bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERS-based immunoassay using a core–shell SiO2@Ag immune probe and Ag-decorated NiCo2O4 nanorods immune substrate
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Zhou Lu , Wei Guodong , Jiang Tao , Zhou Jun
Published: December 2015

A novel sandwich structure consisting of the SiO2@Ag immune probe and the Ag-decorated NNRs substrate was used to detect AFP and a detection limit is as low as 2.1 fg mL−1.
In search for effective and definitive treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections
Authors: Szczubiałka Krzysztof , Pyrć Krzysztof , Nowakowska Maria
Published: December 2015

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a nuclear replicating enveloped virus.
Ni2+ and Ti3+ co-doped porous black anatase TiO2 with unprecedented-high visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation performance
Authors: Zhang Hang , Xing Zipeng , Zhang Yan , Li Zhenzi , Wu Xiaoyan , Liu Chuntao , Zhu Qi , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2015

A black Ni doped porous TiO2 were fabricated via an in situ solid-state chemical reduction approach, which exhibited excellent visible-light-driven performance.
Synthesis of 1H-azadienes and application to one-pot organic transformations
Authors: Kwon Yearang , Jeon Mina , Park Jin Yong , Rhee Young Ho , Park Jaiwook
Published: December 2015

1H-Azadienes were synthesized from allyl azides by ruthenium catalysis under mild and neutral conditions. Applications of the 1H-azadienes were demonstrated for the one-pot synthesis of nitrogen containing organic compounds.
The molecular steps of citrinin biosynthesis in fungi
Authors: He Yi , Cox Russell J.
Published: December 2015

Heterologous expression of the citrinin polyketide synthase, CitS, plus the tailoring enzymes CitA–CitE fromMonascus ruberhas fully elucidated the biosynthetic pathway to citrinin for the first time, showing relationships to tropolone, azaphilone and sorbicillinoid biosynthetic pathways in fungi.
Designed multi-stranded heme binding β-sheet peptides in membrane
Authors: D'Souza Areetha , Mahajan Mukesh , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: December 2015

Structures and functions of designed multi-stranded heme binding β-sheet peptides carrying out peroxidase activity and electron transfer in membrane.
Recent advances in dye-sensitized semiconductor systems for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Peng Tianyou , Song Shuaishuai
Published: December 2015

This review especially focuses on the advances in heterogeneous dye-sensitized semiconductors for H2 production during the past 30 years.
Optical wireless indoor multiple‐input–multiple‐output system using on–off keying and pulse position modulation modulations
Authors: Du Hao , Green Roger , Chen Yunfei
Published: December 2015

In this study, two optical wireless indoor multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems using on–off keying and pulse position modulation are studied. Then, by using the Matlab curve‐fitting, the training parts of the experimental results are fitted and evaluation models are developed, where root mean squared error and additional testing data are used to verify the accuracy of the evaluation models.
Singularity‐free non‐linear controller for a model‐scaled autonomous helicopter
Authors: Zou Yao , Huo Wei
Published: December 2015

A singularity‐free non‐linear controller is proposed for trajectory tracking of a model‐scaled autonomous helicopter. The helicopter model is firstly decomposed into a nominal one with unmodelled dynamics. Based on the decomposed model, the controller is designed with the hierarchical inner–outer loop strategy. The outer position loop controller is designed with hyperbolic tangent functions, and criteria for controller parameter selections are developed to realise the position tracking and to obviate singularity in deriving the command attitude from the position loop controller. The inner attitude loop controller is designed based on barrier Lyapunov function and backstepping technique to achieve the attitude tracking without singularity during the tracking process. In addition, in order to improve the tracking performance, observers are employed to compensate the unmodelled dynamics. Simulation of two manoeuvres verify the proposed theoretical results.
Influence of mover yoke and winding connections on unbalanced normal force for double‐sided linear switched reluctance machine
Authors: Wang Qianlong , Chen Hao , Xu Tong , Yuan Jinxia , Wang Jiewei , Abbas Saleem
Published: December 2015

Due to the manufacturing inaccuracies or wear, the mover eccentricity of the double‐sided linear switched reluctance machine (DLSRM) is practically inevitable, which gives rise to undesirable unbalanced normal force (UNF). This study investigates the UNF reduction methods in the eccentric DLSRM. According to the finite element analysis and magnetic circuit analysis, the flux distributions and the UNF of the healthy and eccentric DLSRM are compared, and it is proved that removing the mover yoke can alleviate the UNF in the eccentric situation. Furthermore, the effects of the stator winding connections on UNF are analysed via a transient two‐dimensional finite element model. It shows that the UNF can also be reduced by connecting the coils of the windings in parallel. For verifying the two proposed methods, a prototype experimental platform is established, and the experimental results validate the analyses.
On the failure of graphene devices by Joule heating under current stressing conditions
Authors: Durkan Colm , Xiao Zhuocong
Published: December 2015

