bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exports and governance: Is the Middle East and North Africa region different?
Authors: Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada , Márquez‐Ramos Laura
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to analyse whether better governance rewards economic performance and facilitates the integration of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region into the world economy. In comparison with other regions in the world economy, MENA countries suffer from important institutional deficiencies, which generate insecurity and difficult international transactions. Despite this fact, the relationship between trade and institutional quality in MENA countries remains unexplored. A gravity model of trade augmented with governance indicators is estimated for the exports of 19 MENA countries, their 189 trading partners and for all exporters in the period from 1996 to 2013. The main results indicate that improvements in five of the six governance indicators increase exports from MENA countries, whereas better governance in destination countries does not affect MENA exports. Instead, each of the six governance indicators used has a positive effect on bilateral trade for the entire sample of exporters (189). Moreover, the effect of country‐pair similarity in governance indicators suggests that a similar level of regulatory quality and rule of law in exporting and importing countries increases exports from MENA countries. Similarities in voice and accountability also foster exports for the average exporter, but not for MENA exporters.
Skin lesions in Aubrac cows strongly associated with fly bites (Haematobia irritans)
Authors: Mosca Marion , Vabret Murielle , Randleff‐Rasmussen Pia , Pin Didier
Published: March 2018

Background

The horn fly Haematobia irritans is known to cause problems in cattle including weight loss and decreased milk production; cutaneous lesions have not been widely reported and descriptions of the clinical manifestations are quite variable.

Hypothesis/objectives

This study describes the clinical and histopathological lesions of several Aubrac cows that presented with focal to confluent areas of alopecia, skin scaling and thickening, suspected to be induced by H. irritans bites.

Animals

Twenty seven, three‐ to six‐year‐old Aubrac cows, kept in mountain pastures in France, that presented with an apparently asymptomatic alopecic dermatosis.

Methods

Samples for skin cytological evaluation, skin scrapings and trichograms were examined; also, skin biopsy specimens from affected animals were used for histopathological examination.

Results

Clinical lesions consisted of focal to coalescing, symmetrical areas of hair loss and scaling, located on the back, flanks, and lateral and caudal aspects of the thighs. Histopathological examination revealed perivascular, oedematous, eosinophilic dermatitis with eosinophilic folliculitis and furunculosis. Species identification of several flies captured on the cows revealed H. irritans. The final clinicopathological diagnosis was eosinophilic dermatitis and folliculitis and furunculosis, suspected to be due to H. irritans fly‐bite.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Fly‐bite (H. irritans) dermatitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of alopecic dermatoses in cows.
Effect of soil moisture during stratification on dormancy release in seeds of five common weed species
Authors: Hu X W , Ding X Y , Baskin C C , Wang Y R
Published: March 2018

Although the effects of cold stratification on the release of physiological dormancy in seeds have been studied extensively, knowledge of the role of soil moisture content on seed dormancy release during cold stratification is limited. Our study determined seed dormancy characteristics and the effect of soil moisture content on seed dormancy breakage during cold stratification in the five common weed species Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Plantago lanceolata and Setaria glauca. Seeds of all five species were dormant at the time of harvest and their germination response to light and temperature varied. Soil moisture content had a significant effect on seed dormancy release of all species except P. lanceolata. Germination percentage of A. retroflexus, C. album, C. hybridum increased and then decreased as soil moisture content increased, regardless of germination test temperature. The optimal soil moisture content and seed moisture content for dormancy breakage of A. retroflexus, C. album, C. hybridum were 8%, 12%, 8% and 22.0%, 37.7%, 25.7% respectively. Dry storage (after‐ripening) significantly increased germination of S. glauca. Moreover, increasing soil moisture content first slowed and then increased dormancy breakage in S. glauca. These results suggest that data on soil moisture content should be incorporated into models that predict weed seed dormancy breakage and timing of seedling emergence as well as those for weed management.
Plasma assisted low temperature electron beam deposited NiO thin films for electro-optic applications
Authors: Cosar Mustafa Burak , Icli Kerem Cagatay , Ozenbas Macit
Published: March 2018

