bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialysis Facility Safety: Processes and Opportunities
Authors: Garrick Renee , Morey Rishikesh
Published: June 2015

Unintentional human errors are the source of most safety breaches in complex, high‐risk environments. The environment of dialysis care is extremely complex. Dialysis patients have unique and changing physiology, and the processes required for their routine care involve numerous open‐ended interfaces between providers and an assortment of technologically advanced equipment. Communication errors, both within the dialysis facility and during care transitions, and lapses in compliance with policies and procedures are frequent areas of safety risk. Some events, such as air emboli and needle dislodgments occur infrequently, but are serious risks. Other adverse events include medication errors, patient falls, catheter and access‐related infections, access infiltrations and prolonged bleeding. A robust safety system should evaluate how multiple, sequential errors might align to cause harm. Systems of care can be improved by sharing the results of root cause analyses, and “good catches.” Failure mode effects and analyses can be used to proactively identify and mitigate areas of highest risk, and methods drawn from cognitive psychology, simulation training, and human factor engineering can be used to advance facility safety.
What kind of doctor would you like me to be?
Authors: Walsh Sally , Arnold Benjamin , Pickwell‐Smith Benjamin , Summers Bruce
Published: June 2015

Background

The modern medical school curriculum highlights the importance of good communication skills, although some clinicians still remain sceptical about the reduction of core science teaching in favour of these so‐called softer skills. Previous studies into these topics are few and contradictory, with a heavy dependence on methodology and geographical source.

Methods

A semi‐structured interview was conducted using the question ‘I am about to qualify as a doctor in less than a year's time. As a patient, what advice would you give me? What kind of doctor would you like me to be if you came to me with an illness?' Responses were recorded anonymously on paper, verbatim. The responses were grouped into four broad classifications: personal qualities; communication skills; knowledge and intelligence; and manual skills.

Results

Data were collected from 51 patients. In total 118 attributes were identified and categorised.

Discussion

This education evaluation indicates that the patients we talked with in the UK counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire overwhelmingly sought doctors with good personal qualities and communication skills. Of the attributes recorded, 92 per cent were related to such qualities, with only 8 per cent emphasising knowledge and intelligence, and with no comments on manual skills. The results support the current emphasis in UK medical schools on communication skills and professionalism, and the development of personal qualities through the promotion of humanities teaching.

The modern medical school curriculum highlights the importance of good communication skills
Disseminated Streptococcus pneumoniae infection involving a ventricular assist device
Authors: Reeves J.S. , Rajagopalan N. , Huaman M.A.
Published: June 2015

We describe the first reported case, to our knowledge, of disseminated pneumococcal infection involving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The management of this infection was extremely challenging, requiring multiple surgical debridements, LVAD removal, and prolonged courses of antibiotics. The Streptococcus pneumoniae isolate was found to be serotype 19F, which is included in both the pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines. This report highlights the importance of routine screening for up‐to‐date vaccination in patients who undergo LVAD implantation.
Gross anatomy and morphometric evaluation of the canine lacrimal and third eyelid glands
Authors: Park Shin Ae , Taylor Ken T. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Reilly Christopher M. , Toupadakis Chrisoula A. , Marfurt Carl F. , Good Kathryn L. , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

The lacrimal gland (LG) and the third eyelid gland (TELG) are two intraorbital glands that, in dogs, secrete the aqueous component of the tear film. Despite the central importance of these structures for maintaining ocular surface health, the gross anatomy of the glands remains understudied. We investigated the macroscopic morphometric characteristics of the LG and TELG in three different dog breeds.

Procedures

Twenty‐six dog heads were dissected to expose the LG and TELG; the length, width, thickness, and weight of each were measured. During the dissections, the relationships between the glands and adjacent ocular structures and the blood and nerve supplies to the LG were photo‐documented.

Results

The LG had a flat and irregular shape with morphological variations among dogs. The LG was located on the dorsolateral aspect of the globe underneath the orbital ligament. The average length, width, and thickness (SEM) of the LG (mm) were 16.5 ± 0.7, 12.5 ± 0.4, and 2.7 ± 0.1 and of the TELG 10.5 ± 0.6, 11.0 ± 0.3, and 3.3 ± 0.1, respectively. The mean weights (SD) of the LG and TELG (mg) were 315.7 ± 21.1 and 263.3 ± 13.2, respectively. Beagles were observed to have significantly smaller LGs compared to pit bull terriers and pointer mixed‐breed dogs.

