bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable designs for electromagnetically induced transparency in solid state plasma metamaterials with multiple transmission windows
Authors: Kong Xiang-Kun , Mo Jin-Jun , Yu Zhi-Yang , Shi Wei , Li Hai-Ming , Bian Bo-Rui
Published: May 2016

A reconfigurable metamaterial analog electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like (EIT-like) effect is theoretically and numerically demonstrated in this paper. The unit cell is composed of a stimulated circular loop element and an unstimulated arc slot element, which are both constructed by semiconductor. The interaction between the two elements of the unit cell leads to a transparency window, resembling a special quantum optical phenomenon as electromagnetic (EM) induced transparency. The proposed designs can realize a continuously tunable EIT-like effect in a broad frequency range from 2.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz by changing the arc slot angle, while the number of EIT-like transmission windows can be configured by increasing the number of arc slots. This scheme which is constructed by solid state plasma (SSP) metamaterial provides an alternative way to realize the tunable plasmonic sensing and make new kinds of reconfigurable devices.
The semaphore codes attached to a Turing machine via resets and their various limits
Authors: Rhodes John , Schilling Anne , Silva Pedro V.
Published: May 2016

We introduce semaphore codes associated to a Turing machine via resets. Semaphore codes provide an approximation theory for resets. In this paper, we generalize the set-up of our previous paper “Random walks on semaphore codes and delay de Bruijn semigroups” to the infinite case by taking the profinite limit of [Formula: see text]-resets to obtain [Formula: see text]-resets. We mention how this opens new avenues to attack the vs. NP problem.
Global 6He optical model potential
Authors: Su Xin-Wu , Han Yin-Lu , Liang Hai-Ying , Wu Zhen-Dong , Guo Hai-Rui , Cai Chong-Hai
Published: May 2016

A set of global [Formula: see text]He phenomenological optical model potential (OMP) parameters with incident energies up to 250[Formula: see text]MeV is obtained. They are based on a smooth, unique functional form for the energy dependence of the potential depths, and on physically constrained geometry parameters. The available experimental data including the reaction cross-sections and elastic scattering angular distributions from target [Formula: see text]Li to [Formula: see text]Bi are used. The global OMP parameters obtained for [Formula: see text]He are analyzed and used to calculate the reaction for [Formula: see text]He projectile. It is found that the present form of the global OMP can reproduce the experimental data for [Formula: see text]He and [Formula: see text]He projectiles.
ENERGY ABSORPTION IN A LOAD–UNLOAD CYCLE OF KNEE IMPLANT USING FRACTAL MODEL OF ROUGH SURFACES
Authors: HODAEI MOHAMMAD , FARHANG KAMBIZ
Published: May 2016

Roughness measurement of knee implant surfaces is investigated. The study of roughness measurement show that the topography of knee implant surface is multi-scale and surface spectra follows a power law behavior. A magnification of rough surface topography implies that there is no difference between original and magnified profile of implant surface. For implant surface, statistical parameters such as variance of height, curvature, and slope are found to be scale-dependent. Fractal representation of implant surface shows that the size-distribution of the multi-scale contacts spots follows a power law and is characterized by the fractal dimension of implant surface.

Fractal surface description of the rough surfaces of knee implant is used to obtain force–displacement relationship of the contact force. Using an approximate function through the fusion of two piecewise functions, energy absorption of a knee implant in a single cycle of load–unload is obtained.
INFLUENCE OF ANNEALING DURATION ON THE GROWTH OF V2O5 NANORODS SYNTHESIZED BY SPRAY PYROLYSIS TECHNIQUE
Authors: ABD-ALGHAFOUR N. M. , AHMED NASER M. , HASSAN Z. , ABUBAKAR D. , BOUOUDINA M.
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with the investigation of annealing effects on the structural, morphological and optical properties of V2O5 nanorods (NRs) grown on the glass substrates by using chemical spray pyrolysis technique. The as-prepared samples were annealed at [Formula: see text] for 40, 60 and 120 min in a quartz tube furnace. The high resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed V2O5 NRs with preferred orientation along (001) plane. The crystallite size of the V2O5 NRs was increased by increasing the annealing duration. The morphological observations using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) displayed NRs structures whose diameter and length were found to increase with increase of the annealing duration. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the orthorhombic structures of the NRs. The AFM measurements indicated an increase of the average surface roughness by increasing the annealing time. The Raman spectroscopy revealed V–O–V phonon mode in the NRs annealed for 120 min. The optical bandgap was found in the range 2.6–2.58[Formula: see text]eV and observed to decrease with various duration annealed.
An Improved Time Integration Algorithm: A Collocation Time Finite Element Approach
Authors: Kim Wooram , Reddy J. N.
Published: May 2016

A time collocation finite element approach is employed to develop one- and two-step time integration schemes with algorithmic dissipation control capability. The newly developed time integration schemes are combined to obtain a new family of time integration algorithms using the concept employed by Baig and Bathe. The newly developed algorithm can effectively control the algorithmic dissipation by relating the collocation parameters with the spectral radius in the high frequency limit. The new algorithm provides better accuracy compared with the generalized-[Formula: see text] method for highly dissipative cases and includes the Baig and Bathe method within its family as a special case.
Knowledge Management for Healthcare: Investigating Practices that Drive Performance
Authors: Alajmi Bibi M. , Marouf Laila N. , Chaudhry Abdus Sattar
Published: May 2016

