bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Printing of the Thin Film Sensor with Sharp Edge Based on Electrodynamics 3DP
Authors: Na Li , Jiquan Yang , Jihong Cheng , Weixing Qian
Published: August 2015

We present a digital voltage printing regime for high-speed and high-precision Micro-jet printing. The voltage
pulse peak induces a very fast Micro-jetting mode from the nozzle for a short duration, while a low voltage is picked to
ensure the sharp edge, and the high voltage is picked to ensure the printing speed. The conducting films were assembled
on electrode arrays of substrate and characterized with respect to their layer thickness and thermal properties. Through an
optimal choice of the digital frequency dynamically, a jet-printing regime with a specified droplet size and droplet spacing
can be created in different steps. High spatial resolution can also be achieved by properly coordinating the pulsing with
large and small current. The edge burr problem was solved by using the dynamic control of the droplets sizes and jetting
rapid through the pulse signal. The sensor was printed using heterogeneous material model. Sensor recovery time, response
linearity and sensitivity were all significantly improved using the digital pulse regime fabrication.
Research on High Voltage Power for 10kV Linked SVG
Authors: Huadong Wang , Xu Cai
Published: August 2015

10kV linked SVG module power supply from their own h-bridge power, supply is unstable. To solve this problem,
this paper proposes a new way to take power, using a combination of full-bridge push-pull circuit with isolation
transformer to solve the logical drive power between the power module and the SVG device self-consistent problem. The
paper detailed analysis of the working principle and characteristics of this new way to take power, and verified on prototype,
present the experimental results.
Can Building Codes Stop the Vicious Cycle of Recurrent Disaster?
Authors: Bendito América , Guitérrez Arnaldo
Published: August 2015

Despite advances and large amounts of money invested in science and technology to reduce disasters, many
communities in developed and developing countries are still facing challenges to disaster reduction. Although we recognize
the diversity of risk vulnerabilities, the focus of this paper will be on what we consider a fundamental vulnerability in
urban and rural environments, namely, nonexistent or outdated building codes. We will review for different countries and
contexts, the pre- and post-disaster building performance and building codes to understand what the main problems are,
what we could be doing better, and what we can do to stop the vicious cycle of recurrent disasters.
Polymorphisms in X-Ray Repair Cross-Complementing Group 1 Gene: Haplotypes, Breast Cancer Risk and Individual Radiosensitivity
Authors: Patrono Clarice , Sterpone Silvia , Testa Antonella , Verna Laura , Palma Valentina , Gentile Piercarlo , Cozzi Renata
Published: August 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyse the role exerted by X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in increasing breast cancer risk and in modulating radiotherapy-induced adverse reactions. An Italian cohort of breast cancer patients and a matching group of healthy controls were genotyped for XRCC1-77T>C, Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms. Our data indicated that polymorphisms at codon 399 and at -77 position of the 5’-untraslated region both contribute to cancer risk. We also showed that the haplotype H3, containing the wild-type allele at codon 194 and the variant alleles at codon 399 and at -77 position is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. We found no statistical association between XRCC1 SNPs and individual radiosensitivity.
The Key and the Countermeasures Research of Shale Gas Fracturing
Technology
Authors: Tang Yong , Wang Bin , Zeng Fanhua , Wang Jun
Published: August 2015

Shale gas resources are abundantly distributed with low porosity and permeability. Horizontal well and fracturing
are prior considerations. Fracturing is a widely-used technology to enhance gas production. In this paper, the author
(a) investigated the present stimulation of Barnett and Haynesvile gas fields (Fig. 1) in America, Sichuan basin (Fig. 2) in
China and Cooper basin (Fig. 3) in Australia; (b) compared different characteristics and limitations of multi-stage fracturing,
water-fracturing, simultaneous fracturing, net fracturing, refracturing and hydraulic jet fracturing; (c) analyzed the
critical point of the shale fracturing; (d) offered solutions to the fracturing fluid manufacture, selection and improvement
of the fracturing fluids, fractures extension, equipments, fracturing effect evaluation and reservoir protection. It has a farreaching
significance to improve fracturing and stimulation of shale gas reservoirs, in view of the high risk, low success
ratio and poor stimulation effect the shale gas exploration would face.
Empirical Study of Factors Affecting Training Transfer of Grassroots
Employees in Petroleum Enterprises
Authors: Shi Jun , Liu Xiantao
Published: August 2015

From the economic perspective, training can be perceived as an enterprise’s act of investing in employees, and
the post-training transfer effect is the return acquired by the enterprise. Obviously, training transfer provides a new perspective
for research of the training effect and training return on investment of the enterprise. From three aspects including
personal characteristics, training design, and transfer atmosphere, this paper designs a questionnaire to investigate the
factors that affect training transfer of grassroots employees in petroleum enterprises. The empirical analysis has shown
that the main factors affecting training transfer of grassroots employees in petroleum enterprises are personal characteristics,
organizational support and management support.
Research and Development of Bamboo Glulam Furniture
Authors: Lin Chang
Published: August 2015

