bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unusual presentation of postaxial polydactyly of the foot
Authors: López‐López Daniel , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta Elena , Bautista Casasnovas Adolfo Laureano
Published: December 2016

A 6‐month‐old Caucasian baby is described with a postaxial polydactyly of the letf foot. Radiographic examination revealed the accessory digit was composed of soft tissue, some with a tiny osseous element, originated from around the metatarsophalangeal joint, defined by floating type (FT). The parents had consistent difficulty putting shoes. We encountered an exceedingly rare presentation of FT, to our inspection, had neither been previously related in published studies. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the unusual case of congenital deformity lesion on the left foot to be reported in the medical literature.
Global Sport Power Europe? The Efficacy of the European Union in Global Sport Regulation
Authors: García Borja , Meier Henk Erik
Published: November 2016

The effectiveness of the European Union (EU) as global regulator is controversial. Some scholars characterize the EU as one of the most important shapers of global regulations; others argue that the EU's effectiveness critically depends on its regulatory cohesion, the political opportunity structure and regulatory capacity of its interlocutors. Since global sport represents a regionally segmented industry and is governed by private actors of diverse regulatory capacity, global sport regulation represents an excellent domain to study these propositions systematically. Comparative case studies on global sport regulation support the idea that the EU can impose its regulatory ambitions on sport governing due to market size and regulatory capacity. However, the broader political opportunity structure is found to be relevant and the EU does not appear as a strong regulator of global sports.
Influence of Cocoa Hybrids on Volatile Compounds of Fermented Beans, Microbial Diversity during Fermentation and Sensory Characteristics and Acceptance of Chocolates
Authors: Magalhães da Veiga Moreira Igor , Gabriela da Cruz Pedrozo Miguel Maria , Lacerda Ramos Cíntia , Ferreira Duarte Whasley , Efraim Priscilla , Freitas Schwan Rosane
Published: December 2016

Microbial diversity, final concentration of volatiles compounds during fermentation and the characterization and acceptability of chocolates of three cocoa hybrids (PH 9, PH 15 and PH 16) were evaluated. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia kluyveri, Pichia caribbica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the predominant yeasts in the three fermentations. Lactobacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Bacillus cereus and Lysinibacillus fusiformis were the common bacterial species isolated from the fermentations. The PH 9 hybrid showed highest diversity of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. Twenty‐seven volatile compounds were identified during the cocoa fermentation of all hybrids. Chocolate from PH 9 hybrid had most desirable flavors and obtained the most ideal score in acceptance test. Chocolate from PH 15 hybrid was considered the most bitter, acidic and astringent. Chocolates produced by different cocoa hybrids showed differences in sensory attributes and acceptance. Therefore, special management is required for the different hybrid fermentations to obtain high‐quality chocolate.

Practical Applications

As a solution to the recovery of the cocoa crop in Brazil, many hybrids resistant to the disease called “witches’ broom” were developed, but the impact of these crosses on cocoa quality, consequently in chocolate is not known. The producers’ cooperatives and farmers of cocoa have no technical or scientific information about the behavior of cocoa hybrids during spontaneous fermentation process, which, oftentimes give rise to an uncontrolled fermentation of cocoa hybrids mixture. The results of this paper could be used among the producers’ cooperatives and cocoa farmers for guidance about the influence of genetic improvement on the quality of cocoa fermented beans and chocolates, particularly among the three hybrids evaluated in this study.
A systematic investigation of the charging effect in scanning electron microscopy for metal nanostructures on insulating substrates
Authors: FLATABØ R. , COSTE A. , GREVE M.M.
Published: December 2016

Scanning electron microscopy is perhaps the most important method for investigating and characterizing nanostructures. A well‐known challenge in scanning electron microscopy is the investigation of insulating materials. As insulating materials do not provide a path to ground they accumulate charge, evident as image drift and image distortions. In previous work, we have seen that sample charging in arrays of metal nanoparticles on glass substrates leads to a shrinkage effect, resulting in a measurement error in the nanoparticle dimension of up to 15% at 10 kV and a probe current of 80 ± 10 pA. In order to investigate this effect in detail, we have fabricated metal nanostructures on insulating borosilicate glass using electron beam lithography. Electron beam lithography allows us to tailor the design of our metal nanostructures and the area coverage. The measurements are carried out using two commonly available secondary electron detectors in scanning electron microscopes, namely, an InLens‐ and an Everhart–Thornley detector. We identify and discriminate several contributions to the effect by varying microscope settings, including the size of the aperture, the beam current, the working distance and the acceleration voltage. We image metal nanostructures of various sizes and geometries, investigating the influence of scan‐direction of the electron beam and secondary electron detector used for imaging. The relative measurement error, which we measure as high as 20% for some settings, is found to depend on the acceleration voltage and the type of secondary electron detector used for imaging. In particular, the Everhart–Thornley detectors lower sensitivity to SE1 electrons increase the magnitude of the shrinkage of up to 10% relative to the InLens measurements. Finally, a method for estimating charge balance in insulating samples is presented.
Pasireotide prevents nuclear factor of activated T cells nuclear translocation and acts as a protective agent in aminoglycoside‐induced auditory hair cell loss
Authors: Bodmer Daniel , Perkovic Adrijana , Sekulic‐Jablanovic Marijana , Wright Matthew B. , Petkovic Vesna
Published: November 2016

