Cubist Algebras

We construct algebras from rhombohedral tilings of Euclidean space obtained as projections of certain cubical complexes. We show that these `Cubist algebras' satisfy strong homological properties, such as Koszulity and quasi-heredity, reflecting the combinatorics of the tilings. We construct derived equivalences between Cubist algebras associated to local mutations in tilings. We recover as a special case the Rhombal algebras of Michael Peach and make a precise connection to weight 2 blocks of symmetric groups

Tunable nanopatterning of conductive polymers via electrohydrodynamic lithography

[Image: see text] An increasing number of technologies require the fabrication of conductive structures on a broad range of scales and over large areas. Here, we introduce advanced yet simple electrohydrodynamic lithography (EHL) for patterning conductive polymers directly on a substrate with high fidelity. We illustrate the generality of this robust, low-cost method by structuring thin polypyrrole films via electric-field-induced instabilities, yielding well-defined conductive structures with feature sizes ranging from tens of micrometers to hundreds of nanometers. Exploitation of a conductive polymer induces free charge suppression of the field in the polymer film, paving the way for accessing scale sizes in the low submicron range. We show the feasibility of the polypyrrole-based structures for field-effect transistor devices. Controlled EHL pattering of conductive polymer structures at the micro and nano scale demonstrated in this study combined with the possibility of effectively tuning the dimensions of the tailor-made architectures might herald a route toward various submicron device applications in supercapacitors, photovoltaics, sensors, and electronic displays

49 Paediatric traumatic cardiac arrest - the development of a treatment algorithm

© 2017, Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions. INTRODUCTION: Paediatric Traumatic Cardiac Arrest (TCA) is a high acuity, low frequency event with fewer than 15 cases reported per year to the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN). Traditionally survival from TCA has been reported as low, with some believing resuscitation is futile. Within the adult population there is growing evidence to suggest that with early and aggressive correction of reversible causes, survival from TCA may be comparable to that seen from medical out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Key to this survival has been the adoption of a standardised approach to resuscitation.The aim of this study was, by a process of consensus, to develop a national, standardised algorithm for the management of paediatric TCA.METHODS: A modified consensus development meeting was held. Statements discussed in the meeting were drawn from those that did not reach consensus (positive/negative) from a linked three round online Delphi study. Those participants completing the first round of the Delphi study were invited to attend.19 statements relating to the diagnosis, management and futility of paediatric TCA were discussed in small groups. After five minutes the key points from the small groups were presented to the whole audience. Subsequently, using electronic voting devices, each participant anonymously recorded their agreement with the statement using 'yes', 'no' or 'don't know'. In keeping with our Delphi study, consensus was set a priori at 70%. Statements reaching consensus were included in the proposed algorithm.RESULTS: 41 participants attended the consensus development meeting. Of the 19 statements discussed, 13 reached positive consensus and were included in the algorithm. A single statement regarding initial rescue breaths reached negative consensus and was excluded. Consensus was not reached for five statements, including the use of vasopressors and thoracotomy for haemorrhage control in blunt trauma. The proposed algorithm for the management of paediatric TCA is shown as Figures 1 and 2 for blunt and penetrating trauma respectively.emermed;34/12/A892-b/F1F1F1Figure 1emermed;34/12/A892-b/F2F2F2Figure 2 CONCLUSION: In attempt to standardise our approach to the management of paediatric TCA and to improve outcomes, we present the first algorithm specific to the paediatric population

Advanced micro-engineered platforms for novel device technologies

The objectives of this thesis are to explore, design, fabricate and implement the use of advanced micro-engineered platforms to be exploited as versatile, novel device technologies. An increasing number of technologies require the fabrication of conductive structures on a broad range of scales and large areas. Here, we introduce advanced yet simple electrohydrodynamic lithography for patterning conductive polymers directly on a substrate with high-fidelity. We illustrate the generality of this robust, low-cost method by structuring thin films via electric-field-induced instabilities, yielding well-defined conductive structures with a broad range of feature sizes. We show the feasibility of the polypyrrole-based structures for field-effect transistors, which might herald a route towards submicron device applications. We also demonstrate a miniaturised platform technology for timely, sensitive and rapid point-of-care diagnostics of disease-indicative biomarkers. Our micro-engineered device technology (MEDTech) is based on reproducible electrohydrodynamically fabricated platforms for surface enhanced Raman scattering enabling tuneable, high-throughput nanostructures yielding high-signal enhancements. These, integrated within a microfluidic-chip provide cost-effective, portable devices for detection of miniscule biomarker concentrations from biofluids, offering clinical tests that are simple, rapid and minimally invasive. Using MEDTech to analyse clinical blood-plasma, we deliver a prognostic tool for long-term outcomes, in the hospital or at the point-of-care

