bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of bending on flexible metal oxide TFTs and oscillator circuits
Authors: Afsar Yasmin , Tang Jenny , Rieutort‐Louis Warren , Huang Liechao , Hu Yingzhe , Sanz‐Robinson Josue , Verma Naveen , Wagner Sigurd , Sturm James C.
Published: May 2016

Thin‐film circuits on plastic capable of high‐frequency signal generation have important applications in large‐area, flexible hybrid systems, enabling efficient wireless transmission of power and information. We explore oscillator circuits using zinc‐oxide thin‐film transistors (ZnO TFTs) deposited by the conformal, layer‐by‐layer growth technique of plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition. TFTs on three substrates—glass, 50‐µm‐thick freestanding polyimide, and 3.5‐µm‐thick spin‐cast polyimide—are evaluated to identify the best candidate for high‐frequency flexible oscillators. We find that TFTs on ultrathin plastic can endure bending to smaller radii than TFTs on commercial 50‐µm‐thick freestanding polyimide, and their superior dimensional stability furthermore allows for smaller gate resistances and device capacitances. Oscillators on ultrathin plastic with minimized parasitics achieve oscillation frequencies as high as 17 MHz, well above the cutoff frequency fT. Lastly, we observe a bending radius dependence of oscillation frequency for flexible TFT oscillators and examine how mitigating device parasitics benefits the oscillator frequency versus power consumption tradeoff.
Removing Grazing Pressure from a Native Pasture Decreases Soil Organic Carbon in Southern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Orgill Susan Elizabeth , Condon Jason Robert , Conyers Mark Kenneth , Morris Stephen Grant , Alcock Douglas John , Murphy Brian William , Greene Richard Sinclair Blake
Published: May 2016

Grazing management is a known influence of carbon accumulation in agricultural soil, but there is conflicting evidence on the extent. This study compared organic carbon and nitrogen stocks at the conclusion of a 5‐year grazing trial on a fertilised native pasture in south‐eastern Australia. The study included three grazing treatments: ungrazed, tactically grazed (set stocking with biannual rest periods) and cell grazed (intense stocking with frequent long rest periods). There was no influence of grazing treatment detected on pasture sward composition when averaged over seasons or on total nitrogen or bulk density. The cell grazing treatment had total carbon stock of 32·9 Mg C ha−1 (SE = 1·8) in the 0–0·30 m soil layer, which was a significant increase (p < 0·05) relative to the ungrazed treatment at 25·6 Mg C ha−1 but not statistically greater than the tactical treatment at 29·5 Mg C ha−1. There was no difference detected in labile carbon stocks to 0·30 m, which indicates that differences in soil carbon due to grazing was accumulated over the 5‐year trial rather than reflecting short‐term seasonal impacts. We propose that a combination of factors contributed to a greater stock of soil carbon under grazed pastures including differences in plant shoot/root allocation, root growth and root turnover with defoliation under grazing as well as lower plant productivity where grazing is excluded because of shading and nutrient tie‐up. This study demonstrates removing grazing pressure may lead to lower soil carbon stocks in native pastures over time and provides evidence of the potential for grazing management to increase soil carbon in the short‐term. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite‐region stability and finite‐region boundedness for 2D Roesser models
Authors: Zhang Guangchen , Wang Weiqun
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we establish finite‐region stability (FRS) and finite‐region boundedness analysis methods to investigate the transient behavior of discrete two‐dimensional Roesser models. First, by building special recursive formulas, a sufficient FRS condition is built via solvable linear matrix inequalities constraints. Next, by designing state feedback controllers, the finite‐region stabilization issue is analyzed for the corresponding two‐dimensional closed‐loop system. Similar to FRS analysis, the finite‐region boundedness problem is addressed for Roesser models with exogenous disturbances and corresponding criteria, and linear matrix inequalities conditions are reported. To conclude the paper, we provide numerical examples to confirm the validity of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐profile wideband monopole antenna for mobile and wireless monitoring applications
Authors: El Jaafari Bilal , Floch Jean‐Marie
Published: May 2016

A compact wideband monopole antenna for mobile and wireless monitoring applications is presented. The proposed antenna will be implemented in a wireless system devoted to remote monitoring water and wastewater applications. The antenna is mainly designed to operate within the frequency range of 700–2700 MHz covering different mobile and wireless frequency bands. An optimization process based on global algorithm has been used to achieve the design goals. The design of the proposed antenna is carried out using optimization and simulation tools of full‐wave electromagnetic simulation software. A prototype of the proposed antenna was manufactured and tested in order to verify the performances of the antenna including in the real environment conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1813–1817, 2016
The fabrication and characterization of wide‐bandgap MgZnO:Ga TCO layer via co‐sputtering technique for CIGS solar cells
Authors: Shim Bo‐Hyun , Chae Jong‐Mok , Jo Hee‐Jin
Published: May 2016