Hearing impairment is a global health problem with a high socioeconomic impact. Damage to auditory hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear as a result of aging, disease, trauma, or toxicity, underlies the majority of cases of sensorineural hearing loss. Previously we demonstrated that the Ca2+‐sensitive neuropeptide, somatostatin (SST), and an analog, octreotide, protect HCs from gentamicin‐induced cell death in vitro. Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin trigger a calcium ion influx (Ca2+) that activates pro‐apoptotic signaling cascades in HCs. SST binding to the G‐protein‐coupled receptors (SSTR1‐SSTR5) that are directly linked to voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels inhibits Ca2+ channel activity and associated downstream events. Here, we report that the SST analog pasireotide, a high affinity ligand to SSTRs 1–3, and 5, with a longer half‐life than octreotide, prevents gentamicin‐induced HC death in the mouse organ of Corti (OC). Explant experiments using OCs derived from SSTR1 and SSTR1and 2 knockout mice, revealed that SSTR2 mediates pasireotide's anti‐apoptotic effects. Mechanistically, pasireotide prevented a nuclear translocation of the Ca2+‐sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which is ordinarily provoked by gentamicin in OC explants. Direct inhibition of NFAT with 11R‐VIVIT also prevented the gentamicin‐dependent nuclear translocation of NFAT and apoptosis. Both pasireotide and 11R‐VIVIT partially reversed the effects of gentamicin on the expression of downstream survival targets (NMDA receptor and the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase, PI3K). These data suggest that SST analogs antagonize aminoglycoside‐induced cell death in an NFAT‐dependent fashion. SST analogs and NFAT inhibitors may therefore offer new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of hearing loss.

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Impact of Clinical Presentation on Early Vascular Healing After Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Implantation
Authors: Baquet Moritz , Brenner Christoph , Wenzler Maximilian , Eickhoff Madeleine , David Jochheim , Brunner Stefan , Theiss Hans , Massberg Steffen , Guagliumi Giulio , Mehilli Julinda
Published: November 2016

Background

Optimal strut coverage and early vascular healing are important factors to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis. Data on early vascular healing with the new bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are lacking. Further, healing response after BVS implantation in different clinical presentation has not been fully investigated.

Methods and Results

We assessed with optical coherence tomography (OCT) the early vascular response to BVS implantation in 26 consecutive patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina (SA). Images from 16 BVSs (17,166 struts) in ACS patients and 17 BVSs (23,045 struts) in SA patients were analyzed. The mean implanted BVS diameter and length was 3.1 ± 0.4 mm and 20.4 ± 5.8 mm. At mean 47.6 ± 6.3 days, overall 99% of BVS struts were covered. There were no differences between ACS and SA on the amount of tissue coverage per strut (0.09 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.09 ± 0.01 mm; P = 0.86, respectively) and lumen area stenosis (24.2 ± 19.3% vs. 22.3 ± 22.0%; P = 0.78, respectively). However, a numerically higher proportion of protruding (ACS 1.2 ± 2.7%; SA 4.2 ± 6.5%; P = 0.11) and malapposed (ACS 0.4 ± 0.5%; SA 2.4 ± 5.8%; P = 0.18) struts were observed in SA compared to ACS, with trendy better healing score in ACS (1.87 ± 1.67 vs. 5.28 ± 7.28, P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Early after BVS implantation almost complete scaffold strut coverage without any thrombi was observed by OCT, independent by the clinical presentation at index coronary intervention. However, BVS in ACS lesions were associated with easier strut penetration and a trendy better healing score compared with SA.
Hemorrhagic, Hemostatic, and Thromboelastometric Disorders in 35 Dogs with a Clinical Diagnosis of Leptospirosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Barthélemy A. , Magnin M. , Pouzot‐Nevoret C. , Bonnet‐Garin J.‐M. , Hugonnard M. , Goy‐Thollot I.
Published: December 2016

Background

Leptospirosis in dogs is occasionally associated with a hemorrhagic syndrome, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize hematologic, hemostatic, and thromboelastometric abnormalities in dogs with leptospirosis and to study their association with hemorrhagic diatheses and outcomes.

Animals

Thirty‐five client‐owned dogs.

Methods

A prospective observational single cohort study was conducted. Results from theCBC, coagulation tests (prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin and thrombin times, fibrinogen, fibrin(ogen) degradation products, and D‐dimer concentrations), rotational thromboelastometry (TEM), signalment, hemorrhagic diatheses, occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) at admission, and survival to discharge were recorded.

