bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line‐time optimization technology for ultra‐large and high‐resolution liquid crystal displays
Authors: Lee Seung‐Hyuck , Jeon Dong‐Hwan , Kim Jong‐Man , Kim Minkoo , Yu Byung‐Chang , Lee Seung‐Woo
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a line‐time optimization (LTO) technology for ultra‐large and high‐resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions. Line‐time optimization enables a single‐bank data driver configuration without severe image degradation. When the proposed method is applied to an ultra‐high‐definition (UHD) LCD with a single‐bank data driver scheme, the LCD performance comparable to that of a dual‐bank data driver method can be obtained. The implementation of the proposed method helps in achieving desirable goals such as a reduction in the number of drivers and realization of a much more flexible design of UHD LCDs.
Comparative analysis of main bio‐active components in the herb pair Danshen‐Honghua and its single herbs by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Qu Cheng , Pu Zong‐Jin , Zhou Gui‐Sheng , Wang Jun , Zhu Zhen‐Hua , Yue Shi‐Jun , Li Jian‐Ping , Shang Li‐Li , Tang Yu‐Ping , Shi Xu‐Qin , Liu Pei , Guo Jian‐Ming , Sun Jing , Tang Zhi‐Shu , Zhao Jing , Zhao Bu‐Chang , Duan Jin‐Ao
Published: June 2017

A sensitive, reliable, and powerful ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous quantification of the 15 main bio‐active components including phenolic acids and flavonoids within 13 min for the first time. The proposed method was first reported and validated by good linearity (r2 > 0.9975), limit of detection (1.12–7.01 ng/mL), limit of quantification (3.73–23.37 ng/mL), intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD ≤ 1.92%, RSD ≤ 2.45%), stability (RSD ≤ 5.63%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 4.34%), recovery (96.84–102.12%), and matrix effects (0.92–1.02). The established analytical methodology was successfully applied to comparative analysis of main bio‐active components in the herb pair Danshen‐Honghua and its single herbs. Compared to the single herb, the content of most flavonoid glycosides was remarkably increased in their herb pair, and main phenolic acids were decreased, conversely. The content changes of the main components in the herb pair supported the synergistic effects on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The results provide a scientific basis and reference for the quality control of Danshen‐Honghua herb pair and the drug interactions based on variation of bio‐active components in herb pairs.
Systemic bevacizumab for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A national survey
Authors: Best Simon R. , Mohr Michael , Zur Karen B.
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Aggressive laryngeal, tracheal, and pulmonary papilloma is an extremely challenging clinical problem without proven treatment options. A recent German report documented promising results with systemic bevacizumab. The objective of this study is to report the initial experience of this novel treatment in the United States for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Study Design

Cases series.

Methods

Electronic survey of the RRP Task Force of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, American Broncho‐Esophagological Association, and physicians known to the authors to have used systemic bevacizumab for RRP.

Results

Eleven completed surveys were obtained. In three cases, systemic bevacizumab was considered clinically but not administered. Eight patients were treated with systemic bevacizumab, all for aggressive papillomatosis uncontrolled by surgical and adjuvant therapy, including seven of eight with pulmonary disease. Treatment dosing ranged from 5 to 10 mg/kg every 2 to 4 weeks, with all patients responding (7/8 partial response, 1/8 complete response). In four patients who had postbevacizumab chest imaging, three demonstrated improvement of disease and one stabilization. Treatment interval could be lengthened in seven patients and clinical response maintained. One patient with long‐standing pulmonary disease (>10 years) was diagnosed with malignant transformation while on treatment, and bevacizumab was discontinued in lieu of other chemotherapeutic agents. All other patients continue on systemic bevacizumab with minimal complications (hemoptysis n = 1, proteinuria n = 1).

Conclusions

Systemic bevacizumab appears to have significant promise in the most treatment‐resistant and aggressive forms of papillomatosis with a low complication profile. These results suggest bevacizumab should be studied in a formal clinical trial for RRP.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2225–2229, 2017
Evaluation of high‐fidelity simulation as a training tool in transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Bur Andrés M. , Gomez Ernest D. , Newman Jason G. , Weinstein Gregory S. , O'Malley Bert W. , Rassekh Christopher H. , Kuchenbecker Katherine J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop and evaluate a high‐fidelity training simulator for transoral robotic posterior hemiglossectomy.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

We constructed a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) simulator using porcine tongue in a modified airway mannequin. Twenty‐nine surgeons performed transoral robotic posterior hemiglossectomy on the simulator. The 20 resident subjects completed six trials each, and the five fellows and four attending surgeons completed two trials each. In addition to instrument vibrations, surgical video was recorded for each trial and was blindly rated using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skill (GEARS), a validated instrument for assessing robotic surgical skill.

