bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Evaluations of Ocular Injury Risk for Blast Loading
Authors: Notghi Bahram , Bhardwaj Rajneesh , Bailoor Shantanu , Thompson Kimberly A. , Weaver Ashley A. , Stitzel Joel D. , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: June 2017

Ocular trauma is one of the most common types of combat injuries resulting from the exposure of military personnel with improvised explosive devices. The injury mechanism associated with the primary blast wave is poorly understood. We employed a three-dimensional computational model, which included the main internal ocular structures of the eye, spatially varying thickness of the cornea-scleral shell, and nonlinear tissue properties, to calculate the intraocular pressure and stress state of the eye wall and internal ocular structure caused by the blast. The intraocular pressure and stress magnitudes were applied to estimate the injury risk using existing models for blunt impact and blast loading. The simulation results demonstrated that blast loading can induce significant stresses in the different components of the eyes that correlate with observed primary blast injuries in animal studies. Different injury models produced widely different injury risk predictions, which highlights the need for experimental studies evaluating mechanical and functional damage to the ocular structures caused by the blast loading.
A Comparison of Ordinary Differential Equation Solvers for Dynamical Systems With Impacts
Authors: Dallas Spyridon , Machairas Konstantinos , Papadopoulos Evangelos
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a method is developed that results in guidelines for selecting the best Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) solver and its parameters, for a class of nonlinear hybrid system were impacts are present. A monopod interacting compliantly with the ground is introduced as a new benchmark problem, and is used to compare the various solvers available in the widely used matlab ode suite. To provide result generality, the mathematical description of the hybrid system is brought to a dimensionless form, and its dimensionless parameters are selected in a range taken from existing systems and corresponding to different levels of numerical stiffness. The effect of error tolerance and phase transition strategy is taken into account. The obtained system responses are evaluated using solution speed and accuracy criteria. It is shown that hybrid systems represent a class of problems that cycle between phases in which the system of the equations of motion (EoM) is stiff (interaction with the ground), and phases in which it is not (flight phases); for such systems, the appropriate type of solver was an open question. Based on this evaluation, both general and case-specific guidelines are provided for selecting the most appropriate ODE solver. Interestingly, the best solver for a realistic test case turned out to be a solver recommended for numerically nonstiff ODE problems.
Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis of the “Power Ball”
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi , Okumura Kohei , Takagi Kentaro
Published: June 2017

The gyroscopic exercise tool called the “Power Ball,” used to train the antebrachial muscle, is focused on. The basin of attraction of the synchronous rolling motion in the state space of initial condition is investigated. The reduced model governing the synchronous rolling motion is used and its averaged equation is deduced. The first integral for the dynamical behavior of the synchronous rolling motion occurring in the power ball is obtained. The separatrix, which identifies the basin of attraction of the synchronous rolling motion, is derived, and the ranges of initial precession angle and the initial spin angular velocity for realizing the synchronous rolling motion are clarified. These theoretically obtained results are then experimentally confirmed. Furthermore, the influences of parameters to the basin of attraction are also clarified.
Numerical Investigation of the Three-Dimensional Pressure Distribution in Taylor Couette Flow
Authors: Adebayo David Shina , Rona Aldo
Published: June 2017

An investigation is conducted on the flow in a moderately wide gap between an inner rotating shaft and an outer coaxial fixed tube, with stationary end-walls, by three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD), using the realizable k−ε  model. This approach provides three-dimensional spatial distributions of static and dynamic pressures that are not directly measurable in experiment by conventional nonintrusive optics-based techniques. The nonuniform pressure main features on the axial and meridional planes appear to be driven by the radial momentum equilibrium of the flow, which is characterized by axisymmetric Taylor vortices over the Taylor number range 2.35×106≤Ta≤6.47×106. Regularly spaced static and dynamic pressure maxima on the stationary cylinder wall follow the axial stacking of the Taylor vortices and line up with the vortex-induced radial outflow documented in previous work. This new detailed understanding has potential for application to the design of a vertical turbine pump head. Aligning the location where the gauge static pressure (GSP) maximum occurs with the central axis of the delivery pipe could improve the head delivery, the pump mechanical efficiency, the system operation, and control costs.
On the Flow Structures and Adiabatic Film Effectiveness for Simple and Compound Angle Hole With Varied Length-to-Diameter Ratio by Large Eddy Simulation and Pressure-Sensitive Paint Techniques
Authors: Li Weihong , Shi Wei , Li Xueying , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde
Published: June 2017

The effects of hole length-to-diameter ratio and compound angle on flat plate film cooling effectiveness are investigated from an experimental and numerical view. Film cooling effectiveness measurements are performed for seven blowing ratios (M) ranging from 0.3 to 2, five-hole length-to-diameter ratios (L/D) from 0.5 to 5, and two compound angles (β: 0 deg and 45 deg) using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Results indicate that discrete holes with L = 0.5 and 1 show highest film cooling effectiveness regardless of compound angle. Round hole generally shows an increasing trend as L increases from 2 to 5, while compound angle hole shows a complex trend concerning with blowing ratios (BRs) and length-to-diameter ratios. Compound angle enhances film cooling effectiveness with high blowing ratios and length-to-diameter ratios. In a parallel effort, large eddy simulation (LES) approach is employed to solve the flow field and visualize vortex structures of intube and mainstream regions. It is demonstrated that the counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP) which is observed in the time-averaged flow field is originated in different vortex structures with varying blowing ratios and length-to-diameter ratios. Scalar field transportation features are also investigated to clarify how different vortex structures affect the temperature distribution and the film cooling effectiveness.
Experimental investigation of nonlinear properties of crackle and screech in supersonic jets
Authors: Punekar J. N. , Avital E. , Li X.
Published: June 2017