This study aims to create high quality nickel oxide (NiO) thin films at low temperatures, which is a prerequisite for coatings on temperature sensitive substrates. NiO chunks were evaporated by electron beam source, and NiO thin films were deposited at a thickness value around 250 nm. Depositions were performed at different experimental conditions: oxygen flow rate, deposition temperature, deposition rate, and plasma assistance. Deposited films were analyzed with regard to the structural, optical, and electrical aspects. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that films are grown in cubic nickel oxide phase with preferred orientation of (111) plane. Nonstoichiometry of NiO films increases with increasing oxygen flow rate and plasma assistance leads to stoichiometric NiO films. Needle, spherical, and cuboidal particle formation were seen in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Grain size, lattice parameter, and grain morphology were used to explain the variations in optical and electrical properties. It was seen that the mobility of the films increases with oxygen flow rate because of enhanced grain size revealed by XRD calculations and SEM images. Plasma assistance dramatically lowers the resistivity to 150 Ω cm compared to nonassisted films possessing resistivities on the order of megaohm centimeter values. Although plasma assistance results in low mobility [0.2 cm2/(V s)], enhanced sheet carrier concentration (1.1 × 1013 cm−1) was found to be the major factor leading to high conductivity. This situation is related to denser films with higher crystallinity, which was detected from the refractive index spectrum and confirmed by SEM analysis. Optical absorption studies at 400–600 nm wavelengths revealed that absorption can be minimized by deposition under high oxygen flow rate, high deposition temperature, and low deposition rate conditions. Optical band gaps can be tuned by varying the oxygen flow rate, deposition temperature, and deposition rate. It was seen that the Fermi level and valence band minima of the films highly depend on the oxygen flow rate and can be engineered by manipulating the flow rate of oxygen and deposition conditions.
Evaluation of radiation loading on finite cylindrical shells using the fast Fourier transform: A comparison with direct numerical integration
Authors: Liu S. X. , Zou M. S.
Published: March 2018

The radiation loading on a vibratory finite cylindrical shell is conventionally evaluated through the direct numerical integration (DNI) method. An alternative strategy via the fast Fourier transform algorithm is put forward in this work based on the general expression of radiation impedance. To check the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method, a comparison with DNI is presented through numerical cases. The results obtained using the present method agree well with those calculated by DNI. More importantly, the proposed calculating strategy can significantly save the time cost compared with the conventional approach of straightforward numerical integration.
Selection of a sound propagation model for noise annoyance prediction: A perceptual approach
Authors: Vallin Pierre-Augustin , Marquis-Favre Catherine , Gille Laure-Anne , Ellermeier Wolfgang
Published: March 2018

Sound propagation effects need to be considered in studies dealing with the perception of annoying auditory sensations evoked by transportation noise. Thus, in a listening test requiring participants to make dissimilarity ratings, the effects of several feasible propagation models are compared to actual recordings of vehicle noises made at a given distance. As a result, a model taking into account first order reflections without any phase term is found to be the most appropriate model for simulating road traffic noise propagation in an urban environment from a perceptual point of view.
Combination therapy of anabolic agents and bisphosphonates on bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lou Shenghan , Lv Houchen , Li Zhirui , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu
Published: March 2018

Objective

We aimed to determine whether the concomitant combination therapy of anabolic agents and bisphosphonates produces more effects on bone mineral density (BMD) than anabolic agents alone in patients with osteoporosis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for publications from 1 January 1980 to 1 August 2016 to identify all the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. The primary outcome was the mean per cent changes in BMD at the lumbar spine, the total hip and the femoral neck with an optimal period of treatment (6 to 12 months). The secondary outcome was the mean per cent changes in BMD at the same sites with the full period of recommendation (18 to 24 months). A random-effects model was used to estimate the standardised mean differences (SMDs) and the 95% CIs.

Results

Seven studies, with 747 patients, were included. With the optimal period, the concomitant combination therapy demonstrated a significant advantage over a monotherapy in BMD improvement at the total hip (SMD 0.42; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.58) and the femoral neck (SMD 0.30; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.46), but not for the spine BMD (SMD 0.13; 95% CI −0.17 to 0.43). With the full period, the concomitant combination therapy did not improve the BMD at the lumbar spine (SMD −0.06; 95% CI −0.71 to 0.59), the total hip (SMD 0.05; 95% CI −0.71 to 0.82) and the femoral neck (SMD −0.32; 95% CI −1.15 to 0.50).

Conclusions

Compared with anabolic monotherapy, the concomitant combination therapy of anabolic agents and bisphosphonates significantly improved the BMD at the total hip and femoral neck with a shorter term (6 to 12 months) and produced similar benefits on BMD for the longer term (18 to 24 months). Also, the effect of concomitant combination therapy might be affected by the dose of anabolic agents.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016041335.
Differences in rates and odds for emergency caesarean section in six Palestinian hospitals: a population-based birth cohort study
Authors: Zimmo Mohammed , Laine Katariina , Hassan Sahar , Fosse Erik , Lieng Marit , Ali-Masri Hadil , Zimmo Kaled , Anti Marit , Bottcher Bettina , Sørum Falk Ragnhild , Vikanes Åse
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the differences in rates and odds for emergency caesarean section among singleton pregnancies in six governmental Palestinian hospitals.

Design

A prospective population-based birth cohort study.

Setting

Obstetric departments in six governmental Palestinian hospitals.

Participants

32 321 women scheduled to deliver vaginally from 1 March 2015 until 29 February 2016.

