bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ability of the Nociception Level, a Multiparameter Composite of Autonomic Signals, to Detect Noxious Stimuli during Propofol–Remifentanil Anesthesia
Authors: Martini Chris H. , Boon Martijn , Broens Suzanne J. L. , Hekkelman Evelien F. , Oudhoff Lisanne A. , Buddeke Anna Willemijn , Dahan Albert
Published: July 2015

AbstractAbstract

A multidimensional index of nociception level was developed using patients under propofol anesthesia receiving remifentanil infusions at a range of rates. The nociception level was found to be a reliable measure of noxious stimulation and outperformed simpler measures.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

A novel multidimensional index of nociception, the nociception level (NoL) index, derived from the nonlinear composite of heart rate (HR), HR variability, amplitude of the photoplethysmogram, skin conductance, fluctuations in skin conductance, and their time derivatives, was used to assess nociception during anesthesia.

Methods:

Seventy-two American Society of Anesthesiologists I to III patients received propofol (target bispectral index, 45) and one of six remifentanil target concentrations in the range of 0 to 5 ng/ml. The NoL, mean arterial pressure (MAP; derived from a beat-to-beat finger cuff measurement), and HR were measured during nonnoxious, moderate noxious (skin incision), and intense noxious (intubation) stimulation. Values are represented as average (95% CI).

Results:

NoL, HR, and MAP did not change during nonnoxious events. Incision increased HR by 1.3/min (−0.46 to 3.1/min; not significant), MAP by 7.9 mmHg (−1.9 to 13.0 mmHg; not significant), and NoL by 8.0 (0.4 to 16.0; P < 0.001). Intubation increased HR by 7.0/min (1.4 to 12.0/min; P < 0.001), MAP by 13.0 mmHg (3.1 to 20 mmHg; P < 0.001), and NoL by 18.0 (7.8 to 29.0; P < 0.001). The ΔNoL area under the curve (0.95) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was greater compared with ΔHR (0.84, P < 0.001) and ΔMAP (0.78, P < 0.001). Under nonnociceptive conditions, remifentanil had no effect on NoL, in contrast to HR and MAP that showed a dose-dependent decrease.

Conclusions:

The NoL is a reliable measure of moderate and intense noxious stimulation and outperforms HR and MAP in differentiating noxious from nonnoxious stimuli. In contrast to HR and MAP, the NoL was not affected by hemodynamic effects of remifentanil.
Isolated fat pad sign in acute elbow injury: is it clinically relevant?
Authors: Jie Kim E. , van Dam Lisette F. , Hammacher Eric R.
Published: July 2015

An isolated fat pad sign (i.e. joint effusion without a visible fracture), commonly seen in acute elbow injury, is associated with occult fracture and treated as such. However, the clinical relevance of an isolated fat pad is unclear, thereby questioning the need for specialized follow-up. In this study, 111 patients (median age 15 years, interquartile range 9–27 years) with an isolated fat pad sign after acute elbow injury were included. The clinical relevance of an isolated fat pad sign was derived from descriptives on pain, elbow function, treatment change, number of revisits and recovery time after 1 week follow-up and long-term follow-up. Treatment alterations were rarely made and none of the patients needed an operative intervention; also, none of the patients had persistent symptoms. The median recovery time was 3 weeks (interquartile range 2–12 weeks). This study shows that, unless symptoms persist or worsen, regular follow-up at a specialized outpatient clinic is not needed.
The Icatibant Outcome Survey: treatment of laryngeal angioedema attacks
Authors: Longhurst Hilary J. , Aberer Werner , Bouillet Laurence , Caballero Teresa , Maurer Marcus , Fabien Vincent , Zanichelli Andrea
Published: July 2015

Objective

To characterize the management and outcomes of life-threatening laryngeal attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) treated with icatibant in the observational Icatibant Outcome Survey (NCT01034969) registry.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was based on data from patients with HAE type I/II who received healthcare professional-administered or self-administered icatibant to treat laryngeal attacks between September 2008 and May 2013.

Results

Twenty centers in seven countries contributed data. Overall, 42 patients with HAE experienced 67 icatibant-treated laryngeal attacks. Icatibant was self-administered for 62.3% of attacks (healthcare professional-administered, 37.7%). One icatibant injection was used for 87.9% of attacks, with rescue or concomitant medication used for 9.0%. The median time to treatment was 2.0 h (n=31 attacks) and the median time to resolution was 6.0 h (n=35 attacks).