China is theone of the origins of bamboo plants and distribution centers in the world, is one of the most abundant
bamboo resources countries, and is known as the "kingdom of bamboo". According to authoritative department statistics
show that China's bamboo species has accounted for about 37% of the world total. With the increasingly shortage
of wood resources, the sustainable development of the high, Bamboo Glulam Furniture, as a kind of processing is better
than wood, without being limited by the resources of new materials, gradually entered the market. While the development
of Bamboo Glulam Furniturenot only can alleviate lumber supply gap, but also can make full use of bamboo resources in
China, very fit the "two-type society" and "sustainable development" theme. This article will from Bamboo Glulam to
sexual characteristics, processing characteristic, analyzes how to make use of its advantages, show the characteristics of
bamboo timber, exploring the road of the development of new composite materials design.
Non-operating Urban Infrastructure Project Management Maturity Model
on Agent Construction Based on the Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Shanshan Qu
Published: August 2015

On the basis of comparing domestic and abroad project management maturity model and issuing questionnaires
to collect the views of museum project management staff, we construct a project management maturity model based on
agent-construction system by non-operating urban infrastructure projects. The results show that application of agentconstruction
system in non-operating urban infrastructure projects is feasible.
Analyze of Traditional Settlement Patterns in the Southern Part of Shaanxi Province
Authors: Haining Tian
Published: August 2015

This paper took the ancient town Qing mu chuan in the southern part of Shaanxi Province as the research subject
and explored its space form, space layout and street space of traditional settlements here with a lot of in-depth field
investigations and the application of such emerging theories as space interface, architecture culture and environmental
psychology. It also analyzed the interrelations of space form, specific geographical environment, social environment and
regional culture. It has summarized the layout patterns depending on the geography, orderly space sequence, street space
with pleasant scales, various intercourse space, and constructing experience, which has provided information and reference
for the new rural construction and contemporary relocation work in the southern part of Shaanxi Province.
Application of Vibration Damping Technology in High Rise Building
Authors: Huang Mingxin
Published: August 2015

In recent years, Great development have been happened in the damping technique for high-rise building structure,
how to build a structure which can ensure the safety of buildings in the sudden earthquake and how to adopt a new
system structure which is more safe, more reasonable and more effective plays a decisive role in reducing earthquake disaster.
This paper introduces the architectural structure of energy dissipation shock absorption system, isolation system,
structure of passive system and structure of active control of the new system, and lists various kinds of application
systems in engineering, provides reference for seismic design of engineering structure vibration.
Research of Virtools Virtual Reality Technology to Landscape Designing
Authors: Chen Hongjun
Published: August 2015

The technology of virtual reality is an advanced computer user interface technology, which provides users with
a variety of intuitive and natural real-time senses and interactive means in the aspects of vision, touch, taste,etc, thus realizing
the most convenient user-computer interaction without any complicated keyboard operation and improving the efficiency
of the whole system. virtual reality is basically characterized by immersion,interaction and imagination. The designer
and the user can get the comprehensive result of survey and design when the virtual reality technology is applied.
The landscape architecture designing. Furthermore, this technology can show the user or designer the total information on
landscape space, enable the user or designer do some long-distance on-line browsing and communicating,make computerassisted
designing and decision, and help the public participate. However, there are several key problems in application of
virtual reality technology landscape architecture designing, such as modeling of virtual environment, real-time 3D-imagegenerating
technology, interactive technology and system integrating technology. With the rapid development of virtual
reality technology and the active participation of the landscape architects, the application of the virtual reality technology.
The landscape architectural designing will surely bring along the innovation of the methodology and essence of landscape
architecture designing.
Building Interior Model Interpolation between IFC and CityGML
Authors: Zhu Li , Mao Huaqing
Published: August 2015

The use of building interior model in indoor emergency response and building interior navigation is becoming
more and more common. Although the LoD4 of CityGML can express building interior spatial information quite well, it
is hard to gather or obtain the spatial data in the building. In particular, building interior model needs rich semantics
information (e.g. the width of window) to perform extra calculation such as the fire evacuation scenario. This paper
addresses this issue by presenting a framework of interpolation between IFC and CityGML, which uses IFCXML as
intermediate output file. There are two advantages relative to the direct conversion. One advantage is that IFCXML is
defined in XML which has better readability, scalability and flexibility than IFC, and IFCXML can be integrated into
XML database or web service. Since IFC contains the whole construction engineering information, the other advantage is
that we don’t need to convert whole the IFC file. The analysis results showed that this interpolation framework is practical
and feasible, and it provides a partially converting solution between IFC and CityGML.
Coordination studies of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane with di-μ-hydroxo dinuclear complexes of tungsten(IV) and molybdenum(IV)
Authors: Minato Makoto , Ito Takashi , Ren Jian-Guo
Published: August 2015

