bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of LAM-Fabricated Porous Superalloys for Turbine Components
Authors: Ealy Brandon , Calderon Luisana , Wang Wenping , Kapat Jay , Mingareev Ilya , Richardson Martin , Valentin Ranier
Published: September 2016

The limits of gas turbine technology are heavily influenced by materials and manufacturing capabilities. Inconel alloys remain the material of choice for most hot gas path components in gas turbines, however recent increases in turbine inlet temperature (TIT) are associated with the development of advanced convective cooling methods and ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBC). Increasing cycle efficiency and cycle specific work are the primary drivers for increasing TIT. Lately, incremental performance gains responsible for increasing the allowable TIT have been made mainly through innovations in cooling technology, specifically convective cooling schemes. An emerging manufacturing technology may further facilitate the increase of allowable maximum TIT, thereby impacting cycle efficiency capabilities. Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) is a promising manufacturing technology that uses lasers to selectively melt powders of metal in a layer-by-layer process to directly manufacture components, paving the way to manufacture designs that are not possible with conventional casting methods. This study investigates manufacturing qualities seen in LAM methods and its ability to successfully produce complex features found in turbine blades. A leading edge segment of a turbine blade, containing both internal and external cooling features, along with an engineered-porous structure is fabricated by laser additive manufacturing of superalloy powders. Various cooling features were incorporated in the design, consisting of internal impingement cooling, internal lattice structures, and external showerhead or transpiration cooling. The internal structure was designed as a lattice of intersecting cylinders in order to mimic that of a porous material. Variance distribution between the design and manufactured leading edge segment are carried out for both internal impingement and external transpiration hole diameters. Through a non-destructive approach, the presented geometry is further analyzed against the departure of the design by utilizing x-ray computed tomography (CT). Employing this non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method, a more thorough analysis of the quality of manufacture is established by revealing the internal structures of the porous region and internal impingement array. Flow testing was performed in order to characterize the uniformity of porous regions and flow characteristics across the entire article for various pressure ratios (PR). Discharge coefficient of internal impingement arrays and porous structure are quantified. The analysis yields quantitative data on the build quality of the LAM process, providing insight as to whether or not it is a viable option for manufacture of micro-features in current turbine blade production.
Retracted: “Design and Testing Process for a 7kW Radial Inflow Refrigerant Turbine at the University of Queensland” [ASME Turbo Expo 2016: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, Volume 8: Microturbines, Turbochargers and Small Turbomachines; Steam Turbines, Seoul, South Korea, June 13–17, 2016, Conference Sponsors: International Gas Turbine Institute, ISBN: 978-0-7918-4986-6, Copyright © 2016 by ASME. Paper No. GT2016-58111, pp. V008T23A036; 11 pages; doi:10.1115/GT2016-58111]
Authors: ASME
Published: September 2016

The above referenced paper has been removed from publication. December 5, 2016.

Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Characterization of alkali-metal vapor cells fabricated with an alkali-metal source tablet
Authors: Ban Kazuhiro , Hirai Yoshikazu , Tsujimoto Kazuya , Terao Akira , Mizutani Natsuhiko , Kobayashi Tetsuo , Tabata Osamu
Published: September 2016

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) that use alkali metal vapor cells can measure weak magnetic fields generated by the human body. A multichannel detector head with alkali-metal vapor cells mounted in arrays is employed to assure spatial resolution for real-time biomagnetic imaging of various body surfaces. However, further development of alkali metal vapor cell fabrication processes is required to obtain cells with uniform magnetic field sensitivities together with sufficient sensitivity of each individual cell. Herein, the authors propose the fabrication of alkali metal vapor cells for OPM arrays using alkali metal source tablets (AMSTs) as alkali metal dispensers. An AMST is a three-dimensional microstructure that contains precise quantities of the chemical precursors that are used to produce pure alkali metals by low temperature thermal decomposition and to fill reproducible quantities of these metals into cells. In this work, the K production efficiency was characterized with respect to the particular chemical precursors and AMST microstructure employed, and the potential of K-filled glass cells fabricated using AMSTs as components of OPM arrays was demonstrated. An AMST composed of KN3 deposited on porous alumina with 60 μm pore sizes exhibited the most efficient performance during the fabrication of K-filled glass cells. The magnetometric sensitivity obtained with eight K-filled cells was found to be in the range of 3.3–3.8 fTrms/Hz1/2 at a resonance frequency of 10 kHz.
Quantum scattering from cylindrical barriers
Authors: McAlinden Sean , Shertzer Janine
Published: September 2016

