bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergency Medical Vehicle Collisions in an Urban System
Authors: Biggers William A. , Zachariah Brian S. , Pepe Paul E.
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

Emergency medical services collisions (EMVCs) are a largely unexplored area of emergency medical services (EMS) research. Factors that might contribute to an EMVC are numerous and include use of warning lights and siren (WL&S). Few of these factors have been evaluated scientifically. Similarly, the incidence and severity of EMVCs is poorly documented in the literature. This study sought to define the incidence and severity of, and where possible, identify any contributing factors to EMVCs in a large urban system.

Methods:

Retrospective study of all collisions involving vehicles assigned to the EMS Division of the Houston Fire Department in calendar year 1993. Fifty-one ambulances were operational 24 hours per day during calendar year 1993. Houston EMS received 150,000 requests for assistance, made 180,000 vehicular responses, and accrued 2,651,760 miles in 1993.

Results:

Eighty-six EMVCs were identified during the study period. The gross incidence rate was therefore 3.2 EMVC/100,000 miles driven or 4.8 collisions/10,000 responses. Of the 86 EMVCs, 74 (86%) files were complete and available for evaluation. Major collisions, determined according to injuries or vehicular damage, accounted for 10.8% of all EMVCs. There were 17 persons transported to hospitals from EMS collisions, yielding an injury incidence of 0.64 injuries/100,000 miles driven or 0.94 injuries/10,000 responses. There were no fatalities. The majority of collisions (85.1%) occurred at some site other than an intersection. There was no statistical association between occurrence at an intersection and severity, day versus night, weekend versus weekday, presence or absence of precipitation, or use of WL&S versus severity of collision. Drivers with a history of previous EMVCs were involved in 33% of all collisions. The presence of prior EMVCs was associated (p < 0.001) with the number of persons transported from the collision to a local hospital. Five drivers, all with previous EMVCs, accounted for 88.2% (15/17) of all injuries.

Conclusions:

A few drivers with previous EMVCs account for a disproportionate number of EMVCs and nearly 90% of all injuries. This risk factor—history of previous EMVC—has not been reported in the EMS literature. It is postulated that this factor ultimately will prove to be the major determinant of EMVCs. Data collection of EMS collisions needs to be standardized and a proposed collection tool is provided.
Carbon Monoxide and Nonquantitative Carbon Dioxide Detection
Authors: Petroianu Georg , Maleck Wolfgang , Bergler Wolfgang , Ruefer Roderich
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

The capnometric demonstration of end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO2) is a reliable method of differentiating between a correct endotracheal tube position and an accidental misplacement of the tube into the esophagus. Recently, several CO2detectors have been introduced for monitoring end-tidal CO2in the “out-of-hospital” setting, where quantitative capnometry with capnography is not yet available.

Hypothesis:

These devices are not influenced by carbon monoxide (CO) present in lethal concentration.

Methods:

A heated (37°C) 2.3 L reservoir bag filled one-third full with water (representing the stomach in esophageal misintubation) was machine ventilated (tidal volume: 450 ml; frequency: 16/min) with the following mixtures for three minutes each: 1) 95% O2, 5% CO; 2) 45% O25% CO, 50% N2O; and 3) 44% O25% CO, 50% N2O, 1% halothane. The presence of end-tidal CO2was monitored with each of the following devices: 1) MiniCAP™ III CO2Detector; 2) StatCAP™ CO2Detector; 3) EasyCAP™ CO2Detector; PediCAP™ CO2Detector; and 5) Colibri™ CO2Detector.

Results:

In none of the cases was the presence of CO2signaled by the detector.

Conclusion:

The presence of 5% CO does not interfere with infrared spectrometry detection (MiniCAP™ and StatCAP™) or chemical detection (EasyCAP™, PediCAP™, and Colibri™) of CO2. The devices can be used safely in patients with CO poisoning for monitoring of endotracheal tube position.
Integrating Reproductive Health into Emergency Response Assessments and Primary Health Care
Authors: Goodyear Lorelei , Hynes Michelle
Published: July 2016

War-affected populations often are displaced for years. When primary health care is focused on the acute conditions that often present in the emergency phase of a complex emergency, insufficient attention often is directed towards other evolving needs of the population. Their reproductive health, psychosocial health, and problems with chronic diseases may be overlooked even after the situation stabilizes.

This article examines currently available resources for conducting rapid assessments of health needs and services during complex emergencies. Their respective strengths and weaknesses are discussed, particularly for assessing a population's reproductive health needs, and for fostering the integration of reproductive health and primary health-care services, and for designing health services delivery.

