bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of nitride buffer layers on superconducting properties of niobium nitride
Authors: Goldsmith John H. , Gibson Ricky , Cooper Tim , Asel Thaddeus J. , Mou Shin , Look Dave C. , Derov John S. , Hendrickson Joshua R.
Published: September 2018

Niobium nitride thin films were deposited using reactive magnetron sputtering simultaneously on sapphire substrates with TiN, VN, and AlN buffer layers. Deposition temperature was varied from 400 to 840 °C. It was found that the crystal structure, surface roughness, and transition temperatures of the resulting NbN films depend strongly on both the growth temperature and the type of the buffer layer. The use of VN and TiN buffer layers for growing NbN at 400 °C improved transition temperatures compared to NbN grown at 840 °C on sapphire. While increasing the temperature improved the superconducting performance of films grown directly on sapphire, it caused hexagonal δ′-NbN and ε-NbN phases to emerge on the buffered films. A highly oriented hexagonal ε-NbN film was achieved by using a TiN buffer and an 840 °C deposition temperature. The ability to deposit high performance NbN at a lower temperature will improve and simplify the fabrication of advanced superconducting devices such as superconducting single photon detectors.
Enhancing the sound transmission loss through acoustic double panel using sonic crystal and porous material
Authors: Gulia Preeti , Gupta Arpan
Published: September 2018

Acoustic panels are widely used for sound insulation in various applications. Sound transmission loss (STL) through the panel is due to a change in acoustic impedance as sound travels from one medium to another. In double panels, STL further increases due to multiple reflections in air cavity. Recently the sonic crystal (SC) has emerged as an interesting research topic which provides sound attenuation in specific frequency bands. The present paper aims at combining the property of a SC with the acoustic panel for enhancing the STL through the double panel. Initially, an analytical method is developed to obtain the STL through the double panel. Further finite element (FE) simulations are performed using acoustic structure interaction to obtain the STL through the double panel which is in good agreement with the analytical predictions. The SC, along with the double panel, is analyzed using the FE method for the combined effect of both sound attenuators. Further, glass wool is considered as a filler material between the double panel as well as between the double panel and the SC assembly. It is found that the combined structure of the double panel and the SC with glass wool as filler gives the best STL for all different cases for the same external dimensions.
Explicit approximation of the wavenumber for lined ducts
Authors: Farooqui Maaz , Aurégan Yves , Pagneux Vincent
Published: September 2018

For acoustic waves in lined ducts, at given frequencies, the dispersion relation leads to a transcendental equation for the wavenumber that has to be solved by numerical methods. Based on an Eckart explicit expression initially derived for water waves, accurate explicit approximations are proposed for the wavenumber of the fundamental mode in lined ducts. While the Eckart expression is 5% accurate, some improved approximations can reach maximum relative errors of less than 10−8. The cases with small dissipation parts in the admittance of the liner and/or axisymmetric ducts are also considered.
Going nuclear with stress
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: September 2018

A mitochondrial-derived peptide regulates nuclear gene expression in response to metabolic stress.
The Genome of the Human PathogenCandida albicansIs Shaped by Mutation and Cryptic Sexual Recombination
Authors: Wang Joshua M. , Bennett Richard J. , Anderson Matthew Z.
Published: September 2018

Mutations introduce variation into the genome upon which selection can act. Defining the nature of these changes is critical for determining species evolution, as well as for understanding the genetic changes driving important cellular processes. The heterozygous diploid fungusCandida albicansis both a frequent commensal organism and a prevalent opportunistic pathogen. A prevailing theory is thatC. albicansevolves primarily through the gradual buildup of mitotic mutations, and a pressing issue is whether sexual or parasexual processes also operate within natural populations. Here, we establish that theC. albicansgenome evolves by a combination of localized mutation and both short-tract and long-tract loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) events within the sequenced isolates. Mutations are more prevalent within noncoding and heterozygous regions and LOH increases towards chromosome ends. Furthermore, we provide evidence for genetic exchange between isolates, establishing that sexual or parasexual processes have contributed to the diversity of both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes.
The Microbiome and Tuberculosis: Early Evidence for Cross Talk
Authors: Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Sher Alan , Glickman Michael S. , Wipperman Matthew F.
Published: September 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infectious disease of humans that has been extensively studied both clinically and experimentally. Although susceptibility to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection is clearly influenced by factors such as nutrition, immune status, and both mycobacterial and host genetics, the variable pathogenesis of TB in infected individuals remains poorly understood.
Phosphorylation and Proteasome Recognition of the mRNA-Binding Protein Cth2 Facilitates Yeast Adaptation to Iron Deficiency
Authors: Romero Antonia M. , Martínez-Pastor Mar , Du Gang , Solé Carme , Carlos María , Vergara Sandra V. , Sanvisens Nerea , Wohlschlegel James A. , Toczyski David P. , Posas Francesc , de Nadal Eulàlia , Martínez-Pastor María T. , Thiele Dennis J. , Puig Sergi
Published: September 2018

