bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light-based Approaches to Cardiac Arrhythmia Research: From Basic Science to Translational Applications
Authors: Karathanos Thomas V. , Boyle Patrick M. , Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: November 2016

Light has long been used to image the heart, but now it can be used to modulate its electrophysiological function. Imaging modalities and techniques have long constituted an indispensable part of arrhythmia research and treatment. Recently, advances in the fields of optogenetics and photodynamic therapy have provided scientists with more effective approaches for probing, studying and potentially devising new treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. This article is a review of research toward the application of these techniques. It contains (a) an overview of advancements in technology and research that have contributed to light-based cardiac applications and (b) a summary of current and potential future applications of light-based control of cardiac cells, including modulation of heart rhythm, manipulation of cardiac action potential morphology, quantitative analysis of arrhythmias, defibrillation and cardiac ablation.
The Minimal Free Resolution of Fat Almost Complete Intersections in ℙ1 × ℙ1
Authors: Favacchio Giuseppe , Guardo Elena
Published: November 2016

A current research theme is to compare symbolic powers of an ideal I with the regular powers of I. In this paper, we focus on the case where I = IX is an ideal deûning an almost complete intersection (ACI) set of points X in ℙ1 × ℙ1. In particular, we describe a minimal free bigraded resolution of a non-arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay (also non-homogeneous) set 𝒵 of fat points whose support is an ACI, generalizing an earlier result of Cooper et al. for homogeneous sets of triple points. We call 𝒵 a fat ACI.We also show that its symbolic and ordinary powers are equal, i.e, .
Quadrature Weights on Tensor-Product Nodes for Accurate Integration of Hypersingular Functions over Some Simple 3-D Geometric Shapes
Authors: Zinser Brian , Cai Wei , Chen Duan
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present accurate and economic integration quadratures for hypersingular functions over three simple geometric shapes in ℝ3 (spheres, cubes, and cylinders). The quadrature nodes are made of the tensor-product of 1-D Gauss nodes on [–1,1] for non-periodic variables or uniform nodes on [0,2π] or [0,π] for periodic ones. The quadrature weights are converted from a brute-force integration of the hypersingular function through interpolating the smooth component of the integrand. Numerical results are presented to validate the accuracy and efficiency of computing hypersingular integrals, as in the computations of Cauchy principal values, with a minimum number of quadrature nodes. The pre-calculated quadrature tables can be then readily used to implement Nyström collocation methods of hypersingular volume integral equations such as the one for Maxwell equations.
Характеристики с особенностями и граничные значения асимптотического решения задачи Коши для вырождающегося волнового уравнения
Authors: Dobrokhotov Sergey Yur'evich , Nazaikinskii Vladimir Evgen'evich
Published: November 2016

Рассматривается задача Коши с пространственно локализованными
начальными условиями для двумерного волнового уравнения
с переменной скоростью, вырождающейся на границе области.
Такая задача возникает, в частности, в теории набега волн цунами
на пологий берег. Ранее в работах С. Ю. Доброхотова,
В. Е. Назайкинского и Б. Тироцци был развит
метод построения асимптотических решений,
основанный на модифицированном каноническом операторе Маслова и
неограниченных по импульсным переменным характеристиках
(траекториях), нестандартных с точки зрения теории уравнений
с частными производными. В окрестности линии вырождения скорости,
являющейся каустикой специального вида, канонический оператор
определяется с помощью преобразования Ханкеля,
которое возникает при применении процедуры квантования Фока
к каноническому преобразованию,
регуляризующему указанные нестандартные характеристики
в окрестности линии вырождения скорости (границы области).
В этой работе мы показываем, что сужение асимптотических решений
на границу области определяется обычным каноническим оператором,
что приводит к сильному упрощению асимптотических формул
для решения на границе, причем для случая
специальных начальных возмущений решения выражаются
через простые алгебраические функции.
Библиография: 25 названий.
Telemedicine for Developing Countries
Authors: Combi Carlo , Pozzani Gabriele , Pozzi Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

Background Developing countries need telemedicine applications that help in many situations, when physicians are a small number with respect to the population, when specialized physicians are not available, when patients and physicians in rural villages need assistance in the delivery of health care. Moreover, the requirements of telemedicine applications for developing countries are somewhat more demanding than for developed countries. Indeed, further social, organizational, and technical aspects need to be considered for successful telemedicine applications in developing countries.

Objective We consider all the major projects in telemedicine, devoted to developing countries, as described by the proper scientific literature. On the basis of such literature, we want to define a specific taxonomy that allows a proper classification and a fast overview of telemedicine projects in developing countries. Moreover, by considering both the literature and some recent direct experiences, we want to complete such overview by discussing some design issues to be taken into consideration when developing telemedicine software systems.

Methods We considered and reviewed the major conferences and journals in depth, and looked for reports on the telemedicine projects.

Results We provide the reader with a survey of the main projects and systems, from which we derived a taxonomy of features of telemedicine systems for developing countries. We also propose and discuss some classification criteria for design issues, based on the lessons learned in this research area.

Conclusions We highlight some challenges and recommendations to be considered when designing a telemedicine system for developing countries.

