bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced inhibition of steel corrosion by L‐cysteine under visible‐light illumination
Authors: Qiu P. , Yang H. F. , Yang L. J. , Chen Z. S. , Lv L. J. , Song Y. , Chen C. F.
Published: April 2017

The heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur of organic inhibitor play a crucial role on its corrosion inhibition behavior. In order to reveal their adsorption behavior and inhibition performance under illumination condition on steel surface, this study selects L‐cysteine as study object. On the basis of electrochemical measurement, surface analysis, and theoretical calculation, a promising increase in corrosion inhibition efficiency is observed when visible‐light is impinged on steel surface in sodium chloride solution with L‐cysteine. The enhanced performance is attributed to the sample surface photovoltaic effect, thereby facilitating both the thiol and the amino groups to tilt toward the surface.
Effect of dissolved oxygen and coupled resistance on the galvanic corrosion of Cr‐Ni low‐alloy steel/90‐10 cupronickel under simulated deep sea condition
Authors: Xing S. H. , Li Y. , Wharton J. A. , Fan W. J. , Liu G. Y. , Zhang F. , Zhao X. D.
Published: April 2017

The influence of dissolved oxygen content (DOC) and coupled resistance on the galvanic corrosion rate of Cr‐Ni low‐alloy steel (FeCrNi) coupled with 90Cu‐10Ni cupronickel alloy in simulated 500 m deep sea environment was investigated by means of weight loss measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the galvanic corrosion rate increased with the increase of DOC and decreased with the resistance increased. FeCrNi showed pitting corrosion in low DOC condition and uniform corrosion in high DOC sea water. Moreover, the galvanic corrosion rate at 50 at was bigger than that of 1 at. Galvanic corrosion rate was reduced 99% by increasing the resistance from 0 to 2000 Ω between FeCrNi and CuNi. The results of this research can be used to guide ocean engineering facilities design and galvanic corrosion control.
High‐field95Mo and183W static and MAS NMR study of polyoxometalates
Authors: Haouas Mohamed , Trébosc Julien , Roch‐Marchal Catherine , Cadot Emmanuel , Taulelle Francis , Martineau‐Corcos Charlotte
Published: April 2017

The potential of high‐field NMR to measure solid‐state95Mo and183W NMR in polyoxometalates (POMs) is explored using some archetypical structures like Lindqvist, Keggin and Dawson as model compounds that are well characterized in solution. NMR spectra in static and under magic angle spinning (MAS) were obtained, and their analysis allowed extraction of the NMR parameters, including chemical shift anisotropy and quadrupolar coupling parameters. Despite the inherent difficulties of measurement in solid state of these low‐gamma NMR nuclei, due mainly to the low spectral resolution and poor signal‐to‐noise ratio, the observed global trends compare well with the solution‐state NMR data. This would open an avenue for application of solid‐state NMR to POMs, especially when liquid‐state NMR is not possible, e.g., for poorly soluble or unstable compounds in solution, and for giant molecules with slow tumbling motion. This is the case of Keplerate where we provide here the first NMR characterization of this class of POMs in the solid state. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insights into in vitro spermatogenesis in mammals: Past, present, future
Authors: Fattahi Amir , Latifi Zeinab , Ghasemnejad Tohid , Nejabati Hamid Reza , Nouri Mohammad
Published: April 2017

Considering the self‐renewal and differentiation ability of pluripotent stem cells, some studies have pointed out the possibility of stem cell‐derived sperm production. Most studies that test this hypothesis have been conducted on rodents, with some promising results; however, studies on humans are progressing slowly, and have encountered technical and ethical hurdles. Established methods to differentiate stem cells—including embryoid bodies, co‐culturing, and various feeder cells—may provide a niche that is similar to in vivo conditions and resolve epigenetic abnormalities, but a gonadal‐like three‐dimensional structure is still required to produce germ cells with the correct imprinting. In the last few years, sperm‐like cells with fertilizing capacity were produced from mouse embryonic stem cells, and the resulting embryos from these cells yielded live offspring. Future research should move towards the use of adult stem cells, however, owing to the unavailability of embryonic cells in adults. More intensive research and techniques are required since in vitro spermatogenesis provides hope to individuals without mature sperm who cannot be treated, and may be a useful system to study the precise mechanism of spermatogenesis. In this review, we describe recent studies of in vitro spermatogenesis mechanisms and related techniques in mammals. We also discuss the possible cell surface markers and culture conditions that might improve in vitro spermatogenesis.
Results for patients with sarcoma not otherwise specified and other diagnoses than Ewing sarcoma treated according to the Euro‐EWING 99 trial
Authors: Frank Judith Amalie , Ranft Andreas , Paulussen Michael , Juergens Heribert , Kruseova Jarmila , Bauer Sebastian , Niggli Felix , Reichardt Peter , Dirksen Uta
Published: April 2017

Background

Euro‐EWING 99 trial of the European Ewing tumor Working Initiative of National Groups (EE99) was an international phase III study in patients with Ewing sarcoma. The German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) data center registered and followed patients with other diagnoses than Ewing sarcoma who were treated according to the EE99 protocol in an additional non‐Ewing database.