We solve the two-dimensional Schrödinger equation for particles with momentum px=ℏk  scattering off of a hard circular cylinder using the finite element method; we compare our results with the exact analytic solution. The quantity of interest to experimentalists is the differential cross section σ(ϕ)=|fk(ϕ)|2, which represents the final angular distribution of only the scattered particles. Here, we are also interested in the interference between the incident and scattered wave, which can be seen in the probability density for the total wave function, ρ(x,y)=|ψk(x,y)|2. We also apply the finite element method to the problem of particles scattering off of a hard rectangular cylinder, for which there is no analytic solution.
University student reasoning about the basic tenets of kinetic-molecular theory, Part II: Pressure of an ideal gas
Authors: Robertson Amy D. , Shaffer Peter S.
Published: September 2016

We report the common justifications that university physics and chemistry students use to reason about changes in the pressure of an ideal gas from a microscopic perspective, based on our analysis of written responses from more than one thousand students. We find that these justifications vary in the extent to which they are (a) mechanistic and (b) consistent with kinetic-molecular theory. We propose that these ideas could serve as the basis for instruction and curriculum development that attends to student thinking.
Deconvolution of time series in the laboratory
Authors: John Thomas , Pietschmann Dirk , Becker Volker , Wagner Christian
Published: September 2016

In this study, we present two practical applications of the deconvolution of time series in Fourier space. First, we reconstruct a filtered input signal of sound cards that has been heavily distorted by a built-in high-pass filter using a software approach. Using deconvolution, we can partially bypass the filter and extend the dynamic frequency range by two orders of magnitude. Second, we construct required input signals for a mechanical shaker in order to obtain arbitrary acceleration waveforms, referred to as feedforward control. For both situations, experimental and theoretical approaches are discussed to determine the system-dependent frequency response. Moreover, for the shaker, we propose a simple feedback loop as an extension to the feedforward control in order to handle nonlinearities of the system.
Go with the flow
Authors: Hulbert Monica L.
Published: September 2016

A molecule that improves microvascular blood flow may reverse sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive pain crisis.
Alzheimer’s immunotherapy: β-amyloid aggregates come unstuck
Authors: Martin Ian
Published: September 2016

The Aβ antibody aducanumab reduces brain Aβ and cognitive decline in patients with early or mild Alzheimer’s disease.
Bacteriome and Mycobiome Interactions Underscore Microbial Dysbiosis in Familial Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Hoarau G. , Mukherjee P. K. , Gower-Rousseau C. , Hager C. , Chandra J. , Retuerto M. A. , Neut C. , Vermeire S. , Clemente J. , Colombel J. F. , Fujioka H. , Poulain D. , Sendid B. , Ghannoum M. A.
Published: September 2016

Crohn’s disease (CD) results from a complex interplay between host genetic factors and endogenous microbial communities. In the current study, we used Ion Torrent sequencing to characterize the gut bacterial microbiota (bacteriome) and fungal community (mycobiome) in patients with CD and their nondiseased first-degree relatives (NCDR) in 9 familial clusters living in northern France-Belgium and in healthy individuals from 4 families living in the same area (non-CD unrelated [NCDU]). Principal component, diversity, and abundance analyses were conducted, and CD-associated inter- and intrakingdom microbial correlations were determined. Significant microbial interactions were identified and validated using single- and mixed-species biofilms. CD and NCDR groups clustered together in the mycobiome but not in the bacteriome. Microbiotas of familial (CD and NCDR) samples were distinct from those of nonfamilial (NCDU) samples. The abundance of
Serratia marcescens
and
Escherichia coli
was elevated in CD patients, while that of beneficial bacteria was decreased. The abundance of the fungus
Candida tropicalis
was significantly higher in CD than in NCDR (
P
= 0.003) samples and positively correlated with levels of anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
antibodies (ASCA). The abundance of
C. tropicalis
was positively correlated with
S. marcescens
and
E. coli
, suggesting that these organisms interact in the gut. The mass and thickness of triple-species (
C. tropicalis
plus
S. marcescens
plus
E. coli
) biofilm were significantly greater than those of single- and double-species biofilms.
C. tropicalis
biofilms comprised blastospores, while double- and triple-species biofilms were enriched in hyphae.
S. marcescens
used fimbriae to coaggregate or attach with
C. tropicalis
/
E. coli
, while
E. coli
was closely apposed with
C. tropicalis
. Specific interkingdom microbial interactions may be key determinants in CD.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we characterized the gut bacterial microbiota (bacteriome) and fungal community (mycobiome) in multiplex families with CD and healthy relatives and defined the microbial interactions leading to dysbiosis in CD. We identified fungal (
Candida tropicalis
) and bacterial (
Serratia marcescens
and
Escherichia coli
) species that are associated with CD dysbiosis. Additionally, we found that the level of anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
antibodies (ASCA; a known CD biomarker) was associated with the abundance of
C. tropicalis
. We also identified positive interkingdom correlations between
C. tropicalis
,
E. coli
, and
S. marcescens
in CD patients and validated these correlations using
in vitro
biofilms. These results provide insight into the roles of bacteria and fungi in CD and may lead to the development of novel treatment approaches and diagnostic assays.
Aspergillus fumigatus Photobiology Illuminates the Marked Heterogeneity between Isolates
Authors: Fuller Kevin K. , Cramer Robert A. , Zegans Michael E. , Dunlap Jay C. , Loros Jennifer J.
Published: September 2016

