bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph‐based stochastic model for high‐speed railway cutting scenarios
Authors: Zhou Tao , Tao Cheng , Salous Sana , Tan Zhenhui , Liu Liu , Tian Li
Published: August 2015

This study proposes a stochastic channel model based on the propagation graph theory for high‐speed railway (HSR) cutting scenarios. Single‐input single‐output wideband measurements are conducted under a cutting for acquiring realistic channel data. The propagation graph covering line of sight, single bounced and double bounced conditions is used to describe the measured propagation scenario and generate the virtual channel impulse responses. The graph model is validated focusing on small‐scale characteristics such as Ricean K‐factor, delay and frequency dispersions, and a close agreement is achieved between model and measurement results. In particular, the verified model is extended to the multiple‐input multiple‐output case for simulation analysis of MIMO performance of the measured environment, concentrating on the spatial correlation and the ergodic capacity. The proposed model can facilitate the reliable simulation and evaluation of MIMO systems in the HSR cutting scenario.
Model reduction and parameter estimation of non‐linear dynamical biochemical reaction networks
Authors: Sun Xiaodian , Medvedovic Mario
Published: August 2015

Parameter estimation for high dimension complex dynamic system is a hot topic. However, the current statistical model and inference approach is known as a large p small n problem. How to reduce the dimension of the dynamic model and improve the accuracy of estimation is more important. To address this question, the authors take some known parameters and structure of system as priori knowledge and incorporate it into dynamic model. At the same time, they decompose the whole dynamic model into subset network modules, based on different modules, and then they apply different estimation approaches. This technique is called Rao‐Blackwellised particle filters decomposition methods. To evaluate the performance of this method, the authors apply it to synthetic data generated from repressilator model and experimental data of the JAK‐STAT pathway, but this method can be easily extended to large‐scale cases.
Silicon anisotropic etching in Triton‐mixed and isopropyl alcohol‐mixed tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution
Authors: Yao Mingqiu , Tang Bin , Sato Kazuo , Su Wei
Published: August 2015

The anisotropic silicon (Si) etching characteristics of Si (100) in 25 wt.% tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solutions containing Triton X‐100 and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were studied. The etch rate, convex corners and roughness of the etched surface were investigated. In this reported work two central goals, a mirror‐like surface finish and a high reduction of undercutting, have been achieved. The best etched result was obtained in 25 wt.% TMAH + 0.25%v/v Triton + 16%v/v IPA, which has minimum convex corner undercutting and a smooth etched surface (Ra = 1 nm). This study is useful for engineering applications where the fabrication of microstructures for high‐quality devices should simultaneously contain smooth surfaces on a large area and less convex corner undercutting.
Synthesis of flower‐like WO3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction and enhanced photocatalytic degradation for Rhodamine B
Authors: Zhu Zhenfeng , Yan Ying , Li Junqi
Published: August 2015

Flower‐like Bi2WO6 microspheres were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process without any surfactant or template. The WO3/Bi2WO6 samples were prepared by a simple heat treatment. The obtained samples were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectra, transient photocurrent and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. In the heterojunctions, WO3 nanoparticles adhered to the surface of the three‐dimensional flower‐like hierarchical Bi2WO6. The WO3/Bi2WO6 samples showed much higher photocatalytic activity than pure Bi2WO6 did for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation. The improved photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the synergic effect between WO3 and Bi2WO6 in the framework, which led to the high transfer rate of photoinduced charge carriers. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of the composites is proposed to further understand the improvement in photocatalytic activity.
Non-ideal diffusion effects, short-range ordering, and unsteady-state effects strongly influence Brownian aggregation rates in concentrated dispersions of interacting spheres
Authors: Kelkar Aniruddha V. , Franses Elias I. , Corti David S.
Published: August 2015

