bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for capturing stem taper variation for trees of diverse morphological types
Authors: MacFarlane David W. , Weiskittel Aaron R.
Published: March 2016

Understanding variation in tree stem form is fundamental to both ecological and economic assessments of forest ecosystem structure and function. Stem taper models (STMs) are widely used to describe tree form, but it can be challenging to apply them to trees with stems that diverge from an idealized norm, often leading to the exclusion of many trees from stem taper studies. Here, new “whole-tree” form type classes are advanced as simple and useful groupings for capturing stem form variation of trees of diverse morphological types and tested with a large tree data set without exclusion criteria. New form type classes explained much more of main stem form variation than knowledge of tree species, while “merchantable” form types explained the most variation between trees and stands. Broad-leaved species were much more likely to have complex stem forms than needle-leaved species, but species “evergreenness” was a very weak predictor of stem form variation when tree- and stand-level form variation was accounted for. A new, generalized framework for stem taper modeling is demonstrated, using both species and merchantable form types to capture tree-level random effects. New form types and the STM approach are relatively easy to apply and should be relatively simple to integrate into any conventional forest inventory system. Overall, the study demonstrates the importance of including and accounting for the diversity of observed stem forms in developing STMs.
Efficient Algorithm for Long-Range Monostatic Reverberation in Shallow Water Using Geometrical Ray-Bundle
Authors: Choo Youngmin , Seong Woojae , Lee Keunhwa
Published: March 2016

An efficient algorithm for long-range monostatic reverberation is developed using geometrical ray-bundle as its propagation model. In the standard approach for reverberation modeling, scattered signals are numerically integrated along the rough surface. In this work, the integration along the rough surface is converted to an integration along the delay time of source signal. It can be expressed in an analytic form under the assumption of ignoring time-dispersion effect. Repetitive eigen-ray searches for calculating scattered signals are avoided by using a split-step marching algorithm for the range based on the geometrical ray-bundle. When the bottom is range-dependent, arrival times of scattered signals from the rough bottom at same range is different according to azimuthal angles and they cannot be directly summed in time domain. The reverberation signals along the azimuthal angles are interpolated to obtain new reverberation signals at certain times. They are summed to compute a time series reverberation signal from the rough sloping bottom. The algorithm is applied to problems of reverberation modeling workshop, and its results are compared with those from the standard reverberation algorithm.
Dynamic and Stability Response of a Cylindrical Shell Subjected to Viscous Annular Flow and Thermal Load
Authors: Ning W.-B. , Wang D.-Z.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an analytical approach for investigating the dynamics and stability of an outer cylindrical shell conveying viscous fluid (i.e. water) in the annulus between the inner shell-type body and the outer shell with thermal load. The steady viscous forces that induce prestress on the shells are determined based on the time–mean Navier–Stokes equations. The shell motions are described by Flügge’s shell equations incorporating the prestress arising from the viscous effect. The shell-vibration-induced fluid forces are described by means of the potential flow theory, and the thermal loads are determined by the thermoelastic theory. The analytical model is conducted by the zero-level contour method with the aid of the weighted residual technology. The present study shows that the effect of viscosity in the annular flow renders the system more unstable. Moreover, the thermal load tends to reduce the critical flow velocity pronouncedly, for which there exists a critical temperature rise.
Natural Vibrations and Stability of Elliptical Cylindrical Shells Containing Fluid
Authors: Bochkarev Sergey A. , Lekomtsev Sergey V. , Matveenko Valery P.
Published: March 2016

The paper deals with a three-dimensional problem on natural vibrations and stability of thin-walled cylindrical shells with arbitrary cross sections, containing a quiescent or flowing ideal compressible fluid. The motion of compressible non-viscous fluid is described by a wave equation, which together with the impermeability condition and corresponding boundary conditions is transformed using the Bubnov–Galerkin method. A mathematical formulation of the problem of thin-walled structure dynamics has been developed based on the variational principle of virtual displacements. Simulation of shells with arbitrary cross sections is performed under the assumption that a curvilinear surface is approximated to sufficient accuracy by a set of plane rectangular elements. The strains are calculated using the relations of the theory of thin shells based on the Kirchhoff–Love hypothesis. The developed finite element algorithm has been employed to investigate the influence of the fluid level, the ratio of the ellipse semi-axes and types of boundary conditions on the eigenfrequencies, vibration modes and the boundary of hydroelastic stability of thin-walled circular and elliptical cylindrical shells interacting with a quiescent or flowing fluid.
Buckling of Fully Embedded Single Piles by Using the Modified Vlasov Foundation Model
Authors: Deng Tao , Liu Qijian , Huang Ming
Published: March 2016