Methods

To assess differences in sociodemographic and antenatal obstetric characteristics by hospital, χ2test, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. Logistic regression was used to estimate differences in odds for emergency caesarean section, and ORs with 95% CIs were assessed.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the adjusted ORs of emergency caesarean section among singleton pregnancies for five Palestinian hospitals as compared with the reference (Hospital 1).

Results

The prevalence of emergency caesarean section varied across hospitals, ranging from 5.8% to 22.6% among primiparous women and between 4.8% and 13.1% among parous women. Compared with the reference hospital, the ORs for emergency caesarean section were increased in all other hospitals, crude ORs ranging from 1.95 (95% CI 1.42 to 2.67) to 4.75 (95% CI 3.49 to 6.46) among primiparous women. For parous women, these differences were less pronounced, crude ORs ranging from 1.37 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.67) to 2.99 (95% CI 2.44 to 3.65). After adjustment for potential confounders, the ORs were reduced but still statistically significant, except for one hospital among parous women.

Conclusion

Substantial differences in odds for emergency caesarean section between the six Palestinian governmental hospitals were observed. These could not be explained by the studied sociodemographic or antenatal obstetric characteristics.
Use of the nominal group technique to identify stakeholder priorities and inform survey development: an example with informal caregivers of people with scleroderma
Authors: Rice Danielle B , Cañedo-Ayala Mara , Turner Kimberly A , Gumuchian Stephanie T , Malcarne Vanessa L , Hagedoorn Mariët , Thombs Brett D
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The nominal group technique (NGT) allows stakeholders to directly generate items for needs assessment surveys. The objective was to demonstrate the use of NGT discussions to develop survey items on (1) challenges experienced by informal caregivers of people living with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and (2) preferences for support services.

Design

Three NGT groups were conducted. In each group, participants generated lists of challenges and preferred formats for support services. Participants shared items, and a master list was compiled, then reviewed by participants to remove or merge overlapping items. Once a final list of items was generated, participants independently rated challenges on a scale from 1 (not at all important) to 10 (extremely important) and support services on a scale from 1 (not at all likely to use) to 10 (very likely to use). Lists generated in the NGT discussions were subsequently reviewed and integrated into a single list by research team members.

Setting

SSc patient conferences held in the USA and Canada.

Participants

Informal caregivers who previously or currently were providing care for a family member or friend with SSc.

Results

A total of six men and seven women participated in the NGT discussions. Mean age was 59.8 years (SD=12.6). Participants provided care for a partner (n=8), parent (n=1), child (n=2) or friend (n=2). A list of 61 unique challenges was generated with challenges related to gaps in information, resources and support needs identified most frequently. A list of 18 unique support services was generated; most involved online or in-person delivery of emotional support and educational material about SSc.

Conclusions

The NGT was an efficient method for obtaining survey items directly from SSc caregivers on important challenges and preferences for support services.
CoMET: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of co-commencement of METformin as an adjunctive treatment to attenuate weight gain and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia newly commenced on clozapine
Authors: Siskind Dan , Friend Nadia , Russell Anthony , McGrath John J , Lim Carmen , Patterson Sue , Flaws Dylan , Stedman Terry , Moudgil Vikas , Sardinha Savio , Suetani Shuichi , Kisely Steve , Winckel Karl , Baker Andrea
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Clozapine, while effective in treatment refractory schizophrenia, is associated with significant weight gain, heart disease and increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although there is evidence for weight loss with metformin for people with obesity who are already taking clozapine, there have been no published trials that have investigated the effect of metformin in attenuating weight gain at the time of clozapine initiation.

Methods and analysis

A 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of concomitant prescription of metformin at clozapine commencement. Eighty-six people being commenced on clozapine will be randomised to placebo or metformin (variable dose, up to 2 g/day). The primary outcome is comparative end point body weight, between the placebo and metformin groups. Secondary outcomes are comparative rates of conversion to T2DM, alteration of metabolic syndrome parameters, proportion gaining >5% body weight and changes in diet and appetite. We will additionally examine biomarkers associated with change in weight among trial participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee HREC/17/QPAH/538-SSA/17/QPAH/565. We plan to submit a manuscript of the results to a peer-reviewed journal, and present results at conferences, consumer forums and hospital grand rounds.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001547336; Pre-results.
Community sexual health providers’ views on immediate postpartum provision of intrauterine contraception
Authors: Cooper Michelle , Boydell Nicola , Heller Rebecca , Cameron Sharon
Published: March 2018

Background

Increasing access to effective postpartum contraceptive methods can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and short inter-birth intervals. The need for an additional postpartum visit can be a barrier to women accessing intrauterine contraception after childbirth. Immediate postpartum intrauterine contraception (PPIUC) provision is known to be safe, but is not routinely available in the UK. Establishing this service requires multidisciplinary support, including from community and maternity stakeholders. The aim of this study was to determine the views of community sexual health providers towards PPIUC implementation.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to attendees at two UK sexual health conferences. Research questions focused on (1) views on PPIUC (2) perceived role of the sexual health provider in PPIUC service and (3) potential challenges anticipated in providing PPIUC aftercare. Free-text boxes were provided for further comment. Analysis was by a mixed methods approach.

