bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for scale‐up of community‐based misoprostol distribution programs
Authors: Robinson Nuriya , Kapungu Chisina , Carnahan Leslie , Geller Stacie
Published: March 2014

Community‐based distribution of misoprostol for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in resource‐poor settings has been shown to be safe and effective. However, global recommendations for prenatal distribution and monitoring within a community setting are not yet available. In order to successfully translate misoprostol and PPH research into policy and practice, several critical points must be considered. A focus on engaging the community, emphasizing the safe nature of community‐based misoprostol distribution, supply chain management, effective distribution, coverage, and monitoring plans are essential elements to community‐based misoprostol program introduction, expansion, or scale‐up.
Heat shock induces expression of OSTC/DC2, a novel subunit of oligosaccharyltransferase, in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Chien‐Ming , Tseng Chao‐Neng , Cho Jonathan J. , Lee Ya‐Zhe , Kao Chiu‐Li , Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Hong Yi‐Ren , Cho Chung‐Lung
Published: March 2014

Mammalian oligosaccharyltransferase complex subunit OSTC/DC2 protein has recently been shown to be a new subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase; however, its physiological role is still unclear. Here, we report the expression pattern of OSTC/DC2 protein in the context of heat shock stress. Its upregulation was detected both in cells treated with heat shock in vitro and in an animal model of heat shock in vivo. Northern blot analysis indicated that OSTC/DC2 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues, with abundant expression in the placenta and liver. The temporal changes of OSTC/DC2 protein expression following acute heat shock in human malignant glioblastoma cell line U87MG and mice were analyzed by Western blot assay. In general, expression of OSTC/DC2 protein was elevated after heat shock; however, the time courses of the change of OSTC/DC2 protein expression varied in different tissues. In the cerebellum, heat shock induction of OSTC/DC2 protein and activation of AKT, a key regulator of stress response, followed a similar time course. These results suggest that the upregulation of OSTC/DC2, a novel component of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, is part of the mammalian heat shock response.
Poststroke Shoulder Pain and Its Association With Upper Extremity Sensorimotor Function, Daily Hand Activities, Perceived Participation, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Lindgren Ingrid , Brogårdh Christina
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the differences in upper extremity sensorimotor function, daily hand activities, and perceived participation and life satisfaction between individuals with and without poststroke shoulder pain (PSSP), and to determine how PSSP is associated with these variables.

Design

A cross‐sectional study of a convenience sample.

Participants

Forty‐nine community‐dwelling individuals (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 64 ± 9 years), 24 with PSSP and 25 without (non‐PSSP) were assessed, in mean ± SD 15 ± 8 months after stroke.

Methods

Upper extremity sensorimotor function was assessed, and daily hand activities, perceived participation, and life satisfaction were reported. Demographics were described, and shoulder pain characteristics were recorded in the PSSP group. Between‐group differences and regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The PSSP group had significantly decreased passive shoulder abduction (P = .001) and upper extremity motor function (P = .03) in comparison with the non‐PSSP group, but there were no significant differences between the groups in daily hand activities, perceived participation, or life satisfaction. In the multivariate analyses, PSSP (odds ratio [OR] 4.42 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21‐16.24]; P = .03) and proprioception (OR 10.28 [95% CI, 1.1‐96.01]; P = .04) were associated with upper extremity motor function, whereas perceived participation was associated with life satisfaction (OR 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03‐1.13]; P = .002). Passive shoulder abduction, resistance to passive movements, and proprioception explained 45% of variance of daily hand activities, whereas daily hand activities, vocational situation, and gender explained 40% of variance of perceived participation.

Conclusions

This cross‐sectional study indicated that there is an association between PSSP and upper extremity motor function, whereas the association between PSSP, daily hand activities, perceived participation, and life satisfaction is less clear. PSSP is commonly described as a severely disabling condition, but our results imply that, in individuals with mild‐to‐moderate upper extremity paresis, it may not have a great impact on their life situation.
Global integrated drought monitoring and prediction system
Authors: Hao Zengchao , AghaKouchak Amir , Nakhjiri Navid , Farahmand Alireza
Published: March 2014

Drought is by far the most costly natural disaster that can lead to widespread impacts, including water and food crises. Here we present data sets available from the Global Integrated Drought Monitoring and Prediction System (GIDMaPS), which provides drought information based on multiple drought indicators. The system provides meteorological and agricultural drought information based on multiple satellite-, and model-based precipitation and soil moisture data sets. GIDMaPS includes a near real-time monitoring component and a seasonal probabilistic prediction module. The data sets include historical drought severity data from the monitoring component, and probabilistic seasonal forecasts from the prediction module. The probabilistic forecasts provide essential information for early warning, taking preventive measures, and planning mitigation strategies. GIDMaPS data sets are a significant extension to current capabilities and data sets for global drought assessment and early warning. The presented data sets would be instrumental in reducing drought impacts especially in developing countries. Our results indicate that GIDMaPS data sets reliably captured several major droughts from across the globe.
Cu binding by the Escherichia coli metal-efflux accessory protein RcnB
Authors: Blériot Camille , Gault Manon , Gueguen Erwan , Arnoux Pascal , Pignol David , Mandrand-Berthelot Marie-Andrée , Rodrigue Agnès
Published: March 2014

