bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel method to determine base resistance in sige HBT from small‐signal S‐parameters measurement
Authors: Sun Yabin , Fu Jun , Wang Yudong , Zhou Wei , Li Xiaojin , Shi Yanling
Published: January 2017

A novel and robust method to determine the internal variable base resistance (RB) of SiGe HBT from small‐signal S‐parameters measurement is developed in present work. The proposed method is adopted in two kinds of SiGe HBT compact models, MEXTRAM and HICUM. With the aid of auxiliary collector resistance, the lower and upper limits of RB are built up and a narrow variation range of RB is obtained. Thus, RB can be directly estimated from the small‐signal S‐parameters measurement. The proposed method is successfully applied to several sizes of SiGe HBTs and the experiment results shows that average error between the lower and upper limits of RB is less than 3% over a wide range of bias points, which can satisfy the demands of most engineering applications. Therefore, we believe that the proposed technique is a reliable routine applicable to estimate the base resistance in SiGe HBTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:555–560, 2017
2.4‐GHz CMOS linear power amplifier for IEEE 802.11N WLAN applications
Authors: Yoo Jinho , Lee Changhyun , Kang Inseong , Son Minoh , Sim Yonghoon , Park Changkun
Published: January 2017

In this work, we design a linear CMOS power amplifier with a spiral‐type output transformer for IEEE 802.11n WLAN applications. We conduct studies to identify the proper output transformer and power stage structures for linear CMOS power amplifiers. The power amplifier is composed of a single differential‐pair for the power stage to mitigate the stability problems that frequently arise in high gain linear power amplifiers. Additionally, we investigate the output matching network using a spiral‐type output transformer to minimize the output return loss. To verify the feasibility of the power amplifier, we designed a 2.4‐GHz power amplifier with a 180‐nm SOI CMOS process. The designed power amplifier is measured using an IEEE 802.11n WLAN signal. The power amplifier achieves 21.28 dBm output power while the measured EVM satisfies the standard for 802.11n applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:546–550, 2017
A compact CPW‐fed antenna with fractal S‐shaped patches for multiband applications
Authors: Cheong Hau Ran , Yeap Kim Ho , Lai Koon Chun , Teh Peh Chiong , Nisar Humaira
Published: January 2017

We present the design of a novel compact coplanar waveguide‐fed antenna with fractal s‐shaped patches for multiband applications. The antenna consists of three fractal s‐shaped patches with different lengths. We demonstrate that the number of resonant frequencies is in direct proportion with the number of fractal s‐shaped patches. This is to say that, the number of resonant frequencies in a multiband antenna can be increased by increasing the number of patches. The resonant frequencies can be selected by carefully adjusting the length of the patches. We have designed our antenna to operate at 2.5/5.3/7.1/8.4 GHz. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna has 10 dB impedance bandwidths of 622 MHz (2.322–2.944 GHz), 466 MHz (5.113–5.579 GHz), 121 MHz (6.890–7.011 GHz) and 1080 MHz (8.206–9.286 GHz) to cover all the 2.4 GHz Bluetooth, 5.5 GHz WiMAX, and 2.4/5.2 GHz WLAN bands. The latter two bands of our proposed antenna fall within the X band range which finds vast applications in radar, aircraft, spacecraft and mobile or satellite communication system. The proposed antenna is printed on a single‐layered FR4 substrate, and it occupies a small volume of 17 × 18 × 1.6 mm3. The simulated and measured performance of the antenna confirms its omnidirectional radiation pattern and quad‐band operation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:541–546, 2017
A 5‐GHz highly linear floating‐body CMOS LNA with switched gain control
Authors: Lee Muyeon , Kwon Ickjin
Published: January 2017

A 5‐GHz highly linear floating‐body CMOS low‐noise amplifier (LNA) with switched gain control is presented. The proposed LNA achieves very low noise in gain mode and high linearity and very low power consumption in bypass mode. In the gain mode, the LNA consumes 19.5 mW of power and achieves a noise figure of 1.15 dB, a gain of 13.8 dB, and an input IP3 of 3 dBm at 5 GHz. In the bypass mode, the LNA consumes only 1 μW and achieves a gain of −4.3 dB and an input IP3 of 7 dBm at 5 GHz. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:593–596, 2017
Approximate investigation on isosceles triangular microstrip antenna in fundamental mode
Authors: Maity Sudipta , Gupta Bhaskar
Published: January 2017

Theoretical investigation on probe fed different isosceles
Triangular Microstrip Antenna is presented here for the first time. Tri‐linear transformation is modified to obtain the eigenfunction and eigenvalue. Since the trilinear transformation is available for equilateral triangle only, not for arbitrary isosceles triangle, our theory gives fairly accurate results for
60° at fundamental
mode only. Approximate expression is given here to predict the resonant frequency with an accuracy of 1.3%. Theoretical results on resonant frequency, input impedance and far‐field patterns are compared with experimental data to show the validity of our theory. It is found that our theory gives results order faster (approx. 60–100 times) than EM simulator. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:614–618, 2017
Modified star‐star fractal (MSSF) super‐wideband antenna
Authors: Singhal Sarthak , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: January 2017