Results

The most common hematologic and hemostatic abnormalities were anemia (30/35), thrombocytopenia (21/35), and hyperfibrinogenemia (15/35). Eight dogs were diagnosed withDIC. A normalTEMprofile was found in 14 dogs, a hypercoagulable profile in 14 dogs, and a hypocoagulable profile in 7 dogs. The 8 dogs with hemorrhagic diatheses at admission had significantly decreased platelet counts (P= .037) and increased D‐dimer concentrations (P= .015) compared with other dogs. Dogs with a hypocoagulable profile exhibited more hemorrhagic diatheses compared with the dogs that had normal and hypercoagulable profiles (P= .049). The mortality rate was lower in dogs with a hypercoagulable profile than in those with a hypocoagulable profile (21% vs 57%;P= .043). Disseminated intravascular coagulation was not a significant prognostic factor.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Thromboelastometric parameters were altered in dogs with both hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable profiles. A hypocoagulable profile was significantly correlated with hemorrhagic diathesis and higher mortality rate.
Canadian Mining Companies in Peru: Barrick and Bear Creek
Authors: Fairlie Reinoso Alan , Herrera Esthefany
Published: November 2016

This article addresses certain issues concerning mining investments in the context of the industry's development in the Peruvian national economy. It presents two cases and identifies the effects of the investments of these mining companies on several economic and social variables, the companies’ community‐relationship policies, and related socio‐environmental conflicts. A preliminary effort is made to compare and systematize the viewpoints of the companies and other more‐critical approaches. Finally, we present some conclusions and implications that may be of use in preparing policy guidelines.
Feeding behaviors during home‐based treatment of moderate acute malnutrition using corn‐soy blends or lipid‐based nutrient supplements
Authors: Iuel‐Brockdorf Ann‐Sophie , Ouedraogo Albertine , Ritz Christian , Draebel Tania Aase , Ashorn Per , Filteau Suzanne , Michaelsen Kim F.
Published: December 2016

Feeding behaviors have an important impact on children's nutritional status and are essential to consider when implementing nutrition programs. The objective of this study was to explore and compare feeding behaviors related to supplementary feeding with corn‐soy blends (CSB) and lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) based on best practice feeding behaviors. The study was conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of new formulations of CSB and LNS and comprised 1,546 children from 6 to 23 months. The study included a mixed methods approach using questionnaires, focus group discussions and home visits and interviews with a subsample of 20 caretakers of trial participants.

We found that LNS, compared to CSB, were more likely to be mixed into other foods (OR [95% CI] 1.7 [1.3–2.2], p = <.001), served with a meal (OR [95% CI] 1.6 [1.1–2.3], p = <.018)or between meals (OR [95% CI] 1.5 [1.1–1.9], p = <.005), and fed using an encouraging feeding style (mean difference in percentage points [95% CI] 23% [6%:40%], p = .01). CSB were more likely to be fed using a forced feeding style (mean difference in percentage points [95% CI] 18% [3%:33%], p = .02) and were often observed to be served unprepared.

The main differences in feeding behaviors between the two diet groups were linked to how and when supplements were served. Educational instructions should therefore be adapted according to the supplement provided; when providing CSB, efforts should be made to promote an encouraging feeding style, and emphasis should be made to ensure preparations are made according to recommendations.
Anorectal manometry: Should it be performed in a seated position?
Authors: Wu G.‐j. , Xu F. , Lin L. , Pasricha P. J. , Chen J. D. Z.
Published: December 2016

Background

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is typically preformed in a lateral position. This non‐physiological testing position has produced an unexpected negative rectoanal pressure gradient (RAPG, i.e. difference between rectal and anal pressure) with normal defecation. This study was designed (i) to study differences in ARM parameters between water‐perfused and solid‐state sensors and between lateral and seated positions and (ii) to investigate the roles of ARM parameters in predicting balloon expulsion.

Methods

ARM was performed in 18 healthy volunteers (HV) and 60 patients with functional constipation (FC) under three randomized conditions: water‐perfused in lateral position, solid‐state in lateral position, and solid‐state in seated position, followed by a balloon expulsion test in seated position.

Key Results

i) Under the same lateral position, solid‐state sensors produced higher rectal resting pressure and RAPG than water‐perfused sensors. ii) Using the solid‐state sensors, ARM in the seated position revealed higher resting rectal pressure (34.9 vs 10.9 mmHg in HV, 30.9 vs 10.6 mmHg in FC, both P<.001) and higher RAPG (22.6 vs −6.2 mmHg in HV, 17.1 vs −8.1 mmHg in FC, both P<.001) than the lateral position. iii) When ARM was performed using solid‐state sensors in seated position, RAPG was predictive of balloon expulsion; using 10 mmHg as a threshold, RAPG could predict balloon expulsion with specificity of 82% and sensitivity 77%.

Conclusions and Inference

ARM performed in a seated position using solid‐state sensors seems more accurate in assessing rectal pressure, and the RAPG measured under these conditions is predictive of balloon expulsion in FC patients.
Use of Heart Rate Variability and Photoplethysmograph‐Derived Parameters as Assessment Signals of Radiofrequency Therapy Efficacy for Chronic Pain
Authors: Ye Jing‐Jhao , Chuang Chiung‐Cheng , Tai Yu‐Ting , Lee Kuan‐Ting , Hung Kuo‐Sheng
Published: December 2016

Background

Radiofrequency therapy (RFT) generates molecular motion and produces heat and electromagnetic effects on tissues, which attenuate pain sensation and thereby relieve pain. This study was to observe the altering trend of physiological parameters after RFT for chronic cervical or lumbar pain.

