bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation on Thermo-Hydrodynamic Performance of Recharging, Interrupted and Straight Microchannels: A Comparative Study
Authors: Samal Sangram Kumar , Moharana Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2018

In this study, a three-dimensional numerical investigation on the thermo-hydrodynamic performance of a newly proposed recharging microchannel (RMC) is carried out. In this new design, a straight microchannel separated into more than one small channels and each small channels having individual inlet and outlet. This design enhances the heat transfer and makes the temperature almost uniform across the length of the substrate. The comparison of fluid flow and heat transfer performance between this recharging microchannel (RMC), interrupted microchannel (IMC) and straight microchannel (SMC) with same hydraulic diameter and substrate length were conducted to explore the effect of geometrical configuration on the heat transfer enhancement. The results reveal that for the recharging microchannel, the average Nusselt number increases by 49–122%, while the total pressure drop increases by 15–89%, compared with the interrupted and straight microchannel for the Reynolds number ranging from 100 to 500. From the result, it is also observed that for the investigated Reynolds number range the recharging microchannel having the highest thermal performance compared to interrupted and straight microchannel with a maximum performance factor of 1.80. The outcome of this study indicates possible use of recharging microchannel heat sinks for high heat flux removal applications such as electronic cooling.
Heat Transfer Enhancement in Laminar Graetz and Taylor Flows Using Nanofluids
Authors: Alrbee K. , Muzychka Y. S. , Duan X.
Published: August 2018

This paper focuses on heat transfer in mini scale tubes under laminar developing flow conditions for a constant wall temperature boundary condition. An experimental study was preformed using Aluminum Oxide nanoparticles (< 50nm) for continuous and segmented fluid streams. A two step method was employed to prepare several samples of aluminum oxide nanofluid with different concentrations 0.25, 0.5 and 1% by volume. Heat transfer enhancement in mini scale tubes (∼1 mm) was assessed using the dimensionless Graetz parameter L*, dimensionless mean wall heat flux q*, and Nusselt number Nu. In this study we investigate the effect of nanofluid concentration on laminar heat transfer enhancement in mini-scale circular tube under continuous and segmented flow using gas as a segmenting medium. The initial results show a maximum of 10–65% enhancement of Nusselt number as compared with pure water under the same conditions as a function of L*. For the upper limit of concentration of 1% Al2O3 nanofluid, the friction factor was found to be less than 5% greater, which means a small sacrifice on pumping power is to be expected. This study provides new insights on the thermal behaviour of nanofluids under laminar developing flow and segmented flow conditions in straight tubes.
Ultraviolet transmittance of SU-8 photoresist and its importance in multi-wavelength photolithography
Authors: Parsi Sreenivas Vijay V. , Winkler Andreas , Harazim Stefan , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: August 2018

The transmission properties of SU-8 photoresist in the ultraviolet (UV) range are reported for resist thicknesses between 1 and 150 μm in the soft-baked state prior to lithographic exposure. Multiple transmission wavelengths in the UV region between 200 and 400 nm are found to be suitable candidates for self-limiting exposure and thus polymerization depth. This enables a novel method to realize microarchitectures via standard photolithographic techniques. Examples of three dimensional hollow polymer microarchitectures are presented to demonstrate the advantages of this method. The coefficient of attenuation is calculated using Beer–Lambert’s principle for different resist thicknesses.
Colliding without touching: Using magnets and copper pipe fittings to explore the energetics of a completely inelastic collision
Authors: Seeley Lane , Shin Eun-Hee
Published: August 2018

This article describes a simple, inexpensive method for collecting force and motion data from a completely inelastic collision. We describe the use of an inductive magnetic interaction to produce a collision that involves no physical contact and occurs on a sufficiently slow time scale for detailed analysis. The resulting collision will be engaging for introductory high school or college students. We also describe intriguing and reproducible features of the time-dependent force interaction that student can explore in more advanced physics courses.
Which part of a chain breaks?
Authors: Baek Seung Ki
Published: August 2018

This work investigates the dynamics of a one-dimensional homogeneous harmonic chain on a horizontal table. One end is anchored to a wall; the other (free) end is pulled by an external force. A Green's function is derived to calculate the response to a generic pulling force. As an example, I assume that the magnitude of the pulling force increases with time at a uniform rate β. If the number of beads and springs used to model the chain is large, the extension of each spring takes a simple closed form, which is a piecewise-linear function of time. Under an additional assumption that a spring breaks when its extension exceeds a certain threshold, results show that for large β the spring breaks near the pulling end, whereas the breaking point can be located close to the wall by choosing small β. More precisely, the breaking point moves back and forth along the chain as β decreases, which has been called “anomalous” breaking in the context of the pull-or-jerk experiment. Although the experiment has been explained in terms of inertia, its meaning can be fully captured by discussing the competition between intrinsic and extrinsic time scales of forced oscillation.
Sound absorption by acoustic microlattice with optimized pore configuration
Authors: Cai Xiaobing , Yang Jun , Hu Gengkai , Lu Tianjian
Published: August 2018