When more specific indicators are included in a needs assessment tool, the likelihood that the assessment results will influence the design and scope of the health program is increased. Needs assessments for primary health care that incorporate reproductive health indicators will assist health officials to integrate these services, and thus, use staff and facilities more efficiently, and will highlight areas of opportunity for providing services.
Post-War Kosovo: Part 1. Assessment of Prehospital Emergency Services
Authors: Vanier Vance K. , VanRooyen Michael J. , Lis Julian , Eliades M. James
Published: July 2016

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) designated that the World Health Organization (WHO) develop health policy to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation of the post-war health system of Kosovo. As a critical part of the pre-policy evaluation, an assessment of current prehospital medical services was performed. This assessment identified a basic healthcare infrastructure upon which additional prehospital capabilities can be built, especially in communications, staffing, equipment, and transport services. To serve Kosovo properly in the future, it is recommended that capacity building must include the parallel development of emergency departments and specialty-trained physicians.
Post-War Kosovo: Part 2. Assessment of Emergency Medicine Leadership Development Strategy
Authors: Eliades M. James , Lis Julian , Barbosa Joilo , VanRooyen Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Since the return of the refugee population to Kosovo, attempts at development of an emergency medical system in Kosovo have met with varied success, and have been hampered by unforeseen barriers. These barriers have been exacerbated by the lack of detailed health system assessments. A multimodal approach of data collection and analysis was used to identify potential barriers, and determine the appropriate level of intervention for emergency medicine (EM) development in Kosovo. The four step, multi-modal, data collection tool utilized: 1) demographic and health systems data; 2) focus group discussions with health-care workers; 3) individual interviews with key individuals in EM development; and 4) Q-Analysis of the attitudes and opinions of EM leaders.

Results indicated that Emergency Medicine in Kosovo is under-developed. This method of combined quantitative and qualitative analysis identified a number of developmental needs in the Kosovar health system. There has been litde formal training, the EMS system lacks organization, equipment, and a reliable communication system, and centralized emergency centers, other than the center at Prishtina Hospital, are inadequate. Group discussions and interviews support the desire by Kosovar health-care workers to establish EM, and highlight a number of concerns. A Q-methodology analysis of the attitudes of potential leaders in the field, supported these concerns and identified two attitudinal groups with deeper insights into their opinions on the development of such a system.

This study suggests that a multi-modal assessment of health systems can provide important information about the need for emergency health system improvements in Kosovo. This methodology may serve as a model for future, system-wide assessments in post-conflict health system reconstruction.
Pathophysiological Research Possibilities in Multiple Trauma Cases: An Overview on the Worth of Research on Critically Injured Patients
Authors: Cowley R Adams , Linberg Steven E. , Majerus Thomas C.
Published: July 2016

To even pose the question, “Can you do worthwhile pathophysiological research on critically injured patients?” practically suggests that we give up and surrender a field of medical science that is both challenging and laden with potential. Rather we should be posing the question, “Can we really afford not to be doing this research?” The purists of science must shudder when they think of trying to make sense out of the apparent chaos which surrounds a victim of multiple trauma. Sometimes we do as well, but perhaps we cannot afford to turn our backs because our egos perk at the recognized challenge. Perhaps we look at the heart-rending deterioration of a previously healthy 20–year old and say to ourselves, “What can I do differently the next time?” For these reasons and more, we all continue in our endeavors.
Emergency Care Delivery Research: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Pozen Michael
Published: July 2016

Methodological considerations should be discussed within the context of emergency medical services (EMS) and disaster research. The fast pace and the information explosion of the society in which we live open new opportunities for epidemiological research and evaluation of care in disasters. The many methodological considerations necessary to generate useful and valid research is the topic of this article.

I would like to discuss four major issues which raise a series of questions and suggest a variety of alternatives. The four major areas are: (l) the taxonomy required to do this type of research; (2) the elements of care; (3) comparative samples; and (4) planned as opposed to unplanned disasters.
The Delivery of Disaster Emergency Medical Services: Recommendations from Systematic Field Studies
Authors: Quarantelli E. L.
Published: July 2016

A 28-month study was made of the delivery of emergency medical services (EMS) in disasters and large casualty-producing situations. Focus was on the organizational and human aspects of EMS in such situations rather than technical medical matters. Intensive interview, observational, documentary and statistical data were obtained in field work in 29 actual natural and technological disasters, and five potentially high mass casualty pre-planned events (e.g., the Mardi Gras celebration); additionally, in-depth studies were made of hospital and medical sector EMS preparedness in six disaster prone communities. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were made of the data by using a model which linked the pre-impact conditions of the established EMS local community system to the characteristics of the emergent EMS system.
Experience in Teaching CPR in the USA and in Europe
Authors: Laerdal Tore
Published: July 2016

For more than 20 years, our company has had the pleasure of working closely with medical authorities and active first aid organizations in many countries for the teaching and practice of life-support. The access thus gained by experience in the field permits me to present the following status report of CPR teaching of the populations in North America and Western Europe.

