bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing an integrated approach to self-management support in an acute major trauma therapy team: an improvement project
Authors: Hollinshead Lucinda , Jones Fiona , Silvester Lucy , Marshall-Taylor Paul
Published: July 2019

More patients now survive multiple trauma injuries, but the level of long-term unmet needs is high. Evidence shows self-management support can improve patients ’ confidence to manage these needs but traditionally this support starts post-hospital. Starting self-management support early could prepare patients and families for successful transitions from hospital. The skills and commitment of clinicians have been shown to contribute to the success or failure of self-management approaches. The aim of this project was to explore the feasibility of integrating self-management support in an acute major trauma setting by evaluating the impact of an educational intervention on clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding self-management support and identifying any barriers and facilitators to integrating self-management into daily practice. Two improvement cycles were carried out over a 1-year period involving 18 allied health professionals (AHPs) in an acute major trauma centre in London, UK. An educational intervention, ‘Bridges Self-Management Programme’ was modified for the setting. The impact was evaluated using (1) a clinician questionnaire to evaluate knowledge and attitudes; (2) case reflection forms and (3) peer review to observe interactions to integrate self-management support. Questionnaire data were summarised and pre-training and post-training scores compared; the qualitative data from written case reflections, verbal and written feedback from training and group discussions was described and analysed thematically. The result of two improvement cycles has shown it was feasible to improve AHP’s knowledge, attitudes and change behaviours regarding self-management support in the acute trauma setting, but difficult to sustain change beyond 6 months. Key barriers such as the pressure to discharge patients and support within the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) were identified. Facilitators included the introduction of a new key-worker, to enable shared team approaches and paperwork to involve patients and families in goal setting and treatment planning. The main learning was to ensure sustainability mechanisms from the outset, engage the wider MDT in training, and integrate self-management language and principles into team processes.
Developing a competence framework for psychological interventions in a multidisciplinary paediatric context
Authors: Roth Anthony David , Donnan Janie
Published: July 2019

This paper describes the development and content of a competence framework for psychological interventions, intended to apply to healthcare workers of all disciplines working in a paediatric context. To achieve this, a review of the literature was used to indicate where current interventions had evidence for efficacy; this scoping exercise was complemented by an expert reference group (ERG) whose role was to offer professional advice on areas where the evidence base is not strong but where the field commonly employs interventions. Iterative peer review of the emerging framework was undertaken both by the ERG and external peer reviewers selected for their expertise in the field. The characteristics of the completed framework are presented, along a discussion of the uses to which it can be put. The framework is best seen as a practitioner support tool, providing a basis for training and practice in paediatric contexts.
Personalised eHealth intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in rehabilitation after cardiac operations: study protocol for the PACO randomised controlled trial (NCT03470246)
Authors: Vasankari Ville , Halonen Jari , Husu Pauliina , Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Tokola Kari , Suni Jaana , Sievänen Harri , Anttila Vesa , Airaksinen Juhani , Vasankari Tommi , Hartikainen Juha
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Personalized intervention to increase physical Activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in rehabilitation after Cardiac Operations (PACO) is a smartphone-based and accelerometer-based eHealth intervention to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB) among patients recovering from cardiac surgery.

Design

Prospective randomised controlled trial.

Methods and analysis

The present protocol describes a randomised controlled clinical trial to be conducted in the Heart Centres of Kuopio and Turku university hospitals. The trial comprises 540 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement or mitral valve repair. The patients will be randomised into two groups. The control group will receive standard postsurgical rehabilitation guidance. The eHealth intervention group will be given the same guidance together with personalised PA guidance during 90 days after discharge. These patients will receive personalised daily goals to increase PA and reduce SB via the ExSedapplication. Triaxial accelerometers will be exploited to record patients’ daily accumulated PA and SB, and transmit them to the application. Using the accelerometer data, the application will provide online guidance to the patients and feedback of accomplishing their activity goals. The data will also be transmitted to the cloud, where a physiotherapist can monitor individual activity profiles and customise the subsequent PA and SB goals online. The postoperative improvement in patients’ step count, PA, exercise capacity, quality of sleep, laboratory markers, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters and quality of life, and reduction in SB and incidence of major cardiac events are investigated as outcomes.

Conclusions

The PACO intervention aims to build a personalised eHealth tool for the online tutoring of cardiac surgery patients.

Trial registration number

NCT03470246.
Determining value of Coordinated Registry Networks (CRNs): a case of transcatheter valve therapies
Authors: Pappas Gregory , Berlin Jesse , Avila-Tang Erika , Carroll John , Drozda Joseph , Dumont Douglas , Gross Thomas , Hewitt Kathleen , Kirtane Ajay , Kong David , Krucoff Mitchell , Lashinger John , Lew Nellie , Mack Michael , Masoudi Fred , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Mehran Roxanna , Normand Sharon-Lise , Quin Elizabeth , Resnic Fred , Sedrakyan Art , Waksman Ronald , Wood Larry , Wu Changfu , Ziegler Tianay
Published: July 2019

Background

The Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) Coordinated Registry Network (CRN) supported 23 regulatory decisions and ensured evidence-based evaluation of the application of TVT technology. However, there are cost concerns that require value assessment of the TVT CRN compared with traditional study designs.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the value created by the TVT CRN based on (1) Return on investment (ROI), (2) Time saved (TS) in conducting necessary regulatory studies.

