bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of a Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester Using Rolling Mechanism
Authors: Zou Hong-Xiang , Zhang Wen-Ming , Wei Ke-Xiang , Li Wen-Bo , Peng Zhi-Ke , Meng Guang
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a novel piezoelectric vibration energy harvester using rolling mechanism is presented, with the advantage of harvesting more vibration energy and reducing the impact forces caused by the oscillation. The design utilizes an array arrangement of balls rolling the piezoelectric units, and a piezoelectric unit consists of a piezoceramic (PZT) layer and two raised metal layers bonded to both sides of the PZT layer. The rolling mechanism converts the irregular reciprocating vibration into the regular unidirectional rolling motion, which can generate high and relatively stable rolling force applied to the piezoelectric units. A theoretical model is developed to characterize the rolling mechanism of a ball rolling on a piezoelectric unit. And based on the model, the effects of structural design parameters on the performances of the vibration energy harvester are analyzed. The experimental results show that the rolling-based vibration energy harvester under random vibration can generate stable amplitude direct current (DC) voltage, which can be stored more conveniently than the alternating current (AC) voltage. The experimental results also demonstrate that the vibration energy harvester can generate the power about 1.5 μW at resistive load 3.3 MΩ while the maximal rolling force is about 6.5 N. Due to the function of mechanical motion rectification and compact structure, the rolling mechanism can be suitable for integrating into a variety of devices, harvesting energy from uncertain vibration source and supplying electric energy to some devices requiring specific voltage value.
Surface Structure Enhanced Microchannel Flow Boiling
Authors: Zhu Yangying , Antao Dion S. , Chu Kuang-Han , Chen Siyu , Hendricks Terry J. , Zhang Tiejun , Wang Evelyn N.
Published: April 2016

We investigated the role of surface microstructures in two-phase microchannels on suppressing flow instabilities and enhancing heat transfer. We designed and fabricated microchannels with well-defined silicon micropillar arrays on the bottom heated microchannel wall to promote capillary flow for thin film evaporation while facilitating nucleation only from the sidewalls. Our experimental results show significantly reduced temperature and pressure drop fluctuation especially at high heat fluxes. A critical heat flux (CHF) of 969 W/cm2 was achieved with a structured surface, a 57% enhancement compared to a smooth surface. We explain the experimental trends for the CHF enhancement with a liquid wicking model. The results suggest that capillary flow can be maximized to enhance heat transfer via optimizing the microstructure geometry for the development of high performance two-phase microchannel heat sinks.
Existence of Universal Phase Diagrams for Describing General Pore Shape Resulting From an Entrapped Bubble During Solidification
Authors: Wei P. S. , Chang C. C.
Published: April 2016

This study shows that there exist a pair of universal and unique phase diagrams to describe general development of the pore shape in solid, resulting from a bubble captured by a solidification front. Like thermodynamics, phase diagrams have advantages to generally identify the states and design processes of a system. Pore formation and its shape in solids influence not only microstructure of materials but also contemporary issues of biology, engineering, foods, geophysics, and climate change, etc. In this study, a pair of phase diagrams is thus found to be under dimensionless coordinate systems of dimensionless apex radius, contact angle, and base radius of the bubble cap, as well as solidification rate, contact angle, and growth rate of base radius. The computed results of the development of the pore shape agree with experimental data. The pore shape in solid thus can be optimistically predicted and controlled by choosing a desired path on phase diagrams.
A Design Framework for Optimizing the Mechanical Performance, Cost, and Environmental Impact of a Wind Turbine Tower
Authors: Stratton Daniel , Martino Daniel , Pasquali Felipe M. , Lewis Kemper , Hall John F.
Published: April 2016

The tower represents a significant portion of the materials and cost of the small wind turbine system. Optimization techniques typically maximize the tower loading capability while reducing material use and cost. Still, tower design focuses mainly on structural integrity and durability. Moreover, tower motion that intensifies drivetrain and structural loads is only rarely considered. The environmental impact of the wind turbine must also be considered since wind energy promotes sustainability. Trade-offs between the structural performance, cost, and environmental impact are examined to guide the designer toward a sustainable alternative. Ultimately, an optimal design technique can be implemented and used to automate tower design. In this study, nine tower designs with different materials and geometries are analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA). The optimal tower design is selected using a multilevel-decision-making procedure. The analysis suggests that steel towers of minimal wall thickness are preferred. This study is a continuation of the previous work that optimized energy production and component life of small wind systems (Hall et al., 2015, “An Integrated Control and Design Framework for Optimizing Energy Capture and Component Life for a Wind Turbine Variable Ratio Gearbox,” ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng., 137(2), p. 021022). The long-term goal is to develop a tool that performs optimization and automated design of small wind systems. In our future work, the tower and drivetrain designs will be merged and studied using higher fidelity models.
Modification of the electronic properties of magic In clusters on Si(111)7 × 7 by different environments
Authors: Franz Martin , Schmermbeck Julia , Dähne Mario
Published: April 2016