Brownian aggregation rates are determined for concentrated dispersions of interacting particles with Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations and various theoretical models. Using simulation results as benchmarks, the predictions of the classical Fuchs-Smoluchowski (FS) model are shown to be quite inaccurate for concentrated dispersions. A new aggregation model is presented which provides significantly improved predictions. This model is developed on the basis of the fundamental measure theory (FMT) which is a rigorous “liquid-state” dynamic density-functional theory (DDFT) approach. It provides a major improvement of the FS model by considering short-range ordering, non-ideal diffusion, and unsteady-state effects. These were recently shown by the authors to play important roles in Brownian aggregation of hard spheres at high concentrations. Two types of interparticle interaction potentials are examined, the purely attractive van der Waals potential and the DLVO potential which includes van der Waals attraction and electrostatic double layer repulsion. For dispersions of particles with purely attractive interactions, the FS model underpredicts the aggregation rates by up to 1000 fold. In the presence of strong interparticle repulsive forces, its predictions are in fair agreement with the BD simulation results for dilute systems with particle volume fractions ϕ < < 0.1. In contrast, the predictions of the new FM-DDFT based model compare favorably with the BD simulation results, in both cases, up to ϕ = 0.3. A new quantitative measure for colloidal dispersion stability, different from the classical FS stability ratio, is proposed on the basis of aggregation half-times. Hence, a better mechanistic understanding of Brownian aggregation is obtained for concentrated dispersions of particles with either attractive or repulsive interactions, or both.
First experiments with Cs doped Mo as surface converter for negative hydrogen ion sources
Authors: Schiesko L. , Cartry G. , Hopf C. , Höschen T. , Meisl G. , Encke O. , Heinemann B. , Achkasov K. , Amsalem P. , Fantz U.
Published: August 2015

A study was conducted on the properties of molybdenum implanted with caesium as an approach to reduce the Cs consumption of negative hydrogen ion sources based on evaporated Cs. The depth profiles of the implanted Cs were simulated by SDTrimSP and experimentally determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling. In particular, one year after implantation, the depth profiles showed no signs of Cs diffusion into the molybdenum, suggesting long term stability of the implanted Cs atoms. The H− surface generation mechanisms on the implanted samples in hydrogen plasma were investigated, and the stability of the H− yield during four hours low power hydrogen plasma discharges was demonstrated. An estimation of the work function reduction (−0.8 eV) by the Cs implantation was performed, and a comparison of the relative negative ion yields between the implanted samples and highly oriented pyrolitic graphite showed that the Cs doped Mo negative ion yield was larger.
Preserving the 7 × 7 surface reconstruction of clean Si(111) by graphene adsorption
Authors: Koepke Justin C. , Wood Joshua D. , Horvath Cedric M. , Lyding Joseph W. , Barraza-Lopez Salvador
Published: August 2015

We employ room-temperature ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy and ab-initio calculations to study graphene flakes that were adsorbed onto the Si(111)–7 × 7 surface. The characteristic 7 × 7 reconstruction of this semiconductor substrate can be resolved through graphene at all scanning biases, thus indicating that the atomistic configuration of the semiconducting substrate is not altered upon graphene adsorption. Large-scale ab-initio calculations confirm these experimental observations and point to a lack of chemical bonding among interfacial graphene and silicon atoms. Our work provides insight into atomic-scale chemistry between graphene and highly reactive surfaces, directing future passivation and chemical interaction work in graphene-based heterostructures.
A direction sensitive detonation model for granular to continuum scale for shock initiation of pentaerythritol tetranitrate single crystal in multi-dimensions
Authors: Kim Ki-Hong , Yoh Jack J.
Published: August 2015

Experiments have shown that the shock sensitivity of a single crystal pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) has a strong dependence on the crystal orientation. The ignition and growth (I & G) model has been widely used in studies of the shock initiation of energetic materials while the model is independent of the direction of compression, and thus it is impossible to address anisotropic sensitivity of such material. In this paper, we base our new model in the recently proposed reactive flow concept that incorporates an anisotropic ignition mechanism that depends on both strain and strain rate which are given in the general tensor notation. A multi-dimensional simulation is performed in order to illustrate the strain dependence of the initiation of a PETN pellet. The model is applicable to any anisotropic energetic material subjected to a shock impact, not limited to single crystal PETN.
Exchange coupling transformations in Cu (II) heterospin complexes of “breathing crystals” under structural phase transitions
Authors: Morozov Vitaly A. , Petrova Marina V. , Lukzen Nikita N.
Published: August 2015

