bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of ultrasound in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gamon Etienne , Combe Bernard , Barnetche Thomas , Mouterde Gaël
Published: April 2016

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from cohort studies to analyse the diagnostic performances (ie, sensitivity and specificity) of ultrasound (US) for diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease with microscopic crystal detection used as a gold standard.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of articles published up to December 2014 using EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases and abstracts from the past two EULAR and ACR annual meetings. Only studies reporting the performance of US for diagnosis of CPPD disease were selected. A meta-analysis involved the inverse variance method to evaluate global sensitivity and specificity of US. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochran Q-test and I2values.

Results

The search resulted in 85 articles and 11 abstracts; 17 and 4, respectively, were selected for the systematic review. A total of 262 patients with CPPD disease and 335 controls from 4 original articles and 4 abstracts were included in the meta-analysis. The US diagnostic patterns most frequently recorded were thin hyperechoic bands in the hyaline cartilage (8 articles); hyperechoic spots in fibrous cartilage or in tendons (7 articles); and homogeneous hyperechoic nodules localised in bursa or articular recesses (4 articles). The meta-analysis revealed a heterogeneity of the data, with a sensitivity of 87.9% (95% CI 80.9% to 94.9%) and specificity of 91.5% (95% CI 85.5% to 97.5%) using a random model.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirmed that US has high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CPPD and may be a promising tool for the diagnosis and management of CPPD.
Fathom common bean
Authors: Khanal Raja , Rupert Terry , Navabi Alireza , Smith Thomas H. , Burt Andrew J. , Pauls Karl P.
Published: April 2016

Fathom (CFIA registration no. 7544) is a full-season navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with a high yield potential, and resistance to anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum ) and common bacterial blight (CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli). Fathom is recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.
Nonlinear electromagnetic fields as a source of universe acceleration
Authors: Kruglov S. I.
Published: April 2016

A model of nonlinear electromagnetic fields with a dimensional parameter [Formula: see text] is proposed. From PVLAS experiment the bound on the parameter [Formula: see text] was obtained. Electromagnetic fields are coupled with the gravitation field and we show that the universe accelerates due to nonlinear electromagnetic fields. The magnetic universe is considered and the stochastic magnetic field is a background. After inflation the universe decelerates and approaches to the radiation era. The range of the scale factor, when the causality of the model and a classical stability take place, was obtained. The spectral index, the tensor-to-scalar ratio, and the running of the spectral index were estimated which are in approximate agreement with the Planck, WMAP, and BICEP2 data.
Microwave property improvement of Ca[(Li1/3Nb2/3)0.95Zr0.15]O3+δ perovskite by A-site substitution
Authors: Hu Mingzhe , Xiong Gang , Ding Zhao
Published: April 2016

The crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties of Ca[(Li[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]Zr[Formula: see text]]O[Formula: see text] ceramic (CLNZ) are tuned by A-site substitution of Sr[Formula: see text] and Ba[Formula: see text] ions in the present paper. The tuning effect on the crystal structure is investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and it illustrates that single phase of orthorhombic perovskite structure is formed, however, minor amount of BaNb2O6-type second phase is also detected in (Ca[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text])[(Li[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]Zr[Formula: see text]]O[Formula: see text] ceramics (CBLNZ) in the range of [Formula: see text], while pure perovskite phase is obtained in (Ca[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text][(Li[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text])[Formula: see text]Zr[Formula: see text]]O[Formula: see text] ceramics (CSLNZ) in the whole investigation range of [Formula: see text]. With the increase of [Formula: see text] value, the unit cell volumes of both CBLNZ and CSLNZ perovskites gradually expand, which results in the degradation of the vibration bond strength between the B-site ions and oxygen in the perovskites. The microscopic structure related thermal parameters in CSLNZ and CBLNZ perovskites are analyzed in terms of Clausius–Mossotti equation to reveal the original contributors in the temperature coefficients. The results show that both Sr[Formula: see text] and Ba[Formula: see text] substitution can effectively improve the permittivity and [Formula: see text] value, especially, improve the temperature coefficient of CLNZ ceramic in a certain range.
First-principles study of electronic and optical properties of Sr2ZnN2 under pressure
Authors: Liang Kai , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2016

First-principles calculations of ternary Sr2ZnN2 compound using density-functional theory (DFT) method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) has been performed. Based on the optimized structural parameter, the electronic properties and optical properties have been researched. The calculated lattice constants are in agreement with the experimental and theoretical results. The electronic structure have been investigated throughout the calculated band structure and density of states (DOS). It shows that this compound belongs to the semiconductors with a band gap of about 0.775[Formula: see text]eV. Furthermore, in order to clarify the optical transition of this material, the optical properties such as dielectric function, absorption coefficient, reflectivity, refractive index and energy-loss function at different pressures of 0, 10 and 20[Formula: see text]GPa in the energy range 0–20[Formula: see text]eV were performed and discussed. It shows that Sr2ZnN2 is a strong anisotropy material and the imaginary part of dielectric function shifts to higher energy region as the pressure increases. The square of calculated static refractive index is equal to static dielectric function, which corresponds to the theory formula. In conclusion, pressure is a effective method to change the electronic structure and optical properties.
Influence of main-group element on half-metallic properties in half-Heusler compound
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Li Yushan , Tian Fuyang , Li Getian
Published: April 2016