The behaviour of single layer graphene sections under current-stressing conditions is presented. Graphene devices are stressed to the point of failure, and it is seen that they exhibit Joule heating. Using a simple 1-D model for heat generation, we demonstrate how to extract values for the resistivity and thermal coefficient of resistance of graphene devices from their current-voltage characteristics. We also show that graphene flakes with a large number of ripples and folds have higher resistance and fail along a connected pathway of folds.
Non-adiabatic couplings and dynamics in proton transfer reactions of Hn+ systems: Application to H2+H2+→H+H3+ collisions
Authors: Sanz-Sanz Cristina , Aguado Alfredo , Roncero Octavio , Naumkin Fedor
Published: December 2015

Analytical derivatives and non-adiabatic coupling matrix elements are derived for Hn+ systems (n = 3–5). The method uses a generalized Hellmann-Feynman theorem applied to a multi-state description based on diatomics-in-molecules (for H3+) or triatomics-in-molecules (for H4+ and H5+) formalisms, corrected with a permutationally invariant many-body term to get high accuracy. The analytical non-adiabatic coupling matrix elements are compared with ab initio calculations performed at multi-reference configuration interaction level. These magnitudes are used to calculate H2(v′=0,j′=0)+H2+(v,j=0) collisions, to determine the effect of electronic transitions using a molecular dynamics method with electronic transitions. Cross sections for several initial vibrational states of H2+ are calculated and compared with the available experimental data, yielding an excellent agreement. The effect of vibrational excitation of H2+ reactant and its relation with non-adiabatic processes are discussed. Also, the behavior at low collisional energies, in the 1 meV-0.1 eV interval, of interest in astrophysical environments, is discussed in terms of the long range behaviour of the interaction potential which is properly described within the triatomics-in-molecules formalism.
Dynamics of the stochastic Lorenz chaotic system with long memory effects
Authors: Zeng Caibin , Yang Qigui
Published: December 2015

Little seems to be known about the ergodic dynamics of stochastic systems with fractional noise. This paper is devoted to discern such long time dynamics through the stochastic Lorenz chaotic system (SLCS) with long memory effects. By a truncation technique, the SLCS is proved to generate a continuous stochastic dynamical system Λ. Based on the Krylov-Bogoliubov criterion, the required Lyapunov function is further established to ensure the existence of the invariant measure of Λ. Meanwhile, the uniqueness of the invariant measure of Λ is proved by examining the strong Feller property, together with an irreducibility argument. Therefore, the SLCS has exactly one adapted stationary solution.
Radiative recombination in GaN/InGaN heterojunction bipolar transistors
Authors: Kao Tsung-Ting , Lee Yi-Che , Kim Hee-Jin , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Kim Jeomoh , Detchprohm Theeradetch , Dupuis Russell D. , Shen Shyh-Chiang
Published: December 2015

We report an electroluminescence (EL) study on npn GaN/InGaN heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). Three radiative recombination paths are resolved in the HBTs, corresponding to the band-to-band transition (3.3 eV), conduction-band-to-acceptor-level transition (3.15 eV), and yellow luminescence (YL) with the emission peak at 2.2 eV. We further study possible light emission paths by operating the HBTs under different biasing conditions. The band-to-band and the conduction-band-to-acceptor-level transitions mostly arise from the intrinsic base region, while a defect-related YL band could likely originate from the quasi-neutral base region of a GaN/InGaN HBT. The IB-dependent EL intensities for these three recombination paths are discussed. The results also show the radiative emission under the forward-active transistor mode operation is more effective than that using a diode-based emitter due to the enhanced excess electron concentration in the base region as increasing the collector current increases.
Model of diffusion-assisted direct laser writing by means of nanopolymerization in the presence of radical quencher
Authors: Pikulin Alexander , Bityurin Nikita , Sokolov Viktor I.
Published: December 2015

Diffusion-assisted direct laser writing (DA-DLW) by multiphoton polymerization has been recently shown to be one of the most promising methods for the high-resolution 3D nanofabrication [I. Sakellari, et al., ACS Nano 6, 2302 (2012)]. The improvement of the writing spatial resolution has been observed under certain conditions when the mobile radical quencher (polymerization inhibitor) is added to the photosensitive composition. In this work, we present a theoretical study of this method, focusing on the resolution capabilities and optimal writing parameters. The laser beam absorption in the polymerizable composition causes the localized depletion of the quencher molecules. If the quencher depletion is balanced by its diffusion from the outside of the focal volume, the quasi-stationary non-equillibrium concentration spatial profile with zero minimum can be obtained. The polymer is then effectively formed only in the domain where the quencher is depleted. The spatially-distributed quencher, in this case, has the effect similar to that of the vortex beam in STimulated Emission Microscopy (STED).
Dramatic influence of Dy3+ doping on strain and domain structure in lead-free piezoelectric 0.935(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3−0.065BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Li C. Q. , Yao Q. R. , Zhang J. Z. , Hu Z. G. , Wang F. F. , Liu A. Y. , Shi W. Z. , Chu J. H.
Published: December 2015

