bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of the shock loss and temporal evolution of hot plume resulting from dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown in quiescent air
Authors: An Bin , Wang Zhenguo , Yang Leichao , Wu Ge , Zhu Jiajian , Li Xipeng
Published: November 2017

To optimize a laser ignition scheme, absorption rate measurements and Schlieren visualizations are performed on dual-pulse laser-induced breakdowns (LIBs) at incident energies from 50 mJ to 200 mJ and pulse intervals that range from 20 ns to 250 μs in quiescent air at atmospheric pressure. For comparison, experiments on single-pulse LIBs are also conducted. The shock loss is determined using a semi-empirical model (Jones' model), and quantitative information on the spatial distribution of the hot plume is extracted from Schlieren images using in-house code. The results reveal that multi-location laser ignition can be achieved without reducing the energy absorption or strengthening the shock loss only when the energy of each laser pulse exceeds 200 mJ. This requirement is because the absorption rate of single-pulse LIB decreases significantly when the laser energy is lower than 200 mJ, and the shock loss of single-pulse LIB invariably accounts for approximately 80% of the absorbed laser energy at various incident energies. Compared with single-pulse LIB, dual-pulse LIB with a pulse interval of less than 200 ns is slightly inferior in terms of energy absorption and shock loss; however, the advantages of a larger initial plasma volume and lower energy dissipation can compensate for this deficiency. Therefore, dual-pulse laser ignition is a promising alternative to single-pulse laser ignition. Moreover, ignition reliability can be enhanced by initially releasing the laser pulse with higher energy when the energies of the successive pulses are not the same because of higher energy absorption and lower shock loss. In addition, the spatial distribution of the resulting hot plume is relatively centralized, which helps to reduce energy and radical dissipation. However, a pulse interval longer than 200 ns should be avoided for dual-pulse LIB because the laser energy cannot be utilized efficiently.
Comparison of cryogenic low-pass filters
Authors: Thalmann M. , Pernau H.-F. , Strunk C. , Scheer E. , Pietsch T.
Published: November 2017

Low-temperature electronic transport measurements with high energy resolution require both effective low-pass filtering of high-frequency input noise and an optimized thermalization of the electronic system of the experiment. In recent years, elaborate filter designs have been developed for cryogenic low-level measurements, driven by the growing interest in fundamental quantum-physical phenomena at energy scales corresponding to temperatures in the few millikelvin regime. However, a single filter concept is often insufficient to thermalize the electronic system to the cryogenic bath and eliminate spurious high frequency noise. Moreover, the available concepts often provide inadequate filtering to operate at temperatures below 10 mK, which are routinely available now in dilution cryogenic systems. Herein we provide a comprehensive analysis of commonly used filter types, introduce a novel compact filter type based on ferrite compounds optimized for the frequency range above 20 GHz, and develop an improved filtering scheme providing adaptable broad-band low-pass characteristic for cryogenic low-level and quantum measurement applications at temperatures down to few millikelvin.
A simple molecular orbital treatment of current distributions in quantum transport through molecular junctions
Authors: Jhan Sin-Mu , Jin Bih-Yaw
Published: November 2017

A simple molecular orbital treatment of local current distributions inside single molecular junctions is developed in this paper. Using the first-order perturbation theory and nonequilibrium Green’s function techniques in the framework of Hückel theory, we show that the leading contributions to local current distributions are directly proportional to the off-diagonal elements of transition density matrices. Under the orbital approximation, the major contributions to local currents come from a few dominant molecular orbital pairs which are mixed by the interactions between the molecule and electrodes. A few simple molecular junctions consisting of single- and multi-ring conjugated systems are used to demonstrate that local current distributions inside molecular junctions can be decomposed by partial sums of a few leading contributing transition density matrices.
Interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and electric field effect in Ta/CoFeB/Mg1−xTixO heterostructures
Authors: Ikhtiar  , Mukaiyama K. , Kasai S. , Hono K.
Published: November 2017

The barrier thickness dependence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of CoFeB thin films is distinctly different for MgO and Mg0.95Ti0.05O barriers. The electric field effects measured using orthogonal magnetic tunnel junctions show that the coefficient of electric field control of PMA for Ta/CoFeB/Mg0.95Ti0.05O magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is around 51 fJ/V m, which is the same order of magnitude as that of Ta/CoFeB/MgO. This indicates that Mg0.95Ti0.05O is a promising barrier material for p-MTJs for voltage controlled magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy and the electric field effect for the Ta/CoFeB/Mg1−xTixO (x = 0 and 0.05) heterostructures have a strong correlation, suggesting the scalability of voltage controlled MRAM.
Origin of large dark current increase in InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode
Authors: Wen J. , Wang W. J. , Chen X. R. , Li N. , Chen X. S. , Lu W.
Published: November 2017

