bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Control of a Variable-Pitch Quadrotor for Agile Flight
Authors: Cutler Mark , How Jonathan P.
Published: May 2015

Fixed-pitch quadrotors are popular research and hobby platforms largely due to their mechanical simplicity relative to other hovering aircraft. This simplicity, however, places fundamental limits on the achievable actuator bandwidth and the possible flight maneuvers. This paper shows that many of these limitations can be overcome by utilizing variable-pitch propellers on a quadrotor. A detailed analysis of the potential benefits of variable-pitch propellers over fixed-pitch propellers for a quadrotor is presented. This analysis is supported with experimental testing to show that variable-pitch propellers, in addition to allowing for generation of reverse thrust, substantially increase the maximum rate of thrust change. A nonlinear, quaternion-based control algorithm for controlling the quadrotor is also presented with an accompanying trajectory generation method that finds polynomial minimum-time paths based on actuator saturation levels. The control law and trajectory generation algorithms are implemented on a custom variable-pitch quadrotor. Several flight tests are shown, which highlight the benefits of a variable-pitch quadrotor over a standard fixed-pitch quadrotor for performing aggressive and aerobatic maneuvers.
Effect of Orifice Geometry on the Development of Slightly Heated Turbulent Jets
Authors: Madjid Sehaba , Amina Sabeur , Benaissa Azemi
Published: May 2015

Passive scalar (temperature) mixing with different orifice geometries is considered at low Reynolds number. The kinetic energy dissipation rate shows that the three jets achieve a self-similar state quickly compared to a nozzle jet. Scalar dissipation evolves faster to the self-preserving state than kinetic energy dissipation and the asymptotic value of the normalized kinetic and scalar dissipation on the jet centerline can be predicted. Taylor and Corrsin microscales start evolving linearly with x/D as early as x/D = 10. Normalized spectra using these length scales continue to evolve for the circular jet and collapse faster for the six-lobe jet, when Rλ reach a constant value. The scaling factor and range for the velocity and the scalar suggest that the scaling region “similar to the inertial range” reaches equilibrium before small scales reach complete equilibrium. The use of multilobe jets promotes the development toward a complete self-preserving state for the scalar field.
Numerical Approach to Study Nonuniform Gas–Liquid Distribution in the Refrigerant Distributor in an Air Conditioner
Authors: Ishii Eiji , Ishikawa Masanori , Yoshimura Kazuki
Published: May 2015

Factors that influence the nonuniform gas–liquid distribution in refrigerant distributors in air conditioners were studied. Gas–liquid flows in two-pass and multipass distributors were numerically simulated with a particle/grid hybrid method; droplets and liquid films were mainly simulated using a particle method, and gas flows were simulated using a grid method. Complex behaviors of multiscale gas–liquid interfaces in the multipass distributor were simulated because droplets that were smaller than the grid size could be simulated without numerical diffusion through the gas–liquid interfaces. The effect of the connecting angle of the bend pipe was studied in the two-pass distributor, whereas the effect of the tube's position relative to the distributor inflow and the effect of gravity were investigated in the multipass distributor. The model was validated against multiple experimental data taken from an at-scale physical model. We found that the direction of gravity plays a role in ensuring a uniform distribution of liquid in the multipass distributor for ensuring a uniform distribution.
Repulsion of dispersion curves of quasidipole modes of anisotropic waveguides studied by finite element method
Authors: Zharnikov T. V. , Syresin D. E.
Published: May 2015

In this letter repulsion of phase-velocity dispersion curves of quasidipole eigenmodes of waveguides with non-circular cross section in non-axisymmetric anisotropic medium is studied by the semi-analytical finite element technique. Borehole waveguide is used as an example. The modeling helps in clarifying the nature of this phenomenon, which is accompanied by the rotation of the orientation of two quasidipole modes with frequency and by the exchange of their behavior at near-crossover point. The dispersion curves cross only in the presence of exact symmetry. Such a scenario is the alternative to the stress-induced anisotropy crossing of dispersion curves.
Validation of Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy to Measure Total Body Water in Resistance-Trained Males
Authors: Kerr Ava , Slater Gary , Byrne Nuala , Chaseling Janet
Published: May 2015

