bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Index of Microcirculatory Resistance as a Predictor of Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Performance Recovery in Patients With ST‐Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Successful Primary Angioplasty
Authors: Faustino Mariana , Baptista Sérgio Bravo , Freitas António , Monteiro Célia , Leal Paulo , Nédio Maura , Antunes Claudia , Abreu Pedro Farto e , Gil Victor , Morais Carlos
Published: March 2016

Background

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between IMR (Index of Microcirculatory Resistance) and the echocardiographic evolution of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic performance after ST‐elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), undergoing primary angioplasty (P‐PCI).

Methods

IMR was evaluated immediately after P‐PCI. Echocardiograms were performed within the first 24 hours (Echo1) and at 3 months (Echo2): LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), wall motion score index (WMSI), E/é ratio, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and left atrial volume were measured.

Results

Forty STEMI patients were divided in 2 groups according to median IMR: Group 1 (IMR < 26), with less microvascular dysfunction, and Group 2 (IMR > = 26), with more microvascular dysfunction. In Echo1 GLS was significantly better in Group 1 (−14.9 vs. −12.9 in Group 2, P = 0.005). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in LV systolic volume, LVEF and WMS. Between Echo1 and Echo2, there were significant improvements in LVEF (0.48 ± 0.06 vs. 0.55 ± 0.06, P < 0.0001), GLS (−14.9 ± 1.3 vs. −17.3 ± 7.6, P = 0.001), and E/é ratio (9.3 ± 3.4 vs. 8.2 ± 2.0, P = 0.037) in Group 1, but not in Group 2: LVEF (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.50 ± 0.05, P = 0.47), GLS (−12.9 ± 2.4 vs. −14.4 ± 3.2, P = 0.052), and E/é ratio (8.8 ± 2.4 vs. 10.0 ± 4.7, P = 0.18). WMSI improved significantly more in Group 1 (reduction of −17.1% vs. −6.8% in Group 2, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Lower IMR was associated with better myocardial GLS acutely after STEMI, and with a significantly higher recovery of the LVEF, WMSI, E/E' ratio and GLS, suggesting that IMR is an early marker of cardiac recovery, after acute myocardial infarction. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:137–145)
Effectiveness of Left Judkins Catheter as a Single Multipurpose Catheter in Transradial Coronary Angiography From Right Radial Artery: A Randomized Comparison With Conventional Two‐Catheter Strategy
Authors: Turan Burak , Erkol Ayhan , Mutlu Ayhan , Daşli Tolga , Erden İsmail
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To investigate safety and efficacy of left Judkins (JL) catheter as a single multipurpose catheter in transradial coronary angiography (TRA).

Background

Most operators use standard femoral catheters instead of special multipurpose transradial catheters during TRA.

Methods

Patients undergoing TRA through right radial artery (RRA) were randomized into single‐catheter approach with JL3.5 and two‐catheter approach with JL3.5 and right Judkins 4.0 catheters. Primary outcome measures were rate of success in selective and stable engagement of both coronary arteries with JL catheter, procedure and fluoroscopy times.

Results

Of 314 patients enrolled, 206 patients (aged 60.3 ± 12.4 years, 36.9% female) were randomized. JL3.5 was successful in 66.0% of patients as a single catheter. Additional catheter was needed more frequently in single‐catheter group (34 vs. 0.97%, P < 0.001). Single‐catheter approach reduced procedure time significantly (6.7 ± 2.1 vs. 7.9 ± 3.3 minutes, P = 0.002). However on average there was 19.7% relative increase in fluoroscopy time (2.61 ± 1.38 vs. 2.18 ± 1.54 minutes, P = 0.035) with single‐catheter approach. Radial artery spasm tended to develop more frequently in two‐catheter group (22.3 vs. 12.6%, P = 0.067). In nearly half of the patients, procedure had been completed successfully with JL3.5 catheter within a fluoroscopy time similar to that of two‐catheter group.

Conclusion

In TRA from RRA, JL3.5 catheter can be very effective when dedicated multipurpose catheter is not available. As a single multipurpose catheter, JL works perfectly in nearly half of procedures without prolonging procedure and fluoroscopy times. However insisting on a single‐catheter approach with JL could unnecessarily increase fluoroscopy time and, hence, radiation exposure. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:257–264)
Distributions of oxytocin and vasopressin 1a receptors in the Taiwan vole and their role in social monogamy
Authors: Chappell A. R. , Freeman S. M. , Lin Y. K. , LaPrairie J. L. , Inoue K. , Young L. J. , Hayes L. D.
Published: March 2016

