bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRESTO, the on-line photon energy spectrometer at FERMI: design, features and commissioning results
Authors: Svetina Cristian , Cocco Daniele , Mahne Nicola , Raimondi Lorenzo , Ferrari Eugenio , Zangrando Marco
Published: December 2015

Measurement of the emission wavelength and the spectral content of the photon radiation is essential information for both machine and experimental physicists at a free-electron laser (FEL) user facility. Knowledge of the photon beam spectral properties is needed during the machine optimization and for performing machine studies (i.e.monitoring the change of the FEL output as a function of the machine parameters). The experimentalists, on the other hand, need to know the photon beam spectral distribution of the source, shot to shot, to discriminate the acquired data. Consequently, the main requirement for the instrument, supposed to obtain this information, is the capability of working on-line and shot-to-shot, with minimal perturbation of the beam delivered to the experimental stations. Starting from the grating fundamental equations, the conceptual design of the FERMI Pulse-Resolved Energy Spectrometer: Transparent and On-line (PRESTO) is presented, explaining the optical design in detail. The performance of PRESTO, in terms of resolving power, efficiency and spectral response, is also discussed. Finally, some useful features beyond the usual measurement of the energy spectrum are reported, as they have been routinely used by both machine and experimental physicists.
MagneDyn: the beamline for magneto dynamics studies at FERMI
Authors: Svetina Cristian , Mahne Nicola , Raimondi Lorenzo , Caretta Antonio , Casarin Barbara , Dell'Angela Martina , Malvestuto Marco , Parmigiani Fulvio , Zangrando Marco
Published: December 2015

The future Magneto Dynamics (MagneDyn) beamline will be devoted to study the electronic states and the local magnetic properties of excited and transient states of complex systems by means of the time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy technique. The beamline will use FERMI's high-energy source covering the wavelength range from 60 nm down to 1.3 nm. An on-line photon energy spectrometer will allow spectra to be measured with high resolution while delivering most of the beam to the end-stations. Downstream the beam will be possibly split and delayed, by means of a delay line, and then focused with a set of active Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors. These mirrors will be able to focus the radiation in one of the two MagneDyn experimental chambers: the electromagnet end-station and the resonant inelastic X-ray scattering end-station. After an introduction of the MagneDyn scientific case, the layout will be discussed showing the expected performances of the beamline.
The LCLS variable-energy hard X-ray single-shot spectrometer
Authors: Rich David , Zhu Diling , Turner James , Zhang Dehong , Hill Bruce , Feng Yiping
Published: December 2015

The engineering design, implementation, operation and performance of the new variable-energy hard X-ray single-shot spectrometer (HXSSS) for the LCLS free-electron laser (FEL) are reported. The HXSSS system is based on a cylindrically bent Si thin crystal for dispersing the incident polychromatic FEL beam. A spatially resolved detector system consisting of a Ce:YAG X-ray scintillator screen, an optical imaging system and a low-noise pixelated optical camera is used to record the spectrograph. The HXSSS provides single-shot spectrum measurements for users whose experiments depend critically on the knowledge of the self-amplified spontaneous emission FEL spectrum. It also helps accelerator physicists for the continuing studies and optimization of self-seeding, various improved mechanisms for lasing mechanisms, and FEL performance improvements. The designed operating energy range of the HXSSS is from 4 to 20 keV, with the spectral range of order larger than 2% and a spectral resolution of 2 × 10−5or better. Those performance goals have all been achieved during the commissioning of the HXSSS.
A novel method for decaying DC component removal with regard to frequency fluctuations
Authors: Tajdinian Mohsen , Montaser Kouhsari Shahram , Mohseni Kazem , Zareian Jahromi Mehdi
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Decaying DC component has important effect on extracting the fundamental component phasor. It directly affects the precision of protective relaying algorithms which act based on fundamental frequency component. It can be noted that decaying DC component, harmonic components and off-nominal frequency conditions are the major issues which strongly effect phasor estimation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper proposes a novel hybrid approach for fundamental phasor estimation in order to remove the decaying DC component using Hilbert Transform and Discrete Fourier Transform.

Findings

– The proposed method (PM) converges to the original value in one cycle in presence of harmonic components and off-nominal frequency condition. In addition, proposed algorithm is able to detect the frequency fluctuation. Thus, it is applicable for static and dynamic conditions. An extensive set of simulation results across static and dynamic validations demonstrated that the proposed approach has faster convergence and better precision than the present methods. In addition, during harmonic distortion and also frequency fluctuation, the PM provides a correct and reliable response.

