bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclotron mode frequencies and resonant absorption in multi-species ion plasmas
Authors: Affolter M. , Anderegg F. , Dubin D. H. E. , Driscoll C. F.
Published: April 2015

Cyclotron mode frequencies are studied on trapped rigid-rotor multi-species ion plasmas. Collective effects and radial electric fields shift the mode frequencies away from the “bare” cyclotron frequencies 2πFc(s)≡(qsB/Msc) for each species s. These frequency shifts are measured on the distinct cyclotron modes (m=0,1, and 2) with cos(mθ) azimuthal dependence. We find that for radially uniform plasmas the frequency shifts corroborate a simple theory expression, in which collective effects enter only through the E × B rotation frequency fE and the species fraction δs. The m = 1 center-of-mass mode is in agreement with a simple “clump” model. Additionally, ultra-cold ion plasmas exhibit centrifugal separation by mass, and additional frequency shifts are observed, in agreement with a more general theory.
Multi-armed jets: A subset of the blooming jets
Authors: Tyliszczak Artur
Published: April 2015

This study focuses on excited circular jets obtained through axial and helical excitations superimposed on an inlet velocity profile. Various forcing frequency ratios (axial to helical) were analysed in the range of 1.6 ≤ fa/fh ≤ 3.2, with occurrence of bifurcating, trifurcating, and blooming jets reported in the literature. Analytical investigations of a spatio-temporal behaviour of forcing show that, apart from the above mentioned jets observed for particular frequency ratios, different types of multi-armed jets are likely to occur. This was reflected by direct numerical simulation performed in the paper. The simulations showed the existence of very strong and noticeable splitting of the jet into a fivefold jet and weaker splitting into 12- and 13-armed jets.
Enhanced performance of magnetoelectric energy harvester based on compound magnetic coupling effect
Authors: Han Jinchi , Hu Jun , Wang Zhongxu , Wang Shan X. , He Jinliang
Published: April 2015

We have theoretically and experimentally demonstrated the greatly enhanced energy harvesting property of the specific magnetoelectric (ME) device, comprising a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever with a permanent magnet tip mass based on a compound interaction between the remanent magnetic moment of the magnet and a nonuniform alternating magnetic field. With appropriate positioning of the device, the coexistence of torque-mode and force-mode excitations leads to reinforced magneto-mechanical coupling, which subsequently yields improvements in both ME response and power conversion. In the experiments, a piezoelectric bimorph/magnet energy harvester was placed at a distance of 10 mm from a power line that was conducting a 50 Hz, 10 A current, and a maximum power of 2.136 mW was achieved via the optimal cooperative magnetic coupling mode. This output power is 7.8× larger than that produced using the conventional torque mode.
Time delay between cardiac and brain activity during sleep transitions
Authors: Long Xi , Arends Johan B. , Aarts Ronald M. , Haakma Reinder , Fonseca Pedro , Rolink Jérôme
Published: April 2015

Human sleep consists of wake, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep that includes light and deep sleep stages. This work investigated the time delay between changes of cardiac and brain activity for sleep transitions. Here, the brain activity was quantified by electroencephalographic (EEG) mean frequency and the cardiac parameters included heart rate, standard deviation of heartbeat intervals, and their low- and high-frequency spectral powers. Using a cross-correlation analysis, we found that the cardiac variations during wake-sleep and NREM sleep transitions preceded the EEG changes by 1–3 min but this was not the case for REM sleep transitions. These important findings can be further used to predict the onset and ending of some sleep stages in an early manner.
Determination of effective optical gap in dye/TiO2 systems inspired by p-n junctions
Authors: Hwang Kyung-Jun , Jeong Yonkil , Park Dong-Won
Published: April 2015

The effective optical gap and device current limits of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were investigated. Optical gap determination was based on an approach that assumes the presence of a nanoscale p-n junction in the DSCs between the bulk TiO2 semiconductor and the dye-cluster with quantum size effect. On the basis of this approach, the effective optical gap of the dye-absorber was extracted from a relation between external quantum efficiency and photon energy. The short-circuit current density of the fabricated DSCs showed a current loss in the range from 3.7 to 5.1 mA cm−2 compared to the device current limit. This current loss can be mainly attributed to the light reflection of the window layer and the native charge-transfer loss by device imperfections, including subsidiary charge-transfer loss by a nanoscale Schottky junction between TiO2 and the electrolyte.
A multi-state magnetic memory dependent on the permeability of Metglas
Authors: Petrie J. R. , Wieland K. A. , Timmerwilke J. M. , Barron S. C. , Burke R. A. , Newburgh G. A. , Burnette J. E. , Fischer G. A. , Edelstein A. S.
Published: April 2015

A three-state magnetic memory was developed based on differences in the magnetic permeability of a soft ferromagnetic media, Metglas 2826MB (Fe40Ni38Mo4B18). By heating bits of a 250 nm thick Metglas film with 70–100 mW of laser power, we were able to tune the local microstructure, and hence, the permeability. Ternary memory states were created by using lower laser power to enhance the initial permeability through localized atomic rearrangement and higher power to reduce the permeability through crystallization. The permeability of the bits was read by detecting variations in an external 32 Oe probe field within 10 μm of the media via a magnetic tunnel junction read head. Compared to data based on remanent magnetization, these multi-permeability bits have enhanced insensitivity to unexpected field and temperature changes. We found that data was not corrupted after exposure to fields of 1 T or temperatures of 423 K, indicating the effectiveness of this multi-state approach for safely storing large amounts of data.
High-temperature stability of thermoelectric Ca3Co4O9 thin films
Authors: Brinks P. , Van Nong N. , Pryds N. , Rijnders G. , Huijben M.
Published: April 2015