Citation: Combi C, Pozzani G, Pozzi G. Telemedicine for developing countries: a survey and some design issues.
Tipificación de las causas de riesgo y desamparo
Authors: Santamaría Pérez María Luisa
Published: November 2016

En un estado de derecho, todo ciudadano debe vivir bajo la salvaguarda de sus derechos fundamentales. Por ello, cuando las autoridades intervienen en un núcleo familiar y separa a los niños de la familia de sus padres, por supuestos motivos de protección, cabe tener en cuenta que si la decisión de separación es desacertada, mientras ésta se mantiene se infringen derechos fundamentales de toda la familia, especialmente de los niños, tal como se desprende del artículo 9 de la CDN. Con estas premisas, el presente artículo pone de manifiesto que los motivos de riesgo y desamparo de un niño deberían estar tipificados con el fin de garantizar al máximo el acierto de las decisiones de separación familiar. Además, tras una declaración de desamparo de un niño, debería suscitarse un proceso judicial, cuyos aspectos procesales garantizasen totalmente la debida protección de los derechos fundamentales del niño en cuestión, con independencia de la capacidad litigante de sus padres.
PBL height estimation based on lidar depolarisation measurements
(POLARIS)
Authors: Bravo-Aranda Juan Antonio , de-Arruda-Moreira Gregori , Navas-Guzmán Francisco , Granados-Muñoz María José , Guerrero-Rascado Juan Luís , Pozo-Vázquez David , Arbizu-Barrena Clara , Olmo Francisco José , Mallet Marc , Alados-Arboledas Lucas
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The automatic and non-supervised detection of the planetary boundary layer height (zPBL) by means of lidar measurements was widely investigated during the last years. Despite the considerable advances achieved the experimental detection still present difficulties either because the PBL is stratified (typically, during night-time) either because advected aerosol layers are coupled to the PBL. The coupling uses to produce an overestimation of the zPBL. To improve the detection even in these complex atmospheric situations, we present a new algorithm, called POLARIS (PBL height estimatiOn based on Lidar depolARISation). POLARIS applies the wavelet covariance transform (WCT) to the range corrected signal and to the perpendicular-to-parallel signal ratio (δ) profiles. Different candidates for zPBL are chosen and the attribution is done, based on the WCT applied to the RCS and the δ. We use two ChArMEx campaigns with lidar and microwave radiometer (MWR), conducted on 2012 and 2013, for the POLARIS' adjustment and validation. POLARIS improves the zPBL detection thanks to the consideration of the relative changes in the depolarization capabilities of the aerosol particles in the lower part of the atmospheric column. Taking the advantage of a proper determination of the zPBL determined by POLARIS and by MWR under Saharan dust events, we compare the POLARIS and MWR zPBL with the zPBL provided by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical weather prediction model. WRF underestimates the zPBL during daytime but agrees with the MWR during night-time. The zPBL provided by WRF showed a better temporal evolution during daytime than during night-time.
Secondary ozone peaks in the troposphere over the Himalayas
Authors: Ojha Narendra , Pozzer Andrea , Akritidis Dimitris , Lelieveld Jos
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Layers with strongly enhanced ozone concentrations in the middle-upper troposphere, referred to as Secondary Ozone Peaks (SOPs), have been observed in different regions of the world. Here we use the global ECHAM5/MESSy atmospheric chemistry model (EMAC) to (i) investigate the processes causing SOPs, (ii) explore both their frequency of occurrence and seasonality, and (iii) assess their effects on the tropospheric ozone budget over the Himalayas. The vertical profiles of potential vorticity (PV) and a stratospheric ozone tracer (O3s) in EMAC simulations, in conjunction with the structure of SOPs, suggest that SOPs over the Himalayas are formed by Stratosphere-to-Troposphere Transport (STT) of ozone. The spatial distribution of O3s further shows that such effects are in general confined to the northern part of India. Model simulated ozone distributions and backward air trajectories show that ozone rich air masses, associated with STT, originate as far as northern Africa and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Middle-East, as well as nearby regions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and are rapidly (within 2–3 days) transported to the Himalayas. Analysis of a 15-year (2000–2014) EMAC simulation shows that the frequency of SOPs is highest during the pre-monsoon season (e.g. 11 % of the time in May), while no intense SOP events are found during the July–October period. The SOPs are estimated to enhance the Tropospheric Column Ozone (TCO) over the central Himalayas by up to 26 %.
A method for retrieving clouds with satellite infrared radiances
using the particle filter
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Auligné Thomas , Descombes Gaël , Snyder Chris
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Ensemble-based techniques have been widely utilized in estimating uncertainties in various problems of interest in geophysical applications. A new cloud retrieval method is proposed based on the particle filter (PF) by using ensembles of cloud information in the framework of Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system. The PF cloud retrieval method is compared with the Multivariate Minimum Residual (MMR) method that was previously established and verified. Cloud retrieval experiments involving a variety of cloudy types are conducted with the PF and MMR methods with measurements of infrared radiances on multi-sensors onboard both geostationary and polar satellites, respectively. It is found that the retrieved cloud masks with both methods are consistent with other independent cloud products. MMR is prone to producing ambiguous small-fraction clouds, while PF detects clearer cloud signals, yielding closer heights of cloud top and cloud base to other references. More collections of small-fraction particles are able to effectively estimate the semi-transparent high clouds. It is found that radiances with high spectral resolutions contribute to quantitative cloud top and cloud base retrievals. In addition, a different way of resolving the filtering problem over each model grid is tested to better aggregate the weights with all available sensors considered, which is proven to be less constrained by the ordering of sensors. Compared to the MMR method, the PF method is overall more computationally efficient, and the cost of the model grid-based PF method scales more directly with the number of computing nodes.
Remote sensing algorithm for surface evapotranspiration considering landscape and statistical effects on mixed pixels
Authors: Peng Zhi Qing , Xin Xiaozhou , Jiao Jin Jun , Zhou Ti , Liu Qinhuo
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in surface–atmosphere interactions and can be monitored using remote sensing data. However, surface heterogeneity, including the inhomogeneity of landscapes and surface variables, significantly affects the accuracy of ET estimated from satellite data. The objective of this study is to assess and reduce the uncertainties resulting from surface heterogeneity in remotely sensed ET using Chinese HJ-1B satellite data, which is of 30 m spatial resolution in VIS/NIR bands and 300 m spatial resolution in the thermal-infrared (TIR) band. A temperature-sharpening and flux aggregation scheme (TSFA) was developed to obtain accurate heat fluxes from the HJ-1B satellite data. The IPUS (input parameter upscaling) and TRFA (temperature resampling and flux aggregation) methods were used to compare with the TSFA in this study. The three methods represent three typical schemes used to handle mixed pixels from the simplest to the most complex. IPUS handles all surface variables at coarse resolution of 300 m in this study, TSFA handles them at 30 m resolution, and TRFA handles them at 30 and 300 m resolution, which depends on the actual spatial resolution. Analyzing and comparing the three methods can help us to get a better understanding of spatial-scale errors in remote sensing of surface heat fluxes. In situ data collected during HiWATER-MUSOEXE (Multi-Scale Observation Experiment on Evapotranspiration over heterogeneous land surfaces of the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research) were used to validate and analyze the methods. ET estimated by TSFA exhibited the best agreement with in situ observations, and the footprint validation results showed that the R2, MBE, and RMSE values of the sensible heat flux (H) were 0.61, 0.90, and 50.99 W m−2, respectively, and those for the latent heat flux (LE) were 0.82, −20.54, and 71.24 W m−2, respectively. IPUS yielded the largest errors in ET estimation. The RMSE of LE between the TSFA and IPUS methods was 51.30 W m−2, and the RMSE of LE between the TSFA and TRFA methods was 16.48 W m−2. Furthermore, additional analysis showed that the TSFA method can capture the subpixel variations of land surface temperature and the influences of various landscapes within mixed pixels.
Reflective properties of white sea ice and snow
Authors: Malinka Aleksey , Zege Eleonora , Heygster Georg , Istomina Larysa
Published: November 2016

