bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micropolar Constitutive Relations for Cellular Solids
Authors: Hasanyan Armanj D. , Waas Anthony M.
Published: December 2015

With the recent development of micromechanics in micropolar solids, it is now possible to characterize the macroscopic mechanical behavior of cellular solids as a micropolar continuum. The aim of the present article is to apply these methods to determine the micropolar constitutive relation of various cellular solids. The main focus will be on the hexagonal packed circular honeycomb to demonstrate how its constitutive relationship is obtained. In addition, the same method will be applied to determine the material properties of a grid structure and a regular hexagon honeycomb. Since we model the cellular solid as an assembly of Euler–Bernoulli beams, we know that the macroscopic material properties will depend on the cell wall thickness, length, and Young's modulus. From this, and in conjunction with nondimensional analysis, we can provide a closed form solution, up to a multiplicative constant, without resorting to analyzing the governing equations. The multiplicative constant is evaluated through a single numerical simulation. The predicted values are then compared against assemblies with different local properties, using the numerical result as a benchmark since it takes into account higher order thickness effects. It is concluded that our closed form expressions vary from the numerical predictions only when the thickness of the beams increase, as expected since shear effects must be taken into account. However, for most engineering applications, these expressions are practical since our closed form solution with the Euler–Bernoulli assumption only produces about 10% error for most extreme cases. Our results are also verified by comparing them against those reported in the literature.
Buckling Behaviors of Staggered Nanostructure of Biological Materials
Authors: Bai Zhiling , Su Yewang , Ji Baohua
Published: December 2015

The nanostructure of biological materials is built with hard mineral crystals embedded in soft protein matrix in a staggered manner. The staggered arrangement of the crystals is assumed to be critically important for the stability of the nanostructure. But the mechanism is not fully understood. In this paper, a mechanical model, considering the effects of overlapping ratio between the crystals, i.e., the staggering position, is developed for analyzing the buckling behaviors of the nanostructure. It is found that the buckling strength increases with the overlapping ratio λ in the range of 0–1/2 and reaches a peak value at λ = 1/2 that is generally adopted by nature's design of the biological materials. The effect of aspect ratio and volume fraction of mineral crystals are further analyzed at various overlapping ratios, and the results are in general consistent with previous studies for the case of λ = 1/2. In addition, the lower and upper limits of the buckling strength are obtained. Finally, we show that the contact between mineral tips can significantly enhance the buckling strength of the nanostructure when the aspect ratio of minerals is small.
Using Predictive Modeling and Classification Methods for Single and Overlapping Bead Laser Cladding to Understand Bead Geometry to Process Parameter Relationships
Authors: Urbanic R. J. , Saqib S. M. , Aggarwal K.
Published: December 2015

Developing a bead shape to process parameter model is challenging due to the multiparameter, nonlinear, and dynamic nature of the laser cladding (LC) environment. This introduces unique predictive modeling challenges for both single bead and overlapping bead configurations. It is essential to develop predictive models for both as the boundary conditions for overlapping beads are different from a single bead configuration. A single bead model provides insight with respect to the process characteristics. An overlapping model is relevant for process planning and travel path generation for surface cladding operations. Complementing the modeling challenges is the development of a framework and methodologies to minimize experimental data collection while maximizing the goodness of fit for the predictive models for additional experimentation and modeling. To facilitate this, it is important to understand the key process parameters, the predictive model methodologies, and data structures. Two modeling methods are employed to develop predictive models: analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a generalized reduced gradient (GRG) approach. To assist with process parameter solutions and to provide an initial value for nonlinear model seeding, data clustering is performed to identify characteristic bead shape families. This research illustrates good predictive models can be generated using multiple approaches.
Analysis of the Electric and Thermal Effects on Mechanical Behavior of SS304 Subjected to Electrically Assisted Forming Process
Authors: Jiang Tianhao , Peng Linfa , Yi Peiyun , Lai Xinmin
Published: December 2015

Significant improvements in deformation resistance and ductility of metals are observed in the electrically assisted forming (EAF) process. Both electroplastic effect (EPE) induced by electric current and thermal effect associated with Joule heating have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. However, there are still arguments in the contribution of the EPE in EAF process. In this paper, both electrically assisted tension tests (EAT) and thermally assisted tension tests (TAT) were conducted on SS304 specimens at the same temperature. The existence of EPE is investigated, and the contribution of EPE is also distinguished with thermal effect numerically by considering the initial yield stress, dislocation hardening, and martensite phase transformation. It is shown when the temperature is around 34 °C, the electric current of 50 A/mm2 in EAT induces additional stress reduction of 16% in the short-range internal stress (effective stress) involved in the initial yield stress and volume reduction of 45.2% in martensite formation compared with results in TAT. However, the effect is not obvious for the cases of 100 A/mm2 and 150 A/mm2 when the temperature is above 100 °C. By comparing the storage coefficient and recovery coefficient of dislocation in EAT and TAT, it indicates that electric current has no additional activation effect on dislocation movement of SS304.
Effect of Sand Content on the Filter Cake Properties and Removal During Drilling Maximum Reservoir Contact Wells in Sandstone Reservoir
Authors: Ba geri Badr S. , Mahmoud Mohamed , Al-Mutairi Saleh. H. , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: December 2015