An enhanced thermal stability in thermoelectric Ca3Co4O9 thin films up to 550 °C in an oxygen rich environment was demonstrated by high-temperature electrical and X-ray diffraction measurements. In contrast to generally performed heating in helium gas, it is shown that an oxygen/helium mixture provides sufficient thermal contact, while preventing the previously disregarded formation of oxygen vacancies. Combining thermal cycling with electrical measurements proves to be a powerful tool to study the real intrinsic thermoelectric behaviour of oxide thin films at elevated temperatures.
Electrical activation and electron spin resonance measurements of arsenic implanted in silicon
Authors: Hori Masahiro , Uematsu Masashi , Fujiwara Akira , Ono Yukinori
Published: April 2015

The electrical activation of arsenic (As) implanted in Si is investigated with electron spin resonance (ESR), spreading resistance (SR), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The As ions were implanted with a dose of 1 × 1012 cm−2 and subsequently annealed at various temperatures in the range of 500–1100 °C. The ESR measurements at 10 K show that the density of the As donor electrons for all the annealing temperatures is less than 10% of the As atom concentration measured by SIMS. The SR data indicate that the density of conduction band electrons is several times larger than that of the As donor electrons. These results strongly suggest that most of the As donor electrons are ESR inactive at low temperatures.
Magneto-transport of an electron bilayer system in an undoped Si/SiGe double-quantum-well heterostructure
Authors: Laroche D. , Huang S.-H. , Nielsen E. , Liu C. W. , Li J.-Y. , Lu T. M.
Published: April 2015

We report the design, the fabrication, and the magneto-transport study of an electron bilayer system embedded in an undoped Si/SiGe double-quantum-well heterostructure. Combined Hall densities (nHall) ranging from 2.6 × 1010 cm−2 to 2.7 × 1011 cm−2 were achieved, yielding a maximal combined Hall mobility (μHall) of 7.7 × 105 cm2/(V ⋅ s) at the highest density. Simultaneous electron population of both quantum wells is clearly observed through a Hall mobility drop as the Hall density is increased to nHall > 3.3 × 1010 cm−2, consistent with Schrödinger-Poisson simulations. The integer and fractional quantum Hall effects are observed in the device, and single-layer behavior is observed when both layers have comparable densities, either due to spontaneous interlayer coherence or to the symmetric-antisymmetric gap.
Effect of boron addition on the structure and magnetic properties of CoPt nanoparticles
Authors: Khemjeen Yutthaya , Pinitsoontorn Supree , Chompoosor Apiwat
Published: April 2015

The effect of B addition on CoPt nanoparticles was investigated. The CoPt-B nanoparticles were synthesized by means of the polyol process. Transmission electron microscopy has shown that the as-synthesized particles have a spherical morphology with average size about 2–3 nm. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy and the X-ray diffraction technique showed the effect of B concentration on phase transformation. The addition of B at up to 60% promoted the formation of the L10 phase when the nanoparticles were subjected to annealing at 600 °C. If the B content is higher than 60%, the phase transition is suppressed. The evidence of B addition on the structure of CoPt nanoparticles was further supported by the magnetic measurements. The results show that the coercivity of the annealed CoPt-B nanoparticles was enhanced by the B additions from 20% to 60%, with the maximum coercivity of 12 000 Oe for the CoPt-40%B sample.
Two-dimensional semiconductor HfSe2 and MoSe2/HfSe2 van der Waals heterostructures by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Aretouli K. E. , Tsipas P. , Tsoutsou D. , Marquez-Velasco J. , Xenogiannopoulou E. , Giamini S. A. , Vassalou E. , Kelaidis N. , Dimoulas A.
Published: April 2015

Using molecular beam epitaxy, atomically thin 2D semiconductor HfSe2 and MoSe2/HfSe2 van der Waals heterostructures are grown on AlN(0001)/Si(111) substrates. Details of the electronic band structure of HfSe2 are imaged by in-situ angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy indicating a high quality epitaxial layer. High-resolution surface tunneling microscopy supported by first principles calculations provides evidence of an ordered Se adlayer, which may be responsible for a reduction of the measured workfunction of HfSe2 compared to theoretical predictions. The latter reduction minimizes the workfunction difference between the HfSe2 and MoSe2 layers resulting in a small valence band offset of only 0.13 eV at the MoSe2/HfSe2 heterointerface and a weak type II band alignment.
Violent Geographical Abstractions
Authors: Loftus Alex
Published: April 2015