Social monogamy is a mating strategy rarely employed by mammalian species. Laboratory studies in socially monogamous prairie voles Microtus ochrogaster demonstrate that oxytocin and vasopressin act within the mesolimbic dopamine pathway to facilitate pair‐bond formation. Species differences in oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) distribution in this pathway are associated with species differences in mating strategy. Here, we characterize the neuroanatomical distribution of OTR and V1aR binding sites in naturally occurring populations of Taiwan voles Microtus kikuchii, which purportedly display social monogamy. Live trapping was conducted at two sites in 2009‐2010 and receptor autoradiography for OTR and V1aR was performed on brains from 24 animals. OTR binding in two brain regions where OTR signaling regulates pair‐bonding were directly compared with that of prairie voles. Our results show that like prairie voles, Taiwan voles exhibit OTR in the prefrontal cortex, insular cortex, claustrum, nucleus accumbens, caudate‐putamen, dorsal lateral septal nucleus, central amygdala and ventromedial hypothalamus. Unlike prairie voles, Taiwan voles exhibit OTR binding in the CA3 field of the hippocampus, as well as the indusium griseum, which has only previously been documented in tuco‐tucos Ctenomys haigi, Ctenomys sociabilis, Syrian hamsters Mesocricetus auratus and naked mole‐rats Heterocephalus glaber. V1aR binding was present in the ventral pallidum, lateral septum, nucleus basalis, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, hippocampus, medial amygdala, and anterior, ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamus. Marked individual differences in V1aR binding were noted in the cingulate cortex and several thalamic nuclei, remarkably similar to prairie voles. While pharmacological studies are needed to determine whether oxytocin and vasopressin are involved in pair‐bond formation in this species, our results lay a foundation for future investigations into the role of these neuropeptides in Taiwan vole social behavior.
Associations of organic matter with minerals in Tagish Lake meteorite via high spatial resolution synchrotron‐based FTIR microspectroscopy
Authors: Yesiltas Mehmet , Kebukawa Yoko
Published: March 2016

We have investigated spatial and spectral associations between mineral species and organic matter in the Tagish Lake meteorite. Synchrotron‐based infrared microspectroscopy allowed us to spatially locate specific organic and inorganic compounds within multiple Tagish Lake grains with high spatial resolution. Generated two‐dimensional infrared maps present strong spatial association between aliphatic C‐H and OH in phyllosilicates in Tagish Lake grains. These observations indicate possible roles of phyllosilicates for the formation, evolution, and preservation of organic matter. Infared spectra of all studied Tagish Lake grains show a strong carbonate band, which also shows a weak but positive correlation with organic matter in some grains. However, intergrain correlation was not observed between carbonates and organics, which is likely due to the difference of carbonate occurrence, e.g., presence of larger grains or intergrowth of carbonates on phyllosilicates. Possible scenarios further explaining the observed associations of organics with phyllosilicates and carbonates are presented.
Fine‐scale spatial differences in humpback whale diet composition near Kodiak, Alaska
Authors: Wright Dana L. , Witteveen Briana , Wynne Kate , Horstmann‐Dehn Larissa
Published: March 2016

On the North Pacific feeding grounds, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are recovering from commercial whaling at a rapid rate (6.8%). The potential effect that this recovery will have on trophic dynamics involving these predators is currently unknown. To better elucidate complex trophic dynamics, variability in diet composition of apex predators on their respective feeding grounds needs to be understood. Thus, we explored the diet composition of two defined subaggregations of humpback whales of the Kodiak Archipelago population (“North,” “South”) using stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios of humpback whale skin and regional prey samples in Bayesian dietary mixing models. Humpback whales in the “North” region consumed proportionally more fish, dominated by capelin (Mallotus villosus), whereas, whales in the “South” region consumed predominantly krill. The difference in diet composition appears to reflect regional differences in prey availability. Thus, regional variability in diet composition by humpback whales may have disproportionate impacts on prey resources of sympatric predators depending on available prey biomass. As a result, we suggest fine‐scale studies of apex predator diets are needed to better model trophic dynamics with accuracy.
Regulation of long‐term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells by EPCR/PAR1 signaling
Authors: Gur‐Cohen Shiri , Kollet Orit , Graf Claudine , Esmon Charles T. , Ruf Wolfram , Lapidot Tsvee
Published: March 2016

The common developmental origin of endothelial and hematopoietic cells is manifested by coexpression of several cell surface receptors. Adult murine bone marrow (BM) long‐term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells (LT‐HSCs), endowed with the highest repopulation and self‐renewal potential, express endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), which is used as a marker to isolate them. EPCR/protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR1) signaling in endothelial cells has anticoagulant and anti‐inflammatory roles, while thrombin/PAR1 signaling induces coagulation and inflammation. Recent studies define two new PAR1‐mediated signaling cascades that regulate EPCR+ LT‐HSC BM retention and egress. EPCR/PAR1 signaling facilitates LT‐HSC BM repopulation, retention, survival, and chemotherapy resistance by restricting nitric oxide (NO) production, maintaining NOlow LT‐HSC BM retention with increased VLA4 expression, affinity, and adhesion. Conversely, acute stress and clinical mobilization upregulate thrombin generation and activate different PAR1 signaling that overcomes BM EPCR+ LT‐HSC retention, inducing their recruitment to the bloodstream. Thrombin/PAR1 signaling induces NO generation, TACE‐mediated EPCR shedding, and upregulation of CXCR4 and PAR1, leading to CXCL12‐mediated stem and progenitor cell mobilization. This review discusses new roles for factors traditionally viewed as coagulation related, which independently act in the BM to regulate PAR1 signaling in bone‐ and blood‐forming progenitor cells, navigating their fate by controlling NO production.
Pain Reactions during Pulmonary Vein Isolation under Deep Sedation: Cryothermal versus Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: ATTANASIO PHILIPP , HUEMER MARTIN , SHOKOR PARWANI ABDUL , BOLDT LEIF‐HENDRIK , MÜGGE ANDREAS , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , WUTZLER ALEXANDER
Published: March 2016

Background

Left atrial ablation can be accompanied by discomfort or pain. The purpose of this study was to systematically compare pain reactions during ablation of atrial fibrillation under deep sedation with cryothermal and radiofrequency energy.

