bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved biomechanical and biological outcomes in the MRL/MpJ murine strain following a full‐length patellar tendon injury
Authors: Lalley Andrea L. , Dyment Nathaniel A. , Kazemi Namdar , Kenter Keith , Gooch Cynthia , Rowe David W. , Butler David L. , Shearn Jason T.
Published: May 2015

Musculoskeletal injuries greatly affect the U.S. population and current clinical approaches fail to restore long‐term native tissue structure and function. Tissue engineering is a strategy advocated to improve tendon healing; however, the field still needs to establish biological benchmarks for assessing the effectiveness of tissue‐engineered structures. Investigating superior healing models, such as the MRL/MpJ, offers the opportunity to first characterize successful healing and then apply experimental findings to tissue‐engineered therapies. This study seeks to evaluate the MRL/MpJ's healing response following a central patellar tendon injury compared to wildtype. Gene expression and histology were assessed at 3, 7, and 14 days following injury and mechanical properties were measured at 2, 5, and 8 weeks. Native patellar tendon biological and mechanical properties were not different between strains. Following injury, the MRL/MpJ displayed increased mechanical properties between 5 and 8 weeks; however, early tenogenic expression patterns were not different between the strains. Furthermore, expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, p21, was not different between strains, suggesting an alternative mechanism may be driving the healing response. Future studies will investigate collagen structure and alignment of the repair tissue and characterize the complete healing transcriptome to identify mechanisms driving the MRL/MpJ response. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1693–1703, 2015.
Long‐term fertilization effects on soil organic carbon stocks in the irrigated desert soil of NW China
Authors: Chai Yanjun , Ma Shiming , Zeng Xibai , E Shengzhe , Che Zongxian , Li Lianfang , Duan Ran , Su Shiming
Published: May 2015

Soil samples from the Hexi Corridor located at the arid regions of NW China were collected from a 23‐y‐old field experiment. Effects of fertilization on soil organic C (SOC) fractions and the distribution of added OC in the different SOC fractions were studied. The results showed that the long‐term applications of sole organic manures or in combination with inorganic N fertilizer significantly (P< 0.05) increased the OC stocks in the particulate organic matter (POM), light fraction organic matter (LFOM), and heavy fraction organic matter (HFOM) by 24.8–159.6%, 55.2–224.4%, and 6.2–57.8%, respectively, compared to the non‐fertilized treatment (CK). The average OC stock in the HFOM was higher than those of the POM and LFOM, and the conversion rate of the added OC to the OC stock of the HFOM was also higher than those of the POM and the LFOM, showing that SOC was mainly sequestrated in the HFOM. The increase of OC stock in the HFOM resulted in the increase of OC stocks in the loosely bound humus, stably bound humus, and tightly bound humus. The OC stocks in the loosely, stably, and tightly bound humus accounted averagely for 16, 19, and 65% of the OC stock in the HFOM. Furthermore, the conversion rates of the added OC to the OC stocks of loosely, stably and tightly bound humus were 2.3%, 1.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Additionally, a significant (P< 0.01) positive linear correlation was found between the annually added OC amounts and the C sequestration rate. These results indicated that tightly bound humus was the most important component for OC sequestration in the irrigated desert soils of the Hexi Corridor and that SOC is not saturated in this region.
Soil N2O emissions following cover‐crop residues application under two soil moisture conditions
Authors: Pimentel Laisa Gouveia , Weiler Douglas Adams , Pedroso Gabriel Munhoz , Bayer Cimélio
Published: May 2015

Cover crops in rotation or intercropped with annual crops are important strategies to increase C and N input in agricultural soils. However, these practices may also enhance soil N2O emissions. The effect on N2O emissions may be dependent upon the biochemical composition of cover crop residues. A 47‐d incubation study was conducted to determine soil N2O emissions following the addition of residues from three summer legume species [pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), lablab bean (Lablab purpureus)], one winter legume [vetch (Vicia sativa L.)], one winter monocotyledon [black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.)], and maize (Zea mays L.) under two water‐filled pore space levels (40 and 70% WFPS). Short‐term peaks of N2O fluxes were observed after the addition of all crop residues, but were much greater under 70 than 40% WFPS (5.2 and 5133 µg N‐N2O kg−1 soil for 40 and 70% WFPS, respectively). Under both WFPS, significantly higher peaks were detected after the application of N‐rich legume residues (7.7 and 3,356 µg N‐N2O kg−1 soil under 40 and 70% WFPS, respectively) than after the application of grass residues (2.8 and 1,777 µg N‐N2O kg−1 soil under 40 and 70% WFPS, respectively). Cumulative soil N2O produced under 70% WFPS was approx. 110 times greater than under 40% WFPS. Soil N2O emissions increased linearly as residue N content increased. Soil N2O emissions also increased linearly as the content of the recalcitrant compounds lignin and polyphenols increased, because residues with high N content also had high lignin and polyphenols content. When the content of C and recalcitrant compounds were expressed on an N basis, soil N2O emission decreased linearly as residue C/N, lignin/N, polyphenol/N, and (lignin + polyphenols)/N ratios increased. Indices that include recalcitrant compounds on N basis may be useful for the selection of cover‐crop species with the least impact on soil N2O emissions. However, our results show that these ratio indices had similar correlation coefficients compared to C/N ratio, indicating that C/N ratio is an efficient index to predict soil N2O emission following cover crop application.
The nitrate transporter NRT1.1 is involved in iron deficiency responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Xunyan , Cui Haoqiang , Li Anna , Zhang Ming , Teng Yibo
Published: May 2015