The large dark current increase near the breakdown voltage of an InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode is observed and analyzed from the aspect of bulk defects in the device materials. The trap level information is extracted from the temperature-dependent electrical characteristics of the device and the low temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the materials. Simulation results with the extracted trap level taken into consideration show that the trap is in the InP multiplication layer and the trap assisted tunneling current induced by the trap is the main cause of the large dark current increase with the bias from the punch-through voltage to 95% breakdown voltage.
Effects of thermo-mechanical behavior and hinge geometry on folding response of shape memory polymer sheets
Authors: Mailen Russell W. , Dickey Michael D. , Genzer Jan , Zikry Mohammed
Published: November 2017

Shape memory polymer (SMP) sheets patterned with black ink hinges change shape in response to external stimuli, such as absorbed thermal energy from an infrared (IR) light. The geometry of these hinges, including size, orientation, and location, and the applied thermal loads significantly influence the final folded shape of the sheet, but these variables have not been fully investigated. We perform a systematic study on SMP sheets to fundamentally understand the effects of single and double hinge geometries, hinge orientation and spacing, initial temperature, heat flux intensity, and pattern width on the folding behavior. We have developed thermo-viscoelastic finite element models to characterize and quantify the stresses, strains, and temperatures as they relate to SMP shape changes. Our predictions indicate that hinge orientation can be used to reduce the total bending angle, which is the angle traversed by the folding face of the sheet. Two parallel hinges increase the total bending angle, and heat conduction between the hinges affects the transient folding response. IR intensity and initial temperatures can also influence the transient folding behavior. These results can provide guidelines to optimize the transient folding response and the three-dimensional folded structure obtained from self-folding polymer origami sheets that can be applied for myriad applications.
Oxygen-assisted synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride films for graphene transistors
Authors: Zhuang Pingping , Lin Weiyi , Xu Binbin , Cai Weiwei
Published: November 2017

We grow high-quality two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) films on copper pockets by chemical vapor deposition. A piece of sapphire embedded in the pocket serves as an oxygen supply during the growth process. To obtain clean h-BN films, source powders are placed in a U-shaped quartz tube and heated up in a water bath without the carrier-gas flow. These films are characterized by using SEM, Raman, XPS, and selected area electron diffraction analyses. As dielectric substrates, h-BN films significantly enhance the charge-carrier mobility of graphene transistors. This facile and robust method can be a scalable approach to synthesize large-area high-quality h-BN films for related electronic applications.
Electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media
Authors: Matyushov Dmitry V. , Newton Marshall D.
Published: November 2017

Standard models of reaction kinetics in condensed materials rely on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the population of reactants at the top of the free energy barrier separating them from the products. While energy dissipation and quantum effects at the barrier top can potentially affect the transmission coefficient entering the rate pre-exponential factor, much stronger dynamical effects on the reaction barrier are caused by the breakdown of ergodicity for populating the reaction barrier (violation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics). When the spectrum of medium modes coupled to the reaction coordinate includes fluctuations slower than the reaction rate, such nuclear motions dynamically freeze on the reaction time scale and do not contribute to the activation barrier. Here we consider the consequences of this scenario for electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media. Changing the electrode overpotential speeds the electrode electron transfer up, potentially cutting through the spectrum of nuclear modes coupled to the reaction coordinate. The reorganization energy of electrochemical electron transfer becomes a function of the electrode overpotential, switching between the thermodynamic value at low rates to the nonergodic limit at higher rates. The sharpness of this transition depends on the relaxation spectrum of the medium. The reorganization energy experiences a sudden drop with increasing overpotential for a medium with a Debye relaxation but becomes a much shallower function of the overpotential for media with stretched exponential dynamics. The latter scenario characterizes the electron transfer in ionic liquids. The analysis of electrode reactions in room-temperature ionic liquids shows that the magnitude of the free energy of nuclear solvation is significantly below its thermodynamic limit. This result applies to reaction times faster than microseconds and is currently limited by the available dielectric relaxation data.
Tunneling of coupled methyl quantum rotors in 4-methylpyridine: Single rotor potential versus coupling interaction
Authors: Khazaei Somayeh , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: November 2017

