bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohort profile: Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) study, a prospective cohort on ageing and health in Korea
Authors: Hong Namki , Kim Kwang-Joon , Lee Su Jin , Kim Chang Oh , Kim Hyeon Chang , Rhee Yumie , Youm Yoosik , Choi Jin-Young , Park Hyun-Young
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) cohort was initiated to study the epidemiologic characteristics, physical performance, laboratory and imaging biomarkers and incidence of age-related diseases in an elderly population with respect to both clinical and social aspects to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for combatting age-related diseases.

Participants

A total of 3517 adults aged 65 or older participated in the cohort at baseline from 2012 to 2015, recruited from three urban districts and one rural district in Korea. The second-wave follow-up survey is now being conducted at a 4-year interval from baseline (2016–2019; follow-up rate 71.5%). The data set included detailed information on anthropometric and socioeconomic factors, functional assessments, image scans (plain radiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and CT), biospecimens (ie, serum, urine and DNA) and social support networks along with the feasibility of linkage to a national claims database.

Findings to date

Mean age of participants at entry was 71.9±4.6 years and 67% were women. From the KURE participants enrolled in baseline recruitment, several studies were published in the fields of cardiometabolic diseases, musculoskeletal health and the association between social support network and diseases in ageing.

Future plans

Participants will be observed actively and passively every 4–5 years and the first follow-up will be completed in 2020. The KURE data set has strength in comprehensive physical function assessments, quantifiable imaging data sets using CT and detailed information regarding the social support networks of participants from a large community-based elderly Korean population.
Validity of four clinical prediction scores for pulmonary embolism in a sub-Saharan African setting: a protocol for a Cameroonian multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Esiéné Agnès , Owono Etoundi Paul , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Mbengono Metogo Junette Arlette , Ze Minkande Jacqueline
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism poses one of the most challenging diagnoses in medicine. Resolving these diagnostic difficulties is more crucial in emergency departments where fast and accurate decisions are needed for a life-saving purpose. Here, clinical pretest evaluation is an important step in the diagnostic algorithm of pulmonary embolism. Although clinical probability scores are widely used in emergency departments of sub-Saharan Africa, no study has cited their diagnostic performance in this resource-constrained environment. This study will seek to assess the performance of four routinely used clinical prediction models in Cameroonians presenting with suspicion of pulmonary embolism at the emergency department.

Methods and analysis

It will be a cross-sectional study comparing the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of the Wells, Simplified Wells, Revised Geneva and the Simplified Revised Geneva Scores to CT pulmonary angiography as gold standard in all consecutive consenting patients aged above 15 years admitted for clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism to the emergency departments of seven major referral hospitals of Cameroon between 1 July 2019 and 31 December 2020. The area under the receiver operating curve, calibration plots, Hosmer and Lemeshow statistics, observed/expected event rates, net benefit and decision curve will be measured of each the clinical prediction test to ascertain the clinical score with the best diagnostic performance.

Ethics and dissemination

Clearance has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of medicine and biomedical sciences of the University of Yaounde I, Cameroon and the directorates of all participating hospitals to conduct this study. Also, informed consent will be sought from each patient or their legal next of kin and parents for minors, before enrolment into this study. The final study will be published in a peer-review journal and the findings presented to health authorities and healthcare providers.
Improving the patient experience through a comprehensive performance framework to evaluate excellence in person-centred care
Authors: Guastello Sara , Jay Karin
Published: October 2019

Background

Person-centred care (PCC) is now recognised as an important component of healthcare quality. However, a lack of consensus of its most critical elements and absence of a global measure of person-centredness has limited the ability to evaluate the impact of implementation.

Aim

Introduce a measurable construct for PCC that yields improvement in quality, patient loyalty and staff engagement.

Methods

Informed by scientific evidence and the voices of patients, families and healthcare professionals, the Person-Centered Care Certification Programme was developed as a comprehensive measure of PCC (Person-Centered Care Certification is a registered trademark of Planetree Registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office). Ten years after its development, the programme was redesigned to offer a more complete evaluative framework to focus organisations’ PCC efforts and better understand their impact. Drawing on the National Academy of Medicine’s Guiding Framework for Patient and Family Engaged Care, five drivers for excellence were identified that delineate the critical inputs required to create and maintain a culture of PCC. Aligned within the drivers are 26 interventions that connect staff to purpose, promote partnership with patients and families, engage individuals in care and promote continuous learning. A multimethod evaluation approach assesses how effectively these PCC strategies have been executed within the organisation and to understand their impact on the human experience of care.

Results

The Person-Centered Care Certification Programme is associated with improvements in patient experience, patient loyalty and staff engagement.