Abstract. White ice (ice with a highly scattering granular layer on top of its surface) and snow-covered ice occupy a large part of the sea ice area in the Arctic, the former in summer, the latter in the cold period. The inherent optical properties (IOPs) and the reflectance of these types of ice are considered from the point of view of the light scattering and radiative transfer theories. The IOPs – the extinction and absorption coefficients and the scattering phase function – are derived with the assumption that both the snow cover and the scattering layer of white ice are random mixtures of air and ice with the characteristic grain size significantly larger than the wavelength of incident light. Simple analytical formulas are put forward to calculate the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF), albedo at direct incidence (the directional–hemispherical reflectance), and albedo at diffuse incidence (the bihemispherical reflectance). The optical model developed is verified with the data of the in situ measurements made during the R/V Polarstern expedition ARK-XXVII/3 in 2012.
A religiosidade no Quilombo do Peropava no Vale do Ribeira: distanciamento das raízes africanas e do reconhecimento cultural
Authors: Schmidt Cristina , Oliveira Kelli Pereira
Published: November 2016

O estudo da cultura do negro no Brasil, iniciado na Era Escravocrata, ganhou grande foco no tocante de suas danças e alimentação, bem como de suas religiões. Na contemporaneidade, o foco amplia-se para toda a complexidade de seus saberes e fazeres no sentido de compreender, entre os remanescentes de quilombolas, como essa cultura se organiza e se posiciona em novo momento. Este artigo tem como objetivo trazer um olhar investigativo sobre a comunidade quilombola do Peropava, na cidade de Registro no Vale do Ribeira/ SP, a fim de trazer algumas de suas características atuais, bem como, descrever o percurso histórico-religioso ímpar. Os resultados mostram que, por meio de uma formação religiosa Adventista, a transmissão de valores e a construção da identidade cria um distanciamento das raízes africanas. Inclusive, afastando de processos de reconhecimento cultural e inclusão social.
As novenas de maio na comunidade quilombola Lagoa da Pedra, Arraias-TO, em uma perspectiva folkcomunicacional
Authors: Teske Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

