bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hysteroscopy prior to repeat embryo transfer may improve pregnancy outcomes for asymptomatic women with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Gao Minzhi , Sun Yun , Xie Huiliang , Fang Suping , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopy (HS) in detecting intrauterine abnormalities prior to repeat embryo transfer and improving pregnancy outcomes in asymptomatic women with repeated implantation failure (RIF).

Material and Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 672 asymptomatic RIF women from a Chinese university hospital. Pregnancy outcomes between the HS (subdivided into patients with and without intrauterine abnormalities) and non‐HS groups were compared.

Results

The incidence of intrauterine abnormalities in the HS group was 37.13%. The most common abnormalities included endometrial polyps or polypoid endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia and intrauterine adhesions. Clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in the HS group were significantly higher than in the non‐HS group (41.92% vs 32.25%; 23.82% vs 18.60%, respectively). There were no significant differences in early abortion, ectopic pregnancy, late abortion and live birth rates. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in both HS subgroups were significantly higher when compared to the non‐HS group, whereas there were no significant differences between the subgroups.

Conclusion

HS improved pregnancy outcomes in women with or without intrauterine abnormalities. HS may be routinely performed before repeat embryo transfer in RIF women.
The accuracy of International Classification of Diseases coding for dental problems not associated with trauma in a hospital emergency department
Authors: Figueiredo Rafael L. F. , Singhal Sonica , Dempster Laura , Hwang Stephen W. , Quinonez Carlos
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Emergency department (ED) visits for nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) may be a sign of unmet need for dental care. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD‐10‐CA) for ED visits for NTDC.

Methods

ED visits in 2008‐2099 at one hospital in Toronto were identified if the discharge diagnosis in the administrative database system was an ICD‐10‐CA code for a NTDC (K00‐K14). A random sample of 100 visits was selected, and the medical records for these visits were reviewed by a dentist. The description of the clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated, and a diagnosis was assigned. This diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis assigned by the physician and the code assigned to the visit.

Results

The 100 ED visits reviewed were associated with 16 different ICD‐10‐CA codes for NTDC. Only 2 percent of these visits were clearly caused by trauma. The code K0887 (toothache) was the most frequent diagnostic code (31 percent). We found 43.3 percent disagreement on the discharge diagnosis reported by the physician, and 58.0 percent disagreement on the code in the administrative database assigned by the abstractor, compared with what it was suggested by the dentist reviewing the chart.

Conclusion

There are substantial discrepancies between the ICD‐10‐CA diagnosis assigned in administrative databases and the diagnosis assigned by a dentist reviewing the chart retrospectively. However, ICD‐10‐CA codes can be used to accurately identify ED visits for NTDC.
Periodontal disease, tooth loss and coronary heart disease assessed by coronary angiography: a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Zanella S. M. , Pereira S. S. , Barbisan J. N. , Vieira L. , Saba‐Chujfi E. , Haas A. N. , Rösing C. K.
Published: July 2015

Objective and Background

To evaluate the association between periodontal disease, tooth loss and coronary heart disease (CHD). There is still controversy about the relationship between periodontal disease and tooth loss with vessel obstruction assessed using coronary angiography.

Material and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 195 patients that underwent coronary angiography and presented with at least six teeth. Patients were classified into three categories of coronary obstruction severity: absence; one or more vessels with ≤ 50% obstruction; and one or more vessels with ≥ 50% obstruction. The extent of coronary obstruction was dichotomized into 0 and ≥ 1 affected vessels. A periodontist blinded to patient CHD status conducted a full mouth examination to determine mean clinical attachment loss, mean periodontal probing depth and tooth loss. Multiple logistic regression models were applied adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, smoking, body mass index, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and C‐reactive protein.

Results

Most patients were males (62.1%) older than 60 years (50.8%), and 61% of them had CHD. Mean periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment loss and tooth loss were 2.64 ± 0.72 mm, 4.40 ± 1.31 mm and 12.50 ± 6.98 teeth respectively. In the multivariable models, tooth loss was significantly associated with a higher chance of having at least one obstructed vessel (odds ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.09) and with vessel obstruction ≥ 50% (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.11). No significant associations were found between periodontal variables and vessel obstruction.

Conclusion

Tooth loss was found to be a risk indicator for CHD.
Geographically contrasting biodiversity reductions in a widespread New Zealand seabird
Authors: Rawlence Nicolas J. , Kennedy Martyn , Anderson Christian N. K. , Prost Stefan , Till Charlotte E. , Smith Ian W. G. , Scofield R. Paul , Tennyson Alan J. D. , Hamel Jill , Lalas Chris , Matisoo‐Smith Elizabeth A. , Waters Jonathan M.
Published: July 2015