Conclusions

The present study provides detailed normative anatomical and morphometric data for the LG and TELG. These data will aid researchers investigating alterations induced by disease states and should inform strategies for the local delivery of pharmacologic and cellular therapeutics.
The Application of Similitude Theory for the Performance Prediction of Radial Turbines Within Small-Scale Low-Temperature Organic Rankine Cycles
Authors: White Martin , Sayma Abdulnaser I.
Published: June 2015

For small-scale organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) to be a competitive technology, it is reasonable to assume that the same turbine design will be implemented into a range of different applications. It is therefore critical to be able to predict turbine off-design performance over a range of different operating conditions while utilizing different working fluids. Similitude theory can be used for this purpose, and it has been well validated for ideal gases. However, the same cannot be said for its applications to the organic fluids found within ORCs. This paper considers a candidate subsonic turbine design operating with R245fa and the corresponding turbine performance map. Similitude theory is used to predict the performance of the same turbine operating at different inlet conditions using R245fa, R123, and R1234yf. The similitude predictions are compared to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results obtained using ansys CFX. The original similitude theory using turbine total inlet conditions was found to only apply within a small range of operating conditions, so a modified similitude theory has been suggested that uses the choked flow conditions instead. This modified similitude theory agrees with the CFD predictions to within 2%, right up until the choked mass flow rate. Further studies considering supersonic turbines are required to establish the applicability of similitude for applications beyond the choked pressure ratio.
Gas Turbine Engine Behavioral Modeling
Authors: Meyer Richard T. , DeCarlo Raymond A. , Pekarek Steve , Doktorcik Chris
Published: June 2015

This paper develops and validates a power flow behavioral model of a gas turbine engine (GTE) composed of a gas generator and free power turbine. The behavioral model is suitable for supervisory level (optimal) controller development of the engine itself or of electrical power systems containing gas-turbine-generator pairs as might be found in a naval ship or terrestrial electric utility plant. First principles engine models do not lend themselves to the supervisory level control development because of their high granularity. For the behavioral model, “simple” mathematical expressions that describe the engine's internal power flows are derived from an understanding of the engine's internal thermodynamic and mechanical interactions. These simple mathematical expressions arise from the balance of energy flow across engine components, power flow being the time derivative of energy flow. The parameter fit of the model to a specific engine such as the GE LM2500 detailed in this work utilizes constants and empirical fits of power conversion efficiencies obtained using data collected from a high-fidelity engine simulator such as the Gas Turbine Simulation Program (GSP). Transient response tests show that the two-norm normalized error between the detailed simulator model and behavioral model outputs to be 2.7% or less for a GE LM2500.
Estimation Methodology for Automotive Turbochargers Speed Fluctuations Due to Pulsating Flows
Authors: Ponti Fabrizio , Ravaglioli Vittorio , De Cesare Matteo
Published: June 2015

Turbocharging technique, together with engine downsizing, will play a fundamental role in the near future as a way to reach the required maximum performance while reducing engine displacement and, consequently, CO2 emissions. However, performing an optimal control of the turbocharging system is very difficult, especially for small engines fitted with a low number of cylinders. This is mainly due to the high turbocharger operating range and to the fact that the flow through compressor and turbine is highly unsteady, while only steady-flow maps are usually provided by the manufacturer. In addition, in passenger cars applications, it is usually difficult to optimize turbocharger operating conditions because of the lack of information about pressure/temperature in turbine upstream/downstream circuits and turbocharger rotational speed. This work presents a methodology suitable for instantaneous turbocharger rotational speed determination through a proper processing of the signal coming from an accelerometer mounted on the compressor diffuser or a microphone faced to the compressor. The presented approach can be used to evaluate turbocharger speed mean value and turbocharger speed fluctuation (due to unsteady flow in turbine upstream and downstream circuits), which can be correlated to the power delivered by the turbine. The whole estimation algorithm has been developed and validated for a light-duty turbocharged common-rail diesel engine mounted in a test cell. Nevertheless, the developed methodology is general and can be applied to different turbochargers, both for spark ignited and diesel applications.
Pressure Surge During Cryogenic Feedline Chilldown Process
Authors: Agrawal Gagan , Sunil Kumar S. , Agarwal Deepak Kumar
Published: June 2015

Cryogenic fluid entering a warm feedline absorbs heat and undergoes rapid flash evaporation leading to pressure surges, which can retard the flow inside the feedline. It may have serious repercussion in operation of the rocket engine during start up. Experimental and numerical studies are carried out to examine the effect of inlet pressure and initial feedline temperature on pressure surges. An analytical model using sinda/fluint software is developed to investigate this complex two-phase flow phenomenon including the various boiling regimes that exist during line chilling. The numerical study is carried out considering 1D flow through a cryogenic feedline of 2.47 m long and 0.01 m inner diameter with liquid nitrogen at 77.3 K as working fluid. Predictions are made for the inlet pressure in the range of 0.28–0.76 MPa and initial wall temperature of 200 K and 300 K. Subsequently, an experimental test rig is setup and the model is validated with the experimental data. The studies show that within the range of parameter considered, the magnitude of pressure surge increases exponentially with increase in inlet pressure and decreases with the prechilling of feedline.
Measurement of Temperature Effects on Cavitation in a Turbopump Inducer
Authors: Kim Junho , Song Seung Jin
Published: June 2015