The new trifluoroethoxo phosphine complexes [Cp2M(?1-dppe)(CF3CH2O)]+ and
[Cp2(CF3CH2O)M(?-dppe)MCp2(CF3CH2O)]2+ (M = Mo or W, Cp = ?-C5H5 and dppe =
Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) have been prepared by reaction of cationic di-?-hydroxo
dinuclear complex of molybdenocene or tungstenocene [Cp2M(?-OH)2MCp2]2+ with
dppe. From the 1H and 31P NMR data, the configurations of the products could
be assigned. Furtheremore, X-ray crystallography was used to definitively
identify one of the product [Cp2(CF3CH2O)Mo(?-dppe)MoCp2(CF3CH2O)]2+, which
crystallizes in space group P21/c(#14) with a = 12.230(5) ?, b = 11.149(5)
?, c = 28.966(7) ?, ? = 101.07(3)?, V = 3876(2) ?3, and Z = 2. It was
ascertained that the amount of dppe added to the reaction mixture could
influence the product distribution. A mechanism involving initial
replacement of the hydroxo ligand by the alkoxo group followed by
nucleophilic attack of the phosphine is proposed on the basis of the
reaction profile.
Synthesis, crystal structure and local anti-inflammatory activity of the L-phenylalanine methyl ester derivative of dexamethasone-derived cortienic acid
Authors: Dobricic Vladimir , Francuski Bojana , Jacevic Vesna , Rodic Marko , Vladimirov Sote , Cudina Olivera , Francuski Djordje
Published: August 2015

L-phenylalanine methyl ester derivative of dexamethasone - derived cortienic
acid (DF) was synthesized and its crystal structure was characterized by
X-ray diffraction method. The crystal system is orthorhombic with space
group P212121 and cell constants a = 8.2969 (3) ?, b = 18.9358 (8) ?, c =
20.0904 (6) ?, V = 3156.4 (2) ?3 and Z = 4. Ring A of the steroid nucleus
and phenyl ring in the 17?-side chain are almost planar. Rings B and C have
a slightly distorted chair conformation, whereas ring D has an envelope
conformation. The packing of DF is characterized by a network of
intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the O4 atom from one side of the
steroid nucleus and O1 and F1 atoms from the other side as hydrogen bond
acceptors. Apart from the intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the crystal
packing, there are also numerous intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the
N-H...O, C-H...O and C-H...F type. Local anti-inflammatory activity of DF
was evaluated by use of croton oil-induced ear edema test. This derivative
achieved maximal inhibition of ear edema at significantly lower
concentration in comparison with dexamethasone.
Pancreatic β-Cell Adaptive Plasticity in Obesity Increases Insulin Production but Adversely Affects Secretory Function
Authors: Alarcon Cristina , Boland Brandon B. , Uchizono Yuji , Moore Patrick C. , Peterson Bryan , Rajan Suryalekha , Rhodes Olivia S. , Noske Andrew B. , Haataja Leena , Arvan Peter , Marsh Bradly J. , Austin Jotham , Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: August 2015

Pancreatic β-cells normally produce adequate insulin to control glucose homeostasis, but in obesity-related diabetes, there is a presumed deficit in insulin production and secretory capacity. In this study, insulin production was assessed directly in obese diabetic mouse models, and proinsulin biosynthesis was found to be contrastingly increased, coupled with a significant expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (without endoplasmic reticulum stress) and Golgi apparatus, increased vesicular trafficking, and a depletion of mature β-granules. As such, β-cells have a remarkable capacity to produce substantial quantities of insulin in obesity, which are then made available for immediate secretion to meet increased metabolic demand, but this comes at the price of insulin secretory dysfunction. Notwithstanding, it can be restored. Upon exposing isolated pancreatic islets of obese mice to normal glucose concentrations, β-cells revert back to their typical morphology with restoration of regulated insulin secretion. These data demonstrate an unrealized dynamic adaptive plasticity of pancreatic β-cells and underscore the rationale for transient β-cell rest as a treatment strategy for obesity-linked diabetes.
Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of LY2963016 Insulin Glargine and EU- and US-Approved Versions of Lantus Insulin Glargine in Healthy Subjects: Three Randomized Euglycemic Clamp Studies
Authors: Linnebjerg Helle , Lam Eric Chen Quin , Seger Mary E. , Coutant David , Chua Laiyi , Chong Chew Lan , Ferreira Maria M. , Soon Danny , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

LY2963016 (LY IGlar) and Lantus (IGlar) are insulin glargine products manufactured by distinct processes but with identical amino acid sequences. Three studies evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) similarity of LY IGlar and the European Union– and US-approved versions of IGlar.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

These were three single-site, randomized, double-blind, two-treatment, four-period, crossover, euglycemic clamp studies. In each study, fasted healthy subjects received 0.5 units/kg s.c. doses of two different insulin glargine products on two occasions each, following a randomized sequence. A ≥7-day washout period separated the doses. Blood samples were collected predose and up to 24 h postdose to assess PK; PD was assessed by a euglycemic clamp lasting up to 24 h.

