bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameters of Haemostasis during Acute Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Reiter W , Ehrensberger H , Steinbrückner B , Keller F
Published: September 2018

Underlying disorders of the coagulation system such as inhibitor deficiencies or decreased fibrinolysis are common in patients suffering from venous thrombosis. They may lead to the necessity of a lifelong prophylaxis. Prompt diagnosis is obviously to the patients benefit. We investigated 22 patients suffering from venous thromboses for the inhibitors antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C, and protein S during the first 8 to 12 days after admission to hospital and in addition after withdrawal from anticoagulant treatment after several months. At the day of admission ATIII and protein C levels were comparable to those several months later, but after 2 days they shifted downward or upward, respectively. Protein S did not shift during the period of hospitalisation, but was initially slightly lower than several months later. For inhibitors the day of admission to hospital is most suitable to take the samples. About 50% of the patients still had elevated activation markers (prothrombin fragments F1+2, thrombin-antithrombin complex TAT, and D-dimers) after several months.
Comparison of Immunological and Functional Assays for Measurement of Soluble Fibrin
Authors: Dempfle C E , Pfitzner S A , Dollman M , Huck K , Stehle G , Heene D L
Published: September 2018

Various assays have been developed for quantitation of soluble fibrin or fibrin monomer in clinical plasma samples, since this parameter directly reflects in vivo thrombin action on fibrinogen. Using plasma samples from healthy blood donors, patients with cerebral ischemic insult, patients with septicemia, and patients with venous thrombosis, we compared two immunologic tests using monoclonal antibodies against fibrin-specific neo-epitopes, and two functional tests based on the cofactor activity of soluble fibrin complexes in tPA-induced plasminogen activation. Test A (Enzymun®-Test FM) showed the best discriminating power among normal range and pathological samples. Test B (Fibrinostika® soluble fibrin) clearly separated normal range from pathological samples, but failed to discriminate among samples from patients with low grade coagulation activation in septicemia, and massive activation in venous thrombosis. Functional test C (Fibrin monomer test Behring) displayed good discriminating power between normal and pathological range samples, and correlated with test A (r = 0.61), whereas assay D (Coa-Set® Fibrin monomer) showed little discriminating power at values below 10 μg/ml and little correlation with other assays. Standardization of assays will require further characterization of analytes detected.
Family Studies of Type II CD36 Deficient Subjects: Linkage of a CD36 Allele to a Platelet-Specific mRNA Expression Defect(s) Causing Type II CD36 Deficiency
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Kosugi Satoru , Shiraga Masamichi , Lipsky Robert H , Nagao Nobuo , Kanakura Yuzuru , Kurata Yoshiyuki , Matsuzawa Yuji
Published: September 2018

We performed family studies with type II CD36 deficiency. In the Mi.Y family, the proband (YII.1) and his brother (YII.2) displayed a type II deficient phenotype. In the mother(YI.2), binding of the anti CD36 monoclonal antibody, 0KM5, to both platelets and monocytes was reduced as compared to CD36 positive control cells. In the father (YI.1), while 0KM5 binding to his platelets was reduced, that of his monocytes was almost the same as normal control monocytes. Analysis of genomic DNA showed that YI.2, YII.1 and YII.2 were heterozygous for a proline90→serine mutation, and showed that both alleles of YI.1 did not have the mutation. Analysis of CD36 cDNA showed that the Pro90 form of CD36 cDNA could be detected in monocytes, but not in platelets from YII.1 and YII.2. These data indicated that YII.1 and YII.2 could be compound heterozygotes; an allele having a platelet-specific mRNA expression defect(s), which was responsible for the different CD36 expression between their platelets and monocytes, and the Ser90 allele. YI.1 was suggested to be a carrier of the platelet-specific silent allele. The platelet-specific silent allele was linked to a specific genotype of a polymorphic microsatellite sequence in the CD36 gene, supporting our hypothesis that mRNA expression defect(s) occurred at or near the CD36 gene. In a second type IICD36 deficient family, we also obtained results consistent with this hypothesis.
Mitral Valve Surgery via Partial Upper Sternotomy: Closing the Gap between Conventional Sternotomy and Right Lateral Minithoracotomy
Authors: Oezpeker Cenk , Barbieri Fabian , Hoefer Daniel , Schneider Bastian , Bonaros Nikolaos , Grimm Michael , Mueller Ludwig
Published: September 2018

Background Minithoracotomy (MT) has gained broad acceptance for mitral valve surgery (MVS) in the last decade. In the presence of defined limitations of MT, however, full sternotomy (FS) is still widely preferred. We assume that the less investigated partial upper sternotomy (PS) will permit the gap between MT and FS in MVS to be closed. The purpose of this study is to investigate a valid less invasive alternative to MT for isolated MVS or multivalve surgery.

Methods This retrospective analysis includes data on 1,639 patients, who underwent either isolated or combined primary MVS at our department from May 2011 to August 2017. Out of these, 663 patients were operated via MT access. One-hundred three patients had been judged as not suitable for MT but feasible for PS approach in which 53.4% (n = 55) had isolated MVS and 46.6% patients (n = 48) underwent multivalve surgery. Concomitant myocardial revascularization was performed in 2.9% of the study patients (n = 3).