Supersonic crackle, an irritable component of aircraft jet noise, was investigated using model scale measurements. Near-field results showed Gaussian distribution but far-field had high skewness and even higher in its derivative. Skewness, a measure of asymmetry in the waveform, was compared to screech arising from shock associated noise which was also high but in contrast to crackle its skewness derivative had dropped to a much smaller value than its waveform. Both crackle and screech are nonlinear but their nonlinear properties are entirely different. Crackle is quantified when its derivative skewness becomes larger than its waveform skewness which should exceed 0.3.
Identification of Group B Streptococcus Capsule Type by Use of a Dual Phenotypic/Genotypic Assay
Authors: Alhhazmi Areej , Pandey Armaan , Tyrrell Gregory J.
Published: June 2017

The group B streptococcus (GBS) capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is an important virulence factor which is also used for GBS typing. There are 10 CPS types (Ia, Ib, and II to IX). GBS that do not phenotypically type are considered nontypeable. All genes required for CPS synthesis are found on the GBS
cps
operon, which contains a highly variable CPS-determining region (
cpsG-cpsK
). The objective of this study was development of an assay to detect sialic acid on the GBS cell surface, followed by a genotypic PCR CPS typing assay. Sialic acid is located at the terminal end of the side chain of all known GBS CPS types. Sialic acid can be bound to commercially available lectins such as slug
Limax flavus
lectin. Biotinylated
L. flavus
-streptavidin-peroxidase complex was used in an enzyme immunoassay and dot blot assay to detect sialic acid. This was followed by a PCR typing scheme that was developed to target the serotype-determining region of the
cps
locus for Ia, Ib, and II to IX. Sialic acid from the CPS types Ia, Ib, and II to IX was detectable on the GBS cell surfaces of all previously identified CPS-typed GBS strains assayed. This was followed by the real-time PCR typing assay which successfully identified CPS Ia, Ib, and II to IX types. The combination of phenotypic and genotypic assays provides an accurate tool for detection of CPS expression and assignment of CPS typing. These assays have the potential to be used for CPS typing in large-scale epidemiological studies.
Human Cytomegalovirus IE2 Protein Disturbs Brain Development by the Dysregulation of Neural Stem Cell Maintenance and the Polarization of Migrating Neurons
Authors: Han Dasol , Byun Sung-Hyun , Kim Juwan , Kwon Mookwang , Pleasure Samuel J. , Ahn Jin-Hyun , Yoon Keejung
Published: June 2017

Despite the high incidence of severe defects in the central nervous system caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) congenital infection, the mechanism of HCMV neuropathogenesis and the roles of individual viral genes have not yet been fully determined. In this study, we show that the immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein may play a key role in HCMV-caused neurodevelopmental disorders. IE2-transduced neural progenitor cells gave rise to neurospheres with a lower frequency and produced smaller neurospheres than control cells
in vitro
, indicating reduction of self-renewal and expansion of neural progenitors by IE2. At 2 days after
in utero
electroporation into the ventricle of the developing brain, a dramatically lower percentage of IE2-expressing cells was detected in the ventricular zone (VZ) and cortical plate (CP) compared to control cells, suggesting that IE2 concurrently dysregulates neural stem cell maintenance in the VZ and neuronal migration to the CP. In addition, most IE2
+
cells in the lower intermediate zone either showed multipolar morphology with short neurites or possessed nonradially oriented processes, whereas control cells had long, radially oriented monopolar or bipolar neurites. IE2
+
callosal axons also failed to cross the midline to form the corpus callosum. Furthermore, we provide molecular evidence that the cell cycle arrest and DNA binding activities of IE2 appear to be responsible for the increased neural stem cell exit from the VZ and cortical migrational defects, respectively. Collectively, our results demonstrate that IE2 disrupts the orderly process of brain development in a stepwise manner to further our understanding of neurodevelopmental HCMV pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
HCMV brain pathogenesis has been studied in limited experimental settings, such as
in vitro
HCMV infection of neural progenitor cells or
in vivo
murine CMV infection of the mouse brain. Here, we show that IE2 is a pivotal factor that contributes to HCMV-induced abnormalities in the context of the embryonic brain using an
in utero
gene transfer tool. Surprisingly, IE2, but not HCMV IE1 or murine CMV ie3, interferes pleiotropically with key neurodevelopmental processes, including neural stem cell regulation, proper positioning of migrating neurons, and the callosal axon projections important for communication between the hemispheres. Our data suggest that the wide spectrum of clinical outcomes, ranging from mental retardation to microcephaly, caused by congenital HCMV infection can be sufficiently explained in terms of IE2 action alone.
Inhibition of Avian Influenza A Virus Replication in Human Cells by Host Restriction Factor TUFM Is Correlated with Autophagy
Authors: Kuo Shu-Ming , Chen Chi-Jene , Chang Shih-Cheng , Liu Tzu-Jou , Chen Yi-Hsiang , Huang Sheng-Yu , Shih Shin-Ru
Published: June 2017