Results

A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed with 156 completed (response rate 65%). Some 128 respondents (82%) felt ‘positive’ towards the PPIUC implementation. Most respondents (67.9%) indicated they would be happy to promote PPIUC and provide thread checks. Perceived challenges in providing PPIUC aftercare included staff time, experience in managing clinical issues, and access to ultrasound.

Conclusions

Community sexual health providers were positive towards PPIUC implementation, and perceived their role predominantly in the aftercare of women. Several clinical and practical challenges were identified, some of which differ from those previously expressed by other groups. Stakeholder involvement is key to successful implementation of PPIUC, and wider recognition of potential barriers can assist in developing strategies to overcome these.
Effect of In Situ High-Fidelity Simulation Training on the Emergency management of Pneumonia (INSTEP): a mixed-methods study
Authors: Leng Owain Michael , Rothwell Charlotte , Buckton Annamarie , Elmer Catherine , Illing Jan , Metcalf Jane
Published: March 2018

Background

The patient safety agenda has propelled the rise of simulation education, but relatively few evaluations of simulation-based educational interventions have focused on patient outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of an in situ, high-fidelity simulation teaching intervention on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in the ambulatory care unit of a district general hospital.

Methods

This study used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the impact of a programme of 10 in situ high-fidelity simulation education sessions delivered to a total of 10 junior doctors, nine nurses and seven healthcare assistants. Participants were tasked with managing a manikin simulating a patient with pneumonia in real time in a working clinical area. Subsequent structured debrief emphasised key themes from the national guidelines on pneumonia management. The intervention was evaluated through an immediate feedback form, follow-up semistructured interviews by independent qualitative researchers that underwent content analysis and triangulation with audit data on compliance with national pneumonia guidelines before and after the simulation intervention.

Results

The in situ simulation intervention was valued by participants both in immediate written feedback and in follow-up semistructured interviews. In these interviews, 17 of 18 participants were able to identify a self-reported change in practice following the simulation intervention. Furthermore, most participants reported observing a change in the clinical practice of their colleagues following the training. Collected audit data did not show a statistically significant change in compliance with the guidelines for the management of pneumonia.

Conclusion

This study found evidence of a change in both self-reported and observed clinical practice following a simulation intervention, supporting expert opinion that simulation education can impact clinician behaviours and patient outcomes in complex clinical scenarios. Furthermore, this feasibility study provides a transferrable method to evaluate the real-world impact of simulation education that merits further investigation through an appropriately powered study.
Pathology and prognosis of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Hezzell Melanie
Published: March 2018

Myxomatous mitral valve disease is common in small breed dogs. However, the natural history of the disease is variable, with some dogs experiencing rapid progression to congestive heart failure and cardiac‐related death, while other dogs have disease that never progresses to produce clinical signs. Treatment is recommended according to the stage of disease progression, so understanding how to make this assessment is important. This article reviews the pathology and natural history of myxomatous mitral valve disease, and provides details of the most commonly used disease staging system.
Legal status and malpractice
Authors: Coghlan Simon
Published: March 2018

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐anddried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Legal status and malpractice’, was submitted and is discussed by Simon Coghlan. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Dr Steven McCulloch, acting director of the Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester. It aims to provide a framework that will help practising veterinarians find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Improving outcomes of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs
Authors: Boswood Adrian
Published: March 2018

Now that treatment has been shown to slow the onset of clinical signs of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), recommendations are focusing on diagnosing the condition before clinical signs manifest so that dogs can be maintained free of signs for longer. This article summarises the published evidence and outlines optimal management for dogs at each disease stage. It covers pharmacological and other strategies, with a view to maintaining dogs in the early stages of the disease for as long as possible and effectively managing their clinical signs when they develop.
Overcoming potential barriers to investigating and treating myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Belshaw Zoe
Published: March 2018

Diagnosing myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) can be relatively straightforward. However, persuading owners to investigate and treat MMVD, and then maintain adherence to a therapeutic regimen can be significantly more challenging. While heart murmurs are most likely to be detected during the annual health check or booster consultation, recent evidence suggests this might not be an ideal time to discuss MMVD. This article reviews some of the potential barriers to owners following practitioners’ recommendations, and suggests some solutions.
Whole exome sequencing identifies mutations in 10% of patients with familial non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate in genes mutated in well-known syndromes
Authors: Basha Mirta , Demeer Bénédicte , Revencu Nicole , Helaers Raphael , Theys Stephanie , Bou Saba Sami , Boute Odile , Devauchelle Bernard , Francois Geneviève , Bayet Bénédicte , Vikkula Miikka
Published: March 2018

Background

Oral clefts, that is, clefts of the lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P), are the most common craniofacial birth defects with an approximate incidence of ~1/700. To date, physicians stratify patients with oral clefts into either syndromic CL/P (syCL/P) or non-syndromic CL/P (nsCL/P) depending on whether the CL/P is associated with another anomaly or not. In general, patients with syCL/P follow Mendelian inheritance, while those with nsCL/P have a complex aetiology and, as such, do not adhere to Mendelian inheritance. Genome-wide association studies have identified approximately 30 risk loci for nsCL/P, which could explain a small fraction of heritability.