History

Before 1960, little or no life-supporting treatment was given to the seriously injured or acutely ill prior to arrival at the hospital. First aid was largely limited to dressing wounds and splinting broken limbs. The ambulance at that time merely served as a means of fast transportation.
Multidisciplinary Critical Care Medicine (CCM) in the USA
Authors: Grenvik Ake
Published: July 2016

A status report of CCM in different countries varies considerably. In the USA, resuscitation and intensive care were pioneered by anesthesiologists in the 1950s, but CCM evolved later as a multidisciplinary movement through the initiative of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) starting in 1970. Recently, CCM has been introduced as a subspecialty of anesthesiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. Australia has already, for a couple of years, had a primary specialty of intensive therapy, but there are two tracks, one in medicine and one in anesthesiology. In the Scandinavian countries, as well as in Italy, CCM is an integral part of anesthesiology, since intensive care was initiated there in the early 1950s by anesthesiologists. In several Ibero-Latin American nations, we find a primary specialty in intensive therapy.
Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema in Monkeys with Global Brain Ischemia (GBI)
Authors: Gisvold Sven E. , Safar Peter , Bleyaert Achiel , Mego David
Published: July 2016

Ischemic and traumatic brain insults may be followed by pulmonary failure, which is a frequent cause of death in cases of multi-trauma, cardiac arrest and stroke. Pulmonary edema (PE) can occur secondary to events in the central venous nervous system (CNS). This is generally termed neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE). It is not known which of the following 4 factors of the modified Starling equation of pulmonary edema development are involved in the development of NPE: a) filtration coefficient, that is, increased membrane permeability; b) abnormal hydrostatic pressure gradient; c) abnormal oncotic pressure gradient; and d) blockage or overwhelming of lymphatic drainage (Fig. 1).
Early PEEP Ventilation in Fresh- and Seawater Asphyxiation
Authors: Dick W. F. , Schindewolf K.-H. , Ohmann Ch.
Published: July 2016

Recent case reports have shown that persistent hypoxia after the resuscitation of nearly-drowned patients is a major problem. PEEP ventilation could be successfully applied in such a condition. After PEEP valves for manually operated resuscitators became available, the question arose of how beneficial the immediate application of positive end expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O would be for lungs damaged by either seawater or fresh water. This question was examined by means of standardized animal experiments.

Material and Methods

In four test groups comprising 34 randomly selected young pigs, either 25 ml fresh water/kg body weight, or else 12.5 ml salt water/kg body weight, were instilled by way of an endotracheal tube. This was followed by a period of apnea lasting 4 min and subsequent ventilation with 100% oxygen for a 2 hour period. The 32 animals which survived the first part of the experiment were then subjected to either PEEP or ZEEP ventilation therapy without further medication.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Situation Encounters
Authors: Saxena Kusum
Published: July 2016

Accidental or intentional carbon monoxide poisoning is common throughout the year. In the Midwest, however, accidental exposures are more common during the winter months when the furnaces are overworked or malfunction. Consequently, enmasse exposures to the poisonous gas are frequently encountered during this season. Adding to the problem are the energy conservation efforts. Doors, windows and other ventilation avenues are tightly sealed, and solid fuel might be substituted to save other expensive conventional fuels. Other causes of carbon monoxide poisoning are blocked exhaust systems, automobiles with inadequate mufflers, fires and solvent (methylene chloride, etc.) usage in poorly ventilated areas, e.g., basements. The exact incidence of nonfatal subacute carbon monoxide poisoning is not available. National Clearinghouse Bulletin reported that in 1978, out of 376 reported exposures, there were eight fatalities. A figure which has been frequently quoted in the literature is that each year in the United States, approximately 3,500 deaths are caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Therapy under Primitive Conditions
Authors: Kamm Georg , Frey Rudolf
Published: July 2016

The setting up of anesthesia units and any future planning in this field has to be considered in the context of the social and economic development of the country. The situation requires a different attitude towards the handling of anesthesia, where malnutrition, kwashiorkor and parasites are the dominant diseases. One sixth of the world's population is permanently undernourished, and the figure might even be higher in many “developing countries.”Problems of an esthesiain most areas in Africa include: (1) insufficient supply of drugs; (2) inadequate equipment; (3) lack of anesthetic manpower; and (4) underestimation of the importance of anesthesia.
Medical Problems of the Moorgate Underground Disaster
Authors: Herbert R. L.
Published: July 2016

A few minutes before 9:00 a.m. on Friday 28th February 1975, a call was made to London Ambulance from Moorgate Station, stating nothing more than a train driver had been injured. Some three minutes later, a second call came which indicated that there had in fact, been a major disaster with many casualties. The extent of the casualties and difficulties to be encountered were still not realized, and only when the first of the rescue services and a medical team entered the wreckage was, what was before them was apparent. Three cars containing commuters had been compressed and “concertinaed” into a a blind ending tunnel. Three cars having a combined total length of 150 feet, with a possible total capacity of 440 persons, had been crushed in a tunnel with a maximum length of some 67 feet. Fortunately, despite the time, the cars were not full to capacity, and the total number of injured was only 113.
‘Solfire’ VIII Marine Disaster Exercise
Authors: Sleet Rodger
Published: July 2016

The Solent is that stretch of seaway separating the Hampshire Dorset coast from the Isle of Wight. It is one of the busiest sea routes in the United Kingdom. Approximately 134 shipping movements take place weekly into the Docks and Naval Base at Portsmouth, the Docks and Ocean Terminal in Southampton and the nearby Esso Oil Refinery. During the height of the summer season there are numerous local Ferry Services to and from the mainland and the Isle of Wight, which is a popular summer resort, and at weekends as many as 35,000 pleasure craft may be afloat. Major collision is rare and reflects the high standard of seamanship, local pilotage and strict port control, but the possibility of disaster is ever present in such a congested seaway.