Temperature effects on the critical cavitation number and rotating cavitation in a turbopump inducer have been experimentally investigated in water. Static pressures upstream and downstream of the inducer have been measured to determine the cavitation performance, and cavitation instabilities have been detected using unsteady pressure sensors and a high-speed camera. Two kinds of cavitation instabilities have been identified—rotating cavitation and asymmetric attached cavitation. To quantify temperature effects, nondimensional thermal parameter has been adopted. Increasing water temperature, or increasing nondimensional thermal parameter, lowers the critical cavitation number. Increasing nondimensional thermal parameter also shifts the onset of rotating cavitation to a lower cavitation number and reduces the intensity of rotating cavitation. However, for values larger than 0.540 (340 K, 5000 rpm), the critical cavitation number and the rotating cavitation onset cavitation number become independent of the nondimensional thermal parameter. The onset of the head coefficient degradation correlates with the onset of rotating cavitation regardless of temperature.
Ar+-irradiation-induced damage in hydride vapor-phase epitaxy GaN films
Authors: Nakano Yoshitaka , Ogawa Daisuke , Nakamura Keiji , Kawakami Retsuo , Niibe Masahito
Published: June 2015

The authors have investigated the electrical characteristics of hydride vapor-phase epitaxy GaN films exposed to Ar+ irradiation, employing Schottky barrier diodes. The Ar+ irradiation tends to largely increase the effective carrier concentration in the near surface region of GaN up to ∼25 nm, due to the generation of donor-type N vacancy defects, compared to the original value before the irradiation. More interestingly, acceptor-type deep-level defects are found to be formed at ∼2.1, ∼2.9, and ∼3.2 eV below the conduction band in the subsequently deeper region, in which Ga vacancies introduced by the Ar+ irradiation are considered to be in-diffused and immediately combined with hydrogen. These N vacancies and hydrogenated Ga vacancies formed are dominantly responsible for changing the depth profiles of the effective carrier concentration via the carrier generation, the carrier trapping, and/or carrier compensation.
Development of realistic physical breast phantoms matched to virtual breast phantoms based on human subject data
Authors: Kiarashi Nooshin , Nolte Adam C. , Sturgeon Gregory M. , Segars William P. , Ghate Sujata V. , Nolte Loren W. , Samei Ehsan , Lo Joseph Y.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Physical phantoms are essential for the development, optimization, and evaluation of x‐ray breast imaging systems. Recognizing the major effect of anatomy on image quality and clinical performance, such phantoms should ideally reflect the three‐dimensional structure of the human breast. Currently, there is no commercially available three‐dimensional physical breast phantom that is anthropomorphic. The authors present the development of a new suite of physical breast phantoms based on human data.

Methods:

The phantoms were designed to match the extended cardiac‐torso virtual breast phantoms that were based on dedicated breast computed tomography images of human subjects. The phantoms were fabricated by high‐resolution multimaterial additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology. The glandular equivalency of the photopolymer materials was measured relative to breast tissue‐equivalent plastic materials. Based on the current state‐of‐the‐art in the technology and available materials, two variations were fabricated. The first was a dual‐material phantom, the Doublet. Fibroglandular tissue and skin were represented by the most radiographically dense material available; adipose tissue was represented by the least radiographically dense material. The second variation, the Singlet, was fabricated with a single material to represent fibroglandular tissue and skin. It was subsequently filled with adipose‐equivalent materials including oil, beeswax, and permanent urethane‐based polymer. Simulated microcalcification clusters were further included in the phantoms via crushed eggshells. The phantoms were imaged and characterized visually and quantitatively.

Results:

The mammographic projections and tomosynthesis reconstructed images of the fabricated phantoms yielded realistic breast background. The mammograms of the phantoms demonstrated close correlation with simulated mammographic projection images of the corresponding virtual phantoms. Furthermore, power‐law descriptions of the phantom images were in general agreement with real human images. The Singlet approach offered more realistic contrast as compared to the Doublet approach, but at the expense of air bubbles and air pockets that formed during the filling process.

Conclusions:

The presented physical breast phantoms and their matching virtual breast phantoms offer realistic breast anatomy, patient variability, and ease of use, making them a potential candidate for performing both system quality control testing and virtual clinical trials.
Aerobic Fitness and Context Processing in Preadolescent Children
Authors: Raine Lauren B. , Scudder Mark R. , Saliba Brian J. , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles
Published: June 2015

Background:

There is a growing trend of inactivity among children, which may not only result in poorer physical health but also poorer cognitive health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and proactive and reactive cognitive control using a continuous performance task (CPT).

Methods:

Forty-eight 9- to 10-year-old children (n = 24 higher fit [HF] and n = 24 lower fit [LF]) performed an AX-CPT requiring them to respond to target cue-probe pairs (AX) or nontarget pairs (AY, BX, BY) under 2 different trial duration conditions, which modulated working memory demands.