RESULTS

A total of 211 subjects participated in the three studies. The PK (area under the curve [AUC]; maximum observed concentration [Cmax]) and PD (maximum glucose infusion rate [Rmax]; total glucose infusion during the clamp [Gtot]) were similar between LY IGlar and IGlar, with the ratios of geometric means ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 for PK parameters and from 0.91 to 0.99 for PD parameters across studies. In all cases, the 90% CIs for the ratios of geometric means were completely contained in the prespecified acceptance limits of 0.80–1.25. Adverse events were similar between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrated that the PK and PD properties of LY IGlar and IGlar were similar after single 0.5 units/kg s.c. doses in healthy subjects, contributing to the totality of evidence supporting similarity of these products.
Potential Impact of Prescribing Metformin According to eGFR Rather Than Serum Creatinine
Authors: Tuot Delphine S. , Lin Feng , Shlipak Michael G. , Grubbs Vanessa , Hsu Chi-yuan , Yee Jerry , Shahinian Vahakn , Saran Rajiv , Saydah Sharon , Williams Desmond E. , Powe Neil R.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

Many societies recommend using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) rather than serum creatinine (sCr) to determine metformin eligibility. We examined the potential impact of these recommendations on metformin eligibility among U.S. adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Metformin eligibility was assessed among 3,902 adults with diabetes who participated in the 1999–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and reported routine access to health care, using conventional sCr thresholds (eligible if <1.4 mg/dL for women and <1.5 mg/dL for men) and eGFR categories: likely safe, ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2; contraindicated, <30 mL/min/1.73 m2; and indeterminate, 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2). Different eGFR equations were used: four-variable MDRD, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine (CKD-EPIcr), and CKD-EPI cystatin C, as well as Cockcroft-Gault (CG) to estimate creatinine clearance (CrCl). Diabetes was defined by self-report or A1C ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). We used logistic regression to identify populations for whom metformin was likely safe adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Results were weighted to the U.S. adult population.

RESULTS

Among adults with sCr above conventional cutoffs, MDRD eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2 was most common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 33.3 [95% CI 7.4–151.5] vs. women) and non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR vs. whites 14.8 [4.27–51.7]). No individuals with sCr below conventional cutoffs had an MDRD eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. All estimating equations expanded the population of individuals for whom metformin is likely safe, ranging from 86,900 (CKD-EPIcr) to 834,800 (CG). All equations identified larger populations with eGFR 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2, for whom metformin safety is indeterminate, ranging from 784,700 (CKD-EPIcr) to 1,636,000 (CG).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of eGFR or CrCl to determine metformin eligibility instead of sCr can expand the adult population with diabetes for whom metformin is likely safe, particularly among non-Hispanic blacks and men.
Pharmacokinetics of hydrocodone and tramadol administered for control of postoperative pain in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
Authors: Benitez Marian E. , Roush James K. , KuKanich Butch , McMurphy Rose
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of hydrocodone (delivered in combination with acetaminophen) and tramadol in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

ANIMALS 50 client-owned dogs.

PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive tramadol hydrochloride (5 to 7 mg/kg, PO, q 8 h; tramadol group) or hydrocodone bitartrate–acetaminophen (0.5 to 0.6 mg of hydrocodone/kg, PO, q 8 h; hydrocodone group) following TPLO with standard anesthetic and surgical protocols. Blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic analysis of study drugs and their metabolites over an 8-hour period beginning after the second dose of the study medication.

RESULTS The terminal half-life, maximum serum concentration, and time to maximum serum concentration for tramadol following naïve pooled modeling were 1.56 hours, 155.6 ng/mL, and 3.90 hours, respectively. Serum concentrations of the tramadol metabolite O-desmethyltramadol (M1) were low. For hydrocodone, maximum serum concentration determined by naïve pooled modeling was 7.90 ng/mL, and time to maximum serum concentration was 3.47 hours. The terminal half-life for hydrocodone was 15.85 hours, but was likely influenced by delayed drug absorption in some dogs and may not have been a robust estimate. Serum concentrations of hydromorphone were low.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The pharmacokinetics of tramadol and metabolites were similar to those in previous studies. Serum tramadol concentrations varied widely, and concentrations of the active M1 metabolite were low. Metabolism of hydrocodone to hydromorphone in dogs was poor. Further study is warranted to assess variables that affect metabolism and efficacy of these drugs in dogs.
Metathesis by Molybdenum and Tungsten Catalysts
Authors: Schrock Richard R.
Published: August 2015

Carbon–carbon double bonds are an integral part of the chemical industry and are widely found in natural products, from the small and simple (ethylene) to the large and complex. The ability to manipulate carbon–carbon double bonds to make other carbon–carbon double
bonds in a catalytic and stereospecific fashion has revolutionized the way organic molecules and polymers are made today. This article outlines the development of modern molybdenum and tungsten alkylidene catalysts that can be designed at a molecular level to achieve a given result.
Carbon–carbon triple bonds also can be manipulated in a similar manner with the appropriate alkylidyne catalyst. Although the 'alkene metathesis' and 'alkyne metathesis' reactions are now fifty to sixty years old, many problems remain that will require an even more detailed understanding of these most intricate, superficially simple reactions.
Heterogenised Molecular Catalysts for the Reduction of CO2 to Fuels
Authors: Windle Christopher D. , Reisner Erwin
Published: August 2015

