bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two axis direction finding antenna system using sum–difference patterns in X band
Authors: Shaikh Sarmad Ahmed , Tekin Ibrahim
Published: June 2015

This work proposes the direction finding antenna system in two axis (θ1, θ2) in X band using sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) patterns of received signal. Direction finding system is constructed by implementing the microstrip patch antenna array and 180° hybrid rat race ring coupler which generates Σ and Δ patterns of received RF signal. Initially, direction of arrival (DOA) is obtained in one axis, (θ1), vertical direction, using the Σ–Δ patterns of antenna array of two elements. Using the equations of Σ and Δ of two input signals, radiation patterns at different θ values have been observed in simulation and compared with measured pattern values of constructed circuit. By taking the ratio of Δ to Σ patterns, DOA has been estimated of designed circuit. Another circuit similar to first circuit, oriented at 90° (horizontal direction) has been implemented to estimate the DOA (θ2) in other axis. By taking the 3D radiation patterns of each circuit in anechoic chamber, both circuits are measured for performance; and from 0 to ±40°, DOA has been observed with rms error of less than 5° in both axis. At 10 GHz operating frequency, experimental results, using material RT Duroid 5880, show that satisfactory performance can be achieved with proposed setup. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2085–2092, 2015
Dual‐band Wilkinson power divider constructed using I‐shaped lines
Authors: Chin Kuo‐Sheng , Lin Tzu‐Chiang , Chang Chih‐Chun , Wang Yu‐Chung , Kuo Hao‐Che , Hu Jyun‐Yi
Published: June 2015

Dual‐band Wilkinson power dividers were constructed using I‐shaped lines. Inserting a stepped‐impedance stub in the middle of the lines could induce a shunt susceptance to achieve dual‐band 90° operation. The proposed circuit structure and synthesis equation had two degrees of freedom which could be exploited to reduce the impedance and length of the lines. An experimental 2.4/5.2 GHz Wilkinson power divider was demonstrated. The measurement shows S21 = −3.24 dB and S31 = −3.21 dB at 2.4 GHz and S21 = −3.26 dB and S31 = −3.37 dB at 5.2 GHz. The measured isolation level was 35.95 dB (2.4 GHz) and 36.57 dB (5.2 GHz). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2034–2037, 2015
Predicting the return loss performance of a hexa‐band PIFA using ANFIS
Authors: Gehani Aarti , Pujara Dhaval A.
Published: June 2015

This letter presents the application of Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for predicting the return loss performance of a hexa‐band Planar Inverted‐F Antenna (PIFA). The PIFA physical parameters were given as inputs to the model, while the antenna return loss characteristics was obtained as the output. The return loss thus obtained was compared with the measured return loss and it was found in close agreement. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2072–2075, 2015
Small‐size LTE/WWAN planar printed antenna for ultrathin smartphone application
Authors: Liang Yan‐Wu , Zhou Hao‐Miao
Published: June 2015

A compact small‐size LTE/WWAN planar printed antenna for ultrathin smartphone application is presented, which achieves two wide operating bands of 647–972 MHz and 1605–2770 MHz to cover LTE (LTE700/2300/2500) and WWAN (GSM850/900/1800/1900/UMTS2100) bands. A feeding strip and an inverted M‐shaped parasitic shorting strip are combined to form the proposed coupled‐fed antenna with a simple structure and small size of 15 × 36 mm2. So it can be easily printed on the circuit board and it is convenient to adjust antenna performance. At the same time, a rectangular notch on the circuit board not only can be used to place the battery for ultrathin smartphone application but also changes the ground plane current path to achieve a better impedance matching, especially in the low‐band (698–960 MHz). Moreover, the proposed antenna allows tighter integration of multiple electronic components, such as USB, microphone. In addition, the design process and measured results of the proposed antenna are also provided below. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2116–2120, 2015
Dual‐inverted‐F antenna with a decoupling chip inductor for the 3.6‐GHz LTE operation in the tablet computer
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Chen Li‐Yu
Published: June 2015

A simple, decoupled dual‐inverted‐F antenna (DIFA) formed by two inverted‐F antennas (IFAs) with a decoupling chip inductor is presented. The open ends of the two IFAs face to each other and are connected by the decoupling chip inductor. The DIFA has a planar structure and is easily fabricated on a thin dielectric substrate. Good isolation between the two IFAs can be obtained, owing to an equivalent bandstop circuit formed by the decoupling chip inductor and the equivalent distributed capacitor between the open ends of the two IFAs. For the tablet computer application in the 3.6‐GHz LTE band (3.4–3.8 GHz), the DIFA with a decoupling chip inductor of 39 nH occupies a small size of 20 × 4 mm2 on a 0.8‐mm thick FR4 substrate. The two IFAs in the DIFA almost require no isolation spacing, thereby leading to the compact structure and small size. Details of the proposed DIFA are described, and its multi‐input multioutput performance is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2189–2194, 2015
A microstrip‐fed reformed rectangular shape slotted patch antenna for simultaneous operation in GPS and WLAN bands
Authors: Ahsan Md Rezwanul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Ullah Mohammad Habib
Published: June 2015