The three-compartment (3-C) model of physique assessment (fat mass, fat-free mass, water) incorporates total body water (TBW) whereas the two-compartment model (2-C) assumes a TBW of 73.72%. Deuterium dilution (D2O) is the reference method for measuring TBW but is expensive and time consuming. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS SFB7) estimates TBW instantaneously and claims high precision. Our aim was to compare SFB7 with D2O for estimating TBW in resistance trained males (BMI >25kg/m2). We included TBWBIS estimates in a 3-C model and contrasted this and the 2-C model against the reference 3-C model using TBWD2O. TBW of 29 males (32.4 ± 8.5 years; 183.4 ± 7.2 cm; 92.5 ± 9.9 kg; 27.5 ± 2.6 kg/m2) was measured using SFB7 and D2O. Body density was measured by BODPOD, with body composition calculated using the Siri equation. TBWBIS values were consistent with TBWD2O (SEE = 2.65L; TE = 2.6L) as were %BF values from the 3-C model (BODPOD + TBWBIS) with the 3-C reference model (SEE = 2.20%; TE = 2.20%). For subjects with TBW more than 1% from the assumed 73.72% (n = 16), %BF from the 2-C model differed significantly from the reference 3-C model (Slope 0.6888; Intercept 5.093). The BIS SFB7 measured TBW accurately compared with D2O. The 2C model with an assumed TBW of 73.72% introduces error in the estimation of body composition. We recommend TBW should be measured, either via the traditional D2O method or when resources are limited, with BIS, so that body composition estimates are enhanced. The BIS can be accurately used in 3C equations to better predict TBW and BF% in resistance trained males compared with a 2C model.
Structure and function of the global ocean microbiome
Authors: Sunagawa Shinichi , Coelho Luis Pedro , Chaffron Samuel , Kultima Jens Roat , Labadie Karine , Salazar Guillem , Djahanschiri Bardya , Zeller Georg , Mende Daniel R. , Alberti Adriana , Cornejo-Castillo Francisco M. , Costea Paul I. , Cruaud Corinne , d'Ovidio Francesco , Engelen Stefan , Ferrera Isabel , Gasol Josep M. , Guidi Lionel , Hildebrand Falk , Kokoszka Florian , Lepoivre Cyrille , Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Poulain Julie , Poulos Bonnie T. , Royo-Llonch Marta , Sarmento Hugo , Vieira-Silva Sara , Dimier Céline , Picheral Marc , Searson Sarah , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie ,   Tara Oceans coordinators, Bowler Chris , de Vargas Colomban , Gorsky Gabriel , Grimsley Nigel , Hingamp Pascal , Iudicone Daniele , Jaillon Olivier , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pesant Stephane , Speich Sabrina , Stemmann Lars , Sullivan Matthew B. , Weissenbach Jean , Wincker Patrick , Karsenti Eric , Raes Jeroen , Acinas Silvia G. , Bork Peer , Boss Emmanuel , Bowler Chris , Follows Michael , Karp-Boss Lee , Krzic Uros , Reynaud Emmanuel G. , Sardet Christian , Sieracki Mike , Velayoudon Didier
Published: May 2015

Microbes are dominant drivers of biogeochemical processes, yet drawing a global picture of functional diversity, microbial community structure, and their ecological determinants remains a grand challenge. We analyzed 7.2 terabases of metagenomic data from 243
Tara
Oceans samples from 68 locations in epipelagic and mesopelagic waters across the globe to generate an ocean microbial reference gene catalog with >40 million nonredundant, mostly novel sequences from viruses, prokaryotes, and picoeukaryotes. Using 139 prokaryote-enriched samples, containing >35,000 species, we show vertical stratification with epipelagic community composition mostly driven by temperature rather than other environmental factors or geography. We identify ocean microbial core functionality and reveal that >73% of its abundance is shared with the human gut microbiome despite the physicochemical differences between these two ecosystems.
Eukaryotic plankton diversity in the sunlit ocean
Authors: de Vargas Colomban , Audic Stéphane , Henry Nicolas , Decelle Johan , Mahé Frédéric , Logares Ramiro , Lara Enrique , Berney Cédric , Le Bescot Noan , Probert Ian , Carmichael Margaux , Poulain Julie , Romac Sarah , Colin Sébastien , Aury Jean-Marc , Bittner Lucie , Chaffron Samuel , Dunthorn Micah , Engelen Stefan , Flegontova Olga , Guidi Lionel , Horák Aleš , Jaillon Olivier , Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Lukeš Julius , Malviya Shruti , Morard Raphael , Mulot Matthieu , Scalco Eleonora , Siano Raffaele , Vincent Flora , Zingone Adriana , Dimier Céline , Picheral Marc , Searson Sarah , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie ,   Tara Oceans Coordinators, Acinas Silvia G. , Bork Peer , Bowler Chris , Gorsky Gabriel , Grimsley Nigel , Hingamp Pascal , Iudicone Daniele , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pesant Stephane , Raes Jeroen , Sieracki Michael E. , Speich Sabrina , Stemmann Lars , Sunagawa Shinichi , Weissenbach Jean , Wincker Patrick , Karsenti Eric , Boss Emmanuel , Follows Michael , Karp-Boss Lee , Krzic Uros , Reynaud Emmanuel G. , Sardet Christian , Sullivan Matthew B. , Velayoudon Didier
Published: May 2015

Marine plankton support global biological and geochemical processes. Surveys of their biodiversity have hitherto been geographically restricted and have not accounted for the full range of plankton size. We assessed eukaryotic diversity from 334 size-fractionated photic-zone plankton communities collected across tropical and temperate oceans during the circumglobal
Tara
Oceans expedition. We analyzed 18
S
ribosomal DNA sequences across the intermediate plankton-size spectrum from the smallest unicellular eukaryotes (protists, >0.8 micrometers) to small animals of a few millimeters. Eukaryotic ribosomal diversity saturated at ~150,000 operational taxonomic units, about one-third of which could not be assigned to known eukaryotic groups. Diversity emerged at all taxonomic levels, both within the groups comprising the ~11,200 cataloged morphospecies of eukaryotic plankton and among twice as many other deep-branching lineages of unappreciated importance in plankton ecology studies. Most eukaryotic plankton biodiversity belonged to heterotrophic protistan groups, particularly those known to be parasites or symbiotic hosts.
Dynamic thinning of glaciers on the Southern Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Wouters B. , Martin-Español A. , Helm V. , Flament T. , van Wessem J. M. , Ligtenberg S. R. M. , van den Broeke M. R. , Bamber J. L.
Published: May 2015

Increasingly rapid ice sheet melting

Glaciers on the Southern Antarctic Peninsula have begun losing mass at a rapid and accelerating rate. Wouters
et al.
documented the dramatic thinning of the land-based ice, which began in 2009, using satellite altimetry and gravity observations. The melting and weakening of ice shelves reduce their buttressing effect, allowing the glaciers to flow more quickly to the sea.