MgZnO:Ga films were deposited on the glass by RF magnetron sputtering. Effects of growth temperature (from room temperature to 200°C) on the electrical, optical, and structural properties of MgZnO:Ga films were investigated. Depending on increasing of growth temperature, the films showed a low resistivity of 1.15 × 10−3 Ω‐cm. The optimized MgZnO:Ga films exhibited a high transmittance over 85% in the near‐ultraviolet and visible region. Also, the performance of CuIn1 − xGaxSe2 (CIGS) photovoltaic device fabricated with MgZnO:Ga transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer was improved by higher band gap and outstanding electron mobility. Improved short circuit current has resulted in high performance of device with energy conversion efficiency (ηe) of 10.2%. Therefore, the high conductivity and optical transmission by MgZnO:Ga films are applied to optoelectronic device as vital characteristics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1894–1897, 2016
75GBAUD NYQUIST QPSK signal transmission with orbital angular momentum multiplexing
Authors: Guo Haichao , Wang Yiguang , Li Xiaojun , Zhang Li , Fang Yuan , Chi Nan
Published: May 2016

In this article, for the first time the generation, multiplexing, and detection of 75GBaud Nyquist QPSK signal transmission over two orthogonal Laguerre–Gaussian modes carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) were experimentally demonstrated. To further increase spectrum efficiency, Nyquist signal was generated by all‐optical method to produce sinc‐shaped Nyquist pulses and received by full‐band signal coherent detection with digital signal processing. Two OAM modes with same absolute value of charge but opposite sign were generated, multiplexed, and demultiplexed. The bit error ratio performance of the received signal was under forward error correction threshold with optical signal‐to‐noise ratio of 20 and 22 dB for +8 mode and −8 mode, respectively. To our best knowledge, this is the highest baud rate ever achieved in OAM based wireless optical transmission systems, which clearly validate the feasibility and benefit of Nyquist signal transmission with OAM mode multiplexing to increase the spectrum efficiency and system capacity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1866–1869, 2016
An alternative vector network analyzer incorporating a dual‐band six‐port junction
Authors: Arab Homa , Akyel Cevdet , Tatu Serioja O.
Published: May 2016

This article outlines the theory and design of a network analyzer using a dual‐band six‐port junction at 0.915 GHz and 2.45 GHz. The proposed six‐port comprises a five‐port junction and a directional coupler. Some significant advantages of this design are the low cost (one RF source, no IF source, and no phase detector), compactness, real‐time operation, and simplicity in realization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1964–1968, 2016
Calculation of optimized parameters for the frequency selective surfaces by means of Taguchi's method
Authors: Filgueira J. D. B. , Campos A. L. P. S. , Neto A. Gomes , Maniçoba R. H. C.
Published: May 2016

The Taguchi's method is based on the orthogonal arrays (OAs) concept. This method is a procedure that effectively reduces the number of test iterations required in an optimization process. Even though the method has a quite wide spectrum of applications in general, the use of Taguchi's method in electromagnetic theory is rare. In frequency selective surfaces (FSS) optimization, the Taguchi's method is unpublished. In this study, the method is applied for FSS design with two different geometries, the square loop and the gridded square loop. The obtained results show that the FSS design parameters are extracted in a successful manner. Finally, prototypes are built and the technique is validate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:1984–1989, 2016
A fractalized meander‐line EBG‐based microstrip teeth‐like patch slot antenna for use in satellite and defense applications
Authors: Pandey Ratnesh , Kumar Vishwakarma Dinesh
Published: May 2016

A fractalized meander‐line electromagnetic bandgap structures ‐based microstrip teeth‐like patch slot antenna is proposed, designed, simulated, tested, and verified. The proposed antenna operates in the extended C‐band (upper) having gain 5.5–6.5 dB in the desired range. The proposed antenna can find applications in defense sector and satellite applications like the transponders using extended C‐band (upper) 6.425–6.725 GHz, that is, the Uplink frequencies for MEASAT and so forth. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2010–2015, 2016
Irreducible decomposition of strain gradient tensor in isotropic strain gradient elasticity
Authors: Lazar Markus
Published: May 2016

In isotropic strain gradient elasticity, we decompose the strain gradient tensor into its irreducible pieces under the n‐dimensional orthogonal group . Using the Young tableau method for traceless tensors, four irreducible pieces (), which are canonical, are obtained. In three dimensions, the strain gradient tensor can be decomposed into four irreducible pieces with independent components whereas in two dimensions, the strain gradient tensor can be decomposed into three irreducible pieces with independent components. The knowledge of these irreducible pieces is extremely useful when setting up constitutive relations and strain energy.
Major Histocompatibility Complex class I proteins are critical for maintaining neuronal structural complexity in the aging brain
Authors: Lazarczyk Maciej J. , Kemmler Julia E. , Eyford Brett A. , Short Jennifer A. , Varghese Merina , Sowa Allison , Dickstein Daniel R. , Yuk Frank J. , Puri Rishi , Biron Kaan E. , Leist Marcel , Jefferies Wilfred A. , Dickstein Dara L.
Published: May 2016