Results

Attending surgeons were faster (P = .004) and demonstrated greater technical skill than fellows or residents (P < .001). Resident completion time generally decreased over the study, becoming significantly faster by the fifth trial (P = .02). A similar trend was seen in resident GEARS scores, which generally increased and were significantly improved by the fourth trial (P = .008). Instrument vibrations were not significantly different between subject groups. Finally, subjects highly rated the realism and training value of the TORS simulator (mean 4.4 and 4.7 out of 5, respectively).

Conclusions

The reported findings support using the described simulator as a training tool for TORS. Residents significantly improved in speed and technical skill over the course of six trials but did not achieve the performance levels of attending surgeons. These results demonstrate that high‐fidelity simulation is a valuable tool for training novice surgeons in transoral robotic surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:2790–2795, 2017
The trigonal curve and the integration of the Hirota‐Satsuma hierarchy
Authors: He G. L. , Geng X. G. , Wu L. H.
Published: June 2017

By introducing a trigonal curve
, which constructed from the characteristic polynomial of Lax matrix for the Hirota‐Satsuma hierarchy, we present the associated Baker‐Akhiezer function and algebraic functions carrying the data of the divisor. Then the Hirota‐Satsuma equations are decomposed into the system of Dubrovin‐type ordinary differential equations. Based on the theory of algebraic geometry, we obtain the explicit Riemann theta function representations of the Baker‐Akhiezer function, the meromorphic function, and solutions for the Hirota‐Satsuma hierarchy.
Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/amino functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube pervaporation membranes: Synthesis, characterization, and performance
Authors: Langari Sepideh , Saljoughi Ehsan , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: June 2017

In the present study, novel biodegradable nanocomposite membranes were prepared by adding the amino functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (NH2‐MWCNT) to the chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol blend polymers, and the obtained membranes were used for dehydration of isopropyl alcohol through pervaporation process. For this purpose, the membranes were prepared with chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol ratio of 4:1 on the basis of “solution casting” method and then crosslinked using glutaraldehyde, after addition of different amounts of NH2‐MWCNT. The prepared membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, mechanical strength, degree of swelling (DS), and biodegradability. Also, the ability of the prepared membranes in dehydration of isopropyl alcohol was determined using pervaporation experiments. Results indicated that contact angle, mechanical resistance, separation factor (α), and pervaporation separation index were increased with the addition of NH2‐MWCNT up to 10 wt% (relative to the total amount of polymer) and then decreased in the higher presence of nanotubes (15 wt%). Furthermore, the DS and permeate flux were first decreased and then increased for the same mentioned amounts of additive. In this study, optimized membrane was obtained by the addition of 10 wt% NH2‐MWCNT. This membrane showed the maximum α (99.5), pervaporation separation index parameter (78.29 kg m−2 h−1), biodegradability, and mechanical stability as well as minimum DS.
Room temperature processable heat‐resistant epoxy‐oxazolidone‐based syntactic foams
Authors: Robert Temina Mary , Nair Soorya , Mathew Dona , Reghunadhan Nair C.P.
Published: June 2017

Syntactic foams based on oxazolidone‐modified epoxy resin using glass microballoons as reinforcing filler with varying densities were processed. The influence of various grades of microballoons and their concentration on the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and flammability characteristics were investigated. The effect of temperature on the compressive strength with density was monitored in detail. By incorporating the microballoons, Tg of the syntactic foam increased from 90 °C to 115 °C. Thermal conductivity was found to decrease from (0.064 to 0.056 W/(m·K)) in conjunction with decreasing resin to filler ratio. In the case of composites filled with K25 alone, the creation of large voids due to less effective packing between the microballoons led to lower thermal conductivity. The specific heat of the different composites was in the range of 0.32 to 0.44 cal/g/°C, and the coefficient of thermal expansion was in the range of 13.2 to 17.4 × 10−6/°C with limiting oxygen index of 28% to 33%.
Enhanced β‐phase in PVDF polymer nanocomposite and its application for nanogenerator
Authors: Singh Huidrom Hemojit , Singh Simrjit , Khare Neeraj
Published: June 2017

Harvesting energy from the ambient mechanical energy by using flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator is a revolutionary step toward achieving reliable and green energy source. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a flexible polymer, can be a potential candidate for the nanogenerator if its piezoelectric property can be enhanced. In the present work, we have shown that the polar crystalline β‐phase of PVDF, which is responsible for the piezoelectric property, can be enhanced from 48.2% to 76.1% just by adding ZnO nanorods into the PVDF matrix without any mechanical or electrical treatment. A systematic investigation of PVDF‐ZnO nanocomposite films by using X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and polarization‐electric field loop measurements supports the enhancement of β‐phase in the flexible nanocomposite polymer films. The piezoelectric constant (d33) of the PVDF‐ZnO (15 wt%) film is found to be maximum of approximately −1.17 pC/N. Nanogenerators have been fabricated by using these nanocomposite films, and the piezoresponse of PVDF is found to enhance after ZnO loading. A maximum open‐circuit voltage ~1.81 V and short‐circuit current of 0.57 μA are obtained for 15 wt% ZnO‐loaded PVDF nanocomposite film. The maximum instantaneous output power density is obtained as 0.21 μW/cm2 with the load resistance of 7 MΩ, which makes it feasible for the use of energy harvesting that can be integrated to use for driving small‐scale electronic devices. This enhanced piezoresponse of the PVDF‐ZnO nanocomposite film‐based nanogenerators attributed to the enhancement of electroactive β‐phase and enhanced d33 value in PVDF with the addition of ZnO nanorods.
Prenatal incision of ureterocele causing bladder outlet obstruction: a multicenter case series
Authors: Chalouhi Gihad E. , Morency Anne‐Maude , De Vlieger Roland , Martinez José Maria , Blanc Thomas , Hodges Ryan , Gueneuc Alexandra , Ryan Greg , Deprest Jan , Gratacos Eduard , Ville Yves
Published: June 2017