We study the influence of rotational coupling between a pair of methyl rotators on the tunneling spectrum in condensed phase. Two interacting adjacent methyl groups are simulated within a coupled-pair model composed of static rotational potential created by the chemical environment and the interaction potential between two methyl groups. We solve the two-dimensional time-independent Schrödinger equation analytically by expanding the wave functions on the basis set of two independent free-rotor functions. We investigate three scenarios which differ with respect to the relative strength of single-rotor and coupling potential. For each scenario, we illustrate the dependence of the energy level scheme on the coupling strength. It is found that the main determinant of splitting energy levels tends to be a function of the ratio of strengths of coupling and single-rotor potential. The tunnel splitting caused by coupling is maximized for the coupled rotors in which their total hindering potential is relatively shallow. Such a weakly hindered methyl rotational potential is predicted for 4-methylpyridine at low temperature. The experimental observation of multiple tunneling peaks arising from a single type of methyl group in 4-methylpyridine in the inelastic neutron scattering spectrum is widely attributed to the rotor-rotor coupling. In this regard, using a set of first-principles calculations combined with the nudged elastic band method, we investigate the rotational potential energy surface (PES) of the coaxial pairs of rotors in 4-methylpyridine. A Numerov-type method is used to numerically solve the two-dimensional time-independent Schrödinger equation for the calculated 2D-density functional theory profile. Our computed energy levels reproduce the observed tunneling transitions well. Moreover, the calculated density distribution of the three methyl protons resembles the experimental nuclear densities obtained from the Fourier difference method. By mapping the calculated first-principles PES on the model, it is confirmed that the hindering potential in 4-methylpyridine consists of proportionally shallow single-rotor potential to coupling interaction.
THz-pump and X-ray-probe sources based on an electron linac
Authors: Setiniyaz Sadiq , Park Seong Hee , Kim Hyun Woo , Vinokurov Nikolay A. , Jang Kyu-Ha , Lee Kitae , Baek In Hyung , Jeong Young Uk
Published: November 2017

We describe a compact THz-pump and X-ray-probe beamline, based on an electron linac, for ultrafast time-resolved diffraction applications. Two high-energy electron (γ > 50) bunches, 5 ns apart, impinge upon a single-foil or multifoil radiator and generate THz radiation and X-rays simultaneously. The THz pulse from the first bunch is synchronized to the X-ray beam of the second bunch by using an adjustable optical delay of a THz pulse. The peak power of THz radiation from the multifoil radiator is estimated to be 0.14 GW for a 200 pC well-optimized electron bunch. GEANT4 simulations show that a carbon foil with a thickness of 0.5–1.0 mm has the highest yield of 10–20 keV hard X-rays for a 25 MeV beam, which is approximately 103 photons/(keV pC-electrons) within a few degrees of the polar angle. A carbon multifoil radiator with 35 foils (25 μm thick each) can generate close to 103 hard X-rays/(keV pC-electrons) within a 2° acceptance angle. With 200 pC charge and a 100 Hz repetition rate, we can generate 107 X-rays per 1 keV energy bin per second or 105 X-rays per 1 keV energy bin per pulse. The longitudinal time profile of an X-ray pulse ranges from 400 to 600 fs depending on the acceptance angle. The broadening of the time duration of an X-ray pulse is observed owing to its diverging effect. A double-crystal monochromator will be used to select and transport the desired X-rays to the sample. The heating of the radiators by an electron beam is negligible because of the low beam current.
The integration of superlattices and immersion nonlinear ultrasonics to enhance damage detection threshold
Authors: Mostavi Amir , Kabir Minoo , Ozevin Didem
Published: November 2017

We demonstrate the enhancement of immersion nonlinear ultrasonic testing (NLUT) by exploiting superlattices (SLs). NLUT can detect sub-wavelength micro-structural changes in solids by measuring the fundamental and second harmonic frequencies. The amplitude of second harmonic frequency increases with the presence of defects or other heterogeneities. The immersion NLUT is beneficial as water provides a consistent coupling condition; however, water generates high non-linearity that can mask the weak non-linearity originated from the micro-structural features in solids. In this research, SLs are proposed to remove the non-linearity arisen from water and experimental instruments. The SLs made of a periodic arrangement of composite layers can provide a band gap to restrict the propagation of a specific range of frequencies between transmitter and receiver. The periodic arrangement of solid-fluid layers is numerically designed and experimentally adapted to the immersion NLUT. Our results imply that the periodic array of 100 μm thick glass and 100 μm thick water layers provides a band gap that blocks 4.5 MHz (the second harmonic frequency), while this periodic structure passes 2.25 MHz (the first harmonic frequency). The improvement in the sensitivity of the NLUT is demonstrated through detecting the micro-structural changes associated with plastic deformation in aluminum 1100 specimens. It is revealed that the proposed methodology enhances the damage detection sensitivity of immersion NLUT by an order of magnitude as compared to the current practice.
Feed resource selection by Criollo goats browsing a tropical deciduous forest
Authors: Ventura-Cordero J. , González-Pech P. G. , Sandoval-Castro C. A. , Torres-Acosta J. F. J. , Tun-Garrido J.
Published: November 2017

