bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Psychometric Properties of Upper Extremity Functional Scale: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nazz Rubina , Kaur Simranjeet , Sharma Nidhi
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS) is a 20- item, region-specific, patient-reported outcome measure developed by Glenn Pransky and colleagues in 1997. The UEFS is used to measure upper extremity function in individuals with hand and upper extremity disorders. Patients rate their function on a 0 to 4 Likert scale, where 0 indicates extreme difficulty and 4 indicates no difficulty performing the task. This translates into a maximum possible score of 80, which indicates excellent function. The UEFS takes about 5 minutes to complete and is easy to administer and score with minimal training. The total score is computed by adding up individual item scores. Aim: To examine the psychometric properties of the UEFS. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted from August 2023 to February 2024 and included searches in PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus (2015- 2023) The search strategy included keywords such as “Upper Extremity Functional Scale,” “psychometric properties,” “reliability” “validity,” and “responsiveness.” There were 10 articles investigating the psychometric properties of the UEFS in individuals with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders were included. Results: The summary of the psychometric evidence of the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) available version in terms of reliability, validity and responsiveness. The UEFI and UEFI-15 versions showed consistent test-retest reliability results {Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC)=0.94}. Convergent validity for both the UEFI and UEFI-15 versions was supported by their strong correlation with the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS) ≥0.6. Conclusion: The UEFS exhibits strong psychometric properties. It is widely used in clinical practice and research, with solid evidence supporting its usefulness in measuring upper extremity function in people with musculoskeletal diseases.
Effectiveness of Myofascial Release on Respiratory Muscle in COPD Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rana Yuvraj , Goyal Manu
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can stiffen the diaphragm, limiting its movement and compliance. Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques may help loosen restrictions in the fascia surrounding the diaphragm, allowing for better mobility and more efficient breathing. While some studies suggest benefits of MFR for COPD patients, the overall research base is limited. Aim: To evaluate the current evidence on effectiveness of MFR techniques in improving respiratory muscle function in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted from September 2023 to January 2024 and following searches were performed in PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Cochrane using keywords like “manual diaphragm release”, “respiratory muscles”, “COPD” and “diaphragmatic myofascial release”. After probing the databases only four studies were found to be in line with the aim, where the participants were both male and female with COPD according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Results: Findings of the Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in the present review. The studies employed Myofascial release over Respiratory muscles which shows that MFR have beneficial effects on respiratory muscle functions in COPD patients, potentially improving breathing mechanics, muscle strength and exercise tolerance. Conclusion: The review supports the potential effectiveness of myofascial release as a complementary therapy for improving respiratory muscle function in individuals with COPD. The MFR could be a valuable non invasive and drug-free technique to complement existing COPD management strategies like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation. It might offer additional benefits for symptom management and overall well-being.
Role of Core Muscle Strengthening Exercises in Rehabilitation of Knee Osteoarthritis in Obese Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: . Manalisa , Sharma Sunita
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA), is a common cause of disability. It normally affects women more often than men, and as people age, it becomes more prevalent. Obese individuals are more prone to develop knee OA. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to lessen knee OA discomfort. Exercises that strengthen the core muscles are very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis in the knee, particularly those who are obese. Aim: To determine whether core muscle-strengthening exercises have been beneficial in the rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis patients with obesity. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to get information that was relevant from years 2012-2024 with the keywords, “Knee Osteoarthritis”, “Obesity”, “Regular Exercise”, “Quality of Life”. An unbiased selection, evaluation, and extraction of data were carried out in the present review. Complete text papers, written in English, published within 2007 and 2023 and knee OA with core strengthening studies were included in the review. Results: The present review included a total of five articles that emphasise the use of the photogrammetric method in the evaluation of forward head posture, particularly the craniovertebral angle. The angular and linear values are commonly utilised by using posture analysis software to evaluate changes in the frontal and sagittal planes of the spine. The photogrammetric method can be recommended as a reliable tool for evaluation of forward head posture. Conclusion: Exercises that strengthen the core muscles are very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis in the knee. Strengthening the core muscles is a very effective physical treatment for knee osteoarthritis patients, as it dramatically improves their functional status, discomfort, range of motion and Quality of Life (QoL).
Impact of Class IV LASER Therapy and Conventional Exercise on Young Adults with Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomised Clinical Trial Protocol
Authors: Sahani Anjuman , Sharma Sunita
Published: September 2024