A microstrip line fed star‐star fractal antenna with notch loaded semi‐elliptical ground plane is presented for super wideband applications. An impedance bandwidth of 4.6–52 GHz, i.e., a bandwidth ratio of 11.31:1 is achieved for VSWR < 2. The antenna structure has advantages of compact dimensions and wider bandwidth over previously reported SWB structures. Radiation characteristics, i.e., co and cross polar radiation patterns, peak gain, and efficiency has been presented and discussed. The simulated and experimental results are found to be good agreement. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:624–630, 2017
A broadband dual‐polarized antenna with chamfers
Authors: Wu Rui , Chu Qing‐Xin
Published: January 2017

A wideband dual‐polarized antenna is proposed. With chamfers in cross loop dipoles, the two resonating modes can be controlled, the first resonating mode can move lower and the second resonating mode can move higher by changing the size of the chamfer. Therefore, the radiator size is reduced to 48 mm × 48 mm (0.35 λ × 0.35 λ, λ is the wavelength at 2.2 GHz) and a wider bandwidth is achieved. Measured results show that the proposed antenna has a bandwidth of 48.8% from 1.7 to 2.8 GHz for VSWR < 1.5. Stable radiation pattern and stable gain are also obtained over the operating band. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:631–635, 2017
Reduced size elliptic UWB antenna with inscribed third iteration sierpinski triangle for on‐body applications
Authors: Leyva‐Hernandez Roberto , Tirado‐Mendez Jose Alfredo , Jardon‐Aguilar Hildeberto , Flores‐Leal Ruben , Linares Y Miranda Roberto
Published: January 2017

In this article, a combination of an elliptical UWB monopole with a series of Sierpinski triangle iterations inscribed in the planarized radiator is used to develop a highly‐impedance stability UWB antenna, performing from 700 MHz to 9 GHz. The fractal iteration is introduced in order to obtain a radiator size reduction and to improve the current distribution stability. With this implementation, a 31% radiator area reduction is obtained compared to a conventional circular or elliptical radiator. The antenna impedance matching is maintained over the entire bandwidth, even when an external lossy dielectric body is around or even in contact to the radiator. The antenna presents quasi‐omnidirectional radiation patterns and a gain around 0 dBi and group delay variations lower than 2 ns, making it suitable for short‐pulse communications systems and on‐body communications applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:635–641, 2017
Dependance of ambient refractive index sensitivity with grating period of LPFG
Authors: Engles Derick , Prashar Shivendu , Malik Sham Sunder
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the response of long period fiber grating (LPFG) to ambient index smaller than fiber cladding index at different grating periods. Here the basis of investigation is difference in resonant wavelength shifts of different ambient indices surrounding optical fiber cladding with periods. Mathematical approach using three layer geometry is implemented on standard fiber (SMF28e) to estimate cladding modes. The influence of grating periods (375 μm, 415 μm, 450 μm, 500 μm, and 550 μm) on LPFG index sensitivity is assessed for LP03, LP04, LP05, and LP06 cladding modes. The largest shift of 127 nm for a range of ambient refractive index (1–1.455) is achieved by LP06 mode at a grating period of 550 μm. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:658–661, 2017
A lightweight waveguide horn antenna made via 3D printing and conductive spray coating
Authors: Tak Jinpil , Kang Do‐Gu , Choi Jaehoon
Published: January 2017

Herein, a lightweight, rapidly‐manufactured X‐band waveguide horn antenna, made by 3D printing and conductive spray coating, is proposed. The proposed antenna has the advantages of being low‐cost and lightweight and can be rapidly manufactured with an easy construction process. To metalize the inside of the horn antenna, the antenna CAD model is split into four pieces. The four assembly parts are 3‐D printed with polylactic acid (PLA) using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. After 3D printing, each part is metalized via conductive spray coating. Last, the sprayed parts are assembled using polycarbonate bolts and nuts. Experimental results show that the antenna weight is only 19.3% of a commercial computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machined metallic antenna. To verify the antenna performance, the reflection coefficient and gain characteristics of the proposed 3D printing horn antenna are compared with those of an aluminum horn antenna of the same size. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:727–729, 2017
Multi‐wavelength L‐band gain‐clamped erbium‐doped fiber amplifier with high gain and flatness by using composite FBGS
Authors: Jiuru Yang , Chunyu Liu
Published: January 2017

The gain‐clamped erbium‐doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) can efficiently stabilize the gain fluctuation of signals, but with the price of gain–loss and worsened flatness. In this paper, we theoretically study the relationships between clamping and loss and propose a novel linear‐cavity gain controller based on a pair of composite fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) to balance gain and clamping, which consist of a uniform FBG with high‐reflectivity and a chirp‐FBG with low‐reflectivity. The comprehensive experiments and comparisons are then conducted in terms of gain, flatness and clamping capability. Under the optimized central wavelength and reflectivity of FBGs, the ±0.1 dB stability of multi‐wavelength signals is achieved in ∼30 dB dynamic range. Moreover, our designed amplifier simultaneously guarantees the high average gain (∼24 dB) and low un‐flatness (∼±0.8 dB) in the range of 1570–1610 nm. This is a very promising technology for practicality of L‐band gain‐clamped EDFAs due to its simple configuration and adjustment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:691–695, 2017
Anisotropic fractal metasurface‐based antenna with contrary beams
Authors: Hongnara Tanan , Chaimool Sarawuth , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: January 2017