Conclusion

The structured Certification framework can help organisations identify PCC improvement opportunities, guide their implementation efforts, and better understand the impact on patient and staff outcomes. Tested in cultures around the world and across the care continuum, the framework has proven effective in converting PCC into a definable, measurable and attainable goal. This paper outlines how the programme was designed, the measurable benefits derived by organisations and lessons learnt through the process.
Long-term effect of azithromycin in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
Authors: Gan C.Tji-Joong , Ward Chris , Meachery Gerard , Lordan James Laurence , Fisher Andrew J , Corris Paul A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Azithromycin stabilises and improves lung function forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in lung transplantation patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). A post hoc analysis was performed to assess the long-term effect of azithromycin on FEV1, BOS progression and survival .

Methods

Eligible patients recruited for the initial randomised placebo-controlled trial received open-label azithromycin after 3 months and were followed up until 6 years after inclusion (n=45) to assess FEV1, BOS free progression and overall survival.

Results

FEV1in the placebo group improved after open-label azithromycin and was comparable with the treatment group by 6 months. FEV1decreased after 1 and 5 years and was not different between groups. Patients (n=18) with rapid progression of BOS underwent total lymphoid irradiation (TLI). Progression-free survival (log-rank test p=0.40) and overall survival (log-rank test p=0.28) were comparable. Survival of patients with early BOS was similar to late-onset BOS (log-rank test p=0.74).

Discussion

Long-term treatment with azithromycin slows down the progression of BOS, although the effect of TLI may affect the observed attenuation of FEV1decline. BOS progression and long-term survival were not affected by randomisation to the placebo group, given the early cross-over to azithromycin and possibly due to TLI in case of further progression. Performing randomised placebo-controlled trials in lung transplantation patients with BOS with a blinded trial duration is feasible, effective and safe.
Homoscedasticity: an overlooked critical assumption for linear regression
Authors: Yang Kun , Tu Justin , Chen Tian
Published: October 2019

Linear regression is widely used in biomedical and psychosocial research. A critical assumption that is often overlooked is homoscedasticity. Unlike normality, the other assumption on data distribution, homoscedasticity is often taken for granted when fitting linear regression models. However, contrary to popular belief, this assumption actually has a bigger impact on validity of linear regression results than normality. In this report, we use Monte Carlo simulation studies to investigate and compare their effects on validity of inference.
Association between Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10-2.5) and Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma among Taiwanese Men
Authors: Huang Hsu-Chih , Tantoh Disline Manli , Hsu Shu-Yi , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Frank Cheau-Feng Lin , Lung Chia-Chi , Ho Chien-Chang , Chen Chih-Yi , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: October 2019

The nasopharyngeal tract traps mainly coarse particles in inhaled air. Soluble carcinogenic compounds, endotoxins, and trace metals contained in these particles are potential causes of inflammation and oxidative stress which could enhance carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the association between coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5) and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). A total of 521,098 men (355 cases and 520,743 non-cases), aged ≥40 years were included in this study. Data were retrieved from the Taiwan Cancer Registry, the Adult Preventive Medical Services Database, and the Air Quality Monitoring Database. PM10-2.5 was significantly associated with a higher risk of NPC after adjusting for SO2, NOx, O3, age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol drinking, betel nut chewing, exercise, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. With PM10-2.5<20.44 μg/m3 as the reference, the ORs and 95% CIs were 1.47; 1.03–2.11, 1.34; 0.94–1.91, and 1.68; 1.16–2.44 for 20.44≤PM10-2.5<24.08, 24.08≤PM10-2.5<29.27, and PM10-2.5≥29.27 μg/m3, respectively. PM10-2.5 remained significantly associated with a higher risk of NPC after further adjustments were made for the aforementioned covariates and PM2.5. The ORs; 95% CIs were 1.42; 0.96 to 2.12, 1.41; 0.94 to 2.10, and 1.71; 1.10 to 2.66 for 20.44≤PM10-2.5<24.08, 24.08≤PM10-2.5<29.27, and PM10-2.5≥29.27 μg/m3, respectively. In conclusion, PM10-2.5 was significantly associated with a higher risk of NPC in Taiwanese men.
Rationale for the ASSAIL-MI-trial: a randomised controlled trial designed to assess the effect of tocilizumab on myocardial salvage in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
Authors: Anstensrud Anne Kristine , Woxholt Sindre , Sharma Kapil , Broch Kaspar , Bendz Bjørn , Aakhus Svend , Ueland Thor , Amundsen Brage H , Damås Jan Kristian , Hopp Einar , Kleveland Ola , Stensæth Knut Haakon , Opdahl Anders , Kløw Nils-Einar , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Andersen Geir Øystein , Wiseth Rune , Aukrust Pål , Gullestad Lars
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) may be involved in ischaemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI). We have recently shown that IL-6 inhibition by tocilizumab attenuates systemic inflammation and troponin T-release in patients with acute non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI). Experimental studies suggest that IL-6 inhibition can limit infarct size through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but this has not been tested in clinical studies. With theASSessing the effect ofAnti-IL-6 treatment inMI(ASSAIL-MI) trial, we aim to examine whether a single administration of the IL-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab can increase myocardial salvage in patients with acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI).