Results Operative, 90-day, and 1-year mortality in the PS-cohort was 0, 1.0% (n = 1), and 3.3% (n = 3), respectively. During a median follow-up time of 1,115 days (interquartile range 398–1806), all-cause mortality was 5.8% (n = 6). Operative times for cardiopulmonary-bypass and cross-clamping were 167 minutes (140–198) and 107 minutes (93–132), respectively. Median length of stay at the intensive care unit and hospital was 1 (1–2) and 7 days (7–10), respectively.

Conclusion The presented results demonstrate that there is a cohort of patients, who are not candidates for MT in MVS but may be operated successfully by an alternative less invasive approach.
Ausbildung zum ärztlichen Psychotherapeuten
Authors: Jobst A.
Published: September 2018

Hintergrund: Die Ausbildungslandschaft zum ärztlichen Psychotherapeuten in Deutschland ist für Ausbildungskandidaten oftmals undurchsichtig. Anforderungen und Vorgaben sind für die verschiedenen Fachrichtungen und Zusatzweiterbildungen durch die Ärztekammern geregelt. Die Ausbildung in Psychotherapie erfolgt jedoch an psychotherapeutischen Ausbildungsinstituten. Hier unterscheiden sich die Ausbildungsstrukturen zum Teil erheblich und können von den Ausbildungskandidaten selbst gewählt werden. Trotz des vielschichtigen Angebots garantiert die ärztliche psychotherapeutische Ausbildung in Deutschland im europäischen Vergleich Qualitätsstandards über gesetzliche Vorgaben. Ziel: Die spezifische Rolle der ärztlichen Psychotherapie sollte auch vor dem Hintergrund der Reform des Psychotherapeutengesetzes nicht in Vergessenheit geraten.
Pharmakokinetisches Grundverständnis als Basis der individualisierten Psychopharmakotherapie
Authors: Schwarz M. J.
Published: September 2018

Hintergrund: Beim Start der „Precision Medicine Initiative“ wurde das rasche und einfache Bestimmen der optimalen Medikamentendosis für jeden individuellen Patienten als großes Ziel genannt. Insbesondere in der Psychopharmakotherapie ist durch das hohe Niveau des Therapeutischen Drug-Monitorings (TDM) dieses Ziel bereits jetzt erreichbar. Eine Grundvoraussetzung für die sinnvolle und fruchtbare Anwendung von TDM ist jedoch die Grundkenntnis pharmakokinetischer Mechanismen. Methode: In diesem Beitrag werden die für die individualisierte Therapie mit Psychopharmaka relevanten Grundlagen der Pharmakokinetik dargestellt. Eng damit verknüpft ist das Thema der Pharmakogenetik; deshalb wird auch hier ein Überblick über die aktuellen internationalen Leitlinien gegeben. Ziel: Auf dieser Grundlage basierend werden die „Werkzeuge“ zur Befundinterpretation der TDM-Ergebnisse dargestellt. Fallbeispiele zeigen typische und authentische Situationen, in denen TDM hilfreich angewandt wurde. Schließlich werden in einer als Kitteltaschenkarte verwendbaren Tabelle 2 die pharmakokinetischen Schlüsselinformationen wichtiger Psychopharmaka zusammengefasst.
Optical properties of nanoporous gold foams
Authors: Asane J. K. , Qi Z. , Biener M. M. , Liberman V. , Noginov M. A.
Published: September 2018

We fabricated and experimentally studied Au nano-foams and Al2O3 scaffolds filled with Au nanoparticles (NPs). We found that while the reflectance spectra of Au nano-foams depended very little on the 8-10 nm Al2O3 ALD coating, the spectra were highly sensitive to annealing, which increased the sizes of voids and ligaments from 50-100 nm to ∼300 nm. The effective dielectric permittivities of the Au nano-foams and Al2O3 scaffolds with Au NPs were extremely high, ∼50. At the same time, Au nano-foams covered with a dielectric (MgF2) featured bright structural colors, calling for the model, which extends beyond the effective medium approximation.
A novel, tunable, multimodal microwave system for microwave reflectometry system
Authors: Wang M. Y. , Zhou C. , Liu A. D. , Zhang J. , Liu Z. Y. , Feng X. , Ji J. X. , Li H. , Lan T. , Xie J. L. , Liu S. Q. , Ding W. X. , Mao W. Z. , Zhuang G. , Liu W. D.
Published: September 2018

Based on a new technique, a tunable, multi-channel system that covers the Q–band (33–55 GHz) is presented in this article. It has a potential use of the Doppler backscattering system diagnostic that can measure the turbulence radial correlation and the perpendicular velocity of turbulence by changing the incident angle. The system consists primarily of a double-sideband (DSB) modulation and a multiplier, which creates four probing frequencies. The probing frequency enables the simultaneous analysis of the density fluctuations and flows at four distinct radial regions in tokamak plasma. The amplitude of the probing frequency can be adjusted by the initial phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) input from the double-sideband, and the typical flatness is less than 10 dB. The system was tested in the lab with a rotating grating, and the results show that the system can operate in the frequency range of 33–55 GHz with a Q-band multitude and that the power of each channel can be adjusted by the phase of the IF input of DSB.
Modeling photothermal induced bistability in vanadium dioxide/1D photonic crystal composite nanostructures
Authors: Rashidi Arezou , Hatef Ali , Namdar Abdolrahman
Published: September 2018