The capabilities of the dual‐band bidirectional dipole antenna to couple near‐field with the metasurface have been investigated both numerically and experimentally. By properly positioning the radiating element with respect to the metasurface, the proposed antenna can emit in forward or in the backward direction. It is shown that the array of fractal closed ring resonators formed as the anisotropic metasurface can be excited to generate the opposite angular beams even though the reflection coefficient of the metasurface is high with the same value of 0.8. This is due to the fact that the conversion of evanescent to propagation waves from transmitting closely antenna to the far‐zone existed. To our knowledge, this is the first report for a metasurface applied to dualband antenna with contrary beams. This proposed metasurface‐based antenna concept may present new opportunities in the design of multi‐functional antennas. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:715–720, 2017
Phase quantization effects of coded metasurface on agile scattering field control
Authors: Yang Huan‐Huan , Xu Li‐Ming , Yang Fan , Cao Xiang‐Yu , Xu Shen‐Heng , Gao Jun , Li Si‐Jia
Published: January 2017

The phase quantization effects of coded metasurface on agile scattering control are presented. Different phase resolutions are computed for a coded metasurface to realize two representative scattering fields, namely anomalous reflection and diffuse reflection. Detailed analysis of the results indicates that 2‐bit coding is necessary to redirect the scattering beam to an arbitrarily focused direction and the derived beamwidth depends on the metasurface size and beam direction, while 1‐bit coding is sufficient to redirect the energy to the entire space evenly. Simulations of a 1‐bit coded metasurface are performed to validate the computations. Measurements of the metasurface are carried out to further verify the simulations and demonstrate the agile scattering performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:738–743, 2017
Meander line‐based low profile RIS with defected ground and its use in patch antenna miniaturization for wireless applications
Authors: Ghosh Anumoy , Mitra Arijit , Das Santanu
Published: January 2017

A reactive impedance surface (RIS) comprising of 4 × 4 array of grounded unit cells having meander line structure is designed. A detailed impedance analysis of the RIS is presented and validated with simulation results. A triangular patch antenna with metallic ground plane is designed to resonate at 3.78 GHz. The metallic ground is substituted by the RIS which results in shifting of resonant frequency from 3.78 GHz to 2.90 GHz thus exhibiting 23.28% miniaturization. The metallic ground of RIS is made defected by etching a rectangular slotted loop which leads to 50.8% miniaturization as the resonant frequency of the structure shifts to 1.86 GHz which resembles to GSM communication frequency. A tuning parameter has been identified in the slotted loop to control the resonant frequency of the structure. Satisfactory gain, efficiency and stable radiation pattern with low cross polarization level in both E and H planes qualify the proposed structure as a promising candidate for practical wireless applications. A comparison of the proposed structure with previous works in literature is provided to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed technique in terms of the profile of RIS and its miniaturization capability. Experimental verification of the proposed structure is provided. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:732–738, 2017
Associations of prenatal and childhood antibiotic use with child body mass index at age 3 years
Authors: Poulsen Melissa N. , Pollak Jonathan , Bailey‐Davis Lisa , Hirsch Annemarie G. , Glass Thomas A. , Schwartz Brian S.
Published: January 2017

Objective

Early‐life antibiotic exposure, whether through prenatal or childhood antibiotic use, may contribute to increased child body mass. Associations of prenatal and childhood antibiotic use with body mass index z‐score (BMIz) were evaluated at age 3 years.

Methods

Electronic health records were utilized from 8,793 mothers and singleton children delivered at Geisinger Clinic in Pennsylvania between 2006 and 2012. Antibiotic orders were ascertained for mothers during pregnancy and for children through their age‐3 BMI measurement. Linear mixed‐effects regression models evaluated associations of prenatal and childhood antibiotic use with child BMIz.

Results

Prenatal antibiotic orders were not associated with child BMIz. Children in the three largest categories of lifetime antibiotic orders had higher BMIz compared with children with no orders; associations persisted when controlling for prenatal antibiotics (β [95% confidence interval]) (4‐5 child orders: 0.090 [0.011 to 0.170]; 6 to 8: 0.113 [0.029 to 0.197]; ≥9: 0.175 [0.088 to 0.263]; trend P value <0.001). Two or more first‐year orders were also associated with BMIz (1: 0.021 [−0.038 to 0.081]; 2: 0.088 [0.017 to 0.160]; ≥3: 0.104 [0.038 to 0.170]; trend P value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Associations of early‐life and lifetime childhood antibiotic use with increased child BMI highlight antibiotic exposure as a modifiable factor for reducing population‐level excess weight.
Fatty liver promotes fibrosis in monkeys consuming high fructose
Authors: Cydylo Michael A. , Davis Ashley T. , Kavanagh Kylie
Published: January 2017

Objective

Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) are related to development of liver fibrosis which currently has few therapeutic options. Rodent models of NAFLD inadequately model the fibrotic aspects of the disease and fail to demonstrate the spectrum of cardiometabolic diseases without genetic manipulation. This study aimed to document a monkey model of fatty liver and fibrosis, which naturally develop cardiometabolic disease pathophysiologies.