The great progress in material science and nano-micro fabrication enables the applications of metamaterials with well-defined and well-organized microstructures for noise reduction. However, what intrinsic morphology of the metamaterial would result in optimum sound absorbing efficiency remains uncertain. This work presents a microlattice metamaterial, comprising well-defined and organized material morphology in terms of pore size and porosity, for generating optimum sound dissipation. A compact governing equation is established and verified experimentally to show that the optimum sound absorption can only be reached when the pore size equals twice the thickness of a viscous boundary layer.
Project lifts the veil on life in the ocean's twilight zone
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: August 2018

New initiative aims to document midwater biodiversity.
Allele-specific epigenome maps reveal sequence-dependent stochastic switching at regulatory loci
Authors: Onuchic Vitor , Lurie Eugene , Carrero Ivenise , Pawliczek Piotr , Patel Ronak Y. , Rozowsky Joel , Galeev Timur , Huang Zhuoyi , Altshuler Robert C. , Zhang Zhizhuo , Harris R. Alan , Coarfa Cristian , Ashmore Lillian , Bertol Jessica W. , Fakhouri Walid D. , Yu Fuli , Kellis Manolis , Gerstein Mark , Milosavljevic Aleksandar
Published: August 2018

Dissecting the epigenomic footprint

Genome-wide epigenetic marks regulate gene expression, but the amount and function of variability in these marks are poorly understood. Working with human-derived samples, Onuchic
et al.
examined disease-associated genetic variation and sequence-dependent allele-specific methylation at gene regulatory loci. Regulatory sequences within individual chromosomal DNA molecules showed full or no methylation at specific sites corresponding to “on” and “off” switches. Interestingly, methylation did not occur on each DNA molecule, resulting in a variable fraction of methylated chromosomes. This stochastic type of gene regulation was more common for rare genetic variants, which may suggest a role in human disease.

Science
, this issue p.
eaar3146
Response to Comment on “Tracking the global footprint of fisheries”
Authors: Kroodsma David A. , Mayorga Juan , Hochberg Timothy , Miller Nathan A. , Boerder Kristina , Ferretti Francesco , Wilson Alex , Bergman Bjorn , White Timothy D. , Block Barbara A. , Woods Paul , Sullivan Brian , Costello Christopher , Worm Boris
Published: August 2018

Amoroso
et al
. demonstrate the power of our data by estimating the high-resolution trawling footprint on seafloor habitat. Yet we argue that a coarser grid is required to understand full ecosystem impacts. Vessel tracking data allow us to estimate the footprint of human activities across a variety of scales, and the proper scale depends on the specific impact being investigated.
Changing the conversation
The Fight Against Doubt
Inmaculada de Melo-Martín and Kristen Intemann
Oxford University Press, 2018. 232 pp.
Authors: Nash Erin J.
Published: August 2018

A pair of philosophers offer a new perspective on problematic dissent in science
Enterovirus outbreak dynamics
Authors: Nikolay Birgit , Cauchemez Simon
Published: August 2018

Predictability of outbreaks opens the door to model-guided public health planning
The reemergence of yellow fever
Authors: Barrett Alan D. T.
Published: August 2018

Since 2016, yellow fever outbreaks have become a major public health concern
Retreat on economics at the EPA
Authors: Boyle Kevin , Kotchen Matthew
Published: August 2018

Rigorous economic analysis has long been recognized as essential for sound, defensible decision-making by government agencies whose regulations affect human health and the environment. The acting administrator (since July 2018) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust. These laudable goals are enhanced by external scientific review of the EPA's analytical procedures. Yet, in June 2018, the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) eliminated its Environmental Economics Advisory Committee (EEAC). The agency should be calling for more—not less—external advice on economics, given the Trump administration's promotion of economic analyses that push the boundaries of well-established best practices. The pattern is clear: When environmental regulations are expected to provide substantial public benefits, assumptions are made to substantially diminish their valuations.
Prospective Cohort Study of Single-Day Doxycycline Therapy for Mediterranean Spotted Fever
Authors: Espejo Elena , Andrés Marta , Garcia Maria-Consol , Fajardo Anna , Pérez Josefa , Bella Feliu
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of single-day doxycycline therapy for Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF). This is a prospective cohort study of cases with confirmed MSF treated with the single-day doxycycline regimen in a teaching hospital from 1990 to 2015.
Impact of Efavirenz-, Ritonavir-Boosted Lopinavir-, and Nevirapine-Based Antiretroviral Regimens on the Pharmacokinetics of Lumefantrine and Safety of Artemether-Lumefantrine in Plasmodium falciparum-Negative HIV-Infected Malawian Adults Stabilized on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Banda Clifford G. , Dzinjalamala Fraction , Mukaka Mavuto , Mallewa Jane , Maiden Victor , Terlouw Dianne J. , Lalloo David G. , Khoo Saye H. , Mwapasa Victor
Published: August 2018