Conclusions

This analysis describes successful use of icatibant for the treatment of laryngeal HAE attacks in a real-world setting.
Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Gokbel Hakki , Turk Suleyman , Okudan Nilsel , Atalay Huseyin , Belviranli Muaz , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Solak Yalcin
Published: July 2015

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to decrease oxidative stress in a number of clinical settings. However, there are mixed results regarding the role of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance. Chronic kidney disease is recognized as an inflammatory state, and hemodialysis patients have low level of exercise performance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress markers and exercise performance measures. This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in which all patients received placebo and oral CoQ10 200 mg/d. Participants underwent 6-minute walking test and cycle ergometer. Blood samples were drawn to determine malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Walking distance in 6-minute walking test and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were recorded. Twenty-eight patients were randomized, but 23 patients completed the study protocol. Serum CoQ10 level significantly increased with supplementation compared with basal values (P < 0.05). Neither walking distance nor estimated VO2max was different between the placebo and CoQ10 groups (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in both groups compared with baseline values just after the exercise (P < 0.05). There was no difference in markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant system between placebo and CoQ10 supplementation with exercise (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed no significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance measures and oxidative system markers compared with placebo in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
Adequacy of Infant Formula With Protein Content of 1.6 g/100 kcal for Infants Between 3 and 12 Months
Authors: Ziegler Ekhard E. , Fields David A. , Chernausek Steven D. , Steenhout Philippe , Grathwohl Dominik , Jeter Janice M. , Nelson Steven E. , Haschke Ferdinand
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

Infant formulas provide more protein than breast milk. High protein intakes may place infants at risk of later obesity. The present study tested whether a formula with protein content below the regulatory level supports normal growth from age 3 months.

Methods:

Randomized double‐blind trial enrolled healthy infants less than age 3 months. At 3 months, formula‐fed infants were assigned to experimental (EXPL, 1.61 g protein/100 kcal; modified bovine whey proteins with caseinoglycomacropeptide removed) or control (CTRL 2.15 g protein/100 kcal; unmodified bovine milk protein with a whey/casein ratio of 60/40) formula; breast‐fed (BF) infants were enrolled in a reference group. Complementary foods were allowed in small amounts from 4 to 6 months and unrestricted after 6 months.

Results:

Weight gain (g/day) from 3 to 6 months was similar in the EXPL and CTRL groups (EXPL‐CTRL −0.84 g/day; 95% confidence interval −2.25 to 0.57) and faster in the EXPL and CTRL groups than in the BF group. Weight analyzed longitudinally from 4 to 12 months was lower in the EXPL group than in the CTRL group (P = 0.031) but higher than in the BF group (P < 0.0001). Longitudinal analysis of odds ratios from 4 to 12 months indicated fewer infants with weight >85th percentile in the EXPL group than in the CTRL group (P = 0.015). Length z scores were lower than, and body mass index z scores were similar to, World Health Organization Standards in all of the groups. Serum biochemical parameters in the EXPL group reflected lower protein intake and were closer to parameters in the BF infants than in the CTRL group.

Conclusions:

A formula with 1.61 g of protein/100 kcal supports normal growth of infants after age 3 months. This protein content is adequate if provided from a high‐quality source.
Predictors of Stunting Among Children Ages 0 to 59 Months in a Rural Region of Armenia
Authors: Demirchyan Anahit , Petrosyan Varduhi , Sargsyan Viktoria , Hekimian Kim
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The prevalence of stunting in Armenia more than doubled since the 1990s. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the predictors of stunting among children younger than 5 years in a rural region of Armenia, Talin, targeted by the World Vision (WV) nutrition interventions.

Methods:

Anthropometric measurements were conducted among a large representative sample of children 0 to 59 months old to identify the prevalence of stunting. Children identified as stunted were included in a case‐control study as cases and compared with normally growing controls randomly selected from the same pool of children. The mothers of cases and controls were interviewed. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the predictors of stunting.

Results:

Of 739 measured children, 101 (13.7%) were undernourished, including 94 (12.7%) who were stunted. The fitted logistic regression model identified 7 independent predictors of stunting, of which 4 were protective: mother's height, child's birth length, number of child's hand washings per day, and the full set of WV interventions carried out in the community; whereas 3 were risk factors, that is, never/rarely using soap during hand washing, being the fourth or later child in the family, and family size.

Conclusions:

The study findings suggest that although WV nutrition interventions have shown impact, there is also a nonnutritional pathway of child stunting in rural Armenia. Thus, antistunting interventions should include sanitation and hygienic measures along with adequate perinatal care and maternal and child nutrition to further reduce childhood stunting, ensuring long‐term health benefits for children not only in rural Armenia but also in rural communities in other low/middle‐income countries.
Use of Biosimilars in Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: de Ridder Lissy , Waterman Matti , Turner Dan , Bronsky Jiri , Hauer Almuthe C. , Dias Jorge A. , Strisciuglio Caterina , Ruemmele Frank M. , Levine Arie , Lionetti Paolo ,   ESPGHAN Paediatric IBD Porto Group
Published: July 2015

Because the patents for biopharmaceutical monoclonal antibodies have or soon will expire, biosimilars are coming to the market. This will most likely lead to decreased drug costs and so easier access to these expensive agents. Extrapolation, however, of the limited available clinical data from adults with rheumatologic diseases to children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be done with caution and needs some considerations.

