bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding recruitment patterns of historically strong juvenile year classes in redfish (Sebastes spp.): the importance of species identity, population structure, and juvenile migration
Authors: Valentin Alexandra E. , Power Don , Sévigny Jean-Marie
Published: January 2015

Genetic analyses were undertaken on archived otoliths from juveniles representing historically strong year classes of northwest Atlantic redfish (Sebastes spp.) and on tissue samples from adults of known species and population of origin. The results indicated that the species composition of a year class is key information for understanding recruitment dynamics, with redfish species having distinct population-associated patterns of spatial dispersion. In the Gulf of St. Lawrence – Laurentian Channel area (GSL–LCH), the last strong year class (which supported the fishery for more than 30 years) belonged to Sebastes mentella and originated from the area. In contrast, four year classes that appeared abundant at young ages in research surveys in GSL–LCH but contributed only marginally to the adult population and the fishery of the region belonged to Sebastes fasciatus and carried the genetic signature of the adult population from the slope of the Newfoundland Grand Banks. Ocean currents and spatiotemporal trends in abundance-at-length suggest that the latter population uses the Gulf of St. Lawrence as a nursery area, with larvae and early juveniles drifting toward the Gulf of St. Lawrence and older juveniles migrating back to the slope of the Grand Banks after about 5–6 years. It is suggested that juvenile migration behaviour is a postsettlement process that plays an important role in redfish recruitment dynamics and carries both demographic and evolutionary implications.
Quantum efficiency of phytoplankton photochemistry measured continuously across gradients of nutrients and biomass in Lake Erie (Canada and USA) is strongly regulated by light but not by nutrient deficiency
Authors: Silsbe Greg M. , Smith Ralph E.H. , Twiss Michael R.
Published: January 2015

Unattended sensor networks are a cost-effective strategy to enhance the resolution of environmental datasets and are required to understand how large aquatic ecosystems respond to complex stressors (e.g., climate change). We made unattended and continuous measurements of the quantum yield of photosystem II ([Formula: see text]) photochemistry in the surface mixed layer of Lake Erie during three lake-wide cruises to observe how phytoplankton physiology varied across nutrient and taxonomic gradients. Three prominent diel [Formula: see text] patterns were noted. The diel maximum consistently occurred at sunrise or sunset, nocturnal measurements were consistently lower than diel maxima, and daytime values were strongly diminished by nonphotochemical quenching. The diurnal pattern was modeled as a function of irradiance to a mean accuracy of 0.03 to 0.04. Contrary to previously published reports in Lake Erie, [Formula: see text] was largely insensitive to indices of nutrient deficiency through space and time. This finding was consistent with much recent literature about [Formula: see text] and suggests that Lake Erie phytoplankton, like many others, can tune their photosynthetic machinery to maintain relatively high efficiency of photochemistry in photosystem II even when deficient in phosphorus or nitrogen.
Effects of early rearing environment and breeding strategy on social interactions and the hormonal response to stressors in juvenile Chinook salmon
Authors: Madison Barry N. , Heath John W. , Heath Daniel D. , Bernier Nicholas J.
Published: January 2015

To determine whether early rearing environment and parental breeding strategy affect the social behaviour and the endocrine response to stressors in juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), offspring (1–2 g) from traditional hatchery breeding or parental mate choice breeding were reared in a hatchery setting or in seminatural channels. Once ∼30 g, 9-month-old hatchery and mate choice fish from both rearing environments were exposed to one of four treatments: (i) sampled, (ii) air-exposed (AE) for 60 s and sampled 1 h later, (iii) sampled after 5 days of continuous dyadic social interaction (SI), or (iv) AE and allowed to interact for 5 days (AE/SI). In the hatchery environment, while hatchery fish were dominant in 70% and 80% of the dyadic trials in the SI and AE/SI treatments, respectively, plasma cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I levels did not differ between hatchery and mate choice fish. In contrast, when reared in a seminatural environment, mate choice fish were dominant in 70% of the dyadic trials in the SI and AE/SI treatments, and clear differences in plasma hormone levels emerged between hatchery and mate choice fish. Therefore, while we found no evidence that breeding strategy affects social status, familiarity with the early rearing environment (i.e., from emergence until 1–2 g) enhanced the competitive ability of juvenile Chinook salmon during dyadic interactions. Early rearing environment also affected the endocrine responses to stressors, and freshwater seminatural channel environments were associated with elevated hormonal responsiveness.
Physics of the cosmic microwave background anisotropy
Authors: Bucher Martin
Published: January 2015

Observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), especially of its frequency spectrum and its anisotropies, both in temperature and in polarization, have played a key role in the development of modern cosmology and of our understanding of the very early universe. We review the underlying physics of the CMB and how the primordial temperature and polarization anisotropies were imprinted. Possibilities for distinguishing competing cosmological models are emphasized. The current status of CMB experiments and experimental techniques with an emphasis toward future observations, particularly in polarization, is reviewed. The physics of foreground emissions, especially of polarized dust, is discussed in detail, since this area is likely to become crucial for measurements of the B modes of the CMB polarization at ever greater sensitivity.
Some special solutions in Bianchi type VI0 cosmological models with modified chaplygin gas in general relativity
Authors: Katore S. D. , Hatkar S. P. , Bayaskar S. N.
Published: January 2015