There is conflicting evidence of the impact of commonly used antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) on the pharmacokinetics of lumefantrine and the safety profile of artemether-lumefantrine. We compared the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to 14 days (AUC
0–14 days
) of lumefantrine and the safety profile of artemether-lumefantrine in malaria-negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults in two steps.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Intraoperative Cefazolin Concentrations and Sternal Wound Infections
Authors: Zelenitsky Sheryl A. , Calic Divna , Arora Rakesh C. , Grocott Hilary P. , Lakowski Ted M. , Lillico Ryan , Ariano Robert E.
Published: August 2018

This study characterizes the pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial prophylaxis and sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery. Duration of surgery and cefazolin plasma concentration during wound closure were independently associated with surgical site infection at 30 days.
In Vitro
Community Synergy between Bacterial Soil Isolates Can Be Facilitated by pH Stabilization of the Environment
Authors: Herschend Jakob , Koren Klaus , Røder Henriette L. , Brejnrod Asker , Kühl Michael , Burmølle Mette
Published: August 2018

Understanding interspecies interactions in bacterial communities is important for unraveling species dynamics in naturally occurring communities. These dynamics are fundamental for identifying evolutionary drivers and for the development of efficient biotechnological industry applications. Recently, pH interplay among community members has been identified as a factor affecting community development, and pH stabilization has been demonstrated to result in enhanced community growth. The use of model communities in which the effect of changing pH level can be attributed to specific species contributes to the investigation of community developmental drivers. This contributes to assessment of the extent of emergent behavior and members' contributions to community development. Here, we show that pH stabilization of the microenvironment
in vitro
in a synthetic coisolated model community results in synergistic growth. This observation adds to the growing diversity of community interactions leading to enhanced community growth and hints toward pH as a strong driver for community development in diverse environments.
Typing and Species Identification of Clinical Klebsiella Isolates by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dinkelacker Ariane G. , Vogt Sophia , Oberhettinger Philipp , Mauder Norman , Rau Jörg , Kostrzewa Markus , Rossen John W. A. , Autenrieth Ingo B. , Peter Silke , Liese Jan
Published: August 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae
and related species are frequent causes of nosocomial infections and outbreaks. Therefore, quick and reliable strain typing is crucial for the detection of transmission routes in the hospital.
Outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and acute myocardial infarction: a propensity score-matched, 15-year nationwide population-based study in Asia
Authors: Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chen Tien-Hsing , Wu Michael , Chen Shao-Wei , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Chang Chun-Wei , Chen Ching-Chang , Wu Katie Pei-Hsuan , Hsieh Ming-Jer , Wang Chao-Yung , Chang Shang-Hung , Lin Fen-Chiung , Hsieh I-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien , Wen Ming-Shien
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) entails thickening of the myocardium and an increased risk of ischaemia. However, the prognosis of patients with HCM with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is incompletely understood.

Methods

Medical information was retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database in 1997–2011. The exclusion criteria were patients <18 years old, and history of AMI, coronary intervention, aortic valve disease, disease of the pericardium, heart surgery, device implantation, venous thromboembolism, cardiac transplant, congenital heart disease and end-stage renal disease on dialysis. Patients with HCM with AMI were compared with propensity score (PS)-matched patients with AMI without HCM. The primary endpoints were in-hospital and 1-year cardiovascular events.

Results

In total, 201 166 patients were admitted for AMI. There were 177 058 patients with new-onset AMI, 257 with HCM and 176 801 without HCM after exclusion criteria. Using 1:4 PS matching, the study population consisted of patients with AMI, 257 with HCM and 1028 without HCM. Patients with AMI with HCM received significantly less coronary intervention (OR=0.46; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.65; p<0.001), coronary intervention with stenting (OR=0.33; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.57; p<0.001) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OR=0.22; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.90; p=0.036), and fewer episodes of shock (OR=0.64; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; p=0.003) and in-hospital death (OR=0.46; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.70; p<0.001), compared with patients with AMI without HCM. Specifically, for patients with HCM with AMI, AMI occurred predominantly (82.5%) in the form of ischaemia without requiring coronary stenting. Patients with AMI with HCM had significantly better survival than patients without HCM (HR=0.66; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.85; p=0.001) during the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

This is the first PS-matched study to compare the prognosis of patients with AMI with and without HCM. Compared with patients with AMI without HCM, patients with HCM had significantly better in-hospital and within 1-year outcomes.
Outcomes of an individual counselling programme in Grozny, Chechnya: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Lenglet Annick , Lopes-Cardozo Barbara , Shanks Leslie , Blanton Curtis , Feo Concetta , Tsatsaeva Zalina , Idrisov Kyuri , Bolton Paul A , Pintaldi Giovanni
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of individual counselling on functioning of clients participating in a mental health intervention in a humanitarian setting.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Mental health programme implemented by Médecins Sans Frontières in Grozny, Republic of Chechnya.