Unravelling prehistoric anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity represents a key challenge for biologists and archaeologists. New Zealand's endemic Stewart Island Shag (Leucocarbo chalconotus) comprises two distinct phylogeographic lineages, currently restricted to the country's south and southeast. However, fossil and archaeological remains suggest a far more widespread distribution at the time of Polynesian settlement ca. 1280 AD, encompassing much of coastal South Island. We used modern and ancient DNA, radiocarbon dating, and Bayesian modelling, to assess the impacts of human arrival on this taxon. Our analyses show that the southeast South Island (Otago) lineage was formerly widespread across coastal South Island, but experienced dramatic population extinctions, range retraction and lineage loss soon after human arrival. By comparison, the southernmost (Foveaux Strait) lineage has experienced a relatively stable demographic and biogeographic history since human arrival, retaining much of its mitochondrial diversity. Archaeological data suggest that these contrasting demographic histories (retraction vs. stability) reflect differential human impacts in mainland South Island vs. Foveaux Strait, highlighting the importance of testing for temporal and spatial variation in human‐driven faunal declines.
Underwater acoustic behavior of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, 2007–2010
Authors: Frouin‐Mouy Heloise , Mouy Xavier , Martin Bruce , Hannay David
Published: July 2015

Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) calls were recorded using autonomous passive acoustic recorders deployed in the northeastern Chukchi Sea between October 2007 and October 2010. Continuous acoustic data were acquired during summer (August to mid‐October), and overwinter data (mid‐October through July) were acquired on a duty cycle of 40/48 min every 4 h. We investigated the spatio‐temporal distribution and acoustic behavior of vocalizing bearded seals in this multiyear data set. Peaks in calling occurred in spring, coinciding with the mating period, and calls stopped abruptly in late June/early July. Fewer calls were detected in summer, and the vocal presence of seals increased with the formation of pack ice in winter. Vocal activity was higher at night than during the day, with a peak around 0400 (AKST). Monthly patterns in proportional use of each call type and call duration were examined for the first time. The proportion and duration ofAL1(T) andAL2(T) call types increased during the mating period, suggesting that males advertise their breeding condition by producing those specific longer trills. The observed seasonal and diel trends were consistent between years. These results improve our understanding of occurrence and acoustic behavior of bearded seals across the northeastern Chukchi Sea.
Scale‐dependent role of demography and dispersal on the distribution of populations in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Martin Benjamin T. , Czesny Sergiusz , Wahl David H. , Grimm Volker
Published: July 2015

Both dispersal and local demographic processes determine a population's distribution among habitats of varying quality, yet most theory, experiments, and field studies have focused on the former. We use a generic model to show how both processes contribute to a population's distribution, and how the relative importance of each mechanism depends on scale. In contrast to studies only considering habitat‐dependent dispersal, we show that predictions of ideal free distribution (IFD) theory are relevant even at landscape scales, where the assumptions of IFD theory are violated. This is because scales that inhibit one process, promote the other's ability to drive populations to the IFD. Furthermore, because multiple processes can generate IFDs, the pattern alone does not specify a causal mechanism. This is important because populations with IFDs generated by dispersal or demography respond much differently to shifts in resource distributions.
Problems in Functioning in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Admitted for Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
Authors: Meesters Jorit J. , Volker Gerard , Koele Robin , van Gestel Marc C. , Smeets Rob J. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P.
Published: July 2015

Background

Little is known about the extent to which improvements in various problem areas are attained after multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP).

Aim

To describe the pre‐ and postcontents of problems in functioning from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in terms of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in CMP patients following a 15‐week rehabilitation program.

Methods

In all patients admitted to a rehabilitation program, the COPM was administered at admission and discharge. The problems identified at admission were linked to ICF chapters using an established linking procedure. Changes of COPM Performance/Satisfaction scores (1–10; low–high) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and effect sizes (ESs) were computed.

Results

In total, 165 patients were included with a mean age of 44.1 (SD 12.9) years; among them, 143 (87%) were women. At admission, totally 801 problems were identified and linked to 706 unique ICF categories: 83 (12%) were related to the ICF component “Body Functions” and 621 (88%) to “Activities and Participation”. ICF chapters “d4 Mobility” (124, 18%) and “d9 Community social and civic life” (143, 20%) were most frequently identified. The median changes of the COPM total scores for Performance and Satisfaction were 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.3, ES: 1.75) and 3.2 (95% CI 2.9 to 3.4, ES: 2.38).