Science
, this issue p.
899
Uncovering hidden worlds of ocean biodiversity
Authors: Armbrust E. Virginia , Palumbi Stephen R.
Published: May 2015

A 3-year expedition yields a treasure trove of data on microorganisms and small animals in the world's oceans
Just add lanthanides
Authors: Skovran Elizabeth , Martinez-Gomez Norma Cecilia
Published: May 2015

Some methanol-using bacteria may depend on lanthanide elements for carbon capture and energy generation
High-performance photovoltaic perovskite layers fabricated through intramolecular exchange
Authors: Yang Woon Seok , Noh Jun Hong , Jeon Nam Joong , Kim Young Chan , Ryu Seungchan , Seo Jangwon , Seok Sang Il
Published: May 2015

Taking in more sun

Most efforts to grow superior films of organic-inorganic perovskites for solar cells have focused on methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI
3
). However, formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI
3
) has a broader solar absorption spectrum that could ultimately lead to better performance. Yang
et al.
grew high-quality FAPbI
3
films by starting with a film of lead iodide and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and then exchanging the DMSO with formamidinium iodide. Their best devices achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%.

Science
, this issue p.
1234
Practical olefin hydroamination with nitroarenes
Authors: Gui Jinghan , Pan Chung-Mao , Jin Ying , Qin Tian , Lo Julian C. , Lee Bryan J. , Spergel Steven H. , Mertzman Michael E. , Pitts William J. , La Cruz Thomas E. , Schmidt Michael A. , Darvatkar Nitin , Natarajan Swaminathan R. , Baran Phil S.
Published: May 2015

Stitching C-N bonds from nitro groups

Numerous compounds in pharmaceutical research have carbon-nitrogen bonds, and chemists are always looking for ways to make them more efficiently. Gui
et al.
present a method that links the carbon in an olefin to the nitrogen in a nitroaromatic compound (see the Perspective by Kürti). Nitroaromatics are readily available, and the method tolerates a wide range of other chemical groups present on either reacting partner.

Science
, this issue p.
886
; see also p.
863
Reading the mind to move the body
Authors: Pruszynski J. Andrew , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: May 2015

Decoding neural signals of intention and movement should guide the development of neural prosthetics

[Also see Report by

Aflalo
et al.

]
Preprocancer
Authors: Brash Douglas E.
Published: May 2015

Normal skin harbors cancer-causing mutations

[Also see Research Article by

Martincorena
et al.

]
Oceans and Earth's habitability
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: May 2015

On 8 June, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrates World Oceans Day, a fitting occasion to remind ourselves of the essential role of the oceans in making Earth a habitable planet. We have had an official day of celebration for the oceans only since December 2008. In contrast, Earth Day has been celebrated every year since 1970. Conceived by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in the aftermath of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, Earth Day became a focus for the growing environmental movement (it became an international event in 1990) and the catalyst that led to the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts in the United States. Imagine what might be accomplished if World Oceans Day could similarly inspire actions for improving the state of the oceans worldwide.
Genome Sequence of
Penicillium capsulatum
Strain ATCC 48735, a Rare
Penicillium
Species Used in Paper Manufactories but That Recently Caused Invasive Infection
Authors: Yang Ying , Chen Min , Li Zongwei , Al-Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Ye Qiang , Chen Huipeng , Wang Shengqi , Liao Wanqing , Wang Junzhi
Published: May 2015

The genus
Penicillium
phylogenetically belongs to
Trichocomaceae
, with approximately 300 reported species. The majority of these species are saprobic and commonly occur in soil. This paper reports the genome sequence of
Penicillium capsulatum
strain ATCC 48735, a rare
Penicillium
species used in paper manufactories and that was recently reported as a human-invasive opportunist.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhodococcus
sp. Strain 311R
Authors: Ehsani Elham , Jauregui Ruy , Geffers Robert , Jareck Michael , Boon Nico , Pieper Dietmar H. , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro
Published: May 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Rhodococcus
sp. strain 311R, which was isolated from a site contaminated with alkanes and aromatic compounds. Strain 311R shares 90% of the genome of
Rhodococcus erythropolis
SK121, which is the closest related bacteria.
Genome Sequence of
Leucobacter
sp
.
4J7B1, a Plant-Osmoprotectant Soil Microorganism
Authors: Manzanera M. , Vílchez J. I. , García-Fontana C. , Calvo C. , González-López J.
Published: May 2015