In the present paper, the role of modified chaplygin gas models in relation with the Bianchi type VI0 universe is examined. For obtaining complete solution of Einstein field equations, it is assumed that expansion scalar in the model is proportional to shear scalar and equation of state of this modified model is valid from the radiation era to the Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model. State finder and various physical, geometrical properties have also been discussed.
Effect of Regular Exercise Program on Depression in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Rezaei Jahangir , Abdi Alireza , Rezaei Mansour , Heydarnezhadian Jafar , Jalali Rostam
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim. Depression is the most common psychological disorder in hemodialysis patients which decreases their quality of life and increases the mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effect of regular exercise on depression in hemodialysis patients. Methods. In a randomized clinical trial, 51 hemodialysis patients were allocated in two groups. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale was used to assessing depression rate in participants. Designed program was educated using poster and face-to-face methods for case group. Intervention was carried out three times a week for ten weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, depression rate of the subjects was assessed. Data was analyzed by SPSS16 software and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. According to the results of this study, there were no differences between case and control groups in depression rate at the beginning of the study, but there was significant difference after intervention P=0.016. In the beginning of the study, the mean and SD of depression in case group were 23.8±9.29 and reduced to 11.07±12.64 at the end P<0.001. Conclusion. The regular exercise program could reduce the depression in hemodialysis patients; therefore it is suggested for training this program for hemodialysis patients. This trial is registered with Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT) number IRCT201205159763N1.
The Incidental Finding of a Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Implications for Primary Care Providers—Case and Review
Authors: Morgan Loren Garrison , Gardner Jonathan , Calkins Joe
Published: January 2015

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common thoracic venous anomaly and is a persistent congenital remnant of the vena caval system from early cardiac development. Patients with congenital anomalous venous return are at increased risk of developing various cardiac arrhythmias, due to derangement of embryologic conductive tissue during the early development of the heart. Previously this discovery was commonly made during the placement of pacemakers or defibrillators for the treatment of the arrhythmias, when the operator encountered difficulty with proper lead deployment. However, in today’s world of various easily obtainable imaging modalities, PLSVC is being discovered more and more by primary care providers during routine testing or screening for other ailments. Given the known association between anomalous venous return and the propensity for cardiac arrhythmias, we review the embryology of PLSVC and the mechanisms by which it leads to conduction abnormalities. We also provide the practitioner with recommendations for certain baseline cardiac observations and suggestions for proper surveillance in hopes that better understanding will reduce unnecessary and potentially harmful testing, premature subspecialty referral, and unneeded patient anxiety.
Weak Precompactness in the Space of Vector-Valued Measures of Bounded Variation
Authors: Ghenciu Ioana
Published: January 2015

For a Banach spaceXand a measure space(Ω,Σ), letM(Ω,X)be the space of allX-valued countably additive measures on(Ω,Σ)of bounded variation, with the total variation norm. In this paper we give a characterization of weakly precompact subsets ofM(Ω,X).
Application of the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbations Method in the Shallow Lake Ecological Degradation and Restoration
Authors: Wang Bo , Qi Qianqian
Published: January 2015

In the shallow lake ecosystems, the recovery of the aquatic macrophytes and the increase in the water transparency have been the main contents of the ecological restoration. Using the shallow lake ecological degradation and restoration model, CNOP method is adopted to discuss the instability and sensitivity of the ecosystem to the finite-amplitude perturbations related to the initial condition and the parameter condition. Results show that the linearly stable clear (turbid) water states can be nonlinearly unstable with the finite-amplitude perturbations, which represent the nature factors and the human activities such as the excessive harvest of the macrophytes and the sediment resuspension caused by artificially dynamic actions on the ecosystems. The results also support the viewpoint of Scheffer et al., whose emphasis is that the facilitation interactions between the submerged macrophytes and the water transparency are the main trigger for an occasional shift from a turbid to a clear state. Also, by the comparison with CNOP-I, CNOP-P, CNOP, and (CNOP-I, CNOP-P), results demonstrate that CNOP, which is not a simple combination of CNOP-I and CNOP-P, could induce the shallow lake ecosystem larger departure from the same ground state rather than CNOP-I, CNOP-P, and (CNOP-I, CNOP-P).
Nonlinear Vibrations of FGM Cylindrical Panel with Simply Supported Edges in Air Flow
Authors: Hao Y. X. , Zhang W. , Li S. B. , Zhang J. H.
Published: January 2015