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) proteins have been implicated in neuronal function through the modulation of neuritogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation during development. However, the involvement of MHCI in the aged brain is unclear. Here we demonstrate that MHCI deficiency results in significant dendritic atrophy along with an increase in thin dendritic spines and a reduction in stubby spines in the hippocampus of aged (12 month old) mice. Ultrastructural analyses revealed a decrease in spine head diameter and post synaptic density (PSD) area, as well as an increase in overall synapse density and non-perforated, small spines. Interestingly, we found that the changes in synapse density and morphology appear relatively late (after the age of 6 months). Finally, we found a significant age dependent increase in the levels of the glutamate receptor, GluN2B in aged MHCI knockout mice, with no change in GluA2/3, VGluT1, PSD95 or synaptophysin. These results indicate that MHCI may be also be involved in maintaining brain integrity at post-developmental stages notably in the modulation of neuronal and spine morphology and synaptic function during non-pathological aging which could have significant implications for cognitive function.
Identification of lactate dehydrogenase as a mammalian pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-binding protein
Authors: Akagawa Mitsugu , Minematsu Kenji , Shibata Takahiro , Kondo Tatsuhiko , Ishii Takeshi , Uchida Koji
Published: May 2016

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a redox-active o-quinone, is an important nutrient involved in numerous physiological and biochemical processes in mammals. Despite such beneficial functions, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be established. In the present study, using PQQ-immobilized Sepharose beads as a probe, we examined the presence of protein(s) that are capable of binding PQQ in mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and identified five cellular proteins, including l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) A chain, as potential mammalian PQQ-binding proteins. In vitro studies using a purified rabbit muscle LDH show that PQQ inhibits the formation of lactate from pyruvate in the presence of NADH (forward reaction), whereas it enhances the conversion of lactate to pyruvate in the presence of NAD+ (reverse reaction). The molecular mechanism underlying PQQ-mediated regulation of LDH activity is attributed to the oxidation of NADH to NAD+ by PQQ. Indeed, the PQQ-bound LDH oxidizes NADH, generating NAD+ and significantly catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. Furthermore, PQQ attenuates cellular lactate release and increases intracellular ATP levels in the NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Our results suggest that PQQ, modulating LDH activity to facilitate pyruvate formation through its redox-cycling activity, may be involved in the enhanced energy production via mitochondrial TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
Structural properties of geminal dicationic ionic liquid/water mixtures: a theoretical and experimental insight
Authors: Serva Alessandra , Migliorati Valentina , Lapi Andrea , Aquilanti Giuliana , Arcovito Alessandro , D'Angelo Paola
Published: May 2016

The structural properties of geminal dicationic ionic liquid/water mixtures have been investigated using EXAFS spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.
Steam treatment of a hollow lithium phosphate catalyst: enhancing carbon deposition resistance and improving the catalytic performance of propylene oxide rearrangement
Authors: Wang Yanan , Li Zhishan , Ma Weihua , Kinunda Grace , Qu Hongxia , Zhong Qin
Published: May 2016

The reaction mechanism of propylene oxide rearrangement on a hollow lithium phosphate catalyst in the presence of steam.
Energy‐efficient user association in downlink heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Zhou Tianqing , Huang Yongming , Yang Luxi
Published: May 2016

In this study, the authors propose an energy‐efficient user association scheme to maximise the overall energy efficiency for downlink heterogeneous cellular networks, and formulate it as a non‐linear and mixed‐integer optimisation problem. Such a problem includes user association problem and power control problem. Since the formulated problem is in a fractional and mixed‐integer form, it is challenging for designers to achieve the optimal solutions of this problem. To this end, they design an effective three‐layer iterative algorithm. In the first layer, the energy efficiency parameter is found via bisection method. In the second layer, association index and transmit power are optimised alternately. In the third layer, the user association problem is solved via dual decomposition method and the transmit power is updated by employing a power update function. In addition, they further give some convergence analyses for some parts (user association algorithm and power control algorithm) of the proposed algorithm, and also give some complexity analyses for the whole algorithm. Numerical results show that, compared with non‐energy‐efficient association, the energy‐efficient association has significant superiorities on load balancing level, system throughput and energy efficiency.
Botulinum toxin
Authors: Sanassi Lorraine A.
Published: May 2016

Chronic migraines are a common condition among patients seen in primary care and management often is a challenge. Despite existing therapies to help manage this condition, many patients continue to experience undue stress and diminished quality of life secondary to pain. This article briefly reviews treatments for migraine and introduces the role of onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox A) in improving the management of chronic migraines.
Acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition arthropathy
Authors: Rosen Thomas , Furman Janet
Published: May 2016

Acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) arthropathy, also called pseudogout, is common, and becomes more prevalent as patients age. The presenting symptoms are similar to both gout and septic arthritis but may be treated differently. This article describes a typical patient presentation and management from an emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery standpoint.
Lean manufacturing practices in Indonesian manufacturing firms
Authors: Nawanir Gusman , Lim Kong Teong , Othman Siti Norezam
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Contradictory findings regarding the implication of Lean manufacturing (LM) implementation to business performance (BP) have been observed in prior studies. Hence, more studies are required to be capable of finding the status of LM implementation and its impacts on BP. Accordingly, this study examines and scrutinizes the effects of LM practices on the enhancement of BP from a developing country standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study uses a survey-based quantitative data collection approach through a cross-sectional research design. A total of 139 large manufacturing companies in Indonesia participated, selected through stratified random sampling technique. Three hypotheses regarding the effect of LM on BP were examined.

Findings

The results empirically reveal that comprehensive implementation of LM practices is necessary. Also, this study unravels that high BP (in terms of profitability, sales and customer satisfaction) is dependent upon the comprehensive implementation of LM practices. In other words, LM practices are not recommended to be implemented as a subset.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study is free from the common method bias as an implication of self-reporting by single respondent from one company, future researchers should consider of collecting data from multiple individuals in one company. Additionally, due to the study conducted in limited industries and large manufacturing firms, the results may not be applicable in other industries as well as in small and medium enterprises.