Avian influenza A viruses generally do not replicate efficiently in human cells, but substitution of glutamic acid (Glu, E) for lysine (Lys, K) at residue 627 of avian influenza virus polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) can serve to overcome host restriction and facilitate human infectivity. Although PB2 residue 627 is regarded as a species-specific signature of influenza A viruses, host restriction factors associated with PB2
627
E have yet to be fully investigated. We conducted immunoprecipitation, followed by differential proteomic analysis, to identify proteins associating with PB2
627
K (human signature) and PB2
627
E (avian signature) of influenza A/WSN/1933(H1N1) virus, and the results indicated that Tu elongation factor, mitochondrial (TUFM), had a higher binding affinity for PB2
627
E than PB2
627
K in transfected human cells. Stronger binding of TUFM to avian-signature PB2
590
G/
591
Q and PB2
627
E in the 2009 swine-origin pandemic H1N1 and 2013 avian-origin H7N9 influenza A viruses was similarly observed. Viruses carrying avian-signature PB2
627
E demonstrated increased replication in TUFM-deficient cells, but viral replication decreased in cells overexpressing TUFM. Interestingly, the presence of TUFM specifically inhibited the replication of PB2
627
E viruses, but not PB2
627
K viruses. In addition, enhanced levels of interaction between TUFM and PB2
627
E were noted in the mitochondrial fraction of infected cells. Furthermore, TUFM-dependent autophagy was reduced in TUFM-deficient cells infected with PB2
627
E virus; however, autophagy remained consistent in PB2
627
K virus-infected cells. The results suggest that TUFM acts as a host restriction factor that impedes avian-signature influenza A virus replication in human cells in a manner that correlates with autophagy.

IMPORTANCE
An understanding of the mechanisms that influenza A viruses utilize to shift host tropism and the identification of host restriction factors that can limit infection are both critical to the prevention and control of emerging viruses that cross species barriers to target new hosts. Using a proteomic approach, we revealed a novel role for TUFM as a host restriction factor that exerts an inhibitory effect on avian-signature PB2
627
E influenza virus propagation in human cells. We further found that increased TUFM-dependent autophagy correlates with the inhibitory effect on avian-signature influenza virus replication and may serve as a key intrinsic mechanism to restrict avian influenza virus infection in humans. These findings provide new insight regarding the TUFM mitochondrial protein and may have important implications for the development of novel antiviral strategies.
Acute massive gastric dilatation causing ischaemic necrosis and perforation of the stomach
Authors: Moslim Maitham A , Mittal Jay , Falk Gavin A , Ustin Jeffrey S , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: June 2017

Acute massive gastric dilatation (AMGD) is a rare distinctive condition but associates with high morbidity and mortality. Though usually seen in patients with eating disorders, many aetiologies of AMGD have been described. The distension has been reported to cause gastric necrosis with or without perforation, usually within 1–2 days of an inciting event of AMGD.

We report the case of a 58-year-old male who presented with gastric perforation associated with AMGD 11 days after surgical relief of a proximal small bowel obstruction. The AMGD arose from a closed loop obstruction between a tumour at the gastro-oesophageal junction and a small bowel obstruction as a result of volvulus around a jejunal feeding tube.

To our knowledge, this is the first case of a closed loop obstruction of this aetiology reported in the literature, and the presentation of this patient’s AMGD was notable for the delayed onset of gastric necrosis. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy and a partial gastrectomy to excise a portion of his perforated stomach. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of delayed ischaemic gastric perforation in cases of AMGD.
Renal cell carcinoma with isolated breast metastasis
Authors: Dhannoon Sarah M , Alsaad Ali A , Asmar Abdo R , Shahin Fuad H
Published: June 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide with many cases being metastasised to various organs during the time of initial presentation. Metastatic RCC to the breast is a rare entity and can mimic primary breast carcinoma. In this article, we present a 63-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a breast mass that was detected by screening mammography and found to have a biopsy proven grade-II clear RCC in the breast tissue. Despite the high incidence and prevalence of primary breast cancer, metastasis from extramammary should be suspected in patients with a prior history of other cancers. In this brief literature review, we also highlight the survival benefit from surgery and close follow-up in selected group of patients with metastatic, metachronous and solitary RCC.
Antibiotic-associated haemorrhagic colitis: not alwaysClostridium difficile
Authors: Akanbi Olalekan , Saleem Nasir , Soliman Mohanad , Pannu Bibek Singh
Published: June 2017