Procedure

Data of 27 patients with other diagnoses than Ewing sarcoma treated according to the EE99 protocol were analyzed. Patients had miscellaneous histologic diagnoses, the majority were diagnosed with sarcoma not otherwise specified (NOS) arising in bone and soft tissue (63%).

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 16.9 years (range 4.5–41.4). Localized disease was diagnosed in 61.5% of the patients and 38.5% had distant metastases at time of primary diagnosis. The median follow‐up time was 3.7 years (range 0.5–9.5). Patients with localized disease showed a 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) of 68%, compared to 3‐year EFS of 20% in patients with metastases (P = 0.042). Three‐year EFS for patients with sarcoma NOS was 52%, patients with localized and metastatic disease showed 3‐year EFS of 66 and 20%, respectively.

Conclusion

EFS in patients with other diagnoses than Ewing sarcoma treated according to EE99 was significantly higher in patients with localized than metastatic disease. Sarcomas of soft tissue and bone that cannot be classified to current diagnostic categories constitute a therapeutic challenge.
Adverse effects of pegaspargase in pediatric patients receiving doses greater than 3,750 IU
Authors: Lebovic Rachel , Pearce Natalie , Lacey Laura , Xenakis James , Faircloth Cassidy B. , Thompson Patrick
Published: April 2017

Background

Increased toxicities have been identified with higher doses of pegaspargase (PEG‐ASP) in adults. This has led to routine use of a dose cap of 3,750 IU for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in most institutions. In pediatric ALL patients, PEG‐ASP is not capped. There is concern at our institution that larger doses may result in increased rates of adverse effects and that increased monitoring may be warranted in pediatric patients receiving doses greater than 3,750 IU. The objective of this study is to quantify the difference in the rates of PEG‐ASP‐associated adverse events between pediatric patients who received doses greater than 3,750 IU and less than or equal to 3,750 IU.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients 1–21 years old with pre‐B‐cell ALL who received PEG‐ASP between 2007 and 2014 at an academic medical center.

Results

Of 183 patients included in the analysis, 24 received PEG‐ASP doses higher than 3,750 IU and 159 received doses less than or equal to 3,750 IU. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was significantly higher for patients in the group that received more than 3,750 IU compared with those who received 3,750 IU or less (20.8 vs. 1.89%, respectively; P = 0.0011). The incidence of pancreatitis (P = 0.0306) and hyperglycemia (P = 0.0089) were also higher in the group that received more than 3,750 IU.

Conclusions

PEG‐ASP doses higher than 3,750 IU are associated with higher rates of VTE, pancreatitis, and hyperglycemia in pediatric patients with pre‐B‐cell ALL. Patients receiving more than 3,750 IU should have increased monitoring, and larger, multicenter trials are needed to determine if monitoring, VTE prophylaxis, and potential dose capping recommendations should be added to clinical trial protocols.
Phase I study of bortezomib in combination with irinotecan in patients with relapsed/refractory high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Mody Rajen , Zhao Lili , Yanik Gregory Anthony , Opipari Valerie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Prognosis for relapsed/refractory high‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NBL) remains poor. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has shown preclinical activity against NBL as a single agent and in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy including irinotecan.

Patients and Methods

Eighteen HR‐NBL patients with primary refractory (n = 8) or relapsed (n = 10) disease were enrolled in a Phase I study using modified Time To Event Continual Reassessment Method. Bortezomib (1.2 mg/m2/day) was administered on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 intravenously (IV) and irinotecan was given IV on days 1–5 (35, 40, or 45 mg/m2/day, on dose levels [DL] 1–3, respectively). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT), and response rate were examined.

Results

Eighteen NBL patients were evaluable for toxicity; 17 were evaluable for response assessment. A total of 142 courses were delivered (mean 8.2, median 2, range 1–48), with two patients receiving more than 40 courses of therapy. Two DLTs were reported, including a grade 4 thrombocytopenia (DL2) and a grade 3 irritability (DL3). MTD was estimated as DL3. Two of 17 (12%) evaluable patients showed objective responses (ORs) lasting more than 40 courses, including 1 partial remission and 1 complete remission. Four patients (23%) had prolonged stable disease (SD) lasting six or more courses, with a total of 35% study patients demonstrating clinical benefit in the form of prolonged OR or SD.

