bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐grade endotoxemia and platelet activation in cirrhosis
Authors: Raparelli Valeria , Basili Stefania , Carnevale Roberto , Napoleone Laura , Del Ben Maria , Nocella Cristina , Bartimoccia Simona , Lucidi Cristina , Talerico Giovanni , Riggio Oliviero , Violi Francesco
Published: September 2016

Patients with cirrhosis may display impaired or enhanced platelet activation, but the reasons for these equivocal findings are unclear. We investigated if bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is implicated in platelet activation. In a cross‐sectional study, conducted in an ambulatory care clinic and hospital, comparing 69 cirrhosis patients and 30 controls matched for sex, age, and atherosclerotic risk factors, serum levels of LPS, soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand and p‐selectin (two markers of platelet activation), and zonulin (a marker of gut permeability) were investigated. Ex vivo and in vitro studies were also performed to explore the effect of LPS on platelet activation. Compared to controls, cirrhosis patients displayed higher serum levels of LPS (6.0 [4.0‐17.5] versus 57.4 [43.4‐87.2] pg/mL, P < 0.0001), soluble cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (7.0 ± 2.2 versus 24.4 ± 13.3 ng/mL, P < 0.0001), soluble p‐selectin (14.2 ± 4.05 versus 33.2 ± 15.2 ng/mL, P < 0.0001), and zonulin (1.87 ± 0.84 versus 2.54 ± 0.94 ng/mL, P < 0.006). LPS significantly correlated with zonulin (r = 0.45, P < 0.001). Ex vivo studies showed that platelets from cirrhosis patients were more responsive to the agonists independently from platelet count; this phenomenon was blunted by incubation with an inhibitor of Toll‐like receptor 4. In vitro study by normal platelets showed that LPS alone (50‐150 pg/mL) did not stimulate platelets but amplified platelet response to the agonists; Toll‐like receptor 4 inhibitor blunted this effect. Conclusion: LPS may be responsible for platelet activation and potentially contributes to thrombotic complications occurring in cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2017;65:571‐581).
Design and validation of a knowledge map system—the case of construction industry in Taiwan
Authors: Lee kuo‐Wei , Wu Kang‐Li , Kuo Hsing‐Ping , Yuan Pen‐Li
Published: September 2016

Knowledge map systems (KMSs) have recently received widespread attention. A review of the literature shows that relatively few studies explicitly address the issues of implementation and user evaluation of the system and are limited in application. In view of this dilemma, this study aims to integrate the key features of knowledge assets maps, knowledge sources maps, knowledge structure maps, and knowledge task maps in order to develop an operational KMS. Also, the technology acceptance model was used as the theoretical basis for the assessment of user acceptance of the system, which is validated using structural equation modeling. In terms of user acceptance assessment, our empirical results shows that the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use will positively affect user attitude toward the proposed KMS. Also, our results suggest that social defense negatively moderates the effect of attitude toward the system on behavior intention. Furthermore, we found that the management system also positively moderates the effect of attitude toward the system on behavior intention. On the basis of theoretical evaluation and empirical investigation, we hope that the proposed construction of a knowledge system can serve as references for both academic and related practical fields.
Vemurafenib in combination with cobimetinib in relapsed and refractory extramedullary multiple myeloma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation
Authors: Mey Ulrich J.M. , Renner Christoph , von Moos Roger
Published: September 2016

BRAF mutations are present in a variety of cancers and cause constitutive activation of the Ras‐Raf–MEK‐ERK signaling pathway. In cutaneous malignant melanoma, combined treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors is associated with high response rates and has been shown to improve progression free as well as overall survival compared to BRAF inhibition alone.

In multiple myeloma, BRAF mutations are detectable only in a minority of patients. Only few data are available regarding the clinical activity of BRAF inhibitors in BRAF‐positive multiple myeloma patients, including some anecdotal reports on remarkable responses in individuals being resistant to all other available anti‐myeloma treatment approaches.

We here present the first report on the combination of vemurafenib and cobimetinib in a young patient with highly resistant and rapidly progressing multiple myeloma harboring the BRAF V600E mutation who achieved a rapid and sustained response to this combination therapy.
“Everybody Knows Your Business”/“Todo Mundo Se Da Cuenta”: Immigrant Adults’ Construction of Privacy, Risk, and Vulnerability in Online Platforms
Authors: Noguerón‐Liu Silvia
Published: September 2016

This article examines immigrant adults’ understandings of privacy, risk, and vulnerability in digital literacy practices that involve visual media. Although the benefits of digital media production have been explored with immigrant youths, the perspectives of adults remain unexplored. Informed by critical and transnational perspectives to digital literacies, ethical guidelines in visual media research, and social constructions of privacy, the author analyzes interactions in technology workshops for Spanish‐dominant, immigrant adults. Findings illustrate how adults’ understandings of online privacy are shaped by simultaneous affiliations to local and transnational networks. Findings also show differences in adults’ distribution, consumption, production, and presence in visual media published in online platforms, as well as their perspectives about participating (or refusing to participate) in these practices. Implications for practitioners implementing technology projects with nondominant and immigrant communities are discussed.
Fabrication of 3D‐culture platform with sandwich architecture for preserving liver‐specific functions of hepatocytes using 3D bioprinter
Authors: Arai Kenichi , Yoshida Toshiko , Okabe Motonori , Goto Mitsuaki , Mir Tanveer Ahmad , Soko Chika , Tsukamoto Yoshinari , Akaike Toshihiro , Nikaido Toshio , Zhou Kaixuan , Nakamura Makoto
Published: September 2016