Postmarketing surveillance programs for efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity should become mandatory in children with IBD using biosimilars, as for all biological drugs.
Conservative attitudes to old-established organs: Oliver Lodge and
Philosophical Magazine
Authors: Clarke Imogen , Mussell James
Published: July 2015

In 1921 Oliver Lodge defended
Philosophical Magazine
against charges of mismanagement from the National Union of Scientific Workers. They alleged that its editors performed little editorial work, the bulk being done by the publishers, Taylor & Francis. Lodge reassured
Nature's
readers that the journal did consult its editors, and suggested ‘a conservative attitude towards old-established organs is wise; and that it is possible to over-organise things into lifelessness.’ The paper explores Lodge's response by considering the editorial arrangements at
Philosophical Magazine
. Founded in 1798, it remained remarkably unchanged and so appeared old-fashioned when compared with its closest rivals,
Proceedings of the Royal Society
and
Proceedings of the Physical Society
. We argue that for Lodge the management of
Philosophical Magazine
gave it the flexibility and independence required to sustain the kind of physics, also open to accusations of obsolescence, in which he believed.
Balance and coordination after viewing stereoscopic 3D television
Authors: Read Jenny C. A. , Simonotto Jennifer , Bohr Iwo , Godfrey Alan , Galna Brook , Rochester Lynn , Smulders Tom V.
Published: July 2015

Manufacturers and the media have raised the possibility that viewing stereoscopic 3D television (S3D TV) may cause temporary disruption to balance and visuomotor coordination. We looked for evidence of such effects in a laboratory-based study. Four hundred and thirty-three people aged 4–82 years old carried out tests of balance and coordination before and after viewing an 80 min movie in either conventional 2D or stereoscopic 3D, while wearing two triaxial accelerometers. Accelerometry produced little evidence of any change in body motion associated with S3D TV. We found no evidence that viewing the movie in S3D causes a detectable impairment in balance or in visuomotor coordination.
To what extent do human-altered landscapes retain population connectivity? Historical changes in gene flow of wetland fishPungitius pungitius
Authors: Ishiyama N. , Sueyoshi M. , Nakamura F.
Published: July 2015

Understanding how human-altered landscapes affect population connectivity is valuable for conservation planning. Natural connectivity among wetlands, which is maintained by floods, is disappearing owing to farmland expansion. Using genetic data, we assessed historical changes in the population connectivity of the ninespine stickleback within a human-altered wetland system. We predicted that: (i) the contemporary gene flow maintained by the artificial watercourse network may be restricted to a smaller spatial scale compared with the gene flow preceding alteration, and (ii) the contemporary gene flow is dominated by the downstream direction owing to the construction of low-head barriers. We evaluated the potential source population in both timescales. Seventeen studied populations were grouped into four genetically different clusters, and we estimated the migration rates among these clusters. Contemporary migration was restricted to between neighbouring clusters, although a directional change was not detected. Furthermore, we consistently found the same potential source cluster, from past to present, characterized by large amounts of remnant habitats connected by artificial watercourses. These findings highlight that: (i) artificial connectivity can sustain the short-distance connectivity of the ninespine stickleback, which contributes to maintaining the potential source populations; however, (ii) population connectivity throughout the landscape has been prevented by agricultural developments.
Solutions to an advanced functional partial differential equation of the pantograph type
Authors: Zaidi Ali A. , Van Brunt B. , Wake G. C.
Published: July 2015

A model for cells structured by size undergoing growth and division leads to an initial boundary value problem that involves a first-order linear partial differential equation with a functional term. Here, size can be interpreted as DNA content or mass. It has been observed experimentally and shown analytically that solutions for arbitrary initial cell distributions are asymptotic as time goes to infinity to a certain solution called the steady size distribution. The full solution to the problem for arbitrary initial distributions, however, is elusive owing to the presence of the functional term and the paucity of solution techniques for such problems. In this paper, we derive a solution to the problem for arbitrary initial cell distributions. The method employed exploits the hyperbolic character of the underlying differential operator, and the advanced nature of the functional argument to reduce the problem to a sequence of simple Cauchy problems. The existence of solutions for arbitrary initial distributions is established along with uniqueness. The asymptotic relationship with the steady size distribution is established, and because the solution is known explicitly, higher-order terms in the asymptotics can be readily obtained.
Delay chemical master equation: direct and closed-form solutions
Authors: Leier Andre , Marquez-Lago Tatiana T.
Published: July 2015

The stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) describes the time evolution of a discrete nonlinear Markov process. This stochastic process has a probability density function that is the solution of a differential equation, commonly known as the chemical master equation (CME) or forward-Kolmogorov equation. In the same way that the CME gives rise to the SSA, and trajectories of the latter are exact with respect to the former, trajectories obtained from a delay SSA are exact representations of the underlying delay CME (DCME). However, in contrast to the CME, no closed-form solutions have so far been derived for any kind of DCME. In this paper, we describe for the first time direct and closed solutions of the DCME for simple reaction schemes, such as a single-delayed unimolecular reaction as well as chemical reactions for transcription and translation with delayed mRNA maturation. We also discuss the conditions that have to be met such that such solutions can be derived.
Cyberlindnera (Pichia) fabianii infection in a neutropenic child: importance of molecular identification
Authors: Jindal Neerja , Arora Shilpa , Dhuria Nitika , Arora Deepak
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

The number of fungal infections caused by uncommon fungi has increased in recent years. Cyberlindnera fabianii is a yeast species that is a rare cause of human infections. In previous cases, isolation of Cyberlindnera fabianii has been reported only from blood specimens and only infrequently. This report describes what we believe is the first case of isolation of Cyberlindnera fabianii from a urine specimen of an immunocompromised 5-year-old child who had a history of prolonged hospitalization and exposure to multiple antibacterial agents and who was neutropenic.

Case presentation:

A 5-year-old male child presented in paediatric emergency in a febrile (103 °F), conscious but confused and irritable state. A number of risk factors were present in the child including an immunocompromised state, prolonged prior hospitalization, exposure to multiple antibiotics, indwelling catheters and neutropenia. A urine culture showed pure and significant growth of Candida sp., which was identified as Candida utilis (resistant to amphotericin B) by Vitek 2 Compact (bioMérieux). Subsequent 26S rRNA gene sequencing identified it as Cyberlindnera fabianii.

Conclusion:

Molecular assays have a major role in confirming the identity of uncommon fungal isolates, as correct identification is important for epidemiological purposes. It is imperative that antifungal susceptibility should be performed along with identification of the Candida sp.
Cervicofacial necrotizing fasciitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype e in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and hypocomplementaemia
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Folk David , Henderson Triona , Mehra Saral , Vining Eugenia , Banach David B.
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

Haemophilus influenzae has the potential to lead to invasive disease including necrotizing fasciitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. There are only eight previous reports of monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis due to this organism, and, to the best of our knowledge, none of the head and neck. There is also limited epidemiological and clinical data on infections caused by non-b serotypes of H. influenzae, including serotype e.

Case presentation:

A 60-year-old female, with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome and hypocomplementaemia, presented with rapidly progressive right-sided facial and neck pain, swelling and erythema. She was treated initially with broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent emergent debridement of the infected tissues. Intraoperative cultures and blood cultures grew H. influenzae. She required two additional debridements and was treated with ceftriaxone for 3 weeks with resolution of her symptoms.

Conclusion:

Here, we present the first reported case, to the best of our knowledge, of cervical necrotizing fasciitis due to H. influenzae serotype e. This case highlights the continued clinical importance of H. influenzae as a cause of invasive disease, including necrotizing fasciitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, the case provides an example of invasive H. influenzae infection caused by a non-b serotype, an emerging concern in the era of widespread H. influenzae serotype b vaccination.
Eight cases of invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae infection from a public teaching medical institution in the USA
Authors: Persichino Jon , Kim Daniel , Lee Hayley , Sutjita Made
Published: July 2015

Background:

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common human bacterial pathogen known to cause invasive infections such as primary liver abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis and endophthalmitis with bacteraemia among patients in eastern Asia. Over the last decade, geographical spread and emergence of invasive K. pneumoniae infection has occurred in the USA. The majority of reported cases involve males with diabetes mellitus, of Asian ethnicity and who have recently travelled to Asia.

Results:

We identified eight invasive cases with liver abscesses and necrotizing fasciitis at our institution. The most common risk factors associated with invasive infection were male gender and diabetes mellitus, which is consistent with other reported cases. However, Caucasians and Hispanics represented the majority of invasive disease (n = 7), and history of recent travel to Asia was not identified in any of the cases.

Discussion:

Further studies with larger cohorts involving multiple healthcare institutions in the USA are warranted to confirm these two unusual characteristics of infection. Healthcare professionals should be informed of the possible association between K. pneumoniae and invasive disease in male diabetic persons of non-Asian descent and without recent travel to Asia in the USA.
Enterovirus-associated supraventricular re-entry tachycardia and hepatitis: a benign course in a 3-month-old female
Authors: Schmidt Beate , Korsch Eckhard , Schildgen Oliver , Schildgen Verena , Brockmann Michael , Weiß Michael
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

Supraventricular re-entry tachycardia is a common neonatal and childhood illness often based on accessory pathways or dual atrioventricular-nodal physiology. However, there is only a limited description of atrial rhythm disorders associated with enterovirus infection. Publications of concurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia and hepatitis in infants are even rarer.