Goats browsing in a tropical deciduous forest (TDF) obtain a large proportion of their diet from a large number of plant species. Nevertheless, the goat’s feed resource selection has not been studied in such an ecosystem. This study aimed to determine whether goats browsing in a TDF display active feed resource selection. Two browsing sites were used (A = 2.2 ha and B = 2.6 ha). The effective availability (g) of all plant species available was measured for each site using 10 m × 20 m exclusion quadrants. Three non-pregnant adult goats (34.9 ± 2.4 kg liveweight) with browsing experience were observed using the continuous bite monitoring method to determine their respective dry matter intake. The selection of different plants was determined using the Jacobs’ selection index (JSI). The goats’ dry matter intake per day was 723 and 310.8 g for Sites A and B, respectively. At both browsing sites, the plant with the highest biomass availability was Gymnopodium floribundum (75.5% and 49.3% for Sites A and B, respectively). Nevertheless, the plant species most actively selected by goats were Eragrostis ciliaris at Site A (JSI = 0.99, P < 0.05) and Mimosa bahamensis at Site B (JSI = 0.96, P < 0.05). Some plant species were not consumed at Sites A and B (three and five species, respectively). In conclusion, feed resource selection was not associated with the biomass availability of the plants selected or refused. Goats were able to show active feed resource selection in the TDF, and this could change according to the characteristics of the browsing site.
(Re)walking stories: pilgrimage, pedagogy and peace.
Authors: Terreault S.
Published: November 2017

This chapter deals with the methodological and pedagogical journey taken by the author and her colleague as they develop and teach an undergraduate course in pilgrimage studies. It first examines the notion of 'pilgrimage', and considers the implications for engaged, transdisciplinary, performative pedagogy, including the use of narrative as a legitimate mode of enquiry. The chapter then describes the experience of researching and walking a pilgrimage (in and around Montreal, Canada) that was designed for the class.
Travel and/or pilgrimage - both sacred journeys: an atheist's attempt at inquiry and introspection.
Authors: Chadwick Co Sy Su Chadwick Co Sy Su
Published: November 2017

This chapter begins by recognizing the many modes of pilgrimage and then discusses how religious and non-religious pilgrimage may have been (incorrectly) pitted against each other, and ends by proposing the creation of synonymy: of pilgrimage and travel being one and the same. The chapter discusses travel and/or pilgrimage as a source of inquiry and introspection and presents questions on a wide range of related topics, from the abstract to the practical. The potential for peacemaking and interdisciplinary collaboration among the fields of pilgrimage studies, tourism, anthropology and theology is also briefly discussed.
The pilgrim's two economies: Greek convent pilgrimage and economic crisis.
Authors: Rahkala-Simberg M. J.
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on pilgrimage to Greek convents (particularly the Convent of the Dormition of the Virgin) in the current period of economic crisis. It discusses the ways in which convents have helped society in different social and economic situations and concentrates on the current crisis, which has forced the monasteries and convents to provide more material and economic help to more people than ever before. The chapter also introduces the pilgrimage as a way to obtain salvation and as a way to become a reflection of God. This process of union, theósis, is one of the most crucial concepts of Orthodox theology and is presented as the ultimate purpose of pilgrimage. Finally, the chapter focuses on how convent pilgrimage and public image are affected by the current economic situation.
ROS and glutathionylation balance cytoskeletal dynamics in neutrophil extracellular trap formation
Authors: Stojkov Darko , Amini Poorya , Oberson Kevin , Sokollik Christiane , Duppenthaler Andrea , Simon Hans-Uwe , Yousefi Shida
Published: November 2017

The antimicrobial defense activity of neutrophils partly depends on their ability to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), but the underlying mechanism controlling NET formation remains unclear. We demonstrate that inhibiting cytoskeletal dynamics with pharmacological agents or by genetic manipulation prevents the degranulation of neutrophils and mitochondrial DNA release required for NET formation. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein–deficient neutrophils are unable to polymerize actin and exhibit a block in both degranulation and DNA release. Similarly, neutrophils with a genetic defect in NADPH oxidase fail to induce either actin and tubulin polymerization or NET formation on activation. Moreover, neutrophils deficient in glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), an enzyme required for deglutathionylation of actin and tubulin, are unable to polymerize either cytoskeletal network and fail to degranulate or release DNA. Collectively, cytoskeletal dynamics are achieved as a balance between reactive oxygen species–regulated effects on polymerization and glutathionylation on the one hand and the Grx1-mediated deglutathionylation that is required for NET formation on the other.
Nasser Rusan: Scoping out centrosomes
Authors: O’Donnell Marie Anne
Published: November 2017

Rusan investigates how centrosomes control cell behavior and differentiation during development.
cGAMP: A tale of two signals
Authors: Kuriakose Teneema , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: November 2017

In this issue of JEM, Swanson et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20171749) report an unanticipated role for cGAMP in priming and activation of inflammasomes in addition to its well-characterized function as an endogenous second messenger inducing type I interferons in the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway.
Calibration of mass and conventional mass of weights between INACAL–CENAM–CESMEC (SIM.M.M-S13)
Authors: Becerra Luis Omar , Cori Almonte Luz Marina , García Fernando , García Francisco , Hernández Raúl , Peña Luis Manuel , Quiroga Rojas Aldo , Taipe Araujo Donny
Published: November 2017

This supplementary comparison was piloted by the Instituto Nacional de Calidad (INACAL, Peru) and describes the results of the comparison in mass and conventional mass in weights of 2 kg and 10 kg between INACAL-PERU, CENAM-MEXICO and CESMEC-CHILE.