O presente artigo visa contribuir para uma reflexão sobre os rituais, símbolos e rede de significados de uma das manifestações culturais de cunho religioso da Comunidade Quilombola Lagoa da Pedra, Arraias-TO. As Novenas de Maio ou Festa dos Solteiros, revela que se trata de um processo folkcomunicacional. Este trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa de campo, com base em uma metodologia transversal, histórica-antropológica e da Folkcomunicação.
As finalidades da imagem do Diabo na Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus: estudo de exorcismos realizados pelos bispos Macedo, Correa e Guaracy, disponíveis no YouTube
Authors: Paim Ivana Soares
Published: November 2016

A partir da observação e análise de alguns vídeos de exorcismos divulgados no YouTube, foram identificadas algumas finalidades da imagem do Diabo na Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus sob o viés do conceito de “acontecimento provocado”, de Charaudeau. Além de descrever essas finalidades, este artigo delineia algumas características desses exorcismos e desse Diabo, que nascem para ser televisionados, reforçando a busca por visibilidade da IURD.
Ex-votos midiáticos e a Revista Ave Maria: a Supressão dos ex-votos no início da década de 1970
Authors: Gordo Luís Erlin Gomes
Published: November 2016

No catolicismo popular, o devoto encontra formas próprias de manifestar a sua fé, distante muitas vezes da ortodoxia da Igreja. Os ex-votos expressam essa verdade. A revista Ave Maria desde a sua origem no ano de 1898 incentivou os leitores a testemunharem os favores recebidos. Nasceu assim na revista o gênero “graças alcançadas”. Após o Concílio Vaticano II, final da década de 1960, a Igreja Católica, sobretudo da América Latina, tentou “purificar a fé”. As ações devocionais, como a fé nos santos, as promessas e a prática dos ex-votos foram claramente “combatidas”. Neste período a revista Ave Maria suprime os ex-votos midiáticos impressos. A compreensão do processo comunicacional relacionado a este fato é o objetivo desse artigo. A metodologia será composta de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental.
Manifestações religiosas na pauta jornalística: análise da cobertura sobre o tema no site Cultura Plural
Authors: Furtado Kevin Willian Kossar , Woitowicz Karina Janz
Published: November 2016

Observar as possibilidades de tematização da religiosidade no jornalismo, a partir da análise da cobertura realizada pelo site Cultura Plural. Este é o foco do presente artigo, que se orienta na noção de cultura sustentada pelo referencial da folkcomunicação para estabelecer relações com o jornalismo cultural desenvolvido pela equipe do projeto extensionista Cultura Plural, do curso de Jornalismo da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG). O estudo apresenta um levantamento de toda a produção relativa ao tema no período de agosto de 2011 a julho de 2016, com o propósito de analisar os gêneros, a origem da pauta, a abrangência, as fontes, as religiões representadas, as variações temáticas, entre outros aspectos que permitem identificar o lugar ocupado pela religiosidade no referido veículo de jornalismo cultural.
Study on Optimal Spatial Allocation between Tourism Industry and Subject—The case of Yunnan province
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Mu , Luo Jing
Published: November 2016

There exists mutual improvement and restriction between regional tourism industry and the development of the tourism subject. With the rapid development of the tourism industry, it has set up the tourism program in the universities of Yunnan Province. However, the regional development of the construction of tourism subject is not balanced and its construction is still at the primary stage. Therefore, in spatial dimension, the method of principal components analysis is firstly adopted to construct comprehensive evaluation index system of the tourism development and subject construction. According to the results of the evaluation and analysis, the authors have ranked and classified 16 cities in Yunan province and summarized 5 synchronous development types of the tourism subject and industry. Finally, according to the different regions, the authors have proposed the different modes of subject construction and the strategies of optimal allocation.
Evaluating Interactive Transect Area Assessments Hands-On Instruction for Natural Resource Undergraduate Students
Authors: Unger Daniel , Schwab Sarah , Jacques Ryan , Zhang Yanli , Hung I-Kuai , Kulhavy David
Published: November 2016

Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Spatial Science degree at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) receive instruction in the spatial sciences with a focus on hands-on applications. All undergraduate students take the course Introduction to Spatial Science which includes a comprehensive overview of spatial science incorporating a comparison of standard inexpensive area assessment techniques with high-end computer based area assessment methodologies. Students within this course were instructed how to assess the area of a surface feature on an aerial image with a ruler applying the transect method. Student’s average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between a student’s transect derived area and surveyed area was 0.45, 0.13, 0.07, and 0.02 acres for 5, 10, 15, and 20 transect lines, respectfully. An ANOVA analysis of area assessment and area error assessment indicated that mean area and mean absolute area error were statistically different between transect line groups. In addition, the accuracy of area measured increased significantly as the number of transect lines increased which: (1) indicates students receiving hands-on instruction in estimating area using the transect method can record accurate area measurements after only a limited 2 hour introduction; (2) reveals the accuracy of the transect method is not user dependent; (3) shows area accuracy increases as the number of transects increases; and, (4) validates the interactive hands-on instruction methodology employed at SFASU.
Beleid voor de irrationele mens
Authors: van Putten Marijke , van Dijk Wilco , van Dijk Eric
Published: November 2016