To meet this eventuality the Solent and Southampton Water Marine Emergency Plan was developed from preexisting Southampton and Portsmouth schemes in the early 1960's. Since that time it has been put into action on three occasions for episodes of fire at sea, with good effect.
Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War
Authors: Negovsky Vladimir A.
Published: July 2016

First of all, I would like to express gratitude on behalf of academician Eugeni I. Chazov, who was kindly invited by Professor Safar to attend this Congress. Unfortunately, some circumstances connected with work prevented Dr. Chazov's attending. Most of you are probably informed about his attitude toward the movement known as Physicians for Nuclear Disarmament. In 1981, Dr. Chazov delivered his paper at the First Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), held in Airlie, Virginia, USA. The Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR has established a special Council to help guide this disaster prevention movement among Soviet physicians. Academician Chazov is the chairman of this Council.

In May 1981, our central newspaper,Pravda, published an appeal to the scientists of the world, signed by many prominent Soviet scientists, Lenin and State Prize winners of the USSR, and Nobel Prize winners, calling upon their colleagues and urging all scientific workers to do everything possible to avert the danger of nuclear war. Professor Chazov was among those who signed.
The Earthquake in Italy in 1980
Authors: Manni Corrado , Paderni Sergio
Published: July 2016

On November 23, 1980, an earthquake equivalent to 10 degrees on the Mercalli scale struck two regions of Southern Italy: Campania and Basilicata. Its epicenter was identified in the area of Colliano. The destruction caused by the earthquake extended to 7 provinces and affected 685 communities distributed over an area of 23,570 Km with a population of approximately 4 million. The material damages ascertained —not counting the consequences to industrial, agricultural and commercial activity—amount to approximately 17,000 billion Italian lire. In terms of the medical sector, 3 regional hospitals (722 beds) and 20 smaller hospitals were totally destroyed; another 16 hospitals (for a total of 9,495 bedsl suffered varying degrees of serious damage. In economic terms, the damage sustained by the medical structures amounted to 88 billion lire.
A Study of the Johnstown Floods
Authors: Layton Thomas R. , Elhauge Einer R.
Published: July 2016

In order to analyze the cause, effect and relief efforts of the Johnstown floods of 1889,1936, and 1977, existing literature, journalistic accounts, and official documents concerning the floods were investigated.

At 4:00 PM on May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam burst, releasing 60 million tons of water into the Conemaugh Valley. The flood destroyed Johnstown and the surrounding communities within a few minutes. The official totals were 2209 persons killed, 30,000 homeless, and 17.2 million dollars property damage. From Sang Hollow, a community four miles from Johnstown, the first description of the disastrous flood was sent to Pittsburgh by telegraph about two hours after the catastrophe. Several journalists set out by train for Johnstown immediately. A fire started in the flood debris and burned throughout the night. By morning rescue squads of survivors were trying to get through to those still marooned and to identify the dead.
Resuscitation of Victims of Cholera, Plague and Rabies in South Africa
Authors: Holloway Alison M.
Published: July 2016

Cholera, which was unknown in Africa south of the Sahara, became an identifiable disease in South Africa in 1919. In the 1970's, 5 cases were diagnosed in people coming into South Africa from countries to the north. Instructions regarding Cholera surveillance were circulated in 1979 following an outbreak in Maputo. There was no evidence of any case of cholera acquired in South Africa before September 1980. Within 12 days, there were 23 proven cases ofVibrio cholera, El Tor biotype, among Africans who obtained drinking water from an irrigation canal off the Crocodile River midway between Nelspruit and Kaapmuiden. Five hundred forty-six cases had been identified by the end of February 1981 and more are expected.

On 13 October 1980, a team of health officials collected at Nelspruit to coordinate measures to contain the epidemic. They included chlorination of the irrigation canal, water surveillance of local rivers by sampling or leaving Moore pads in situ, increasing the number of staff and strengthening equipment at local laboratories, educating local medical and nursing staff in patient management and providing adequate stocks of intravenous fluids and tetracycline. Patients' contacts were traced, their homes inspected, their water supply sources and means of sewage disposal checked and the public educated in cholera prevention. There were regular press statements, radio talks, television programs and the broadcasting of educational leaflets to warn the population to take precautions. It was decided not to hold a mass immunization campaign nor to administer preventive antibiotics.
09. The Impact of Paramedics on Prehospital Cardiac Arrests in a Rural Community
Authors: Mace Sharon E. , Kriegsman William
Published: July 2016

Hypothesis: Do paramedics influence the outcome of out of hospital cardiac arrests in a rural setting?

Methods: Retrospective analysis of cardio-respiratory arrests of ALS-EMS system in rural Southeastern Alaska for 9 years. There were two patient groups treated by EMT-III or paramedics. EMT-III vs. paramedics differ in training/experience but not technical skills. Statistical analyses were done by chi square.