Conclusion

The combination of bortezomib and irinotecan was well tolerated by patients with relapsed/refractory NBL with favorable toxicity profile. It also showed modest but promising clinical activity and merits further testing in Phase II studies.
Effects of ultrasound vibration on the structure and properties of polypropylene/graphene nanoplatelets composites
Authors: He Suihua , Zhang Jingjing , Xiao Xiaoting , Hong Xinmi
Published: April 2017

An ultrasound‐assisted extrusion system was added to melt extrusion process to prepare polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The relationships among the ultrasound vibration, exfoliation, and dispersion morphology of GNPs in PP matrix, the crystallinity, and the macroscopic properties of nanocomposites were investigated. The properties measurement results showed that the present of ultrasound vibrations increased the conductive properties, decreased the apparent viscosity and crystallinity of PP/GNPs nanocomposites. FESEM results revealed that the ultrasound vibration increased the exfoliation and dispersion of GNPs in PP matrix. This morphology was benefit for forming electrical and thermal network, therefore the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of PP/GNP nanocomposites were increased. But the powerful vibration that provided by 300 W ultrasound power would reduce the diameter of GNPs, then reduce its conductive properties. FTIR and TGA results showed that ultrasound vibration had less effect on the chemical bond and the degradation of PP/GNPs nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:377–386, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Facile and controllable synthesis of hybrid silica nanoparticles densely grafted with poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Shui Yudan , Su Yunlan , Kuang Xiao , Zhao Weiwei , Cai Yuanli , Wang Dujin
Published: April 2017

We report that a mixture of good and poor solvents greatly enhances the grafting density of nanosized silica grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) by the ‘grafting to’ method. Methoxypolyethylene glycol (MPEG) (molecular weight 750, 2000 and 4000 g mol−1) was modified in a controlled manner to prepare epoxide terminated PEG (MPEG‐EO). Silica nanoparticles were modified with N‐(2‐aminoethy)‐3‐aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane through the silanization coupling reaction to obtain a well‐defined siloxane structure. MPEG‐EO was coupled to the modified silica by the reaction of their terminal groups in a mixed solvent (n‐decane/toluene). The grafting density of MPEG‐EO was found to be controlled by the concentration of MPEG‐EO and the ratio of n‐decane to toluene in the grafting system. Based on TGA, the maximum grafting density was found to be about 2.8, 1.47 and 0.76 chains nm−2 for molecular weights of 750, 2000 and 4000, respectively, which is extremely high compared to previous reports. This high grafting density can be explained by the decreased chain dimension of PEG in the presence of the poor solvent. The method can be applied to other nanoparticles and polymers which can greatly enhance the application of SiO2 nanocomposites. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Parent perception of the impact of using thickened fluids in children with dysphagia
Authors: Krummrich Patricia , Kline Barbara , Krival Kate , Rubin Michael
Published: April 2017

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia occurs in children without known neurological disorders, increasing their risk for respiratory problems and inadequate intake. Clinicians may recommend thickening nutritive fluids; however, there is little research regarding the impact of thickening nutritive fluids on clinical outcomes in children.

Methods

We used a parental reporting tool to determine whether parents identified changes in signs of dysphagia or volume of intake when thickened fluids were incorporated into an individualized feeding program for dysphagic children without known neurological problems. Fifty‐five children diagnosed with dysphagia, for whom thickened fluids had been recommended per radiographic and clinical exam, qualified for the study. Parents of 44 children (24 females, 20 males) aged 2 weeks to 14 months completed baseline and post‐thickening (within 90 days) rating scales.

Results

Compared to baseline, parents reported significant decreases in the frequency of apnea (W = −219,P < 0.0001,r = 0.399), congestion (W = −450,P < 0.0001,r = 0.579), coughing/choking with drinking (W = −485,P < 0.0001,r = 0.603), resistance to feeding (W = −344.5,P < 0.0001,r = 0.476), vomiting during feeding (W = −409,P < 0.0001,r = 0.565), and wheezing (W = −337,P < 0.001,r = 0.449). For those children whose parents initially reported inadequate levels of intake, there was a significant (Z = 3.15,P = 0.0029,r = 0.47) increase (+49.63 mm) in the rated adequacy of liquid intake, as well as a significant increase (+1.41 oz.) in the estimated volume per feeding (Z = 224,P = 0.29,r = 0.33).

Conclusion

These results provide information for clinicians and physicians to incorporate when considering the use of thickened fluids in the dysphagia management of children without a known neurological diagnosis.
Risk factors for mortality before age 18 years in cystic fibrosis
Authors: McColley Susanna A. , Schechter Michael S. , Morgan Wayne J. , Pasta David J. , Craib Marcia L. , Konstan Michael W.
Published: April 2017

Background

Understanding early‐life risk factors for childhood death in cystic fibrosis (CF) is important for clinical care, including the identification of effective interventions.

Methods

Data from the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF) collected 1994‐2005 were linked with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) demographic and mortality data from 2013. Inclusion criteria were ≥1 visit annually at age 3‐5 years and ≥1 FEV1 measurement at age 6‐8 years. Demographic data, nutritional parameters, pulmonary signs and symptoms, microbiology, and FEV1 were evaluated as risk factors for death before age 18 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the simultaneous effects of risk factors associated with death before age 18 years.