Methods

To identify variants causing nsCL/P, we conducted whole exome sequencing on 84 individuals with nsCL/P, drawn from multiplex families (n=46).

Results

We identified rare damaging variants in four genes known to be mutated in syCL/P: TP63 (one family), TBX1 (one family), LRP6 (one family) and GRHL3 (two families), and clinical reassessment confirmed the isolated nature of their CL/P.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that patients with CL/P without cardinal signs of a syndrome may still carry a mutation in a gene linked to syCL/P. Rare coding and non-coding variants in syCL/P genes could in part explain the controversial question of ‘missing heritability’ for nsCL/P. Therefore, gene panels designed for diagnostic testing of syCL/P should be used for patients with nsCL/P, especially when there is at least third-degree family history. This would allow a more precise management, follow-up and genetic counselling. Moreover, stratified cohorts would allow hunting for genetic modifiers.
Geochronology and geochemistry of the Cuihongshan Fe-polymetallic deposit, northeastern China: implications for ore genesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Zhang Yong , Sun Jing-Gui , Xing Shu-Wen , Zhang Zeng-Jie
Published: March 2018

The Lesser Xing’an Range is located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. It hosts an important polymetallic metallogenic belt that contains more than 20 large- to small-scale porphyry Mo, epithermal Au, and skarn Fe-polymetallic deposits. The Cuihongshan Fe-polymetallic deposit is one of the largest polymetallic deposits in northeastern China. To better understand the formation of the Cuihongshan Fe-polymetallic deposit, we investigated the geological characteristics of the Cuihongshan deposit and applied geochemistry and geochronology to constrain the timing of the mineralization, and characteristics of the magmas. Zircon U–Pb dating of the alkali-feldspar granite and monzogranite yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 495 ± 1.6 and 203 ± 1 Ma, respectively. Re–Os dating on molybdenite yielded an isochron age of 203.2 ± 1.4 Ma, and 40Ar/39Ar dating on phlogopite yielded an age of 203.4 ± 1.3 Ma. These data suggest that mineralization occurred during the Late Triassic, and is closely related with the monzogranite emplacement. These rocks belong to the high-K calc-alkaline and subalkaline series, are enriched in Rb, U, and Th, are depleted in Nb, Ta, and Ti, and show strong Eu anomalies, implying that they are A-type post-orogenic rocks. The Cuihongshan Fe-polymetallic formation is possibly related to an extensional environment resulting from the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.
Aquatic food web response to patchy shading along forested headwater streams
Authors: Heaston Emily D. , Kaylor Matthew J. , Warren Dana R.
Published: March 2018

In forested streams, changes in age and structure of riparian vegetation have been shown to directly influence the amount of light reaching the stream benthos. The potential for light to directly impact primary productivity in forested streams is generally understood, but most field experiments exploring reach-scale in-stream light dynamics have evaluated large changes in riparian vegetation. Fewer studies have quantified influences of smaller changes in irradiance, particularly how patchy in-stream light developed with complex riparian forests affects stream biota. We applied patches of shade, covering ∼50% of three manipulation reaches, which were each paired with an unmanipulated reference reach. We quantified changes in stream light availability, benthic periphyton, and aquatic macroinvertebrate, fish, and salamander biomass using a before–after control–impact study design. Patchy shading decreased localized and reach-scale light and reduced periphyton, macroinvertebrate, fish, and salamander biomass in manipulation sites relative to the reference reaches. Results suggest that moderate changes in stream light, such as those that occur through stand development and small-scale disturbance processes, can impact stream biota through bottom-up processes.
Magnetoelectric properties of Co-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Shrimali V. G. , Rathod K. N. , Dhruv Davit , Zankat Alpa , Sagapariya Khushal , Solanki Sapana , Solanki P. S. , Shah N. A. , Kataria B. R.
Published: March 2018

The magnetoelectric (ME) properties of sol–gel grown BiFe[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]O3 (BFCO) nanoceramics, with different sizes, were investigated at room-temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement was performed to investigate structural properties of the samples understudy. Magnetic field-dependent dielectric permittivity has been systematically investigated in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz. To ensure the origin of magnetodielectric response, the magnetoimpedance (MI) spectroscopy was adopted using equivalent circuit model. The a.c. conductivity was found to obey the Jonscher’s universal power law. The modifications in spiral spin structure in the BFCO nanoparticles with size less than [Formula: see text]62 nm significantly affect the ME coupling parameters.
Solitons interaction and integrability for a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Broer–Kaup system in water waves
Authors: Zhao Xue-Hui , Tian Bo , Guo Yong-Jiang , Li Hui-Min
Published: March 2018