The development of new three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture system that maintains the physiologically relevant signals of hepatocytes is essential in drug discovery and tissue engineering research. Conventional two‐dimensional (2D) culture yields cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, gene expression and signaling profiles can be different from in vivo environment. Here, we report the fabrication of a 3D culture system using an artificial scaffold and our custom‐made inkjet 3D bioprinter as a new strategy for studying liver‐specific functions of hepatocytes. We built a 3D culture platform for hepatocytes‐attachment and formation of cell monolayer by interacting the galactose chain of galactosylated alginate gel (GA‐gel) with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) of hepatocytes. The 3D geometrical arrangement of cells was controlled by using 3D bioprinter, and cell polarity was controlled with the galactosylated hydrogels. The fabricated GA‐gel was able to successfully promote adhesion of hepatocytes. To observe liver‐specific functions and to mimic hepatic cord, an additional parallel layer of hepatocytes was generated using two gel sheets. These results indicated that GA‐gel biomimetic matrices can be used as a 3D culture system that could be effective for the engineering of liver tissues. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1583–1592, 2017.
In vitroand long‐term (2‐year follow‐up)in vivoosteogenic activities of human periosteum‐derived osteoblasts seeded into growth factor‐releasing polycaprolactone/pluronic F127 beads scaffolds
Authors: Lee Jin Ho , Woo Dong Kyun , Kim Tae Ho , Kang Jun Goo , Yun Jeong‐Won , Park Jin‐Ho , Park Bong‐Wook , Kang Young‐Hoon , Rho Gyu‐Jin , Jang Si‐Jung , Park Ji‐Sung , Lee Hee‐Chun , Yoon Young Min , Hwang Tae Sung , Kim Deok Ryong , Hwang Sun‐Chul , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Ho Young , Oh Se Heang , Byun June‐Ho
Published: September 2016

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester that is bioresorbable and biocompatible, and is widely used in medical fields. This study examinesin vitroandin vivoosteogenic activities of cultured human periosteum‐derived osteoblasts (POs) seeded into growth factor (bone morphogenic protein 2 [BMP‐2] or vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF])‐releasing scaffolds of PCL beads coated with Pluronic F127. Each growth factor immobilized in thePCL/F127is cumulatively released from the beads for more than 40 days (up to 3.04 ± 0.08 ng mg−1BMP‐2 and 3.41 ± 0.18 ng mg−1VEGF in 42 days). Long‐term (∼2 years) experimental results obtained in a miniature pig model suggest that POs seeded into BMP‐2 + VEGF‐releasing PCL/P‐F127 beads are the most effective for bone repair. Inin vitroassays, osteogenic activities were higher in POs seeded into BMP‐2‐releasing PCL/Pluronic F127 beads at earlier time points and in POs seeded into BMP‐2 + VEGF‐releasing PCL/Pluronic F127 beads at later time points. These results suggest that the combination of BMP‐2 and VEGF more sufficiently stimulates (in particular at late time points) osteoblast differentiation of POs seeded in thePCL/F127 in vitroandin vivo,and thus allows effective bone regeneration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 363–376, 2017.
Insight into the effects of different cropping systems on soil bacterial community and tobacco bacterial wilt rate
Authors: Niu Jiaojiao , Chao Jin , Xiao Yunhua , Chen Wu , Zhang Chao , Liu Xueduan , Rang Zhongwen , Yin Huaqun , Dai Linjian
Published: September 2016

Rotation is an effective strategy to control crop disease and improve plant health. However, the effects of crop rotation on soil bacterial community composition and structure, and crop health remain unclear. In this study, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we explored the soil bacterial communities under four different cropping systems, continuous tobacco cropping (control group), tobacco‐maize rotation, tobacco‐lily rotation, and tobacco‐turnip rotation. Results of detrended correspondence analysis and dissimilarity tests showed that soil bacterial community composition and structure changed significantly among the four groups, such that Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were more abundant in the maize rotation group (16.6 and 11.5%, respectively) than in the control (8.5 and 7.1%, respectively). Compared with the control group (57.78%), maize and lily were effective rotation crops in controlling tobacco bacterial wilt (about 23.54 and 48.67%). On the other hand, tobacco bacterial wilt rate was increased in the turnip rotation (59.62%) relative to the control. Further study revealed that the abundances of several bacterial populations were directly correlated with tobacco bacterial wilt. For example, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were significantly negatively correlated to the tobacco bacterial wilt rate, so they may be probiotic bacteria. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that soil pH and calcium content were key factors in determining soil bacterial communities. In conclusion, our study revealed the composition and structure of bacterial communities under four different cropping systems and may unveil molecular mechanisms for the interactions between soil microorganisms and crop health.
The effects of licorice flavonoid oil with respect to increasing muscle mass: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kinoshita Tetsu , Matsumoto Akio , Yoshino Kazuhiro , Furukawa Shinya
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the effects of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) with respect to increasing the muscle mass of elderly populations using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Fifty participants aged 54–90 years (seven men, 43 women), who underwent rehabilitation treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, were examined and assigned to either the LFO group (n = 26) or the placebo group (n = 24). The LFO group consumed 300 mg LFO day−1, whereas the placebo group consumed one placebo capsule every day for 16 weeks. We measured muscle mass, body fat percentage and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure score at baseline and every 4 weeks thereafter.