This paper historicises the emergence (and subsequent power) of geographical abstractions. Following Karl Marx in the Grundrisse, I argue that one of the central features of modern capitalist society is rule by abstractions. As both Derek Sayer and Henri Lefebvre argue, such abstractions enact forms of violence within the societies subjected to their rule. The three geographical abstractions I consider are space, nature, and scale. Whilst I argue that some forms of abstraction are transhistorical, my interest is more in how these transhistorical abstractions rub up against new forms specific to capitalist societies. In particular, following Alfred Sohn-Rethel, I am interested in the role played by the exchange abstraction in producing distinctive spatial relations, a commoditised nature, and new forms of scalar hierarchy. The paper sheds light on the utility of a historical–geographical materialist approach for situating the production of violent geographical abstractions and envisaging a world free from their domination.
Random sampling of skewed distributions implies Taylor’s power law of fluctuation scaling
Authors: Cohen Joel E. , Xu Meng
Published: April 2015

Significance

One of the most widely confirmed empirical patterns in ecology is Taylor’s law (TL): The variance of population density is approximately a power-law function of the mean population density. We showed analytically that, when observations are randomly sampled in blocks from a single frequency distribution, the sample variance will be related to the sample mean by TL, and the parameters of TL can be predicted from the first four moments of the frequency distribution. The estimate of the exponent of TL is proportional to the skewness of the distribution. Random sampling suffices to explain the existence and predict the parameters of TL in well-defined circumstances relevant to some, but not all, published empirical examples of TL.
A cytosolic heat shock protein 90 and cochaperone CDC37 complex is required for RIP3 activation during necroptosis
Authors: Li Dianrong , Xu Tao , Cao Yang , Wang Huayi , Li Lin , Chen She , Wang Xiaodong , Shen Zhirong
Published: April 2015

Significance

Necroptosis is a form of programmed necrotic cell death controlled by receptor-interacting protein kinase 3, RIP3. RIP3 exists in live cells as a latent form in the cytosol and is activated by death-inducing cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor. We report here that RIP3 activation requires Heat Shock Protein 90, HSP90, and its cochaperone protein CDC37. HSP90 inhibitors, currently under investigation in clinical trials for a variety of cancer indications, are capable of inhibiting necroptosis at concentrations below the clinically achieved concentration in patients’ sera. Since the components of the necroptosis pathway are being pursued as potential drug targets for many degenerative diseases, the finding described here revealed that there are already clinical stage molecules available to inhibit necroptosis.
Inclined to see it your way: Do altercentric intrusion effects in visual perspective taking reflect an intrinsically social process?
Authors: Nielsen Maria Kragh , Slade Lance , Levy Joseph P. , Holmes Amanda
Published: April 2015

It has been suggested that some aspects of mental state understanding recruit a rudimentary, but fast and efficient, processing system, demonstrated by the obligatory slowing down of judgements about what the self can see when this is incongruent with what another can see. We tested the social nature of this system by investigating to what extent these altercentric intrusions are elicited under conditions that differed in their social relevance and, further, how these related to self-reported social perspective taking and empathy. In Experiment 1, adult participants were asked to make “self” or “other” perspective-taking judgements during congruent (“self” and “other” can see the same items) or incongruent conditions (“self” and “other” cannot see the same items) in conditions that were social (i.e., involving a social agent), semisocial (an arrow), or nonsocial (a dual-coloured block). Reaction time indices of altercentric intrusion effects were present across all conditions, but were significantly stronger for the social than for the less social conditions. Self-reported perspective taking and empathy correlated with altercentric intrusion effects in the social condition only. In Experiment 2, the significant correlations for the social condition were replicated, but this time with gaze duration indices of altercentric intrusion effects. Findings are discussed with regard to the degree to which this rudimentary system is socially specialized and how it is linked to more conceptual understanding.
On Brauer algebra simple modules over the complex field
Authors: De Visscher Maud , Martin Paul
Published: April 2015

This paper gives two results on the simple modules for the Brauer algebra

B
n

(
δ
)

B_n(\delta )

over the complex field. First we describe the module structure of the restriction of all simple

B
n

(
δ
)

B_n(\delta )

-modules to

B

n
−
1

(
δ
)

B_{n-1}(\delta )

. Second we give a new geometrical interpretation of Ram and Wenzl’s construction of bases for “

δ
\delta

-permissible” simple modules.
Effects of Morphine and Midazolam on Pharyngeal Function, Airway Protection, and Coordination of Breathing and Swallowing in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hårdemark Cedborg Anna I. , Sundman Eva , Bodén Katarina , Hedström Hanne Witt , Kuylenstierna Richard , Ekberg Olle , Eriksson Lars I.
Published: April 2015

AbstractAbstract

By simultaneous recordings of breathing, videoradiography, and pharyngeal manometry in healthy adult volunteers, this study is the first to elucidate pharyngeal dysfunctions in conjunction with altered coordination between breathing and swallowing as possible mechanisms for pulmonary aspiration during sedation with midazolam or morphine.

Background:

Drugs used for sedation in anesthesia and intensive care may cause pharyngeal dysfunction and increased risk for aspiration. In this study, the authors investigate the impact of sedative doses of morphine and midazolam on pharyngeal function during swallowing and coordination of breathing and swallowing.

Methods:

Pharyngeal function, coordination of breathing and swallowing, and level of sedation were assessed by manometry, videoradiography, measurements of respiratory airflow, and a visual analog scale in 32 healthy volunteers (age 19 to 35 yr). After baseline recordings, morphine (0.1 mg/kg) or midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) was administered intravenously for 20 min, followed by recordings at 10 and 30 min after the end of infusion.