The charge redistribution and the electronic properties of magic In clusters on the Si(111)7 × 7 surface were investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Thereby, special attention was directed to the influence of different environments, such as the orientation of the supporting 7 × 7 half unit cell and the beginning growth of two-dimensional cluster arrays, on the electronic properties of the clusters. It was found that clusters forming in the faulted and the unfaulted half unit cell of the 7 × 7 reconstruction as well as clusters neighboring other clusters exhibit different electronic properties. Although all clusters show a semiconducting behavior, their energy gaps vary. In addition, metal-induced gap states are observed in the tunneling spectra within the energy gap of the clusters due to the metallic states of the surrounding 7 × 7 surface that tail into the energy gap of the clusters. The larger energy gap of clusters neighboring other clusters, a situation that in principle represents the beginning growth of a two-dimensional array of clusters, is assigned to the smaller number of metallic 7 × 7 half unit cells in the close environment of these clusters.
Focused ion beam time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy tomography of through-silicon vias for 3D integration
Authors: Barnes Jean-Paul , Djomeni Larissa , Minoret Stéphane , Mourier Thierry , Fabbri Jean-Marc , Audoit Guillaume , Fadloun Sabrina
Published: April 2016

Two important issues for the integration of through-silicon via (TSV) interconnects are whether the TSVs are completely filled with Cu and whether unwanted Cu diffusion occurs. To address these issues, specific analysis protocols were developed using custom TSV geometry, sample preparation, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) analysis. To obtain three-dimensional (3D) information on the filling of the Cu TSV, an in situ Ga focused ion beam (FIB) was used to cut the TSVs, after which a TOF-SIMS image was acquired and a 3D volume was thereby acquired using a slice-and-view approach. In this way, voids in the TSVs were observed, and defects in the barrier layer were identified. To analyze Cu diffusion, a special square cross-section TSV geometry was used. A protocol was developed to allow depth profiling of TSVs using precise wafer cleaving followed by an ex situ plasma FIB cut that left the sidewalls of the TSVs covered with only a thin SiO2 layer. Dual-beam depth profiling was then used on the cleaved and FIB-polished side of the sample which was placed flat in the sample holder. Several TSVs were simultaneously depth-profiled, and the diffusion profiles of copper were analyzed at different TSV depths.
MDM2 inhibition rescues neurogenic and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Li Yue , Stockton Michael E. , Bhuiyan Ismat , Eisinger Brian E. , Gao Yu , Miller Jessica L. , Bhattacharyya Anita , Zhao Xinyu
Published: April 2016

The MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 rescues neurogenic and cognitive deficits in mice with fragile X syndrome.
Initiation of immune tolerance–controlled HIV gp41 neutralizing B cell lineages
Authors: Zhang Ruijun , Verkoczy Laurent , Wiehe Kevin , Munir Alam S. , Nicely Nathan I. , Santra Sampa , Bradley Todd , Pemble Charles W. , Zhang Jinsong , Gao Feng , Montefiori David C. , Bouton-Verville Hilary , Kelsoe Garnett , Larimore Kevin , Greenberg Phillip D. , Parks Robert , Foulger Andrew , Peel Jessica N. , Luo Kan , Lu Xiaozhi , Trama Ashley M. , Vandergrift Nathan , Tomaras Georgia D. , Kepler Thomas B. , Moody M. Anthony , Liao Hua-Xin , Haynes Barton F.
Published: April 2016

Immune tolerance mechanisms limit gp41 neutralizing antibody lineage maturation to broadly neutralizing antibodies.
IRF7
inhibition prevents destructive innate immunity—A target for nonantibiotic therapy of bacterial infections
Authors: Puthia Manoj , Ambite Ines , Cafaro Caterina , Butler Daniel , Huang Yujing , Lutay Nataliya , Rydström Gustav , Gullstrand Birgitta , Swaminathan Bhairavi , Nadeem Aftab , Nilsson Björn , Svanborg Catharina
Published: April 2016

Interferon regulatory factor 7 is an innate immune target for non–antibiotic-based immunotherapy for bacterial infection.
An incentive-based approach for improving data reproducibility
Authors: Rosenblatt Michael
Published: April 2016

A scientist who has worked in both academia and industry offers an incentive-based and nonprescriptive proposal to reduce data irreproducibility.
Murine Cytomegalovirus Exploits Olfaction To Enter New Hosts
Authors: Farrell Helen E. , Lawler Clara , Tan Cindy S. E. , MacDonald Kate , Bruce Kimberley , Mach Michael , Davis-Poynter Nick , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: April 2016

Viruses transmit via the environmental and social interactions of their hosts. Herpesviruses have colonized mammals since their earliest origins, suggesting that they exploit ancient, common pathways. Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are assumed to enter new hosts orally, but no site has been identified. We show by live imaging that murine CMV (MCMV) infects nasally rather than orally, both after experimental virus uptake and during natural transmission. Replication-deficient virions revealed the primary target as olfactory neurons. Local, nasal replication by wild-type MCMV was not extensive, but there was rapid systemic spread, associated with macrophage infection. A long-term, transmissible infection was then maintained in the salivary glands. The viral m131/m129 chemokine homolog, which influences tropism, promoted salivary gland colonization after nasal entry but was not required for entry
per se
. The capacity of MCMV to transmit via olfaction, together with previous demonstrations of experimental olfactory infection by murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), suggest that this is a common, conserved route of mammalian herpesvirus entry.