Originality/value

– The PM can calculate the DC component exactly from fault current signals and can be used in digital protection algorithms for phasor estimation.
Analysis of self-excitation and performance characteristics of a single-phase self-excited induction generator by field-circuit method
Authors: Makowski Krzysztof , Leicht Aleksander
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present analysis of an influence of rotor slots opening on self-excitation process, terminal voltage and performance characteristics of the single-phase self-excited induction generator (SPSEIG).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents field analysis of the self-excitation problem in the SPSEIG and performance characteristics on the base of two-dimensional field-circuit model of the generator.

Findings

– The carried out field computations of the tested SPSEIG with closed rotor slots showed that only an initial voltage across the excitation capacitor of about nominal value (230 V) causes successful self-excitation of the generator. It was also proved that the suitable opening of the rotor slots, beside remnant flux density in the rotor core, facilitates self-excitation in the generator. Since in working applications initially charging of the capacitor to almost nominal voltage may cause a problem, therefore employment of semi-closed rotor slots in the SPSEIG would be proper solution.

Originality/value

– The conducted simulations, validated by laboratory tests showed that not only suitable excitation capacitor capacitance and rotor speed are needed to obtain desired terminal voltage of the generator, but also suitable initial voltage across the capacitor in auxiliary stator winding is very important and necessary for reliable self-excitation of the single-phase induction generator with closed rotor slots. The employment of semi-closed rotor slots in the SPSEIG makes the self-excitation more effective.
Multi-parameter mathematical model for determination of PC cluster total harmonic distortion of input current
Authors: Mujovic Sasa , Djukanovic Slobodan , Radulovic Vladan , Katic Vladimir A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Low power devices with switched-mode power supply represent harmonic generating apparatus in widespread use nowadays. The influence of personal computers (PCs), which affect the supply voltage, is considered. Harmonic level due to simultaneous PC operation is quantified by the total harmonic distortion of input current (THD

I
). The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-parameter mathematical model for the THD

I
calculation. The model is convenient for practical engineering application.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model is derived using the measured and simulated data. The model coefficients are obtained in the least squares sense.

Findings

– Mathematical modeling of THD

I
is the least expensive and the most convenient solution for engineering application. The models proposed in the literature have many drawbacks, which motivated the authors to develop a more comprehensive solution. Grid stiffness, capacitance of PC power supply unit and PC cluster size represent the major parameters that affect THD

I
, and as such they are taken into account in the proposed model. The influence of other existing parameters from both line and load side is also discussed and the reasons for their omitting from the model are explained. The model considers various PC configurations within the cluster and it enables the THD

I
calculation for an arbitrary PC cluster size.

Practical implications

– Due to its comprehensiveness and mathematical simplicity, the model is suitable for practical use, and its accuracy is verified through conducted measurements presented in the paper.

Originality/value

– The proposed model is more comprehensive than the existing ones, and it overcomes their shortcomings. The THD

I
calculation is simplified to the level of applying basic arithmetic operations only, without jeopardizing the accuracy. The validity of the model is supported by additional measurements carried out in sites characterized by grid conditions quite different from that used for model developing.
A novel discontinuous Galerkin model for two-phase flow in porous media using an improved IMPES method
Authors: Jamei Mehdi , Ghafouri H
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an efficient improved version of Implicit Pressure-Explicit Saturation (IMPES) method for the solution of incompressible two-phase flow model based on the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) numerical scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

– The governing equations, based on the wetting-phase pressure-saturation formulation, are discretized using various primal DG schemes. The authors use H(div) velocity reconstruction in Raviart-Thomas space (RT_0 and RT_1), the weighted average formulation, and the scaled penalties to improve the spatial discretization. It uses a new improved IMPES approach, by using the second-order explicit Total Variation Diminishing Runge-Kutta (TVD-RK) as temporal discretization of the saturation equation. The main purpose of this time stepping technique is to speed up computation without losing accuracy, thus to increase the efficiency of the method.

Findings

– Utilizing pressure internal interpolation technique in the improved IMPES scheme can reduce CPU time. Combining the TVD property with a strong multi-dimensional slope limiter namely, modified Chavent-Jaffre leads to a non-oscillatory scheme even in coarse grids and highly heterogeneous porous media.

Research limitations/implications

– The presented locally conservative scheme can be applied only in 2D incompressible two-phase flow modeling in non-deformable porous media. In addition, the capillary pressure discontinuity between two adjacent rock types assumed to be negligible.

Practical implications

– The proposed numerical scheme can be efficiently used to model the incompressible two-phase flow in secondary recovery of petroleum reservoirs and tracing immiscible contamination in aquifers.

Originality/value

– The paper describes a novel version of the DG two-phase flow which illustrates the effects of improvements in special discretization. Also the new improved IMPES approach used reduces the computation time. The non-oscillatory scheme is an efficient algorithm as it maintains accuracy and saves computation time.
Mixed convection flow of viscoelastic nanofluid by a cylinder with variable thermal conductivity and heat source/sink
Authors: Hayat T. , Waqas M. , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Alsaedi A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of variable thermal conductivity in mixed convection flow of viscoelastic nanofluid due to a stretching cylinder with heat source/sink.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have computed the existence of the solution for Walter’s B and second grade fluids corresponding to Pr=0.5 and Pr=1.5. Skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are computed numerically for different values of emerging parameters.