Case presentation:

We report on a 3-month-old female patient with recurrent supraventricular re-entry tachycardia and concurrent hepatic inflammation due to systemic enterovirus infection.

Conclusion:

Timely diagnosis of multisystem enterovirus infection helps to anticipate complications.
Report of isolation of Cryptobacterium curtum from a pelvic abscess
Authors: Sridhar Siddharth , Wong Samson S.Y. , Tam Emily W.T. , Lau Susanna K.P. , Woo Patrick C.Y.
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of isolation of Cryptobacterium curtum from an infected site outside the oral cavity.

Case presentation:

We report a patient who presented with fever and abdominal pain following an endoscopic procedure. Imaging confirmed a retroperitoneal abscess secondary to duodenal perforation complicating the endoscopic procedure. Surgical drainage of the abscess was carried out. Microbiological analysis of the pus revealed, among other bacteria, an anaerobic Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that was definitively identified as Cryptobacterium curtum by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The patient improved after multiple episodes of retroperitoneal lavage and a prolonged course of antibiotics.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates that C. curtum can be isolated outside the oral cavity in polymicrobial infected sites. The pathogenic significance of this organism in contributing to pyogenic infection requires further study.
High Frequency Haplotypes are Expected Events, not Historical Figures
Authors: Guillot Elsa G. , Cox Murray P.
Published: July 2015

Cultural transmission of reproductive success states that successful men have more children and pass this raised fecundity to their offspring. Balaresque and colleagues found high frequency haplotypes in a Central Asian Y chromosome dataset, which they attribute to cultural transmission of reproductive success by prominent historical men, including Genghis Khan. Using coalescent simulation, we show that these high frequency haplotypes are consistent with a neutral model, where they commonly appear simply by chance. Hence, explanations invoking cultural transmission of reproductive success are statistically unnecessary.
Theoretical analysis of reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and reflection high-energy positron diffraction (RHEPD) intensity oscillations expected for the perfect layer-by-layer growth
Authors: Mitura Zbigniew
Published: July 2015

Predictions from two theoretical models, allowing one to determine the phase of intensity oscillations, are compared for reflected beams of electrons and positrons. Namely, results of the precise dynamical calculations are compared with results obtained using a simplified approach. Within the simplified model, changes in the specularly reflected beam intensity, expected to occur during the deposition of new atoms, are described with the help of interfering waves and the effect of refraction, and respective approximate analytical formulas are employed to determine the phase of the oscillations. It is found that the simplified model is very useful for understanding the physics ruling the appearance of intensity oscillations. However, it seems that the model with the realistic potential is more suitable for carrying out interpretations of experimental data.
Interpretation of angular symmetries in electron nanodiffraction patterns from thin amorphous specimens
Authors: Liu Amelia C. Y. , Lumpkin Gregory R. , Petersen Timothy C. , Etheridge Joanne , Bourgeois Laure
Published: July 2015

The interpretation of angular symmetries in electron nanodiffraction patterns from thin amorphous specimens is examined. It is found that in general there are odd symmetries in experimental electron nanodiffraction patterns. Using simulation, it is demonstrated that this effect can be attributed to dynamical scattering, rather than other divergences from the ideal experimental conditions such as probe-forming lens aberrations and camera noise. The departure of opposing diffracted intensities from Friedel's law in the phase grating formalism is calculated using a general structure factor for disordered materials. On the basis of this, a simple correction procedure is suggested to recover the kinematical angular symmetries, and thus readily interpretable information that reflects the symmetries of the original projected object. This correction is numerically tested using both the phase object and multislice calculations, and is demonstrated to fully recover all the kinematical diffracted symmetries from a simulated atomic model of a metallic glass.
Impact analysis of LTCC materials on microstrip filters’ behaviour up to 13 GHz
Authors: Pietrikova Alena , Ruman Kornel , Rovensky Tibor , Vehec Igor
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the adequacy of various microstrip filters’ behaviour based on different low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) dielectrics in the high frequency (HF) area up to 13 GHz.

Design/methodology/approach

– Low pass, band pass and band stop filters for ultra-wideband radar systems were designed, simulated, fabricated and measured using three various dielectric substrates: Dupont GreenTape 951, Dupont GreenTape 9K7 and Murata LFC.

Findings

– It is not possible to unambiguously determine the most suitable LTCC dielectric for these filter design because, in general, all designed filters fulfilled requirements (attenuation, cut off frequencies) with minimal divergences, but temperature-stable dielectric and physical properties of Murata LFC make them a promising ceramic for HF application (repeatability of realised experiments).