Knowledge management (KM) is considered an important intervention in improving health care services. KM facilitates the transfer of existing knowledge and the development of new knowledge in hospitals. This research focuses on investigating the relationship between KM practices and performance in selected hospitals in Kuwait, exemplified by perceived productivity and quality. Survey data were collected from 277 doctors working in public and private hospitals in Kuwait. As predicted by previous studies, the doctors who responded to this research perceived good KM practices to have positive correlations with the productivity and quality of hospitals. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant predictive power of knowledge capturing practices in predicting productivity and quality of hospitals. Knowledge sharing practices showed no significant predictive power in the model, and knowledge generating practices showed a slight prediction power.
Biharmonic hypersurfaces in pseudo-Riemannian space forms
Authors: Yang Dan , Fu Yu
Published: May 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a nondegenerate biharmonic pseudo-Riemannian hypersurface in a pseudo-Riemannian space form [Formula: see text] with constant sectional curvature [Formula: see text]. We show that [Formula: see text] has constant mean curvature provided that it has three distinct principal curvatures and the Weingarten operator can be diagonalizable.
Visible light excitable 3-formylBODIPYs for selective fluorescent and colorimetric sensing of cysteine
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Wu Yangchun , Zhang Min , Yu Changjiang , Hao Erhong , Jiao Lijuan
Published: May 2016

Selective fluorescent and colorimetric sensing of cysteine in methanol-HEPES buffer (45 mM, pH [Formula: see text] 7.2, v/v [Formula: see text] 1/1) solution over various common amino acids and related thiol containing compounds has been achieved based on the cyclization reaction between the formyl group on 3-formylBODIPYs and cysteine/homocystein. Upon addition of cysteine/homocystein, 3-formylBODIPYs exhibited greatly enhanced fluorescence intensity as well as an abvious red-shift of the absorption peak (20–30 nm). The detection limits for cysteine were in the range of 1.18–2.73 [Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text] M. The detection mechanism was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance and theoretical calculation.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of meso-aryloxy linked BODIPY monomers, dimers, and trimer
Authors: Yu Changjiang , Wu Qinghua , Tian Zhonghua , Li Tingting , Hao Erhong , Jiao Lijuan
Published: May 2016

A series of meso-aryloxy linked BODIPY monomers, dimers and trimer were synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction from phenols with meso-chloro BODIPY and their photophysical properties were systematically studied by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The relationship between their photophysical properties and the spatial arrangement of meso-aryloxy linked BODIPYs has been discussed. The monomers exhibited different extent solvent-dependent fluorescence, and fluorescence quenching in polar solvents were found relative to the HOMO energies of the donor (meso-phenols), indicating possible PET effect from meso-phenols to the BODIPY fluorophore. Ortho-dimer showed unusual broad red-shifted emission bands centered at 550 nm with a larger Stokes shifts at the range of 2900–3400 cm[Formula: see text], and low fluorescence quantum yields, which was in sharp contrast to those of other dimers and trimer, indicating of possible excimeric species formation due to slipped cofacial arrangement ofortho-dimer.
Investigation of Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Al2O3/Water Nanofluids Using Full Factorial Design and Utility Concept
Authors: Khurana Deepak , Choudhary Rajesh , Subudhi Sudhakar
Published: May 2016

In the present study, the effect of particle concentration, particle diameter and temperature on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of Al2O3/water nanofluids was investigated experimentally using design of experiment approach (full factorial design). Variables were selected at two levels each: particle concentration (0.1–1%), particle diameter (20–40[Formula: see text]nm) and temperature (10–40[Formula: see text]C). It was observed that the thermal conductivity of the Al2O3/water nanofluids increases with increasing concentration and temperature and decreases with increase in particle diameter, while viscosity increases with increasing particle diameter. Results showed that the interaction effect of concentration and temperature also has significant effect on the thermal conductivity of Al2O3/water nanofluids. For viscosity, the interaction of particle diameter and temperature was important. Utility concept was used to optimize the properties collectively for better heat transfer performance. The optimal combination for high thermal conductivity and low viscosity was obtained at higher level of particle concentration (1%), lower level of particle diameter (20[Formula: see text]nm) and higher level of temperature (40[Formula: see text]C). At this condition the increment in thermal conductivity and viscosity compared to base fluid was 11.51% and 6.37%, respectively.
Mapping of b-Value Anomalies Along the Strike-Slip Fault System on the Thailand–Myanmar Border: Implications for Upcoming Earthquakes
Authors: Pailoplee Santi
Published: May 2016

