bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of music: Forgotten musical magazine of inter-war Belgrade
Authors: Vasic Aleksandar
Published: April 2016

The monthly magazine Review of Music was published six times in Belgrade from
January to June 1940. Each edition comprised thirty-two pages, half of which
were devoted to a sheet-music supplement, popular compositions of the time
for voice and piano. Review of Music published 222 articles and scores in
total. The aim of the magazine was to popularise classical music, but it also
encompassed jazz, films and film music, theatre, literature, fashion, and
even sport. Review of Music was different from all other Serbian inter-war
music magazines, not only because of its wide range of topics, but also
because it published anonymous articles, probably taken from other sources,
but it is not known from where. This study analyses the articles about
classical music in Review of Music. In several short chapters the author
presents the concept of the magazine, its genre structure, themes addressed,
and the style of its music writers. Selected examples show that article
authors tended to exploit elements of narrative (with an emphasis on
impressive details), humour, and moral teaching. The authors also especially
emphasized the neutral attitude of Review of Music towards contemporary
music, although the magazine published different views of contemporary
composers concerning the aesthetics of modern music. Review of Music started
four months after Germany invaded Poland. However, in the journal references
to social and political events are non-existant. The journal seems to have
been interested only in culture and the arts. However, the author of this
study presents examples in which the political circumstances of the time can
be perceived. One of these examples is the visit of the Frankfurt Opera House
to Belgrade in 1940. That extraordinary cultural event was attended by Prince
Paul Karadjordjevic and Princess Olga, the Yugoslav Prime Minister, and almost
all other government ministers. In this news, any authority on the political
situation of the time could see that the Yugoslav government and the
political elite took care of delicate relations with Germany at that time.
This is the first study to analyse the concept and content of classical music
in Review of Music. This magazine is certainly an interesting source, not
only for the history of Serbian music periodicals, but also for cultural
history.
Primary-process transformations in music оr discourse about the ineffable
Authors: Zatkalik Milos , Kontic Aleksandar
Published: April 2016

Every artist or the recipient of a work of art temporarily detaches himself
or herself from objective reality through a process that psychoanalysts call
regression. They unconsciously (re)construct the experiential world using
verbal, visual or auditory form depending on the type of art. The last case
involves the deepest creative regression, which involves the most archaic
form of presentation: the primary processes of mental functioning. Dream is a
typical manifestation of these processes, so the regressive aspect of music
can best be demonstrated through isomorphism between music and dream.
Auditory representations constituted according to primary processes set
powerful affects in motion, thereby securing discharge and producing
aesthetic pleasure.
Vertical-cavity surface emitting laser-diodes arrays expanding the range of high-power laser systems and applications
Authors: Pruijmboom Armand , Apetz Rolf , Conrads Ralf , Deppe Carsten , Derra Guenther , Gronenborn Stephan , Sophie Kolb Johanna , Moench Holger , Ogiewa Felix , Pekarski Pavel , Pollmann-Retsch Jens , Weichmann Ulrich , Gu Xi , Miller Michael
Published: April 2016

Thermal treatment may be by far the most frequent process used in manufacturing, but only at a few places lasers could make an inroad. For thermal treatment, homogeneous illumination of large areas at a lower brightness, and accurate temporal as well as spatial control of the power is required. This is complicated for conventional high-power lasers, while vertical-cavity surface emitting laser-diode (VCSEL) arrays inherently have these capabilities. Because of their fast switching capability and low power dissipation, VCSELs have been widely used for datacom and sensing applications. By forming large-area arrays with hundreds of VCSELs per mm2, their use can be further expanded to high-power applications. In this way, power densities of several W/mm2 are achieved, making the VCEL arrays an ideal solution for many heating applications, ranging from melting and welding of plastics and laminates to curing, drying, and sintering of coatings. A turn-key system concept has been developed allowing fast and easy configuring systems to the specifications of the applications. The compact and robust system can be built directly into the manufacturing equipment, thus making expensive fibers and homogenizing optics superfluous. These systems are now finding their first inroads into industrial applications and have been designed-in into commercially available production machines.
The role of public health students in health advocacy
Authors: Aryal Tara Prasad
Published: April 2016
Fast Dissolving Oral Films: A Novel Trend to Oral Drug Delivery System
Authors: Bhattarai Mukem , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: April 2016

Oral routes are most commonly preferred route for delivering drug. Most common oral dosage forms are tablet and capsules. But many patients such as geriatric, pediatric and dysphasic patients find difficult to swallow conventional tablet and capsule. To overcome various problems related to swallowing, Fast dissolving Tablets (FDTs) were designed in early 19th century and hence further advancement has led to development of Fast Dissolving Oral Films (FDOFs). In the recent years, many of the pharmaceutical groups are focusing their research on rapid dissolving technology. Amongst the plethora of avenues explored for rapid drug releasing product, FDOFs technology is gaining much attention. These are solid dosage forms, which disintegrate or dissolve within 1 min when placed in the mouth without drinking water or mastication. This technology has been used for local action as well as rapid release products. The fast dissolving oral films are formulated using various Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), film forming polymers, plasticizer, flavors, colors and sweeteners. Initially FDOFs are up to breath strips, confection and oral care markets. But now it became a novel and widely accepted technology for delivering OTC and prescription medication too.Sunsari Technical College Journal 2015, 2(1):58-68
Food Colorants and their Toxicology: An Overview
Authors: Gautam Nawaraj
Published: April 2016