Participants

168 eligible clients were randomly assigned to the intervention and waitlisted (2 months) arms between November 2014 and February 2015.

Intervention

Individual counselling sessions.

Main outcome measures

Change in functioning was measured using the Short Form 6 (SF6) and gender-specific locally adapted Chechen functioning instruments in the intervention group at the end of counselling and the waitlisted group after their waitlisted period. Unadjusted differences in gain scores (DGSs) between intervention and waitlisted groups were calculated with effect size (Cohen’sd) for both tools. Linear regression compared the mean DGS in both groups.

Results

The intervention group (n=78) improved compared with waitlisted controls (n=80) on the SF6 measures with moderate to large effect sizes: general health (DGS 12.14,d=0.52), body pain (DGS 10.26,d=0.35), social support (DGS 16.07,d=0.69) and emotional functioning (DGS 16.87,d=0.91). Similar improvement was seen using the Chechen functioning instrument score (female DGS −0.33,d=0.55; male DGS −0.40,d=0.99). Adjusted analysis showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in the intervention group for all SF6 measures and for the Chechen functioning instrument score in women but not men (p=0.07).

Conclusions

Individual counselling significantly improved participants’ ability to function in the intervention group compared with the waitlisted group. Further research is needed to determine whether similar positive results can be shown in other settings and further exploring the impact in male clients’ population.

Trial registration number

NTR4689.
Awareness of cervical cancer among women attending an HIV treatment centre: a cross-sectional study from Morocco
Authors: Belglaiaa Essaada , Souho Tiatou , Badaoui Latifa , Segondy Michel , Prétet Jean-Luc , Guenat David , Mougin Christiane
Published: August 2018

Objective

To explore awareness about cervical cancer among Moroccan women attending an HIV treatment centre in Laâyoune city, Morocco.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2017 using a knowledge test regarding cervical cancer, its risk factors and its prevention.

Setting

HIV treatment centre at the Hospital of Moulay Hassan Ben Elmehdi in Laâyoune city, Morocco.

Participants

One hundred and twenty-three HIV-positive women aged 19 years and older were recruited to this study.

Results

A total of 115 women were eligible to participate in the study. The average age was 34.9±10.2 years. Few women (20%) had heard about cervical cancer and its screening, the majority (17.4%) having received information from mass media. The vast majority (79.1%) of respondents had no knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, and 80.8% did not know any symptoms of cervical cancer. Only 13% had undergone a Pap smear test. The main reason for not seeking Pap smear was the absence of symptoms (47%).

Conclusion

Our study documents poor awareness of cervical cancer. Given that the HIV-positive population is at increased risk of cervical cancer, health education programmes should be promoted to increase awareness of cervical cancer as well as access and participation in cervical cancer screening.
Assessing minimal medical statistical literacy using the Quick Risk Test: a prospective observational study in Germany
Authors: Jenny Mirjam Annina , Keller Niklas , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To assess minimal medical statistical literacy in medical students and senior educators using the 10-item Quick Risk Test; to assess whether deficits in statistical literacy are stable or can be reduced by training.

Design

Prospective observational study on the students, observational study on the university lecturers.

Setting

Charité University Medicine medical curriculum for students and a continuing medical education (CME) course at a German University for senior educators.

Participants

169 students taking part in compulsory final-year curricular training in medical statistical literacy (63% female, median age 25 years). Sixteen professors of medicine and other senior educators attending a CME course on medical statistical literacy (44% female, age range=30–65 years).

Interventions

Students completed a 90 min training session in medical statistical literacy. No intervention for the senior educators.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome measure was the number of correct answers out of four multiple-choice alternatives per item on the Quick Risk Test.

Results

Final-year students answered on average half (median=50%) of the questions correctly while senior educators answered three-quarters correctly (median=75%). For comparison, chance performance is 25%. A 90 min training session for students increased the median percentage correct from 50% to 90%. 82% of participants improved their performance.

Conclusions

Medical students and educators do not master all basic concepts in medical statistics. This can be quickly assessed with the Quick Risk Test. The fact that a 90 min training session on medical statistical literacy improves students’ understanding from 50% to 90% indicates that the problem is not a hard-wired inability to understand statistical concepts. This gap in physicians’ education has long-lasting effects; even senior medical educators could answer only 75% of the questions correctly on average. Hence, medical students and professionals should receive enhanced training in how to interpret risk-related medical statistics.
Assessing the completeness and accuracy of South African National Laboratory CD4 and viral load data: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bassett Ingrid Valerie , Huang Mingshu , Cloete Christie , Candy Sue , Giddy Janet , Frank Simone Claire , Parker Robert A
Published: August 2018

Objective

To assess the accuracy of the South African National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) corporate data warehouse (CDW) using a novel data cross-matching method.

Methods

Adults (≥18 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) who visited a hospital-based HIV clinic in Durban from March to June 2012 were included. We matched patient identifiers, CD4 and viral load (VL) records from the HIV clinic’s electronic record with the NHLS CDW according to a set of matching criteria for patient identifiers, test values and test dates. We calculated the matching rates for patient identifiers, CD4 and VL records, and an overall matching rate.