Findings

– A comparative study with the existing solutions in a limiting sense is made and analyzed. The authors found that the dimensionless velocity filed and momentum boundary layer thickness are increased when the values of viscoelastic parameter increase. The present non-Newtonian fluid flow reduces to the viscous flow in the absence of viscoelastic parameter. The larger values of viscoelastic parameter corresponds to the higher values of local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers.

Originality/value

– No such analysis exists in the literature yet.
Homotopy analysis method for unsteady mixed convective stagnation-point flow of a nanofluid using Tiwari-Das nanofluid model
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Hosseini Reza , Pop Ioan
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The current study is mainly motivated by the need to the development of the transient MHD mixed convection stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting nanofluid over a vertical permeable stretching/shrinking sheet by means of Tiwari-Das nanofluid model. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the parameters governing the flow i.e. the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter and the velocity ratio parameter on dimensionless velocity and temperature distributions, skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number.

Design/methodology/approach

– The mathematical model has been formulated based on Tiwari-Das nanofluid model. Three different types of water-based nanofluid with copper, aluminum oxide (alumina) and titanium dioxide (titania) as nanoparticles are considered in this investigation. Using appropriate similarity variables, the governing equations are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations in the dimensionless stream function, which is solved analytically by the well-know homotopy analysis method. The present simulations agree closely with the previous studies in the especial cases.

Findings

– The results show that by increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter or reducing the velocity ratio parameter, the skin friction coefficient enhances. Furthermore, the local Nusselt number enhances with different rates by increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction, the unsteadiness parameter, the magnetic parameter, the wall transpiration parameter, the mixed convection parameter and the velocity ratio parameter. Besides, the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are highest for copper-water nanofluid compared to the alumina-water and titania-water nanofluids.

Originality/value

– Tiwari-Das nanofluid model has not been applied for the flow with these characteristics as mentioned in the paper. A comprehensive survey on boundary layer behavior has been presented. There are few studies regarding as analysis on thermal and hydrodynamics boundary layer. All plots presented in the paper are new and did not report in any other study. The effects of the parameters governing the flow on skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number have been illustrated in the paper while there are some conflicts with previous published article that have been interpreted in details in the paper.
Scale‐specific spatial density dependence in parasitoids: a multi‐factor meta‐analysis
Authors: Gunton Richard M. , Pöyry Juha
Published: December 2015

Within a landscape, the risk of an insect being attacked by a parasitoid varies with the local density of the host species. This relationship should be strongest when observed at medium extents and resolutions with respect to parasitoids’ foraging range, and turn negative at fine resolutions. The relationship is also hypothesized to depend on certain traits of the host and parasitoid taxa – for example being more positive for more specialized hosts or parasitoids and more negative for mobile hosts or gregarious parasitoids. Building on earlier literature reviews, it is now possible to investigate these hypotheses using meta‐analysis.

We performed a multi‐factor meta‐analysis on 151 analyses of parasitism rates with respect to host densities at specified scales, from 61 empirical studies published from 1988 to 2012. We explored how the correlation between host density and parasitism rate may be related to the explanatory variables already mentioned, plus parasitoid body length and various other characteristics of both hosts and parasitoids.

Correlations (Pearson's r) between host density and parasitism rate ranged from –0·88 to 0·98 (mean 0·16, standard deviation 0·39). The correlation was more often negative where the host was exotic or in the orders Lepidoptera or Diptera, where the parasitoid was larger or exotic, or where the study was conducted at a finer grain size. Hymenoptera and Homoptera were the most likely host orders to reveal positive associations, with Coleoptera and Diptera intermediate.

The fact that increased observational grain size had similar effects to decreased parasitoid body length could be taken as evidence that parasitoids’ foraging ranges increase with their body length. However, the hypothesis about scale‐specific foraging was not supported by studies that compared multiple scales.

We conclude that parasitism most commonly produces positive (compensatory) spatial density dependence, but ecological context is all‐important. These findings should help improve the design and interpretation of field experiments on parasitism as well as their application to the modelling of population dynamics and the practice of biological control.
Parental age influences offspring telomere loss
Authors: Heidinger Britt J. , Herborn Katherine A. , Granroth‐Wilding Hanna M.V. , Boner Winnie , Burthe Sarah , Newell Mark , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Monaghan Pat
Published: December 2015

The age of the parents at the time of offspring production can influence offspring longevity, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The effect of parental age on offspring telomere dynamics (length and loss rate) is one mechanism that could be important in this context.