We theoretically investigate the absorption bistability behavior of a nanostructure consisting of a vanadium dioxide (VO2) layer grown on top of a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The proposed structure is illuminated by a continuous wave pump laser, resulting in heat generation within the VO2 layer, and a subsequent phase transition which drastically affects the optical response of the nanostructure. We solve a multiphysics problem containing electromagnetism and thermodynamics in order to show that the optically induced transitions in the VO2 layer can lead to a bistable response in the nanostructure over some ranges of incident intensities during the VO2 heating and cooling modes. Interestingly, when the laser is well set up for an appropriate wavelength, the high contrast of two absorption values in the hysteresis loop indicates bistability and the possibility of achieving near-unity absorption. For example, considering λ = 1025 nm, we get bistability over 1.182 W/cm2 < I < 1.457 W/cm2 which leads to absorption values of about 0.47 and 0.999 for the heating and cooling modes, respectively. The corresponding heat generation for I = 1.3 W/cm2 is 2.41 × 105 W/cm3 and 3.52 × 105 W/cm3, respectively. These properties make our structure promising for designing tunable VO2-based absorbers and optical switching devices.
Intermediate phase cone growth kinetics along dislocation pipes inside polycrystal grains
Authors: Yarmolenko Mykhaylo V.
Published: September 2018

Dislocation-pipe diffusion (DPD) becomes a major contribution to device failure in microelectronic components at working temperatures. Usually, the simple random walk law for diffusion (Type C kinetics t1/2) is employed to calculate of DPD coefficients. The article presents an analytically solvable model of describing the diffusion phase cone growth along dislocation pipes inside polycrystal grains involving outflow from dislocation lines (Type B kinetics). Correlative analytical method to solve differential diffusion equations for such model is suggested. Competition between phase cone growth along dislocation lines involving outflow and phase wedge growth along grain boundaries (GBs) involving outflow is analyzed. It is shown that while phase wedge growth law along GBs is the Fisher regime t1/4, phase cone growth law along dislocation lines is another diffusion regime t1/6. Real experimental data are analyzed using such diffusion regime. It is shown that it is possible to calculate DPD coefficients not only for the phase cone formation, but for migration of atoms along dislocations and self-diffusion along dislocation pipes too.
New insights into the atomic structure of amorphous TiO2 using tight-binding molecular dynamics
Authors: Yang Kai , Kachmar Ali , Wang Bu , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Balonis Magdalena , Sant Gaurav , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: September 2018

Amorphous TiO2 (a-TiO2) could offer an attractive alternative to conventional crystalline TiO2 phases for photocatalytic applications. However, the atomic structure of a-TiO2 remains poorly understood with respect to that of its crystalline counterparts. Here, we conduct some classical molecular dynamics simulations of a-TiO2 based on a selection of empirical potentials. We show that, on account of its ability to dynamically assign the charge of each atom based on its local environment, the second-moment tight-binding charge equilibration potential yields an unprecedented agreement with available experimental data. Based on these simulations, we investigate the degree of order and disorder in a-TiO2. Overall, the results suggest that a-TiO2 features a large flexibility in its local topology, which may explain the high sensitivity of its structure to the synthesis method being used.
Revealing silicon crystal defects by conductive atomic force microscope
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Yu Bingjun , Zou Yijia , Zhou Chao , Li Xiaoying , Wu Jiang , Liu Huiyun , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao
Published: September 2018

The machining and polishing of silicon can damage its surface. Therefore, the investigation of the electric performance of the processed surface is of paramount importance for understanding and improving the utilization of silicon components with nanoscale crystal defects. In this study, conductivity of nanoscratches on the silicon surface was investigated using a conductive atomic force microscope. Compared to the original silicon surface (without any treatment), electrical breakover at low bias voltage could be detected on the mechanically scratched area of the silicon surface with crystal defects, and the current increased with the voltage. In contrast, no obvious current was found on the defect-free scratch created by tribochemical removal. The conductivity could also be observed on a friction-induced protrusive hillock created at high speed but not on a hillock created at low speed that is constructed by amorphous silicon. Further analysis showed that lattice distortions could facilitate easy electron flow and contributed significantly to the conductivity of a mechanical scratch on the silicon surface; however, the amorphous layer hardly contributed to the conductivity, which was also supported by high resolution transmission electron microscope analysis. As a result, the relationship between the electrical performance and microstructures was experimentally established. These findings shed new light on the subtle mechanism of defect-dependent conductivity and also provide a rapid and nondestructive method for detecting surface defects.
Raman analysis of strain in p-type doped silicon nanostructures
Authors: Ureña-Begara Ferran , Vayrette Renaud , Bhaskar Umesh Kumar , Raskin Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2018