We report the first genome sequence for
Leucobacter
sp. 4J7B1, a newly described desiccation-tolerant strain. The complete genome sequence of
Leucobacter
sp. 4J7B1 has been sequenced and is estimated to be around 3.5 Mb in size, with an average GC content of 62.18%. We predict 2,953 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Sporidiobolus salmonicolor
CBS 6832, a Red-Pigmented Basidiomycetous Yeast
Authors: Coelho Marco A. , Almeida João M. G. C. F. , Hittinger Chris Todd , Gonçalves Paula
Published: May 2015

We report the genome sequencing and annotation of the basidiomycetous red-pigmented yeast
Sporidiobolus salmonicolor
strain CBS 6832. The current assembly contains 395 scaffolds, for a total size of about 20.5 Mb and a G+C content of ~61.3%. The genome annotation predicts 5,147 putative protein-coding genes.
Genome Sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
cremoris
Mast36, a Strain Isolated from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Plumed-Ferrer Carme , Gazzola Simona , Fontana Cecilia , Bassi Daniela , Cocconcelli Pier-Sandro , von Wright Atte
Published: May 2015

The genome sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
cremoris
Mast36, isolated from bovine mastitis, is reported here. This strain was shown to be able to grow in milk and still possess genes of vegetable origin. The genome also contains a cluster of genes associated with pathogenicity.
Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma meleagridis Type Strain 17529
Authors: Yacoub Elhem , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal , Blanchard Alain , Ben Abdelmoumen Mardassi Boutheina
Published: May 2015

Mycoplasma meleagridis
is a prominent turkey bacterial pathogen associated with airsacculitis and reproductive disorders. Notwithstanding the economic losses caused by
M. meleagridis
, its genome has still not been sequenced. For a better understanding of its genetic background and pathogenicity mechanisms, we sequenced the genome of
M. meleagridis
type strain ATCC 25294.
Genome Assemblies of Three Soil-Associated
Devosia
species:
D. insulae
,
D. limi
, and
D. soli
Authors: Hassan Yousef I. , Lepp Dion , Zhou Ting
Published: May 2015

Agricultural soils constitute highly diverse ecosystems with very rich bacterial populations. Recent studies employing next-generation sequencing techniques have begun to explore the dynamics of bacterial species of such soils and utilized metagenomics approaches to understand how the diversity in soil microorganisms is affected or modified by agricultural practices. Understanding any microorganism's environmental adaptability in the genomic era starts by fully appreciating their encoding genome. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three
Devosia
species based on three type strains that originated from soil samples:
D. insulae
strain DS-56,
D. limi
strain DSM17137, and
D. soli
strain GH2-10.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas caviae 8LM, Isolated from Stool Culture of a Child with Diarrhea
Authors: Moriel Bárbara , Cruz Leonardo M. , Dallagassa Cibelle B. , Faoro Helisson , de Souza Emanuel M. , Pedrosa Fábio O. , Rego Fabiane G. M. , Picheth Geraldo , Fadel-Picheth Cyntia M. T.
Published: May 2015

Aeromonas
spp. are Gram-negative rods ubiquitous in aquatic environments; however, some species are able to cause a variety of infections in humans. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Aeromonas caviae
8LM isolated from stool culture from a child with diarrhea in southern Brazil.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis Strain ATCC 6051a, a Potential Host for High-Level Secretion of Industrial Enzymes
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Sim Young Mi , Park Seung-Hwan , Choi Soo-Keun
Published: May 2015

Bacillus subtilis
ATCC 6051a (=KCTC 1028), which is less domesticated than strain 168, is widely used for the secretory expression of industrial enzymes. Herein, we present the complete genome sequence of the
Bacillus subtilis
strain ATCC 6051a.
Uncrossed epileptic seizures in Joubert syndrome
Authors: López Ruiz Pedro , García García Maria Eugenia , Dicapua Sacoto Daniela , Marcos-Dolado Alberto
Published: May 2015

Joubert syndrome and related disorders comprise a subgroup of ciliopathies defined by the presence of the ‘molar tooth sign’, a midbrain-hindbrain malformation identifiable by neuroimaging. Characteristically, the corticospinal tract and superior cerebellar peduncles do not decussate. Epileptic seizures are uncommon. We present a case of a 28-year-old man with a background of Leber's congenital amaurosis with nephronophthisis, requiring kidney transplantation, and mental retardation, who developed epileptic seizures consisting of a short muffled cry and involuntary shaking movements of the extremities beginning in the left upper limb; these episodes lasted several seconds and occurred in clusters. Simultaneous video-EEG recording showed an ictal pattern in the left frontal lobe. Brain MRI revealed the pathognomonic ‘molar tooth sign’; diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-tractography showed a lack of decussation of both corticospinal tracts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that DTI-tractography has been used to uncover the anatomical substrate underlying the semiology of epileptic seizures.
Neonatal suppurative sialadenitis: an important clinical diagnosis
Authors: Ryan Roisin Faith , Padmakumar Beena
Published: May 2015

Neonatal suppurative sialadenitis is a condition causing infection of the salivary glands, most frequently caused byStaphylococcus aureus. The vast majority of cases reported in the literature have been in infants with recognised risk factors. This report presents two cases of neonatal sialadenitis in siblings, neither of whom had any predisposing characteristics. The aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed. This report will also highlight the need for awareness of this condition and its inclusion in considered differentials for neck swelling in all infants.
A novel tool to aid usability of age-based weight estimation formulae
Authors: Marikar Dilshad
Published: May 2015

Age-based weight estimation methods are used in the resuscitation of children deemed too sick to weigh. Some methods involve multiple formulae, which can be difficult to recall and use. This paper presents a conceptually simple finger-counting method that can be used to rapidly estimate weight based on existing age-based formulae.
Mood instability is a common feature of mental health disorders and is associated with poor clinical outcomes
Authors: Patel Rashmi , Lloyd Theodore , Jackson Richard , Ball Michael , Shetty Hitesh , Broadbent Matthew , Geddes John R , Stewart Robert , McGuire Philip , Taylor Matthew
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Mood instability is a clinically important phenomenon but has received relatively little research attention. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of mood instability on clinical outcomes in a large sample of people receiving secondary mental healthcare.