Methods and Results

Circumferential ablation was performed in patients with atrial fibrillation using either radiofrequency (RF) or cryoenergy. Deep sedation was achieved with a combination of propofol and midazolam. Pain reactions were counted and painful ablation sites located. To determine the severity of the pain reactions a Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale was used: 79 patients (53 RF‐ vs 26 Cryoablations) were included. A total of 92% of patients treated with RF energy showed ≥1 pain reaction during the procedure compared to only 13% in the cryoenergy group (<0.001). The total number of pain reactions was significantly higher in the RF energy group (3.6 ± 4.7 vs1.3 ± 0.6, P = 0.005). Determination of painful sites was performed in the RF group only. Pain reactions were significantly more often observed during RF application left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) ostium compared to other left atrial ablation sites (Total FLACC Score 2.8 ± 0.6 LSPV, 1.4 ± 0.4 left inferior pulmonary vein [P = 0.009], 1.4 ± 0.3 right superior pulmonary vein [P = 0.044], 1.1 ± 0.3 right inferior pulmonary vein [P = 0.032]).

Conclusions

Our results show that despite deep sedation pain reactions often occur during RF ablation. Knowledge of areas with more frequent pain reactions may help electrophysiologists to reduce pain reactions and related patient movements. Ablation with cryoenergy was significantly less painful compared to ablation with RF energy. Cryoablation therefore may be considered for patients at a higher risk for anesthesia‐related complications.
Cell wall targeted in planta iron accumulation enhances biomass conversion and seed iron concentration in Arabidopsis and rice
Authors: Yang Haibing , Wei Hui , Ma Guojie , Antunes Mauricio S. , Vogt Stefan , Cox Joseph , Zhang Xiao , Liu Xiping , Bu Lintao , Gleber S. Charlotte , Carpita Nicholas C. , Makowski Lee , Himmel Michael E. , Tucker Melvin P. , McCann Maureen C. , Murphy Angus S. , Peer Wendy A.
Published: March 2016

Conversion of nongrain biomass into liquid fuel is a sustainable approach to energy demands as global population increases. Previously, we showed that iron can act as a catalyst to enhance the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production. However, direct addition of iron catalysts to biomass pretreatment is diffusion‐limited, would increase the cost and complexity of biorefinery unit operations and may have deleterious environmental impacts. Here, we show a new strategy for in planta accumulation of iron throughout the volume of the cell wall where iron acts as a catalyst in the deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass. We engineered CBM‐IBP fusion polypeptides composed of a carbohydrate‐binding module family 11 (CBM11) and an iron‐binding peptide (IBP) for secretion into Arabidopsis and rice cell walls. CBM‐IBP transformed Arabidopsis and rice plants show significant increases in iron accumulation and biomass conversion compared to respective controls. Further, CBM‐IBP rice shows a 35% increase in seed iron concentration and a 40% increase in seed yield in greenhouse experiments. CBM‐IBP rice potentially could be used to address iron deficiency, the most common and widespread nutritional disorder according to the World Health Organization.
Alterations in primary and secondary metabolism in Vitis vinifera ‘Malvasía de Banyalbufar’ upon infection with Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 3
Authors: Montero Rafael , Pérez‐Bueno María Luisa , Barón Matilde , Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Tohge Takayuki , Fernie Alisdair Robert , ouad Hanan El aou , Flexas Jaume , Bota Josefina
Published: March 2016

Plant defense mechanisms against pathogens result in differential regulation of various processes of primary and secondary metabolism. Imaging techniques, such as fluorescence imaging and thermography, are very valuable tools providing spatial and temporal information about these processes. In this study, effects of Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 3 (GLRaV‐3) on grapevine physiology were analyzed in pot‐grown asymptomatic plants of the white cultivar Malvasía de Banyalbufar. The virus triggered changes in the activity of photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. There was a decrease in the photorespiratory intermediates glycine and serine in infected plants, possibly as a defense response against the infection. The content of malate, which plays an important role in plant metabolism, also decreased. These results correlate with the increased non‐photochemical quenching found in infected plants. On the other hand, the concentration of flavonols (represented by myricetin, kaempferol and quercetin derivatives) and hydroxycinnamic acids (which include derivatives of caffeic acid) increased following infection by the virus. These compounds could be responsible for the increase in multicolor fluorescence F440 (blue fluorescence) and F520 (green fluorescence) on the leaves, and changes in the fluorescence parameters F440/F680, F440/F740, F520/F680, F520/F740 and F680/F740. The combined analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and blue‐green fluorescence emitted by phenolics could constitute disease signatures allowing the discrimination between GLRaV‐3 infected and non‐infected plants at very early stage of infection, prior to the development of symptoms.
Adversarial Risk Analysis for Urban Security Resource Allocation
Authors: Gil César , Rios Insua David , Rios Jesus
Published: March 2016