We reviewed data from a cohort of fetuses with ureterocele diagnosed and operated prenatally in four fetal therapy centers. Inclusion criteria were (1) ureterocele confirmed on detailed fetal ultrasound examination, (2) absence of additional fetal malformations, and (3) fetal intervention to decompress the ureterocele with local institutional review boards' approval. Data on sonographic follow‐up, obstetrical, neonatal outcome, and postnatal evaluation were collected. Ten cases of prenatally treated ureterocele are described. Six cases benefited from a fetoscopy for laser incision and decompression, two cases had an ultrasound guided puncture before resorting to a fetoscopy with laser incision, one case had a balloon catheterization under ultrasound guidance, and one case had an ultrasound‐guided opening of the ureterocele with a laser fiber passed through a 20‐gauge needle. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 21.6 GW. Two cases underwent termination of pregnancy. The remaining eight cases recovered normal amniotic fluid volume and delivered a liveborn child at a mean gestational age of 38.6 GW with normal creatinine levels during the first week of life. Prenatal incision provided complete treatment of severely obstructive ureteroceles in 80% of the cases and allowed improvement of urinary electrolytes, renal size and echogenicity, bladder filling in all survivors, and recollection of normal amniotic fluid volume, in case of oligoanhydramnios. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CodeMapper: semiautomatic coding of case definitions. A contribution from the ADVANCE project
Authors: Becker Benedikt F.H. , Avillach Paul , Romio Silvana , van Mulligen Erik M. , Weibel Daniel , Sturkenboom Miriam C.J.M. , Kors Jan A. ,   for the ADVANCE consortium
Published: June 2017

Background

Assessment of drug and vaccine effects by combining information from different healthcare databases in the European Union requires extensive efforts in the harmonization of codes as different vocabularies are being used across countries. In this paper, we present a web application called CodeMapper, which assists in the mapping of case definitions to codes from different vocabularies, while keeping a transparent record of the complete mapping process.

Methods

CodeMapper builds upon coding vocabularies contained in the Metathesaurus of the Unified Medical Language System. The mapping approach consists of three phases. First, medical concepts are automatically identified in a free‐text case definition. Second, the user revises the set of medical concepts by adding or removing concepts, or expanding them to related concepts that are more general or more specific. Finally, the selected concepts are projected to codes from the targeted coding vocabularies. We evaluated the application by comparing codes that were automatically generated from case definitions by applying CodeMapper's concept identification and successive concept expansion, with reference codes that were manually created in a previous epidemiological study.

Results

Automated concept identification alone had a sensitivity of 0.246 and positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.420 for reproducing the reference codes. Three successive steps of concept expansion increased sensitivity to 0.953 and PPV to 0.616.

Conclusions

Automatic concept identification in the case definition alone was insufficient to reproduce the reference codes, but CodeMapper's operations for concept expansion provide an effective, efficient, and transparent way for reproducing the reference codes.
Influence of methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer on plasticized polylactide blown films
Authors: Zhao Jili , Li Xin , Yan Xiangyu , Pan Hongwei , Yang Jia , Zhang Huiliang , Gao Ge , Dong Lisong
Published: June 2017

Polylactide (PLA) was first toughened with methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene (MBS) copolymer. Then the toughened PLA was further blended with diethylene glycol monobutyl ether adipate (DGBEA) using a twin‐screw extruder. Finally, the extruded samples were blown using the blown film technique. The PLA/DGBEA/MBS blends were characterized by dynamic rheometer, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Rhelological investigation demonstrated that there was a significantly dependence of viscosity on composition. DMA results displayed that the PLA/DGBEA/MBS blends showed a single peak, which suggested that PLA and the shell of MBS be compatible. So, DGBEA could act as a plasticizer and improve the miscibility of PLA/MBS blends. The crystallization morphology, mechanical properties, optical properties, the morphology of the tear‐fracture surfaces, and enzymatic degradation of the PLA/DGBEA/MBS films were further studied. The Maltese cross pattern phenomenon weakens and the spherulite size becomes smaller from the observation of the polarized microscope. With an increase of MBS content from 3% to 12%, the tensile strength of the films decreased from 38.2/37.5 MPa (MD/TD) to 25.2/26.4 MPa (MD/TD), however, the elongation at break increased significantly from 72.3/83.1% (MD/TD) to 289.5/286.8% (MD/TD), which indicated the toughening effects of the MBS on PLA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E4–E13, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multifunctional greener additives for lubricating oil
Authors: Upadhyay Mahua , Karmakar Gobinda , Kapur Gurpreet Singh , Ghosh Pranab
Published: June 2017