Practical implications

This study has further confirmed and established the LM–BP relationship. In line with the complementarity theory, it provides an insight that all the LM practices should be implemented simultaneously in a holistic manner because they are mutually supportive. In such a situation, piecemeal adoption is highly not recommended.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes on how LM contributes to the superior BP. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid to investigate the LM and its implication on BP from a developing country standpoint. Thus, this study is initiated to fill the gap.
Role of helical spring locked washer in bolted joint analysis: a review
Authors: Wagh Hemant Krishnarao , Desale Girish R. , Tripathi Kartikeya
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give a brief introduction of helical spring locked washer along with extensive literatures survey on role of helical spring locked washer in bolted joint analysis. It is very small component of bolted joint assembly, but it play vital role in holding the assembly components together. Helical shape of it produces spring effect in the assembly which is used for keeping the assembly in tension and that is lock the assembly under dynamic loading due to vibrations to avoid the accident.

Design/methodology/approach

– The critical literatures survey identifies role of helical spring locked washer in different areas such as design optimization, mechanism of loosening-resistant components, bolted joint analysis, finite element-based modeling, analysis and simulation. The related literatures show contribution of helical spring washers in evaluation of anti-loosening performance of assemblies as compare to other types of washers.

Findings

– It proposed that design optimization of helical spring locked washer is needed as it improves the performance in the form of load-deflection characteristics, load bearing capacity and provides the best locking force for optimize functionality.

Originality/value

– The originality or value of this paper is to finding research gaps in literatures by dividing literatures into seven different research areas and concentrating the only on role of helical spring locked washer in bolted joint analysis.
A case study of development of a mobile application from an existing web information system
Authors: Barroca Filho Itamir de Morais , Aquino Júnior Gibeon Soares
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study of the Metamorphosis process in the development of a mobile application based on an existing web information system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the design and execution of a case study to investigate the feasibility of using the Metamorphosis process to create mobile applications based on existing web information systems. This case study reports the development of a mobile version from SIGEventos web information system.

Findings

The use of Metamorphosis process for the development of SIGEventos Mobile, based on SIGEventos web version, allowed the investigation of the feasibility of it on creation of mobile applications based on existing web information systems. This process was considered useful for creating mobile applications based on existing information systems.

Originality/value

This paper presents a case study of Metamorphosis process.
Governance and performance in China’s real estate sector
Authors: Xu Lei , McIver Ron P. , Shan Yuan George , Wang Xiaochen
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to link literature on China’s real estate sector and the impact of governance, ownership and political connectedness on firm financial performance. Whether these factors impact listed real estate firms differently to firms in other industry sectors is identified.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses pooled 2008-2013 data on A-share firms. Tobin’sQcaptures firm financial performance. Explanatory variables include corporate governance, ownership, local government political connectedness, accounting data and ultimate control. Two-way interactions are estimated between real estate and ownership, governance, political connectedness and other variables. Three-way interactions are estimated between real estate, ownership, control and political connectedness. Year and industry fixed effects are absorbed.

Findings

– Industry concentration and proportion of state ownership appear to positively impact performance. Firm size, gearing and greater foreign ownership appear to negatively impact performance. However, differences are identified for real estate firms, in which state control and gearing positively impact performance. Greater state and foreign ownership as well as supervisory board size negatively impact performance. Finally, state control in the presence of local government connections negatively impacts performance, while greater state ownership in the presence of local government connections positively impacts performance.

Originality/value

– A lack of empirical evidence on the impact of corporate governance, ownership structures and political connectedness on firm performance in China’s real estate sector is addressed. Importantly, relationships among these factors and the financial performance of China’s listed real estate firms differ to those of firms in other industries.
Credit supply and corporate capital structure: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Ahsan Tanveer , Zhang Xianzhi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance of credit supply for corporate capital structure decisions of manufacturing firms in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The implicit assumption in much of the work on capital structure is that for a firm, the availability of incremental capital depends solely on its characteristics. However, the capital market frictions suggest that suppliers of credit may also affect firms’ ability to borrow. The authors investigated this intuition by employing dynamic panel data estimators using 8,984 firm-year observations for the period 1990-2010.

Findings

– The results show that short-term debt is a major source of financing in these firms. Further, credit supply plays a significant role in these firms’ capital structure decisions and hence, they increase their short-term debt (main financing source) with an increase in credit supply in the market while payoff their long-term debt with internal funds.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study can enhance the practitioners’ and analysts’ understanding of capital structure of manufacturing firms in a bank dominated financial system, like Pakistan. Also, it can provide them more insight in understanding the alternative choices of financing and the reasons why firms prefer one over the other.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study in Pakistan that considers both supply-side as well as demand-side factors of capital structure and applies dynamic panel data techniques.
Buying into the ‘good worker’ rhetoric or being as good as they need to be? The effort bargaining process of new migrant workers
Authors: Baxter‐Reid Hazel
Published: May 2016

