bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precise carbon isotopic ratio analyses of micro amounts of carbonate and non‐carbonate in basalt using continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Zha Xiang‐Ping , Gong Bing , Zheng Yong‐Fei , Chen Yi‐Xiang 
Published: October 2017

RationaleContinuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) is a specialized technique used to quickly analyze very small amounts of sample. We have used CF‐IRMS to assess the influences of sample weight and relative carbon content on the accuracy and precision of the δ13C values of micro amounts of carbonate and non‐carbonate in silicate rocks.MethodsThe analytical work was performed on a Gasbench II (GB) sample preparation device and on an Elemental Analyzer (EA), which were both interfaced to CF‐IRMS instruments. Potential silicate matrix effects on the carbon isotopic analyses were investigated by measuring mixtures of calibrated carbon reference materials and quartz powder. The calibration lines, established by the measured raw values and the known values of three reference materials mixed with quartz powder, were used to calibrate the δ13C values of basalt samples from eastern China.ResultsThe δ13C values measured by GB‐CF‐IRMS of one national carbonate reference material, GBW04416, deviate slightly from the known value for approximately 20–70 μg of carbonate contained in 4.5‐mL vials; the smaller the sample size, the lower the measured δ13C values. External precision better than 0.1‰ (1σ, n = 26) is achieved at a signal intensity for mass 44 of between 868 and 1614 mV, corresponding to a sample weight of 30.8–50.2 μg, whereas it is reduced to 0.27‰ (1σ, n = 34) at a signal intensity between 519 and 1614 mV, corresponding to a sample weight of 21.1–50.2 μg. In the EA‐CF‐IRMS experiments for non‐carbonate carbon, at high carbon concentration (greater than 800 ppm) and at optimum sample weights, the accuracy and precision are both better than 0.2‰. For carbon concentrations less than 500 ppm, the measured δ13C values deviate from the average by up to −1.2‰ and the precision is 0.74‰.ConclusionsThe measured δ13C values decrease substantially at lower carbon concentration and higher sample weights, and poorer precision is obtained. Suggestions are made to measure repeatedly the same carbon concentration of sample and reference materials in order to obtain not only reproducible, but also accurate carbon isotope ratios.
Push-pull tests for estimating effective porosity: expanded analytical solution and in situ application
Authors: Paradis Charles J. , McKay Larry D. , Perfect Edmund , Istok Jonathan D. , Hazen Terry C. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The analytical solution describing the one-dimensional displacement of the center of mass of a tracer during an injection, drift, and extraction test (push-pull test) was expanded to account for displacement during the injection phase. The solution was expanded to improve the in situ estimation of effective porosity. The truncated equation assumed displacement during the injection phase was negligible, which may theoretically lead to an underestimation of the true value of effective porosity. To experimentally compare the expanded and truncated equations, single-well push-pull tests were conducted across six test wells located in a shallow, unconfined aquifer comprised of unconsolidated and heterogeneous silty and clayey fill materials. The push-pull tests were conducted by injection of bromide tracer, followed by a non-pumping period, and subsequent extraction of groundwater. The values of effective porosity from the expanded equation (0.6–5.0%) were substantially greater than from the truncated equation (0.1–1.3%). The expanded and truncated equations were compared to data from previous push-pull studies in the literature and demonstrated that displacement during the injection phase may or may not be negligible, depending on the aquifer properties and the push-pull test parameters. The results presented here also demonstrated the spatial variability of effective porosity within a relatively small study site can be substantial, and the error-propagated uncertainty of effective porosity can be mitigated to a reasonable level (< ± 0.5%). The tests presented here are also the first that the authors are aware of that estimate, in situ, the effective porosity of fine-grained fill material.
Improving patient engagement in self-measured blood pressure monitoring using a mobile health technology
Authors: Kaplan Alan L. , Cohen Erica R. , Zimlichman Eyal 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Objective
To understand usage patterns and clinical efficacy of Hello Heart, an mHealth technology application designed to facilitate patient engagement in managing hypertension.