In an anticipation to produce biodegradable additives with multifunctional performance for a cost‐effective lubricant composition, copolymers are synthesized by incorporating rice bran oil, peanut oil, β‐pinene in the backbone of isodecyl acrylate through microwave irradiation method using AIBN (azobisisobutyronitrile) as radical initiator. The prepared polymers are characterized by spectral techniques (IR, NMR) and SEC‐GPC analysis, thermal stability was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Performance of the polymers as antiwear (AW), pour point depressant (PPD), viscosity modifier/viscosity index improver (VII) in different mineral base oils (SN1 and SN2) were done by standard ASTM methods. Biodegradability test of the polymers was carried out by disk diffusion (DD) and soil burial test methods. The copolymers of rice bran oil showed better viscosity index values and AW property, whereas the copolymers of peanut oil found to be most effective as PPD. Copolymers with higher concentration of green units showed better performance as viscosity modifier, pour point depressant and AW performance along with excellent biodegradability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermally induced chemical evolution in polyimide films investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Battirola Liliane C. , Rudolf Petra , Tremiliosi‐Filho Germano , Rodrigues‐Filho Ubirajara P.
Published: June 2017

Thermally modified polyimide films based on 1,4‐Phenylene diamine (p‐PDA) and 3,3′,4,4′ – Benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) were prepared and their chemical structure transformation after thermal treatment at 350 °C–500 °C was investigated. X‐ray diffraction results revealed an increase in the polymer chain order for all treated PI samples as a consequence of the thermal treatment and chain interaction. TGA analysis showed that the heat treatment promoted different thermal degradation profiles. Electron spin resonance evidenced a large population of free radicals as a result of homogeneous bond cleavage when the thermal treatment was performed at 500 °C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that the chemical structure transformation not only occurs on the outer surface but also in the sub‐surface layer. These results show that controlled fast thermal treatment can produce materials with specific characteristics and may serve as a general strategy for changing both structural and chemical properties of the polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:943–951, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of humidity, temperature, and annealing on microstructure and tensile properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers
Authors: Barua Bipul , Saha Mrinal C
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of electrospun nanofibers from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solution at different relative humidity (RH) in the range from 14% to 60% and two different temperatures (20°C and 40°C). Nanofibers produced at low RH (22% or less at 20°C) exhibit relatively smooth surface and solid core, whereas at higher RH (30% or higher at 20°C) rough surface and porous core are observed. The resulting morphology is explained by means of H2O/DMF/PAN ternary phase diagram. At higher RH, the water diffusion into polymer‐solution jet brings thermodynamic instability into the system leading to separation of polymer‐rich phase and polymer‐lean phase, where the later contributes to porosity. Higher process temperature (40°C) yields larger miscibility area in the ternary phase diagram leading to formation of porous structure at relatively higher RH (40%). Tensile strength of nanofibrous yarns is found to vary from 80 MPa to 130 MPa depending on the processing temperature and RH. The amount of porosity is found to affect the tensile properties of nanofibers most significantly, although diameter and crystallinity play important role. Annealing is found to alleviate surface roughness and porosity and increase crystallinity. Tensile strength of nanofibrous yarns is found to improve by up to 25% after annealing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:998–1009, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Confirmatory factor analyses comparing parental involvement frameworks with secondary students
Authors: Duppong Hurley Kristin , Lambert Matthew C. , January Stacy‐Ann A. , Huscroft D'Angelo Jacqueline
Published: June 2017

Given the lack of research on measurement models used to operationalize parental involvement with secondary students, the goal of this research is to examine the measurement properties of the three‐domain conceptualization of parental involvement including school‐based involvement, home‐based involvement, and academic socialization, compared to a more nuanced six domain conceptualization school‐based (1) school/parent communication, (2) attending school activities, home‐based (3) home activities, (4) homework help, academic socialization, (5) parent–child communication about education, and (6) parental aspirations for child's education. When comparing the fit among the models, the six‐factor model had best fit indices and indicated varied correlations among the subdomains. The six‐factor model allowed for more nuanced variations among the subdomains that may be helpful when assessing parental involvement with high school students.
Discriminating Tastes: Uber's Customer Ratings as Vehicles for Workplace Discrimination
Authors: Rosenblat Alex , Levy Karen E.C. , Barocas Solon , Hwang Tim
Published: June 2017