Methods

This study recruited 66 patients with chronic cervical or lumbar pain and recorded their physiological parameters before and after RFT using heart rate variability (HRV) and photoplethysmography (PPG) to explore the feasibility of RFT efficacy assessment.

Results

The patients' visual analog scale scores significantly decreased after RFT and the HRV parameters that represented parasympathetic activity significantly changed (HR decreased, and R‐R interval and low‐ and high‐frequency power increased significantly). Meanwhile, the PPG parameters that represented sympathetic activity also increased (PPG amplitude and autonomic nervous system state significantly decreased).

Conclusions

This study showed significant efficacy of RFT in patients with chronic cervical or lumbar pain. The changes of HRV and PPG parameters may explain part of the mechanisms of RFT.
The Philosopher's Baedeker: Wittgenstein's Tractatus as Guidebook
Authors: MacNeil Kevin
Published: December 2016

The Wittgenstein of the Tractatus is committed to four central and interlocking claims: a limit to sense and nonsense can be drawn in logic; a limit to meaningful and meaningless language – to meaningful and meaningless nonsense – cannot be drawn in logic; whether nonsense is meaningful is shown in its use rather than its form; the Tractatus consists largely of meaningful nonsense. Undergirding these commitments is an account of language‐to‐world picturing in which shared “mathematical multiplicities” play a key role. Picturing as a global phenomenon – language‐to‐world, rather than proposition‐to‐fact – has not been well understood. The Tractatus is not a textbook. No doctrines are developed in it. No problems solved. Instead, it is a kind of Baedeker, a guidebook for those who want “to see the world aright.”
Motivational factors associated with physical activity and quality of life in people with severe mental illness
Authors: Farholm Anders , Sørensen Marit , Halvari Hallgeir
Published: December 2016

Background

There has been increasing interest for investigating the role of motivation in physical activity among people with severe mental illness (SMI). Autonomous motivation has been suggested to have a potentially important role in adoption and maintenance of physical activity. However, the knowledge about factors that facilitate autonomous motivation among people with SMI is scarce.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with motivation for physical activity as well as the relationships between motivation, physical activity and health‐related quality of life in individuals with SMI that were currently physically active.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used, and 88 participants were recruited from a public health network promoting physical activity for people with SMI. They answered a questionnaire package consisting of scales measuring psychological need support – psychological need satisfaction – and motivation for physical activity, physical activity and health‐related quality of life.

Results

The majority of participants reported to be in regular physical activity. Associations between variables were tested according to the self‐determination theory process model. Structural equation modelling yielded good fit of the process model to the data. Specifically, a need‐supportive environment was positively associated with psychological need satisfaction, while psychological need satisfaction was positively associated with autonomous motivation and mental health‐related quality of life, and negatively associated with controlled motivation and amotivation. Physical activity was positively associated with autonomous motivation and physical health‐related quality of life, and negatively associated with amotivation.

Conclusion

This study indicates that individuals with SMI can be regularly physically active when provided with suitable opportunities. Furthermore, the present results suggest that it is vital for health‐care practitioners to emphasise creating a need‐supportive environment when organising physical activity because such an environment is associated with both increased autonomous motivation for physical activity and mental health‐related quality of life.
Missing women: policing absence
Authors: Stevenson Olivia , Parr Hester , Woolnough Penny
Published: November 2016

This paper considers the neglected mobilities associated with a sample of UK women reported as missing. Refracted through literatures on gendered mobility and abandonment, the paper argues that the journeys of these women in crisis are not well understood by police services, and that normative gender relations may infuse their management. By selectively exploring one illustrative police case file on Kim, we highlight how reported and observed socio‐spatial relationships within private and public spaces relate to search actions. We argue that Kim's mobility and spatial experiences are barely understood, except for when they appear to symbolise disorder and danger. We address the silences in this singular case by using the voices of other women reported as missing, as collected in a research project to explore the agency, experience and meaning of female mobility during absence. We argue that women reported as missing are not abandoned by UK policing services, but that a policy of continued search for them may be at risk if they repeatedly contravene normative socio‐spatial relationships through regular absence mobilities. By way of conclusion, we address recent calls for research that explores the relationships between gender and mobility.
RESULTS OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DOGS WITH SUSPECTED WOODEN FOREIGN BODIES
Authors: Lamb Christopher R. , Pope Elizabeth H.W. , Lee Karla C.L.
Published: December 2016