An electric-field induced giant strain response and doping level dependent domain structural variations have been studied in the dysprosium (Dy3+)-modified 0.935(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3-0.065BaTiO3(xDy : NBBT) ceramics with the doping levels of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses not only demonstrates the change in ionic configurations induced by Dy3+ doping, but also shows the local crystal symmetry for x ≥ 0.5% doping levels to deviate from the idealized cubic structure. Piezoresponse force microscopy measurement exhibits the presence of an intermediate phase with orthorhombic symmetry at the critical Dy3+ doping level of 2%. Moreover, at this doping level, a giant recoverable nonlinear strain of ∼0.44% can be observed with high normalized strain (Smax/Emax) of 728 pm/V. At the same applied field, the strain exhibits a 175% increase than that of NBBT ceramic. Such a large strain stems from the varying coherence lengths of polar nanoregions (PNRs) and an unusual reversible 90° domain switching caused by the symmetry conforming property of point defects, where the restoring force is provided by unswitchable defects. The mechanism reveals a new possibility to achieve large electric-field strain effect for a wide range of ferroelectric systems, which can lead to applications in novel “on-off” actuators.
Current characteristics of various ejection modes in electrohydrodynamic printing
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zheng Gaofeng , Luo Zhiwei , Li Wenwang
Published: December 2015

The real-time observation of electrohydrodynamic printing (EHDP) process is of importance in practical applications. The electric current is a reflection of charge transfer and might provide a potential method to detect the liquid behavior. In this paper, current during EHDP process is measured and studied to investigate the relationship with liquid behaviors. Experimental results show that the liquid ejection can be accurately reflected by the current signal. Current of various ejection modes in EHDP are then examined, and various characteristic numbers are summarized to identify the present liquid ejection mode. This work proposes a simple and efficient method by combining current detection and visual observation to achieve better real-time monitoring and controlling of EHDP process.
Compaction of granular HMX: P-α porosity model in CTH hydrocode
Authors: Mahon K. S. , Lee T.-W.
Published: December 2015

Compaction waves traveling through porous cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX) are computationally modeled using the Eulerian hydrocode CTH and validated with gas gun experimental data. The method employed use of a newly generated set of P-α parameters for granular HMX in a Mie-Gruneisen equation of state. The P-α model adds a separate parameter to differentiate between the volume changes of a solid material due to compression from the volume change due to compaction, void collapse in a granular material. Computational results are compared via five validation schema for two different initial-porosity experiments. These schema include stress measurements, velocity rise times and arrival times, elastic sound speeds though the material and final compaction densities for a series of two different percent Theoretical Maximum Density (TMD) HMX sets of experimental data. There is a good agreement between the simulations and the experimental gas gun data with the largest source of error being an 11% overestimate of the peak stress which may be due to impedance mismatch on the experimental gauge interface. Determination of these P-α parameters are important as they enable modeling of porosity and are a vital first step in modeling of precursory hotspots, caused by hydrodynamic collapse of void regions or grain interactions, prior to deflagration to detonation transition of granular explosives.
Aquaporins in boar spermatozoa. Part II: detection and localisation of aquaglyceroporin 3
Authors: Prieto-Martínez Noelia , Morató Roser , Vilagran Ingrid , Rodríguez-Gil Joan E. , Bonet Sergi , Yeste Marc
Published: December 2015

The proteins belonging to the aquaporin family play a fundamental role in water and solute transport across biological membranes. While the presence of these proteins has been extensively studied in somatic cells, their function in mammalian spermatozoa has been studied less. The present study was designed to identify and localise aquaglyceroporin 3 (AQP3) in boar spermatozoa. With this purpose, 29 fresh ejaculates from post-pubertal Piétrain boars were classified into two groups based upon their sperm quality and subsequently evaluated through western blot and immunofluorescence assessments. Western blotting showed the specific signal band of AQP3 at 25 kDa, whereas immunofluorescence assessments allowed us to identify two different AQP3 localisation patterns: (1) spermatozoa presenting a clear labelling located only in the mid-piece and (2) spermatozoa exhibiting a distribution pattern in the head and along the entire tail. The first staining pattern was predominant in all studied ejaculates. Despite individual differences in AQP3 content and localisation between boar ejaculates, these differences were not correlated with sperm quality. In conclusion, although AQP3 is present in boar spermatozoa in two different localisation patterns, neither the AQP3 content nor its localisation have been found to be associated with conventional sperm parameters.
Glycan:glycan interactions: High affinity biomolecular interactions that can mediate binding of pathogenic bacteria to host cells
Authors: Day Christopher J. , Tran Elizabeth N. , Semchenko Evgeny A. , Tram Greg , Hartley-Tassell Lauren E. , Ng Preston S. K. , King Rebecca M. , Ulanovsky Rachel , McAtamney Sarah , Apicella Michael A. , Tiralongo Joe , Morona Renato , Korolik Victoria , Jennings Michael P.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Pathogens use cell surface carbohydrates as a means of attachment to host tissues. In several pathogenic bacteria, truncation of surface carbohydrates, lipooligosaccharide, or lipopolysaccharide have been reported to significantly reduce bacterial adherence to host cells. Here, we show that the lipooligosaccharide/lipopolysaccharide of four distinct bacterial pathogens bind directly to a range of host glycans. Surface plasmon resonance data confirmed binding among 66 different host–glycan:bacterial–glycan pairs. We also demonstrated that bacterial adherence can be competitively inhibited by either host cell or bacterial glycans. Our discovery of high-affinity glycan:glycan interactions in infectious disease may provide new approaches for therapy and prevention. The discovery of the existence of extensive, high-affinity interactions between glycans will alter the perception of the importance of these macromolecular interactions in all biological systems.
Friends and foes
Authors: Levonian Raluca Mihaela
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the construction of Romanian national identity after the fall of the communist regime through the use of the discourse-historical approach advanced by Wodak (e.g. Wodak et al. 2009). The object of the analysis is represented by a corpus of eleven speeches issued by the Romanian presidents between 2002 and 2009. The results show that a new, supra-national type of identity emerges in Romanian official discourse, being based on the membership to international organizations membership and on its involvement in joint military actions and programmes. The supra-national identity is constructed and activated in regard to a specific form of menacing diversity, represented by terrorist organizations.
Feasibility of Collaborative Care Treatment of Opioid use Disorders with Buprenorphine during Pregnancy
Authors: Mittal Leena , Suzuki Joji
Published: December 2015

