bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Status of Tablet Computers and E-Books Use of Open Education Faculty Students
Authors: Koçak Ömer , Yıldırım Önder , Kurşun Engin , Yıldırım Gürkan
Published: April 2016

The increase in tablet computers and e-books use brings to mind the question of how users benefited from these technologies. In this sense, the present study investigated the status of students' tablet computers and e-books use and the reasons why students prefer to use and not use of tablet computers and e-books. Students' study habits while using e-books were also examined. In the study, which was designed as an instrumental case study, the data was obtained from 100 open education faculty students through semi-structured interview forms by making calls over the phone. In the analysis of the data, content analysis method was used. Results showed that the majority of the students stated that they use tablet computers and prefer e-books while studying. The main reasons why they prefer e-books are that they can be carried easily and studied everywhere. Considering the students' learning habits on e-books, four study habits were emerged. Interestingly, most of them study on tablets and take notes on a separate sheet. Eye fatigue and difficulty to edit the e-books are the main reasons of the students who preferred printed materials.
Genetic parameters and productivity of quinoa in western Paraná
Authors: Vasconcelos Edmar Soares de , Hoepers Lívia Maria Lemos , Amaral Rafaela Goularte , Egewarth Vanessa Aline , Strenske Andressa
Published: April 2016

Quinoa has been gaining attention because of its nutritional quality, low cholesterol and lack of gluten; in Brazil, the cultivation efforts in the different regions are mainly related to breeding. This study aimed to determine the genetic parameters and evaluate the productivity of the different genotypes of quinoa for detecting genotypes amenable to selection. The experiment was conducted in crop years 2010/11 and 2011/12 in environment 1 and environment 2, respectively. In environment 1, the evaluation of 61 genotypes was performed, and in environment 2, 31 genotypes were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized block with two replications; each plot measured 2.0 x 5.0 m (10 m²) and consisted of four rows spaced at 0.45 m. Data collected on the productivity, plant height at maturation and growth cycle were analyzed using an analysis of variance, average tests and estimates of the genetic parameters. The genotypes N24 and N08 were the only genotypes more productive than the other 46 genotypes, with values of productivity of 1446.23 and 1428.93 kg ha-1 and with a growth cycle of 117 and 111 days, respectively. The heritability values determined demonstrate the possibility of genetic gain using joint selection that involves two environments.
Molecular confirmation of Lassa fever imported into Ghana
Authors: Bonney Joseph H.K. , Nyarko Edward O. , Ohene Sally-Ann , Amankwa Joseph , Ametepi Ralph K. , Nimo-Paintsil Shirley C. , Sarkodie Badu , Agbenohevi Prince , Adjabeng Michael , Kyei Nicholas N.A. , Bel-Nono Samuel , Ampofo William K.
Published: April 2016

Background: Recent reports have shown an expansion of Lassa virus from the area where it was first isolated in Nigeria to other areas of West Africa. Two Ghanaian soldiers on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia were taken ill with viral haemorrhagic fever syndrome following the death of a sick colleague and were referred to a military hospital in Accra, Ghana, in May 2013. Blood samples from the soldiers and five asymptomatic close contacts were subjected to laboratory investigations.Objective: We report the results of these investigations to highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic applications and the need for heightened awareness about Lassa fever in West Africa.Methods: We used molecular assays on sera from the two patients to identify the causativeorganism. Upon detection of positive signals for Lassa virus ribonucleic material by two differentpolymerase chain reaction assays, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed.Results: The presence of Lassa virus in the soldiers’ blood samples was shown by L-gene segment homology to be the Macenta and las803792 strains previously isolated in Liberia, with close relationships then confirmed by phylogenetic tree construction. The five asymptomatic close contacts were negative for Lassa virus.Conclusions: The Lassa virus strains identified in the two Ghanaian soldiers had molecular epidemiological links to strains from Liberia. Lassa virus was probably responsible for the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever in the military camp. These data confirm Lassa fever endemicity in West Africa.
Correlation of positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan with smoking, tumor size, stage and differentiation in head and neck cancer patientspositron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Pleitz Jordan , Sinha Partha , Dressler Emily , Aouad Rony
Published: April 2016

The goal of this study was to identify associations between positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in patients presenting with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with tumor site, size, histologic differentiation, smoking, and diabetes. Charts of patients with oropharyngeal and laryngeal SCC who underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scans were reviewed between May 2007 and August 2013. Statistical analyses included modeling log-transformed SUVmax values by tumor site, size, histologic differentiation, smoking status, and diabetes using unadjusted linear regressions. Differences were considered statistically significant for P< 0.05. A total of 111 patients (54 with oropharynx and 57 with larynx cancers) were included, 83 men and 28 women with an average age of 57.5 years old. There was a significantly higher pack-year smoking history (P = 0.005) in the larynx cancer group. While tumor T-stage was found to be significantly different (P < 0.0001), there was no difference in tumor size between the two groups: 3.16 cm and 3.58 cm in the oropharynx and larynx, respectively (P = 0.55). In the oropharynx cohort, SUVmax was associated with both tumor size (P = 0.0001) and stage (P < 0.0002). Interestingly, SUVmax differed by tumor differentiation in the larynx (P = 0.04) but not the oropharynx (P = 0.71). Finally, there was no significant difference in SUVmax relative to diabetes and smoking status. PET/CT SUVmax correlated with both tumor size and stage in oropharyngeal cancer patients, and it correlated only with tumor differentiation but not the size or stage in the larynx. There were no significant differences in SUVmax by diabetes or smoking status.
Adenosine stress induced left bundle branch block during technetium-99m tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Jayanthi Mohan , Sasikumar Arun , Gorla Arun Kumar , Sood Ashwani , Bhattacharya Anish , Mittal Bhagwant
Published: April 2016