RcnB is a novel Cu-binding protein involved in Ni and Co detoxification.
Engineering a Cu2O/NiO/Cu2MoS4 hybrid photocathode for H2 generation in water
Authors: Yang Chen , Tran Phong D. , Boix Pablo P. , Bassi Prince S. , Yantara Natalia , Wong Lydia. H. , Barber James
Published: March 2014

A noble-metal-free photocathode showing promising photo-induced H2 generation properties in water has been designed.
Hydrogen abstraction from organotin di- and trihydrides by N-heterocyclic carbenes: a new method for the preparation of NHC adducts to tin(ii) species and observation of an isomer of a hexastannabenzene derivative [R6Sn6]
Authors: Sindlinger Christian P. , Wesemann Lars
Published: March 2014

N-Heterocyclic carbenes are shown to cleanly abstract dihydrogen from organotin di- and trihydrides to intermediately form the reactive stannylene species [R2Sn] and [R′SnH], respectively, which undergo further reactions.
Improved Fractional Order VSS Inc-Cond MPPT Algorithm for Photovoltaic Scheme
Authors: Arulmurugan R. , Suthanthiravanitha N.
Published: March 2014

Nowadays a hot topic among the research community is the harnessing energy from the free sunlight which is abundant and pollution-free. The availability of cheap solar photovoltaic (PV) modules has to harvest solar energy with better efficiency. The nature of solar modules is nonlinear and therefore the proper impedance matching is essential. The proper impedance matching ensures the extraction of the maximum power from solar PV module. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is acting as a significant part in solar power generating system because it varies in the output power from a PV generating set for various climatic conditions. This paper suggested a new improved work for MPPT of PV energy system by using the optimized novel improved fractional order variable step size (FOVSS) incremental conductance (Inc-Cond) algorithm. The new proposed controller combines the merits of both improved fractional order (FO) and variable step size (VSS) Inc-Cond which is well suitable for design control and execution. The suggested controller results in attaining the desired transient reaction under changing operating points. MATLAB simulation effort shows MPPT controller and a DC to DC Luo converter feeding a battery load is achieved. The laboratory experimental results demonstrate that the new proposed MPPT controller in the photovoltaic generating system is valid.
Fall-Related Emergency Department Admission: Fall Environment and Settings and Related Injury Patterns in 6357 Patients with Special Emphasis on the Elderly
Authors: Pfortmueller Carmen A. , Kunz Mirco , Lindner Gregor , Zisakis Athanasios , Puig Stefan , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: March 2014

Principals. Throughout the world, falls are a major public health problem and a socioeconomic burden. Nevertheless there is little knowledge about how the injury types may be related to the aetiology and setting of the fall, especially in the elderly. We have therefore analysed all patients presenting with a fall to our Emergency Department (ED) over the past five years.Methods. Our retrospective data analysis comprised adult patients admitted to our Emergency Department between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, in relation to a fall.Results. Of a total of 6357 patients 78% (n=4957) patients were younger than 75 years. The main setting for falls was patients home (n=2239, 35.3%). In contrast to the younger patients, the older population was predominantly female (56.3% versus 38.6%;P<0.0001). Older patients were more likely to fall at home and suffer from medical conditions (allP<0.0001). Injuries to the head (P<0.0001) and to the lower extremity (P<0.019) occurred predominantly in the older population. Age was the sole predictor for recurrent falls (OR 1.2,P<0.0001).Conclusion. Falls at home are the main class of falls for all age groups, particularly in the elderly. Fall prevention strategies must therefore target activities of daily living. Even though falls related to sports mostly take place in the younger cohort, a significant percentage of elderly patients present with falls related to sporting activity. Falls due to medical conditions were most likely to result in mild traumatic brain injury.
An EfficientIn VitroPlantlet Regeneration from Shoot Tip Cultures ofCurculigo latifolia, a Medicinal Plant
Authors: Babaei Nahid , Psyquay Abdullah Nur Ashikin , Saleh Ghizan , Lee Abdullah Thohirah
Published: March 2014