Iron (Fe) deficiency strongly induces Fe‐acquisition gene expression. The nitrate transporter NRT1.1, which functions as a dual‐affinity nitrate transporter and nitrate signaling sensor, is involved in many nitrate‐dependent responses. However, the regulation of plant responses to Fe deficiency by NRT1.1 has not been described. In this study, it is shown that NRT1.1 is down‐regulated by Fe deficiency. The functional disruption of NRT1.1 enhanced resistance to Fe deficiency stress: after 10 d Fe starvation, the shoot chlorosis phenotype of the NRT1.1‐deficient mutant chl1‐5 was alleviated compared to the wild type (WT). Furthermore, the levels of IRT1, FRO2, and FIT transcripts were less induced in chl1‐5 plants under Fe‐deficient conditions. Less nitrate accumulated in chl1‐5 plants compared to WT and nitrate reductase (NR) activity was significantly decreased in WT plants after 10 d Fe deficiency treatment but not in the mutant. We propose that the functional disruption of NRT1.1 helps Arabidopsis plants to better adapt to Fe deficiency stress, which is most likely explained in terms of a physiological mechanism by which the reduced amount of accumulated internal nitrate could to impair an FIT‐dependent Fe deficiency signaling pathway via a feedback mechanism.
Observations of tidal and storm surge attenuation in a large tidal marsh
Authors: Stark J. , Van Oyen T. , Meire P. , Temmerman S.
Published: May 2015

Tidal wetlands are increasingly valued for their role in coastal defense. Nevertheless, in situ observations of storm surge attenuation within wetlands are still scarce. We present water level measurements along a 4 km intertidal channel and on the surrounding marsh platform for regular spring to neap tides and two major storm surge tides, showing the effects of flood wave height and marsh geomorphology on the amount of flood wave attenuation. Undermarsh tides with peak water levels below marsh platform elevation are mostly amplified (up to 4 cm/km) within the channels. Overmarsh tides with peak water levels above the marsh platform are generally attenuated along the channels, with maximum attenuation rates of 5 cm/km for tides that inundate the marsh platform by 0.5–1.0 m. For lower or higher flood waves, including storm surges, attenuation rates decrease. Furthermore, the observations show that the maximum attenuation occurs along narrow channel transects where the width of the platform is larger, whereas attenuation rates are lower along wider channels with smaller adjacent marsh platforms. These observations are confirmed by an analytical approximation of tidal wave propagation through convergent channels. The analytical model indicates that differences in attenuation rates are induced by variations in the cross‐channel averaged friction between channel sections and between tides with varying peak water levels. Finally, the highest attenuation rates of up to 70 cm/km are observed over short distances on the vegetated marsh platform. We conclude that this study provides an empirical basis for the wider implementation of nature‐based flood defense strategies.
Acute kidney injury after orthotopic liver transplantation using living donor versus deceased donor grafts: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Hilmi Ibtesam A. , Damian Daniela , Al‐Khafaji Ali , Sakai Tetsuro , Donaldson Joseph , Winger Daniel G. , Kellum John A.
Published: May 2015

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT). Few studies investigating the incidence and risk factors for AKI after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have been published. LDLT recipients have a lower risk for post‐LT AKI than deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) recipients because of higher quality liver grafts. We retrospectively reviewed LDLTs and DDLTs performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between January 2006 and December 2011. AKI was defined as a 50% increase in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline (preoperative) values within 48 hours. One hundred LDLT and 424 DDLT recipients were included in the propensity score matching logistic model on the basis of age, sex, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, Child‐Pugh score, pretransplant SCr, and preexisting diabetes mellitus. Eighty‐six pairs were created after 1‐to‐1 propensity matching. The binary outcome of AKI was analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression, incorporating the main exposure of interest (LDLT versus DDLT) with the aforementioned matching criteria and postreperfusion syndrome, number of units of packed red blood cells, and donor age as fixed effects. In the corresponding matched data set, the incidence of AKI at 72 hours was 23.3% in the LDLT group, significantly lower than the 44.2% in the DDLT group (P = 0.004). Multivariate mixed effects logistic regression showed that living donor liver allografts were significantly associated with reduced odds of AKI at 72 hours after LT (P = 0.047; odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.096‐0.984). The matched patients had lower body weights, better preserved liver functions, and more stable intraoperative hemodynamic parameters. The donors were also younger for the matched patients than for the unmatched patients. In conclusion, receiving a graft from a living donor has a protective effect against early post‐LT AKI. Liver Transpl 21:1179–1185, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Parikh Neehar D. , Waljee Akbar K. , Singal Amit G.
Published: May 2015