There are many kinds of colorants, which have been already banned or are used under strict supervision of food safety authorities. Use of artificial colorants over natural ones has increased in modern world. Besides, it has also concerned on importance of toxicological studies. Acceptable daily intake (ADI) of different colorants will define the optimum level of coloring substances on food items. Molecular size of coloring agents and their absorption ratio have significant role in toxico-kinetics. Bigger molecular size has lower absorption capacity and toxicity while vice versa for the smaller one. Higher absorption of smaller molecules can be lowered by binding with carrier molecules to make big enough to block through mucosal layer. Adverse health effects related to many colorants are itching, urticaria, anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity, intolerance reactions, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, cytostaticity and cytotoxicity. Color additives seem to be complex subject having direct relationship with consumer safety. Therefore, toxicology of attractive coloring agents might overlook the advantages of colorants. So, toxicologist and food scientist need to collaborate to define the use of different color additives and their safety in future in more scientific way.Sunsari Technical College Journal 2015, 2(1):69-75
Impact behavior of hybrid composite plates dependent on curing and different stacking sequences
Authors: Özben Tamer
Published: April 2016

In this study, the drop weight impact response of cured hybrid composite plates has been investigated. Experiments were conducted on two groups of hybrid composite plates. The first group was based on upper and lower surfaces that are made of carbon (c) with the inner plates of glass (g), while for the second group the upper and lower surfaces were examined which are made of glass (g) with the inner plates of carbon (c). The orientation angle of the plates was 0, 15, 30 and 45° and the collision energy was 12 J. Contact forces were obtained and compared for the plates with respect to the different sequence and orientation angles. Peak forces increased for all the sequences and orientation angles. However, the (g-c-c-g) stacking sequence showed a larger sensitivity to an orientation angle change. The deflections decreased for the (c-g-g-c) stacking sequence when the orientation angle increased.
Experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation of the Mg–Sr–Zr system
Authors: Zhou Hua , Chen Chong , Du Yong , Gong Haoran
Published: April 2016

Both experimental investigation and thermodynamic calculation were performed for the Mg–Sr–Zr system. Four decisive alloys were firstly selected and prepared using a powder metallurgy method to measure the isothermal section at 400 °C via a combination of X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. No ternary compound has been observed for this ternary system. Four three-phase regions, (Mg) + (αZr) + Mg17Sr2, Mg17Sr2 + (αZr) + Mg38Sr9, Mg38Sr9 + (αZr) + Mg23Sr6, and Mg23Sr6 + (αZr) + Mg2Sr, have been identified at 400 °C. No appreciable ternary solubility has been detected in the binary Mg–Sr compounds. Phase transition temperatures of the Mg–Sr–Zr alloys were measured by means of differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic calculations match well with the experimental data in the present work, indicating that no ternary thermodynamic parameters are needed for the thermodynamic description of this ternary system. In order to verify the reliability of the current thermodynamic calculations of the Mg–Sr–Zr system, eight as-cast alloys in the Mg-rich corner were also prepared. The calculated liquidus projection is consistent with the observed primary phase regions. The present thermodynamic calculations are reliable and can be used in the development of Mg alloys.
Influence of Processing Parameters and Composition on the Effective Compatibilization of Polypropylene–Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Blends
Authors: van Bruggen E. P. A. , Koster R. P. , Picken S. J. , Ragaert K.
Published: April 2016

The effects of the addition of different functionalized compatibilizers on toughness, morphology and rheological properties of a polypropylene (PP) – poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (85–15 wt%) blend were studied. The three compatibilizers compared were: (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene)-grafted-(glycidyl methacrylate); (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene) – grafted – (maleic anhydryde); (polyolefin) – grafted – (glycidyl methacrylate), abbreviated to: SEBS-g-GMA, SEBS-g-MA and POE-g-GMA respectively. The effective grafting content was the same for all three compatibilizers. Before the comparison of the different compatibilizers was done, first the effects of three different processing temperatures and three different compatibilizer contents were investigated, based on the addition of SEBS-g-GMA. The compatibilization effect was significantly improved with an increase in processing temperature from 250 to 300 °C. The toughness was increased with almost a factor two and a decrease in the average domain size of the dispersed phase was observed. An increase in compatibilizer content from 0.25 to 2.5 wt% resulted in a finer dispersity as well as in a steep increase in toughness, which was noted to approach the brittle-to-ductile transition. The comparison of the three compatibilizers was subsequently done at the most promising processing temperature and content: 300 °C and 2.5 wt%. The results showed that the addition of SEBS-g-MA and POE-g-GMA had a less significant positive effect on the compatibilization compared to SEBS-g-GMA. The difference is attributed to a higher reactivity for GMA compared to MA and a higher possibility for migration towards the PP-PET interface for the SEBS chain compared to the POE chain.
Fracture Toughness of PP/EPDM/Nano-Ternary Composites: The Role of Distribution of Inorganic Particles
Authors: Gong L. , Chen S.-H. , Hou W.-M. , Yin B. , Li L.-P. , Yang M.-B.
Published: April 2016