Methods

Twenty‐seven cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) fed diets either low or high in simple carbohydrates, supplied as fructose [control and high‐fructose diet (HRr)], on low‐fat, cholesterol‐free background were studied. The HFr was consumed for up to 7 years, and liver tissue was histologically evaluated for fat and fibrosis extent.

Results

The HFr diet increased steatosis, and its extent was related to duration of fructose exposure. Lipid droplet size also increased with HFr duration; however, compared with control, the lipid droplets were smaller on average. Fibrosis extent was significantly greater with fructose feeding and was predicted by fructose exposure, extent of fatty liver, and age.

Conclusions

These data are the first to demonstrate that high‐carbohydrate diets alone can generate both liver fat and fibrosis and thus allow further study of mechanisms and therapeutic options in the translational animal model.
What do people want to know about NIPT? Content analysis of questions emailed to national NIPT information websites
Authors: Tamminga Saskia , van Dussen Laura , Verweij E. J. (Joanne) , de Boer Marjon A. , Cornel Martina C. , Henneman Lidewij ,   for the Dutch NIPT Consortium
Published: January 2017

What's already known about this topic?

Several countries, including the Netherlands, have implemented non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in their national prenatal screening program

Access to relevant online health information is important as it increases informed decision making

What does this study add?

Visitors of national NIPT websites mostly request more information about testing beyond the currently available NIPT: a broader range of disorders (such as monogenic disorders) and increasing target group eligibility (such as low‐risk or twin pregnancies)

© 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of technical risks in the photovoltaic value chain and quantification of the economic impact
Authors: Moser David , Del Buono Matteo , Jahn Ulrike , Herz Magnus , Richter Mauricio , De Brabandere Karel
Published: January 2017

In photovoltaic (PV) projects, it is important to establish a common practice for professional risk assessment, which serves to reduce the risks associated with related investments. The objective of this paper is to present a methodology on how to improve the current understanding of several key aspects of technical risk management during the PV project lifecycle, with the identification of technical risks and their economic impact. To achieve this, available statistical data of failures during a PV project have been collected with the aim to (i) suggest a guideline for the categorisation of failure and (ii) develop a methodology for the assessment of the economic impact of failures occurring during operation but which might have originated in previous phases. The risk analysis has the aim to assess the economic impact of technical risks and how this can influence various business models and the levelised cost of electricity. This paper presents the first attempt to implement cost‐based failure modes and effects analysis to the PV sector and to define a methodology for the estimation of economic losses because of planning failures, system downtime and substitution/repair of components. The methodology is based on statistical analysis and can be applied to a single PV plant or to a large portfolio of PV plants in the same market segment. The quality of the analysis depends on the amount of failure data available and on the assumptions taken for the calculation of a cost priority number. The overall results can be linked to the cost of periodic and corrective maintenance and form the basis to estimate the impact of various risk and mitigation scenarios in PV business models. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized control intervention trial to improve social skills and quality of life in pediatric brain tumor survivors
Authors: Barrera Maru , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Sung Lillian , Bartels Ute , Schulte Fiona , Chung Joanna , Cataudella Danielle , Hancock Kelly , Janzen Laura , Saleh Amani , Strother Douglas , Downie Andrea , Zelcer Shayna , Hukin Juliette , McConnell Dina
Published: January 2017

Background

To determine if a group social skills intervention program improves social competence and quality of life (QOL) in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS).

Methods

We conducted a randomized control trial in which PBTS (8‐16 years old, off therapy for over 3 months) were allocated to receive social skills training (eg, cooperation, assertion, using social cognitive problem solving strategies, role playing, games, and arts and crafts) in 8 weekly 2‐hour sessions, or an attention placebo control (games and arts and crafts only). Outcomes were self‐reported, proxy‐reported (caregiver), and teacher‐reported using the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), to measure social competence, and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL4.0, generic) to measure QOL at baseline, after intervention, and at 6 months follow‐up. At baseline, SSRS were stratified into low and high scores and included as a covariate in the analysis.

Results

Compared to controls (n = 48), PBTS in the intervention group (n = 43) reported significantly better total and empathy SSRS scores, with improvements persisting at follow‐up. The PBTS in the intervention group who had low scores at baseline reported the greatest improvements. Proxy and teacher reports showed no intervention effect.