Chaotic and periodic motions of an FGM cylindrical panel in hypersonic flow are investigated. The cylindrical panel is also subjected to in-plane external loads and a linear temperature variation in the thickness direction. The temperature dependent material properties of panel which are assumed to be changed through the thickness direction only can be determined by a simple power distribution in terms of the volume fractions. With Hamilton’s principle for an elastic body, a nonlinear dynamical model based on Reddy’s first-order shear deformation shell theory and von Karman type geometric nonlinear relationship is derived in the form of partial equations. A third-order piston theory is adopted to evaluate the hypersonic aerodynamic load. Here, Galerkin’s method is employed to discretize this continuous nonlinear dynamic system to ordinary differential governing equations involving two degrees of freedom. The chaotic and periodic response are studied by the direct numerical simulation method for influences of different Mach number and the value of in-plane load. The bifurcations, Poincare section, waveform, and phase plots are presented.
MRI Correlates of Parkinson’s Disease Progression: A Voxel Based Morphometry Study
Authors: Fioravanti Valentina , Benuzzi Francesca , Codeluppi Luca , Contardi Sara , Cavallieri Francesco , Nichelli Paolo , Valzania Franco
Published: January 2015

We investigated structural brain differences between a group of early-mild PD patients at different phases of the disease and healthy subjects using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). 20 mild PD patients compared to 15 healthy at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. VBM is a fully automated technique, which allows the identification of regional differences in the gray matter enabling an objective analysis of the whole brain between groups of subjects. With respect to controls, PD patients exhibited decreased GM volumes in right putamen and right parietal cortex. After 2 years of disease, the same patients confirmed GM loss in the putamen and parietal cortex; a significant difference was also observed in the area of pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and in the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). PD is associated with brain morphological changes in cortical and subcortical structures. The first regions to be affected in PD seem to be the parietal cortex and the putamen. A third structure that undergoes atrophy is the part of the inferior-posterior midbrain, attributable to the PPN and MLR. Our findings provide new insight into the brain involvement in PD and could contribute to a better understanding of the sequence of events occurring in these patients.
Winter Wheat Water Productivity Evaluated by the Developed Remote Sensing Evapotranspiration Model in Hebei Plain, China
Authors: Zhang Shengwei , Zhao Hongbin , Lei Huimin , Shao Hongbo , Liu Tingxi
Published: January 2015

Agricultural water is the main reason for the rapid decline of the NCP groundwater levels. It is of vital importance for the NCP sustainable agricultural development to master the ETa and its CWP. In this paper, the EBEM model was developed according to the theory of energy balance. From 2001 to 2006, the winter wheat ETa and CWP were estimated, and the spatial and temporal variations and their influencing factors were studied in the Hebei Plain. The results indicate that the EBEM model performed well by applying MODIS data to estimate the daily net radiation and ETa. For the daytime net radiation, the relative error between the estimation and the measurement amounted to 8.2% and the SEE was 0.82 MJ m−2/day. The average ETa deviation between the estimates and the measures amounted to 0.86 mm daily, and the SEE was 1.2 mm. The spatial variations indicated that the major distribution of ETa ranged from 350 to 450 mm, which trended downward within the study area from west to east. In the study period, the winter wheat CWP was mainly distributed between 0.29 and 1.67 kg/m3. In space, the CWP was higher in the west than in the east.
Effects of Strain Energy and Grain Size on Corrosion Resistance of Ultrafine Grained Fe-20%Cr Steels with Extremely low C and N Fabricated by ECAP
Authors: Rifai Muhammad , Miyamoto Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

Effect of strain energy and grain size on corrosion resistance of ultrafine grained (UFG) Fe-20%Cr steels with extremely low C and N fabricated by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was investigated. UFG structures of initial grain size of 144 nm exhibited the typical three-stage softening comprising recovery, recrystallization, and grain growth. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements were carried out with a conventional three-electrode cell to evaluate pitting potential. Pitting potential in 1000 mol·m−3NaCl solution was nobler in UFG state, but pitting potential started to decrease monotonously at lower temperature compared to hardness. The degradation of corrosion resistance in the early stage of annealing is attributed to stability change of passivation by recovery of dislocation structures inside grains and in nonequilibrium grain boundaries. We therefore conclude that nobler potentials of UFG states were realized by not only grain size reduction but also defective deformation-induced UFG.
R Dump Converter without DC Link Capacitor for an 8/6 SRM: Experimental Investigation
Authors: Kavitha Pasumalaithevan , Umamaheswari Bhaskaran
Published: January 2015

The objective of this paper is to investigate the performance of 8/6 switched reluctance motor (SRM) when excited with sinusoidal voltage. The conventional R dump converter provides DC excitation with the help of capacitor. In this paper the converter used is the modified R dump converter without DC link capacitor providing AC or sinusoidal excitation. Torque ripple and speed ripple are investigated based on hysteresis current control. Constant and sinusoidal current references are considered for comparison in both DC and AC excitation. Extensive theoretical and experimental investigations are made to bring out the merits and demerits of AC versus DC excitation. It is shown that the constructionally simple SRM can be favorably controlled with simple R dump converter with direct AC excitation without need for DC link capacitor. A 4‐phase 8/6 0.5 kW SRM is used for experimentation.
A Note on the Large Deviation Principle for Discrete Associated Random Variables
Authors: Matuła Przemysław , Ziemba Maciej
Published: January 2015

We present sufficient conditions under which the sequence of arithmetic meansSn/n, whereSn=X1+⋯+Xn, is the partial sum built on a stationary sequence{Xn}n≥1of associated integer-valued and uniformly bounded random variables, which satisfy the large deviation principle.
Novel Techniques with the Aid of a Staged CBCT Guided Surgical Protocol
Authors: Chasioti Evdokia , Sayed Mohammed , Drew Howard
Published: January 2015