Results

NHLS returned records for 3498 (89.6%) of the 3906 individuals requested. Using our computer algorithm, we confidently matched 3278 patients (83.9% of the total request). Considering less than confident matches as well, and then manually reviewing questionable matches using only patient identifiers, only nine (0.3% of records returned by NHLS) of the suggested matches were judged incorrect.

Conclusions

We developed a data cross-matching method to evaluate national laboratory data and were able to match almost 9 of 10 patients with data we expected to find in the NHLS CDW. We found few questionable matches, suggesting that manual review of records returned was not essential. As the number of patients initiating ART in South Africa grows, maintaining a comprehensive and accurate national data repository is of critical importance, since it may serve as a valuable tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the country’s HIV care system. This study helps validate the use of NHLS CDW data in future research on South Africa’s HIV care system and may inform analyses in similar settings with national laboratory systems.
International multicenter observational study on assessment of ventilatory management during general anaesthesia for robotic surgery and its effects on postoperative pulmonary complication (AVATaR): study protocol and statistical analysis plan
Authors: Queiroz Veronica Neves Fialho , da Costa Luiz Guilherme Villares , Barbosa Rogerio Póvoa , Takaoka Flávio , De Baerdemaeker Luc , Cesar Daniel Souza , D’Orto Ulisses Cardoso , Galdi José Roberto , Gottumukkala Vijaya , Cata Juan P , Hemmes Sabrine N T , Hollman Markus W , Kalmar Alain , Moura Lucas A B de , Mariano Renato M , Matot Idit , Mazzinari Guido , Mills Gary H , Posso Irimar de Paula , Teruya Alexandre , Vidal Melo Marcos Francisco , Sprung Juraj , Weingarten Toby N , Treschan Tanja A , Koopman Seppe , Eidelman Leonid , Chen Lee-Lynn , Lee Jae-Woo , Ariño Irujo Jose J , Tena Beatriz , Groeben Harald , Pelosi Paolo , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Schultz Marcus J , Serpa Neto Ary
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has emerged as an alternative minimally invasive surgical option. Despite its growing applicability, the frequent need for pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position could significantly affect respiratory mechanics during RAS. AVATaR is an international multicenter observational study aiming to assess the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), to characterise current practices of mechanical ventilation (MV) and to evaluate a possible association between ventilatory parameters and PPC in patients undergoing RAS.

Methods and analysis

AVATaR is an observational study of surgical patients undergoing MV for general anaesthesia for RAS. The primary outcome is the incidence of PPC during the first five postoperative days. Secondary outcomes include practice of MV, effect of surgical positioning on MV, effect of MV on clinical outcome and intraoperative complications.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02989415; Pre-results.
Does specialist review for patients with suspected heart failure predict better outcomes? An observational study on the utility of compliance with NICE guidelines
Authors: Morton Geraint , Philip Legate , Gilpin Thomas , Chan Pik Ee , Guha Kaushik , Kalra Paul R
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Compare outcomes in patients with suspected heart failure (HF) and raised natriuretic peptides who are reviewed in a specialist HF clinic in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (compliant group) versus patients who are not reviewed in the clinic (non-compliant group).

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Single large UK district general hospital.

Participants

567 consecutive patients in primary care with raised N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels (>400 pg/mL) from February to September 2014.

Interventions

161 (28%) patients were referred to the specialist HF clinic and 406 (72%) were not. Outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Outcome measures

All-cause and cardiovascular (CV) hospitalisations and all-cause mortality.

Results

The compliant group were slightly younger than the non-compliant group (78±9 vs 80±9; p=0.019) but had much higher NT-pro-BNP (3108±4526 vs 2271±3637 pg/mL; p<0.0001). Despite this, over a mean follow-up period of 9±2 months, rates of all-cause hospitalisation (24% vs 44%; p<0.0001) and CV hospitalisation (3% vs 15%, p<0.0001) were significantly lower in the compliant group versus the non-compliant group, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality rates (6% compliant group vs 8% non-compliant group; p=0.487).

Conclusions

Hospitalisation rates in patients with suspected HF and raised NT-pro-BNP were extremely high over a relatively short follow-up period. Patients reviewed in a specialist HF clinic had much higher NT-pro-BNP levels, suggesting they were at higher risk of adverse outcomes, yet also had significantly lower rates of all-cause and CV hospitalisation. Our findings support implementation of the relevant NICE guidelines for patients with suspected HF.
Epidemiological study of emergency ambulance activation in the British Eastern Sovereign Base Area of Cyprus, September 2013 to August 2016
Authors: Jefferys Sophie , Martin-Bates A J , Harold A , Withnall R
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To record the activation and use of the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) emergency ambulance service of British Forces Cyprus between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2016. To reflect on these findings in light of data from 1995 to 1998 to identify current treads and areas of development.