We investigate the band structure, magnetism and density of states of half-Heusler compounds [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] based on the first-principle calculations. Combined with molecular orbital hybridization theory, we discuss the influence of the main-group element on half-metallic properties of [Formula: see text]. It is found that the replacement of Ge for Si in CoCrSi can adjust the position of the Fermi level, and while it has no impact on the energy gap width and magnetic structure. However, the substitution of P for Si can effectively adjust the magnetism without disrupting its half-metallicity. Our results demonstrate that the electronic structure of [Formula: see text] is mainly dependent on the number of valence electrons of the main-group element.
Skeleton Hinge Distribution for Writer Identification
Authors: Diamantatos Paraskevas , Kavallieratou Ergina , Gritzalis Stefanos
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a feature that is based on statistical directional features is presented. Specifically, an improvement of the statistical feature: edge hinge distribution, is attempted. Furthermore, different matching techniques are applied. For the evaluation, the Firemaker DB was used, which consists of samples from 250 writers, including 4 pages per writer. The suggested feature, the skeleton hinge distribution, achieved accuracy of 90.8% using nearest neighbor with Manhattan distance for matching.
Ranking Web Search Results Exploiting Wikipedia
Authors: Kanavos Andreas , Makris Christos , Plegas Yannis , Theodoridis Evangelos
Published: April 2016

It is widely known that search engines are the dominating tools for finding information on the web. In most of the cases, these engines return web page references on a global ranking taking in mind either the importance of the web site or the relevance of the web pages to the identified topic. In this paper, we focus on the problem of determining distinct thematic groups on web search engine results that other existing engines provide. We additionally address the problem of dynamically adapting their ranking according to user selections, incorporating user judgments as implicitly registered in their selection of relevant documents. Our system exploits a state of the art semantic web data mining technique that identifies semantic entities of Wikipedia for grouping the result set in different topic groups, according to the various meanings of the provided query. Moreover, we propose a novel probabilistic Network scheme that employs the aforementioned topic identification method, in order to modify ranking of results as the users select documents. We evaluated in practice our implemented prototype with extensive experiments with the ClueWeb09 dataset using the TREC’s 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Web Tracks’ where we observed improved retrieval performance compared to current state of the art re-ranking methods.
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics with Stress Points and Centroid Voronoi Tessellation (CVT) Topology Optimization
Authors: Ghaffari Mir Ali , Xiao Shaoping
Published: April 2016

Various formulations of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) have been presented by scientists to overcome inherent numerical difficulties including instabilities and inconsistencies. Low approximation accuracy could cause a result of particle inconsistency in SPH and other meshfree methods. In this study, centroid Voronoi tessellation (CVT) topology optimization is used for rearrangement of particles so that the inconsistency due to irregular particle arrangement can be corrected. Using CVT topology optimization method, the SPH particles, which are generated randomly inside a predetermined domain, are moved to the centroids, i.e., the center of mass of the corresponding Voronoi cells based on Lloyd’s algorithm. The volume associated with each particle is determined by its Voronoi cell. On the other hand, it has been shown that particle methods with stress point integration are more stable than the ones using nodal integration. Conventional SPH approximations only use SPH particles, and it results in the so-called tensile instability. In this paper, a new approach of using stress points is introduced to assist SPH approximations and stabilize the SPH methods.
INTRA- AND EXTRA-ORGANISATIONAL FOUNDATIONS OF INNOVATION PROCESSES — THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR UNDER THE CRISIS IN PORTUGAL
Authors: FERREIRA ANA , TEIXEIRA ANA LÚCIA
Published: April 2016

This paper characterises the joint impacts of intra- and extra-organisational contexts on innovation development during the socio-economic crisis in Portugal. The characterisation of these contexts in 309 firms of the Information and Communication Technology services sector allowed for the identification of two profiles via a cluster analysis. These were mostly discriminated by financial resources and clients and not by science and technology activities. Subsequently, these profiles were related to innovation, top managers’ perceptions and expectations for the future. The data shows that under favourable contexts, innovation increases, the firm is perceived to drive innovation and confidence in the companies’ future emerges. In more unfavourable scenarios, innovation is compromised, the environment is perceived to block innovation and confidence is halted. This paper establishes companies’ profiles for the first time in Portugal and suggests that intra- and extra-organisational contexts have to be jointly tackled to foster present innovation and promote future activities.
Linearity of β-cell response across the metabolic spectrum and to pharmacology: insights from a graded glucose infusion-based investigation series
Authors: Shankar Sudha S. , Shankar R. Ravi , Mixson Lori A. , Miller Deborah L. , Chung Christopher , Cilissen Caroline , Beals Chan R. , Stoch S. Aubrey , Steinberg Helmut O. , Kelley David E.
Published: April 2016