Consumer‐sourced rating systems are a dominant method of worker evaluation in platform‐based work. These systems facilitate the semi‐automated management of large, disaggregated workforces, and the rapid growth of service platforms—but may also represent a potential avenue for employment discrimination that negatively impacts members of legally protected groups. We analyze the Uber platform as a case study to explore how bias may creep into evaluations of drivers through consumer‐sourced rating systems, and draw on social science research to demonstrate how such bias emerges in other types of rating and evaluation systems. While companies are legally prohibited from making employment decisions based on protected characteristics of workers, their reliance on potentially biased consumer ratings to make material determinations may nonetheless lead to a disparate impact in employment outcomes. We analyze the limitations of current civil rights law to address this issue, and outline a number of operational, legal, and design‐based interventions that might assist in so doing.
Unambiguous regiochemical assignment of sulfoquinovosyl mono‐ and diacylglycerols in parsley and spinach leaves by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization sequential mass spectrometry assisted by regioselective enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Granafei Sara , Losito Ilario , Palmisano Francesco , Cataldi Tommaso R.I.
Published: June 2017

Rationale

Sulfoquinovosylmonoglycerides (SQMG) and sulfoquinovosyldiglycerides (SQDG) in the lipid extracts of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) leaves were investigated. The aim of this work was to assess and establish the chemical characterization of fatty acyl chains in sulfolipids (SQMG and SQDG) and their regiochemistry.

Methods

A key component of this approach is a combination of hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by Lecitase® Ultra, which is a sn1‐regioselective hydrolase enzyme, and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and sequential mass spectrometry (RPLC/ESI‐MS) by collision‐induced dissociation (CID)‐MSn (n = 2, 3).

Results

The occurrence of SQMG bearing 16:0 or 18:3 acyl chains was established for the first time. A regiochemistry‐dependent fragmentation pattern of SQMG was attained whereby the sulfoquinovosyl anion ([C6H11O8S]− at m/z 243.0) provides a diagnostic product ion. Regioselective enzymatic treatment also provided a posteriori confirmation of a widely accepted fragmentation rule for SQDG. The sulfoquinovosyl anion was found to play a role also in the fragmentation pattern of SQDG, whose regiochemical assignment could be ultimately confirmed by MS3 experiments.

Conclusions

The predominant sulfolipid in leaf extracts of raw parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was identified as SQDG 18:3/16:0, along with SQMG 18:3/0:0 and SQMG 16:0/0:0. The present CID‐MS‐based method can be considered a successful approach to validate the regiochemical characterization of sulfolipids paving the way for their unambiguous characterization.
Output‐feedback model predictive control for stochastic systems with multiplicative and additive uncertainty
Authors: Li Jiwei , Li Dewei , Xi Yugeng , Xu Yuli , Gan Zhongxue
Published: June 2017

This paper studies the output‐feedback model predictive control (MPC) design problem for linear systems with multiplicative and additive random uncertainty. We first present an off‐line optimization algorithm to optimize feedback gains of the observer and the dual‐mode control policy. After that, by defining a cuboid tube whose center and boundary are both time‐varying variables, we develop a set sequence with increased freedom to contain stochastic system trajectories. A quadratic performance function with analytic upper and lower bounds is minimized such that it decreases exponentially to a finite range under the expectation. The resulting MPC algorithms are proved to guarantee practically stochastic input‐to‐state stability. A numerical example of the wind turbine model illustrates the properties of the MPC algorithms.
Stabilization of stochastic coupled systems with Markovian switching via feedback control based on discrete‐time state observations
Authors: Wu Yongbao , Yan Shihan , Fan Meng , Li Wenxue
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the stabilization issue of stochastic coupled systems with Markovian switching via feedback control. A state feedback controller based on the discrete‐time observations is applied for the stabilization purpose. By making use of the graph theory and the Lyapunov method, we establish both Lyapunov‐ and coefficient‐type sufficient criteria to guarantee the stabilization in the sense of
stability, and then, we further develop the mean‐square asymptotical stability. In particular, the upper bound of the duration between 2 consecutive state observations is well formulated. Applications to a concrete stabilization problem of stochastic coupled oscillators with Markovian switching and some numerical analyses are presented to illustrate and to demonstrate the easy verifiability, effectivity, and efficiency of our theoretical findings.
Synthesis of Novel Mannich Derivatives of Bakuchiol as Apoptotic Inducer through Caspase Activation and PARP‐1 Cleavage in A549 Cells
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Sharma Sonia , Raina Arun , Bhushan Shashi , Malik Fayaz A. , Sangwan Payare L.
Published: June 2017