Results: Thirty-seven patients (52%) were treated by paramedics, thirty-four (48%) by EMT-III. Demographics/CPR variables for the groups were not significantly different. Comparing paramedics vs. EMT-III: successful ET placement (87% vs. 62%, p <0.02), successful IV placement (87% vs. 62%, p <0.02), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) 46% (17/37 pts.) vs. 18% (6/34 pts.) (p = 0.01), ICU admission 38% (14/37) vs. 15% (5/34) (p = 0.03), hospital discharge 20% (7/35) vs. 9% (3/34) (p = NS). There was no correlation between successful ET placement or IV insertion and outcome.
The Mediating Effect of Intrinsic Motivation to Learn on the Relationship between Student´s Autonomy Support and Vitality and Deep Learning
Authors: Núñez Juan L. , León Jaime
Published: July 2016

Self-determination theory has shown that autonomy support in the classroom is associated with an increase of students’ intrinsic motivation. Moreover, intrinsic motivation is related with positive outcomes. This study examines the relationships between autonomy support, intrinsic motivation to learn and two motivational consequences, deep learning and vitality. Specifically, the hypotheses were that autonomy support predicts the two types of consequences, and that autonomy support directly and indirectly predicts the vitality and the deep learning through intrinsic motivation to learn. Participants were 276 undergraduate students. The mean age was 21.80 years (SD = 2.94). Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between variables and delta method was used to analyze the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation to learn. Results indicated that student perception of autonomy support had a positive effect on deep learning and vitality (p < .001). In addition, these associations were mediated by intrinsic motivation to learn. These findings suggest that teachers are key elements in generating of autonomy support environment to promote intrinsic motivation, deep learning, and vitality in classroom. Educational implications are discussed.
Bryant’s Empathy Index: Structure and Measurement Invariance across Gender in a Sample of Primary School-Aged Children
Authors: Lucas-Molina Beatriz , Pérez-Albéniz Alicia , Giménez-Dasí Marta , Martín-Seoane Gema
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensional structure and measurement invariance of Bryant’s Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents (IECA) (Bryant, 1982) across gender in a representative sample of primary school-aged children in Spain. The sample consisted of 2,050 children (50.80% girls), with a mean age of 9.80 years (SD = 1.24), recruited from 27 primary schools. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. The model that presented the best fit indices was Lasa, Holgado, Carrasco, and del Barrio’s (2008) three-factor model: Understanding Feelings, Feelings of Sadness, and Tearful Reaction. The levels of internal consistency for the subscales ranged from .76 to .83. In addition, the results partially support the measurement invariance of the IECA across gender. When the latent means of the empathy dimensions were compared across gender, statistically significant differences were found. These results coincide with those found in the literature showing the multidimensionality of the IECA. Specifically, the findings support its three-factor structure and its invariance across gender, making it a very useful instrument for exploring the expression of empathy in primary school children.
Indigenous Identity and Environmental Values: Do Spirituality and Political Consciousness Predict Environmental Regard Among Māori?
Authors: Cowie Lucy J. , Greaves Lara M. , Milfont Taciano L. , Houkamau Carla A. , Sibley Chris G.
Published: July 2016

Indigenous peoples often have a unique and deep connection to the land. However, quantitative research exploring this issue is scarce. The current research investigates cultural variation in environmental regard in New Zealand, where more recent settler groups have questioned the strength of Indigenous environmental regard. Study 1 examined differences in environmental regard held by Indigenous and non-Indigenous ethnic groups in a nationally representative data set, the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study ( N = 9,269). Māori (the Indigenous group) expressed the highest levels of regard for the environment on average, although there was also considerable variance among Māori as a group. Study 2 adopted an emic perspective to investigate which dimensions of Māori identity are related to higher environmental value specifically among M āori ( N = 193). Bayesian regression indicated that sociopolitical consciousness—the extent to which participants recognize the importance of and stand up for Māori political rights—was linked with higher environmental regard. Contrary to predictions, belief in Māori spiritual concepts was not linked with increased environmental regard. These findings suggest that Māori tend to value the natural environment more than non-Indigenous New Zealanders at least in part because high environmental regard is central to Māori political consciousness.
Crystal orientation-dependent fatigue characteristics in micrometer-sized single-crystal silicon
Authors: Ikehara Tsuyoshi , Tsuchiya Toshiyuki
Published: July 2016

Repetitive bending fatigue tests were performed using five types of single-crystal silicon specimens with different crystal orientations fabricated from {100} and {110} wafers. Fatigue lifetimes in a wide range between 100 and 1010 were obtained using fan-shaped resonator test devices. Fracture surface observation via scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the {111} plane was the primary fracture plane. The crack propagation exponent n was estimated to be 27, which was independent of the crystal orientation and dopant concentration; however, it was dependent on the surface conditions of the etched sidewall. The fatigue strengths relative to the deflection angle were orientation dependent, and the ratios of the factors obtained ranged from 0.86 to 1.25. The strength factors were compared with those obtained from finite element method stress analyses. The calculated stress distributions showed strong orientation dependence, which was well-explained by the elastic anisotropy. The comparison of the strength factors suggested that the first principal stress was a good criterion for fatigue fracture. We include comparisons with specimens tested in our previous report and address the tensile strength, initial crack length, volume effect, and effects of surface roughness such as scallops.
Observation of exceptional points in reconfigurable non-Hermitian vector-field holographic lattices
Authors: Hahn Choloong , Choi Youngsun , Yoon Jae Woong , Song Seok Ho , Oh Cha Hwan , Berini Pierre
Published: July 2016