The graded glucose infusion (GGI) examines insulin secretory response patterns to continuously escalating glycemia. The current study series sought to more fully appraise its performance characteristics. Key questions addressed were comparison of the GGI to the hyperglycemic clamp (HGC), comparison of insulin secretory response patterns across three volunteer populations known to differ in β-cell function (healthy nonobese, obese nondiabetic, and type 2 diabetic), and characterization of effects of known insulin secretagogues in the context of a GGI. Insulin secretory response was measured as changes in insulin, C-peptide, insulin secretion rates (ISR), and ratio of ISR to prevailing glucose (ISR/G). The GGI correlated well with the HGC ( r = 0.72 for ISR/G, P < 0.01). The insulin secretory response in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was significantly blunted ( P < 0.001), whereas it was significantly increased in obese nondiabetics compared with healthy nonobese ( P < 0.001). Finally, robust ( P < 0.001 over placebo) pharmacological effects were observed in T2DM and healthy nonobese volunteers. Collectively, the findings of this investigational series bolster confidence that the GGI has solid attributes for assessing insulin secretory response to glucose across populations and pharmacology. Notably, the coupling of insulin secretory response to glycemic changes was distinctly and uniformly linear across populations and in the context of insulin secretagogues. (Clinical Trial Registration Nos. NCT00782418, NCT01055340, NCT01373450)
Ventricular Septal Perforation after Biventricular Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Successfully Repaired with an Amplatzer Device: First Report in the Literature
Authors: Rodríguez Alfredo E. , Fernandez-Pereira Carlos , Mieres Juan , Ascarrunz Diego , Gabe Eduardo , Rodríguez-Granillo Alfredo Matías , Frattini Romina , Stuzbach Pablo
Published: April 2016

A 79-year-old female was admitted with sudden onset dyspnea, mild oppressive chest pain, and severe anxiety disorder. Patient had history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On admission blood pressure was 160/90 and heart rate was 130 bpm. Transthoracic echocardiography (TE) and contrast tomography showed a thin septum with an abnormal left and right ventricular contraction with an “apical ballooning” pattern and mild increase of cardiac enzymes. At the 4th day of admission, the patient presented symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure and developed cardiogenic shock. EKG showed an inversion of T waves in all precordial leads. In a new TE, a ventricular septal perforation (VSP) in the apical portion of the septum was seen. Coronary angiogram showed angiographically “normal” coronary arteries. With a diagnosis of VSP in takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a percutaneous procedure to repair the VSP was performed 11 days after admission. The VSP was closed with an Amplatzer device. TE performed 24 hours after showed significant improvement of ventricular function and good apposition of the Amplatzer device. Three days later she was discharged from the hospital. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a VSP in a TCM repaired percutaneously with an occluder device.
Revisiting the Factors Underlying Maxillary Midline Diastema
Authors: Jaija Abdullah M. Zakria , El-Beialy Amr Ragab , Mostafa Yehya A.
Published: April 2016

Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiological factors underlying the presence of maxillary midline diastema in a sample of orthodontic patients.Materials and Methods. One hundred patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria were selected from 1355 patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The pretreatment orthodontic records were analyzed. The width of the maxillary midline diastema was measured clinically with a digital caliper at two levels: the mesioincisal angles of the central incisors and five millimeters from the incisal edge. The two measurements were averaged, and patients with diastema of more than 0.5 millimeter in width were enrolled.Results. Diastema is a multifactorial clinical finding with more than one underlying etiological cause. The interrelationship between the familial pattern of midline diastema and the microdontia, macroglossia, labial frenum, and alveolar cleft conforms was clear. The effect of a mesiodens and the upper lateral incisor whether bilaterally missing, unerupted, or peg shaped was minimal.Conclusion. Etiological factors underlying maxillary midline diastema are interconnected. Using a checklist as a guide during handling maxillary midline diastema is important in the different stages of treatment.
Congenital Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cheong Ryan Chin Taw , Kassam Karim , Eccles Simon , Hensher Robert
Published: April 2016