The influence of the distribution of the inorganic particles on the toughness of the PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites was investigated. Four morphologies for PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites were obtained by means of adjusting the surface tension of inorganic particles (nano-CaCO3, hydrophobic nano-SiO2 and hydrophilic nano-SiO2) and the compounding sequence (one-step extrusion and two-step extrusion). Morphological observation revealed that the segregated dispersion morphology was formed in the PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composite. For the PP/EPDM/R974 (hydrophobic nano-SiO2) composite, R974 particles were dispersed at the interface between the PP matrix and EPDM dispersed phase. A200 particles (hydrophilic nano-SiO2) continuously dispersed between PP and EPDM phase for PP/EPDM/A200 composites prepared by one-step, while were present in EPDM dispersed phase for the two-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites. The dependence of the toughness on the phase morphology of the components, especially the distribution of nanoparticles, was studied systematically. The impact strength of one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites was pronouncedly enhanced, increasing 552 % compared to pure PP. Compared with the other three composites, the one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites exhibits better effect of preventing crack propagation and far higher fracture energies. It is attributed to the A200 particles continuously dispersed between EPDM phase and matrix, which makes EPDM particles have better compatibility with the PP matrix and the overlapping of the stress field with A200 particles.
A Novel Micro Wall Slip Model Based on Chain Length and Temperature
Authors: Lou Y. , Bai C. , Pei J.-L. , He P.-Q.
Published: April 2016

A micro chain length and temperature (MCLT) wall slip model of polymer was developed on the basis of chain length and temperature. The effectiveness and accuracy of the MCLT slip model were verified through a micro-square-column filling rate experiment for Polypropylene (PP) material and a micro-square-column pressure difference experiment for Polystyrene (PS) material. The difference between the simulated data of the MCLT slip model and the experimental data decreased with decreasing feature size. The accuracy of the MCLT slip model was enhanced by decreasing the feature size. When the feature size was decreased to 200 μm, the maximum deviation between the simulated filling rate by the MCLT slip model and the experimental result was 8.67 %. Moreover, under different shearing rates, the simulated pressure drop by the MCLT slip model was closer to the experimental result than that by the conventional slip model. The micro-scale flow characteristics of the melt were also explored using the MCLT slip model. Melt flow velocity decreased from the center of the micro-channel to the wall, and the wall slip phenomenon was beneficial to the melt flow.
Bladder Preservation for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Mirza Arafat , Choudhury Ananya
Published: April 2016

The standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been considered to be radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. However morbidity and impact on quality of life is significant. Radiotherapy has been used in MIBC patients who choose bladder preservation or who are unfit for RC with comparable outcomes. Evidence from some prospective and large retrospective series supports the use of radiotherapy as an attractive alternative option. In this paper we review the evidence and practice of bladder preservation strategies with radiotherapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Treatment Failures with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Data-Driven Definition for BCG Unresponsive Disease
Authors: Steinberg Ryan L. , Thomas Lewis J. , Mott Sarah L. , O’Donnell Michael A.
Published: April 2016

Objective: To create the first data-driven definition for those unlikely to benefit from further BCG treatment.

Materials and Methods: The database created for the Phase 2 BCG-Interferon- α 2B (IFN) study was queried and BCG failure patients were identified ( n = 334). Full study protocols have previously been published. Separate models were constructed for analysis of patients with any CIS (pure or concomitant) and pure papillary disease. Variables considered included age, gender, stage, grade, tumor size and focality (for papillary only), number of prior BCG courses, and prior BCG failure interval.

Results: Patients with recurrent CIS within 6 months of their most recent prior BCG course (HR 2.56, p <  0.01) and ≥2 prior BCG failures (HR 1.54, p <  0.01) responded worst to repeat intravesical therapy. Those with CIS recurrence at 6–12 months did not differ from those recurring within 6 months (HR = 0.88, p = 0.71). Patients with recurrent papillary disease within 6 months (HR 1.82, p = 0.02), ≥2 BCG failures (HR 1.54, p = 0.03), and multifocal disease (HR 2.05, p <  0.01) responded worst to therapy. Patients with T1 disease remained disease free in 38% of cases (24–51% 95% CI) at 2 years with low rates of progression.