Conclusion

A 15‐week multidisciplinary treatment program showed that most problems were seen within chapters Mobility and Community life of the ICF. The program led to significant improvements of patient reported problems, the magnitude of which was similar for all different problem areas.
Towards a Fuzzy Bayesian Network Based Approach for Safety Risk Analysis of Tunnel‐Induced Pipeline Damage
Authors: Zhang Limao , Wu Xianguo , Qin Yawei , Skibniewski Miroslaw J. , Liu Wenli
Published: July 2015

Tunneling excavation is bound to produce significant disturbances to surrounding environments, and the tunnel‐induced damage to adjacent underground buried pipelines is of considerable importance for geotechnical practice. A fuzzy Bayesian networks (FBNs) based approach for safety risk analysis is developed in this article with detailed step‐by‐step procedures, consisting of risk mechanism analysis, the FBN model establishment, fuzzification, FBN‐based inference, defuzzification, and decision making. In accordance with the failure mechanism analysis, a tunnel‐induced pipeline damage model is proposed to reveal the cause‐effect relationships between the pipeline damage and its influential variables. In terms of the fuzzification process, an expert confidence indicator is proposed to reveal the reliability of the data when determining the fuzzy probability of occurrence of basic events, with both the judgment ability level and the subjectivity reliability level taken into account. By means of the fuzzy Bayesian inference, the approach proposed in this article is capable of calculating the probability distribution of potential safety risks and identifying the most likely potential causes of accidents under both prior knowledge and given evidence circumstances. A case concerning the safety analysis of underground buried pipelines adjacent to the construction of the Wuhan Yangtze River Tunnel is presented. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed FBN approach and its application potential. The proposed approach can be used as a decision tool to provide support for safety assurance and management in tunnel construction, and thus increase the likelihood of a successful project in a complex project environment.
Antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae colonising the nasopharynx of HIV‐exposed Tanzanian infants
Authors: Bles P. , de Mast Q. , van der Gaast‐de Jongh C. E. , Kinabo G. D. , Kibiki G. , van de Ven A. , de Jonge M. I.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine antibiotic susceptibility of colonising pneumococcal serotypes in HIV‐exposed infants before the introduction of the 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), because HIV‐exposed infants are at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal infections.

Methods

Antibiotic susceptibility of 104 pneumococcal isolates, cultured from the nasopharynx from Tanzanian HIV‐exposed infants, was determined using the disc diffusion method and the E‐test according to EUCAST version 4.0 (2014) criteria.

Results

A total of 69.2% of isolates were intermediately susceptible for benzyl penicillin (MIC 0.06–2 mg/l ); no high‐level resistance was found. All isolates but one were susceptible to ampicillin. Regarding non‐beta‐lactam antibiotics, 19.2% of isolates were resistant to doxycycline, 3.8% to erythromycin and 97.1% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. A total of 15.4% of isolates were resistant to three antibiotic classes or more. There were no differences in antibiotic susceptibility between vaccine and non‐vaccine serotypes. Reduced susceptibility of colonising pneumococcal isolates for commonly used antibiotics is common in HIV‐exposed Tanzanian infants.

Conclusions

High‐dose penicillin and ampicillin remain appropriate first choices for non‐meningeal pneumococcal infections in this group.
Quality of life in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Filbay S R , Culvenor A G , Ackerman I N , Russell T G , Crossley K M
Published: July 2015

Background

Physical and psychological impairments impacting quality of life (QOL) are common following ACL reconstruction. Rehabilitation alone is an effective alternative to reconstruction for some patients, warranting the investigation of QOL in ACL-deficient individuals.

Purpose

To report and compare QOL in ACL-deficient individuals with population norms and ACL-reconstructed groups, and investigate relationships between participant characteristics and QOL.

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically identified and methodologically appraised all studies reporting QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years following ACL rupture. Knee-related and health-related QOL scores in ACL-deficient cohorts were compared to ACL-reconstructed groups using a random-effects meta-analysis. Descriptive comparisons were made with population norms.

Results

Eleven studies reported QOL in 473 ACL-deficient individuals, a mean of 10 (range 5–23) years following ACL rupture. Eight studies reported knee-related QOL using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QOL subscale (KOOS-QOL); scores (mean±SD) ranging from 54±17 to 77±22 were impaired compared to population norms. Health-related QOL, measured with the SF-36 domain scores in five studies, was similar to population norms, but impaired compared to physically active populations. Meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in KOOS-QOL (mean difference (95% CI) 2.9 (−3.3 to 9.1)) and SF-36 scores (for all SF-36 domains except Vitality) between ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups.

Conclusions

This systematic review found impaired knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years after ACL rupture, compared to population norms. Meta-analysis revealed similar knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups, and no difference in health-related QOL scores for seven of the eight SF-36 domains.
Proposal for an annual skin examination by a general practitioner for patients at high risk for melanoma: a French cohort study
Authors: Rat Cédric , Grimault Charlotte , Quereux Gaelle , Dagorne Maelenn , Gaultier Aurélie , Khammari Amir , Dreno Brigitte , Nguyen Jean-Michel
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a targeted screening for melanoma in high-risk patients following the receipt of a mailed invitation to an annual skin examination by a general practitioner (GP).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in a primary care setting in western France. A total of 3897 patients at elevated risk of melanoma (identified using the Self-Assessment of Melanoma Risk Score) consented to participate in a targeted melanoma screening project in 2011. One year later, the participants were invited by mail to consult their GP for an annual skin examination. Efficacy of the procedure was evaluated according to patient participation and the number of melanomas detected. The consultation dates and results were collected during the 12 months postreminder and were analysed using SAS. Analyses of whether participation decreased compared with that during the year of inclusion and whether populations at risk for thick melanoma showed reduced participation in the screening were performed.