Congenital temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is an uncommon condition that presents itself at or soon after birth in the absence of acquired factors that could have contributed to the ankylosis such as infection and trauma. The experience of managing one such case is reported in light of a review of the literature on this condition. Key management principles include adequate removal of the ankylotic mass, costochondral grafting, and post-op physiotherapy. Most patients reported in the literature with the condition experienced relapse. This echoes our own experience where there was recurrence of the ankylosis. However, after removal of the ankylotic mass, the patient maintains a satisfactory maximal incisal opening (MIO) till the present day. The additional challenges faced in the congenital form in addition to the already complex management of acquired paediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis are (1) much earlier insult to the TMJ, (2) reduced opportunity for neuromuscular development of the muscles of mastication, and (3) reduced compliance with postoperative physiotherapy programmes due to the younger age of these patients.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Associated with Central Nervous System Involvement in an Adult
Authors: Chan Tommy L. H. , Cartagena Ana M. , Bombassaro Anne Marie , Hosseini-Moghaddam Seyed M.
Published: April 2016

Ramsay Hunt syndrome associated with varicella zoster virus reactivation affecting the central nervous system is rare. We describe a 55-year-old diabetic female who presented with gait ataxia, right peripheral facial palsy, and painful vesicular lesions involving her right ear. Later, she developed dysmetria, fluctuating diplopia, and dysarthria. Varicella zoster virus was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction. She was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome associated with spread to the central nervous system. Her facial palsy completely resolved within 48 hours of treatment with intravenous acyclovir 10 mg/kg every 8 hours. However, cerebellar symptoms did not improve until a tapering course of steroid therapy was initiated.
MicroRNA-125a-5p Contributes to Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation through Targeting FIH1
Authors: Li Guojun , Li Jing , Li Changshui , Qi Honggang , Dong Peihong , Zheng Jianjian , Yu Fujun
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Emerging evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the regulation of activation, proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Previous studies have indicated that miR-125a-5p is correlated with hepatitis B virus replication and disease progression. However, little is known about the biological role and underlying mechanism of miR-125a-5p in liver fibrosis. Methods: We analyzed the level of miR-125a-5p in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and activated HSCs. We analyzed the effects of miR-125a-5p down-regulation on HSC activation and proliferation. We also analyzed the binding of miR-125a-5p to the 3′-untranslated region of factor inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (FIH1) mRNA. Results: Up-regulation of miR-125a-5p was observed in the liver tissues of fibrotic mice and activated HSCs. Down-regulation of miR-125a-5p prevented the activation and proliferation of HSCs. FIH1, a negative modulator of hypoxia inducible factor 1, was confirmed to be a target of miR-125a-5p using the luciferase reporter assay. Further studies demonstrated that miR-125a-5p prompted the activation and proliferation of HSCs, at least in part, by down-regulating FIH1. Conclusion: Our findings shed new light on miRNAs as a promising therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.
Co-Occurrence of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Immunoglobulin A Deficiency and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Frossi Barbara , De Carli Stefano , Bossi Fleur , Pucillo Carlo , De Carli Marco
Published: April 2016

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig) A deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency in which autoimmunity is frequently observed. Thirty to fifty percent of patients with spontaneous chronic urticaria have autoantibodies that are able to cross-link FcεRI on mast cells and basophils. Methods: We investigated whether spontaneous chronic urticaria in patients with IgA deficiency meets the criteria for autoimmunity. Four patients were screened for positivity to a skin prick test and an autologous serum skin test and for the presence of other autoimmune diseases. Patient sera were tested for the ability to activate basophils and mast cells in vitro by measuring surface CD63 expression and β-hexosaminidase release, respectively. Results: The autologous serum test was positive in all patients, and patient sera were found to induce CD63 upregulation on basophils and degranulation of an LAD2 mast cell line. Moreover, all patients were affected by other autoimmune disorders. Conclusion: For the first time, these data point out chronic autoimmune urticaria in subjects with an IgA deficiency and confirm that different autoimmune disorders are common among patients with an IgA deficiency. Patients with chronic autoimmune spontaneous urticaria should be screened for IgA deficiency, especially if they are affected by other autoimmune disorders. Thus, spontaneous urticaria could mirror more complex systemic diseases, such as immune deficiency.
miRNA-154-5p Inhibits Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Targeting E2F5 in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Zheng Yang , Zhu Chen , Ma Long , Shao Pengfei , Qin Chao , Li Pu , Cao Qiang , Ju Xiaobing , Cheng Gong , Zhu Qingyi , Gu Xiaojian , Hua Lixin
Published: April 2016

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (18-25 nucleotides) which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by negatively regulating the stability or translational efficiency of their target mRNAs. This study aimed to determine the function of miR-154-5p in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and identify the novel molecular targets regulated by miR-154-5p. Materials and Methods: The effects of forced miR-154-5p expression or E2F transcription factor 5 (E2F5) knockdown on PCa cells were evaluated by cell proliferation, flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion assays as well as by Western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the precise target of miR-154-5p. Results: The forced expression of miR-154-5p or E2F5 knockdown significantly restrained cell growth, as well as the migratory and invasive capabilities. Such expression also induced G1 cell cycle arrest of PCa cells in vitro. Hence, E2F5 is a direct target gene of miR-154-5p. Conclusions: miR-154-5p may play an important role as an inhibitor of proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa by targeting E2F5 in PCa cell lines.
Relationship Between Measures of Adiposity, Arterial Inflammation, and Subsequent Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Figueroa Amparo L. , Takx Richard A.P. , MacNabb Megan H. , Abdelbaky Amr , Lavender Zachary R. , Kaplan Rebecca S. , Truong Quynh A. , Lo Janet , Ghoshhajra Brian B. , Grinspoon Steven K. , Hoffmann Udo , Tawakol Ahmed
Published: April 2016

Background—

The objective of this study was to evaluate how different measures of adiposity are related to both arterial inflammation and the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.