Conclusions: Patients who fail two courses of BCG with either persistent or recurrent multifocal papillary disease within 6 months or CIS within 12 months of their prior BCG should be considered BCG unresponsive. Recurrent T1 disease respond reasonably well to another course with low progression rates but further investigation is warranted.
A Multi-Center International Study Assessing the Impact of Differences in Baseline Characteristics and Perioperative Care Following Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Osawa Takahiro , Lee Cheryl T. , Abe Takashige , Takada Norikata , Hafez Khaled S. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Weizer Alon Z. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Skolarus Ted A. , Murai Sachiyo , Shinohara Nobuo , Morgan Todd M.
Published: April 2016

Background: To identify potential avenues for quality improvement, we compared the variations in clinical practice and their association with perioperative morbidity and mortality following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer in the United States (US) and Japan.

Methods: We reviewed our retrospectively collected database of 2240 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer at the University of Michigan ( n = 1427) and in 21 Japanese institutions ( n = 813) between 1997 and 2014. We performed a systematic comparison of clinical and perioperative factors and assessed predictors of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Death within 90 days of surgery was the primary outcome.

Results: There were apparent differences between the two study populations. Notably, US patients had a significantly greater BMI and higher ASA score. In Japanese institutions, median postoperative hospital stay was significantly higher (40 days vs. 7 days, p <  0.001) and 90-day readmission rates were significantly lower (0.6% vs. 26.8% , p <  0.001). There was a total of 1372/2240 (61.2%) patients with complications within 90 days and 66/2240 (2.9%) patient deaths. Significant predictors of 90-day mortality were older age (OR 1.04, CI 1.01–1.07), higher body mass index (OR 1.07, CI 1.02–1.12), node-positive disease (OR 3.14, CI 1.78–5.47), increased blood loss (OR 1.02, CI 1.01–1.03), and major (Clavien-grade 3 or greater) complication (OR 3.29, CI 1.88–5.71).

Conclusion: Despite major differences in baseline characteristics and care of cystectomy patients between the two study populations, peri-operative mortality rates proved to be comparable. This data supports an exploration of non-traditional factors that may influence mortality after cystectomy.
Is a decentralized continuing medical education program feasible for Chinese rural health professionals?
Authors: Hu Guijie , Yi Yanhua
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Rural health professionals in township health centers (THCs) tend to have less advanced educational degrees. This study aimed to ascertain the perceived feasibility of a decentralized continuing medical education (CME) program to upgrade their educational levels. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of THC health professionals was conducted using a self-administered, structured questionnaire in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Results: The health professionals in the THCs were overwhelmingly young with low education levels. They had a strong desire to upgrade their educational degrees. The decentralized CME program was perceived as feasible by health workers with positive attitudes about the benefit for license examination, and by those who intended to improve their clinical diagnosis and treatment skills. The target groups of such a program were those who expected to undertake a bachelor’s degree and who rated themselves as “partially capable” in clinical competency. They reported that 160-400 USD annually would be an affordable fee for the program. Conclusion: A decentralized CME program was perceived feasible to upgrade rural health workers’ education level to a bachelor’s degree and improve their clinical competency.
An Enhanced System Architecture for Optimized Demand Side Management in Smart Grid
Authors: Mahmood Anzar , Baig Faisal , Alrajeh Nabil , Qasim Umar , Khan Zahoor , Javaid Nadeem
Published: April 2016

Demand Side Management (DSM) through optimization of home energy consumption in the smart grid environment is now one of the well-known research areas. Appliance scheduling has been done through many different algorithms to reduce peak load and, consequently, the Peak to Average Ratio (PAR). This paper presents a Comprehensive Home Energy Management Architecture (CHEMA) with integration of multiple appliance scheduling options and enhanced load categorization in a smart grid environment. The CHEMA model consists of six layers and has been modeled in Simulink with an embedded MATLAB code. A single Knapsack optimization technique is used for scheduling and four different cases of cost reduction are modeled at the second layer of CHEMA. Fault identification and electricity theft control have also been added in CHEMA. Furthermore, carbon footprint calculations have been incorporated in order to make the users aware of environmental concerns. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and Tauopathies-Prion-Like Seeded Aggregation and Phosphorylation
Authors: Hasegawa Masato
Published: April 2016

Neurofibrillary tau pathology (tangles and threads) and extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology are defining features of Alzheimer’s disease. For 25 years, most research has focused on the amyloid hypothesis of AD pathogenesis and progression. But, because of failures in clinical trials of Aβ-targeted therapies and the new concept of prion-like propagation of intracellular abnormal proteins, tau has come back into the spotlight as a candidate therapeutic target in AD. Tau pathologies are found in a range of neurodegenerative disorders, but extensive analyses of pathological tau in diseased brains has demonstrated that the abnormal tau protein in each disease is structurally distinct, supporting the idea that progression of the diverse but characteristic tau pathologies occurs through prion-like seed-dependent aggregation. Therefore, intervention in the conversion of normal tau to abnormal forms and in cell-to-cell transmission of tau may be the key to development of disease-modifying therapies for AD and other dementing disorders.
Enzymes for N-Glycan Branching and Their Genetic and Nongenetic Regulation in Cancer
Authors: Kizuka Yasuhiko , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: April 2016