An analytical method for analyzing the buckling of fully embedded single piles in an elastic medium is developed. The medium is simulated by the modified Vlasov foundation model. The governing differential equations of the pile and the surrounding elastic medium in the soil–pile system are derived by the variational principle, which are coupled when the pile buckles. A numerical iterative procedure is introduced to obtain the buckling loads and the corresponding mode shapes of the pile. Parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of the material properties of the soil–pile system on the buckling capacity of the pile. Numerical results show that the medium stiffness has significant influence on the buckling mode when the modulus ratio of the soil to the pile is large. Moreover, the effect of Poisson’s ratio of the soil on the buckling behavior of pile is negligible.
MICRO-PLATE PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTER FOR PULSATING ARTERIAL PRESSURE
Authors: NWAGOUM TUWA P. R. , WOAFO P.
Published: March 2016

This work considers a theoretical study for the conversion of the pulsating arterial pressure into electrical energy using piezoelectric layer on a micro-plate with axial load. The mathematical modeling of the device is carried out. Analytical and numerical methods are used to analyze the dynamical behavior of the plate and the variation of the electric power output. Pulsatile voltage is obtained with electric power of the order of 3.07[Formula: see text]nW for a plate of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm3. The power increases with the pressure frequency and attains its maximal value for a load resistance of about 5[Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text].
INFLUENCE OF BIFURCATION DIAMETER ON THE VERTEBRAL ARTERY ORIGIN STENOSIS: A SIMULATION STUDY OF HEMODYNAMICS
Authors: REN XILI , FU YULIN , QIAO AIKE
Published: March 2016

The stenosis at the beginning segment of the vertebral artery accounts for the first risk of stroke in the posterior circulation. The extracranial vertebral arteries, especially the proximal ends, have been considered to be the predilection sites of stenosis or occlusion. From the perspective of hemodynamics, the mechanics of vertebral arteries stenosis is still unclear. In this paper, the formation of atherosclerosis in proximal end was concerned from the aspects of the effect of bifurcation diameter. Different models represent different bifurcation diameter. In order to find correlation between bifurcation diameter and WSS we build different models. Three idealized models with the vertebral artery diameter of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m (Model A1), [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m (Model A2) and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m (Model A3) respectively and seven realistic models were analyzed by using computational fluid dynamics tools. The area of low wall shear stress (WSS, [Formula: see text] 1.5[Formula: see text]Pa) in the proximal end of vertebral artery extracted at the peak systole in the idealized models were 2.25[Formula: see text]e-7, 8.55[Formula: see text]e-7 and 1.61[Formula: see text]e-6[Formula: see text]m2, respectively. The area of low WSS on the vertebral artery origin of realistic models extracted at the peak systole were 0, 1.18[Formula: see text]e-09, 3.91[Formula: see text]e-07, 1.68[Formula: see text]e-07, 5.46[Formula: see text]e-06, 1.16[Formula: see text]e-06 and 2.25[Formula: see text]e-06[Formula: see text]m2, respectively. Moreover, the time-averaged WSSs of the three idealized models were 3.95, 3.56 and 3.19, respectively. The time-averaged WSSs of the realistic models were 6.28, 6.36, 4.48, 4.71, 3.59, 3.59 and 3.31[Formula: see text]Pa, respectively. With the increase of bifurcation diameter, the risk of endothelial dysfunction increases, and the same is to intimal hyperplasia.
Authenticated multi-user quantum key distribution with single particles
Authors: Lin Song , Wang Hui , Guo Gong-De , Ye Guo-Hua , Du Hong-Zhen , Liu Xiao-Fen
Published: March 2016

Quantum key distribution (QKD) has been growing rapidly in recent years and becomes one of the hottest issues in quantum information science. During the implementation of QKD on a network, identity authentication has been one main problem. In this paper, an efficient authenticated multi-user quantum key distribution (MQKD) protocol with single particles is proposed. In this protocol, any two users on a quantum network can perform mutual authentication and share a secure session key with the assistance of a semi-honest center. Meanwhile, the particles, which are used as quantum information carriers, are not required to be stored, therefore the proposed protocol is feasible with current technology. Finally, security analysis shows that this protocol is secure in theory.
How do Multinationals Exploit Technologies in the Global Market?
Authors: Na Jun , Sun Yao
Published: March 2016

The intention of this paper is to give an overview on the issue of technology exploitation within the context of globalization. Multinational companies which have extended business to the global market have more options regarding utilization of their technologies, thus having greater motivation and more chances for development. However, the global context also complicates technology exploitation. In this paper, we first address what technology exploitation means and the patterns of technology exploitation for multinational companies. Then, the benefits and risks of internationally exploiting technologies are discussed. Next, we shed light on some factors influencing the decision on technology exploitation patterns. Moreover, conceptual models helping firms’ option on technology exploitation pattern from perspectives of cost effectiveness and risk aversion are presented. By focusing on the technology exploitation patterns in the global market, this study holds several implications for the multinational companies to manage their efforts on realization of commercial value of technologies.
Key Issues and Future Development of International Cyberspace Law
Authors: Xinmin Ma
Published: March 2016