Methods

For both ROI and TS analyses, we compared studies that used the TVT CRN with those that would have been required if the registry did not exist (counterfactual studies). To estimate ROI, we accounted for the costs of investment and gain from investment. Both the counterfactual costs and length of studies were projected using design specifications determined by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewers.

Results

We identified 21 studies using the TVT CRN (supporting 23 FDA decisions) that generated evidence on TVT for three device manufacturers. ROI is estimated to be greater than 550%. TS by using the CRN ranged from months to years.

Conclusions

The CRN method to evidence generation creates value for manufacturers and the broader device ecosystem, demonstrated with this example of the TVT CRN. The public health benefits of evidence created by this CRN outweighs the difference in data quality between traditional clinical studies and the CRN method.
Outcome following heart transplant assessment in adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Crossland David Steven , Jansen Katrijn , Parry Gareth , Harper Andrew , Perri Gianluigi , Davidson Alison , De Rita Fabrizio , Hermuzi Antony , Nassar Mohamed , Seller Neil , MacGowan Guy A , Hasan Asif , O’Sullivan John J , Coats Louise
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a growing group with end-stage heart failure. We aim to describe the outcomes of ACHD patients undergoing assessment for orthotopic heart transplant (OHT).

Methods

Case notes of consecutive ACHD patients (>16 years) assessed for OHT between 2000 and 2016 at our centre were reviewed. Decision and outcome were reported as of 2017. Data were analysed in three groups: systemic left ventricle (LV), systemic right ventricle (RV) and single ventricle (SV).

Results

196 patients were assessed (31.8 years, 27% LV, 29% RV, 44% SV). 89 (45%) patients were listed for OHT and 67 (34%) were transplanted. 41 (21%) were unsuitable or too high risk and 36 (18%) were too well for listing. Conventional surgery was undertaken in 13 (7%) and ventricular assist device in 17 (9%) with 7 (4%) bridged to candidacy. Survival from assessment was 84.2% at 1 year and 69.7% at 5 years, with no difference between groups. Patients who were considered unsuitable for OHT (HR 11.199, p<0.001) and listed (HR 3.792, p=0.030) were more likely to die than those who were considered too well. Assessments increased over the study period.

Conclusions

The number of ACHD patients assessed for OHT is increasing. A third are transplanted with a small number receiving conventional surgery. Those who are unsuitable have a poor prognosis.
Socioeconomic inequalities in children’s exposure to tobacco retailing based on individual-level GPS data in Scotland
Authors: Caryl Fiona , Shortt Niamh K , Pearce Jamie , Reid Garth , Mitchell Richard
Published: July 2019

Background

Identifying factors shaping knowledge of and attitudes towards tobacco products in preadolescence is a key component supporting tobacco control policies aimed at preventing smoking initiation. This study quantified exposure to tobacco retailing environments within the individual-level activity spaces of children across a socioeconomic gradient.

Methods

One week of global positioning system (GPS) tracking data were collected at 10 s intervals from a nationally representative sample of 10–11-year olds (n=692). Proximity of GPS locations (n=~16 M) to the nearest tobacco retailer (n=9030) was measured and exposure defined when a child came within 10 m of a retailer. Duration, frequency, timing and source of exposure were compared across income deprivation quintiles, along with retail density within children’s home neighbourhoods.

Results

On average, children were exposed to tobacco retailing for 22.7 min (95% CI 16.8 to 28.6) per week in 42.7 (35.2–50.1) independent encounters. However, children from the most deprived areas accumulated six times the duration and seven times the frequency of exposure as children from the least deprived areas. Home neighbourhood retail densities were 2.6 times higher in deprived areas, yet the average number of businesses encountered did not differ. Most exposure came from convenience stores (35%) and newsagents (15%), with temporal peaks before and after school hours.