Results:

Across trials and conditions, HF children had greater accuracy than LF children. For target trials, the long duration resulted in lower accuracy than the short duration. For nontarget trials, an interaction of duration and trial was observed, indicating that the long duration resulted in decreased BX and BY accuracy relative to the short duration. AY trials had greater accuracy during the long duration compared with the short duration.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that fitness may modulate cognitive control strategies during tasks requiring context updating and maintenance, key components of working memory and further support aerobic fitness as a marker of cognitive and brain health in children.
A pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm
Authors: Lewis Jason Robert , Refson Jonathan Simon
Published: June 2015

A 70-year-old man was investigated with CT imaging for haematuria. An incidental finding was made of a large inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm. Following a period of monitoring, the patient underwent open repair of the aneurysm. This case report highlights an unusual pathology and discusses the clinical complexities related to its management.
Molecular identification of endangered Korean lady’s slipper orchids (Cypripedium, Orchidaceae) and related taxa
Authors: Kim Jung Sung , Kim Hyoung Tae , Son Sung-Won , Kim Joo-Hwan
Published: June 2015

Reliable and accurate species identification is essential to establish a strategy for monitoring and manipulation of plant populations for conservation biology. However, identification of nonflowering plants is difficult. Based on recent advances in molecular biological techniques, various molecular identification methodologies have been proposed and applied in plant science, with a focus on medicinally valuable species. Lady’s slipper orchids (Cypripedium) are a representative terrestrial orchid group that includes many endangered species. Of 46 species, 3 (Cypripedium japonicum Thunb., Cypripedium macranthos Sw., and Cypripedium guttatum var. koreanum Nakai) were reported from Korea and categorised as endangered species or at risk of becoming endangered because of the rapidly decreasing population. We generated an accurate molecular identification system for these species using the sequence variation and species-specific SNPs of two plastid loci, rpoC2 and the IGS region between atpF and atpH. We selected the atpF-H region for molecular identification of the Korean Cypripedium and related Taiwan-endemic taxon Cypripedium formosanum Hayata. Cypripedium guttatum var. koreanum contained large deletions of over 300 bp, and could be distinguished by electrophoresis. For the other three species, we designed new primers based on a specific insertion (C. macranthos) and SNPs (C. japonicum and C. formosanum). We confirmed that molecular identification enables detection of each species using species-specific primers.
Impact of postfire management on forest regeneration in a managed hemiboreal forest, Estonia
Authors: Parro Kristi , Metslaid Marek , Renel Getter , Sims Allan , Stanturf John A. , Jõgiste Kalev , Köster Kajar
Published: June 2015

Fire is a significant agent for the development of boreal and hemiboreal forests, altering soil and light conditions, affecting seedbanks, and removing seed trees. Burned areas should be managed with care, as inappropriate techniques prolong the regeneration period and reduce the diversity and resilience of stands to disturbances. To study the effects of fire and postfire management on the successional changes in regeneration abundance, species composition and tree height sample plots were established in sandy pine forests in northwestern Estonia on areas burned 2 or 22 years ago. Five types of sample plots were established: (i) areas without fire damage, (ii) burned uncleared areas, (iii) burned forest areas cleared after forest fire, (iv) burned uncleared areas with live trees, and (v) burned uncleared areas with dead trees. Three main tree species common to hemiboreal forests were analyzed: Betula spp., Pinus sylvestris L., and Populus tremula L. Results showed that clearing burned areas after wildfire significantly reduced the abundance of regeneration compared with burned uncleared areas but favored height growth of P. sylvestris in later development. To regenerate and maintain mixed stands after wildfire, retaining some residual trees can facilitate regeneration compared with complete clearing, although a dense stand with live trees or a large amount of deadwood can hinder regeneration.
Bark stripping of Pinus contorta caused by moose and deer: wounding patterns, discoloration of wood, and associated fungi
Authors: Arhipova Natalija , Jansons Aris , Zaluma Astra , Gaitnieks Talis , Vasaitis Rimvydas
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the extent of bark stripping wounds, subsequent wood discoloration, and associated fungi in 30-year-old Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon stems damaged by large game. In total, 90 trees were evaluated, and 170 bark stripping wounds of different ages (1–20 years) were measured. From each wound, wood samples were collected for subsequent fungal isolation. Thirty trees were cut to evaluate the length of the discoloration column. Of 170 injuries, 16 of them represented closed scars and 154 of them represented open wounds that exposed 4–4355 cm2 of sapwood. The wound length had a strong impact on the length of decay (r = 0.716); however, the spread of discoloration beyond the wound margin was limited (0–20 cm). The most commonly isolated fungus was Sarea difformis (Fr.) Fr. and, among the Basidiomycetes, Peniophora pini (Schleich.) Boidin. The results suggest that when planning to grow P. contorta in areas of Europe, the population size of large game animals needs to be considered, in view of potential risk of bark stripping damage.
Tyramide-FISH mapping of single genes for development of an integrated recombination and cytogenetic map of chromosome 5 ofAllium cepa
Authors: Romanov Dmitry , Divashuk Mikhail , Havey Michael J. , Khrustaleva Ludmila
Published: June 2015