Methods
In this single-arm observational study, all subjects with ≥2 blood pressure (BP) recordings were included. The cohort was divided into subgroups by weeks passed since download that patients were still recording measurements. Changes in BP were compared between subgroups.

Results
Of 5115 eligible subjects, 3803 (74%) recorded BP for ≥2 weeks. In the 4-week subgroup, 23% achieved BP reduction of ≥10 mmHg versus 24% in the 22-week subgroup (p < 0.001). Among 783 subjects reporting baseline hypertension 57% of the 4-week and 69% of the 22-week subgroups achieved BP normalization (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions
We show significant decrease in BP with improved metrics over time. Higher engagement was associated with greater BP reduction and engagement was higher among those with greater clinical need of BP control.

Practice implications
Hello Heart represents an operational mHealth technology to improve patient engagement and clinical outcomes.
Paternalism, coercion and the unimportance of (some) liberties
Authors: CONLY SARAH 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSome object to paternalism when it forecloses options – when it makes it impossible, or at least very difficult, to pursue a particular course of action. This is because some argue that liberty is intrinsically valuable, and that to have liberty is to have options; thus, to lose options is to lose something intrinsically valuable. On that account, even if the loss of an option can be justified by gains of other intrinsically valuable things, it should be regarded as a loss. I argue that, in fact, some options have no value, so that their loss is not in itself even pro tanto bad. And, when losing options makes it more likely that we will achieve greater welfare, the loss of options is an unqualifiedly good thing. Thus, coercion, which removes some options, is not necessarily a bad thing in itself, and its loss can often be easy to justify.
Policy solutions to conflicts of interest: the value of professional norms
Authors: SAH SUNITA 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAdvisors, such as physicians, financial advisors, lawyers and accountants, often face a conflict of interest – that is, a clash between their professional and personal interests. Such conflicts can lead to biased and corrupt advice. In this paper, I focus on how conflicts of interest can cause good people to unintentionally cross ethical boundaries and how we can avoid succumbing to this bias. I first discuss two mechanisms through which advisors may convince themselves to accept conflicts of interest while vehemently believing that they remain unbiased: (1) a sense of entitlement; and (2) a sense of invulnerability created by their belief in their own professionalism. I then discuss several proposed policy solutions to manage conflicts of interest, such as education and training, sanctions, second opinions and disclosure policies. These proposed solutions for dealing with conflicts of interest are largely based on inaccurate intuitions regarding the psychological processes that underlie them; consequently, these policies tend to fail or have unintended consequences. In the absence of eliminating conflicts of interest, solutions that are more likely to be successful consist of identifying and changing the professional norms that exert powerful influences on employee behaviour.
On the unipolarity of charge transport in methanofullerene diodes
Authors: Armin Ardalan , Shoaee Safa , Lin Qianqian , Burn Paul L , Meredith Paul 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFullerenes are electron transporting organic semiconductors with a wide range of applications. In particular, methanofullerenes have been the preferred choice for solution-processed solar cells and photodiodes. The wide applicability of fullerenes as both ‘n-type’ transport materials and electron acceptors is clear. However, what is still a matter of debate is whether the fullerenes can also support efficient transport of holes, particularly in diode geometries. In this letter, we utilize a number of recently developed experimental methods for selective electron and hole mobility measurements. We show for the two most widely used solution processable fullerenes, PC70- and-PC60BM, that whilst both exhibit electron mobilities as high as 10−3 cm2/Vs, their hole mobilities are < 10−9 cm2/Vs. Thus charge transport in these fullerenes can be considered predominantly unipolar in diode configurations.
Visual sensory stimulation interferes with people’s ability to echolocate object size
Authors: Thaler L. , Foresteire D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEcholocation is the ability to use sound-echoes to infer spatial information about the environment. People can echolocate for example by making mouth clicks. Previous research suggests that echolocation in blind people activates brain areas that process light in sighted people. Research has also shown that echolocation in blind people may replace vision for calibration of external space. In the current study we investigated if echolocation may also draw on ‘visual’ resources in the sighted brain. To this end, we paired a sensory interference paradigm with an echolocation task. We found that exposure to an uninformative visual stimulus (i.e. white light) while simultaneously echolocating significantly reduced participants’ ability to accurately judge object size. In contrast, a tactile stimulus (i.e. vibration on the skin) did not lead to a significant change in performance (neither in sighted, nor blind echo expert participants). Furthermore, we found that the same visual stimulus did not affect performance in auditory control tasks that required detection of changes in sound intensity, sound frequency or sound location. The results suggest that processing of visual and echo-acoustic information draw on common neural resources.
Tri-lithium borate (Li3BO3); a new highly regenerable high capacity CO2 adsorbent at intermediate temperature
Authors: Harada Takuya , Hatton T. Alan 
Published: October 2017