RESULTS

In the LFO group, muscle mass in the body trunk increased significantly after 16 weeks of LFO intake (+0.38 kg, P = 0.02). The trunk muscle mass weight of the LFO group increased significantly compared to that of the placebo group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the body fat percentage and body trunk fat percentage of the LFO group were significantly suppressed compared to that of the placebo group (P = 0.03 and P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present trial indicate that LFO supplementation has effects with respect to increasing muscle mass and suppressing the body fat percentage of elderly populations, especially in the body trunk. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Wrangling math from Microsoft Word into JATS XML workflows
Authors: Gebhard Caitlin , Rosenblum Bruce
Published: September 2016

The majority of today's scholarly papers are authored in Microsoft Word. Some of those papers include simple and/or complex math. Authors have at their disposal multiple means to insert equations in Word documents, including several of Word's native equation editors and third‐party applications, such as Design Science's MathType. Building workflows that smoothly and accurately transform all of these formats into the appropriate XML markup for use in multiple rendering environments has many challenges. This paper clarifies the different forms of equations that can be encountered in Word documents and discusses the issues and idiosyncrasies of converting these various forms to MathML, LaTeX, and/or images in the JATS XML model. It also touches on workflow alternatives for handling equations in various rendering environments and how those downstream requirements may affect the means of equation extraction from Word documents.
A stabilized extended finite element framework for hydraulic fracturing simulations
Authors: Liu Fushen , Gordon Peter , Meier Holger , Valiveti Dakshina
Published: September 2016

We present a stabilized extended finite element formulation to simulate the hydraulic fracturing process in an elasto‐plastic medium. The fracture propagation process is governed by a cohesive fracture model, where a trilinear traction‐separation law is used to describe normal contact, cohesion and strength softening on the fracture face. Fluid flow inside the fracture channel is governed by the lubrication equation, and the flow rate is related to the fluid pressure gradient by the ‘cubic’ law. Fluid leak off happens only in the normal direction and is assumed to be governed by the Carter's leak‐off model. We propose a ‘local’ U‐P (displacement‐pressure) formulation to discretize the fluid‐solid coupled system, where volume shape functions are used to interpolate the fluid pressure field on the fracture face. The ‘local’ U‐P approach is compatible with the extended finite element framework, and a separate mesh is not required to describe the fluid flow. The coupled system of equations is solved iteratively by the standard Newton‐Raphson method. We identify instability issues associated with the fluid flow inside the fracture channel, and use the polynomial pressure projection method to reduce the pressure oscillations resulting from the instability. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed framework is effective in modeling 3D hydraulic fracture propagation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elective cholecystectomy reduces morbidity of cholelithiasis in pediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Goodwin Emily F. , Partain Paige I. , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Fineberg Naomi S. , Howard Thomas H.
Published: September 2016

Background

Cholelithiasis is a frequent complication in pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD). Though it is standard practice to perform a cholecystectomy in pediatric SCD patients with symptoms of cholelithiasis, the use of elective cholecystectomy for asymptomatic patients remains controversial.

Procedure

Records of 191 pediatric sickle cell patients with cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients classified as follows: (i) elective—no preoperative symptoms, cholelithiasis on screening ultrasound, comprehensive preoperative plan; (ii) symptomatic—preoperative symptoms of cholelithiasis on diagnostic ultrasound, comprehensive preoperative plan; or (iii) emergent—hospitalization for acute cholecystitis symptoms, cholelithiasis on diagnostic ultrasound, limited preoperative preparation. We compared the morbidity of cholecystectomy by examining pre‐ and post‐cholecystectomy hospital admission days, length of stay for cholecystectomy, and surgical complications.