N-glycan, a fundamental and versatile protein modification in mammals, plays critical roles in various physiological and pathological events including cancer progression. The formation of N-glycan branches catalyzed by specific N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases [GnT-III, GnT-IVs, GnT-V, GnT-IX (Vb)] and a fucosyltransferase, Fut8, provides functionally diverse N-glycosylated proteins. Aberrations of these branches are often found in cancer cells and are profoundly involved in cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we focus on the GlcNAc and fucose branches of N-glycans and describe how their expression is dysregulated in cancer by genetic and nongenetic mechanisms including epigenetics and nucleotide sugar metabolisms. We also survey the roles that these N-glycans play in cancer progression and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss possible applications of our knowledge on basic glycobiology to the development of medicine and biomarkers for cancer therapy.
Cognitive Radio for Smart Grid with Security Considerations
Authors: Shuaib Khaled , Barka Ezedin , Al Hussien Nedaa , Abdel-Hafez Mohammed , Alahmad Mahmoud
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we investigate how Cognitive Radio as a means of communication can be utilized to serve a smart grid deployment end to end, from a home area network to power generation. We show how Cognitive Radio can be mapped to integrate the possible different communication networks within a smart grid large scale deployment. In addition, various applications in smart grid are defined and discussed showing how Cognitive Radio can be used to fulfill their communication requirements. Moreover, information security issues pertained to the use of Cognitive Radio in a smart grid environment at different levels and layers are discussed and mitigation techniques are suggested. Finally, the well-known Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is integrated with the Cognitive Radio part of a smart grid communication network to protect against unauthorized access to customer’s data and to the network at large.
Targeting MicroRNA in Cancer Using Plant-Based Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Bansode Rishipal , Khatiwada Janak , Losso Jack , Williams Leonard
Published: April 2016

Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric flavonoids found in plant sources, most notably in apples, cinnamon, grape skin and cocoa beans. They have been also found in substantial amounts in cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea and peanut skins. These compounds have been recently investigated for their health benefits. Proanthocyanidins have been demonstrated to have positive effects on various metabolic disorders such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance. Another upcoming area of research that has gained widespread interest is microRNA (miRNA)-based anticancer therapies. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA segments, which plays a crucial role in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Currently, miRNA based anticancer therapies are being investigated either alone or in combination with current treatment methods. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and investigate the potential of naturally occurring proanthocyanidins in modulating miRNA expression. We will also assess the strategies and challenges of using this approach as potential cancer therapeutics.
From Steam Engines to Chemical Reactions: Gibbs’ Contribution to the Extension of the Second Law
Authors: Pellegrino Emilio , Cerruti Luigi , Ghibaudi Elena
Published: April 2016

The present work analyzes the foundations of Gibbs’ thermodynamic equilibrium theory, with the general aim of understanding how the Second Law—as formulated by Clausius in 1865—has been embodied into Gibbs’ formal system and extended to processes involving chemical reactions. We show that Gibbs’ principle of maximal entropy (and minimal energy) is the implicit expression of Clausius’ Second Law. In addition, by making explicit some implicit passages of Gibbs logical path, we provide an original formal justification of Gibbs’ principle. Finally we provide an analysis of how Gibbs’ principle—conceived for homogeneous isolated systems with fixed chemical composition—has come to be applied to systems entailing chemical transformations.
A Complete and Simplified Datasheet-Based Model of PV Cells in Variable Environmental Conditions for Circuit Simulation
Authors: Vergura Silvano
Published: April 2016

The paper proposes two mathematical models of a photo-voltaic (PV) cell—the complete model and the simplified model—which can be used also for modeling a PV module or a PV string under any environmental condition. Both of them are based on the well-known five-parameters model, while the approach allows to write a new descriptive equation, whose terms are functions of the information always available in the modern datasheet of a PV module’s manufacturer. This implies that no pre-processing of the datasheet parameters is needed to use the proposed model, whichever the solar irradiance and the cell/module temperature are. Moreover, these models are interpreted from a circuital point of view, providing the electrical circuits constituted only by basic electrical components. Particularly, in order to take into account the variability of the environment parameters, several variable resistors and voltage-controlled sources are used. The proposed models are tested with the datasheet parameters of commercial PV modules.
Identification of 42 Genes Linked to Stage II Colorectal Cancer Metastatic Relapse
Authors: Al-Temaimi Rabeah , Tan Tuan , Marafie Makia , Thiery Jean , Quirke Philip , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: April 2016