Background

Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or methadone is recommended for pregnant patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) to minimize adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Collaborative care approaches have been successfully utilized with office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine in primary care settings, but research is significantly limited in the obstetric setting. Our aim with this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of a collaborative care model for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder.

Methods

This is a case series of 16 pregnancies in 14 women initiated on office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine in a perinatal mental health service embedded in 2 obstetric clinics. Patients are treated by a psychiatrist alongside their prenatal care provider and followed for up to 6 months postpartum and referred to ongoing substance abuse treatment to a community prescriber.

Results

The average age of the patients was 30.3 years, and an average gestational age of 23.6 weeks at the time of referral. Treatment continued until delivery in 15 (93.8%) pregnancies, with an average duration of treatment of 14.5 weeks. The majority (60%) had a cesarean delivery. Twelve (80%) infants were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for monitoring or treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome, 14 (87.5%) patients continued or resumed treatment with buprenorphine postpartum at the time of discharge from our program, and 13 (81.3%) were referred to a community prescriber.

Conclusions

A collaborative care approach to buprenorphine treatment is feasible during pregnancy. Further research is needed to improve the treatment of OUD during pregnancy.
Patient Perspectives on An Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Program in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Oliva Elizabeth M. , Nevedal Andrea , Lewis Eleanor T. , McCaa Matthew D. , Cochran Michael F. , Konicki P. Eric , Davis Corey S. , Wilder Christine
Published: December 2015

Background

In an effort to prevent opioid overdose mortality among Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities began implementing opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) in 2013 and a national program began in 2014. VA is the first national health care system to implement OEND. The goal of this study is to examine patient perceptions of OEND training and naloxone kits.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted between December 2014 and February 2015 with 21 patients trained in OEND. Participants were recruited from a VA residential facility in California with a substance use disorder treatment program (mandatory OEND training) and a homeless program (optional OEND training). Data were analyzed using matrices and open and closed coding approaches to identify participants’ perspectives on OEND training including benefits, concerns, differing opinions, and suggestions for improvement.

Results

Veterans thought OEND training was interesting, novel, and empowering, and that naloxone kits will save lives. Some veterans expressed concern about using syringes in the kits. A few patients who never used opioids were not interested in receiving kits. Veterans had differing opinions about legal and liability issues, whether naloxone kits might contribute to relapse, and whether and how to involve family in training. Some veterans expressed uncertainty about the effects of naloxone. Suggested improvements included active learning approaches, enhanced training materials, and increased advertisement.

Conclusions

OEND training was generally well received among study participants, including those with no indication for a naloxone kit. Patients described a need for OEND and believed it could save lives. Patient feedback on OEND training benefits, concerns, opinions, and suggestions provides important insights to inform future OEND training programs both within VA and in other health care settings. Training is critical to maximizing the potential for OEND to save lives, and this study includes specific suggestions for improving the effectiveness and acceptability of training.
Multi-scale gyrokinetic simulation of tokamak plasmas: enhanced heat loss due to cross-scale coupling of plasma turbulence
Authors: Howard N.T. , Holland C. , White A.E. , Greenwald M. , Candy J.
Published: December 2015

