The curvature argument.

Dasgupta (2015) has recently put forward a novel argument, which he calls the 'curvature argument', that aims to show that Galilean spacetime is not an ideal setting for our classical theory of motion. This paper examines the curvature argument and argues that it is not sound. The discussion yields a remark about the conditions under which a 'symmetry argument' demonstrates that a particular spacetime is a non-ideal setting for our theory of motion.

Portable nanoporous electrical biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Troponin-T.

Aim: To demonstrate the design, fabrication and testing of a portable, label-free biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of the cardiac Troponin-T (cTnT) from patient blood.

Materials & Methods: The biosensor is comprised of a nanoporous membrane integrated on to a microelectrode sensor platform for nanoconfinement effects. Charge perturbations due to antigen binding are recorded as impedance changes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Electrical nanowell diagnostics sensors for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen.

Aim: Alumina nanowell based disposable diagnostic biosensor for detecting and quantifying levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from human serum has been designed, fabricated and tested.

Materials & Methods: The biosensors were designed by integrating nanoporous alumina membranes onto printed circuit board platforms, resulting in the generation of high-density nanowell arrays with gold base electrodes. The size and density of the nanowells were leveraged toward achieving sieving action for size-based exclusion of nonspecific molecules and size-based confinement of the target PSA molecules.

Novel Nanomonitor ultra-sensitive detection of troponin T.

Background: Troponin is the preferred biomarker for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Point of care devices have not matched the sensitivity of laboratory-based methods for measuring troponin. The Nanomonitor is a novel point-of-care device that uses the change in electrical impedance that occurs when a biomarker binds to its antibody, which is then correlated to the concentration of the target biomarker.

Evaluating an insulin infusion protocol in an acute care setting.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adherence, safety, and effectiveness of a paper versus an electronic insulin infusion protocol.

Design: This quasi-experimental implementation study compared experimental and control groups using a nonrandomized prospective cohort design.

Setting: The study was performed at 2 surgical units within a federal tertiary care teaching hospital.

3D nanogap interdigitated electrode array biosensors.

Three-dimensional interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) have been investigated as sensing elements for biosensors. Electric field and current density were simulated in the vicinity of these electrodes as a function of the electrode width, gap, and height to determine the optimum geometry. Both the height and the gap between the electrodes were found to have significant effect on the magnitude and distribution of the electric field and current density near the electrode surface, while the width of the electrodes was found to have a smaller effect on field strength and current density.

Impact of combination medical therapy on mortality in vascular surgery patients.

Background: Th use of beta-blockers or statins has been associated with decreased mortality after noncardiac surgery. There are no prior perioperative studies of concurrent use of other cardioprotective drugs.

Objective: To ascertain whether combinations of aspirin, beta-blockers, statins, and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were associated with decreased mortality 6 months after vascular surgery.

Association of ambulatory use of statins and beta-blockers with long-term mortality after vascular surgery.

Background: The use of drugs to improve postoperative outcomes has focused on short-term end points and centered on beta-blockers. Emerging evidence suggests statins may also improve postoperative outcomes.

Objective: We sought to ascertain if the ambulatory use of statins and/or beta-blockers was associated with a reduction in long-term mortality after vascular surgery.