The given strain of
Aspergillus fumigatus
under study varies across laboratories, ranging from a few widely used “standards,” e.g., Af293 or CEA10, to locally acquired isolates that may be unique to one investigator. Since experiments concerning physiology or gene function are seldom replicated by others, i.e., in a different
A. fumigatus
background, the extent to which behavioral heterogeneity exists within the species is poorly understood. As a proxy for assessing such intraspecies variability, we analyzed the light response of 15
A. fumigatus
isolates and observed striking quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity among them. The majority of the isolates fell into one of two seemingly mutually exclusive groups: (i) “photopigmenters” that robustly accumulate hyphal melanin in the light and (ii) “photoconidiators” that induce sporulation in the light. These two distinct responses were both governed by the same upstream blue light receptor, LreA, indicating that a specific protein’s contribution can vary in a strain-dependent manner. Indeed, while LreA played no apparent role in regulating cell wall homeostasis in strain Af293, it was essential in that regard in strain CEA10. The manifest heterogeneity in the photoresponses led us to compare the virulence levels of selected isolates in a murine model; remarkably, the virulence did vary greatly, although not in a manner that correlated with their overt light response. Taken together, these data highlight the extent to which isolates of
A. fumigatus
can vary, with respect to both broad physiological characteristics (e.g., virulence and photoresponse) and specific protein functionality (e.g., LreA-dependent phenotypes).

IMPORTANCE
The current picture of
Aspergillus fumigatus
biology is akin to a collage, patched together from data obtained from disparate “wild-type” strains. In a systematic assessment of 15
A. fumigatus
isolates, we show that the species is highly heterogeneous with respect to its light response and virulence. Whereas some isolates accumulate pigments in light as previously reported with strain Af293, most induce sporulation which had not been previously observed. Other photoresponsive behaviors are also nonuniform, and phenotypes of identical gene deletants vary in a background-dependent manner. Moreover, the virulence of several selected isolates is highly variable in a mouse model and apparently does not track with any observed light response. Cumulatively, this work illuminates the fact that data obtained with a single
A. fumigatus
isolate are not necessarily predictive of the species as whole. Accordingly, researchers should be vigilant when making conclusions about their own work or when interpreting data from the literature.
Unusual cause of paraparesis in a patient with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Jarial Kush Dev , Ahuja Chirag K , Mukherjee Soham , Bhansali Anil
Published: September 2016

Paraparesis is a rare manifestation in patients with Cushing's syndrome and the causes include vertebral compression fracture, hypokalaemia, spinal epidural lipomatosis, paraneoplastic syndrome and metastasis to the vertebrae and spinal cord. We report an unusual cause of paraparesis due to radiation-induced myelomalacia in a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma-associated Cushing's syndrome, who are predisposed to radiation-induced injury.
International variability in 20 m shuttle run performance in children and youth: who are the fittest from a 50-country comparison? A systematic literature review with pooling of aggregate results
Authors: Lang Justin J , Tremblay Mark S , Léger Luc , Olds Tim , Tomkinson Grant R
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To describe and compare 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) performance among children and youth across 50 countries; to explore broad socioeconomic indicators that correlate with 20mSRT performance in children and youth across countries and to evaluate the utility of the 20mSRT as an international population health indicator for children and youth.

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to identify papers that explicitly reported descriptive 20mSRT (with 1-min stages) data on apparently healthy 9–17 year-olds. Descriptive data were standardised to running speed (km/h) at the last completed stage. Country-specific 20mSRT performance indices were calculated as population-weighted mean z-scores relative to all children of the same age and sex from all countries. Countries were categorised into developed and developing groups based on the Human Development Index, and a correlational analysis was performed to describe the association between country-specific performance indices and broad socioeconomic indicators using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Performance indices were calculated for 50 countries using collated data on 1 142 026 children and youth aged 9–17 years. The best performing countries were from Africa and Central-Northern Europe. Countries from South America were consistently among the worst performing countries. Country-specific income inequality (Gini index) was a strong negative correlate of the performance index across all 50 countries.

Conclusions

The pattern of variability in the performance index broadly supports the theory of a physical activity transition and income inequality as the strongest structural determinant of health in children and youth. This simple and cost-effective assessment would be a powerful tool for international population health surveillance.
Cost-effectiveness of investing in sidewalks as a means of increasing physical activity: a RESIDE modelling study
Authors: Veerman J Lennert , Zapata-Diomedi Belen , Gunn Lucy , McCormack Gavin R , Cobiac Linda J , Mantilla Herrera Ana Maria , Giles-Corti Billie , Shiell Alan
Published: September 2016

Background

Studies consistently find that supportive neighbourhood built environments increase physical activity by encouraging walking and cycling. However, evidence on the cost-effectiveness of investing in built environment interventions as a means of promoting physical activity is lacking. In this study, we assess the cost-effectiveness of increasing sidewalk availability as one means of encouraging walking.