Methods and analysis

The ASSAIL-MI trial is a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at three high-volume percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centres in Norway. 200 patients with first-time STEMI presenting within 6 hours of the onset of chest pain will be randomised to receive tocilizumab or matching placebo prior to PCI. The patients are followed-up for 6 months. The primary endpoint is the myocardial salvage index measured by cardiac MRI (CMR) 3–7 days after the intervention. Secondary endpoints include final infarct size measured by CMR and plasma markers of myocardial necrosis. Efficacy and safety assessments during follow-up include blood sampling, echocardiography and CMR.

Ethics and dissemination

Based on previous experience the study is considered feasible and safe. If tocilizumab increases myocardial salvage, further endpoint-driven multicentre trials may be initiated. The ASSAIL-MI trial has the potential to change clinical practice in patients with STEMI.

Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifierNCT03004703.
Increases in pharyngeal
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
positivity in men who have sex with men, 2011–2015: observational study
Authors: Comninos Nicholas Byron , Garton Linda , Guy Rebecca , Callander Denton , Fairley Christopher K , Grulich Andrew E , Donovan Basil , Goddard Sian Louise , Rutherford Alison , Templeton David J
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Pharyngeal gonorrhoea disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). We explored temporal trends in pharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity among MSM compared with anorectal and urogenital positivity.

Methods

Data (2011–2015) were extracted from 41 publicly funded sexual health clinics participating in a national surveillance network. Positivity was defined as the proportion of first-visit testing occasions where gonorrhoea was detected. Logistic regression explored trends in positivity and correlates of positive pharyngeal tests.

Results

From 2011 to 2015, 24 792 MSM tested (16 710 pharyngeal, 19 810 urogenital and 15 974 anorectal first-visit tests). Pharyngeal positivity increased by 183% from 139/3509 (4.0%) in 2011 to 397/3509 (11.3%) in 2015, p-trend <0.001; urogenital positivity by 39% from 257/4615 (5.6%) to 295/3783 (7.8%), p-trend=0.006; and anorectal positivity by 87% from 160/3469 (4.6%) to 286/3334 (8.6%), p-trend <0.001. The annual temporal increase in positivity was greater in the pharynx (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.38) than at urogenital (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.10) and anorectal (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.21) sites. Factors independently associated with pharyngeal gonorrhoea were: younger age (p<0.001), higher numbers of recent sexual partners (p-trend=0.004), contact with a person with a diagnosed STI (p<0.001), injecting drug use (p<0.001), anogenital symptoms (p<0.001) and HIV-positive status (p=0.050).

Conclusion

Temporal increases in gonorrhoea positivity occurred at all anatomical sites, with the greatest increase in the pharynx. Risk factors could be used to help to develop testing and prevention strategies among MSM at highest risk. Strengthening sexual health service delivery, testing and surveillance remain priorities for pharyngeal gonorrhoea control.
Acute effects of an isocaloric macronutrient-matched breakfast meal containing almonds on glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Bodnaruc Alexandra M. , Prud’homme Denis , Giroux Isabelle
Published: October 2019

This randomized crossover study assessed the acute effects of almonds on postprandial glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in a sample of 7 men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants completed 2 experimental visits during which a control (white bread, butter, cheese) and a test (white bread, almonds) meal were ingested. Energy, available carbohydrate, total lipid, and protein content were the same in both meals. Blood samples were collected in fasting state as well as 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 240 min postprandially for quantifying blood glucose, as well as insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) serum concentrations. Subjective appetite sensations were assessed using visual analog scales at the same time-points. Within this sample of participants, the test meal was found to be associated with lower postprandial glycemia and insulinemia, higher GLP-1 serum concentrations, decreased hunger and desire to eat, and increased fullness. The test meal was also associated with an increased estimated glucose metabolic clearance rate, indicating higher postprandial insulin sensitivity. Overall, results suggest that almonds’ macronutrient subtype profile could have a beneficial impact on postprandial glycemic, hormonal, and appetite responses in men with T2D. Studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

Novelty A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced lower glycemic and insulinemic responses. A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced a greater elevation in postprandial GLP-1 serum concentrations. A meal containing almonds (vs. isocaloric macronutrient-matched control) induced more favourable postprandial appetite responses.
Localisation of the brittle Bathurst fault on pre-existing fabrics: a case for structural inheritance in the northeastern Slave craton, western Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Ma Svieda M. , Kellett Dawn A. , Godin Laurent , Jercinovic Michael J.
Published: October 2019