Iron is a vital element for many metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of DNA and proteins, and the generation of energy via oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, living organisms have developed tightly controlled mechanisms to properly distribute iron, since imbalances lead to nutritional deficiencies, multiple diseases, and vulnerability against pathogens.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Cth2 is a conserved mRNA-binding protein that coordinates a global reprogramming of iron metabolism in response to iron deficiency in order to optimize its utilization. Here we report that the phosphorylation of Cth2 at specific serine residues is essential to regulate the stability of the protein and adaptation to iron depletion. We identify the kinase and ubiquitination machinery implicated in this process to establish a posttranscriptional regulatory model. These results and recent findings for both mammals and plants reinforce the privileged position of E3 ubiquitin ligases and phosphorylation events in the regulation of eukaryotic iron homeostasis.
The Multifunctional Fungal Ergosterol
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio L.
Published: September 2018

The roles of ergosterol in the regulation of membrane fluidity and structure, as well its role as a target for the activity of antifungals, have been known for decades. Two recent studies, however, demonstrated that ergosterol is an immunologically active lipid that induces pyroptosis and that virtually all steps of its biosynthetic process are potential drug targets.
The Interferon-Induced Exonuclease ISG20 Exerts Antiviral Activity through Upregulation of Type I Interferon Response Proteins
Authors: Weiss Christopher M. , Trobaugh Derek W. , Sun Chengqun , Lucas Tiffany M. , Diamond Michael S. , Ryman Kate D. , Klimstra William B.
Published: September 2018

The host immune responses to infection lead to the production of type I interferon (IFN), and the upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) reduces virus replication and virus dissemination within a host. Ectopic expression of the interferon-induced 20-kDa exonuclease ISG20 suppressed replication of chikungunya virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, two mosquito-vectored RNA alphaviruses. Since the replication of alphavirus genomes occurs exclusively in the cytoplasm, the mechanism of nucleus-localized ISG20 inhibition of replication is unclear. In this study, we determined that ISG20 acts as a master regulator of over 100 genes, many of which are ISGs. Specifically, ISG20 upregulated IFIT1 genes and inhibited translation of the alphavirus genome. Furthermore, IFIT1-sensitive alphavirus replication was increased in
Isg20
−/−
mice compared to the replication of wild-type viruses but not in cells ectopically expressing ISG20. We propose that ISG20 acts as an indirect regulator of RNA virus replication in the cytoplasm through the upregulation of many other ISGs.
Minicells as a Damage Disposal Mechanism in Escherichia coli
Authors: Rang Camilla U. , Proenca Audrey , Buetz Christen , Shi Chao , Chao Lin
Published: September 2018

Bacteria have the ability to produce minicells, or small spherical versions of themselves that lack chromosomal DNA and are unable to replicate. A minicell can constitute as much as 20% of the cell’s volume. Although molecular biology and biotechnology have used minicells as laboratory tools for several decades, it is still puzzling that bacteria should produce such costly but potentially nonfunctional structures. Here, we show that bacteria gain a benefit by producing minicells and using them as a mechanism to eliminate damaged or oxidated proteins. The elimination allows the bacteria to tolerate higher levels of stress, such as increasing levels of streptomycin. If this mechanism extends from streptomycin to other antibiotics, minicell production could be an overlooked pathway that bacteria are using to resist antimicrobials.
Evaluation of the nutrient content of yogurts: a comprehensive survey of yogurt products in the major UK supermarkets
Authors: Moore J Bernadette , Horti Annabelle , Fielding Barbara A
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To comprehensively survey the sugar and nutrient contents of yogurt products available in UK supermarkets, in particular those marketed to children.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of yogurt products available in the UK’s supermarkets in November 2016.

Methods

Data were collected from five major online UK supermarkets and a process flow strategy was used to place yogurts into eight categories: children’s, dairy alternatives, dessert, drinks, fruit, flavoured, natural/Greek style and organic. A comprehensive database of product information for 921 unique products was created and analysed.

Results

The total sugar, fat, protein, calcium and energy contents were highly variable across categories, and the ranges were extremely broad. Although lower than the dessert category, the medians (range) of the total sugar content of children’s (10.8 g/100 g (4.8–14.5)), fruit (11.9 g/100 g (4.6–21.3)), flavoured (12.0 g/100 g (0.1–18.8)) and organic (13.1 g/100 g (3.8–16.9)) yogurt products were all well above 10 g/100 g, and represented >45% of total energy. Only two out of 101 children’s yogurt and fromage frais products surveyed qualified as low sugar (≤5 g/100 g). Natural/Greek yogurts had dramatically lower sugar contents (5.0 g/100 g (1.6, 9.5), largely lactose) than all other categories. While low-fat (<3 g/100 g) products had less sugar and energy than higher fat yogurts, nonetheless 55% (285 of 518 low-fat yogurts) contained between 10 and 20 g sugar/100 g. Within the children’s category, fromage frais had higher protein (5.3 g/100 g (3.3, 8.6) vs 3.2 (2.8, 7.1); p<0.0001) and calcium contents (150 mg/100 g (90, 240) vs 130.5 mg/100 g (114, 258); p=0.0015) than yogurts.