IMPORTANCE
Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) infect most mammals. Human CMV (HCMV) harms people with poor immune function and can damage the unborn fetus. It infects approximately 1% of live births. We lack a good vaccine. One problem is that how CMVs first enter new hosts remains unclear. Oral entry is often assumed, but the evidence is indirect, and no infection site is known. The difficulty of analyzing HCMV makes related animal viruses an important source of insights. Murine CMV (MCMV) infected not orally but nasally. Specifically, it targeted olfactory neurons. Viral transmission was also a nasal infection. Like HCMV, MCMV infected cells by binding to heparan, and olfactory surfaces display heparan to incoming viruses, whereas most other mucosal surfaces do not. These data establish a new understanding of CMV infections and a basis for infection control.
Sequential Acquisition of Virulence and Fluoroquinolone Resistance Has Shaped the Evolution of Escherichia coli ST131
Authors: Ben Zakour Nouri L. , Alsheikh-Hussain Areej S. , Ashcroft Melinda M. , Khanh Nhu Nguyen Thi , Roberts Leah W. , Stanton-Cook Mitchell , Schembri Mark A. , Beatson Scott A.
Published: April 2016

Escherichia coli
ST131 is the most frequently isolated fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQR)
E. coli
clone worldwide and a major cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections. Although originally identified through its association with the CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance gene, global genomic epidemiology studies have failed to resolve the geographical and temporal origin of the ST131 ancestor. Here, we developed a framework for the reanalysis of publically available genomes from different countries and used this data set to reconstruct the evolutionary steps that led to the emergence of FQR ST131. Using Bayesian estimation, we show that point mutations in chromosomal genes that confer FQR coincide with the first clinical use of fluoroquinolone in 1986 and illustrate the impact of this pivotal event on the rapid population expansion of ST131 worldwide from an apparent origin in North America. Furthermore, we identify virulence factor acquisition events that predate the development of FQR, suggesting that the gain of virulence-associated genes followed by the tandem development of antibiotic resistance primed the successful global dissemination of ST131.

IMPORTANCE
Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) is a recently emerged and globally disseminated multidrug-resistant clone frequently associated with human urinary tract and bloodstream infections. In this study, we have used two large publically available genomic data sets to define a number of critical steps in the evolution of this important pathogen. We show that resistance to fluoroquinolones, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotic used extensively in human medicine and veterinary practice, developed in ST131 soon after the introduction of these antibiotics in the United States, most likely in North America. We also mapped the acquisition of several fitness and virulence determinants by ST131 and demonstrate these events occurred prior to the development of fluoroquinolone resistance. Thus, ST131 has emerged by stealth, first acquiring genes associated with an increased capacity to cause human infection, and then gaining a resistance armory that has driven its massive population expansion across the globe.
Local Population Structure and Patterns of Western Hemisphere Dispersal for
Coccidioides
spp., the Fungal Cause of Valley Fever
Authors: Engelthaler David M. , Roe Chandler C. , Hepp Crystal M. , Teixeira Marcus , Driebe Elizabeth M. , Schupp James M. , Gade Lalitha , Waddell Victor , Komatsu Kenneth , Arathoon Eduardo , Logemann Heidi , Thompson George R. , Chiller Tom , Barker Bridget , Keim Paul , Litvintseva Anastasia P.
Published: April 2016

Coccidioidomycosis (or valley fever) is a fungal disease with high morbidity and mortality that affects tens of thousands of people each year. This infection is caused by two sibling species,
Coccidioides immitis
and
C. posadasii
, which are endemic to specific arid locales throughout the Western Hemisphere, particularly the desert southwest of the United States. Recent epidemiological and population genetic data suggest that the geographic range of coccidioidomycosis is expanding, as new endemic clusters have been identified in the state of Washington, well outside the established endemic range. The genetic mechanisms and epidemiological consequences of this expansion are unknown and require better understanding of the population structure and evolutionary history of these pathogens. Here we performed multiple phylogenetic inference and population genomics analyses of 68 new and 18 previously published genomes. The results provide evidence of substantial population structure in
C. posadasii
and demonstrate the presence of distinct geographic clades in central and southern Arizona as well as dispersed populations in Texas, Mexico, South America, and Central America. Although a smaller number of
C. immitis
strains were included in the analyses, some evidence of phylogeographic structure was also detected in this species, which has been historically limited to California and Baja, Mexico. Bayesian analyses indicated that
C. posadasii
is the more ancient of the two species and that Arizona contains the most diverse subpopulations. We propose a southern Arizona-northern Mexico origin for
C. posadasii
and describe a pathway for dispersal and distribution out of this region.