Method

Retrospective epidemiological study of all activations of the ESBA emergency ambulance service within the study period.

Results

812 patients were treated over 3 years, an 80% increase in workload, of which 41% were entitled personnel. Forty-two per cent of activations were for medical complaints compared with 41% for trauma. The number of deaths remained static (n=15). Road traffic incidents (RTI) remain the top activation by type, but accounting for a smaller proportion of workload. RTI mortality has declined by 50%.

Conclusion

The ESBA emergency ambulance service responded to double the activations, when compared with 18 years ago, with a significant shift to medical cases over trauma. This ESBA emergency ambulance provides a varied and vital service for the local community that also benefits Defence Medical Services personnel interested in the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine environment in order to maintain clinical skills and currency for the benefit of future deployments, both humanitarian and kinetic in nature.
Risk screening assessment for ranking historic coastal landfills by pollution risk
Authors: Brand James H. , Spencer Kate L.
Published: August 2018

Globally there are significant numbers of historic landfills, and in England alone there are over 1200 in low-lying coastal areas. Approximately one-third of these historic coastal landfills are near designated ecological sites, and without intervention, 10% are expected to start eroding within 40 years. Indeed, some sites are already eroding and releasing waste, and erosion is likely to become more common with the anticipated effects of climate change. Mitigating the pollution risk from all historic coastal landfills under threat of erosion would be prohibitively expensive; consequently, it is necessary to understand which sites pose the greatest pollution risk to prioritise management resources. This paper proposes a new risk screening assessment that can support coastal managers in identifying which historic coastal landfills pose the greatest pollution risk at a national scale for minimal cost using existing datasets. The proposed method determines an overall risk index for each site by considering the risk of pollution from eroding historic coastal landfills in two stages: the first stage assesses the risk of waste being released (waste release index), and the second assesses the risk to various receptors (pollution index). The highest risk sites can then be prioritised for further investigation or remediation.
Potential protective effects of the edible algaArthrospira platensisagainst lead-induced oxidative stress, anemia, kidney injury, and histopathological changes in adult rats
Authors: Gargouri Manel , Soussi Ahlem , Akrouti Amel , Magné Christian , El Feki Abdelfattah
Published: August 2018

Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity. This study investigated the possible protective effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis supplementation against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in adult male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal rats (control rats), rats treated with spirulina, rats treated with lead (Pb) (0.344 g/kg body weight), and rats treated with Pb and spirulina. The exposure of rats to Pb for 30 days provoked renal damage with significant increases in hematological parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl content, advanced oxidation protein products, and hydrogen peroxide), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid level in urine. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and levels of nonprotein thiols, plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea decreased. The administration of spirulina to Pb-treated rats significantly improved weight, peripheral blood parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters, renal biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, rats treated with Pb and spirulina had normal kidney histology. These healing effects are likely the result of the high phenol content and significant antioxidant capacity of A. platensis. Our data strongly suggest that spirulina supplementation improves kidney function and plays an important role in the prevention of complications of Pb intoxication.
Research and regulatory gaps for the substantiation of protein content claims on foods
Authors: Wiggins Ashleigh K.A. , Anderson G. Harvey , House James D.
Published: August 2018

Protein claims provide guidance to consumers seeking protein-rich foods. Protein claim regulations differ globally, and both Canada and the United States require protein quality assessments. A tripartite workshop identified the need to (i) harmonize, (ii) update existing amino acid composition and digestibility databases, (iii) develop non-animal bioassays, and (iv) evaluate the impact of protein claims on human health. The Protein-Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score method is recommended for current regulatory use in Canada.
Lane-based short-term urban traffic parameters forecasting using multivariate artificial neural network and locally weighted regression models: A genetic approach
Authors: Raza Asif , Zhong Ming
Published: August 2018

Short-term prediction of traffic conditions on urban arterials has recently become increasingly important because of its vital role in the basic traffic management functions and trip decision-making processes. Such information is useful for optimal infrastructure operation, routing, and trip scheduling. However, forecasting models offering a high accuracy at a fine temporal resolution (e.g., 1 or 5 min) and, especially, lane-based are still rare and need special attention. Given the dynamic and stochastic nature of traffic, this study proposes a genetically optimized artificial neural network (GA-ANN) and locally weighted regression (GA-LWR) multivariate models, for short-term traffic prediction using a combination of multiple traffic variables such as volume, occupancy, and speed, during peak and off-peak periods. The proposed 5-min GA-ANN and GA-LWR disaggregate multivariate models show lower average and 95th percentile (P95) errors, when compared to those reported in the literature. In particular, for peak and off-peak time prediction, the GA-ANN disaggregate multivariate models result in most of the average errors being from 2% to 5% and the 95th percentile errors being from 9% to 10%. On the other hand, for peak and off-peak time traffic prediction, the GA-LWR disaggregate multivariate models show that most of the average errors are lower than 5% and the 95th percentile errors are lower than 10%. Meanwhile, for peak and off-peak time prediction, both GA-ANN and GA-LWR disaggregates models show lower MSE of 0.11–1.84. Hence, such techniques are believed useful for developing a robust urban traffic forecasting system.
Coarse woody habitat does not predict largemouth bass young of year mortality during the open-water season
Authors: Ziegler Jacob P. , Dassow Colin J. , Jones Stuart E. , Ross Alexander J. , Solomon Christopher T.
Published: August 2018