Results:

Pharyngeal dysfunction, seen as misdirected or incomplete swallowing or penetration of bolus to the airway, increased after morphine infusion to 42 and 44% of swallows compared with 17% in baseline recordings. Midazolam markedly increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction from 16 to 48% and 59%. Morphine prolonged apnea before swallowing, and midazolam increased the number of swallows followed by inspiration.

Conclusion:

Morphine and midazolam in dosages that produce sedation are associated with increased incidence of pharyngeal dysfunction and discoordinated breathing and swallowing, a combination impairing airway protection and potentially increasing the risk for pulmonary aspirations.
Xenon Treatment Protects against Remote Lung Injury after Kidney Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Zhao Hailin , Huang Han , Ologunde Rele , Lloyd Dafydd G. , Watts Helena , Vizcaychipi Marcela P. , Lian Qingquan , George Andrew J. T. , Ma Daqing
Published: April 2015

AbstractAbstract

Xenon given to kidney transplant recipients after receiving the ischemic renal grafts decreased pulmonary damage and inflammation. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pulmonary protection are likely due to the mammalian target of rapamycin–hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway activation and the high-mobility group protein-1/Toll-like receptor-4/nuclear factor-κ B signaling pathway inhibition by xenon.

Background:

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) of renal grafts may cause remote organ injury including lungs. The authors aimed to evaluate the protective effect of xenon exposure against remote lung injury due to renal graft IRI in a rat renal transplantation model.

Methods:

For in vitro studies, human lung epithelial cell A549 was challenged with H2O2, tumor necrosis factor-α, or conditioned medium from human kidney proximal tubular cells (HK-2) after hypothermia–hypoxia insults. For in vivo studies, the Lewis renal graft was stored in 4°C Soltran preserving solution for 24 h and transplanted into the Lewis recipient, and the lungs were harvested 24 h after grafting. Cultured lung cells or the recipient after engraftment was exposed to 70% Xe or N2. Phospho (p)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Bcl-2, high-mobility group protein-1 (HMGB-1), TLR-4, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expression, lung inflammation, and cell injuries were assessed.

Results:

Recipients receiving ischemic renal grafts developed pulmonary injury. Xenon treatment enhanced HIF-1α, which attenuated HMGB-1 translocation and NF-κB activation in A549 cells with oxidative and inflammatory stress. Xenon treatment enhanced p-mTOR, HIF-1α, and Bcl-2 expression and, in turn, promoted cell proliferation in the lung. Upon grafting, HMGB-1 translocation from lung epithelial nuclei was reduced; the TLR-4/NF-κB pathway was suppressed by xenon treatment; and subsequent tissue injury score (nitrogen vs. xenon: 26 ± 1.8 vs. 10.7 ± 2.6; n = 6) was significantly reduced.

Conclusion:

Xenon treatment confers protection against distant lung injury triggered by renal graft IRI, which is likely through the activation of mTOR-HIF-1α pathway and suppression of the HMGB-1 translocation from nuclei to cytoplasm.
Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Open Pediatric Tibial Fractures
Authors: Özkul Emin , Gem Mehmet , Arslan Hüseyin , Alemdar Celil , Azboy İbrahim , Arslan Seher G.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of limited-contact locking plates in minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) of the lateral tibia.

Design:

A retrospective study.

Patients and Methods:

The retrospective study included 14 patients who were operatively treated with an MIPO technique due to open tibial fractures between 2006 and 2012. The patients were 11 males and 3 females with a mean age of 13.2 (range, 9 to 16) years. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.4 (range, 1 to 5) years. The mechanism of the injuries included a motor vehicle accident (n=11), a shotgun injury (n=2), and a fall from height (n=1). According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 10 patients had type I (72%), 2 had type II (14%), and 2 had type III (14%) open fractures.

Results:

The mean time to radiologic union was 18 (range, 11 to 32) weeks. No infection was detected that would require implant removal. No complications such as early epiphyseal closure, angulation, or limb-length inequality were observed.

Conclusions:

Limited-contact locking plates in MIPO of the lateral tibia is an effective alternative method in the treatment of open pediatric tibial fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic.
Do Surgical Times and Efficiency Differ Between Inpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Centers That are Both Hospital Owned?
Authors: Kadhim Muayad , Gans Itai , Baldwin Keith , Flynn John , Ganley Theodore
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgical time and operation room (OR) work efficiency between inpatient and ambulatory facilities within the same institution.

Methods:

Patients studied included those who underwent primary ACLR at either the inpatient hospital or the ambulatory facility by a single orthopaedic surgeon on elective surgery days. Time variables were calculated for ACLR to compare the 2 facilities. The OR work efficiency was calculated as the percentage of work that was completed before mid-day that was determined by the midpoint of the surgical day at each facility.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-seven ACLR surgeries were performed on 187 elective surgery days, 153 surgeries at the inpatient facility and 74 at the outpatient facility. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.9±2.2 years. The ACLR surgeries at the ambulatory facility were of shorter duration than those at the inpatient facility (P<0.0001). One OR was most commonly utilized and 2 to 3 surgeries were performed on most surgery days at both facilities. Seven nurses served as alternating circulators at the ambulatory facility compared with 41 nurses serving in the same capacity at the inpatient facility. The median turnover time was longer at the inpatient facility compared with the ambulatory facility. OR work efficiency (work done before mid-day) was 72.5% at the ambulatory facility and 49.5% at the inpatient facility, P<0.0001. If 2 ACLR surgeries were performed consecutively, the surgery day lasted for 6 hours at the hospital-owned ambulatory surgery center compared with 9 hours at the inpatient hospital.