CO2 conversion provides a possible solution to curtail the growing CO2 levels in our atmosphere and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. To this end, it is essential to develop efficient catalysts for the reduction of CO2. The structure and activity of
molecular CO2 reduction catalysts can be tuned and they offer good selectivity with reasonable stability. Heterogenisation of these molecules reduces solvent restrictions, facilitates recyclability and can dramatically improve activity by preventing catalyst inactivation and perturbing
the kinetics of intermediates. The nature and morphology of the solid-state material upon which the catalyst is immobilised can significantly influence the activity of the hybrid assembly. Although work in this area began forty years ago, it has only drawn substantial attention in recent years. This review article gives an overview of the historical development of the field.
7th Waedenswil Day of Chemistry Personalized Medicine: Full Speed Ahead!
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: August 2015

The aim of Personalized Medicine in disease treatment and prevention is to take account of the individual variability in genes, environment and lifestyle for each person. This approach is applied to certain tumours but is still not common for most diseases. On June 18, 2015 the TEDD
network (Tissue Engineering for Drug Development and Substance Testing) invited a total of 130 academic and industrial partners to Waedenswil to exchange ideas and discuss promising approaches.
Forecasting Applications to Disability Insurance Programs: Evidence for the Quebec Pension Plan Disability Program
Authors: Campolieti Michele
Published: August 2015

I propose a new method to forecast applications to disability insurance programs. My approach is based on a state space model, where the coefficient estimates on the explanatory variables vary over time, that I estimate using the Kalman Filter. Using data from the Quebec Pension Plan Disability program, I show that my model and approach is the preferred forecasting model relative to two commonly used alternative approaches. I also use my model to create out-of-sample forecasts, where I study the effects of a few hypothetical changes in the policy and economic environment on forecasts of applicants for disability benefits.
The need for nationally representative longitudinal data for addressing key questions about family change
Authors: Raley R. Kelly
Published: August 2015

The United States is undergoing rapid social change. The nation faces declines in stable family formation, related to growing income inequalities and stalled improvements in population health. This essay considers key questions about families in the United States and whether a new nationally representative panel study is necessary to answer these questions. It argues that current data systems are not well equipped to evaluate the potential sources of these changes over historical time. Most of our longitudinal data systems are designed to follow a single cohort as it ages. This provides an incomplete picture, one that ignores period context, because cohort studies confound period changes with aging. Comparisons across cohort studies can be helpful, but leave a wide gap in our knowledge. A new nationally representative panel study would fill that gap.
Toward a new nationally representative household panel survey (NRHPS)
Authors: House James S.
Published: August 2015

A Nationally Representative Household Panel Survey(NRHPS) would represent a natural extension into the mid-21st century of the development of repeated cross-sectional and then longitudinal/panel household surveys that have constituted major resources for developments in social science and social policy since World War II. Although an inherently expensive endeavor, it would keep the U.S. comparable to and competitive with similarly wealthy nations that have already developed NRHPSs. An NRHPS may be the most cost-effective way to generate the data needed for advancement in social science and social policy because such progress requires data on a much wider range of attributes of the same individuals, households, and their environments than are currently available in existing surveys. These surveys tend to be specialized by scientific disciplines, substantive/policy areas, and/or segments of the population, and thus preclude the kind of thinking and data necessary across disciplines, substantive policy areas, and segments of the population that are most needed in both social science and social policy. To be a cost-effective vehicle for such purposes an NHRPS must: (1) create integration and synergy across disciplines, substantive areas, and population subgroups; (2) cost-effectively meet scientific and logistical challenges; and (3) foster and utilize scientific and methodological innovations.
Methodological considerations for a new household panel survey
Authors: Olson Kristen , Brick J. Michael
Published: August 2015

This paper identifies new opportunities for innovation and expansion on current survey practice in the design of a new household panel survey, including an increased use of new and mobile technologies, more frequent data collection, modified clustering, and use of non-traditional survey measures such as administrative data, planned missing/matrix sampling questionnaire design, real-time data collection, and biomarkers. These innovative data collection methods require rethinking traditional panel survey methods, but can help reduce respondent burden and expand on current social science knowledge. The paper concludes that a new household panel survey would improve knowledge about important social, economic and health issues facing the US, and would provide a useful test bed for new hypotheses and innovative methods of data collection.
Family formation processes: Assessing the need for a new nationally representative household panel survey in the United States
Authors: Manning Wendy D.
Published: August 2015