Methods and Results—

We included individuals who underwent
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging for oncological evaluation. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, and VAT/SAT ratio were determined. Additionally, body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and aortic
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (a measure of arterial inflammation) were determined. Subsequent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events was adjudicated. The analysis included 415 patients with a median age of 55 (P25–P75: 45–65) and a median body mass index of 26.4 (P25–P75: 23.4–30.9) kg/m
2
. VAT and SAT volume were significantly higher in obese individuals. VAT volume (
r
=0.290;
P
<0.001) and VAT/SAT ratio (
r
=0.208;
P
<0.001) were positively correlated with arterial inflammation. Thirty-two subjects experienced a CVD event during a median follow-up of 4 years. Cox proportional hazard models showed that VAT volume and VAT/SAT ratio were associated with CVD events (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.15 [1.06–1.25];
P
<0.001; 3.60 [1.88–6.92];
P
<0.001, respectively). Body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and SAT were not predictive of CVD events.

Conclusions—

Measures of visceral fat are positively related to arterial inflammation and are independent predictors of subsequent CVD events. Individuals with higher measures of visceral fat as well as elevated arterial inflammation are at highest risk for subsequent CVD events. The findings suggest that arterial inflammation may explain some of the CVD risk associated with adiposity.
Right and Left Ventricular Function and Mass in Male Elite Master Athletes
Authors: Bohm Philipp , Schneider Günther , Linneweber Lutz , Rentzsch Axel , Krämer Nadine , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Kindermann Wilfried , Meyer Tim , Scharhag Jürgen
Published: April 2016

Background—

It is under debate whether the cumulative effects of intensive endurance exercise induce chronic cardiac damage, mainly involving the right heart. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiac structure and function in long-term elite master endurance athletes with special focus on the right ventricle by contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-three healthy white competitive elite male master endurance athletes (age range, 30–60 years) with a training history of 29±8 years, and 33 white control subjects pair-matched for age, height, and weight underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography including tissue-Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Indexed left ventricular mass and right ventricular mass (left ventricular mass/body surface area, 96±13 and 62±10 g/m
2
;
P
<0.001; right ventricular mass/body surface area, 36±7 and 24±5 g/m
2
;
P
<0.001) and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (left ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 104±13 and 69±18 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001; right ventricular end-diastolic volume/body surface area, 110±22 and 66±16 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001) were significantly increased in athletes in comparison with control subjects. Right ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between athletes and control subjects (52±8 and 54±6%;
P
=0.26). Pathological late enhancement was detected in 1 athlete. No correlations were found for left ventricular and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitive troponin was negative in all subjects.

Conclusions—

Based on our results, chronic right ventricular damage in elite endurance master athletes with lifelong high training volumes seems to be unlikely. Thus, the hypothesis of an exercise-induced arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy has to be questioned.
New Species of Anthurium section Calomystrium from Costa Rica and Panama
Authors: ORTIZ ORLANDO O. , CROAT THOMAS B.
Published: April 2016

Five new species of Anthurium section Calomystrium from Central America are described here: A. filamatamaense sp. nov. from Costa Rica and A. lasabanetaense sp. nov., A. roseonaviculare sp. nov., A. solanoi sp. nov. and A. suffusum sp nov. from Panama. The new Panamanian taxa increase the number of species in Anthurium section Calomystrium to forty-two, of which 35 are endemic to the country. In the case of Costa Rica, the number of species increases to nine, of which, three are endemic.
Stability Assurance in IT-Projects Management Systems
Authors: ������  , Zuykov Kirill
Published: April 2016

The paper is devoted to the IT-projects dynamics analysis in order to develop

management processes that assure stability of the projects to scope

changes. Software development lifecycle is considered combined with one

of organizational changes which are carried out by IT-projects execution.