The north–northwest-striking Bathurst fault in the northeastern Slave craton displaced the 1.9 Ga Kilohigok basin and the ca. 2.02–1.96 Ga Thelon tectonic zone, and projects beneath the 1.7 Ga Thelon basin where unconformity-associated uranium deposits are spatially associated with basement faults. Here we investigate the deformation–temperature–time history of the Bathurst fault rocks using structural and microstructural observations paired with U–(Th–)Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Highly strained hornblende-bearing granitoid rocks, the predominant rock type on the northeastern side of the Bathurst fault in the study area, show ambiguous sense of shear suggesting flattening by coaxial deformation. Quartz and feldspar microstructures suggest ductile deformation occurred at ≥500 °C. Along the main fault trace, brittle features and hydrothermal alteration overprint the pervasive ductile flattening fabric. In situ U–Th–Pb dating of synkinematic monazite suggests ductile fabric formation at ca. 1933 ± 4 Ma and ca. 1895 ± 11 Ma, and zircon from a cross-cutting dyke constrains the brittle deformation to ≤1839 ± 14 Ma. 40Ar/39Ar dating of fabric-defining minerals yield cooling ages of ca. 1920–1900 Ma and ca. 1900–1850 Ma for hornblende and muscovite, respectively, and a maximum cooling age of ca. 1840 Ma for biotite. We suggest the ca. 1933–1895 Ma ductile flattening fabric developed during orthogonal collision and indentation of the Slave craton into the Thelon tectonic zone and Rae craton. Brittle deformation on the Bathurst fault was localised parallel to the ductile flattening fabric after ca. 1840 Ma and preceded Thelon basin deposition. Brittle deformation features in Bathurst fault rocks preserve evidence for fluid–rock interaction and enhanced basement permeability, suggesting the fault is a possible conduit structure for mineralising fluids.
Ellipsometric evaluation and morphology of mixed zinc sulfide/zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanostructures synthesized at various temperatures
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Mohamed S.H. , Alrowaili Z.A. , Hadia N.M.A.
Published: October 2019

The aim of this work was to carry out systematic studies of how synthesis temperatures affect the morphology and properties of mixed zinc sulfide/zinc oxide (ZnSxOy and ZnO) nanostructures, and to get reliable data on optical constants of ZnSxOy and ZnO nanowires/nanobelts (NW/NB) for the use in device applications. ZnSxOy and ZnO NWs/NBs were fabricated using vapor transport in an open-end tube. Mixed ZnS0.47O0.62NWs was obtained at the synthesis temperature of 850 °C. The sulfur content disappeared as the temperature increased to 950 °C and 1050 °C and the morphology changed to a mixture of NW/NB. The NW prepared at 850 °C were indexed as mixed phases of hexagonal ZnS and hexagonal ZnO structures. The NW/NB prepared at 950 °C and 1050 °C were indexed as pure hexagonal ZnO structures. The thickness, surface roughness, and optical constants of the synthesized nanostructured samples were extracted from measurements of spectroscopic ellipsometry. A two-layers model was proposed to fit the calculated data to the measured ellipsometric spectra. The estimated band gap values of the prepared nanostructures lay 0.66–0.79 eV below the bulk ZnO value due to the lower oxygen content present in the samples and the stresses built in the samples during preparation.
Minimally deformed anisotropic model of class one space-time by gravitational decoupling
Authors: Singh Ksh. Newton , Maurya S. K. , Jasim M. K. , Rahaman Farook
Published: October 2019

In this article, we have presented a static anisotropic solution of stellar compact objects for self-gravitating system by using minimal geometric deformation techniques in the framework of embedding class one space-time. For solving of this coupling system, we deform this system into two separate system through the geometric deformation of radial components for the source function $$\lambda (r)$$λ(r) by mapping: $$e^{-\lambda (r)}\rightarrow e^{-\tilde{\lambda }(r)}+\beta \,g(r)$$e-λ(r)→e-λ~(r)+βg(r), where g(r) is deformation function. The first system corresponds to Einstein’s system which is solved by taking a particular generalized form for source function $$\tilde{\lambda }(r)$$λ~(r) while another system is solved by choosing well-behaved deformation function g(r). To test the physical viability of this solution, we find complete thermodynamical observable as pressure, density, velocity, and equilibrium condition via. TOV equation etc. In addition to the above, we have also obtained the moment of inertia (I), Kepler frequency (v), compression modulus ($$K_e$$Ke) and stability for this coupling system. The M–R curve has been presented for obtaining the maximum mass and corresponding radius of the compact objects.
Infrared image blurring with distance beyond an initial aperture plane
Authors: Grzesik J. A.
Published: October 2019

A photon field, be it in the visible or the infrared, necessarily diverges with distance away from its source. In the domain of visible optics such divergence is routinely countered through the intervention of focusing lenses or mirrors. Such focusing, on the other hand, is less readily available in the infrared, and it becomes of some interest to acquire an intuitive, semi-quantitative feel for the image blurring which this divergence implies. The present short note, whose content, admittedly, is both highly idealized and is aimed at a merely methodological goal, seeks to provide just such an image blurring insight. It considers as its datum a circular aperture with an isotropic radiant flux incident upon it, and then tracks image spreading and the concomitant intensity decline across downstream capture planes. The anticipated blurring so confirmed should encourage similar, more incisive analyses in realistic imaging scenarios. And, while the language below exudes an aura of urgency in a specifically infrared domain, its concern implicitly extends to photonic fields at all other frenquencies.
Manifest non-locality in quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and quantum gravity
Authors: Freidel Laurent , Leigh Robert G. , Minic Djordje
Published: October 2019