Conclusions

Participating in group social skills intervention can improve self‐reported social competence that persisted to follow up. The PBTS should be given the opportunity to participate in social skills groups to improve social competence.
An Iterative Framework for National Scenario Modelling for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Allen Cameron , Metternicht Graciela , Wiedmann Thomas
Published: January 2017

The recently adopted global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intended to catalyse implementation of sustainable development. Their success or failure will rely heavily upon national implementation. However, the SDGs represent a broad, integrated and complex agenda that will be very challenging for countries to implement. Over the past decade, scenario analysis has emerged as a method that is particularly well suited to sustainable development and has seen a rapid expansion in national development planning practice. It will be an invaluable tool for governments in formulating their national SDG strategies. However, despite its increased application, there is limited guidance available on the use of scenario modelling in national development planning. By undertaking a review of the recent best practice literature as well as 22 contemporary scenario modelling case studies, this paper draws out lessons learned and proposes an iterative framework for ex ante scenario modelling to support national SDG planning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Beta‐binomial model for meta‐analysis of odds ratios
Authors: Bakbergenuly Ilyas , Kulinskaya Elena
Published: January 2017

In meta‐analysis of odds ratios (ORs), heterogeneity between the studies is usually modelled via the additive random effects model (REM). An alternative, multiplicative REM for ORsuses overdispersion. The multiplicative factor in this overdispersion model (ODM) can be interpreted as an intra‐class correlation (ICC) parameter. This model naturally arises when the probabilities of an event in one or both arms of a comparative study are themselves beta‐distributed, resulting in beta‐binomial distributions. We propose two new estimators of the ICC for meta‐analysis in this setting. One is based on the inverted Breslow‐Day test, and the other on the improved gamma approximation by Kulinskaya and Dollinger (2015, p. 26) to the distribution of Cochran'sQ. The performance of these and several other estimators of ICC on bias and coverage is studied by simulation. Additionally, the Mantel‐Haenszel approach to estimation of ORs is extended to the beta‐binomial model, and we study performance of various ICC estimators when used in the Mantel‐Haenszel or the inverse‐variance method to combine ORs in meta‐analysis. The results of the simulations show that the improved gamma‐based estimator of ICC is superior for small sample sizes, and the Breslow‐Day‐based estimator is the best for. The Mantel‐Haenszel‐based estimator of OR is very biased and is not recommended. The inverse‐variance approach is also somewhat biased for ORs≠1, but this bias is not very large in practical settings. Developed methods and R programs, provided in the Web Appendix, make the beta‐binomial model a feasible alternative to the standard REM for meta‐analysis of ORs. © 2017 The Authors.Statistics in MedicinePublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Understanding systematic and collaborative code changes by mining evolutionary trajectory patterns
Authors: Jiang Qingtao , Peng Xin , Wang Hai , Xing Zhenchang , Zhao Wenyun
Published: January 2017

The life cycle of a large‐scale software system can undergo many releases. Each release often involves hundreds or thousands of revisions committed by many developers over time. Many code changes are made in a systematic and collaborative way. However, such systematic and collaborative code changes are often undocumented and hidden in the evolution history of a software system. It is desirable to recover commonalities and associations among dispersed code changes in the evolutionary trajectory of a software system. In this paper, we present Summarizing Evolutionary Trajectory by Grouping and Aggregation (SETGA), an approach to summarizing historical commit records as trajectory patterns by grouping and aggregating relevant code changes committed over time. The SETGA extracts change operations from a series of commit records from version control systems. It then groups extracted change operations by their common properties from different dimensions such as change operation types, developers, and change locations. After that, SETGA aggregates relevant change operation groups by mining various associations among them. We implement SETGA and conduct an empirical study with 3 open‐source systems. We investigate underlying evolution rules and problems that can be revealed by the identified patterns and analyze the evolution of trajectory patterns in different periods. The results show that SETGA can identify various types of trajectory patterns that are useful for software evolution management and quality assurance.
Homoleptic Zinc(II) Complexes Based on 4′‐(2‐Thienyl)‐terpyridine: Preparation, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Yan Xia
Published: January 2017

The homoleptic complexes ZnII(4′‐(2‐(5‐R‐thienyl))‐terpyridine)2(ClO4)2 [R = hydrogen (1), bromo (2), methyl (3), and methoxy (4)] were prepared. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and further characterized by high resolution mass, infrared spectra (IR), and elemental analyses. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that ZnII ions in the complexes are both six‐coordinate with N6 coordination sphere, displaying distorted octahedral arrangements. The absorption and emission spectra of the homoleptic ZnII complexes were investigated and compared to those of the parent complex ZnII(4′‐(2‐thienyl))‐terpyridine)2(ClO4)2. The UV/Vis absorption spectra showed that the complexes all exhibit strong absorption component in UV region, moreover, complex 4 has an absorption component in the visible region. Thus, the photocatalytic activities of the complexes in degradation of organic dyes were investigated under UV and visible irradiation.
Lynch Syndrome Limbo: Patient Understanding of Variants of Uncertain Significance
Authors: Solomon Ilana , Harrington Elizabeth , Hooker Gillian , Erby Lori , Axilbund Jennifer , Hampel Heather , Semotiuk Kara , Blanco Amie , Klein William M. P. , Giardiello Francis , Leonard Lori
Published: January 2017