Recently, synthetic optical materials represented via non-Hermitian Hamiltonians have attracted significant attention because of their nonorthogonal eigensystems, enabling unidirectionality, nonreciprocity and unconventional beam dynamics. Such systems demand carefully configured complex optical potentials to create skewed vector spaces with a desired metric distortion. In this paper, we report optically generated non-Hermitian photonic lattices with versatile control of real and imaginary sub-lattices. In the proposed method, such lattices are generated by vector-field holographic interference of two elliptically polarized pump beams on azobenzene-doped polymer thin films. We experimentally observe violation of Friedel’s law of diffraction, indicating the onset of complex lattice formation. We further create an exact parity-time symmetric lattice to demonstrate totally asymmetric diffraction at the spontaneous symmetry-breaking threshold, referred to as an exceptional point. On this basis, we provide the experimental demonstration of reconfigurable non-Hermitian photonic lattices in the optical domain and observe the purest exceptional point ever reported to date.
Annexin A1 translocates to nucleus and promotes the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a PKC-dependent manner after OGD/R
Authors: Zhao Baoming , Wang Jing , Liu Lu , Li Xing , Liu Shuangxi , Xia Qian , Shi Jing
Published: July 2016

Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a protein known to have multiple roles in the regulation of inflammatory responses. In this study, we find that after oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (ODG/R) injury, activated PKC phosphorylated ANXA1 at the serine 27 residue (p27S-ANXA1), and promoted the translocation of p27S-ANXA1 to the nucleus of BV-2 microglial cells. This in turn induced BV-2 microglial cells to produce large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The phenomenon could be mimicked by either transfecting a mutant form of ANXA1 with its serine 27 residue converted to aspartic acid, S27D, or by using the PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in these microglial cells. In contrast, transfecting cells with an ANXA1 S27A mutant (serine 27 converted to alanine) or treating the cells with the PKC antagonist, GF103209X (GF) reversed this effet. Our study demonstrates that ANXA1 can be phosphorylated by PKC and is subsequently translocated to the nucleus of BV-2 microglial cells after OGD/R, resulting in the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Tumour hypoxia promotes melanoma growth and metastasis via High Mobility Group Box-1 and M2-like macrophages
Authors: Huber Roman , Meier Barbara , Otsuka Atsushi , Fenini Gabriele , Satoh Takashi , Gehrke Samuel , Widmer Daniel , Levesque Mitchell P. , Mangana Joanna , Kerl Katrin , Gebhardt Christoffer , Fujii Hiroko , Nakashima Chisa , Nonomura Yumi , Kabashima Kenji , Dummer Reinhard , Contassot Emmanuel , French Lars E.
Published: July 2016

Hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer that is strongly associated with invasion, metastasis, resistance to therapy and poor clinical outcome. Tumour hypoxia affects immune responses and promotes the accumulation of macrophages in the tumour microenvironment. However, the signals linking tumour hypoxia to tumour-associated macrophage recruitment and tumour promotion are incompletely understood. Here we show that the damage-associated molecular pattern High-Mobility Group Box 1 protein (HMGB1) is released by melanoma tumour cells as a consequence of hypoxia and promotes M2-like tumour-associated macrophage accumulation and an IL-10 rich milieu within the tumour. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HMGB1 drives IL-10 production in M2-like macrophages by selectively signalling through the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE). Finally, we show that HMGB1 has an important role in murine B16 melanoma growth and metastasis, whereas in humans its serum concentration is significantly increased in metastatic melanoma. Collectively, our findings identify a mechanism by which hypoxia affects tumour growth and metastasis in melanoma and depict HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target.
Lupin Peptides Modulate the Protein-Protein Interaction of PCSK9 with the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Lammi Carmen , Zanoni Chiara , Aiello Gilda , Arnoldi Anna , Grazioso Giovanni
Published: July 2016

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been recently identified as a new useful target for hypercholesterolemia treatment. This work demonstrates that natural peptides, deriving from the hydrolysis of lupin protein and absorbable at intestinal level, are able to inhibit the protein-protein interaction between PCSK9 and the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). In order to sort out the best potential inhibitors among these peptides, a refined in silico model of the PCSK9/LDLR interaction was developed. Docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and peptide binding energy estimations, by MM-GBSA approach, permitted to select the two best candidates among tested peptides that were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity. The most active was P5 that induced a concentration dependent inhibition of the PCSK9-LDLR binding, with an IC50 value equal to 1.6 ± 0.33 μM. Tested at a 10 μM concentration, this peptide increased by 66 ± 21.4% the ability of HepG2 cells to take up LDL from the extracellular environment.
Impact resistance of oil-immersed lignum vitae
Authors: Yin Wei , Shan Lei , Lu Hongyu , Zheng Yelong , Han Zhiwu , Tian Yu
Published: July 2016