A lithium-borate oxide, Li3BO3, is proposed as a next generation high capacity CO2 adsorbent operative over the intermediate temperature range of 500 to 650 °C.
Ultra‐low power comparator with dynamic offset cancellation for SAR ADC
Authors: Xin Xin , Cai Jueping , Xie Ruilian , Wang Peng 
Published: October 2017

An ultra‐low power dynamic comparator is proposed with low dynamic offset variation for successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC). Dynamic offset can be cancelled with the cascode current source. Moreover, the power consumption can be reduced because it has no power consumption during the reset phase. With body‐driven technology and cross‐coupled inverter, the positive feedback during the regeneration is enhanced, which reduces remarkably delay time. Simulation results in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology confirm the performance of the proposed comparator. It is shown that the fluctuation of the total offset voltage (mean + 3std) is 0.15 and 0.39 mV with common‐mode voltage from 0.5VDD to VDD at supply 1.2 and 0.6 V through Monte Carlo simulation, respectively. Furthermore, the delay of the proposed structure can be decreased to 1.837 and 118.2 ns at supply voltages of 1.2 and 0.6 V, while the power consumption is only 18.6 μW and 144 nW, respectively.
Time‐efficient BER estimation approach using jitter characteristics for HBC channel
Authors: Li Jia Wen , Mak Peng Un , Pun Sio Hang , Chen Xi Mei , Che U Kin , Lam Chan Tong , Gao Yue Ming , Vai Mang I , Du Min 
Published: October 2017

As a physical layer of body area network, human body communication (HBC) has become a prospective candidate with advantages of less interference and intrinsic transmission for implanted devices. Currently, its bit error rate (BER) performance has not been thoroughly reported with high confidence because the traditional BER testing method in commonly used wireless radio and optical system communication, if directly applying in HB channel, is both time‐consuming and problematic due to significant physiological limitations. In this study, a time‐efficient approach using jitter characteristics is proposed to tackle this problem. To practically measure the BER in HBC channel, experiments based on human arms are carried out with 600 records of jitter data (5 subjects, 3 modulation schemes, 4 separation distances, and 10 transmit power levels). By using both normal probability plot and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, the authors found that the HBC experimental jitter data mainly followed normal distribution. Additionally, the comparison between estimated BERs using their approach match well with those via the theoretical prediction based on additive white Gaussian noise channel. Finally, the proposed approach can be an effective measurement method not only for the BER of body channel, but also applicable in other similar low rate systems.
VUV-absorption cross section of carbon dioxide from 150 to 800 K and applications to warm exoplanetary atmospheres
Authors: Venot O. , Bénilan Y. , Fray N. , Gazeau M.-C. , Lefèvre F. , Es-sebbar Et. , Hébrard E. , Schwell M. , Bahrini C. , Montmessin F. , Lefèvre M. , Waldmann I. P. 
Published: October 2017