The drilling mud program contains many tests such as filtration rate and filter cake properties to select the proper drilling fluid additives that yield the standard ranges of the viscosity, filtration rate, etc. However, the physical and chemical changes in the mud composition during the mud circulating will cause changes to the filter cake properties. The changes in the filter cake properties should be considered in the mud design program to prevent the problems associated with the change in the drilling fluid properties. For long horizontal wellbores penetrating plastic formations, the two sources of solids in filter cake are drilling chemical additives and formation cuttings (sand particles in the case of sandstone reservoir). This study focuses on the effect of introducing sand particles from the drilled—formations on the filter cake properties. Real drilling fluid samples from the field were collected at different location during drilling a 3600 ft of the horizontal section of a sandstone formation. Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) was used as weighting material in this filed. The drilling fluid samples were collected at two different points: the flow line coming from the well after shale shaker and the flow line going to the well to verify the effect of separation stages on filter cake properties. The primary drilling fluid properties of the collected samples were measured such as density and rheological parameters. High pressure high temperature (HPHT) filter press was used to perform the filtration and filter cake experiments at 300 psi differential pressure and room temperature (25 °C). The mineralogy of the external filter cake formed by fluid loss cell is determined using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction). Finally, solubility test was conducted to evaluate the effect of sand particles on filter cake removal (containing Calcium Carbonate as weighting material) using chelating agent: glutamic diacetic acid (GLDA) at pH 4. The results showed that for long horizontal sections, the effect of introducing sand particles to the composition of the filter cake can cause significant change to the properties of filter cake such as mineralogy, thickness, porosity, and permeability. For instant the thickness of filter cake increased about 40% of its original thickness when drilling sandstone formation in horizontal well due to fine sand particle settling. The filter cake porosity and permeability increment in the first 2000 ft part of the horizontal section was observed clearly due to the irregular shape of the drilling particles. However for the points after the first 2000 ft of horizontal lateral, the porosity and permeability almost remained constant. Increasing the sand content up to 20% degrade the dissolution rate of calcium carbonate in the GLDA (pH = 3.8) to 80% instead of 100%.
Explicit Analytical Expression for Solar Flux Distribution on an Undeflected Absorber Tube of Parabolic Trough Concentrator Considering Sun-Shape and Optical Errors
Authors: Khanna Sourav , Sharma Vashi
Published: December 2015

The absorber tube of the parabolic trough receives the concentrated sun-rays only on the portion facing the reflector. It leads to nonuniformity in the temperature of absorber tube. Thus, the material of tube expands differentially and the tube experiences compression and tension in its different parts. It leads to bending of the tube and the glass cover can be broken. The bending can be reduced by (i) reducing the circumferential nonuniformity in absorber's temperature (using material of high thermal conductivity) and (ii) reducing the nonuniformity in solar flux distribution (using appropriate rim angle of trough). In most of the available studies, Monte Carlo Ray Tracing software has been used to calculate the distribution of solar flux and few studies have used analytical approach. In the present work, an explicit analytical expression is derived for finding the distribution of solar flux accounting for the sun-shape and optical errors. Using it, the design calculations can be carried out in significantly lesser time and lesser computational effort. The explicit expression is also useful in validating the results computed by softwares. The methodology has been verified with the already reported results. The effects of optical errors, rim angle, and aperture width of trough on the solar flux distribution and total flux availability for absorber tube have also been studied. From the calculations, it is found that for Schott 2008 PTR70 receiver (absorber tube with 70 mm outer diameter), 126 deg, 135 deg, and 139 deg, respectively, are the appropriate rim angles corresponding to minimum circumferential nonuniformity in solar flux distribution for 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m aperture width of trough. However, 72 deg, 100 deg, and 112 deg, respectively, are the appropriate rim angles corresponding to the maximum solar flux at absorber tube for 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m aperture width of trough. Considering both the circumferential nonuniformity and the total solar flux availability, 100 deg, 120 deg, and 130 deg, respectively, are the best rim angles.
Colloidal crystal based plasma polymer patterning to control Pseudomonas aeruginosa attachment to surfaces
Authors: Pingle Hitesh , Wang Peng-Yuan , Thissen Helmut , McArthur Sally , Kingshott Peter
Published: December 2015