A microstrip‐line feed simple design of modified rectangular slotted patch antenna is proposed for dual‐frequency operation. The typical rectangular shape of the patch is reformed by integrating slots and extending the radiating patch to some extent for achieving desired resonance. With the optimized dimensions from numerical simulating software, the proposed antenna is printed on 1.905‐mm‐thick 40 × 40 mm2 ceramic composite substrate with relative dielectric constant εr = 10.2. The experimental results confirm the bandwidths for S11 ≤−10 dB are of 780 MHz (1.13–1.91 GHz) and 1.22 GHz (4.83–6.05 GHz) with resonance frequency 1.48 and 5.61 GHz, respectively. The antenna prototype shows almost consistent and symmetrical radiation patterns with maximum gain of 3.42 and 4.37 dBi for lower and upper frequency band, respectively. On the basis of well‐agreed simulated and measured results, adequate bandwidth, stable radiation, and acceptable gain performance make the antenna suitable for serving simultaneously in global positioning system and wireless local area network bands. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2204–2207, 2015
High power cladding‐pumped L‐band EDFA with a double‐pass configuration
Authors: Wei Yizhen , Chen Feihong , Zhou Xuefang , Hu Miao , Li Qiliang
Published: June 2015

A high power broadband cladding‐pumped erbium‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) in the long‐wavelength band (L‐band) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The L‐band EDFA presented here is based on a double‐pass (DP) configuration, and employs commercially available double‐cladding fiber. An output power over 2 W and an operation wavelength range from 1570 to 1620 nm have been achieved using clad pumping technique in the DP scheme. Compared with the single‐pass structure, obvious improvements on power conversion efficiency and signal gain are obtained while the deterioration of noise figure is also observed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2186–2189, 2015
A Compact asymmetric monopole antenna with electrically coupled SRR for WiMAX/WLAN/UWB applications
Authors: Rajeshkumar V. , Raghavan S.
Published: June 2015

In this article, a very compact printed asymmetric rectangular monopole antenna with an electrically coupled split ring resonator (SRR) is presented. The operating frequencies cover the worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), wireless local area network (WLAN), and ultra wideband (UWB) applications. The asymmetric monopole is fed by a microstrip line, whereas the SRR is inductively coupled with the radiating element. The electric field‐coupled SRR yields its resonance at 3.5 GHz in addition to the fundamental wideband resonance obtained by the asymmetric monopole. The measured operating bands (3.48–3.62 GHz), (5.1–11.12 GHz) are suitable for WiMAX and 5 GHz WLAN bands. Consequently, the overall operating bands of the antenna cover the UWB range with the exception of 3.1–3.48 and 3.62–5.1 GHz range. The proposed antenna has a very compact size of 13 × 15 × 1.6 mm3. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2194–2197, 2015
A note on material losses in unstructured transmission line modeling
Authors: Sewell Phillip , Vukovic Ana , Meng Xuesong , Benson Trevor M.
Published: June 2015

The incorporation of material losses within an unstructured transmission line Modeling electromagnetic field solver is presented. A theoretical and numerical development is complemented by a number of quantified canonical examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2218–2222, 2015
Accurate IC current extraction method and power distribution network optimization
Authors: Lim Sangho , Lee Sangho , Ko Cheaok , Shim Jongwan , Cheon Jeongnam
Published: June 2015

Obtaining correct integrated circuit (IC) current information is a key factor for power distribution network design. This letter suggests an exact IC current extraction method using a measured voltage of a board when detailed IC data cannot be accessible. Voltage waveform is measured at the closest decoupling capacitor position from an IC after the capacitor is eliminated. Using the measured voltage and new transfer function which eliminates oscilloscope probe noise effect, we are able to calculate an exact IC current. The proposed methodology is validated by comparing the simulated noise voltage with the real measured noise voltage of 1.2 V core circuit. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2175–2182, 2015
A compact modified U‐shaped UWB bandpass filter
Authors: Jhariya Dharmendra , Azad Amit Ranjan , Mohan Akhilesh , Sinha Manoranjan
Published: June 2015

A compact ultra wideband bandpass filter (BPF) with sharp rejection and wide upper stopband is proposed in this letter. The proposed bandpass filter is constructed using modified U‐shaped multimode resonator (MMR). The U‐shaped MMR is loaded with two open stubs on the symmetrical locations. This proposed resonator has five resonant modes, out of which two are odd modes and the remaining are even modes. These modes are present in the UWB band and are used to realize the wideband passband of the filter. By optimizing the dimensions of the stubs, the five resonant modes of the resonator can be brought into the desired passband. This bandpass filter with fractional bandwidth better than 110% is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The measured impedance bandwidth of filter is from 3.75 to 13.75 GHz with an insertion loss of 2 dB and return loss better than 11 dB. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement. The group delay variation is less than 0.25 ns. A wide stopband bandwidth with 16 dB attenuation is up to 19 GHz is obtained in the proposed filter. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2172–2175, 2015
Influence of the SMA connector and its modeling on electromagnetic simulation
Authors: Hirano Takuichi , Hirokawa Jiro , Ando Makoto
Published: June 2015