IMPORTANCE
Coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, is caused by the pathogenic fungi
Coccidioides posadasii
and
C. immitis
. The fungal species and disease are primarily found in the American desert southwest, with spotted distribution throughout the Western Hemisphere. Initial molecular studies suggested a likely anthropogenic movement of
C. posadasii
from North America to South America. Here we comparatively analyze eighty-six genomes of the two
Coccidioides
species and establish local and species-wide population structures to not only clarify the earlier dispersal hypothesis but also provide evidence of likely ancestral populations and patterns of dispersal for the known subpopulations of
C. posadasii
.
Trimming Surface Sugars Protects
Histoplasma
from Immune Attack
Authors: Brown Gordon D.
Published: April 2016

Dectin-1 is an essential innate immune receptor that recognizes β-glucans in fungal cell walls. Its importance is underscored by the mechanisms that fungal pathogens have evolved to avoid detection by this receptor. One such pathogen is
Histoplasma capsulatum
, and in a recent article in
mBio
, Rappleye’s group presented data showing that yeasts of this organism secrete a β-glucanase, Eng1, which acts to prune β-glucans that are exposed on the fungal cell surface [A. L. Garfoot et al., mBio 7(2):e01388-15, 2016,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01388-15
]. The trimming of these sugars reduces immune recognition through Dectin-1 and subsequent inflammatory responses, enhancing the pathogenesis of
H. capsulatum
.
The Bee Microbiome: Impact on Bee Health and Model for Evolution and Ecology of Host-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Engel Philipp , Kwong Waldan K. , McFrederick Quinn , Anderson Kirk E. , Barribeau Seth Michael , Chandler James Angus , Cornman R. Scott , Dainat Jacques , de Miranda Joachim R. , Doublet Vincent , Emery Olivier , Evans Jay D. , Farinelli Laurent , Flenniken Michelle L. , Granberg Fredrik , Grasis Juris A. , Gauthier Laurent , Hayer Juliette , Koch Hauke , Kocher Sarah , Martinson Vincent G. , Moran Nancy , Munoz-Torres Monica , Newton Irene , Paxton Robert J. , Powell Eli , Sadd Ben M. , Schmid-Hempel Paul , Schmid-Hempel Regula , Song Se Jin , Schwarz Ryan S. , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , Dainat Benjamin
Published: April 2016

As pollinators, bees are cornerstones for terrestrial ecosystem stability and key components in agricultural productivity. All animals, including bees, are associated with a diverse community of microbes, commonly referred to as the microbiome. The bee microbiome is likely to be a crucial factor affecting host health. However, with the exception of a few pathogens, the impacts of most members of the bee microbiome on host health are poorly understood. Further, the evolutionary and ecological forces that shape and change the microbiome are unclear. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the bee microbiome, and we present challenges associated with its investigation. We conclude that global coordination of research efforts is needed to fully understand the complex and highly dynamic nature of the interplay between the bee microbiome, its host, and the environment. High-throughput sequencing technologies are ideal for exploring complex biological systems, including host-microbe interactions. To maximize their value and to improve assessment of the factors affecting bee health, sequence data should be archived, curated, and analyzed in ways that promote the synthesis of different studies. To this end, the BeeBiome consortium aims to develop an online database which would provide reference sequences, archive metadata, and host analytical resources. The goal would be to support applied and fundamental research on bees and their associated microbes and to provide a collaborative framework for sharing primary data from different research programs, thus furthering our understanding of the bee microbiome and its impact on pollinator health.
From Sample to Multi-Omics Conclusions in under 48 Hours
Authors: Quinn Robert A. , Navas-Molina Jose A. , Hyde Embriette R. , Song Se Jin , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Humphrey Greg , Gaffney James , Minich Jeremiah J. , Melnik Alexey V. , Herschend Jakob , DeReus Jeff , Durant Austin , Dutton Rachel J. , Khosroheidari Mahdieh , Green Clifford , da Silva Ricardo , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Knight Rob
Published: April 2016

Polymicrobial infections are difficult to diagnose due to the challenge in comprehensively cultivating the microbes present. Omics methods, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and metabolomics, can provide a more complete picture of a microbial community and its metabolite production, without the biases and selectivity of microbial culture. However, these advanced methods have not been applied to clinical or industrial microbiology or other areas where complex microbial dysbioses require immediate intervention. The reason for this is the length of time required to generate and analyze omics data. Here, we describe the development and application of a pipeline for multi-omics data analysis in time frames matching those of the culture-based approaches often used for these applications. This study applied multi-omics methods effectively in clinically relevant time frames and sets a precedent toward their implementation in clinical medicine and industrial microbiology.
Re-expansion pulmonary oedema: a novel emergency therapeutic option
Authors: Sunderland Nicholas , Maweni Robert , Akunuri Srikanth , Karnovitch Elena
Published: April 2016