Results

Patients with SCD underwent a total of 191 cholecystectomies over a 10‐year period: 51 elective, 110 symptomatic, and 30 emergent. Patients who required emergent cholecystectomy had a longer postoperative hospitalization time than elective or symptomatic cholecystectomy (7.3 vs 4.3, P < 0.001). Baseline values for total bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly elevated (P < 0.02 and P < 0.07, respectively) in patients requiring emergent cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

This represents the largest reported retrospective review of pediatric cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy in SCD to date. These data strongly suggest that elective cholecystectomy decreases morbidity associated with emergent cholecystectomy. The overall outcomes for symptomatic and elective patients are favorable. However, our study indicates the need for prospective studies to identify clinical indicators for those emergent patients.
Structural neural correlates of multitasking: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Zhang Rui‐ting , Yang Tian‐xiao , Wang Yi , Sui Yuxiu , Yao Jingjing , Zhang Chen‐yuan , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: September 2016

Multitasking refers to the ability to organize assorted tasks efficiently in a short period of time, which plays an important role in daily life. However, the structural neural correlates of multitasking performance remain unclear. The present study aimed at exploring the brain regions associated with multitasking performance using global correlation analysis. Twenty‐six healthy participants first underwent structural brain scans and then performed the modified Six Element Test, which required participants to attempt six subtasks in 10 min while obeying a specific rule. Voxel‐based morphometry of the whole brain was used to detect the structural correlates of multitasking ability. Grey matter volume of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was positively correlated with the overall performance and time monitoring in multitasking. In addition, white matter volume of the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) was also positively correlated with time monitoring during multitasking. Other related brain regions associated with multitasking included the superior frontal gyrus, the inferior occipital gyrus, the lingual gyrus, and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. No significant correlation was found between grey matter volume of the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 10) and multitasking performance. Using a global correlation analysis to examine various aspects of multitasking performance, this study provided new insights into the structural neural correlates of multitasking ability. In particular, the ACC was identified as an important brain region that played both a general and a specific time‐monitoring role in multitasking, extending the role of the ACC from lesioned populations to healthy populations. The present findings also support the view that the ATR may influence multitasking performance by affecting time‐monitoring abilities.
Influence of Gap Size and Dielectric Constant of the Packing Material on the Plasma Behaviour in a Packed Bed DBD Reactor: A Fluid Modelling Study
Authors: Van Laer Koen , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: September 2016

A packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was studied by means of fluid modelling, to investigate the influence of the dielectric constant of the packing on the plasma characteristics, for two different gap sizes. The electric field strength and electron temperature are much more enhanced in a microgap reactor than in a mm‐gap reactor, leading to more current peaks per half‐cycle, but also to non‐quasineutral plasma. Increasing the dielectric constant enhances the electric field further, but only up to a certain value of dielectric constant, being 9 for a microgap and 100 for a mm‐gap reactor. The enhanced electric field results in a higher electron temperature, but also lower electron density. This last one strongly affects the reaction rate.
A comparison of virtual bronchoscopy versus flexible bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia in children
Authors: Su Siew Choo , Masters Ian Brent , Buntain Helen , Frawley Kieran , Sarikwal Anubhav , Watson Debbie , Ware Frances , Wuth Jan , Chang Anne Bernadette
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is the current gold standard for diagnosing tracheobronchomalacia. However, it is not always feasible and virtual bronchoscopy (VB), acquired from chest multi‐detector CT (MDCT) scan is an alternative diagnostic tool. We determined the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of VB compared to FB in diagnosing tracheobronchomalacia.

Methods

Children aged <18‐years scheduled for FB and MDCT were recruited. FB and MDCT were undertaken within 30‐min to 7‐days of each other. Tracheobronchomalacia (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) diagnosed on FB were independently scored by two pediatric pulmonologists; VB was independently scored by two pairs (each pair = pediatric pulmonologist and radiologist), in a blinded manner.

Results

In 53 children (median age = 2.5 years, range 0.8–14.3) evaluated for airway abnormalities, tracheomalacia was detected in 37 (70%) children at FB. Of these, VB detected tracheomalacia in 20 children, with a sensitivity of 54.1% (95%CI 37.1–70.2), specificity = 87.5% (95%CI 60.4–97.8), and positive predictive value = 90.9% (95%CI 69.4–98.4). The agreement between pediatric pulmonologists for diagnosing tracheomalacia by FB was excellent, weighted κ = 0.8 (95%CI 0.64–0.97); but only fair between the pairs of pediatric pulmonologists/radiologists for VB, weighted κ = 0.47 (95%CI 0.23–0.71). There were 42 cases of bronchomalacia detected on FB. VB had a sensitivity = 45.2% (95%CI 30.2–61.2), specificity = 95.5% (95%CI 94.2–96.5), and positive predictive value = 23.2 (95%CI 14.9–34.0) compared to FB in detecting bronchomalacia.

Conclusion

VB cannot replace FB as the gold standard for detecting tracheobronchomalacia in children. However, VB could be considered as an alternative diagnostic modality in children with symptoms suggestive of tracheobronchomalacia where FB is unavailable. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:480–486. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional analysis of iodotyrosine deiodinase from drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Phatarphekar Abhishek , Rokita Steven E.
Published: September 2016