A procedure was developed forin vitropropagation ofCurculigo latifoliathrough shoot tip culture. Direct regeneration and indirect scalp induction ofCurculigo latifoliawere obtained from shoot tip grown on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of thidiazuron and indole-3-butyric acid. Maximum response for direct regeneration in terms of percentage of explants producing shoot, shoot number, and shoot length was obtained on MS medium supplemented with combination of thidiazuron (0.5 mg L−1) and indole-3-butyric acid (0.25 mg L−1) after both 10 and 14 weeks of cultures. Indole-3-butyric acid in combination with thidiazuron exhibited a synergistic effect on shoot regeneration. The shoot tips were able to induce maximum scalp from basal end of explants on the medium with 2 mg L−1thidiazuron. Cultures showed that shoot number, shoot length, and scalp size increased significantly after 14 weeks of culture. Transferring of the shoots onto the MS medium devoid of growth regulators resulted in the highest percentage of root induction and longer roots, while medium supplemented with 0.25 mg L−1IBA produced more numbers of roots.
Modeling and Chaotic Dynamics of the Laminated Composite Piezoelectric Rectangular Plate
Authors: Yao Minghui , Zhang Wei , Wang D. M.
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the multipulse heteroclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of a laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate by using an extended Melnikov method in the resonant case. According to the von Karman type equations, Reddy’s third‐order shear deformation plate theory, and Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion are derived for the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate with combined parametric excitations and transverse excitation. The method of multiple scales and Galerkin’s approach are applied to the partial differential governing equation. Then, the four‐dimensional averaged equation is obtained for the case of 1 : 3 internal resonance and primary parametric resonance. The extended Melnikov method is used to study the Shilnikov type multipulse heteroclinic bifurcations and chaotic dynamics of the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate. The necessary conditions of the existence for the Shilnikov type multipulse chaotic dynamics are analytically obtained. From the investigation, the geometric structure of the multipulse orbits is described in the four‐dimensional phase space. Numerical simulations show that the Shilnikov type multipulse chaotic motions can occur. To sum up, both theoretical and numerical studies suggest that chaos for the Smale horseshoe sense in motion exists for the laminated composite piezoelectric rectangular plate.
Dynamics Analysis of a Stochastic SIR Epidemic Model
Authors: Rao Feng
Published: March 2014

We investigate an SIR epidemic model with stochastic perturbations. We assume that stochastic perturbations are of a white noise type which is directly proportional to the distances of three variables from the steady-state values, respectively. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functions and applying Itô’s formula, some qualitative properties are obtained, such as the existence of global positive solutions, stochastic boundedness, and permanence. A series of numerical simulations to illustrate these mathematical findings are presented.
Decomposition-Based Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm for Community Detection in Dynamic Social Networks
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Liu Jie , Ma Wenping , Gong Maoguo , Jiao Licheng
Published: March 2014

Community structure is one of the most important properties in social networks. In dynamic networks, there are two conflicting criteria that need to be considered. One is the snapshot quality, which evaluates the quality of the community partitions at the current time step. The other is the temporal cost, which evaluates the difference between communities at different time steps. In this paper, we propose a decomposition-based multiobjective community detection algorithm to simultaneously optimize these two objectives to reveal community structure and its evolution in dynamic networks. It employs the framework of multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition to simultaneously optimize the modularity and normalized mutual information, which quantitatively measure the quality of the community partitions and temporal cost, respectively. A local search strategy dealing with the problem-specific knowledge is incorporated to improve the effectiveness of the new algorithm. Experiments on computer-generated and real-world networks demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can not only find community structure and capture community evolution more accurately, but also be steadier than the two compared algorithms.
Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms in Poststroke Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gupta Meena , Dasgupta Abhijit , Khwaja Geeta Anjum , Chowdhury Debashish , Patidar Yogesh , Batra Amit
Published: March 2014

Background.Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) cause significant patient and caregiver morbidity in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).Objectives. To study and compare the occurrence and severity of BPSD between multi-infarct dementia (MID), subcortical ischaemic vascular disease (SIVD), and strategic infarct subtypes of poststroke VCI and to evaluate the relationship of these symptoms with the severity of cognitive impairment.Methods. Sixty patients with poststroke VCI were classified into MID, SIVD, and strategic infarct subtypes. BPSD were studied by the neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI). The severity of cognitive impairment was evaluated by the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR).Results. 95% of cases had at least one neuropsychiatric symptom, with depression being the commonest, irrespective of subtype or severity of VCI. Strategic infarct patients had the lowest frequency of all symptoms. SIVD showed a higher frequency and severity of apathy and higher total NPI scores, compared to MID. Apathy and appetite disturbances occurred more commonly with increasing CDR scores. The total NPI score correlated positively with the CDR score.Conclusion. Depression was the commonest neuropsychiatric symptom in VCI. The neuropsychiatric profiles of MID and SIVD were similar. The frequency and severity of apathy and the net burden of BPSD increased with increasing cognitive impairment.
Local Fractional Fourier Series Solutions for Nonhomogeneous Heat Equations Arising in Fractal Heat Flow with Local Fractional Derivative
Authors: Yang Ai-Min , Cattani Carlo , Zhang Ce , Xie Gong-Nan , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: March 2014