A great deal of attention in the literature has focused upon employers' stereotypical perceptions of Central and Eastern European workers as ‘good workers’, and the impact such views have on hiring processes in low‐skilled employment. Drawing on multiple case studies, this paper examines the good worker rhetoric through the lens of the effort bargaining process and hard HRM strategies that target marginalised workers in the labour market. In particular, the extent to which migrant workers buy into the rhetoric is explored. It is argued that migrant workers do not fully buy in to the good worker rhetoric because of issues such as high levels of education and personal aspirations and importantly, issues related to employers' strategies, bullying, discrimination, and the segmentation of migrant workers in each organisation.
Characterization of Extended Spectrum Β‐Lactamase Producing Enterobacteria and Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Pork and Cooked Pork Products in South China
Authors: Li Lili , Ye Lei , Yu Li , Zhou Chenqing , Meng Hecheng
Published: May 2016

In this study, we assessed the co‐colonization with extended spectrum β‐lactamase producing Enterobacteria (ESBL‐E) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in raw pork and cooked pork products in south China. In total, 240 raw pork and 240 cooked pork samples collected from supermarkets (n = 20) and local butcher shops (n = 20) in the city of Guangzhou (China) were investigated. Raw pork and cooked pork was more frequent colonization with ESBL‐E (7.5% in raw pork and 0.4% in cooked pork products) than with MRSA (4.2% in raw pork). Two of samples were contaminated with both tested types of multidrug‐resistant bacteria. High antibiotic‐resistance rate with wide spectrums of both ESBL‐E and MRSA isolated were observed. In ESBL‐E isolates, TEM (n = 15), CTX‐M‐1 (n = 3), CTX‐M‐9 (n = 1), and SHV (n = 1) genes were detected. TEM and SHV genes were associated with CTX‐M‐1 in 2 isolates, respectively. The CTX‐M‐9 gene of 1 isolate from cooked pork samples was found to be transferred to Escherichia coli J53 by conjugation. Detected MLST‐types of MRSA were livestock‐associated ST7 (n = 5) and ST9 (n = 4), as well as hospital‐acquired ST239 (n = 1), suggesting contamination from human source(s) during meat processing. These findings confirmed a contamination of raw pork and cooked pork with ESBL‐E and MRSA and emphasized the necessity of enforcing hygienic practices and specific detection of MRSA and ESBL‐producing bacteria in meat processing and storage.
Laennec's melanosis: The first published description of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Lane‐Brown Malcolm , Roxanas Milton G
Published: May 2016

Melanomas are a common skin condition in Australia. The authors decided to examine the history of melanomas and its metastases with particular reference to the description of Laennec and the controversy between him and his teacher Dupuytren, who challenged his pupil as to who was the first to describe melanomatous metastases to the lungs. The rivalry between teacher and student continued, with each describing a similar system of pathological classification.
Interactive Videos: Plausible Video Editing using Sparse Structure Points
Authors: Chang Chia‐Sheng , Chu Hung‐Kuo , Mitra Niloy J.
Published: May 2016

Video remains the method of choice for capturing temporal events. However, without access to the underlying 3D scene models, it remains difficult to make object level edits in a single video or across multiple videos. While it may be possible to explicitly reconstruct the 3D geometries to facilitate these edits, such a workflow is cumbersome, expensive, and tedious. In this work, we present a much simpler workflow to create plausible editing and mixing of raw video footage using only sparse structure points (SSP) directly recovered from the raw sequences. First, we utilize user‐scribbles to structure the point representations obtained using structure‐from‐motion on the input videos. The resultant structure points, even when noisy and sparse, are then used to enable various video edits in 3D, including view perturbation, keyframe animation, object duplication and transfer across videos, etc. Specifically, we describe how to synthesize object images from new views adopting a novel image‐based rendering technique using the SSPs as proxy for the missing 3D scene information. We propose a structure‐preserving image warping on multiple input frames adaptively selected from object video, followed by a spatio‐temporally coherent image stitching to compose the final object image. Simple planar shadows and depth maps are synthesized for objects to generate plausible video sequence mimicking real‐world interactions. We demonstrate our system on a variety of input videos to produce complex edits, which are otherwise difficult to achieve.
A case of acquired port wine stain: an association with repeated sunburn?
Authors: Seremet Sila , Benar Elif B. , Afsar Fatma Sule , Calli Aylin , Ulusarac Ozlem
Published: May 2016

Background

Unlike congenital port wine stain (PWS), an acquired PWS is a rare vascular lesion that develops later in life. Although solar damage is associated with acquired PWS, there is no reported case of acquired PWS after sunburn in the literature.

Methods

We report a case of a 54‐year‐old man diagnosed with acquired PWS possibly caused by repeated sunburn.

Results

We recommended laser treatment to our patient; however, the patient did not chose to receive any treatment.