Design

Observational study using an anonymised electronic health record case register.

Setting

South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM), a large provider of inpatient and community mental healthcare in the UK.

Participants

27 704 adults presenting to SLaM between April 2006 and March 2013 with a psychotic, affective or personality disorder.

Exposure

The presence of mood instability within 1 month of presentation, identified using natural language processing (NLP).

Main outcome measures

The number of days spent in hospital, frequency of hospital admission, compulsory hospital admission and prescription of antipsychotics or non-antipsychotic mood stabilisers over a 5-year follow-up period.

Results

Mood instability was documented in 12.1% of people presenting to mental healthcare services. It was most frequently documented in people with bipolar disorder (22.6%), but was common in people with personality disorder (17.8%) and schizophrenia (15.5%). It was associated with a greater number of days spent in hospital (β coefficient 18.5, 95% CI 12.1 to 24.8), greater frequency of hospitalisation (incidence rate ratio 1.95, 1.75 to 2.17), greater likelihood of compulsory admission (OR 2.73, 2.34 to 3.19) and an increased likelihood of prescription of antipsychotics (2.03, 1.75 to 2.35) or non-antipsychotic mood stabilisers (2.07, 1.77 to 2.41).

Conclusions

Mood instability occurs in a wide range of mental disorders and is not limited to affective disorders. It is generally associated with relatively poor clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that clinicians should screen for mood instability across all common mental health disorders. The data also suggest that targeted interventions for mood instability may be useful in patients who do not have a formal affective disorder.
Relationship between low Ankle-Brachial Index and rapid renal function decline in patients with atrial fibrillation: a prospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Violi Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Perticone Francesco , Hiatt William R , Sciacqua Angela , Basili Stefania , Proietti Marco , Corazza Gino R , Lip Gregory Y H , Pignatelli Pasquale ,   in collaboration with the ARAPACIS (Atrial Fibrillation Registry for Ankle-Brachial Index Prevalence Assessment-Collaborative Italian Study) STUDY group
Published: May 2015

Objective

To investigate the relationship between Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and renal function progression in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Design

Observational prospective multicentre cohort study.

Setting

Atherothrombosis Center of I Clinica Medica of ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro; Atrial Fibrillation Registry for Ankle-Brachial Index Prevalence Assessment-Collaborative Italian Study.

Participants

897 AF patients on treatment with vitamin K antagonists.

Main outcome measures

The relationship between basal ABI and renal function progression, assessed by the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) calculated with the CKD-EPI formula at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. The rapid decline in eGFR, defined as a decline in eGFR >5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, and incident eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2were primary and secondary end points, respectively.

Results

Mean age was 71.8±9.0 years and 41.8% were women. Low ABI (ie, ≤0.90) was present in 194 (21.6%) patients. Baseline median eGFR was 72.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 28.7% patients had an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Annual decline of eGFR was −2.0 (IQR −7.4/−0.4) mL/min/1.73 m2/year, and 32.4% patients had a rapid decline in eGFR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ABI ≤0.90 (OR 1.516 (95% CI 1.075 to 2.139), p=0.018) and arterial hypertension (OR 1.830 95% CI 1.113 to 3.009, p=0.017) predicted a rapid eGFR decline, with an inverse association for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (OR 0.662 95% CI 0.464 to 0.944, p=0.023). Among the 639 patients with AF with eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 153 (23.9%) had a reduction of the eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. ABI ≤0.90 was also an independent predictor for incident eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2(HR 1.851, 95% CI 1.205 to 2.845, p=0.005).

Conclusions

In patients with AF, an ABI ≤0.90 is independently associated with a rapid decline in renal function and incident eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2. ABI measurement may help identify patients with AF at risk of renal function deterioration.

Trial registration number

NCT01161251.
Is safe surgery possible when resources are scarce?
Authors: O'Hara Nathan N
Published: May 2015

The greatest burden of surgical disease exists in low- and middle-income countries, where the quality and safety of surgical treatment cause major challenges. Securing necessary and appropriate medical supplies and infrastructure remains a significant and under-recognised limitation to providing safe and high-quality surgical care in these settings. The majority of surgical instruments are sold in high-income countries. Limited market pressures lead to superfluous designs and inflated costs for these devices. This context creates an opportunity for frugal innovation—the search for designs that will enable low-cost care without compromising quality. Although progressive examples of frugal surgical innovations exist, policy innovation is required to augment design pathways while fostering appropriate safety controls for prospective devices. Many low-cost, high-quality medical technologies will increase access to safe surgical care in low-income countries and have widespread applicability as all countries look to reduce the cost of providing care, without compromising quality.
High value cost conscious care for diabetic patients at a community hospital
Authors: Karu Eric , Shahnazarian Vahe , Mehta Parag
Published: May 2015

At New York Methodist Hospital (Brooklyn, NY), the pattern of ordering glucose testing was studied by a multidisciplinary committee because the medicine residents were placing inpatient chemstrip orders at their own discretion. It was found that chemstrip orders were being placed at inappropriate frequencies, and occasionally on inappropriate patients.