Family of “breathing crystals” is the polymer-chain complexes of Cu(hfac)2 with nitroxides. The polymer chains consist of one-, two- or three-spin clusters. The “breathing crystals” experience simultaneous magnetic and Jahn-Teller type structural phase transitions with change of total cluster spin and drastic change of bond lengths (ca. 10-12%). For the first time the intra-cluster magnetic couplings in ”breathing crystals” have been calculated both by band structure methods GGA + U and hybrid DFT (B3LYP and PBE0) for the isolated exchange clusters. The temperature dependence of the magnetic coupling constant was calculated for two polymer-chain compounds of the “breathing crystal” family - C21H19CuF12N4O6 with the chains containing two-spin clusters and C22H21CuF12N4O6 with the chains of alternating three-spin clusters and one-spin sites. It was found that adding a Hubbard-like parameter not only to the copper 3d electrons but also to the oxygen 2p electrons (GGA + Ud + Up approach) results in an improved description of exchange coupling in the “breathing crystal” compounds. At the same time treatment of the isolated clusters by a large basis hybrid DFT with high computational cost provides a similar quality fit of the experimental magneto-chemical data as that for the GGA + Ud + Up band structure calculation scheme. Our calculations also showed that in spite of the abrupt transformation of the magnetic coupling constant under the phase transition, the band gap in the “breathing crystals” remains about the same value with temperature decrease.
Identification of glyphosate-resistant Lolium rigidum and Raphanus raphanistrum populations within the first Western Australian plantings of transgenic glyphosate-resistant canola
Authors: Ashworth Michael B. , Walsh Michael J. , Flower Ken C. , Powles Stephen B.
Published: August 2015

Transgenic glyphosate-resistant canola was first commercially grown in Western Australia (WA) in 2010, providing an opportunity to obtain important baseline data regarding the level of glyphosate resistance in weeds following the exclusive use of glyphosate for in-crop weed control. In this study, two surveys (2010 and 2011) were conducted across the 14 Mha of the grainbelt of WA. The 2010 survey was carried out at the late-flowering stage of glyphosate-resistant canola, whereas the 2011 survey was conducted at an earlier growth stage (6–8 leaves), ~2–3 weeks after the second in-crop glyphosate application. During the surveys, 239 fields were visited, representing an estimated combined area of 24 000 ha. The 2011 survey alone represented a subsample of 23% of the total glyphosate-resistant canola planting in the WA grainbelt for that season. Glyphosate resistance was identified in one population of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) and in eight annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum L.) populations. None of the tested capeweed (Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns) populations were glyphosate-resistant. In this survey, no populations of barley grass (Hordeum spp.), brome grass (Bromus spp.), wild oat (Avena spp.) or small-flowered mallow (Malva parviflora L.) survived glyphosate application. Despite a long history of pre-seeding and fallow glyphosate use in WA, this survey found that glyphosate still provides excellent in-crop control of most species; however, some resistance is evident, requiring diverse weed control techniques to limit their spread.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in porcine embryos
Authors: Lee Won-Jae , Jang Si-Jung , Lee Seung-Chan , Park Ji-Sung , Jeon Ryoung-Hoon , Subbarao Raghavendra Baregundi , Bharti Dinesh , Shin Jeong-Kyu , Park Bong-Wook , Rho Gyu-Jin
Published: August 2015

To study gene expression and to determine distinctive characteristics of embryos produced by different methods, normalisation of the gene(s) of interest against reference gene(s) has commonly been employed. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess which reference genes tend to express more stably in single porcine blastocysts produced in vivo (IVO) or by parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using different analysis programs, namely geNorm, Normfinder and Bestkeeper. Commonly used reference genes including 18S rRNA (18S), H2A histone family, member Z (H2A), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase1 (HPRT1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein 4 (RPL4), peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA), beta actin (ACTB), succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A (SDHA) and hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS2) were analysed; most of them resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) different cycle threshold (CT) values in porcine embryos except for SDHA and H2A. In evaluation of stable reference genes across in vivo and in vitro porcine blastocysts, three kinds of programs showed slightly different results; however, there were similar patterns about the rankings of more or less stability overall. In conclusion, SDHA and H2A were determined as the most appropriate reference genes for reliable normalisation in order to find the comparative gene expression in porcine blastocysts produced by different methods, whereas 18S was regarded as a less-stable reference gene. The present study has evaluated the stability of commonly used reference genes for accurate normalisation in porcine embryos to obtain reliable results.
Paying the price of HIV in Africa: cash transfers and the depoliticisation of HIV risk
Authors: Johnston Deborah
Published: August 2015

Despite biomedical innovation, HIV incidence remains high in some African countries. HIV-related cash-transfer projects propose a solution. However, the author raises concerns about their success from a political economy perspective. Where structural change is invoked by these projects, it is too narrowly conceived. Some cash-transfer projects focus solely on ‘nudging’ choices about risky sex, without considering the wider set of factors that increase HIV incidence. Consequently, the promise of HIV-related cash transfers is dangerously exaggerated. Instead they obscure the underlying causes of high HIV prevalence, by focusing on individual behaviour and a limited, neoliberal-friendly menu of options.
Let's make a deal: unraveling stakeholder influence on Colorado fracking policy
Authors: Cook Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2015