Detection of wooden foreign bodies in dogs can be challenging. A retrospective, cross‐sectional study was done to describe computed tomographic (CT) signs associated with wooden foreign bodies, and to estimate the accuracy of CT for detection of wooden foreign bodies. Patient records and CT images were reviewed for 72 dogs that had a history of suspected stick injury and CT of the affected body part, or possible wooden foreign object reported on CT, and had surgical exploration during the same period of hospitalization. Duration of clinical signs was acute in 48 (67%) dogs and chronic in 24 (33%). Wood was removed from 55 dogs, including a piece of a tree or shrub in 33 (60%) instances, kebab stick in 8 (15%), piece of bamboo garden cane in 2 (4%), cocktail stick in 2 (4%), thorn in 1 (2%), and unidentified wood in the remaining nine instances. Based on review of CT images with knowledge of the surgical findings, sensitivity of CT for wooden foreign bodies was 79% (95% CI 65%–89%), specificity 93% (78%–98%), positive likelihood ratio 11.5 (2.9–44.1), and negative likelihood ratio 0.23 (0.13–0.41). Wooden foreign bodies were predominantly rectangular or linear, with median length 48 mm (range 2–270 mm), median thickness 3 mm (range 1–22 mm), and median attenuation 111 HU (range −344 to +640 HU). A CT finding of gas in soft tissues was significantly associated with acute cases, whereas suspected foreign material, cavitary lesions, fat stranding, and periosteal reaction on adjacent bones were associated with chronic cases.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging for in vivo quantification of pulmonary hypertension in the Sugen 5416/hypoxia mouse
Authors: Breen Ellen C. , Scadeng Miriam , Lai N. Chin , Murray Fiona , Bigby Timothy D.
Published: November 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Non‐invasive, quantitative methods to assess right cardiac function in mice with pulmonary hypertension have not been demonstrated.

What is the main finding and its importance?

This study shows the potential of magnetic resonance imaging to estimate right ventricular ejection fraction and measure spatial, dynamic changes in cardiac structure in the Sugen 5416/hypoxia mouse model of pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressures and right heart failure. Mouse models of PAH are instrumental in understanding the disease pathophysiology. However, few methods are available to evaluate right cardiac function in small animals. In this study, magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure in vivo cardiac dimensions in the Sugen 5416/hypoxia mouse model. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced in C57BL/6 mice by 3 weeks of exposure to 10% oxygen and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibition (20 mg kg−1 SU5416). Control mice were housed in room air and received vehicle (DMSO). Right ventricular pressures were recorded with a pressure‐conductance transducer. Short‐axis contiguous 1‐mm‐thick slices were acquired through the heart and great vessels using a fast low‐angle shot (FLASH)‐cine sequence. Thirteen images were collected throughout each cardiac cycle. Right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated in PH mice (23.6 ± 6 versus 41.0 ± 11 mmHg, control versus PH, respectively; P < 0.001, n = 5–11). Right ventricular wall thickness was greater in PH than in control mice at end diastole (0.30 ± 0.05 versus 0.48 ± 0.06 mm, control versus PH, respectively; P < 0.01, n = 6), but measurements were not different at end systole (control versus PH, 0.59 ± 0.11 versus 0.70 ± 0.11 mm, respectively). Right ventricular ejection fraction was decreased in PH mice (72 ± 3 versus 58 ± 5%, control versus PH, respectively; P < 0.04, n = 6). These data demonstrate that magnetic resonance imaging is a precise method to monitor right ventricular remodelling and cardiac output longitudinally in mouse models of PH.
Adipose tissue inflammation by intermittent hypoxia: mechanistic link between obstructive sleep apnoea and metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Ryan Silke
Published: November 2016

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition and recognized as a major public health burden conveying a significant risk of cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. Type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance (IR) and glucose tolerance are common in subjects with OSA and this association is at least in part independent of the effects of obesity. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with OSA but the benefit of CPAP on glycaemic health is uncertain. Thus, a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which OSA leads to metabolic dysfunction might identify novel therapeutic approaches. Intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark feature of OSA, likely plays a key role in the pathogenesis and experimental studies using animal and in vitro models suggest that IH leads to pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction and to insulin resistance in the insulin target organs liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In particular, IH induces a pro‐inflammatory phenotype of the visceral adipose tissue with polarization of adipose tissue macrophages towards a M1–pro‐inflammatory subtype, upregulation and secretion of numerous pro‐inflammatory adipokines and subsequent impairment of the insulin‐signalling pathway, changes which bear a striking similarity to adipose tissue dysfunction seen in obesity. In this review, the available evidence linking IH with metabolic dysfunction is explored with a special emphasis on the adipose tissue in this process.

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El contrato de seguro y los contratos de la actividad financiera: Coberturas y tendencias del seguro global bancario
Authors: Narváez Bonnet Jorge Eduardo
Published: December 2016

Este artículo corresponde a la ponencia presentada por el autor el XXVIII Congreso de la Asociación Colombiana de Seguros –ACOLDESE- celebrado en la ciudad de Medellín en octubre de 2015.

Se analizan los principales desarrollos en materia de pólizas globales bancarias en las últimas décadas, si bien las pólizas que se utilizan en el mercado colombiano, provienen del Reino Unido, las cuales no han sufrido cambio alguno, la forma americana No. 24 que sirvió de base a las pólizas inglesas, evidentemente ha sufrido distintos ajustes y alteraciones, particularmente, en el amparo de infidelidad de empleados.