Results

Of the 3745 patients who received the mailed invitation, 61% underwent a skin examination. The participation of patients at risk for thick melanoma (any patient over 60 years of age and men over 50 years of age) was significantly greater than that of the patients in the other subgroups (72.4% vs 49.6%, p<0.001; and 66% vs 52.4%, p<0.001, respectively). The patients referred to the dermatologist after 1 year were more compliant compared with those referred during the first year (68.8% vs 59.1%, p=0.003). Six melanomas were detected within 1 year postreminder; therefore, the incidence of melanoma in the study population was 160/100 000.

Conclusions

This study confirms the benefits of developing a targeted screening strategy in primary care. In particular, after the annual reminder, patient participation and the diagnosis of melanoma remained high in the patients at elevated risk of thick melanomas.

Trial registration number

NCT01610531.
A favourable prognostic marker for EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer: immunohistochemical analysis of MUC5B
Authors: Wakata Kouki , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Tomoshige Koichi , Takagi Katsunori , Yamasaki Naoya , Matsumoto Keitaro , Miyazaki Takuro , Nanashima Atsushi , Whitsett Jeffrey A , Maeda Yutaka , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine the use of the mucin proteins MUC5B and MUC5AC as prognosis markers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Setting

Patients who underwent surgical resection at Nagasaki University Hospital and related facilities in Japan between June 1996 and March 2013.

Participant

159 Japanese patients (male: n=103; female: n=56) with NSCLC, who underwent surgical resection (EGFR-mutant type: n=78,EGFRwild type: n=81).

Results

Patients whose tumours expressed MUC5B had significantly longer overall survival and relapse-free survival compared to the MUC5B-negative patients withEGFRmutant NSCLC (p=0.0098 and p=0.0187, respectively). In patients withEGFRwild-type NSCLC, there was no association with MUC5B expression. MUC5AC expression was not different betweenEGFRmutant and wild-type NSCLC.

Conclusions

Present findings indicate that MUC5B, but not MUC5AC, is a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with NSCLC carryingEGFRmutations but not for patients with NSCLC carrying wild-typeEGFR.
Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) quality of preferred prey improves digestion in a molluscivore bird (Common Eider,Somateria mollissima)
Authors: Varennes Elisabeth , Hanssen Sveinn A. , Bonardelli John C. , Guillemette Magella
Published: July 2015

Benthivorous predators like sea ducks rely on abundant but low-quality food. Because they ingest whole blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L., 1758), including shells, they have to consume large quantities of food to maintain energy balance. Digestive processes may therefore limit energy assimilation in these predators, although selecting mussel types that minimize shell ingestion may improve foraging profitability. To test this prediction, we first quantified mussel quality from different sizes and habitats by measuring energy content and various features of mussel morphology. Then, we conducted digestive experiments on captive Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima (L., 1758)) fed with various mussel types to determine their impact on Eiders’ digestion. Aquacultured and small mussels were of better quality, because of higher energy content and less resistant shells. These mussel characteristics allowed faster digestive processes for an equal digestibility compared with large intertidal mussels. Previous studies showed that aquacultured and small mussels were generally preferred by sea ducks. Hence, prey-selection behaviours and digestive processes seem closely connected in these highly digestive-constrained predators.
Monte Carlo simulation based toy model for fission process
Authors: Kurniadi Rizal , Waris Abdul , Viridi Sparisoma
Published: July 2015

Nuclear fission has been modeled notoriously using two approaches method, macroscopic and microscopic. This work will propose another approach, where the nucleus is treated as a toy model. The aim is to see the usefulness of particle distribution in fission yield calculation. Inasmuch nucleus is a toy, then the Fission Toy Model (FTM) does not represent real process in nature completely. The fission event in FTM is represented by one random number. The number is assumed as width of distribution probability of nucleon position in compound nuclei when fission process is started. By adopting the nucleon density approximation, the Gaussian distribution is chosen as particle distribution. This distribution function generates random number that randomizes distance between particles and a central point. The scission process is started by smashing compound nucleus central point into two parts that are left central and right central points. The yield is determined from portion of nuclei distribution which is proportional with portion of mass numbers. By using modified FTM, characteristic of particle distribution in each fission event could be formed before fission process. These characteristics could be used to make prediction about real nucleons interaction in fission process. The results of FTM calculation give information that the [Formula: see text] value seems as energy.
Four-phase or two-phase signal plan? A study on four-leg intersection by cellular automaton simulations
Authors: Jin Cheng-Jie , Wang Wei , Jiang Rui
Published: July 2015