Introduction: A Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is characterised by unilateral neck pain that originates in the bony or soft tissues of the neck and refers to the head. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) therapy is frequently employed in clinical settings to treat musculoskeletal diseases. Need for the study: Authors anticipate cervicogenic headache (CGH) treatment with Class IV LASER therapy will lead to statistically significant reduction in both neck pain and headache compared to baseline measurement. Adverse events related to Class IV LASER on CGH is minimal. The anticipated result of the present protocol will provide valuable insight into the efficacy and safety of Class IV LASER in the management of headache and neck pain. Aim: To determine the efficacy of Class IV LASER therapy in young adults with CGH. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial protocol will be conducted on a total of 44 patients having age range between 20- 39 years with cervicogenic headache were recruited by convenience sampling method. Recruited individuals with cervicogenic headache will be randomly divided into two groups: Treatment Group A (Class IV LASER therapy with conventional exercises) and Treatment Group B (Conventional exercises). Treatment time for group A will be calculated by dividing the total energy delivered by the average total output. Each patient received six sessions in total alternative days. Group B also received same session as group A. The visual analogue scale, neck disability index, algometer, and headache impact test are outcome measures that will be recorded as a baseline and of the two-week post-intervention period.
A proposal for a new method of testing the impact strength of adhesive joints
Authors: Godzimirski Jan , Komorek Andrzej
Published: September 2024

The usefulness of the proprietary method of testing the impact strength of adhesive joints under shear loads was checked. An adhesively bonded lap sample of flat bars with a thickness of 5 mm, loaded on the side surface of the overlap, was proposed. Numerical calculations have shown that in such a loaded lap joint, shear stresses dominate. Impact tests of such specimens can be performed on conventional Charpy hammers. The conducted experimental tests showed high reproducibility of the results of such tests and as expected, higher destruction energy of flexible adhesive and adhesive layers of greater thickness was obtained.
Synthesis, Characterization and In-vitro Antibacterial Activity Studies of Oxovanadium (IV) Complexes of α-Amino Acid Schiff Bases and 1,10-Phenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Atique , Rahman Hafizur , Haque Md. Masuqul , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: September 2024

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes of the type [VO(L)(phen)] (VO-1 to VO-5) have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR and UV-Vis spectra, molar conductance,  melting points, and magnetic susceptibilities measurements, where L= N-salicylidene-β-alanine (sal-ala), N-salicylidene-glycine (sal-gly), N-salicylidene-DL-β-phenylalanine (sal-pheala), N-salicylidene-leucine (sal-leu), and N-salicylidene-DL-methionine (sal-met), and phen is 1,10-phenanthtroline.  The infrared spectral data reveals that the tridentate nature of the amino acid-based Schiff base ligand and the coordination of the ligand through azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen and carboxylate oxygen with vanadyl (VO2+) ion. All of these complexes were determined to be non-electrolyte in nature, according to conductivity measurements. The magnetic moment measurements have been attributed that these complexes are paramagnetic and have d1 configuration of vanadium (IV) ion. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes was evaluated against four pathogenic bacteria viz. Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Conceptual Coherence and Dominant Misconceptions in the Concept of Force among Higher Education Students through the Administration of the Force Concept Inventory
Authors: Tenzin Karma
Published: September 2024

The paper reported here is a part of a larger 8000 student survey to determine the common misconceptions regarding Newtonian mechanics among Bhutanese students. The force concept inventory was used as a diagnostic instrument to probe students’ misconceptions regarding the concept of force in physics. The objective of the research was to determine the extent to which student scores demonstrated conceptual coherence, Newtonian thinking, and identify dominant misconceptions. Data was collected from university students majoring in physics (N = 40), year I and year IV pre-service teachers (N=155), by administering the questionnaire face-to-face. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results suggests that students are not able to consistently apply Newtonian mechanics, and none have reached the Newtonian thinking threshold. Dominant misconceptions were identified in relation to kinematics, Newton’s first, second, and third laws of motion, superimposition principle, and kinds of force. Pre-service teacher educators, university lecturers, and curriculum developers should invest time and resources in identifying and addressing the misconceptions.
Influence of Weather Parameters on Abundance of Litchi Fruit Borer (Conopomorpha sinensis, Bradely, 1986)
Authors: Suman Swati , Kumar Manendra , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: September 2024

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn) is a subtropical fruit belonging to family Sapindaceae. India is the second largest global producer of Litchi, next only to China. Litchi fruit borer (Conopomorpha sinensis Bradely,1986 (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridae), attacks Litchi plant during different seasons. Their seasonal abundance causes damage to different plant parts including the fruits and leaves throughout the year. Their abundance and therefore damaging potentialities are affected by different environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, seasonal variations etc. An attempt has been made through this research work to precisely ascertain the impact of some of these factors on the proliferation of this pest. The result obtained will help in devising their control measures. The correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between proliferation of pest and temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind velocity. Among various weather parameters average temperature and precipitation shows positive and significant correlation with fruit damage.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Economics of Rice
Authors: Yadav Praveen Kumar , Kumar Ravindra , Kumar Anil , Sharma Sanjeev , Kumar Munish , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: September 2024