The case report will present some novel techniques for using a “staged” protocol utilizing strategic periodontally involved teeth as transitional abutments in combination with CBCT guided implant surgery. Staging the case prevented premature loading of the grafted sites during the healing phase. A CBCT following a tenting screw guided bone regeneration procedure ensured adequate bone to place an implant fixture. Proper assessment of the CBCT allowed the surgeon to do an osteotome internal sinus lift in an optimum location. The depth of the bone needed for the osteotome sinus floor elevation was planned. The staged appliance allowed these sinus-augmented sites to heal for an extended period of time compared to implants, which were uncovered and loaded at an earlier time frame. The staged protocol and CBCT analysis enabled the immediate implants to be placed in proper alignment to the adjacent fixture. After teeth were extracted, the osseointegrated implants were converted to abutments for the transitional appliance. Finally, the staged protocol allowed for soft tissue enhancement in the implant and pontic areas prior to final insertion of the prosthesis.
Tracheal Intubation with Aura-i and aScope-2: How to Minimize Apnea Time in an Unpredicted Difficult Airway
Authors: Pavoni Vittorio , Froio Valentina , Nella Alessandra , Simonelli Martina , Gianesello Lara , Horton Andrew , Malino Luca , Micaglio Massimo
Published: January 2015

The supraglottic airway’s usefulness as a dedicated airway is the subject of continuing development. We report the case of an obese patient with unpredicted difficult airway management in which a new “continuous ventilation technique” was used with the Aura-i laryngeal mask and the aScope-2 devices. The aScope-2/Aura-i system implemented airway devices for the management of predictable/unpredictable difficult airway. The original technique required the disconnection of the mount catheter from Aura-i, the introduction of the aScope-2 into the laryngeal mask used as a conduit for video assisted intubation and then towards the trachea, followed by a railroading of the tracheal tube over the aScope-2. This variation in the technique guarantees mechanical ventilation during the entire procedure and could prevent the risk of hypoventilation and/or hypoxia.
Lipopeptides as the Antifungal and Antibacterial Agents: Applications in Food Safety and Therapeutics
Authors: Meena Khem Raj , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: January 2015

A lot of crops are destroyed by the phytopathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and yeast leading to economic losses to the farmers. Members of theBacillusgenus are considered as the factories for the production of biologically active molecules that are potential inhibitors of growth of phytopathogens. Plant diseases constitute an emerging threat to global food security. Many of the currently available antimicrobial agents for agriculture are highly toxic and nonbiodegradable and thus cause extended environmental pollution. Moreover, an increasing number of phytopathogens have developed resistance to antimicrobial agents. The lipopeptides have been tried as potent versatile weapons to deal with a variety of phytopathogens. All the three families ofBacilluslipopeptides, namely, Surfactins, Iturins and Fengycins, have been explored for their antagonistic activities towards a wide range of phytopathogens including bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes. Iturin and Fengycin have antifungal activities, while Surfactin has broad range of potent antibacterial activities and this has also been used as larvicidal agent. Interestingly, lipopeptides being the molecules of biological origin are environmentally acceptable.
Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Novel Mutations inRP1as a Relatively Common Cause of Autosomal Recessive Rod-Cone Dystrophy
Authors: El Shamieh Said , Boulanger-Scemama Elise , Lancelot Marie-Elise , Antonio Aline , Démontant Vanessa , Condroyer Christel , Letexier Mélanie , Saraiva Jean-Paul , Mohand-Saïd Saddek , Sahel José-Alain , Audo Isabelle , Zeitz Christina
Published: January 2015

We report ophthalmic and genetic findings in families with autosomal recessive rod-cone dystrophy (arRCD) andRP1mutations. Detailed ophthalmic examination was performed in 242 sporadic and arRCD subjects. Genomic DNA was investigated using our customized next generation sequencing panel targeting up to 123 genes implicated in inherited retinal disorders. Stringent filtering coupled with Sanger sequencing and followed by cosegregation analysis was performed to confirm biallelism and the implication of the most likely disease causing variants. Sequencing identified 9RP1mutations in 7 index cases. Eight of the mutations were novel, and all cosegregated with severe arRCD phenotype, found associated with additional macular changes. Among the identified mutations, 4 belong to a region, previously associated with arRCD, and 5 others in a region previously associated with adRCD. Our prevalence studies showed thatRP1mutations account for up to 2.5% of arRCD. These results point out for the necessity of sequencingRP1when genetically investigating sporadic and arRCD. It further highlights the interest of unbiased sequencing technique, which allows investigating the implication of the same gene in different modes of inheritance. Finally, it reports that different regions ofRP1can also lead to arRCD.
Target Localization with a Single Antenna via Directional Multipath Exploitation
Authors: Muqaibel Ali H. , Amin Moeness G. , Ahmad Fauzia
Published: January 2015