Results

Among 5365 patients enrolled in ESCF who met inclusion criteria, 3880 (72%) were linked to the CFFPR. Among these, 191 (5.7%) died before age 18 years; median age at death was 13.4 ± 3.1 years. Multivariable regression showed clubbing, crackles, female sex, unknown CFTR genotype, minority race or ethnicity, Medicaid insurance (a proxy of low socioeconomic status), Pseudomonas aeruginosa on 2 or more cultures, and weight‐for‐age <50th percentile were significant risk factors for death regardless of inclusion of FEV1 at age 6‐8 years in the model.

Conclusion

We identified multiple risk factors for childhood death of patients with CF, all of which remained important after incorporating FEV1 at age 6‐8 years. Among the factors identified were the presence of clubbing or crackles at age 3‐5 years, signs which are not routinely collected in registries.
Indaziflam: a new cellulose‐biosynthesis‐inhibiting herbicide provides long‐term control of invasive winter annual grasses
Authors: Sebastian Derek J , Fleming Margaret B , Patterson Eric L , Sebastian James R , Nissen Scott J
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Indaziflam is a cellulose‐biosynthesis‐inhibiting (CBI) herbicide that is a unique mode of action for resistance management and has broad spectrum activity at low application rates. This research further explores indaziflam's activity on monocotyledons and dicotyledons and evaluates indaziflam's potential for restoring non‐crop sites infested with invasive winter annual grasses.

RESULTS

Treated Arabidopsis, downy brome, feral rye and kochia were all susceptible to indaziflam in a dose‐dependent manner. We confirmed that indaziflam has increased activity on monocots (average GR50 = 231 pm and 0.38 g AI ha−1) at reduced concentrations compared with dicots (average GR50 = 512 pm and 0.87 g AI ha−1). Fluorescence microscopy confirmed common CBI symptomologies following indaziflam treatments, as well as aberrant root and cell morphology. Across five application timings, indaziflam treatments resulted in superior invasive winter annual grass control 2 years after treatment (from 84 ± 5.1% to 99 ± 0.5%) compared with imazapic (36% ± 1.2%). Indaziflam treatments significantly increased biomass and species richness of co‐occurring species 2 years after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Indaziflam's increased activity on monocots could provide a new alternative management strategy for long‐term control of multiple invasive winter annual grasses that invade >23 million ha of US rangeland. Indaziflam could potentially be used to eliminate the soil seed bank of these invasive grasses, reduce fine fuel accumulation and ultimately increase the competitiveness of perennial co‐occuring species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Bre Enhances Osteoblastic Differentiation by Promoting the Mdm2-Mediated Degradation of p53
Authors: Jin Fujun , Wang Yiliang , Wang Xiaojing , Wu Yanting , Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Qiuying , Zhu Yexuan , Liu Enqi , Fan Jianglin , Wang Yifei
Published: April 2017

Bre is a conserved cellular protein expressed in various tissues. Its major function includes DNA damage repair and anti-apoptosis. Recent studies indicate that Bre is potentially involved in stem cell differentiation although pathophysiological significance along with the molecular mechanisms is still unclear. Here, we report that Bre protein was substantially expressed in the bone tissue and its expression was highly upregulated during the osteogenic differentiation. To test a hypothesis that Bre plays functional roles in the process of osteogenic differentiation, we examined the expression of Bre in an osteoporosis mouse model. Compared with the normal bone tissue, Bre expression in osteoporotic bone was also significantly reduced. Moreover, knockdown of Bre in the mouse bone marrow mesenchymal cells significantly reduced the expression of osteogenic marker genes, the alkaline phosphatase activity, and the mineralization capacity, while overexpression of Bre greatly promoted the osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we founded that knockdown of Bre led to activation of the p53 signaling pathways exhibited by increased p53, p21, and Mdm2. However, when we inhibited the p53 by siRNA silencing or pifithrin-α, the impaired osteogenesis caused by Bre knockdown was greatly restored. Finally, we found that Bre promoted the Mdm2-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation by physically interacting with p53. Taken together, our results revealed a novel function of Bre in osteoblast differentiation through modulating the stability of p53.
Fiber content and curing time effect on the tensile characteristics of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Paschalis Spyridon , Lampropoulos Andreas
Published: April 2017

Ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is a concrete type with superior mechanical properties and of a relatively high tensile strength. The tensile stress–strain characteristics of UHPFRC are highly affected by the mixture design and the curing regime. In this study, an extensive experimental investigation has been conducted with direct tensile tests on a number of specimens that contained different percentages of steel fibers and different cement types were applied. Also, various curing regimes were investigated. Different models depending on the steel fiber amount were proposed for the simulation of the stress–strain and the stress‐crack opening response of UHPFRC, while the fracture energy was also calculated for the different fiber contents. Finally, the effect of fiber content and curing time on the variation of the experimental results are discussed.
Safety assessment of in‐service reinforced concrete T‐girders of bridge decks
Authors: Yogalakshmi N. J. , Balaji Rao K. , Anoop M. B.
Published: April 2017