Antibiotic-associated colitis is a gastrointestinal complication of antibiotic use commonly seen in hospitalised patients, withClostridium difficile (C. difficile)colitis being the most common type. We present a case of haemorrhagic colitis secondary toKlebsiella oxytocafollowing self-initiated amoxicillin–clavulanic acid use. An 85-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and mucobloody diarrhoea. History was notable for an ongoing 5-day course of amoxicillin–clavulanic acid use. The CT scan of her abdomen revealed extensive diffuse thickening of the ascending and transverse colon. Stool culture grewK. oxytoca, an established cause of haemorrhagic colitis. She declined colonoscopy but recovered with withdrawal of all antibiotics and conservative treatment. We should be vigilant to haemorrhagic colitis following antibiotic use which is not alwaysC. difficilerelated.
Infectious crystalline keratopathy after Descemetâ€™s stripping endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Porter Ashley J , Lee Graham A , Whitehead Kevin
Published: June 2017

A 68-year-old woman presented with infectious crystalline keratopathy 4 months after she underwent a combined phacoemulsification and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty for Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy in her left eye. After 5 months of topical moxifloxacin 1%, the infiltrate responded well but had not completely resolved, with the resulting endothelial failure requiring a penetrating keratoplasty 9 months after the initial operation. Microbiology identifiedEnterococcus faecaliswith the histopathology demonstrating bacterial colonies within the graft interface. Postoperatively she developed endophthalmitis, needing vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics. The infection settled with no recurrence, with topical and oral antibiotics continued for 2 months. A sutured toric piggyback intraocular lens was performed 18 months postvitrectomy for graft astigmatism, achieving a best-corrected vision of 6/15.

Infectious crystalline keratopathy can occur following Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty, requiring long-term topical therapy and potentially leading to graft failure with the necessity for further keratoplasty.
Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation: comparative, multicentre study in 351 eyes with low-to-moderate or high myopia
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Shimizu Kimiya , Igarashi Akihito , Kitazawa Yoshihiro , Kojima Takashi , Nakamura Tomoaki , Oka Yoshitaka , Matsumoto Rei
Published: June 2017

Aim

To compare the clinical outcomes of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation with a central hole (Hole Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL), STAAR Surgical) for low-to-moderate myopia and for high myopia.

Methods

This multicentre retrospective case series comprised 351 eyes of 351 consecutive patients undergoing ICL implantation. Eyes were divided into groups based on preoperative degree of myopia: group 1; 57 eyes, manifest spherical equivalent less than −6 dioptres (D), and group 2; 294 eyes, −6 D or more. Safety, efficacy, predictability, stability and adverse events were compared preoperatively; and at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively,

Results

Uncorrected and corrected visual acuities were −0.17±0.14 and −0.21±0.10 logMAR in group 1, and −0.16±0.09 and −0.21±0.08 logMAR in group 2, 1 year postoperatively. In groups 1 and 2, 98% and 99% of eyes were within 1.0 D of the targeted correction. Manifest refraction changes of −0.12±0.34 D (group 1) and −0.18±0.43 D (group 2) occurred from 1 day to 1 year. ICL exchanges were necessary in two eyes (0.7%) in group 2. No vision-threatening complications occurred at any time.

Conclusions

The ICL performed well for the correction of both low-to-moderate myopia and high myopia throughout the 1-year observation period. The clinical outcomes of ICL implantation for low-to-moderate myopia are essentially equivalent to those for high myopia.
Changes in risk factors and their contribution to reduction of mortality risk following gastric bypass surgery among obese individuals with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide, matched, observational cohort study
Authors: Liakopoulos Vasileios , Franzén Stefan , Svensson Ann-Marie , Zethelius Björn , Ottosson Johan , Näslund Ingmar , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Eliasson Björn
Published: June 2017

Objective

We recently showed that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) reduces risks of mortality, cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction in obese individuals compared with matched patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We have examined changes in risk factors after RYGB, with the aim of explaining these effects.

Research design and methods

We matched (1:1) 6132 RYGB patients with DM reported to the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Register with patients who had not undergone RYGB, based on sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and time, and assessed effects 2007–2014. We used causal mediation analysis to study effects mediated through changes to BMI and risk factors at 1 year based on Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Baseline BMI was 42 kg/m2. Following RYGB, the lowest BMI was observed after 2 years (mean 31.9 kg/m2), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 1 year (mean 6.32% (45.6 mmol/mol)). Maximum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was observed after 3–5 years (mean 1.46 mmol/L). Differences in BMI, HbA1c and HDL between the groups were statistically significant up to 6 years, and 2–3 years for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and blood pressure, despite fewer glucose-lowering, hypertensive and lipid-lowering treatments. The causal mediation analysis suggested that RYGB has a positive effect on mortality risk, mainly by means of weight reduction (as opposed to changes to the risk factors analyzed).