Adversarial risk analysis (ARA) provides a framework to deal with risks originating from intentional actions of adversaries. We show how ARA may be used to allocate security resources in the protection of urban spaces. We take into account the spatial structure and consider both proactive and reactive measures, in that we aim at both trying to reduce criminality as well as recovering as best as possible from it, should it happen. We deal with the problem by deploying an ARA model over each spatial unit, coordinating the models through resource constraints, value aggregation, and proximity. We illustrate our approach with an example that uncovers several relevant policy issues.
The Great Collapse in Value Added Trade
Authors: Nagengast Arne J. , Stehrer Robert
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the great collapse in value added trade using a structural decomposition analysis. We show that changes in vertical specialization accounted for more than 40% of the great trade collapse. Second, we find that the drop in the overall level of demand accounted for roughly a quarter of the decline in value added exports while just under one third was due to compositional changes in final demand. Finally, we demonstrate that the dichotomy between services and manufacturing sectors observed in gross exports during the great trade collapse is not apparent in value added trade data.
Linking pattern to process in reef sediment dynamics at Lady Musgrave Island, southern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Hamylton Sarah M. , Carvalho Rafael C. , Duce Stephanie , Roelfsema Chris M. , Vila‐Concejo Ana
Published: March 2016

Linking surficial sediment patterns in reef environments to the processes that underlie their depositional dynamics enables predictions to be made of how environmental changes will influence reef‐associated sedimentary landforms, such as islands and beaches. Geomorphic linkages between sediment deposition patterns and the biophysical processes that drive them are often poorly resolved, particularly at broad landscape scales where tangible statements can be made about structural changes to landforms. The present study applies geospatial techniques to link patterns in reef sediment dynamics at Lady Musgrave Island to the underlying processes driving them. In situ calcification is characterized by developing a high resolution map of the surficial calcium carbonate producing communities inhabiting the reef platform, and associated sediments across the reef flat are analysed for grain size, kurtosis, sorting and threshold bed shear stress to explore transport pathways across the reef flat and lagoon. Wave energy is modelled across the entire reef platform as a potential driver of sediment dynamics, and morphometric linkages are empirically defined between wave energy and grain size. Findings indicate that carbonate sediments are primarily sourced from calcifying communities colonizing the outer periphery of the reef platform and that sediment grain size can be reliably linked to wave energy by virtue of a linear model.
Architecture and recognition criteria of ancient shelf ridges; an example from Campanian Almond Formation in Hanna Basin, USA
Authors: Leva López Julio , Rossi Valentina Marzia , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ronald J.
Published: March 2016

Shelf ridges are sedimentary bodies formed on the continental shelf due to transgressive reworking (tidal or storm) of lowstand deposits. Common on modern shelves, they are under‐represented in the geological record due to a lack of recognition criteria and facies model. This article proposes a new facies and architectural model for shelf ridges, linked to their inception–evolution–abandonment cycle and the process regime of the basin. The model is mainly based on new outcrop data and interpretations from three sandstone bodies of the Almond Formation, an overall transgressive interval during the infill of the Campanian Western Interior Seaway. Building from the case study, and ancient and modern examples, six characteristics are proposed for the recognition of ancient shelf ridges. Shelf ridges: (i) are encased between thick marine mudstone intervals; (ii) have a basal unconformity that erodes into marine muds or into the remnants of a previous shoreline; (iii) have a non‐erosional upper boundary that transitions into marine muds; (iv) are characterized by clean and well‐sorted sandstones, often cross‐bedded; (v) contain fully marine ichnofauna; and (vi) present compound architectures with large accretion surfaces and lower order structures. Although shelf ridges have been described in previous studies as generated exclusively by either tidal or storm currents, it is clear, from modern examples and the case study, that these two processes can be recorded and preserved in a single shelf ridge. The stratigraphy of these sandstone bodies is therefore much more complex than previously recognized, bearing the signature of changing tidal and storm intensity through time. Because they are developed during transgressions, shelf ridges are commonly subject to strong changes in process regime as sea‐level changes can easily affect the oceanographic conditions and the morphology of the basin. For this reason, shelf ridges can provide the best record of shelf process variability during transgressions.
Simulated ward round: reducing costs, not outcomes
Authors: Ford Helen , Cleland Jennifer , Thomas Ian
Published: March 2016

Background

Distractions and interruptions on the ward pose substantial patient safety risks, but medical students receive little training on their management. Although there is some evidence that medical students can be taught how to manage distractions and interruptions in a simulated ward environment, the only model to date is based on individual feedback, which is resource‐expensive, mitigating curricular integration. Our aim was to assess the educational utility of a cost‐efficient approach to a patient safety‐focused simulated ward round.