The staff and residents were educated on daily rounds in order to achieve the goal of reducing unwarranted fingersticks, consequently increasing patient satisfaction and reducing wasted time, resources, and costs. From April 2014 through March 2015 there were 274,889 fingersticks in the inpatient setting and following the intervention the number of fingersticks had decreased to 238,187, representing a significant decrease.
Republished: A lotus root-like appearance in carotid stenosis on optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chang Hyukwon , Yoon Hyuck Jun , Hong Jeong-Ho , Kim Chang-Hyun , Sohn Sung-il , Lee Chang-Young
Published: May 2015

An 82-year-old man visited the outpatient clinic of our stroke centre because of dizziness. He had a previous history of stroke without definite sequelae. Severe stenosis in the left proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) was seen on Doppler sonography. Conventional angiography revealed focal severe stenosis with ‘string sign’ in the left proximal ICA and delayed distal run off. Optical coherence tomography showed multiple channels surrounding a narrowed central lumen (lotus root-like appearance). Carotid stent placement with a protection device was done without complications. The patient was discharged in good condition 5 days after the procedure.
Resting metabolic rate and activity: key components of seasonal variation in daily energy expenditure for the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
Authors: Dalton A.J.M. , Rosen D.A.S. , Trites A.W.
Published: May 2015

Seasonal changes in daily energy expenditure (DEE) and its key underlying components (costs of resting metabolic rate (RMR), thermoregulation, activity, and growth) were measured to determine seasonal energy requirements, bioenergetic priorities, and potential times of year when unpredicted episodes of nutritional stress would have their greatest effect on female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus (L., 1758)). The mean (±SD) DEE of six captive juvenile female fur seals was 527.8 ± 65.7 kJ·kg−1·d−1and fluctuated seasonally (lower during summer and winter, and up to 20% greater in spring and fall). RMR also changed significantly with season and was higher in the fall (potentially due to moulting or anticipated migratory activity). However, changes in RMR did not follow the same seasonal trend as those of DEE. The largest component of DEE was RMR (∼80%, on average), followed by the cost of activity (which may have driven some of the seasonal variations in DEE). In contrast, the energetic costs associated with growth and thermoregulation appeared negligible within the scope of overall energy expenditures. Elevated innate costs of RMR and higher growth rates in the fall and summer, respectively, suggest that inadequate nutrition could comparatively have greater negative effects on female fur seals during these seasons.
Tooth-bound fluoride uptake from fluoride-containing dental materials
Authors: Komatsu Hisanori , Okuyama Katsushi , Yamamoto Hiroko , Yasuda Keisuke , Nomachi Masaharu , Sugaya Yorihito
Published: May 2015

Whether fluorine penetrated from material completely incorporates into tooth mineral is a matter of debate, although it is well known that the fluoride from material penetrates directly into tooth structures. The purpose of this study is to determine tooth-bound fluoride uptake from fluoride-containing materials using PIGE/PIXE system at the Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center. Class V cavities in buccal surfaces of eighteen extracted human teeth were drilled and filled with six fluoride-containing materials. After being stored in distilled water for one year, a longitudinal section including materials was obtained from each tooth. Fluorine and calcium distribution of specimens were evaluated using PIGE/PIXE system. After evaluation, the specimens were immersed in 10 mL of 1M KOH solution and were agitated at room temperature for 24 h to remove a KOH soluble fluoride. The specimens were washed with 200 mL distilled water and left to dry. Again, to estimate tooth-bound fluorine (KOH-insoluble fluoride) uptake, the same portion of the specimens after KOH treatment were evaluated using PIGE/PIXE system. It was confirmed that fluorine penetrated from material partly incorporated into tooth mineral. This tooth-bound fluoride have the potential to prevent dental caries after loss of the bond between the filling material and tooth structure.
Evaluation of an Electrical Equivalent Model Using Measurements and an Optimization Algorithm — Application to a Pyroelectric Sensor
Authors: Sifi Nejmeddine , Touayar Oualid
Published: May 2015

A technique to estimate the parameters of an equivalent electrical model of a pyroelectric sensor prototype, based on measurements and an optimization algorithm, is presented. The dynamic behavior predicted by the equivalent electrical model is compared with measurements, and the effect of some geometrical mismatches is investigated as well. The optimization algorithm is a judicious combination of two search methods: random (a uniform statistical distribution) and deterministic (a conjugate gradient method). The reliability of the optimization algorithm to estimate the parameters values of the equivalent electrical model is also studied and discussed. The sensor equivalent electrical model can be used as a quick and intuitive analysis tool to allow the simulation of the device in a system-level design environment.
Nonlinear Forecasting of the Generalized Kuramoto–Sivashinsky Equation
Authors: Gotoda Hiroshi , Pradas Marc , Kalliadasis Serafim
Published: May 2015