Biofilm formation on medical implants and subsequent infections are a global problem. A great deal of effort has focused on developing chemical contrasts based on micro- and nanopatterning for studying and controlling cells and bacteria at surfaces. It has been known that micro- and nanopatterns on surfaces can influence biomolecule adsorption, and subsequent cell and bacterial adhesion. However, less focus has been on precisely controlling patterns to study the initial bacterial attachment mechanisms and subsequently how the patterning influences the role played by biomolecular adsorption on biofilm formation. In this work, the authors have used colloidal self-assembly in a confined area to pattern surfaces with colloidal crystals and used them as masks during allylamine plasma polymer (AAMpp) deposition to generate highly ordered patterns from the micro- to the nanoscale. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-aldehyde was grafted to the plasma regions via “cloud point” grafting to prevent the attachment of bacteria on the plasma patterned surface regions, thereby controlling the adhesive sites by choice of the colloidal crystal morphology. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was chosen to study the bacterial interactions with these chemically patterned surfaces. Scanning electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy, and epifluorescence microscopy were used for pattern characterization, surface chemical analysis, and imaging of attached bacteria. The AAMpp influenced bacterial attachment because of the amine groups displaying a positive charge. XPS results confirm the successful grafting of PEG on the AAMpp surfaces. The results showed that PEG patterns can be used as a surface for bacterial patterning including investigating the role of biomolecular patterning on bacterial attachment. These types of patterns are easy to fabricate and could be useful in further applications in biomedical research.
Alkali antimonides photocathodes growth using pure metals evaporation from effusion cells
Authors: Cultrera Luca , Lee Hyeri , Bazarov Ivan
Published: December 2015

The authors report on the growth of Na2KSb bialkali and Na2KSb:Cs3Sb multialkali photocathodes using the vapors generated by evaporating pure metals with effusion cells under vacuum conditions. Details about the ultrahigh vacuum growth system and the used procedures are provided. The new growth system is capable of growing over large areas with uniform photoemission properties using different types of substrates. The measured spectral response curves indicate that high quality photocathodes are produced with peak quantum efficiencies well above 20%. Procedures to obtain multialkali photocathodes with extended sensitivity into the infrared range (well above 800 nm) are described.
Effect of Acute Dietary Nitrate Consumption on Oxygen Consumption During Submaximal Exercise in Hypobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Carriker Colin R. , Mermier Christine M. , VanDusseldorp Trisha A. , Johnson Kelly E. , Beltz Nicholas M. , Vaughan Roger A. , McCormick James J. , Cole Nathan H. , Witt Christopher C. , Gibson Ann L.
Published: December 2015

Reduced partial pressure of oxygen impairs exercise performance at altitude. Acute nitrate supplementation, at sea level, may reduce oxygen cost during submaximal exercise in hypobaric hypoxia. Therefore, we investigated the metabolic response during exercise at altitude following acute nitrate consumption. Ten well-trained (61.0 ± 7.4 ml/kg/min) males (age 28 ± 7 yr) completed 3 experimental trials (T1, T2, T3). T1 included baseline demographics, a maximal aerobic capacity test (VO2max) and five submaximal intensity cycling determination bouts at an elevation of 1600 m. A 4-day dietary washout, minimizing consumption of nitrate-rich foods, preceded T2 and T3. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion, subjects consumed either a nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (PL) or ~12.8 mmol nitrate rich (NR) beverage 2.5 hr before T2 and T3. Exercise at 3500 m (T2 and T3) via hypobaric hypoxia consisted of a 5-min warm-up (25% of normobaric (VO2max) and four 5-min cycling bouts (40, 50, 60, 70% of normobaric VO2max) each separated by a 4-min rest period. Cycling RPM and watts for each submaximal bout during T2 and T3 were determined during T1. Preexercise plasma nitrite was elevated following NR consumption compared with PL (1.4 ± 1.2 and 0.7 ± 0.3 uM respectively; p < .05). There was no difference in oxygen consumption (−0.5 ± 1.8, 0.1 ± 1.7, 0.7 ± 2.1, and 1.0 ± 3.0 ml/kg/min) at any intensity (40, 50, 60, 70% of VO2max), respectively) between NR and PL. Further, respiratory exchange ratio, oxygen saturation, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were not different at any submaximal intensity between NR and PL either. Blood lactate, however, was reduced following NR consumption compared with PL at 40 and 60% of VO2max (p < .0.05). Our findings suggest that acute nitrate supplementation before exercise at 3500 m does not reduce oxygen cost but may reduce blood lactate accumulation at lower intensity workloads.
Supplement Use of Elite Australian Swimmers
Authors: Shaw Gregory , Slater Gary , Burke Louise M.
Published: December 2015