Development of international cyberspace law has attracted world-wide attention in recent years and was placed on the agenda of the Tehran Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) in 2014 under strong advocacy from China. In its Beijing Session on April 13 to 17, 2015, the AALCO held a special meeting on international cyberspace law and adopted a resolution for the establishment of an open-ended working group to further discuss relevant issues through meetings or workshops to be co-sponsored with the governments of member states and some international organizations. This article is based on the author’s presentation at that special meeting, as well as his views and ideas expressed on other occasions. It first elaborates on some key issues of international cyberspace law such as global cyber governance, state sovereignty, internet freedom, application of armed conflict laws and international cooperation on combating cybercrime, and then proposes a legal framework and potential roadmap for future international cyberspace legislation.
Policy Note: Reversing Salt-Induced Land Degradation Requires Integrated Measures
Authors: Qadir Manzoor
Published: March 2016

Agricultural crops take up water, but not salt, and evaporation from irrigated land does likewise. The result is increasing salt levels in soils. Just as cities cannot ignore urban wastewater collection and treatment, irrigating farmers and irrigation districts cannot ignore what to do with the salt in agricultural drainage water. Although salt management techniques can seem straightforward, the long-term sustainability of irrigation in arid and semi-arid areas, where most irrigation takes place remains a challenge. Salt-induced land degradation is on the rise in several major river basins. Salt-affected lands remain valuable resources that cannot be easily abandoned, given their importance for food security and regional economies, as well as the significant investments in infrastructure that have been made on these lands. This policy note discusses the status of salt-induced land degradation and addresses two key questions: Why has progress been so limited in addressing salt-induced land degradation? And what measures could be taken to prevent and reverse such degradation?
Rapid, Long-Distance Electrical and Calcium Signaling in Plants
Authors: Choi Won-Gyu , Hilleary Richard , Swanson Sarah J. , Kim Su-Hwa , Gilroy Simon
Published: March 2016

Plants integrate activities throughout their bodies using long-range signaling systems in which stimuli sensed by just a few cells are translated into mobile signals that can influence the activities in distant tissues. Such signaling can travel at speeds well in excess of millimeters per second and can trigger responses as diverse as changes in transcription and translation levels, posttranslational regulation, alterations in metabolite levels, and even wholesale reprogramming of development. In addition to the use of mobile small molecules and hormones, electrical signals have long been known to propagate throughout the plant. This electrical signaling network has now been linked to waves of Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species that traverse the plant and trigger systemic responses. Analysis of cell type specificity in signal propagation has revealed the movement of systemic signals through specific cell types, suggesting that a rapid signaling network may be hardwired into the architecture of the plant.
Structure and Function of the Mitochondrial Ribosome
Authors: Greber Basil J. , Ban Nenad
Published: March 2016

Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) perform protein synthesis inside mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy conversion and adenosine triphosphate production in eukaryotic cells. Throughout evolution, mitoribosomes have become functionally specialized for synthesizing mitochondrial membrane proteins, and this has been accompanied by large changes to their structure and composition. We review recent high-resolution structural data that have provided unprecedented insight into the structure and function of mitoribosomes in mammals and fungi.
Maintenance and Expression of Mammalian Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Gustafsson Claes M. , Falkenberg Maria , Larsson Nils-Göran
Published: March 2016

Mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes 13 proteins that are essential for the function of the oxidative phosphorylation system, which is composed of four respiratory-chain complexes and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase. Remarkably, the maintenance and expression of mtDNA depend on the mitochondrial import of hundreds of nuclear-encoded proteins that control genome maintenance, replication, transcription, RNA maturation, and mitochondrial translation. The importance of this complex regulatory system is underscored by the identification of numerous mutations of nuclear genes that impair mtDNA maintenance and expression at different levels, causing human mitochondrial diseases with pleiotropic clinical manifestations. The basic scientific understanding of the mechanisms controlling mtDNA function has progressed considerably during the past few years, thanks to advances in biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology. The challenges for the future will be to understand how mtDNA maintenance and expression are regulated and to what extent direct intramitochondrial cross talk between different processes, such as transcription and translation, is important.
Shared Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Transporters
Authors: Drew David , Boudker Olga
Published: March 2016