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Metastasis remains the primary cause of CRC death. Predicting the possibility of metastatic relapse in early-stage CRC is of paramount importance to target therapy for patients who really need it and spare those with low-potential of metastasis. Ninety-six stage II CRC cases were stratified using high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data based on a predictive survival algorithm and supervised clustering. All genes included within the resultant copy number aberrations were each interrogated independently at mRNA level using CRC expression datasets available from public repositories, which included 1820 colon cancers, and 167 normal colon tissues. Reduced mRNA expression driven by copy number losses and increased expression driven by copy number gains revealed 42 altered transcripts (29 reduced and 13 increased transcripts) associated with metastatic relapse, short disease-free or overall survival, and/or epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Resultant genes were classified based on gene ontology (GO), which identified four functional enrichment groups involved in growth regulation, genomic integrity, metabolism, and signal transduction pathways. The identified 42 genes may be useful for predicting metastatic relapse in stage II CRC. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Barriers and Facilitators to Adoption of Genomic Services for Colorectal Care within the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Sperber Nina , Andrews Sara , Voils Corrine , Green Gregory , Provenzale Dawn , Knight Sara
Published: April 2016

We examined facilitators and barriers to adoption of genomic services for colorectal care, one of the first genomic medicine applications, within the Veterans Health Administration to shed light on areas for practice change. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 58 clinicians to understand use of the following genomic services for colorectal care: family health history documentation, molecular and genetic testing, and genetic counseling. Data collection and analysis were informed by two conceptual frameworks, the Greenhalgh Diffusion of Innovation and Andersen Behavioral Model, to allow for concurrent examination of both access and innovation factors. Specialists were more likely than primary care clinicians to obtain family history to investigate hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), but with limited detail; clinicians suggested templates to facilitate retrieval and documentation of family history according to guidelines. Clinicians identified advantage of molecular tumor analysis prior to genetic testing, but tumor testing was infrequently used due to perceived low disease burden. Support from genetic counselors was regarded as facilitative for considering hereditary basis of CRC diagnosis, but there was variability in awareness of and access to this expertise. Our data suggest the need for tools and policies to establish and disseminate well-defined processes for accessing services and adhering to guidelines.
Low Cycle Fatigue Behaviors of Alloy 617 (INCONEL 617) Weldments for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Dewa Rando , Kim Seon , Kim Woo , Kim Eung
Published: April 2016

In this study, we comparatively investigate the low cycle fatigue behavior of Alloy 617 (INCONEL 617) weldments by gas tungsten arc welding process at room temperature and 800 °C in the air to support the qualification in high temperature applications of the Next Generation-IV Nuclear Plant. Axial total-strain controlled tests have been performed with the magnitude of strain ranges with a constant strain ratio (Rε = −1). The results of fatigue tests consistently show lower fatigue life with an increase in total strain range and temperature at all testing conditions. The reduction in fatigue life may result from the higher cyclic plastic strain accumulation and the material ductility at high temperature conditions. A constitutive behavior of high temperature by some cyclic hardening was observed. The occurrence of serrated yielding in the cyclic stress response was also observed, suggesting the influence of dynamic strain aging during high temperature. We evaluated a well-known life prediction model through the Coffin-Manson relationship. The results are well matched with the experimental data. In addition, low cycle fatigue cracking occurred in the weld metal region and initiated transgranularly at the free surface.
Hydrophilic Modification of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Building Photonic Crystals with Enhanced Color Visibility and Mechanical Strength
Authors: Li Feihu , Tang Bingtao , Xiu Jinghai , Zhang Shufen
Published: April 2016

Low color visibility and poor mechanical strength of polystyrene (PS) photonic crystal films have been the main shortcomings for the potential applications in paints or displays. This paper presents a simple method to fabricate PS/MWCNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) composite photonic crystal films with enhanced color visibility and mechanical strength. First, MWCNTs was modified through radical addition reaction by aniline 2,5-double sulfonic acid diazonium salt to generate hydrophilic surface and good water dispersity. Then the MWCNTs dispersion was blended with PS emulsion to form homogeneous PS/MWCNTs emulsion mixtures and fabricate composite films through thermal-assisted method. The obtained films exhibit high color visibility under natural light and improved mechanical strength owing to the light-adsorption property and crosslinking effect of MWCNTs. The utilization of MWCNTs in improving the properties of photonic crystals is significant for various applications, such as in paints and displays.
Military Importance of Natural Toxins and Their Analogs
Authors: Pitschmann Vladimír , Hon Zdeněk
Published: April 2016