This integral study of IT-projects organizational structure allows to discover

projects particularities that lead to destabilization and especially "scope

creep" as a main factor of loss of stability and, as a result, failure of objectives

realization. To provide required level the model integrity IT-projects are

to be considered in context of organization´s project portfolio as a part of

business transformation program. The program in turn is studied not in its

entire scope but particularly in its part relative to IT-project implementation

together with obtaining desired results of its product utilization. To secure

metrics-based project objectives achievement control an EVM modification

for IT-projects management is presented in the article. Simulation that is

also performed in the study illustrates internal causes of scope creep problem

and its solution with methods developed in this study and thus project

stability assurance.
The new international sepsis guidelines (Sepsis-3): the central message remains
Authors: Whittle John , Walker David
Published: April 2016

In February the international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock were updated to reflect current understanding of the syndrome. A new scoring system was also released (qSOFA) to aid early identification of organ dysfunction in sepsis.
NICE guidelines on bronchiolitis: a robust appraisal of current evidence
Authors: Paul Siba P , Rogers Eleanor K , Bhatt Jayesh M
Published: April 2016

Bronchiolitis is common in infants. Oxygen therapy, fluids and occasionally respiratory support remain the mainstay of treatment. The NICE guidelines are expected to streamline the management of bronchiolitis and minimize potentially harmful interventions. Further research to find other useful therapies is necessary.
Surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury in adults
Authors: Alazzawi Sulaiman , Sukeik Mohamed , Ibrahim Mazin , Haddad Fares S
Published: April 2016

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is among the most common soft tissue injuries of the knee joint and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is the gold standard treatment for young active symptomatic patients. This review summarizes the surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures
Authors: Leow J. M. , Clement N. D. , Tawonsawatruk T. , Simpson C. J. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The radiographic union score for tibial (RUST) fractures was developed by Whelan et al to assess the healing of tibial fractures following intramedullary nailing. In the current study, the repeatability and reliability of the RUST score was evaluated in an independent centre (a) using the original description, (b) after further interpretation of the description of the score, and (c) with the immediate post-operative radiograph available for comparison.

Methods

A total of 15 radiographs of tibial shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing (IM) were scored by three observers using the RUST system. Following discussion on how the criteria of the RUST system should be implemented, 45 sets (i.e. AP and lateral) of radiographs of IM nailed tibial fractures were scored by five observers. Finally, these 45 sets of radiographs were rescored with the baseline post-operative radiograph available for comparison.

Results

The initial intraclass correlation (ICC) on the first 15 sets of radiographs was 0.67 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.71). However, the original description was being interpreted in different ways. After agreeing on the interpretation, the ICC on the second cohort improved to 0.75. The ICC improved even further to 0.79, when the baseline post-operative radiographs were available for comparison.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the RUST scoring system is a reliable and repeatable outcome measure for assessing tibial fracture healing. Further improvement in the reliability of the scoring system can be obtained if the radiographs are compared with the baseline post-operative radiographs. Cite this article: Mr J.M. Leow. The radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures: Reliability of the outcome measure at an independent centre. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:116–121. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000628.
Recursive Orthogonal Least Square Based Soft Sensor for Batch Distillation
Authors: Mehta Shubham , Ramani Harish , Yelgatte Nileshkumar N. , Rahman Imran
Published: April 2016

A multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) model, namely Recursive Orthogonal Least Square (ROLS) based radial basis function (RBF) is developed to estimate product compositions in a batch distillation process from temperature measurements. The process data is generated by simulating the differential equations of the batch distillation process, changing the initial feed composition and boiluprate from batch to batch. Moreover, the reflux ratio is also randomly varied within each batch to represent the exact dynamics of the batch distillation. Temperature and distillate composition is correlated by the RBF trained by ROLS algorithm. A Single RBF network estimate the quality of products in real-time. The results show that ROLS based estimator give correct composition estimations for a batch distillation process. The robustness of the ROLS algorithm and low computational requirement makes the estimator attractive for on-line use.
Troponins, intrinsic disorder, and cardiomyopathy
Authors: Na Insung , Kong Min J. , Straight Shelby , Pinto Jose R. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: April 2016

Cardiac troponin is a dynamic complex of troponin C, troponin I, and troponin T (TnC, TnI, and TnT, respectively) found in the myocyte thin filament where it plays an essential role in cardiac muscle contraction. Mutations in troponin subunits are found in inherited cardiomyopathies, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The highly dynamic nature of human cardiac troponin and presence of numerous flexible linkers in its subunits suggest that understanding of structural and functional properties of this important complex can benefit from the consideration of the protein intrinsic disorder phenomenon. We show here that mutations causing decrease in the disorder score in TnI and TnT are significantly more abundant in HCM and DCM than mutations leading to the increase in the disorder score. Identification and annotation of intrinsically disordered regions in each of the troponin subunits conducted in this study can help in better understanding of the roles of intrinsic disorder in regulation of interactomes and posttranslational modifications of these proteins. These observations suggest that disease-causing mutations leading to a decrease in the local flexibility of troponins can trigger a whole plethora of functional changes in the heart.
Duality relation among the Hamiltonian structures of a parametric coupled Korteweg-de Vries system
Authors: Restuccia Alvaro , Sotomayor Adrián
Published: April 2016