The flavoprotein iodotyrosine deiodinase (IYD) was first discovered in mammals through its ability to salvage iodide from mono‐ and diiodotyrosine, the by‐products of thyroid hormone synthesis. Genomic information indicates that invertebrates contain homologous enzymes although their iodide requirements are unknown. The catalytic domain of IYD from Drosophila melanogaster has now been cloned, expressed and characterized to determine the scope of its potential catalytic function as a model for organisms that are not associated with thyroid hormone production. Little discrimination between iodo‐, bromo‐, and chlorotyrosine was detected. Their affinity for IYD ranges from 0.46 to 0.62 μM (Kd) and their efficiency of dehalogenation ranges from 2.4 – 9 x 103 M−1 s−1 (kcat/Km). These values fall within the variations described for IYDs from other organisms for which a physiological function has been confirmed. The relative contribution of three active site residues that coordinate to the amino acid substrates was subsequently determined by mutagenesis of IYD from Drosophila to refine future annotations of genomic and meta‐genomic data for dehalogenation of halotyrosines. Substitution of the active site glutamate to glutamine was most detrimental to catalysis. Alternative substitution of an active site lysine to glutamine affected substrate affinity to the greatest extent but only moderately affected catalytic turnover. Substitution of phenylalanine for an active site tyrosine was least perturbing for binding and catalysis.
Effect of oxygen impurities in semipolar III‐nitride light emitting diodes
Authors: Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd
Published: September 2016

We investigate the effect of oxygen impurities on the internal quantum efficiency of semipolar III‐nitride light emitting diodes (LED) structures grown along the direction by means of carrier transport simulations. For the model calculations, realistic doping and impurity profiles obtained by secondary ion mass spectroscopy are used. We discuss the impact of the oxygen impurity density on the operation of the LED and the interaction of the donor‐type oxygen impurities with the acceptor doping. It is shown that up to a certain oxygen concentration, no major degradation of the LED efficiency occurs and that with increasing oxygen impurity density the LED efficiency becomes more sensitive to variations of the acceptor doping profile. The independent variation of the oxygen concentration revealed that oxygen impurities are most critical in the electron blocking layer and the p‐side barrier.
Seed layer synthesis effect on the concentration of interface defects and emission spectra of ZnO nanorods/p‐GaN light‐emitting diode
Authors: Alnoor Hatim , Pozina Galia , Willander Magnus , Nur Omer
Published: September 2016

As the low‐temperature aqueous chemical synthesis (LT‐ACS), holds great promises for the synthesis of one‐dimensional (1D) ZnO nanostructure‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and hence require parameter tuning for optimal performance. N‐ZnO nanorods (NRs)/p‐GaN heterojunction LEDs have been synthesized by the LT‐ACS using ZnO nanoparticle (NPs) seed layers prepared with different precursor solutions. The effect of these seed layers on the interface defect properties and emission intensity of the as‐synthesized n‐Zn/p‐GaN heterojunction LEDs has been demonstrated by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) and electroluminescence (EL) measurements, respectively. A significant reduction of the interface defects in the n‐ZnO NRs/p‐GaN heterostructure synthesized from a seed layer prepared from zinc acetate (ZnAc) with a mixture of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) (donated as ZKH seed) compared with those prepared from ZnAc and KOH (donated as ZK seed) is observed as revealed by spatially resolved CL. Consequently, the LEDs based on n‐ZnO NRs/p‐GaN prepared from ZKH seed show an improvement in the yellow emission (∼578 nm) compared to that based on the ZK seed as deduced from the electroluminescence measurements. The improvement in the yellow EL emission on the ZKH LED probably attributed to the low presence of the non‐radiative defect as deduced by light‐output current (L–I) characteristics analysis.
Pressure effect on superconductivity in FeSe0.5Te0.5
Authors: Shylin Sergii I. , Ksenofontov Vadim , Naumov Pavel G. , Medvedev Sergey A. , Tsurkan Vladimir , Deisenhofer Joachim , Loidl Alois , Schoop Leslie M. , Palasyuk Taras , Wortmann Gerhard , Felser Claudia
Published: September 2016

Due to the simple layered structure, isostructural FeSe and FeSe0.5Te0.5 are clue compounds for understanding the principal mechanisms of superconductivity in the family of Fe‐based superconductors. High‐pressure magnetic, structural and Mössbauer studies have been performed on single‐crystalline samples of superconducting FeSe0.5Te0.5 with Tc = 13.5 K. Susceptibility data have revealed a strong increase of Tc up to 19.5 K for pressures up to 1.3 GPa, followed by a plateau in the Tc(p) dependence up to 5.0 GPa. Further pressure increase leads to a disappearance of the superconducting state around 7.0 GPa. X‐ray diffraction and Mössbauer studies explain this fact by a tetragonal‐to‐hexagonal structural phase transition. Mössbauer parameters of the non‐superconducting high‐pressure phase indicate less covalency of FeSe bonds. Based on structural and susceptibility data, we conclude about a common character of Tc(p) diagrams for both FeSe and FeSe0.5Te0.5 superconductors.
Synthesis of graphene nanoribbons inside boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Barzegar Hamid Reza , Pham Thang , Talyzin Alexandr V. , Zettl Alex
Published: September 2016