Parental age might influence the telomere length that offspring inherit or age‐related differences in the quality of parental care could influence the rate of offspring telomere loss. However, these routes have generally not been disentangled.

Here, we investigated whether parental age was related to offspring telomere dynamics using parents ranging in age from 2 to 22 years old in a free‐living population of a long‐lived seabird, the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). By measuring the telomere length of offspring at hatching and towards the end of the post‐natal growth period, we could assess whether any potential parental age effect was confined to the post‐natal rearing period.

There was no effect of maternal or paternal age on the initial telomere length of their chicks. However, chicks produced by older mothers and fathers experienced significantly greater telomere loss during the post‐natal nestling growth period. We had relatively few nests in which the ages of both parents were known, and individuals in this population mate assortatively with respect to age. Thus, we could not conclusively determine whether the parental age effect was due to maternal age, paternal age, or both; however, it appears that the effect is stronger in mothers.

These results demonstrate that in this species, there was no evidence that parental age was related to offspring hatching telomere length. However, telomere loss during nestling growth was reduced in the offspring of older parents. This could be due to an age‐related deterioration in the quality of the environment that parents provide, or because parents that invest less in offspring rearing live to an older age.
Research Note: Insights into the data dependency on anisotropy: an inversion prospective
Authors: Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: December 2015

While velocity contrasts are responsible for most of the events recorded in our data, the long wavelength behavior of the velocity model is responsible for the geometrical shape of these events. For isotropic acoustic materials, the wave dependency on the long (wave propagation) and short (scattering) wavelength velocity components is stationary with the propagation angle. On the other hand, in representing a transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis medium with the normal moveout velocity, the anellepticity parameter η, the vertical scaling parameter δ, and the sensitivity of waves vary with the polar angle for both the long and short wavelength features of the anisotropic dimensionless medium parameters (δ and η). For horizontal reflectors at reasonable depths, the long wavelength features of the η model is reasonably constrained by the long offsets, whereas the short wavelength features produce very week reflections at even reasonable offsets. Thus, for surface acquired seismic data, we could mainly invert for smooth η responsible for the geometrical shape of reflections. On the other hand, while the δ long wavelength components mildly affects the recorded data, its short wavelength variations can produce reflections at even zero offset, with a behavior pattern synonymous to density. The lack of the long wavelength δ information will mildly effect focusing but will cause misplacement of events in depth. With low enough frequencies (very low), we may be able to recover the long wavelength δ using full waveform inversion. However, unlike velocity, the frequencies needed for that should be ultra‐low to produce long‐wavelength scattering‐based model information as δ perturbations do not exert scattering at large offsets. For a combination given by the horizontal velocity, η, and ε, the diving wave influence of η is absorbed by the horizontal velocity, severely limiting the η influence on the data and full waveform inversion. As a result, with a good smooth η estimation, for example, from tomography, we can focus the full waveform inversion to invert for only the horizontal velocity and maybe ε as a parameter to fit the amplitude. This is possibly the most practical parametrization for inversion of surface seismic data in transversely isotropic with vertical symmetry axis media.
Implementation of hospital‐wide reform at improving access and flow: Impact on time to antibiotics in the emergency department
Authors: Roman Cristina P , Poole Susan G , Dooley Michael J , Smit De Villiers , Mitra Biswadev
Published: December 2015

Introduction

ED overcrowding has been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and delays to essential treatment. It was hypothesised that hospital‐wide reforms designed to improve patient access and flow, in addition to improving ED overcrowding, would impact on clinically important processes within the ED, such as timely delivery of antibiotics.

Methods

A single pre‐implementation and post‐implementation prospective cohort study was conducted prior to and after a hospital‐wide reform (Timely Quality Care (TQC)). Among patients who had intravenous antibiotics prescribed in the ED, data were prospectively collected on times of presentation, prescription and administration of antibiotics. Demographics and discharge diagnoses were retrospectively extracted.

Results

There were 380 cases included with 179 cases prior to introduction of the TQC model and 201 cases after its introduction. Time from presentation to administration of antibiotics improved significantly from 192 (99–320) min to 142 (81–209) min (P < 0.01). The time from presentation to prescription pre‐TQC and post‐TQC was 120 (51–230) min and 92 (49–153) min, respectively (P < 0.01). The times from prescription to administration pre‐TQC and post‐TQC were 43 (20–83) min and 34 (15–66) min, respectively (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Following implementation of hospital‐wide reform directed at mitigating ED overcrowding through improved access and flow, times to administration of antibiotics were significantly reduced. These findings suggest that improved quality of care in this area may be achieved with processes aimed at improved hospital access and flow. Ongoing evaluation and vigilance is necessary to ensure sustainability and drive further improvements.
Stability of Trans‐Resveratrol Encapsulated in a Protein Matrix Produced Using Spray Drying to UV Light Stress and Simulated Gastro‐Intestinal Digestion
Authors: Koga Clarissa C. , Andrade Juan E. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Lee Youngsoo
Published: December 2015