The fractal heat flow within local fractional derivative is investigated. The nonhomogeneous heat equations arising in fractal heat flow are discussed. The local fractional Fourier series solutions for one-dimensional nonhomogeneous heat equations are obtained. The nondifferentiable series solutions are given to show the efficiency and implementation of the present method.
Analysis of Contoured Anatomic Plate Fixation versus Intramedullary Rod Fixation for Acute Midshaft Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Kwak-Lee Juliann , Ahlmann Elke R. , Wang Lingjun , Itamura John M.
Published: March 2014

The recent trend has been toward surgical fixation of displaced clavicle fractures. Several fixation techniques have been reported yet it is unclear which is preferable. We retrospectively reviewed one hundred one consecutive patients with acute midshaft clavicle fractures treated operatively at a level-1 trauma center. Thirty-four patients underwent intramedullary pin fixation and 67 had anatomic plate fixation. The outcomes we assessed were operative time, complications, infection, implant failure, fracture union, range of motion, and reoperation rate. There were 92 males and 9 females with an average age of 30 years (range: 14–68 years). All patients were followed to healing with an average followup of 20 months (range: 15–32 months). While fracture union by six months (P=0.8729) and range of motion at three months (P=0.6139) were similar, the overall healing time for pin fixation was shorter (P=0.0380). The pin group had more infections (P=0.0335) and implant failures (P=0.0245) than the plate group. Intramedullary pin fixation may have improved early results, but there was no long term difference in overall rate of union and achievement of full shoulder motion. The higher rate of implant failure with pin fixation may indicate that not all fracture patterns are amenable to fixation using this device.
Vaccination and Malaria Prevention among International Travelers Departing from Athens International Airport to African Destinations
Authors: Pavli Androula , Spilioti Athina , Smeti Paraskevi , Patrinos Stavros , Maltezou Helena C.
Published: March 2014

Background. International travel to Africa has grown dramatically over the last decade along with an increasing need to understand the health issues for travelers. The current survey aimed to assess vaccination and malaria prevention of travelers visiting Africa.Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from of November 1, 2011 to of April 30, 2013 at Athens International Airport.Results. A total of 360 travelers were studied; 68% were men. Their mean age was 39.9 years. Previous travel to tropical countries was reported by 71.9% of them. Most frequent destination was sub-Saharan Africa (60%). Most of them traveled for ≥1 month (62%). The main reason for travel was work (39.7%). Only 47% sought pretravel consultation. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningococcal vaccines were administered to 49.8%, 28%, and 26.6%, respectively, and malaria chemoprophylaxis to 66.8% of those who visited sub-Saharan Africa. A history of previous travel to a tropical country, elementary level of education, and traveling for visiting friends and relatives, and for short duration were significant determinants for not pursuing pretravel consultation.Conclusions. The current survey revealed important inadequacies in vaccine and malaria prophylaxis of travelers departing to Africa. Educational tools should be developed in order to improve awareness of travelers to risk destinations.
Disability and Comorbidity: Diagnoses and Symptoms Associated with Disability in a Clinical Population with Panic Disorder
Authors: Bonham Caroline A. , Uhlenhuth Eberhard
Published: March 2014

Background. Anxiety disorders are associated with considerable disability in the domains of (1) work, (2) social, and (3) family and home interactions. Psychiatric comorbidity is also known to be associated with disability.Methods. Data from the Cross-National Collaborative Panic Study was used to identify rates of comorbid diagnoses, anxiety and depression symptom ratings, and Sheehan disability scale ratings from a clinical sample of 1165 adults with panic disorder.Results. Comorbid diagnoses of agoraphobia, major depression, and social phobia were associated with disability across the three domains of work, social, and family and home interactions. The symptom of agoraphobic avoidance makes the largest contribution to disability but there is no single symptom cluster that entirely predicts impairment and disability.Limitations. The findings about the relative contributions that comorbid diagnoses make to disability only apply to a population with panic disorder.Conclusions. Although panic disorder is not generally considered to be among the serious and persistent mental illnesses, when it is comorbid with other diagnoses, it is associated with considerable impairment. In particular, the presence of agoraphobic avoidance should alert the clinician to the likelihood of important functional impairment. When measuring the functional impact of comorbid anxiety disorders, both the categorical and the dimensional approaches to diagnosis make valuable contributions.
Survival Benefit of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (A Herbal Formula for Invigorating Spleen) in Gastric Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Zhao Lu , Zhao Ai-Guang , Zhao Gang , Xu Yan , Zhu Xiao-Hong , Cao Ni-Da , Zheng Jian , Yang Jin-Kun , Xu Jian-Hua
Published: March 2014