Originality/value

– The novelty of this work lies in unconventional usage of LTCC as material with defined dielectric properties proper for HF applications.
Embossing in fuel cell fabrication
Authors: Dziurdzia Barbara , Magonski Zbigniew , Jankowski Henryk
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the embossing as a replication technique for structuring fuel channels in the anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The anode laminate, which was exposed to embossing, consisted of eight layers of isostatic pressed Ni-yttria-stabilized zirconia tapes (Ni-YSZ). Preheating the mould and soaking the laminate in the plasticizer was applied before structuring of the channels to soften the laminate. Compressing tests were carried out to investigate the embossing ability of the Ni-YSZ laminate and to find the optimal processing parameters. Embossing was carried out with a testing machine, and the samples were exposed to embossing forces in the range up 20 kN with a certain speed of compression and a dwell time.

Findings

– The embossing parameters (force of compression, speed of compression and dwell time) suitable for proper fuel channels formation were established. Shapes, profiles and dimensions of the embossed channels were analysed and compared to the micromachined channels. The model of the SOFC with embossed fuel channels was completed, and its current-voltage characteristic was measured.

Originality/value

– Experiments proved that embossing can be the alternative method for patterning fuel microchannels in SOFCs. Embossing simplifies the process of fuel channel formation and reduces the time of SOFC fabrication. It is necessary to improve the geometry and quality of the mould formation to make the fuel channels deeper and of better surface finish.
Energy losses and DVFS effectiveness vs technology scaling
Authors: Kocanda Piotr , Kos Andrzej
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This article aims to present complete analysis of energy losses in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits and the effectiveness of dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) as a method of energy conservation in CMOS circuits in variety of technologies. Energy efficiency in CMOS devices is an issue of highest importance with still continuing technology scaling. There are powerful tools for energy conservation in form of dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) and dynamic frequency scaling (DFS).

Design/methodology/approach

– Using analytical equations and Spice models of various technologies, energy losses are calculated and effectiveness of DVS and DFS is evaluated for every technology.

Findings

– Test showed that new dedicated technology for low static energy consumption can be as economical as older technologies. The dynamic voltage and frequency scaling are most effective when there is a dominance of dynamic energy losses in circuit. In case when static energy losses are comparable to dynamic energy losses, use of dynamic voltage frequency scaling can even lead to increased energy consumption.

Originality/value

– This paper presents complete analysis of energy losses in CMOS circuits and effectiveness of mentioned methods of energy conservation in CMOS circuits in six different technologies.
Material and technological aspects of high-temperature SiC device packages reliability
Authors: Myśliwiec Marcin , Kisiel Ryszard , Guziewicz Marek
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with material and technological aspects of SiC diodes assembly in ceramic packages. The usefulness of combinations of different materials and assembly techniques for the creation of inner connection system in the ceramic package, as well as the formation of outer connections able to work at temperatures up to 350°C, were evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The ceramic package consists of direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate with Cu pads electroplated by Ni or Ni/Au layers on which a SiC diode was assembled by sintering process using Ag microparticles. For the connections inside the ceramic package, the authors used Al/Ni and Au-Au material system based on aluminium or gold wire bonding. The authors sealed the ceramic package with glass encapsulation and achieved a full encapsulation. Outer connections were manufactured using Cu ribbon plated with Ag layer and sintered to DBC by Ag micro particle. The authors investigated the long-term stability of electrical parameters of SiC diodes assembled in ceramic package at temperature 350°C.

Findings

– The authors have shown that Schottky and PiN SiC diodes assembled with different technologies and materials in ceramic package keep their I-V characteristics unchanged during ageing at 350°C for 400 h.

Originality/value

– The SiC diodes assembled into ceramic package with Al/Ni or Au-Au inner electrical connection systems and outer connections system based on Ag microparticles sintering process of Cu/Ag ribbon to DBC substrate can work reliably in temperature range up to 350°C.
3D LTCC structure for a large-volume cavity-type chemical microreactor
Authors: Belavič Darko , Hrovat Marko , Makarovič Kostja , Dolanč Gregor , Pohar Andrej , Hočevar Stanko , Malič Barbara
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the research activity and results to research and development society on the field of ceramic microsystems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The chemical reactor was developed as a non-conventional application of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) and thick-film technologies. In the ceramic reactor with a large-volume, buried cavity, filled with a catalyst, the reaction between water and methanol produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide (together with traces of carbon monoxide). The LTCC ceramic three-dimensional (3D) structure consists of a reaction chamber, two inlet channels, an inlet mixing channel, an inlet distributor, an outlet collector and an outlet channel. The inlet and outlet fluidic barriers for the catalyst of the reaction chamber are made with two “grid lines”.

Findings

– A 3D ceramic structure made by LTCC technology was successfully designed and developed for chemical reactor – methanol decomposition.

Research limitations/implications

– Research activity includes the design and the capability of materials and technology (LTCC) to fabricate chemical reactor with large cavity. But further dimensions-scale-up is limited.