Under investigation in this paper is a (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Broer–Kaup system in water waves. Via the symbolic computation, Bell polynomials and Hirota method, the Bäcklund transformation, Lax pair, bilinear forms, one- and two-soliton solutions are derived. Propagation and interaction for the solitons are illustrated: Amplitudes and shapes of the one soliton keep invariant during the propagation, which implies that the transport of the energy is stable for the (2+1)-dimensional water waves; and inelastic interactions between the two solitons are discussed. Elastic interactions between the two parabolic-, cubic- and periodic-type solitons are displayed, where the solitonic amplitudes and shapes remain unchanged except for certain phase shifts. However, inelastically, amplitudes of the two solitons have a linear superposition after each interaction which is called as a soliton resonance phenomenon.
Equivalent circuit model of Ge/Si separate absorption charge multiplication avalanche photodiode
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Ting , Yan Linshu , Bao Xiaoyuan , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Guang , Wang Guanyu , Yuan Jun , Li Junfeng
Published: March 2018

The equivalent circuit model of Ge/Si Separate Absorption Charge Multiplication Avalanche Photodiode (SACM-APD) is proposed. Starting from the carrier rate equations in different regions of device and considering the influences of non-uniform electric field, noise, parasitic effect and some other factors, the equivalent circuit model of SACM-APD device is established, in which the steady-state and transient current voltage characteristics can be described exactly. In addition, the proposed Ge/Si SACM APD equivalent circuit model is embedded in PSpice simulator. The important characteristics of Ge/Si SACM APD such as dark current, frequency response, shot noise are simulated, the simulation results show that the simulation with the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
STUDY ON THE ADSORPTION PHENOMENON IN SHALE WITH THE COMBINATION OF MOLECULAR DYNAMIC SIMULATION AND FRACTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG LIEHUI , LI JIANCHAO , JIA DU , ZHAO YULONG , XIE CHUNYU , TAO ZHENGWU
Published: March 2018

As one of the key status of gas in shale reservoir, adsorption gas accounts for considerable percentage of total gas amount. Due to the complexity and nanostructure of shale gas reservoir, it is very challenging to represent adsorption gas through traditional methods. However, the integration of the fractal theory and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation may provide a new perspective of understanding such nanostructure and the micro-phenomenon happening in it. The key purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption phenomenon in shale kerogen. By using MD simulation and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) algorithm, the adsorption of methane in 2, 5 and 10[Formula: see text]nm slit-like pores is simulated for different temperature and pressure status. According to the results, the average gas density in smaller pores is higher than that in bigger pores, and multilayer adsorption presents on some areas of pore surfaces. Then, the simulation results are analyzed using the multilayer fractal adsorption model. The analysis indicates that the number of adsorption layer increases with pressure increase: four-layer adsorption presents in 10[Formula: see text]nm pores while three-layer adsorption shows up in 2[Formula: see text]nm and 5[Formula: see text]nm pores due to pore volume limit. Fractal dimension of pore wall surface generated in this study is in the range of 2.31–2.63. Moreover, high temperature could decrease the adsorption behavior in reservoir condition.
PROPOSED OVAL ST. JUDE MEDICAL VALVE: EFFECT OF HEART RATE
Authors: JAHANDARDOOST MEHDI , OHLMANN LUKE , FRADET GUY , MOHAMMADI HADI
Published: March 2018

In this study, the hemodynamic performance of the conventional St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve and our proposed design known as the oval SJM valve are studied and compared. These studies are based on a wide range of physiological heart rates, i.e., 70–130[Formula: see text]bpm, in the opening phase. We designed and developed a precise computational platform to assess the hemodynamics of bileaflet mechanical heart valves for laminar and turbulent regimes. Also, as one of the fundamental changes applied to the conventional SJM vales, the housing is considered oval similar to oval shape of annulus. Results clearly indicate hemodynamic improvements in the proposed design over the SJM valve. The improvements are characterized by lower shear stress and wall shear stress distributions around the valve and leaflets, and lower valve pressure drop compared to that of the conventional SJM model. The proposed design shows potential and merits additional development.
INFLUENCE OF MODELING METHODS FOR CARTILAGE LAYER ON SIMULATION OF PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY USING FINITE ELEMENT CONTACT ANALYSIS
Authors: LI FEI , CHEN HEJUAN , MAWATARI TARO , IWAMOTO YUKIHIDE , JIANG FEI , CHEN XIAN
Published: March 2018