Objective. We evaluated the efficiency of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (a compound herbal formula for invigorating spleen) as a complementary and alternative therapy for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. Methods. Between 2001 and 2012, 93 gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis were enrolled in this study. The effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicine on their long‐term outcome was investigated. Kaplan‐Meier method was used to assess the difference in survival time, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Result. First‐line palliative chemotherapy plus traditional Chinese herbal medicine was performed in 47 patients and the other 46 patients received chemotherapy alone. The overall survival was different between patients with and without traditional Chinese herbal medicine (12.0 versus 10.5 months; P = 0.046). According to the Cox proportional hazard model, first‐line chemotherapy cycle (hazards ratio [HR] = 0.527; 95% CI = 0.323~0.860) and TCHM (hazards ratio [HR] = 0.644; 95% CI = 0.481~0.992) were selected as independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion. The results suggest that traditional Chinese herbal medicine could improve the prognosis of the gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis.
The Propensity for Inducing Atrial Fibrillation: A Comparative Study on Old versus Young Rabbits
Authors: Li Hongliang , Scherlag Benjamin J. , Kem David C. , Zillner Caitlin , Male Shailesh , Thirunavukkarasu Sorkko , Shen Xiaohua , Benbrook Alexandria , Pitha Jan V. , Lazzara Ralph , Yu Xichun
Published: March 2014

It is well established that atrial fibrillation (AF) is far more common in elderly humans. Autonomic activation is thought to be an operative mechanism for AF propensity. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of age on atrial tachyarrhythmia induction in a rabbit model. Six old (aged 4–6 years) and 9 young (aged 3-4 months) New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to a catheter-based electrophysiological study. Atrial tachyarrhythmia susceptibility was tested by burst pacing before and after infusion of increasing concentrations of acetylcholine. Both young and old rabbits were in normal sinus rhythm at the beginning of the infusion/burst pacing protocol. The old rabbits had faster heart rates and a marked increase in atrial tachyarrhythmias compared to the young rabbits. Nonsustained and sustained AF events were more frequent in the old rabbits. No significant fibrosis was observed in the atria of either young or old rabbits. In conclusion, the old rabbits have a greater propensity for induction of AF. The significantly faster heart rates in the old rabbits suggest that dominant sympathetic activity may play an important role in the propensity for AF in this group.
Does Fatigue Complaint Reflect Memory Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Jougleux-Vie Caroline , Duhin Emeline , Deken Valerie , Outteryck Olivier , Vermersch Patrick , Zéphir Hélène
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose. Fatigue and memory impairment are common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) and both may interact with cognition. This can contribute to making a complaint misrepresentative of the objective disorder. We sought to determine whether fatigue complaint in MS reflects memory impairment and investigated whether patients’ subjective fatigue is associated with memory complaint.Methods. Fifty MS patients complaining of fatigue underwent subjective assessment of fatigue and memory complaint measured using self-assessment scales. Cognitive functions were assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests, including a test of verbal episodic memory, the selective reminding test (SRT). Correlations were studied between subjective fatigue, memory complaint, and performance in verbal episodic memory.Results. Depression score, psychotropic and/or antiepileptic drug use, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and MS form were confounding factors. After adjusting for these confounding factors, neither fatigue complaint nor memory complaint was correlated with SRT performance. Subjective fatigue was significantly associated with memory complaint.Conclusion. Although complaint of fatigue in MS was correlated with memory complaint, subjective fatigue was not the expression of memory impairment.
Comparison of Neural Network Error Measures for Simulation of Slender Marine Structures
Authors: Christiansen Niels H. , Voie Per Erlend Torbergsen , Winther Ole , Høgsberg Jan
Published: March 2014

Training of an artificial neural network (ANN) adjusts the internal weights of the network in order to minimize a predefined error measure. This error measure is given by an error function. Several different error functions are suggested in the literature. However, the far most common measure for regression is the mean square error. This paper looks into the possibility of improving the performance of neural networks by selecting or defining error functions that are tailor-made for a specific objective. A neural network trained to simulate tension forces in an anchor chain on a floating offshore platform is designed and tested. The purpose of setting up the network is to reduce calculation time in a fatigue life analysis. Therefore, the networks trained on different error functions are compared with respect to accuracy of rain flow counts of stress cycles over a number of time series simulations. It is shown that adjusting the error function to perform significantly better on a specific problem is possible. On the other hand. it is also shown that weighted error functions actually can impair the performance of an ANN.
Thermal Oxidation Preparation of Doped Hematite Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Li Song , Cai Jiajia , Mei Yudong , Ren Yuping , Qin Gaowu
Published: March 2014