Methods

Using data from the RESIDE study in Perth, Australia, we modelled the cost impact and change in health-adjusted life years (HALYs) of installing additional sidewalks in established neighbourhoods. Estimates of the relationship between sidewalk availability and walking were taken from a previous study. Multistate life table models were used to estimate HALYs associated with changes in walking frequency and duration. Sensitivity analyses were used to explore the impact of variations in population density, discount rates, sidewalk costs and the inclusion of unrelated healthcare costs in added life years.

Results

Installing and maintaining an additional 10 km of sidewalk in an average neighbourhood with 19 000 adult residents was estimated to cost A$4.2 million over 30 years and gain 24 HALYs over the lifetime of an average neighbourhood adult resident population. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was A$176 000/HALY. However, sensitivity results indicated that increasing population densities improves cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

In low-density cities such as in Australia, installing sidewalks in established neighbourhoods as a single intervention is unlikely to cost-effectively improve health. Sidewalks must be considered alongside other complementary elements of walkability, such as density, land use mix and street connectivity. Population density is particularly important because at higher densities, more residents are exposed and this improves the cost-effectiveness. Health gain is one of many benefits of enhancing neighbourhood walkability and future studies might consider a more comprehensive assessment of its social value (eg, social cohesion, safety and air quality).
Evaluation of the first pharmacist-administered vaccinations in Western Australia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hattingh H Laetitia , Sim T Fei , Parsons R , Czarniak P , Vickery A , Ayadurai S
Published: September 2016

Objectives

This study evaluated the uptake of Western Australian (WA) pharmacist vaccination services, the profiles of consumers being vaccinated and the facilitators and challenges experienced by pharmacy staff in the preparation, implementation and delivery of services.

Design

Mixed-methods methodology with both quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, pharmacy computer records and immuniser pharmacist interviews.

Setting

Community pharmacies in WA that provided pharmacist vaccination services between March and October 2015.

Participants

Immuniser pharmacists from 86 pharmacies completed baseline surveys and 78 completed exit surveys; computer records from 57 pharmacies; 25 immuniser pharmacists were interviewed.

Main outcome measures

Pharmacy and immuniser pharmacist profiles; pharmacist vaccination services provided and consumer profiles who accessed services.

Results

15 621 influenza vaccinations were administered by immuniser pharmacists at 76 WA community pharmacies between March and October 2015. There were no major adverse events, and <1% of consumers experienced minor events which were appropriately managed. Between 12% and 17% of consumers were eligible to receive free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program but chose to have it at a pharmacy. A high percentage of vaccinations was delivered in rural and regional areas indicating that provision of pharmacist vaccination services facilitated access for rural and remote consumers. Immuniser pharmacists reported feeling confident in providing vaccination services and were of the opinion that services should be expanded to other vaccinations. Pharmacists also reported significant professional satisfaction in providing the service. All participating pharmacies intended to continue providing influenza vaccinations in 2016.

Conclusions

This initial evaluation of WA pharmacist vaccination services showed that vaccine delivery was safe. Convenience and accessibility were important aspects in usage of services. There is scope to expand pharmacist vaccination services to other vaccines and younger children; however, government funding to pharmacists needs to be considered.
Association of tobacco use and other determinants with pregnancy outcomes: a multicentre hospital-based case–control study in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Rozi Shafquat , Butt Zahid Ahmad , Zahid Nida , Wasim Saba , Shafique Kashif
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The study aimed to identify the effects of maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy and other factors on birth outcomes and obstetric complications in Karachi, Pakistan.

Design

A multicentre hospital-based case–control study.

Setting

Four leading maternity hospitals of Karachi.

Participants

A random sample of 1275 women coming to the gynaecology and obstetric department of selected hospitals for delivery was interviewed within 48 hours of delivery from wards. Cases were women with adverse birth outcomes and obstetric complications, while controls were women who had normal uncomplicated delivery.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, low Apgar score) and obstetric complications (antepartum haemorrhage, caesarean section, etc).

Results

Final multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that with every 1 year increase in age the odds of being a case was 1.03 times as compared with being a control. Tobacco use (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.24; 95% CI 1.56 to 3.23), having no slits in the kitchen (proxy indicator for indoor air pollution) (aOR=1.90; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.43), gravidity (aOR=0.83; 95% CI 0.73 to 0.93), non-booked hospital cases (aOR=1.87; 95% CI 1.38 to 2.74), history of stillbirth (aOR=4.06; 95% CI 2.36 to 6.97), miscarriages (aOR=1.91; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.85) and preterm delivery (aOR=6.04; 95% CI 2.52 to 14.48) were significantly associated with being a case as compared with control.