Trans‐resveratrol has demonstrated the potential to provide both therapeutic and preventive activities against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The incorporation of trans‐resveratrol into food products would allow for broader access of this bioactive compound to a larger population. However, this strategy is limited by instability of trans‐resveratrol under environmental conditions and within the digestive system leading to isomerization of trans‐resveratrol (bioactive form) to cis‐resveratrol (bio‐inactive form). Studies in the stabilization of trans‐resveratrol into protein microparticles are presented. Trans‐resveratrol was encapsulated using whey protein concentrate (WPC) or sodium caseinate (SC), with or without anhydrous milk fat (AMF). Binding of resveratrol and aromatic residues in protein was estimated utilizing the Stern–Volmer equation and the number of tryptophan residues. The stability of encapsulated resveratrol was evaluated after exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light and 3‐stage in vitro digestion. After UVA light exposure, SC‐based microcapsules maintained a higher trans:cis resveratrol ratio (0.63, P < 0.05) than WPC‐based microcapsules (0.43) and unencapsulated resveratrol (0.49). In addition, encapsulation of resveratrol in both protein microparticles led to an increased digestive stability and bioaccessibility in comparison to unencapsulated resveratrol (47% and 23%, respectively, P < 0.05). SC‐based microcapsules provided a higher digestive stability and bioaccessibility (86% and 81%; P < 0.05) compared to WPC‐based microcapsules (71% and 68%). The addition of AMF to the microcapsules did not significantly change the in vitro digestion values. In conclusion, SC‐based microencapsulation increased the stability of trans‐resveratrol to UVA light exposure and simulated digestion conditions. This encapsulation‐system‐approach can be extended to other labile, bioactive polyphenols.
Efficacy and safety of saxagliptin monotherapy or added to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from the 24‐week, post‐marketing SUNSHINE study
Authors: Gu Weiqiong , Liang Li. , Wang Shengxiang , Wang Yunzhi , Wu Yanxiang , Tian Jian , Yang Gangyi , Piao Chunli , Li Yuzhong , Yin Jianmei , Xin Xiaoping , Tan Xingrong , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing ,   for the SUNSHINE Study Group
Published: December 2015

Background

The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy and safety of saxagliptin in a large Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In all, 1423 T2DM patients from 92 research centers, either drug naïve or uncontrolled by metformin, were enrolled in this single‐arm cohort study; patients were treated with saxagliptin 5 mg once daily for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c at 24 weeks in the per‐protocol analysis set. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% and changes from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) concentrations at 24 weeks. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and the incidence of hypoglycemia.

Results

Among 1210 patients in the per‐protocol analysis set, mean HbA1c, FPG and 2‐h PPG decreased by 1.61 ± 0.04%, 0.55 ± 0.07 mmol/L, and 2.83  ±  0.27 mmol/L, respectively, at week 24. The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% was 44.1%. No new (previously unreported) AEs occurred. The incidence of serious AEs and hypoglycemia was low (1.8% and 1.2%, respectively). There were no significant differences in efficacy endpoints in subgroup analyses by age, creatinine clearance, body mass index, or treatment background. In elderly patients (≥65 years) and those with mild renal impairment (50 < CCr ≤ 80 mL/min), the incidence of AEs was similar to that of the entire study population.

Conclusions

Saxagliptin significantly improved glycemic control and was well tolerated in Chinese T2DM patients, including the elderly and patients with mild renal impairment.
MEK inhibitor can reverse the resistance to bevacizumab in A549 cells harboring Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene homolog mutation
Authors: Wang Yuan , Yan Ping , Liu Zhentao , Yang Xiaodan , Wang Yaping , Shen Zhirong , Bai Hua , Wang Jie , Wang Zhijie
Published: December 2015

Background

Bevacizumab (BV) is broadly used to treat a number of cancers; however, BV resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome this resistance are yet to be determined.

Methods

We established xenograft mice models harboring Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations based on the A549 cell line, and tested the responses of xenograft tumors to a series of drugs in ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Changes in transcriptive level were analyzed by ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing and the expressions of connexins were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

A549 cell mutation type (KRAS G12S) was confirmed by sequencing. After treating the xenograft tumors with BV, the median interval time from BV administration to tumor volume more than 2.5‐fold of the original was 37 days, compared with 21 days in the control (P = 0.025). A549 cells showed resistantance to selumitinib (MEK inhibitor) but were sensitive to selumitinib plus BEZ235 (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin dual inhibitor). However, selumitinib could effectively reverse the resistance to BV in in vivo experiments. RNA sequencing showed that mouse genes, but not human genes, activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, accompanied by activation of the Wnt and Hedgehog pathways. Connexin43 (S261) was phosphorylated before and during BV treatment, and subsequently transitioned to negative phosphorylated‐connexin 43‐S261 after resistance to BV.