Policies for irrational man

Policy is often based on the assumption that people are rational decision makers. Rational decision makers search all relevant information before they make a decision. They list the pros and cons of relevant options and make a well thought choice that best fits their fixed preferences. However, research from amongst others psychology and behavioral economics shows that people decide differently and that they are irrational, emotional decision makers instead. Policy therefore fits people’s decision making strategies worse than expected. It is important for policy makers to gain insight into situational influences on decisions and the influence of the so-called choice architecture on decisions. In this article we discuss research that tested when policy was more efficient, based on behavioral insights and the view of man as an irrational, emotional being.
On Open and Closed Strings
Authors: Thaule Marius
Published: November 2016

Cobordism categories are highly complicated structures that can be analyzed by way of their classifying spaces. In the case of surfaces, meaning $2$-dimensional cobordisms, this has led to many important results in recent years. This paper studies the subcategory of open strings of the category of open and closed strings as introduced by Baas, Cohen and Ramírez and identifies the homotopy type of its classifying spaces.
Distinct roles for extracellular and intracellular domains in neuroligin function at inhibitory synapses
Authors: Nguyen Quynh-Anh , Horn Meryl E , Nicoll Roger A
Published: November 2016

Neuroligins (NLGNs) are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that interact trans-synaptically with neurexins to mediate synapse development and function. NLGN2 is only at inhibitory synapses while NLGN3 is at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. We found that NLGN3 function at inhibitory synapses in rat CA1 depends on the presence of NLGN2 and identified a domain in the extracellular region that accounted for this functional difference between NLGN2 and 3 specifically at inhibitory synapses. We further show that the presence of a cytoplasmic tail (c-tail) is indispensible, and identified two domains in the c-tail that are necessary for NLGN function at inhibitory synapses. These domains point to a gephyrin-dependent mechanism that is disrupted by an autism-associated mutation at R705 and a gephyrin-independent mechanism reliant on a putative phosphorylation site at S714. Our work highlights unique and separate roles for the extracellular and intracellular regions in specifying and carrying out NLGN function respectively.
Hand2 inhibits kidney specification while promoting vein formation within the posterior mesoderm
Authors: Perens Elliot A , Garavito-Aguilar Zayra V , Guio-Vega Gina P , Peña Karen T , Schindler Yocheved L , Yelon Deborah
Published: November 2016

Proper organogenesis depends upon defining the precise dimensions of organ progenitor territories. Kidney progenitors originate within the intermediate mesoderm (IM), but the pathways that set the boundaries of the IM are poorly understood. Here, we show that the bHLH transcription factor Hand2 limits the size of the embryonic kidney by restricting IM dimensions. The IM is expanded in zebrafish hand2 mutants and is diminished when hand2 is overexpressed. Within the posterior mesoderm, hand2 is expressed laterally adjacent to the IM. Venous progenitors arise between these two territories, and hand2 promotes venous development while inhibiting IM formation at this interface. Furthermore, hand2 and the co-expressed zinc-finger transcription factor osr1 have functionally antagonistic influences on kidney development. Together, our data suggest that hand2 functions in opposition to osr1 to balance the formation of kidney and vein progenitors by regulating cell fate decisions at the lateral boundary of the IM.
Computationally designed high specificity inhibitors delineate the roles of BCL2 family proteins in cancer
Authors: Berger Stephanie , Procko Erik , Margineantu Daciana , Lee Erinna F , Shen Betty W , Zelter Alex , Silva Daniel-Adriano , Chawla Kusum , Herold Marco J , Garnier Jean-Marc , Johnson Richard , MacCoss Michael J , Lessene Guillaume , Davis Trisha N , Stayton Patrick S , Stoddard Barry L , Fairlie W Douglas , Hockenbery David M , Baker David
Published: November 2016

Many cancers overexpress one or more of the six human pro-survival BCL2 family proteins to evade apoptosis. To determine which BCL2 protein or proteins block apoptosis in different cancers, we computationally designed three-helix bundle protein inhibitors specific for each BCL2 pro-survival protein. Following in vitro optimization, each inhibitor binds its target with high picomolar to low nanomolar affinity and at least 300-fold specificity. Expression of the designed inhibitors in human cancer cell lines revealed unique dependencies on BCL2 proteins for survival which could not be inferred from other BCL2 profiling methods. Our results show that designed inhibitors can be generated for each member of a closely-knit protein family to probe the importance of specific protein-protein interactions in complex biological processes.
Establishing the Content Validity of Palpatory Examination for the Assessment of the Lumbar Spine Using Ultrasonography: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shaw K. Aaron , Dougherty John J. , Treffer Kevin D. , Glaros Alan G.
Published: November 2016

Context:Practitioners of manipulative medicine have long sought to prove the intra- and interexaminer reliability of palpatory examinations in assessing somatic dysfunction. However, decades of research have yet to achieve the level of reproducibility needed to satisfy evidence-based criteria.