The travelling standards were OIML class E2 weights of stainless steel.

INACAL measured the volume of the traveling standards of 10 kg and the volume value used for the 2 kg mass standard was provided by the PTB.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Taking the Biggest First: Age Differences in Preferences for Monetary and Hedonic Sequences
Authors: Strough JoNell , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Parker Andrew M
Published: November 2017

Objectives

People face decisions about how to sequence payments and events, including when to schedule bigger events relative to smaller ones. We examine age differences in these sequence preferences.

Methods

We gave a national adult life-span sample (n = 1,296, mean = 53.06 years, standard deviation = 16.33) four scenarios describing a positive or negative hedonic (enjoyable weekends, painful dental procedures) or monetary (receiving versus paying money) event. We considered associations among age, sequence preferences, three self-reported decision-making processes—emphasizing experience, emotion, and reasoning—and two dimensions of future time perspective—focusing on future opportunities and limited time.

Results

Older age was associated with taking the “biggest” event sooner instead of later, especially for receiving money, but also for the other three scenarios. Older age was associated with greater reported use of reason and experience and lesser reported use of emotion. These decision-making processes played a role in understanding age differences in sequence preferences, but future time perspective did not.

Discussion

We discuss “taking the biggest first” preferences in light of prior mixed findings on age differences in sequence preferences. We highlight the distinct roles of experience- and emotion-based decision-making processes. We propose applications to financial and health-care settings.
Primary Caregivers in a Network Context
Authors: Marcum Christopher Steven , Ashida Sato , Koehly Laura M
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Caregiving to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) is a family-systems process where tasks are distributed between multiple caregivers in a network. We evaluate the extent to which multiple network members nominate one another as filling primary caregiver (PCG) roles and factors associated with nomination.

Method

Data come from the Caregiving Roles and Expectations Networks project, which aimed to characterize the caregiving networks of families affected by ADRD. All persons affected by ADRD were either full-time residents in residential care facilities or community-dwelling adult day-care participants. Generalized Poisson regression was used to model the count of incoming PCG nominations of each network member.

Results

On average, there were multiple network members identified as PCGs across different network contexts. Network members who were perceived to perform essential caregiving tasks, such as making decisions on behalf of and spending time with the care recipient, received more primary caregiving nominations from their network peers, adjusting for personal attributes, and the context of care.

Discussion

Having multiple PCGs in a network may result in lack of consensus in who fills those roles, potentially putting families at risk for interpersonal conflicts. Future work aimed at intervention development should fully assess the social contexts surrounding caregiving processes in order to better understand how network composition might impact outcomes.
Onset of Multiple Chronic Conditions and Depressive Symptoms: A Life Events Perspective
Authors: Wilson-Genderson Maureen , Heid Allison R , Pruchno Rachel
Published: November 2017

Background

While the association between depressive symptoms and chronic illness has been the subject of many studies, little is known about whether depressive symptoms differ as a function of the illnesses people have as they transition to living with multiple chronic conditions.

Methods

Self-reports of five diagnosed chronic conditions (arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and pulmonary disease) and depressive symptoms were provided by 3,396 people participating in three waves of the ORANJ BOWLSM research panel. Longitudinal multilevel modeling was used to examine the effects that transitioning to having a diagnosis of multiple chronic conditions has on depressive symptoms.