Reinforced concrete bridges located in coastal environment are known to undergo structural degradation due to chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforcement. In this paper, reliability‐based methodologies have been formulated for safety assessment of in‐service reinforced concrete T‐girders against shear and cracking limit states. The proposed methodologies incorporate the following features: (a) gain in concrete compressive strength with time, (b) the time‐dependent diffusion of chlorides into cover concrete, (c) the chloride‐induced corrosion of both stirrups and main rebar of pitting type, (d) the corrosion current variation along the span, (e) the reduction in yield strength of stirrups after it starts corroding, and (f) corrosion crack formation due to the accumulation of the corrosion products. The system reliability concept is embedded in the framework of Monte Carlo simulation, for estimating the time‐variant failure probabilities. The usefulness of the methodology is demonstrated on a typical in‐service Chennai flyover, designed according to MORTH. The girder fails to meet the target reliability index consideration in the case of shear limit state and also fails the required serviceability criteria even before the end of 50 years. This example brings out the need to consider time‐variant reliability considerations at the design stage itself.
The Social Network and Entrepreneurial Process: A Sociotechnical Approach
Authors: Lamine Wadid
Published: April 2017

Most new studies of entrepreneurial networks focus either on the characteristics of the social links at a given point in time during the new venture creation process or on the network's overall contribution. Few examine how a network evolves over time. Entrepreneurial networks are made up of human and nonhuman entities and are two‐dimensional, with both social and material dimensions. These two elements are often analyzed individually, particularly in the area of entrepreneurship, where social and technical aspects are separated. In this study, we contribute to filling this research gap using actor‐network theory (ANT). We show how this conceptual framework can contribute to improving our understanding of the entrepreneur's social network dynamics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal hemodynamics in normal pregnancy: reference ranges and role of maternal characteristics
Authors: Vinayagam D. , Thilaganathan B. , Stirrup O. , Mantovani E. , Khalil A.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to construct reference ranges of maternal central hemodynamic parameters during pregnancy. The second aim was to determine the maternal and pregnancy characteristics that influence these hemodynamic parameters.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of low‐risk pregnant women attending for routine antenatal care at St George's Hospital, London, UK. Exclusion criteria included any medical disorder present at the time of study recruitment, or development of hypertension or intrauterine fetal growth restriction following study recruitment. Stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were obtained using non‐invasive cardiac output monitoring (USCOM‐1A®). USCOM‐1A utilizes a non‐imaging probe in the suprasternal notch to obtain velocity‐time integrals of transaortic blood flow at the left ventricular outflow tract. Once the distribution of the data with respect to gestational age had been determined, maternal characteristics were added to the model to test whether they provided a significant improvement in the prediction of the median value.

Results

The study included 627 women with a singleton pregnancy. The estimated median CO was constant for a maternal age above 32 years, but was around 0.5 L/min higher for women aged ≤ 25 years (P < 0.001). Maternal weight (P < 0.001) and height (P < 0.001) significantly affected CO values and there was a significant interaction (P = 0.002) between them. In women with a height of less than 1.60 m, there was no association between median CO and weight; however, in those with a height exceeding 1.60 m, an increase in weight was associated with an increase in CO. SV was primarily associated with height (P < 0.001), although some positive association with weight (P < 0.001) could also be observed within the normal body‐mass‐index range. Greater height (P < 0.001) was associated with lower median values of SVR, with an estimated difference of around 120 dynes × s/cm5 between 1.60 m and 1.80 m. Advancing maternal age was associated with higher median SVR, with an estimated difference of around 50 dynes × s/cm5 between 25 and 35 years. Smokers had a lower SVR by 73.5 (95% CI, 8.6–138.4) dynes × s/cm5.

Conclusion

Maternal hemodynamics are influenced significantly by maternal age, height and weight. We provide USCOM‐1A‐specific reference ranges and a calculator for SV, CO and SVR in uncomplicated pregnancies that correct for maternal age, height and weight. This should enable clinical application and comparison in both uncomplicated and pathological pregnancies. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Peridynamic integrals for strain invariants of homogeneous deformation
Authors: Madenci Erdogan
Published: April 2017

This study presents the peridynamic integrals. They enable the derivation of the peridynamic (nonlocal) form of the strain invariants. Therefore, the peridynamic form of the existing classical strain energy density functions can readily be constructed for linearly elastic and hyperelastic isotropic materials without any calibration. A general form of the force density vector is derived based on the strain energy density function that is expressed in terms of the first invariant of the right Cauchy‐Green strain tensor and the Jacobian. In the case of linear elastic response for isotropic materials, the peridynamic force density vector is derived based on the classical form of the strain energy density function for three‐ and two‐dimensional analysis. Also, a new form of the strain energy density function leads to a force density vector similar to that of bond‐based peridynamics. Numerical results concern the verification of the peridynamic predictions with these force density vectors by considering a rectangular plate under uniform stretch.
Design optimization in periodic structural plates under the constraint of anisotropy
Authors: Hauck Michael , Klar Axel , Orlik Julia
Published: April 2017

The problem of design optimization for heterogeneous plates which inherit a periodic pattern is studied under the constraint of anisotropy based on the effective bending stiffness model on a unit periodic cell obtained by a homogenization technique.
News Online
Authors: Meikle Graham , Redden Guy
Published: April 2017

News matters. It is still the main forum for discussion of issues of public importance. It is where we come together to inform, persuade, influence, endorse or reject one another in a collaborative process of making meaning from events. But the news is changing - content, distribution channels, geographical constraints, production values, business models, regulatory approaches and cultural habits are all in flux, as new media technologies are adopted and adapted by users. However, despite having driven many of the changes themselves, established media organisations are in many cases struggling to adapt to this changed environment.