Downstaging can facilitate liver transplantation (LT) for patients outside of Milan criteria with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the optimal protocol and downstaging outcomes are poorly defined. We aimed to characterize rates of successful downstaging to within Milan criteria and post‐LT recurrence and survival among patients who underwent downstaging. We performed a systematic literature review using the MEDLINE and Embase databases from January 1996 through March 2015 and a search of national meeting abstracts from 2010 to 2014. Rates of downstaging success (defined as a decrease of tumor burden to within Milan) and post‐LT recurrence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Prespecified subgroup analyses were conducted by treatment modality, study design, and patient characteristics. Thirteen studies (n = 950 patients) evaluating downstaging success had a pooled success rate of 0.48 (95% CI, 0.39‐0.58%). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant difference comparing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) versus transarterial radioembolization (TARE; P = 0.51), but there were higher success rates in prospective versus retrospective studies (0.68 versus 0.44; P < 0.001). The 12 studies (n = 320 patients) evaluating post‐LT HCC recurrence had a pooled recurrence rate of 0.16 (95% CI, 0.11‐0.23). There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between TACE and TARE (P = 0.33). Post‐LT survival could not be aggregated because of heterogeneity in survival data reporting. Current data have heterogeneity in baseline tumor burden, waiting time, downstaging protocols, and treatment response assessments. There are also notable limitations including inconsistent reporting of inclusion criteria, downstaging protocols, and outcome assessment criteria. In conclusion, the success rate of downstaging HCC to within Milan criteria exceeds 40%; however, posttransplant HCC recurrence rates are high at 16%. Downstaging protocols for HCC should be systematically studied and optimized to minimize the risk of post‐LT HCC recurrence. Liver Transpl 21:1142‐1152, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
A note on a forcing related to the S‐space problem in the extension with a coherent Suslin tree
Authors: Yorioka Teruyuki
Published: May 2015

One of the main problems about is that whether a coherent Suslin tree forces that there are no S‐spaces under . We analyze a forcing notion related to this problem, and show that under , S forces that every topology on ω1 generated by a basis in the ground model is not an S‐topology. This supplements the previous work due to Stevo Todorčević [25].
Is delayed reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi free flap a worthy option in the management of open IIIB tibial fractures?
Authors: Hwang Kyu Tae , Kim Sang Wha , Sung Il Hoon , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: May 2015

Early reconstruction of severe open fractures, performed within 7 days of the injury, has a better outcome than closure after 7 days. However, the uncertain demarcation of damaged tissue often results in delayed reconstruction. In this article, we report our surgical outcomes of delayed reconstruction using latissimus dorsi free flap with internal fixation. Twenty‐three patients with Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures Between March 2009 and May 2012 were included in this study. There were 16 cases of distal 1/3 fracture of the tibia, 4 of midshaft fracture, 1 of proximal 1/3 fracture, and 2 of segmental fracture. Serial debridement with application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was performed before the final operation. All patients underwent internal fixation of the bone and reconstruction of soft tissue defect using latissimus dorsi free flap. The number of serial debridements, excluding those performed during emergency and finial operation, ranged from 1 to 5 (mean 2.69) times. Mean time from injury to final operation was 10.65 (range, 7–22) days. All flaps survived without complications. Three cases (13%) were infected, and three cases required further bone graft surgery to facilitate bone union (13%). Bone union was achieved after a mean 6.3 (range, 3–12) months. Mean follow‐up period was 16.34 (range, 12–26) months. During follow‐up, all patients were able to ambulate without use of an aid. In cases of severe open fracture, treatment should emphasize soft tissue coverage rather than rushing to achieve definitive fixation in the setting of poor surrounding tissues. When delayed reconstruction is inevitable, radical debridement is performed first, then NPWT is used as bridging therapy, and free flap could be considered for definite soft tissues coverage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:453–459, 2016.
Experimental O‐space turbo spin echo imaging
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Tam Leo , Kopanoglu Emre , Peters Dana C. , Constable R. Todd , Galiana Gigi
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging reduces imaging time by acquiring multiple echoes per repetition (TR), requiring fewer TRs. O‐space can also require fewer TRs by using a combination of nonlinear magnetic gradient fields and surface coil arrays. Although to date, O‐space has only been demonstrated for gradient echo imaging, it is valuable to combine these two techniques. However, collecting multiple O‐space echoes per TR is difficult because of the different local k‐space trajectories and variable T2‐weighting.

Theory and Methods

A practical scheme is demonstrated to combine the benefits of TSE and O‐space for highly accelerated T2‐weighted images. The scheme uses a modified acquisition order and filtered projection reconstruction to reduce artifacts caused by T2 decay, while retaining T2 contrast that corresponds to a specific echo time.