The modeling of subminiature version A (SMA) connectors is occasionally neglected when simulating microwave components or when an approximated model is used to represent its characteristics. In this article, SMA connector modeling is investigated and an appropriate simulation modeling is discussed. It was observed that modeling the inner part of the SMA connector using the coaxial cable model is adequate when no electromagnetic field exist outside of the SMA connector. However, modeling the exterior structure including a receptacle, if it exists, is required when an electromagnetic field exist outside the connector. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2168–2171, 2015
Design and analysis of UWB circular ring two element microstrip patch antenna array with notched band for modern wireless applications
Authors: Saha Paramita , Singh Anshuman , Pandey Vijay K. , Kanaujia Binod Kumar , Khandelwal Mukesh Kumar
Published: June 2015

Two element array of circular ring microstrip patch antenna is proposed for modern wireless applications. A circular slot is integrated in the circular patch for providing a notched band at frequency of 4.6 GHz for avoiding the interference with exciting band at frequency of 4.6 GHz. A 50‐Ω microstrip line power divider is used for feeding the both circular ring elements of array. The corners of the power divider are truncated for providing the better impedance matching. Antenna shows an impedance bandwidth of 185.5% ranging from 1.0 GHz to 13.8 GHz. Proposed antenna shows good radiation characteristics with peak gain of the value of around 8 dBi. Single element of same circular ring fed with microstrip line also proposed with semiground plane. The antenna is analyzed with finite element method using HFSS v.14. Proposed structure is fabricated on Fr‐4 Epoxy substrate and measured results are in good agreement with simulated results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2067–2072, 2015
A general viscous‐spring transmitting boundary for dynamic analysis of saturated poroelastic media
Authors: Li Peng , Song Er‐xiang
Published: June 2015

A time‐domain viscous‐spring transmitting boundary is presented for transient dynamic analysis of saturated poroelastic media with linear elastic and isotropic properties. The u–U formulation of Biot equation in cylindrical coordinate is adopted in the derivation. By this general viscous‐spring boundary, the effective stress and pore fluid pressure on the truncated boundary of the computational area are replaced by a set of continuously distributed spring and dashpot elements, of which the parameters are defined assuming an infinite permeability and considering the two dilatational waves. Numerical examples demonstrate good absorption of both the two cylindrical dilatational waves by the proposed ‘drained’ boundary. For general two‐dimensional wave propagation problems, acceptable accuracy can still be achieved by setting the proposed boundary relatively far away from the scatter. Numerical comparison shows that the results obtained by using this boundary are more accurate for all permeability values than those by the traditional viscous‐spring or viscous boundaries established for u–U formulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HRM in Development: Lessons and Frontiers
Authors: Berman Evan M.
Published: June 2015

This article discusses contributions of human resources management (HRM) to strengthening state institutions in development settings. It also identifies leading practices and frontiers in HRM practice and research. “Technical” HRM expertise in development exists in matching organizational performance with staffing, advancing decentralization, international project management, and training, and research also shows extensive concerns with patronage and anti‐corruption. Frontiers are discussed in connection with strategic HRM, notably improved leadership development/talent management, workforce engagement in developing settings, re‐thinking/professionalization of appointee–executive relations, comprehensive HRM strategies, and increased leadership for HRM itself. Although development studies often raise HRM implications, relatively few focus on HRM in development in a comprehensive fashion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UTILIZATION OF SCHOOL NURSES DURING THE EVALUATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Authors: Mcintosh Constance E. , Thomas Cynthia M.
Published: June 2015

This study explored school nurses’ involvement during the identification and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The extent of school nurses’ collaboration with school psychologists and other educators also was studied. Participants included 100 school nurses, representing 18 states, who completed a survey on ASD. The response rate was 16.45%. The most common involvement (17.87%) reported by school nurses during the evaluation process of children with ASD was the review of medical records. A small percentage of school nurses (13.19%) noted that they collaborated with school psychologists during the evaluation process. In general, it appears that school nurses have more involvement with children with ASD after they have been classified than during the evaluation/identification process.
Preparation of Nano‐Sized Copper β‐Resorcylate (β‐Cu) and its Excellent Catalytic Activity for the Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Hao Gazi , Liu Jie , Gao Han , Xiao Lei , Ke Xiang , Jiang Wei , Zhao Fengqi , Gao Hongxu
Published: June 2015

Copper β‐resorcylate (cupric 2,4‐dihydroxy‐benzoate, β‐Cu) nanoparticles were prepared at a large‐scale via a facile wet mechanical grinding method and vacuum freeze‐drying process. The as‐prepared β‐Cu nanoparticles were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The results revealed that the nano‐sized β‐Cu is of semi‐spherical shape and of homogeneous distribution, with a fairly uniform size of 100 nm. The formation mechanism of β‐Cu nanoparticles in the whole process was discussed in detail. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of as‐obtained β‐Cu were investigated. The TG/DSC study showed that nano‐sized β‐Cu could be a promising additive for accelerating the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP).
The Nitrolysis Mechanism of 3,7‐Dinitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane
Authors: Liu Wen Jin , Xu Zhi Bin , Cui Ke Jian , Xue Min , Meng Zi Hui , Huang Xiao Chuan , Ge Zhong Xue , Lin Zhi Hui , Qin Guang Ming
Published: June 2015