Chromosome 5 of onion carries major quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control dry-matter content, pungency and storability of bulbs, amounts and types of epicuticular waxes, and resistances to abiotic factors, all of which are of interest to breeders. SNPs, SSRs, and RFLPs in expressed regions of the onion genome have been genetically mapped, and we used these clones and sequences from the NCBI database to develop DNA probes for in situ hybridization to integrate the genetic and physical maps of onion chromosome 5. We produced genomic amplicons from expressed regions of the onion genome that carried both exons and introns in order to increase the hybridization specificity of the probes and to enlarge the target DNA sizes. Tyramide-FISH technique was used to increase the detection sensitivity of relatively short target DNA regions, which range from 950 to 2100 bp. Through the integration of genetic and chromosomal maps, we were able to estimate the distribution of recombination events along onion chromosome 5. We demonstrated the efficiency of chromosomal in situ mapping of exon–intron genomic clones for the extremely large genome of onion.
Synergistic interactions of biotic and abiotic environmental stressors on gene expression
Authors: Altshuler Ianina , McLeod Anne M. , Colbourne John K. , Yan Norman D. , Cristescu Melania E.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the response of organisms to multiple stressors is critical for predicting if populations can adapt to rapid environmental change. Natural and anthropogenic stressors often interact, complicating general predictions. In this study, we examined the interactive and cumulative effects of two common environmental stressors, lowered calcium concentration, an anthropogenic stressor, and predator presence, a natural stressor, on the water flea Daphnia pulex. We analyzed expression changes of five genes involved in calcium homeostasis — cuticle proteins (Cutie, Icp2), calbindin (Calb), and calcium pump and channel (Serca and Ip3R) — using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in a full factorial experiment. We observed strong synergistic interactions between low calcium concentration and predator presence. While the Ip3R gene was not affected by the stressors, the other four genes were affected in their transcriptional levels by the combination of the stressors. Transcriptional patterns of genes that code for cuticle proteins (Cutie and Icp2) and a sarcoplasmic calcium pump (Serca) only responded to the combination of stressors, changing their relative expression levels in a synergistic response, while a calcium-binding protein (Calb) responded to low calcium stress and the combination of both stressors. The expression pattern of these genes (Cutie, Icp2, and Serca) were nonlinear, yet they were dose dependent across the calcium gradient. Multiple stressors can have complex, often unexpected effects on ecosystems. This study demonstrates that the dominant interaction for the set of tested genes appears to be synergism. We argue that gene expression patterns can be used to understand and predict the type of interaction expected when organisms are exposed simultaneously to natural and anthropogenic stressors.
DOES TRADE-OFF BETWEEN CHILD QUANTITY AND CHILD QUALITY EXIST IN MALAYSIA?
Authors: ABDUL-RAZAK NOR AZAM , ABD KARIM MOHD ZAINI , ABDUL-HAKIM ROSLAN
Published: June 2015

This paper analyzed whether the child quantity-quality (CQQ) trade-off is applicable in the case of Malaysia. Utilizing the instrumental variable (IV) method, our analysis produces results that are consistent with the hypothesis that the trade-off is unlikely to be applicable to Malaysia as a whole due to the generous public provision of education. However, the results show that the CQQ trade-off exists for the high-income group. Taken together, if both a larger stock of human capital and population are desired, the government should continue to provide education for its people while at the same time maintain policies that stimulate growth.
PRE AND POST CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY EFFECTS: EVIDENCE FROM HONG KONG STOCK MARKET
Authors: CHIA RICKY CHEE JIUN , LIM SHIOK YE , ONG PUI KHUAN , TEH SIEW FONG
Published: June 2015

This paper investigated the existence of pre-Chinese New Year (CNY) and post-CNY holiday effect in the Hong Kong stock market for the period covering January 1988 to July 2012. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)-M model is adopted to examine the average returns and associated with symmetrical behavior. Then, asymmetric effect will be identified by using the Threshold GARCH-M (TGARCH-M) and Exponential GARCH-M (EGARCH-M) models. Results obtained indicate the significant two days pre-CNY and one day post-CNY holiday effects. Results also showed that post-CNY is found to be more volatile than the pre-CNY. Besides, the study found evidence of asymmetrical market reactions towards positive and negative news. The CNY holiday effects can be explained with the arguments drawn from behavioral finance, where the Chinese superstition and tradition cultures can alter investors' attitudes toward risk and affect investors' decision making in stock trading.
AN INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY FOR REGIONAL MACROECONOMIC LOSS ESTIMATION OF EARTHQUAKE: A CASE STUDY OF TEHRAN
Authors: ALOUGHAREH IMAN RAHIMI , ASHTIANY MOHSEN GHAFORY , NASSERASADI KIARASH
Published: June 2015

Rapid unmanaged growth of population and properties in metropolitan areas has increased the societal vulnerability to disasters. While the first step in disaster economic risk management is the quantification of economic losses, modeling unexpected events by equilibrium-oriented economic models which assume gradual and incremental changes over time and uniform spatial impacts poses analytical challenges. In this paper an integrated, operational methodology for evaluating the effects of earthquake on the economy based on the various types of losses and their relations is developed. A case study of Tehran shows future losses caused by studied earthquake scenarios will be more than 70% of gross regional product (GRP). Finally, a number of solutions for reducing negative impacts are introduced.
From electromagnetic neutrinos to new electromagnetic radiation mechanism in neutrino fluxes
Authors: Balantsev Ilya , Studenikin Alexander
Published: June 2015