In this work, 100 nm-thick boron-doped silicon beams with doping levels between 1 × 1016 and 1 × 1020 cm−3 undergoing uniaxial tensile strain are investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The structures exhibit a noticeable reduction in Young's modulus (∼20%) compared with the value reported for bulk. The traditional Raman shift coefficients used to determine stress and strain in bulk structures are revised, and appropriate corrections are implemented to account for the observed changes in Young's modulus. Interestingly, the Raman shift-strain relation in silicon nanostructures with strain along the [110] direction is found to be independent of size effects and doping. In contrast, the Raman shift-stress relation is found to be highly dependent on size effects. The dependency of the Fano line-shape parameters, used to fit the Raman first order peak in structures with high levels of doping, with strain is also reported. The results are shown to be crucial to accurately determine stress and strain from Raman measurements in doped silicon nanostructures and devices with size effects.
Torque driven ferromagnetic swimmers
Authors: Hamilton Joshua K. , Gilbert Andrew D. , Petrov Peter G. , Ogrin Feodor Y.
Published: September 2018

Microscopic swimming devices hold promise for radically new applications in lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic technology, including diagnostics and drug delivery. In this paper, we realize a macroscopic single particle ferromagnetic swimmer experimentally and investigate its swimming properties. The flagella-based swimmer is comprised of a hard ferromagnetic head attached to a flexible tail. We investigate the dynamic performance of the swimmer on the air-liquid interface as a function of the external magnetic field parameters (frequency and amplitude of an applied magnetic field). We show that the speed of the swimmer can be controlled by manipulating the strength and frequency of the external magnetic field (<3.5 mT) and that the propagation direction has a dependence on parameters of the external magnetic field. The experimental results are compared to a theoretical model based on three beads, one of which having a fixed magnetic moment and the other two non-magnetic, connected via elastic filaments. The model shows sufficient complexity to satisfy the “non-reciprocity” condition and gives good agreement with experiment. Via a simple conversion, we also demonstrate a fluid pump and investigate the induced flow. This investigation paves the way to the fabrication of such swimmers and fluid pump systems on a micro-scale, promising a variety of microfluidic applications.
Pulsed laser deposition of oxide thin films by the fifth harmonic of a Nd:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) laser
Authors: Shimizu Ryota , Sugiyama Issei , Nakamura Naoto , Kobayashi Shigeru , Hitosugi Taro
Published: September 2018

We report the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of anatase TiO2, LaAlO3, and La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 epitaxial thin films by a fifth-harmonic Nd:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) laser. High-quality anatase Ti0.996Nb0.004O2 epitaxial thin films were deposited and showed transparent conducting properties, with a maximum mobility of 94 cm2V−1s−1 at 80 K. These results are consistent with those obtained for films deposited by excimer lasers. Furthermore, we report the deposition of droplet-free flat LaAlO3 and La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 films. The latter films exhibited an insulator-to-metal transition at ∼240 K, accompanied by a large magnetoresistive effect, in agreement with previous studies using excimer lasers. These results indicate that the fifth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser may be a potential alternative to excimer lasers for PLD.
Cost of vascular access devices in public hospitals in Queensland
Authors: Tuffaha Haitham W. , Marsh Nicole , Byrnes Joshua , Gavin Nicole , Webster Joan , Cooke Marie , Rickard Claire M.
Published: September 2018

Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the utilisation of vascular access devices in Queensland public hospitals and their associated cost. Methods Devices were broadly classified into peripheral intravenous catheters, central venous catheters and arterial lines. The number of catheters used was obtained from a central procurement department at Queensland Health and validated using Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims and/or hospital data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the same period. Resources consumed included equipment and staff time required to insert and remove catheters. Equipment costs were valued using negotiated hospital prices, and staff time was valued at the fixed industrial award wages in Australia or relevant MBS fees. Device maintenance costs (e.g. dressings) and costs of treating complications were excluded. Results Approximately 2.75 million vascular access devices were used in public hospitals in Queensland in 2016, at a total cost of A$59.14 million. This comprised a total equipment cost of around A$10.17 million and a total labour cost of A$48.85 million Conclusion Vascular access is an important component of healthcare expenditure. The present study is the first to characterise and cost vascular access devices in Queensland. Further research is needed on the costs of maintaining device function and of treating complications associated with vascular access. What is known about the topic? The cost of vascular access in Australia has previously been estimated from modelling, using various assumptions, or based on device utilisation in other countries. What does this paper add? For the first time, device utilisation for vascular access in Queensland has been quantified and costed. Results were obtained from reliable sources and validated against other databases. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners and managers may now provide accurate estimates about the cost of catheter failure, a potentially preventable problem that affects up to 50% of all catheters placed. Attaching costs to such failure may also stimulate research into how to reduce the problem.
Fine structure of the phloem of Pisum sativum. II. The companion cell and phloem parenchyma
Authors: Wark MC
Published: September 2018