This study examined the influence the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sport Supplement Program had on supplement practices of elite Australian swimmers, comparing those guided by the Program with others in the same national team. Thirty-nine elite swimmers (13 AIS, 26 Other; 20 female, 19 male; age 21.8 ± 3.3 y) completed a questionnaire investigating supplement use. Ninety-seven percent of swimmers reported taking supplements or sports foods over the preceding 12 months. AIS swimmers reported using more total brands (p = .02) and supplements considered Ergogenic (p = .001) than Other swimmers who used more supplements considered to be lacking scientific support (p = .028). Swimmers rated the risk of a negative outcome from the use of supplements available in Australia (Mdn = 3.0) as less than the risk of supplements from international sources (Mdn = 4.0; p < .001). AIS swimmers were more likely to report dietitians (p < .001) and sports physicians (p = .017) as advisors of their supplement use. Other swimmers more frequently reported fellow athletes as a source of supplement advice (p = .03). AIS swimmers sourced a greater percentage of their supplements from an organized program (94 ± 16%) compared with Other (40 ± 32%; p < .001) who sourced a greater percentage (30 ± 30%) of their dietary supplements from supermarkets. These findings suggest that swimmers influenced by this sport supplement program more frequently use supplements that are recommended by allied health trained individuals, classified as evidence based and provided by the program.
Replacing and safeguarding pancreatic β cells for diabetes
Authors: Bruin Jennifer E. , Rezania Alireza , Kieffer Timothy J.
Published: December 2015

Recent advances spur optimism for the treatment of diabetes with stem cell–derived pancreatic β cells.
Tissue transcriptome-driven identification of epidermal growth factor as a chronic kidney disease biomarker
Authors: Ju Wenjun , Nair Viji , Smith Shahaan , Zhu Li , Shedden Kerby , Song Peter X. K. , Mariani Laura H. , Eichinger Felix H. , Berthier Celine C. , Randolph Ann , Lai Jennifer Yi-Chun , Zhou Yan , Hawkins Jennifer J. , Bitzer Markus , Sampson Matthew G. , Thier Martina , Solier Corinne , Duran-Pacheco Gonzalo C. , Duchateau-Nguyen Guillemette , Essioux Laurent , Schott Brigitte , Formentini Ivan , Magnone Maria C. , Bobadilla Maria , Cohen Clemens D. , Bagnasco Serena M. , Barisoni Laura , Lv Jicheng , Zhang Hong , Wang Hai-Yan , Brosius Frank C. , Gadegbeku Crystal A. , Kretzler Matthias ,   for the ERCB, C-PROBE, NEPTUNE, and PKU-IgAN Consortium
Published: December 2015

Renal and urinary EGF can serve as biomarkers for prediction of outcomes in chronic kidney disease.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine 2015: Two drugs that changed global health
Authors: Croft Simon L. , Ward Steven
Published: December 2015

This year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine has highlighted the value of natural products for drug discovery.
Central obesity: Redefining normal BMI
Authors: Lalazar Gadi
Published: December 2015

Excess abdominal fat can increase mortality, even in people of normal weight.
Gammaherpesvirus Infection of Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: Jha Hem Chandra , Mehta Devan , Lu Jie , El-Naccache Darine , Shukla Sanket K. , Kovacsics Colleen , Kolson Dennis , Robertson Erle S.
Published: December 2015

Gammaherpesviruses human herpesvirus 4 (HHV4) and HHV8 are two prominent members of the herpesvirus family associated with a number of human cancers. HHV4, also known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus prevalent in 90 to 95% of the human population, is clinically associated with various neurological diseases such as primary central nervous system lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cerebellar ataxia, and encephalitis. However, the possibility that EBV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) can directly infect neurons has been largely overlooked. This study has, for the first time, characterized EBV infection in neural cell backgrounds by using the Sh-Sy5y neuroblastoma cell line, teratocarcinoma Ntera2 neurons, and primary human fetal neurons. Furthermore, we also demonstrated KSHV infection of neural Sh-Sy5y cells. These neuronal cells were infected with green fluorescent protein-expressing recombinant EBV or KSHV. Microscopy, genetic analysis, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analyses for specific viral antigens supported and validated the infection of these cells by EBV and KSHV and showed that the infection was efficient and productive. Progeny virus produced from infected neuronal cells efficiently infected fresh neuronal cells, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, acyclovir was effective at inhibiting the production of virus from neuronal cells similar to lymphoblastoid cell lines; this suggests active lytic replication in infected neurons
in vitro
. These studies represent a potentially new
in vitro
model of EBV- and KSHV-associated neuronal disease development and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
To date, no
in vitro
study has demonstrated gammaherpesvirus infection of neuronal cells. Moreover, worldwide clinical findings have linked EBV to neuronal pathologies, including multiple sclerosis, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, for the first time, we have successfully demonstrated the
in vitro
infection of Sh-Sy5y and Ntera2 cells, as well as human primary neurons. We have also determined that the infection is predominately lytic. Additionally, we also report infection of neuronal cells by KSHV
in vitro
similar to that by EBV. These findings may open new avenues of consideration related to neuronal pathologies and infection with these viruses. Furthermore, their contribution to chronic infection linked to neuronal disease will provide new clues to potential new therapies.
Olympic weightlifting training improves vertical jump height in sportspeople: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Hackett Daniel , Davies Tim , Soomro Najeebullah , Halaki Mark
Published: December 2015

Purpose

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of Olympic weightlifting (OW) on vertical jump (VJ) height compared to a control condition, traditional resistance training and plyometric training.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to OW and VJ. Studies needed to include at least one OW exercise, an intervention lasting ≥6 weeks; a comparison group of control, traditional resistance training or plyometric training; and to have measured VJ height. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Checklist. Random and fixed effects meta-analyses were performed to pool the results of the included studies and generate a weighted mean effect size (ES).