We summarize our recent work on the foundational aspects of string theory as a quantum theory of gravity. We emphasize the hidden quantum geometry (modular spacetime) behind the generic representation of quantum theory and then stress that the same geometric structure underlies a manifestly T-duality covariant formulation of string theory, that we call metastring theory. We also discuss an effective non-commutative description of closed strings implied by intrinsic non-commutativity of closed string theory. This fundamental non-commutativity is explicit in the metastring formulation of quantum gravity. Finally we comment on the new concept of metaparticles inherent to such an effective non-commutative description in terms of bi-local quantum fields.
Color-flavor-locked matter in a nonuniform strong magnetic field
Authors: Liang Hao , Wen Xin-Jian
Published: October 2019

The magnetic-color-flavor-locked quark matter is investigated in the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. Strong nonuniform magnetic fields are employed in order to mimic the spatial dependence of the magnetic field strength at high densities. We find that the gap solution depends strongly on the diquark coupling interaction. Based on the requirement that the parallel pressure should be an increasing function of the chemical potential, an upper limit on the central magnetic field [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]G is obtained, which increases slightly with the diquark interaction strength. Furthermore, much stronger central magnetic field could occur in the stars composed of magnetic-color-flavor matter than that of ordinary strange quark matter.
Research on digital silicon gyroscope interface circuit based on bandpass sigma-delta modulator
Authors: Huang Fuxiang , Fu Qiang , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Yufeng , Mao Zhigang
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a novel digital silicon gyroscope interface circuit, designed by 0.35 [Formula: see text]m BCD process, and the chip area is 4.8 mm ∗ 5.0 mm. The traditional noise model of charge amplifier decomposes the noise into voltage noise and current noise. But the test results show that current noise accounts for a large proportion, which is not consistent with the theoretical model. Through the analysis of experimental data and the study of operational amplifier’s working principle in charge amplifier, a new noise model is established, which makes the experimental data closer to the theoretical model. The design makes use of the bandpass characteristics of the bandpass sigma–delta modulator consistent with the sensitive structure of the silicon gyroscope, and optimizes the digital principle of the silicon gyroscope. The digital demodulation of bandpass sigma–delta modulator (BP SDM) can directly separate the in-phase component from the orthogonal component, which eliminates the tedious design of carrier signal digitization and multi-digital filtering, simplifies the frame structure of the whole digital silicon gyroscope system and reduces the design difficulty and physical cost. The ASIC of silicon gyroscope digital interface circuit is tested in combination with the sensitive structure. The noise density of 0.0014[Formula: see text]/s/Hz[Formula: see text], zero stability of 1[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]h (1[Formula: see text]) and 0.2[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]h (Allen variation). The test of ASIC and the whole machine proves the correctness of the theoretical model, which reflects the correctness of the performance of the digital interface circuit of silicon gyroscope.
Superconductivity and hall effect of polycrystalline Pb82Bi18 thin films, a universal test platform for flux pinning by hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Bang Wonbae , Woo Sung Oh , Morrison T. D. , Teizer W. , Rathnayaka K. D. D. , Lyuksyutov I. F. , Naugle D. G.
Published: October 2019

We report the properties of superconductivity and Hall effect in 100 nm Pb[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text] alloy thin films which were prepared by thermal evaporation with quench condensation using liquid nitrogen. X-ray diffraction indicates the films are [Formula: see text]-phase with peaks shifted to lower angles compared to pure Pb. The [Formula: see text] of the films was higher than those of an amorphous Pb–Bi alloy thin film of the same composition and pure bulk Pb. The resistivity, critical field and critical current density of the thin films are reported. The coherence length ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) and London penetration depth ([Formula: see text]) near [Formula: see text] were calculated from the experimental results. The films are in the dirty limit and behave as type-II superconductors with a Ginzburg–Landau parameter of about 10. Additionally, the films show sign reversal in Hall measurements. These films have been quite useful in a comprehensive study of the effects of flux pinning by integrated ferromagnetic nanostructures conducted in hybrid ferromagnet–superconductor samples in our lab over the past few years due to their single-phase nature and strong type-II behavior.
Dynamic hysteresis and compensation behaviors of the bilayer Blume–Capel model under an oscillating magnetic field
Authors: Bati Mehmet
Published: October 2019