In order to determine the prospective areas of the forthcoming earthquake sources, the [Formula: see text]-values of the frequency-magnitude earthquake distributions were analyzed spatially and mapped along the strike-slip fault system at the Thailand–Myanmar border. In order to constrain the relationship between the variation of [Formula: see text] and the following hazardous earthquake, the completeness of earthquake catalogue was manipulated into two datasets for (i) 1980–2000 and (ii) 1980–2005 and the [Formula: see text]-values mapped. Utilizing the suitable assumption of 30 fixed earthquake events, the following [Formula: see text] earthquakes illustrate a significant relation between their epicenter and the areas showing relatively low [Formula: see text]-values. By utilizing the most recent earthquake data (1980–2015), five areas exhibiting low [Formula: see text]-values (implying prospective earthquake sources) can be identified along the strike-slip fault system. Compared with earthquake activities evaluated previously along the strike-slip fault system, the data reveal that these five areas may potentially generate earthquakes up to 7.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] within the coming 50 years; the recurrence of the [Formula: see text]-5.0 earthquake is about 10 years and the probabilities of the [Formula: see text]-5.0 earthquake are about 40–95%, respectively. Since these prospective hazardous seismic zones are located close to cities, population centers and hydropower dams, an effective mitigation plan should be developed.
Pseudo Bond Graph Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Thermal Transfers Inside a Household Refrigerator
Authors: Aridhi Emna , Abbes Mehdi , Mami Abdelkader
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a pseudo bond graph model of thermal transfers by natural convection inside a household refrigerator. It has two inputs: the ambient temperature and the temperature at the level of the evaporator wall. The latter assesses the functioning of the compressor cycles. A performance comparison, with the experimental data, was carried out in order to verify the model, in which, real measurements are used to modulate the evaporator temperature source. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The source of Dalradian detritus in the Buchan Block, NE Scotland: application of new tools to detrital datasets
Authors: Johnson T. E. , Kirkland C. L. , Reddy S. M. , Evans N. J. , McDonald B. J.
Published: May 2016

Detrital zircons from four samples of upper Dalradian metasedimentary rocks from the Buchan Block in the NE Grampian Highlands of Scotland were analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to establish their U–Pb age and trace element composition. The analysed grains (magmatic cores) mainly yield concordant ages ranging from Neoproterozoic to Eoarchaean. Kernel density plots of the data show pronounced peaks in the late Mesoproterozoic, Palaeoproterozoic and Neoarchaean eras. The data are indistinguishable from detrital zircon age spectra from Dalradian rocks elsewhere, an interpretation supported by application of a non-parametric multidimensional scaling algorithm, and are consistent with a Laurentian source. Similar to existing studies from other Dalradian rocks, the age spectra from the Buchan Block reveal an increase in the relative proportion of older detritus with time, suggesting derivation from late Mesoproterozoic (Grenville) then Palaeoproterozoic orogens before widespread exposure and denudation of their Archaean basement rocks. Application of a novel approach to estimate the most likely time of radiogenic-Pb loss indicates that some detrital zircon grains were affected by element mobility around 470–450 Ma as a result of Grampian orogenesis.

Supplementary material:
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb and trace element data, a matrix showing results of Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K–S) test, cathodoluminescence imaging of zircons and selected trace element plots are available at
http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3153931
STT-MRAM-Based PUF Architecture Exploiting Magnetic Tunnel Junction Fabrication-Induced Variability
Authors: Vatajelu Elena Ioana , Natale Giorgio Di , Barbareschi Mario , Torres Lionel , Indaco Marco , Prinetto Paolo
Published: May 2016

Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are emerging cryptographic primitives used to implement low-cost device authentication and secure secret key generation.
Weak PUF
s (i.e., devices able to generate a single signature or to deal with a limited number of challenges) are widely discussed in literature. One of the most investigated solutions today is based on SRAMs. However, the rapid development of low-power, high-density, high-performance SoCs has pushed the embedded memories to their limits and opened the field to the development of emerging memory technologies. The Spin-Transfer-Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM) has emerged as a promising choice for embedded memories due to its reduced read/write latency and high CMOS integration capability. In this article, we propose an innovative PUF design based on STT-MRAM memory. We exploit the high variability affecting the electrical resistance of the Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) device in anti-parallel magnetization. We will demonstrate that the proposed solution is robust, unclonable, and unpredictable.
Gastrointestinal and hepatic mechanisms limiting entry and dissemination of lipopolysaccharide into the systemic circulation
Authors: Guerville Mathilde , Boudry Gaëlle
Published: May 2016

The human microbiota consists of 100 trillion microorganisms that provide important metabolic and biological functions benefiting the host. However, the presence in host plasma of a gut-derived bacteria component, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), has been identified as a causal or complicating factor in multiple serious diseases such as sepsis and septic shock and, more recently, obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which gut-derived LPS is transported from the gut lumen to the systemic circulation is crucial to advance our knowledge of LPS-associated diseases and elaborate targeted strategies for their prevention. The aim of this review is to synthetize current knowledge on the host mechanisms limiting the entry and dissemination of LPS into the systemic circulation. To prevent bacterial colonization and penetration, the intestinal epithelium harbors multiple defense mechanisms including the secretion of antimicrobial peptides and mucins as well as detoxification enzymes. Despite this first line of defense, LPS can reach the apical site of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and, because of its large size, likely crosses IECs via transcellular transport, either lipid raft- or clathrin-mediated endocytosis or goblet cell-associated passage. However, the precise pathway remains poorly described. Finally, if LPS crosses the gut mucosa, it is directed via the portal vein to the liver, where major detoxification processes occur by deacetylation and excretion through the bile. If this disposal process is not sufficient, LPS enters the systemic circulation, where it is handled by numerous transport proteins that clear it back to the liver for further excretion.
ВПЛИВ КЛІТИННОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ НА ДИНАМІКУ ПРОЦЕСІВ ЦИТОЛІЗУ В РАННІЙ І ПІЗНІЙ ПЕРІОД ПОЄДНАНОЇ КРАНІОСКЕЛЕТНОЇ ТРАВМИ, УСКЛАДНЕНОЇ КРОВОВТРАТОЮ
Authors: Borys R. M.
Published: May 2016