The companion cells of the secondary phloem of Pisum contain all the organelles characteristic of cells possessing an active metabolism. The cytoplasm of the companion cells shows little change during ontogeny. Complex plasmodesmata connect the sieve elements and companion cells. These are the only connections observed between the sieve elements and other phloem cells. New wall structures of the companion cells are described. These structures are here tentatively called trabeculae; they intrude into the cytoplasm, but never completely cross the cell. The trabeculae alter in appearance at the time when the sieve element nucleus and tonoplast disappear. The phloem parenchyma cells are large vacuolated cells wider in diameter but shorter in length than the sieve elements. They contain all the organelles found in normal photosynthetic tissue. The cytoplasm of the phloem parenchyma shows little change during ontogeny. Plasmodesmata of well-developed pit fields connect the phloem parenchyma with the companion cells. The phloem parenchyma does not communicate with the sieve elements.
The gametophytes of the Victorian Hymenophyllaceae
Authors: Stone IG
Published: September 2018

The unique types of gametophytes previously recorded for Hymenophyllaceae
have been shown to occur in the Victorian species. Prothalli of the Hymenophyllum
group (Mecodium australe, M. flabellatum, M. ravum, and Hymenophyllum cupressiforme)
are branching and ribbon-like, while those of the Trichomanes group (Polyphlebium venosum
and Macroglena caudata) are filamentous.
An account is given of germination stages, development of the prothallus and
reproductive organs, vegetative propagation, and young sporophytes of the four species
of the Hymenophyllum group which were grown in culture for up to 8 years.
Different methods of branching are described. In the gametophyte of M. australe,
branching is often nearer a true dichotomy than in other species.
The discontinuous marginal cushions are usually initiated close to the apical
meristems (even in cells adjoining an apical initial cell) although they may develop
far from the apices on the margins between old cushions.
On dehiscence of antheridia of M. australe, the opercular cell lifts and the sperms
retain their vesicles until outside an open archegonium. In Polyphlebium, as in ferns of
other families, the vesicle is usually shed outside the antheridium.
In antheridia of Polyphlebium the stalk cell develops from the prothallial mother
cell after the antheridial initial cell has been delimited, as in Anemia (Schizaeaceae).
Gemmae, which were produced in cultures of all species except H. cupressiforme
and Macroglena caudata, were grown to mature prothalli; and development, although
slow, was quicker than from spores.
Uniseriate gemrnae produced by species in the Trichomanes group are compared
with the biseriate Hymenophyllum type.
The suggestion that species of the Trichomanes group reported with blade-like
expansions on filamentous prothalli are hybrids is supported by polyploidy and apogamy
in these species.
Striking stationarity of large-scale climate model bias patterns under strong climate change
Authors: Krinner Gerhard , Flanner Mark G.
Published: September 2018

Significance

The typical magnitude of coupled climate model biases is similar to the magnitude of the climate change that is expected on a centennial time scale. Using climate models for assessing future climate change therefore relies on the hypothesis that these biases are stationary or vary predictably. This hypothesis, however, has not been, and cannot be, tested directly. We compare the biases of individual models with respect to a multimodel mean for two very different climate states. Our comparison shows that under very large climate change the bias patterns of key climate variables do not change substantially. This provides a justification for using state-of-the-art climate models to simulate climate change and allows extending the range of climate model applications.
How to make an artificial satellite out of a nuclear reactor. An exploration of research-technology emergence and management at INVAP*
Authors: Seijo Gustavo
Published: September 2018

This paper analyses research-technology (RT) emergence and management at INVAP. INVAP is an Argentinean state-owned enterprise based in Bariloche, Patagonia. Most INVAP decision-makers find it challenging to develop technology to meet client-specific needs. RTs exploit interstitial boundary-crossing knowledge. Organisational technology-rooted R&D learning can be characterised as a joint, transverse, inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary process. RT-related technologies have the potential to be dis-embedded from a specific development-project and/or technological area and re-embedded in another project or area. This paper traces the historical dynamics of six RTs at INVAP. Its perspective marginalises the conventional R&D emphasis on the generation of new products and the improvement of production processes, and highlights the importance of monitoring RT emergence. It argues that technology-based product portfolio strategies can profit substantially from good RT management and planning.
A Low-Cost Pupil Center Localization Algorithm Based on Maximized Integral Voting of Circular Hollow Kernels
Authors: Ince Ibrahim Furkan , Erdem Yusuf Sait , Bulut Faruk , Sharif Md Haidar
Published: September 2018

Pupil center localization is an essential requirement for robust eye gaze tracking systems. In this paper, a low-cost pupil center localization algorithm is presented. The aim is to propose a computationally inexpensive algorithm with high accuracy in terms of performance and processing speed. Hence, a computationally inexpensive pupil center localization algorithm based on maximized integral voting of candidate kernels is presented. As the kernel type, a novel circular hollow kernel (CHK) is used. Estimation of pupil center is employed by applying a rule-based schema for each pixel over the eye sockets. Additionally, several features of CHK are proposed for maximizing the probability of voting for each kernel. Experimental results show promising results with 96.94% overall accuracy with around 13.89 ms computational time (71.99 fps) for a single image as an average time by using a standard PC. An extensive benchmarking study indicates that this method outperforms the learning-free algorithms and it competes with the other methods having a learning phase while their processing speed is much higher. Furthermore, this proposed learning-free system is fast enough to run on an average PC and also applicable to work with even a low-resolution webcam on a real-time video stream.
Dimensionality of mental health activities in a German sample
Authors: Hofmann Hanna , Kohlmann Carl-Walter
Published: September 2018