Conclusions

This study suggests that women who had adverse pregnancy outcomes were more likely to have exposure to tobacco, previous history of adverse birth outcomes and were non-booked cases. Engagement of stakeholders in tobacco control for providing health education, incorporating tobacco use in women in the tobacco control policy and designing interventions for tobacco use cessation is warranted. Prenatal care and health education might help in preventing such adverse events.
Community vulnerability and symptoms of acute respiratory infection among preschool age children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Nigeria: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Chiao Chi
Published: September 2016

Background

As a consequence of the global spread of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of the AIDS pandemic has contributed to more than 40 million orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) in sub-Saharan Africa. The children's vulnerability is hypothesised to increase the risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI), which remains one of the major infectious causes of child mortality and morbidity in this region. This study examines the linkages between children's vulnerability and ARI symptoms, with a focus on the individual as well as community levels.

Methods

Using population-based Demographic and Health Surveys of preschool age children (0–59 months old) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (n=7755), Malawi (n=17 559) and Nigeria (n=28 049), multilevel logistic models were conducted to establish the relationships between ARI symptoms among OVC and community-level vulnerability, adjusting for children's and household characteristics and a season variation.

Results

The child's OVC status and community vulnerability were shown to be significantly associated with an increased likelihood of the child suffering from ARI symptoms in three countries. In contrast, the relationship between ARI symptoms and some selected variables associated with community development was not consistent across the 3 countries.

Conclusions

Community vulnerability demonstrates a significant influence on whether or not the child exhibits ARI symptoms. Being OVC contributes to differences in children's likelihood of ARI symptoms between communities. In addition to industrial pollution, specific components, such as community development, vary in their associations with the ARI symptoms across different countries. The large differences in childhood ARI symptoms across countries suggests that policies aimed at promoting child health need to be context specific.
Contribution of whole platelet aggregometry to the endovascular management of unruptured aneurysms: an institutional experience
Authors: Aoun S G , Welch B G , Pride L G , White J , Novakovic R , Hoes K , Sarode R
Published: September 2016

Background

Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms is an efficient alternative treatment to surgical clipping but requires prolonged antiplatelet therapy. Some patients are non-responsive to aspirin and/or clopidogrel.

Objective

To analyze the implications of this assessment using the ‘whole blood aggregometry (WBA) by impedance’ technique.

Materials and methods

The Southwestern Tertiary Aneurysm Registry was reviewed between 2002 and 2012 for patients with unruptured aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling. The study population was divided into patients who were tested preoperatively for platelet responsiveness to aspirin and clopidogrel (‘tested’ patients) and those who were not (‘non-tested’). Where necessary, tested patients received additional doses of antiplatelet drugs to achieve adequate platelet inhibition. Endpoints included the incidence of non-responsiveness, the rates of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, and the rates of permanent morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 266 patients fulfilled our selection criteria: 114 non-tested patients who underwent 121 procedures, and 152 tested patients who underwent 171 procedures. The two groups did not vary significantly in patient age, gender, and aneurysms location. Aspirin non-responsiveness was detected in 3 patients (1.75%) and clopidogrel non-responsiveness in 21 patients (12.3%). Non-tested patients had an 11.6% rate of thrombotic complications with a 4.1% permanent morbidity or mortality rate versus 2.3% and 0.6% in tested patients (p=0.0013). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Preoperative platelet inhibition testing using WBA can be useful to assess and correct antiaggregant non-responsiveness, and may reduce postoperative mortality and permanent morbidity.
Combined biomarker testing for the prediction of left ventricular remodelling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Reinstadler Sebastian Johannes , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Reindl Martin , Klug Gert , Mayr Agnes , Mair Johannes , Jaschke Werner , Metzler Bernhard
Published: September 2016

Objective

The utility of different biomarkers for the prediction of left ventricular remodelling (LVR) following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been evaluated in several studies. However, very few data exist on the prognostic value of combined biomarkers. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the prognostic value for LVR of routinely available biomarkers measured after reperfused STEMI.

Methods

Serial measurements of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were performed in 123 patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in this prospective observational study. Patients underwent cardiac MRI at 2 (1–4) and 125 (121–146) days after infarction. An increase in end-diastolic volume of ≥20% was defined as LVR.

Results

LVR occurred in 16 (13%) patients. Peak concentrations of the following biomarkers showed significant areas under the curves (AUCs) for the prediction of LVR—NT-proBNP: 0.68 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.76, p=0.03), hs-cTnT: 0.75 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.01), AST: 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.79, p<0.01), ALT: 0.66 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75, p=0.03), LDH: 0.78 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85, p<0.01) and hs-CRP: 0.63 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.72, p=0.05). The combination of all biomarkers yielded a significant increase in AUC to 0.85 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.91) (all vs NT-proBNP: p=0.02, all vs hs-cTnT: p=0.02, all vs AST: p<0.01, all vs ALT: p<0.01, all vs hs-CRP: p<0.01 and all vs LDH: p=0.04).