Conclusions

While there is good evidence that yogurt can be beneficial to health, products on the market vary widely in total sugars. Fewer than 9%, and only 2% of the children’s, products surveyed were low enough in sugar to earn ‘green’ in UK front of the pack labelling. Reformulation for the reduction of free sugars in yogurts is warranted.
Evidence-based patient/public voice: a patient and public involvement audit in the field of sexual health
Authors: Meyrick Jane , Gray Debra
Published: September 2018

Background

The National Health Institute constitution enshrines the central role of patient and public involvement (PPI) in order to place patients at the heart of the NHS. The sexual health field presents unique challenges for PPI in the tension between current PPI practice versus the need for confidentiality/feelings of shame/stigma. However, there is little evidence around the goals, evaluation measures or theoretical underpinnings of PPI.

Objectives

In order to improve current PPI practice in the sexual health field, audits were carried out on PPI plans in both service and research sectors.

Methods

18 local sexual health service contacts completed the audit through snowballing. The tool was refined and five research projects completed the audit from the Health Protection Research Unit in BloodBorne and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Responses were collated and a thematic analysis by two independent researchers carried out. Common areas for improvement were identified.

Results

Audit tool responses evidenced wide variability in practice. Issues included conflation of PPI work and qualitative research; limited ‘patient satisfaction’ approaches; lack of PPI goals; methodological reliance on ‘visible’ methods such as focus groups; lack of responsiveness around patient needs and poor resourcing of PPI work. Research specific issues included ‘late’ PPI after key decisions had been made and poor lay summary validity.

Discussion

Two audits evidenced a range of areas for improvement of PPI practice in sexual health. Clear definition of ‘what PPI is for’ aligned with evaluation measures would begin to build an evidence base for the contribution of patient voice.
Epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrest in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013–2015
Authors: Aziz Faisal , Paulo Marilia Silva , Dababneh Emad H , Loney Tom
Published: September 2018

Objective

Estimate the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in a tertiary-care hospital in Abu Dhabi emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

Retrospective data from 685 inpatients who experienced an IHCA at a hospital in Abu Dhabi (UAE) between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 were analysed. Sociodemographic variables were age and gender, and IHCA event variables were shift, day, event location, initial cardiac rhythm and the total number of IHCA events. Outcome variables were the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge (StD).

Results

The incidence of IHCA was 11.7 (95% CI 10.8 to 12.6) per 1000 hospital admissions. Non-shockable rhythms were 91.1% of the cardiac rhythms at presentation. The majority of IHCA cases occurred in the intensive care unit (46.1%) and on weekdays (74.6%). More than a third (38.3%) of patients who experienced an IHCA achieved ROSC and 7.7% StD. Both ROSC and StD were significantly higher in patients who were younger and presenting with a shockable rhythm (all p’s≤0.05). Survival outcomes were not significantly different between dayshifts and nightshifts or weekdays and weekends.

Conclusions

The incidence of IHCA was higher and its outcomes were lower compared with other high-income/developed countries. Survival outcomes were better for patients who were younger and had a shockable rhythm, and similar between time of day and days of the week. These findings may help to inform health managers about the magnitude and quality of IHCA care in the UAE.
Diagnostic accuracy and Bayesian analysis of new international ECG recommendations in paediatric athletes
Authors: McClean Gavin , Riding Nathan R , Pieles Guido , Watt Victoria , Adamuz Carmen , Sharma Sanjay , George Keith P , Oxborough David , Wilson Mathew G
Published: September 2018

Objective

Historically, electrocardiographic (ECG) interpretation criteria for athletes were only applicable to adults. New international recommendations now account for athletes ≤16 years, but their clinical appropriateness is unknown. We sought to establish the diagnostic accuracy of new international ECG recommendations against the Seattle criteria and 2010 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommendations in paediatric athletes using receiver operator curve analysis. Clinical context was calculated using Bayesian analysis.

Methods

876 Arab and 428 black male paediatric athletes (11–18 years) were evaluated by medical questionnaire, physical examination, ECG and echocardiographic assessment. ECGs were retrospectively analysed according to the three criteria.

Results

Thirteen (1.0%) athletes were diagnosed with cardiac pathology that may predispose to sudden cardiac arrest/death (SCA/D) (8 (0.9%) Arab and (5 (1.2%) black)). Diagnostic accuracy was poor (0.68, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.82) for 2010 ESC recommendations, fair (0.70, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.85) for Seattle criteria and fair (0.77, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93) for international recommendations. False-positive rates were 41.0% for 2010 ESC recommendations, 21.8% for Seattle criteria and 6.8% for international recommendations. International recommendations provided a positive (+LR) and negative (−LR) post-test likelihood ratio of 9.0 (95% CI 5.1 to 13.1) and 0.4 (95% CI 0.2 to 0.7), respectively.