The transport of heat in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas is dominated by the complex nonlinear dynamics of plasma turbulence. In magnetically confined plasmas used for fusion energy research, turbulence is responsible for cross-field transport that limits the performance of tokamak reactors. We report a set of novel gyrokinetic simulations that capture ion and electron-scale turbulence simultaneously, revealing the dynamics of cross-scale energy transfer and zonal flow modification that give rise to heat losses. Multi-scale simulations are required to match experimental ion and electron heat fluxes and electron profile stiffness, establishing the applicability of the newly discovered physics to experiment. Importantly, these results provide a likely explanation for the loss of electron heat from tokamak plasmas, the ‘great unsolved problem’ (Bachelor et al (2007 Plasma Sci. Technol. 9 312–87)) in plasma turbulence and the projected dominant loss channel in ITER.
Numerical analyses of JT-60SA scenarios with the COREDIV code
Authors: Zagórski R. , Giruzzi G. , Gała¸zka K. , Ivanova-Stanik I. , Romanelli M. , Stȩpniewski W.
Published: December 2015

JT-60SA design scenarios have been analyzed with the help of the self-consistent core-edge COREDIV code, with the aim to assess the influence of impurities on the plasma parameters and tokamak performance. In particular, the reduction of divertor target power load due to radiation of sputtered and externally seeded impurities has been investigated. For all scenarios considered, the gradual replacement of carbon by low Z seeding impurity (N, Ne) is observed as the gas influx increases. For high auxiliary power and low density scenarios, the carbon and seeding impurity radiation does not effectively reduce power to plate. Consequently, results with very high

(about 6–8) and impurity concentrations (>9%) are observed. For these scenarios, seeding of the high Z impurity like krypton seems to be more appropriate, in particular when the plasma density is increased.
Preparations
Authors: Anderson Sarah R. , Moore James , Anderson Sarah R. , Dallimore Jon , Davies Claire , Dawood Richard , Harvey Peter , McIntosh Iain , Moore James , Roberts Barry , Warrell David A. , Wilson-Howarth Jane , Winser Shane , Qureshi Tariq
Published: December 2015

Joining an expedition - Role of the expedition medical officer - Creating expedition teams - Immunization - Medical kits and supplies - Medical and first-aid training - Medical screening - Advising those with common pre-existing conditions - The older traveller - Child health in remote areas - Risk management - Medical insurance - Legal liabilities and professional insurance
Treatment: limbs and back
Authors: Dallimore Jon , Blackham Jules , Dallimore Jon , McClellan Carey M. , Pynn Harvey , Calder James , Watson James
Published: December 2015

Limb injuries - Fractures - Dislocations - Shoulder and upper arm injuries - Elbow and forearm injuries - Wrist injuries - Hand injuries - Finger injuries - Nail injuries - Pelvic and hip injuries - Knee injuries - Lower leg injuries - Achilles tendon disorders - Ankle injuries - Foot fractures and dislocations - Spinal injury - Low back pain - Physiotherapy
Mountains and high altitude
Authors: Imray Chris , Johnson Chris , Dallimore Jon , Nickol Annabel H. , Pollard Andrew J. , Roberts Barry , Rodway George W. , Windsor Jeremy , Clarke Charles , Moxon Christopher
Published: December 2015

The high-altitude environment - Avalanches - Preparing to travel to altitude - Humans at altitude - High-altitude physiology - High-altitude illness - Children at altitude - Chronic mountain sickness
Inland and coastal waters
Authors: Johnson Chris , Morgan Paddy , Watt Andy
Published: December 2015

Aquatic environments - Rescue - Humans in aquatic environments - Immersion and drowning - Canoeing and kayaking - White-water rafting - Medical problems in small craft
Hot, humid environments: tropical forest
Authors: Moore James , Johnson Chris , Winser Shane , Moore James , Dallimore Jon , Richards Paul , Winser Shane , Pynn Harvey
Published: December 2015

The tropical forest environment - Risk assessment for tropical forest travel - Travel in tropical forests - Accommodation and campcraft in tropical forests - Water and sanitation in tropical forests - Humans in the tropics - Tropical-related illness
Medical kits
Authors: Johnson Chris , Dallimore Jon , Conway Robert , Granger Penelope B. , Langdana Burjor K. , MacKenzie Campbell , Morris Daniel S.
Published: December 2015

Medical kits and supplies - Personal medical kit - Team medical kit - Extra drugs and equipment for special environments - Extra materials for those with special skills
Severe Cardiac Autonomic Derangement and Altered Ventricular Repolarization Pave the Way to Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kališnik Jurij Matija , Hrovat Eva , Hrastovec Alenka , Avbelj Viktor , Žibert Janez , Geršak Borut
Published: December 2015

Objective

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication after heart surgery. It has been shown that cardiac autonomic derangement plays a significant role in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) and that AF might also be promoted by altered repolarization. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the levels of cardiac autonomic modulation and repolarization properties in patients developing POAF.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients scheduled for aortic and/or coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled prospectively. High-resolution 20-minute electrocardiogram recordings were obtained day before surgery to determine P, PR, QT, and QTc intervals, as well as linear (time and frequency domain) and nonlinear heart rate variability parameters (fractal dimension and detrended fluctuation analysis). QTc interval was calculated using Framingham correction.