A massive neutrino has nonzero magnetic moment and is involved in the electromagnetic interactions with external fields and photons. The electromagnetic neutrino moving in matter can emit the spin light [Formula: see text] in the process of transition between two quantum states in matter. In quite resembling way an electron can emit spin light in moving background composed of neutrinos, that is “the spin light of an electron in neutrino flux” [Formula: see text]. In this paper we obtain the exact solution for the wave function and energy spectrum for an electron moving in a neutrino flux and consider the [Formula: see text] as the transition process between two electron quantum states in the background. The [Formula: see text] radiation rate, power and emitted photon energy are calculated. Notably, the energy spectrum of the emitted [Formula: see text] photons can span up to gamma-rays. We argue that the considered [Formula: see text] can be of interest for astrophysical applications, for supernovae processes in particular.
Neutrino mixing with nonzero θ13 and CP violation in the 3-3-1 model based on S4 flavor symmetry
Authors: Vien Vo Van , Long Hoang Ngoc , Khoi Dinh Phan
Published: June 2015

The 3-3-1 model proposed in 2011 based on discrete symmetry [Formula: see text] responsible for the neutrino and quark masses is updated, in which the nonzero [Formula: see text] is focused. Neutrino masses and mixings are consistent with the most recent data on neutrino oscillations without perturbation. The new feature is adding a new [Formula: see text] anti-sextet lying in doublet under [Formula: see text] which can result the nonzero [Formula: see text] without perturbation, and consequently, the number of Higgs multiplets required is less than those of other models based on non-Abelian discrete symmetries and the 3-3-1 models. The exact tribimaximal form obtained with the breaking [Formula: see text] in charged lepton sector and [Formula: see text] in neutrino sector. If both breakings [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are taken place in neutrino sector, the realistic neutrino spectrum is obtained without perturbation. The upper bound on neutrino mass and the effective mass governing neutrinoless double beta decay at the tree level are presented. The model predicts the Dirac CP violation phase [Formula: see text] in the normal spectrum (with [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] in the inverted spectrum.
Black holes as QCD laboratories
Authors: Flachi Antonino
Published: June 2015

A precise description of black hole evaporation requires a quantitative understanding of chiral symmetry breaking and confinement in the presence of strong gravitational fields. In this paper, we present a brief review of our recent work on the subject and explain our results in terms of the recently discussed chiral gap effect.
Black Ringoid in seven dimensions
Authors: Kleihaus Burkhard , Kunz Jutta , Radu Eugen
Published: June 2015

We discuss the basic properties of a class of static and spinning black ringoids (Br) in d = 7 spacetime dimensions. These asymptotically flat solutions of the vacuum Einstein equations possess an S2 × S3 event horizon topology. They are found for a specific metric ansatz and can be viewed as natural higher dimensional counterparts of the d = 5 black rings (BRs). Similar to that case, the static configurations are supported against collapse by conical singularities. We provide evidence for the existence of balanced solutions which are spinning and possess two equal magnitude angular momenta.
On Bhargava's factorials of the set of twin primes in ℤ and in 𝔽q[T]
Authors: Adam David , Chabert Jean-Luc
Published: June 2015

Assuming Dickson's conjecture, we give explicit formulas for Bhargava's factorials associated to the set ℙ2 of twin primes. We also characterize the polynomials of degree n which take integral values on ℙ2 by means of their values on {1, …, 2n + 1}. Doing this, we give a negative answer to a conjecture of Mingarelli. Similar results are also obtained when replacing ℤ by 𝔽q[T].
Innovative architectures in ferroelectric multi-materials: Chemistry, interfaces and strain
Authors: Elissalde C. , Chung U.-C. , Philippot G. , Lesseur J. , Berthelot R. , Sallagoity D. , Albino M. , Epherre R. , Chevallier G. , Buffière S. , Weibel A. , Bernard D. , Majimel J. , Aymonier C. , Mornet S. , Estournès C. , Maglione M.
Published: June 2015

Breakthroughs can be expected in multi-component ceramics by adjusting the phase assembly and the micro–nanostructure. Controlling the architecture of multi-materials at different scales is still challenging and provides a great opportunity to broaden the range of functionalities in the field of ferroelectric-based ceramics. We used the potentialities of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) to control a number of key parameters regarding the properties: anisotropy, interfaces, grain size and strain effects. The flexibility of the wet and supercritical chemistry routes associated with the versatility of SPS allowed designing new ferroelectric composite ceramics at different scales. These approaches are illustrated through various examples based on our work on ferroelectric/dielectric composites.
Plasmon-Enhanced Photoluminescence of an Amorphous Silicon Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Device by Localized Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Ag/SiOx:a-Si QDs/Ag Sandwich Nanostructures
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Han , Lin Ming-Yi , Choi Wing-Kit , Lin Hoang Yan
Published: June 2015