The determination of the crystal structures of small-molecule transporters has shed light on the conformational changes that take place during structural isomerization from outward- to inward-facing states. Rather than using a simple rocking movement of two bundles around a central substrate-binding site, it has become clear that even the most simplistic transporters utilize rearrangements of nonrigid bodies. In the most dramatic cases, one bundle is fixed while the other, structurally divergent, bundle carries the substrate some 18 Å across the membrane, which in this review is termed an elevator alternating-access mechanism. Here, we compare and contrast rocker-switch, rocking-bundle, and elevator alternating-access mechanisms to highlight shared features and novel refinements to the basic alternating-access model.
Mechanisms of Bacterial Transcription Termination: All Good Things Must End
Authors: Ray-Soni Ananya , Bellecourt Michael J. , Landick Robert
Published: March 2016

Transcript termination is essential for accurate gene expression and the removal of RNA polymerase (RNAP) at the ends of transcription units. In bacteria, two mechanisms are responsible for proper transcript termination: intrinsic termination and Rho-dependent termination. Intrinsic termination is mediated by signals directly encoded within the DNA template and nascent RNA, whereas Rho-dependent termination relies upon the adenosine triphosphate-dependent RNA translocase Rho, which binds nascent RNA and dissociates the elongation complex. Although significant progress has been made in understanding these pathways, fundamental details remain undetermined. Among those that remain unresolved are the existence of an inactivated intermediate in the intrinsic termination pathway, the role of Rho–RNAP interactions in Rho-dependent termination, and the mechanisms by which accessory factors and nucleoid-associated proteins affect termination. We describe current knowledge, discuss key outstanding questions, and highlight the importance of defining the structural rearrangements of RNAP that are involved in the two mechanisms of transcript termination.
Design of Catalytic Peptides and Proteins Through Rational and Combinatorial Approaches
Authors: Maeda Yoshiaki , Makhlynets Olga V. , Matsui Hiroshi , Korendovych Ivan V.
Published: March 2016

This review focuses on recent progress in noncomputational methods to introduce catalytic function into proteins, peptides, and peptide assemblies. We discuss various approaches to creating catalytic activity and classification of noncomputational methods into rational and combinatorial classes. The section on rational design covers recent progress in the development of short peptides and oligomeric peptide assemblies for various natural and unnatural reactions. The section on combinatorial design describes recent advances in the discovery of catalytic peptides. We present the future prospects of these and other new approaches in a broader context, including implications for functional material design.
The Energy-Water-Food Nexus
Authors: Keairns D.L. , Darton R.C. , Irabien A.
Published: March 2016

As the global population grows in size and increasingly lives in cities, and with lifestyles based on greater material consumption, more attention is being given to the integrated system that supplies our energy, water, and food, the Nexus. There is also mounting concern about effects on the Nexus of climate change and damage to the natural environment that provides essential ecosystem services. Nexus analysis applies existing techniques, such as computational modelling and Life Cycle Assessment, but new frameworks and tools are needed, including those that will integrate societal and technical dimensions. Case studies show the vital role played by stakeholder involvement in clarifying issues, priorities, and values. They also demonstrate the importance of an integrated systems view of the complex interrelationships of the Nexus when planning effective remedies. Assessments conclude that transformative social and political change is needed to create new structures, markets, and governance to deal with the Nexus if we are to meet agreed-upon sustainable development goals.
Switchable Materials for Smart Windows
Authors: Wang Yang , Runnerstrom Evan L. , Milliron Delia J.
Published: March 2016

This article reviews the basic principles of and recent developments in electrochromic, photochromic, and thermochromic materials for applications in smart windows. Compared with current static windows, smart windows can dynamically modulate the transmittance of solar irradiation based on weather conditions and personal preferences, thus simultaneously improving building energy efficiency and indoor human comfort. Although some smart windows are commercially available, their widespread implementation has not yet been realized. Recent advances in nanostructured materials provide new opportunities for next-generation smart window technology owing to their unique structure-property relations. Nanomaterials can provide enhanced coloration efficiency, faster switching kinetics, and longer lifetime. In addition, their compatibility with solution processing enables low-cost and high-throughput fabrication. This review also discusses the importance of dual-band modulation of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light, as nearly 50% of solar energy lies in the NIR region. Some latest results show that solution-processable nanostructured systems can selectively modulate the NIR light without affecting the visible transmittance, thus reducing energy consumption by air conditioning, heating, and artificial lighting.
Thermal Boundary Conductance: A Materials Science Perspective
Authors: Monachon Christian , Weber Ludger , Dames Chris
Published: March 2016

The thermal boundary conductance (TBC) of materials pairs in atomically intimate contact is reviewed as a practical guide for materials scientists. First, analytical and computational models of TBC are reviewed. Five measurement methods are then compared in terms of their sensitivity to TBC: the 3ω method, frequency- and time-domain thermoreflectance, the cut-bar method, and a composite effective thermal conductivity method. The heart of the review surveys 30 years of TBC measurements around room temperature, highlighting the materials science factors experimentally proven to influence TBC. These factors include the bulk dispersion relations, acoustic contrast, and interfacial chemistry and bonding. The measured TBCs are compared across a wide range of materials systems by using the maximum transmission limit, which with an attenuated transmission coefficient proves to be a good guideline for most clean, strongly bonded interfaces. Finally, opportunities for future research are discussed.
Ceramic Stereolithography: Additive Manufacturing for Ceramics by Photopolymerization
Authors: Halloran John W.
Published: March 2016