Two intermediates, 1,5‐dinitroso‐3,7‐dinitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (DNDS) and 1‐nitroso‐3,5,7‐trinitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (MNX), were isolated and characterized in the synthesis of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) from the nitrolysis of 3,7‐dinitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane (DPT) for the first time. When the nitrolysis of DPT was slowed down, two intermediates were detected with HPLC. It was proposed that electrophilic NO2+ and NO+ from HNO3 and N2O4 might attack nitrogen atoms at positions 3 and 7 of DPT to form the cations of the intermediates, then nucleophilic H2O attacked the bridge carbon atoms of DPT to produce the intermediates, which were oxidized to form HMX.
ITIL in small to medium‐sized enterprises software companies: towards an implementation sequence
Authors: Lema Lohana , Calvo‐Manzano José‐Antonio , Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo , Arcilla Magdalena
Published: June 2015

Information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) framework is a set of comprehensive publications providing descriptive guidance on the management of IT processes, functions, roles, and responsibilities related to IT service management. However, and in spite of its repercussion and popularity, the ITIL framework does not suggest an implementation order for their processes. This decision constitutes the first challenge that an organization must overcome when starting an ITIL implementation, the enterprise size being one of the leading factors to be considered in the decision‐making process. In the scenario of small and medium enterprises dedicated to producing software, this paper is devoted to investigating which processes are the most selected to start the implementation of ITIL in these organizations. This is performed by means of two different instruments, first, a systematic literature review on the topic and second, a survey conducted among experts and practitioners. Results show in both cases that incident management process should be the first process when implementing ITIL framework. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Where does all this waste come from?
Authors: Raschke Wolfgang , Zilli Massimiliano , Loinig Johannes , Weiss Reinhold , Steger Christian , Kreiner Christian
Published: June 2015

Agile development processes are more flexible than conventional ones. They emphasize iterative development and learning over feedback loops. Nevertheless, we experienced some pitfalls in the application of agile processes in dependable software systems. We present here the experiences we gathered in the construction of high‐quality industrial software. Moreover, we will digest our experiences into a conceptual model of waste creation. This model will be refined to a case study where we take appropriate measurements in order to provide empirical evidence for it. Finally, we discuss the implications of the developed model, which helps to estimate the trade‐off between agile and traditional software processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-throughput sequencing-based genome-wide identification of microRNAs expressed in developing cotton seeds
Authors: Wang YanMei , Ding Yan , Yu DingWei , Xue Wei , Liu JinYuan
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play critical regulatory roles in gene expression in cotton. Although a large number of miRNAs have been identified in cotton fibers, the functions of miRNAs in seed development remain unexplored. In this study, a small RNA library was constructed from cotton seeds sampled at 15 days post-anthesis (DPA) and was subjected to high-throughput sequencing. A total of 95 known miRNAs were detected to be expressed in cotton seeds. The expression pattern of these identified miRNAs was profiled and 48 known miRNAs were differentially expressed between cotton seeds and fibers at 15 DPA. In addition, 23 novel miRNA candidates were identified in 15-DPA seeds. Putative targets for 21 novel and 87 known miRNAs were successfully predicted and 900 expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences were proposed to be candidate target genes, which are involved in various metabolic and biological processes, suggesting a complex regulatory network in developing cotton seeds. Furthermore, miRNA-mediated cleavage of three important transcripts in vivo was validated by RLM-5' RACE. This study is the first to show the regulatory network of miRNAs that are involved in developing cotton seeds and provides a foundation for future studies on the specific functions of these miRNAs in seed development.
Synthesis of Gemini‐Like Methyl Acrylate‐Acrylic Acid‐Methyl Acrylate Triblock Copolymers Surfactants by RAFT Polymerization in Solution and Investigation of their Behavior at the Air–Water Interface
Authors: Yu Erlei , Zhang Letao , Zhang Yagang , Liu Zeyu , Wang Tinggui , Liu Xuanchi , Eli Wumanjiang
Published: June 2015