The emergence of pattern formation and chaotic dynamics is studied in the one-dimensional (1D) generalized Kuramoto–Sivashinsky (gKS) equation by means of a time-series analysis, in particular, a nonlinear forecasting method which is based on concepts from chaos theory and appropriate statistical methods. We analyze two types of temporal signals, a local one and a global one, finding in both cases that the dynamical state of the gKS solution undergoes a transition from high-dimensional chaos to periodic pulsed oscillations through low-dimensional deterministic chaos while increasing the control parameter of the system. Our results demonstrate that the proposed nonlinear forecasting methodology allows to elucidate the dynamics of the system in terms of its predictability properties.
Nonautonomous Discrete Systems: Density of Orbits and Transitivity
Authors: Pourbarat Mehdi , Abbasi Neda
Published: May 2015

Suppose that X is a topological space, Dn, n ≥ 0 are its subspaces and a family [Formula: see text] with fn : Dn → Dn+1 is translated as a nonautonomous discrete system. We introduce two subspaces of D0, the orbits of whose elements carry different kinds of densities. They are invariant under the certain [Formula: see text]-conjugacies. This fact and some other properties of these subspaces are investigated in the present paper.
On the Limit Cycles of a Perturbed Z3-Equivariant Planar Quintic Vector Field
Authors: Ma Yunlei , Wu Yuhai
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the number and distributions of limit cycles in a Z3-equivariant quintic planar polynomial system are studied. 24 limit cycles with two different configurations are shown in this quintic planar vector field by combining the methods of double homoclinic loops bifurcation, heteroclinic loop bifurcation and Poincaré–Bendixson Theorem. The results obtained are useful to the study of weakened 16th Hilbert problem.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis in a Maglev System with Multiple Delays
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Huang Jianhua , Huang Lihong , Zhang Zhizhou
Published: May 2015

This paper considers the time-delayed feedback control for Maglev system with two discrete time delays. We determine constraints on the feedback time delays which ensure the stability of the Maglev system. An algorithm is developed for drawing a two-parametric bifurcation diagram with respect to two delays τ1 and τ2. Direction and stability of periodic solutions are also determined using the normal form method and center manifold theory by Hassard. The complex dynamical behavior of the Maglev system near the domain of stability is confirmed by exhaustive numerical simulation.
Shape Coherence and Finite-Time Curvature Evolution
Authors: Ma Tian , Bollt Erik M.
Published: May 2015

We introduce a definition of finite-time curvature evolution along with our recent study on shape coherence in nonautonomous dynamical systems. Comparing to slow evolving curvature preserving the shape, large curvature growth points reveal the dramatic change on shape such as the folding behaviors in a system. Closed trough curves of low finite-time curvature (FTC) evolution field indicate the existence of shape coherent sets, and troughs in the field indicate the most significant shape coherence. Here, we will demonstrate these properties of the FTC, as well as contrast to the popular Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) computation, often used to indicate hyperbolic material curves as Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS). We show that often the FTC troughs are in close proximity to the FTLE ridges, but in other scenarios, the FTC indicates entirely different regions.
Symmetric Time-Reversible Flows with a Strange Attractor
Authors: Sprott J. C.
Published: May 2015

A symmetric chaotic flow is time-reversible if the equations governing the flow are unchanged under the transformation t → -t except for a change in sign of one or more of the state space variables. The most obvious solution is symmetric and the same in both forward and reversed time and thus cannot be dissipative. However, it is possible for the symmetry of the solution to be broken, resulting in an attractor in forward time and a symmetric repellor in reversed time. This paper describes the simplest three-dimensional examples of such systems with polynomial nonlinearities and a strange (chaotic) attractor. Some of these systems have the unusual property of allowing the strange attractor to coexist with a set of nested symmetric invariant tori.
A Probabilistic and Interval Hybrid Reliability Analysis Method for Structures with Correlated Uncertain Parameters
Authors: Jiang C. , Zheng J. , Ni B. Y. , Han X.
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a probability-interval mixed uncertainty model considering parametric correlations and a corresponding structural reliability analysis method. First of all, we introduce the sample correlation coefficients to express the correlations between different kinds of uncertain variables including probability and interval variables. Then dependent parameters are transformed into independent ones through a matrix transformation. A reliability analysis model is put forward, and an efficient method is built to obtain the reliability index or failure probability interval of the structure. Finally, four numerical examples are provided to verify the validity of the method.
Damage Identification of Beams Based on Improved Element Damage Variable with Reconstructed Modal Rotations
Authors: Cao Hui , Liu Tong
Published: May 2015