Re-expansion pulmonary oedema (REPO) is a rare complication of pleural fluid thoracocentesis and has been associated with a high mortality rate. There is limited evidence to inform on its most effective management. We present two cases of large volume thoracocentesis resulting in acute respiratory decompensation that was treated by reintroducing the drained pleural fluid back into the pleural cavity. We also present a review of the literature specifically assessing the reported incidence rate of REPO after pleural fluid drainage. In both of our cases, symptoms and signs of respiratory instability were promptly reversed on reintroduction of the drained pleural fluid into the patient's pleural space—a therapy we have termed ‘rapid pleural space re-expansion’. This was not associated with any short-term adverse outcomes. The occurrence of REPO is a rare event with most cohort studies reporting an incidence of between 0% and 1%.
Unusual case of intracranial dural AV fistula presenting with acute myelopathy
Authors: Abdelsadg Mohamed , Kanodia Avinash Kumar , Keston Peter , Galea James
Published: April 2016

We present a case of intracranial arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage presenting with acute myelopathy, which is an unusual presentation of this uncommon condition. Subsequent catheter angiogram defined the arterial feeders from the meningohypophyseal trunk and petrosal branch of the middle meningeal artery. The patient was successfully embolised, resulting in complete obliteration of the fistula, and significant resolution of brainstem and cervical cord changes along with clinical improvement.
The iMpact on practice, oUtcomes and costs of New roles for health pROfeSsionals: a study protocol for MUNROS
Authors: Bond Christine , Bruhn Hanne , de Bont Antoinette , van Exel Job , Busse Reinhard , Sutton Matthew , Elliott Robert
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The size and composition of the European Union healthcare workforce are key drivers of expenditure and performance; it now includes new health professions and enhanced roles for established professions. This project will systematically analyse how this has contributed to health service redesign, integration and performance in 9 European countries (Scotland, England, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, and Turkeyi). This paper describes the protocol for collection of survey data in 3 distinct care pathways, and sets it in the context of the wider programme.

Methods

Questionnaires will be distributed to healthcare professionals (n=14 580), managers (n=3564) and patients (n=19 440) in 3 care pathways (breast cancer; type 2 diabetes; and coronary heart disease) within 12 hospitals and associated primary care settings in each country. Questionnaire topics will include demography, the different professionals working on the care pathway, the tasks they do and the time taken, their decision-making abilities when considering skill mix, specialisation and integration of care. Patient satisfaction, healthcare utilisation and preferences will be explored. In later work, register data and data from patient records will be used to record clinical outcomes. Data will also be collected on workforce and procedure costs. Descriptive analysis will identify the different models of care and multivariate analysis will establish the most clinically and cost-effective models.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by ethical committees in each country. Findings will be disseminated through national/international clinical, health services research and health workforce conferences, and publications in national/international peer-reviewed journals.
Impact of clinical registries on quality of patient care and health outcomes: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Hoque Dewan Md Emdadul , Kumari Varuni , Ruseckaite Rasa , Romero Lorena , Evans Sue M
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Many developed countries have regional and national clinical registries aimed at improving health outcomes of patients diagnosed with particular diseases or cared for in particular healthcare settings. Clinical quality registries (CQRs) are clinical registries established with the purpose of monitoring quality of care and providing feedback to improve health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to understand the impact of CQRs on (1) mortality/survival; (2) measures of outcome that reflect a process or outcome of healthcare; (3) healthcare utilisation and (4) costs.

Methods and analysis

The PRISMA-P methodology, checklist and standard strategy using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and structured data abstraction tools will be followed. A search of the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and CINAHL will be undertaken, in addition to Google Scholar and grey literature, to identify studies in English covering the period January 1980 to December 2014. Case–control, cohort, randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials which describe the registry as an intervention will be eligible for inclusion. Narrative synthesis of study findings will be conducted, guided by a conceptual framework developed to analyse the outcome measure of the registry using defined criteria. If sufficient studies are identified with a similar outcome of interest and measure using the same comparator and time of interval, results will be pooled for random-effects meta-analysis. Test for heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis will be conducted. To identify reporting bias, forest plots and funnel plots will be created and, if required, Egger's test will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. Review results will be published as a part of thesis, peer-reviewed journal and conferences.

Trial registration number

CRD42015017319.
Health literacy and the use of healthcare services in Belgium
Authors: Vandenbosch Jessica , Van den Broucke Stephan , Vancorenland Sigrid , Avalosse Hervé , Verniest Rebekka , Callens Michael
Published: April 2016

Background

Most of the existing studies demonstrating the relationships between health literacy and health service use have been conducted outside Europe and cannot be generalised to European healthcare systems. Moreover, the majority of studies measure healthcare use via self-reports. This study investigated whether health literacy is related to the use of health services measured objectively via patient records in a European country.

Methods

9617 members of a Belgian health insurance fund (59% females, ages 18–88 years, mean age 55.8 years) completed an online questionnaire including the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) and agreed to have their responses linked to the insurance fund's health service use records. A two-part model approach was used to assess the association between health literacy and the use of healthcare services and the costs related, adjusting for personal and behavioural characteristics.