The present investigation was carried out during kharif season of 2022 and 2023 at Students' Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.). The experiment consisted of fourteen different treatments in randomized block design replicated thrice. Soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture and slightly alkaline in reaction. The results showed that, on a pooled data basis, the highest grain yield (42.45 q/ha) was achieved with treatment T8, which involved the application of 75 % NPK + FYM + Consortia + Nano Zinc. Similarly, higher straw yields of 69.23 q/ha and 67.00 q/ha were recorded during both years, with T8 also yielding the maximum straw on a pooled basis, followed closely by T14.  Pooled data analysis revealed that T8 achieved the highest grain and straw yields, along with the maximum Benefit-Cost (B: C) ratio of 3.42. The control (T1) consistently recorded the lowest grain and straw yields across both years. The inclusion of FYM, Consortia, and Nano Zinc in INM treatments significantly improved yield performance and soil health, making T8 the most economically viable treatment.
Rejuvenation of Coastal Sandy Soils through Organics
Authors: Athulya B. M. , Priya Gowri , Rani B. , Aparna B. , Nishan M. A. , Leno Naveen
Published: September 2024

The coastal zone represents the transition from terrestrial to marine influences and vice versa. They are predominated by sandy soil texture, and have low agricultural productivity due to their properties and are vulnerable to erosion. Effective maintenance of soil organic matter is found to be a pre-requisite to ensure soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, organics based rejuvenation methods for coastal sandy soils need to be developed. A pot culture experiment was done at Kochuveli, Industrial area, in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with Amaranthus (variety: Arun) as test crop. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. In the study, effect of different organic manures such as FYM, coirpith compost, vermicompost, city compost, biochar and thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF), with and without lime on plant growth and yield, soil organic carbon and nutrient dynamics in the southern coastal sandy soils were studied. Soil management using organic manures had considerable impact on the growth and yield characteristics of the crop. Also the analyses of post-harvest soil for nutrient parameters showed that the highest value for organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium were recorded in soil treated with lime+TOF, while the highest value for available phosphorous was recorded in treatment lime+vermicompost. The study showed that soil test based lime application and basal application of TOF @ 25 t ha-1, top dressing with fresh cow dung slurry @ 1kg per 10 litres, along with 272.7 kg rock phosphate and 122.5 kg potassium sulphate ha-1 was the best treatment to improve the soil quality, growth and yield of amaranthus in coastal sandy soils in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Field Efficacy of Botanicals against Sucking Pests in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under Organic Cultivation
Authors: H. R Gothi, , Panickar Bindu K. , P. H. Rabari, , B. C. Patel, , C. S. Barad,
Published: September 2024

Investigations were carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif, 2022-23 and 2023-24 for evaluation of various botanicals on the incidence of sucking pests viz., aphid, thrips, leaf hopper and pod bug in pigeonpea. Among the botanicals treatment, NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent recorded significantly minimum 1.91 aphid per 10 cm shoot, 3.54 thrips per flower, 2.27 leaf hopper per 3 leaves and 1.93 pod bug per plant. The highest yield was obtained in the treatment of NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent (1300 kg/ha) and it was at par with NSKE @ 5 per cent (1282 kg/ha) and dashparniark @ 10 per cent (1258 kg/ha). The maximum increase in yield over control (76.07%) was obtained in NSKE @ 5 per cent + cow urine @ 10 per cent. The minimum avoidable losses (1.41%) and highest PCBR (1:16.12) was observed in the plot treated with NSKE @ 5 per cent.
Effect of Trichoderma Culture Filtrates of as Inducer on Growth Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) against Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Biswas S. K. , Kumar Shivam , Kumar Saurabh , Lal Kishan
Published: September 2024

Aims: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of culture filtrates from different Trichoderma isolates at 10% concentration on the growth parameters of tomato plants over two growing seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23).
Study Design: The experiment was performed both in vitro and in vivo condition, Completely Randomized Design (CRD) used for in vitro and Randomized Block Design (RBD) used for in vivo experiment
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was performed at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (India) during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Methodology: The soil sample collected from 12 different location of India and Trichoderma isolated and these different isolates used to produce their individual culture filtrate and these culture filtrates further use with 10% concentration as treatment for tomato plant. The effect of culture filtrates on plant height, root length, number of branches, fresh and dry shoot and root weight were observed under the experiment.
Results: Results show significant improvements in plant height, root length, fresh and dry weights and number of branches in all culture filtrate treated plants involving T9 (seedling treatment + one foliar spray with culture filtrate of Trichoderma Nagaur), which consistently outperformed other isolates. Plant height increased to 43.06 cm in 2021-22 and 44.56 cm in 2022-23 at 40 days after transplanting with isolate T9 treatment followed by culture filtrate of Trichoderma Jabalpur (T7) and Trichoderma Banda (T6) showed 11.56, 22.96, 33.72, and 37.15 cm in 2021-22, and 11.38, 23.24, 34.46 and 36.08 cm for T6 in the same year. Among all the culture filtrates, the treatment T9 significantly enhances root length, fresh shoot and root weights and the number of branches. The plants treated with isolate T9 also exhibited an increase of 98.94% in root fresh weight and 42.31% in shoot weight.
Conclusion: The findings confirm the growth-promoting potential of the T9 Trichoderma, attributed to mechanisms such as hormone production, enhanced nutrient uptake and improved root architecture. These results align with previous studies demonstrating the benefits of Trichoderma species in plant growth enhancement.
Breaking the Antibiotic Habit: Shorter Treatments for Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Nadeem Ayman , Abdelmessih Sandra , Eetala Dinesh K. , Peddapati Jagadeeswar R. , Vanakuri Ashritha , Shah Syed Muhammad Rehman , Ahmed Kashif Uddin , Natt Mohammad Z. , Fatima FNU , Mirza Muhammad Sohail S.
Published: September 2024