We obtain the full Hamiltonian structure for a parametric coupled KdV system. The coupled system arises from four different real basic lagrangians. The associated Hamiltonian functionals and the corresponding Poisson structures follow from the geometry of a constrained phase space by using the Dirac approach for constrained systems. The overall algebraic structure for the system is given in terms of two pencils of Poisson structures with associated Hamiltonians depending on the parameter of the Poisson pencils. The algebraic construction we present admits the most general space of observables related to the coupled system. We then construct two master lagrangians for the coupled system whose field equations are theε-parametric Gardner equations obtained from the coupled KdV system through a Gardner transformation. In the weak limitε→ 0 the lagrangians reduce to the ones of the coupled KdV system while, after a suitable redefinition of the fields, in the strong limitε→ ∞ we obtain the lagrangians of the coupled modified KdV system. The Hamiltonian structures of the coupled KdV system follow from the Hamiltonian structures of the master system by taking the two limitsε→ 0 andε→ ∞.
A synaptic device built in one diode–one resistor (1D–1R) architecture with intrinsic SiOx-based resistive switching memory
Authors: Chang Yao-Feng , Fowler Burt , Chen Ying-Chen , Zhou Fei , Pan Chih-Hung , Chang Kuan-Chang , Tsai Tsung-Ming , Chang Ting-Chang , Sze Simon M. , Lee Jack C.
Published: April 2016

We realize a device with biological synaptic behaviors by integrating silicon oxide (SiOx) resistive switching memory with Si diodes to further minimize total synaptic power consumption due to sneak-path currents and demonstrate the capability for spike-induced synaptic behaviors, representing critical milestones for the use of SiO2-based materials in future neuromorphic computing applications. Biological synaptic behaviors such as long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and spike-timing dependent plasticity are demonstrated systemically with comprehensive investigation of spike waveform analyses and represent a potential application for SiOx-based resistive switching materials. The resistive switching SET transition is modeled as hydrogen (proton) release from the (SiH)2 defect to generate the hydrogenbridge defect, and the RESET transition is modeled as an electrochemical reaction (proton capture) that re-forms (SiH)2. The experimental results suggest a simple, robust approach to realize programmable neuromorphic chips compatible with largescale complementary metal-oxide semiconductor manufacturing technology.
A 12-bit 1-MS/s 26-μW SAR ADC for Sensor Applications
Authors: Chung Yung-Hui , Yen Chia-Wei , Tsai Cheng-Hsun
Published: April 2016

This chapter presents an energy-efficient 12-bit 1-MS/s successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for sensor applications. A programmable dynamic comparator is proposed to suppress static current and maintain good linearity. A hybrid charge redistribution digital-to-analog converter is proposed to decrease the total capacitance, which would reduce the power consumption of the input and reference buffers. In the proposed ADC, its total input capacitance is only 700 fF, which greatly reduces the total power consumption of the analog frontend circuits. The 12-bit ADC is fabricated using 0.18-μm complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor technology, and it consumes only 26 μW from a 1 V supply at 1-MS/s. The measured signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) are 60.1 and 72.6 dB, respectively. The measured effective number of bits (ENOB) for a 100 kHz input frequency is 9.7 bits. At the Nyquist input frequency, the measured SNDR and SFDR are 59.7 and 71 dB, respectively. The ENOB is maintained at 9.6 bits and the figure-of-merit is 33.5 fJ/conversion-step.
A 5.2/5.8 GHz Dual Band On-Off Keying Transmitter Design for Bio-Signal Transmission
Authors: Wu Chang-Hsi , You Hong-Cheng , Huang Shun-Zhao
Published: April 2016

An architecture of 5.2/5.8-GHz dual-band on-off keying (DBOOK) modulated transmitter is designed in a 0.18-μm CMOS technology. The proposed DBOOK transmitter is used in the biosignal transmission system with high power efficiency and small area. To reduce power consumption and enhance output swing, two pairs of center-tapped transformers are used as both LC tank and source grounding choke for the designed voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Switching capacitances are used to achieve dual band operations, and a complemented power combiner is used to merge the differential output power of VCO to a single-ended output. Besides, the linearizer circuits are used in the proposed power amplifier with wideband output matching to improve the linearity both at 5.2/5.8-GHz bands. The designed DBOOK transmitter is implemented by dividing it into two chips. One chip implements the dual-band switching VCO and power combiner, and the other chip implements a linear power amplifier including dual-band operation. The first chip drives an output power of 2.2mW with consuming power of 5.13 mW from 1.1 V supply voltage. With the chip size including pad of 0.61 × 0.91 m2, the measured data rate and transmission efficiency attained are 100 Mb/s and 51 pJ/bit, respectively. The second chip, for power enhanced mode, exhibits P1 dB of −9 dBm, IIP3 of 1 dBm, the output power 1 dB compression point of 12.42 dBm, OIP3 of about 21 dBm, maximum output power of 17.02/16.18 dBm, and power added efficiency of 17.13/16.95% for 5.2/ 5.8 GHz. The chip size including pads is 0:693 × 1:084mm2.
Impacts of ESD Reliability by Different Layout Engineering in the 0.25-μm 60-V High-Voltage LDMOS Devices
Authors: Chen Shen-Li , Lin Chun-Ju , Yu-Ting Huang
Published: April 2016