Dynamic compensation and hysteresis characteristics of Blume–Capel (BC) model under an oscillating magnetic field have been studied within the dynamic mean field approximation. Spin-1 ferro-antiferromagnetic system Hamiltonian contains bilinear and crystal-field interactions in the presence of a time-dependent oscillating external magnetic field on a bilayer square lattice. Benefiting from the thermal variations of the total magnetization, we find the L-, Q-, R- and S-type compensation behaviors in the system. According to our results, the system does not represent dynamic compensation behavior when it only includes one interaction parameter. We found that the existence of compensation temperatures and hysteresis properties strongly depends on crystal field interactions. It has also been shown that for the paramagnetic phase of the system, single hysteresis behaviors may occur. Finally, the obtained results are compared with some experimental and theoretical results and found in a qualitatively good agreement.
Traverse electric field effect on wave vector filtering in a magnetically modulated semiconductor nanostructure
Authors: Tang Ge , Liu Gui-Xiang , Ma Wen-Yue
Published: October 2019

We theoretically study the effect of traverse electric field on wave vector filtering (WVF) in a magnetically modulated nanostructure, which can be constructed by patterning ferromagnetic (FM) stripes on top and bottom of GaAs/Al[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]As heterostructure. Using the transfer matrix method, electric field-dependent transmission is calculated by using Weber function for electrons across the structure. We find that WVF efficiency is manipulable by adjusting direction or strength of electric field. Thus, an electrically-tunable momentum filtering device can be obtained.
Diamond-like carbon as gate dielectric for metal–insulator–semiconductor applications
Authors: Tyan Shing-Long , Tang Hsiang-Chi , Wu Zhang-Wei , Mo Ting-Shan
Published: October 2019

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) has been studied as a dielectric material for future metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) technology. In this paper, ultrathin DLC films were deposited on silicon substrates by using the dc magnetron sputtering technique at various deposition voltages. The current–voltage characteristics indicated that the leakage currents of the MIS devices decreased with an increase in deposition voltages, and that a low leakage current ([Formula: see text] A/cm2) was achieved at −2 V bias voltage. The deposition voltage effects on the structures of films were investigated through Raman spectroscopy, which indicated that the sp3 bonding fraction decreased with an increase in the deposition voltage. The ramp-voltage breakdown test revealed high effective breakdown electric field ([Formula: see text]85 MV/cm) for the MIS device with the DLC film deposited at 1100-V deposition. Stress-induced leakage current measurement indicated that the DLC film exhibited excellent reliability.
ESTABLISHMENT OF OVINE MODEL FOR CH-VAD IMPLANTABLE VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE
Authors: WU GUANGHUI , YANG LIN , LI HAIYANG , HOU XIAOTONG , CHEN CHEN , YANG PENG , LIN CHANGYAN
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to establish an ovine model for CH-VAD (CH Biomedical Inc., JiangSu, China) implantable ventricular assist device (IVAD) to evaluate experimental protocols, including anesthesia management, surgical process, autopsy criteria and a validated anticoagulation procedure. Method: IVAD was implanted into the chest of sheep without stopping the beating heart through a left thoracotomy, and the inflow cannula was connected to the left ventricular apex and the outflow cannula was anastomosed to the descending aorta. Results: Totally 23 cases were established: 6 died of an anaesthetic or surgical reasons, one died of lung infection, the other 16 cases survived for more than 15 days, among which four cases were terminated because of decrease of pump flow and the other 12 cases survived for more than 30 days. Conclusions: Sheep models suitable for implantation of CH-VAD implantable LVAD were successfully established and the appropriate safety evaluation indicators of this model were validated in the course of the animal experiments, and the survival rate of the experiments were improved gradually over time.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE BLOCKADE OF AXONAL TRANSPORT BY ACTIVATED ASTROCYTES IN OPTIC NERVE HEAD UNDER CHRONIC OCULAR HYPERTENSION
Authors: PENG FAN , MA LIPING , LIU LIU , LI LIN , QIAN XIUQING
Published: October 2019

Glaucoma is considered a group of neurodegenerative diseases that damage the optic disc and result in a reduction of the field of vision. High intraocular pressure-induced deformation of optic nerve head (ONH) may compress the optic nerve and affect axonal transport. This study aims to show experimental observations: the activated astrocytes under high intraocular pressure play an important role in compression of optic nerve and block of axonal transport. Four-week duration of ocular hypertension (more than 20[Formula: see text]mm Hg) rats induced by cauterizing of three episcleral vessels and administering a fluorouracil subconjunctival injection in the right eye were enrolled and the left eyes of all the rats were used as a self-control. The axonal transport of the optic nerve was examined by a confocal laser scanning microscope after intravitreally injecting rhodamine-[Formula: see text]-isothiocyanate. The morphology of the optic nerve head was examined by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed transport of rhodamine-[Formula: see text]-isothiocyanate was blocked in the experimental group, and fluorescent dye accumulated around the ONH. The nucleus counts of the coronal section kidney-shaped area showed that the number of cell nucleus in experimental eye was more than that of the control according to the results of HE staining. The increased collagen fibers in ONH were observed. The density of the glial fibrillary acidic protein in experimental eyes was a little bit higher than that in the control group by quantify analysis of the expression. The obvious changes of microstructure of the ONH also were found according to the images of TEM. It can be concluded that the activated astrocytes might squeeze the optic nerve, likely leading to optic nerve distortion and axonal flow blockage.
DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF BOUNDING VOLUME HIERARCHY COLLISION DETECTION ALGORITHM BASED ON VIRTUAL SPHERE
Authors: WANG MONAN , CHEN SHAOYONG , YANG QIYOU
Published: October 2019