Results

The experiments revealed that the proposed method can produce highly accelerated T2‐weighted images. Moreover, the method can generate multiple images with different T2 contrasts from a single dataset.

Conclusions

The proposed O‐space TSE imaging method requires fewer echoes than conventional TSE and fewer repetitions than conventional O‐space imaging. It retains resilience to undersampling, clearly outperforming Cartesian SENSE at high levels of undersampling, and can generate undistorted images with a range of T2 contrast from a single acquired dataset. Magn Reson Med 75:1654–1661, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The dynamic and stochastic knapsack Problem with homogeneous‐sized items and postponement options
Authors: Feng Tianke , Hartman Joseph C.
Published: May 2015

This article generalizes the dynamic and stochastic knapsack problem by allowing the decision‐maker to postpone the accept/reject decision for an item and maintain a queue of waiting items to be considered later. Postponed decisions are penalized with delay costs, while idle capacity incurs a holding cost. This generalization addresses applications where requests of scarce resources can be delayed, for example, dispatching in logistics and allocation of funding to investments. We model the problem as a Markov decision process and analyze it through dynamic programming. We show that the optimal policy with homogeneous‐sized items possesses a bithreshold structure, despite the high dimensionality of the decision space. Finally, the value (or price) of postponement is illustrated through numerical examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 267–292, 2015
Changing the paradigm: Simulation, now a method of first resort
Authors: Lucas Thomas W. , Kelton W. David , Sánchez Paul J. , Sanchez Susan M. , Anderson Ben L.
Published: May 2015

Decades ago, simulation was famously characterized as a “method of last resort,” to which analysts should turn only “when all else fails.” In those intervening decades, the technologies supporting simulation—computing hardware, simulation‐modeling paradigms, simulation software, design‐and‐analysis methods—have all advanced dramatically. We offer an updated view that simulation is now a very appealing option for modeling and analysis. When applied properly, simulation can provide fully as much insight, with as much precision as desired, as can exact analytical methods that are based on more restrictive assumptions. The fundamental advantage of simulation is that it can tolerate far less restrictive modeling assumptions, leading to an underlying model that is more reflective of reality and thus more valid, leading to better decisions. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 293–303, 2015
User‐centric versus network‐centric load balancing: How to provide good QoE for gold users
Authors: Mämmelä Olli , Mannersalo Petteri
Published: May 2015

The predicted increase in mobile data traffic and in the number of mobile users poses challenges for network operators. Future mobile networks should support traffic volumes of several orders of magnitude larger than today. This may create situations in which the transmission capacity of the network is inadequate for the traffic demand. Intelligent and robust network management methods are thus needed to handle the upcoming changes. Because quite often the bottleneck lies in the wireless part of the network, it is essential to have methods in place to select appropriate wireless access points for the users or their applications. This can be performed either by a central entity or in a distributed manner in which the intelligence is placed in the user equipment or hybrid combinations of those. The selection criteria may vary from selfish optimization of a single user's quality of experience to global network load balancing and class‐wise prioritization. This work explores the wireless access selection scheme from a system perspective in scenarios where users of different subscription classes are using progressive video streaming. Evaluation is carried out between a Q‐learning based user‐centric algorithm, a user class aware network‐centric algorithm and a setting without handovers. Simulation results show that both user‐centric and network‐centric algorithms are able to improve the network performance and the quality of experience of the users. The gains of the network‐centric algorithm are more evident during high congestion. In a lightly congested network, the distributed selfish optimization is also qualitatively a good solution for gold users. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational homogenization of nonlinear elastic materials using neural networks
Authors: Le B. A. , Yvonnet J. , He Q.‐C.
Published: May 2015

In this work, a decoupled computational homogenization method for nonlinear elastic materials is proposed using neural networks. In this method, the effective potential is represented as a response surface parameterized by the macroscopic strains and some microstructural parameters. The discrete values of the effective potential are computed by finite element method through random sampling in the parameter space, and neural networks are used to approximate the surface response and to derive the macroscopic stress and tangent tensor components. We show through several numerical convergence analyses that smooth functions can be efficiently evaluated in parameter spaces with dimension up to 10, allowing to consider three‐dimensional representative volume elements and an explicit dependence of the effective behavior on microstructural parameters like volume fraction. We present several applications of this technique to the homogenization of nonlinear elastic composites, involving a two‐scale example of heterogeneous structure with graded nonlinear properties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractional visco‐elastic Timoshenko beam deflection via single equation
Authors: Pirrotta Antonina , Cutrona Stefano , Lorenzo Salvatore Di , Matteo Alberto Di
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with the response determination of a visco‐elastic Timoshenko beam under static loading condition and taking into account fractional calculus. In particular, the fractional derivative terms arise from representing constitutive behavior of the visco‐elastic material. Further, taking advantages of the Mellin transform method recently developed for the solution of fractional differential equation, the problem of fractional Timoshenko beam model is assessed in time domain without invoking the Laplace‐transforms as usual. Further, solution provided by the Mellin transform procedure will be compared with classical Central Difference scheme one, based on the Grunwald–Letnikov approximation of the fractional derivative.