Practical implications

– The technology for the fabrication of LTCC-based chemical reactor was developed and implemented in system for methanol decomposition.

Originality/value

– The approach (large-volume cavity in ceramic structure), which has been developed, can be used for other type of reactors also.
Modelling mutual thermal coupling in LED modules
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Ptak Przemysław
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an electrothermal model of the module containing power light emitting diodes (LEDs) situated on a common base.

Design/methodology/approach

– The electrothermal model of this device, which takes into account both self-heating and mutual thermal coupling between the diodes situated in this module, is described.

Findings

– The correctness of the presented model is verified experimentally, and a good agreement of the calculated and measured optical and thermal characteristics of the considered module is obtained.

Research limitations/implications

– The presented model can be used for different structures of the LED module, but electrical inertia in the diodes is omitted.

Practical implications

– The presented model was used to calculate electrical, thermal and optical waveforms of the module OSPR3XW1 containing three power LED situated on the common base.

Originality/value

– The presented model takes into account thermal inertia in the considered LED module and its cooling systems with mutual thermal coupling between all the diodes situated in the same module.
Investigation of electrical performance of silicon solar cells with transparent counter electrode
Authors: Drabczyk Kazimierz , Domaradzki Jaroslaw , Panek Piotr , Kaczmarek Danuta
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was the investigation of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) applied as an additional part of front metal electrode of crystalline silicon solar cell. Transparent conducting oxides are widely used as counter electrodes in a wide range of electronics and optoelectronics applications, e.g. flat panel displays. The most important optical and electrical requirements for TCOs are high optical transmittance and low resistivity. This low resistivity might invoke the possibility of increasing the distance between the fingers in the solar cell front electrode, thus decreasing the total area covered by metal and decreasing the shadowing loss.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the present work, thin films of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as a transparent counter electrodes, were evaporated on the surface of silicon n+-p junction structures used in solar cells. The influence of the properties of ITO electrode on the electrical performance of prepared solar cells was investigated through optical and electrical measurements. The discussion on the influence of deposition conditions of the TCO films on recombination of the photogenerated electrical charge carriers and solar cell series resistance was also included.

Findings

– In this work, the fingers lines 100 μm width were screen-printed on the c-Si wafer with ITO layer. Monocrystalline silicon 25 cm 2,200-μm-thick wafers, were used for this testing. The usefulness of the ITO films as antireflection coating was discussed as well. It is commonly known that electrical performance of solar cells is limited by surface passivation. Despite this, the obtained results for ITO-Si structures showed relatively high value of short circuit current density (Jsc) up to 33 mA/cm2.

Originality/value

– Our experiments confirmed the potential of application of ITO as anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer and according to their low resistivity possible use as a functional counter electrodes in photovoltaic structures.
The Foundation of the Melbourne College of Divinity
Authors: Sherlock Peter
Published: July 2015

This article provides the first substantial account of the foundation of the Melbourne College of Divinity in 1910. It reveals the ecclesiastical, academic, and civic perceptions of theology in Australia in the first decade of the twentieth century. The article sets the establishment of the College against the background of the modernisation of higher education, especially secularism and the exclusion of the teaching of divinity at the University of Melbourne. It demonstrates the roles played by several churches in the formation of the College, and traces its origin to early Protestant interdenominational cooperation. Although the College's architects failed in their aim of having divinity accepted within the University of Melbourne, and thereby ensuring theology was in constant dialogue with the wider academy, they succeeded in establishing high academic standards in theological education and facilitating ministerial formation in an Australian context.
Characterization of microbial community structure during continuous anaerobic digestion of straw and cow manure
Authors: Sun Li , Pope Phillip B. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Schnürer Anna
Published: July 2015

Responses of bacterial and archaeal communities to the addition of straw during anaerobic digestion of manure at different temperatures (37°C, 44°C and 52°C) were investigated using five laboratory‐scale semi‐continuous stirred tank reactors. The results revealed that including straw as co‐substrate decreased the species richness for bacteria, whereas increasing the operating temperature decreased the species richness for both archaea and bacteria, and also the evenness of the bacteria. Taxonomic classifications of the archaeal community showed that Methanobrevibacter dominated in the manure samples, while Methanosarcina dominated in all digesters regardless of substrate. Increase of the operating temperature to 52°C led to increased relative abundance of Methanoculleus and Methanobacterium. Among the bacteria, the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominated within all samples. Compared with manure itself, digestion of manure resulted in a higher abundance of an uncultured class WWE1 and lower abundance of Bacilli. Adding straw to the digesters increased the level of Bacteroidia, while increasing the operating temperature decreased the level of this class and instead increased the relative abundance of an uncultured genus affiliated to order MBA08 (Clostridia). A considerable fraction of bacterial sequences could not be allocated to genus level, indicating that novel phylotypes are resident in these communities.
The RER Misalignment and Total Factor Productivity: An Empirical Analysis in East Asian Economies
Authors: Van Dai Pham , Delpachitra Sarath
Published: July 2015