Results

Twenty-nine patients developed POAF (AF group), and 50 did not (non-AF group). Groups were similar regarding demographics, surgery type, and perioperative characteristics, except for older age in the AF group. QT and QTc intervals (Framingham) were longer in the AF group [442 (44) vs 422 (28) milliseconds, P = 0.018; and 448 (44) vs 431 (24) milliseconds, P = 0.031 and P = 0.019, respectively]. Time domain heart rate variability parameter PNN50 (percentage of pairs of adjacent NN intervals differing >50 milliseconds) was higher [14% (21%) vs 8% (16%), P = 0.015], and nonlinear parameter detrended fluctuation analysis α2 was lower in the AF group [0.81 (0.21) vs 0.91 (0.20), P = 0.031].

Conclusions

Profound cardiac autonomic derangement, suggestive of parasympathetic excessive modulation, exists preoperatively in patients inclined to POAF after cardiac surgery, whereby parameters PNN50 and α2 differentiated the AF from the non-AF group. Prolonged QTc intervals are associated with an increased risk of POAF.
Total Arterial Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Facilitated by the Trinity Clip Connector
Authors: Stecher David , Bronkers Glenn , Hoefer Imo E. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Buijsrogge Marc P.
Published: December 2015

Objective

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of total arterial minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery by using the Trinity Clip anastomotic connector in an acute porcine model.

Methods

In 3 pigs, the left and right internal thoracic arteries (LITA and RITA) were harvested conventionally and the chest closed subsequently. After a left lateral thoracotomy, the coronary target was positioned and stabilized by an endo-starfish and octopus. A free RITA-to-LITAy-graft, with a LITA-to-left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and a free RITA-to-obtuse marginal or posterolateral or posterior descending artery, was constructed using the Trinity Clip. Patency was assessed with angiography (n = 3 anastomoses).

Results

The anastomotic procedure was feasible via a small lateral thoracotomy, with a fast construction of the y-graft, and successful application of the mounted complex (ie, graft, connector, and laser, temporarily fixated by a fixation clip) onto the LAD. Access to the obtuse marginal artery, posterolateral artery, and posterior descending artery was possible, with successful construction, resulting in patent anastomoses.

Conclusions

This experimental pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of the anastomotic technique in a total arterial minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass approach. Revascularization of the anterior, lateral, and inferoposterior regions of the heart is possible. However, visibility during the introduction of the connector was limited, and videoscopic assistance is essential to allow for successful construction. The anastomotic technique has potential to facilitate minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery.
Diversity in Clinical and Biomedical Research: A promise yet to be fulfilled
Authors: Oh Sam S. , Galanter Joshua , Thakur Neeta , Pino-Yanes Maria , Barcelo Nicolas E. , White Marquitta J. , de Bruin Danille M. , Greenblatt Ruth M. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Wu Alan H.B. , Borrell Luisa N. , Gunter Chris , Powe Neil R. , Burchard Esteban G.
Published: December 2015

Summary Points

Health disparities persist across race/ethnicity for the majority ofHealthy People 2010health indicators.

Most physicians and scientists are informed by research extrapolated from a largely homogenous population, usually White and male.

A growing proportion of Americans are not fully benefiting from clinical and biomedical advances since racial and ethnic minorities make up nearly 40% of the U.S. population.

Ignoring the racial/ethnic diversity of the U.S. population is a missed scientific opportunity to fully understand the factors that lead to disease or health.

U.S. biomedical research and study populations must better reflect the country’s changing demographics. Adequate representation of diverse populations in scientific research is imperative as a matter of social justice, economics, and science.
Molecular organization of CA1 interneuron classes
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. , Magno Lorenza , Katona Linda , Lönnerberg Peter , Muñoz Manchado Ana B. , Somogyi Peter , Kessaris Nicoletta , Linnarsson Sten , Hjerling-Leffler Jens
Published: December 2015

GABAergic interneurons are key regulators of hippocampal circuits, but our understanding of the diversity and classification of these cells remains controversial. Here we analyze the organization of interneurons in the CA1 area, using the combinatorial patterns of gene expression revealed by single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). This analysis reveals a 5-level hierarchy of cell classes. Most of the predicted classes correspond closely to known interneuron types, allowing us to predict a large number of novel molecular markers of these classes. In addition we identified a major new interneuron population localized at the border ofstrata radiatumandlacunosum-molecularethat we term “R2C2 cells” after their characteristic combinatorial expression ofRgs12, Reln, Cxcl14, andCpne5. Several predictions of this classification scheme were verified usingin situhybridization and immunohistochemistry, providing further confidence in the gene expression patterns and novel classes predicted by the single cell data.
Particle capture of elliptic cross-section matrices for parallel stream high gradient magnetic separation
Authors: Zheng Xiayu , Wang Yuhua , Lu Dongfang
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to model the particle capture of elliptic magnetic matrices for parallel stream type high magnetic separation, which can be a guidance for the development of novel elliptic cylinder matrices for high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The magnetic field distribution around the elliptic matrices is investigated quantitatively and the magnetic field and gradient were calculated. The motion equations of the magnetic particles around the matrices were derived and the particle capture cross-section of elliptic matrices was studied and was compared with that of the conventional circular matrices.