Fracking policy is a contentious issue that is increasingly being debated within state administrative agencies. Though scholars have revealed that stakeholders can be influential in federal rulemakings through framing, it is unclear whether groups at the state level are equally influential. This research employs a frame analysis approach to determine whether stakeholders use similar frames to those of federal groups, and whether they are comparably influential on regulatory outputs. I provide original interview data from a range of stakeholder groups and agency staff to unravel how stakeholders tried to influence the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's (COGCC) Statewide Groundwater Baseline Sampling and Monitoring Rule. This research confirms that stakeholder groups use similar frames to their counterparts in federal contexts. However, whether stakeholder framing efforts influenced the agency, was in part a function of their access, resources, and relationships to agency personnel. In this case, industry groups appeared to have an advantage, but this may shift based on the preference of the governor and which groups are invited to debate policy with agency personnel. This article concludes with a discussion of how scholars might consider evaluating stakeholder influence going forward.
Optical properties of 2D fractional Talbot patterns under coherent EUV illumination
Authors: Kim H , Li W , Danylyuk S , Brocklesby W S , Marconi M C , Juschkin L
Published: August 2015

We investigate optical properties of (2D) fractional Talbot patterns under illumination with EUV laser light. The fractional Talbot effect, due to spatial frequency multiplication, can enable patterning of micro and nano-structures with various feature sizes using a micro-scale pitch mask. The experiment is performed with a free-standing mask fabricated by focused ion beam milling and a highly coherent illumination at 46.9 nm wavelength generated by a compact capillary discharge Ne-like Argon laser. As a result of spatial frequency multiplication, structure density of a square array of apertures in the mask was increased by a factor of up to 9 at the recording plane. The depth of field of the fractional Talbot images has been investigated using Fresnel diffraction analysis. Added field distribution complexity caused by asymmetry of the 2D arrays was observed both in simulation and in the experiment. This approach could be useful for sub-micron structuring of 2D patterns for various applications including among others the fabrication of photonic crystals, quantum dots, and also of submicron-electronic devices.
Simple metamaterial structure enabling triple-band perfect absorber
Authors: Van Dung Nguyen , Tung Bui Son , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Yoo Young Joon , Kim Young Ju , Rhee Joo Yull , Lam Vu Dinh , Lee Young Pak
Published: August 2015

Two resonators in metamaterial usually correspond only to two absorption peaks. In this report, by breaking the symmetry, we could create multi-fundamental resonances at GHz frequencies in both simulation and experiment. First, a dual-band metamaterial absorber (MA) was achieved for 4.6 and 10.6 GHz. Next, by modifying the relative position of inner square, the triple-band MA was obtained with enhanced absorption properties. In addition, dependence on the polarization of the incident electromagnetic (EM) wave was clarified. The mechanism is elucidated to be an alteration of the coupling strength, which is made by changing the geometrical configuration of the inner square and the outer ring. It is shown that our structural configuration can be applied to the fields where the interaction with a wide range of EM waves exists or is needed.
Phase resolved analysis of the homogeneity of a diffuse dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Baldus Sabrina , Kogelheide Friederike , Bibinov Nikita , Stapelmann Katharina , Awakowicz Peter
Published: August 2015

Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas have already proven their ability of supporting the healing process of chronic wounds. Especially simple configurations like a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), comprising of one driven electrode which is coated with a dielectric layer, are of interest, because they are cost-effective and easy to handle. The homogeneity of such plasmas during treatment is necessary since the whole wound should be treated evenly. In this investigation phase resolved optical emission spectroscopy is used to investigate the homogeneity of a DBD. Electron densities and reduced electric field distributions are determined with temporal and spatial resolution and the differences for applied positive and negative voltage pulses are studied.
Imperial Law versus Geopolitical Interest: The Reichshofrat and the Protection of Smaller Territorial States in the Holy Roman Empire under Charles VI (1711–1740)
Authors: Milton Patrick
Published: August 2015

According to historians prior to 1945, the dispensation of justice at the Holy Roman Empire’s Reichshofrat—one of the two supreme Imperial judicial tribunals—was exploited by the Habsburgs to further Austrian power-political aims. Later historians continued to claim that the Reichshofrat’s protection of territorial subjects and weak princes in particular was a tool used, albeit subtly, to serve the Emperor’s politico-strategic, dynastic and confessional interests. However, a new recognition has developed that a central feature of Vienna’s Imperial policy was the protection of imperilled territorial princes against predation by more powerful rulers within the Empire, and that this was a mechanism of key importance for upholding an order of peaceful legality and territorial plurality. general has seldom been accompanied by detailed analyses of relevant case-studies. On the basis of archival research into five important case-studies during the reign of Charles VI (1711–40), this article argues that, despite energetic protective interventions which often depended on a combination of political interests and moral-ideological incentives of legal protection and justice, the Reichshofrat cannot be viewed simply as an instrument of Habsburg strategic and confessional-dynastic interests. Notwithstanding the recognised long-term interest ensuring the survival and loyalty of the Emperor’s traditional clientele among weaker princes, protective action was not undertaken exclusively or even primarily in order to strengthen Austria’s position of political power.
X-ray photometry
Authors: Page M. J.
Published: August 2015