Objectives:To examine the content validity of segmental motion evaluations using ultrasonographic measurements and to investigate the implication of these results for understanding the effects of an osteopathic manipulative treatment technique—high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA)—applied to somatic dysfunction in the lumbar spine.

Methods:A repeated-measures design was used, with the ultrasonographer blinded to the findings for each participant. The study was divided into 2 phases: (1) palpatory and ultrasonographic examination with no treatment and (2) palpatory and ultrasonographic examination with HVLA treatment. During phase 1, measurements were taken of tissue depth corresponding to bony landmarks of the dysfunctional vertebrae. Dysfunction was identified by means of palpatory examination and captured in sequential (ie, test-retest) ultrasonographic images. Content validity of somatic dysfunction was addressed by comparing palpatory examination with ultrasonographic data. During phase 2, the same protocol for tissue depth measurements was applied to the pre- and posttreatment images for comparison.

Results:Twelve young, healthy, asymptomatic students with no contraindications to HVLA treatment were recruited at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. The test-retest reliability, as determined by a Pearson correlation coefficient, was 0.997. For all participants, objectively identified side of dysfunction correlated with palpatory evaluation of segmental motion. A within-subjects analysis of variance was performed on the raw data, corrected for lumbar lordosis, showing statistical significance for main effect for side of measurement (P<.001) and interaction of side and time (P<.001), and showed no statistically significant effect for time (P=.259).

Conclusion:Ultrasonography is a reliable instrument for the assessment of somatic dysfunction of the lumbar spine. The data also establish the content validity of palpatory examinations. In addition, this study provides the first objective evidence, to our knowledge, of the effect of a thrusting manipulative treatment on dysfunctional lumbar vertebrae.
Efficient flexible inverted small-bandgap organic solar cells with low-temperature zinc oxide interlayer
Authors: You Hailong , Zhang Junchi , Zhang Chunfu , Lin Zhenhua , Chen Dazheng , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Jincheng
Published: November 2016

In this work, we employ an aqueous solution-processed ZnO layer on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as an electron-selective layer in a flexible inverted organic solar cell (OSC) based on poly({4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl}{3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexy)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl}):[6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PTB-7:PC71BM) blends. The electron-selective ZnO layer is prepared in a low-temperature process so that it can be compatible with a flexible substrate. An efficient flexible OSC with the configuration PET/ITO/ZnO/PTB7:PC71BM/MoO3/Ag with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) above 7.6% is obtained. The flexible device could maintain 85% of its initial PCE after 240 h when exposed under air ambient condition without any encapsulation and with a humidity of around 40%. This flexible device shows superior mechanical properties and could keep 93% of its original efficiency after 1000 bending cycles with a curvature radius of 0.8 cm. The results show that the ZnO layer deposited as the electron-selective layer through the aqueous solution is suitable for flexible OSCs.
Habit control during growth on GaN point seed crystals by Na-flux method
Authors: Honjo Masatomo , Imanishi Masayuki , Imabayashi Hiroki , Nakamura Kosuke , Murakami Kosuke , Matsuo Daisuke , Maruyama Mihoko , Imade Mamoru , Yoshimura Masashi , Mori Yusuke
Published: November 2016

The formation of the pyramidal habit is one of the requirements for the dramatic reduction of dislocations during growth on a tiny GaN seed called a “point seed”. In this study, we focus on controlling the growth habit to form a pyramidal shape in order to reduce the number of dislocations in the c-growth sector during growth on GaN point seeds. High temperature growth was found to change the growth habit from the truncated pyramidal shape to the pyramidal shape. As a result, the number of dislocations in the c-growth sector tended to decrease with increasing growth temperature.
Design, theoretical analysis, and experimental verification of a CMOS current integrator with 1.2 × 2.05 µm2 microelectrode array for high-sensitivity bacterial counting
Authors: Gamo Kohei , Nakazato Kazuo , Niitsu Kiichi
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we present the design and experimental verification of an amperometric CMOS-based sensor with a current integrator and a 1.2 × 2.05 µm2 bacterial-sized microelectrode array for high-sensitivity bacterial counting. For high-sensitivity bacterial counting with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise must be reduced because bacterial-sized microelectrodes can handle only a low current of the order of 100 pA. Thus, we implement a current integrator that is highly effective for noise reduction. Furthermore, for the first time, we use the current integrator in conjunction with the bacterial-sized microelectrode array. On the basis of the results of the proposed current integration, we successfully reduce noise and achieve a high SNR of 30.4 dB. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed CMOS-based sensor, we perform two-dimensional counting of microbeads, which are almost of the same size as bacteria. The measurement results demonstrate successful high-sensitivity two-dimensional (2D) counting of microbeads with a high SNR of 27 dB.
Seasonal regulation of herbivory and nutrient effects on macroalgal recruitment and succession in a Florida coral reef
Authors: Duran Alain , Collado-Vides Ligia , Burkepile Deron E.
Published: November 2016