Conclusions:

Despite the common variables of the same surgeon performing the same surgery at facilities owned by the same institution primarily working in a single OR, differences exist in OR procedure time and work efficiency.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Topical Imiquimod in the Treatment of Conjunctival Actinic Keratosis
Authors: Rowlands Megan A. , Giacometti Joseph N. , Servat Javier , Materin Miguel A. , Levin Flora
Published: April 2015

Conjunctival actinic keratosis is rare and difficult to treat, as recurrences are common. Imiquimod, an immune response modulator, is currently Food and Drug Administration-approved for cutaneous actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinomas. Emerging reports have shown it to be effective in treating some periocular and conjunctival lesions. The authors present a case of a 68-year-old white man with recurrent actinic keratosis involving the pretarsal conjunctiva, which was successfully treated with 5% topical imiquimod following previous failure with cryotherapy and interferon α-2b. The patient had ocular irritation that resolved on cessation of treatment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of conjunctival actinic keratosis being treated with and successfully eradicated by topical imiquimod.
Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Orbit Presenting as a Fulminant Orbitopathy in an Adult With Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: O’Neill John P. , Harrison Andrew R. , Cameron J. Douglas , Mokhtarzadeh Ali
Published: April 2015

A 64-year-old woman with relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) undergoing salvage chemotherapy developed rapid onset of right-sided ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, optic neuropathy, and vision loss from 20/30 to hand motions over a 3-hour period on day 4 of her treatment. CT scan of her orbits revealed a superolateral orbital mass and periocular edema. She underwent immediate canthotomy and cantholysis, and lateral orbitotomy with debulking of the mass later the same day. The histopathology was consistent with aggregates of myeloid blasts. Her vision recovered to 20/20 on postoperative day 1. Orbital granulocytic sarcoma is a rare condition often concurrent with AML, typically in the pediatric population and rarely in adults. Presentation as a fulminant orbitopathy with rapidly progressive optic neuropathy and vision loss over several hours has not been previously reported.
Diode Laser-Assisted Endocanalicular Dacryocystorhinostomy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Schlachter Dianne M. , Richani Karina , Black Evan H.
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of the diode laser in endocanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy.

Methods:

A prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series using the diode laser for endocanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy in patients with tearing and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Outcome measures included subjective tearing complaints and objective patency of the nasolacrimal system. Success was defined as improvement of symptoms with patency of nasolacrimal drainage. Patients were followed for 12 months. Institutional review board approval was obtained.

Results:

Forty eyes (28 unilateral, 6 bilateral) underwent surgery. Five cases were excluded because of inadequate follow-up. Patients ranged in age from 27 to 88 years (66.7 ± 15.7). Seventy-seven percent were female and 23% were male. At 1 week, 88% had improvement in tearing, 12% had no change or worsening of symptoms, and all patients were patent on irrigation. At 1 month, 86% had improvement, 14% had no change, and all patients were patent on irrigation. At 3 months, 83% had improvement and were patent on irrigation. Seventeen percent had no change or worsening with reflux and were considered failures. At 6 months, 77% had improvement and were patent on irrigation. Five additional patients had no change, reflux on exam and were failed surgeries. At 12 months, 74% had complete resolution and were patent. One additional patient failed. Nine surgeries in 35 cases were considered failures by 12 months.

Conclusions:

Subjective complaints of tearing correlated with patency of the nasolacrimal system after 3 months. A success rate of 74.3% (26 out of 35 cases) was observed by 12 months.
A combination of clinical parameters and blood–gas analysis identifies patients at risk of transfer to intensive care upon arrival to the Emergency Department
Authors: Bjørn Maria , Simonsen Jakúp W. , Mogensen Christian B.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Identifying patients at risk of transfer to the ICU upon arrival to the Emergency Department (ED) might direct early therapy and optimize transfers. However, among the many ED patients, it is difficult to pinpoint the few who insidiously deteriorate to an ICU-requiring level. The aim of this study was to identify predictors in background information, vital values and blood–gas analysis for transfer to ICU 3–36 h after arrival among nontrauma ED patients.

Methods

A case–control study of 10 007 acute adult patients admitted to ED within 1 year was carried out. The case group consisted of all ICU transfers 3–36 h after arrival who underwent blood–gas analysis and a similar control group not transferred to the ICU. Blood pressure, respiratory frequency, pulse rate, peripheral oxygen saturation and temperature, triage, height, weight, Glasgow Coma Score, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, age, sex, Charlson score and blood–gas results were analysed.

Results

A total of 49 medical and 33 surgical patients were transferred to the ICU. For medical cases, 2.3 and surgical cases 3.7 controls were included. For medical patients, low systolic blood pressure [odds ratio (OR) 14.4], elevated heart rate (OR 3.9), severe acidosis (OR 5.1) and hypercapnia (OR 8.4) and for surgical patients age 60–79 years (OR 6.3), low diastolic blood pressure (OR 2.7) and severe acidosis (OR 15.3) were associated significantly with later transfer to the ICU.