For the promotion of mental health and the reduction of mental impairment, a person’s behavior is of vital importance. Therefore, the assessment of mental health behavior is crucial in the development of suitable interventions. The present study investigates 14 self-help strategies compiled by Morgan and Jorm (Self-help strategies that are helpful for sub-threshold depression: a Delphi consensus study. J Affect Disord2009;115: 196–200) as items of a self-report scale to assess mental health promoting behavior. Dimensionality and psychometrics of mental health activities were examined in a sample of 852 German adults (76% female). After exploratory factor analyses (EFAs, n = 543), several factor structure possibilities were subsequently tested by confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs, n = 309). Based on these results, psychometric properties were calculated. Factor analyses result in a three-factor solution with the subscales positive orientation, physical engagement and emotion regulation. CFAs indicate a good model fit. The total scale showed acceptable reliability. Correlations with indicators of positive mental health were higher than with those of mental impairment. Moreover, correlations support the three-factor structure of the instrument. Women scored higher than men in the total scale, due to differences in the subscale emotion regulation. Although some modifications were performed, the results of our analyses suggest that the self-help strategies introduced by Morgan and Jorm (2009) are indeed useful items for a brief scale to assess mental health activity. The identification of the multidimensionality is an important step in supporting the work of mental health promotion.
3. The EU’s Institutions
Authors: Corbett Richard , Peterson John , Kenealy Daniel
Published: September 2018

This chapter examines five of the European Union’s key institutions: the European Commission; the Council of ministers; the European Council; the European Parliament; and the European Court of Justice. It draws analogies to these institutions’ counterparts at the national level while also highlighting their distinct and unique features. It discusses the structures and formal powers of the five EU institutions and how they ‘squeeze’ influence out of their limited Treaty prerogatives. It concludes by explaining why these institutions matter in determining EU politics and policy more generally, focusing on three central themes: the extent to which the EU is an experiment in motion; the importance of power sharing and consensus; and the capacity of the EU structures to cope with the Union’s expanding size and scope.
6. How Policies Are Made
Authors: Kenealy Daniel , Hayes-Renshaw Fiona
Published: September 2018

This chapter examines how European Union policies are made. Most EU legislation is now adopted according to the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, under which the Council and the European Parliament have equal powers. The basic policy-making rules laid down in the Treaties have been supplemented over the years by formal agreements and informal understandings between the main actors in the decision-making institutions. EU policy-making is open to criticism on grounds of democracy, transparency, and efficiency, but it continues to deliver an impressive amount and array of policy outcomes. The chapter considers the basic rules and principal actors involved in EU policy-making and how the policy-making process works in practice. It also asks whether the EU policy-making process is democratic, transparent, and efficient, before concluding with an assessment of the theory and practice underlying the process.
7. Democracy in the European Union
Authors: Corbett Richard
Published: September 2018

This chapter examines the democratic credentials of the European Union by asking whether it matches some key features common to many modern democratic systems: representation (whether legislation is adopted by representative assemblies); separation of powers; the executive’s democratic accountability; respect for fundamental rights; and whether competing political parties offer voters genuine choice. The chapter also clarifies some key concepts and terms such as bicameralism, democratic deficit, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Furthermore, it considers an alternative to representative democracy: the organizing of referenda to settle issues. Finally, it discusses the EU’s provisions for helping national parliaments scrutinize the participation of their government in EU institutions.
10. Brexit and the Future of Two Unions
Authors: Kenealy Daniel , Peterson John , Corbett Richard
Published: September 2018

This chapter considers the impact of the United Kingdom’s (UK’s) decision to leave the EU. In June 2016, the UK held a referendum on continuing its EU membership. The UK voted to leave the EU by a narrow margin, but one large enough for its new Prime Minister (after David Cameron, who called the referendum, resigned), Theresa May, to call ‘Brexit’ (the process of Britain exiting the EU) ‘the settled will of the British people’. The result sent shock waves across Europe. This chapter seeks to explain how and why the Brexit vote occurred and what might happen—both to the UK and to the EU—as a result. Possible outcomes of the negotiations on Brexit are considered with a view to assessing their impact on the UK, the EU, and the future of European integration.
Pelagic habitat and offspring survival in the eastern stock of Atlantic bluefin tuna
Authors: Reglero Patricia , Balbín Rosa , Abascal Franciso Javier , Medina Antonio , Alvarez-Berastegui Diego , Rasmuson Leif , Mourre Baptiste , Saber Sámar , Ortega Aurelio , Blanco Edurne , de la Gándara Fernando , Alemany Franciso Javier , Ingram G Walter , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: September 2018