Herbivory and nutrient enrichment are drivers of benthic dynamics of coral reef macroalgae; however, their impact may vary seasonally. In this study we evaluated the effects of herbivore pressure, nutrient availability and potential propagule supply on seasonal recruitment and succession of macroalgal communities on a Florida coral reef. Recruitment tiles, replaced every three months, and succession tiles, kept in the field for nine months, were established in an ongoing factorial nutrient enrichment-herbivore exclusion experiment. The ongoing experiment had already created very different algal communities across the different herbivory and nutrient treatments. We tracked algal recruitment, species richness, and species abundance through time. Our results show seasonal variation in the effect of herbivory and nutrient availability on recruitment of coral reef macroalgae. In the spring, when there was higher macroalgal species richness and abundance of recruits, herbivory appeared to have more control on macroalgal community structure than did nutrients. In contrast, there was no effect of either herbivory or nutrient enrichment on macroalgal communities on recruitment tiles in cooler seasons. The abundance of recruits on tiles was positively correlated with the abundance of algal in the ongoing, established experiment, suggesting that propagule abundance is likely a strong influence on algal recruitment and early succession. Results of the present study suggest that abundant herbivorous fishes control recruitment and succession of macroalgae, particularly in the warm season when macroalgal growth is higher. However, herbivory appears less impactful on algal recruitment and community dynamics in cooler seasons. Ultimately, our data suggest that the timing of coral mortality (e.g., summer vs. winter mortality) and freeing of benthic space may strongly influence the dynamics of algae that colonize open space.
A public data set of human balance evaluations
Authors: Santos Damiana A. , Duarte Marcos
Published: November 2016

The goal of this study was to create a public data set with results of qualitative and quantitative evaluations related to human balance. Subject’s balance was evaluated by posturography using a force platform and by the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Tests. In the posturography test, we evaluated subjects standing still for 60 s in four different conditions where vision and the standing surface were manipulated: on a rigid surface with eyes open; on a rigid surface with eyes closed; on an unstable surface with eyes open; on an unstable surface with eyes closed. Each condition was performed three times and the order of the conditions was randomized. In addition, the following tests were employed in order to better characterize each subject: Short Falls Efficacy Scale International; International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version; and Trail Making Test. The subjects were also interviewed to collect information about their socio-cultural, demographic, and health characteristics. The data set comprises signals from the force platform (raw data for the force, moments of forces, and centers of pressure) of 163 subjects plus one file with information about the subjects and balance conditions and the results of the other evaluations. All the data is available at PhysioNet and at Figshare.
Novel Method of Surgical Incision Management in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Fujii Takaaki , Morita Hiroki , Sutoh Toshinaga , Yajima Reina , Tsutsumi Soichi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: November 2016

We previously demonstrated that subcutaneous drain is effective for preventing incisional surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with thick subcutaneous fat in colorectal surgery. We have recently attempted a novel closure technique in colorectal surgery for the prevention of incisional SSI. In the current study, we described this novel method for prevention of incisional SSI and share our assessment of efficiency of this incision management in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The procedure “wound dressing with temporary negative pressure” using Opsite Post-Op Visible and an Atom Multipurpose Tube, is a simple and easy method. Immediately after incisions were closed, Opsite Post-Op Visible dressing was applied over the incision site with an Atom Multipurpose catheter, and negative pressure was applied through the catheter. We analyzed the cases of 203 patients who underwent colorectal resection. In 60 cases, we performed this negative pressure system for prevention of SSI. We reviewed the clinical features of these cases treated by this novel method and found that the incisional SSI rate in patients who underwent colorectal resection was significantly reduced following the use of the new method. There were no complications in any of the cases due to DNP. This dressing with negative pressure (DNP) may lead to wound drainage and a reduction of dead space in a subcutaneous wound area. These findings indicate that the use of DNP is safe, easy, and effective for preventing incisional SSI in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
Anal Canal Duplication in Adults: Report of Five Cases
Authors: Gülen Merter , Leventoğlu Sezai , Ege Bahadir , Menteş B.Bülent
Published: November 2016

Anal canal duplications are very rare noncommunicating second anal orifices located posterior to the true anus. In this study, 5 adult cases of anal canal duplication are reported as extremely rare entities in the literature. The medical records of anal canal duplication patients treated from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Five adult patients with symptoms of mucous discharge, anal pain, and or perianal fistula/abscess were admitted. Findings of physical examination and radiologic imaging (pelvic magnetic resonance, endoanal ultrasound, and or colonoscopy) suggested anal canal duplication. The mean age of patients was 40.4 ± 8.7 (range, 33–55), and the mean follow-up period was 18.4 ± 11.2 (range, 6–36) months. Histologic features of the removed samples confirmed anal canal duplication. All patients underwent complete surgical excision of the rudimentary anal canal. Anal canal duplication is a very rare congenital anomaly, and 5 additional adult cases are reported. Although this is a referral center, the recent accumulation of 5 adult cases of anal canal duplication suggests that this malformation might be more prevalent and frequently overlooked.
Compliance and Surgical Team Perceptions of WHO Surgical Safety Checklist; Systematic Review
Authors: Wangoo Laltaksh , Ray Robin A. , Ho Yik-Hong
Published: November 2016