Context. Most exoplanets detected so far have atmospheric temperatures significantly higher than 300 K. Often close to their star, they receive an intense UV photons flux that triggers important photodissociation processes. The temperature dependency of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption cross sections are poorly known, leading to an undefined uncertainty in atmospheric models. Similarly, data measured at low temperatures similar to those of the high atmosphere of Mars, Venus, and Titan are often lacking.
Aims. Our aim is to quantify the temperature dependency of the VUV absorption cross sections of important molecules in planetary atmospheres. We want to provide high-resolution data at temperatures prevailing in these media, and a simple parameterisation of the absorption in order to simplify its use in photochemical models. This study focuses on carbon dioxide (CO2).
Methods. We performed experimental measurements of CO2 absorption cross sections with synchrotron radiation for the wavelength range (115–200 nm). For longer wavelengths (195–230 nm), we used a deuterium lamp and a 1.5 m Jobin-Yvon spectrometer. We used these data in our one-dimensional (1D) thermo-photochemical model in order to study their impact on the predicted atmospheric compositions.
Results. The VUV absorption cross section of CO2 increases with the temperature. The absorption we measured at 150 K seems to be close to the absorption of CO2 in the fundamental ground state. The absorption cross section can be separated into two parts: a continuum and a fine structure superimposed on the continuum. The variation in the continuum of absorption can be represented by the sum of three Gaussian functions. Using data at high temperature in thermo-photochemical models significantly modifies the abundance and the photodissociation rates of many species in addition to CO2, such as methane and ammonia. These deviations have an impact on synthetic transmission spectra, leading to variations of up to 5 ppm.
Conclusions. We present a full set of high-resolution (Δλ = 0.03 nm) absorption cross sections of CO2 from 115 to 230 nm for temperatures ranging from 150 to 800 K. A parameterisation allows us to calculate the continuum of absorption in this wavelength range. Extrapolation at higher temperature has not been validated experimentally and therefore should be used with caution. Similar studies on other major species are necessary to improve our understanding of planetary atmospheres.
Variations in the Anterolateral Thigh Flap's Vascular Anatomy in African Americans
Authors: Lim Soobin , Atwi Noah , Long Sarah , Toshav Aran , Lau Frank 
Published: October 2017

Background Variations in anterolateral thigh (ALT) arterial anatomy are well documented. Ethnicity is a known risk factor for vascular variation in several organ systems, but its impact on ALT anatomy has not been studied. Anecdotally, we observed frequent ALT arterial variation in African American (AA) patients. We thus hypothesized that AA patients have higher rates of anomalous branching.
Materials and Methods A total of 277 computed tomography angiograms (513 lower extremities) captured between May 1, 2013 and May 31, 2015 at a tertiary academic medical center were retrospectively analyzed to determine ALT arterial branching. Patient records were examined to ascertain demographics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression.
Results Males comprised 84.5%. Ethnic distribution was 55.2% AA and 36.5% Caucasian. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (dLCFA) originated from non-LCFA arteries (deep femoral, common femoral, or superficial femoral arteries) in 18.9% of Caucasian versus 9.1% of AA (odds ratio [OR]: 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–3.93, p < 0.01). An oblique branch was identified in 41.1% of Caucasian versus 51.9% of AA (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.08–2.24, p = 0.02). Ethnicity was the only driving factor of dLCFA and oblique branch of the LCFA (oLCFA) anatomy (Wald chi-square: 14 and 11, p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively).
Conclusions Ethnicity significantly affects ALT arterial anatomy. AA are more likely to have classical dLCFA branching with a fourth oLCFA branch. A flap with an unrecognized oLCFA-dominant supply places patients at a higher risk for flap failure and loss. We recommend preoperative imaging before undertaking an ALT flap reconstruction.
Sternal Anomalies in Asymptomatic Patients after Median Sternotomy and Potential Influencing Factors
Authors: Sündermann Simon , Alkadhi Hatem , Genoni Michele , Maisano Francesco , Emmert Maximilian , Plass André , Rodriguez Cetina Biefer Hector 
Published: October 2017