Conclusions

By accounting for individual mobility, we showed that children in socially disadvantaged areas accumulate higher levels of exposure to tobacco retailing than expected from disparities in home neighbourhood densities. Reducing tobacco outlet availability, particularly in areas frequently used by children, might be crucial to policies aimed at creating ‘tobacco-free’ generations.
Preoperative radiotherapy and acridine orange photodynamic therapy causing pneumocephalus in a dog
Authors: Maruo Takuya , Nishiyama Yuta , Yokoyama Taiki , Nemoto Yuki , Kayanuma Hideki
Published: July 2019

The authors present a rare case of treatment complications in a 12‐year‐old spayed female Shiba Inu with left nasal transitional cell carcinoma. To control the tumour, the authors performed hypofractionated radiotherapy for five fractions over 1 week, combined with surgery, acridine orange photodynamic therapy (AO‐PDT) and cribriform irradiation, one month after the initial radiotherapy. Six months later, the dog presented with neurological abnormalities (circling, pacing and reduced consciousness). Pneumocephalus was diagnosed. The irradiated left side of the olfactory bulb had become necrotic; therefore, surgery was performed to close the hole of the cribriform plate. Two years later, no visible radiation side effects or clinical signs related to intranasal tumour recurrence were detected. This case suggests that hypofractionated radiotherapy followed by surgery, AO‐PDT and cribriform irradiation can contribute to tumour control. However, rare side effects, such as pneumocephalus, should be considered. Therefore, patients should be monitored carefully for adverse events after this combination.
Oleic acid-induced perilipin 5 expression and lipid droplets formation are regulated by the PI3K/PPARα pathway in HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhong Wenxia , Fan Bin , Cong Huiying , Wang Tianyu , Gu Jianqiu
Published: July 2019

Perilipin 5 (Plin5), a member of the PAT (Perilipin, ADRP, and Tip47) protein family, has been implicated in the regulation of cellular neutral lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of Plin5 are not clear. The goal of the present study was to explore the mechanism of oleic acid (OA)-induced Plin5 expression in HepG2 cells. We found that the expression of Plin5 was increased during OA-induced lipid droplets formation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. During this process of OA-stimulated lipid droplets formation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) was also upregulated. When PPARα activation was blocked by GW6471, OA-induced Plin5 expression and lipid droplets formation were effectively ablated. We further found that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was able to downregulate both PPARα and Plin5 expression and lipid droplets formation. Thus, we concluded that PI3K may, at least in part, act upstream of PPARα to regulate Plin5 expression and lipid droplets formation in HepG2 cells.
Online Algorithms for Scheduling Unit Length Jobs on Unbounded Parallel-Batch Machines with Linearly Lookahead
Authors: Jiao Chengwen , Yuan Jinjiang , Feng Qi
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we propose a new online scheduling model with linear lookahead intervals, which has the character that at any time [Formula: see text], one can foresee the jobs that will coming in the time interval [Formula: see text] in which [Formula: see text]. In this new lookahead model, the length of the lookahead intervals are variable as the time going on and the number of jobs increasing, and has the tend of steady growth. In this paper, we consider online scheduling of unit length jobs on [Formula: see text] identical parallel-batch machines under this new lookahead model to minimize makespan. The batch capacity is unbounded, that is [Formula: see text]. We present an optimal online algorithm for [Formula: see text], and provide a best possible online algorithm of competitive ratio [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the positive root of [Formula: see text].
Decomposition-Based New Space Vector Modulation Algorithm for Three-Level Inverter with Various ADSVPWM Strategies
Authors: Kumar A. Suresh , Gowri K. Sri , Kumar M. Vijaya
Published: July 2019

The three-level inverter is extensively preferred in medium-voltage industrial applications over the conventional inverter due to its benefits. The performance of inverter is better when the space vector modulation (SVM) approach is preferred. However, the implementation of conventional SVM approach is more complex. In this paper, a decomposition-based new SVM algorithm for three-level inverter is proposed to reduce computational complexity and implementation time using a low-cost digital controller. Initially, the performance of the proposed SVM algorithm is studied through MATLAB simulation using the conventional switching sequence 0127. Further enhancing the performance, the proposed algorithm is implemented with various advanced discontinuous SVPWM strategies using the advanced switching sequences of 1012–2721 and 0121–7212. The no-load motor current THD and switching loss analysis for ADSVPWM and conventional SVPWM strategies at different modulation indices are presented is this paper for a comparison point of view. The no load motor current THD results obtained through simulation are validated experimentally by implementing the proposed algorithm on real-time interface tool through dSPACE, which is used to control constant V/F-controlled three-level inverter-fed induction motor. Further to show the effectiveness of the proposed technique, the experimental investigation is done on induction motor at loaded condition and the results are presented.
Locally solvable subgroups of PLo(I) are countable
Authors: Taylor Amanda
Published: July 2019

We show every locally solvable subgroup of [Formula: see text] is countable. A corollary is that an uncountable wreath product of copies of [Formula: see text] with itself does not embed into [Formula: see text].
Type IV singular bouncing cosmology from f(T) gravity
Authors: Logbo P. H. , Houndjo M. J. S.
Published: July 2019

We investigate bouncing scenario in the modified [Formula: see text] gravity, [Formula: see text] being the torsion scalar. Attention is attached to the reconstruction of [Formula: see text] able to describe type IV singular bouncing evolution, where we adopt as assumption that the bouncing and type IV singularity points coincide. In the context of the reconstructed [Formula: see text] model, we calculate the Hubble slow-roll parameters in order to determine the dynamical evolution of the cosmological system under study. The results show that the Hubble slow-roll parameters become singular at the type IV singularity indicating a dynamical instability. Moreover, we perform the stability analysis of the [Formula: see text] gravity solution where, according to the obtained result, the type IV singularity point is a saddle point in agreement with the bounce scenario.
Secondary Drell–Yan dileptons in heavy-ion reactions
Authors: Spieles Christian , Bleicher Marcus
Published: July 2019