The occurrence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) in electrocardiogram during exercise testing is a relatively rare finding. The incidence of LBBB during exercise testing ranges from 0.5% to 1.1%. The mechanism of exercise-induced LBBB (EI-LBBB) is poorly understood, but ischemia is a proposed etiology. Stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) can be useful in patients with EI-LBBB to rule out coronary artery disease. Adenosine vasodilator stress is the preferred mode of stress in patients with LBBB for performing stress-MPI. Here we present an interesting case of adenosine-induced LBBB during stress-MPI in a 67-year-old female patient with normal coronary angiography.
Endotracheal intubation for penetrating neck trauma
Authors: Sahin Sevtap , Karamanlioglu Beyhan , Ina Mehmet , Ugur Huseyin , Akıncı Tolgay , Tagrikulu Hakan , Tutunculer Banu
Published: April 2016

Tracheal intubation is performed as part of daily routine in the operating room, rarely with complications. However, management of airway for cases such as a penetrating neck trauma case might constitute exceptions, in which cases the stabilization of the neck to prevent any further neural damage is a significant source of concern for the anesthesiologist. Generally, intubation techniques for penetrating neck trauma were planned according to the initial position of patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of alterated the position of the patient during the anesthesia induction for direct laryngoscopy. We report a case of successful airway management of a patient with penetrating neck trauma, by endotracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy (DL) technique.
Adult supratentorial extraventricular anaplastic ependymoma: Therapeutic approach and clinical review
Authors: Lavrador Josè , Oliveira Edson , Teixeira Joaquim , Lopes Josè , Pimentel Josè , Carvalho Manuel
Published: April 2016

We report a 69-year-old patient with left paresthesia and hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right frontoparietal cystic tumor. A subtotal surgical resection was performed, and an Ommaya reservoir was left in place. The pathological diagnosis was supratentorial extraventricular anaplastic ependymoma. Radiation therapy was administered, and Ommaya reservoir drainages were performed. Four months after, her clinical status deteriorated after a reservoir drainage and image revealed an acute hemorrhage. An additional resection was carried out, and chemotherapy was undergone. One month later the tumor relapsed and the patient died 18 months after initial diagnosis. Some poor prognostic factors have been suggested in the literature: Young age, incomplete tumor resection – eloquent area location, histological anaplasia, supratentorial, and extraventricular locations. Ommaya reservoirs may be used in cystic lesions as a temporary measure only. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy with adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
Mature cystic teratoma of dorsal spinal cord in adult: An unusual lesion
Authors: Kharosekar Hrushikesh , Naik Harish , Velho Vernon
Published: April 2016

Teratomas are a type of multipotential cell tumor that contain a mixture of multiple germinal layers formed by normal organogenesis and reproductive tissues the incidence of intracranial teratomas is low, approximately 0.5-2.2% of all intracranial tumors. The occurrence of teratomas in the spine is extremely rare. Except for in the sacrococcygeal region, teratomas constitute <0.5% of all intraspinal tumors. According to the literature this is only 8th case of dorsal spinal mature cystic teratoma reported till date.
Pediatric isolated cortical (Ectopic) anaplastic ependymoma
Authors: Kharosekar Hrushikesh , Bhide Anuj , Velho Vernon , Bijwe Sanjay
Published: April 2016

Ependymomas are tumors derived from ependymal cells lining the ventricles or from the central canal of the spinal cord. It usually arises in the ventricles with extra ventricular extension. Less than 15 cases of purely cortical ependymomas are reported. We report a rare case of purely cortical anaplastic ependymoma in a pediatric patient, which is rarely reported.
Estimates on elliptic equations that hold only where the gradient is large
Authors: Imbert Cyril , Silvestre Luis
Published: April 2016

We consider a function which is a viscosity solution of a uniformly elliptic equation only at those points where the gradient is large. We prove that the Hölder estimates and the Harnack inequality, as in the theory of Krylov and Safonov, apply to these functions.
Lingual Thyroid: A Case Series of Six Lingual Thyroid with Incidence and Different Treatment Modalities
Authors: Patil Yogesh Subhashsing , Rajashekhar Rashmi Prashant , Karodpati Nayanna Sanjay , Thomas James
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Lingual thyroid (LT) is a rare embryological anomaly and originates from failure of the thyroid gland to descend from the foramen cecum to its normal eutopic prelaryngeal site. Lingual thyroid is the most frequent ectopic location of the thyroid gland. Its clinical incidence varies between 1:4000 and 1:10000. The purpose of this case series was to discuss a series of cases of LT gland its incidence, clinical presentation, sex ratio, age group, endocrine status, radiological features and appropriate surgical approaches.