Background: Patients with acute complicated appendicitis, including gangrenous or perforated appendicitis and/or the presence of an abscess formation, usually require surgery followed by antibiotics. The optimal duration of antibiotic therapy for those infections is debatable; prolonged courses are practiced at other institutions.
Objectives: We undertook this systematic review and comparison to assess the efficacy of various durations of postoperative antibiotic therapy on patients healing from complicated acute appendicitis. The endpoint was defined as overall infections, length-of-sickness hospitalization (LOS), and readmissions in randomizing-controlled scan trials that tested different periods for which a patient received antibiotics after surgery.
Methods: A comprehensive search included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We included studies with randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cohort and observational studies that compared various durations of postoperative antibiotics among adults or children suffering from complicated appendicitis. Results: Data was extracted and analyzed for infection rates, LOS, and readmission outcomes.
Results: We included 13 studies with 4,675 participants in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found that short-term antibiotic therapy (≤5 days) is as effective as longer courses (> five days) in the prevention of postoperative infections. Patients in both the short- and long-term groups experienced similar rates of surgical site infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, and new-onset sepsis. Short-term therapy was also linked to a shorter LOS and comparable readmission rates.
Advancements and Challenges in Artificial Intelligence Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kotyal Kiran , Nautiyal Pankaj , Singh Mohit , Semwal Ankit , Rai Deepak , Papnai Gaurav , Nautiyal Chanda Thapliyal , G.Malathi  , Krishnaveni S.Anandha
Published: September 2024

This comprehensive review explores the advancements and challenges in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications across various industries. With rapid technological progress, AI has transformed domains such as healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing, driving innovations in automation, data analysis, and decision-making. This examines the Important and significant AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, highlighting their contributions to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and problem-solving capabilities, these advancements, several challenges persist, such as ethical concerns, bias in AI systems, data privacy issues, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the complexity of integrating AI into existing systems and workforce displacement due to automation are critical barriers to widespread adoption and provides a balanced perspective on both the potential and limitations of AI, offering insights into future research directions and strategies for addressing these challenges to ensure the sustainable and ethical development of AI technologies.
Processing of PatS, a morphogen precursor, in cell extracts of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Zhang Lianglin , Zhou Fang , Wang Shuai , Xu Xudong
Published: February 2017

Upon N‐stepdown, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 differentiates heterocysts along filaments in a semiregular pattern. A 17‐amino acid peptide called PatS is a morphogen precursor for pattern formation. The principal PatS derivative involved in heterocyst patterning has been proposed to be the C‐terminal peptide PatS‐5 (RGSGR), PatS‐6 (ERGSGR), or PatS‐8 (CDERGSGR). We present the first evidence for processing of PatS in cell extracts of this cyanobacterium. PatS is probably cleaved between the C‐terminal 7th and 8th amino acid residues, producing PatS‐7 (DERGSGR), then converted into PatS‐6 and PatS‐5. The processing site could be changed by a substitution at the C‐terminal 8th residue.
Constraints from GPS measurements on the dynamics of the zone of convergence between Arabia and Eurasia
Authors: Walters R. J. , England P. C. , Houseman G. A.
Published: February 2017

We investigate the dynamics of deformation in the zone of convergence between the Arabian and Eurasian plates using a physical model that treats the lithosphere as a thin fluid sheet deforming in response to lateral variations in gravitational potential energy (GPE). This model has two free material parameters, the power law exponent, n, of the vertically averaged rheology of the lithosphere and the Argand number, Ar, which expresses the relative importance of GPE and stresses required to deform the lithosphere. With boundary conditions described by three additional free parameters, the model fits the observed deformation, as measured by 367 GPS velocities, with a root‐mean‐square residual of <2.4 mm/yr. We find negligible improvement when variations in material properties are introduced that represent increases or decreases in the lithospheric strength of the Central Iranian and Turkish‐Iranian Plateaux and the Zagros Mountains. Effective viscosity of the lithosphere ranges from 5 × 1022 Pa s at 10 nanostrain/yr to 1022 Pa s at 100 nanostrain/yr. As well as matching the decadal time scale strain rates determined from GPS, the computed distribution of strain rates is also consistent with the distribution and types of earthquake focal mechanism. Significant historical earthquake activity is seen in regions with strain rates lower than 20 nanostrain/yr, implying that it is prudent to base assessments of seismic hazard on regional strain rates.
Modulation of Spin Dynamics via Voltage Control of Spin‐Lattice Coupling in Multiferroics
Authors: Zhu Mingmin , Zhou Ziyao , Peng Bin , Zhao Shishun , Zhang Yijun , Niu Gang , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo‐Guang , Liu Yaohua , Liu Ming
Published: February 2017