Conclusions

Improvements in risk factors might contribute to the reduction of mortality risk after RYGB in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, but the main effect seems to be mediated through a decrease in BMI, which could serve as a proxy for several mechanisms.
Irf4-dependent CD103+CD11b+dendritic cells and the intestinal microbiome regulate monocyte and macrophage activation and intestinal peristalsis in postoperative ileus
Authors: Pohl Judith-Mira , Gutweiler Sebastian , Thiebes Stephanie , Volke Julia K , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Zwanziger Denise , Gunzer Matthias , Jung Steffen , Agace William W , Kurts Christian , Engel Daniel Robert
Published: June 2017

Objective

Postoperative ileus (POI), the most frequent complication after intestinal surgery, depends on dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Here, we have investigated the mechanism that activates these cells and the contribution of the intestinal microbiota for POI induction.

Design

POI was induced by manipulating the intestine of mice, which selectively lack DCs, monocytes or macrophages. The disease severity in the small and large intestine was analysed by determining the distribution of orally applied fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran and by measuring the excretion time of a retrogradely inserted glass ball. The impact of the microbiota on intestinal peristalsis was evaluated after oral antibiotic treatment.

Results

We found thatCd11c-Cre+Irf4flox/floxmice lack CD103+CD11b+DCs, a DC subset unique to the intestine whose function is poorly understood. Their absence in the intestinal muscularis reduced pathogenic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production by monocytes and macrophages and ameliorated POI. Pathogenic iNOS was produced in the jejunum by resident Ly6C–macrophages and infiltrating chemokine receptor 2-dependent Ly6C+monocytes, but in the colon only by the latter demonstrating differential tolerance mechanisms along the intestinal tract. Consistently, depletion of both cell subsets reduced small intestinal POI, whereas the depletion of Ly6C+monocytes alone was sufficient to prevent large intestinal POI. The differential role of monocytes and macrophages in small and large intestinal POI suggested a potential role of the intestinal microbiota. Indeed, antibiotic treatment reduced iNOS levels and ameliorated POI.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that CD103+CD11b+DCs and the intestinal microbiome are a prerequisite for the activation of intestinal monocytes and macrophages and for dysregulating intestinal motility in POI.
An evaluation of a coagulation system (Xprecia Stride) for utilisation in anticoagulation management
Authors: McCahon Deborah , Roalfe Andrea , Fitzmaurice David A
Published: June 2017

Aim

To evaluate the reliability and performance of the Xprecia Stride coagulometer under the conditions in which it is most likely to be used.

Methods

The performance of the Xprecia Stride coagulometer was compared with a local laboratory and the CoaguChek systems routinely used for international normalised ratio (INR) estimation within one primary and one secondary care based anticoagulation clinic in Birmingham. Anticoagulation clinic personnel were trained to use the Xprecia Stride. Patients attending the clinics were eligible if aged ≥18 years and had received warfarin for at least 3 months. Consenting participants provided capillary blood samples for parallel testing on the Xprecia Stride and CoaguChek systems. At the secondary care clinic, a venous blood sample was also collected for laboratory INR estimation. INR results were compared using linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

A total of 102 laboratory and 205 parallel coagulometer INR tests were performed. Linear regression revealed strong correlation between the Xprecia Stride and the laboratory (r=0.83) and between the Xprecia Stride and CoaguChek systems (r=0.92). Within the therapeutic range, agreement between the systems was very good with 87% of the Xprecia Stride and laboratory INR results and 93% of the Xprecia Stride and CoaguChek INR results being within 0.5 INR units of each other.

Conclusion

INRs tested using the Xprecia Stride system showed good agreement with the laboratory and CoaguChek systems. Findings indicate that in the hands of the intended users the Xprecia Stride is accurate, reliable and acceptable for use in a routine clinical setting.
Evaluation of intermediate coronary stenoses in acute coronary syndromes using pressure guidewire
Authors: Niccoli Giampaolo , Indolfi Ciro , Davies Justin E
Published: June 2017

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is increasingly used to guide myocardial revascularisation. However, supporting evidence regarding its use originates from studies that have enrolled mainly patients with stable angina, while patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) have not been included. Notably, multifactorial microvascular dysfunction and an increased sympathetic tone in patients with ACS may lead to blunted response to adenosine and false-negative results of FFR due to submaximal hyperaemia. This may raise the possibility of deferring treatment of stenosis that instead would have needed dilatation, thus leaving a residual risk of preventable cardiac events. In this literature review, we aim at summarising laboratory and clinical investigations concerning the use of FFR in culprit and non-culprit lesions in ACS. Furthermore, we will report recent data on instantaneous wave-free ratio, an adenosine-free index of functional stenosis severity, in stable coronary artery disease and in patients with ACS.
The effects of shale composition and pore structure on gas adsorption potential in highly mature marine shales, Lower Paleozoic, central Yangtze, China
Authors: Hou Yuguang , He Sheng , Harris Nicholas B. , Yi Jizheng , Wang Yi , Zhang Jiankun , Cheng Chunyang
Published: June 2017