Materials and methods

Six patients of LT were diagnosed who presented to our institution in a period of 6 months out of 225 thyroid cases, out of 14539 outpatient department (OPD) patients. The LT is often asymptomatic but may cause dysphagia, dysphonia with stomatolalia, upper airway obstruction and hemorrhage, often with hypothyroidism. Treatment of a LT depends on the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient, any precipitating factors, such as puberty or pregnancy.

Result

Relevant demographic, clinic-pathological and radiological data were recorded. Four of six were treated conservatively. One underwent complete surgical excision and one pregnant lady in first trimester kept under observation and regular follow-up.

Conclusion

We found female predominance than male with ratio of 5:1. Our study had high prevalence of LT of 1:2400. Thyroid scintigraphy plays the most important role in diagnosing LT, but ultrasonography contributes as well. In cases of symptomatic disease, surgery is the treatment of choice, followed by radioiodine ablation and levothyroxine suppression therapy in more refractory cases.

How to cite this article

Patil YS, Rajashekhar RP, Karodpati NS, Thomas J. Lingual Thyroid: A Case Series of Six Lingual Thy-roid with Incidence and Different Treatment Modalities. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):103-108.
Solitary Trichoepithelioma of Nose: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Shilpakar Sachin Lal , Aryal Bivek , Chettri Shyam Thapa , Pokharel Apar , Paudel Deepak
Published: April 2016

The trichoepithelioma is a benign cutaneous neoplasm which is derived from hair follicles. It is common in the face, but there are only three reports of the solitary occurrence on the nose. It is often not recognized because of its rarity, controversial classification, origin and biological potential. The objective of this paper is to present a case of solitary trichoepithelioma on the nose, histopathological examination and treatment. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a solitary lesion of nose which is confused with basal cell carcinoma. The confirmation by histopathological examination is essential.

How to cite this article

Sah BP, Shilpakar SL, Aryal B, Chettri ST, Pokharel A, Mishra S, Paudel D. Solitary Trichoepithelioma of Nose: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(3):115-117.
A Rare Case of Sinonasal Extramedullary Plasmacytoma with Orbital Involvement
Authors: Chandrasekharan Ramanathan , Ashish Gaurav , Parmar Harshad
Published: April 2016

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare entity in the head and neck region. It is phenotypically and immunologically different from multiple myeloma. Chronic transformation to multiple myeloma or its disseminated form is well known. It may even be the first manifestation of multiple myeloma also popularly known as secondary EMP.

We present a 43-year-old male patient with history of persistent progressive nasal obstruction with occasional epistaxis. Endoscopy revealed a right sinonasal mass which on excision biopsy was consistent with features of EMP.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare differential diagnosis for sinonasal mass. However, multiple myeloma should be ruled out via bone marrow examination, bone scan and serum and urine electrophoretic evaluation before arising at a diagnosis of EMP.

In spite of EMP of nasal cavity being a rare entity, it should be considered as one of the rare differential diagnoses.

How to cite this article

Ashish G, Chandrasekharan R, Parmar H. A Rare Case of Sinonasal Extramedullary Plasmacytoma with Orbital Involvement. Int J Head Neck Surg 2015; 6(3):121-124.
Ultrasound-based Decision Making on Stimulation Protocol for Superovulated Intrauterine Insemination Cycles
Authors: Nagori Chaitanya
Published: April 2016

Deciding optimum stimulation protocols is one of the most important factors for the success of any assisted reproductive technologies. We have used ultrasound parameters chiefly with age and basal mass index (BMI) to decide stimulation protocols in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. The parameters used on ultrasound were ovarian size (volume), number of antral follicles, ovarian stromal resistance index, and peak systolic velocity. A scoring system was developed according to the values of these parameters with age and BMI of the patient. This scoring system has been used to decide the dose of gonadotropins for superovulation in IUI cycles. It has been used for 1570 patients with cancellation of cycles due to poor response in only one patient and moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in only one patient. This shows that the scoring system has been very effective for deciding optimum stimulation protocols in patients with varying age, BMI, and ovarian reserve.

How to cite this article

Panchal S, Nagori C. Ultrasound-based Decision Making on Stimulation Protocol for Superovulated Intrauterine Insemination Cycles. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2016;7(1): 7-13.
Pregnancy Rates and Outcomes after Laparoscopic Surgical Management of Endometriosis: A Retrospective Analytical Study
Authors: Bettaiah Ramesh , Kurkuri Shraddha Neminath , Gandubariki Prasanna
Published: April 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy rates and outcomes in the patients with endometriosis after laparoscopic surgical management.

Study design

This retrospective analytical study was done in patients diagnosed with endometriosis and who were managed by laparoscopic surgery at our hospital from January 2005 to December 2014. We evaluated pregnancy rates and outcomes in patients with endometriosis after laparoscopic surgical management.