Results

Between 2006 and 2014, controlling for age, gender, income, race, and a lifetime diagnosis of depression, people who transitioned to having a diagnosis of multiple chronic conditions had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than people who did not make this transition. The diagnosis of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary disease, but not hypertension had independent effects, increasing depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Having a diagnosis of multiple chronic conditions leads to increases in depressive symptoms, but not all illnesses have the same effect. Findings highlight the need for clinicians to be aware of mental health risks in patients diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions, particularly those with a diagnosis of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary disease. Clinical care providers should take account of these findings, encouraging psychosocial supports for older adults who develop multiple chronic conditions to minimize the negative psychological impact of illness diagnosis.
Testing the isotropy of the Universe with Type Ia supernovae in a model-independent way
Authors: Wang Yu-Yang , Wang F Y
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we study an anisotropic universe model with Bianchi-I metric using Joint light-curve analysis (JLA) sample of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). Because light-curve parameters of SNe Ia vary with different cosmological models and SNe Ia samples, we fit the SNe Ia light-curve parameters and cosmological parameters simultaneously employing Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Therefore, the results on the amount of deviation from isotropy of the dark energy equation of state (δ), and the level of anisotropy of the large-scale geometry (Σ0) at present, are totally model-independent. The constraints on the skewness and cosmic shear are −0.101 < δ < 0.071 and −0.007 < Σ0 < 0.008. This result is consistent with a standard isotropic universe (δ = Σ0 = 0). However, a moderate level of anisotropy in the geometry of the Universe and the equation of state of dark energy, is allowed. Besides, there is no obvious evidence for a preferred direction of anisotropic axis in this model.
The Swedish Police after the 2015 Reform: Emerging Findings and New Challenges
Authors: Cameron Iain
Published: November 2017

The Swedish police has recently been the subject of a major reform. A single national police force was created in 2015, consisting of a hierarchal structure with a central body and seven subordinate regional authorities, in turn divided into a number of local police units. The reform replaces the previous central supervisory body and 21 autonomous county police authorities. The reform was intended primarily to improve effectiveness, but improved local responsiveness was also a goal. Complaints from the rank and file dominated news reporting on the reform throughout 2016. The police trade union claimed that the Swedish police was an organization in crisis. The first official evaluation of the reform was published in October 2016 and a more nuanced picture has begun to emerge. This article will examine the reform, the emerging findings from the evaluation, and new challenges around governance and accountability.
Turning a Blind Eye to Ratoon Stunting Disease of Sugarcane in Australia
Authors: Young Anthony J.
Published: November 2017

The Australian sugar industry has never pursued genetic resistance to ratoon stunting disease (RSD), despite it being widely considered to be one of the most important diseases of sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids). This is because of a prevailing view that the disease is economically managed, and that no further action needs to take place. However, there is a range of epidemiological evidence that suggests that RSD is having a more significant impact than what is generally recognized. This review traces the factors that have led to an industry stance that is apparently without any scientific justification, and which has tended to downplay the significance of RSD on Australian sugarcane productivity, and thus has led to significant lost production. The consequences of this position are that RSD may be influencing broad but poorly explained issues such as commercial ratooning performance of existing varieties and the “yield decline” that has been subject to much scrutiny, if not much success in resolving the issue. Based on the available information, this review calls on the Australian sugar industry to prioritize selection for RSD resistance in the plant improvement program.
Factors Contributing to Memory of Acute Pain in Older Adults Undergoing Planned and Unplanned Hip Surgery
Authors: Halicka Monika , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Previous research on pain memory provides inconsistent evidence about the accuracy of pain recall, and few studies have attempted to examine broad affective and contextual contributions to this phenomenon. The present research aimed to determine the accuracy of postoperative pain recall after 3 months, with respect to the context of the surgery and the congruence of affective states concurrent with the initial experience and its recall. The study also aimed to identify predictors of remembered pain by analyzing a range of sensory, cognitive, and affective factors.

Methods:

Older adults, undergoing planned (N=40) and unplanned hip surgery (N=31), were enrolled in this prospective study to investigate their presurgery, postsurgery, and delayed ratings of expected, experienced, and recalled pain intensity and unpleasantness, state anxiety, and positive and negative affect.

Results:

Memory of postoperative pain was found to be accurate, regardless of the context of the surgery. Affective states in the postoperative period were congruent with those during pain recall. The study also revealed that in planned surgery context, remembered pain was predicted by experienced postoperative pain, cognitive functions, positive and negative affect; whereas in unplanned surgery context its significant predictors included age, anxiety, and negative and positive affect.

Discussion:

The results of this study suggest that older orthopedic patients remember postoperative pain correctly after 3 months and that mood dependence effect may contribute to memory of pain. Pain recall after planned surgery seems to depend mainly on the actual experience, while following unplanned surgery it depends on affective factors. Present findings contribute to knowledge about pain memory in older adults and have implications for patients’ recovery and best practice in perioperative hospital care.
Effect of a Scenario-tailored Opioid Messaging Program on Parents’ Risk Perceptions and Opioid Decision-making
Authors: Voepel-Lewis Terri , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J. , Boyd Carol J. , Veliz Philip T. , McCabe Sean E. , Weber Monica J. , Tait Alan R.
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Poor parental understanding of prescription opioid risks is associated with potentially dangerous decisions that can contribute to adverse drug events (ADE) in children and adolescents. This study examined whether an interactive Scenario-tailored Opioid Messaging Program (STOMP) would (1) enhance opioid risk perceptions and (2) improve the safety of parents’ decision-making.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 546 parents were randomized to receive the STOMP versus control information and 516 completed the program. A baseline survey assessed parents’ opioid risk knowledge, perceptions, and preferences for pain relief versus risk avoidance (Pain Relief Preference). Parents then made hypothetical decisions to give or withhold a prescribed opioid for high-risk (excessive sedation) and low-risk (no ADE) scenarios. The STOMP provided immediate feedback with specific risk and guidance information; the control condition provided general information. We reassessed knowledge, perceptions, and decision-making up to 3 days thereafter.