How to effectively enhance the reliability robustness in high-voltage (HV) BCD [(bipolar) complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) diffusion metaloxide semiconductor (DMOS)] processes is an important issue. Influences of layouttype dependences on anti-electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness in a 0.25-μm 60-V process will be studied in this chapter, which includes, in part (1), the traditional striped-type n-channel lateral-diffused MOSFET (nLDMOS), waffle-type nLDMOS, and nLDMOS embedded with a “p-n-p”-arranged silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) devices in the drain side; and in part (2) a p-channel LDMOS (pLDMOS) with an embedded “p-n-p-n-p”-arranged-type SCR in the drain side (diffusion regions of the drain side isP+-N+-P+-N+-P+). Then, these LDMOS devices are used to evaluate the influence of layout architecture on trigger voltage (Vt1), holding voltage (Vh), and secondary breakdown current (It2). Eventually, the sketching of the layout pattern of a HV LDMOS is a very important issue in the anti-ESD consideration. Also, in part (1), the waffle-type nLDMOS DUT contributes poorly to It2robustness due to the non-uniform turned-on phenomenon and a narrow channel width per unit finger. Therefore, the It2robustness of a waffle-type nLDMOS device is decreased about 17% as compared to a traditional striped-type nLDMOS device (reference DUT-1). The ESD abilities of traditional stripedtype and waffle-type nLDMOS devices with an embedded SCR (“p-n-p”-manner arrangement in the drain side) are better than a traditional nLDMOS 224.4% in average. Noteworthy, the nLDMOS-SCR with the “p-n-p” -arranged-type in the drainend is a good structure for the anti-ESD reliability especially in HV usages. Furthermore, in part (2) this layout manner of P+discrete-island distributions in the drain-side have some impacts on the anti-ESD and anti-latch-up (LU) immunities. All of their It2values have reached above 6 A; however, the major repercussion is that the Vhvalue will be decreased about 66.7 ~ 73.7%.
El manejo conceptual en química a través de redes sociales / Conceptual management in chemistry through social networks
Authors: Certad Villarroel Pedro Andrés
Published: April 2016

El siguiente artículo tiene como objetivo fundamental el reconocimiento de la incidencia que tiene el uso de las redes sociales, específicamente Twitter, en un rol mediador en el manejo de conceptos básicos de Química en el bachillerato venezolano. La aproximación a este manejo se hizo desde el análisis del contenido de las interacciones que por recurrencia de unidades lingüísticas de referentes se produjeron en las intervenciones de los estudiantes dentro de la red social  con la intervención en estas interacciones del e-moderador. Los hallazgos develan claramente la afinidad del estudiante en el uso de redes sociales y herramientas tecnológicas, la comunicación entre pares y la saturación de contenidos permitiendo considerar esta estrategia en la enseñanza de conceptos por lo innovador y afín que se hace con los actores que en ella intervienen y el mantenimiento del concepto de acuerdo a lo establecido en los libros especializados de consulta.
La cultura de la innovación educativa en perspectiva de los gestores universitario / The culture of educational innovation in perspective of university managers
Authors: Croda Borges Gabriela , López Calva Juan Martín
Published: April 2016

La investigación aborda una problemática sobre la cultura de la innovación educativa.  El avance de la investigación tiene el objetivo de reconocer los valores que los gestores académicos asocian a la innovación educativa.  El método del estudio es cualitativo. Participaron 25 gestores académicos que incluyen equipo directivo y coordinadores académicos de licenciatura en una institución particular.  La técnica utilizada fue la entrevista y el instrumento una guía semi-estructurada que incluye cinco categorías analíticas: Concepciones, ámbitos, factores, roles y dimensiones de la innovación. Los resultados que se presentan corresponden a los 19 coordinadores que fueron entrevistados en la primera fase del estudio. Se presentan los datos de los 19 coordinadores con relación a las variables de control y posteriormente a nivel descriptivo se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la categoría concepciones de la innovación educativa. El estudio aporta información sobre los desafíos para la innovación educativa y da evidencia de la diversidad de concepciones sobre innovación, apoya la idea de emprender esfuerzos para un marco común que legitime las intenciones y procesos de innovación educativa. Los resultados brindan elementos para continuar con un itinerario para relanzar la innovación en el contexto del estudio, promover mayores y mejores espacios y momentos para su desarrollo  y generar condiciones para la difusión, es decir favorecer la cultura de y para la innovación.