We investigated experimentally the plasmon-enhanced photoluminescence of the amorphous silicon quantum dots (a-Si QDs) light-emitting devices (LEDs) with theAg/SiOx:a-Si QDs/Ag sandwich nanostructures, through the coupling between the a-Si QDs and localized surface plasmons polaritons (LSPPs) mode, by tuning a one-dimensional (1D) Ag grating on the top. The coupling of surface plasmons at the top and bottomAg/SiOx:a-Si QDs interfaces resulted in the localized surface plasmon polaritons (LSPPs) confined underneath the Ag lines, which exhibit the Fabry-Pérot resonance. From the Raman spectrum, it proves the existence of a-Si QDs embedded in Si-richSiOxfilm (SiOx:a-Si QDs) at a low annealing temperature (300°C) to prevent the possible diffusion of Ag atoms from Ag film. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of a-Si QDs can be precisely tuned by a 1D Ag grating with different pitches and Ag line widths were investigated. An optimized Ag grating structure, with 500 nm pitch and 125 nm Ag line width, was found to achieve up to 4.8-fold PL enhancement at 526 nm and 2.46-fold PL integrated intensity compared to the a-Si QDs LEDs without Ag grating structure, due to the strong a-Si QDs-LSPPs coupling.
Effects of Long-Term Antiglaucoma Eye Drops on Conjunctival Structures: An In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Study
Authors: Zhu Wenqing , Kong Xiangmei , Xu Jianjiang , Sun Xinghuai
Published: June 2015

Purpose. The study was aimed at comparing the long-term effects of different antiglaucoma eye drops on conjunctival structures using laser scanning confocal microscopy.Methods. Eighty patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma and twenty healthy volunteers were included in this study. The participants were divided into 5 groups according to the different medications. The lachrymal film break-up time, Schirmer’s I test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire were performed in all subjects. The confocal microscopy was used to observe the basal epithelial cell density (ECD), goblet cell density (GCD), dendritic cell density (DCD), and subepithelial collagen fiber diameter (SFD).Results. Statistically significant differences were found among the control group and the antiglaucoma therapy groups in the values of three clinical data (P<0.05). The GCD, DCD, and SFD showed significant differences in all glaucoma groups when compared to the control (P<0.001). Moreover, the prostaglandin group differed from the other antiglaucoma therapy groups in the GCD and SFD (P<0.05).Conclusions. Our study confirmed the significant differences in the conjunctival structures based on the effects of antiglaucoma medications. Less pronounced changes were found in the patients treated with prostaglandin analogue than in the other kinds of antiglaucoma therapies.
Neglected Anterior Dislocation of the Knee with Common Peroneal Palsy
Authors: Matthai Thomas , Bhowmick Kaushik , Boopalan P. R. J. V. C. , George James C.
Published: June 2015

Knee dislocations usually follow high velocity injuries and are increasingly being treated with immediate reduction and staged repair of the ligaments. Neglected knee dislocations are rare and more difficult to treat with inferior outcomes. We present a rare case of neglected anterior dislocation of the knee treated by surgical arthrodesis.
Dexmedetomidine Analgesia Effects in Patients Undergoing Dental Implant Surgery and Its Impact on Postoperative Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Li Sisi , Yang Yang , Yu Cong , Yao Ying , Wu Yujia , Qian Lian , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to determine whether or not dexmedetomidine- (DEX-) based intravenous infusion in dental implantation can provide better sedation and postoperative analgesia via suppressing postoperative inflammation and oxidative stress. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either DEX (group D) or midazolam (group M). Recorded variables were vital sign (SBP/HR/RPP/SpO2/RR), visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, and observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation scale (OAAS) scores. The plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected at baseline and after 2, 4, and 24 h of drug administration. The VAS pain scores and OAAS scores were significantly lower for patients in group D compared to group M. The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA were significantly lower in group D patients than those in group M at 2 h and 4 h. In group M, SOD levels decreased as compared to group D at 2 h and 4 h. The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA were positively correlated with VAS pain scores while SOD negatively correlated with VAS pain scores. Therefore, DEX appears to provide better sedation during office-based artificial tooth implantation. DEX offers better postoperative analgesia via anti-inflammatory and antioxidation pathway.
ECAPM: An Enhanced Coverage Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Network Based on Probability Model
Authors: Zeyu Sun , Huanzhao Wang , Weiguo Wu , Xiaofei Xing
Published: June 2015

How to cover a monitored area with the minimum number of sensor nodes is a fundamental in wireless sensor network (WSN). To address this problem, this paper proposes ECAPM, that is, Enhanced Coverage Algorithm Based on Probability Model. Given an area to monitor, ECAPM can calculate the minimum number of sensor nodes to cover that area. Firstly, ECAPM introduces the method to compute the expectation of probability that a sensor node is covered. Then ECAPM presents the procedure of expected value calculation when target node is covered by one sensor node and N sensor nodes. Finally ECAPM verifies the relation of proportional function when random variables are not independent. The simulation results show that ECAPM can cover the monitored area effectively with less sensor nodes and improve the quality of coverage.
Clinical Effects of Topical Tacrolimus on Fox-Fordyce Disease
Authors: Kaya Erdoğan Hilal , Bulur Işıl , Kaya Zeliha
Published: June 2015