The American family has undergone rapid transformation. Careful measurement attention to family formation is important because families are at the heart of numerous decisions, roles, and responsibilities with implications for understanding the well-being of families, adults and children. This paper considers whether there is a need for a new household panel study that addresses family formation. This paper consists of a review of the recent body of population-based, American surveys and finds a considerable gap in the ability to study the implications of families for the health and well-being of Americans. Earlier panel surveys used to assess family life anchored questions around marital events, but changes in family patterns require attention to a more diverse set of family forms. The paper concludes with recommendations for a multi-purpose panel study. The key challenge is to keep to pace with complexity and changes in American family life while at the same time maintaining a parsimonious set of survey questions.
Gradient-Based Iterative Identification for Wiener Nonlinear Dynamic Systems with Moving Average Noises
Authors: Zhou Lincheng , Li Xiangli , Xu Huigang , Zhu Peiyi
Published: August 2015

This paper focuses on the parameter identification problem for Wiener nonlinear dynamic systems with moving average noises. In order to improve the convergence rate, the gradient-based iterative algorithm is presented by replacing the unmeasurable variables with their corresponding iterative estimates, and to compute iteratively the noise estimates based on the obtained parameter estimates. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively estimate the parameters of Wiener systems with moving average noises.
Proton Acceleration by Ultrashort Intense Laser Interaction with Microstructured Snow Targets
Authors: Schleifer Elad , Henis Zohar , Botton Mordechai , Shavit Omer , Gordon Daniel , Zigler Arie
Published: August 2015

Enhanced proton acceleration to high energy by relatively modest ultrashort laser pulses and structured dynamic plasma snow targets was demonstrated experimentally. High proton yield emitted to narrow solid angle with energies of up 25 MeV were detected from interaction of a 5 TW laser with snow targets. The high yield was attributed to a carefully planned prepulse and microstructured snow targets. We studied experimentally the minimal energy requirements for the adequate prepulse and we are using PIC simulations to study the dynamics of acceleration process. Based on our simulations, we predict that using the proposed scheme protons can be accelerated to energies above 150 MeV by 100 TW laser systems.
An Overview of Generalized Gamma Mittag–Leffler Model and Its Applications
Authors: Nair Seema
Published: August 2015

Recently, probability models with thicker or thinner tails have gained more importance among statisticians and physicists because of their vast applications in random walks, Lévi flights, financial modeling, etc. In this connection, we introduce here a new family of generalized probability distributions associated with the Mittag–Leffler function. This family gives an extension to the generalized gamma family, opens up a vast area of potential applications and establishes connections to the topics of fractional calculus, nonextensive statistical mechanics, Tsallis statistics, superstatistics, the Mittag–Leffler stochastic process, the Lévi process and time series. Apart from examining the properties, the matrix-variate analogue and the connection to fractional calculus are also explained. By using the pathway model of Mathai, the model is further generalized. Connections to Mittag–Leffler distributions and corresponding autoregressive processes are also discussed.
The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Tumor Induced Bone Disease
Authors: Cannonier Shellese , Sterling Julie
Published: August 2015

Despite significant progress in cancer treatments, tumor induced bone disease continues to cause significant morbidities. While tumors show distinct mutations and clinical characteristics, they behave similarly once they establish in bone. Tumors can metastasize to bone from distant sites (breast, prostate, lung), directly invade into bone (head and neck) or originate from the bone (melanoma, chondrosarcoma) where they cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and ultimately, poor prognoses and outcomes. Tumors in bone secrete factors (interleukins and parathyroid hormone-related protein) that induce RANKL expression from osteoblasts, causing an increase in osteoclast mediated bone resorption. While the mechanisms involved varies slightly between tumor types, many tumors display an increase in Hedgehog signaling components that lead to increased tumor growth, therapy failure, and metastasis. The work of multiple laboratories has detailed Hh signaling in several tumor types and revealed that tumor establishment in bone can be controlled by both canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in a cell type specific manner. This review will explore the role of Hh signaling in the modulation of tumor induced bone disease, and will shed insight into possible therapeutic interventions for blocking Hh signaling in these tumors.
Numerical Investigation into Natural Convection and Entropy Generation in a Nanofluid-Filled U-Shaped Cavity
Authors: Cho Ching-Chang , Yau Her-Terng , Chiu Ching-Huang , Chiu Kuo-Ching
Published: August 2015

This current work studies the heat transfer performance and entropy generation of natural convection in a nanofluid-filled U-shaped cavity. The flow behavior and heat transfer performance in the cavity are governed using the continuity equation, momentum equations, energy equation and Boussinesq approximation, and are solved numerically using the finite-volume method and SIMPLE C algorithm. The simulations examine the effects of the nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number and the geometry parameters of the U-shaped cavity on the mean Nusselt number and total entropy generation. It shows that the mean Nusselt number increases and the total entropy generation reduces as the volume fraction of nanoparticles increases. In addition, the results show that the mean Nusselt number and the total entropy generation are both increased as the Rayleigh number increases. Finally, it also shows that mean Nusselt number can be increased and the total entropy generation can be reduced by extending the length of the low temperature walls or widening the width of the low temperature walls.
Efficient Synthesis of an Aluminum Amidoborane Ammoniate
Authors: Yang Junzhi , Beaumont Paul , Humphries Terry , Jensen Craig , Li Xingguo
Published: August 2015