Results

Low health literacy is associated with more admissions to 1-day clinics, general practitioner (GP) home consultations, psychiatrist consultations and ambulance transports, and with longer stays in general hospitals. Associations with psychiatric hospitalisations and specialist consultations are also found but are not significant when correction for multiple comparisons is applied. In contrast, health literacy is not significantly related to the number of GP consultations, admissions to 1-day surgical clinics or emergency consultations. The relationship between health literacy and medication use is inconsistent.

Conclusion

The results partly confirm that low health literacy is associated with greater use of healthcare services, and especially of more specialised services. Improving the health literacy of the population can be an effective strategy to promote a more (cost)-effective use of the healthcare services and thus contribute to population health.
Admission systolic blood pressure and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes treated with endovascular treatment
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Iftikhar Sulaiman , Khorchid Yasser , Fawad Ishfaq Muhammad , Doss Vinodh T , Zand Ramin , Chang Jason , Alsherbini Khalid , Choudhri Asim , Hoit Daniel , Alexandrov Andrei V , Arthur Adam S , Elijovich Lucas
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

High admission blood pressure (BP) levels have been associated with lower recanalization rates after endovascular treatment (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). We sought to evaluate the association of admission BP with early outcomes in patients with ELVO treated with EVT.

Methods

Consecutive patients with AIS presenting with ELVO in a tertiary stroke center during a 4-year period were prospectively evaluated. Admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured using automated cuff recordings. A blinded neuroradiologist calculated the final infarct volume (FIV) using standardized ABC/2 methodology. A favorable functional outcome (FFO) at 3 months was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2.

Results

Our study population consisted of 116 patients with AIS (mean age 63±13 years, median NIH Stroke Scale score 17 points (IQR 14–21), median FIV 30 cm3(IQR 8–94)). Higher admission SBP correlated with higher FIV (r +0.225; p=0.020). Patients with FFO had lower admission SBP (151±24 mm Hg vs 165±28 mm Hg; p=0.010), while admission SBP levels were higher in patients who died during hospitalization (169±34 mm Hg vs 156±24 mm Hg; p=0.043). A 10 mm Hg increment in admission SBP was independently (p=0.010) associated with an increase of 12 cm3in FIV (95% CI 3 to 21) in multiple linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A 10 mm Hg increment in admission SBP was independently (p=0.012) associated with a lower likelihood of FFO at 3 months (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91) in multiple logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Higher admission SBP is an independent predictor of increased FIV and lower likelihood of 3-month FFO in patients with ELVO treated with EVT.
Relationship between clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a phase 3 trial of tofacitinib or MTX in MTX-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fleischmann Roy , Strand Vibeke , Wilkinson Bethanie , Kwok Kenneth , Bananis Eustratios
Published: April 2016

Objective

To compare the relationship between clinical measures and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib or methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

In a phase 3 randomised controlled trial, patients (N=956) who were MTX-naïve or had received ≤3 doses were randomised and received tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily or MTX titrated to 20 mg/week. Outcomes included: per cent of patients achieving American College of Rheumatology 70% responses (ACR70), ACR50, low disease activity (LDA) by Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI ≤11) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI ≤10), remission by SDAI (≤3.3) and CDAI (≤2.8), patient-reported Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI scores <0.5), pain and global assessment of disease activity.

Results

At month 6, most patients who achieved LDA/remission by one definition achieved LDA/remission with others; however, discordance between measures was greater with MTX than with tofacitinib. As expected, concordance between CDAI and SDAI responses was high. Overall, patients achieving LDA or ACR50 responses reported less improvement in PROs (HAQ-DI, pain and patient global assessment) compared with clinical measures (tender and swollen joint counts).

Conclusions

Variability in levels of responses between clinical outcomes and PROs should be considered when setting treat-to-target goals in patients with RA.

Trial registration number

NCT01039688; Post-results.
The Homerian (late Wenlock, Silurian) carbon isotope excursion from Perunica: Does dolomite control the magnitude of the carbon isotope excursion?
Authors: Frýda Jiří , Frýdová Barbora
Published: April 2016

The δ13Ccarbrecords from two geographically close sections of the shallow-water Kozel Limestone Member (late Wenlock Motol Formation; Perunica microplate) significantly differ in the magnitude of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion as well as in their dolomite content. The present paper tests a hypothesis as to whether a difference of about 2‰ in the magnitude of the δ13Ccarbanomaly is caused by the different content of dolomite, which could be enriched in both13C and18O relative to coexisting calcite, as has been suggested by experimental data. The new data obtained reveal that the δ18O composition of calcite and dolomite was probably controlled by the pore-fluid composition during limestone diagenesis and that both carbonates seem to be close to equilibrium in oxygen isotope composition. On the other hand, the δ13C values of dolomite are similar to those of calcite, and thus the carbon isotope composition of both carbonates was probably determined by the precursor carbonate composition. Moreover, the values of δ13Cdolomite/δ13Ccalciteratios as well as their variability suggest that both calcite and dolomite did not reach equilibrium in their carbon isotope composition. Whole-rock, mineralogical, and C and O isotope data clearly show that dolomite is not the cause for the differences in magnitudes of the δ13C records observed between dolomite-bearing and dolomite-lacking shallow-water limestone successions. The question as to whether the observed differences in the δ13C records of the studied sections across the Homerian carbon isotope excursion were controlled by the dependence of seawater composition on water depth and (or) proximity to shoreline or if the δ13C values were later affected by secondary processes during limestone diagenesis is still unsolved.
Pedigrees and genetic base of flax cultivars registered in Canada
Authors: You Frank M. , Duguid Scott D. , Lam Irene , Cloutier Sylvie , Rashid Khalid Y. , Booker Helen M.
Published: April 2016