Results

Out of total 140 eligible cases, 84 (60%) patients conceived and 56 (40%) did not conceive. Endometriosis was found to be in the minimal, mild, moderate, and severe stage in 19, 44, 57, and 20 patients respectively. In minimal, mild, moderate, and severe endometriosis, number of patients who conceived were 15 (78.95%), 27 (61.36%), 32 (56.14%), and 10 (50%) respectively. Out of 84 conceived patients, 39 (46.43%) conceived naturally, 25 (29.76%) conceived after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and 20 (23.81%) conceived afterin vitrofertilization (IVF). There were 54 (64.29%) term pregnancies, 16 (19.05%) preterm pregnancies, and 14 (16.67%) were spontaneous miscarriages in total.

Conclusion

The pregnancy and live birth rates seem to be improved after laparoscopic surgical management of endometriosis. Reproductive outcome was closely associated with stage of endometriosis. A significant inverse correlation was observed between disease severity and spontaneous conception.

How to cite this article

Bettaiah R, Kurkuri SN, Gandubariki P. Pregnancy Rates and Outcomes after Laparoscopic Surgical Management of Endometriosis: A Retrospective Analytical Study. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2016;7(1):19-22.
Recurrent Empty Follicle Syndrome: A Rare Entity
Authors: Varma Thankam Rama
Published: April 2016

Failure to aspirate oocytes from apparently normally growing ovarian follicles with normal steroidogenesis after ovarian stimulation and meticulous follicular aspiration is referred to as empty follicle syndrome (EFS). It is a rare event in in vitro fertilization (IVF), but the economical consequences and emotional frustration of a cancelled cycle are enormous, as it causes substantial stress for both the patients and the treating physician. Here, we have reported one patient of recurrent EFS who had IVF in view of previous failed intrauterine inseminations, with normal male factor. Two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation were done using antagonist protocol for this patient. However, as we were unable to retrieve any oocytes in both the cycles, we were offered her oocyte donation as the last resort.

How to cite this article

Punhani R, Shankar K, Varma TR. Recurrent Empty Follicle Syndrome: a Rare Entity. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2016;7(1):32-36.
Atypical Presentations of Laryngeal Cancers: Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemmas
Authors: Dabholkar Jyoti , Kapre Neeti Madan , Bihani Ameya
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Larynx is a complex organ with various subsites and a myriad of pathologies. Atypical presentations of laryngeal cancers are rare with literature only in the form of case reports or series with small number of patients.

Aim of study

It is important to recognize rare presentations of laryngeal carcinomas in order to pre-empt misdiagnosis and execute an appropriate treatment plan.

Materials and methods

We present a case series of four such atypical presentations which were managed with precise and individualized approaches.

Results

Three patients with rare manifestations of laryngeal squamous cancers were treated surgically in view of gross exolaryngeal spread. Single case of melanoma was treated with chemoradiation followed by surgical salvage.

Conclusion

All four patients were identified through adequate diagnostic precision on part of the clinician.

Clinical implications

The form and function of the larynx are crucial to the quality of life of a patient. Laryngeal carcinomas require appropriate treatment approach to ensure the same. The clinician needs to be aware of these atypical presentations as well in order to diagnose and treat these patients effectively.

How to cite this article

Dabholkar J, Kapre NM, Bihani A. Atypical Presentations of Laryngeal Cancers: Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemmas. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(2):53-56.
Unusual Presentation of Laryngeal Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Sharma Arpit , Dabholkar Jyoti , Lodha Jaini , Virmani Nitish
Published: April 2016

Cavernous hemangioma is a rare tumor of the adult larynx. These hemangiomas are confined to the larynx and generally asymptomatic. We present a rare case of a huge cavernous hemangioma in a 22-year-old patient who presented with stridor and a huge swelling in the neck, of acute onset. Detailed evaluation including 70° Hopkins laryngoscopy, contrastenhanced computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a vascular malformation with both intra- and extralaryngeal components. The typical findings of hemangioma with its management are highlighted in this article. Postoperatively, patient's voice improved and the stridor was relieved.

How to cite this article

Lodha J, Sharma A, Dabholkar J, Virmani N. Unusual Presentation of Laryngeal Cavernous Hemangioma. Int J Phonosurg Laryngol 2015;5(2):67-69.
Introduction: Klaus Koschorke and the “Munich School” Perspective on the History of World Christianity
Authors: Hermann Adrian , Burlacioiu Ciprian
Published: April 2016

This article takes a look back at the last twenty years of what some have called the “Munich School of World Christianity” and presents the research of this group of scholars, who are working or have worked at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany. Its central focus lies on the career and scholarly work of the group’s spiritus rector, Klaus Koschorke, who held the chair for Early and Global History of Christianity in the Faculty of Protestant Theology from 1993 to 2013. In this way, the reader, on the one hand, is introduced to the most important scholarly concepts, studies, and international conferences of the “Munich School” and, on the other hand, is given an overview of recent research projects dealing with indigenous Christian elites in Asia and Africa.
Expansion Without Western Missionary Agency and Constructing Confessional Identities: The African Orthodox Church Between the United States, South Africa, and East Africa (1921–1940)
Authors: Burlacioiu Ciprian
Published: April 2016