Target localization in urban sensing can benefit from angle dependency of the pulse shape at a radar receiver antenna. We propose a localization approach that utilizes the embedded directivity in ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas to estimate target positions. A single radar unit sensing operation of indoor targets surrounded by interior walls is considered, where interior wall multipaths are exploited to provide target cross-range. This exploitation assumes resolvability of the multipath components, which is made possible by the virtue of using UWB radar signals. The proposed approach is most attractive when only few multipaths are detectable due to propagation obstructions or owing to low signal-to-noise ratios. Both simulated and experimental data are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Pencil Beam Spectral Measurements of Ce, Ho, Yb, and Ba Powders for Potential Use in Medical Applications
Authors: Martini N. , Koukou V. , Michail C. , Sotiropoulou P. , Kalyvas N. , Kandarakis I. , Nikiforidis G. , Fountos G.
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to obtain modified X-ray spectra, by using appropriate filter materials for use in applications such as dual energy X-ray imaging. K-edge filtering technique was implemented in order to obtain narrow energy bands for both dual- and single-kVp techniques. Three lanthanide filters (cerium, holmium, and ytterbium) and a filter outside lanthanides (barium), with low K-edge, were used to modify the X-ray spectra. The X-ray energies that were used in this work ranged from 60 to 100 kVp. Relative root mean square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of variation were used for filter selection. The increasing filter thicknesses led to narrower energy bands. For the dual-kVp technique, 0.7916 g/cm2Ho, 0.9422 g/cm2Yb, and 1.0095 g/cm2Yb were selected for 70, 80, and 90 kVp, respectively. For the single-kVp technique 0.5991 g/cm2Ce, 0.8750 g/cm2Ba, and 0.8654 g/cm2Ce were selected for 80, 90, and 100 kVp, respectively. The filtered X-ray spectra of this work, after appropriate modification, could be used in various X-ray applications, such as dual-energy mammography, bone absorptiometry, and digital tomosynthesis.
Towards Scalable Distributed Framework for Urban Congestion Traffic Patterns Warehousing
Authors: Boulmakoul A. , Karim L. , Mandar M. , Idri A. , Daissaoui A.
Published: January 2015

We put forward architecture of a framework for integration of data from moving objects related to urban transportation network. Most of this research refers to the GPS outdoor geolocation technology and uses distributed cloud infrastructure with big data NoSQL database. A network of intelligent mobile sensors, distributed on urban network, produces congestion traffic patterns. Congestion predictions are based on extended simulation model. This model provides traffic indicators calculations, which fuse with the GPS data for allowing estimation of traffic states across the whole network. The discovery process of congestion patterns uses semantic trajectories metamodel given in our previous works. The challenge of the proposed solution is to store patterns of traffic, which aims to ensure the surveillance and intelligent real-time control network to reduce congestion and avoid its consequences. The fusion of real-time data from GPS-enabled smartphones integrated with those provided by existing traffic systems improves traffic congestion knowledge, as well as generating new information for a soft operational control and providing intelligent added value for transportation systems deployment.
Pediatric Synovial Sarcoma in the Retropharyngeal Space: A Rare and Unusual Presentation
Authors: Vaid Sanjay , Vaid Neelam , Desai Sanjay , Vaze Varada
Published: January 2015

Synovial sarcomas in the head and neck are extremely rare tumors, especially in the pediatric population. 3–5% of synovial sarcomas occur in the head and neck region displaying varied imaging and histopathological features resulting in frequent misdiagnosis. These tumors have a poor prognosis; hence early diagnosis and accurate classification based on imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry are critical for prompt treatment. To the best of our knowledge, imaging findings of pediatric retropharyngeal lipomatous synovial sarcoma have not been reported to date in English medical literature. We report, for the first time, a rare case of retropharyngeal lipomatous synovial sarcoma in a ten-year-old child and discuss the case-specific imaging findings in our patient using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
Influence of Secondary Phases in Kesterite-Cu2ZnSnS4Absorber Material Based on the First Principles Calculation
Authors: Bao Wujisiguleng , Ichimura Masaya
Published: January 2015

The influence of secondary phases of ZnS and Cu2SnS3(CTS) in Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) absorber material has been studied by calculating the band offsets at the CTS/CZTS/ZnS multilayer heterojunction interfaces on the basis of the first principles band structure calculation. The ZnS/CZTS heterointerface is of type I and since ZnS has a larger band gap than that of CZTS, the ZnS phase in CZTS is predicted to be resistive barriers for carriers. The CTS/CZTS heterointerface is of type I; that is, the band gap of CTS is located within the band gap of CZTS. Therefore, the CTS phase will act as a recombination site in CZTS.
A Case of Oropharyngeal Bullous Pemphigoid Presenting with Haemoptysis
Authors: Lee C. M. , Leadbetter H. K. , Fishman J. M.
Published: January 2015