Sn- or Ge-doped hematite thin films were fabricated by annealing alloyed films for the purpose of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The alloyed films were deposited on FTO glass by magnetron sputtering and their compositions were controlled by the target. The morphology, crystalline structure, optical properties, and photocatalytic activities have been investigated. The SEM observation showed that uniform, large area arrays of nanoflakes formed after thermal oxidation. The incorporation of doping elements into the hematite structure was confirmed by XRD. The photocurrent density-voltage characterization illustrated that the nanoflake films of Sn-doped hematite exhibited high PEC performance and the Sn concentration was optimized about 5%. The dopedGe4+ions were proposed to occupy the empty octahedral holes and their effect on PEC performance of hematite is smaller than that of tin ions.
Enhanced Two‐Step Method via Relaxed Order of α‐Satisfactory Degrees for Fuzzy Multiobjective Optimization
Authors: Wang Na , Hu Chaofang , Shi Wuxi , Xiu Chunbo , Chen Yimei
Published: March 2014

An enhanced two‐step method via relaxed order of satisfactory degrees for fuzzy multiobjective optimization is proposed in this paper. By introducing the concept of fuzzy numbers and α‐level set theory, fuzzy parameters are taken as variables, and all the objectives are transformed into fuzzy goals involving three fuzzy relations. The order of α‐satisfactory degrees which means the objectives with higher priority achieving higher satisfactory degree is applied to model preemptive priority requirement. This strict order constraint is relaxed by priority variable to find the preferred solution satisfying optimization and priority. The original optimization problem is divided into two steps to be solved iteratively. The M‐α‐Pareto optimality of the solution is ensured, and the satisfactory solution can be acquired by regulating the slack parameter Δδ or changing α. The numerical examples demonstrate the power of the proposed method.
Local Control of the Curves Using Rational Cubic Spline
Authors: Abdul Karim Samsul Ariffin , Voon Pang Kong
Published: March 2014

This paper discussed the local control of interpolating function by using rational cubic spline (cubic/quadratic) with three parameters originally proposed by the authors. The rational spline hasC1continuity. The bounded properties of the rational cubic interpolants and shape controls of the rational interpolants are discussed in detail. The value control, inflection point control, and convexity control at a point by using the proposed rational cubic spline are constructed. Several numerical results are presented to show the capability of the method. Numerical comparisons with the existing scheme are also further elaborated. From the results, it was indicated that the scheme works well and it is comparable with the established existing scheme.
Design of a Compact Tuning Fork-Shaped Notched Ultrawideband Antenna for Wireless Communication Application
Authors: Shakib M. N. , Moghavvemi M. , Mahadi W. N. L.
Published: March 2014

A new compact planar notched ultrawideband (UWB) antenna is designed for wireless communication application. The proposed antenna has a compact size of0.182λ × 0.228λ × 0.018λwhereλis the wavelength of the lowest operating frequency. The antenna is comprised of rectangular radiating patch, ground plane, and an arc-shaped strip in between radiating patch and feed line. By introducing a new Tuning Fork-shaped notch in the radiating plane, a stopband is obtained. The antenna is tested and measured. The measured result indicated that fabricated antenna has achieved a wide bandwidth of 4.33–13.8 GHz (at −10 dB return loss) with a rejection frequency band of 5.28–6.97 GHz (WiMAX, WLAN, and C-band). The effects of the parameters of the antenna are discussed. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed antenna can well meet the requirement for the UWB communication in spite of its compactness and small size.
Intermetallic Phase on the Interface of Ag-Au-Pd/Al Structure
Authors: Hsueh Hao-Wen , Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chen Li-Hui , Chen Kuan-Jen
Published: March 2014

Three wires, Au, Cu, and Ag-Au-Pd, were bonded on an Al pad, inducing IMC growth by a 155 hr high temperature storage (HTS) so that the electrical resistance was increased and critical fusing current density (CFCD) decreased. Observations of the Ag-Au-Pd wire after HTS (0–1000 hr) indicated that IMC between the Ag-Au-Pd wire and Al Pad was divided into three layers: Ag2Al layers above and below the bonding interface and a polycrystal thin layer above the total IMC. A high percentage of Pd and Au existed in this 200 nm thin layer, and could suppress Al diffusion into the Ag matrix to inhibit IMC growth. After PCT-1000 hr, a noncontinuous structure still remained between the IMC layer and interface, and the main phase of IMC was (Ag, Au, Pd)2Al with a hexagonal structure.
No Association of Plasma Levels of Adiponectin and c-peptide with Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Jacobs Eric J. , Sun Juzhong , Gapstur Susan M.
Published: March 2014

Background: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer and alters circulating levels of insulin and adiponectin, two hormones that influence biologic processes implicated in carcinogenesis. Results of some studies showed associations of circulating levels of adiponectin, insulin, and c-peptide (a marker of insulin secretion) with aggressive prostate cancer, but the size of these studies was limited.