This paper examined the effect of the real exchange rate (RER) misalignment on total factor productivity (TFP) growth in East Asian countries. Alternative estimations of TFP and the RER misalignment are used to reduce the severity of measurement errors. The empirical results support a positive role of a depreciated RER in promoting TFP growth. The panel‐corrected standard error (PCSE) estimator indicates that three out of four RER misalignment indices have positive and significant relationships with TFP growth. This result is consistent among baseline regressions and regressions using additional covariates. The effect of the RER misalignment on TFP growth is sizable. Ten per cent depreciation in the RER causes the TFP growth rate to increase roughly 0.3 percentage points.
Midterm Results of Sternal Band Closure in Open Heart Surgery and Risk Analysis of Sternal Band Removal
Authors: Motomatsu Yuma , Imasaka Ken‐ichi , Tayama Eiki , Tomita Yukihiro
Published: July 2015

Sternal dehiscence, which is responsible for the development of mediastinitis, is a serious complication after cardiothoracic surgery. We retrospectively compared the results of two methods for sternal closure after cardiothoracic surgery performed during January 2009 to May 2012. The methods comprised closure with sternal bands and steel wires (group A, n = 92) versus conventional closure using steel wires alone (group B, n = 442). Although not significantly different between the two groups, no patients undergoing sternal band closure experienced dehiscence or mediastinitis. The incidence of having to remove materials used for sternal closure was significantly higher in group A than in group B. In each case of removal in group A, the materials removed were sternal bands whose tips had caused direct cutaneous irritation. Thus, although sternal bands may be effective for rigid sternal closure, they must sometimes be removed because of chest discomfort caused by the tip of the band.
VOLUNTARY WORK AND WAGES
Authors: BRUNO Bruna , FIORILLO Damiano
Published: July 2015

The effects of voluntary work on earnings have recently been studied for some developed countries such as Canada, France and Austria. This paper extends this line of research to Italy, using data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU‐SILC) dataset. A double methodological approach is used in order to control for unobserved heterogeneity: Heckman and IV methods are employed to account for unobserved worker heterogeneity and endogeneity bias. Empirical results show that, when the unobserved heterogeneity is taken into account, a wage premium of 2.7 percent emerges, quite small if compared to previous investigations on Canada and Austria. The investigation into the channels of influence of volunteering on wages gives support to the hypotheses that volunteering enables the access to fruitful informal networks, avoids the human capital deterioration and provides a signal for intrinsically motivated individuals.
Developing third places to foster sense of community in online instruction
Authors: Aldosemani Tahani Ibrahim , Shepherd Craig Erschel , Gashim Ibrahim , Dousay Tonia
Published: July 2015

Using principles of Oldenburg's concept of third place to characterize sense of community, this paper establishes a framework for the creation of sustainable, informal learning communities that promote dialogue and interpersonal relationships. This paper discusses Oldenburg's theory of third place, presents a framework to implement online third place communities in educational settings, and offers examples, recommendations and implications for future research. This paper provides a framework for third place development in online learning environments. We propose that virtual third places can meet all criteria established by Oldenburg. The development of virtual third places only occurs over time and violations of third place characteristics are part of the development process. However, these violations should be eliminated over time through continuous evaluation, modification, and implementation of the space, users, activities and organizational needs, goals and resources.
The role of e‐portfolios in supporting productive learning
Authors: Yang Min , Tai Mui , Lim Cher Ping
Published: July 2015

e‐Portfolios are a form of authentic assessment with formative functions that include showcasing and sharing learning artifacts, documenting reflective learning processes, connecting learning across various stages and enabling frequent feedback for improvements. This paper examines how e‐portfolios take up these formative roles to support productive learning. Qualitative findings from interviews with selected first‐year undergraduate students at a higher education institution in Hong Kong are reported concerning students' experiences of constructing e‐portfolios as assessment tasks. As part of an institutional teaching and learning initiative, e‐portfolios were incorporated into three core courses for first‐year students. The findings reveal that several conditions necessary to foster productive learning were missing in students' experiences: strengthened formative role of e‐portfolios through coherent assessment design; encouragement for students' pursuit of authentic tasks to develop learning interests; engagement of students in reflective and self‐regulative learning as an essential learning process; provision of constructive feedback for sustained learning support; and support for students' autonomy through facilitation of collaborative knowledge building. By explicating how the lack of these conditions impeded students' active involvement in e‐portfolio tasks and suggesting relevant strategies for teachers at the institution in question, this paper offers implications for harnessing information and communication technology (ICT) to support students' productive learning.