Results:

Following the intervention, the STOMP group became more risk avoidant (Pain Relief Preference, mean difference −1.27 [95% confidence interval, −0.8 to −1.75]; P<0.001) and gained higher perceptions of the critical risk, excessive sedation (+0.56 [0.27 to 0.85]; P<0.001). STOMP parents were less likely than controls to give a prescribed opioid in the high-risk situation (odds ratio, −0.14 [−0.24 to −0.05]; P=0.006) but similarly likely to give an opioid for the no ADE situation (P=0.192).

Discussion:

The STOMP intervention enhanced risk perceptions, shifted preferences toward opioid risk avoidance, and led to better decisions regarding when to give or withhold an opioid for pain management. Scenario-tailored feedback may be an effective method to improve pain management while minimizing opioid risks.
Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome in Children: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kifer Tomislav , Mišak Zrinjka , Jadrešin Oleg , Hojsak Iva
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is often an overlooked cause of abdominal pain. Data for pediatric patients, especially with regard to the treatment modalities are scarce. The aim of this study was to present a treatment modality of ACNES with combined local subfascial anesthetic and corticosteroid injection in a prospectively collected cohort of pediatric patients.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational long-term study that included pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ACNES in a tertiary care pediatric center and who were followed-up for at least 12 months (median: 1.7 y; range: 1 to 2.7 y). All children were treated by ultrasound-guided subfascial injection of 40 mg 1% lidocaine and 4 mg dexamethasone into the rectus abdominis muscle in the place of the most severe pain (trigger point infiltration).

Results:

The study included 38 children (28, 73.7% female; median age: 15 y). The majority of patients had pain in the lower right abdominal quadrant and were diagnosed in a median of 6 (range: 0.5 to 50) months after symptoms started. Overall, 24 (63%) patients achieved sustained symptom-free remission after a median of 1 (mean: 1.6; range: 1 to 5) trigger point infiltration during the first treatment session. Five (13%) children were surgically treated because of a lack of long-term response. Children who were surgically treated required a higher number of block applications during the first session of treatment, compared with children who were successfully treated conservatively.

Discussion:

ACNES in children can be successfully treated by a combined local subfascial anesthetic and corticosteroid trigger point infiltration.
Temporal Trends in Difficult and Failed Tracheal Intubation in a Regional Community Anesthetic Practice
Authors: Schroeder Rebecca A. , Pollard Richard , Dhakal Ishwori , Cooter Mary , Aronson Solomon , Grichnik Katherine , Buhrman William , Kertai Miklos D. , Mathew Joseph P. , Stafford-Smith Mark
Published: November 2017

Background

When tracheal intubation is difficult or unachievable before surgery or during an emergent resuscitation, this is a critical safety event. Consensus algorithms and airway devices have been introduced in hopes of reducing such occurrences. However, evidence of improved safety in clinical practice related to their introduction is lacking. Therefore, we selected a large perioperative database spanning 2002 to 2015 to look for changes in annual rates of difficult and failed tracheal intubation.

Methods

Difficult (more than three attempts) and failed (unsuccessful, requiring awakening or surgical tracheostomy) intubation rates in patients 18 yr and older were compared between the early and late periods (pre- vs. post-January 2009) and by annual rate join-point analysis. Primary findings from a large, urban hospital were compared with combined observations from 15 smaller facilities.

Results

Analysis of 421,581 procedures identified fourfold reductions in both event rates between the early and late periods (difficult: 6.6 of 1,000 vs. 1.6 of 1,000, P < 0.0001; failed: 0.2 of 1,000 vs. 0.06 of 1,000, P < 0.0001), with join-point analysis identifying two significant change points (2006, P = 0.02; 2010, P = 0.03) including a pre-2006 stable period, a steep drop between 2006 and 2010, and gradual decline after 2010. Data from 15 affiliated practices (442,428 procedures) demonstrated similar reductions.