РЕЗЮМЕ. В умовах краніоскелетної травми, ускладненої крововтратою, впродовж періоду ранніх і пізніх
проявів травматичної хвороби (3–25 діб) відмічається виражений синдром цитолізу, який супроводжується істотним
збільшенням активності аспартат- і аланінамінотрансфераз сироватки крові впродовж 25 діб посттравматичного
періоду. Застосування кріоконсервованих фетальних нервових клітин у цих експериментальних умовах
супроводжується вираженим цитопротекторним ефектом, який найбільше виражений через 14 і 25 діб
експерименту.

КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: краніоскелетна травма, крововтрата, клітинна терапія, цитоліз.
ЕКСТРАКОРПОРАЛЬНА ДЕТОКСИКАЦІЯ В ЛІКУВАННІ ХВОРИХ НА ГОСТРИЙ ПАНКРЕАТИТ
Authors: Hrynkiv N. I.
Published: May 2016

РЕЗЮМЕ. За період з 2007 по 2012 р. обстежено 115 хворих на гострий панкреатит різного ступеня тяжкості
віком від 28 до 72 років. У обстежених пацієнтів виявлено зміни клітинного і гуморального імунітету, порівняно із
здоровими: у крові зменшувалася відносна кількість основних класів клітин клітинної ланки імунітету. Обстежені
пацієнти були поділені на 2 групи: пацієнти з гострим панкреатитом, набряковою формою – 23 хворих; пацієнти
з гострим деструктивним панкреатитом – 92 пацієнти. В основну групу спостереження увійшли 42 пацієнти
(36,8 %), у яких позитивних результатів досягнуто за допомогою інтенсивної консервативної терапії, оперативного
лікування, а також застосування екстракорпоральної детоксикації. Застосування еферентних методів в лікуванні
гострого деструктивного панкреатиту дозволило зменшити кількість гнійно-септичних ускладнень та летальних
наслідків.

КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: панкреатит, екстракорпоральна детоксикація.
ОЦІНКА ДЕПРЕСИВНИХ РОЗЛАДІВ У ХВОРИХ З АНКІЛОЗИВНИМ СПОНДИЛОАРТРИТОМ
Authors: Koshak B. O.
Published: May 2016

РЕЗЮМЕ. Для визначення глибини депресивних змін обстежено 70 хворих на анкілозивний спондилоартрит
(АТ) з використанням тесту Бека та шкали Тейлора. Встановлено, що найвищий рівень депресивних розладів
зустрічається за умов вперше встановленого діагнозу анкілозивного спондилоартриту. Надалі при адекватному
лікуванні вдається домогтися значного покращення психоемоційного стану на 1–10 році захворювання. Проте
при поступовому прогресуванні захворювання за умов незворотних змін якість життя значно погіршується, що
проявляється значним погіршанням в психоемоційній сфері і потребує медикаментозної корекції.

КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: анкілозивний спондилоартрит, депресія.
СТАН ІМУННОГО ГОМЕОСТАЗУ ПРИ ПОРУШЕННІ МЕНСТРУАЛЬНОГО ЦИКЛУ У ЖІНОК, ЩО ХВОРІЮТЬ НА ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗ
Authors: Romaniuk O. V. , Polyova S. P.
Published: May 2016

РЕЗЮМЕ. Наведені дані досліджень показників імунного протиінфекційного захисту у пацієнток із
порушеннями менструального циклу (ПМЦ), які хворіють на туберкульоз (ТБ) легень. Показано, що в результаті
змін неспецифічної ефекторної системи протиінфекційного захисту та клітинної ланки системи імунітету на тлі
туберкульозу менструальний цикл (МЦ) у даної когорти жінок зазнає суттєвих порушень. Встановлено, що у
пацієнток, хворих на ТБ легень, формується набутий імунодефіцитний стан за клітинним типом. Встановлена роль
гуморальної ланки системного імунітету у комплексі порушень менструальної функції пацієнток, які хворіють на
туберкульоз.

КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: туберкульоз, менструальний цикл, імунна система, діагностика.
Disponibilidade e escassez de água na Grande São Paulo. Elementos-chave para se compreender a origem da atual crise de abastecimento
Authors: Rodrigues Cleide , Villela Fernando Nadal Junqueira
Published: May 2016

O presente estudo identifica elementos e recortes têmporo espaciais para sugerir aprofundamentos na abordagem das causas da atual crise de abastecimento de água na região da Grande São Paulo. São consideradas questões climáticas, a mídia impressa e suas ênfases, além da questão dos marcos regulatórios, evolução da capacidade instalada para o abastecimento da região e as condições de conservação da área produtora de água bruta do Sistema Cantareira. Essa avaliação é fundamentada em estudos de especialistas e pesquisas desenvolvidas no âmbito da Hidrografia e Geografia nas bacias hidrográficas geradoras, cujos dados são utilizados para avaliar a gestão dos recursos hídricos de longo prazo no plano de responsabilidade governamental. Realiza-se também uma breve análise da variabilidade das chuvas que, em conjunto com os demais elementos apresentados, demonstra ser necessário conjugar uma série de fatores para compreensão da crise hídrica atual.
Field Synopsis of the Role of Sex in Stroke Prediction Models
Authors: Paulus Jessica K. , Lai Lana Y. H. , Lundquist Christine , Daneshmand Ali , Buettner Hannah , Lutz Jennifer S. , Raman Gowri , Wessler Benjamin S. , Kent David M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Guidelines for stroke prevention recommend development of sex‐specific stroke risk scores. Incorporating sex in Clinical Prediction Models (
CPM
s) may support sex‐specific clinical decision making. To better understand their potential to guide sex‐specific care, we conducted a field synopsis of the role of sex in stroke‐related
CPM
s.

Methods and Results

We identified stroke‐related
CPM
s in the Tufts
Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness CPM
Database, a systematic summary of cardiovascular
CPM
s published from January 1990 to May 2012. We report the proportion of models including the effect of sex on stroke incidence or prognosis, summarize the directionality of the predictive effects of sex, and explore factors influencing the inclusion of sex. Of 92 stroke‐related
CPM
s, 30 (33%) contained a coefficient for sex or presented sex‐stratified models. Only 12/58 (21%)
CPM
s predicting outcomes in patients included sex, compared to 18/30 (60%) models predicting first stroke (
P
<0.0001). Sex was most commonly included in models predicting stroke among a general population (69%). Female sex was consistently associated with reduced mortality after ischemic stroke (n=4) and higher risk of stroke from arrhythmias or coronary revascularization (n=5). Models predicting first stroke versus outcomes among patients with stroke (odds ratio=5.75, 95%
CI
2.18–15.14,
P
<0.001) and those developed from larger versus smaller sample sizes (odds ratio=4.58, 95%
CI
1.73–12.13,
P
=0.002) were significantly more likely to include sex.

Conclusions

Sex is included in a minority of published
CPM
s, but more frequently in models predicting incidence of first stroke. The importance of sex‐specific care may be especially well established for primary prevention.
Progressive Cortical Neuronal Damage and Chronic Hemodynamic Impairment in Atherosclerotic Major Cerebral Artery Disease
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroshi , Kagawa Shinya , Kishibe Yoshihiko , Takahashi Masaaki , Higashi Tatsuya
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Cross-sectional studies suggest that chronic hemodynamic impairment may cause selective cortical neuronal damage in patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusive disease. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the progression of cortical neuronal damage, evaluated as a decrease in central benzodiazepine receptors (BZRs), is associated with hemodynamic impairment at baseline or hemodynamic deterioration during follow-up.

Methods—

We evaluated the distribution of BZRs twice using positron emission tomography and
11
C-flumazenil over time in 80 medically treated patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusive disease that had no ischemic episodes during follow-up. Using 3D stereotactic surface projections, we quantified abnormal decreases in the BZRs in the cerebral cortex within the middle cerebral artery distribution and correlated changes in the BZR index with the mean hemispheric values of hemodynamic parameters obtained from
15
O gas positron emission tomography.

Results—

In the hemisphere affected by arterial disease, the BZR index in 40 patients (50%) was increased during follow-up (mean 26±20 months). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, increases in the BZR index were associated with the decreased cerebral blood flow at baseline and an increased oxygen extraction fraction during follow-up. Increases in the oxygen extraction fraction during follow-up were associated with a lack of statin use.

Conclusions—

In patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease, the progression of cortical neuronal damage was associated with hemodynamic impairment at baseline and hemodynamic deterioration during follow-up. Statin use may be beneficial against hemodynamic deterioration and therefore neuroprotective.
Echoing Plaque Activity of the Coronary and Intracranial Arteries in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Chung Jong-Won , Bang Oh Young , Lee Mi Ji , Hwang Jaechun , Cha Jihoon , Choi Jin-Ho , Choe Yeon Hyeon
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, and both coronary and intracranial atherosclerosis are common in the elderly. Unlike coronary artery disease (CAD), intracranial atherosclerotic disease can cause intracranial atherosclerotic stroke by branch occlusive disease (B-type) and coronary-type rupture of plaque (C-type). We hypothesized that plaque characteristics of intracranial arteries are associated with those of coronary arteries.

Methods—

Eighty-one patients with acute cerebral infarcts caused by intracranial atherosclerotic disease without history of CAD were analyzed. Asymptomatic CAD burden (number and degree of stenosis) and plaque characteristics (calcified, mixed, and noncalcified) were measured with multidetector computed tomography, whereas the asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease burden was measured using magnetic resonance angiography. The symptomatic intracranial artery was analyzed using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging for vascular morphology (stenosis degree, remodeling index, and wall index) and plaque activation (enhancement pattern and volume).