We investigate the contribution of partonic interactions between incident nucleons and produced mesons to the dilepton continuum in heavy-ion reactions. A schematic model is employed in order to calculate the resulting Drell–Yan yield as a function of collision energy and for different scenarios concerning the formation of hadrons. The secondary Drell–Yan process is found to be significant for invariant masses [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV in central [Formula: see text] collisions around [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV, but less so at much lower or much higher energies. Secondary Drell–Yan dileptons should be observable in experiments due to their distinct rapidity dependence as a characteristic deviation from the well-known (primary) Drell–Yan contribution due to [Formula: see text] interactions. The predicted strong dependence of the secondary Drell–Yan contribution on the nuclear collision energy can be used to experimentally probe the effective hadronic formation time of secondaries.
NUMERICAL STUDY ON THE SOLIDIFICATION PERFORMANCE OF A LATENT HEAT STORAGE UNIT WITH KOCH-FRACTAL FIN
Authors: LI JIE , HUANG YONGPING , ZHANG CHENGBIN , LIU XIANGDONG
Published: July 2019

Inspired by the snowflake structure, an innovative Koch-fractal fin is proposed to optimize the fin geometry of the latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) units. A model of unsteady heat transfer accompanied with phase change is developed and numerically analyzed to investigate the effect of fin structure on the discharging process of a LHTES unit. The dynamic response of heat release, the dynamic temperature response and solidification front evolution of a LHTES unit with Koch-fractal fins are discussed and compared with the corresponding radial fins. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation of thermal performance of LHTES units is conducted in terms of the TES capacity, TES rate and solidification time. The results indicate that the heat release rate of a LHTES unit with Koch-fractal fins is faster than that with radial fins. Moreover, because the Koch-fractal fins have advantages of higher specific surface area, faster heat flow path from point to surface and smaller thermal resistance arising from the reasonable spatial layout, the evolution of solidification front is faster and the temperature distribution is more uniform. The results of quantitative evaluation show that although the TES capacity is identical, the TES rate of a LHTES unit with Koch-fractal fins is six times that with radial fins.
AVERAGE GEODESIC DISTANCE OF NODE-WEIGHTED SIERPINSKI NETWORKS
Authors: XI LIFENG , YE QIANQIAN , GU JIANGWEN
Published: July 2019

This paper discusses the asymptotic formula of average distances on node-weighted Sierpinski skeleton networks by using the integral of geodesic distance in terms of self-similar measure on the Sierpinski gasket with respect to the weight vector.
Ball Convergence for a Multi-Step Harmonic Mean Newton-Like Method in Banach Space
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Alshormani Ali Saleh , Argyros Ioannis K.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we present a local convergence analysis of some iterative methods to approximate a locally unique solution of nonlinear equations in a Banach space setting. In the earlier study [Babajee et al. (2015) “On some improved harmonic mean Newton-like methods for solving systems of nonlinear equations,” Algorithms 8(4), 895–909], demonstrate convergence of their methods under hypotheses on the fourth-order derivative or even higher. However, only first-order derivative of the function appears in their proposed scheme. In this study, we have shown that the local convergence of these methods depends on hypotheses only on the first-order derivative and the Lipschitz condition. In this way, we not only expand the applicability of these methods but also proposed the theoretical radius of convergence of these methods. Finally, a variety of concrete numerical examples demonstrate that our results even apply to solve those nonlinear equations where earlier studies cannot apply.
FRW viscous modified cosmic Chaplygin gas cosmology in the presence of cosmological constant
Authors: Khadekar G. S. , Gupta Aina , Pande Kalpana
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we study viscous Modified Cosmic Chaplygin Gas (MCCG) in the presence of cosmological constant in flat FRW universe. We assume that bulk viscosity [Formula: see text] and cosmological constant [Formula: see text] are the linear combinations of two terms, one is constant and other is a function of dark energy density [Formula: see text]. In this framework, we solve the non-linear differential equation analytically and numerically and obtain time dependent dark energy density. We also consider two separate cases of early and late universe and discussed the evolution of dark energy density. We investigate the effect of viscosity and cosmological constant to the evolution of universe and discuss the stability of the model by square of speed of sound. Finally, we compare our model with Cardassian universe.
Gaussian distributed wormholes exhibiting conformal motion in f(T) gravity
Authors: Mustafa G. , Waheed Saira , Zubair M. , Xia T.
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates the possibility of static spherical symmetric wormholes existence exhibiting conformal motion in a generalized teleparallel formulation, namely [Formula: see text] gravity. For this purpose, we assume the matter distribution as anisotropic fluid with energy density of Gaussian distribution, a well-known non-commutative aspect of string theory. By using non-diagonal tetrad components in the torsional formulation, we consider three interesting viable models of [Formula: see text]. In each case, due to the complexity of the resulting field equations, it is seen that the analytic solution is difficult to find. Thus the feasible and realistic wormholes are acquired using numerical approach by fixing the involved free parameters suitably. Furthermore, we investigate the stability of these wormhole solutions graphically and it is shown that the obtained wormhole solutions are physically stable in all cases.
Abstract commensurators of surface groups
Authors: Bou-Rabee Khalid , Studenmund Daniel
Published: July 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be the fundamental group of a surface of finite type and [Formula: see text] be its abstract commensurator. Then [Formula: see text] contains the solvable Baumslag–Solitar groups [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the Baumslag–Solitar group [Formula: see text] has an image in [Formula: see text] that is not residually finite. Our proofs are computer-assisted. Our results also illustrate that finitely-generated subgroups of [Formula: see text] are concrete objects amenable to computational methods. For example, we give a proof that [Formula: see text] is not residually finite without the use of normal forms of HNN extensions.
Molecular dynamics studies the effect of structure MgSiO3 bulk on formation process geology of the Earth
Authors: Dung Nguyen Trong , Cuong Nguyen Chinh , Van Duong Quoc
Published: July 2019