The proper setting of traffic signals at signalized intersections is one of the most important tasks in traffic control and management. This paper has evaluated the four-phase traffic signal plans at a four-leg intersection via cellular automaton simulations. Each leg consists of three lanes, an exclusive left-turn lane, a through lane, and a through/right-turn lane. For a comparison, we also evaluate the two-phase signal plan. The diagram of the intersection states in the space of inflow rate versus turning ratio has been presented, which exhibits four regions: In region I/II/III, congestion will propagate upstream and laterally and result in queue spillover with both signal plans/two-phase signal plan/four-phase signal plan, respectively. Therefore, neither signal plan works in region I, and only the four-phase signal plan/two-phase signal plan works in region II/III. In region IV, both signal plans work, but two-phase signal plan performs better in terms of average delays of vehicles. Finally, we study the diagram of the intersection states and average delays in the asymmetrical configurations.
Annihilation of relativistic positrons in single crystal with production of one photon
Authors: Kalashnikov N. P. , Mazur E. A. , Olczak A. S.
Published: July 2015

The energy and momentum conservation laws prohibit positron–electron single-photon annihilation in vacuum. It is shown that the situation is different in a single crystal with one of the leptons (e.g. positron) moving in the channeling (or in the quasi-channeling) mode. The transverse motion of an oriented or channeled particle may sharply increase the probability of the single-photon annihilation process.
Minimal genus of a multiple and Frobenius number of a quotient of a numerical semigroup
Authors: Strazzanti Francesco
Published: July 2015

Given two numerical semigroups S and T and a positive integer d, S is said to be one over d of T if S = {s ∈ ℕ | ds ∈ T} and in this case T is called a d-fold of S. We prove that the minimal genus of the d-folds of S is [Formula: see text], where g and f denote the genus and the Frobenius number of S. The case d = 2 is a problem proposed by Robles-Pérez, Rosales, and Vasco. Furthermore, we find the minimal genus of the symmetric doubles of S and study the particular case when S is almost symmetric. Finally, we study the Frobenius number of the quotient of some families of numerical semigroups.
Relaxation of strict parity for reducible Galois representations attached to the homology of GL(3, ℤ)
Authors: Ash Avner , Doud Darrin
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we prove the following theorem: Let [Formula: see text] be an algebraic closure of a finite field of characteristic [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a continuous homomorphism from the absolute Galois group of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]) which is isomorphic to a direct sum of a character and a two-dimensional odd irreducible representation. We assume that the image of [Formula: see text] is contained in the intersection of the stabilizers of the line spanned by [Formula: see text] and the plane spanned by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the standard basis. Such [Formula: see text] will not satisfy a certain strict parity condition. Under the conditions that the Serre conductor of [Formula: see text] is squarefree, that the predicted weight [Formula: see text] lies in the lowest alcove, and that [Formula: see text], we prove that [Formula: see text] is attached to a Hecke eigenclass in [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a subgroup of finite index in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-module. The particular [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are as predicted by the main conjecture of the 2002 paper of the authors and David Pollack, minus the requirement for strict parity.
C–S Cross-Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Recyclable Core-Shell Structured Copper/Cu2O Nanowires Under Ligand-Free Conditions
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Xianbin , Li Huaifeng , Fan Zhongli , Zheng Bin , Weng Zhiqiang , Lai Zhiping , Huang Kuo-Wei
Published: July 2015

Core-shell structured Cu / Cu 2 O nanowires were demonstrated as efficient catalysts for C – S cross-coupling reactions. The excellent coupling activity over Cu / Cu 2 O nanowires on a diverse set of aryl iodides and thiols is attributed to the synergetic effect of the special core-shell structures and their advanced spatial configuration.
Object-Oriented Design and Programming
Authors: Xinogalos Stelios
Published: July 2015

The Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) technique is nowadays the most popular programming technique among tertiary education institutions. However, learning OOP is a cognitively demanding task for undergraduate students. Several difficulties and misconceptions have been recorded in the literature for both OOP concepts and languages, mainly Java. This article focuses on reviewing and advancing research on the most fundamental OOP concepts, namely, the concepts of “object” and “class” and their role during program execution. The results of a long-term investigation on the subject are presented, focusing on a study exploring undergraduate students’ conceptions on “objects” and “classes.” The study advances related research on categories of conceptions on “objects” and “classes” by providing quantitative results, in addition to qualitative results, regarding the frequency of the recorded conceptions. Nearly half the students seem to comprehend the modeling and static/dynamic aspects of the concepts “object” and “class.” Implications for achieving a deep conceptual understanding of text, action, and modeling aspects of these fundamental concepts are also discussed. Information regarding the programming environments utilized in the course and key features of the applied teaching approach are presented, in order to facilitate both a better understanding of the context and a better employment of the results of the presented study. Finally, proposals for enhancing the contribution of this and similar studies are made.
An Empirical Study to Evaluate the Best Anchoring Positions in Nested Menus for Optimized Access Time
Authors: Kandari Pragya , Jain Ajay
Published: July 2015

In any application user interface, a user spends some amount of time trying to access specific menu items. This time increases when the menu item is nested deep within hierarchical menu. The goal of a user is to reach a menu item with as few clicks, as possible. And, the number of clicks/time depends on how the parent and child menu items are nested and laid out on the interface.