In this manuscript, we test how an understanding of geographical variation in larval fitness in relation to temperature and habitat use could be a useful method to improve our understanding of recruitment and develop better indices of annual recruitment. On the basis of the assumption that growth and survival of tuna larvae are influenced by temperature, we have developed a potential larval survival index for Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) by combining empirical data from egg and larval rearing experiments with temperature data from hydrodynamic models. The experiments were designed to test the full range of temperature variability that bluefin larvae would experience in the field and provide a mechanistic understanding of the processes driving egg and larval survival. We then developed a biological model using the temperature-related growth expressions and a size-dependent survival function for the larvae. The biological model was applied to a time-series of spatially explicit temperature data for the western Mediterranean from the Strait of Gibraltar to 6°E, which includes the major recognized bluefin tuna eastern stock spawning area, the Balearic Sea. Our results show that areas with high probabilities of larval survival coincide with those that would be considered as optimal based on other data sources (ichthyoplankton surveys, spawning female locations from commercial fisheries data, and adult tracking data). However, evidence of spawning has been found in areas with suboptimal thermal habitats, as predicted by the model, which we discuss regarding sampling effort and salinity fronts. There was a good match between the survival index and recruitment indices from standardized CPUE fisheries data. These results have implications for our understanding of the recruitment process of the eastern stock of Atlantic bluefin tuna, since they suggest that the combined effects of temporal and spatial variability of the environment drive recruitment success, which has important implications for the management of the species.
A new electron-multiplier-tube-based beam monitor for muon monitoring at the T2K experiment
Authors: Ashida Y , Friend M , Ichikawa A K , Ishida T , Kubo H , Nakamura K G , Sakashita K , Uno W
Published: September 2018

Muon beam monitoring is indispensable for indirectly monitoring accelerator-produced neutrino beams in real time. Though Si photodiodes and ionization chambers have been successfully used as muon monitors at the T2K experiment, sensors that are more radiation tolerant are desired for future operation. We have investigated the electron-multiplier tube (EMT) as a new sensor for muon monitoring. Secondary electrons produced by the passage of muons at dynodes are multiplied in the tube and produce signal. Two prototype detectors were installed at the T2K muon monitor location, and various EMT properties were studied based on in situ data taken with the T2K muon beam. The signal size is as expected based on calculation, and the EMTs show a sufficiently fast time response for bunch-by-bunch beam monitoring. The spill-by-spill intensity resolution is 0.4%, better than the required value (1%). Signal linearity within $\pm$1% is achieved at proton beam powers up to 460 kW (with +250 kA focusing horn operation). A gradual signal decrease was observed during the initial exposure, due to the stabilization of dynode materials, before the response became stable within $\pm$1%. This work demonstrates that EMTs are a good candidate for future muon monitoring at T2K, and may also have other more general applications.
Cell-free prototyping strategies for enhancing the sustainable production of polyhydroxyalkanoates bioplastics
Authors: Kelwick Richard , Ricci Luca , Chee Soo Mei , Bell David , Webb Alexander J , Freemont Paul S
Published: September 2018

The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are microbially-produced biopolymers that could potentially be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-derived plastics. However, PHAs are currently more expensive to produce than oil-derived plastics. Therefore, more efficient production processes would be desirable. Cell-free metabolic engineering strategies have already been used to optimize several biosynthetic pathways and we envisioned that cell-free strategies could be used for optimizing PHAs biosynthetic pathways. To this end, we developed several Escherichia coli cell-free systems for in vitro prototyping PHAs biosynthetic operons, and also for screening relevant metabolite recycling enzymes. Furthermore, we customized our cell-free reactions through the addition of whey permeate, an industrial waste that has been previously used to optimize in vivo PHAs production. We found that the inclusion of an optimal concentration of whey permeate enhanced relative cell-free GFPmut3b production by approximately 50%. In cell-free transcription–translation prototyping reactions, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry quantification of cell-free 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) production revealed differences between the activities of the Native ΔPhaC_C319A (1.18 ± 0.39 µM), C104 ΔPhaC_C319A (4.62 ± 1.31 µM) and C101 ΔPhaC_C319A (2.65 ± 1.27 µM) phaCAB operons that were tested. Interestingly, the most active operon, C104 produced higher levels of PHAs (or PHAs monomers) than the Native phaCAB operon in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Coupled cell-free biotransformation/transcription–translation reactions produced greater yields of 3HB (32.87 ± 6.58 µM), and these reactions were also used to characterize a Clostridium propionicum Acetyl-CoA recycling enzyme. Together, these data demonstrate that cell-free approaches complement in vivo workflows for identifying additional strategies for optimizing PHAs production.
Quantifying the Effects of Fungicides and Tillage on Cercospora sojina Severity and Yield of Soybean
Authors: Mengistu Alemu , Kelly Heather M. , Arelli Prakash R. , Bellaloui Nacer , Lin Binbin
Published: September 2018