Conclusions

In patients with reperfused STEMI, the combined assessment of peak NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, AST, ALT, hs-CRP and LDH provide incremental prognostic information for the prediction of LVR when compared with single-biomarker measurement.
Preliminary evaluation of a dual antigen ELISA to distinguish vaccinated from Leptospira infected horses
Authors: Velineni S. , Timoney J. F.
Published: September 2016

Immunogenic proteins of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona type kennewicki (Lk) including Sph1, LigA, Hsp15 and LipL45 (Qlp42) are up‐regulated in infected horses but are undetectable or expressed in trace amounts on cultured organisms. In contrast, LipL32 is abundant on cultured Lk and elicits infection antibody responses. The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA based on LipL32 or Lk sonicate and host‐induced proteins to differentiate vaccine from infection serum antibody. IgG specific for recombinant Sph1, LigA, Lk90 (LigA; 379–1225 a.a), Hsp15, LipL45 and LipL32 of Lk were assayed in sera of horses infected naturally with Lk and before and after immunisation with serovar Pomona bacterin. Infection but not vaccine sera reacted strongly with Sph1, LigA and Lk90. LipL45 and Hsp15 reacted moderately with infection sera and weakly with vaccine sera. Lk sonicate and LipL32 reacted strongly with both infection and vaccine sera. As expected, culture‐based vaccine failed to stimulate antibody to host‐induced proteins. Therefore a dual antigen ELISA based on Lk sonicate or LipL32 combined with host‐induced Sph1 and Lk90 will be valuable in differentiating infection from vaccine responses.
Theoretical determination of the hadronic g − 2 of the muon
Authors: Dominguez C. A. , Schilcher K. , Spiesberger H.
Published: September 2016

An approach is discussed on the determination of the leading order hadronic contribution to the muon anomaly, [Formula: see text], based entirely on theory. This method makes no use of [Formula: see text] annihilation data, a likely source of the current discrepancy between theory and experiment beyond the 3[Formula: see text] level. What this method requires is essentially knowledge of the first derivative of the vector current correlator at zero-momentum. In the heavy-quark sector, this is obtained from the well-known heavy-quark expansion in perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD), leading to values of [Formula: see text] in the charm- and bottom-quark region which were fully confirmed by later lattice QCD (LQCD) results. In the light-quark sector, using recent preliminary LQCD results for the first derivative of the vector current correlator at zero-momentum leads to the value [Formula: see text], which is significantly larger than values obtained from using [Formula: see text] data. A separate approach based on the operator product expansion (OPE), and designed to quench the contribution of these data, reduces the discrepancy by at least 40%. In addition, it exposes a tension between the OPE and [Formula: see text] data, thus suggesting the blame for the discrepancy on the latter.
A singular Lambert-WSchrödinger potential exactly solvable in terms of the confluent hypergeometric functions
Authors: Ishkhanyan A. M.
Published: September 2016

We introduce two potentials explicitly given by the Lambert-W function for which the exact solution of the one-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation is written through the first derivative of a double-confluent Heun function. One of these potentials is a singular potential that behaves as the inverse square root in the vicinity of the origin and vanishes exponentially at the infinity. The exact solution of the Schrödinger equation for this potential is given through fundamental solutions each of which presents an irreducible linear combination of two confluent hypergeometric functions. Since the potential is effectively a short-range one, it supports only a finite number of bound states.
A brief review of E theory
Authors: West Peter
Published: September 2016

I begin with some memories of Abdus Salam who was my PhD supervisor. After reviewing the theory of nonlinear realisations and Kac–Moody algebras, I explain how to construct the nonlinear realisation based on the Kac–Moody algebra [Formula: see text] and its vector representation. I explain how this field theory leads to dynamical equations which contain an infinite number of fields defined on a space–time with an infinite number of coordinates. I then show that these unique dynamical equations, when truncated to low level fields and the usual coordinates of space–time, lead to precisely the equations of motion of 11-dimensional supergravity theory. By taking different group decompositions of [Formula: see text] we find all the maximal supergravity theories, including the gauged maximal supergravities, and as a result the nonlinear realisation should be thought of as a unified theory that is the low energy effective action for type II strings and branes. These results essentially confirm the [Formula: see text] conjecture given many years ago.
Recent developments in 2d 𝒩 = (2,2) supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Park Daniel S.
Published: September 2016

We review recent developments in two-dimensional [Formula: see text] supersymmetric gauge theories focusing on the implementation and applications of localization techniques.
Coalescence of Cu contacted nanoparticles with different heating rates: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Li Qibin , Fu Tao , Peng Tiefeng , Peng Xianghe , Liu Chao , Shi Xiaoyang
Published: September 2016