El análisis también comprende diversos tópicos, como son: la configuración del descubrimiento según los parámetros de la jurisprudencia americana; la supuesta abusividad de las cláusulas de infidelidad de empleados y de limitación de descubrimiento en estas pólizas; la extensión del deber de mitigar el daño.

Finalmente, el autor realiza un breve recuento de los desarrollos más recientes de las coberturas de responsabilidad profesional bancaria, de fraudes por sistemas computarizados y de los amparos denominados “cyber risks” y “cyber liability”.
La exclusión de los grandes riesgos de los beneficios de la ley de Contrato de seguro en el Perú: El principio de realidad
Authors: Núñez del Prado Simons Alonso
Published: December 2016

El autor analiza el concepto de ‘grandes riesgos’, de origen europeo que ha sido y pretende ser mal utilizado en Latinoamérica. Defiende la alternativa legislativa por la que se optó en la ley de contrato de seguro de Perú, donde se estableció una especie de control difuso en vez del establecimiento de montos que delimiten la barrera. Critica el Proyecto de ley presentado en el Congreso peruano que pretende imitar el camino chileno.

Ver video sobre exposición en el Congreso de la República de Perú sobre este tema
Mixed Parallel-Series Connection of Piezoelectric Oscillators for Wideband Energy Harvesting
Authors: Wu P. H. , Chen Y. J. , Li B. Y. , Shu Y. C.
Published: November 2016

The article studies the behavior of a mixed parallel-series connection of piezoelectric oscillators attached to the standard interface for wideband energy harvesting. The estimate of power output is obtained analytically considering the formulations of balance of charge, energy and system dynamics. It can be presented based on the generalized matrix formulation of charging on capacitance in terms of equivalent load impedance. The proposed model is subsequently validated numerically through circuit simulations. Finally, a design with a careful choice of parallel-series mixed connection of oscillators is proposed for illustration. With a proper circuit layout triggering the switching of connection, the result shows that the peak power of each array configuration is roughly uniform within the frequency range of interest. Hence, the bandwidth is enlarged without the loss of peak power.
Articulating Turbine Rotor Blade Concept for Improved Off-Design Performance of Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Murugan Muthuvel , Ghoshal Anindya , Xu Fei , Hsu Ming-Chen , Bazilevs Yuri , Bravo Luis , Kerner Kevin
Published: November 2016

Gas turbine engines are generally optimized to operate at nearly a fixed speed with fixed blade geometries for the design operating condition. When the operating condition of the engine changes, the flow incidence angles may not be optimum with the blade geometry resulting in reduced off-design performance. Articulating the pitch angle of turbine blades in coordination with adjustable nozzle vanes can improve performance by maintaining flow incidence angles within the optimum range at all operating conditions of a gas turbine engine. Maintaining flow incidence angles within the optimum range can prevent the likelihood of flow separation in the blade passage and also reduce the thermal stresses developed due to aerothermal loads for variable speed gas turbine engine applications. U.S. Army Research Laboratory has partnered with University of California San Diego and Iowa State University Collaborators to conduct high fidelity stator-rotor interaction analysis for evaluating the aerodynamic efficiency benefits of articulating turbine blade concept. The flow patterns are compared between the baseline fixed geometry blades and articulating conceptual blades. The computational fluid dynamics studies were performed using a stabilized finite element method developed by the Iowa State University and University of California San Diego researchers. The results from the simulations together with viable smart material based technologies for turbine blade actuations are presented in this paper.
Multi-Stable Origami Structure for Crawling Locomotion
Authors: Pagano Alexander , Leung Brandon , Chien Brian , Yan Tongxi , Wissa A. , Tawfick S.
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the design of a bio-inspired crawling robot comprised of bi-stable origami building blocks. This origami structure, which is based on Kresling origami pattern, expands and contracts through coupled longitudinal and rotational motion similar to a screw. Controlled snapping, facilitated by buckling instability, allows for rapid actuation as seen in the mechanism of the hummingbird beaks or the Venus flytrap plant, which enables them to capture insects by fast closing actions. On a much smaller scale, a similar buckling instability actuates the fast turning motion of uni-flagellated bacteria. Origami provides a versatile and scale-free framework for the design and fabrication of smart actuators and structures based on this bi-stable actuation scheme. This paper demonstrates how a bi-stable origami structure, having the geometry of a polygonal base prism, can be used to actuate crawling gait locomotion. Bi-stable origami structures exhibit buckling instabilities associated with local bending and buckling of their flat panels. Traditional kinematic analysis of these structures based on rigid-plates and hinges at fold lines precludes the shape transformation readily observed in physical models. To capture this behavior, the model presented utilizes principles of virtual folding to analyze and predict the kinematics of the bistable origami building blocks. Virtual fold approximates panel bending by hinged, rigid panels, which facilitates the development of a kinematic solution via traditional rigid-plate analysis. As such, the kinetics and stability of the structures are investigated by assigning suitable torsional springs’ constants to the fold lines. The results presented demonstrate the effect of fold-pattern geometries on the chirality (i.e. the rotational direction that results in expansion of the structure), and snapping behavior of the bi-stable origami structure. The crawling robot is presented as a case study for the use of this origami structure in various locomotion applications. The robot is comprised of two nested origami ‘building blocks’ with opposite chirality, such that their actuations are coupled rotationally. A servo motor is used to rotationally actuate the expansion and contraction of both the internal and external origami structures to achieve locomotion. Inclined barbs that extrude from the edges of the polygonal base engage with the ground surface, thus constraining the expansion or contraction to forward locomotion, as desired. The robot fabrication methods are presented and results from experiments performed on various surfaces are also discussed.
Analytical Modeling and Experimental Verification of a S-Shaped Vibration Energy Harvester
Authors: Mehdipour I. , Braghin F. , Lecis N. , Galassi C.
Published: November 2016