A field study was conducted in 2014 through 2016 at the University of Tennessee Research and Education Center, Milan, TN, to determine fungicide effects on frogeye leaf spot (FLS) caused by Cercospora sojina and to determine disease severity and yield under no-till and tillage. Each plot was visually rated for FLS severity based on the percent leaf area covered from 0 to 100%. The result showed that tillage did not affect severity of the disease or yield. However, there were significant effects from fungicide, year-to-year effects, and fungicide × year interactions. Among the three years, disease severity in 2016 was greater than in 2014 and 2015. Among the six fungicides, Topsin, Topguard, Quadris TOP SBX, and Priaxor significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced maximum disease severity in 2016. All fungicide applications improved yield relative to the untreated check. Topsin and Quadris TOP SBX, however, had consistently the highest percent yield increases. These results suggest that not all fungicides that reduced FLS severity equally protected yield, indicating that yield and environmental conditions need to be considered when making appropriate fungicide recommendations in tilled and no-till systems.
Using natural language processing and machine learning to classify health literacy from secure messages: The ECLIPPSE study
Authors: Balyan Renu , Crossley Scott A. , Brown William , Karter Andrew J. , McNamara Danielle S. , Liu Jennifer Y. , Lyles Courtney R. , Schillinger Dean
Published: September 2018

Limited health literacy can be a barrier to healthcare delivery, but widespread classification of patient health literacy is challenging. We applied natural language processing and machine learning on a large sample of 283,216 secure messages sent from 6,941 patients to their clinicians for this study to develop and validate literacy profiles as indicators of patients’ health literacy. All patients were participants in Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s DISTANCE Study. We created three literacy profiles, comparing performance of each literacy profile against a gold standard of patient self-report. We also analyzed associations between the literacy profiles and patient demographics, health outcomes and healthcare utilization. T-tests were used for numeric data such as A1C, Charlson comorbidity index and healthcare utilization rates, and chi-square tests for categorical data such as sex, race, continuous medication gaps and severe hypoglycemia. Literacy profiles varied in their test characteristics, with C-statistics ranging from 0.61-0.74. Relationships between literacy profiles and health outcomes revealed patterns consistent with previous health literacy research: patients identified via literacy profiles as having limited health literacy were older and more likely minority; had poorer medication adherence and glycemic control; and higher rates of hypoglycemia, comorbidities and healthcare utilization. This research represents the first successful attempt to use natural language processing and machine learning to measure health literacy. Literacy profiles offer an automated and economical way to identify patients with limited health literacy and a greater vulnerability to poor health outcomes.
Frame Rate Up-Conversion in Echocardiography Images, Using Manifold-Learning and Image Registration
Authors: Daneshi A. , Behnam H. , Sani Z. Alizadeh
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we propose a new temporal frame interpolation algorithm for frame rate up-conversion (FRUC) in echocardiography images. This algorithm employs a combination of dimension reduction techniques and image registration to increase frame rate.

If the distance between two successive frames of a video be great, motion jerkiness will appear between them and visual quality of the video will decrease. Some parts of heart have a very high speed motion, and echocardiography videos, obtained by available systems can’t take enough number of frames to show them well. So, to achieve an echocardiography image set with a better visual quality, more frames are necessary between two frames at a great distance. Here, we use dimension reduction techniques to find out the number of suitable frames between two consecutive frames to show the fast motions better, but don’t take much time. We project images to a 3-dimentional space by this way. Greater difference between the frames, results greater distance between corresponding embedded points. Thus, the distance between the embedded points is a scale for the suitable number of frames, needed between two successive frames. These frames are produced with the registration techniques.

On the other hand, heart doesn’t have a constant speed during a cycle, but echocardiography images are recorded with constant speed. So, frames at a greater distance show fast motions of the heart, and frames at a lower distance show slow motions of the heart. While, we put unequal number of frames between successive frames, and in this way remove temporal coordination of the image set. To solve this problem, we put efficient number of linear average of available frames, in places that the number of inserted frames in between available frames is less than maximum to obtain an equal number of frames between all successive frames.
Learning Protein Structural Fingerprints under the Label-Free Supervision of Domain Knowledge
Authors: Min Yaosen , Liu Shang , Lou Chenyao , Cui Xuefeng
Published: September 2018

Finding homologous proteins is the indispensable first step in many protein biology studies. Thus, building highly efficient “search engines” for protein databases is a highly desired function in protein bioinformatics. As of August 2018, there are more than 140,000 protein structures in PDB, and this number is still increasing rapidly. Such a big number introduces a big challenge for scanning the whole structure database with high speeds and high sensitivities at the same time. Unfortunately, classic sequence alignment tools and pairwise structure alignment tools are either not sensitive enough to remote homologous proteins (with low sequence identities) or not fast enough for the task. Therefore, specifically designed computational methods are required for quickly scanning structure databases for homologous proteins.

Here, we propose a novel ContactLib-DNN method to quickly scan structure databases for homologous proteins. The core idea is to build structure fingerprints for proteins, and to perform alignment-free comparisons with the fingerprints. Specifically, the fingerprints are low-dimensional vectors representing the contact groups within the proteins. Notably, the Cartesian distance between two fingerprint vectors well matches the RMSD between the two corresponding contact groups. This is done by using RMSD as the domain knowledge to supervise the deep neural network learning. When comparing to existing methods, ContactLib-DNN achieves the highest average AUROC of 0.959. Moreover, the best candidate found by ContactLib-DNN has a probability of 70.0% to be a true positive. This is a significant improvement over 56.2%, the best result produced by existing methods.

GitHub: https://github.com/Chenyao2333/contactlib/

Index Terms

homologous proteins, protein structures, remote protein homolog detection, alignment-free comparisons