Results—

The asymptomatic CAD burden was correlated with the asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease burden. The overall CAD burden did not differ between B- and C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke. However, the prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque was much higher in C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke and the presence of coronary noncalcified plaque was independently associated with C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–10.85;
P
=0.041). As the number of coronary noncalcified plaques increased, positive remodeling and plaque enhancement increased in the symptomatic intracranial artery on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusions—

Plaques within the intracranial and coronary arteries behave in similar ways. Our results suggest the need to evaluate and treat other vascular trees in patients with vulnerable plaques within a single arterial system.
Carotid Atherosclerosis and Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bekwelem Wobo , Jensen Paul N. , Norby Faye L. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Agarwal Sunil K. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Pan Wei , Folsom Aaron R. , Longstreth W.T. , Alonso Alvaro , Heckbert Susan R. , Chen Lin Y.
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Whether consideration of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque would improve risk prediction of ischemic stroke in persons with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the improvement in risk prediction of stroke by adding cIMT and carotid plaque to the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc (variables age, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and peripheral arterial disease) score.

Methods—

We included participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (mean age, 63 years) who developed AF within 5 years after carotid measurement, were not on warfarin, and had no prior stroke at AF diagnosis. AF was ascertained from study ECGs and diagnosis codes, and stroke was physician adjudicated. Multivariable Cox models were used to assess association between carotid indices and ischemic stroke. Improvement in 10-year risk prediction of stroke was assessed by the
C
-statistic, net reclassification improvement, and relative integrated discrimination improvement.

Results—

There were 81 (11.2%) stroke events that occurred among 724 participants with AF during a mean follow-up of 8.5 years. Increased cIMT and presence of carotid plaque were significantly associated with increased stroke risk. The addition of cIMT+plaque to the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score marginally increased the
C
-statistic (95% confidence interval) from 0.685 (0.623−0.747) to 0.698 (0.638−0.759). The net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement for cIMT+plaque were 0.091 (95% confidence interval, 0.012−0.170) and 0.101 (95% confidence interval, 0.002−0.226), respectively.

Conclusions—

Increased cIMT and presence of carotid plaque are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with AF. Furthermore, they may improve risk prediction of stroke, over and above the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score.
Probability-Weighted Ensembles of U.S. County-Level Climate Projections for Climate Risk Analysis
Authors: Rasmussen D. J. , Meinshausen Malte , Kopp Robert E.
Published: May 2016

Quantitative assessment of climate change risk requires a method for constructing probabilistic time series of changes in physical climate parameters. Here, two such methods, surrogate/model mixed ensemble (SMME) and Monte Carlo pattern/residual (MCPR), are developed and then are applied to construct joint probability density functions (PDFs) of temperature and precipitation change over the twenty-first century for every county in the United States. Both methods produce likely (67% probability) temperature and precipitation projections that are consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s interpretation of an equal-weighted Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) ensemble but also provide full PDFs that include tail estimates. For example, both methods indicate that, under “Representative Concentration Pathway” 8.5, there is a 5% chance that the contiguous United States could warm by at least 8°C between 1981–2010 and 2080–99. Variance decomposition of SMME and MCPR projections indicates that background variability dominates uncertainty in the early twenty-first century whereas forcing-driven changes emerge in the second half of the twenty-first century. By separating CMIP5 projections into unforced and forced components using linear regression, these methods generate estimates of unforced variability from existing CMIP5 projections without requiring the computationally expensive use of multiple realizations of a single GCM.
Precipitation-Top Heights of Heavy Orographic Rainfall in the Asian Monsoon Region
Authors: Shige Shoichi , Kummerow Christian D.
Published: May 2016

Over coastal mountain ranges of the Asian monsoon region, heavy orographic rainfall is frequently associated with low precipitation-top heights (PTHs). This leads to conspicuous underestimation of rainfall using microwave radiometer algorithms, which conventionally assume that heavy rainfall is associated with high PTHs. Although topographically forced upward motion is important for rainfall occurrence, it does not fully constrain precipitation profiles in this region. This paper focuses on the thermodynamic characteristics of the atmosphere that determine PTHs in tropical coastal mountains of Asia (Western Ghats, Arakan Yoma, Bilauktaung, Cardamom, Annam Range, and the Philippines).