Littoral structure is often assumed to provide refuge to young of year (YOY) freshwater fish species, but empirical in situ tests of this relationship are lacking. We estimated mortality rates of YOY largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) over the open-water season in 13 lakes in northern Wisconsin and Michigan using repeated snorkel surveys. Our goal was to test the hypothesis that mortality rate is negatively related to the abundance of littoral coarse woody habitat, which ranged from 3 to 1500 pieces of wood per kilometre of shoreline in these lakes. Instantaneous mortality rates were well-constrained and ranged from 0.04 to 0.19 among the 13 lakes. Mortality was not related to coarse woody habitat abundance. Our results suggest that the relationship between coarse woody habitat and YOY mortality might not be as strong or universal as is often assumed.
Invasive brook trout disrupt the diel activity and aggregation patterns of native brown trout
Authors: Larranaga Nicolas , Wallerius Magnus L. , Guo Haoyu , Cucherousset Julien , Johnsson Jörgen I.
Published: August 2018

In European streams, native brown trout (Salmo trutta) feed primarily on aquatic prey but consume a higher proportion of terrestrial prey in sympatry with non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). This is a rare example of diet convergence that may be associated with changes in diel activity or aggregation pattern by brown trout in sympatry. We recorded the activity and positions of brown trout from two origins and in two competition modes (allopatry versus sympatry, four combinations) placed in replicated stream enclosures for 29 days to test these hypotheses. Brown trout originating from or placed in sympatry were more diurnal and aggregated than those originating from or placed in allopatry. Changes in the diel activity of brown trout placed in a novel competition mode occurred progressively throughout the study. Thus, brown trout show strong behavioral flexibility in response to the non-native competitor and can revert to allopatric behavior when brook trout is removed from the system. These behavioral adjustments may have unsuspected effects on food webs and ecosystem functioning, which deserve further attention.
Graphene-based drug delivery systems in tissue engineering and nanomedicine
Authors: Lakshmanan Rajesh , Maulik Nilanjana
Published: August 2018

The time and dosage form of graphene derivatives have been found to determine therapeutic and toxic windows in several cell lines and preclinical models. The enhanced biological action of graphene derivatives is made possible by altering the chemistry of native materials via surface conjugation, or by changing the oxidation state. The high level of chemical reactivity vested in the planar structure of graphene can be used to load various drugs and biomolecules with maximum radical scavenging effect. The integration of graphene and polymers brings electrical conductivity to scaffolds, making them ideal for cardiac or neuronal tissue engineering. Drawbacks associated with graphene-based materials for biomedical applications include defect-free graphene formation and heteroatom contamination during synthesis process; reduced availability of sp2 hybridized carbon centers due to serum proteins masking; and poor availability of data pertaining to in vivo clearance of graphene-based formulations. Personalized medicine is an emerging area of alternative treatments, which in combination with graphene-based nanobiomaterials, has revolutionary potential for the development of individualized nanocarriers to treat highly challenging diseases.
Air synthesis review: polycyclic aromatic compounds in the oil sands region
Authors: Harner Tom , Rauert Cassandra , Muir Derek , Schuster Jasmin K. , Hsu Yu-Mei , Zhang Leiming , Marson George , Watson John G. , Ahad Jason , Cho Sunny , Jariyasopit Narumol , Kirk Jane , Korosi Jennifer , Landis Matthew S. , Martin Jonathan W. , Zhang Yifeng , Fernie Kim , Wentworth Gregory R. , Wnorowski Andrzej , Dabek Ewa , Charland Jean-Pierre , Pauli Bruce , Wania Frank , Galarneau Elisabeth , Cheng Irene , Makar Paul , Whaley Cynthia , Chow Judith C. , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: August 2018