Finite element (FE) analysis has been used in the simulation of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) to predict the improvement of contact pressure concentration in dysplastic hip joint. Since the cartilage layer is difficult to be segmented from CT or MRI images, most hip joint models were assumed to be a simple perfect ball and socket joint. However, the influence of different cartilage modeling methods on the reliability of the simulation has not been assessed. The objective of this study is to elucidate the influence of different cartilage modeling methods on predictions of cartilage layers’ contact pressure by FE contact analysis. In this study, the cartilage layer was generated by applying three typical kinds of modeling methods (spherical, uniform thickness, and midline-based). After comparisons with these cartilage modeling methods, the computational results demonstrate that the cartilage modeling methods have a dramatic influence on predictions of contact pressure in the PAO. The relatively continuous contact pressure distribution and lower peak contact pressure are observed in spherical cartilage modeling method. The discontinuous contact pressure distribution and higher peak contact pressure are obtained in uniform thickness and midline-based cartilage modeling methods. And the degree of discontinuous pressure distribution is even worse in the midline-based cartilage modeling method.
Smoothing Technique Based Beta FEM (βFEM) for Static and Free Vibration Analyses of Reissner–Mindlin Plates
Authors: Wu F. , Zeng W. , Yao L. Y. , Hu M. , Chen Y. J. , Li M. S.
Published: March 2018

Recently, the edge-based and node-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM and NS-FEM) has been proposed for Reissner–Mindlin plate problems. In this work, in order to utilize the numerical advantages of both ES-FEM and NS-FEM for static and vibration analysis, a hybrid smoothing technique based beta FEM ([Formula: see text]FEM) is presented for Reissner–Mindlin plate problems. A tunable parameter [Formula: see text] is introduced to tune the proportion of smoothing domains calculated by ES-FEM or NS-FEM, which controlled the accuracy of the results. Numerical illustrations in both static and free vibration analysis are conducted. The shear locking free property, converge property and dynamic stability are carefully examined via several well-known benchmark examples. Moreover, an experimental test is carefully designed and conducted for validations, in which the mode values and shape of a rectangular steel plate is tested. Numerical examples demonstrate the advantages of [Formula: see text]FEM, in comparison with the standard FEM, ES-FEM and NS-FEM using the same meshes. The numerical and experimental results are in good agreement with each other and the [Formula: see text]FEM achieves the best accuracy among all the methods for the static or free vibration analysis of plates.
Shape Reconstruction of Conductivity Interface Problems
Authors: Liu Ji-Chuan
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we consider a conductivity interface problem to recover the salient features of the inclusion within a body from noisy observation data on the boundary. Based on integral equations, we propose iterative algorithms to detect the location, the size and the shape of the conductivity inclusion. This problem is severely ill-posed and nonlinear, thus we should consider regularization techniques in order to improve the corresponding approximation. We give several examples to show the viability of our proposed reconstruction algorithms.
Detecting the multi-period performance and efficiency changes of systems with undesirable outputs
Authors: Noveiri Monireh Jahani Sayyad , Kordrostami Sohrab , Amirteimoori Alireza
Published: March 2018

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a technique to evaluate the relative efficiency of a set of decision making units (DMUs) which is applicable in different systems such as engineering, ecology, and so forth. In real-world situations, there are instances in which production processes of systems must be analyzed in multiple periods while desirable and undesirable outputs are present; therefore, in the current paper, a DEA-based procedure is suggested to estimate the performance of systems with desirable and undesirable outputs over several periods of time. Actually, the overall and period efficiencies of DMUs in the presence of undesirable outputs are calculated by using the DEA technique. Different aspects of disposability, i.e., strong and weak, are considered for undesirable outputs. Moreover, the overall efficiency is indicated as a weighted average of the efficiencies of periods. Efficiency changes between two periods are also estimated. The proposed approach has been tested by a numerical example and applied to evaluate the efficiency of commercial transport industry in 17 countries. The findings show that efficiency scores and their changes between periods might alter by incorporating undesirable outputs into the multi-period system under evaluation; consequently, the proposed approach obtains more rational and accurate results when undesirable outputs are present.
Developing China’s Indian Ocean Strategy: Rationale and Prospects
Authors: Li Jiacheng
Published: March 2018

From the strategic perspective, the Indian Ocean has been increasingly important to China’s foreign trade and energy security. China has been faced with a deepening dilemma in the Malacca Strait for years, in large part due to the strategic pressure from the United States and India. Under its new initiative to construct the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road,” China needs to develop a long-term, security-oriented Indian Ocean strategy based on a comprehensive analysis of all the favorable and adverse conditions. Its strategic goals should include building an Indian Ocean fleet, expanding its base networks, and sharing power peacefully with the United States and India, so as to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in the region.
Depositional model for the distal Ordovician glaciated margin of Jordan; implications for the reservoir potential of the Risha Formation
Authors: Hirst J. Philip P. , Khatatneh Maher
Published: March 2018