The Ordovician Wufeng Formation and Silurian Longmaxi Formation are two of the most organic-rich and gas-prospective shale formations in the central Yangtze area, China. In this study, we investigate the controls exerted by shale composition and pore structure on methane sorption of these highly matured marine shales (Ro ranges from 2.0% to 4.0%). Samples were analyzed by SEM pore imaging of Ar-ion milled samples, high pressure methane adsorption, and low temperature nitrogen adsorption. In the high TOC Wufeng and lower Longmaxi formations, numerous organic matter pores are present. A positive correlation exists between TOC, BET surface area, and CH4 sorption capacity, indicating that porosity associated with organic matter is the key factor controlling methane sorption capacity of shale samples. In the organic-lean upper Longmaxi Formation, pores within clay particles and carbonate minerals are the major pore types. Organic-lean shale samples from the upper Longmaxi Formation have higher clay content, lower BET surface area, and lower adsorption capacity than organic-rich shales. Within several low TOC samples, a relatively strong correlation exists between illite content and methane sorption capacity, which is interpreted to result from clay mineral-hosted porosity.
Sources and accumulation of sediment and particulate organic carbon in a subarctic fjard estuary:210Pb,137Cs, and δ13C records from Lake Melville, Labrador
Authors: Kamula C. Michelle , Kuzyk Zou Zou A. , Lobb David A. , Macdonald Robie W.
Published: June 2017

The sources and distribution of sediment and particulate organic carbon (OC) to Lake Melville, Labrador, were characterized to better understand impacts from climate and hydrological changes to the system. Mass accumulation rates (MARs) across the Lake Melville System (LMS) were established from 15 sediment cores collected in 2013 and 2014 by fitting excess210Pb (210Pbex) profiles to a two-layer advection–diffusion model. MARs, validated using137Cs, varied between 0.04 and 0.41 g cm−2a−1, and overall decreased with increasing distance from the Churchill River, which drains into Goose Bay, a western extension of Lake Melville. The Churchill River is the greatest source of sediment to the system, but surprisingly, MARs were greatest in western Lake Melville rather than Goose Bay, reflecting the contribution of fine material carried eastward in the Churchill River plume and inputs from nearby tributaries. A comparison of137Cs and210Pbexinventories to expected atmospheric fallout (1.5 and 23.6 disintegrations per minute (dpm) cm−2, respectively) in sediment across the LMS suggests particles are largely sourced from the watershed. In eastern Lake Melville, elevated210Pbexinventories and marine OC point to particle scavenging of dissolved210Pb from inflowing marine water. A transient tracer mixing model was used to determine the depth in each core where >90% of sediment was deposited before and after hydroelectric development at Churchill Falls (1970) and applied to down-core profiles of OC and organic carbon isotopes (δ13Corg). We observed a significant increase of terrestrial OC to Lake Melville post 1970, which we interpret as change from climate or hydrology of the Churchill River.
Evolution of phenology in a salmonid population: a potential adaptive response to climate change
Authors: Manhard Christopher V. , Joyce John E. , Gharrett Anthony J.
Published: June 2017

Accumulating evidence has indicated that many fish populations are responding to climate change through shifts in migration time, but genetic data identifying the role of evolution in these shifts are rare. One of the first demonstrations of evolution of migration time was produced by monitoring allozyme alleles that were experimentally manipulated to genetically mark late-migrating pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Here, we extend that research by using observations of the marker alleles in fry to demonstrate that these changes in migration time were caused by directional selection against the late-migrating phenotype during the oceanic phase of the salmonid life cycle. The selective event, which appeared to be driven by early vernal warming of the nearshore marine environment and consequent decreased survival of late-migrating fry relative to early-migrating fry, decreased the late-migrating phenotype from more than 50% to approximately 10% of the total fry abundance in only one generation. These demographic changes have persisted over the subsequent 13 generations and suggest that a larger trend toward earlier migration time in this population may reflect adaptation to warming sea-surface temperatures.
Magnetic properties and Binder cumulants of a mixed spin-2 and spin-5/2 Ising diamond chain
Authors: Jabar A. , Masrour R. , Benyoussef A. , Hamedoun M.
Published: June 2017

The mixed spin-2 and spin-5/2 Ising diamond chain is studied using Monte Carlo simulation. The thermal variation of magnetization and magnetic susceptibilities are obtained in diamond chain. The values of transition temperatures of a mixed spin-2 and spin-5/2 Ising diamond chain have been obtained for different sizes of system N, for different crystal field and for different exchange interactions. The Binder cumulant of magnetization [Formula: see text] is investigated. The magnetization with the crystal field and the exchange interaction has been established. The magnetic hysteresis cycle is determined for different values of the crystal field, exchange interactions and temperatures. The system presents the superparamagnetic behavior for a fixed crystal field and temperature value.
Electronic properties and lattice configurations of Au/CH3NH3PbI3 interface
Authors: Si F. J. , Hu W. , Tang F. L. , Cheng Y. W. , Xue H. T.
Published: June 2017

The lattice structure, interface binding energy, density of states, charge density difference and Bader charges of Au (100)/CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) (100) interface were studied with the first-principles calculations. The lattice mismatch of the Au (100)/MAPbI3 (100) interface is 3.48%. The interface binding energy is −0.124 J/m2. There is a small amount of electronic states nearby the interface through analyzing the density of states of the interface. In addition, the atom orbital has hybridizations nearby the interface. Through analyzing charge density difference and Bader charges, it is found that there is obvious charge transfer at the interface.
The non-Drude type of optical conductivity in cuprates
Authors: Teng Yunxue , Gao He , Ma Chunsheng , Yuan Feng , Zhao Huaisong
Published: June 2017