A series of methyl acrylate‐acrylic acid amphiphilic triblock copolymers (PMA‐PAA‐PMA) were prepared by solution polymerization using S,S′‐bis (α,α‐dimethy1acetic acid) trithiocarbonate (BDAT) as a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent and methyl acrylate (MA) as the first monomer. The triblock copolymers and their common MA homopolymer precursors were characterized in terms of their compositions, molecular weights and behavior at the air–water interface using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, surface tension, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering respectively. The results indicated that PMA‐PAA‐PMA was successfully synthesized through RAFT polymerization. The polydispersity index (PDI) decreased when the molar ratio [n(MA)/n(AA)] increased, the lowest PDI was obtained at 5.23 wt% RAFT and the molecular weights were consistent with the theoretical value as the RAFT agent percentage varied. The polymer neutralized by sodium hydroxide solution shows a low critical micelle concentration (CMC), which was <10−2 mol L−1 in water. The Amin values increased and showed a maximum with decreased AA chain length. TEM showed that the neutralized polymer formed a special vesicle structure with large pore structure which led to a low CMC and surface tension of water.
Phosphatidylethanolamine, but not Phosphatidylglycerol‐Cardiolipin, Isolated from Two Species of Helicobacter Binds Cholesterol over Cholesteryl Ester
Authors: Amgalanbaatar Avarzed , Hosoda Kouichi , Shimomura Hirofumi
Published: June 2015

This study demonstrated that the cells of Helicobacter felis and Helicobacter cinaedi spontaneously absorb cholesterol added to the medium. A recent study by our group has revealed that phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) of Helicobacter pylori contains myristic acid as the most predominant saturated fatty acid and that the PtdEtn of this bacterium binds cholesterol more selectively than cholesteryl ester. We, therefore, isolated the PtdEtn from the two Helicobacter species to analyze the hydrophobic interaction between cholesterol and its glycerophospholipid. PtdEtn of the Helicobacter bacteria interacted more selectively with cholesterol than with cholesteryl ester, and the degree of the selective binding of cholesterol was higher in the PtdEtn than in the phosphatidylglycerol‐cardiolipin of the same bacteria. These results suggest the possibility that the cells of H. felis and H. cinaedi may contain abundant PtdEtn with myristic acid. On this basis, we analyzed the PtdEtn molecular species of the Helicobacter bacteria and demonstrated that the PtdEtn containing myristic acid accounts for more than 35 % in the total PtdEtn. These results suggest that the myristoyl PtdEtn takes part in the absorption of cholesterol in H. felis and H. cinaedi.
Proximal femoral excision with interposition myoplasty for cerebral palsy patients with painful chronic hip dislocation
Authors: Patel Nirav K. , Sabharwal Sanjeeve , Gooding Christopher R. , Hashemi-Nejad Aresh , Eastwood Deborah M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Proximal femoral excision is a salvage procedure for painful chronic hip dislocation in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. The primary objective of this article is to describe our experience of an amplified interposition myoplasty, with appropriate peri-operative pain and tone management strategies, in a cohort of non-ambulatory CP patients with painful chronic hip dislocation. Our secondary objective is to present the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Methods

We describe our experience in 20 CP patients (25 procedures) at mean 54-month (range 27–169) follow-up with a surgical technique that includes an augmented interposition myoplasty and tone management. The indications for surgery were pain (21 hips), poor sitting tolerance (11) and difficulty with perineal care (8).

Results

The mean age was 22 years (range 10–40) with 11 patients Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) IV and 9 patients GMFCS V. Mean length of stay was 13 days (3–35). One procedure required revision at 12 months. Mean pain score improved from 7.8 (5–10) pre-operatively to 2.8 (1–5) post-operatively ( p < 0.001). Sitting tolerance improved in all patients and in 75 % (15) perineal care was easier.

Conclusions

Our interposition myoplasty technique with individualised pain/tone management has good outcomes in this cohort of patients with multiple co-morbidities.
The Role of GIS in Spatial Modeling of Multi-disciplinary Geoscientific Data for Uranium Exploration over the Kunjar-Darjing Basin, Odisha
Authors: Kumar Chaturvedi Anand , Veldi Ramesh Babu , Amulotu Markandeyulu , Pavanaguru R. , Chaki Anjan
Published: June 2015

Application of Geographical Information System (GIS) for identifying the spatial locations of uranium exploration target areas using multi-disciplinary geoscientific data is presented in this paper. The data sets used in this study are Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometric (AGRS), Aeromagnetic (AM), Satellite images, regional ground gravity and geochemical surveys over one of the promising mobile Proterozoic Kunjar-Darjing Basins to the west of Singhbum Uranium Province (SUP), Odisha, India. Analysis of the geochemical data indicated unconformity related uranium mineralization along the unconformity between Kunjar-Darjing sediments and the S-type per-aluminous Tamparkola granite with labile uranium. All the data sets are processed and interpreted independently in terms of geology based on characteristics such as intensity, frequency and texture of the images generated. Various ratio maps generated from AGRS data were used as training points for spatial modeling by building relationships (topology) with the structures and geology interpreted from the magnetic and gravity datasets. Index overlay method is adapted in spatial modeling. The study shows that integrating the geological, geophysical, geochemical and other geodata in a GIS environment provides valuable guidelines for geological mapping as well as identifying target areas for uranium exploration. The GIS study facilitated in identifying potential target areas for uranium exploration along the regional faults D1 and D2 around the villages Kelo, Tamra, northeast of Kunjar, Nuarali and Betajharan.
2D Structural Modelling and Hydrocarbon Potentiality of the Sitakund Structure, Chittagong Tripura Fold Belt, Bengal Basin, Bangladesh
Authors: Abdullah Rashed , Yeasmin Rumana , Ameen S.M. Mahbubul , Khanam Farida , Bari Zahidul
Published: June 2015