News Online: Transformations and Continuities is for everyone who wants to better understand the news media of the twenty-first century. With contributions from leading international scholars who question established understandings of news in the light of change, this book charts a course through recent upheavals and ranges over a broad terrain - from the BBC to experimental videogames, from Latin American newsrooms to Northeast Asian blogs, from the crisis in US newspapers to Twitter users in Iran. Each chapter provides an insightful analysis of how popular digital communications change relations of production and consumption, in addition to the effect on cultural and political participation. News Online considers the shifting boundaries between the popular and the professional made possible by the redistribution of news functions.

Graham Meikle is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Film, Media & Journalism at the University of Stirling, UK. He is the author of Interpreting News (2009) and Future Active: Media Activism and the Internet (2002).

Guy Redden is a lecturer in cultural studies at the University of Sydney, Australia. He has previously taught at the University of Lincoln (UK) and Prince of Songkla University (Thailand). His research revolves around the relationships between culture, media and economy.
Discrimination of wine lactic acid bacteria by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rodriguez Susan B , Thornton Mark A , Thornton Roy J
Published: April 2017

Species of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Oenococcus, and Leuconostoc play an important role in winemaking, as either inoculants or contaminants. The metabolic products of these lactic acid bacteria have considerable effects on the flavor, aroma, and texture of a wine. However, analysis of a wine’s microflora, especially the bacteria, is rarely done unless spoilage becomes evident, and identification at the species or strain level is uncommon as the methods required are technically difficult and expensive. In this work, we used Raman spectral fingerprints to discriminate 19 strains of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Oenococcus. Species of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus and strains of O. oeni and P. damnosus were classified with high sensitivity: 86–90 and 84–85%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that a simple, inexpensive method utilizing Raman spectroscopy can be used to accurately identify lactic acid bacteria isolated from wine.
A Bacillus subtilis strain as probiotic in poultry: selection based on in vitro functional properties and enzymatic potentialities
Authors: Hmani Houda , Daoud Lobna , Jlidi Mouna , Jalleli Karim , Ben Ali Manel , Hadj Brahim Adel , Bargui Mansour , Dammak Alaeddine , Ben Ali Mamdouh
Published: April 2017

We have proposed and validate an in vitro probiotic selection, based on enzymatic potentialities associated to well-established probiotic functional properties. A new Bacillus subtilis HB2 isolate, selected based on its high extracellular enzyme production, was chosen as a probiotic candidate for application as animal feed supplement. The HB2 strain showed an excellent acid and bile salts tolerance, a strong adhesion to chick enterocytes and produced antimicrobials against pathogens. An in vivo trial in poultry farming was conducted to evaluate the HB2 probiotic performance. After 35 days, HB2 achieved the higher growth performance than the control groups. The mortality and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased. Finally, the HB2 treated group showed wet litter and less severe ammonia odor in the atmosphere. Our study provides new insights into the importance of enzymatic potentialities, associated with the common functional properties, as a novel approach for probiotic selection.
Genome‐wide population genetic analysis identifies evolutionary forces establishing continuous population divergence
Authors: Takahashi Yuma
Published: April 2017

Elucidating the mechanism shaping the spatial variations of traits has long been a central concern of evolutionary biologists. Geographic clines of allele/morph frequencies along environmental gradients are suggested to be established and maintained by the balancing of two opposing evolutionary forces, namely selection that generates spatial differentiation in morph frequencies, and selection and/or stochastic factors that lead to the coexistence of multiple morphs within a population. Thus, testing for both selection and stochastic factors is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying clinal variation in morph/allele frequency in natural populations. Here, I identified the evolutionary forces responsible for clinal variation of color morph frequency in Ischnura senegalensis by comparing the population divergence of putatively neutral loci generated by high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing (FSTn) with that of the putative color locus (FSTc). No strong correlation was observed between FSTn and FSTc, suggesting that stochastic factors contribute less to color‐locus population divergence. FSTc was less than FSTn between populations exposed to similar environmental conditions, but greater than FSTn between populations exposed to different environmental conditions, suggesting that both balancing selection and divergent selection act on the color locus. Therefore, two antagonistic selection factors rather than stochastic and historical factors contribute to establishing the clinal variation of morph frequency in I. senegalensis.
Covariance Model Simulation Using Regular Vines
Authors: Grønneberg Steffen , Foldnes Njål
Published: April 2017