Ceramic stereolithography and related additive manufacturing methods involving photopolymerization of ceramic powder suspensions are reviewed in terms of the capabilities of current devices. The practical fundamentals of the cure depth, cure width, and cure profile are related to the optical properties of the monomer, ceramic, and photo-active components. Postpolymerization steps, including harvesting and cleaning the objects, binder burnout, and sintering, are discussed and compared with conventional methods. The prospects for practical manufacturing are discussed.
Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer Epigenetics
Authors: Sapienza Carmen , Issa Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2016

The search for a connection between diet and human cancer has a long history in cancer research, as has interest in the mechanisms by which dietary factors might increase or decrease cancer risk. The realization that altering diet can alter the epigenetic state of genes and that these epigenetic alterations might increase or decrease cancer risk is a more modern notion, driven largely by studies in animal models. The connections between diet and epigenetic alterations, on the one hand, and between epigenetic alterations and cancer, on the other, are supported by both observational studies in humans as well as animal models. However, the conclusion that diet is linked directly to epigenetic alterations and that these epigenetic alterations directly increase or decrease the risk of human cancer is much less certain. We suggest that true and measurable effects of diet or dietary supplements on epigenotype and cancer risk are most likely to be observed in longitudinal studies and at the extremes of the intersection of dietary risk factors and human population variability. Careful analysis of such outlier populations is most likely to shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which suspected environmental risk factors drive the process of carcinogenesis.
Computational Amide I 2D IR Spectroscopy as a Probe of Protein Structure and Dynamics
Authors: Reppert Mike , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: March 2016

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of amide I vibrations is increasingly being used to study the structure and dynamics of proteins and peptides. Amide I, a primarily carbonyl stretching vibration of the protein backbone, provides information on secondary structures as a result of vibrational couplings and on hydrogen-bonding contacts when isotope labeling is used to isolate specific sites. In parallel with experiments, computational models of amide I spectra that use atomistic structures from molecular dynamics simulations have evolved to calculate experimental spectra. Mixed quantum-classical models use spectroscopic maps to translate the structural information into a quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian for the spectroscopically observed vibrations. This allows one to model the spectroscopy of large proteins, disordered states, and protein conformational dynamics. With improvements in amide I models, quantitative modeling of time-dependent structural ensembles and of direct feedback between experiments and simulations is possible. We review the advances in developing these models, their theoretical basis, and current and future applications.
Climate Engineering Economics
Authors: Heutel Garth , Moreno-Cruz Juan , Ricke Katharine
Published: March 2016

This article reviews and evaluates the nascent literature on the economics of climate engineering. The literature distinguishes between two broad types of climate engineering: solar radiation management and carbon dioxide removal. We review the science and engineering characteristics of these technologies and analyze the implications of those characteristics for economic policy design. We discuss optimal policy and carbon price, interregional and intergenerational equity issues, strategic interaction in the design of international environmental agreements, and the sources of risk and uncertainty surrounding these technologies. We conclude that climate engineering technologies, similar to mitigation and adaptation, should be a fundamental part of future domestic and global climate policy design. We propose several avenues in need of additional research.
The US Federal Statistical System's Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Citro Constance F.
Published: March 2016

This article reviews the US federal statistical system from its roots in the colonial period and the early years of the federal republic through its growth in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to the present day, including the coordination role played by the US Office of Management and Budget. The review highlights the innovations, benefits, and challenges of the federal statistical system and comments on the role played by major sources of data for the system, including censuses, probability surveys, administrative records, and newer sources. The article also assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the system from studies of the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT), a standing unit of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established in 1972 to link the academic community with federal statisticians and researchers. It concludes with observations on the future of the federal statistical system.
On Vertex Covering Transversal Domination Number of Regular Graphs
Authors: Vasanthi R. , Subramanian K.
Published: March 2016

A simple graphG=(V,E)is said to ber-regular if each vertex ofGis of degreer. The vertex covering transversal domination numberγvct(G)is the minimum cardinality among all vertex covering transversal dominating sets ofG. In this paper, we analyse this parameter on different kinds of regular graphs especially forQnandH3,n. Also we provide an upper bound forγvctof a connected cubic graph of ordern≥8. Then we try to provide a more stronger relationship betweenγandγvct.
Physicians’ Attitudes to Clinical Pain Management and Education: Survey from a Middle Eastern Country
Authors: Nasser Soumana C. , Nassif Jeanette G. , Saad Aline Hanna
Published: March 2016