Results

Six studies (seven articles) were included in the meta-analyses and described a total of 232 participants (175 athletes and 57 physical education students) with resistance training experience, aged 19.5±2.2 years. Three studies compared OW versus control; four studies compared OW versus traditional resistance training; and three studies compared OW versus plyometric training. Meta-analyses indicated OW improved VJ height by 7.7% (95% CI 3.4 to 5.4 cm) compared to control (ES=0.62, p=0.03) and by 5.1% (95% CI 2.2 to 3.0 cm) compared to traditional resistance training (ES=0.64 p=0.00004). Change in VJ height was not different for OW versus plyometric training.

Conclusions

OW is an effective training method to improve VJ height. The similar effects observed for OW and plyometric training on VJ height suggests that either of these methods would be beneficial when devising training programmes to improve VJ height.
High-serum carotenoids associated with lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes among Japanese subjects: Mikkabi cohort study
Authors: Sugiura Minoru , Nakamura Mieko , Ogawa Kazunori , Ikoma Yoshinori , Yano Masamichi
Published: December 2015

Objective

Recent epidemiological studies show the association of antioxidant carotenoids with type 2 diabetes, but thorough longitudinal cohort studies regarding this association have not been well conducted. The objective of this study was to investigate longitudinally whether serum carotenoids are associated with the risk for developing type 2 diabetes among Japanese subjects.

Research design and methods

We conducted a follow-up study on 1073 males and females aged 30–79 years at the baseline from the Mikkabi prospective cohort study. Those who participated in the baseline and completed follow-up surveys were examined longitudinally. Over the 10-year period, 910 subjects (295 males and 615 females) took part in the follow-up survey at least one time. A cohort of 264 males and 600 females free of diabetes at baseline was studied.

Results

Over a mean follow-up period of 7.8 years (SD=2.9), 22 males and 33 females developed new type 2 diabetes. After adjustments for confounders, the HRs for type 2 diabetes in the highest tertiles of serum α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and total provitamin A carotenoids against the lowest tertiles were 0.35 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.82), 0.43 (CI 0.20 to 0.92) and 0.41 (CI 0.19 to 0.90), respectively. For β-carotene and zeaxanthin, borderline reduced risks were also observed, but these were not significant.

Conclusions

Our results further support the hypothesis that eating a diet rich in carotenoids, especially provitamin A carotenoids, might help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in Japanese patients.

Trial registration number

NIFT-2013001.
Pain exposure physical therapy (PEPT) compared to conventional treatment in complex regional pain syndrome type 1: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Barnhoorn Karlijn J , van de Meent Henk , van Dongen Robert T M , Klomp Frank P , Groenewoud Hans , Samwel Han , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W G , Frölke Jan Paul M , Staal J Bart
Published: December 2015

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of pain exposure physical therapy (PEPT) with conventional treatment in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) in a randomised controlled trial with a blinded assessor.

Setting

The study was conducted at a level 1 trauma centre in the Netherlands.

Participants

56 adult patients with CRPS-1 participated. Three patients were lost to follow-up.

Interventions

Patients received either PEPT in a maximum of five treatment sessions, or conventional treatment following the Dutch multidisciplinary guideline.

Measurements

Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months after randomisation. The primary outcome measure was the Impairment level Sum Score—Restricted Version (ISS-RV), consisting of visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), McGill Pain Questionnaire, active range of motion (AROM) and skin temperature. Secondary outcome measures included Pain Disability Index (PDI); muscle strength; Short Form 36 (SF-36); disability of arm, shoulder and hand; Lower Limb Tasks Questionnaire (LLTQ); 10 m walk test; timed up-and-go test (TUG) and EuroQol-5D.

Results

The intention-to-treat analysis showed a clinically relevant decrease in ISS-RV (6.7 points for PEPT and 6.2 points for conventional treatment), but the between-group difference was not significant (0.96, 95% CI −1.56 to 3.48). Participants allocated to PEPT experienced a greater improvement in AROM (between-group difference 0.51, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.94; p=0.02). The per protocol analysis showed larger and significant between-group effects on ISS-RV, VAS-pain, AROM, PDI, SF-36, LLTQ and TUG.

Conclusions

We cannot conclude that PEPT is superior to conventional treatment for patients with CRPS-1. Further high-quality research on the effects of PEPT is warranted given the potential effects as indicated by the per protocol analysis.