The coalescence, the initial stage of sintering, of two contacted Cu nanoparticles is investigated under different heating rates of 700, 350 and 233 K/ns. The nanoparticles coalesced rapidly at the initial stage when the temperature of the system is low. Then, the nanoparticles collided softly in an equilibrium period. After the system was increased to a high temperature, the shrinkage ratio, gyration radius and atoms’ diffusion started to change dramatically. The lower heating rate can result in smaller shrinkage ratio, larger gyration radius and diffusion of atoms. However, the growth of sintering neck is hardly influenced by the heating rate. The results provide a theoretical guidance for the fundamental understanding and potential application regarding nanoparticle sintering.
Scene Image Retrieval Based on Manifold Structures of Canonical Images
Authors: Pang Haibo , Liu Chengming , Zhao Zhe , Zai Guangjun , Li Zhanbo
Published: September 2016

Image retrieval methods have been dramatically developed in the last decade. In this paper, we propose a novel method for image retrieval based on manifold structures of canonical images. Firstly, we present the image normalization process to find a set of canonical images that anchors the probabilistic distributions around the real data manifolds to learn the representations that better encode the manifold structures in general high-dimensional image space. In addition, we employ the canonical images as the centers of the conditional multivariate Gaussian distributions. This approach allows to learn more detailed structures of the partial manifolds resulting in improved representation of the high level properties of scene images. Furthermore, we use the probabilistic framework of the extended model to retrieve images based on the similarity measure of reciprocal likelihood of pairs of images and the sum of likelihood of one of two images based on the other’s best distributions. We estimate our method using SUN database. In the experiments on scene image retrieval, the proposed method is efficient, and exhibits superior capabilities compared to other methods, such as GIST.
Predictions for p+Pb Collisions at sNN = 5TeV: Comparison with Data
Authors: Albacete Javier L. , Arleo François , Barnaföldi Gergely G. , Barrette Jean , Deng Wei-Tian , Dumitru Adrian , Eskola Kari J. , Ferreiro Elena G. , Fleuret Frederic , Fujii Hirotsugu , Gyulassy Miklos , Harangozó Szilveszter Miklós , Helenius Ilkka , Kang Zhong-Bo , Kotko Piotr , Kutak Krzysztof , Lansberg Jean-Philippe , Levai Peter , Lin Zi-Wei , Nara Yasushi , Rakotozafindrabe Andry , Papp Gábor , Paukkunen Hannu , Peigné Stéphane , Petrovici Mihai , Qiu Jian-Wei , Rezaeian Amir H. , Ru Peng , Sapeta Sebastian , Pop Vasile Topor , Vitev Ivan , Vogt Ramona , Wang Enke , Wang Xin-Nian , Xing Hongxi , Xu Rong , Zhang Ben-Wei , Zhang Wei-Ning
Published: September 2016

Predictions made in Albacete et al. [Int. J. Mod. Phys. E 22 (2013) 1330007] prior to the LHC [Formula: see text]Pb run at [Formula: see text] TeV are compared to currently available data. Some predictions shown here have been updated by including the same experimental cuts as the data. Some additional predictions are also presented, especially for quarkonia, that were provided to the experiments before the data were made public but were too late for the original publication.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of FRP Strengthened RC Beams with Bond-Slip Effect
Authors: Pathak Prabin , Zhang Y. X. , Teng Xiaodan
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the structural behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams by developing a new simple, efficient and accurate finite element model (FEM-B). In addition to the FRP, concrete and steel rebars, the adhesive and stirrups which have been generally ignored in the reported models from literatures are considered in the new models. At first, a finite element model (FEM-P) is developed assuming perfect bond between concrete, FRP and adhesive interfaces. Then the FEM-P model is expanded to form the FEM-B model by including the bond-slip effect between concrete, FRP and adhesive interfaces. The developed new finite element models (FEM-B and FEM-P) are validated against experimental results and demonstrate to be effective for the structural analysis of FRP strengthened RC beams. Furthermore, parametric studies are carried out to learn the effects of types and thickness of FRP on the structural behavior of FRP strengthened RC beams based on the FEM-B model. The research findings are summarized finally.
Whitehall quarry, Northern Wedge failure: 22 years of investigation
Authors: Strang D. R.
Published: September 2016

The Northern Wedge Failure (NWF) is a complex failure mass within Whitehall Quarry, Cambridge, New Zealand. Initiation of failure of the
c.
500 000 m
3
mass occurred during spring of 1988. Complete failure was expected following displacement recordings of 2.3–5.6 m a
−1
; however, this did not eventuate. By the mid 1990s, the failure mass was deemed stable. In 2010, an engineering geological investigation was conducted to assess the stability of the NWF at that time. The rock mass that failed comprises moderately dipping interbedded feldspathic sandstone and argillaceous mudstone below a thin alluvial cover. It is bound by two fault planes, both exhibiting up to 100 mm of gravelly clay fault gouge. X-ray diffraction analysis of the gouge indicated the presence of kaolinite and montmorillonite, and Atterberg Limit tests showed the plastic and liquid limits to be 31% and 51%, respectively. Electronic distance monitoring (EDM) was carried out over 12 months. Recorded velocities increased by 17% above the 21 mm/month baseline over the wetter months. Limit equilibrium analysis carried out using historic and recent field and laboratory observations input to the computer software SWedge estimated a Factor of Safety (FOS) of 0.97. Complete failure of the NWF could be initiated at any time by an extended period of heavy rainfall and/or unloading of the toe or the stripping of overburden.
Landslide inventory and susceptibility zoning across SE Australia
Authors: Flentje P. , Miner T. , Stirling D. , Palamakumbure D. , Windle D.
Published: September 2016