There is a long-standing issue that the optical conductivity in normal-state of cuprate superconductors deviates the conventional Drude type marked by [Formula: see text] dependence, exhibiting two main components from underdoping to overdoping, a narrow band peaked around zero energy and a broadband centered in the mid-infrared region called mid-infrared band. Within the renormalized t-J model and self-consistent mean field theory, we discuss the doping and energy dependence of optical conductivity in cuprate superconductors. Our results show that the appearance of the pseudogap in normal state is responsible for anomalous optical conductivity, giving rise to the mid-infrared band. In particular, in analogy to the doping dependence of pseudogap, optical conductivity is also strongly doping dependent. By increasing the doping concentration, the spectral weight of the optical conductivity suppressed strongly in underdoped region increases quickly, and the peak position of the mid-infrared band moves towards to the lower energy region, then incorporates into the narrow band centered in zero energy in the heavily overdoped region.
An Active Learning Approach for Multi-Label Image Classification with Sample Noise
Authors: Wu Jian , Guo Anqian , Sheng Victor S. , Zhao Pengpeng , Cui Zhiming
Published: June 2017

Multi-label active learning for image classification has been a popular research topic. It faces several challenges, even though related work has made great progress. Existing studies on multi-label active learning do not pay attention to the cleanness of sample data. In reality, data are easily polluted by external influences that are likely to disturb the exploration of data space and have a negative effect on model training. Previous methods of label correlation mining, which are purely based on observed label distribution, are defective. Apart from neglecting noise influence, they also cannot acquire sufficient relevant information. In fact, they neglect inner relation mapping from example space to label space, which is an implicit way of modeling label relationships. To solve these issues, we develop a novel multi-label active learning with low-rank application (ENMAL) algorithm in this paper. A low-rank model is constructed to quantize noise level, and the example-label pairs that contain less noise are emphasized when sampling. A low-rank mapping matrix is learned to signify the mapping relation of a multi-label domain to capture a more comprehensive and reasonable label correlation. Integrating label correlation with uncertainty and considering sample noise, an efficient sampling strategy is developed. We extend ENMAL with automatic labeling (denoted as AL-ENMAL) to further reduce the annotation workload of active learning. Empirical research demonstrates the efficacy of our approaches.
Efficient Design of Reversible Logic ALU Using Coplanar Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata
Authors: Sasamal Trailokya Nath , Mohan Anand , Singh Ashutosh Kumar
Published: June 2017

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) based reversible logic is the utmost necessity to achieve an architecture at nano-scale, which promises extremely low power consumption with high device density and faster computation. This paper emphasises on the design of an efficient reversible Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) block in QCA technology. We have considered [Formula: see text] RUG (Reversible Universal Gate) as the basic unit, and also report a HDLQ model for RUG with 52.2% fault tolerance capability. Further, the reversible ALU has synthesized with reversible logic unit (RLU) and reversible arithmetic unit (RAU). We also demonstrate QCA implementation of RLU and RAU with lesser complexity and cell counts. The proposed ALU needs only 64 MVs (Majority Voters), which demonstrates 40% optimizations in the majority gate counts than the existing result. QCADesigner-2.0.3 is used to verify the proposed designs.
Effect of Eccentric Lateral Bracing Stiffness on Lateral Torsional Buckling Resistance of Wooden Beams
Authors: Hu Ye , Mohareb Magdi , Doudak Ghasan
Published: June 2017

An energy-based solution is developed for the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) analysis of wooden beams with flexible mid-span lateral bracing offset from section mid-height and subjected to uniformly distributed or mid-span point load. The study shows that such beams are prone to two potential buckling modes; symmetric or anti-symmetric. The symmetric mode is shown to govern the capacity of the beam for low bracing stiffness while the anti-symmetric mode governs the capacity when the bracing stiffness exceeds a threshold value. Using the present formulation, the threshold bracing stiffness required to suppress the symmetric mode and maximize the critical moments is directly obtained by solving a special eigenvalue problem in the unknown bracing stiffness. The technique thus eliminates the need for trial and error in standard solutions. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of bracing height, load height, and bracing stiffness on the critical moments. A large database of runs is generated and used to develop simple expressions for determining the threshold bracing stiffness required to maximize the elastic LTB resistance.
Random Communication System Based on Skewed Alpha-Stable Levy Noise Shift Keying
Authors: Ahmed Areeb , Savaci F. Acar
Published: June 2017

The digital communication system is based on the skewed alpha-stable ([Formula: see text]-stable) noise sequence which is chosen as the random carrier to modulate the binary message at the transmitter side. Antipodal characteristic of the skew parameter beta ([Formula: see text]) is exploited for decoding information at the receiver side to obtain a secure communication system. A fast estimator used in this paper is based on Modified Extreme Value Method (MEVM) to extract the binary message from the signal received through the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. Our proposed receiver is achieving better bit error rate (BER) versus Mixed Signal to Noise Ratio (MSNR) than previously introduced receivers which are based on Sinc and Logarithmic estimators. MEVM estimator is indeed less complex compared to the Sinc and Logarithmic estimators and hence more fast. Additionally, the criterion to measure the security level of random communication system, which is based on [Formula: see text]-stable noise sequence, has also been introduced.
TACKLING BOGUS SELF-EMPLOYMENT: SOME LESSONS FROM ROMANIA
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , HORODNIC IOANA ALEXANDRA
Published: June 2017