Trial registration numbers

NCT00817128 and NTR 2090.
A cross-sectional mixed methods study protocol to generate learning from patient safety incidents reported from general practice
Authors: Carson-Stevens Andrew , Hibbert Peter , Avery Anthony , Butlin Amy , Carter Ben , Cooper Alison , Evans Huw Prosser , Gibson Russell , Luff Donna , Makeham Meredith , McEnhill Paul , Panesar Sukhmeet S , Parry Gareth , Rees Philippa , Shiels Emma , Sheikh Aziz , Ward Hope Olivia , Williams Huw , Wood Fiona , Donaldson Liam , Edwards Adrian
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Incident reports contain descriptions of errors and harms that occurred during clinical care delivery. Few observational studies have characterised incidents from general practice, and none of these have been from the England and Wales National Reporting and Learning System. This study aims to describe incidents reported from a general practice care setting.

Methods and analysis

A general practice patient safety incident classification will be developed to characterise patient safety incidents. A weighted-random sample of 12 500 incidents describing no harm, low harm and moderate harm of patients, and all incidents describing severe harm and death of patients will be classified. Insights from exploratory descriptive statistics and thematic analysis will be combined to identify priority areas for future interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

The need for ethical approval was waivered by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board research risk review committee given the anonymised nature of data (ABHB R&D Ref number: SA/410/13). The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and undertake national and international oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policymakers.
Effect of patient-centred bedside rounds on hospitalised patients’ decision control, activation and satisfaction with care
Authors: O’Leary Kevin J , Killarney Audrey , Hansen Luke O , Jones Sasha , Malladi Megan , Marks Kelly , M Shah Hiren
Published: December 2015

Importance

Though interprofessional bedside rounds have been promoted to enhance patient-centred care for hospitalised patients, few studies have been conducted in adult hospital settings and evidence of impact is lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of patient-centred bedside rounds (PCBRs) on measures of patient-centred care.

Design and setting

Cluster randomised controlled trial involving four similar non-teaching hospitalist service units in a large urban hospital.

Participants

Hospitalised general medical patients.

Intervention

We assembled working groups on two intervention units, consisting of professionals and patient/family members, to determine the optimal timing, duration and format for PCBR. Nurses and hospitalists rounded together in PCBR using a communication tool to provide a framework for discussion and unit leaders joined PCBR to provide coaching during initial weeks of implementation.

Main outcomes

Using patient interviews, we assessed preferred and experienced roles in medical decision-making using the Control Preferences Scale, activation using the Short Form of the Patient Activation Measure, and satisfaction. We also compared postdischarge patient satisfaction survey items related to teamwork, involvement in decisions and overall care. We assessed nurses’, physicians’ and advanced practice providers’ (APP) perceptions of PCBR using a survey developed for this study.

Results

Overall, 650 patients were approached for structured interview during hospitalisation: 284 were excluded because of disorientation, 54 were excluded because of non-English language, 72 declined to participate and 4 withdrew from the study after enrolment. Interview data were available for 236 (122 control and 114 intervention unit) patients, and postdischarge satisfaction survey data were available for 493 (274 control and 219 intervention unit) patients. We found no significant differences in patients’ perceptions of shared decision-making, activation or satisfaction with care. Results were similar in analyses based on whether PCBR had been performed (ie, per protocol). We also found no difference in postdischarge patient satisfaction items. Results were similar in multivariate analyses controlling for patient characteristics and clustering of patients within study units. A majority of nurses (78.6%), but only about half of hospitalist physicians and APPs felt that PCBR improved communication with patients (47.4%). A minority of nurses (46.4%) and physicians and APPs (36.8%) agreed that PCBR had improved the efficiency of their workday.

Conclusions

PCBR had no impact on patients’ perceptions of shared decision-making, activation or satisfaction with care. Additional research is needed to identify optimal approaches that can be reliably implemented in hospital settings to improve patient-centred care.
Outcome of patients with autoimmune diseases in the intensive care unit: a mixed cluster analysis
Authors: Bernal-Macías Santiago , Reyes-Beltrán Benjamín , Molano-González Nicolás , Augusto Vega Daniel , Bichernall Claudia , Díaz Luis Aurelio , Rojas-Villarraga Adriana , Anaya Juan-Manuel
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The interest on autoimmune diseases (ADs) and their outcome at the intensive care unit (ICU) has increased due to the clinical challenge for diagnosis and management as well as for prognosis. The current work presents a-year experience on these topics in a tertiary hospital.

Methods

The mixed-cluster methodology based on multivariate descriptive methods such as principal component analysis and multiple correspondence analyses was performed to summarize sets of related variables with strong associations and common clinical context.