This paper analyzes the organization of parent and child menu items on a user interface and is an empirical study to determine the optimum positions of anchoring points between the parent and child menus. The findings of this study would help user interface designers to optimize the time traversed by users in reaching a specific menu item.
mHealth technologies for the self-management of diabetes in the older population
Authors: Alexander Sam
Published: July 2015

Diabetes Mellitus affects 347 million people worldwide and is predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. With an ageing population set to strain health- care resources globally, providers are shifting focus towards technology for a more efficient solution to managing people's health. As a result, mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged to allow people to effectively self-manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes. However, many mobile technologies are not appropriate for older adults. The aim of this research is to develop a diabetes mHealth app through user-centred design with older adults.
Scalable methods to collect and visualize sidewalk accessibility data for people with mobility impairments
Authors: Hara Kotaro
Published: July 2015

Poorly maintained sidewalks pose considerable accessibility challenges for mobility impaired persons; however, there are currently few, if any, mechanisms to determine accessible areas of a city a priori. In this paper, I introduce four threads of research that I will conduct for my Ph.D. thesis aimed at creating new methods and tools to provide unprecedented levels of information on the accessibility of streets and sidewalk.
(Invited) Applications of Nanoparticles for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Scavenging in Photosynthetic Systems
Authors: Boghossian Ardemis Anoush
Published: July 2015

Under aerobic conditions, excessive illumination results in the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for protein damage and photo-inhibition during photosynthesis. We explore the effects of nanoceria (NC), a regenerative ROS scavenger, on chloroplasts isolated from plant leaves. The addition of dextran-wrapped nanoceria (dNC) was shown to decrease ROS concentrations in photoactive chloroplast solutions. We also explore the application of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as vehicles for nanoparticle uptake inside not only chloroplasts, but also whole plant leaves of S. oleracea.
Asymmetrically β-Substituted Porphyrins and Chlorins: Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Electrochemical Redox Properties
Authors: Chaudhri Nivedita , Grover Nitika , Sankar Muniappan
Published: July 2015

Asymmetrically β-substituted chlorins, viz. 2,3-bis(dicyanomethyl)-meso-tetraphenylchlorin (1), diethoxycarbonylcyclopropano-meso-tetraphenylchlorin (2) and 2-ethylacetoacetanato-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (3), and their metal (Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies were carried out for these porphyriniods in CH2Cl2 containing TBAPF6 as supporting electrolyte. The first ring redox potentials of 1, 2 and their metal complexes are anodically shifted (0.58 - 0.30 V) as compared to meso-tetraphenylchlorin (H2TPC) due to electron withdrawing nature of malononitrile and diethyl malonate substituents. Notably, Ni(II) complex of 3 exhibited metal centered oxidation (NiII/NiIII) due to extended conjugation and electronic nature of β-subtituent.
Liquid Crystals of Phthalocyanine-Fullerene Dyads Exhibiting Homeotropic Alignment and Spiranthes-like Supramolecular Structure Useful for Solar Cells
Authors: Watarai Ayumi , Yajima Shin-nosuke , Ishikawa Aya , Ono Kenta , Yasutake Mikio , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: July 2015

A homologous series of the phthalocyanine-fullerene dyads, (CnS)6PcCu-Cm-C60 (4a~g) [(n, m) = (14, 8) (a); (14, 10) (b); (14, 12) (c); (16, 8) (d); (16, 10) (e); (16, 12) (f); (18, 10) (g)], have been synthesized with changing both the chain length of the peripheral alkylthio group (n) and the spacer length (m) between Pc and C60 in order to find out the homologues showing perfect homeotropic alignment at rt. As a result, each of the dyads 4a~g shows perfect homeotropic alignment in their hexagonal ordered columnar (Colho) mesophases and the homologues 4a~c having shorter alylthio chains (n = 14) show perfect homeotropic alignment at rt. Very interestingly, the spherical C60 parts form a helical structure around the column formed by the disk-like Pc parts. This supramolecular structure very resembles spiranthes flower. The spiranthes-like supramolecular structure is compatible with one-dimensional nano-array expecting the high conversion efficiency of solar cells.
Scaling Kinetics and Scale Microstructure of Chromia Scales Formed on Ni-25%Cr Model Alloy during Oxidation in H2o-Containing High and Low pO2
Test Gas at 1000°C
Authors: Hänsel Michael , Shemet Vladimir , Turan Erol , Kijatkin Ivan , Simon Dirk , Gorr Bronislava , Christ Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2015