Providers and patients encounter challenges related to the management of Variants of Unknown Significance (VUS). A VUS introduces new counseling dilemmas for the understanding and psychosocial impact of uncertain genetic test results. This descriptive study uses Mishel's theory of uncertainty in illness to explore the experience of individuals who have received a VUS as part of the genetic testing process. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 27 adult individuals who received a VUS for Lynch syndrome mismatch repair genes between 2002 and 2013. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Most individuals recalled their result and perceived various types of uncertainty associated with their VUS. Half of the participants appraised their variant as a danger and implemented coping strategies to reduce the threat of developing cancer. Mobilizing strategies to reduce their risk included vigilant cancer surveillance, information seeking and notifying relatives. The majority of participants were unaware of the possibility of a VUS before receiving their result and expected reclassification over time. These results provide insight into the ways healthcare providers can support patients who receive VUS for Lynch syndrome. Findings also provide direction for future work that can further explicate the impact of receiving a VUS.
Steady and transient response of a laminar separation bubble to controlled disturbances
Authors: Yarusevych Serhiy , Kotsonis Marios
Published: January 2017

The steady and transient response of a laminar separation bubble to flow disturbances is examined experimentally. Wind tunnel experiments are performed on a NACA 0012 aerofoil at a chord Reynolds number of 130 000 and angle of attack of $2^{\circ }$. Under the investigated conditions, a laminar separation bubble forms on the suction side of the aerofoil in the unperturbed flow. Periodic disturbances are introduced into the boundary layer just upstream of separation by means of a surface-mounted dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator. Two-component, time-resolved particle image velocimetry measurements are performed to characterise both quasi-steady and transient response of the flow to periodic disturbances. The results show that the dynamics of the laminar separation bubble is dominated by the periodic shedding of shear layer vortices, forming upstream of the mean reattachment location due to the amplification of unstable flow disturbances. Introducing the controlled perturbations leads to significant changes in separation bubble topology and the characteristics of the dominant coherent structures, with the effect dependent on both amplitude and frequency of disturbances. Linear stability analysis demonstrates that the induced changes to the mean bubble topology affect the stability characteristics, reducing the maximum growth rate and the frequency of the most amplified disturbances by 35 % and 20 %, respectively, when the bubble length is reduced by up to 40 %. The observed changes in stability characteristics are shown to correlate with the attendant variations in the shape factor. The transient response of the bubble is associated with significant changes in the separation bubble dynamics, with significant differences observed between the relative duration (${\approx}45\,\%$) of the transients flow response associated with the introduction and removal of the controlled disturbances. A detailed analysis of the results offers new insight into the response of laminar separation bubbles to changes in the disturbance environment.
Magnetic torque-induced suppression of van-der-Waals-driven thin liquid film rupture
Authors: Kirkinis E.
Published: January 2017

An ultra-thin film of a carrier liquid containing nanosize ferromagnetic particles sitting on a solid substrate and surrounded by an ambient gas phase can be acted upon, apart from viscous and capillary forces, by attractive van der Waals forces which may promote instability leading to film rupture and substrate dewetting. In this article we show that the collective rotation of the particles on the liquid–gas interface, due to a magnetic torque, competes against the instability induced by the van der Waals forces that tend to deepen depressions of the liquid. The competition between the two effects (forcing and instability) leads to the generation of a permanent nonlinear interfacial viscous–capillary wave. Thus, film rupture and substrate dewetting are both averted. This is a general effect that may also be employed to suppress other types of instabilities such as the Rayleigh–Taylor and thermocapillary instabilities. This effect has yet to be observed in experiment.
Internal wave focusing by a horizontally oscillating torus
Authors: Ermanyuk E. V. , Shmakova N. D. , Flór J.-B.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an experimental study on internal waves emitted by a horizontally oscillating torus in a linearly stratified fluid. Two internal wave cones are generated with the kinetic energy focused at the apices of the cones above and below the torus where the wave amplitude is maximal. Their motion is measured via tracking of distortions of horizontal fluorescein dye planes created prior to the experiments and illuminated by a vertical laser sheet. The distortion of the dye planes gives a direct access to the Lagrangian displacement of local wave amplitudes and slopes, and in particular, allows us to calculate a local Richardson number. In addition particle image velocimetry measurements are used. Maximum wave slopes are found in the focal region and close to the surface of the torus. As the amplitude of oscillations of the torus increases, wave profiles in the regions of maximum wave slopes evolve nonlinearly toward local overturning. A theoretical approximation based on the theory of Hurley & Keady (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 351, 1997, pp. 119–138) is presented and shows, for small amplitudes of oscillation, a very reasonable agreement with the experimental data. For the focal region the internal wave amplitude is found to be overestimated by the theory. The wave breaking in the focal region is investigated as a function of the Keulegan–Carpenter number, $Ke=A/a$, with $A$ the oscillation amplitude and $a$ the short radius of the torus. A linear wave regime is found for $Ke<0.4$, nonlinear effects start at $Ke\approx 0.6$ and breaking for $Ke>0.8$. For large forcing, the measured wave amplitude normalized with the oscillation amplitude decreases almost everywhere in the wave field, but increases locally in the focal region due to nonlinear effects. Due to geometric focusing the amplitude of the wave increases with $\sqrt{\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}}$, with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}=b/a$ and $b$ is the mean radius of the torus. The relevance of wave focusing due to ocean topography is discussed.
Serum and macular response to carotenoid-enriched egg supplementation in human subjects: the Egg Xanthophyll Intervention clinical Trial (EXIT)
Authors: Kelly David , Nolan John M. , Howard Alan N. , Stack Jim , Akuffo Kwadwo O. , Moran Rachel , Thurnham David I. , Dennison Jessica , Meagher Katherine A. , Beatty Stephen
Published: January 2017