The paper studies the effect of temperature ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text], 3200, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000[Formula: see text]K) at pressure [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa; pressure ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text], 100, 200, 300, 350, 400[Formula: see text]GPa) at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K and thermal annealing time ([Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ps (after 105 steps) at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Gpa) on the structure of MgSiO3 bulk 3000 atoms by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation using Born–Mayer (BM) pair interaction potential and periodic boundary conditions. The structural results are analyzed through the Radial Distribution Function (RDF), the Coordination Number (CN), the angle distribution, size ([Formula: see text]), total energy of the system ([Formula: see text]) and the bonding lengths. The results show that the temperature and pressure had influenced the structural properties of MgSiO3 bulk and formation process geology of the Earth. In addition, the center of the Earth with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa has appearance and disappearance of the Si–Si, Si–O, O–O, Si–Mg, O–Mg, Mg–Mg bonds and SiO4, SiO5, SiO6, MgO3, MgO4, MgO5, MgO6, MgO7, MgO8, MgO9, MgO[Formula: see text], MgO[Formula: see text], MgO[Formula: see text] angle distributions. When increasing the depth of the Earth’s surface [Formula: see text] lead to size [Formula: see text] of MgSiO3 decreases, total energy of the system ([Formula: see text]) increases, position of first peak of Radial Distribution Function (RDF) is [Formula: see text], height of RDF is [Formula: see text] varies greatly with [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km, gradually decreasing with [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km and the smallest structural change with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]km that shows has influence affects on the geological formation of the Earth.
Investigating Recommendation Algorithms for Escape Rooms
Authors: Bazinin Sagi , Shani Guy
Published: July 2019

An escape room is a physical puzzle solving game, where participants solve a series of riddles within a limited time to exit a locked room. Escape rooms differ in their theme, environment, and difficulty, and people hence often differ on their preferences over escape rooms. As such, recommendation systems can help people in deciding which room to visit. In this paper, we describe the properties of the escape rooms recommendation problem, with respect to other popular recommendation problems. We describe a dataset of reviews collected within a current system. We provide an empirical comparison between a set of recommendation algorithms over two problems, top-N recommendation and rating prediction. In both cases, a KNN method performed the best.
Integration of Relational and NoSQL Databases
Authors: Pokorný Jaroslav
Published: July 2019

The analysis of relational and NoSQL databases leads to the conclusion that these data processing systems are to some extent complementary. In the current Big Data applications, especially where extensive analyses (so-called Big Analytics) are needed, it turns out that it is nontrivial to design an infrastructure involving data and software of both types. Unfortunately, the complementarity negatively influences integration possibilities of these data stores both at the data model and data processing levels. In terms of performance, it may be beneficial to use a polyglot persistence, a multimodel approach or multilevel modeling, or even to transform the SQL database schema into NoSQL and to perform data migration between the relational and NoSQL databases. Another possibility is to integrate a NoSQL database and relational database with the help of a third data model. The aim of the paper is to show these possibilities and present some new methods of designing such integrated database architectures.
Exaggerated cardiovascular responses to muscle contraction and tendon stretch in UCD type-2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Grotle Ann-Katrin , Crawford Charles K. , Huo Yu , Ybarbo Kai M. , Harrison Michelle L. , Graham James , Stanhope Kimber L. , Havel Peter J. , Fadel Paul J. , Stone Audrey J.
Published: July 2019

Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have exaggerated sympathetic activity and blood pressure responses to exercise. However, the underlying mechanisms for these responses, as well as how these responses change throughout disease progression, are not completely understood. For this study, we examined the effect of the progression of T2DM on the exercise pressor reflex, a critical neurocardiovascular mechanism that functions to increase sympathetic activity and blood pressure during exercise. We also aimed to examine the effect of T2DM on reflexive cardiovascular responses to static contraction, as well as those responses to tendon stretch when an exaggerated exercise pressor reflex was present. We evoked the exercise pressor reflex and mechanoreflex by statically contracting the hindlimb muscles and stretching the Achilles tendon, respectively, for 30 s. We then compared pressor and cardioaccelerator responses in unanesthetized, decerebrated University of California Davis (UCD)-T2DM rats at 21 and 31 wk following the onset of T2DM to responses in healthy nondiabetic rats. We found that the pressor response to static contraction was greater in the 31-wk T2DM [change in mean arterial pressure (∆MAP) = 39 ± 5 mmHg] but not in the 21-wk T2DM (∆MAP = 24 ± 5 mmHg) rats compared with nondiabetic rats (∆MAP = 18 ± 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). Similarly, the pressor and the cardioaccelerator responses to tendon stretch were significantly greater in the 31-wk T2DM rats [∆MAP = 69 ± 6 mmHg; change in heart rate (∆HR) = 28 ± 4 beats/min] compared with nondiabetic rats (∆MAP = 14 ± 2 mmHg; ∆HR = 5 ± 3 beats/min; P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the exercise pressor reflex changes as T2DM progresses and that a sensitized mechanoreflex may play a role in exaggerating these cardiovascular responses.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to provide evidence that as type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progresses, the exercise pressor reflex becomes exaggerated, an effect that may be due to a sensitized mechanoreflex. Moreover, these findings provide compelling evidence suggesting that impairments in the reflexive control of circulation contribute to exaggerated blood pressure responses to exercise in T2DM.
Sex and age differences in the association between sympathetic outflow and central elastic artery wall thickness in humans
Authors: Holwerda Seth W. , Luehrs Rachel E. , DuBose Lyndsey E. , Majee Rumbidzai , Pierce Gary L.
Published: July 2019

Aging is characterized by increased wall thickness of the central elastic arteries (i.e., aorta and carotid arteries), although the mechanisms involved are unclear. Evidence suggests that age-related increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) may be a contributing factor. However, studies in humans have been lacking. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that age-related increases in MSNA would be independently associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) but not in young women given the reduced influence of MSNA on the vasculature in this group. In 93 young and middle-age/older (MA/O) adults (19–73 yr, 41 women), we performed assessments of MSNA (microneurography) and common carotid IMT and lumen diameter (ultrasonography). Multiple regression that included MSNA and other cardiovascular disease risk factors indicated that MSNA ( P = 0.002) and 24-h systolic blood pressure (BP) ( P = 0.024) were independent determinants of carotid IMT-to-lumen ratio (model R2 = 0.38, P < 0.001). However, when examining only young women (<45 yr), no correlation was observed between MSNA and carotid IMT-to-lumen ratio ( R = −0.01, P = 0.963). MSNA was significantly correlated with IMT-to-lumen ratio while controlling for 24-h systolic BP among young men ( R = 0.49, P < 0.001) and MA/O women ( R = 0.59, P = 0.022). However, among MA/O men, controlling for 24-h systolic BP attenuated the association between MSNA and carotid IMT-to-lumen ratio ( R = 0.50, P = 0.115). Significant age differences in IMT-to-lumen ratio between young and MA/O men ( P = 0.047) and young and MA/O women ( P = 0.023) were removed when adjusting for MSNA (men: P = 0.970; women: P = 0.152). These findings demonstrate an association between higher sympathetic outflow and carotid artery wall thickness with a particular exception to young women.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased wall thickness of the large elastic arteries serves as a graded marker for cardiovascular disease risk and progression of atherosclerosis. Findings from the present study establish an independent association between higher sympathetic outflow and carotid artery wall thickness in adults with an exception to young women and extend findings from animal models that demonstrate hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle following chronic sympathetic-adrenergic stimulation.
Evidence of functional ryanodine receptors in rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels
Authors: Jo Michiko , Trujillo Andrea N. , Yang Ying , Breslin Jerome W.
Published: July 2019