Findings

– Elliptic matrices can present larger particle capture cross-section than the conventional circular matrices and can be a kind of promising matrices to be applied to HGMS.

Originality/value

– There is little literature investigating the magnetic characteristics and the particle capture of the elliptic matrices in HGMS, the study is of great significance for the development of novel elliptic magnetic matrices in HGMS.
Blind source separation using higher order statistics in kernel space
Authors: Liu Nianyun , Li Jingsong , Liu Quan , Su Hang , Wu Wei
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Higher order statistics (HOS)-based blind source separation (BSS) technique has been applied to separate data to obtain a better performance than second order statistics-based method. The cost function constructed from the HOS-based separation criterion is a complicated nonlinear function that is difficult to optimize. The purpose of this paper is to effectively solve this nonlinear optimization problem to obtain an estimation of the source signals with a higher accuracy than classic BSS methods.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, a new technique based on HOS in kernel space is proposed. The proposed approach first maps the mixture data into a high-dimensional kernel space through a nonlinear mapping and then constructs a cost function based on a higher order separation criterion in the kernel space. The cost function is constructed by using the kernel function which is defined as inner products between the images of all pairs of data in the kernel space. The estimations of the source signals is obtained through the minimizing the cost function.

Findings

– The results of a number of experiments on generic synthetic and real data show that HOS separation criterion in kernel space exhibits good performance for different kinds of distributions. The proposed method provided higher signal-to-interference ratio and less sensitive to the source distribution compared to FastICA and JADE algorithms.

Originality/value

– The proposed method combines the advantage of kernel method and the HOS properties to achieve a better performance than using a single one. It does not require to compute the coordinates of the data in the kernel space explicitly, but computes the kernel function which is simple to optimize. The use of nonlinear function space allows the algorithm more accurate and more robust to different kinds of distributions.
Performance analysis of GFDM in various fading channels
Authors: Bandari Shravan Kumar , Mani V.V. , Drosopoulos A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) in some frequency selective fading channels. The exact symbol error rate (SER) expressions in Hoyt (Nakagami-q) and Weibull-vfading channels are derived. A GFDM transceiver simulation test bed is provided to validate the obtained analytical expressions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Modern cellular system demands higher data rates, very low-latency transmissions and sensors with ultra low-power consumption. Current cellular systems of the fourth generation (4G) are not able to meet these emerging demands of future mobile communication systems. To address this requirement, GFDM, a novel multi-carrier modulation technique is proposed to satisfy the future needs of fifth generation technology. GFDM is a block-based transmission method where pulse shaping is applied circularly to individual subcarriers. Unlike traditional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, GFDM transmits multiple symbols per subcarrier. The authors have used the probability density function approach in solving the final analytical expressions.

Findings

– Detailed analysis of GFDM performance under Hoyt-q, Weibull-vand Log-Normal Shadowing fading channels. Exact analytical formulae were derived which support the simulations carried out by authors and other authors. The exact dependence of SER on fading parameters and roll-off factorαin the raised cosine pulse shape filter was determined.

Practical implications

– Development and fabrication of high-performance GFDM systems under fading channel conditions.

Originality/value

– Theoretical support to simulated system performance.
CO2 flow in saline aquifer with salt precipitation
Authors: Pau Jion Sean , Pao William , Yong Suet Peng
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the solution to two-phase flow in CO2/brine system with salt precipitation by applying mixed hybrid finite element (MHFE) method to pressure equation and finite volume (FV) method to saturation equation. Mixed finite element method solves pressure and velocity in two subspaces while hybrid method is an extension of mixed method, where the Lagrange multiplier is added to the former in order to ensure the continuity from one element to the adjacent elements. The authors propose the modeling of salt precipitation using core flood experimental result and adapt to be applicable for numerical modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

– The governing equations are discretized using Mixed Hybrid Finite Element-Finite Volume (MHFE-FV) method. This method has the feature of localized conservation which is attractive for application on heterogeneous porous media. In addition to this, the salt precipitation effect is modeled using the data from core flood experiment (Ott et al., 2011). The random data are linearized to obtain the relationship between salt precipitate and CO2 saturation and implemented to the algorithm for two-phase flow in CO2 and brine system.

Findings

– The solution of MHFE-FV scheme has good agreement with the solution using implicit pressure and explicit saturation (IMPES) reported by Negara et al. (2011), with average error of 4.20 percent. Localized conservation is demonstrated in the case of randomized heterogeneous porous media where fingering effects are explicitly observed. Salt precipitation prediction using the proposed method is able to predict the decrement of porosity by 16.71 percent and permeability by 22.19 percent. This results in the decreased amount of CO2 injected by 64.70 percent.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper presents the solution of two-phase flow in CO2 brine system during CO2 injection in saline aquifer using MHFE-FV method with the additional salt precipitation model obtained based on core flood experiment result.