PTHs of heavy orographic rainfall generally decrease with enhanced low- and midlevel relative humidity, especially during the summer monsoon. In contrast, PTHs over the Annam Range of the Indochina Peninsula increase with enhanced low-level and midlevel relative humidity during the transition from boreal summer to winter monsoon, demonstrating that convection depth is not simply a function of humidity. Instead, PTHs of heavy orographic rainfall decreased with increasing low-level stability for all monsoon regions considered in this study, as well as the Annam Range during the transition from boreal summer to winter monsoon. Therefore, low-level static stability, which inhibits cloud growth and promotes cloud detrainment, appears to be the most important parameter in determining PTHs of heavy rainfall in the Asian monsoon region.
A Climatology of Clouds in Marine Cold Air Outbreaks in Both Hemispheres
Authors: Fletcher Jennifer K. , Mason Shannon , Jakob Christian
Published: May 2016

A climatology of clouds within marine cold air outbreaks, primarily using long-term satellite observations, is presented. Cloud properties between cold air outbreaks in different regions in both hemispheres are compared. In all regions marine cold air outbreak clouds tend to be low level with high cloud fraction and low-to-moderate optical thickness. Stronger cold air outbreaks have clouds that are optically thicker, but not geometrically thicker, than those in weaker cold air outbreaks. There is some evidence that clouds deepen and break up over the course of a cold air outbreak event. The top-of-the-atmosphere longwave cloud radiative effect in cold air outbreaks is small because the clouds have low tops. However, their surface longwave cloud radiative effect is considerably larger. The rarity of cold air outbreaks in summer limits their shortwave cloud radiative effect. They do not contribute substantially to global shortwave cloud radiative effect and are, therefore, unlikely to be a major source of shortwave cloud radiative effect errors in climate models.
The Independence and Interdependence of Coacting Observers in Regard to Performance Efficiency, Workload, and Stress in a Vigilance Task
Authors: Funke Gregory J. , Warm Joel S. , Baldwin Carryl L. , Garcia Andre , Funke Matthew E. , Dillard Michael B. , Finomore Victor S. , Matthews Gerald , Greenlee Eric T.
Published: May 2016

Objective

We investigated performance, workload, and stress in groups of paired observers who performed a vigilance task in a coactive (independent) manner.

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that groups of coactive observers detect more signals in a vigilance task than observers working alone. Therefore, the use of such groups might be effective in enhancing signal detection in operational situations. However, concern over appearing less competent than one’s cohort might induce elevated levels of workload and stress in coactive group members and thereby undermine group performance benefits. Accordingly, we performed the initial experiment comparing workload and stress in observers who performed a vigilance task coactively with those of observers who performed the vigilance task alone.

Method

Observers monitored a video display for collision flight paths in a simulated unmanned aerial vehicle control task. Self-reports of workload and stress were secured via the NASA-Task Load Index and the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Groups of coactive observers detected significantly more signals than did single observers. Coacting observers did not differ significantly from those operating by themselves in terms of workload but did in regard to stress; posttask distress was significantly lower for coacting than for single observers.

Conclusion

Performing a visual vigilance task in a coactive manner with another observer does not elevate workload above that of observers working alone and serves to attenuate the stress associated with vigilance task performance.

Application

The use of coacting observers could be an effective vehicle for enhancing performance efficiency in operational vigilance.
A Virtual Steel Sculpture for Structural Engineering Education: Development and Initial Findings
Authors: Dib Hazar Nicholas , Adamo-Villani Nicoletta
Published: May 2016

We describe the development and evaluation of a virtual steel sculpture for engineering education. A good connection design requires the engineer to have a solid understanding of the mechanics and steel behavior. To help students better understand various connection types, many schools have acquired steel sculptures. A steel sculpture is a physical system that shows 48 types of connection found in standard construction practices. Unfortunately, because of its size and location, students do not always have easy access to it. The virtual sculpture described in the article can provide an effective learning alternative. It allows the students to see the sculpture from multiple points of view anywhere, anytime and shows the close-up view of each connection with description of how it may be used, potential failure modes, sample calculations, and field examples. Findings from a formative study with engineering students support the pedagogical efficacy of the interactive sculpture.
Community (in) Colleges
Authors: Evans Eliza D. , McFarland Daniel A. , Rios-Aguilar Cecilia , Deil-Amen Regina
Published: May 2016

Objective: This study explores the relationship between online social network involvement and academic outcomes among community college students. Prior theory hypothesizes that socio-academic moments are especially important for the integration of students into community colleges and that integration is related to academic outcomes. Online social networks offer a forum for socio-academic contact and integration on 2-year campuses. Is involvement with online social networks positively related to academic outcomes? Method: This study draws on institutional and online network data. We qualitatively code text from the network ( N = 8,749) to examine the extent of socio-academic interaction. Using logistic and multiple regression, we examine the relationships between socio-academic exchanges, other forms of online network involvement, and student academic outcomes in a large sample of students ( N = 27,040). Results: Participation in socio-academic exchange is associated with higher grade point average. In addition, the prior academic outcomes of a student’s online friends are predictive of the student’s own outcomes after joining the network, suggesting the possibility of peer effects. Other network behaviors are not significantly related to the academic outcomes we study. Contributions: This study is the first to consider online social networks as a forum for socio-academic integration at a community college. Our study fills a gap in the research literature with respect to understanding the socio-academic integration of community college students and the potential of social media to foster integration. Through our findings, this study offers strategic ways for practitioners to think about implementing social media to benefit students academically.
From the Neoliberal State to a Neo-National Development in Northwestern Argentina
Authors: Weinberg Marina
Published: May 2016

While much has been written on indigenous policy in Bolivia and Ecuador, the indigenous presence in the Argentine experience has been largely overlooked, perhaps because of the strong state-led homogenizing tradition that has obscured the country’s multiethnic character. A study of state formation and indigenous policy in northwestern Argentina focused on the Programa Social Agropecuario, launched during the 1990s, and its replacement, the Secretaría de Agricultura Familiar, established in 2006 under a new political model, shows an opening up of opportunities for indigenous organizations. At the same time, a private sector with excessive power persists. Strategies targeting the indigenous as a group have been useful for reversing the devastating effects of 1990s neoliberalism, but the formal incorporation of indigenous people into the state’s structure risks the loss of their political and historical particularities.