During the last decade, significant research effort has been spent on simple Cantilever Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters (PVEHs). These types of harvesters have their maximum efficiency in a very narrow bandwidth around their natural frequency and are therefore unfit for being used in presence of random or wide spectrum excitation. In this study, a periodic substructure for multi-frequency energy harvesting with single piezoelectric patch is proposed. This system is able to harvest energy from several modes (the lower ones) and, through proper design, these modes may be obtained in a narrow frequency band. The substructure is designed through an analytical model that allows to place modes exactly where required and tests are carried out to validate the proposed analytical model. The results confirm the validity of the proposed model that could be exploited to determine solutions for further improving both the bandwidth and overall efficiency of the harvester by helping of nonlinearity phenomena.
Dielectric Properties of Dielectrophoretically Aligned ZnO-PDMS Composites
Authors: Masud Md Abdulla Al , Ounaies Zoubeida
Published: November 2016

ZnO based polymer composite materials are of great interest because of their excellent electrical, optical, semiconductor and biocompatible properties. In this study, we synthesize anisotropic composites of aligned ZnO rods in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer and study their dielectric properties as a function of applied electric field and frequency. Submicron ZnO rods are synthesized using an inexpensive, high yield chemical route. Washed and purified ZnO rods are then aligned in uncured PDMS at different electric field and frequency. We find that under electric field, ZnO rotates with their long axis in the direction of the electric field and before coalescing form chains in the silicone elastomer. From the optical microscopy images and in situ dielectric measurements, the best alignment parameters are found at 4 kV/mm and 10 kHz. These conditions are then selected to prepare aligned ZnO-PDMS composites. Complete curing of composites is confirmed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Our results show that aligned ZnO in uncured PDMS exhibit higher dielectric permittivity compared to random dispersion with the same composition. For the cured ZnO-PDMS composites, dielectric permittivity increases by 80% compared to random composites.
Dynamic System Simulation Using Distributed Computation Hardware
Authors: Williams Keith A.
Published: November 2016

The availability of low-cost, readily programmable digital hardware offers numerous opportunities for novel modeling and control approaches. One such opportunity is the realization of hardware modeling of distributed dynamic systems. Such models could be useful for control algorithms that require high-fidelity models operating in real-time. The ultimate goal is to utilize digital systems with programmable hardware. As a proof-of-concept, multiple discrete microcontrollers have been used to emulate how programmable hardware devices may be used to simulate a distributed vibrating system. Specifically, each microcontroller is treated as a single vibrating mass with stiffness and damping coupling between the masses. Each microcontroller has associated position and velocity variables. The only additional knowledge required to compute the acceleration of each “mass” is thus the position and velocity of each immediate neighboring mass/microcontroller. The computation time is independent of the number of nodes; adding nodes results in no reduction in processing speed. Consequently, the computational approach will be applicable to very high order models. Practical implementation of such models will require digitally programmable hardware such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), however an added benefit will be a still greater reduction in cost, as multiple microcontrollers are replaced by a single FPGA. It is expected that the hardware modeling approach described in this work will have application not only in the field of vibration modeling and control, but also in other fields where control of distributed dynamic systems is desired.
Optimization of an Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting Backpack Under Actual Walking and Running Scenarios
Authors: Mullen Christopher , Lee Soobum
Published: November 2016

Energy harvesting technology can provide a renewable, portable power source for soldiers who rely solely on battery power in the field. Electromagnetic energy harvesters scavenge energy from wasted kinematic and vibration energy in human motion. The motion of interest in this paper is vertical hip displacement during human gait that acts as a base excitation. The placement of a permanent magnet based linear generator mounted in a backpack can make use of this excitation that results in relative motion of the magnet to the coil of copper wire, which induces an electric current. This current can be used to charge a battery or capacitor bank installed on the backpack to power portable electronic devices, thereby reducing the need for extra batteries and overall battery weight. The purpose of this research is to use a multi-variable optimization algorithm to identify an optimal coil and magnet layout for power maximization. Results from this study will pave the way for a more efficient energy harvesting backpack while providing better insight into the efficiency of magnet and coil layout for various applications for electromagnetic power generation from vibration.
Temperature dependence of the sticking coefficients of bis-diethyl aminosilane and trimethylaluminum in atomic layer deposition
Authors: Schwille Matthias C. , Schössler Timo , Schön Florian , Oettel Martin , Bartha Johann W.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, the authors present the temperature dependent sticking coefficient (SC) of bis-diethyl aminosilane (BDEAS) and trimethylaluminum (TMA) in atomic layer deposition. SiO2 from BDEAS and ozone at substrate temperatures between 200 and 350 °C as well as Al2O3 from TMA and water deposited at substrate temperatures between 150 and 300 °C was deposited on our likewise in this journal published cavity test structures. The SC of BDEAS shows an Arrhenius dependence while for TMA no temperature dependent SC could be resolved. The activation energy for BDEAS which is extracted from a linear fit to the Arrhenius diagram is compared to the value gained by density functional theory calculations from the literature. Furthermore, the different growth behavior of BDEAS and TMA under substrate temperature considerations is identified with different deposition regimes as proposed in the literature.
Transparent and visible light-insensitive acrylic photoresist for negative tone optical lithography
Authors: Carbaugh Daniel J. , Kaya Savas , Rahman Faiz
Published: December 2016