This air synthesis review presents the current state of knowledge on the sources, fates, and effects for polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and related chemicals released to air in the oil sands region (OSR) in Alberta, Canada. Through the implementation of the Joint Canada–Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring Program in 2012 a vast amount of new information on PACs has been acquired through directed monitoring and research projects and reported to the scientific community and public. This new knowledge addresses questions related to cumulative effects and informs the sustainable management of the oil sands resource while helping to identify gaps in understanding and priorities for future work. As a result of this air synthesis review on PACs, the following topics have been identified as new science priorities: (i) improving emissions reporting to better account for fugitive mining emissions of PACs that includes a broader range of PACs beyond the conventional polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including, inter alia, alkylated-PAHs (alk-PAHs), dibenzothiophene (DBT), alk-DBTs, nitro-PAHs, oxy-PAHs including quinones and thia- and aza-arenes; (ii) improving information on the ambient concentrations, long-range transport, and atmospheric deposition of these broader classes of PACs and their release (with co-contaminants) from different types of mining activities; (iii) further optimizing electricity-free and cost-effective approaches for assessing PAC deposition (e.g., snow sampling, lichens, passive ambient sampling) spatially across the OSR and downwind regions; (iv) designing projects that integrate monitoring efforts with source attribution models and ecosystem health studies to improve understanding of sources, receptors, and effects; (v) further optimizing natural deposition archives (e.g., sediment, peat, tree rings) and advanced forensic techniques (e.g., isotope analysis, marker compounds) to provide better understanding of sources of PACs in the OSR over space and time; (vi) conducting process research to improve model capabilities for simulating atmospheric chemistry of PACs and assessing exposure to wildlife and humans; and (vii) developing tools and integrated strategies for assessing cumulative risk to wildlife and humans by accounting for the toxicity of the mixture of chemicals in air rather than on a single compound basis.
ENVIRONMENTAL MACROECONOMICS: A NEGLECTED THEME IN ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS — LEAVE ALONE ECONOMICS
Authors: THAMPAPILLAI DODO J. , CHEN YVONNE
Published: August 2018

Economists usually regard environmental issues as drivers of allocative distortions within markets. Hence, they claim that corrections of such distortions, for example, by recourse to the internalization of externalities, are firmly rooted within the market framework. Therefore, the traditional view is that environmental issues fall fairly and squarely within the domain of microeconomics. This paper argues that such a view is flawed. The primary reason is that externalities are never fully internalized. Within any market, there always exist residual externalities, which do accumulate over time. Therefore, the same way as the aggregate of market transactions lead to the definition of national product in macroeconomics, the aggregate of residual externalities lend credence to the recognition of nature as capital that depreciates. In accordance with this recognition, this paper illustrates the reformulation of long run stabilization frameworks in macroeconomics. The analysis of these reformulated frameworks illustrates different configurations for policy variables as illustrated with reference to South Korea.
A lattice formulation of the noncommutative F4 procedure
Authors: Chenavier Cyrille
Published: August 2018

We introduce a new procedure for constructing noncommutative Gröbner bases using a lattice formulation of completion. This leads to a lattice description of the noncommutative [Formula: see text] procedure. Our procedure is based on the lattice structure of reduction operators which provide a lattice description of the confluence property. We relate reduction operators to noncommutative Gröbner bases, we show the Diamond Lemma for reduction operators and we deduce the lattice interpretation of the [Formula: see text] procedure. Finally, we illustrate our procedure with a complete example.
Structure and dynamics of crowdion defects in bcc metals
Authors: Fitzgerald S. P.
Published: August 2018

Crowdion defects are produced in body-centered-cubic metals under irradiation. Their structure and diffusive dynamics play a governing role in microstructural evolution, and hence the mechanical properties of nuclear materials. In this paper, we apply the analytical Frenkel-Kontorova model to crowdions and clusters thereof (prismatic dislocation loops) and show that the Peierls potential in which these defects diffuse is remarkably small (in the micro eV range as compared to the eV range for other defects). We also develop a coarse-grained statistical methodology for simulating these fast-diffusing objects in the context of object kinetic Monte Carlo, which is less vulnerable to the low barrier problem than naïve stochastic simulation.
Research for practice
Authors: Alonso Gustavo , Bailis Peter
Published: August 2018

Expert-curated guides to the best of CS research.
Is software the result of top-down intelligent design or evolution?
Authors: Lee Edward A.
Published: August 2018

Considering the potential danger to individuals of rapid coevolution.
The HCI living curriculum as a community of practice
Authors: St-Cyr Olivier , Jovanovic Andrea , Chignell Mark , MacDonald Craig M. , Churchill Elizabeth F.
Published: August 2018

HCI education reflects the continual evolution of HCI, embracing the changing landscapes of technology, infrastructure, and technology use. This forum aims to provide a platform for HCI educators, practitioners, researchers, and students to share their perspectives, reflections, and experiences related to HCI education.
--- Sukeshini Grandhi, Editor
Folded Circuit Synthesis
Authors: Han Inhak , Shin Youngsoo
Published: August 2018

The area required by combinational logic of a sequential circuit based on standard flip-flops can be reduced by identifying subcircuits that are identical. Pairs of matching subcircuits can then be replaced by circuits in which dual-edge-triggered flip-flops operate on multiplexed data at the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. We show how to modify the Boolean network describing a combinational logic to increase the opportunities for folding, without affecting its function. Experiments with benchmark circuits achieved an average reduction in circuit area of 18%.
Can beyond-CMOS devices illuminate dark silicon?
Authors: Perricone Robert , Hu X. Sharon , Nahas Joseph , Niemier Michael
Published: August 2018

The "new Dark Silicon" model benchmarks transistor technologies at the architectural level for multi-core processors.