Flax is an important oilseed crop with industrial, animal, and human nutrition uses. Breeding programs for linseed and fibre flax were initiated in Canada in the early 1900s. A total of 82 flax cultivars have been registered in Canada since 1910, including 24 cultivars introduced from foreign countries and 58 cultivars developed by Canadian breeders. This study collated pedigree data of Canadian flax cultivars and quantified their genetic base via pedigree analysis and coefficient of parentage (CP). A fairly high mean CP of 0.14 was observed between all registered cultivars; this value was even higher (0.23) when only the 46 cultivars released from 1981–2015 were considered. The registered cultivars traced back to 46 ancestors; 72% originated from foreign countries and contributed 83% of the genetic base of all cultivars, illustrating the dominant role played by foreign germplasm in the genetic improvement of Canadian flax. The top 11 ancestors contributed 70%–93% of the genetic base of modern flax cultivars released in the last three decades and formed the core gene pool of Canadian flax cultivars. The genetic base of Canadian cultivars is relatively narrow, although it has gradually expanded, especially in the last two decades. Broadening the genetic base through the introduction of new exotic germplasm is needed to invigorate the gene pool of Canadian flax breeding programs.
Reactional Torque of Radiating Electric Currents
Authors: Dobrovolny J. , Shafai L.
Published: April 2016

A theoretical investigation is made of the relation between radiated power and reactional torque of both infinitely long electric line sources and dipole antennas. Since the reactional torque is caused by the interaction between at least two source arrangements of two line sources or two dipoles are considered throughout. The possible influence of a supporting structure, approximated by a conducting circular cylinder, is examined. The advantage of adding more sources to the configuration is also discussed. It is shown that for the assumed configurations the torque to power ratio can be maintained almost independent of frequency, which may have considerable practical significance.
Lifetimes of Low Lying Levels of 18O, 18Ne
Authors: McDonald A. B. , Alexander T. K. , Häusser O. , Costa G. J. , Forster J. S. , Olin A.
Published: April 2016

The T(16O,p)18O reaction has been employed to measure the lifetimes of the 1.98 MeV 2+ level (τ = 3.35 ± 0.20 ps) and the 3.55 MeV 4+ level (τ = 24.5 ± 3.3 ps) of 18O by the recoil distance method. The lifetime of the 1.89 MeV 2+ level of 18Ne (τ = 0.63 ± 0.13 ps) has been measured by observing the Doppler shift attenuation of γ rays from 18Ne ions recoiling from the 16O(3He,n) reaction into Y and Ta backings. Transition rates in these mirror nuclei are compared with theoretical predictions.
Source Labelling by Coincidence Routing of Annihilation Pulses
Authors: MacKenzie I. K. , Lichtenberger P. C. , Campbell J. L.
Published: April 2016

Doppler-broadened annihilation lines from annealed and deformed aluminum samples were measured simultaneously by a Ge(Li) spectrometer. The spectrum was automatically separated into its components by routing signals from auxiliary NaI(Tl) detectors, using the collinearity of annihilation radiation. This differential mode allowed drift-free measurement of recovery at 300 K over a period of 2 weeks. The binding energy of positrons to edge dislocations in aluminum was determined to be 1.7 ± 0.4 eV.
Experimental Study of Nuclear Electric Quadrupole Splittings of 59Co in Co(NH3)6Cl3
Authors: Reynhardt E. C.
Published: April 2016

The nuclear magnetic resonance of 59Co in a single crystal of Co(NH3)6Cl3 has been investigated at room temperature at 15 kG. Observed quadrupolar perturbations have been analyzed by the method of Volkoff for three orthogonal planes to yield five electric field gradient tensors. The cobalt sites associated with these tensors are nonequivalent. The quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry parameters vary from 1.0 to 17.2 MHz and 0.10 to 0.57 respectively. One of the principal axes of each tensor is found to coincide with the crystallographic b axis of the monoclinic unit cell.
Lifetime of the 5p2P3/2 Level of Ionized Strontium
Authors: Kelly F. M. , Koh T. K. , Mathur M. S.
Published: April 2016

The lifetime of the 5p2P3/2 level of Sr+ has been measured using the zero field level crossing (Hanle effect) technique with optical excitation from the ground state of the ion. The ions are produced in a discharge at the mouth of a furnace used to produce a strontium beam. No foreign gas is used to carry the discharge. An alignment depolarization cross section is obtained for collisions between Sr+ ions and Sr neutral atoms. The results are compared with the published ones.
Rotational Structure at the Long Wavelength End of the 2900 Å System of SO2
Authors: Hamada Y. , Merer A. J.
Published: April 2016