Conclusion

The predictors identified could be used as part of ED triage to identify high-risk patients for ICU. These findings should be examined in a well-designed prospective cohort study.
Influence of case-based e-learning on students’ performance in point-of-care ultrasound courses: a randomized trial
Authors: Hempel Dorothea , Sinnathurai Sivajini , Haunhorst Stephanie , Seibel Armin , Michels Guido , Heringer Frank , Recker Florian , Breitkreutz Raoul
Published: April 2015

Background

Theoretical knowledge, visual perception, and sensorimotor skills are key elements in ultrasound education. Classroom-based presentations are used routinely to teach theoretical knowledge, whereas visual perception and sensorimotor skills typically require hands-on training (HT). We aimed to compare the effect of classroom-based lectures versus a case-based e-learning (based on clinical cases only) on the hands-on performance of trainees during an emergency ultrasound course.

Participants and methods

This is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study. Sixty-two medical students were randomized into two groups [group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2)]. G1 (n=29) was subjected to a precourse e-learning, based on 14 short screencasts (each 5 min), an on-site discussion (60 min), and a standardized HT session on the day of the course. G2 (n=31) received classroom-based presentations on the day of the course before an identical HT session. Both groups completed a multiple-choice (MC) pretest (test A), a practical postcourse test (objective structured clinical exam), and MC tests directly after the HT (test B) and 1 day after the course (test C). The Mann–Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

G1 performed markedly better in test A (median 84.2, 25%; 75% percentile: 68.5; 92.2) compared with G2 (65.8; 53.8; 80.4), who had not participated in case-based e-learning (P=0.0009). No differences were found in the objective structured clinical exam, test B, and test C.

Conclusion

e-learning exclusively based on clinical cases is an effective method of education in preparation for HT sessions and can reduce attendance time in ultrasound courses.
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Shielding in Patients Undergoing Conventional Radiological Procedures (1 Work Shift–1 X-ray Room)
Authors: Behroozi Hamid , Tahmasebi Marzieh , Mohebifar Behnam
Published: April 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of shielding in patients undergoing conventional radiological procedures (1 work shift–1 x-ray room).

The increased number of patients undergoing x-ray examinations has created a global concern due to the stochastic and nonstochastic association with x-ray exposure. Shielding is an efficient method of protecting radiosensitive organs when performing radiological examinations.

Materials and Methods

Thirty radiography students were sent to conventional radiology departments to act as observers in the control booth of an x-ray room when a radiological procedure was being performed.

Results

Of the 30 hospitals evaluated, 13% regarded shielding of radiosensitive organs. The prevalence of shielding in the hospitals where shielding of radiosensitive organs was implemented varied from 5.2% to 14%.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that shielding of radiosensitive organs was not performed in the majority of hospitals. More studies are needed to establish the potential causes of low shielding prevalence.

If these findings, which were obtained over 1 work shift and in 1 x-ray room, are representative of a large number of medical imaging centers, this raises global concerns regarding shielding of radiosensitive organs, in particular gonad shielding.
Escherichia marmotae sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Marmota himalayana
Authors: Liu Sha , Jin Dong , Lan Ruiting , Wang Yiting , Meng Qiong , Dai Hang , Lu Shan , Hu Shoukui , Xu Jianguo
Published: April 2015

The taxonomic position of a group of seven closely related lactose-negative enterobacterial strains, which were isolated from fresh faecal samples of Marmota himalayana collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, China, was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, non-sporulating, non-motile, short rods (0.5–1 × 1–2.5 μm). By 16S rRNA gene sequences, the representative strain, HT073016T, showed highest similarity values with Escherichia fergusonii ATCC 35469T at 99.3 %, Escherichia coli ATCC 11775T at 99.2 %, Escherichia albertii LMG 20976T at 98.9 %, Escherichia hermannii CIP 103176T at 98.4 %, and Escherichia vulneris ATCC 33821T at 97.7 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the seven strains formed a monophyletic group with five other species of the genus Escherichia. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization studies between strain HT073016T and five other species of the genus Escherichia showed that it shared less than 70 % DNA–DNA relatedness with all known species of the genus Escherichia, supporting the novel species status of the strain. The DNA G+C content of strain HT073016T was 53.8 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain HT073016T and the six other HT073016T-like strains were clearly distinct from the type strains of other recognized species of the genus Escherichia and represent a novel species of the genus Escherichia, for which the name Escherichia marmotae sp. nov. is proposed, with HT073016T ( = CGMCC 1.12862T = DSM 28771T) as the type strain.
XAFCA: a new XAFS beamline for catalysis research
Authors: Du Yonghua , Zhu Yi , Xi Shibo , Yang Ping , Moser Herbert O. , Breese Mark B. H. , Borgna Armando
Published: April 2015

A new X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy beamline for fundamental and applied catalysis research, called XAFCA, has been built by the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, and the Singapore Synchrotron Light Source. XAFCA covers the photon energy range from 1.2 to 12.8 keV, making use of two sets of monochromator crystals, an Si (111) crystal for the range from 2.1 to 12.8 keV and a KTiOPO4crystal [KTP (011)] for the range between 1.2 and 2.8 keV. Experiments can be carried out in the temperature range from 4.2 to 1000 K and pressures up to 30 bar for catalysis research. A safety system has been incorporated, allowing the use of flammable and toxic gases such as H2and CO.
The ALBA spectroscopic LEEM-PEEM experimental station: layout and performance
Authors: Aballe Lucia , Foerster Michael , Pellegrin Eric , Nicolas Josep , Ferrer Salvador
Published: April 2015