Moreover, Timoshenko beam response is generally evaluated by solving a couple of differential equations. In this paper, expressing the equation of the elastic curve just through a single relation, a more general procedure, which allows the determination of the beam response for any load condition and type of constraints, is developed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polyelectrolyte/silver multilayer films on PET substrates and its antibacterial property
Authors: Cheng Deshan , Lin Xia , Fan Lingling , Cai Guangming , Wu Jihong , Yu Weidong
Published: May 2015

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by a chemical reduction method that reduced silver nitrate with sodium borohydride. Hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in concentrated alkaline solution produced a carboxyl‐enriched surface. The ultrathin multilayer films were fabricated by sequential adsorption of the positively charged poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and negatively charged AgNPs colloid solution on PET substrates by an layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly technique. The multilayer film growth process on PET substrates was monitored by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the multilayer film was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), scanning probe microscope (SPM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the AgNPs were uniformly dispersed on the PET film as metallic silver state. The surface wettability of multilayer film was investigated using sessile drop method. The results suggest that the PET films after assembled 10‐bilayer PDDA/AgNPs multilayer films exhibits good antibacterial property. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1161–1168, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Arylnaphthalene and aryltetralin‐type lignans in hairy root cultures of Linum perenne, and the stereochemistry of 6‐methoxypodophyllotoxin and one diastereoisomer by HPLC‐MS and NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Jullian‐Pawlicki Nathalie , Lequart‐Pillon Michelle , Huynh‐Cong Luyen , Lesur David , Cailleu Dominique , Mesnard François , Laberche Jean Claude , Gontier Eric , Boitel‐Conti Michèle
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Hairy root cultures of Linum sp. are an alternative for the high production of lignans. Linum perenne is known to produce arylnaphthalene‐type lignans such as justicidin B, isojusticidin and diphyllin.

Objective

To elucidate the presence of aryltetralin‐type lignan diastereoisomers, besides the known arylnaphthalene‐type lignans, in hairy roots of Linum perenne, and to determine the configurations of one diastereoisomer of 6‐methoxypodophyllotoxin (6‐MPTOX).

Methods

Lignans from hairy root cultures of Linum perenne were extracted and separated by HPLC. Arylnaphthalene‐type lignans were identified by LC‐MS, according to the literature. Two diastereoisomers of aryltetralin‐type lignans were analysed by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy.

Results

Numerous arylnaphthalene‐type lignans (diphyllin‐2‐hexose‐pentose, diphyllin‐3‐pentose and diphyllin‐hexose) were identified in hairy root cultures. Methoxypodophyllotoxin, an aryltetralin‐type lignan, was also identified, as well as one diastereoisomer. This aryltetralin‐type lignan could be derived via 7‐hydroxymatairesinol as a hypothetical biosynthetic pathway. The stereochemical configurations of aryltetralin isomers were determined.

Conclusion

Arylnaphthalene and two diastereoisomers of aryltetralin‐type lignans are produced in Linum perenne hairy root cultures. Matairesinol, the precursor of justicidin B, also seems to be converted into 6‐MPTOX via 7‐hydroxymatairesinol. This is the first report of the stereochemical configurations of an aryltetralin‐type lignan other than podophyllotoxin (PTOX). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of Pierre Robin Sequence: accuracy and ability to predict phenotype and functional severity
Authors: Lind Katia , Aubry Marie‐Cécile , Belarbi Nadia , Chalouhi Christel , Couly Gérard , Benachi Alexandra , Lyonnet Stanislas , Abadie Véronique
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the outcome of fetuses who had sonographic features suggestive of Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS).

Method

All prenatal ultrasounds that mentioned ‘posterior cleft palate’, or ‘micro or retrognathia’ or ‘PRS’ over 13 and 20 years, respectively, at two obstetrical centers were reviewed. Medical records for children with isolated PRS monitored over 20 years at a PRS referral center for prenatal anomalies and the severity of neonatal feeding and respiratory functional disorders were utilized for comparison.

Results

From a prenatal ultrasound database of 166 000 cases, 157 had one or more of the sonographic signs suggestive of PRS and had follow‐up available. Of them, 33 (21%) had confirmed PRS, 9 (6%) were normal and 115 (73%) had chromosomal aberrations, associated malformations or neurological anomalies. Visualization of a posterior cleft palate in addition to retro‐micrognathia had a positive predictive value of 100% for PRS. The distribution of functional severity grades was similar in cases suspected prenatally as in 238 cases of PRS followed in the referral center in Necker Hospital.