The isothermal oxidation behaviour of a Ni25Cr model alloy was studied employing the JuSie-methodology, i.e. using specimens of different thickness for each specific test gas composition at 1000°C in dry and wet N2-1%O2 as well as in Ar-7%H2O. The oxidation mechanisms were evaluated using thermo-gravimetry and SEM/EBSD analyses of oxide scale cross sections. The ion beam polished oxide cross-sections were analysed in terms of oxide grain growth and nucleation rates of new oxide at the oxide-gas interface. The findings can be explained by considering the effect of H-defects and in-scale stress state on point defect concentrations in the chromium sub-lattice.
Electroless Plating of PLA and PETG for 3D Printed Flexible Substrates
Authors: Bernasconi Roberto , Natale Gabriele , Levi Marinella , Magagnin Luca
Published: July 2015

The NiP and Cu electroless metallization of 3D printed polymers is presented. The plating process is tested on suitable samples, which reproduce the printing morphologies used in the 3d printing of objects. An alkaline etching is used for both the polymers in order to modify the surface properties and enhance the adhesion and uniformity of the metallic coating. For the activation of the surface a tin free process involving an immersion in palladium and subsequent reduction to form metallic nuclei is employed. The Cu and NiP bath are selected to operate in temperature ranges comparable to the glass transition temperatures of the polymers. Adherent and uniform layers of NiP (3-4 % P wt.) and Cu can be easily obtained for esthetic and functional applications.
Correlation between Local Temperature and Degradations in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Nandjou Fredy , Poirot-Crouvezier Jean-Philippe , Chandesris Marion , Blachot Jean-François , Bonnaud Céline , Bultel Yann
Published: July 2015

In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, local temperature is a driving force for many degradation mechanisms such as hygrothermal deformation, creep, platinum dissolution, and bipolar plates corrosion. In order to investigate and quantify those effects, durability testing in automotive operating conditions is conducted in this work. During the ageing tests, the local performance and temperature are investigated using in-situ measurements of a printed circuit board. At the end of life, post-mortem analysis of the aged components is conducted in order to investigate their local microstructure and chemical composition. It is observed that hot zones don’t show significant performance losses despite the advanced mechanical degradation observed in post-mortem analysis. Heat and water transport directly impact the hygrothermal stresses in the membrane which can induce local failure even without gradual performance loss. Furthermore, humidity and temperature are responsible for bipolar plates corrosion acceleration and evaporation phenomena induce local fouling in the cell.
Comparison of Startup and Shut down cycles in a Non-Segmented and Segmented Polymer-Electrolyte-Membrane Fuel Cell Hardware
Authors: Schwager Maximilian , Dhanushkodi Shankar Raman , Mérida Walter
Published: July 2015

Identifying and quantifying the failure induced by start-up and shut-down (SU/SD) protocols of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cell requires detailed understanding. Studies on SU/SD are difficult to compare as the tests are not conducted either at the same conditions or with the same materials. In this work, we used a common fuel cell testing hardware, test bench and materials to study the failure modes of three different SU/SD cycles. A faster rate of gas switching and load ramping accelerated the CL degradation in all three cycles. A cycle with load on/off showed higher degradation than a dummy load incorporated cycle after 550 cycles. However, the cycle where the load is ramped showed 3% mass transport over potential from its beginning-of-life. We applied the dummy load incorporated SU/SD cycle to a segmented membrane electrode assembly and observed the higher voltage losses at the exit segments of a segmented fuel cell.
Progress in Electrochromics: Towards Long-Term Durability and Materials Rejuvenation for Oxide-Based Thin Films
Authors: Wen Rui-Tao , Arvizu Coyotzi Miguel , Niklasson Gunnar A. , Granqvist Claes-Goran
Published: July 2015

Most electrochromic devices, such as “smart windows” for energy efficient glazings, must be durable enough for many years of service life. Typical constructions use films based on thin films of W oxide and Ni oxide, and this paper summarizes progress on durability-related issues for these materials. For W oxide, we describe recent and unexpected progress on galvanostatic rejuvenation of aged W oxide films, and we also discuss the beneficial effects of Ti addition. For Ni oxide, we report how charge exchange declination during extended voltammetric cycling can be modeled in terms of a power law and also demonstrate how modest additions of Ir can dramatically extend the cycling durability.
In Situ Optical Studies of Carbon Accumulation with Different Molecular Weight Alkanes on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Ni Anodes
Authors: McIntyre Melissa D. , Neuburger Daniel M. , Walker Robert A
Published: July 2015

The addition of steam to carbon containing fuels is a common method for minimizing carbon accumulation on anodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Experiments presented in this work utilize in situ Raman spectroscopy coupled with voltammetry measurements to examine the extent of carbon accumulation on Ni-based anodes of electrolyte supported SOFCs exposed to dry and humidified fuels (methane, propane, and n-hexane) at 700 ˚C. Vibrational Raman spectra show that highly ordered graphite forms on anodes exposed to methane and propane while more disordered graphite forms during exposure to hexane. The carbon structure was unaffected when steam was added to the fuel although the amount of carbon accumulation was suppressed for humidified methane as inferred from relative vibrational band intensities. Electrochemical data show rapidly diminishing performance and continued cell degradation for anodes exposed to propane and hexane compared to experiments performed with methane.
Catalyst Design of Delafossite Oxides for Water Electrolysis Anode Using Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Toyoda Kenji , Hinogami Reiko , Miyata Nobuhiro , Aizawa Masato
Published: July 2015