A landmark Australian landslide research project, that will produce a series of medium-scale landslide inventory and susceptibility zoning datasets for substantial areas of Australia, is proposed. The project will produce a series of planning tools to facilitate the implementation of the AGS 2007 Landslide Risk Management (LRM) guidelines within government, and also address the new paradigm in risk management of due diligence. The project will also summarize the current variable status of landslide regulations around the country at both state and local government levels. This project will complement the earlier National Disaster Mitigation funding of the Australian Geomechanics Society and will address the difficulty in assembling a meaningful landslide inventory, essential for the development of susceptibility and hazard maps in landslide risk management practice. Susceptibility maps are seen as the best product from which to produce planning and development control areas for use in local government planning schemes addressing landslide issues. The development of a National Landslide Inventory framework would enhance data collection standards for this hazard across Australia. The costs associated with landslide damage and management are poorly documented within Australia and this project will also contribute to enhancing this element. Preliminary figures from early work in this area suggests government spending in the Wollongong area alone is at least $5 million annually since 1950 on landslide related costs. The project will also result in a series of regional to local zoning inventory and susceptibility zoning datasets and associated maps ranging from 1:250 000 and perhaps in some areas up to 1:25 000 scales for substantial areas of Australia. A modelling process will also be documented to promote transparency and to facilitate subsequent review and revisions. Achieving appropriate levels of funding to undertake this project remains a priority for the team. However, substantial elements are being developed already (some of which are summarized in this paper) and the authors are confident this project will come to fruition.
Landslide hazard assessments: problems and limitations. Examples from Hong Kong
Authors: Parry S.
Published: September 2016

Hong Kong has made considerable progress in reducing landslide hazards from man-made slopes. As a consequence, Hong Kong has recently commenced the systematic evaluation of landslides from natural slopes. This paper discusses the assessment approached adopted, limitations with the approach and the problems with landslide hazard assessment in general by means of a case study. The paper concludes that the current approach, whilst suitable for its original purpose, that is the rapid evaluation of the likely magnitude of landslide hazards at the review stage of a development, has limitations when used for systematic landslide assessments at existing developments. It is suggested that landslide hazard assessments to quantify ‘top events’, for example loss of life, would be an improved approach which would allow simplified quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to be undertaken. However, such an approach requires a significant level of engineering geological and engineering geomorphological input. In particular, the careful derivation of appropriate values of landslide magnitude and frequency, based on expert judgment and making use of available data, knowledge and experience.
Site classification map of Italy based on surface geology
Authors: Di Capua G. , Peppoloni S. , Amanti M. , Cipolloni C. , Conte G.
Published: September 2016

In this article a method developed for the creation of a site classification map at a territorial scale, starting from the geological mapping available at 1:100 000 scale, is described. This map has been used to embed amplification factors as provided by the Italian seismic code in seismic hazard studies, in order to consider the contribution of the surface geology on the expected ground motion values. The Italian territory has been divided into polygons classified on the basis of lithologies that the seismic code considers homogeneous in their average seismic response. The data processing has been conducted in a GIS environment, starting from the digital format of the lithological map of Italy at 1:100 000 scale. Our results can be used in seismic risk analyses that take into account the local seismic amplification due to the geological characteristics of an area, and in studies on ground motion prediction equations (GMPE).
Three-dimensional pore geometry and permeability anisotropy of Berea sandstone under hydrostatic pressure: connecting path and tortuosity data obtained by microfocus X-ray CT
Authors: Takahashi M. , Kato M. , Lin W. , Sato M.
Published: September 2016

Void space and permeability are two primary factors controlling the movement and storage of fluids in rock and sediments. To investigate fluid flow anisotropy in Berea sandstone, permeability was measured in three perpendicular directions under effective confining pressure as a function of pore pressure. Permeability anisotropy was observed slightly in the normal and in two parallel directions to the bedding planes. We introduced microfocus X-ray computed tomography (CT) as a non-destructive tool and the three-dimensional medial axis (3DMA) method to quantify the flow-relevant geometric properties of the voids structure. Using this apparatus and structure analysis software, we obtained the distributions of pore size, throat size and the number of connecting paths between two faces in an arbitrary region of Berea sandstone. Using these data, we also evaluated the number of connecting paths between two faces and tortuosity within an arbitrary region, and discussed the relationship between permeability anisotropy and voids geometry.