Conclusion

In Arab and black male paediatric athletes, new international recommendations outperform both the Seattle criteria and 2010 ESC recommendations, reducing false positive rates, while yielding a ‘fair’ diagnostic accuracy for cardiac pathology that may predispose to SCA/D. In clinical context, the ‘chance’ of detecting cardiac pathology within a paediatric male athlete with a positive ECG (+LR=9.0) was 8.3%, whereas a negative ECG (−LR=0.4) was 0.4%.
Frequencies and patterns of laboratory test requests from general practice: a service evaluation to inform point-of-care testing
Authors: Fanshawe Thomas R , Ordóñez-Mena José M , Turner Philip J , Bruel Ann Van den , Shine Brian , Hayward Gail N
Published: September 2018

Aims

The demand for test requests from general practice to laboratory services remains high. Tests performed at the point of care could reduce turnaround time and speed up clinical decision making. Replicating laboratory testing in the community would require panels of tests to be performed simultaneously, which is now approaching technological feasibility. We assessed frequencies and combinations of test requests from community settings to inform the potential future development of multiplex point-of-care panels.

Methods

We assessed all laboratory test requests made from general practice in Oxfordshire, UK, from January 2014 to March 2017. We summarised test request frequency overall and in combination, using heatmaps and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results are also presented by age/sex subgroups. We further assessed patterns of tests requested within 7 and 14 days after an initial test request.

Results

11 763 473 test requests were made for 413 073 individuals (28% age >65). Of more than 500 test types, 62 were requested at least 5000 times, most commonly renal function tests (approximately 296 000/year), full blood count (278 000/year) and liver function tests (237 000/year). Cluster analysis additionally identified a clear grouping of tests commonly used to investigate anaemia. Follow-up test frequency was much lower than the frequency of multiple tests ordered at initial presentation.

Conclusions

The current high volume of single and combination test requests highlights an opportunity for reliable multiplex point-of-care panels to cover a core set of frequently requested tests. The impact on test use of introducing such panels to general practice requires additional research.
Vascular access training for REBOA placement: a feasibility study in a live tissue-simulator hybrid porcine model
Authors: Borger van der Burg Boudewijn L S , Hörer T M , Eefting D , van Dongen T T C F , Hamming J F , DuBose J J , Bowyer M , Hoencamp R
Published: September 2018

Background

The use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in patients with severe haemorrhagic shock is increasing. Obtaining vascular access is a necessary prerequisite for REBOA placement in these situations.

Methods

During the EVTM workshop (September 2017, Örebro, Sweden), 21 individuals participated in this study, 16 participants and five instructors. A formalised curriculum was constructed including basic anatomy of the femoral region and basic training in access materials for REBOA placement in zone 1. Key skills: (1) preparation of endovascular toolkit, (2) achieving vascular access in the model and (3) bleeding control with REBOA. Scoring ranged from 0 to 5 for non-anatomical skills. Identification of anatomical structures was either sufficient (score=1) or insufficient (score=0). Five consultants performed a second identical procedure as a post test.

Results

Consultants had significantly better overall technical skills in comparison with residents (p=0.005), while understanding of surgical anatomy showed no difference. Procedure times differed significantly (p<0.01), with residents having a median procedure time of 3 min and 24 s, consultants 2:33 and instructors 1:09.

Conclusion

This comprehensive training model using a live tissue-simulator hybrid porcine model can be used for femoral access and REBOA placement training in medical personnel with different prior training levels. Higher levels of training are associated with faster procedure times. Further research in open and percutaneous access training is necessary to simulate real-life situations. This training method can be used in a multistep training programme, in combination with realistic moulage and perfused cadaver models.
Comparison of total‐mixed‐ration and feed‐to‐yield strategies on blood profiles and dairy cow health
Authors: Little Mark W , Arnott Gareth A , Welsh Michael D , Barley Jason P , O' Connell Niamh E , Ferris Conrad P
Published: September 2018

Seventy‐two Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows were offered the same amount of concentrates over the first 140 days of lactation, by either a ‘total‐mixed‐ration’ or a ‘feed‐to‐yield’ strategy. The effects on blood profiles and cow health were examined. Cows on total‐mixed‐ration were offered a mixed ration comprising grass silage and concentrates (50:50 dry matter basis). Cows on feed‐to‐yield were offered a basal mixed ration (grass silage plus 6 kg concentrates/cow/day) plus additional concentrates via an out‐of‐parlour feeding system, calculated according to each individual cow's milk yield during the previous week. Cows on total‐mixed‐ration had a higher mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume and lymphocyte percentage. Concentrate allocation strategy had no effect on serum haptoglobin concentrations, interferon‐gamma production of pokeweed mitogen‐stimulated whole blood culture, the incidence of clinical or subclinical mastitis, lameness, respiratory or digestive problems and no strong relationships were identified between production parameters with serum metabolites, inflammatory and immune measures. This study demonstrates small physiological differences in metabolic parameters, and no differences in inflammatory or immune parameters, when allocating concentrates by total‐mixed‐ration or feed‐to‐yield.
Synthesis, characterization of active Sn(0), and its application in selective propargylation of aldehyde at room temperature in water
Authors: Chatterjee Paresh Nath , Paul Dipankar , Sawkmie Micky Lanster , Sinha Arun Kumar , Khatua Snehadrinarayan
Published: September 2018