Methods: A nested case–control study of 272 aggressive prostate cancer cases [Gleason score ≥7 (4+3) or T3-T4] and 272 age- and race-matched controls from the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort was conducted to determine the associations of prediagnostic plasma levels of c-peptide and adiponectin with risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Results: Neither circulating adiponectin nor c-peptide was associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer. In analyses of the highest-risk aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥8 or T3-T4), the highest quartile of c-peptide, compared with the lowest, was associated with an OR of 1.41 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72–2.78].

Conclusions: Our findings provide no support for the hypothesis that adiponectin is associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer but a possible association of high levels of c-peptide with particularly high-risk prostate cancer cannot be ruled out.

Impact: These results indicate that changes in circulating levels of adiponectin and c-peptide do not play an important role in risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(5); 890–2. ©2014 AACR.
Pathogeneses of Sudden Cardiac Death in National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes
Authors: Harmon Kimberly G. , Drezner Jonathan A. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Lopez-Anderson Martha , Owens David , Prutkin Jordan M. , Asif Irfan M. , Klossner David , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: March 2014

Background—

The pathogenesis of sudden cardiac death in college athletes has not been defined by systematic case identification.

Methods and Results—

A total of 45 cases of sudden cardiac death were identified in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes from 2004 to 2008 based on an internal reporting system and review of media reports. Autopsy reports were reviewed and adjudicated by a multidisciplinary panel. Cause of death could be reasonably determined in 36 cases; 3 athletes had no autopsy, 5 autopsy reports could not be obtained, and 1 autopsy had insufficient information to determine cause of death. The most common finding at death was a structurally normal heart or autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death (11, 31%), followed by coronary artery abnormalities (5, 14%), dilated cardiomyopathy (3, 8%), myocarditis related (3, 8%), aortic dissection (3, 8%), and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy/possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; 3, 8%). There was 1 case each (3%) of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, commotio cordis, and Kawasaki disease. There was 1 case of death in a sickle cell positive athlete who also had left ventricular hypertrophy. The adjudicated diagnosis agreed with the official pathology report in only 59% of cases.

Conclusions—

Unexplained death with a structurally normal heart is the most common finding after suspected sudden cardiac death in NCAA athletes. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is infrequently seen, and conclusions in autopsy reports may not accurately reflect the pathological findings. Standardized protocols for cardiovascular autopsies in athletes are needed, including postmortem genetic testing, particularly in autopsy-negative cases.
Organization Development’s Consummate Scholar-Practitioner
Authors: Nash Mary M.
Published: March 2014

The life and contribution of Charlie Seashore are at the core of the organization development (OD) discipline and practice. Charlie embodied characteristics of the consummate OD scholar-practitioner, and he serves as a role model that many OD practitioners and budding professionals attempt to emulate. This article shares the story of his life, describing family connections to Kurt Lewin, his childhood and formative life experiences, his teaching and mentoring OD professionals, and his intellectual contributions to the field of OD. The article suggests that Charlie Seashore has been a key link in the trajectory of OD from its formative beginnings at NTL (National Training Laboratories) Institute to its present role in our society and throughout the world.
Preaching in a Congregational Context
Authors: Sisk Ronald D.
Published: March 2014

This essay argues that good preaching is contextual, bound to and arising from the ongoing life of a particular congregation. The nature of congregational preaching is examined, and tasks by which preaching is contextualized are considered. Contextual preaching utilizes the language of a congregation's local culture. It applies the truth of Scripture to the particular issues resident in a congregation's life. It combines gentleness and nurture. All of this is enabled by the preacher sharing deeply the life of the congregation, its joys and its sorrows, enabling these realities and the Scriptural witness to be mutually interpreting.
Mary's Hymn of Praise in Luke 1:46–55: Reflections on Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
Authors: Foster Ruth Ann
Published: March 2014

For Christians, memory is not mental recall of facts or events, but the continuation of a revelatory event in subsequent generations through narrative rehearsal and interpretation. Memory forms attitudes and actions. The earliest church, lacking canonical writings witnessing to Jesus, preserved his memory through worship. Hymns were particularly important. From this perspective of memory, the Magnificat is examined. This hymn places in the mouth of an ordinary woman the proclamation of Jesus as one in whom the Reign of God has come. This Reign reverses fortunes and discloses God's regard of what the world calls “power” and “weakness.” So disclosing God's righteousness, it brings the perception of those who join it into line with God's.
Speaking to the Exiles: How the Theme of Exile in Jeremiah Addresses 21st Century Congregations
Authors: Jones Barry A.
Published: March 2014

The book of Jeremiah is the starting point for historical and theological investigation of the Babylonian exile. In recent years, scholars from several theological disciplines have identified the exilic period as a useful analogy for understanding the church's relationship to Western culture in a postmodern age. This article traces the theme of exile from the poetic utterances of the prophet to the formation of the book in its final form and demonstrates how the exile provided a framework for interpreting the contents of the Jeremiah tradition. The article then suggests ways in which Jeremiah can provide pastoral and theological resources for contemporary congregations that interpret their present circumstance through the metaphor of exile.
E. Glenn Hinson: The Baptist Patristics Scholar
Authors: Poe Gary
Published: March 2014