Practical implications

– A methodology to predict the salt precipitation based on CO2 saturation.

Social implications

– Contribution to green house gas reduction.

Originality/value

– The authors use MHFE-FV to solve hyperbolic PDE to obtain accurate results of CO2 saturation, and subsequently use this to compute the salt precipitation.
Oblique stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid past a shrinking sheet
Authors: Rahman M M , Grosan Teodor , Pop Ioan
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The laminar two-dimensional stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a viscous incompressible nanofluid obliquely impinging on a shrinking surface is formulated as a similarity solution of the Navier-Stokes, energy and concentration equations. The model used for the nanofluid incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The effect of the dimensionless strain rate, shrinking parameter, Brownian motion parameter and thermophoresis parameter on the flow, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction is investigated in details. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The transformed system of ordinary differential equations was solved using the function bvp4c from Matlab. The relative tolerance was set to 10−10.

Findings

– It is found that dimensionless strain rate and shrinking parameter causes a shift in the position of the point of zero skin friction along the stretching sheet. Obliquity of the flow toward the surface increases as the strain rate intensifies. The results indicate that dual solutions exist for the opposing flow case.

Research limitations/implications

– The problem is formulated for an incompressible nanofluid with no chemical reactions, dilute mixture, negligible viscous dissipation and negligible radiative heat transfer assuming nanoparticles and base fluid are locally in thermal equilibrium. Beyond the critical point λ
c to obtain further solutions, the full basic partial differential equations have to be solved.

Originality/value

– The present results are original and new for the oblique stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid past a shrinking sheet. Therefore, this study would be important for the researchers working in the relatively new area of nanofluids in order to become familiar with the flow behavior and properties of such nanofluids.
Combined effect of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on free convection flow of a viscous fluid in a vertical channel
Authors: Umavathi Jawali C , Chamkha A J , Mohiuddin Syed
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of exponential viscosity-temperature relation, exponential thermal conductivity-temperature relation and the combined effects of variable viscosity and variable thermal conductivity on steady free convection flow of viscous incompressible fluid in a vertical channel.

Design/methodology/approach

– The governing equations are solved analytically using regular perturbation method. The analytical solutions are valid for small variations of buoyancy parameter and the solutions are found up to first order for variable viscosity. Since the analytical solutions have a restriction on the values of perturbation parameter and also on the higher order solutions, the authors resort to numerical method which is Runge-Kutta fourth order method.

Findings

– The skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number at both the plates are derived, discussed and their numerical values for various values of physical parameters are presented in tables. It is found that an increase in the variable viscosity enhances the flow and heat transfer, whereas an increase in the variable thermal conductivity suppresses the flow and heat transfer for variable viscosity, variable thermal conductivity and their combined effect.

Originality/value

– This research is relatively original as, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, not much work is done on the considered problem with variable properties.
Establishing a benchmark for continuous HR improvement
Authors: Clifford Claire
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper explains how Sabio approached benchmarking of their overall human resource (HR) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Sabio asked employees for feedback, achieving an impressive 92 per cent response rate.

Findings

– Feedback from employees highlighted issues around leadership, communication and corporate social responsibility. The article explains how Sabio addressed these issues.

Originality/value

– This paper gives a first-hand account of benchmarking for HR departments and how the company addressed the issues raised.
A network pharmacology approach reveals new candidate caloric restriction mimetics in C. elegans
Authors: Calvert Shaun , Tacutu Robi , Sharifi Samim , Teixeira Rute , Ghosh Pratul , de Magalhães João Pedro
Published: December 2015

Caloric restriction (CR), a reduction in calorie intake without malnutrition, retards aging in several animal models from worms to mammals. Developing CR mimetics, compounds that reproduce the longevity benefits of CR without its side effects, is of widespread interest. Here, we employed the Connectivity Map to identify drugs with overlapping gene expression profiles with CR. Eleven statistically significant compounds were predicted as CR mimetics using this bioinformatics approach. We then tested rapamycin, allantoin, trichostatin A, LY‐294002 and geldanamycin in Caenorhabditis elegans. An increase in lifespan and healthspan was observed for all drugs except geldanamycin when fed to wild‐type worms, but no lifespan effects were observed in eat‐2 mutant worms, a genetic model of CR, suggesting that life‐extending effects may be acting via CR‐related mechanisms. We also treated daf‐16 worms with rapamycin, allantoin or trichostatin A, and a lifespan extension was observed, suggesting that these drugs act via DAF‐16‐independent mechanisms, as would be expected from CR mimetics. Supporting this idea, an analysis of predictive targets of the drugs extending lifespan indicates various genes within CR and longevity networks. We also assessed the transcriptional profile of worms treated with either rapamycin or allantoin and found that both drugs use several specific pathways that do not overlap, indicating different modes of action for each compound. The current work validates the capabilities of this bioinformatic drug repositioning method in the context of longevity and reveals new putative CR mimetics that warrant further studies.