Conclusion

Only a minority of cases of fetal retrognathia have complete PRS; the majority have other severe conditions. Prenatal prediction of functional severity of isolated PRS is not possible. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How can proteomics elucidate the complexity of multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Farias Alessandro S. , Santos Leonilda M. B.
Published: May 2015

Multiple sclerosis affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. Although multiple sclerosis was described almost 150 years ago, there are many knowledge gaps regarding its etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and pathogenesis. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, demyelinating, neurodegenerative disease of the CNS. During the last several decades, experimental models of multiple sclerosis have contributed to our understanding of the inflammatory disease mechanisms and have aided drug testing and development. However, little is known about the neurodegenerative mechanisms that operate during the evolution of the disease. Currently, all therapeutic approaches are primarily based on the inflammatory aspect of the disease. During the last decade, proteomics has emerged as a promising tool for revealing molecular pathways as well as identifying and quantifying differentially expressed proteins. Therefore, proteomics may be used for the discovery of biomarkers, potential drug targets, and new regulatory mechanisms. To date, a considerable number of proteomics studies have been conducted on samples from experimental models and patients with multiple sclerosis. These data form a solid base for further careful analysis and validation.
The physical foundation of FN = kh3/2 for conical/pyramidal indentation loading curves
Authors: Kaupp G.
Published: May 2015

A physical deduction of the FN = kh3/2 relation (where FN is normal force, k penetration resistance, and h penetration depth) for conical/pyramidal indentation loading curves has been achieved on the basis of elementary mathematics. The indentation process couples the productions of volume and pressure to the displaced material that often partly plasticizes due to such pressure. As the pressure/plasticizing depends on the indenter volume, it follows that FN = FNp1/3  ·  FNV2/3, where the index p stands for pressure/plasticizing and V for indentation volume. FNp does not contribute to the penetration, only FNV. The exponent 2/3 on FNV shows that while FN is experimentally applied; only FN2/3 is responsible for the penetration depth h. Thus, FN = kh3/2 is deduced and the physical reason is the loss of FN1/3 for the depth. Unfortunately, this has not been considered in teaching, textbooks, and the previous deduction of numerous common mechanical parameters, when the Love/Sneddon deductions of an exponent 2 on h were accepted and applied. The various unexpected experimental verifications and applications of the correct exponent 3/2 are mentioned and cited. Undue mechanical parameters require correction not only for safety reasons. SCANNING 38:177–179, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Scanning published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of ambient conditions on the electronic structure of graphene/copper interface
Authors: Qu Bo , Huang Miao‐Ling , Ren Jian‐Guo , Wu Qi‐Hui
Published: May 2015

Graphene films grown on the copper foils using chemical vapor deposition have been emphasized in the previous scientific studies and technical applications because of the high quality/cost ratio. However, no enough attention has been paid to the fundamentally important issue on the stability of graphene/copper interface compared with quality of the grown graphene films, though the properties of graphene/metal interface largely affect the Ohmic contacts in graphene‐based electronics (e.g. high‐frequency graphene transistors). Here, we investigated the electronic structure of graphene/copper interface which has been stored in the ambient conditions for different periods. Raman and photoelectron spectroscopic data indicated that the oxygen species do not prefer to adsorb on the graphene surface but insert into the graphene/copper interface. This results in the p‐doping of graphene, formation of the surface positive dipole, and energy upshift of the graphene's Dirac point. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integration of multiple model based fault detection and nonlinear model predictive fault‐tolerant control
Authors: Kargar Seyed Mohamad , Salahshoor Karim , Yazdanpanah Mohamad Javad
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present a new fault‐tolerant control system for a class of nonlinear systems with input constraints. Because of many important factors that stabilize a nonlinear model predictive controller, it can be used as a powerful controller in the event of fault occurrence. So, the reconfigurable controller is designed based on the quasi‐infinite model predictive control (QIMPC) approach as a fault‐tolerant approach. On the other hand, a fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) system is designed based on the multiple model method. The bank of extended Kalman filters (EKFs) is used to detect the predefined actuator fault and estimate the unknown parameters of a fault. When a fault is detected, the proposed FDD information is used to correct the model of the faulty system recursively and reconfigure the controller. Delay on FDD decision may lead to performance degradation or even instability for some systems. The timely proposed FDD approach will preserve stability. Moreover, a framework is presented to ensure stability when a fault occurs. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated, in comparison with conventional nonlinear model predictive control, by two practical examples. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Students’ Engagement in Literacy Tasks
Authors: Parsons Seth A. , Malloy Jacquelynn A. , Parsons Allison Ward , Burrowbridge Sarah Cohen
Published: May 2015