Objective.Bullous pemphigoid is well known for its cutaneous features; however in rare cases it may present with mucosal involvement. We report a case of bullous pemphigoid presenting with haemoptysis, initially presenting to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department for investigation.Methods.An 87-year-old lady was admitted with haemoptysis. She also complained of a spreading, pruritic, bullous rash, which first began three weeks previously. Initial investigations, which included nasendoscopy, revealed a normal nasal mucosa and a normal postnasal space. A large deroofed blister was observed on the soft palate. The presenting symptoms and signs raised the suspicion of an immunobullous disease including bullous pemphigoid.Conclusion.Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a subepidermal immunobullous disease that typically manifests in elderly patient populations. Although rare, BP can present in a mucocutaneous fashion akin to its more aggressive variant, mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Differentiation of the two is based on clinical grounds, with the prevailing feature for the latter being the predominance of mucosal involvement, which may be extensive. The mainstay of treatment for bullous pemphigoid is steroid therapy, which may be administered both topically and systemically. A deeper understanding into the pathophysiology of the various immunobullous diseases may assist in our understanding of how the various disease entities manifest themselves.
Microstructure and Wear Behavior of CoCrFeMnNbNi High-Entropy Alloy Coating by TIG Cladding
Authors: Huo Wen-yi , Shi Hai-fang , Ren Xin , Zhang Jing-yuan
Published: January 2015

Alloy cladding coatings are widely prepared on the surface of tools and machines. High-entropy alloys are potential replacements of nickel-, iron-, and cobalt-base alloys in machining due to their excellent strength and toughness. In this work, CoCrFeMnNbNi HEA coating was produced on AISI 304 steel by tungsten inert gas cladding. The microstructure and wear behavior of the cladding coating were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, microhardness tester, pin-on-ring wear tester, and 3D confocal laser scanning microscope. The microstructure showed up as a nanoscale lamellar structure matrix which is a face-centered-cubic solid solution and niobium-rich Laves phase. The microhardness of the cladding coating is greater than the structure. The cladding coating has excellent wear resistance under the condition of dry sliding wear, and the microploughing in the worn cladding coating is shallower and finer than the worn structure, which is related to composition changes caused by forming the nanoscale lamellar structure of Laves phase.
MnF2/SiO2 Transport Properties of Quasiperiodic Photonic Crystals for Potential Catalytic Applications
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wang Xuan-Zhang , Fu Shu-Fang , Bai Jing , Zhou Sheng
Published: January 2015

Magnetically recyclable materials should be ideal support in photocatalytic system because they permit the photocatalysts to be recovered rapidly and efficiently by applying an external magnetic field such as, MnF2. In this paper, MnF2 and SiO2 layers constitute a one‐dimensional quasiperiodic photonic crystal according to Fibonacci. When the electromagnetic wave irradiates obliquely, the transmission peak moves to higher frequency direction with the angle increasing. Both the number of transmission peaks and the transmission peaks of double‐forked structure increase with the increase of structural progression. We also found that the polarization of electromagnetic waves has influence on the transmission properties; TM wave transmission peak half wide is significantly greater than TE wave transmission peak half wide. The band gap near antiferromagnetic (AF) resonance frequency becomes narrow as the intensity of the applied static magnetic field increases. The as‐prepared photonic crystal has tremendous potential practical use to eliminate organic pollutants from wastewater.
Optimal Multi-TDMA Scheduling in Ring Topology Networks
Authors: Vakulya Gergely , Tuza Zsolt , Simon Gyula
Published: January 2015

A scheduling algorithm will be proposed for wireless ring topology networks, utilizing time division multiple access (TDMA) with possible simultaneous operation of nodes. The proposed algorithm finds the optimal schedule to minimize the turnaround time for messages in the network. The properties of the algorithm are mathematically analyzed and proven, and practical test results are also provided.
Concept Maps for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in Electronics
Authors: Vodovozov Valery , Raud Zoja
Published: January 2015

The paper describes how to employ the concept mapping technology in engineering education in the field of Electronics. The overall knowledge domain ontology in the field is shown. It is underlined that the concept maps serve as a suitable tool to support instructors in promoting students’ comprehension of the studying material and in improving their understanding of new concepts. Introduction of an original educational thesaurus is proposed. Such a thesaurus helps learners to see what they have acquired from the lessons. It supports them in making connections between new and prior concepts and reinforces knowledge integration by such a promotion. The developed concept maps are regarded as a valuable instrument of many assessment procedures. They represent learners’ knowledge providing informative and reflective feedbacks tailored to learners’ personal styles and requests.
Evaluation of Corneal Endothelium in Adolescents with Juvenile Glaucoma
Authors: Urban Beata , Bakunowicz-Łazarczyk Alina , Michalczuk Marta , Krętowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in adolescents with juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) and ocular hypertension (OH) and to investigate the influence of topical antiglaucoma medications on ECD and CCT in adolescents with JOAG.Methods. ECD and CCT were investigated in 66 eyes of 33 adolescents with JOAG. Depending on the topical treatment the eyes were classified into 4 groups: (1) topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, (2) prostaglandin analogs, (3) beta-blocker, and (4) CAI-beta-blocker combination. ECD and CCT were also checked in 24 adolescents with OH and in control group (33 persons).Results. ECD was significantly lower in eyes with JOAG (2639.5 cells/mm2) compared with ECD in eyes with OH (2924.5 cells/mm2) and in control group (2955.5 cells/mm2). CCT was 0.554 mm in eyes with JOAG, 0.55 mm in eyes with OH, and 0.544 mm in control group. ECD in patients with JOAG was 2730 cells/mm2(1 group), 2773.5 cells/mm2(2 group), 2539.5 cells/mm2(3 group), and 2551 cells/mm2(4 group). CCT was 0.556 mm in 1 group, 0.558 mm in 2 group, 0.532 mm in 3 group, and 0.544 mm in 4 group.Conclusions. Our findings indicate that JOAG and OH did not affect CCT, but JOAG has influence on ECD in adolescents. There were no significant differences between ECD and CCT of eyes treated with different kinds of antiglaucoma medications.
Bilateral Elastofibrolipoma: Distinguishing from Elastofibroma with Adipose Tissue Migration
Authors: Ünal Betül , Uzar Ali , Şedele Murat , Erol Bekir
Published: January 2015