Latest Ordovician glacial sediments crop out in southern Jordan and adjacent areas of Saudi Arabia, where they consist of mainly coarse clastics. These sediments were in part deposited within steep-sided tunnel valleys with palaeotransport towards the north to NE. In NE Jordan, the distal equivalents of some of these valley-confined clastics are encountered in the subsurface, where they form the reservoir units within the Risha gas field. Here, the succession consists of stacked sandstone units ranging from a few metres to >20 m thick alternating with thinner mudstone horizons. Some of the sandstone intervals show cleaning-upwards profiles and they can be correlated over tens of kilometres between the wells. Their lateral extents are much greater than the tunnel valleys and they are interpreted as stacked proglacial outwash sheets deposited subaqueously in front of the ice sheet. The reservoir quality of the sandstones has been compromised by extensive quartz cementation, although better porosities and permeabilities are preserved in the upper parts of some of the cleaning-upwards profiles, resulting in correlatable intervals from which gas is produced without stimulation.
Clinical translation of myocardial conditioning
Authors: Bøtker Hans Erik , Lassen Thomas Ravn , Jespersen Nichlas Riise
Published: March 2018

Rapid admission and acute interventional treatment combined with modern antithrombotic pharmacologic therapy have improved outcomes in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. The next major target to further advance outcomes needs to address ischemia-reperfusion injury, which may contribute significantly to the final infarct size and hence mortality and postinfarction heart failure. Mechanical conditioning strategies including local and remote ischemic pre-, per-, and postconditioning have demonstrated consistent cardioprotective capacities in experimental models of acute ischemia-reperfusion injury. Their translation to the clinical scenario has been challenging. At present, the most promising mechanical protection strategy of the heart seems to be remote ischemic conditioning, which increases myocardial salvage beyond acute reperfusion therapy. An additional aspect that has gained recent focus is the potential of extended conditioning strategies to improve physical rehabilitation not only after an acute ischemia-reperfusion event such as acute myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery but also in patients with heart failure. Experimental and preliminary clinical evidence suggests that remote ischemic conditioning may modify cardiac remodeling and additionally enhance skeletal muscle strength therapy to prevent muscle waste, known as an inherent component of a postoperative period and in heart failure. Blood flow restriction exercise and enhanced external counterpulsation may represent cardioprotective corollaries. Combined with exercise, remote ischemic conditioning or, alternatively, blood flow restriction exercise may be of aid in optimizing physical rehabilitation in populations that are not able to perform exercise practice at intensity levels required to promote optimal outcomes.
Minoxidil improves vascular compliance, restores cerebral blood flow, and alters extracellular matrix gene expression in a model of chronic vascular stiffness
Authors: Knutsen Russell H. , Beeman Scott C. , Broekelmann Thomas J. , Liu Delong , Tsang Kit Man , Kovacs Attila , Ye Li , Danback Joshua R. , Watson Anderson , Wardlaw Amanda , Wagenseil Jessica E. , Garbow Joel R. , Shoykhet Michael , Kozel Beth A.
Published: March 2018

Increased vascular stiffness correlates with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in aging adults. Elastin (ELN) insufficiency, as observed in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome or with familial supravalvular aortic stenosis, also increases vascular stiffness and leads to arterial narrowing. We used Eln+/− mice to test the hypothesis that pathologically increased vascular stiffness with concomitant arterial narrowing leads to decreased blood flow to end organs such as the brain. We also hypothesized that drugs that remodel arteries and increase lumen diameter would improve flow. To test these hypotheses, we compared carotid blood flow using ultrasound and cerebral blood flow using MRI-based arterial spin labeling in wild-type (WT) and Eln+/− mice. We then studied how minoxidil, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener and vasodilator, affects vessel mechanics, blood flow, and gene expression. Both carotid and cerebral blood flows were lower in Eln+/− mice than in WT mice. Treatment of Eln+/− mice with minoxidil lowered blood pressure and reduced functional arterial stiffness to WT levels. Minoxidil also improved arterial diameter and restored carotid and cerebral blood flows in Eln+/− mice. The beneficial effects persisted for weeks after drug removal. RNA-Seq analysis revealed differential expression of 127 extracellular matrix-related genes among the treatment groups. These results indicate that ELN insufficiency impairs end-organ perfusion, which may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk. Minoxidil, despite lowering blood pressure, improves end-organ perfusion. Changes in matrix gene expression and persistence of treatment effects after drug withdrawal suggest arterial remodeling. Such remodeling may benefit patients with genetic or age-dependent ELN insufficiency.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our work with a model of chronic vascular stiffness, the elastin ( Eln)+/− mouse, shows reduced brain perfusion as measured by carotid ultrasound and MRI arterial spin labeling. Vessel caliber, functional stiffness, and blood flow improved with minoxidil. The ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener increased Eln gene expression and altered 126 other matrix-associated genes.