The macular carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) andmeso-zeaxanthin (MZ) accumulate at the macula, where they are collectively referred to as macular pigment (MP). Augmentation of this pigment, typically achieved through diet and supplementation, enhances visual function and protects against progression of age-related macular degeneration. However, it is known that eggs are a rich dietary source of L and Z, in a highly bioavailable matrix. In this single-blind placebo-controlled study, L- and MZ-enriched eggs and control non-enriched eggs were fed to human subjects (mean age 41 and 35 years, respectively) over an 8-week period, and outcome measures included MP, visual function and serum concentrations of carotenoids and cholesterol. Serum carotenoid concentrations increased significantly in control and enriched egg groups, but to a significantly greater extent in the enriched egg group (P<0·001 for L, Z and MZ). There was no significant increase in MP in either study group post intervention, and we saw no significant improvement in visual performance in either group. Total cholesterol increased significantly in each group, but it did not exceed the upper limit of the normative range (6·5 mmol/l). Therefore, carotenoid-enriched eggs may represent an effective dietary source of L, Z and MZ, reflected in significantly raised serum concentrations of these carotenoids, and consequentially improved bioavailability for capture by target tissues. However, benefits in terms of MP augmentation and /or improved visual performance were not realised over the 8-week study period, and a study of greater duration will be required to address these questions.
Is cestode infection intensity associated with decreased body condition in the Eurasian woodcockScolopax rusticola?
Authors: Sánchez-García C. , Harris E. , Deacon A.C. , Bray R. , Hoodless A.N.
Published: January 2017

The Eurasian woodcockScolopax rusticolais a widespread woodland specialist and a widely harvested quarry species throughout its European wintering areas, including Britain. Woodcock are prone to cestodiasis, but prevalence levels and possible effects on body condition remain under-studied. We studied the prevalence, abundance and intensity of cestodiasis in 161 woodcock harvested in four British regions in December and January during two consecutive winters (2013/14 and 2014/15). Cestodiasis prevalence was 90%, and there was no difference in prevalence between birds harvested in Cornwall, Wessex, East Anglia and Scotland. High prevalence levels were explained by the fact that earthworms (Lumbricidae) are intermediate hosts for some cestode species and also the most important dietary component of woodcock. The distribution of cestodiasis in woodcock was aggregated, such that when using the total length of cestodes per sample to measure abundance, 65% of the birds had less than 80 cm. Cestodiasis abundance varied between sexes across regions but the intensity was not affected by region, sex, age or their interactions. The intensity of cestodiasis was positively correlated with fresh weight and pectoral mass, while no significant correlation was found with the abdominal fat pad. Our results suggest that, despite high prevalence levels and intensity of cestodiasis in woodcock, host body condition is not significantly affected and hence it is unlikely that cestodiasis has a major effect on woodcock population dynamics.
Cost analysis of osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Park L , Lilic N , Addison B , Patel R
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Osteoradionecrosis is a significant complication of head and neck cancer treatment, and its most severe form (grade III) necessitates radical surgery. This study aimed to compare the cost of free-flap reconstructive surgery for grade III osteoradionecrosis and similar non-osteoradionecrosis cases in order to assess the cost burden of osteoradionecrosis treatment.

Methods:

All patients who underwent free-flap reconstructive surgery for osteoradionecrosis between July 2004 and July 2010 at Auckland City Hospital (19 patients) were identified, and relevant data were collected retrospectively. These patients were matched in terms of age and sex with patients who underwent free-flap reconstructive surgery.

Results:

The treatment cost was 44 per cent higher in osteoradionecrosis patients when compared to non-osteoradionecrosis patients.

Conclusion:

The significant financial burden on the health system, and the growing evidence for the effectiveness of pentoxifylline, tocopherol and clodronate, should prompt us to explore this alternative treatment further.
‘‘We have resisted, now we must build’’: Regionalism and nation-building in Timor-Leste
Authors: Shiosaki Elfie
Published: January 2017

During Timor-Leste's political and security crisis in 2006, a seemingly latent regional division re-emerged between Timorese from its eastern region,lorosa'e, and those from its western region,loromonu. The conflict betweenlorosa'eandloromonurevealed critical weaknesses in nation-building. Only four years after independence in 2002, international peacekeeping forces, led by Australia, were redeployed to the new nation-state. This article argues that the enduring political significance of regionalism weakens nation-building in Timor-Leste. This case study revitalises traditional security paradigms by relocating identity-building from the periphery of nation-building to its centre. Identity-building supports the formation of a unifying national political community which transcends social divisions within post-conflict societies.
Clinical features and management ofPlasmodium knowlesiinfections in humans
Authors: DANESHVAR CYRUS , WILLIAM TIMOTHY , DAVIS TIMOTHY M. E.
Published: January 2017