This article offers insight into what makes literacy tasks engaging or disengaging based on observations of and interviews with students. In a yearlong study of a sixth‐grade classroom in a Title I school, students engaged in integrated literacy‐social studies instruction. Researchers studied the degree of task openness and the degree to which students of various ability levels engaged affectively, behaviorally, and cognitively. In highlighting the elements of the 10 most and least engaging of the 66 tasks observed, implications for designing highly engaged instruction are presented, as are lessons learned from student disengagement.
Power allocation and transmission scheduling for a network with bidirectional relaying links
Authors: Meshgi Hadi , Zhao Dongmei
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study packet transmission scheduling for a network with bidirectional relaying links, where the relay station can use network coding to combine packets to multiple receivers and opportunistically decide the number of packets to be combined in each transmission. Two cases are considered, depending on whether nodes are allowed to overhear transmissions of each other. A constrained Markov decision process is first formulated with an objective to minimize the average delay of packet transmissions, subject to the maximum and average transmission power limits of the relay node. The complexity for solving the constrained Markov decision process (MDP) is prohibitively high, although the computational complexity for the no‐overhearing case can be greatly reduced. Heuristic schemes are then proposed, one applies to the general case, and another applies to only the no‐overhearing case. Numerical results demonstrate that the heuristic schemes can achieve close‐to‐optimum average packet transmission delay, and furthermore, the second scheme achieves lower maximum delay while keeping the same average packet transmission delay and relay node power consumption as the first one. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A refined tip correction based on decambering
Authors: Sørensen Jens N. , Dag Kaya O. , Ramos‐García Néstor
Published: May 2015

A new tip correction for use in performance codes based on the blade element momentum (BEM) or the lifting‐line technique is presented. The correction modifies the circulation by taking into account the additional influence of the induction of the vortices in the wake, using the so‐called decambering effect and thin‐airfoil theory. A limitation of the standard Prandtl tip correction is that it represents the surface loading by a line distribution that does not take into account the actual shape of the rotor blade. Thus, the chord distribution does not appear as a parameter in the model, and the loading in the proximity of the tip is generally found to be overestimated. The new tip correction is implemented as an additional correction in order to represent the surface loading by a line distribution. Comparing computations using the new model with standard BEM results and computations using a 3D panel code show that the inclusion of the correction greatly improves the results. The new model also explains some of the discrepancies that earlier on have been observed when using a BEM technique based alone upon standard tip corrections. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Mixed‐Valent Copper Cyanido Complex and a New Copper(II) Acetato Complex, Prepared with an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Hinz Alexander , Köckerling Martin
Published: May 2015

When copper(II) acetate is treated with the ionic liquid n‐butylmethylimidazolium cyanide (BMIm‐CN), in ethanol solution, two new copper coordination compounds are obtained. (BMIm)2[Cu4(CN)7] comprises a 3D coordination polymer of cyanide bridged copper ions. This anionic coordination polymer contains CuI as well as CuII ions, i.e. it is a mixed‐valent compound. The polymer can be described as honeycomb structure with the BMIm+ cation being located in the cages. The second compound obtained from the chemical reaction is (BMIm)[Cu2(OAc)5][Cu(OAc)2(H2O)]2·C2H5OH, which can be described as double‐salt. The first unit (BMIm)[Cu2(OAc)5] contains paddle wheel copper(II) acetato moieties, which are bridged by additional acetato ligands and form infinite chains. The second part of the double salt is the neutral, [Cu(OAc)2(H2O)]2 complex. These two parts as well as the co‐crystallized ethanol molecule are connected through a network of hydrogen bridges.
Chelating Energetic Material Nickel Semicarbazide 2,4,6‐Trinitroresorcinol: Synthesis, Structure, and Thermal Behavior
Authors: Wang Qian‐You , Tong Wen‐Chao , Ma Chao , Zhang Tong‐Lai , Yang Li
Published: May 2015

Through a one‐pot reaction of NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·H2O, aminourea hydrochloride (SCZ·HCl) and 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinol (TNR), a halogen‐free and lead‐free chelating energetic material (CEM) [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR was synthesized. We confirmed the structure of [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The complex is triclinic with P$\bar{1}$(2)/n space group. Cell parameters are: a = 1.04008(17) nm, b = 1.3719(2) nm, c = 1.4897(2) nm, V = 2.0337(6) nm3, Z = 4. The central nickel atom is six‐coordinate with three oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups and three terminal nitrogen atoms of the hydrazine groups from three SCZs to form a distorted octahedron. Differential scanning calorimetry and analysis applied to assess the thermal decomposition behavior. The DSC curve with a linear heating rate of 10 °C·min–1 shows that [Ni(SCZ)3]TNR is thermally stable with one exothermic peak temperatures of 78.8 °C and two exothermic peak temperatures of 216.8 °C and 308.1 °C. The kinetic parameters were obtained by non‐isothermal reaction kinetics. The equation can be expressed as lnk = 24.49–243.3 × 103/RT. Moreover, the values of the critical temperature of thermal explosion, ΔS≠, ΔH≠, ΔG≠, and the enthalpies of formation were obtained as 206.5 °C, –145.543 J·mol–1·K–1, 237.18 kJ·mol–1, 305.84 kJ·mol–1, and –2.65 MJ·kg–1, respectively.
What do Customers Get and Give in Return for Loyalty Program Membership?
Authors: So Jing Theng , Danaher Tracey , Gupta Samir
Published: May 2015