Motivated by the most recent progresses in both magnonics (spin dynamics) and multiferroics fields, this work aims at magnonics manipulation by the magnetoelectric coupling effect. Here, voltage control of magnonics, particularly the surface spin waves, is achieved in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.3PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructures. With the electron spin resonance method, a large 135 Oe shift of surface spin wave resonance (≈7 times greater than conventional voltage‐induced ferromagnetic resonance shift of 20 Oe) is determined. A model of the spin‐lattice coupling effect, i.e., varying exchange stiffness due to voltage‐induced anisotropic lattice changes, has been established to explain experiment results with good agreement. Additionally, an “on” and “off” spin wave state switch near the critical angle upon applying a voltage is created. The modulation of spin dynamics by spin‐lattice coupling effect provides a platform for realizing energy‐efficient, tunable magnonics devices.
Fast and Controllable Electric‐Field‐Assisted Reactive Deposited Stable and Annealing‐Free Perovskite toward Applicable High‐Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Feng , Liu Hong , Wang Xinwei , Shen Wenzhong
Published: February 2017

Recently, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have drawn great attention for their outstanding performance in high‐efficiency solar cells. Successful synthesis has been realized either in solution‐based chemical deposition or vapor deposition. However, conflicts have never ceased among quality control, growth rate, process complexity, and instrument requirement, which have limited their development toward real applications. In this work, the first electrochemical fabrication of perovskite toward high‐efficiency and scalable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is established. The morphology and crystallization of the CH3NH3PbI3 film can be effectively controlled by simply modulating a few physical parameters. A detailed study on its optoelectronic properties reveals significantly improved film quality and interfacial conditions. Aided by this, the total process does not require standard annealing, which greatly reduces the total growth time from hours to minutes. Up to now, an efficiency of 15.65% has been achieved in planar PSCs under 1 sun AM 1.5 condition, with small hysteresis and efficiency loss under longtime exposure to air. Moreover, high efficiency (10.45%) can be easily attained for large cells (2 cm2). This result will hopefully facilitate research for applicable high‐efficiency PSCs and other multicomponent materials as well.
Long‐term changes in the distribution and core habitat use of a coastal delphinid in response to anthropogenic coastal alterations
Authors: Wang Xianyan , Wu Fuxing , Zhu Qian , Huang Shiang‐Lin
Published: February 2017

The influence of anthropogenic habitat loss on animal distribution and core habitat use can be particularly strong in animals with narrow habitat selectivity, such as the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), a delphinid species that specifically inhabits coastal and estuarine waters.

This study measured the extent of habitat loss in the waters around Xiamen City, China, where intense environmental changes and coast utilization have occurred in the past 40 years. The extent of occurrence and the core habitat of the humpback dolphin were measured based on sighting records from censuses conducted in different years.

A Landsat image series revealed a permanent 119.95 km2 loss of coastal waters to land reclamation, coastal modification and harbour construction from 1973 to 2013. The distribution of the humpback dolphin showed a significant shift from inshore to offshore waters and away from artificial shorelines. Though the extent of occurrence appears to change minimally, a significant shift in the core habitat from the original coastal habitats into mid‐channel waters was observed in the eastern Xiamen Bay.

These results imply multiple consequences of anthropogenic coastal alterations for the humpback dolphin: the elimination of vital habitats, changes in habitat use preferences, and the partitioning of the social structure of the population.

The need to adjust current protected area designations along with adequate measures to restore habitat quality and population connectivity, both locally and regionally, are considered.
Hybrid procedure combining clip on wrapping and stent placement for ruptured supraclinoid blood blister‐like aneurysm of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Nagasaki Hirokazu , Narikiyo Michihisa , Nagayama Gota , Nagao Seiya , Tsuboi Yoshifumi , Kambayashi Chisaku
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Blood blister‐like aneurysms of the supraclinoid portion of the internal carotid artery are rare, fragile, and thin‐walled lesions with a higher rate of rebleeding. Our case underwent a hybrid procedure combining direct surgical and endovascular approach.
Catheter‐related thrombosis diagnosed by computed tomography
Authors: Yamauchi Yohei , Baba Akira , Okuyama Yumi
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Catheter‐related bloodstream infection can be detected with CT. Although it is not mandatory for its diagnosis, it is strong evidence as a cause of fever if detected incidentally.
Foreign body mimicking malignancy in acquired dacryocystocele
Authors: Mirza Ahmad A. , Alsharif Atheer F. , Elmays Omar A. , Marglani Osama A.
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