Si bien se ha escrito mucho sobre las políticas indígenas en Bolivia y en el Ecuador, la presencia indígena en la experiencia argentina ha sido en gran medida ignorada, quizás debido a la fuerte tradición homogeneizadora que, dirigida por el estado, oculta el carácter multiétnico del país. Un estudio sobre la formación del estado y política indígena en el noroeste de Argentina, usando como ejemplos el Programa Social Agropecuario (que fue lanzado en la década de los 90) y su sustituto, la Secretaría de Agricultura Familiar (que fue establecida en 2006 bajo un nuevo modelo político) muestra una apertura de oportunidades para las organizaciones indígenas. Al mismo tiempo, persiste un sector privado con un poder excesivo. Las estrategias dirigidas a los indígenas como grupo han sido útiles para revertir los efectos devastadores del neoliberalismo de la década de los 90, pero la incorporación formal de las comunidades indígenas a la estructura del estado trae el riesgo de la pérdida de las particularidades políticas e históricas de esas comunidades.
Drive-by-Doctoring: Contractual Issues and Regulatory Solutions to Increase Patient Protection from Surprise Medical Bills
Authors: Berke Daryl M.
Published: May 2016

In September of 2014, Elisabeth Rosenthal of The New York Times detailed a burgeoning problem she termed “drive-by-doctoring,” a practice in which patients go to the hospital for surgery with an in-network physician who, without the patient's knowledge or consent, is assisted by, or consults with, an out-of-network physician during the procedure. While the in-network physician's costs are covered by the patient's insurance, the out-of-network physician charges large fees for her participation, which typically are not fully covered by the patient's insurance plan and are instead passed directly through to the patient. Patients wake from surgery with surprise medical bills that can total over one hundred thousand dollars. Providers typically attempt to collect the full amount of these surprise charges, which “can be especially significant because … they may involve out-of-network providers who bill 20 to 40 times the usual local rates ….”
From Victim to Offender: How Nuisance Property Laws Affect Battered Women
Authors: Arnold Gretchen W.
Published: May 2016

Nuisance property laws, which fine people for excessive 911 calls, have become increasingly popular in cities of all sizes. However, research into how these laws affect battered women is still in its early stages. This research study was designed to address the question of whether nuisance property laws harm battered women and, if so, how. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 primarily low-income African American battered women in St. Louis metropolitan area who had come into contact with a nuisance property law because of domestic violence. Interviews addressed circumstances of contact with a nuisance law, the response of law enforcement officials, and how the law affected the participant’s housing, ability to call 911, sense of safety, finances, access to health care, and family stability. Using a multi-stage qualitative analytic procedure, each transcript was coded for themes and then descriptive categories developed for each theme. The data demonstrate that nuisance property laws harm victims of domestic violence in several ways, including by hindering their access to safe and secure housing, discouraging them from calling 911, increasing their vulnerability to violence, and compounding the trauma of the intimate partner violence. This research also reveals ways in which nuisance laws reinforce gender, race, and class inequality. The findings show that nuisance property laws enhance the abuser’s power over his victim, hold victims accountable for the abuse, exacerbate the class- and race-based risks many battered women already face, and obscure the real crime of domestic violence. Policy makers need to be informed of these consequences so that they can take action to reform nuisance laws.
Nurses’ attitudes towards euthanasia in conflict with professional ethical guidelines
Authors: Terkamo-Moisio Anja , Kvist Tarja , Kangasniemi Mari , Laitila Teuvo , Ryynänen Olli-Pekka , Pietilä Anna-Maija
Published: May 2016

Background:

Despite the significant role of nurses in end-of-life care, their attitudes towards euthanasia are under-represented both in the current literature and the controversial debate that is ongoing in several countries.

Research questions:

What are the attitudes towards euthanasia among Finnish nurses? Which characteristics are associated with those attitudes?

Research design:

Cross-sectional web-based survey.

Participants and research context:

A total of 1003 nurses recruited via the members’ bulletin of the Finnish Nurses Association and social media.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical approval was obtained from the Committee on Research Ethics of the university to which the authors were affiliated.

Findings:

The majority (74.3%) of the participants would accept euthanasia as part of Finnish healthcare, and 61.8% considered that Finland would benefit from a law permitting euthanasia. Most of the nurses (89.9%) thought that a person must have the right to decide on his or her own death; 77.4% of them considered it likely that they would themselves make a request for euthanasia in certain situations.

Discussion:

The value of self-determination and the ability to choose the moment and manner of one’s death are emphasized in the nurses’ attitudes towards euthanasia.

Conclusion:

A continuous dialogue about euthanasia and nurses’ shared values is crucial due to the conflict between nurses’ attitudes and current ethical guidelines on nursing.