Active Sn(0) particles are synthesized in high yields by the chemical reduction of the blue–black stannous oxide using freshly prepared sodium stannite solution as reducing agent at 40 °C and 60 °C. The Sn(0) particles are characterized using powder XRD, SEM, and DSC. The as-synthesized Sn(0) particles are applied as reagent for the regioselective synthesis of homopropargyl alcohols from propargyl bromide and aldehydes in distilled water at room temperature (in 50%–84% yields). No assistance of heat, microwave, ultrasound, organic co-solvent, co-reagent, or inert atmosphere is required for this reaction. The propargylation reaction is highly chemoselective towards aldehyde over other less electrophilic carbonyl functional groups such as ketone, amide, and carboxylic acid. Our in-house synthesized homopropargyl alcohols can be used to synthesize conjugated 1,3-diynes.
Quantum mechanics of a black hole: Effect of correlation energy on Schwarzschild radius and Hawking temperature
Authors: Mishra Subodha , Lotte Baljeet Kaur
Published: September 2018

Using a single particle density distribution for the self-gravitating quantum particles that form an interacting N-particle system which ultimately forms a black hole, we from a condensed matter point of view derive the expressions of the Schwarzschild radius and the Hawking temperature. Including the quantum mechanical exchange correlation energy for the particles, we find small corrections to the above two physical quantities. The approximate expression of ground state energy and the numerical coefficient of the formula for Hawking temperature provide the hint to enable us to propose an exact expression for the ground state energy of the system.
Impacts of multi-Higgs on the ρ parameter, decays of a neutral Higgs to WW and ZZ, and a charged Higgs to WZ
Authors: Cen Jian-Yong , Chen Jung-Hsin , He Xiao-Gang , Su Jhih-Ying
Published: September 2018

In the Standard Model (SM), the [Formula: see text] parameter is equal to 1 and the ratio [Formula: see text] of Higgs [Formula: see text] and Higgs [Formula: see text] is also equal to 1 at the tree level. When going beyond the SM with more than one type of Higgs representations, these quantities may be different from the SM predictions which can provide crucial information about new physics. There may also exist a certain charged Higgs [Formula: see text] decays into a [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text]. Imposing a custodial symmetry can force the parameter [Formula: see text] to be equal to 1 with certain predictions for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. However, imposing [Formula: see text] without custodial symmetry may have different predictions. We show how differences arise and how to use experimental data to obtain information about the underlying physics in a model with the SM, plus a real and a complex [Formula: see text] triplet.
HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS OF RED PHOSPHOR La2(MoO4)3 DOPED WITH Eu3+ AND ITS APPLICATION FOR FERRIC IONS ASSAY
Authors: WANG LIYONG , CAI XIAOMENG , LI JIA , SONG QINGWEI , WANG XUE , HAN YUANYUAN , JIA GUANG
Published: September 2018

A low-temperature hydrothermal method was developed to synthesize red phosphor lanthanum molybdate doped with [Formula: see text] ions. SEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV–Vis DRS and photoluminescence patterns were employed to characterize information of the sample’s morphologies, phase structure and properties. The calcination temperature was determined by TG-DTA results. Thorough energy transfer happened between [Formula: see text] ions and phosphors in water solution. So, the prepared materials provide an excellent sensing platform for ferric ions, which have potential applications in biotechnology and environmental protection.
PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION UNDER A QUANTILE HEDGING CONSTRAINT
Authors: BOUVERET GÉRALDINE
Published: September 2018

We study a problem of portfolio optimization under a European quantile hedging constraint. More precisely, we consider a class of Markovian optimal stochastic control problems in which two controlled processes must meet a probabilistic shortfall constraint at some terminal date. We denote by [Formula: see text] the corresponding value function. Following the arguments introduced in the literature on stochastic target problems, we convert this problem into a state constraint one in which the constraint is defined by means of an auxiliary value function [Formula: see text] characterizing the reachable set. This set is therefore not given a priori but is naturally integrated in [Formula: see text] solving, in a viscosity sense, a nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE). Relying on the existing literature, we derive, in the interior of the domain, a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman characterization of [Formula: see text]. However, [Formula: see text] involves an additional controlled state variable coming from the diffusion of the probability of reaching the target and belonging to the compact set [Formula: see text]. This leads to nontrivial boundaries for [Formula: see text] that must be discussed. Our main result is thus the characterization of [Formula: see text] at those boundaries. We also provide examples for which comparison results exist for the PDE solved by [Formula: see text] on the interior of the domain.
Multiple description image compression based on multiwavelets
Authors: Wang Ning , Ge Shuangkui , Li Baobin , Peng Lizhong
Published: September 2018