Methods

Twenty‐three of 55 final‐year medical students took part in a cost‐reduced simulated ward round. Costs were minimised by providing group rather than individualised feedback, thereby shortening the duration of each simulation and reducing the number of interruptions. The utility of the simulation was assessed via student evaluation and performance on a patient safety station of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Findings

The direct costs of the simulation were more than 50 per cent lower per student compared with the original study, mostly as a result of a reduction in the time that faculty members took to give feedback. Students managed distractions better and received higher scores in the OSCE station than those who had not undergone the ward round. Group feedback was evaluated positively by most participants: 94 per cent of those who provided feedback agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation would make them a safer doctor and would improve their handling of distractions.

Our aim was to assess the educational utility of a cost‐efficient approach to a patient safety‐focused simulated ward round

Discussion

The costs of a simulated ward round can be significantly reduced whilst maintaining educational utility. These findings should encourage medical schools to integrate ward simulation into curricula.
Inactivation of dengue, chikungunya, and Ross River viruses in platelet concentrates after treatment with ultraviolet C light
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Fryk Jesse J. , Prow Natalie A. , Watterson Daniel , Young Paul R. , Hall Roy A. , Tolksdorf Frank , Sumian Chryslain , Gravemann Ute , Seltsam Axel , Marks Denese C.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Arboviruses, including dengue (DENV 1‐4), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Ross River (RRV), are emerging viruses that are a risk for transfusion safety globally. An approach for managing this risk is pathogen inactivation, such as the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system. We investigated the ability of this system to inactivate the above mentioned arboviruses.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

DENV 1‐4, CHIKV, or RRV were spiked into buffy coat (BC)‐derived platelet (PLT) concentrates in additive solution and treated with the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system at the following doses: 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 J/cm2 (standard dose). Pre‐ and posttreatment samples were taken for each dose, and the level of viral infectivity was determined.

RESULTS

At the standard ultraviolet C (UVC) dose (0.2 J/cm2), viral inactivation of at least 4.43, 6.34, and 5.13 log or more, was observed for DENV 1‐4, CHIKV, and RRV, respectively. A dose dependency in viral inactivation was observed with increasing UVC doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has shown that DENV, CHIKV, and RRV, spiked into BC‐derived PLT concentrates, were inactivated by the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system to the limit of detection of our assay, suggesting that this system could contribute to the safety of PLT concentrates with respect to these emerging arboviruses.
Use of Adaptive Injection Strategies to Increase the Full Load Limit of RCCI Operation
Authors: Hanson Reed , Ickes Andrew , Wallner Thomas
Published: March 2016

Dual-fuel combustion using port-injection of low reactivity fuel combined with direct injection (DI) of a higher reactivity fuel, otherwise known as reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI), has been shown as a method to achieve low-temperature combustion with moderate peak pressure rise rates, low engine-out soot and NOx emissions, and high indicated thermal efficiency. A key requirement for extending to high-load operation is moderating the reactivity of the premixed charge prior to the diesel injection. One way to accomplish this is to use a very low reactivity fuel such as natural gas. In this work, experimental testing was conducted on a 13 l multicylinder heavy-duty diesel engine modified to operate using RCCI combustion with port injection of natural gas and DI of diesel fuel. Engine testing was conducted at an engine speed of 1200 rpm over a wide variety of loads and injection conditions. The impact on dual-fuel engine performance and emissions with respect to varying the fuel injection parameters is quantified within this study. The injection strategies used in the work were found to affect the combustion process in similar ways to both conventional diesel combustion (CDC) and RCCI combustion for phasing control and emissions performance. As the load is increased, the port fuel injection (PFI) quantity was reduced to keep peak cylinder pressure (PCP) and maximum pressure rise rate (MPRR) under the imposed limits. Overall, the peak load using the new injection strategy was shown to reach 22 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) with a peak brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 47.6%.
A Multibody Knee Model Corroborates Subject-Specific Experimental Measurements of Low Ligament Forces and Kinematic Coupling During Passive Flexion
Authors: Kia Mohammad , Schafer Kevin , Lipman Joseph , Cross Michael , Mayman David , Pearle Andrew , Wickiewicz Thomas , Imhauser Carl
Published: March 2016

A multibody model of the knee was developed and the predicted ligament forces and kinematics during passive flexion corroborated subject-specific measurements obtained from a human cadaveric knee that was tested using a robotic manipulator. The model incorporated a novel strategy to estimate the slack length of ligament fibers based on experimentally measured ligament forces at full extension and included multifiber representations for the cruciates. The model captured experimentally measured ligament forces (≤5.7 N root mean square (RMS) difference), coupled internal rotation (≤1.6 deg RMS difference), and coupled anterior translation (≤0.4 mm RMS difference) through 130 deg of passive flexion. This integrated framework of model and experiment improves our understanding of how passive structures, such as ligaments and articular geometries, interact to generate knee kinematics and ligament forces.
A Semi-Analytical Model for Fluid-Elastic Instability in Tube Arrays Including the Effects of Nonuniform Flow Velocity and Tube Displacement
Authors: Utsumi M.
Published: March 2016