Despite promising initiatives to advance the practice of pain management in Middle Eastern countries, their pain care lags behind developed countries. The objectives of this study are to evaluate physicians’ assessment of their own competency in pain management, to assess physicians’ practice related to pain management, and to identify physician-related barriers to effective pain control. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3 teaching medical centers in Lebanon targeting the above-mentioned outcomes and assessing the impact of physicians’ years in practice on the studied end-points. A total of 69 physicians were surveyed. Fifty-seven percent reported “very good to excellent” pain management skills; only 25% of them described the need for continuing professional development. When treating patients with pain, 52% of physicians refer to updated international guidelines, whereas 43% rely on their own judgment. Physicians were more likely to consult with another physician (65%) rather than a pharmacist (12%) when treating patients with pain. Fear of adverse effects of analgesics was the most commonly reported barrier (45%) to pain control among physicians from different career stages. Based on these survey findings, national pain management and practice policies are needed to optimize this area of deficiency in patient care.
Presentations to Emergency Departments for COPD: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Youngson Erik , Rowe Brian H.
Published: March 2016

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition characterized by progressive dyspnea and acute exacerbations which may result in emergency department (ED) presentations. This study examines monthly rates of presentations to EDs in one Canadian province.Methods. Presentations for COPD made by individuals aged ≥55 years during April 1999 to March 2011 were extracted from provincial databases. Data included age, sex, and health zone of residence (North, Central, South, and urban). Crude rates were calculated. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) time series models were developed.Results. ED presentations for COPD totalled 188,824 and the monthly rate of presentation remained relatively stable (from 197.7 to 232.6 per 100,000). Males and seniors (≥65 years) comprised 52.2% and 73.7% of presentations, respectively. The ARIMA1,0,0×1,0,112model was appropriate for the overall rate of presentations and for each sex and seniors. Zone specific models showed relatively stable or decreasing rates; the North zone had an increasing trend.Conclusions. ED presentation rates for COPD have been relatively stable in Alberta during the past decade. However, their increases in northern regions deserve further exploration. The SARIMA models quantified the temporal patterns and can help planning future health care service needs.
A Fast Algorithm to Generate Feasible Solution of Production Facilities Layout Based on Plane Segmentation
Authors: Hou Shi-wang , Li Zhibin , Wang Hui
Published: March 2016

For facility layout problem with continuous block and unequal area, it is key to generate feasible solution of facility layout with arbitrary space form in order to find the optimal arrangement scheme under a given goal. According to the given slicing position and slicing mode, the plane for arrangement was divided into many block areas by use of plane segmentation, which was consistent with the facilities in number. The precise coordinates of the lower-left corner and the top-right corner of each facility were calculated in light of its area, width, and length. The corresponding algorithm was designed in the form of pseudocode. The procedure proposed can provide a feasible facility layout solution. The running results of facilities layout instance containing 14 facilities show that the scheme can output facilities plane layout scheme quickly and provide decision support for the facilities planning.
Array Pattern Synthesis Using Particle Swarm Optimization with Dynamic Inertia Weight
Authors: Han Chuang , Wang Ling
Published: March 2016

A Feedback Particle Swarm Optimization (FPSO) with a family of fitness functions is proposed to minimize sidelobe level (SLL) and control null. In order to search in a large initial space and converge fast in local space to a refined solution, a FPSO with nonlinear inertia weight algorithm is developed, which is determined by a subtriplicate function with feedback taken from the fitness of the best previous position. The optimized objectives in the fitness function can obtain an accurate null level independently. The directly constrained SLL range reveals the capability to reduce SLL. Considering both element positions and complex weight coefficients, a low-level SLL, accurate null at specific directions, and constrained main beam are achieved. Numerical examples using a uniform linear array of isotropic elements are simulated, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed array pattern synthesis approach.
A Patient Flow Analysis: Identification of Process Inefficiencies and Workflow Metrics at an Ambulatory Endoscopy Unit
Authors: Almeida Rowena , Paterson William G. , Craig Nancy , Hookey Lawrence
Published: March 2016