Biological materials immersed in vegetable and mineral oil, such as rattan armor and wooden sleepers, have been extensively used since ancient times because of their excellent mechanical properties. This study quantitatively investigated the viscoelasticity and tribological performance of lignum vitae immersed in poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) and tung oils (Aleuritesfordii Hemsl.) to reveal the mechanism of impact resistance. The acceleration of samples immersed in tung oil was higher than that of dry and PAO-immersed samples in the first impact. The elastic modulus of the samples immersed in tung oil increased slightly. The impact damage on the samples immersed in tung oil was reduced because of the low friction coefficient (0.07) resulted in a low wear rate. The extent of impact damage on the samples immersed in tung oil was approximately 34% and 58% lower than that on the dry and PAO oil-immersed samples, respectively, under an angle of 20° and a height of 10 cm. The impact damage on the PAO-immersed samples was reduced because of low friction coefficient. However, impact damage increased because of large elastic modulus. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for the application of modified biological materials with high strength and wear resistance.
Fabrication of Mediatorless/Membraneless Glucose/Oxygen Based Biofuel Cell using Biocatalysts Including Glucose Oxidase and Laccase Enzymes
Authors: Christwardana Marcelinus , Kim Ki Jae , Kwon Yongchai
Published: July 2016

Mediatorless and membraneless enzymatic biofuel cells (EBCs) employing new catalytic structure are fabricated. Regarding anodic catalyst, structure consisting of glucose oxidase (GOx), poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and carbon nanotube (CNT) is considered, while three cathodic catalysts consist of glutaraldehyde (GA), laccase (Lac), PEI and CNT that are stacked together in different ways. Catalytic activities of the catalysts for glucose oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions (GOR and ORR) are evaluated. As a result, it is confirmed that the catalysts work well for promotion of GOR and ORR. In EBC tests, performances of EBCs including 150 μm-thick membrane are measured as references, while those of membraneless EBCs are measured depending on parameters like glucose flow rate, glucose concentration, distance between two electrodes and electrolyte pH. With the measurements, how the parameters affect EBC performance and their optimal conditions are determined. Based on that, best maximum power density (MPD) of membraneless EBC is 102 ± 5.1 μW · cm−2with values of 0.5 cc · min−1(glucose flow rate), 40 mM (glucose concentration), 1 mm (distance between electrodes) and pH 3. When membrane and membraneless EBCs are compared, MPD of the membraneless EBC that is run at the similar operating condition to EBC including membrane is speculated as about 134 μW · cm−2.
Three-dimensional embroidered current collectors for ultra-thick electrodes in batteries
Authors: Aguiló-Aguayo N. , Espiñeira P. Pena , Manian A. P. , Bechtold T.
Published: July 2016

Picture (left) and photomicrograph (right) of the embroidered LiFePO4 cathode. The discharge reaction on the electrode surface is also illustrated.
New page to access pyridine derivatives: synthesis from N-propargylamines
Authors: Vessally Esmail , Hosseinian Akram , Edjlali Ladan , Bekhradnia Ahmadreza , Esrafili Mehdi D.
Published: July 2016

The pyridine is one of the simplest, yet most important N-heterocycles.
Dispersal of pristine graphene for biological studies
Authors: Raju A. P. A. , Offerman S. C. , Gorgojo P. , Vallés C. , Bichenkova E. V. , Aojula H. S. , Vijayraghavan A. , Young R. J. , Novoselov K. S. , Kinloch I. A. , Clarke D. J.
Published: July 2016

Herein, we address the conflicting behaviour of different pristine graphene dispersions through their careful preparation and characterization in aqueous media.
Impact of surface arrangement and composition on ethylene adsorption over Pd–Ag surface alloys: a computational study
Authors: Li Qiang , Ma Yang , Qi Hui , Mo Zhousheng , Zhang Xiaotong , Song Lijuan
Published: July 2016

The adsorption of ethylene on three low-index Pd–Ag bimetallic surfaces, which are the (111), (100), and (110) facets, is investigated using gradient-corrected periodic density functional calculations with dispersion correction.
Supercritical fluid assisted biotemplating synthesis of Si–O–C microspheres from microalgae for advanced Li-ion batteries
Authors: Xia Yang , Fang Ruyi , Xiao Zhen , Ruan Luoyuan , Yan Rongjun , Huang Hui , Liang Chu , Gan Yongping , Zhang Jun , Tao Xinyong , Zhang Wenkui
Published: July 2016

Si–O–C microspheres were synthesized from microalgaes served as biological templates and carbon sources with the assistance of supercritical CO2fluid. As anodic materials, Si–O–C microspheres exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance.
Facile one-pot synthesis of a NiMoO4/reduced graphene oxide composite as a pseudocapacitor with superior performance
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Jian Jianming , Fan Yun , Wang Hui , Yu Lin , Cheng Gao , Zhou Junli , Sun Ming
Published: July 2016

A hybrid NiMoO4/rGO composite was successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method.
Importance of reagent addition order in contaminant degradation in an Fe(ii)/PMS system
Authors: Huang Ying , Wang Zhaohui , Fang Changling , Liu Wenqian , Lou Xiaoyi , Liu Jianshe
Published: July 2016