We propose a new and flexible simulation method for non-normal data with user-specified marginal distributions, covariance matrix and certain bivariate dependencies. The VITA (VIne To Anything) method is based on regular vines and generalizes the NORTA (NORmal To Anything) method. Fundamental theoretical properties of the VITA method are deduced. Two illustrations demonstrate the flexibility and usefulness of VITA in the context of structural equation models. R code for the implementation is provided.
Optimized Microemulsion Systems for Detergency of Vegetable Oils at Low Surfactant Concentration and Bath Temperature
Authors: Attaphong Chodchanok , Sabatini David A.
Published: April 2017

Triglycerides and vegetable oils are amongst the most difficult oils to remove from fabrics due to their highly hydrophobic nature; this is all the more challenging as cold water detergency is pursued in the interest of energy efficiency. Recently, extended surfactants have produced very encouraging detergency performance at ambient temperature, especially at low surfactant concentration. However, the salinity requirement for extended surfactants was excessive (4–14%) and there is limited research on extended‐surfactant‐based microemulsions for cold water detergency (below 25 °C). Therefore, extended‐surfactant‐based microemulsions are introduced in this study for cold temperature detergency of vegetable oils with promising salinity and surfactant concentration. The overall goal of this study is to explore the optimized microemulsion formulations with low surfactant and salt concentration using extended surfactant for canola oil detergency at both 25 and 10 °C. It was found that microemulsion systems achieved good performances (higher than those of commercial detergents) corresponding to IFT value 0.1–1 mN/m with the surfactant concentration as low as 10 ppm and 4% NaCl at 25 °C, and as low as 250 ppm and 0.1% (1000 ppm) NaCl at 10 °C. In addition, microemulsion systems were investigated with a different salt (CaCl2, or water hardness, versus NaCl) at 10 °C, demonstrating that 0.025% CaCl2 (250 ppm) can produce good detergency; this is in the hardness range of natural water. These results provide qualitative guidance for microemulsion formulations of vegetable oil detergency and for future design of energy‐efficient microemulsion systems.
“Go and Do Likewise”: Investigating Whether Involvement in Congregationally Sponsored Community Service Activities Predicts Prosocial Behavior
Authors: McClure Jennifer M.
Published: April 2017

Some congregations sponsor activities through which people can serve in the community, like serving meals at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, offering after-school programs for neighborhood children, and hosting counseling and support groups. This study investigates whether attenders who are involved in congregationally sponsored community service activities (CSCSA) are more likely to engage in forms of prosocial behavior that are not organized or sponsored by their congregation. In doing so, it draws on past literatures about three key predictors of prosocial behavior—congregational involvement, religious beliefs and values, and community involvement. Results from the 2008/2009 U.S. Congregational Life Survey indicate that: (1) even when controlling for congregational involvement, religious beliefs and values, and community involvement, involvement in CSCSA is positively related to providing social support, charitable giving, civic engagement, and involvement in non-congregationally related community organizations; (2) involvement in CSCSA improves the model fit when predicting these outcomes. These results suggest that: (1) despite its similarity to past predictors, involvement in CSCSA matters for predicting prosocial behavior (i.e., it is more than the sum of the past predictors); (2) engaging in prosocial behavior through CSCSA may spill over into attenders’ everyday lives and encourage them to engage in forms of prosocial behavior that are not organized or sponsored by a congregation.
Colonizing elephants: animal agency, undead capital and imperial science in British Burma
Authors: SAHA JONATHAN
Published: April 2017

Elephants were vital agents of empire. In British Burma their unique abilities made them essential workers in the colony’s booming teak industry. Their labour was integral to the commercial exploitation of the country’s vast forests. They helped to fell the trees, transport the logs and load the timber onto ships. As a result of their utility, capturing and caring for them was of utmost importance to timber firms. Elephants became a peculiar form of capital that required particular expertise. To address this need for knowledge, imperial researchers deepened their scientific understanding of the Asian elephant by studying working elephants in Burma’s jungle camps and timber yards. The resulting knowledge was contingent upon the conscripted and constrained agency of working elephants, and was conditioned by the asymmetrical power relationships of colonial rule.
Augmented Reality in Neurosurgery: A Review of Current Concepts and Emerging Applications
Authors: Guha Daipayan , Alotaibi Naif M. , Nguyen Nhu , Gupta Shaurya , McFaul Christopher , Yang Victor X.D.
Published: April 2017

Augmented reality (AR) superimposes computer-generated virtual objects onto the user’s view of the real world. Among medical disciplines, neurosurgery has long been at the forefront of image-guided surgery, and it continues to push the frontiers of AR technology in the operating room. In this systematic review, we explore the history of AR in neurosurgery and examine the literature on current neurosurgical applications of AR. Significant challenges to surgical AR exist, including compounded sources of registration error, impaired depth perception, visual and tactile temporal asynchrony, and operator inattentional blindness. Nevertheless, the ability to accurately display multiple three-dimensional datasets congruently over the area where they are most useful, coupled with future advances in imaging, registration, display technology, and robotic actuation, portend a promising role for AR in the neurosurgical operating room.
THE WUWEI MEDICAL MANUSCRIPTS: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION AND TRANSLATION
Authors: Yang Yong , Brown Miranda
Published: April 2017