Conclusion

Combining an MEK inhibitor with BV was a potential strategy to reverse initial BV resistance. Phosphorylated‐connexin 43 might be associated with the response to BV.
Prevalence of Intraventricular Conduction Disturbances in a Large French Population
Authors: Monin Jonathan , Bisconte Sébastien , Nicaise Aurore , Hornez Anne‐Pia , Manen Olivier , Perrier Eric
Published: December 2015

Background

Recommendations for the interpretation of electrocardiogram have been published in 2009. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of intraventricular conduction disturbances (ICoDs) in a large population, using these recommendations.

Methods

From 01/31/1996 to 09/22/2010, an electrocardiogram was performed at each visit for all aircrew members examined for fitness assessment in an aeromedical center. The prevalence of left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete LBBB, incomplete RBBB, nonspecific intraventricular disturbance (NIVCD), left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), and left posterior fascicular block (LPFB) was measured and compared by age and gender.

Results

The global prevalence of ICoD was 3.09% in our population of 69,186 patients. The most frequent types of ventricular blocks were IRBBB (1.25%) and LAFB (1.10%), whereas RBBB (0.46%), LBBB (0.08%), ILBBB (0.03%), NIVCD (0.05%), and LPFB (0.13%) were rare findings. ICoDs are more frequent for males and older age groups (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Our results are comparable to studies concerning low cardiovascular risks populations. The association between ICoD and cardiovascular diseases needs to be studied in this population.
Earlier diagnosis and strict diets improve the survival rate and clinical course of long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Immonen Tuuli , Turanlahti Maila , Paganus Aila , Keskinen Päivi , Tyni Tiina , Lapatto Risto
Published: December 2015

Aim

Long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) is a severe metabolic disease that, without treatment, often leads to premature death or serious handicap. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course of LCHADD with the homozygous 1528G>C (E510Q) mutation when patients underwent strict dietary treatment.

Methods

From 1997 to 2010, 16 patients with LCHADD were diagnosed in Finland. They were followed up, and data were prospectively collected as they emerged. Clinical data before diagnosis were retrospectively collected from hospital records. This cohort was compared with an earlier cohort of patients diagnosed from 1976 to 1996.

Results

The disease presented from birth to five months of age with failure to thrive, hypotonia, hepatomegaly, metabolic acidosis, cardiomyopathy and hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. In this cohort, the therapeutic delay was 0–30 days and the survival rate at the end of the study was 62.5% compared with 10‐year survival rate of 14.3% for the earlier cohort. The survivors were in good overall condition, but some of them had developed mild retinopathy or mild neuropathy.

Conclusion

Earlier diagnosis and stricter dietary regimes improved the survival rates and clinical course of patients with LCHADD in Finland. However, improvements in therapy are still needed to prevent the development of long‐term complications, such as retinopathy and neuropathy.
Ultrasonography and radiography findings predicted the need for surgery in patients with necrotising enterocolitis without pneumoperitoneum
Authors: He Yu , Zhong Ying , Yu Jialin , Cheng Chen , Wang Zhengli , Li Luquan
Published: December 2015

Aim

The timing of surgical intervention in patients with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) without pneumoperitoneum remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the predictors associated with surgical intervention in such patients and to assess how effective imaging reports were as an aid to surgical decision‐making.

Methods

We collected clinical data, laboratory investigations and imaging findings on NEC patients without pneumoperitoneum. A critical imaging report was defined as persistent dilation of bowel loops and evidence of portal venous gas on radiography and thickening of the bowel wall, absent peristalsis and evidence of echogenic‐free fluid on sonography. Independent predictors of surgical NEC were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for the imaging findings, and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy.

Results

Of the 238 neonates studied, 54 (22.69%) required surgical intervention. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that abdominal erythema, C‐reactive protein levels and the critical imaging report were independent predictors of the need for surgical intervention. The critical imaging report was the most powerful predictor of surgical NEC.

Conclusion

Both ultrasonography and radiography findings proved helpful in predicting the need for surgery in NEC without pneumoperitoneum.
Does acceptance of power distance influence propensities for problematicInternet use? Evidence from a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Montag Christian , Duke Éilish , Sha Peng , Zhou Min , Sindermann Cornelia , Li Mei
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Several studies suggest thatAsian countries are particularly afflicted by problematicInternet use (PIU).