Background We aimed to assess asymptomatic patients who had open-heart surgery with median sternotomy for potential sternal anomalies (SA), their related patient-specific risk factors, and treatment options for the prevention of SA.
Methods Multiplanar CT scans (CTs) from 131 asymptomatic consecutive patients were analyzed retrospectively. Of these, 83 underwent CABG (63.4%), and 48 had aortic valve (AV) procedures via median sternotomy. Sternal bone healing was analyzed for SA and their exact location.
Results In total, 49 SA were identified in 42 (32.1%) patients; 65% SA were found in the manubrium (n = 32). Five hundred thirty-two wires were implanted (4.2 ± 0.5 wires/patient), out of which 96.1% (n = 511) were figure 8 wires. There was no difference between normal and abnormal sterna with regard to the number of wires used for sternal closure (4.2 ± 0.5 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6, p = ns). The distance between wire placement to the proximal edge of the manubrium in normal and abnormal sterna was comparable (11.2 ± 4.2 vs. 10.9 ± 4.8 mm, p = ns). Patients who underwent CABG had a significantly higher risk for SA (OR = 2.4, p ≤ 0.05, 95% CI [1.2–4.9]). The use of BIMA (OR = 4.4, p ≤ 0.05, 95% CI [1.1–17.9]) and body mass index (BMI) > 31 kg/m2 (OR = 3.4, p ≤ 0.01, 95% CI [1.4–8.3]) significantly increased the risk of SA.
Conclusion At least 30% of patients were at an increased risk for SA after receiving a median sternotomy. CABG, use of BIMA, and a BMI > 30 kg/m2 were potential risk factors for the development of SA and warrant close clinical follow-up. Sternal plate fixation, particularly in the manubrium, could be beneficial in such patients.
Determining the Infectious Pathogens and Their Resistance to Antibiotics in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Akın Fatih , Yazar Abdullah , Doğan Metin 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Nosocomial infections are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. It is important to know the common infectious pathogens and their resistance profiles in intensive care units (ICUs) to determine appropriate treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of microorganisms isolated in a pediatric ICU (PICU) and to determine antibiotic resistance in isolated strains.
Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed at the Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey. A total of 1,502 bacteria that were isolated from various specimens from children who were hospitalized in PICUs between January 2014 and December 2015 were included in this study to determine the isolated bacteria diversity and susceptibility to various antibiotics.
Results Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated microorganism followed by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., respectively. The sites where pathogens were isolated were as follows: 616 blood, (41%), 445 urine (29.6%), 60 sputum (4%), 44 cerebrospinal fluid (2.9%), 25 wound swab (1.6%), 20 tracheal aspirate (1.3%), and 26 others (1.7%). The carbapenem resistance rate was 40.8% among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Among 60 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates tested, 62% were resistant to carbapenems. Sensitivity rates of A. baumannii isolates to tigecycline and colistin were as high as 98 and 96%, respectively. Meropenem and colistin resistance rates to Klebsiella spp. were 16.2 and 15%, respectively.
Conclusion In conclusion, it is essential to identify the infectious pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics especially in ICUs where infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria are frequent. Studies on this issue should be performed at appropriate time intervals.
Kommunikation und Vernetzung
Authors: Rexroth Ute , Kuhn Joseph 
Published: October 2017

ZusammenfassungDie konstruktive Zusammenarbeit der vielfältigen Akteure der deutschen PH-Landschaft wird durch einen stetigen Wandel der gesellschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen (Individualisierung, Globalisierung, Medizinischer Fortschritt, Digitalisierung) erschwert. Um gemeinsam auf Wandel reagieren, die Vernetzung unter den Akteuren erleichtern, und nach außen mit einer Stimme sprechen zu können, schlägt die AG 8 der PH-Gemeinschaft deshalb die Schaffung eigener interner Strukturen vor. Es wird angeregt, eine Geschäftsstelle zu gründen, die die Organisation weiterer Tagungen und die Abstimmung gemeinsamer schriftlicher Stellungnahmen übernimmt und den Dialog auf Augenhöhe moderiert.