Reagent addition order has a significant effect on the contaminant degradation process in an Fe(II)/PMS system.
Lightweight, flexible and ultra-thin sandwich architectures for screening electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Bhingardive Viraj , Kar Goutam Prasanna , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: July 2016

A lightweight and flexible multilayered structure consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and iron particles decorated carbon fiber mat was successfully fabricated for electromagnetic interference shielding application.
White light-emitting, tunable color luminescence, energy transfer and paramagnetic properties of terbium and samarium doped BaGdF5 multifunctional nanomaterials
Authors: Guan Hongxia , Sheng Ye , Song Yanhua , Zheng Keyan , Xu Chengyi , Xie Xiaoming , Dai Yunzhi , Zou Haifeng
Published: July 2016

Multicolor luminescence of BaGdF5:Tb3+,Sm3+ nanospheres can be obtained by adjusting the excitation wavelength. The obtained phosphors also exhibit paramagnetic properties at room temperature and low temperature.
A high performance solid state asymmetric supercapacitor device based upon NiCo2O4nanosheets//MnO2microspheres
Authors: Khalid Syed , Cao Chuanbao , Wang Lin , Zhu Youqi , Wu Yu
Published: July 2016

The volumetric energy density and power density of a novel solid state device (NiCo2O4//MnO2) are much higher than most reported devices.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation by the dipolar EMOR mechanism: Three-spin systems
Authors: Chang Zhiwei , Halle Bertil
Published: July 2016

In aqueous systems with immobilized macromolecules, including biological tissue, the longitudinal spin relaxation of water protons is primarily induced by exchange-mediated orientational randomization (EMOR) of intra- and intermolecular magnetic dipole-dipole couplings. Starting from the stochastic Liouville equation, we have developed a non-perturbative theory that can describe relaxation by the dipolar EMOR mechanism over the full range of exchange rates, dipole couplings, and Larmor frequencies. Here, we implement the general dipolar EMOR theory for a macromolecule-bound three-spin system, where one, two, or all three spins exchange with the bulk solution phase. In contrast to the previously studied two-spin system with a single dipole coupling, there are now three dipole couplings, so relaxation is affected by distinct correlations as well as by self-correlations. Moreover, relaxation can now couple the magnetizations with three-spin modes and, in the presence of a static dipole coupling, with two-spin modes. As a result of this complexity, three secondary dispersion steps with different physical origins can appear in the longitudinal relaxation dispersion profile, in addition to the primary dispersion step at the Larmor frequency matching the exchange rate. Furthermore, and in contrast to the two-spin system, longitudinal relaxation can be significantly affected by chemical shifts and by the odd-valued (“imaginary”) part of the spectral density function. We anticipate that the detailed studies of two-spin and three-spin systems that have now been completed will provide the foundation for developing an approximate multi-spin dipolar EMOR theory sufficiently accurate and computationally efficient to allow quantitative molecular-level interpretation of frequency-dependent water-proton longitudinal relaxation data from biophysical model systems and soft biological tissue.
Alfvén ionization in an MHD-gas interactions code
Authors: Wilson A. D. , Diver D. A.
Published: July 2016

A numerical model of partially ionized plasmas is developed in order to capture their evolving ionization fractions as a result of Alfvén ionization (AI). The mechanism of, and the parameter regime necessary for, AI is discussed and an expression for the AI rate based on fluid parameters, from a gas-MHD model, is derived. This AI term is added to an existing MHD-gas interactions' code, and the result is a linear, 2D, two-fluid model that includes momentum transfer between charged and neutral species as well as an ionization rate that depends on the velocity fields of both fluids. The dynamics of waves propagating through such a partially ionized plasma are investigated, and it is found that AI has a significant influence on the fluid dynamics as well as both the local and global ionization fraction.
A single-site multipole model for liquid water
Authors: Tran Kelly N. , Tan Ming-Liang , Ichiye Toshiko
Published: July 2016

Accurate and efficient empirical potential energy models that describe the atomistic interactions between water molecules in the liquid phase are essential for computer simulations of many problems in physics, chemistry, and biology, especially when long length or time scales are important. However, while models with non-polarizable partial charges at four or five sites in a water molecule give remarkably good values for certain properties, deficiencies have been noted in other properties and increasing the number of sites decreases computational efficiency. An alternate approach is to utilize a multipole expansion of the electrostatic potential due to the molecular charge distribution, which is exact outside the charge distribution in the limits of infinite distances or infinite orders of multipoles while partial charges are a qualitative representation of electron density as point charges. Here, a single-site multipole model of water is presented, which is as fast computationally as three-site models but is also more accurate than four- and five-site models. The dipole, quadrupole, and octupole moments are from quantum mechanical–molecular mechanical calculations so that they account for the average polarization in the liquid phase, and represent both the in-plane and out-of-plane electrostatic potentials of a water molecule in the liquid phase. This model gives accurate thermodynamic, dynamic, and dielectric properties at 298 K and 1 atm, as well as good temperature and pressure dependence of these properties.