The spectroscopic LEEM-PEEM experimental station at the CIRCE helical undulator beamline, which started user operation at the ALBA Synchrotron Light Facility in 2012, is presented. This station, based on an Elmitec LEEM III microscope with electron imaging energy analyzer, permits surfaces to be imaged with chemical, structural and magnetic sensitivity down to a lateral spatial resolution better than 20 nm with X-ray excited photoelectrons and 10 nm in LEEM and UV-PEEM modes. Rotation around the surface normal and application of electric and (weak) magnetic fields are possible in the microscope chamber.In situsurface preparation capabilities include ion sputtering, high-temperature flashing, exposure to gases, and metal evaporation with quick evaporator exchange. Results from experiments in a variety of fields and imaging modes will be presented in order to illustrate the ALBA XPEEM capabilities.
Highly porous nanoberyllium for X-ray beam speckle suppression
Authors: Goikhman Alexander , Lyatun Ivan , Ershov Petr , Snigireva Irina , Wojda Pawel , Gorlevsky Vladimir , Semenov Alexander , Sheverdyaev Maksim , Koletskiy Viktor , Snigirev Anatoly
Published: April 2015

This paper reports a special device called a `speckle suppressor', which contains a highly porous nanoberyllium plate squeezed between two beryllium windows. The insertion of the speckle suppressor in an X-ray beam allows manipulation of the spatial coherence length, thus changing the effective source size and removing the undesirable speckle structure in X-ray imaging experiments almost without beam attenuation. The absorption of the nanoberyllium plate is below 1% for 1 mm thickness at 12 keV. The speckle suppressor was tested on the ID06 ESRF beamline with X-rays in the energy range from 9 to 15 keV. It was applied for the transformation of the phase–amplitude contrast to the pure amplitude contrast in full-field microscopy.
Crystal structure of methyl 2-hydroxy-5-[(4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)amino]benzoate
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Mague Joel T. , Akkurt Mehmet , Abdu-Allah Hajjaj H. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: April 2015

The title compound, C11H10N2O4S, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. They differ primarily in the rotational orientation of the five-membered heterocyclic ring. In moleculeAthis ring is inclined to the benzene ring by 48.17 (8)°, while in moleculeBthe same dihedral angle is 23.07 (8)°. In each molecule there is an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond involving the adjacent hydroxyl group and the ester carbonyl O atom. In the crystal, theAmolecules are linkedviapairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. These dimers are linked to theBmoleculesviaN—H.·O, C—H...O and C—H...S hydrogen bonds forming corrugated sheets lying parallel to (102).
Crystal structure of (2-formylphenolato-κ2O,O′)oxido(2-{[(2-oxidoethyl)imino]methyl}phenolato-κ3O,N,O′)vanadium(V)
Authors: Parimala Sowmianarayanan , Selvam Parasuraman
Published: April 2015

In the unsymmetrical title vanadyl complex, [V(C9H9NO2)(C7H5O2)O], one of the ligands (2-formylphenol) is disordered over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.55 (2):0.45 (2). The metal atom is hexacoordinated, with a distorted octahedral geometry. The vanadyl O atom (which subtends the shortest V—O bond) occupies one of the apical positions and the remaining axial bond (the longest in the polyhedron) is provided by the (disordered) formyl O atoms. The basal plane is defined by the two phenoxide O atoms, the iminoalcoholic O and the imino N atom. The planes of the two benzene rings are almost perpendicular to each other, subtending an interplanar angle of 84.1 (2)° between the major parts. The crystal structure features weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming a lateral arrangement of adjacent molecules.
Le nitrate double NaRb2(NO3)3, composé intermédiaire du système binaire isobare NaNO3+ RbNO3: études thermiques et cristallographiques
Authors: Ksiksi Nesrine , Driss Mohamed , Hellali Dalila , Guesmi Abderrahmen , Zamali Hmida
Published: April 2015

Crystallographic and thermodynamic investigations of the binary (NaNO3+ RbNO3) phase diagram at atmospheric pressure reveal the existence of an intermediate compound NaRb2(NO3)3(sodium dirubidium trinitrate) previously predicted and now reported experimentally for the first time. According to a DSC analysis, the compound exhibits three allotropic forms. In its low-temperature allotropic form (α form, orthorhombic) there are two Rb (m.. site symmetry) and one Na (m..) independent crystallographic positions and three planar nitrate groups. The bond-valence-sum calculations for all atoms agree well with their oxidation states. The Rb cations are located in the (100) plane atx= ½ with 11 oxygen coordination. The Na ones are in the same plane atx= 0 and are coordinated to eight O atoms from six nitrate groups. The charge-distribution method has been used to evaluate the degree of distortion of the alkali polyhedra.
Crystal structure of (1S,3R,8R,9S,10R)-10-bromomethyl-2,2-dichloro-9,10-epoxy-3,7,7-trimethyltricyclo[6.4.0.01,3]dodecane
Authors: Benharref Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen , Saadi Mohamed , Berraho Moha
Published: April 2015