Multiple description coding (MDC) is one of the source coding techniques to alleviate the problems of packet loss in the network. The decoder estimates the lost signals from received ones, based on the certain statistical correlation between descriptions. However, this correlation also leads to compression redundancy at the same time. Therefore, how to make efficient use of the introduced correlation has great importance in practical MDC approaches. In this paper, we propose a multiple description image coding scenario based on balanced multiwavelets. Two simple and effective methods to reconstruct the original image from partial descriptions are suggested. Furthermore, optimization criterion corresponding to this multiwavelet based system is provided. According to this criterion, we can choose appropriate multifilter banks to satisfy different demands. Experimental results show that the optimized multifilter banks in a simulated transform coding environment perform very well.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of nano-SiC dispersed NaCo2O4 composites
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Kongjun , Liu Jinsong , Wang Jing , Yan Kang , Liu Pengcheng , Wang Yifeng
Published: September 2018

Sodium cobalt oxides (NaCo2O[Formula: see text] have attracted considerable attention as promising high-temperature thermoelectric (TE) candidates. In this study, we choose nano-SiC as an inclusion to synthesize NaCo2O4-based composites using the solid-state method. The crystal structure and TE properties for nano-SiC dispersed NaCo2O4 composites with different SiC contents are discussed. The results indicate that the SiC nanoparticles can suppress the grain growth and form many new grain boundaries and interface to reduce thermal conductivity observably. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient can be improved by the energy filtering effect. Therefore, the maximum ZT of 0.122 is obtained from the samples with 0.2[Formula: see text]vol.% nano-SiC, approximately two times higher than that of pure NaCo2O4. This study provides a facile strategy to synthesize nanocomposites to enhance TE performance efficiently.
A Limb Tracking Platform for Tele-Rehabilitation
Authors: Buonocunto Pasquale , Giantomassi Andrea , Marinoni Mauro , Calvaresi Davide , Buttazzo Giorgio
Published: September 2018

The adoption of motor-rehabilitative therapies is highly demanded in a society where the average age of the population is constantly increasing. A recent trend to contain costs while providing high quality of healthcare services is to foster the adoption of self-care procedures, performed primarily in patients’ environments rather than in hospitals or healthcare structures, especially in the case of intensive and chronic patients’ rehabilitation.

This work presents a platform to enhance limb functional recovery through telerehabilitation sessions. It relies on a sensing system based on inertial sensors and data fusion algorithms, a module to provide bio-feedback tailored to the users, and a module dedicated to the physicians’ practices. The system design had to face several cyber-physical challenges due to the tight interaction between patient and sensors. For instance, integrating the body kinematics into the sensory processing improved the precision of measurements, simplified the calibration procedure, and made it possible to generate bio-feedback signals. The precision of the proposed system is presented through a set of experiments, showing a resolution below one degree in monitoring joint angles. A validation of the proposed solution has been performed through a medical trial on 50 patients affected by osteo-articular diseases.

The presented framework has been designed to operate in other application fields, such as neurological rehabilitation (e.g., Parkinson, Stroke, etc.), sports training, and fitness activities.
A New Rate‐Dependent Constitutive Model of Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys and Its Simple Application in a Special Truss Moment Frame Simulation
Authors: Ntina Maria I. , Sophianopoulos Dimitrios S.
Published: September 2018

In this work, a new constitutive model of the behavior of shape‐memory alloys is presented, based on earlier models, showing a very good agreement with the existing experimental results. A simple approximate application concerning the use of these alloys modelled as dissipation devices in a special truss‐moment frame is demonstrated. The results obtained are considered sufficiently encouraging as a motivation for the ongoing work.
A Mathematical Model and Error Analysis of Shearer Cutting Path Based on Its Attitude
Authors: Wang Shi-bo , Wang Shijia , Ge Zhaoliang
Published: September 2018

The horizon control system is the key technology in the automation of a shearer. The achievement of accurate shearer cutting path plays an important role for horizon control. A mathematical model of cutting path in the local geographic coordinate frame was built. Error analysis based on genetic algorithm (GA) was studied to guarantee the accuracy of the shearer cutting path. Parameters from a MG1000/2660-WD shearer and data from a working face were used to obtain the shearer cutting path with reference to the local geographic coordinate frame. Also, with error analysis based on GA, the desired sensors were chosen, which allowed coordinate position errors of a shearer’s cutting path to be less than 0.01 m. The desired accuracies of the inertial navigation system and encoders mounted on the different shearers used in thin seam, medium-thickness seam, and thick seam were calculated.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Ethanol Precipitation and Ultrafiltration on the Purification and Characteristics of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Three Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ziadi Manel , Bouzaiene Taroub , M’Hir Sana , Zaafouri Kaouther , Mokhtar Ferid , Hamdi Mokhtar , Boisset-Helbert Claire
Published: September 2018