The African Orthodox Church (AOC) is a prime example of religious globalization beyond Western missionary communication networks. This black independent church was founded in New York in 1921 and spread rapidly as far as South Africa, East Africa, and even select areas of West Africa—though not as the result of organized mission work but, rather, through reporting in African American journal publications. Typologically, the AOC belongs to Ethiopianism. Yet this church defined itself in relation to the Eastern Orthodox tradition, although initially more in an imaginary way than in a real one. This article on the AOC illustrates several key points for the study of world Christianity: the need of a transregional perspective, the importance of non-Western agency, the role of media for transatlantic non-Western Christian networks already back in the 1920s, the role of Eastern churches in the emerging world Christianity, the dynamic formation of denominational identities, and so on.
Aplicación de sistemas de informacion geográfica a la georeferenciación de sitios arqueológicos, como aporte al desarrollo de un Atlas Arqueoastronómico de Honduras
Authors: Ramos Castro Josué Erubel
Published: April 2016

En el presente artículo se muestran los resultados de la identificación y registro de la información de algunos sitios arqueológicos principales de la zona occidente de Honduras, sobre su ubicación, situación y estado actual de cada sitio arqueológico seleccionado del país específicamente el Sitio Arqueológico de Yarumela y el parque arqueológico El Puente. Utilizando sistemas de información geográfica, se georreferenció algunas estructuras lo que permitió el despliegue de mapas y tablas con coordenadas, toma de fotografías y videos. Posteriormente se utilizaron aplicaciones informáticas especializadas como ArcGis y Google Earth para tratar la información recabada en campo con la que se desarrolló una aplicación informática utilizando herramientas de programación multimedia que muestren fotos, imágenes, videos y texto, de los sitios arqueológicos, de estructuras, de piezas arqueológicas que fueron encontradas en cada sitio y planos, obtenidos durante el trabajo de campo y gabinete que dé a conocer el estado actual de los sitios arqueológicos de origen Pronto-Lenca y otros aspectos culturales de la zona de Yarumela y del Puente, Parque Arqueológico Maya presentado de forma interactiva.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Vol.6(1) 2013, 55-77
Fractional Variational Problems of Euler-Lagrange Equations with Holonomic Constrained Systems
Authors: Hasan Eyad Hasan
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we examined the fractional Euler-Lagrange equations for Holonomic constrained systems. The Euler-Lagrange equations are derived using the fractional variational problem of Lagrange. In addition, we achieved that the classical results were obtained are agreement when fractional derivatives are replaced with the integer order derivatives. Two physical examples are discussed to demonstrate the formalism.
Effectiveness of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Low-Income Adults in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Scakacs Joshua , Ackers Ian , Rodriguez Jason , Ojong-Egbe Oben , Casapulla Sharon
Published: April 2016

Context: High blood pressure (BP) is a common chronic condition in the United States. For many people, BP control through pharmacologic intervention alone is not effective at maintaining a healthy BP. Team-based, patient-focused care and home-based BP monitoring in addition to pharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective for controlling BP.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the hypertension management program at the Heritage Community Clinic in Athens, Ohio.

Methods: Medical records of 43 patients who took part in the hypertension management program were retrospectively reviewed and included clinical data such as age, sex, BP, body mass index, comorbidities, family history, and demographic information. In addition to standard pharmacologic interventions, the program provided equipment for at-home BP monitoring, education on behavior and lifestyle modification, and 5 follow-up visits. Data from the 5 follow-up visits were analyzed.

Results: Linear mixed-effects regression models of BP suggested that the visit factor was significantly associated with BP (P<.001). On average at each visit, patients showed a 6.8–mm Hg reduction in systolic BP and a 3.8–mm Hg reduction in diastolic BP after controlling for demographic variables. General stress level, marital status, and depression were all significantly associated with BP (P<.05). In addition, 67.5% of the patients who took part in this program achieved the target treatment guidelines of the Eighth Joint National Committee for hypertension management.

Conclusion: A clinic-based hypertension management program comprising patient education, support, medication, and home BP monitoring was effective at reducing BP.
Growing Research Among Osteopathic Residents and Medical Students: A Consortium-Based Research Education Continuum Model
Authors: Brannan Grace D.
Published: April 2016

In general, physicians’ interest in research continues to be a challenge. The lack of research culture is more pronounced in the osteopathic medical profession, which is historically not research oriented. With increasing focus on evidence-based medicine and with the single accreditation system for graduate medical education in motion, growing research and scholarly activities among osteopathic physicians and students and residents becomes imperative. This article illustrates how an educational consortium, such as an osteopathic postdoctoral training institution, can play a pivotal role in creating a culture of research through broad-based training of medical students and residents.
Auger effect in yellow light emitters based on InGaN–AlGaN–GaN quantum wells
Authors: Ngo Thi Huong , Gil Bernard , Valvin Pierre , Damilano Benjamin , Lekhal Kaddour , De Mierry Philippe
Published: April 2016