Advanced Tuneable Micronanoplatforms for Sensitive and Selective Multiplexed Spectroscopic Sensing via Electro-Hydrodynamic Surface Molecular Lithography

Micro- and nanopatterning of materials, one of the cornerstones of emerging technologies, has transformed research capabilities in lab-on-a-chip diagnostics. Herein, a micro- and nanolithographic method is developed, enabling structuring materials at the submicron scale, which can, in turn, accelerate the development of miniaturized platform technologies and biomedical sensors. Underpinning it is the advanced electro-hydrodynamic surface molecular lithography, via inducing interfacial instabilities produces micro- and nanostructured substrates, uniquely integrated with synthetic surface recognition. This approach enables the manufacture of design patterns with tuneable feature sizes, which are functionalized via synthetic nanochemistry for highly sensitive, selective, rapid molecular sensing. The development of a high-precision piezoelectric lithographic rig enables reproducible substrate fabrication with optimum signal enhancement optimized for functionalization with capture molecules on each micro- and nanostructured array. This facilitates spatial separation, which during the spectroscopic sensing, enables multiplexed measurement of target molecules, establishing the detection at minute concentrations. Subsequently, this nano-plasmonic lab-on-a-chip combined with the unconventional computational classification algorithm and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, aimed to address the challenges associated with timely point-of-care detection of disease-indicative biomarkers, is utilized in validation assay for multiplex detection of traumatic brain injury indicative glycan biomarkers, demonstrating straightforward and cost-effective micro- and nanoplatforms for accurate detection.</p

Window into the mind:Advanced handheld spectroscopic eye-safe technology for point-of-care neurodiagnostic

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, is hard to diagnose at the point of care with patients often exhibiting no clinical symptoms. There is an urgent need for rapid point-of-care diagnostics to enable timely intervention. We have developed a technology for rapid acquisition of molecular fingerprints of TBI biochemistry to safely measure proxies for cerebral injury through the eye, providing a path toward noninvasive point-of-care neurodiagnostics using simultaneous Raman spectroscopy and fundus imaging of the neuroretina. Detection of endogenous neuromarkers in porcine eyes' posterior revealed enhancement of high-wave number bands, clearly distinguishing TBI and healthy cohorts, classified via artificial neural network algorithm for automated data interpretation. Clinically, translating into reduced specialist support, this markedly improves the speed of diagnosis. Designed as a hand-held cost-effective technology, it can allow clinicians to rapidly assess TBI at the point of care and identify long-term changes in brain biochemistry in acute or chronic neurodiseases.</p

Enhanced Mechanistic Understanding Through the Detection of Radical Intermediates in Organic Reactions

Two applications of a radical trap based on a homolytic substitution reaction (SH2') are presented for the trapping of short-lived radical intermediates in organic reactions. The first example is a photochemical cyanomethylation catalyzed by a Ru complex. Two intermediate radicals in the radical chain propagation have been trapped and detected using mass spectrometry (MS), along with the starting materials, products and catalyst degradation fragments. Although qualitative, these results helped to elucidate the reaction mechanism. In the second example, the trapping method was applied to study the radical initiation catalyzed by a triethylboronoxygen mixture. In this case, the concentration of trapped radicals was sufficiently high to enable their detection by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Quantitative measurements made it possible to characterize the radical flux in the system under different reaction conditions (including variations of solvent, temperature and concentration) where modelling was complicated by chain reactions and heterogeneous mass transfer

Characterization of airway inflammation in patients with COPD using fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels: a pilot study

ObjectiveTo characterize fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels that may be indicative of Th2-mediated airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThis single-visit, outpatient study was conducted in 200 patients aged 40 years and older with COPD. All patients underwent spirometry and FeNO testing. COPD severity was classified according to the Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2010 guidelines.ResultsPatients who participated in the study had a mean age of 63.9±11.3 years and a mean smoking history of 46±29 pack years. Patients had a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted of 53.9%±22.1%. The percentage of patients classified with COPD severity Stage I, II, III, and IV was 13%, 40%, 39%, and 8%, respectively. In addition, according to current procedural terminology codes, 32% of patients were classified as mixed COPD/asthma, 26% as COPD/emphysema, and 42% as all other codes. The mean FeNO level for all patients was 15.3±17.2 parts per billion (ppb). Overall, 89% of patients had a FeNO 50 ppb. The percentages of patients with FeNO in the intermediate or high ranges of FeNO were greatest among patients with mixed COPD/asthma (intermediate, 11.5%; high, 6.6%) compared with COPD/emphysema (intermediate, 8%; high, 0) and all other codes (intermediate, 6.3%; high, 1.3%).ConclusionIncreases in FeNO were identified in a subset of patients with COPD, particularly in those previously diagnosed with both COPD and asthma. Since FeNO is useful for identifying patients with airway inflammation who will have a beneficial response to treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid, these data may have important implications for the management of COPD patients