We report on bottom‐up synthesis of graphene nanoribbons inside boron nitride nanotubes, using coronene molecules as building blocks. The synthesized ribbons are one or two coronene molecules wide, depending on the diameter of the host nanotube. The encapsulated carbon nanostructures can be eliminated from the inner cavity of the filled boron nitride nanotube via oxidation without any damage to the nanotube structure.
Team IHMC's Lessons Learned from the DARPA Robotics Challenge: Finding Data in the Rubble
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Shrewsbury Brandon , Bertrand Sylvain , Calvert Duncan , Wu Tingfan , Duran Daniel , Stephen Douglas , Mertins Nathan , Carff John , Rifenburgh William , Smith Jesper , Schmidt‐Wetekam Chris , Faconti Davide , Graber‐Tilton Alex , Eyssette Nicolas , Meier Tobias , Kalkov Igor , Craig Travis , Payton Nick , McCrory Stephen , Wiedebach Georg , Layton Brooke , Neuhaus Peter , Pratt Jerry
Published: September 2016

This article presents a retrospective analysis of Team IHMC's experience throughout the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC), where we took first or second place overall in each of the three phases. As an extremely demanding challenge typical of DARPA, the DRC required rapid research and development to push the boundaries of robotics and set a new benchmark for complex robotic behavior. We present how we addressed each of the eight tasks of the DRC and review our performance in the Finals. While the ambitious competition schedule limited extensive experimentation, we will review the data we collected during the approximately three years of our participation. We discuss some of the significant lessons learned that contributed to our success in the DRC. These include hardware lessons, software lessons, and human‐robot integration lessons. We describe refinements to the coactive design methodology that helped our designers connect human–machine interaction theory to both implementation and empirical data. This approach helped our team focus our limited resources on the issues most critical to success. In addition to helping readers understand our experiences in developing on a Boston Dynamics Atlas robot for the DRC, we hope this article will provide insights that apply more widely to robotics development and design of human–machine systems.
Insights into the Redox Performance of Non–stoichiometric Lanthanum Manganite Perovskites for Solar Thermochemical CO2 Splitting
Authors: Nair Mahesh M. , Abanades Stéphane
Published: September 2016

Perovskite structured mixed metal oxides are one category of redox materials that recently demonstrated high potential for solar fuel production from thermochemical H2O/CO2 splitting. Substituted lanthanum manganite perovskite was previously found to be one of the most suitable candidates among the perovskite family, owing to its unique redox properties. However, the effect of synthesis method and cationic substitutions in A and B‐sites of ABO3 perovskite need to be elucidated. Herein, a systematic study was performed by implementing various synthetic strategies such as solid‐state, pechini process, glycine combustion or glucose‐assisted methods, to obtain LaxSr1‐xMnO3 (LSM) as a single phase and to determine the effect of synthesis method on the redox efficiency and performance stability for CO2 splitting. The results indicated that the materials synthesized by the pechini method were the most reactive among the series, with a stable CO production of ∼260 μmol.g−1 for x=0.5. Also, various pure phase A and B‐site substituted perovskites were synthesized by the pechini method to study the effect of such substitutions on the fuel yield of these materials. Y/Ca/Ba A‐site and Al/Fe B‐site substitutions in (La,Sr)MnO3 did not enhance the redox cycling capability when compared with LSM. It was observed that Sr was the best A‐site substituent and the presence of single Mn cation alone in B‐site was the most suitable option for promoting CO2‐splitting activity. Further, the effect of the addition of promotional agents was explored and enhancement of CO evolution was observed when compared to pure LSM.
Concise Review: The Use of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells and Platelet Rich Plasma in Regenerative Plastic Surgery
Authors: Gentile Pietro , Scioli Maria Giovanna , Bielli Alessandra , Orlandi Augusto , Cervelli Valerio
Published: September 2016

Tissue engineering has emerged at the intersection of numerous disciplines to meet a global clinical need for technologies to promote the regeneration of tissues. Recently, many authors have focused their attention on mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) for their capacity to differentiate into many cell lineages. The most widely studied cell types are bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), which display similar results. Biomaterials, cells, and growth factors are needed to design a regenerative plastic surgery approach in the treatment of organ and tissue defects, but not all tissues are created equal. The aim of this article is to describe the advances in tissue engineering through the use of ASCs, platelet rich plasma, and biomaterials to enable regeneration of damaged complex tissue.
Concise Review: Liver Regenerative Medicine: From Hepatocyte Transplantation to Bioartificial Livers and Bioengineered Grafts
Authors: Nicolas Clara T. , Hickey Raymond D. , Chen Harvey S. , Mao Shennen A. , Lopera Higuita Manuela , Wang Yujia , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: September 2016

Donor organ shortage is the main limitation to liver transplantation as a treatment for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. Liver regenerative medicine may in the future offer an alternative form of therapy for these diseases, be it through cell transplantation, bioartificial liver (BAL) devices, or bioengineered whole organ liver transplantation. All three strategies have shown promising results in the past decade. However, before they are incorporated into widespread clinical practice, the ideal cell type for each treatment modality must be found, and an adequate amount of metabolically active, functional cells must be able to be produced. Research is ongoing in hepatocyte expansion techniques, use of xenogeneic cells, and differentiation of stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). HLCs are a few steps away from clinical application, but may be very useful in individualized drug development and toxicity testing, as well as disease modeling. Finally, safety concerns including tumorigenicity and xenozoonosis must also be addressed before cell transplantation, BAL devices, and bioengineered livers occupy their clinical niche. This review aims to highlight the most recent advances and provide an updated view of the current state of affairs in the field of liver regenerative medicine.
First‐year experience program enhances student success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2016