In the current study, the potential contributions of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to intrinsic pumping and responsiveness to substance P (SP) were investigated in isolated rat mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels. Responses to SP were characterized in lymphatic vessels in the absence or presence of pretreatment with nifedipine to block L-type Ca2+ channels, caffeine to block normal release and uptake of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, ryanodine to block all RyR isoforms, or dantrolene to more selectively block RyR1 and RyR3. RyR expression and localization in lymphatics was also assessed by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The results show that SP normally elicits a significant increase in contraction frequency and a decrease in end-diastolic diameter. In the presence of nifedipine, phasic contractions stop, yet subsequent SP treatment still elicits a strong tonic contraction. Caffeine treatment gradually relaxes lymphatics, causing a loss of phasic contractions, and prevents subsequent SP-induced tonic contraction. Ryanodine also gradually diminishes phasic contractions but without causing vessel relaxation and significantly inhibits the SP-induced tonic contraction. Dantrolene treatment did not significantly impair lymphatic contractions nor the response to SP. The mRNA for all RyR isoforms is detectable in isolated lymphatics. RyR2 and RyR3 proteins are found predominantly in the collecting lymphatic smooth muscle layer. Collectively, the data suggest that SP-induced tonic contraction requires both extracellular Ca2+ plus Ca2+ release from internal stores and that RyRs play a role in the normal contractions and responsiveness to SP of rat mesenteric collecting lymphatics.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms that govern contractions of lymphatic vessels remain unclear. Tonic contraction of lymphatic vessels caused by substance P was blocked by caffeine, which prevents normal uptake and release of Ca2+ from internal stores, but not nifedipine, which blocks L-type channel-mediated Ca2+ entry. Ryanodine, which also disrupts normal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and reuptake, significantly inhibited substance P-induced tonic contraction. Ryanodine receptors 2 and 3 were detected within the smooth muscle layer of collecting lymphatic vessels.
Quantitative Phase Analysis Using the Whole–Powder– Pattern Decomposition Method: II. Solution Using External Standard Materials
Authors: Toraya Hideo
Published: July 2019

A new procedure for the quantitative phase analysis using the whole–powder–pattern decomposition method has been proposed (Toraya and Tsusaka, 1995). The procedure is based on the determination of the scale factor for the profile intensity of each phase in a mixture, which is identical to the ratio of integrated intensity in a mixture to that of the corresponding reflection in a single component sample. Weight fractious were obtained by solving the simultaneous equations, of which coefficients include the scale factors and the mass absorption coefficients. In a previous study, the mass absorption coefficients were calculated from chemical compositions and u,/p data of respective phases. In the present study, an alternative way of deriving the weight fraction without using the knowledge of chemical composition is proposed.
An Analysis of the Effect of Different Instrumental Conditions on the Shapes of X-ray Powder Line Profiles
Authors: Cheary R. W. , Cline J. P.
Published: July 2019

In this investigation we have examined how the full width at half maximum intensity (FWHM) and asymmetry of x-ray powder diffraction line profiles are influenced by the instrumental conditions adopted. Experimental x-ray data has been collected for a matrix of instrumental conditions by systematically varying the divergence slit angle (and the corresponding anti-scatter slit) over the range 0.25° to 1.25°, by using either a 0.05mm or 0.2mm receiving slit, or by removing the diffracted beam Soller slit. The line profile Standard Reference Material, SRM, 660 (LaB6) was used as the powder specimen in that it imparts minimal specimen induced broadening to the diffraction profiles. X-ray data were collected on a conventional, divergent beam, x-ray diffractometer using CuKα radiation.

The FWHM of the CuKα1 component can be as low as 0.035°2θ for high resolution conditions, but is normally ∼0.1°2θ at 2θ ≈ 30° for the instrumental conditions adopted in routine diffractometry. Below 2θ = 50°, the divergence slit has a significant effect on the FWHM and is the major cause of the increase in FWHM with decreasing 2θ. Results are presented of the 2θ dependence of FWHM values for each of the instrumental conditions recorded. A general relationship for the 2θ dependence of the FWHM and the asymmetry has been investigated to supersede the inappropriate Cagliotti expression frequently used in x-ray Rietvcld refinement.
Upgrading Sulfide Mineral Patterns for the ICDD Powder Diffraction File
Authors: McCarthy G. J. , Grier D. G. , Bayliss P.
Published: July 2019

The majority of sulfide mineral patterns in the International Centre for Diffraction Data Mineral Powder Diffraction File have historically been of low quality (e.g., FN < 10 and qualitative intensities). A five-year study has resulted in upgrading approximately 20% of the poorer quality patterns and will triple the number of “star quality” patterns. This paper describes the experimental methods used to obtain these upgraded patterns. The essential role of diffraction pattern calculations and diffractogram simulations is stressed.
Determination of Thickness and Composition of Thin AlxGa1-xAs Layers on GaAs by Total Electron Yield (TEY)
Authors: Ebel Maria F. , Svagera Robert , Ebel Horst , Hobl Robert , Mantler Michael , Wernisch Johann , Zagler Norbert
Published: July 2019

The measurement of the total electron yield (TEY) emitted from a solid specimen when irradiated by monochromatic x-rays is used for quantitative information on the specimen. For this purpose one has to determine the increase of TEY in the course of a variation of the photon energy from below to above the absorption edges of the specimen elements. These increases are the analytical quantities and are correlated with the composition of the specimen. The detected electrons are photo, Auger and secondary electrons. Most of them lost some of their original kinetic energy due to inelastic collisions along their path from the atom of origin to the surface. Low energy electrons are especially found in the secondary electron peak with electron energies of less than 20eV. Electrically nonconductive specimens under x-irradiation tend to positive surface charging.
Least-Squares Refinement of X-ray Reflectivity Data Obtained with a Conventional Powder Diffractometer
Authors: Gilles R. , Will G. , Elf F. , Huang T. C.
Published: July 2019