Methods

The present study investigates whether individual differences in the acceptance of power distance can be linked to overuse of theInternet inGermany and inChina. Power distance has been discussed as an essential dimension on whichAsian andWestern societies differ. In the present study, we investigate two large non‐clinical samples fromGermany (n = 297) andChina (n = 556) to address this question.

Results

Both inGermany and inChina, high acceptance of power distance was positively associated withPIU. These effects were more pronounced inChina compared withGermany. Moreover, the observed effects were stronger in males compared with females.

Discussion

Clearly, these findings are just a starting point and need to be replicated in the future. Clinical populations and a further important difference variable – collectivism – also merit consideration in future work.
Loving and angry? Happy and sad? Understanding and reporting of mixed emotions in mother–child relationships by 6‐ to 12‐year‐olds
Authors: Heubeck Bernd G. , Butcher Phillipa R. , Thorneywork Kristie , Wood Jeff
Published: December 2015

The Evaluative Space Model of emotions allows for the coactivation of positive‐appetitive and negative‐avoidant systems, but few studies have examined mixed emotions in child development. Existing research suggests children's understanding of opposite valence emotion combinations emerges by approximately 11 years of age. However, it is not yet clear whether various opposite valence combinations are understood at different ages, nor whether children can understand them in others before they have experienced such mixed emotions themselves. Semi‐structured interviews with 97 children investigated whether they regarded six combinations of opposite valence mixed emotions as possible, could provide reasons for them, and report their own experience of each in the context of mother–child relationships. Both understanding that such combinations are possible and ability to provide reasons for them increased after age 6 and up to age 11, but were still incomplete in 12‐year‐olds. Understanding of different opposite valence combinations developed at different rates. At each age, fewer children who showed understanding of these combinations in others reported having had a similar experience themselves. The findings suggest a need to systematically examine a range of mixed emotions in order to develop a comprehensive theory of the development of mixed emotion understanding. They also suggest extending research into adolescence.
Immediate Implants Placed in Fresh Sockets Associated with Periapical Pathology: A Split‐Mouth Design and Survival Evaluation after 1‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Hita‐Iglesias Cristina , Sánchez‐Sánchez Francisco J. , Montero Javier , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Mesa Francisco , Martínez‐Lara Ildefonso , Sánchez‐Fernández Elena
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To compare the immediate implant success rates between sites with chronic apical lesions and healthy sites in the same patients 1 year postdelayed loading.

Materials and Methods

One hundred sixty‐eight immediate implants were placed in sixty patients at upper incisor, canine, and premolar sites. A split‐mouth design was used, placing a minimum of two implants, one in a fresh socket associated with chronic periapical disease, the average lesion size was larger than 4 mm and less than 8 mm (test group), and the other(s) in a healthy fresh socket (control group). Implant survival rate at 1 year postloading delayed was compared between the groups.

Results

The implant survival rate was 98.2% for the total sample (n = 168); out of the three implants lost, two were from the test group, and one was from the control group (in the same patient as one of the former). Among the surviving implants, five were also considered failures due to excessive bone loss (n = 3) and also because of the recurrence of the periapical lesions (n = 2). Survival rates were significantly lower in the test than control sites at 12 months postloading.

Conclusions

Implant survival rates were significantly lower after the immediate implantation in postextraction sockets associated with chronic periapical disease (90.8%) than in healthy postextraction sockets (98.1%).
Effects of Farm Size on Technical Efficiency in China's Broiler Sector: A Stochastic Meta‐Frontier Approach
Authors: Xin Xiangfei , Zhang Yi , Wang Jimin , Nuetah John Alexander
Published: December 2015

This paper employs the stochastic meta‐frontier approach to measure technical efficiency and to investigate the effects of farm size on the technical efficiency in China's broiler sector. Empirical results show a positive association between farm size and technical efficiency in China's broiler sector. The medium and large farm sizes exhibit increases of 0.058 and 0.160, respectively, in technical efficiency scores, relative to small farms, which have a mean technical efficiency score of 0.722. Results indicate that there are significant differences in technical efficiency across regions. Technical efficiency in the southern region, which is dominated by yellow‐feathered broilers, is significantly lower than that in the northern region where white‐feathered broilers are the dominant species. Also, the technical efficiency scores estimated from the meta‐frontier model vary substantially across farm sizes in the southern region. Increased farm size improves the technical efficiency for yellow‐feathered broiler production.