Plasmodium knowlesiis a simian malaria of primarily the macaque species of South East Asia. While it was known that human infections could be induced during the years of malariotherapy, naturally occurringP. knowlesihuman infections were thought to be rare. However, in 2004, knowlesi infections became recognized as an important infection amongst human populations in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Since then, it has become recognized as a disease affecting people living and visiting endemic areas across South East Asia. Over the last 12 years, clinical studies have improved our understanding of this potentially fatal disease. In this review article the current literature is reviewed to give a comprehensive description of the disease and treatment.
Job strain as a risk factor for clinical depression: systematic review and meta-analysis with additional individual participant data
Authors: Madsen I. E. H. , Nyberg S. T. , Magnusson Hanson L. L. , Ferrie J. E. , Ahola K. , Alfredsson L. , Batty G. D. , Bjorner J. B. , Borritz M. , Burr H. , Chastang J.-F. , de Graaf R. , Dragano N. , Hamer M. , Jokela M. , Knutsson A. , Koskenvuo M. , Koskinen A. , Leineweber C. , Niedhammer I. , Nielsen M. L. , Nordin M. , Oksanen T. , Pejtersen J. H. , Pentti J. , Plaisier I. , Salo P. , Singh-Manoux A. , Suominen S. , ten Have M. , Theorell T. , Toppinen-Tanner S. , Vahtera J. , Väänänen A. , Westerholm P. J. M. , Westerlund H. , Fransson E. I. , Heikkilä K. , Virtanen M. , Rugulies R. , Kivimäki M. ,   for the IPD-Work Consortium
Published: January 2017

Background

Adverse psychosocial working environments characterized by job strain (the combination of high demands and low control at work) are associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms among employees, but evidence on clinically diagnosed depression is scarce. We examined job strain as a risk factor for clinical depression.

Method

We identified published cohort studies from a systematic literature search in PubMed and PsycNET and obtained 14 cohort studies with unpublished individual-level data from the Individual-Participant-Data Meta-analysis in Working Populations (IPD-Work) Consortium. Summary estimates of the association were obtained using random-effects models. Individual-level data analyses were based on a pre-published study protocol.

Results

We included six published studies with a total of 27 461 individuals and 914 incident cases of clinical depression. From unpublished datasets we included 120 221 individuals and 982 first episodes of hospital-treated clinical depression. Job strain was associated with an increased risk of clinical depression in both published [relative risk (RR) = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–2.13] and unpublished datasets (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.04–1.55). Further individual participant analyses showed a similar association across sociodemographic subgroups and after excluding individuals with baseline somatic disease. The association was unchanged when excluding individuals with baseline depressive symptoms (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.94–1.65), but attenuated on adjustment for a continuous depressive symptoms score (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.81–1.32).

Conclusions

Job strain may precipitate clinical depression among employees. Future intervention studies should test whether job strain is a modifiable risk factor for depression.
ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Zubayr and the Mahdī: Between propaganda and historical memory in the Second Civil War
Authors: Shaddel Mehdy
Published: January 2017

The subject of the present paper is a prophetic tradition found in some compendia of eschatologicalaḥādīthwhich has received considerable scholarly attention since Wilferd Madelung dedicated an article to it in 1981. Whereas Madelung shares the opinion of earlier scholars that only some of the incidents “prophesied” by this tradition are historical, this study aims to show that it is a whollyex post factocomposition which, in its various strata, remarkably captures episodes from the Zubayrid war of propaganda against their rivals as well as their later attempts to redeem the memory of their lost cause as a just one. The discussion closes by producing a highly singular Syrian tradition most certainly put into circulation with the intent of countering these Zubayrid propaganda efforts.
All in it Together? Community Food Aid in a Multi-Ethnic Context
Authors: POWER MADELEINE , DOHERTY BOB , SMALL NEIL , TEASDALE SIMON , PICKETT KATE E.
Published: January 2017

This paper derives from a study of community food aid in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith city in the North of England. The paper begins to make sense of the diversity of types of food insecurity assistance, examines the potential exclusion of certain groups from receipt of food aid, and explores the relationship between food aid providers and the state. Faith-based food aid is common in the case study area, particularly among food bank provision to the most ‘destitute’ clients. While food aid is adopting service responsibilities previously borne by the state, this does not imply an extension of the ‘shadow state’. Rather, it appears reflective of a pre-welfare state system of food distribution, supported by religious institutions and individual/business philanthropy, but adapted to be consistent with elements of the ‘Big Society’ narrative. Most faith-based providers are Christian. There is little Muslim provision of (or utilisation of) food aid, despite the local demographic context. This raises concerns as to the unintentional exclusion of ethnic and religious groups, which we discuss in the concluding sections.