The Auger effect and its impact on the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of yellow light emitters based on silicon-doped InGaN–AlGaN–GaN quantum wells are investigated by power dependence measurement and using an ABC model. Photoluminescence intensity recorded as a function of excitation power density follows a linear dependence up to a threshold P
T that depends on the design of the sample. Above this threshold, the variation of the intensity becomes sublinear, which is characteristic of the onset of Auger recombination processes. After extracting the evolution of IQE with pump power from the experimental data, we use a modified ABC modeling that includes the residual n-type doping to estimate the contribution of different recombination channels. We find that the Auger effect dominates in the high-excitation regime. In addition, we find that intercalating an AlGaN-strain-compensating layer reduces not only the coefficient of nonradiative recombination rates but also reduces the onset of Auger recombination.
Development of a stem taper equation and modelling the effect of stand density on taper for Chinese fir plantations in Southern China
Authors: Duan Aiguo , Zhang Sensen , Zhang Xiongqing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: April 2016

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is the most important commercial tree species in southern China. The objective of this study was to develop a variable taper equation for Chinese fir, and to quantify the effects of stand planting density on stem taper in Chinese fir. Five equations were fitted or evaluated using the diameter-height data from 293 Chinese fir trees sampled from stands with four different densities in Fenyi County, Jiangxi Province, in southern China. A total of 183 trees were randomly selected for the model development, with the remaining 110 trees used for model evaluation. The results show that the Kozak’s, Sharma/Oderwald, Sharma/Zhang and modified Brink’s equations are superior to the Pain/Boyer equation in terms of the fitting and validation statistics, and the modified Brink’s and Sharma/Zhang equations should be recommended for use as taper equations for Chinese fir because of their high accuracy and variable exponent. The relationships between some parameters of the three selected equations and stand planting densities can be built by adopting some simple mathematical functions to examine the effects of stand planting density on tree taper. The modelling and prediction precision of the three taper equations were compared with or without incorporation of the stand density variable. The predictive accuracy of the model was improved by including the stand density variable and the mean absolute bias of the modified Brink’s and Sharma/Zhang equations with a stand density variable were all below 1.0 cm in the study area. The modelling results showed that the trees have larger butt diameters and more taper when stand density was lower than at higher stand density.
The effect of a brief northward turning in IMF Bz on solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling in a global MHD simulation
Authors: Pham Kevin H. , Lopez Ramon E. , Bruntz Robert
Published: April 2016

In this paper we examine the response of the magnetosphere‐ionopshere (M‐I) system to a transient northward excursion in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) using the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry (LFM) global MHD simulation. The simulated IMF transitions hold from a steady southward IMF to a steady northward IMF before suddenly transitioning back to southward IMF after 20 min. Once the IMF returns southward, the M‐I system is in a state of reduced energy dissipation for approximately an hour as it reconfigures back into a standard southward IMF configuration. We find that the northward IMF excursion affects both the viscous and reconnection interactions with the solar wind. The flow of plasma in the magnetosphere is significantly disrupted by the reconnection cycle under northward IMF. This reduce the transfer of mechanical energy from the solar wind due to the viscous interaction, and the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system is in a mixed topological configuration containing elements produced by both of southward IMF reconnection and the Dungey cycle, as well as northward IMF reconnection and the presence of reverse cell convection at high latitudes. The effects of the transient northward IMF must be completely cleared out before the system can return to an optimal state of energy transfer characteristic of steady southward IMF. As a result, a simple 20 min excursion of northward IMF can put the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system into a reduced state of coupling to the solar wind for some time following the return to steady southward IMF; for LFM we saw a reduced state lasting an hour
Collective properties of injection‐induced earthquake sequences: 1. Model description and directivity bias
Authors: Dempsey David , Suckale Jenny
Published: April 2016

Induced seismicity is of increasing concern for oil and gas, geothermal, and carbon sequestration operations, with several M > 5 events triggered in recent years. Modeling plays an important role in understanding the causes of this seismicity and in constraining seismic hazard. Here we study the collective properties of induced earthquake sequences and the physics underpinning them. In this first paper of a two‐part series, we focus on the directivity ratio, which quantifies whether fault rupture is dominated by one (unilateral) or two (bilateral) propagating fronts. In a second paper, we focus on the spatiotemporal and magnitude‐frequency distributions of induced seismicity. We develop a model that couples a fracture mechanics description of 1‐D fault rupture with fractal stress heterogeneity and the evolving pore pressure distribution around an injection well that triggers earthquakes. The extent of fault rupture is calculated from the equations of motion for two tips of an expanding crack centered at the earthquake hypocenter. Under tectonic loading conditions, our model exhibits a preference for unilateral rupture and a normal distribution of hypocenter locations, two features that are consistent with seismological observations. On the other hand, catalogs of induced events when injection occurs directly onto a fault exhibit a bias toward ruptures that propagate toward the injection well. This bias is due to relatively favorable conditions for rupture that exist within the high‐pressure plume. The strength of the directivity bias depends on a number of factors including the style of pressure buildup, the proximity of the fault to failure and event magnitude. For injection off a fault that triggers earthquakes, the modeled directivity bias is small and may be too weak for practical detection. For two hypothetical injection scenarios, we estimate the number of earthquake observations required to detect directivity bias.
Effect of subseabed salt domes on Tidal Residual currents in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Mashayekh Poul Hossein , Backhaus Jan , Dehghani Ali , Huebner Udo
Published: April 2016