Utah State University Eastern has a long‐standing reputation for promoting student success. In 2012, a CNNMoney study ranked it third in the nation among community colleges based on graduation and transfer rates.
Make sure answers are correct if you borrow questions from online FERPA quizzes
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: September 2016

During his 2010 induction speech into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith mentioned that he was joining his two former Dallas Cowboys teammates Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman in the hall. “Now I'm completing … the other half of that triangle,” he was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying.
A Note on the Identifiability of Fixed-Effect 3PL Models
Authors: Wu Hao
Published: September 2016

In this note, we prove that the 3 parameter logistic model with fixed-effect abilities is identified only up to a linear transformation of the ability scale under mild regularity conditions, contrary to the claims in Theorem 2 of San Martín et al. (Psychometrika, 80(2):450–467, 2015a).
Zum Gap zwischen theoriebasierter Planungsforschung und Planungspraxis. Eine Betrachtung weiter Teile des deutschsprachigen planungswissenschaftlichen Outputs seit 2003
Authors: Diller Christian , Thaler Thomas
Published: September 2016

In this article a major part of the German-language output in spatial sciences between 2003 and 2014 is examined towards a supposed gap between theory-based research and planning practice. Thus a total of 1929 articles contained in scientific series of the Akademie für Raumforschung und Landesplanung (ARL) and three journals is analysed to different degrees of detailing. In the first step, a classification was conducted in order to organise the empirical results. In a second step, detailed analyses were followed. The assumption of a gap all in all is confirmed: Only a small part of the examined articles argues visible theory-based. And within these articles the empirical examination of theories mostly is succeeding only rudimentary and the practical benefit of the research results is rarely noticeable. This finding as well shows, that the requirement of transdisciplinarity in the planning sciences can only partly be fulfilled. This could be the result from reasons in between the system of research as well as in conceptual deficits in the planning research itself.
Role of Physiotherapy in Preventing Failure of Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Vincent Yu Pak-him , Yiu-chung Wun , Patrick Yung Shu-hang
Published: September 2016

Background/Purpose

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is routinely performed in sports medicine. We aimed to determine if there is any protective effect of postoperative physiotherapy in preventing graft rupture after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A retrospective case—control study was carried out, with demographic data, concomitant meniscal injury, and intraoperative fixation methods matched. The number of sessions of physiotherapy attended by the rupture group and nonrupture group were compared using binary logistic regression.

Results

No significant relationship between the frequency of postoperative physiotherapy and occurrence of graft rupture after primary ACLR was identified.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to verify the effect of physiotherapy in the prevention of graft rupture after primary ACLR.
Deformation style in the damage zone of the Mondy fault: GPR evidence (Tunka basin, southern East Siberia)
Authors: Lunina O.V. , Gladkov A.S. , Afonkin A.M. , Serebryakov E.V.
Published: September 2016

The Mondy strike-slip fault connects the W–E Tunka and N–S Hövsgöl basins on the southern flank of the Baikal rift system. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys in its damage zone provide constraints on thicknesses, dips, and plunges of fault planes, as well as on the amount and sense of vertical slip. Strike-slip faulting in the southern segment of the Mondy fault within the territory of Russia bears a normal slip component of motion along the W–E and NW planes. These motions have produced negative flower structures in shallow crust appearing as grabens upon Pleistocene fluvioglacial terraces. The amount of normal slip estimated from the displacement of reflection events varies over the area and reaches its maximum of 3.4 m near Mondy Village. In the Kharadaban basin link, left-lateral strike slip displaces valleys of ephemeral streams to 22 m, while normal slip detected by GPR reaches 2.2 m; this normal-to-strike slip ratio corresponds to a direction of ~6° to the horizon. The angles of dips of faults are in the range 75°–79°; the thicknesses of fault planes marked by low- or high-frequency anomalies in GPR records vary from 2.5 to 17.0 m along strike and decrease with depth within a few meters below the surface, which is common to near-surface coseismic motions. Many ruptures fail to reach the surface but appear rather as sinkholes localized mainly in fault hanging walls. The deformation style in the damage zone of the Mondy fault bears impact of the NW Yaminshin fault lying between its two segments. According to photoelasticity, the stress field changes locally at the intersection of the two faults, under NE compression at 38°, till the inverse orientations of principal compression and extension stresses. This stress pattern leads to a combination of normal and left-lateral strike slip components.
Assessment of the discovered and undiscovered oil and gas of Africa
Authors: Modelevsky M.S. , Modelevsky M.M.
Published: September 2016