The Sitakund anticline is located within the Chittagong Tripura Fold Belt of the Bengal basin is considered to be the youngest structural feature of the western flank of the Indo-Burman ranges. An attempt has been made to delineate hydrocarbon trap configuration by integrating both surface and sub-surface observations, determining the nature of deformation, predicting the sealing probabilities and relationship between different petroleum elements. 2D structural modelling along the Sitakund anticline suggests that the structure may have a suitable fault-trap setting for hydrocarbon accumulation. Along the footwall block the Bokabil sandstones (with porosity up to 14%) covered by cap rock of Upper Marine Shale (UMS) juxtaposes against the shale-rich Bhuban Formation of the hanging-wall block provides such fault-trap geometry. While relatively high Shale Smear Factor (>75%) and low Shale Gouge Ratio (~ 1.33) indicates that the east dipping major thrust fault may provide sufficient sealing properties. In addition, shale diapirism at the core of the anticline may result intrusion of clay into faults considerably raising the sealing ability along the main thrust.
Stable Isotopic and Hydrochemical Studies in a Part of Central Ganga Basin
Authors: Shah Zameer Ahmad , Umar Rashid
Published: June 2015

Isotopic and hydrochemical studies of groundwater were attempted in a part of central Ganga basin to gain knowledge on recharge conditions, to outline the processes responsible for isotopic fractionation, to determine the surface-water groundwater interaction and to locate the sources of groundwater contamination in the area. In the present study, conjunctive use of isotopic and silica data is employed to make an assessment of residence time of water underground and to decipher the role of rock water interaction in isotopic variations. Although the aquifer in the area is isotopically heterogeneous in its lateral extension, but oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of most of the samples in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon exhibited very similar ranges which point to the single source of recharge in both the seasons. However, during post-monsoon, evaporation effects can be observed in some groundwater samples which can be attributed to the irrigation return flow in the area. Various sources of groundwater contamination have been narrowed down and it has been found that agriculture plays a dominant role in groundwater contamination in addition to other domestic and industrial sources.
Early Cambrian Trail Archaeonassa from the Sankholi Formation (Tal Group), Nigali Dhar Syncline (Sirmur District), Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Singh Birendra P. , Bhargava O. N. , Chaubey Ravi S. , Kishore Naval , Prasad S. K.
Published: June 2015

The ichnotaxon Archaeonassa is described from the lower part of the Banded Siltstone Member of the Sankholi Formation (Tal Group) exposed at Ganog locality, Nigali Dhar syncline (Sirmur district), Himachal Pradesh. This is the first record of this ichnotaxon from the Cambrian successions of the Indian Himalaya. The trail Archaeonassa is attributed to the locomotion of mollusks-like animal close to the sediment-water interface. Occurrence of this ichnogenus with other known traces from the Banded Siltstone Member (Sankholi Formation) indicates a shallow marine environment for the deposition. The ichnogenus Archaeonassa in Banded Siltstone Member (Sankholi Formation) indicate the extant of molluscan animals in the early Cambrian time.
2D Imaging for Mapping River Terraces Deposits
Authors: Al-Saigh Nabeel Hameed , Shanshal Zainab Mousadaq
Published: June 2015

A key to the success of any civil engineering project is the understanding of the sub-surface geology prior to planning and construction. Traditional method relied on scattered drilling for site characterization. Modern non-invasive surface geophysical methods are excellent tool for prospecting shallow geologic structure. The 2D electrical resistivity imaging method, because of its high resolution, can be a very useful for investigating the river terrace structures. Our results indicate a well-defined boundary in the resistivity structure that can be used to estimate the quantity of river terraces, highlighting the utility of this technique in studies of civil engineering and quarrying.
Predictive New Geological Model for Future Hydrocarbon Exploration in Indian Sedimentary Basins
Authors: Rawat J. S.
Published: June 2015

The early to upper Cretaceous period, after Gondwana period, was the turning point, which continued up to middle Miocene and/or Pliocene epoch in the stratigraphic history of Peninsular India, covering the Indian shield as well as its margins. Due to creation of new low marine basins in graben-and-horst structures, the preservation of the in-situ as well as continental organisms along with rocks of petroliferous basins with their rich fossil fuel, in this country could be possible.

The marine organisms flourished on the palaeocoastal river, distributor and braided channels, whereas the terrestrial plants related to angiosperms, gymnosperms and pterodophytes flourished on the swampy uplands banks, point bars and delta front areas. Over geological time, all these areas which fell within area of the low marine basin were converted into prospecting areas for oil and gas.

The oil must have generated, over great length of geological time by biological conversions and chemical reactions induced by high pressure and optimum temperature. The gas must have generated from humic palynofacies and minor sapropelic components by thermal cracking. Any oil buried deeper is converted into gas by thermal cracking.