A semi-analytical method to examine the influences of the axial variations in the tube vibration amplitude and flow velocity on the critical flow velocity is investigated. We illustrate that neglecting the axial variation in the tube vibration amplitude can result in an overestimation of the critical flow velocity (nonconservative estimate) when the flow velocity is nonuniform. A condition under which such overestimation arises is derived by the transformation of the eigenvalue problem that is made to take into account the axial variations in the tube vibration amplitude and flow velocity. This condition is the existence of a positive correlation between the deviations of two functions: one representing the axial variation in the flow velocity and the other square of the function representing the nonuniformity of the tube vibration amplitude. The case with marked partial admission is investigated through physical consideration for this flow-induced vibration problem. We also study cases where the difference between tube eigenfrequencies in the flow and transverse directions results in a transition in the instability direction, from the transverse direction to that of flow.
Design and Development of a Wheel Chair Based Manual Self-Transfer Device for Elderly and Disabled
Authors: Hari Krishnan R. , Pugazhenthi S.
Published: March 2016

A novel and frugal self-transfer device has been developed for transferring a user, with disabilities in lower limbs, from a wheel chair to a toilet commode or any other surface. The device does not require any external power for the transfer operation, as it utilizes the available physical strength of the upper body of the user. It is designed to raise the user, turn, and place on top of a toilet seat. Lockable gas springs are employed for raising, while a turntable with epicyclic gear train facilitates rotary transfer. Trials were carried out to optimize the ergonomic aspects of the design. Overall acceptability of the system has also been studied, and the results show that the device is capable of transferring a subject from a wheel chair to another surface with less effort.
Analysis and Evaluation of a Robotic Trephination in Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Su Peng , Deng Shijing , Huang Long , Song Yanming , Liu Xiaoyu , Yang Yang
Published: March 2016

It is difficult to achieve a stably delicate operation in manual microsurgery, and the aim of this paper is to evaluate the robotic trephination that can open a promising perspective for the development of robotic microsurgical system for keratoplasty. A robot for corneal trephination integrating a force/torque sensor is designed based on manual trephine action. The manual experiments and the robotic experiments about penetrating trephination are performed in porcine eyes. The expected values of operational parameters that are references to the robotic trephination are obtained from the manual experiments using probability density functions (PDFs), including linear velocity, angular velocity, and rotating angle. Considering the meanings of the forces/torques, the results of the manual and robotic experiments such as trephine forces/torques and photomicrographs are compared to evaluate the effectiveness of robotic trephination. The manual trephination shows some randomness and this leads to large fluctuations in the trephine forces/torques during the surgery, but the robot may improve overall outcome of the graft, as it is able to carry out the operation stably and produce a uniform cutting margin. There is potential to improve the biomechanical properties in the delicate microsurgery by using the trephine robot and such devices can assist the surgeon to achieve a consistently high-quality result.
Adiabatic Markov Decision Process: Convergence of Value Iteration Algorithm
Authors: Duong Thai , Nguyen-Huu Duong , Nguyen Thinh
Published: March 2016

Markov decision process (MDP) is a well-known framework for devising the optimal decision-making strategies under uncertainty. Typically, the decision maker assumes a stationary environment which is characterized by a time-invariant transition probability matrix. However, in many real-world scenarios, this assumption is not justified, thus the optimal strategy might not provide the expected performance. In this paper, we study the performance of the classic value iteration algorithm for solving an MDP problem under nonstationary environments. Specifically, the nonstationary environment is modeled as a sequence of time-variant transition probability matrices governed by an adiabatic evolution inspired from quantum mechanics. We characterize the performance of the value iteration algorithm subject to the rate of change of the underlying environment. The performance is measured in terms of the convergence rate to the optimal average reward. We show two examples of queuing systems that make use of our analysis framework.
Eigenstructure
Assignment by Displacement–Acceleration Feedback for Second-Order
Systems
Authors: Abdelaziz Taha H.
S.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a new technique for controlling the dynamic response of second-order systems by means of combined displacement and acceleration feedback. The necessary conditions that guarantee the solvability for the problem are formulated. Parametric expressions for the displacement–acceleration gains and the eigenvector matrix are derived. The solution can be applied for the systems with nonsingular or singular mass matrices. Based on the simulation results, we can conclude that the proposed technique is effective.
Temperature-Dependent Dwell-Fatigue Behavior of Nanosilver Sintered Lap Shear Joint
Authors: Tan Yansong , Li Xin , Mei Yunhui , Chen Gang , Chen Xu
Published: March 2016

A series of dwell-fatigue tests were conducted on nanosilver sintered lap shear joint at elevated temperatures from 125 °C to 325 °C. The effects of temperature and loading conditions on dwell-fatigue behavior of nanosilver sintered lap shear joint were systematically studied. With higher temperature and longer dwell time, creep played a more important part in dwell-fatigue tests. Creep strain accumulated during maximum shear stress hold was found partly recovered by the subsequent cyclic unloading. Both the fracture mode and silver particle growth pattern were characterized by X-ray tomography system and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mean shear strain rate γ˙m synthesized the effects of various factors, such as temperature, shear stress amplitude, mean shear stress, and dwell time, by which the fatigue and dwell-fatigue life of nanosilver sintered lap shear joint could be well predicted within a factor of two.
Effects of growth temperature on the incorporation of nitrogen in GaNAs layers
Authors: Espinoza-Figueroa José Ángel , Méndez-García Víctor Hugo , Vidal Miguel Ángel , Cruz-Hernández Esteban , López-López Máximo , Gallardo-Hernández Salvador
Published: March 2016