The title compound, C16H23BrCl2O, was synthesized in three steps from β-himachalene (3,5,5,9-tetramethyl-2,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-benzocycloheptene), which was isolated from the essential oil of the Atlas cedar (cedrus atlantica). The molecule is built up from two fused six- and seven-membered rings, each linked to a three-membered ring. The six-membered ring has a screw-boat conformation, whereas the seven-membered ring displays a twist-boat conformation. The absolute structure was established unambiguously from anomalous dispersion effects.
Crystal structure of 1-[2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl]propan-2-ol
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Marzouk Adel A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: April 2015

The central imidazole ring of the title compound, C24H20Cl2N2O, is twisted with respect to with the planes of the 2,6-dichlorobenzene and two phenyl rings, making dihedral angles of 74.06 (18), 28.52 (17) and 67.65 (18)°, respectively. The phenyl ring not adjacent to the N-bonded 2-hydroxypropyl group shows the greatest twist, presumably to minimize steric interactions. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen-bond contacts into chains along thea-axis direction. The series of parallel chains form a two-dimensional sheet approximately parallel to thebcdiagonal. In addition, C—H...π interactions are observed between the sheets. The atoms of the 2-hydroxypropyl group and the N atom of the 1H-imidazole ring to which it is bonded are disordered over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of 0.722 (5):0.278 (5). The structure was refined as an inversion twin.
Crystal structure of 1-[(Z)-2-phenylhydrazin-1-ylidene]naphthalen-2(1H)-one
Authors: Benosmane Ali , Benaouida Mohamed Amine , Mili Assia , Bouchoul Abdelkader , Merazig Hocine
Published: April 2015

In the title compound, C16H12N2O, the dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene ring and naphthalenone ring system is 1.89 (8)°; an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs between the imino group and the carbonyl group. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...π interactions into supramolecular chains propagating along the [01-1] direction.
Crystal structures of (±)-(1SR,5SR,6SR,7SR,10SR,11SR,13RS,14SR)-13-hydroxy-7-methoxymethoxy-11,15,18,18-tetramethyl-3-oxo-2,4-dioxatetracyclo[12.3.1.01,5.06,11]octadec-15-en-10-yl benzoate, its 13-epimer and 13-one derivative
Authors: Oishi Takeshi , Fukaya Keisuke , Yamaguchi Yu , Sugai Tomoya , Watanabe Ami , Sato Takaaki , Chida Noritaka
Published: April 2015

The title compounds, C29H38O8·0.25C5H12, (A), C29H38O8, (B), and C29H36O8, (C), are tetracyclic benzoates possessing a taxane skeleton with a fused dioxolane ring as the core structure. In the asymmetric unit of (A), there are two independent benzoate molecules (A and A′) and a half molecule of solvent pentane disordered about an inversion center. The molecular conformations of (A), (B) and (C) are similar except for the flexible methoxymethoxy group. The cyclohexane, cyclohexene and central cyclooctane rings adopt chair, half-chair and chair–chair (extended crown) forms, respectively. The dioxolane rings are essentially planar, while the dioxolane ring of A′ is slightly twisted from the mean plane. In the crystal of (A), intermolecular O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...π interactions link the independent benzoates alternately, forming a chain structure. In the crystals of (B) and (C), molecules are linked through O—H...O and C—H...π interactions, and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, respectively, into similar chains. Further, weak intermolecular C—H...O interactions connect the chains into a three-dimensional network in (A) and a sheet in (B), whereas no other interactions are observed for (C).
Crystal structure of Ba5In4Sb6
Authors: Pan Ming-Yan , Xia Sheng-Qing , Tao Xu-Tang
Published: April 2015

The title compound, pentabarium tetraindium hexaantimony, was synthesized by an indium-flux reaction and its structure features layers composed of edge-sharing In2Sb6units. The voids between the In4Sb6layers are filled by Ba2+cations, which are all surrounded by six Sb atoms and form bicapped octahedral or triangular prismatic coordination geometries. There are five barium ions in the asymmetric unit: one has no imposed crystallographic symmetry, two lie on mirror planes and two havemm2 point symmetry. The two In atoms and four Sb atoms in the asymmetric unit all lie on general crystallographic positions.
Involuntary wellness programs: the case of a large US company
Authors: Secchi Davide , Bui Hong T.M. , Gamroth Kathleen
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate recent healthcare reform in the USA, which allows insurance companies to proactively intervene in improving the long-term health of employees, by providing wellness programs as part of their benefits package.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present and analyze data on how employees of a large US Midwest “media and education” company (n=154) perceive economic incentives toward well-being. Data are collected using survey methods and analyzed with a logistic regression.

Findings

– This study suggests that fairness, accessibility, intention to switch to a healthier lifestyle and desire to see more health-related initiatives affect the way employees seek to participate in the new involuntary wellness programs. By contrast, satisfaction, participation, and income to not affect how these new programs are perceived.

Research limitations/implications

– These findings suggest that human resource managers should pay attention to employees who are not active in existing wellness programs, and provide support during the transition toward the new involuntary programs, to avoid potential frustration, demotivation, disengagement and, ultimately, decreasing performance among employees.

Originality/value

– The study is among the first to analyze involuntary wellness programs in the USA, and it provides a basis on which to expand further studies. This research contributes to support the idea that employee wellness is unlikely to be enforced by rule or policy.