The study presented in this paper describes an optimized negative tone optical resist based on ultraviolet (UV)-induced cross-linking of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This simple resist is made by dissolving PMMA and a photo-cross-linking agent—Irgacure 379, in ethyl lactate. Irgacure cross-links PMMA when exposed to i-line radiation (365 nm wavelength). However, as it does not absorb at longer wavelengths, this resist is in-sensitive to visible light. The outstanding optical transparency and high resolution capability of PMMA make this resist system useful for many applications. While PMMA has low resistance to erosion during dry etching processes, this resist allows plasma erosion resistance to be enhanced by a postpatterning blanket UV exposure process. Furthermore, being based on PMMA and similar acrylic polymers that are amenable to patterning through electron beam lithography, this resist system can also be used for processes that combine optical and electron beam lithography on the same resist film.
Analysis and in situ observation of humidity dependent atomic layer deposited-Al2O3 degradation
Authors: Rückerl Andreas , Huppmann Sophia , Mandl Martin , Katz Simeon , Zeisel Roland
Published: December 2016

The degradation of atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (ALD-Al2O3) at high temperature and high humidity was investigated. The intrinsic hydroxyl concentration of as-deposited ALD-Al2O3 was evaluated using a temperature dependent deposition study and its impact on degradation behavior was analyzed. In addition, the degradation of ALD-Al2O3 was monitored in situ using a plate capacitor with ALD-Al2O3 as dielectric. A model for the ALD-Al2O3 degradation mechanism was proposed based on the penetration of water molecules into the ALD-Al2O3 and on the formation of aluminum hydroxide. Two parameters, delay-time (time till a change in capacitance occurs) and wetting speed (speed of molecular water penetration into the ALD-Al2O3), were extracted from the capacitance measurements in order to evaluate the dependence of ALD-Al2O3 degradation on temperature and humidity.
Selective attentional processes in cochlear implant recipients: Measurements of the attentional filter
Authors: Bester Christofer , Jayakody Dona M. P. , Hammond Geoffrey , Robertson Donald
Published: December 2016

In normal hearing subjects, detection of near-threshold tones in noise is influenced by signal certainty. Thus, tones that are presented more frequently than others, and/or are preceded by a clearly audible cue tone of the same frequency (target tones) are detected better than other tones (probe tones). This auditory attentional filter was examined in six cochlear implant (CI) recipients, using acoustic stimuli and direct programmed electrode stimulation. Three of the subjects showed no evidence of an attentional filter. Three subjects showed a relatively higher detection rate of the target frequency or electrode stimulated during the attentional task, and in two of these subjects the target benefit was influenced by stimulus certainty. The absence of an attentional filter in some CI recipients is consistent with suggestions that the attentional filter may be generated by efferent modulation of outer hair cells, which would presumably be absent in CI recipients, however, the presence of some frequency-selective attentional effects and a near-normal attentional filter in two CI subjects imply that central processes can modulate signal detection in CI recipients according to stimulus certainty. Such central processes might serve as a neural substrate to improve signal detection in CI recipients.
Selective oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene using boron nitride catalysts
Authors: Grant J. T. , Carrero C. A. , Goeltl F. , Venegas J. , Mueller P. , Burt S. P. , Specht S. E. , McDermott W. P. , Chieregato A. , Hermans I.
Published: December 2016

Boron nitride catalysis

Propene is one of the highest-volume organic chemicals produced. Propene has mainly been made from naphtha, but changes in the global supply chain are creating shortages. Direct conversion from propane, a component of natural gas, via reaction with oxygen is an attractive alternative, but existing approaches produce a large fraction of unwanted CO and CO
2
. Grant
et al.
report that boron nitride, normally an unreactive material, has high selectivity to catalyze the production of propene (77%) and ethene (13%).

Science
, this issue p.
1570
Draft Genome Sequence of the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae GUJ105 From Gujarat, India
Authors: Badapanda Chandan , Detroja Rajesh , Rathore Ankita
Published: December 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain GUJ105, isolated clinically. The size of the genome is approximately 11.5 Mb and contains 5,447 protein-coding genes.