A novel species of metal amidoborane ammoniate, [Al(NH2BH3)63−][Al(NH3)63+] has been successfully synthesized in up to 95% via the one-step reaction of AlH3·OEt2 with liquid NH3BH3·nNH3 (n = 1~6) at 0 °C. This solution based reaction method provides an alternative pathway to the traditional mechano-chemical ball milling methods, avoiding possible decomposition. MAS 27Al NMR spectroscopy confirms the formulation of the compound as an Al(NH2BH3)63− complex anion and an Al(NH3)63+ cation. Initial dehydrogenation studies of this aluminum based M-N-B-H compound demonstrate that hydrogen is released at temperatures as low as 65 °C, totaling ~8.6 equivalents of H2 (10.3 wt %) upon heating to 105 °C. This method of synthesis offers a promising route towards the large scale production of metal amidoborane ammoniate moieties.
Application of Probabilistic Risk Assessment in Establishing Perchlorate and Goitrogen Risk Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Crawford-Brown Douglas
Published: August 2015

This paper applies probabilistic risk assessment in quantifying risks from cumulative and aggregate risk pathways for selected goitrogens in water and food. Results show that the percentages of individuals with a Hazard Index (HI) value above 1 ranges between 30% and 50% both with and without serum half-life correction when a traditional regulatory assessment approach based on establishment of a No Observed Effects Level (NOEL) is used. When an exposure-response curve is instead used and a threshold of 50% inhibition is assumed, 1.1% or less of the population exceeds an HI value of 1 with no serum half-life correction, rising to as high as 11% when serum half-life correction is applied. If 0% to 5% threshold for iodide uptake inhibition is assumed for production of adverse effects, the percentage of the population with an HI above 1 is 46.2% or less with no serum half-life correction, and 47.2% or less when serum half-life correction is applied. The probabilistic analysis shows that while there are exposed groups for whom perchlorate exposures are the primary cause of individuals having HI values above 1, these constitute significantly less than 1% of the population. Instead, the potential risk from exposure to goitrogens is dominated by nitrates without serum half-life correction and thiocyanates with serum half-life correction, suggesting public health protection is better accomplished by a focus on these and other goitrogens expect in highly limited cases where waterborne perchlorate is at unusually high concentrations.
Perfluoroalkyl-Functionalized Hyperbranched Polyglycerol as Pore Forming Agents and Supramolecular Hosts in Polymer Microspheres
Authors: Wagner Olaf , Zieringer Maximilian , Duncanson Wynter , Weitz David , Haag Rainer
Published: August 2015

Perfluoroalkyl-functionalized, hyperbranched polyglycerols that produce stable microbubbles are integrated into a microfluidic emulsion to create porous microspheres. In a previously-presented work a dendrimer with a perfluorinated shell was used. By replacing this dendrimer core with a hyperbranched core and evaluating different core sizes and degrees of fluorinated shell functionalization, we optimized the process to a more convenient synthesis and higher porosities. The new hyperbranched polyglycerol porogens produced more pores and can be used to prepare microspheres with porosity up to 12% (v/v). The presented preparation forms pores with a perfluoroalkyl-functionalized surface that enables the resulting microspheres to act as supramolecular host systems. The microspheres can incorporate gases into the pores and actives in the polymer matrix, while the perfluoroalkylated pore surface can be used to immobilize perfluoro-tagged molecules onto the pores by fluorous-fluorous interaction.
Correction: Subcellular Sequestration and Impact of Heavy Metals on the Ultrastructure and Physiology of the Multicellular Freshwater Alga Desmidium swartzii
Authors: Andosch Ancuela , Höftberger Margit , Lütz Cornelius , Lütz-Meindl Ursula
Published: August 2015

In this recently published paper [1], the wrong Austrian Science Fund Project Number (210316-B16) was quoted in the Acknowledgment Section. [...]
MicroRNAs in the Cholangiopathies: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Pisarello Maria , Loarca Lorena , Ivanics Tommy , Morton Leslie , LaRusso Nicholas
Published: August 2015

The cholangiopathies are a group of liver diseases resulting from different etiologies but with the cholangiocyte as the primary target. As a group, the cholangiopathies result in significant morbidity and mortality and represent one of the main indications for liver transplant in both children and adults. Contributing to this situation is the absence of a thorough understanding of their pathogenesis and a lack of adequate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that modify gene expression post-transcriptionally. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including the cholangiopathies. Thus, in this review we provide an overview of the literature on miRNAs in the cholangiopathies and discuss future research directions.
Effect of Growth Pressure on Epitaxial Graphene Grown on 4H-SiC Substrates by Using Ethene Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Cai Shuxian , Liu Zhonghua , Zhong Ni , Liu Shengbei , Liu Xingfang
Published: August 2015