The result of collision detection is closely related to the further deformation or cutting action of soft tissue. In order to further improve the efficiency and stability of collision detection, in this paper, a collision detection algorithm of bounding volume hierarchy based on virtual sphere was proposed. The proposed algorithm was validated and the results show that the detection efficiency of the bounding volume hierarchy algorithm based on virtual sphere is higher than that of the serial hybrid bounding volume hierarchy algorithm and the parallel hybrid bounding volume hierarchy algorithm. Different collision detection algorithms were tested and the results show that the collision detection algorithm based on virtual sphere has high detection efficiency and good stability. As the number of triangular patches increased, the advantage was more and more obvious. Finally, the proposed algorithm was applied to two large and medium-sized virtual scenes to implement the collision detection between the vastus lateralis muscle, thigh and surgical instrument. Based on the virtual sphere, the collision detection algorithm of bounding volume hierarchy can implement efficient and stable collision detection in a virtual surgery system. Meanwhile, the algorithm can be combined with other acceleration algorithms (such as the multithread acceleration algorithm) to further improve detection efficiency.
Construction of secondary coordination sphere boosts electrochemical CO2 reduction of iron porphyrins
Authors: Liu Guiyu , Fan Ying-Jie , Zhang Jun-Long
Published: October 2019

Iron porphyrins with simple aminophenyl substitution are synthesized and their electrochemical CO[Formula: see text] reduction properties are studied. Fe-1, bearing an amino group in the ortho position of the phenyl ring exhibits an improved catalytic turn over frequency (TOF), lower overpotential and higher selectivity, compared with para-amino-substituted iron porphyrin (Fe-2) and the control iron tetraphenylporphyrin (Fe-3). DFT calculations also support the importance of hydrogen bonds on the reactivity of Fe-1, which facilitates the formation [Fe–CO[Formula: see text]][Formula: see text] adduct by lowering 1.45 kcal mol[Formula: see text].
ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING CAPABILITY AND INNOVATION: STUDY ON COMPANIES LOCATED IN REGIONAL CLUSTER
Authors: TAMBOSI SILVANA SILVA VIEIRA , GOMES GIANCARLO , AMAL MOHAMED
Published: October 2019

The paper aims at addressing the influence of organisational learning capability on innovation performance of firms embedded in a regional cluster. Using a structural equation modelling, and based on a survey data of firms in the textile industry, we tested the relationships between learning capability, innovation and regional cluster’s embeddedness. The results of the model estimates show that while learning capability has a positive effect on the innovation performance of firms (efficiency and effectiveness), organisations embedded in territorial agglomerations reveal a greater degree of cooperation and creation of local capabilities, once they make part of a local productive and innovative system. The results also shed light on how the complex relationships between economies of agglomeration and the learning process affect innovation of firms. More, particularly, we suggest that the degree of cooperation among firms and the development of organisational capability may affect their innovation performance. While we do not compare the performance of firms inside and outside regional cluster, we attempted to set up how different degrees of cooperation can shape the development of innovation capabilities and innovation performance.
Survey of Compressed Domain Video Summarization Techniques
Authors: Basavarajaiah Madhushree , Sharma Priyanka
Published: October 2019

Video summarization is the method of extracting key frames or clips from a video to generate a synopsis of the content of the video. Generally, video is compressed before storing or transmitting it in most of the practical applications. Traditional techniques require the videos to be decoded to summarize them, which is a tedious job. Instead, compressed domain video processing can be used for summarizing videos by partially decoding them. A classification and analysis of various summarization techniques are presented in this article with special focus on compressed domain techniques along with a discussion on machine-learning-based techniques that can be applied to summarize the videos.
A Survey of Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Architecture and Design
Authors: Liu Leibo , Zhu Jianfeng , Li Zhaoshi , Lu Yanan , Deng Yangdong , Han Jie , Yin Shouyi , Wei Shaojun
Published: October 2019

As general-purpose processors have hit the power wall and chip fabrication cost escalates alarmingly, coarse-grained reconfigurable architectures (CGRAs) are attracting increasing interest from both academia and industry, because they offer the performance and energy efficiency of hardware with the flexibility of software. However, CGRAs are not yet mature in terms of programmability, productivity, and adaptability. This article reviews the architecture and design of CGRAs thoroughly for the purpose of exploiting their full potential. First, a novel multidimensional taxonomy is proposed. Second, major challenges and the corresponding state-of-the-art techniques are surveyed and analyzed. Finally, the future development is discussed.
Defining Pollinator Health: A Holistic Approach Based on Ecological, Genetic, and Physiological Factors
Authors: López-Uribe Margarita M. , Ricigliano Vincent A. , Simone-Finstrom Michael
Published: October 2019