Results

Fifty adult patients with ADs with a mean age of 46.7±17.55 years were assessed. The two most common diagnoses were systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, registered in 45% and 20% of patients, respectively. The main causes of admission to ICU were infection and AD flare up, observed in 36% and 24%, respectively. Mortality during ICU stay was 24%. The length of hospital stay before ICU admission, shock, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, abdominal sepsis, Glasgow score and plasmapheresis were all factors associated with mortality. Two new clinical clusters variables (NCVs) were defined: Time ICU and ICU Support Profile, which were associated with survivor and no survivor variables.

Conclusions

Identification of single factors and groups of factors from NCVs will allow implementation of early and aggressive therapies in patients with ADs at the ICU in order to avoid fatal outcomes
Fostering interpersonal trust on social media: physicians' perspectives and experiences
Authors: Panahi Sirous , Watson Jason , Partridge Helen
Published: December 2015

Background

The problem of developing and sustaining mutual trust is one of the main barriers to knowledge sharing on social media platforms such as blogs, wikis, micro-blogs and social networking websites. While many studies argue that mutual trust is necessary for online communication and knowledge sharing, few have actually explored and demonstrated how physicians can establish and sustain trusted relationships on social media.

Objectives

To identify approaches through which physicians establish interpersonal trust on social media.

Methods

Twenty-four physicians, who were active users of social media, were interviewed using a semi-structured approach between 2013 and 2014. Snowball sampling was employed for participant recruitment. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Physicians trust their peers on social media in a slightly different way than in face-to-face communication. The study found that the majority of participants established trust on social media mainly through previous personal interaction, authenticity and relevancy of voice, professional standing, consistency of communication, peer recommendation, and non-anonymous and moderated sites.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals need to approach social media carefully when using it for knowledge sharing, networking and developing trusted relations with like-minded peers.
First-principle investigations on structural, elastic, electronic and thermodynamic properties of ScX3(X = Ir,Pd,Pt and Rh) under high pressure
Authors: Chen Bao , Qi Santao , Song Hongquan , Zhang Chuanhui , Shen Jiang
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the structural, elastic, electronic and thermodynamic properties of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] intermetallic compound are investigated using pseudopotential method based on density functional theory (DFT) under pressure. In this work, the calculated lattice constant and bulk modulus are in accordance with experimental values at zero temperature and zero pressure. The bulk modulus [Formula: see text], shear modulus [Formula: see text] and Young’s modulus [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increase with the increasing external pressure. It is noted that [Formula: see text] of investigated compound has the largest [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The results of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have the same change trend, but [Formula: see text] presents an irregular change for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The density of states for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are investigated at 0, 30 and 50 GPa. In addition, the thermodynamic properties as a function of temperature at different pressure are also studied.
Weighted social networks for a large scale artificial society
Authors: Fan Zong Chen , Duan Wei , Zhang Peng , Qiu Xiao Gang
Published: December 2015

The method of artificial society has provided a powerful way to study and explain how individual behaviors at micro level give rise to the emergence of global social phenomenon. It also creates the need for an appropriate representation of social structure which usually has a significant influence on human behaviors. It has been widely acknowledged that social networks are the main paradigm to describe social structure and reflect social relationships within a population. To generate social networks for a population of interest, considering physical distance and social distance among people, we propose a generation model of social networks for a large-scale artificial society based on human choice behavior theory under the principle of random utility maximization. As a premise, we first build an artificial society through constructing a synthetic population with a series of attributes in line with the statistical (census) data for Beijing. Then the generation model is applied to assign social relationships to each individual in the synthetic population. Compared with previous empirical findings, the results show that our model can reproduce the general characteristics of social networks, such as high clustering coefficient, significant community structure and small-world property. Our model can also be extended to a larger social micro-simulation as an input initial. It will facilitate to research and predict some social phenomenon or issues, for example, epidemic transition and rumor spreading.
Synthesis and Gas Adsorption Properties of Carbide-Derived Carbons from Titanium Tin Carbide
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Zhou Aiguo , Jia Jin , Wang Junjun , Liu Jiang , Xing Baolin , Zhang Chuanxiang
Published: December 2015

Here we reported the synthesis of nanoporous carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) from a new precursor, titanium tin carbides (Ti2SnC), via chlorination at 400–1100[Formula: see text]C. At low chlorination temperature (400–500[Formula: see text]C), as-synthesized CDCs mainly consisted of amorphous carbon and chlorides. As the chlorination temperature increased up to 600[Formula: see text]C, chlorides disappeared, and the main composition of CDCs was amorphous carbon. At high chlorination temperature, there was a trend of graphitization. The microstructure of CDCs was observed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Some graphite-like sheet structures in CDCs were found. Specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume of CDCs increased with chlorination temperature, except an abnormal decrease of the CDC chlorinated at 900[Formula: see text]C. CDC chlorinated at 1100[Formula: see text]C had the largest SSA, 1580[Formula: see text]m2/g. In order to apply these materials as novel hydrogen/methane storage media in the area of energy efficient transport, gas adsorption properties of CDCs were measured. For CDC chlorinated at 1100[Formula: see text]C, pore volume uptakes are [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm3/g at 60 bar (25[Formula: see text]C) for methane, and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm3/g at 35 bar ([Formula: see text]C) for hydrogen, respectively. It was suggested that CDCs from Ti2SnC are promising materials for hydrogen/methane adsorptive storage.
Sauropod dinosaur trackways in a Middle Jurassic lagoon on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Authors: Brusatte Stephen L. , Challands Thomas J. , Ross Dugald A. , Wilkinson Mark
Published: December 2015