Background. The increasing demand for endoscopic procedures coincides with the paradigm shift in health care delivery that emphasizes efficient use of existing resources. However, there is limited literature on the range of endoscopy unit efficiencies.Methods. A time and motion analysis of patient flow through the Hotel-Dieu Hospital (Kingston, Ontario) endoscopy unit was followed by qualitative interviews. Procedures were directly observed in three segments: individual endoscopy room use, preprocedure/recovery room, and overall endoscopy unit utilization.Results. Data were collected for 137 procedures in the endoscopy room, 139 procedures in the preprocedure room, and 143 procedures for overall room utilization. The mean duration spent in the endoscopy room was 31.47 min for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 52.93 min for a colonoscopy, 30.47 min for a flexible sigmoidoscopy, and 66.88 min for a double procedure. The procedure itself accounted for 8.11 min, 34.24 min, 9.02 min, and 39.13 min for the above procedures, respectively. The focused interviews identified the scheduling template as a major area of operational inefficiency.Conclusions. Despite reasonable procedure times for all except colonoscopies, the endoscopy room durations exceed the allocated times, reflecting the impact of non-procedure-related factors and the need for a revised scheduling template. Endoscopy units have unique operational characteristics and identification of process inefficiencies can lead to targeted quality improvement initiatives.
Jacalin-Activated Macrophages Exhibit an Antitumor Phenotype
Authors: Danella Polli Cláudia , Pereira Ruas Luciana , Chain Veronez Luciana , Herrero Geraldino Thais , Rossetto de Morais Fabiana , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina , Pereira-da-Silva Gabriela
Published: March 2016

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have an ambiguous and complex role in the carcinogenic process, since these cells can be polarized into different phenotypes (proinflammatory, antitumor cells or anti-inflammatory, protumor cells) by the tumor microenvironment. Given that the interactions between tumor cells and TAMs involve several players, a better understanding of the function and regulation of TAMs is crucial to interfere with their differentiation in attempts to skew TAM polarization into cells with a proinflammatory antitumor phenotype. In this study, we investigated the modulation of macrophage tumoricidal activities by the lectin jacalin. Jacalin bound to macrophage surface and induced the expression and/or release of mainly proinflammatory cytokines via NF-κB signaling, as well as increased iNOS mRNA expression, suggesting that the lectin polarizes macrophages toward the antitumor phenotype. Therefore, tumoricidal activities of jacalin-stimulated macrophages were evaluated. High rates of tumor cell (human colon, HT-29, and breast, MCF-7, cells) apoptosis were observed upon incubation with supernatants from jacalin-stimulated macrophages. Taken together, these results indicate that jacalin, by exerting a proinflammatory activity, can direct macrophages to an antitumor phenotype. Deep knowledge of the regulation of TAM functions is essential for the development of innovative anticancer strategies.
Patient Controlled Analgesia for Adults with Sickle Cell Disease Awaiting Admission from the Emergency Department
Authors: Santos Josue , Jones Sasia , Wakefield Daniel , Grady James , Andemariam Biree
Published: March 2016

Background.A treatment algorithm for sickle cell disease (SCD) pain in adults presenting to a single emergency department (ED) was developed prioritizing initiation of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) for patients awaiting hospitalization.Objectives.Evaluate the proportion of ED visits in which PCA was started in the ED.Methods.A two-year retrospective chart review of consecutive SCD pain ED visits was undertaken. Data abstracted included PCA initiation, low versus high utilizer status, pain scores, bolus opioid number, treatment times, and length of hospitalization.Results.258 visits resulted in hospitalization. PCA was initiated in 230 (89%) visits of which 157 (68%) were initiated in the ED. Time to PCA initiation was longer when PCA was begun after hospitalization versus in the ED (8.6 versus 4.5 hours,p<0.001). ED PCA initiation was associated with fewer opioid boluses following decision to admit and less time without analgesic treatment (allp<0.05). Mean pain intensity (MPI) reduction did not differ between groups. Among visits where PCA was begun in the ED, low utilizers demonstrated greater MPI reduction than high utilizers (2.8 versus 2.0,p=0.04).Conclusions.ED PCA initiation for SCD-related pain is possible and associated with more timely analgesic delivery.
Space-Dependent Sobolev Gradients as a Regularization for Inverse Radiative Transfer Problems
Authors: Favennec Y. , Dubot F. , Le Hardy D. , Rousseau B. , Rousse D. R.
Published: March 2016

Diffuse optical tomography problems rely on the solution of an optimization problem for which the dimension of the parameter space is usually large. Thus, gradient-type optimizers are likely to be used, such as the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) algorithm, along with the adjoint-state method to compute the cost function gradient. Usually, theL2-inner product is chosen within the extraction procedure (i.e., in the definition of the relationship between the cost function gradient and the directional derivative of the cost function) while alternative inner products that act as regularization can be used. This paper presents some results based on space-dependent Sobolev inner products and shows that this method acts as an efficient low-pass filter on the cost function gradient. Numerical results indicate that the use of Sobolev gradients can be particularly attractive in the context of inverse problems, particularly because of the simplicity of this regularization, since a single additional diffusion equation is to be solved, and also because the quality of the solution is smoothly varying with respect to the regularization parameter.
A Retrospective Study of the Clinical Burden of Hospitalized All-Cause and Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Canada
Authors: McNeil Shelly A. , Qizilbash Nawab , Ye Jian , Gray Sharon , Zanotti Giovanni , Munson Samantha , Dartois Nathalie , Laferriere Craig
Published: March 2016