A new series of bakuchiol 1 Mannich derivatives was synthesized by reaction with various substituted secondary amines. The analogs were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a panel of three different human cancer cell lines breast (MCF‐7), colon (HCT‐116) and lung (A549). Cytotoxicity screening results showed that many compounds displayed significant in vitro cytotoxic effects against different cancer cell lines. Compounds 9, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 21 showed promising cytotoxic effects compared to parent molecule 1 and among them compound 14 was found to be most potent analog with IC50 5 μM against all the cell lines examined. It was about 8‐fold more potent against MCF‐7 and A549 and 10‐fold more potent against HCT‐116 cell line in comparison to the parent molecule 1. Structure activity relationship (SAR) study of all synthesized derivatives was carried out. Further, compound 14 induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells (A549) through caspase activation followed by PARP‐1 cleavage.
Polymer Thin Films for Anti‐Reflection and Passivation on the Front Surface of Interdigitated Back Contact c‐Si Solar Cell
Authors: Chen Jianhui , Shen Yanjiao , Chen Bingbing , Ge Kunpeng , Guo Jianxin , Wang Ziqian , Li Feng , Xu Ying , Mai Yaohua
Published: June 2017

In this work, a polymer thin film, polystyrenesulfonate (PSS), is employed in interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells as an anti‐reflection (AR) coating and front surface passivation (SP) layer. It is found that PSS thin film is highly transparent and possesses a refraction index of about 1.5, and thus functions well as AR coating for Si wafer‐based solar cells. An effective minority carrier lifetime of 2.3 ms is obtained on 1–5 Ω · cm n‐type crystalline Si wafer with both sides symmetrically coated by PSS thin film, proving a good Si surface passivation by this polymer. An increase in power conversion efficiency is obtained when 150 nm‐thick PSS thin film is coated on the front surface of IBC solar cells without any AR/SP layers, resulted from the increased short circuit current density and open circuit voltage. This work opens up a new approach using organic polymer thin film deposited with low temperature and vacuum‐free technique as AR/SP multifunctional layer in Si solar cells.
Mitigation and adaptation in polycentric systems: sources of power in the pursuit of collective goals
Authors: Morrison Tiffany H. , Adger W. Neil , Brown Katrina , Lemos Maria Carmen , Huitema Dave , Hughes Terry P.
Published: June 2017

Polycentric governance involves multiple actors at multiple scales beyond the state. The potential of polycentric governance for promoting both climate mitigation and adaptation is well established. Yet, dominant conceptualizations of polycentric governance pay scant attention to how power dynamics affect the structure and the outcomes of climate action. We review emerging evidence on power within polycentric and distributed governance across the climate, forestry, marine, coastal, urban, and water sectors, and relate them to established positions on power within research on federalism, decentralization, international relations, and networked governance. We develop a typology of design, pragmatic, and framing power that focuses on how and in whose interests power is mobilized to achieve outcomes. We propose that the conceptual model helps to explain power dynamics across different sectors and across both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Significant research challenges arising from the analysis include the measurement and monitoring of the outcomes of power asymmetries over time. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e479. doi: 10.1002/wcc.479

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Data quantification procedures for a bench‐top elemental microimaging of brain specimens for the clinical studies on the obesity treatment by transcranial direct current brain stimulation
Authors: Ziomber Agata , Surowka Artur D. , Wrobel Pawel , Szczerbowska‐Boruchowska Magdalena
Published: June 2017

A decision on how to choose the appropriate data quantification procedure lies behind the most serious methodological challenges in microbeam X‐ray fluorescence imaging of tissue slices. This problem becomes particularly cumbersome whenever intermediate thickness samples must be utilized in order to increase the signal to noise ratio. Noteworthy, it is always the case when laboratory‐based X‐ray sources are used, which arises from their relatively limited beam flux. In our study, we put particular attention to the quantitative elemental microanalysis of dried brain tissue samples taken from the obese rats treated by the transcranial direct current stimulation. For doing so, we took advantage of tissue probing by an X‐ray microscope system for accessing P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the brain structures triggering food intake and appetite regulation. Proper data quantification schemes are presented by showing the elements whereby the radiation loss by self‐absorption of fluorescence radiation is negligible. The impact of sample self‐absorption correction on quantitative data is studied for the brain structures with various water fraction spanning from 75–83%. It is demonstrated that K, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn can effectively be quantified by the thin‐sample approach, regardless sample matrix. Quantitative results demonstrate that the clinical efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation is linked to significant changes in surface masses of elements triggering brain membrane currents: K, Cl, and also, those defining the redox state: Fe in the hunger center. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructural and Phase Composition Differences Across the Interfaces in Al/Ti/Al Explosively Welded Clads
Authors: Fronczek Dagmara Malgorzata , Chulist Robert , Litynska-Dobrzynska Lidia , Lopez Gabriel Alejandro , Wierzbicka-Miernik Anna , Schell Norbert , Szulc Zygmunt , Wojewoda-Budka Joanna
Published: June 2017