Discovered by farmers from an unmarked tomb in 1972 in Gansu, the Wuwei strips and tablets set forth a wealth of information about ancient Chinese drug formulary and acupuncture. The present article supplies the first English-language translation of its contents along with a brief introduction.
Yield limit analysis of particle motion in a yield-stress fluid
Authors: Chaparian Emad , Frigaard Ian A.
Published: April 2017

A theoretical and numerical study of yield-stress fluid creeping flow about a particle is presented. Yield-stress fluids can hold rigid particles statically buoyant if the yield stress is large enough. In addressing sedimentation of rigid particles in viscoplastic fluids, we should know this critical ‘yield number’ beyond which there is no motion. As we get close to this limit, the role of viscosity becomes negligible in comparison to the plastic contribution in the leading order, since we are approaching the zero-shear-rate limit. Admissible stress fields in this limit can be found by using the characteristics of the governing equations of perfect plasticity (i.e. the sliplines). This approach yields a lower bound of the critical plastic drag force or equivalently the critical yield number. Admissible velocity fields also can be postulated to calculate the upper bound. This analysis methodology is examined for three families of particle shapes (ellipse, rectangle and diamond) over a wide range of aspect ratios. Numerical experiments of either resistance or mobility problems in a viscoplastic fluid validate the predictions of slipline theory and reveal interesting aspects of the flow in the yield limit (e.g. viscoplastic boundary layers). We also investigate in detail the cases of high and low aspect ratio of the particles.
Eurasian ice-sheet dynamics and sensitivity to subglacial hydrology
Authors: GUDLAUGSSON EYTHOR , HUMBERT ANGELIKA , ANDREASSEN KARIN , CLASON CAROLINE C. , KLEINER THOMAS , BEYER SEBASTIAN
Published: April 2017

Ice-stream dynamics are strongly controlled by processes taking place at the ice/bed interface where subglacial water both lubricates the base and saturates any existing, underlying sediment. Large parts of the former Eurasian ice sheet were underlain by thick sequences of soft, marine sediments and many areas are imprinted with geomorphological features indicative of fast flow and wet basal conditions. Here, we study the effect of subglacial water on past Eurasian ice-sheet dynamics by incorporating a thin-film model of basal water flow into the ice-sheet model SICOPOLIS and use it to better represent flow in temperate areas. The adjunction of subglacial hydrology results in a smaller ice-sheet building up over time and generally faster ice velocities, which consequently reduces the total area fraction of temperate basal ice and ice streaming areas. Minima in the hydraulic pressure potential, governing water flow, are used as indicators for potential locations of past subglacial lakes and a probability distribution of lake existence is presented based on estimated lake depth and longevity.
Galileo's legacy: a critical edition and translation of the manuscript of Vincenzo Viviani'sGrati Animi Monumenta
Authors: GATTEI STEFANO
Published: April 2017

Having been found ‘vehemently suspected of heresy’ by the Holy Office in 1633, at the time of his death (1642) Galileo's remains were laid to rest in the tiny vestry of a lateral chapel of the Santa Croce Basilica, Florence. Throughout his life, Vincenzo Viviani, Galileo's last disciple, struggled to have his master's name rehabilitated and his banned works reprinted, as well as a proper funeral monument erected. He did not live to see all this come true, but his efforts triggered a mechanism that eventually led to the fulfilment of his wishes. A key element of his project was the transformation of the facade of his palace into a private (but publicly rendered) tribute to Galileo, with two long inscriptions celebrating Galileo's achievements and calling Florence's attention to the need to pay a proper tribute to him. Shortly afterwards, he revised the text and circulated it in print. This article presents the first critical edition and annotated translation of Viviani's original manuscript, long thought to be lost, and describes its role in Viviani's lifelong struggle for Galileo's intellectual legacy, as well as its impact on future historiography.
Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of E2F transcription factor 4 from Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Abbas M.N. , Kausar S. , Sun Y.-X. , Sun Y. , Wang L. , Qian C. , Wei G.-Q. , Zhu B.-J. , Liu C.-L.
Published: April 2017

The E2F transcription factor family is distributed widely in eukaryotes and has been well studied among mammals. In the present study, the E2F transcription factor 4 (E2F4) gene was isolated from fat bodies of Antheraea pernyi and sequenced. E2F4 comprised a 795 bp open reading frame encoding a deduced amino acid sequence of 264 amino acid residues. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (Transetta DE3), and anti-E2F4 antibodies were prepared. The deduced amino acid sequence displayed significant homology to an E2F4-like protein from Bombyx mori L. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that E2F4 expression was highest in the integument, followed by the fat body, silk glands, and haemocytes. The expression of E2F4 was upregulated in larvae challenged by bacterial (Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus), viral (nuclear polyhedrosis virus), and fungal (Beauveria bassiana) pathogens. These observations indicated that E2F4 is an inducible protein in the immune response of A. pernyi and probably in other insects.