Toxin weapon research, development, production and the ban on its uses is an integral part of international law, with particular attention paid to the protection against these weapons. In spite of this, hazards associated with toxins cannot be completely excluded. Some of these hazards are also pointed out in the present review. The article deals with the characteristics and properties of natural toxins and synthetic analogs potentially constituting the basis of toxin weapons. It briefly describes the history of military research and the use of toxins from distant history up to the present age. With respect to effective disarmament conventions, it mentions certain contemporary concepts of possible toxin applications for military purposes and the protection of public order (suppression of riots); it also briefly refers to the question of terrorism. In addition, it deals with certain traditional as well as modern technologies of the research, synthesis, and use of toxins, which can affect the continuing development of toxin weapons. These are, for example, cases of new toxins from natural sources, their chemical synthesis, production of synthetic analogs, the possibility of using methods of genetic engineering and modern biotechnologies or the possible applications of nanotechnology and certain pharmaceutical methods for the effective transfer of toxins into the organism. The authors evaluate the military importance of toxins based on their comparison with traditional chemical warfare agents. They appeal to the ethics of the scientific work as a principal condition for the prevention of toxin abuse in wars, military conflicts, as well as in non-military attacks.
Maternal Dietary Patterns and Fetal Growth: A Large Prospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Lu Min-Shan , Chen Qiao-Zhu , He Jian-Rong , Wei Xue-Ling , Lu Jin-Hua , Li Sheng-Hui , Wen Xing-Xuan , Chan Fan-Fan , Chen Nian-Nian , Qiu Lan , Mai Wei-Bi , Zhang Rui-Fang , Hu Cui-Yue , Xia Hui-Min , Qiu Xiu
Published: April 2016

There was limited evidence revealing the association of Chinese maternal dietary patterns with fetal growth. We aimed to examine the relationship of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy to neonatal birth weight and birth weight for gestational age in a Chinese population. A total of 6954 mother-child pairs were included from the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study. Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Cluster analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The following six dietary patterns were identified: “Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups” (n 1026, 14.8%), “Dairy” (n 1020, 14.7%), “Fruits, nuts, and Cantonese desserts” (n 799, 11.5%), “Meats” (n 1066, 15.3%), “Vegetables” (n 1383, 19.9%), and “Varied” (n 1224, 17.6%). The mean neonatal birth weight Z scores of women in the above patterns were 0.02, 0.07, 0.20, 0.01, 0.06, and 0.14, respectively. Women in the “Fruits, nuts, and Cantonese desserts” and “Varied” groups had significantly heavier infants compared with those in the “Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups” group. Compared with women in the “Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups” group, those in the “Varied” group had marginally significantly lower odds of having a small-for-gestational age (SGA) infant after adjustment for other confounders (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57, 1.04, p = 0.08). These findings suggest that compared to a traditional Cantonese diet high in cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups, a diet high in fruits, nuts, and Cantonese desserts might be associated with a higher birth weight, while a varied diet might be associated with a greater birth weight and also a decreased risk of having a SGA baby.
Properties of Polymer Composites Used in High-Voltage Applications
Authors: Pleşa Ilona , Noţingher Petru , Schlögl Sandra , Sumereder Christof , Muhr Michael
Published: April 2016

The present review article represents a comprehensive study on polymer micro/nanocomposites that are used in high-voltage applications. Particular focus is on the structure-property relationship of composite materials used in power engineering, by exploiting fundamental theory as well as numerical/analytical models and the influence of material design on electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. In addition to describing the scientific development of micro/nanocomposites electrical features desired in power engineering, the study is mainly focused on the electrical properties of insulating materials, particularly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and epoxy resins, unfilled and filled with different types of filler. Polymer micro/nanocomposites based on XLPE and epoxy resins are usually used as insulating systems for high-voltage applications, such as: cables, generators, motors, cast resin dry-type transformers, etc. Furthermore, this paper includes ample discussions regarding the advantages and disadvantages resulting in the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties by the addition of micro- and nanofillers into the base polymer. The study goals are to determine the impact of filler size, type and distribution of the particles into the polymer matrix on the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer micro/nanocomposites compared to the neat polymer and traditionally materials used as insulation systems in high-voltage engineering. Properties such as electrical conductivity, relative permittivity, dielectric losses, partial discharges, erosion resistance, space charge behavior, electric breakdown, tracking and electrical tree resistance, thermal conductivity, tensile strength and modulus, elongation at break of micro- and nanocomposites based on epoxy resin and XLPE are analyzed. Finally, it was concluded that the use of polymer micro/nanocomposites in electrical engineering is very promising and further research work must be accomplished in order to diversify the polymer composites matrices and to improve their properties.
Uncertainties in Tidally Adjusted Estimates of Sea Level Rise Flooding (Bathtub Model) for the Greater London
Authors: Yunus Ali , Avtar Ram , Kraines Steven , Yamamuro Masumi , Lindberg Fredrik , Grimmond C.
Published: April 2016