Results on least-squares refinement of X-ray reflectivity data obtained with a conventional powder diffractometer are reported. A model containing an oxygen contaminated surface on Pt was used to refine experimental data for a “500-Å” Pt film on Si. Values of layer thickness, density, and roughness determined by least-squares refinement agree with those obtained from highresolution reflectivity data. The results were found to be insensitive to the film-surface alignment. An agreement of ±2.3 Å for Pt thickness, 8% for density, and 2.5 Å for roughness was obtained when the surface was aligned to within the divergence of the incident X-ray beam. The least-squares refinement method was also used to analyze two sputtered “300-Å” Pt films deposited at 4 and 20 × 10-6 Torr Ar pressure. Results showed a significant increase in Pt thickness and a decrease in density for the 20 × 10-6 film probably caused by a large amount of Ar trapped in the film.
X-ray Rocking Curve Analysis of Strained Heterointerfaces and Quantum Wells
Authors: Wie C. R.
Published: July 2019

A detailed discussion is given for the x-ray rocking curve analysis of semiconductor heterointerfaces and strained quantum wells using x-ray interferometry. It is shown that for a single heteroepitaxiai layer sample and a multiple quantum well sample, the heterointerface where the composition changes in both anion and cation sublattices can be studied with a half monolayer sensitivity by analyzing the x-ray rocking curve profile. Such sample systems include GaInAs/InR InAs/GaSb, GalnP/GaAs, ZnSe/GaAs, etc. A simple kinematical diffraction principle involved in the x-ray analysis is explained. Namely, the relative phase difference between the reflection amplitudes of any two layers depends on the total sum of strain (or mismatch)-thickness products over the intervening layers and interfaces. The x-ray interferometry is also effective in measuring the strain-thickness product of strained quantum wells. Experimental data and analysis results are presented for a series of functional device structures having a strained quantum well. For a more complicated sampie structure which involves both a (strained) quantum-effect layer and strained interfaces, it is shown that the x-ray interferometry is only capable of providing the total strain-thickness product over the quantum layer and the surrounding interfaces, but no detailed information about the interface grading can be gained from the rocking curve analysis alone if onhy one isolated sample is measured. An experimental data of such a sample, 0.3μm-GaAs/100Å-GaInP/ GaAs(001), is analyzed.
Combined XRD and XRF Analysis for Portable and Remote Applications
Authors: Kerner Jonathan A. , Franco Edward D. , Marshall John
Published: July 2019

A prototype instrument, which provides x-ray powder diffraction and x-ray fluorescence analysis in a compact unit, has been developed to support the needs of NASA for planetary exploration. The instrument uses a 9-watt Fe-anodc x-ray tube and CCD in a fixed geometry for recording powder patterns with a 2θ range of 35°. The fluorescence spectrum for elements below Fe is collected simultaneously with the diffraction data. A shuttered Cd-109 isotopic source with emissions at 22 and 80 keV is used to excite higher energy fluorescence.

The low-energy limit for discriminating single photon events was found to be ∼1.5 keV. Al-K could be distinguished from a pure sample, but the spectrum below 6 keV was degraded by the read noise of the CCD, which introduced spectral artifacts. Diffraction peaks from halite had a FWHM of ∼1°(2θ), with major contributions to the width from the use of slit collimation on the source and the low tilt angle of the sample.
Manufacture and Use of Setting up Samples
Authors: Feret Frank R.
Published: July 2019

In X-ray fluorescence analysis, the specific secondary radiation intensities of the elements are generated and measured by a spectrometer. Usually, the measured intensities are corrected for instrument drift first, then converted into element concentrations. In routine analysis, the intensity is always affected by the instability of the instrument. Instrumental instability consists of two components: short and long term drift Short-term instability is caused by fluctuations in the ambient laboratory conditions and the instrument's components. Long-term drift is caused by aging of the instrument's components (mainly X-ray tube, crystals, detectors, electronic circuitry) and results in a gradual intensity decrease. For example, the X-ray tube output decreases due to pitting of the target and sublimation of metal on the inside of the window. The quantum efficiency of detectors gradually decreases due to drift in potential supply and changes in ambient pressure and temperature.
Standard XRF Analytical Methods for the Mining, Mineral Processing and Metallurgy Industry
Authors: Birch S. L. , Norrish K. , Metz J. G. H.
Published: July 2019

Various industries throughout the world require Standard methods for trade of products and referee analysis. Over the past 20-30 years, a number of wet-chemical Standard methods have been developed and are in use. Due to the large number of elements required for analysis in most products, XRF methods have become attractive as techniques to handle many elements simultaneously with a simple single sample preparation. Despite XRF being in daily use in many industries as an ‘in-house’ method, there are relatively few National or International Standard XRF methods.