The Si(0001) face and C(000-1) face dependences on growth pressure of epitaxial graphene (EG) grown on 4H-SiC substrates by ethene chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman). AFM revealed that EGs on Si-faced substrates had clear stepped morphologies due to surface step bunching. However, This EG formation did not occur on C-faced substrates. It was shown by μ-Raman that the properties of EG on both polar faces were different. EGs on Si-faced substrates were relatively thinner and more uniform than on C-faced substrates at low growth pressure. On the other hand, D band related defects always appeared in EGs on Si-faced substrates, but they did not appear in EG on C-faced substrate at an appropriate growth pressure. This was due to the μ-Raman covering the step edges when measurements were performed on Si-faced substrates. The results of this study are useful for optimized growth of EG on polar surfaces of SiC substrates.
3D Microstructure Effects in Ni-YSZ Anodes: Prediction of Effective Transport Properties and Optimization of Redox Stability
Authors: Pecho Omar , Stenzel Ole , Iwanschitz Boris , Gasser Philippe , Neumann Matthias , Schmidt Volker , Prestat Michel , Hocker Thomas , Flatt Robert , Holzer Lorenz
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the influence of microstructure on the effective ionic and electrical conductivities of Ni-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) anodes. Fine, medium, and coarse microstructures are exposed to redox cycling at 950 °C. FIB (focused ion beam)-tomography and image analysis are used to quantify the effective (connected) volume fraction (Φeff), constriction factor (β), and tortuosity (τ). The effective conductivity (σeff) is described as the product of intrinsic conductivity (σ0) and the so-called microstructure-factor (M): σeff = σ0*M. Two different methods are used to evaluate the M-factor: (1) by prediction using a recently established relationship, Mpred = εβ0.36/τ5.17, and (2) by numerical simulation that provides conductivity, from which the simulated M-factor can be deduced (Msim). Both methods give complementary and consistent information about the effective transport properties and the redox degradation mechanism. The initial microstructure has a strong influence on effective conductivities and their degradation. Finer anodes have higher initial conductivities but undergo more intensive Ni coarsening. Coarser anodes have a more stable Ni phase but exhibit lower YSZ stability due to lower sintering activity. Consequently, in order to improve redox stability, it is proposed to use mixtures of fine and coarse powders in different proportions for functional anode and current collector layers.
Probing Water and CO2 Interactions at the Surface of Collapsed Titania Nanotubes Using IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Wu Weiqiang , Weitz Eric , Vijayan Baiju , Gray Kimberly
Published: August 2015

Collapsed titania nanotubes (cTiNT) were synthesized by the calcination of titania nanotubes (TiNT) at 650 °C, which leads to a collapse of their tubular morphology, a substantial reduction in surface area, and a partial transformation of anatase to the rutile phase. There are no significant changes in the position of the XPS responses for Ti and O on oxidation or reduction of the cTiNTs, but the responses are more symmetric than those observed for TiNTs, indicating fewer surface defects and no change in the oxidation state of titanium on oxidative and/or reductive pretreatment. The interaction of H2O and CO2 with the cTiNT surface was studied. The region corresponding to OH stretching absorptions extends below 3000 cm−1, and thus is broader than is typically observed for absorptions of the OH stretches of water. The exchange of protons for deuterons on exposure to D2O leads to a depletion of this extended absorption and the appearance of new absorptions, which are compatible with deuterium exchange. We discuss the source of this extended low frequency OH stretching region and conclude that it is likely due to the hydrogen-bonded OH stretches. Interaction of the reduced cTiNTs with CO2 leads to a similar but smaller set of adsorbed carbonates and bicarbonates as reported for reduced TiNTs before collapse. Implications of these observations and the presence of proton sources leading to hydrogen bonding are discussed relative to potential chemical and photochemical activity of the TiNTs. These results point to the critical influence of defect structure on CO2 photoconversion.
Synthesis, Spectral Analysis and Preliminary in Vitro Evaluation of Some Tetrapyrrolic Complexes with 3d Metal Ions
Authors: Socoteanu Radu , Manda Gina , Boscencu Rica , Vasiliu Georgiana , Oliveira Anabela
Published: August 2015

In this paper, two tetrapyrrolic complexes, Zn(II)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin and Cu(II)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-acetoxy-3-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin were synthesized, and characterized from a spectral and biological point of view. The study provided data concerning the behavior of identical external substituents vs. two different core insertions. Some of the properties of the proposed tetrapyrrolic structures were highlighted, having photodynamic therapy of cancer as a targeted biomedical application. Elemental analysis, NMR, FTIR and UV-Vis data in various solvents were provided. A preliminary in vitro study on normal and cancer cultured cells was carried out for biocompatibility assessment in dark conditions. The preliminary in vitro study performed on human peripheral mononuclear cells exposed to tetrapyrrolic compounds (2 µM) showed that the proposed compounds had a convenient cytotoxic profile on human normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells under dark conditions. Meanwhile, the investigated compounds reduced the number of metabolically active breast tumor MCF-7 cells, with the exception of Zn(II) complex-containing a symmetrical ligand. Accordingly, preliminary in vitro data suggest that the proposed tetrapyrrolic compounds are good candidates for PDT, as they limit tumor expansion even under dark conditions, whilst sparing normal cells.