Rotational analyses have been carried out for the three longest wavelength bands observable in the '2900 Å system' of SO2 (at 3340, 3359, and 3395 Å). Although the bands are perturbed quite severely it has been possible to prove that they are type C bands, and that the approximate upper state geometric structure of the molecule is r(S—O) = 1.53 Å, [Formula: see text]. Comparison with the theoretical calculations of Hillier and Saunders now leaves little doubt that the upper electronic state is the π → π* 1A2 state, appearing in absorption by Herzberg–Teller mixing through Q3′(b2), as recently proposed by Dixon and Hallé. A vibrational numbering for these bands is given, which is consistent with the inertial defect obtained from the rotational analysis, and with recent isotope data published by Brand and Nanes: the 3395 Å band appears to be 031–000, and the electronic origin falls near 27 930 cm−1.
Rotational Structure in Some Higher Excited States of the GeF Molecule
Authors: Martin R. W. , Merer A. J.
Published: April 2016

The weaker electronic transitions in the region 2000–9000 Å in the emission spectrum of GeF have been photographed at high dispersion; three new transitions with the A2Σ+ state as lower state have been discovered, and the various systems near 2100 and 8600 Å have been reassigned. The spectra have been explained in terms of six excited states lying between 40 000 and 50 000 cm−1 above the ground state, and representative bands involving all six have been analyzed rotationally. Five of these excited states are Rydberg states (5pσ, 5pπ, 4dπ, 4dδ, and 6sσ), and the other is the σπ22Δ valence state; this latter interacts strongly with the 4dδ 2Δ state.
Three-body systems in pionless effective field theory
Authors: Vanasse Jared
Published: April 2016

Investigations of three-body nuclear systems using pionless effective field theory ([Formula: see text]) are reviewed. The history of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] scattering is briefly discussed and emphasis put on the use of strict perturbative techniques. In addition renormalization issues appearing in [Formula: see text] scattering are also presented. Bound state calculations are addressed and new perturbative techniques for describing them are highlighted. Three-body breakup observables in [Formula: see text] scattering are also considered and the utility of [Formula: see text] for addressing them.
An Operational Model to Develop Technology Entrepreneurship “EGO-System”
Authors: Elia Gianluca , Margherita Alessandro , Petti Claudio
Published: April 2016

The concept of ecosystem has been largely used to indicate the network of complementary actors, resources and relationships required to succeed in knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial initiatives. The development of ecosystems has been mostly considered as a region and industry-independent issue. This paper discusses the relevance of fostering the creation of more entrepreneur-centric ecosystems (“EGO-Systems”) to support an effective idea-to-venture process. A model is presented which includes five components (entrepreneurial actor, stakeholders, project, roadmap, flows) and it is addressed to support technology entrepreneurship initiatives through an innovative approach which is glocal, project-specific and dynamic.
Translation surfaces in the three-dimensional simply isotropic space 𝕀31
Authors: Karacan Murat Kemal , Yoon Dae Won , Bukcu Bahaddin
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we classify translation surfaces in the three-dimensional simply isotropic space [Formula: see text] under the condition [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the Laplace operator with respect to the first and second fundamental forms and [Formula: see text] is a real number. We also give explicit forms of these surfaces.
A survey of robotic musicianship
Authors: Bretan Mason , Weinberg Gil
Published: April 2016

Reviewing the technologies that enable robot musicians to jam.
Borg, Omega, and Kubernetes
Authors: Burns Brendan , Grant Brian , Oppenheimer David , Brewer Eric , Wilkes John
Published: April 2016

Lessons learned from three container-management systems over a decade.
Future Tense: Becoming a Multi-Planet Species
Authors: Friedman Louis
Published: April 2016

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be. Imagine hyper-realistic virtual space exploration limited only by the data we are able to collect.
Microanalysis of Organic Pigments in Ancient Textiles by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on Agar Gel Matrices
Authors: Ricci Marilena , Lofrumento Cristiana , Castellucci Emilio , Becucci Maurizio
Published: April 2016

We review some new methods based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the nondestructive/minimally invasive identification of organic colorants in objects whose value or function precludes sampling, such as historic and archeological textiles, paintings, and drawing. We discuss in detail the methodology we developed for the selective extraction and identification of anthraquinones and indigoids in the typical concentration used in textiles by means of an ecocompatible homogeneous nanostructured agar matrix. The extraction system was modulated according to the chemical properties of the target analyte by choosing appropriate reagents for the extraction and optimizing the extraction time. The system has been found to be extremely stable, easy to use and produce, easy to store, and at the same time able to be analyzed even after long time intervals, maintaining its enhancement properties unaltered, without the detriment of the extracted compound. Highly structured SERS band intensities have been obtained from the extracted dyes adopting laser light excitations at 514.5 and 785 nm of a micro-Raman setup. This analytical method has been found to be extremely safe for the analyzed substrates, thus being a promising procedure for the selective analysis and detection of molecules at low concentration in the field of artworks conservation.