Conclusions

Our case demonstrates a possible rare occurrence of an acquired PWS after sunburn with larger lesions and more diffuse distribution. For this reason, our case differs from other acquired PWS cases.
Rendering 2D Lines on 3D Terrain Model with Optimization in Visual Quality and Running Performance
Authors: She Jiangfeng , Tan Xin , Guo Xingchen , Tan Junzhong , Liu Jianlong
Published: May 2016

With the gradual shift from 2D maps to a 3D virtual environment, various visual artifacts were generated by overlaying 2D map symbols on 3D terrain models. This work proposes a novel screen‐based method for rendering 2D vector lines with the accuracy of more than one pixel on the screen in real time. First, screen pixels are inversely projected onto a 3D terrain surface, and then onto the 2D vector plane. Next, these pixels are classified into three categories in terms of their intersection situation with the 2D lines. After that, a multiple sampling process is applied to the pixels that intersect with the 2D lines in order to eliminate visual artifacts, such as intermittence and aliasing (in pixel scale). Finally, a suitable point‐in‐polygon judgment is implemented to color each sample point quickly. The algorithm is realized in a heterogeneously parallel model so that the performance is improved and becomes acceptable.
Perspectives on the use of biomaterials to store platelets for transfusion
Authors: Farrugia Brooke L. , Chandrasekar Keerthana , Johnson Lacey , Whitelock John M. , Marks Denese C. , Irving David O. , Lord Megan S.
Published: May 2016

Platelets are routinely stored enabling transfusions for a range of conditions. While the current platelet storage bags, composed of either polyvinylchloride or polyolefin, are well-established, the storage of platelets in these bags beyond 7 days reduces platelet viability below clinically usable levels. New materials and coatings that promote platelet respiration while not supporting platelet adhesion or activation have started to emerge, with the potential to enable platelet storage beyond 7 days. This review focuses on the literature describing currently used biomaterials for platelet storage and emerging materials that are showing promise for improving platelet storage.
Creating cellular patterns using genetically engineered, gold- and cell-binding polypeptides
Authors: Li Linying , Mo Chia-Kuei , Chilkoti Ashutosh , Lopez Gabriel P. , Carroll Nick J.
Published: May 2016

Patterning cells on material surfaces is an important tool for the study of fundamental cell biology, tissue engineering, and cell-based bioassays. Here, the authors report a simple approach to pattern cells on gold patterned silicon substrates with high precision, fidelity, and stability. Cell patterning is achieved by exploiting adsorbed biopolymer orientation to either enhance (gold regions) or impede (silicon oxide regions) cell adhesion at particular locations on the patterned surface. Genetic incorporation of gold binding domains enables C-terminal chemisorption of polypeptides onto gold regions with enhanced accessibility of N-terminal cell binding domains. In contrast, the orientation of polypeptides adsorbed on the silicon oxide regions limit the accessibility of the cell binding domains. The dissimilar accessibility of cell binding domains on the gold and silicon oxide regions directs the cell adhesion in a spatially controlled manner in serum-free medium, leading to the formation of well-defined cellular patterns. The cells are confined within the polypeptide-modified gold regions and are viable for eight weeks, suggesting that bioactive polypeptide modified surfaces are suitable for long-term maintenance of patterned cells. This study demonstrates an innovative surface-engineering approach for cell patterning by exploiting distinct ligand accessibility on heterogeneous surfaces.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium interjectum Strain ATCC 51457
T
Authors: Levasseur Anthony , Asmar Shady , Robert Catherine , Drancourt Michel
Published: May 2016

Mycobacterium interjectum
is a nontuberculosis species rarely responsible for human infection. The draft genome of
M. interjectum
ATCC 51457
T
comprises 5,927,979 bp, exhibiting 67.91% G+C content, 5,314 protein-coding genes, and 51 predicted RNA genes.
Derivation algebra and automorphism group of the super W-algebra W(2,2)
Authors: Dai Xiansheng , Fa Huanxia , Wang Hao
Published: May 2016

The derivation algebra and automorphism group of a class of super [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] are completely determined in this paper.
Role of precautionary measures in HIV epidemics: A mathematical assessment
Authors: Bairagi N. , Adak D.
Published: May 2016

United Nations Political Declaration 2011 on HIV and AIDS calls to reduce the sexual transmission and the transmission of HIV among people, who inject drugs by [Formula: see text] by 2015, through different control strategies and precautionary measures. In this paper, we propose and study a simple SI type model that considers the effect of various precautionary measures to control HIV epidemic. We show, unlike conventional epidemic models, that the basic reproduction number which essentially considered as the disease eradication condition is no longer sufficient to eliminate HIV infection. In particular, we show that even when the basic reproduction number is made less than unity, the disease may persist if the initial outbreak is not low. Eradication of disease is however guaranteed if the ensemble control measure exceeds some upper critical value. It is also shown that an epidemic model with mass action incidence may exhibit backward bifurcation and bistability if density-dependent demography is considered. Our theoretical study thus indicates that extra attention should be given in controlling HIV epidemic to achieve the desired result.
Enhancing sensitivity of SERRS nanoprobes by modifying heptamethine cyanine-based reporter molecules
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Li Danqi , Zhou Xingyu , Gao Xihui , Zhao Shengyuan , Li Cong
Published: May 2016

Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) is a physical phenomenon that occurs when the energy of incident light is close to that of electronic excitation of reporter molecules (RMs) attached on substrates. SERRS has showed great promise in healthcare applications such as tumor diagnosis, image-guided tumor surgery and real-time evaluation of therapeutic response due to its ultra-sensitivity, manipulating convenience and easy accessibility. As the most widely used organic near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore, heptamethine cyanines possess the electronic excitation energy that is close to the plasmon absorption energy of the gold nano-scaffolds, which results in the extraordinary enhancement of the SERRS signal. However, the effect of heptamethine cyanine structure and the gold nanoparticle morphology to the SERRS intensity are barely investigated. This work developed a series of SERRS nanoprobes in which two heptamethine cyanine derivatives (IR783 and IR780) were used as the RM and three gold nanoparticles (nanorod, nanosphere and nanostar) were used as the substrates. Interestingly, even though IR780 and IR783 possess very similar chemical structure, SERRS signal produced by IR780 was determined as 14 times higher than that of IR783 when the RM concentration was 6.5 × 10−6M. In contrast, less than 4.0 fold SERRS signal intensity increase was measured by changing the substrate morphologies. Above experimental results indicate that finely tuning the chemical structure of the heptamethine cyanine could be a feasible way to develop robust SERRS probes to visualize tumor or guide tumor resection with high sensitivity and target to background ratio.
A Phase II Study of Third-Line Combination Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab Plus S-1 for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer with Mutated KRAS (SAVIOR Study)
Authors: Yoshida Motoki , Takagane Akinori , Miyake Yasuhiro , Shimada Ken , Nagata Naoki , Sato Atsushi , Ogata Yutaka , Fukunaga Mutsumi , Otsuka Koki , Takahashi Takao , Matsumoto Hidetomo , Kagimura Tatsuo , Tsuji Akihito
Published: May 2016

Objective: No salvage treatment had been established for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with mutated KRAS before the emergence of the new drugs regorafenib and TAS-102. We performed a phase II study of third-line chemotherapy with combined bevacizumab and S-1 for mCRC. Methods: Subjects were mCRC patients with mutated KRAS who showed disease aggravation even after two regimens with oxaliplatin and irinotecan. Bevacizumab was given intravenously every 2 weeks, and S-1 was administered orally on days 1-28 of a 42-day cycle. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR). Results: In total, 31 subjects were enrolled between August 2009 and June 2011. Three subjects in whom antitumor effects could not be evaluated were excluded. The median follow-up period was 8.6 months. The DCR was 67.9%, the response rate 0%, median progression-free survival 3.7 months, and overall survival 8.6 months. In 30 subjects evaluated for safety, there was no treatment-related death. The most common adverse events were anorexia (grade ≥3, 20%), diarrhea (grade 3, 10%), and decreased hemoglobin (grade ≥3, 17%). Conclusions: The results suggest that third-line chemotherapy with combined bevacizumab and S-1 is safe and may delay the progression of mCRC resistant to oxaliplatin and irinotecan with mutated KRAS.
Моніторинг побутових тригерних чинників бронхіальної астми
Authors: Беш О. М , Павліченко В. І , Радченко О. М , Бандрівська А. З
Published: May 2016

МОНІТОРИНГ ПОБУТОВИХ ТРИГЕРНИХ ЧИННИКІВ БРОНХІАЛЬНОЇ АСТМИ - У статті представлено результати вивчення регіональних особливостей структури агрокомплексу домашнього пороху житлових приміщень міста Львова і проведено оцінку частоти кліщової сенсибілізації у хворих на бронхіальну астму. Показано, що структура акарокомплексу домашнього пороху характеризується не лише загальними рисами, але й має свої регіональні особливості. Отримані дані можуть бути передумовою для розширення діагностичної панелі алергенів у Львівському регіоні за рахунок введення алергенів кліщів Tyrophagus longior. Широке розповсюдження кліщів у домашньому поросі квартир, де проживають хворі на бронхіальну астму, свідчить про існування потужного алергізуючого фону, що підтверджується позитивними результатами шкірного алерготестування з кліщовими алергенами у 78,8 % хворих.
МОНИТОРИНГ БЫТОВЫХ ТРИГГЕРНЫХ ФАКТОРОВ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМЫ - В статье представлены результаты изучения региональных особенностей структуры акарокомплекса домашней пыли жилых помещений Львова и проведена оценка частоты клещевой сенсибилизации у больных бронхиальной астмой. Показано, что структура акарокомплекса домашней пыли характеризуется не только общими чертами, но и имеет свои региональные особенности. Полученные данные могут быть предпосылкой для расширения диагностической панели аллергенов во Львовском регионе за счет введения аллергенов клещей Tyrophagus longior. Широкое распространение клещей в домашней пыли квартир, где проживают больные бронхиальной астмой, свидетельствует о существовании мощного аллергизирующего фона, что подтверждается положительными результатами кожного аллерготестирования с клещевыми аллергенами в 78,8 % больных.
MONITORING OF DOMESTIC ASTMA TRIGGERS - The article considers the results of regional peculiarities study of the household dust acarological complex structure of the residential premises of Lviv and estimated mite sensibilization frequency of asthmatic people. It was shown that household dust acarological complex structure is characterized not only by general features but also has its regional peculiarities. The received data may serve as a prerequisite for creation of broader diagnostic panel of allergens in Lviv region by means of introduction of Tyrophagus longior mite’s allergens. A wide spread occurrence of mites in household dust in the apartments if asthmatic dwellers gives evidence of existence of powerful allergenic background which is proved by positive results of skin allergy testing by mites allergens in 78.8 % of patients.
Ключові слова: бронхіальна астма, алергени кліщів домашнього пороху.
Ключевые слова: бронхиальная астма, аллергены клещей домашней пыли.
Key words: bronchial asthma, house dust mite allergens
Патоморфологічний аналіз слизової оболонки сечового міхура у жінок перименопаузального періоду при дизурії та наявності урогенітальної інфекції
Authors: Бідованець Б. Ю. , Головата Т. К
Published: May 2016

ПАТОМОРФОЛОГІЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ СЛИЗОВОЇ ОБОЛОНКИ СЕЧОВОГО МІХУРА У ЖІНОК ПЕРИМЕНОПАУЗАЛЬНОГО ПЕРІОДУ ПРИ ДИЗУРІЇ ТА НАЯВНОСТІ УРОГЕНІТАЛЬНОЇ ІНФЕКЦІЇ - У роботі представлено результати гістологічного дослідження 36 біоп- татів сечового міхура жінок перименопаузального періоду, які мали дизуричні розлади. Встановлено, що тривалий вплив ряду патогенних факторів на слизову оболонку сечового міхура на тлі менопаузи викликає в ній цілий комплекс істотних пато- морфологічних змін як одних із чинників дизуричних розладів.
ПАТОМОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ СЛИЗИСТОЙ ОБОЛОЧКИ МОЧЕНОГО ПУЗИРЯ ВЖЕНЩИН ПЕРИМЕНОПАУЗАЛЬНОГО ПЕРИОДА ПРИ ДИЗУРИИ И НАЛИЧИИ УРОГЕНИТАЛЬНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ - В работе представление результаты гистологического исследования 36 биоптатов мочевого пузыря женщин перименопаузального периода с дизурическими расстройствами. Установлено, что длительное влияние патогенов на слизистую оболочку мочевого пузыря на фоне менопаузы вызывает в ней целый комплекс существенных патоморфологических изменений как одних из факторов дизурических расстройств.
PATHOMORHOLOGY ANALYSIS OF THE URINARY BLADDER MUCOSA OF PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH DYSURIA AND UROGENITAL INFECTION - The hystology investigation results of 36 urinary bladder biopsies of perimenpausal women with dysuria were presented. The continuous influence of pathogens on bladder mucosa during menopausal transition cause the complex of significant pathomorphology changes which result in dysuria was set.
Ключові слова: сечовий міхур, менопауза, дизурія, урогенітальна інфекція.
Ключевые слова: мочевой пузырь, менопауза, дизурия, урогенитальная инфекция.
Key words: urinary bladder, menopausal transition, dysuria, urogenital infection.
Состояние респираторного тракта у детей с острым стенозирующим ларинготрахеитом
Authors: Самиева Г. У
Published: May 2016

СОСТОЯНИЕ РЕСПИРАТОРНОГОТРАКТАУДЕТЕЙ С ОСТРЫМ СТЕНОЗИРУЮЩИМ ЛАРИНГОТРАХЕИТОМ - Инфекционные агенты, такие, как респираторно-синтициальный вирус, герпетическая группа вирусов, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, длительное время персистируют в организме детей, способствуя развитию хронических инфекционных заболеваний респираторного тракта. Воздействие инфекционных агентов приводит к повреждению цилиарного эпителия и ослаблению его связи с базальными клетками и базальной мембраной, что способствует проникновению в подслизистый слой аллергенов и других стимуляторов воспаления.
СТАН РЕСПІРАТОРНОГО ТРАКТУ В ДІТЕЙ ІЗ ГОСТРИМ СТЕ- НОЗУЮЧИМ ЛАРИНГОТРАХЕЇТОМ - Інфекційні агенти, такі, як респіраторно-синтиціальний вірус, герпетична група вірусів, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, тривалий час персистують в організмі дітей, сприяючи розвитку хронічних інфекційних захворювань респіраторного тракту. Вплив інфекційних агентів призводить до пошкодження циліарного епітелію і послаблення його зв’язку з базальними клітинами і базальною мембраною, що сприяє проникненню в підслизовий шар алергенів та інших стимуляторів запалення.
STATE OF RESPIRATORY TRACT IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE STENOSING LARYNGOTRACHEITIS - Infectious agents such as respiratory syncytial virus, herpes group of viruses, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, long persist in children, contributing to the development of chronic infectious diseases respirator tract. Exposure to infectious agents leads to damage of the ciliary epithelium and weakening its connection with the basal cells and the basement membrane that facilitates the penetration of allergens submucosal inflammation and other stimulants.
Ключевые слова: респираторный тракт, острый сте- нозирующий ларинготрахеит.
Ключові слова: респіраторний тракт, гострий сте- нозуючий ларинготрахеїт.
Key words: respiratory tract, acute stenosing
laryngotracheitis.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕБІГУ ПСИХОФІЗІОЛОГІЧНОЇ АДАПТАЦІЇ У ДІТЕЙ ІЗ РІЗНИМ РІВНЕМ ЙОДНОЇ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕНОСТІ
Authors: Юрчишин О. М.
Published: May 2016

У статті представлено результати вивчення в учнів молодших класів йододефіцитного стану легкого та середнього ступенів тяжкості. Неготових до системного навчання дітей з дефіцитом йоду виявлено у чотири рази більше порівняно із здоровими однолітками. Недостатній рівень  йоду в організмі призводить до зниження інтелектуального рівня та зниження навчальної успішності.