Background. Routine vaccination againstStreptococcus pneumoniaeis recommended in Canada for infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic comorbidity. National incidence and burden of all-cause and pneumococcal pneumonia in Canada (excluding Quebec) were assessed.Methods. Incidence, length of stay, and case-fatality rates of hospitalized all-cause and pneumococcal pneumonia were determined for 2004–2010 using ICD-10 discharge data from the Canadian Institutes for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database. Population-at-risk data were obtained from the Statistics Canada census. Temporal changes in pneumococcal and all-cause pneumonia rates in adults ≥65 years were analyzed by logistic regression.Results. Hospitalization for all-cause pneumonia was highest in children <5 years and in adults >70 years and declined significantly from 1766/100,000 to 1537/100,000 per year in individuals aged ≥65 years (P<0.001). Overall hospitalization for pneumococcal pneumonia also declined from 6.40/100,000 to 5.08/100,000 per year. Case-fatality rates were stable (11.6% to 12.3%). Elderly individuals had longer length of stay and higher case-fatality rates than younger groups.Conclusions. All-cause and pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalization rates declined between 2004 and 2010 in Canada (excluding Quebec). Direct and indirect effects from pediatric pneumococcal immunization may partly explain some of this decline. Nevertheless, the burden of disease from pneumonia remains high.
Acidic Tumor pH-Responsive Nanophotomedicine for Targeted Photodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Park Wooram , Park Sin-jung , Shin Heejun , Na Kun
Published: March 2016

An acidic tumor pH-responsive nanophotomedicine (pH-NanoPM) for targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) was demonstrated herein. The pH-NanoPM was prepared with a size of ~110 nm by self-assembly of a pH-responsive polymeric photosensitizer (pH-PPS) consisting of pH-cleavable methoxypolyethylene glycol (pH-C-mPEG). Because the pH-C-mPEG can be detached from the nanoparticles by hydrolysis of the benzoic-imine group at the pH of an acidic tumor (~6.5), the particle size and surface charge of the pH-NanoPM were changed along with the environmental pH condition. After detachment of the pH-C-mPEG, the pH-NanoPM particles became positively charged (+18.67±1.95 mV) due to exposure of primary amine groups and decreased to a size of ~40 nm. Fromin vitrocellular experiments with HeLa human cervical cancer cells, the pH-NanoPM exhibited enhanced cellular internalization at acidic tumor pH compared to normal pH, which led to a significant cancer cell killing effect. These results suggest that this system has the potential to be used as a new class of nanophotomedicine for targeted photodynamic cancer therapy.
Continuous Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Block in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients with Spinal Cord Stimulation Implantation
Authors: Kim EungDon , Roh MiSun , Kim SooHyang , Jo DaeHyun
Published: March 2016

The sympathetic block is widely used for treating neuropathic pain such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, single sympathetic block often provides only short-term effect. Moreover, frequent procedures for sympathetic block may increase the risk of complications. The use of epidural route may be limited by concern of infection in case of previous implantation of the spinal cord stimulation (SCS). In contrast, a continuous sympathetic block can be administered without such concerns. The continuous thoracic sympathetic block (TSGB) has been used to treat the ischemic disease and other neuropathic conditions such as postherpetic neuralgia. We administered continuous thoracic sympathetic block using catheter in CRPS patients who underwent SCS implantations and achieved desirable outcomes. We believe a continuous sympathetic block is a considerable option before performing neurolysis or radiofrequency rhizotomy and even after SCS implantation.
Effects of Lung Expansion Therapy on Lung Function in Patients with Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Chen Yen-Huey , Yeh Ming-Chu , Hu Han-Chung , Lee Chung-Shu , Li Li-Fu , Chen Ning-Hung , Huang Chung-Chi , Kao Kuo-Chin
Published: March 2016

Common complications in PMV include changes in the airway clearance mechanism, pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle strength, as well as chest radiological changes such as atelectasis. Lung expansion therapy which includes IPPB and PEEP prevents and treats pulmonary atelectasis and improves lung compliance. Our study presented that patients with PMV have improvements in lung volume and oxygenation after receiving IPPB therapy. The combination of IPPB and PEEP therapy also results in increase in respiratory muscle strength. The application of IPPB facilitates the homogeneous gas distribution in the lung and results in recruitment of collapsed alveoli. PEEP therapy may reduce risk of respiratory muscle fatigue by preventing premature airway collapse during expiration. The physiologic effects of IPPB and PEEP may result in enhancement of pulmonary function and thus increase the possibility of successful weaning from mechanical ventilator during weaning process. For patients with PMV who were under the risk of atelectasis, the application of IPPB may be considered as a supplement therapy for the enhancement of weaning outcome during their stay in the hospital.