Geological studies in the Persian Gulf (PG) have revealed the existence of subseabed salt‐domes. With suitable filtering of a high‐resolution PG seabed topography, it is seen that the domes leave their signature in the seabed, i.e., numerous hills and valleys with amplitudes of several tens of meters and radii from a few up to tens of kilometers. It was suspected that the “shark skin” of the PG seabed may affect the tidal residual flow. The interaction of tidal dynamics and these obstacles was investigated in a nonlinear hydrodynamic numerical tidal model of the PG. The model was first used to characterize flow patterns of residual currents generated by a tidal wave passing over symmetric, elongated and tilted obstacles. Thereafter it was applied to the entire PG. The model was forced at its open boundary by the four dominant tidal constituents residing in the PG. Each tidal constituent was simulated separately. Results, i.e., tidal residual currents in the PG, as depicted by Lagrangian trajectories reveal a stationary flow that is very rich in eddies. Each eddy can be identified with a topographic obstacle. This confirms that the tidal residual flow field is strongly influenced by the nonlinear interaction of the tidal wave with the bottom relief which, in turn, is deformed by salt‐domes beneath the seabed. Different areas of maximum residual current velocities are identified for major tidal constituents. The pattern of trajectories indicates the presence of two main cyclonic gyres and several adjacent gyres rotating in opposite directions and a strong coastal current in the northern PG.
On the link between Barents‐Kara sea ice variability and European blocking
Authors: Ruggieri P. , Buizza R. , Visconti G.
Published: April 2016

This study examines the connection between the variability of sea ice concentration in the Barents and Kara (B‐K) seas and winter European weather on an intraseasonal time scale. Low sea ice regimes in autumn and early winter over the B‐K seas are shown to affect the strength and position of the polar vortex, and increase the frequency of blocking regimes over the Euro‐Atlantic sector in late winter. A hypothesis is presented on the mechanism that links sea ice over the B‐K seas and circulation regimes in the North Atlantic, and is investigated considering 34 years of European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis data. Four key steps have been identified, starting from a local response of the near‐surface fluxes and modification of the upper tropospheric wave pattern, to the stratospheric adjustment and the tropospheric response in the North Atlantic. The proposed mechanism explains the delayed, late winter response of the North Atlantic Oscillation to the late autumn sea ice reduction, which has been found both in observations and model experiments. It also provides valuable insights on how the reduction of Arctic sea ice can influence the position of the tropospheric jet in the Euro‐Atlantic sector.
ECMWF SSW forecast evaluation using infrasound
Authors: Smets P. S. M. , Assink J. D. , Le Pichon A. , Evers L. G.
Published: April 2016

Accurate prediction of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) events is important for the performance of numerical weather prediction due to significant stratosphere‐troposphere coupling. In this study, for the first time middle atmospheric numerical weather forecasts are evaluated using infrasound. A year of near‐continuous infrasound from the volcano Mount Tolbachik (Kamchatka, Russian Federation) is compared with simulations using high‐resolution deterministic forecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). For the entire time span the nowcast generally performs best, indicated by a higher continuity of the predicted wavefront characteristics with a minimal back azimuth difference. Best performance for all forecasts is obtained in summer. The difference between the infrasound observations and the predictions based on the forecasts is significantly larger during the 2013 SSW period for all forecasts. Simulations show that the SSW onset is better captured by the 10 day forecast while the recovery is better captured by the nowcast.
Martian dust devil statistics from high‐resolution large‐eddy simulations
Authors: Nishizawa Seiya , Odaka Masatsugu , Takahashi Yoshiyuki O. , Sugiyama Ko‐ichiro , Nakajima Kensuke , Ishiwatari Masaki , Takehiro Shin‐ichi , Yashiro Hisashi , Sato Yousuke , Tomita Hirofumi , Hayashi Yoshi‐Yuki
Published: April 2016

Dust devils are one of the key elements in the Martian atmospheric circulation. In order to examine their statistics, we conducted high‐resolution (up to 5 m) and wide‐domain (about 20 × 20 km2) large‐eddy simulations of the Martian daytime convective layer. Large numbers of dust devils developed spontaneously in the simulations, which enabled us to represent a quantitative consideration of Martian dust devil frequency distributions. We clarify the distributions of size and intensity, a topic of debate, and conclude that the maximum vertical vorticity of an individual dust devil has an exponential distribution, while the radius and circulation have power law distributions. A grid refinement experiment shows that the rate parameter of the vorticity distribution and the exponent of the circulation distribution are robust. The mode of the size distribution depends on the resolution, and it is suggested that the mode is less than 5 m.
Kinetic signatures of the region surrounding the X line in asymmetric (magnetopause) reconnection
Authors: Shay M. A. , Phan T. D. , Haggerty C. C. , Fujimoto M. , Drake J. F. , Malakit K. , Cassak P. A. , Swisdak M.
Published: April 2016