We present a case of a 54-year-old female patient. MRI examination showed a mass adjacent to the left scapula and a localized heterogeneous mass in the right subscapular area. Microscopic examination revealed abnormal elastic fibers and globules and mature adipose tissue mixed with collagen bands in all areas of the lesion. Genetic analysis was done and there were no changes in DNA copy number. The lesion was diagnosed as elastofibrolipoma which is a rare tumor. No bilateral elastofibrolipoma has been previously described.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Asian Countries
Authors: Hong Su Jin , Kim Sang Woo
Published: January 2015

Helicobacter pyloriinfection, a common infection in many countries, is related to the clinical course of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common esophageal disease in Western countries and its prevalence is increasing in Asian countries. The pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial. Although no single factor has been isolated as the cause of GERD, a negative association between the prevalence ofH. pyloriand the severity of GERD, including Barrett’s esophagus, has been demonstrated in epidemiological studies. The high prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection affects the incidence of GERD in Asian countries. In the subjects with East Asian CagA-positive strains, acid injury may be minimized by hypochlorhydria from pangastritis and gastric atrophy. Additionally, host genetic factors may affect the development of GERD. The interactions between genetic factors and the virulence ofH. pyloriinfection may be the reason for the low prevalence of GERD in Asian countries.H. pylorieradication is not considered pivotal in GERD exacerbation based on evidence from Western studies. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that eradication therapy ofH. pyloriwas related to a higher risk of developingde novoGERD in Asian studies.H. pyloriinfection remains an inconclusive and important issue in GERD in Asian countries.
New Strategies in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Targeting the Genetic and Metabolic Basis of Disease
Authors: Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Ricketts Christopher J. , Sourbier Carole , Linehan W. Marston
Published: January 2015

The development of new forms of treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma over the past two decades has been primarily focused on targeting the VHL/HIF pathway. The recent identification of mutations of chromatin-remodeling genes in clear-cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), of genomic heterogeneity, and of a Warburg-like metabolic phenotype in advanced disease has had a profound effect on our understanding of the evolution of ccRCC and on potential approaches to personalized therapy. Early approaches to therapy for patients with advanced type I papillary RCC that have centered around the MET/HGF pathway will expand as more genomic information becomes available. Sporadic and familial type II papillary renal cell carcinoma are characterized by enhanced aerobic glycolysis and share an antioxidant response phenotype. In fumarate hydratase–deficient RCC, fumarate-induced succination of KEAP1 activates Nrf2 signaling. CUL3 and Nrf2 mutations as well as an Nrf2 activation phenotype are found in sporadic type II papillary RCC. Therapeutic approaches designed to target the Nrf2 pathway as well as to impair blood flow and glucose delivery in these cancers that are highly dependent on a robust tumor vasculature and on ready availability of glucose for energy production and glycolysis are in development. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 10–17. ©2015 AACR.
22q11.2 Deletion Status and Disease Burden in Children and Adolescents With Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Mercer-Rosa Laura , Paridon Stephen M. , Fogel Mark A. , Rychik Jack , Tanel Ronn E. , Zhao Huaqing , Zhang Xuemei , Yang Wei , Shults Justine , Goldmuntz Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

Background—

Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot experience variable outcomes for reasons that are incompletely understood. We hypothesize that genetic variants contribute to this variability. We sought to investigate the association of 22q11.2 deletion status with clinical outcome in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods and Results—

We performed a cross-sectional study of tetralogy of Fallot subjects who were tested for 22q11.2 deletion, and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance, exercise stress test, and review of medical history. We studied 165 subjects (12.3±3.1 years), of which 30 (18%) had 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). Overall, by cardiac magnetic resonance the right ventricular ejection fraction was 60±8%, pulmonary regurgitant fraction was 34±17%, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume was 114±39 cc/m
2
. On exercise stress test, maximum oxygen consumption was 76±16% predicted. Despite comparable right ventricular function and pulmonary regurgitant fraction, on exercise stress test the 22q11.2DS had significantly lower percent predicted: forced vital capacity (61.5±16 versus 80.5±14;
P
<0.0001), maximum oxygen consumption (61±17 versus 80±12;
P
<0.0001), and work (64±18 versus 86±22,
P
=0.0002). Similarly, the 22q11.2DS experienced more hospitalizations (6.5 [5–10] versus 3 [2–5];
P
<0.0001), saw more specialists (3.5 [2–9] versus 0 [0–12];
P
<0.0001), and used ≥1 medications (67% versus 34%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