Ternary III-N-V semiconductor alloys are interesting and complex materials. GaNAs is one such material that has been studied extensively; however, the accurate determination of the N content within this material in which the growth conditions significantly increases the amount of interstitial N has not yet been reported. To address this problem, GaNAs layers (100 nm) were prepared using molecular beam epitaxy at temperatures between 400 and 600 °C with a high nominal N concentration (3%). The N content was determined using high resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL). The N concentration determined using these techniques was compared. Additionally, the relationship between the growth temperature and N concentration is discussed. The incorporation of N into interstitial sites resulted in significant variations in the N content as estimated by SIMS, HRXRD, and PL.
Liquid-metal-enabled synthesis of aluminum-containing III-nitrides by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Liang Yu-Han , Nuhfer Noel T. , Towe Elias
Published: March 2016

Nitride films are promising for advanced optoelectronic and electronic device applications. However, some challenges continue to impede development of high aluminum-containing devices. The two major difficulties are growth of high crystalline quality films with aluminum-rich compositions, and efficiently doping such films p-type. These problems have severely limited the use of aluminum-rich nitride films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. A way around these problems is through use of a liquid-metal-enabled approach to molecular beam epitaxy. Although the presence of a liquid metal layer at the growth front is reminiscent of conventional liquid phase epitaxy, this approach is different in its details. Conventional liquid epitaxy is a near-thermodynamic equilibrium process which liquid-metal assisted molecular beam epitaxy is not. Growth of aluminum-rich nitrides is primarily driven by the kinetics of the molecular vapor fluxes, and the surface diffusion of adatoms through a liquid metal layer before incorporation. This paper reports on growth of high crystalline quality and highly doped aluminum-containing nitride films. Measured optical and electrical characterization data show that the approach is viable for growth of atomically smooth aluminum-containing nitride heterostructures. Extremely high p-type doping of up to 6 × 1017 cm−3 and n-type doping of up to 1 × 1020 cm−3 in Al0.7Ga0.3N films was achieved. Use of these metal-rich conditions is expected to have a significant impact on high efficiency and high power optoelectronic and electronic devices that require both high crystalline quality and highly doped (Al,Ga)N films.
Pulse-spreading harmonic complex as an alternative carrier for vocoder simulations of cochlear implants
Authors: Mesnildrey Quentin , Hilkhuysen Gaston , Macherey Olivier
Published: March 2016

Noise- and sine-carrier vocoders are often used to acoustically simulate the information transmitted by a cochlear implant (CI). However, sine-waves fail to mimic the broad spread of excitation produced by a CI and noise-bands contain intrinsic modulations that are absent in CIs. The present study proposes pulse-spreading harmonic complexes (PSHCs) as an alternative acoustic carrier in vocoders. Sentence-in-noise recognition was measured in 12 normal-hearing subjects for noise-, sine-, and PSHC-vocoders. Consistent with the amount of intrinsic modulations present in each vocoder condition, the average speech reception threshold obtained with the PSHC-vocoder was higher than with sine-vocoding but lower than with noise-vocoding.
Bayesian source localization with uncertain Green's function in an uncertain shallow water ocean
Authors: Le Gall Yann , Dosso Stan E. , Socheleau François-Xavier , Bonnel Julien
Published: March 2016

Matched-field acoustic source localization is a challenging task when environmental properties of the oceanic waveguide are not precisely known. Errors in the assumed environment (mismatch) can cause severe degradations in localization performance. This paper develops a Bayesian approach to improve robustness to environmental mismatch by considering the waveguide Green's function to be an uncertain random vector whose probability density accounts for environmental uncertainty. The posterior probability density is integrated over the Green's function probability density to obtain a joint marginal probability distribution for source range and depth, accounting for environmental uncertainty and quantifying localization uncertainty. Because brute-force integration in high dimensions can be costly, an efficient method is developed in which the multi-dimensional Green's function integration is approximated by one-dimensional integration over a suitably defined correlation measure. An approach to approximate the Green's function covariance matrix, which represents the environmental mismatch, is developed based on modal analysis. Examples are presented to illustrate the method and Monte-Carlo simulations are carried out to evaluate its performance relative to other methods. The proposed method gives efficient, reliable source localization and uncertainties with improved robustness toward environmental mismatch.
Heterogeneity of vocal sac inflation patterns inOdorrana tormotaplays a role in call diversity
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhao Juan , Chen Pan , Chen Zhuqing , Chen Yuanyuan , Feng Albert S.
Published: March 2016