A featured malignant‐like granulation tissue can be the only preoperative clinical clue of a concealed foreign body in the nasal cavity. Thus, endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) should be completed with intraoperative nasal exploration to reveal non‐apparent foreign bodies that might be the underlying etiology of chronic dacryocystocele.
An HCV‐positive recipient of an HCV‐positive donor liver successfully treated before and immediately after liver transplant with daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin
Authors: Poordad Fred , Lawitz Eric , Gutierrez Julio A. , Guerrero Juan , Speeg Kermit , Swenson Eugene S.
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

This case suggests that initiation of HCV therapy immediately after liver transplantation with well‐tolerated, all‐oral regimens may achieve a virologic cure in HCV‐positive recipients, thus preventing post‐transplant HCV recurrence and associated disease progression. This strategy may broaden utilization of HCV‐positive donor livers, potentially including HCV‐negative transplant recipients.
Skewing toward Treg and Th2 responses is a characteristic feature of sustained remission in ANCA‐positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Szczeklik Wojciech , Jakieła Bogdan , Wawrzycka‐Adamczyk Katarzyna , Sanak Marek , Hubalewska‐Mazgaj Magdalena , Padjas Agnieszka , Surmiak Marcin , Szczeklik Katarzyna , Sznajd Jan , Musiał Jacek
Published: February 2017

The objective of our study was to evaluate the T‐helper (Th) and regulatory T (Treg) cell profile in ANCA‐positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and its relation to disease activity. In a prospective study, we studied two groups of GPA patients: (i) disease flare (active‐GPA, BVAS>6, n = 19), (ii) sustained remission (≥ 1‐year prior enrollment, inactive‐GPA, BVAS = 0, n = 18). 24 age‐sex matched healthy subjects served as controls. Active‐GPA patients were followed for 6 months and reevaluated during remission (early remission; n = 13). We analyzed subsets of Th‐cells (flow cytometry), production of signature cytokines by in vitro stimulated lymphocytes, and broad spectrum of serum cytokines (Luminex). In all GPA patients we observed expansion of effector Th17 cells, and increased production of IL‐17A by in vitro stimulated T cells, as compared to controls. Disease flare was characterized by marked reduction in Treg cells, whereas in sustained remission we showed expansion of both Treg and Th2 subset. Finally, analyzing the cytokine profile, we identified CCL23 and LIGHT, as potential biomarkers of active disease. We conclude that in GPA, expansion of Treg and Th2 lymphocytes in parallel to increased Th17 response is a characteristic feature of sustained remission. In contrast, Treg cells are markedly decreased in disease flare.
Flexible N‐Termini of Amyloid β‐Protein Oligomers: A Link between Structure and Activity?
Authors: Urbanc Brigita
Published: February 2017

Revised amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) states that amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) triggers the disease through formation of soluble low molecular weight (LMW) assemblies, called oligomers, which are challenging to characterize experimentally as well as computationally due to their heterogeneous and polymorphic nature, lack of ordered structure, and short lifetimes. Recent findings challenge the view of Aβ oligomers as exclusively toxic entities by revealing their dual, protective and disruptive nature in the context of immune response and AD, respectively. In this review, the understanding of Aβ oligomer formation and structure is discussed from the AD perspective. The structure‐activity relationship (SAR) that implicates flexible, solvent exposed N‐termini of Aβ oligomers, observed in computer simulations, in mediating their toxic as well as protective activity is proposed.
Evaluation of Drip Irrigation System Uniformity on Cotton Yield in an Arid Region using a Two‐Dimensional Soil Water Transport and Crop Growth Coupling Model
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Jiusheng , Guan Hongjie
Published: February 2017

Appropriate drip irrigation system uniformity can maintain a higher crop yield and reduce the initial investment of the system. In this study, investigating the optimal drip system uniformity for cotton, a two‐dimensional soil water transport and crop growth coupling model was calibrated and validated by soil water dynamics, crop growth indices and cotton yield obtained from mulched drip irrigation field experiments in an arid region of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The model performed well with the normalized root mean square error of 2.6–22.6% for soil moisture, 6.3–14.1% for leaf area index, 4.9–7.2% for above‐ground biomass, and with the difference ranging from 2.5 to 8.2% for seed cotton yield (SCY). Next, SCYs were simulated under five Christiansen uniformity coefficients (CUs) of 55, 65, 75, 85 and 95% with three irrigation levels of 50, 75 and 100% full irrigation treatment. The predicted SCY was found to decrease as CU decreased under different irrigation treatments, and the more obvious effect of CU on SCY at 75 and 100% full irrigation treatment was obtained. In addition, SCY increased by 2.8–8.0% when CU increased from 55 to 75%, and increased by 0.1–4.6% when CU increased from 75 to 95%. Therefore, a target drip irrigation uniformity of CU = 75% was recommended to obtain a higher cotton yield, while maintaining a lower installation cost in the arid region. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of CRISPR‐Cas systems in Klebsiella genomes
Authors: Shen Juntao , Lv Li , Wang Xudong , Xiu Zhilong , Chen Guoqiang
Published: February 2017