Dans la présente étude, nous avons utilisé l'analyse métafrontière stochastique pour mesurer l'efficience technique et pour déterminer les effets de la taille de la ferme sur l'efficience technique du secteur du poulet à griller en Chine. Les résultats empiriques indiquent qu'il existe un lien positif entre la taille de la ferme et l'efficience technique. Les fermes de moyenne et grande taille affichent une augmentation du pointage d'efficience technique de 0,058 et de 0,160 respectivement, comparativement aux fermes de petite taille dont le pointage d'efficience technique moyen est de 0,722. Les résultats indiquent que l'efficience technique varie considérablement d'une région à l'autre. L'efficience technique dans la région du Sud, où l’élevage du poulet à griller blanc domine, est significativement plus faible que celle de la région du Nord, où l’élevage du poulet à griller jaune domine. De plus, les pointages d'efficience technique estimés à partir du modèle de métafrontière varient considérablement dans la région du Sud. L'augmentation de la taille de la ferme améliore l'efficience technique de la production du poulet à griller jaune.
Wildlife and wildlife management in Tanzania
Authors: Caro Tim , Davenport Tim R.B.
Published: December 2015

Tanzania, arguably mainland Africa's most important nation for conservation, is losing habitat and natural resources rapidly. Moving away from a charcoal energy base and developing sustainable finance mechanisms for natural forests are critical to slowing persistent deforestation. Addressing governance and capacity deficits, including law enforcement, technical skills, and funding, across parts of the wildlife sector are key to effective wildlife protection. These changes could occur in tandem with bringing new models of natural resource management into play that include capacity building, corporate payment for ecosystem services, empowering nongovernmental organizations in law enforcement, greater private‐sector involvement, and novel community conservation strategies. The future of Tanzania's wildlife looks uncertain—as epitomized by the current elephant crisis—unless the country confronts issues of governance, embraces innovation, and fosters greater collaboration with the international community.
Frequency of cutis laxa‐like clinical features and elastolysis in scleromyxedema: a retrospective clinicopathologic study of 19 patients with scleromyxedema
Authors: Gonzalez Santiago Tania M. , Lehman Julia S. , Buonaccorsi J. Noelle , Kalaaji Amer N. , Wieland Carilyn N.
Published: December 2015

Background

Cutis laxa‐like features were observed in a subset of patients with scleromyxedema. Given this observation, clinical and histopathologic features of scleromyxedema were reviewed in correlation with elastic tissue staining.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and histopathologic features from patients with scleromyxedema seen at our institution from 1992 through 2013. We also evaluated available skin biopsies with an elastin stain and assessed whether dermal elastin fibers were diminished in density or were fragmented (or both).

Results

Nineteen patients with scleromyxedema and 34 skin biopsies were identified. Alcian blue (mucin) stain was used to grade mucin deposition as weakly positive (24%), positive (44%) and markedly positive (32%). Eight patients (42%) had clinical findings of cutis laxa, which were often observed in conjunction with areas of papular eruption or induration. Elastic tissue fibers were normal in 9 of 34 skin specimens (26%), 18 of 34 specimens (53%) had diminished elastic fiber density and 7 of 34 (21%) had markedly decreased density. The elastic tissue was fragmented in 25 specimens (74%).

Conclusions

A cutis laxa‐like clinical presentation and decreased elastic tissue density on skin biopsy were consistent findings. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should be aware of these previously unreported clinical and histopathologic findings.
Instantaneous Decrease in Left Ventricular Afterload during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Results in Immediate Changes in Left Ventricular Strain
Authors: Swan Amy , Prakash Roshan , Chew Derek P. , Perry Rebecca , Sinhal Ajay , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Joseph Majo X.
Published: December 2015

Severe aortic stenosis causes chronic increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV) resulting in myocardial hypertrophy and ultimately dysfunction if left untreated. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) immediately decreases the afterload on the LV by reducing the pressure gradient through the aortic valve. In our study, we aim to evaluate immediate changes in LV mechanics using intra‐procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess circumferential and radial strain via speckle tracking. Intra‐operative TEE was performed during TAVI for 53 patients (mean age 84 ± 8 years). Two‐dimensional images in the transgastric view were acquired at the level of the papillary muscle. Circumferential and radial strain was calculated using speckle tracking with Philips Qlab software. Global LV afterload was measured by calculating valvulo‐arterial impedance (Zva). Immediately post‐TAVI, there was a change in both radial strain rate (Pre: 0.73 ± 0.04 vs. Post: 0.88 ± 0.04 per second, P < 0.001) and circumferential strain rate (−0.53 ± 0.04 (pre) vs. −0.74 ± 0.04 (post) per second, P < 0.001). There was also an immediate improvement in circumferential global strain parameters (−14.5 ± 5% (pre) vs. −16.0 ± 4.7% (post), P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant change seen in global radial strain (15.6 ± 0.8% (pre) vs. 15.2 ± 0.9% (post), P = 0.69). No significant change was seen in LV ejection fraction (51.5 ± 14.2% (pre) vs. 52.1 ± 14.0% (post), P = 0.77). Speckle tracking using TEE images is feasible and identifies significant improvements in LV strain and strain rate immediately following TAVI that is not detected by conventional measure of LV function.