Sea-level rise (SLR) from global warming may have severe consequences for coastal cities, particularly when combined with predicted increases in the strength of tidal surges. Predicting the regional impact of SLR flooding is strongly dependent on the modelling approach and accuracy of topographic data. Here, the areas under risk of sea water flooding for London boroughs were quantified based on the projected SLR scenarios reported in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) fifth assessment report (AR5) and UK climatic projections 2009 (UKCP09) using a tidally-adjusted bathtub modelling approach. Medium- to very high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are used to evaluate inundation extents as well as uncertainties. Depending on the SLR scenario and DEMs used, it is estimated that 3%–8% of the area of Greater London could be inundated by 2100. The boroughs with the largest areas at risk of flooding are Newham, Southwark, and Greenwich. The differences in inundation areas estimated from a digital terrain model and a digital surface model are much greater than the root mean square error differences observed between the two data types, which may be attributed to processing levels. Flood models from SRTM data underestimate the inundation extent, so their results may not be reliable for constructing flood risk maps. This analysis provides a broad-scale estimate of the potential consequences of SLR and uncertainties in the DEM-based bathtub type flood inundation modelling for London boroughs.
The DEPFET Sensor-Amplifier Structure: A Method to Beat 1/f Noise and Reach Sub-Electron Noise in Pixel Detectors
Authors: Lutz Gerhard , Porro Matteo , Aschauer Stefan , Wölfel Stefan , Strüder Lothar
Published: April 2016

Depleted field effect transistors (DEPFET) are used to achieve very low noise signal charge readout with sub-electron measurement precision. This is accomplished by repeatedly reading an identical charge, thereby suppressing not only the white serial noise but also the usually constant 1/f noise. The repetitive non-destructive readout (RNDR) DEPFET is an ideal central element for an active pixel sensor (APS) pixel. The theory has been derived thoroughly and results have been verified on RNDR-DEPFET prototypes. A charge measurement precision of 0.18 electrons has been achieved. The device is well-suited for spectroscopic X-ray imaging and for optical photon counting in pixel sensors, even at high photon numbers in the same cell.
Exponential Arithmetic Based Self-Healing Group Key Distribution Scheme with Backward Secrecy under the Resource-Constrained Wireless Networks
Authors: Guo Hua , Zheng Yandong , Zhang Xiyong , Li Zhoujun
Published: April 2016

In resource-constrained wireless networks, resources such as storage space and communication bandwidth are limited. To guarantee secure communication in resource-constrained wireless networks, group keys should be distributed to users. The self-healing group key distribution (SGKD) scheme is a promising cryptographic tool, which can be used to distribute and update the group key for the secure group communication over unreliable wireless networks. Among all known SGKD schemes, exponential arithmetic based SGKD (E-SGKD) schemes reduce the storage overhead to constant, thus is suitable for the the resource-constrained wireless networks. In this paper, we provide a new mechanism to achieve E-SGKD schemes with backward secrecy. We first propose a basic E-SGKD scheme based on a known polynomial-based SGKD, where it has optimal storage overhead while having no backward secrecy. To obtain the backward secrecy and reduce the communication overhead, we introduce a novel approach for message broadcasting and self-healing. Compared with other E-SGKD schemes, our new E-SGKD scheme has the optimal storage overhead, high communication efficiency and satisfactory security. The simulation results in Zigbee-based networks show that the proposed scheme is suitable for the resource-restrained wireless networks. Finally, we show the application of our proposed scheme.
Photon Counting Imaging with an Electron-Bombarded Pixel Image Sensor
Authors: Hirvonen Liisa , Suhling Klaus
Published: April 2016

Electron-bombarded pixel image sensors, where a single photoelectron is accelerated directly into a CCD or CMOS sensor, allow wide-field imaging at extremely low light levels as they are sensitive enough to detect single photons. This technology allows the detection of up to hundreds or thousands of photon events per frame, depending on the sensor size, and photon event centroiding can be employed to recover resolution lost in the detection process. Unlike photon events from electron-multiplying sensors, the photon events from electron-bombarded sensors have a narrow, acceleration-voltage-dependent pulse height distribution. Thus a gain voltage sweep during exposure in an electron-bombarded sensor could allow photon arrival time determination from the pulse height with sub-frame exposure time resolution. We give a brief overview of our work with electron-bombarded pixel image sensor technology and recent developments in this field for single photon counting imaging, and examples of some applications.
An Innovative Approach to Enhancing the Sustainable Development of Japanese Automobile Suppliers
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Huang Ying-Fang , Le Thi-Nham , Ta Thanh-Tuan
Published: April 2016

The Japanese automobile industry has been hit sharply by the economic downturn of recent decades. The rise in costs and decline in sales have led to serious problems in the auto industry. In order to address these issues, most companies engage in downsizing and redesigning production operations. It is crucial to investigate the time wasted by replacing assembly boards occurring in manufacturing lines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide an integrated approach, Teoriya Resheniya Izobreatatelskih Zadatch (TRIZ), to providing efficient solutions for the automobile industry. The first step of this methodology is to detail the technical problems using the Function and Attribute Analysis (FAA) model. Secondly, a contradiction matrix and the inventive principle were applied to find the solutions. In this study, an auto part supplier named Sumi-Hanel located in Hanoi, Vietnam, was taken as a case study; the empirical results showed that waste time had been reduced to 67%, nearly 8400 square meters was saved, and a 20% cost reduction was achieved by reusing old frames. The research proves that the combination of TRIZ and lean manufacturing successfully increases production performance and reduces waste due to technological advancements.