The study presents assessment of the hydrocarbon potential of almost all known sedimentary basins of the African continent and adjacent offshore coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. The assessment is based on new data that became available following the well-known monograph of V.I. Vysotsky et al. (1994), which provided the last petroleum potential assessment published in the Russian literature. These data provide a more accurate evaluation of the regional initially-in-place and recoverable hydrocarbon resources, exploration maturity as of the beginning of 2015, the total number of discovered oil and gas fields, and field/resources distribution by basin type and offshore and onshore areas.
Morphostructural and tectonophysical features of strike-slip and extensional fault zones (results of analog modeling)
Authors: Cheremnykh A.S.
Published: September 2016

The formation of the relief of fault zones is considered in relation to the evolution of their internal structure during faulting. The study was carried out by analog modeling with subsequent digital elevation modeling of the experimental surface of the deformed sample. The vertical displacement gradient was calculated based on the digital elevation models. It has been found that the relief of strike-slip and extensional fault zones depends on their internal structure. Each element of the internal structure makes its own contribution to the relief formation. The process depends on experimental conditions, such as the viscosity of the model material and the model deformation rate. The relief of the fault zone is different at each of three main stages of its formation.
Service fatigue life and service calendar life limits of aircraft structure: aircraft structural life envelope
Authors: He Y. , Li C. , Zhang T. , Liu J. , Gao C. , Hou B. , Wu L.
Published: September 2016

The service life of aircraft structure includes the fatigue life and calendar life. The Aircraft Structural Life Envelop (ASLE) is a safe and reliable life scope of aircraft structures in service. The specific steps to establish the ASLE are developed, and a residual life prediction method for aircraft structure under service environments is established by combining the ASLE with the Miner theory. Furthermore, a service life extension method of aircraft structure is proposed based on a scope extension of the ASLE, including methods based on reliability analysis and structural repair. Finally, an application example of the ASLE is presented.
Detailed dynamic, geometric and supraglacial moraine data for Glaciar Pio XI, the only surge-type glacier of the Southern Patagonia Icefield
Authors: Wilson Ryan , Carrión Daniela , Rivera Andrés
Published: September 2016

In contrast to the general trend for glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Icefield, Glaciar Pio XI has experienced a large cumulative frontal advance since 1945. In an effort to better understand this advancing behaviour, this paper presents a synoptic analysis of frontal fluctuations (1998–2014), ice velocities (1986–2014), ice-surface elevations (1975–2007) and supraglacial moraines (1945–2014) derived from geospatial datasets. These analyses reveal changes in the ice flow of Glaciar Pio XI's freshwater calving northern terminus and tidewater calving southern terminus over recent decades. Between 1986 and 2000, ice flow speed generally accelerated reaching peaks of >15 m d−1 at the frontal edge of the southern terminus. Following this period, flow speed decreased, reducing to <1 m d−1 for the central part of the southern terminus in 2014, despite advancing to a neoglacial maximum. From 2000 to 2014 the reduction in speed was accompanied by a shift in maximum velocity away from the southern terminus, towards the central glacier trunk. As a result, the northern terminus, which accelerated during this period, represented the new primary flow path in 2014. Notably, the moraine maps presented highlight surges occurring around 1981 and again between 1997 and 2000, marked by arcuate moraine features on the southern terminus.
Large deviations for the empirical measure of heavy-tailed Markov renewal processes
Authors: Mariani Mauro , Zambotti Lorenzo
Published: September 2016

A large deviations principle is established for the joint law of the empirical measure and the flow measure of a Markov renewal process on a finite graph. We do not assume any bound on the arrival times, allowing heavy-tailed distributions. In particular, the rate function is in general degenerate (it has a nontrivial set of zeros) and not strictly convex. These features show a behaviour highly different from what one may guess with a heuristic Donsker‒Varadhan analysis of the problem.
Multivariate fractional Poisson processes and compound sums
Authors: Beghin Luisa , Macci Claudio
Published: September 2016

In this paper we present multivariate space-time fractional Poisson processes by considering common random time-changes of a (finite-dimensional) vector of independent classical (nonfractional) Poisson processes. In some cases we also consider compound processes. We obtain some equations in terms of some suitable fractional derivatives and fractional difference operators, which provides the extension of known equations for the univariate processes.
Analysis of a stochastic approximation algorithm for computing quasi-stationary distributions
Authors: Blanchet J. , Glynn P. , Zheng S.
Published: September 2016

We study the convergence properties of a Monte Carlo estimator proposed in the physics literature to compute the quasi-stationary distribution on a transient set of a Markov chain (see De Oliveira and Dickman (2005), (2006), and Dickman and Vidigal (2002)). Using the theory of stochastic approximations we verify the consistency of the estimator and obtain an associated central limit theorem. We provide an example showing that convergence might occur very slowly if a certain eigenvalue condition is violated. We alleviate this problem using an easy-to-implement projection step combined with averaging.
Dynamic programming for discrete-time finite-horizon optimal switching problems with negative switching costs
Authors: Martyr R.
Published: September 2016

In this paper we study a discrete-time optimal switching problem on a finite horizon. The underlying model has a running reward, terminal reward, and signed (positive and negative) switching costs. Using optimal stopping theory for discrete-parameter stochastic processes, we extend a well-known explicit dynamic programming method for computing the value function and the optimal strategy to the case of signed switching costs.