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by three Lactic Acid Bacteria strains,Lactococcus lactisSLT10,Lactobacillus plantarumC7, andLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3, were isolated using two methods: ethanol precipitation (EPS-ETOH) and ultrafiltration (EPS-UF) through a 10 KDa cut-off membrane. EPS recovery by ultrafiltration was higher than ethanol precipitation forLactococcus lactisSLT10 andLactobacillus plantarumC7. However, it was similar with both methods forLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3. The monomer composition of the EPS fractions revealed differences in structures and molar ratios between the two studied methods. EPS isolated fromLactococcus lactisSLT10 are composed of glucose and mannose for EPS-ETOH against glucose, mannose, and rhamnose for EPS-UF. EPS extracted fromLactobacillus plantarumC7 andLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3 showed similar composition (glucose and mannose) but different molar ratios. The molecular weights of the different EPS fractions ranged from 11.6±1.83 to 62.4±2.94 kDa. Molecular weights of EPS-ETOH fractions were higher than those of EPS-UF fractions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed a similarity in the distribution of the functional groups (O-H, C-H, C=O, -COO, and C-O-C) between the EPS isolated from the three strains.
Influence of Mineral Admixtures on Corrosion Inhibition Effect of Nitrites
Authors: Yang Mengna , Liu Junzhe , Wang Hui , Li Yushun , Dai Yanhua , Xing Xiangwei
Published: September 2018

Chemical quantitative analysis of effective anticorrosion component and micro-analysis of hydration products of fly ash and slag on the influence of the nitrites corrosion inhibition was studied by the free nitrite ion concentration and X-ray diffraction pattern. The free nitrite ion concentration was used to describe the corrosion inhibition effect of nitrites. And the X-ray diffraction patterns were used to analyze the adsorption properties. The research results show that fly ash and slag were beneficial for improving the corrosion inhibition effect of nitrites. Cement-based materials with slag at low content presented high free nitrite ion concentration, but the addition of low content of fly ash harmed the corrosion inhibition effect of nitrites. The specimens incorporated with both fly ash and slag can reach the highest free nitrite ion concentration when the compounding proportion was 1:1. It was concluded that the extent of mineral admixtures of the corrosion inhibition effect of nitrites was affected by its type and content.
Icariin Promotes the Migration of BMSCs In Vitro and In Vivo via the MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiao Feng , Tang Wang , Huang He , Zhang Zhaofei , Liu Donghua , Zhang Hongyi , Ren Hui
Published: September 2018

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are widely used in tissue engineering for regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation potential. However, their poor migration ability limits repair effects. Icariin (ICA), a major component of the Chinese medical herb Herba Epimedii, has been reported to accelerate the proliferation, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs. However, it remains unknown whether ICA can enhance BMSC migration, and the possible underlying mechanisms need to be elucidated. In this study, we found that ICA significantly increased the migration capacity of BMSCs, with an optimal concentration of 1 μmol/L. Moreover, we found that ICA stimulated actin stress fiber formation in BMSCs. Our work revealed that activation of the MAPK signaling pathway was required for ICA-induced migration and actin stress fiber formation. In vivo, ICA promoted the recruitment of BMSCs to the cartilage defect region. Taken together, these results show that ICA promotes BMSC migration in vivo and in vitro by inducing actin stress fiber formation via the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, combined administration of ICA with BMSCs has great potential in cartilage defect therapy.
Information Feedback in Temporal Networks as a Predictor of Market Crashes
Authors: Begušić Stjepan , Kostanjčar Zvonko , Kovač Dejan , Stanley H. Eugene , Podobnik Boris
Published: September 2018

In complex systems, statistical dependencies between individual components are often considered one of the key mechanisms which drive the system dynamics observed on a macroscopic level. In this paper, we study cross‐sectional time‐lagged dependencies in financial markets, quantified by nonparametric measures from information theory, and estimate directed temporal dependency networks in financial markets. We examine the emergence of strongly connected feedback components in the estimated networks, and hypothesize that the existence of information feedback in financial networks induces strong spatiotemporal spillover effects and thus indicates systemic risk. We obtain empirical results by applying our methodology on stock market and real estate data, and demonstrate that the estimated networks exhibit strongly connected components around periods of high volatility in the markets. To further study this phenomenon, we construct a systemic risk indicator based on the proposed approach, and show that it can be used to predict future market distress. Results from both the stock market and real estate data suggest that our approach can be useful in obtaining early‐warning signals for crashes in financial markets.
Dynamic Simulation of Biomechanical Behaviour of the Pelvis in the Lateral Impact Loads
Authors: Hatami Mohsen , Wang Dongmei , Qu Aili , Xiangsen Zeng , Wang Qiugen , Baradaran Kazemian Behzad
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel 3D dynamic model of a pelvic side-impactor system. The biomechanical responses of a pelvic flexible model (having .mnf file suffix) under the lateral impact load for predicting the bone fracture mechanism are investigated as well. The 3D solid model of the side-impactor system was imported into MSC/ADAMS software for analyzing the dynamic model, and the pelvic flexible model was extracted from the CT images of a Chinese female volunteer. The flexible model of the pelvis system was developed considering a wide range of mechanical properties in the bone complex and soft tissue to achieve a realistic biomechanical response during a lateral impact. Good agreements were achieved between the dynamic simulations and the experimental results of pelvic side impacts, in terms of the biomechanical criteria. The dynamic model of impactor system could be employed to investigate the hip protector effectiveness, improving the vehicle safety, and biomechanical response of the other human organs.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Cesarean Section: The Anesthesiologist’s Point of View
Authors: Rebahi Houssam , Ait Sliman Mourad , El Adib Ahmed-Rhassane
Published: September 2018