22q11.2DS is associated with restrictive lung disease, worse aerobic capacity, and increased morbidity, and may explain some of the clinical variability seen in tetralogy of Fallot. These findings may provide avenues for intervention to improve outcomes, and should be re-evaluated longitudinally because these associations may become more pronounced with time.
Both High and Low HbA1c Predict Incident Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Parry Helen M. , Deshmukh Harshal , Levin Daniel , Van Zuydam Natalie , Elder Douglas H.J. , Morris Andrew D. , Struthers Allan D. , Palmer Colin N.A. , Doney Alex S.F. , Lang Chim C.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for heart failure development, but the relationship between incident heart failure and antecedent glycemia has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

The Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Study study holds data for 8683 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dispensed prescribing, hospital admission data, and echocardiography reports were linked to extract incident heart failure cases from December 1998 to August 2011. All available HbA1c measures until heart failure development or end of study were used to model HbA1c time-dependently. Individuals were observed from study enrolment until heart failure development or end of study. Proportional hazard regression calculated heart failure development risk associated with specific HbA1c ranges accounting for comorbidities associated with heart failure, including blood pressure, body mass index, and coronary artery disease. Seven hundred and one individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (8%) developed heart failure during follow up (mean 5.5 years, ±2.8 years). Time-updated analysis with longitudinal HbA1c showed that both HbA1c <6% (hazard ratio =1.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–1.86;
P
value <0.0001) and HbA1c >10% (hazard ratio =1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–2.16;
P
value <0.0001) were independently associated with the risk of heart failure.

Conclusions—

Both high and low HbA1c predicted heart failure development in our cohort, forming a U-shaped relationship.
Electrocardiographic Changes During Exercise in Acute Hypoxia and Susceptibility to Severe High-Altitude Illnesses
Authors: Coustet Baptiste , Lhuissier François J. , Vincent Renaud , Richalet Jean-Paul
Published: January 2015

Background—

The goals of this study were to compare ECG at moderate exercise in normoxia and hypoxia at the same heart rate, to provide evidence of independent predictors of hypoxia-induced ECG changes, and to evaluate ECG risk factors of severe high-altitude illness.

Methods and Results—

A total of 456 subjects performed a 20-minute hypoxia exercise test with continuous recording of ECG and physiological measurements before a sojourn above 4000 m. Hypoxia did not induce any conduction disorder, arrhythmias, or change in QRS axis. The amplitude of the P wave in V
1
was lower in hypoxia than in normoxia. The amplitudes of the R, S, and T waves and the Sokolow index decreased in hypoxia. Under hypoxia, the amplitude of the ST segment decreased in II and V
6
and increased in V
1
, the ST slope rose in V
5
and V
6
, and the J point was lower in II, V
5
, and V
6
. Multivariate regression of hypoxic/normoxic ratios of electrophysiological parameters and clinical characteristics showed a correlation between the decrease in Sokolow index and T-wave amplitude in V
5
with desaturation at exercise. Trained status and low body mass index were associated with a smaller decrease in T-wave amplitude in V
5
and V
6
. Comparison of ECG between subjects suffering or not suffering from severe high-altitude illness failed to show any difference.

Conclusions—

During a hypoxia exercise test, a dose-dependent hypoxia-induced decrease in the amplitude of the P/QRS/T waves was observed. No standard ECG characteristic predicted the risk of developing severe high-altitude illness. Further studies are required to clarify the cause of these electric changes and their potential predictive role in cardiac events.
Evaluation of Effectiveness and Cost‐Effectiveness of a Clinical Decision Support System in Managing Hypertension in Resource Constrained Primary Health Care Settings: Results From a Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Anchala Raghupathy , Kaptoge Stephen , Pant Hira , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Franco Oscar H. , Prabhakaran D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Randomized control trials from the developed world report that clinical decision support systems (DSS) could provide an effective means to improve the management of hypertension (HTN). However, evidence from developing countries in this regard is rather limited, and there is a need to assess the impact of a clinical DSS on managing HTN in primary health care center (PHC) settings.

Methods and Results

We performed a cluster randomized trial to test the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of a clinical DSS among Indian adult hypertensive patients (between 35 and 64 years of age), wherein 16 PHC clusters from a district of Telangana state, India, were randomized to receive either a DSS or a chart‐based support (CBS) system. Each intervention arm had 8 PHC clusters, with a mean of 102 hypertensive patients per cluster (n=845 in DSS and 783 in CBS groups). Mean change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline to 12 months was the primary endpoint. The mean difference in SBP change from baseline between the DSS and CBS at the 12th month of follow‐up, adjusted for age, sex, height, waist, body mass index, alcohol consumption, vegetable intake, pickle intake, and baseline differences in blood pressure, was −6.59 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: −12.18 to −1.42;
P
=0.021). The cost‐effective ratio for CBS and DSS groups was $96.01 and $36.57 per mm of SBP reduction, respectively.

Conclusion

Clinical DSS are effective and cost‐effective in the management of HTN in resource‐constrained PHC settings.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.ctri.nic.in
. Unique identifier: CTRI/2012/03/002476.