Prokaryotic CRISPR‐Cas system provides adaptive immunity against invasive genetic elements. Bacteria of the genus Klebsiella are important nosocomial opportunistic pathogens. However, information of CRISPR‐Cas system in Klebsiella remains largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the CRISPR‐Cas systems of 68 complete genomes of Klebsiella representing four species. All the elements for CRISPR‐Cas system (cas genes, repeats, leader sequences, and PAMs) were characterized. Besides the typical Type I‐E and I‐F CRISPR‐Cas systems, a new Subtype I system located in the ABC transport system‐glyoxalase region was found. The conservation of the new subtype CRISPR system between different species showed new evidence for CRISPR horizontal transfer. CRISPR polymorphism was strongly correlated both with species and multilocus sequence types. Some results indicated the function of adaptive immunity: most spacers (112 of 124) matched to prophages and plasmids and no matching housekeeping genes; new spacer acquisition was observed within the same sequence type (ST) and same clonal complex; the identical spacers were observed only in the ancient position (far from the leader) between different STs and clonal complexes. Interestingly, a high ratio of self‐targeting spacers (7.5%, 31 of 416) was found in CRISPR‐bearing Klebsiella pneumoniae (61%, 11 of 18). In some strains, there even were multiple full matching self‐targeting spacers. Some self‐targeting spacers were conserved even between different STs. These results indicated that some unknown mechanisms existed to compromise the function of self‐targets of CRISPR‐Cas systems in K. pneumoniae.
A new analytical model to study the influence of weld on the vertical dynamic response of prestressed pipe pile
Authors: Wu Wenbing , Jiang Guosheng , Huang Shenggen , Mei Guoxiong , Leo Chin Jian
Published: February 2017

This investigation is concerned with the mathematical analysis of a viscoelastic prestressed pipe pile embedded in multilayered soil under vertical dynamic excitation. The pile surrounding soil is governed by the plane strain model, and the soil plug is assumed to be an additional mass connected to the pipe pile shaft by applying the distributed Voigt model. Meanwhile, the prestressed pipe pile is assumed to be a vertical, viscoelastic, and hollow cylinder governed by the one‐dimensional wave equation. Then, analytical solutions of the dynamic response of the pipe pile in the frequency domain are derived by means of the Laplace transform and impedance function transfer method. Subsequently, the corresponding quasi‐analytical solution in the time domain for the case of the prestressed pipe pile undergoing a vertical semi‐sinusoidal exciting force applied at the pile top is obtained by employing the inverse Fourier transform. Utilizing these solutions, selected results for the velocity admittance curve and the reflected wave curve are presented for different heights of the soil plug to examine the influence of weld properties on the vertical dynamic response of prestressed pipe pile. The reasonableness of the theoretical model is verified by comparing the calculated results based on the presented solutions with measured results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Capital Campaigns on Other Nonprofits’ Fundraising
Authors: Woronkowicz Joanna , Nicholson‐Crotty Jill
Published: February 2017

This study focuses on the effects of capital campaigns on the fundraising performance of other nonprofits within the same geographic region. Drawing from research in organizational ecology and charitable giving, we offer a theory of capital campaign impact that says any impact of a campaign must be looked for in a carefully circumscribed area or population of organizations, and that campaigns raise awareness of the need for services within a particular area. We use data on capital campaigns at arts nonprofit organizations in forty‐eight counties across the United States between 1999 and 2007, coupled with financial data on nonprofits in the arts in the same county to test our hypotheses. The results from our analyses show that a major capital campaign positively affects other nonprofits’ fundraising, and the effect varies depending on the phase of the capital campaign. We discuss possible mechanisms that drive the positive effects of capital campaigns, and conclude with a short illustration.
Analysis of the HDG method for the stokes–darcy coupling
Authors: Gatica Gabriel N. , Sequeira Filánder A.
Published: February 2017

In this article, we introduce and analyze a hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method for numerically solving the coupling of fluid flow with porous media flow. Flows are governed by the Stokes and Darcy equations, respectively, and the corresponding transmission conditions are given by mass conservation, balance of normal forces, and the Beavers‐Joseph‐Saffman law. We consider a fully‐mixed formulation in which the main unknowns in the fluid are given by the stress, the vorticity, the velocity, and the trace of the velocity, whereas the velocity, the pressure, and the trace of the pressure are the unknowns in the porous medium. In addition, a suitable enrichment of the finite dimensional subspace for the stress yields optimally convergent approximations for all unknowns, as well as a superconvergent approximation of the trace variables. To do that, similarly as in previous articles dealing with development of the a priori error estimates, we use the projection‐based error analysis to simplify the corresponding study. Finally, we provide several numerical results illustrating the good performance of the proposed scheme and confirming the optimal order of convergence provided by the HDG approximation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 885–917, 2017
Error analysis of staggered finite difference finite volume schemes on unstructured meshes
Authors: Chen Qingshan
Published: February 2017