The petroleum deposits marked on the basis of this theoretical model are making identical pattern of occurrences with those marked on the basis of detailed investigations by ONGC, and OIL. They are falling more-or-less on three lines drawn from the palaeo mouth of the river in the triangular area of all petroliferous basins. The new petroleum deposits, marked by cross-points on the geological maps of all available palaeocoastal river low marine basins and marginal area of palaeocontinental shelf of India, based in this theoretical model, can be investigated and explored.

This picture of petroleum deposits that were generated from marine and terrestrial organisms in marine sedimentary basins is in agreement with all the observational evidence that we have today.
Coverage of emergency obstetric care and availability of services in public and private health facilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Badrul , Mridha Malay K. , Biswas Taposh K. , Roy Lumbini , Rahman Maksudur , Chowdhury Mahbub E.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To assess the coverage of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) and the availability of obstetric services in Bangladesh.

Methods

In a national health facility assessment performed between November 2007 and July 2008, all public EmOC facilities and private facilities providing obstetric services in the 64 districts of Bangladesh were mapped. The performance of EmOC services in these facilities during the preceding month was investigated using a semi‐structured questionnaire completed through interviews of managers and service providers, and record review.

Results

In total, 8.6 (2.1 public and 6.5 private) facilities per 500 000 population offered obstetric care services. Population coverage by obstetric care facilities varied by region. Among 281 public facilities designated for comprehensive EmOC, cesarean delivery was available in only 215 (76.5%) and blood transfusion services in 198 (70.5%). In the private sector (for profit and not for profit), these services were available in more than 80% of facilities. In all facility types, performance of assisted vaginal delivery (range 12.2%–48.4%) and use of parenteral anticonvulsants to treat pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia (range 48.6%–80.8%) were low. The main reason for non‐availability of EmOC services was a lack of specialist/trained providers.

Conclusion

Bangladesh needs to increase the availability of EmOC services through innovative public–private partnerships. In the public sector, additional trained manpower supported by an incentivized package should be deployed.
Light-driven generation of hydrogen: New chromophore dyads for increased activity based on Bodipy dye and Pt(diimine)(dithiolate) complexes
Authors: Zheng Bo , Sabatini Randy P. , Fu Wen-Fu , Eum Min-Sik , Brennessel William W. , Wang Lidong , McCamant David W. , Eisenberg Richard
Published: June 2015

Significance

The light-driven generation of H
2
, the reductive side of water splitting, requires a light absorber or photosensitizer (PS) for electron-hole creation and photoinduced electron transfer. To increase the effectiveness of charge transfer chromophores as PSs, this report describes the attachment of a strongly absorbing organic dye (dipyrromethene-BF
2
, commonly known as Bodipy) to Pt diimine dithiolate charge transfer chromophores and examination of systems containing these dyads for the light-driven generation of H
2
. The use of these dyads increases system activity under green light irradiation (530 nm) relative to systems with either chromophore alone, validating such an approach in designing artificial photosynthetic systems. One dyad system exhibits both high activity and substantial durability (40,000 turnovers relative to PSs over 12 d).
Determining dynamical parameters of the Milky Way Galaxy based on high-accuracy radio astrometry
Authors: Honma Mareki , Nagayama Takumi , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: June 2015

In this paper we evaluate how the dynamical structure of the Galaxy can be constrained by high-accuracy VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) astrometry such as VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry). We generate simulated samples of maser sources which follow the gas motion caused by a spiral or bar potential, with their distribution similar to those currently observed with VERA and VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array). We apply the Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses to the simulated sample sources to determine the dynamical parameter of the models. We show that one can successfully determine the initial model parameters if astrometric results are obtained for a few hundred sources with currently achieved astrometric accuracy. If astrometric data are available from 500 sources, the expected accuracy of R0 and Θ0 is ∼ 1% or higher, and parameters related to the spiral structure can be constrained by an error of 10% or with higher accuracy. We also show that the parameter determination accuracy is basically independent of the locations of resonances such as corotation and/or inner/outer Lindblad resonances. We also discuss the possibility of model selection based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and demonstrate that BIC can be used to discriminate different dynamical models of the Galaxy.
Trans-Carotid Placement of Balloon Expandable Covered Stent for Unplanned Left Carotid Coverage during Endovascular Repair of Distal Arch Aneurysm
Authors: Kumpati Ganesh S. , Bull David A. , Patel Amit N.
Published: June 2015

We present a technique for endovascular management of unplanned coverage of the left common carotid artery during endovascular repair of a distal aortic arch aneurysm. A balloon expandable covered stent was placed into the proximal left common carotid artery by neck incision.
Minimally Invasive Implantation of the EDWARDS INTUITY Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve via a Right Minithoracotomy
Authors: Lenos Aristidis , Diegeler Anno
Published: June 2015