Evidence for global bee population declines has catalyzed a rapidly evolving area of research that aims to identify the causal factors and to effectively assess the status of pollinator populations. The term pollinator health emerged through efforts to understand causes of bee decline and colony losses, but it lacks a formal definition. In this review, we propose a definition for pollinator health and synthesize the available literature on the application of standardized biomarkers to assess health at the individual, colony, and population levels. We focus on biomarkers in honey bees, a model species, but extrapolate the potential application of these approaches to monitor the health status of wild bee populations. Biomarker-guided health measures can inform beekeeper management decisions, wild bee conservation efforts, and environmental policies. We conclude by addressing challenges to pollinator health from a One Health perspective that emphasizes the interplay between environmental quality and human, animal, and bee health.
BMP Signaling in Development, Stem Cells, and Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Zhang Yongchun , Que Jianwen
Published: October 2019

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway is essential for the morphogenesis of multiple organs in the digestive system. Abnormal BMP signaling has also been associated with disease initiation and progression in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associated organs. Recent studies using animal models, tissue organoids, and human pluripotent stem cells have significantly expanded our understanding of the roles played by BMPs in the development and homeostasis of GI organs. It is clear that BMP signaling regulates GI function and disease progression that involve stem/progenitor cells and inflammation in a tissue-specific manner. In this review we discuss these new findings with a focus on the esophagus, stomach, and intestine.
Prefrontal Regulation of Threat-Elicited Behaviors: A Pathway to Translation
Authors: Roberts Angela C.
Published: October 2019

Regions of the prefrontal and cingulate cortices play important roles in the regulation of behaviors elicited by threat. Dissecting out their differential involvement will greatly increase our understanding of the varied etiology of symptoms of anxiety. I review evidence for altered activity within the major divisions of the prefrontal cortex, including orbitofrontal, ventrolateral, dorsolateral, and ventromedial sectors, along with the anterior cingulate cortex in patients with clinical anxiety. This review is integrated with a discussion of current knowledge about the causal role of these different prefrontal and cingulate regions in threat-elicited behaviors from experimental studies in rodents and monkeys. I highlight commonalities and inconsistencies between species and discuss the current state of our translational success in relating findings across species. Finally, I identify key issues that, if addressed, may improve that success in the future.
Episodic stimulation of central chemoreceptor neurons elicits disordered breathing and autonomic dysfunction in volume overload heart failure
Authors: Díaz Hugo S. , Andrade David C. , Toledo Camilo , Pereyra Katherin V. , Schwarz Karla G. , Díaz-Jara Esteban , Lucero Claudia , Arce-Álvarez Alexis , Schultz Harold D. , Silva Josiane N. , Takakura Ana C. , Moreira Thiago S. , Marcus Noah J. , Del Rio Rodrigo
Published: October 2019

Enhanced central chemoreflex (CC) gain is observed in volume overload heart failure (HF) and is correlated with autonomic dysfunction and breathing disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the CC in the development of respiratory and autonomic dysfunction in HF. Volume overload was surgically created to induce HF in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Radiotelemetry transmitters were implanted for continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. After recovering from surgery, conscious unrestrained rats were exposed to episodic hypercapnic stimulation [EHS; 10 cycles/5 min, inspiratory fraction of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) 7%] in a whole body plethysmograph for recording of cardiorespiratory function. To determine the contribution of CC to cardiorespiratory variables, selective ablation of chemoreceptor neurons within the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) was performed via injection of saporin toxin conjugated to substance P (SSP-SAP). Vehicle-treated rats (HF+Veh and Sham+Veh) were used as controls for SSP-SAP experiments. Sixty minutes post-EHS, minute ventilation was depressed in sham animals relative to HF animals (ΔV̇e: −5.55 ± 2.10 vs. 1.24 ± 1.35 mL/min 100 g, P < 0.05; Sham+Veh vs. HF+Veh). Furthermore, EHS resulted in autonomic imbalance, cardiorespiratory entrainment, and ventilatory disturbances in HF+Veh but not Sham+Veh rats, and these effects were significantly attenuated by SSP-SAP treatment. Also, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly lower in HF+SSP-SAP rats compared with HF+Veh rats (AHI: 5.5 ± 0.8 vs. 14.4 ± 1.3 events/h, HF+SSP-SAP vs. HF+Veh, respectively, P < 0.05). Finally, EHS-induced respiratory-cardiovascular coupling in HF rats depends on RTN chemoreceptor neurons because it was reduced by SSP-SAP treatment. Overall, EHS triggers ventilatory plasticity and elicits cardiorespiratory abnormalities in HF that are largely dependent on RTN chemoreceptor neurons.