This work combines the consistency in lower‐order differential operators with external approximations of functional spaces to obtain error estimates for finite difference finite volume schemes on unstructured nonuniform meshes. This combined approach is first applied to a one‐dimensional elliptic boundary value problem on nonuniform meshes, and a first‐order convergence rate is obtained, which agrees with the results previously reported. The approach is also applied to the staggered Marker‐and‐Cell scheme for the two‐dimensional incompressible Stokes problem on unstructured meshes. A first‐order convergence rate is obtained, which improves over a previously reported result in that it also holds on unstructured meshes. For both problems considered in this work, the convergence rate is one order higher on meshes satisfying special requirements. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 1159–1182, 2017
Improving the open‐circuit voltage of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cells via interface passivation
Authors: Kim Jekyung , Park Sanghyun , Ryu Sangwoo , Oh Jihun , Shin Byungha
Published: February 2017

This study reports on substantial improvement of the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin film solar cells by applying a passivation strategy to both the top and bottom interfaces of the CZTSe absorber, which involves insertion of a thin dielectric layer between the CZTSe and the surrounding layers. The study also presents in‐depth material characterizations using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, low‐temperature photoluminescence, and secondary ion mass spectrometry, to reveal the effects of the interface passivation. To passivate the bottom Mo/CZTSe interface, a dielectric layer with patterned local contacts of dimensions down to ~100 nm was prepared using nanosphere lithography. With this, the Voc, short‐circuit current, and fill factor (FF) were significantly enhanced due to reduction in carrier recombination at the bottom Mo/CZTSe interface. The top CZTSe/CdS interface was passivated by a thin dielectric layer which prevented inter‐diffusion of Cd and Cu at the top interface, thereby improving the junction quality. Application of the top passivation layers resulted in substantial improvement in Voc and FF, thereby achieving the Voc deficit of 0.542 V which is the record value among reported CZTSe solar cells. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amorphous oxides as electron transport layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 superstrate devices
Authors: Heinemann M. D. , van Hest M. F. A. M. , Contreras M. , Perkins J. D. , Zakutayev A. , Kaufmann C. A. , Unold T. , Ginley D. S. , Berry J. J.
Published: February 2017

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells in superstrate configuration promise improved light management and higher stability compared to substrate devices, but they have yet to deliver comparable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Chemical reactions between the CIGS layer and the front contact were shown in the past to deteriorate the p‐n junction in superstrate devices, which led to lower efficiencies compared to the substrate‐type devices. This work aims to solve this problem by identifying a buffer layer between the CIGS layer and the front contact, acting as the electron transport layer, with an optimized electron affinity, doping density and chemical stability. Using combinatorial material exploration we identified amorphous gallium oxide (a‐GaOx) as a potentially suitable buffer layer material. The best results were obtained for a‐GaOx with an electron affinity that was found to be comparable to that of CIGS. Based on the results of device simulations, it is assumed that detrimental interfacial acceptor states are present at the interface between CIGS and a‐GaOx. However, these initial experiments indicate the potential of a‐GaOx in this application, and how to reach performance parity with substrate devices, by further increase of its n‐type doping density.
Dependent Mixed and Mixed Repetitive Sampling Plans for Linear Profiles
Authors: Wang Fu‐Kwun , Tamirat Yeneneh , Lo Shih‐Che , Aslam Muhammad
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we present two new dependent mixed sampling plans and a mixed repetitive sampling plan based on the process yield index for linear profiles. A mixed sampling plan includes two stages; the first stage is a combined test by variables and by attributes, and the second stage is tested by attributes only. The first plan is based on the traditional mixed sampling scheme without marginal quality, and the second plan is based on the modified mixed sampling scheme with marginal quality. If a lot is very bad, the probability it can be rejected with the small initial sample is higher for dependent mixed sampling with marginal quality. We compare dependent mixed plans with other types of double sampling plans; the former outperforms the others with respect to average sample number. Additionally, the number of profiles required in the first stage is much smaller than in the second stage. When the inspection is costly and destructive, a mixed repetitive sampling plan includes one stage that combines the inspection by attributes and by variables and allows resampling in some conditions. We compare the mixed repetitive sampling plan with the repetitive sampling plans by attributes and by variables. The probability of acceptance using the mixed repetitive sampling plan performs better than the repetitive sampling plans by attributes and by variables. Three examples are used to illustrate the proposed methods. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.