Male concave-eared torrent frogs (Odorrana tormota) can emit at least eight distinct call-types. However, the mechanisms by which they are produced are not fully understood. Anatomical analysis revealed that the vocal sacs of male O. tormota comprise two physically distinct compartments (pars lateralis and pars ventralis), residing on two sides of the vocal slits. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the two compartments play a role in the production of the diverse call-types. For this, audio and video recordings of male vocalizations were made, and sounds were analyzed afterwards. Results showed that the vocal sac inflation pattern was heterogeneous, and the call duration was a major factor determining the differential inflation patterns. Short call-types (duration <200 ms) involved inflation of one of the compartments only; those having a fundamental frequency (F0) of >5000 Hz involved inflation of pars lateralis only, whereas those with an F0 of <4000 Hz (tone-pips and “infant” calls) involved inflation of pars ventralis only. Long call-types (duration >200 ms), e.g., shallow frequency modulation calls, staccato calls, and long calls, involved inflation of both compartments of the vocal sacs. These results give support to the working hypothesis.
Sport-Related Concussion Knowledge and Occurrence: A Survey of High School and College Athletes in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyung Rock , Resch Jacob E. , Han Tae Kyung , Miles Jessica D. , Ferrara Michael S.
Published: March 2016

Few studies have been conducted on individuals’ knowledge of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine South Korean athletes’ knowledge and recognition of SRC. A cross-sectional survey assessing (a) the recognition of specific signs and symptoms associated with SRC; (b) history of SRC; and (c) knowledge of the return-to-play decision (RTP) process after SRC was distributed to 410 high school and collegiate student-athletes from a variety of sports. No participants correctly identified all 9 items on the checklist of SRC signs and symptoms. While 8.9% reported a history of SRC, approximately 50% of those never reported their postconcussion signs and symptoms. Furthermore, 63.9% of the athletes who reported SRC made RTP decisions on their own. These results reflect the lack of knowledge in South Korean athletics of common signs, symptoms, and appropriate RTP decisions following concussion.
The Effects of Quadriceps Kinesio Taping on Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Performance in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Duruturk Neslihan , Pekyavas Nihan Ozunlu , Yρlmaz Atakan , Karatas Metin
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacities are important components of athletic performance. The use of Kinesio Taping® (KT) as a supplementary treatment in athletic settings has increased in the recent years. KT can facilitate muscle contraction, which may be useful for improving performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of KT to the quadriceps muscle has any effect on anaerobic and aerobic performance in young healthy individuals.

Design:

Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical study.

Setting:

Baskent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

Patients:

Thirty-two healthy male participants were randomly assigned to either the KT group or a sham KT (SKT) group.

Interventions:

The KT muscle facilitation technique was applied to the quadriceps muscle bilaterally and measurements were taken 45 min later to ensure full adhesion.

Main Outcome Measures:

The Wingate cycle ergometer test was used to assess peak anaerobic power (peak AnP, in Watts) and exercise capacity (Watt/kg), while the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to assess aerobic exercise capacity of the participants. Comparisons between groups were performed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, while those between baseline and posttaping used the nonparametric Wilcoxon test.

Results:

No significant difference was found between the two groups in the aerobic or anaerobic test parameters (p > .05). Within the groups, a significant improvement in time factors in peak AnP (929.7 2 ± 184.37 W to 1043.49 ± 224.42 W) was found only in the KT group (p = .028) and no other parameter was significantly different (p > .05).

Conclusions:

KT applied to the quadriceps muscle can positively improve anaerobic exercise performance and athletic performance capacity. However, KT did not affect aerobic capacity. Further research is needed to show that KT can improve and support anaerobic and aerobic exercise capacity in healthy participants or athletes.
Ankle Bracing Decreases Vertical Jump Height and Alters Lower Extremity Kinematics
Authors: Smith Bradley , Claiborne Tina , Liberi Victor
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ankle bracing on vertical jump performance and lower extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activity. Twenty healthy college athletes participated in two sessions, separated by a minimum of 24 hr. They performed five jumps with no brace on the first day, and five jumps with both ankles braced on the second day. An average of the three highest jumps each day was used for analysis. Braced vertical jump performance significantly decreased (p = .002) as compared with the unbraced condition. In addition, hip flexion (p = .043) and ankle plantar flexion (p = .001) angles were significantly smaller during the braced vertical jump. There was also a significant reduction in soleus muscle EMG (p = .002) during the braced condition.
The Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Postexercise Muscle Soreness and Fatigue
Authors: Lorete Christina J. , Fontaine Riley N. , Welsch Lauren A. , Hoch Johanna M.
Published: March 2016

Clinical Question:

Is there evidence to suggest continuous cold water immersion (CWI) as a postexercise recovery intervention is more effective at reducing perceived muscle fatigue or soreness as measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) when compared with passive rest in physically active adults?

Summary of Key Findings:

A systematic search of the literature produced 124 studies, with two randomized controlled trials and two cross-over studies meeting the inclusion criteria.

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is inconsistent, limited-quality evidence to support that the use of CWI postexercise is more effective at reducing perceived muscle fatigue or soreness in physically active adults when compared with passive rest. The results of the included studies were inconsistent regarding the application of continuous CWI for 10–14 min to reduce perceived muscle fatigue and soreness when compared with passive rest. The good-quality evidence found no difference between conditions and the three limited-quality studies identified differences between the conditions.