The microstructure and phase composition of Al/Ti/Al interfaces with respect to their localization were investigated. An aluminum-flyer plate exhibited finer grains located close to the upper interface than those present within the aluminum-base plate. The same tendency, but with a higher number of twins, was observed for titanium. Good quality bonding with a wavy shape and four intermetallic phases, namely, TiAl3, TiAl, TiAl2, and Ti3Al, was only obtained at the interface closer to the explosive material. The other interface was planar with three intermetallic compounds, excluding the metastable TiAl2 phase. As a result of a 100-hour annealing at 903 K (630 °C), an Al/TiAl3/Ti/TiAl3/Al sandwich was manufactured, formed with single crystalline Al layers. A substantial difference between the intermetallic layer thicknesses was measured, with 235.3 and 167.4 µm obtained for the layers corresponding to the upper and lower interfaces, respectively. An examination by transmission electron microscopy of a thin foil taken from the interface area after a 1-hour annealing at 825 K (552 °C) showed a mixture of randomly located TiAl3 grains within the aluminum. Finally, the hardness results were correlated with the microstructural changes across the samples.
Couples coping with chronic pain: How do intercouple interactions relate to pain coping?
Authors: Prenevost Mathilde Hallingstad , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: June 2017

Background and aims

Pain is not merely an isolated experience occurring within the person. It takes place in a wider social context, including the immediate social relationships that the person is a part of. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how intercouple interactions might influence pain coping in couples coping with chronic pain.

Methods

Four different approaches to understanding the influence of intercouple interactions have been proposed in the literature. In this review, we present and discuss the empirical support for each of these models. A literature search on all studies published up until May 2017 (PubMed and PsycINFO) was performed. The search string consisted of 3 steps: Chronic pain AND couple interaction*/partner validation/marital interaction/chronic pain couple*/spouse response* AND coping/adjustment/disability/function/work participation/sick leave/sickness absence/work disability.

Results

The operant model views partner responses from the perspective of conditioned learning and focuses on how such responses might increase or decrease the occurrence of pain behaviour. The notion that partner responses can reinforce pain behaviour generally finds support in the literature. However, when it comes to negative partner responses results are mixed, and the model paints a limited picture of the range of interactions that takes place in a couple. The communal coping model focuses on one specific type of coping (i.e. catastrophizing), and emphasizes the interpersonal aspect of pain coping. There is some evidence that a tendency to catastrophize is related both to couple interactions and pain coping, but it has proved difficult to test this model empirically. The interpersonal process model of intimacy is concerned with patient disclosures of distress and subsequent validating and invalidating partner responses. There is some preliminary support that such mechanisms of validation and invalidation can be linked to pain coping. A dyadic approach focuses on processes where the couple negotiates a shared meaning of events and participates in mutual coping of a shared stressor. This approach has not been investigated explicitly, but preliminary support can be derived from studies conducted within other frameworks.

Conclusions

Each of the four approaches find some support in the research literature, yet none of them can explain the full range of couple interactions. We argue that the different approaches are complementary and that several of the approaches can be integrated in a dyadic understanding of pain coping.

Implications

All the models indicate that couple interactions can affect pain coping and that this should be taken into account when developing treatment programmes for chronic pain patients.
The Cambridge Introduction to Contemporary American Fiction
Authors: Olster Stacey
Published: June 2017

The Cambridge Introduction to Contemporary American Fiction explores fiction written over the last thirty years in the context of the profound political, historical, and cultural changes that have distinguished the contemporary period. Focusing on both established and emerging writers - and with chapters devoted to the American historical novel, regional realism, the American political novel, the end of the Cold War and globalization, 9/11, borderlands and border identities, race, and the legacy of postmodern aesthetics - this Introduction locates contemporary American fiction at the intersection of a specific time and long-standing traditions. In the process, it investigates the entire concept of what constitutes an “American” author while exploring the vexed, yet resilient, nature of what the concept of home has come to signify in so much writing today. This wide-ranging study will be invaluable to students, instructors, and general readers alike.
War Veterans and Fascism in Interwar Europe
Authors: Alcalde Ángel
Published: June 2017

This book explores, from a transnational viewpoint, the historical relationship between war veterans and fascism in interwar Europe. Until now, historians have been roughly divided between those who assume that 'brutalization' (George L. Mosse) led veterans to join fascist movements and those who stress that most ex-soldiers of the Great War became committed pacifists and internationalists. Transcending the debates of the brutalization thesis and drawing upon a wide range of archival and published sources, this work focuses on the interrelated processes of transnationalization and the fascist permeation of veterans' politics in interwar Europe to offer a wider perspective on the history of both fascism and veterans' movements. A combination of mythical constructs, transfers, political communication, encounters and networks within a transnational space explain the relationship between veterans and fascism. Thus, this book offers new insights into the essential ties between fascism and war, and contributes to the theorization of transnational fascism.
Owned
Authors: Fairfield Joshua A. T.
Published: June 2017

