Despite remarkable progress with respect to the identification of adaptive genomic signals that are strongly associated with the “hypoxia-tolerant” physiological characteristics of high-altitude populations, many questions regarding the fundamental biological processes underlying human adaptation remain unanswered. Vital to address these enduring questions will be determining the role of epigenetic processes, or non-sequence-based features of the genome, that are not only critical for the regulation of transcriptional responses to hypoxia but heritable across generations. This review proposes that epigenomic processes are involved in shaping patterns of adaptation to high altitude by influencing adaptive potential and phenotypic variability under conditions of limited oxygen supply. Improved understanding of the interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors holds great promise to provide deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying human adaptive potential, and clarify its implications for biomedical research.
Acute oxygen sensing by the carotid body: from mitochondria to plasma membrane
Authors: Chang Andy J.
Published: August 2017

Maintaining oxygen homeostasis is crucial to the survival of animals. Mammals respond acutely to changes in blood oxygen levels by modulating cardiopulmonary function. The major sensor of blood oxygen that regulates breathing is the carotid body (CB), a small chemosensory organ located at the carotid bifurcation. When arterial blood oxygen levels drop in hypoxia, neuroendocrine cells in the CB called glomus cells are activated to signal to afferent nerves that project to the brain stem. The mechanism by which hypoxia stimulates CB sensory activity has been the subject of many studies over the past 90 years. Two discrete models emerged that argue for the seat of oxygen sensing to lie either in the plasma membrane or mitochondria of CB cells. Recent studies are bridging the gap between these models by identifying hypoxic signals generated by changes in mitochondrial function in the CB that can be sensed by plasma membrane proteins on glomus cells. The CB is important for physiological adaptation to hypoxia, and its dysfunction contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity in common conditions such as sleep-disordered breathing, chronic heart failure, and insulin resistance. Understanding the basic mechanism of oxygen sensing in the CB could allow us to develop strategies to target this organ for therapy. In this short review, I will describe two historical models of CB oxygen sensing and new findings that are integrating these models.
Coprophagia and Entomophagia in a Patient with Alcohol Related Dementia
Authors: Fonseca João B. , Morgado Pedro
Published: August 2017

Coprophagia and entomophagia are two phenomena not commonly reported in the medical literature and their occurrence is usually associated with mental disorders. We present the case of a 59-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse who was evaluated due to cognitive deterioration and disturbed eating habits including feces and living insects. Organic causes were ruled out and an important cognitive impairment became evident on neuropsychological formal test. The behavior remitted after antipsychotic pharmacologic therapy and alcohol detoxification, leaving the diagnostic impression of alcohol related dementia. This report shows a rare association of these two conditions in a patient with dementia.
Efficient Absorption of Antibiotic from Aqueous Solutions over MnO2@SA/Mn Beads and Their In Situ Regeneration by Heterogeneous Fenton-Like Reaction
Authors: Luo Yu , Bai Bo , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui , Yao Yiliang
Published: August 2017

Alginate has been extensively used as absorbents due to its excellent properties. However, the practical application of pure alginate has been restricted since the saturated adsorbent has weak physical structure and could not be regenerated easily. In this study, a low-cost and renewable composite MnO2@alginate/Mn adsorbent has been prepared facilely for the absorptive removal of antibiotic wastewater. FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses were used to characterize the samples. The norfloxacin (NOR) was used as an index of antibiotics. More specifically, the batch absorption efficiency of the adsorbents was evaluated by pH, contact time with different NOR concentration, and the temperature. Thus, the performance of absorption kinetic dynamics and isotherm equations were estimated for the adsorptive removal process. Parameters includingΔG0,ΔH0, andΔS0were utilized to describe the feasible adsorption process. To regenerate the saturated absorptive sites of the adsorbent, the heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions were trigged by introduction of H2O2. The results showed that the in situ regenerating has exhibited an excellent recycling stability. The high activity and the simple fabrication of the adsorbents make them attractive for the treatment of wastewater containing refractory organic compound and also provide fundamental basis and technology for further practical application.
The Influence of Sweet Taste Perception on Dietary Intake in Relation to Dental Caries and BMI in Saudi Arabian Schoolchildren
Authors: Ashi Heba , Campus Guglielmo , Bertéus Forslund Heléne , Hafiz Waleed , Ahmed Neveen , Lingström Peter
Published: August 2017

Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of sweet taste perception on dietary habits in Saudi schoolchildren. In addition, the relationship between dietary habits and both caries and BMI was studied.Methods. A cross-sectional observational study comprising 225 schoolchildren aged 13–15 years from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. The consumption frequency of certain food items was analysed from a beverage and snack questionnaire and a three-day estimated dietary record was obtained. The sweet taste perception level was determined as sweet taste threshold (TT) and sweet taste preference (TP). Children were grouped into low, medium, and high, according to their sweet taste perception level. ICDAS and DMFS indices were used for caries registration and anthropometric measurements using BMI were collected.Results. Sweet taste perception was found to be negatively correlated to the number of main meals and positively correlated to both snack and sweet intake occasions. Statistically significant differences were found between the TT and TP groups with regard to the number of main meals and sweet intake (p≤0.01). No significant correlation between the dietary variables and caries or BMI was found.Conclusions. The dietary habits and sweet intake were found to be influenced by the sweet taste perception level, while the relation between the dietary habits and the caries and BMI was found insignificant.
Bilateral Peritonsillar Abscess in an Infant: An Unusual Presentation of Sore Throat
Authors: Seerig Mariana Manzoni , Chueiri Letícia , Jacques Janaina , Mello Maria Fernanda Piccoli Cardoso de , Silva Martin Batista Coutinho da , Zatt Daniel Buffon , Cunha Rosana Cristine Otero , Maranhão Andre Souza de Albuquerque
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Peritonsillar abscess is considered a suppurative complication of acute tonsillitis. It is usually unilateral and clinically evident bilateral presentation is uncommon. The condition affects mainly children older than 10 years and young adults. Herein we present a rare case of bilateral peritonsillar abscess in an infant.Presentation of Case. A 1-year-old boy presented with a two-day history of worsening sore throat, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever. Examination of the oral cavity and oropharynx revealed enlarged and inflamed tonsils and a bilaterally congested and bulging soft palate. CT scan confirmed the hypothesis of bilateral peritonsillar abscess. Antibiotic therapy was instituted and after 5 days only slight regression of swelling of the soft palate was observed. He underwent a surgical procedure for draining the abscesses. After the procedure, he presented good clinical and laboratory evolution and was discharged home.Discussion. Although peritonsillar abscesses are considered common complications of acute tonsillitis bilateral cases are extremely rare, especially in early childhood. The diagnosis is based on history and physical examination and the treatment remains controversial among otolaryngologists.Conclusion. Bilateral peritonsillar abscess should be diagnosed and treated promptly and adequately to prevent respiratory obstruction and to avoid dissemination into the deep neck spaces.
Reading from the Black Box: What Sensors Tell Us about Resting and Recovery after Real-World Falls
Authors: Schwickert Lars , Klenk Jochen , Zijlstra Wiebren , Forst-Gill Maxim , Sczuka Kim , Helbostad Jorunn L. , Chiari Lorenzo , Aminian Kamiar , Todd Chris , Becker Clemens
Published: August 2017

Background: Lying on the floor for a long time after falls, regardless of whether an injury results, remains an unsolved health care problem. In order to develop efficient and acceptable fall detection and reaction approaches, it is relevant to improve the understanding of the circumstances and the characteristics of post-impact responses and the return or failure to return to pre-fall activities. Falls are seldom observed by others; until now, the knowledge about movement kinematics during falls and following impact have been anecdotal. Objective: This study aimed to analyse characteristics of the on-ground and recovery phases after real-world falls. The aim was to compare self-recovered falls (defined as returns to standing from the floor) and non-recovered falls with long lies. Methods and Participants: Data from subjects in different settings and of different populations with high fall risk were included. Real-world falls collected by inertial sensors worn on the lower back were taken from the FARSEEING database if reliable information was available from fall reports and sensor signals. Trunk pitch angle and acceleration were analysed to describe different patterns of recovery movements while standing up from the floor after the impact of a fall. Results: Falls with successful recovery, where an upright posture was regained, were different from non-recovered falls in terms of resting duration (median 10.5 vs. 34.5 s, p = 0.045). A resting duration longer than 24.5 s (area under the curve = 0.796) after the fall impact was a predictor for the inability to recover to standing. Successful recovery to standing showed lower cumulative angular pitch movement than attempted recovery in fallers that did not return to a standing position (median = 76°, interquartile range 24-170° vs. median = 308°, interquartile range 30-1,209°, p = 0.06). Conclusion: Fall signals with and without successful returns to standing showed different patterns during the phase on the ground. Characteristics of real-world falls provided through inertial sensors are relevant to improve the classification and the sensing of falls. The findings are also important for redesigning emergency response processes after falls in order to better support individuals in case of an unrecovered fall. This is crucial for preventing long lies and other fall-related incidents that require an automated fall alarm.
Perception of Iterated Rippled Noise Periodicity in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Wagner Luise , Plontke Stefan K. , Rahne Torsten
Published: August 2017

Pitch perception is more challenging for individuals with cochlear implants (CIs) than normal-hearing subjects because the signal processing by CIs is restricted. Processing and perceiving the periodicity of signals may contribute to pitch perception. Whether individuals with CIs can discern pitch within an iterated rippled noise (IRN) signal is still unclear. In a prospective controlled psychoacoustic study with 34 CI users and 15 normal-hearing control subjects, the difference limen between IRN signals with different numbers of iterations was measured. In 7 CI users and 15 normal-hearing control listeners with single-sided deafness, pitch matching between IRN and harmonic complex tones was measured. The pitch onset response (POR) following signal changes from white noise to IRN was measured electrophysiologically. The CI users could discriminate different numbers of iteration in IRN signals, but worse than normal-hearing listeners. A POR was measured for both normal-hearing subjects and CI users increasing with the pitch salience of the IRN. This indicates that the POR could serve as an objective measure to monitor progress during audioverbal therapy after CI surgery.