In recent years, recognition that bogus self-employment is rapidly growing, not least because of the advent of what has been called the ‘gig,’ ‘sharing’ or ‘collaborative’ economy, has led governments to search for ways to tackle this form of dependent self-employment that is widely viewed as diminishing the quality of working conditions. Until now, however, there have been few ex-post evaluations of policy initiatives that seek to tackle this phenomenon. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide one of the first ex-post evaluations by examining the outcomes of a 2016 legislative initiative in Romania to tackle bogus self-employment. Reporting both descriptive statistics and OLS regression analysis on monthly official data from August 2014 to August 2016, the finding is that while other business types and waged employment rates followed a similar trend to the years before the introduction of the new legislation, the number of self-employed started a negative trend after the new legislation was announced. After controlling for other indicators related to the economy (i.e. GDP) and labor market (i.e. employees, other companies, vacancy rates), the impact of the new legislation on the self-employed remains negative, offering reasonable grounds for assuming bogus self-employed was lowered by the new legislation. The paper concludes by discussing the wider implications of these findings.
Institutional Tipping Points in Organizational Climate Change Adaptation Processes
Authors: Fünfgeld Hartmut
Published: June 2017

Despite increasing awareness of the urgency to respond to climate change through adaptation, progress with climate change adaptation differs considerably across social contexts, even within seemingly uniform institutional environments. Only a part of these differences in engaging in adaptation can be explained by differentiated exposure or sensitivity to climate change hazards. Institutions, and institutional change, play important roles in enabling or constraining adaptation at the social group scale.

This paper borrows the concept of tipping points from the natural sciences (Lenton et al. 2008; Lenton 2013) and applies it to social processes of climate change adaptation by focusing on processes of institutional change towards and beyond ‘institutional’ tipping points. Different stages of institutional change, where social groups switch from one dominant attractor regime to another, are discussed and illustrated. Empirical research conducted in two organizations in the local government and primary health care sector in Australia are used as examples for how institutional adaptation occurs and how institutional tipping points can be identified. Reflecting on these examples, the paper reviews the conceptual value-add of the institutional tipping points concept, while also discussing its epistemological and methodological limitations.
Controls on the reservoir quality of Late Cretaceous Springar Formation deep-water fan systems in the Vøring Basin
Authors: Finlayson Alana , Melvin Angela , Guise Alex , Churchill James
Published: June 2017

A new reservoir quality model is proposed for the Late Cretaceous Springar Formation sandstones of the Vøring Basin. Instead of a depth-related compactional control on reservoir quality, distinct high- and low-permeability trends are observed. Fan sequences which sit on the high-permeability trend are characterized by coarse-grained facies with a low matrix clay content. These facies represent the highest energy sandy turbidite facies within the depositional system, and were deposited in channelized or proximal lobe settings. Fan sequences on the low-permeability trend are characterized by their finer grain size and the presence of detrital clay, which has been diagenetically altered to a highly microporous, illitic, pore-filling clay. These fan sequences are interpreted to have been deposited in proximal–distal lobe environments. Original depositional facies determines the sorting, grain size and detrital clay content, and is the fundamental control on reservoir quality, as the illitization of detrital clay is the main mechanism for reductions in permeability. Core-scale depositional facies were linked to seismic-scale fan elements in order to better predict porosity and permeability within each fan system, allowing calibrated risking and ranking of prospects within the Springar Formation play.
Tectonics of the Laptev Shelf, Siberian Arctic
Authors: Drachev Sergey S. , Shkarubo Sergey I.
Published: June 2017

The Laptev Sea in the Siberian Arctic represents a unique tectonic junction of an active spreading ridge, the Gakkel Ridge in the Eurasian oceanic basin, with the Siberian Arctic continental margin. New long-offset seismic profiles acquired in recent years provide a reliable basis for deciphering the structural and seismic stratigraphic characteristics of the Laptev Rift System. The tectonic development of the Laptev Shelf represents a sequence of four phases controlled by relative plate movements: (1) intense brittle normal faulting (an initial rifting or stretching phase) affected the entire shelf in the Late Cretaceous(?)–Paleocene(?); (2) a thinning/exhumation phase resulted in exhumation of the lower continental crust and probably upper mantle in the western part of the rift system – this phase is inferred to have occurred during the Late Paleocene to Early Eocene, preceding and accompanying continental break-up in the Eurasia Basin; (3) a stalled rift phase characterized by either a dramatically reduced rate of extension, or a non-extension/compression regime controlled by major reorganization of the plate movements – the onset of this fourth phase is inferred to coincide with the initiation of seafloor spreading in the southern Eurasia Basin at around 53–50 Ma; and (4) reactivation of the rifting in the mid-Miocene (a second rift phase).