Damage identification of structures is always attractive to researchers because it plays an important role in the health monitoring in many civil engineering structures. When carrying out a health monitoring, sensors are usually laid on a beam to record acceleration signals, in which the modes of the beam can be extracted to construct indicators for detecting damage of the investigated beam. It should be noted that it is difficult to measure rotational signals of the beam at a position where sensors are laid, thus only the modal translations are available. Although the modal translations can be used to construct indicators without modal rotations and often it is the case, an indicator taking into account modal rotations is suggested in application to resist the effect of noise on the accuracy of measurement. In this paper, modal rotations were reconstructed by modal translations using the principle of static condensation and QR decomposition. Then both modal translations and rotations were used to build an indicator based on element modal strain energy with the help of data fusion theory. The modal translations were extracted from accelerations recorded on a beam using stochastic subspace identification (SSI). Studies were carried out on choosing values of parameters in SSI in order to eliminate the effect of noise as nearly as possible. The simulation given by a FEM model and analyses of accelerations recorded on a reinforced concrete beam show that the proposed damage indicator with the efforts of eliminating noise is able to detect the locations of damage in the investigated beams.
Implications of High-Dimensional Geometry for Structural Reliability Analysis and a Novel Linear Response Surface Method Based on SVM
Authors: Alibrandi Umberto , Alani Amir , Koh C. G.
Published: May 2015

The geometry of high-dimensional spaces is very different from low dimensional spaces and possesses some counter-intuitive features. It is shown that, for high dimensions, the sampling points fall far away from the origin and concentrate within an intersection between a very thin shell and a suitable equatorial slab. The well-known First-Order Reliability Method (FORM), originally formulated for low dimensions, may work well in many engineering problems of high dimension. But it is not able to reveal the level of achieved accuracy. Considering the features of high-dimensional geometry, a novel linear response surface based on Support Vector Method (SVM) is proposed for structural reliability problems of high dimension. The method is shown to outperform FORM for structural reliability problems of high dimension in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Detection and identification of S1 and S2 heart sounds using wavelet decomposition method
Authors: Golpaygani Ali Tavakoli , Abolpour Nahid , Hassani Kamran , Bajelani Kourosh , Doyle D. John
Published: May 2015

Phonocardiogram (PCG), the digital recording of heart sounds is becoming increasingly popular as a primary detection system for diagnosing heart disorders and it is relatively inexpensive. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is used during the PCG in order to identify the systolic and diastolic parts manually. In this study a heart sound segmentation algorithm has been developed which separates the heart sound signal into these parts automatically. This study was carried out on 100 patients with normal and abnormal heart sounds. The algorithm uses discrete wavelet decomposition and reconstruction to produce PCG intensity envelopes and separates that into four parts: the first heart sound, the systolic period, the second heart sound and the diastolic period. The performance of the algorithm has been evaluated using 14,000 cardiac periods from 100 digital PCG recordings, including normal and abnormal heart sounds. In tests, the algorithm was over 93% correct in detecting the first and second heart sounds. The presented automatic segmentation algorithm using wavelet decomposition and reconstruction to select suitable frequency band for envelope calculations has been found to be effective to segment PCG signals into four parts without using an ECG.
Biogas to biomethane upgrading by water absorption column at low pressure and temperature
Authors: Pirola Carlo , Galli Federico , Bianchi Claudia L. , Manenti Flavio
Published: May 2015

Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable materials. It is composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide and may contain small amounts of impurities. The removal of CO 2 allows obtaining methane suitable to be injected into the gas grid. In this work it was chosen to operate the biogas upgrading by water washing in an absorption column at low pressure (1 bar) and low temperature (below 288 K) to verify the possibility to perform a first step of this separation without high pressure contitions. The bench scale plant used is a continuous glass absorption column (internal diameter = 43 mm, height = 1000 mm) filled with a structured packing (Sultzer DX). The results obtained (70% reduction of CO 2 at 282.2 K and using a L/G molar ratio of 868) open the possibility to investigate further the use of this technology for the biogas upgrading, at least for the first major part of the CO 2 removal.
Importance of crustal relamination in origin of the orogenic mantle peridotite–high-pressure granulite association: example from the Náměšť Granulite Massif (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic)
Authors: Kusbach V. , Janoušek V. , Hasalová P. , Schulmann K. , Fanning C. M. , Erban V. , Ulrich S.
Published: May 2015

A characteristic association of crustal and mantle rocks is commonly used to decipher processes at the mantle–crust interface of HP–UHP collisional orogenic systems. Also, in the Variscan orogenic root of the Bohemian Massif (the Moldanubian Zone), high-pressure felsic granulites are often accompanied by spinel or garnet peridotites. This association was investigated using petrography, zircon geochronology and whole-rock geochemical data from the Náměšť Granulite Massif. The geochemical signature of the granulite is the same as for other Moldanubian occurrences, suggesting nearly isochemically metamorphosed felsic metaigneous rocks of Saxothuringian provenance. SHRIMP zircon dating yielded two main age maxima, at 395.2 ± 4.4 and 337.2 ± 1.7 Ma, reflecting an Early Devonian protolith and Visean HP metamorphism. As shown by Sr–Nd isotopic data, the variably refertilized harzburgite or depleted lherzolite was variously contaminated by mature crustal material resembling the studied granulites. To account for the origin of these HT–HP rock associations we suggest a new geotectonic model. An eastward continental subduction of Early Palaeozoic felsic metaigneous material of Saxothuringian origin was followed by its relamination at the bottom of the autochthonous lower crust. Ascending felsic granulites derived from the relaminated lower plate material sampled refertilized harzburgites originally formed in a back-arc. The complete assemblage was subsequently exhumed, forming large, diapir-like bodies.

Supplementary material:

Sample coordinates from the Náměšť Granulite Massif, analytical techniques, SHRIMP age measurements on zircon grains and whole-rock geochemical data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18833
.