Kinetic particle‐in‐cell simulations are used to identify signatures of the electron diffusion region (EDR) and its surroundings during asymmetric magnetic reconnection. A “shoulder” in the sunward pointing normal electric field (EN > 0) at the reconnection magnetic field reversal is a good indicator of the EDR and is caused by magnetosheath electron meandering orbits in the vicinity of the X line. Earthward of the X line, electrons accelerated by EN form strong currents and crescent‐shaped distribution functions in the plane perpendicular to B. Just downstream of the X line, parallel electric fields create field‐aligned crescent electron distribution functions. In the immediate upstream magnetosheath, magnetic field strength, plasma density, and perpendicular electron temperatures are lower than the asymptotic state. In the magnetosphere inflow region, magnetosheath ions intrude resulting in an Earthward pointing electric field and parallel heating of magnetospheric particles. Many of the above properties persist with a guide field of at least unity.
On the radial force balance in the quiet time magnetotail current sheet
Authors: Artemyev A. V. , Angelopoulos V. , Runov A.
Published: April 2016

Using Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions spacecraft observations of the quite magnetotail current sheet within the r∈[9,35]RE region (r is the radial distance from Earth and RE is Earth's radius), we investigate the thermal plasma pressure distribution along the magnetotail. Taking advantage of flapping motions of an ensemble of current sheets at various distances, we estimate the current density magnitude jy (in GSM coordinates). Comparing the tension force jyBz (Bz is the magnetic field component) with the radial gradient of the plasma pressure demonstrates that this gradient is only a small fraction, ∼10–15%, of the Ampere force exerted on the cross‐tail current, in the r > 15RE region. We also estimate the contribution of the electron temperature anisotropy to the pressure balance: in the r > 15RE region the corresponding force can balance only 10–15% of the observed tension force jyBz. Thus, we conclude that about 70% of the tension force is not balanced by the combination of isotropic radial pressure gradient or the electron anisotropy. We discuss mechanisms that could be responsible for balancing the magnetotail current sheet.
A novel carbonized polydopamine (C‐PDA) adsorbent with high CO2 adsorption capacity and water vapor resistance
Authors: Xian Shikai , Xu Feng , Zhao Zhenxia , Li Yingwei , Li Zhong , Xia Qibin , Xiao Jing , Wang Haihui
Published: April 2016

Novel carbonized polydopamine adsorbents (C‐PDAs) with high surface area, high CO2 adsorption capacity and superior moisture resistance performance were prepared by one‐step synthesis method using polydopamine as carbon precursor at different KOH/C ratios, and then characterized. CO2 and water vapor adsorption performances of C‐PDAs were examined separately by static adsorption and fixed‐bed experiments. Results showed that BET area and pore volume of C‐PDA‐4 were up to 3342 m2/g and 2.01 cm3/g, respectively. Its CO2 adsorption capacity reached up to 30.5 mmol/g at 25 bar, much higher than many other adsorbents including metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). C‐PDAs prepared with high KOH/C ratios had low surface element concentrations of O and N resulting in low surface hydrophilic property. H2O(g) isotherm of C‐PDA was much lower than those on Mg‐MOF‐74, Cu‐BTC, and MIL‐101(Cr). Fixed‐bed experiments showed that co‐presence of water vapor in feed stream with 30% RH had negligible impact on CO2 working capacity of C‐PDA. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3730–3738, 2016
Early occurrence of red blood cell alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Sins Joep W.R. , Biemond Bart J. , van den Bersselaar Sil M. , Heijboer H. , Rijneveld Anita W. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Kerkhoffs Jean‐Louis H. , van Meurs Alfred H. , von Ronnen F.B. , Zalpuri Saurabh , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Ellen van der Schoot C. , de Haas Masja , van der Bom Johanna G. , Fijnvandraat Karin
Published: April 2016

Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization is a major complication of transfusion therapy in sickle cell disease (SCD). Identification of high‐risk patients is hampered by lack of studies that take the cumulative transfusion exposure into account. In this retrospective cohort study among previously non‐transfused SCD patients in the Netherlands, we aimed to elucidate the association between the cumulative transfusion exposure, first alloimmunization and independent risk factors. A total of 245 patients received 11 952 RBC units. Alloimmunization occurred in 43 patients (18%), half of them formed their first alloantibody before the 8th unit. In patients with exposure to non‐extended matched transfusions (ABO and RhD) the cumulative alloimmunization risk increased up to 35% after 60 transfused units. This was significantly higher compared to a general transfused population (HR 6.6, CI 4.2–10.6). Receiving the first transfusion after the age of 5 was an independent risk factor for alloimmunization (HR 2.3, CI 1.0–5.1). Incidental, episodic transfusions in comparison to chronic scheme transfusions (HR 2.3, CI 0.9–6.0), and exposure to non‐extended matched units in comparison to extended matching (HR 2.0, CI 0.9–4.6) seemed to confer a higher alloimmunization risk. The majority of first alloantibodies are formed after minor transfusion exposure, substantiating suggestions of a responder phenotype in SCD and stressing the need for risk factor identification. In this study, older age at first transfusion, episodic transfusions and non‐extended matched transfusions appeared to be risk factors for alloimmunization. Am. J. Hematol. 91:763–769, 2016. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.