During the past decade, many surgeons have focused their interest on the development and improvement of minimally invasive techniques for aortic valve replacement. Although the minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of mitral valve disease have been standardized, the preferred route for aortic valve replacement remains a matter of debate. Access through a right minithoracotomy avoids opening the sternum; however, it requires a greater surgical ability and a learning period, even for experienced surgeons. This enhances the role of sutureless prostheses because these devices are associated with easier placement, excellent hemodynamic performance, and acceptable rates of pacemaker implantation and paravalvular leak. Herein, we report a series of 10 consecutive patients who received an EDWARDS INTUITY rapid deployment valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA USA) by a right minithoracotomy.
Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of a Capitated Patient Navigation Program for Medicare Beneficiaries with Lung Cancer
Authors: Shih Ya‐Chen Tina , Chien Chun‐Ru , Moguel Rocio , Hernandez Mike , Hajek Richard A. , Jones Lovell A.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of implementing a patient navigation (PN) program with capitated payment for Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with lung cancer.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Cost‐effectiveness analysis.

Study Design

A Markov model to capture the disease progression of lung cancer and characterize clinical benefits ofPNservices as timeliness of treatment and care coordination. Taking a payer's perspective, we estimated the lifetime costs, life years (LYs), and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and addressed uncertainties in one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Model inputs were extracted from the literature, supplemented with data from a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services demonstration project.

Principal Findings

Compared to usual care,PNservices incurred higher costs but also yielded better outcomes. The incremental cost and effectiveness was $9,145 and 0.47QALYs, respectively, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $19,312/QALY. One‐way sensitivity analysis indicated that findings were most sensitive to a parameter capturingPNsurvival benefit for local‐stage patients.CE‐acceptability curve showed the probability that thePNprogram was cost‐effective was 0.80 and 0.91 at a societal willingness‐to‐pay of $50,000 and $100,000/QALY, respectively.

Conclusion

Instituting a capitatedPNprogram is cost‐effective for lung cancer patients in Medicare. Future research should evaluate whether the same conclusion holds in other cancers.
Comparison of biological fitness in crosses between subspecies ofMeccus phyllosomus(Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in southern Mexico
Authors: Martínez‐Ibarra José Alejandro , Nogueda‐Torres Benjamín , Salazar‐Montaño Luis Fernando , García‐Lino Juan Carlos , Arroyo‐Reyes Demver , Hernández‐Navarro Juan Ángel
Published: June 2015

Understanding the biological parameters of some triatomine subspecies ofMeccus phyllosomus(Burmeister) is a crucial first step in estimating the epidemiologic importance of this group. Biological parameters related to hatching, lifetime, number of blood meals to molt, percentage of females at the end of the cycle, number of laid eggs, and mortality for each instar of 3M. phyllosomussubspecies [M. p. mazzottii(Usinger),M. p. pallidipennis(Stål), andM. p. phyllosomus] and their laboratory hybrids were evaluated and compared. No significant differences (P> 0.05) were found among the experimental hybrids (MaPa, MaPhy, PaPhy) and reciprocal cohorts. In 5 (hatching, number of blood meals to molt, accumulative mortality, percentage of females, and mean number of laid eggs) of the 6 studied parameters (with the exception of development time), the hybrid cohorts had better fitness results than the parental cohorts involved in each set of crosses. The increase in hybrid fitness found in our study could lead to an increase in the epidemiologic risks caused by transmission ofTrypanosoma cruzito humans.
Geochemical Characteristics and Sources of Ore‐forming Fluids of the Mayuan Pb‐Zn Deposit, Nanzheng, Shaanxi, China
Authors: Shuwen LIU , Ronxi LI , Guoxiang CHI , Rong ZENG , Lingfang LIU , Shun SHI
Published: June 2015

The Mayuan stratabound Pb‐Zn deposit in Nanzheng, Shaanxi Province, is located in the northern margin of the Yangtze Plate, in the southern margin of the Beiba Arch. The orebodies are stratiform and hosted in breciated dolostone of the Sinian Dengying Formation. The ore minerals are primarily sphalerite and galena, and the gangue minerals comprise of dolomite, quartz, barite, calcite and solid bitumen. Fluid inclusions from ore‐stage quartz and calcite have homogenization tempreatures from 98 to 337°C and salinities from 7.7 wt% to 22.2 wt% (NaCl equiv.). The vapor phase of the inclusions is mainly composed of CH4 with minor CO2 and H2S. The δDfluid values of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite display a range from –68‰ to –113‰ (SMOW), and the δ18Ofluid values calculated from δ18Oquartz and δ18Ocalcite values range from 4.5‰ to 16.7‰ (SMOW). These data suggest that the ore‐forming fluids may have been derived from evaporitic sea water that had reacted with organic matter. The δ13CCH4 values of CH4 in fluid inclusions range from –37.2‰ to –21.0‰ (PDB), suggesting that the CH4 in the ore‐forming fluids was mainly derived from organic matter. This, together with the abundance of solid bitumen in the ores, suggest that organic matter played an important role in mineralization, and that the thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) was the main mechanism of sulfide precipitation. The Mayuan Pb‐Zn deposit is a carbonate‐hosted epigenetic deposit that may be classified as a Mississippi Valley type (MVT) deposit.