Gary Poe examines E. Glenn Hinson's contributions to patristic/early Christian studies, identifying Hinson's perspectives on institution and mission of the early church, the diversity of early Christian spirituality, and the role of women in the early church as his most significant contributions to both academy and church in this specialized field of scholarship. The article concludes with a bibliography of Hinson's patristic scholarship and a listing of doctoral dissertations in patristics supervised by Hinson.
Patristic Biblical Interpretation and Postmodern Baptist Identity
Authors: Scalise Charles J.
Published: March 2014

This article explores the benefits that the study of biblical interpretation in the early church can provide for the construction of Baptist and evangelical identity in a postmodern context. Few Baptists have engaged in the serious investigation of patristic biblical exegesis, but such study would help Baptists distinguish between Scripture and its subsequent interpretation while re-connecting Baptist biblical interpretation with the life and thought of the church. Baptist theology might be helped beyond its current conservative-liberal dichotomy through an appreciation for the early church's theological exegesis of Scripture in light of the “rule of faith” and the role of biblical interpretation in patristic theological controversies, and Baptist spirituality and worship may benefit from an effort to read Scripture as it was read in the context of early Christian worship.
Praying and Believing: Retrieving the Patristic Interdependence of Worship and Theology
Authors: Harmon Steven R.
Published: March 2014

Patristic Christianity understood worship and theology as interdependent, inseparable practices. Worship was the primary bearer of the doctrinal tradition of the church, the essence of which was the liturgical narration of the Triune God's saving acts in Jesus Christ. The recovery of the patristic attention to worship as the primary means by which people are formed in deeply Christian faith and practice may contribute to the renewal of contemporary Baptist life. After a narrative interpretation of the manner in which worship and theology were interdependent in patristic Christianity and reflection on the extent to which this interdependence is already operative in Baptist worship, this article identifies specific theologically formative patterns and practices of worship that Baptists should consider retrieving from patristic Christianity and offers practical suggestions for the patient implementation of such patterns and practices in the weekly worship of Baptist congregations.
Creation, Vocation, Crisis and Rest: A Creational Model for Spirituality
Authors: Ellis Robert R.
Published: March 2014

People of the church today join with persons of every generation in asking the fundamental questions of life: “Who am I?,” “What should I do?,” “How can I cope?,” “Where can I find wholeness?” These are spiritual questions that go to the heart of human existence. This article proposes a creational model based on Genesis 1–3 for addressing these questions in a practical manner in the church. The model considers four contexts for the experience of human spirituality: Creation, Vocation, Crisis and Rest. Each context relates to one of the fundamental questions above: (1) “ Who am I?” In the context of Creation, spirituality involves being what God has created us to be: Persons of worth who have a unique relationship with God, who enjoy God's creation, and who find belonging in community; (2) “ What should I do?” In the context of Vocation, spirituality involves doing what God has created us to do: Promote order/stability and life/creativity within divinely-set boundaries; (3) “ How can I cope?” In the context of Crises, spirituality involves coping by means of trusting God and remaining faithful to our creational identity and calling; And (4) “ Where can I find wholeness?” In the context of Rest, spirituality requires movement into the sacred time of Sabbath where God re-creates life within us, moving us toward wholeness.
People of the Word: Reading John with a Muslim
Authors: Madigan Daniel A.
Published: March 2014

Christians, Muslims and Jews have in common a fundamental belief in the divine Word. Through this Word God created the world and continues to address it. We have all struggled with the question of the nature and status of this Word, the relationship between God and the Word, and the relationship between God's Word and the words of Scripture. The prologue to John's Gospel with its teaching on incarnation has been defining for Christian faith. To read that text with an attention to the Islamic tradition offers us both an understanding of some profound commonalities as well as an insight into the uniqueness of Christian faith in the Word. Jews and Christians are not simply People of the Scripture, as Muslims would understand us, but more accurately People of the Word. In the case of Christians, that Word is expressed in the first place in the incarnation. The words of our scriptures are privileged because they put us in touch with the Word-made-flesh.
Muslim and Christian: Sharing in Ministry
Authors: Michalove Carla
Published: March 2014

The following two articles witness to the impact that interfaith relations can have in transforming those involved in actually deepening their own faith. The first article describes the close relationship between a Christian pastor, Gerald Durley, and a Muslim Imam, Plemon Tauheed El-Amin. The second article is about a Christian layperson whose own faith was deepened thought the experience of observing the Muslim practice of fasting during Ramadan. Both articles were written by a Jewish woman, Carla Michalove. All four of them work closely together with Atlanta World Pilgrims.