A successful loyalty program (LP) represents the firms’ investment in long-term relationships with their customers. However, to be effective LPs must be perceived as valuable by customers. The purpose of this study is to examine the different types of value customers derive from LP membership and examine the relationship between program value, loyalty to the program, and loyalty to the brand (firm). Further, we examine the effect of program and brand loyalty on behavioral responses, including share of wallet, share of purchase, word of mouth, and willingness to pay more. The moderating effect of program customization and the duration of the customer's LP membership on the relationship between loyalty to the program and loyalty to the brand is also studied. Using a sample of 628 respondents drawn from the two largest stand-alone retail loyalty programs in Australia we find that LP value consists of six primary constructs which drive loyalty. Specifically, we find that value in the form of reward attractiveness, knowledge benefit, and required effort impacts LP members’ perceived experiential benefits, which in turn impact program loyalty; while value derived from group belongingness and disclosure comfort drive brand loyalty. We also find that program loyalty influences brand loyalty; and program and brand loyalty together induce positive customer behaviors. However, program loyalty has a negative impact on a customer's willingness to pay. Our findings highlight the impact of multiple program value elements on customer loyalty, extending the literature by clarifying the relationships among program value, attitudinal loyalty, and behavioral loyalty. Practically, our findings suggest how managers can better design and implement their LPs to build customer loyalty.
ACCOUNT OF PROFITS FOR DISHONEST ASSISTANCE
Authors: Devonshire Peter
Published: May 2015

In Novoship (UK) Ltd. v Nikitin, a unanimous Court of Appeal held that an account of profits can be granted against a third party who dishonestly assists a breach of fiduciary duty. This raises fundamental questions as to the status of gain-based relief in relation to secondary wrongs. An account of profits reflects the imperatives of fiduciary duty and it is questionable whether the remedy should be extended to a stranger to that relationship. This article will analyse the spectrum of secondary liability and suggest an appropriate demarcation of compensation and disgorgement.
Slavery, Mission, and the Perils of Providence in Eighteenth-Century Christianity: The Writings of Whitefield and the Halle Pietists
Authors: Koch Philippa
Published: May 2015

Centered on understudied manuscript sources located in the Archive of the Francke Foundations, this essay argues that defenses of slavery among eighteenth-century protestants developed from a longstanding tradition of providential thought and narration. This tradition of providential thought and narration was informed by protestants’ transatlantic missionary efforts. Far from encouraging human passivity, faith in God's providential direction motivated protestants to wide-ranging evangelistic endeavors. By focusing on the correspondence and writings of George Whitefield, August Hermann Francke, Gotthilf August Francke, and several missionary Pietists in the colony of Georgia, the essay shows how eighteenth-century protestants confirmed God's providential oversight through the practice of retrospective reflection in their writings and publications. The providential pulse of these writings was integral to knitting together a transatlantic community of protestants in their evangelical zeal and encouraging them to new efforts. Whitefield and the Pietists continued to rely on this providential faith and narrative style as they interpreted their acceptance of slavery in terms of God's direction over the success of their missions, the decisions of temporal authorities, and the conversion of slaves to Christianity.
Naming Antarctica
Authors: Bulkeley Rip
Published: May 2015

In a recent interesting contribution to this journal, G.A. Mawer suggested that Antarctica was first so named in 1890 (Mawer 2008). New evidence however reveals that Antarctica first received its modern one-word name as early as 1840 at a congress of Italian scientists. The new name was soon adapted for other languages, and its use in English can be traced from 1849. A hypothesis is advanced as to why alternative French and German names were coined later in the century. The first map to use the new place name was published in 1843, and the first map to show a complete outline of the continent, estimated from expedition reports, was produced in 1844. But nothing could become the settled name of the south polar continent until its existence was confirmed at the turn of the twentieth century.
Asymptotic results for a barrier potential model
Authors: EDWARDS DAVID A. , RAYMOND CHRISTOPHER S.
Published: May 2015

An enhanced understanding of the microstructure of oxide ceramics will help scientists and engineers improve their efficiency and design. A phase-field model for the composition and phase distribution of the oxide ceramic components is studied. The model, which includes an obstacle in the phase portion of the energy potential, results in a minimisation problem that characterises the distribution of the bulk phases. The transition region between them is studied in several mathematically plausible asymptotic limits. The behaviour of the system in these limits provides insights into the applicability of the model and indicates appropriate parameter regimes.
Type safe incremental rebinding
Authors: ANCONA DAVIDE , GIANNINI PAOLA , ZUCCA ELENA
Published: May 2015

We extend the simply-typed lambda-calculus with a mechanism for dynamic and incremental rebinding of code. Fragments of open code which can be dynamically rebound are values. Differently from standard static binding, which is done on a positional basis, rebinding is done on a nominal basis, that is, free variables in open code are associated with names which do not obey α-equivalence. Moreover, rebinding is incremental, that is, just a subset of names can be rebound, making possible code specialization, and rebinding can even introduce new names. Finally, rebindings, which are associations between names and terms, are first-class values, and can be manipulated by operators such as overriding and renaming. We define a type system in which the type for a rebinding, in addition to specify an association between names and types (similarly to record types), is also annotated. The annotation says whether or not the domain of the rebinding having this type may contain more names than the ones that are specified in the type. We show soundness of the type system.