In this compelling examination of the intersection of smart technology and the law, Joshua A. T. Fairfield explains the crisis of digital ownership - how and why we no longer control our smartphones or software-enable devices, which are effectively owned by software and content companies. In two years we will not own our 'smart' televisions which will also be used by advertisers to listen in to our living rooms. In the coming decade, if we do not take back our ownership rights, the same will be said of our self-driving cars and software-enabled homes. We risk becoming digital peasants, owned by software and advertising companies, not to mention overreaching governments. Owned should be read by anyone wanting to know more about the loss of our property rights, the implications for our privacy rights and how we can regain control of both.
Soldiers of Empire
Authors: Barkawi Tarak
Published: June 2017

How are soldiers made? Why do they fight? Re-imagining the study of armed forces and society, Barkawi examines the imperial and multinational armies that fought in Asia in the Second World War, especially the British Indian army in the Burma campaign. Going beyond conventional narratives, Barkawi studies soldiers in transnational context, from recruitment and training to combat and memory. Drawing on history, sociology and anthropology, the book critiques the 'Western way of war' from a postcolonial perspective. Barkawi reconceives soldiers as cosmopolitan, their battles irreducible to the national histories that monopolise them. This book will appeal to those interested in the Second World War, armed forces and the British Empire, and students and scholars of military sociology and history, South Asian studies and international relations.
Shakespearean Star
Authors: Barnes Jennifer
Published: June 2017

Laurence Olivier was one of the best-known and most pioneering actor-directors of Shakespeare on screen. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive analysis of Olivier's Shakespearean feature films and his unique Shakespearean star image. Through an examination of Olivier's unmade film Macbeth, as well as his adaptations of Shakespeare's Henry V, Hamlet and Richard III, Jennifer Barnes offers a detailed exploration of Olivier's entire cinematic Shakespearean oeuvre in relation to his distinctive form of stardom. Considering the development of Olivier's image in relation to the industrial and cultural contexts of the wartime and post-war British film and theatre industries, the volume also analyses Olivier's life writing and published autobiographies and is supplemented by numerous illustrations.
Automotive Ethernet
Authors: Matheus Kirsten , Königseder Thomas
Published: June 2017

Learn about the latest developments in automotive Ethernet technology and implementation with this fully revised second edition. Including approximately twenty-five percent new material and greater technical detail, coverage is expanded to include: · Detailed explanations of how the 100BASE-T1 PHY and 1000 BASE-T1 PHY technologies actually work · A step-by-step description of how the 1000BASE-T1 channel was derived · A summary of the content and uses of the new TSN standards · A framework for security in Automotive Ethernet · Discussion of the interrelation between power supply and automotive Ethernet communication Industry pioneers share the technical and non-technical decisions that have led to the success of automotive Ethernet, covering everything from electromagnetic requirements and physical layer technologies, Quality of Service, the use of VLANs, IP and Service Discovery, and network architecture and testing. This is a guide for engineers, technical managers and researchers designing components for in-car electronics, and those interested in the strategy of introducing a new technology.
Low-level articulatory synthesis: A working text-to-speech solution and a linguistic tool
Authors: Hill David R. , Taube-Schock Craig R. , Manzara Leonard
Published: June 2017

A complete text-to-speech system has been created by the authors, based on a tube resonance model of the vocal tract and a development of Carré’s “Distinctive Region Model”, which is in turn based on the formant-sensitivity findings of Fant and Pauli (1974), to control the tube. In order to achieve this goal, significant long-term linguistic research has been involved, including rhythm and intonation studies, as well as the development of low-level articulatory data and rules to drive the model, together with the necessary tools, parsers, dictionaries and so on. The tools and the current system are available under a General Public License, and are described here, with further references in the paper, including samples of the speech produced, and figures illustrating the system description.
Thompson’s group is not strongly amenable
Authors: HARTMAN YAIR , JUSCHENKO KATE , TAMUZ OMER , VAHIDI FERDOWSI POOYA
Published: June 2017

We show that Thompson’s group$F$has a topological action on a compact metric space that is proximal and has no fixed points.
Buckling Analysis of Double-Layer Piezoelectric Nanoplates Surrounded by Elastic Foundations and Thermal Environments Considering Nonlocal and Surface Energy Models
Authors: Rafieian S. , Hashemian M. , Pirmoradian M.
Published: June 2017

This study investigated the effects of considering surface and nonlocal energy parameters on the buckling analysis of double piezoelectric nanoplate (DPNP) embedded in elastic foundations and thermal environments. Both in-phase and out-of-phase modes of buckling and various boundary conditions are studied and compared with each other. The governing equations were derived by drawing on the principle of virtual work and then solved by employing the finite difference method. Finite difference solution was validated using Navier's method and journal references. A parametric study was also launched in order to investigate the effects of the external electric voltage, nonlocal parameters, different boundary conditions, elastic foundations and thermal environments on the surface effect of DPNP buckling. The obtained numerical results showed that the influence of surface stress on in-phase and out-of-phase modes of buckling of the DPNP was enhanced by augmenting the nonlocal parameters and external electric voltage; on the other hand, it was found to be decreased by increasing elastic foundations and temperature changes. In addition, the value of surface stress effects for the in-phase mode was higher than that of the out-of-phase one.