This systematic review aimed to assess surgical safety checklist compliance and evaluate surgical team perceptions and attitudes, post-checklist implementation in the operating room. The World Health Organization (WHO) surgical safety checklist (SSC) has decreased complications and mortality. However, it is unclear whether this reduction is influenced by the vicarious enhancement in teamwork, communication, and staff awareness established by SSC implementation. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses model of review guided a search across MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase databases. English-language studies using any adapted form of the WHO-SSC in operating rooms were reviewed by abstract and full text. Twenty-six studies, 13 assessing SSC compliance and 13 investigating surgical team perceptions of SSC, were evaluated. Compliance studies showed a checklist initiation rate of >90%, but actual observed completion rate varied widely across studies. Sign out was the most poorly performed phase of the checklist (<50%) with time out being the best. Verification of patient identity and procedure demonstrated a high degree (>90%) of compliance across studies, but “verification of team-members” was significantly less compliant. Studies assessing surgical team perceptions found that SSC improved participants' perception of teamwork, communication, patient safety, and staff awareness of adverse events. However, when stakeholders placed differing degrees of importance on SSC completion, results indicated the SSC might actually antagonize team relationships. SSC compliance varies significantly across studies, being highly dependent on staff perceptions, training, and effective leadership. Surgical teams have positive perceptions of SSC; thus with effective implementation strategies, compliance rates across all phases can be substantially improved.
An Early Gastric Cancer Patient With Pleural Metastatic Recurrence
Authors: Shimazaki Asako , Katsube Takao , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Usuda Atsuko , Murayama Minoru , Konno Soihi , Asaka Shinichi , Yokomizo Hajime , Yoshimatsu Kazuhiko , Shiozawa Shunichi , Shimakawa Takeshi , Naritaka Yoshihiko
Published: November 2016

A 72-year-old male patient was diagnosed with depressed-type gastric cancer in the body of stomach [preoperative diagnosis: T2 (MP), N0, M0, P0, H0, cStage IB] and underwent distal gastrectomy and D2 dissection in January 2011. The pathological classification was T1b (SM), por2, 24 × 45 mm, ly3, v1, N2 (6/14), M0, P0, CY0, H0, fStage IIA. Continuous increase of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) followed 1-year postoperative S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy, so S-1 was resumed despite not identifying the site of recurrence. In December 2012, pleural metastasis was suspected based on fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose FDG standardized uptake value 14 × 23 mm in size on the right diaphragm (pleural cavity side) found on positron emission tomography-computed tomography. No other metastasis was found. Serum CA19-9 continued to increase. In April 2013, the patient underwent thoracoscopic removal of pleural metastasis on the right diaphragm (cytology of pleural effusion: class II). Pleural metastasis of gastric cancer was diagnosed based on the same histology as the gastric tumor. Elastica van Gieson (EvG) staining showed intravascular tumor thrombus, suggesting hematogenous metastasis. The tumor markers temporarily decreased after the surgery, but started to increase again. The patient is being treated with chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.
An adaptive iterative learning algorithm for boundary control of a flexible manipulator
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Liu Jinkun , He Wei
Published: November 2016

In this study, we consider the boundary control problem of a flexible manipulator in the presence of system parametric uncertainty and external disturbances. The dynamic behavior of the flexible manipulator is represented by partial differential equations (PDEs). Based on the Lyapunov method, we propose an adaptive iterative learning control scheme for trajectory tracking and vibration suppressing of a flexible manipulator. The proposed control scheme is designed using both a proportional‐derivative feedback structure and an iterative term. The learning convergence of iterative learning control is achieved through rigorous analysis without any simplification or discretization of the PDE dynamics. Finally, the results are illustrated using numerical simulations for control performance verification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun Photocrosslinkable Hydrogel Fibrous Scaffolds for Rapid In Vivo Vascularized Skin Flap Regeneration
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Lang Qi , Zhang Hongbo , Cheng Liying , Zhang Ying , Pan Guoqing , Zhao Xin , Yang Huilin , Zhang Yuguang , Santos Hélder A. , Cui Wenguo
Published: November 2016

Distal necrosis of random skin flap is always clinical problematic in plastic surgery. The development of 3D functional vascular networks is fundamental for the survival of a local random skin flap. Herein, an effective technique on constructing 3D fibrous scaffolds for accelerated vascularization is demonstrated using a photocrosslinkable natural hydrogel based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) by electrospinning. It is found that the ultraviolet (UV) photocrosslinkable gelatin electrospun hydrogel fibrous membranes exhibit soft adjustable mechanical properties and controllable degradation properties. Furthermore, it is observed that the optimized hydrogel scaffolds can support endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts adhesion, proliferation, and migration into the scaffolds, which facilitates vascularization. Importantly, a rapid formation of tubes is observed after 3 d seeding of endothelial cells. After GelMA fibrous scaffold implantation below the skin flap in a rat model, it is found that the flap survival rate is higher than the control group, and there is more microvascular formation, which is potentially beneficial for the flap tissue vascularization. These data suggest that GelMA hydrogels can be used for biomedical applications that require the formation of microvascular networks, including the development of complex engineered tissues.