Background. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm related to chromosomal reciprocal translocation t(9;22). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib have drastically revolutionized the course and the prognosis of this hematologic malignancy. As we know, the association pregnancy-CML is an infrequent situation. Also the use of TKI in pregnant women is unsafe with a lack of alternatives and effective therapeutic options. Thus its cessation during gestation puts those patients at high risk of developing blast crisis characterized by poor outcomes.Case Report. A 37-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 2, para 2, with a previous cesarean section in 2011, presented to the obstetric unit. Her medical past revealed that she is a newly diagnosed patient with CML managed by TKI during her preconception period. Due to the perilous use of TKI during her pregnancy, a switch to interferon-αadministration was adopted. But after the completion of 36 weeks of gestation, disease progression (relapse with blast crisis), attested by biological worsening, a white blood cell count = 245000/mm3with 32% blasts in the peripheral blood, urged the medical team to opt for cesarean delivery. She underwent general endotracheal anesthesia without any perioperative incidents and gave birth to a healthy newborn. Ten days later, the patient was started on TKI.Discussion. Although data on this specific and challenging situation are limited, this case highlights the difficulties encountered by the anesthesiologists when choosing the accurate anesthetic strategy and how important it is to weigh the risks and benefits inherent to each technique. Above all, taking into consideration the possible central nervous system (CNS) contamination by circulating blast cells when performing spinal or epidural approach is primordial. This potential adverse event (CNS blast crisis) is extremely scarce but it is responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality.
Evolutionary Multilabel Feature Selection Using Promising Feature Subset Generation
Authors: Lee Jaesung , Seo Wangduk , Han Ho , Kim Dae-Won
Published: September 2018

Recent progress in the development of sensor devices improves information harvesting and allows complex but intelligent applications based on learning hidden relations between collected sensor data and objectives. In this scenario, multilabel feature selection can play an important role in achieving better learning accuracy when constrained with limited resources. However, existing multilabel feature selection methods are search-ineffective because generated feature subsets frequently include unimportant features. In addition, only a few feature subsets compared to the search space are considered, yielding feature subsets with low multilabel learning accuracy. In this study, we propose an effective multilabel feature selection method based on a novel feature subset generation procedure. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can identify better feature subsets than conventional methods.
Improved Value of Individual Prenatal Care for the Interdisciplinary Team
Authors: Damiano Ella , Theiler Regan
Published: September 2018

Objective. Innovative models of prenatal care are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and lower the cost of care. We sought to increase the value of traditional prenatal care by using a new model (PodCare) featuring a standardized visit schedule and coordination of care within small interdisciplinary teams in an academic setting. Methods. Prenatal providers and clinic staff were divided into four “Pods”. Testing and counseling topics were assigned to visits based on gestational age. Interdisciplinary weekly Pod meetings provided coordination of care. A retrospective chart review was performed. The primary endpoints were the number of prenatal care visits and number of providers seen. Results. After PodCare implementation, more patients choose care with the low-risk physician team (42% compared to 26%). Study subjects included 85 women in 2013 and 165 women in 2014. The median number of visits decreased from 13 to 10 (p < 0.00004) and the median number of providers seen decreased from 7 to 5 (p < 0.0000008). Conclusion. PodCare increased the value of individual prenatal care by decreasing the number of visits, increasing continuity, and providing care coordination. The model provides a robust experience in interdisciplinary care. The PodCare model may be successful at other academic institutions.
Calculation of Silo Wall Pressure considering the Intermediate Stress Effect
Authors: Sun Shanshan , Zhao Junhai , Zhang Changguang
Published: September 2018

The reasonable determination of wall pressure is critical for the design of silo structures. In this study, the primary objective is to present four novel wall pressure coefficients based on four true triaxial strength criteria in the quasiplane strain state. These four strength criteria are the Drucker‐Prager (D‐P) criterion, the Matsuoka‐Nakai (M‐N) criterion, the Lade‐Duncan (L‐D) criterion, and the unified strength theory (UST), and they all consider the effect of the intermediate stress yet to different extent. These coefficients have a wide application range and are readily used to predict the distribution of wall pressure for deep and squat silos. Comprehensive comparisons are made between the predictions from the wall pressure coefficients described herein and experimental data reported in the literature as well as the results from the European, American, and Chinese silo standards or the Rankine and the modified Coulomb theories. It is found that the effect of the intermediate stress on the wall pressure is very significant for both deep and squat silos; the wall pressure of the D‐P criterion is underestimated, whereas that of the Mohr‐Coulomb (M‐C) criterion is overestimated; the L‐D criterion is recommended to be adopted to calculate the soil wall pressure.