The Middle Jurassic was a dynamic interval in dinosaur evolution, but the dinosaur fossil record from this time is extremely poor throughout the world. The Isle of Skye (Scotland) preserves marginal marine and terrestrial deposits of Middle Jurassic age, which have yielded sparse bones, teeth, footprints and small segments of trackways belonging to dinosaurs. We report the discovery of the most extensive dinosaur fossil site yet known in Scotland: a coastal outcrop of the Duntulm Formation (Bathonian) at Cairidh Ghlumaig, Skye that preserves numerous trackways of sauropod dinosaurs in multiple layers deposited in a lagoonal system. We present an initial description of these tracks and identify them as most likely belonging to a primitive, non-neosauropod species that retained a large claw on manual digit I and produced narrow-gauge trackways. They provide additional evidence that basal sauropods persisted deep into the Middle Jurassic, a time when the earliest members of larger and more derived sauropod lineages were radiating. The new Skye tracks document multiple generations of sauropods living within the lagoonal environments of Jurassic Scotland, and along with other tracks found over the past two decades, suggest that sauropods may have frequented such environments, contrary to their image as land-bound behemoths.
Increased expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes with long leukocyte telomeres
Authors: Denham Joshua , O'Brien Brendan J. , Prestes Priscilla R. , Brown Nicholas J. , Charchar Fadi J.
Published: December 2015

Leukocyte telomeres shorten with age, and excessive shortening is associated with age-related cardiometabolic diseases. Exercise training may prevent disease through telomere length maintenance although the optimal amount of exercise that attenuates telomere attrition is unknown. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the enhanced telomere maintenance observed in endurance athletes is poorly understood. We quantified the leukocyte telomere length and analyzed the expression of telomere-regulating genes in endurance athletes and healthy controls (both n = 61), using quantitative PCR. We found endurance athletes have significantly longer (7.1%, 208-416 nt) leukocyte telomeres and upregulated TERT (2.0-fold) and TPP1 (1.3-fold) mRNA expression compared with controls in age-adjusted analysis. The telomere length and telomere-regulating gene expression differences were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for resting heart rate and relative V̇o2 max (all P > 0.05). Resting heart rate emerged as an independent predictor of leukocyte telomere length and TERT and TPP1 mRNA expression in stepwise regression models. To gauge whether volume of exercise was associated with leukocyte telomere length, we divided subjects into running and cycling tertiles (distance covered per week) and found individuals in the middle and highest tertiles had longer telomeres than individuals in the lowest tertile. These data emphasize the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise training in the prevention of biological aging. They also support the concept that moderate amounts of exercise training protects against biological aging, while higher amounts may not elicit additional benefits.
Impact of ventilation strategies during chest compression. An experimental study with clinical observations
Authors: Cordioli Ricardo L. , Lyazidi Aissam , Rey Nathalie , Granier Jean-Max , Savary Dominique , Brochard Laurent , Richard Jean-Christophe M.
Published: December 2015

The optimal ventilation strategy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is unknown. Chest compression (CC) generates circulation, while during decompression, thoracic recoil generates negative pressure and venous return. Continuous flow insufflation of oxygen (CFI) allows noninterrupted CC and generates positive airway pressure (Paw). The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of positive Paw compared with the current recommended ventilation strategy on intrathoracic pressure (PIT) variations, ventilation, and lung volume. In a mechanical model, allowing compression of the thorax below an equilibrium volume mimicking functional residual capacity (FRC), CC alone or with manual bag ventilation were compared with two levels of Paw with CFI. Lung volume change below FRC at the end of decompression and PIT, as well as estimated alveolar ventilation, were measured during the bench study. Recordings were obtained in five cardiac arrest patients to confirm the bench findings. Lung volume was continuously below FRC, and as a consequence PIT remained negative during decompression in all situations, including with positive Paw. Compared with manual bag or CC alone, CFI with positive Paw limited the fall in lung volume and resulted in larger positive and negative PIT variations. Positive Paw with CFI significantly augmented ventilation induced by CC. Recordings in patients confirmed a major loss of lung volume below FRC during CPR, even with positive Paw. Compared with manual bag ventilation, positive Paw associated with CFI limits the loss in lung volume, enhances CC-induced positive PIT, maintains negative PIT during decompression, and generates more alveolar ventilation.