Understanding the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for improving the performance of water electrolysis. Delafossite oxides (ABO2) were investigated for their potential as OER catalysts using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The relationship between the calculated t2g occupancy of the B site and the experimentally-determined OER activity was examined. Our examination suggests that t2g electrons of the B site can be significant for the OER process. The calculated t2g occupancy is approximately linearly related to OER activity. Thus, we propose that t2g occupancy can be employed as a simple descriptor of the OER activity of delafossite oxide catalysts.
Layer-by-Layer Assembled Enzyme Cascade Bioanode for Catalyzing Oxidation of Sucrose
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Arugula Mary , Williams Shannon , Simonian Aleksandr
Published: July 2015

We report here a novel layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled enzyme cascade bioanode incorporated with CNT-invertase and CNT-glucose dehydrogenase for sucrose oxidation in a biofuel cell. Methylene green (MG) was used as redox mediator for electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH at reduced overpotentials on screen printed electrode (SPE). The LbL architecture showed advantages for sequential enzymatic reaction that favored the efficient penetration of substrate and products in a cascade system. The maximum current density and power density achieved were 412 ± 36 μA/cm2 and 85±6μW/cm2.The high current density/power density obtained showed LbL assembly is of great advantage and can be employed as a simple and efficient way to construct enzyme cascade bioanode for biofuel cell applications.
Biosensors for Detecting Genetically Modified Organisms in Food and Feed
Authors: Arugula Mary , Chanysheva Alina , Vaglenov Kiril , Simonian Aleksandr
Published: July 2015

The detection of genetically modified organisms is of growing interest given their considerable presence in vast variety of food and feed ingredients, as well as their environmental impact. In this study we demonstrate real-time, label- free detection of DNA from genetically modified, Roundup Ready (RR) soybeans by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Two single stranded (ss) DNA sequences were employed: 1) a thiol labeled (5'- SH) oligonucleotide allowing oriented covalent immobilization to the gold surface of the sensor which served as an anchor, and 2) probe sequence targeting the promoter of the (CaMV 35S) 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene present in RR soybeans. Our data indicate the limit of detection was as low as 2.0 nM. The system was also interrogated with target and non-target oligomeric mix and showed significant degree of specificity and selectivity. No binding was observed with non-target oligo injections. The sensitivity was as low as 8.0 nM when the target was in an excess mix of non-target sequences. This is the first step in developing a highly sensitive method for direct, label-free detection of genomic DNA from food products containing GMO soybeans.
In Situ Oxygen Gradient Generation Inside a Termite-Inspired Microfluidic Habitat
Authors: Kadilak Andrea , Liu Ying , Shor Leslie McCabe , Mustain William E
Published: July 2015

A microfluidic device that creates an oxygen-hydrogen gradient has been created. In this device, gold working electrodes are used to create the oxygen-rich and hydrogen rich domains that are typical of the termite hindgut. In the future, contents from termite hindguts will be loaded into the device for study as well as the direct conversion of wooden materials in an electrochemically-controlled microhabitat.
Psychometrics of the Greek Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire for Measuring HRQL
Authors: Pappa Evelina , Hatzi Fotini , Papadopoulos Angelos A. , Niakas Dimitris
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study is to examine psychometric properties such as internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Greek CLDQ. A sample of 366 eligible patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) self-administered the Greek version of the SF-36 Health Survey, the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ), and questions on sociodemographic status and treatment. Child Pugh Score was also collected. Hypothesized scale structure, reliability (Cronbach’s alpha), and construct validity (convergent, discriminant, and known groups) were assessed. Multitrait scaling confirmed scale structure of the CLDQ with good item convergence (100%) and discrimination (84.1%) rates. Cronbach’s alpha rated >0.70 for all scales. Spearman’s correlations between the CLDQ and SF-36 scales assessing similar health-related quality of life dimensions were strong ranging above 0.70 (P<0.0001). Construct validity was confirmed with satisfactory results for known-group comparisons. Most CLDQ scales discriminated significantly between patients according to disease severity, whereas all CLDQ scales discriminated between treatment receivers and nonreceivers. The overall psychometric results for the Greek version of the CLDQ confirmed it as a reliable and valid questionnaire.
Bladder Explosion during Transurethral Resection of the Prostate with Nitrous Oxide Inhalation
Authors: Hirai Eiko , Tokumine Joho , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Ogura Shinobu , Kawamata Miwako
Published: July 2015

Bladder explosions are a rare complication of transurethral resection of the prostate. We report a patient who suffered a bladder rupture following transurethral resection of the prostate. Although explosive gases accumulate during the procedure, a high concentration of oxygen is needed to support an explosion. This rare phenomenon can be prevented by preventing the flow of room air into the bladder during the procedure to maintain a low concentration of oxygen inside the bladder.