Conclusions

In this retrospective assessment spanning 14 yr (2002 to 2015), difficult and failed intubation rates by skilled providers declined significantly at both an urban hospital and a network of smaller affiliated practices. Further investigations are required to validate these findings in other data sets and more clearly identify factors associated with their occurrence as clues to future airway management advancements.
Management of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with severe articular comminution by ligamentotaxis with biplanar spanning external fixation
Authors: Kotb Ahmed , Samir Shady , Abd Alghafar Khalid
Published: November 2017

Background:

Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries with a high incidence of complications. The fracture treatment protocol has to take into consideration soft-tissue complications that might develop with severe articular comminution. This prospective study aims at highlighting the role of ligamentotaxis and spanning external fixation as an effective method in treatment of such injuries.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients were admitted with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Seventeen men and six women with severe intraarticular comminution were treated with ligamentotaxis and fixation with two spanning external fixators. Patients were followed for 2 yr. Functional outcome was assessed using the Knee Society Scoring System directly after removal of the fixators then at 1 and 2 yr.

Results:

The scores of the patients ranged from 94-72, with an average of 82.4. Seven of the patients had an excellent score (80-100), and five had a good score (70-79).

Conclusions:

Ligamentotaxis and spanning external fixation is a safe and successful method for treatment of severely comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. This technique allows achievement of an acceptable reduction with avoidance of skin and soft-tissue complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV therapeutic study.
Acute compartment syndrome of the foot: a review
Authors: Wells Daniel B. , Davidson Austin R. , Murphy Garnett A.
Published: November 2017

Acute compartment syndrome of the foot represents a clinical scenario in which prompt recognition and treatment are necessary. Diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms often are not as distinct as the classic findings in other anatomic locations (leg or forearm). Tense swelling and pain out of proportion to injury may be the most reliable signs. Releasing a circumferential dressing and elevating the foot assist with decreasing intracompartmental pressures. No high-level evidence exists confirming the benefit of fasciotomies; however, consensus seems to favor the practice of urgent surgical intervention. Late manifestations typically involve forefoot deformity. Surgical correction may be warranted.
The Prato Method
Authors: Rivers George , Reeves Scott , Ilic Dragan , Foo Jon , Walsh Kieran , Maloney Stephen
Published: November 2017

The estimation of cost and value in health professions education should involve robust methodologies and decision tools. These methods and tools should be applied consistently and transparently, but more importantly, employed in the appropriate context depending on the availability of data, target estimates, and stakeholder focus. Best practice methodology and application of decision tools will allow for a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the return on investment of health profession education interventions by shedding greater light on the full opportunity cost of providing programs and the value of such programs to learners and recipients of health care services more broadly. This article provides insight into the basic methods, decision tools, and key evaluation concepts that might be considered for the purpose of undertaking cost and value research in continuing education for health professionals. These methods and decision tools are based on consolidated discussions by the organizing delegates of the inaugural Symposium of the Society for Cost and Value of Health Professions Education, held in Prato, Italy, October 2015. In summary, the application of economic methods and tools used for analyzing health professions education is currently inconsistent. This article provides an overview and recommendations on the use of certain economic methods and tools when evaluating health profession education programs. It also provides a clear understanding of key evaluation concepts important for undertaking an economic review of a program.
Ex Vivo-expanded Natural Killer Cells Derived From Long-term Cryopreserved Cord Blood are Cytotoxic Against Primary Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nham Tina , Poznanski Sophie M. , Fan Isabella Y. , Vahedi Fatemeh , Shenouda Mira M. , Lee Amanda J. , Chew Marianne V. , Hogg Richard T. , Lee Dean A. , Ashkar Ali A.
Published: November 2017

With over 600,000 units of umbilical cord blood (CB) stored on a global scale, it is important to elucidate the therapeutic abilities of this cryopreserved reservoir. In the advancing field of natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy, CB has proven to be a promising and noninvasive source of therapeutic NK cells. Although studies have proven the clinical efficacy of using long-term cryopreserved CB in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, little is known about its use for the ex vivo expansion of effector immune cells. Therefore, our group sought to derive ex vivo-expanded NK cells from long-term cryopreserved CB, using an artificial antigen presenting cell–mediated expansion technique. We compared the expansion potential and antitumor effector function of CB-derived NK (CB-NK) cells expanded from fresh (n=4), short-term cryopreserved (<1-year old, n=5), and long-term cryopreserved (1–10-year old, n=5) CB. Here, we demonstrated it is possible to obtain an exponential amount of expanded CB-NK cells from long-term cryopreserved CB. Ex vivo-expanded CB-NK cells had an increased surface expression of activating markers and showed potent antitumor function by producing robust levels of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, expanded CB-NK cells (n=3–5) demonstrated cytotoxicity towards primary breast cancer cells (n=2) derived from a triple-negative breast cancer and an estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer patient. Long-term cryopreservation had no effect on the expansion potential or effector function of expanded CB-NK cells. Therefore, we propose that long-term cryopreserved CB remains clinically useful for the ex vivo expansion of therapeutic NK cells.