Fox-Fordyce Disease (FFD) is a rare, chronic, pruritic, inflammatory disorder of apocrine glands. It is characterized by dome-shaped, firm, discrete, skin-colored, and monomorphic perifollicular papules. The most common sites of involvement are axillae and anogenital and periareolar regions which are rich in apocrine sweat glands. Treatment is difficult. Topical, intralesional steroids, topical tretinoin, adapalene, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, oral contraceptives, isotretinoin, phototherapy, electrocauterisation, excision-liposuction and curettage, and fractional carbon dioxide laser are among the treatment options. In the literature, there are articles reporting beneficial effects of pimecrolimus in FFD. Nevertheless, there have not been any reports about the use of tacrolimus in FFD. We report two patients diagnosed with FFD by clinical and histopathologic examination and discussed therapeutic effects of topical tacrolimus on FFD in the light of literature.
Similarity Analysis between Scale Model and Prototype of Large Vibrating Screen
Authors: Zhang Zerong , Wang Yongyan , Fan Zhimin
Published: June 2015

In order to predict the physical characteristics of the large vibrating screen from its scale-down model, the similarity ratios of the frequency response functions, mode shapes, and dynamic stresses between the prototype and the scale model screen are built according to the similarity theory. The natural frequencies and modal shapes are extracted from the frequency response function by means of modal tests, in which the relative error of the natural frequencies is less than 9% and the modal shapes are consistent between the prototype and the model. The operating condition parameters including dynamic stress, displacement, velocity, and acceleration were also measured and conform to the similarity criteria. The results show that the inherent and operating condition parameters of the large vibrating screen can be obtained from the scale-down model conveniently, which provides an effective method for structural optimization and substructure coupling analysis of the large vibrating screen.
The Prioritization of Clinical Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity Using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Maranate Thaya , Pongpullponsak Adisak , Ruttanaumpawan Pimon
Published: June 2015

Recently, there has been a problem of shortage of sleep laboratories that can accommodate the patients in a timely manner. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to worse outcomes particularly in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For this reason, the prioritization in polysomnography (PSG) queueing should be endorsed based on disease severity. To date, there have been conflicting data whether clinical information can predict OSA severity. The 1,042 suspected OSA patients underwent diagnostic PSG study at Siriraj Sleep Center during 2010-2011. A total of 113 variables were obtained from sleep questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The 19 groups of clinical risk factors consisting of 42 variables were categorized into each OSA severity. This study aimed to array these factors by employing Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process approach based on normalized weight vector. The results revealed that the first rank of clinical risk factors in Severe, Moderate, Mild, and No OSA was nighttime symptoms. The overall sensitivity/specificity of the approach to these groups was 92.32%/91.76%, 89.52%/88.18%, 91.08%/84.58%, and 96.49%/81.23%, respectively. We propose that the urgent PSG appointment should include clinical risk factors of Severe OSA group. In addition, the screening for Mild from No OSA patients in sleep center setting using symptoms during sleep is also recommended (sensitivity = 87.12% and specificity = 72.22%).
The Effects of Nonpharmacological Treatment on Uremic Pruritus Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Chiu-Feng , Hsiao Ya-Chu , Ko Pi-Chen
Published: June 2015

Background. Around 50–90% of hemodialysis patients develop pruritus. Although studies examining nonpharmacological treatments for itchy skin have been conducted, the conclusions have not been decisive. Purpose. Through a systematic review of the literature, this study aimed to understand nonpharmacological interventions carried out in clinical trials for uremic pruritus and to evaluate and consolidate the information regarding these improvements and their effectiveness. Methods. A literature search focusing on studies published between January 2004 and December 2013 was conducted from 5 electronic databases. After screening based on inclusion criteria and excluding duplicates, nonpharmacological treatments examined in randomized clinical trials were selected for further analysis and synthesis. A modified Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of the identified articles. Results. Seven nonpharmacological studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions to improve uremic pruritus included using emollients, phototherapy, acupuncture, and thermal therapy. Research showed that using emollients, phototherapy, and acupuncture significantly reduces uremic pruritus. Conclusion. Nonpharmacological interventions are effective for hemodialysis patients with pruritus. Emollients were found to provide the most relief compared to the other methods and constitute a readily available and cost-effective intervention to improve pruritus symptoms.
Hybrid Modified K‐Means with C4.5 for Intrusion Detection Systems in Multiagent Systems
Authors: Laftah Al-Yaseen Wathiq , Ali Othman Zulaiha , Ahmad Nazri Mohd Zakree
Published: June 2015

Presently, the processing time and performance of intrusion detection systems are of great importance due to the increased speed of traffic data networks and a growing number of attacks on networks and computers. Several approaches have been proposed to address this issue, including hybridizing with several algorithms. However, this paper aims at proposing a hybrid of modified K‐means with C4.5 intrusion detection system in a multiagent system (MAS‐IDS). The MAS‐IDS consists of three agents, namely, coordinator, analysis, and communication agent. The basic concept underpinning the utilized MAS is dividing the large captured network dataset into a number of subsets and distributing these to a number of agents depending on the data network size and core CPU availability. KDD Cup 1999 dataset is used for evaluation. The proposed hybrid modified K‐means with C4.5 classification in MAS is developed in JADE platform. The results show that compared to the current methods, the MAS‐IDS reduces the IDS processing time by up to 70%, while improving the detection accuracy.