I describe a method for synthesizing photometric passbands for use with current and future X-ray instruments. The method permits the standardization of X-ray passbands and thus X-ray photometry between different instruments and missions. The method is illustrated by synthesizing a passband in the XMM–Newton European Photon Imaging Camera pn which is similar to the ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter 0.5–2 keV band.
Switching to a Pediatric Dose O-Arm Protocol in Spine Surgery Significantly Reduced Patient Radiation Exposure
Authors: Su Alvin W. , Luo T. David , McIntosh Amy L. , Schueler Beth A. , Winkler Jennifer A. , Stans Anthony A. , Larson A. Noelle
Published: August 2015

Background:

Intraoperative computed tomography and image-guided navigation improve the accuracy of screw placement. Radiation exposure to the patient remains a primary drawback. The objective of the present study was to compare the total intraoperative radiation dose and assess the resultant image quality for O-arm-assisted pedicle screw insertion, among 3 protocols: default (manufacturer recommended), institutional (reduced dose utilized in our institution), and pediatric (new protocol with lowest dose).

Methods:

Thirty-seven consecutive patients under the age of 18 years underwent posterior instrumentation of the spine and underwent an intraoperative O-arm scan. Techniques (kV and mAs) for default and institutional dose settings were manually adjusted based on spinal level and body weight. Pediatric dose techniques were 80 kV/80 mAs with no adjustment for level or weight. The number of scans repeated because of inadequate imaging was assessed, and the mean estimated effective dose between the 3 protocols was compared.

Results:

Sixty-eight scans were performed in 37 consecutive patients with mean age of 14 years and mean weight of 55 kg. For reference, the effective radiation dose of a chest x-ray is approximately 0.10 mSv. Use of the default protocol resulted in higher mean effective dose per scan of 4.65 mSv, whereas institutional protocol resulted in 2.37 mSv. The pediatric protocol reduced the mean dose to 0.65 mSv. The total effective dose per surgery was: 1.17 mSv (pediatric), 3.83 mSv (institutional), and 12.79 mSv (default) (P<0.0001 each). All scans lead to satisfactory image quality except in 1 patient >100 kg with stainless steel implants. There were no neurological or other implant-related complications. The pediatric protocol resulted in satisfactory image quality with the lowest total radiation dose, only 1/10 of that of the default protocol.

Conclusions:

We successfully switched to a pediatric low-dose O-arm protocol in clinical practice, reducing the dose to <1/4 of the mean annual natural background radiation. This may allow use of intraoperative computed tomography and navigation for pedicle screw placement without excessive radiation exposure to young patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Beam Projection Effect in the Radiographic Evaluation of Ankle Valgus Deformity Associated With Fibular Shortening
Authors: Jang Woo Young , Park Moon Seok , Yoo Won Joon , Chung Chin Youb , Choi In Ho , Cho Tae-Joon
Published: August 2015

Background:

Fibular shortening is one of the most common causes of ankle valgus deformity in children, and is frequently observed in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). It has been observed that the lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) measured on the teleoradiograph differs from that on the ankle anteroposterior (AP) radiograph. The effect of the beam projection angle in the measurement of ankle valgus deformity associated with fibular shortening in HME patients was investigated.

Methods:

Fourteen ankles showing valgus deformity associated with fibular shortening from 14 HME patients comprised the short fibula group. Nineteen ankles with normal ankle alignment from 19 patients comprised the control group. The LDTA on the AP radiograph, teleoradiograph, and 3 coronal planes of 3-dimensional computed tomographic scans were measured and compared.

Results:

In the short fibula group, the LDTA measured on the ankle AP radiograph was significantly larger than that on the teleoradiograph (79.6±4.3 vs. 75.0±6.2 degrees, P=0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P=0.36). In the short fibula group, the LDTAs measured on the 3 coronal planes of 3-dimensional computed tomography showed that the ankle valgus measurement significantly increased from anterior to posterior planes (P=0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P=0.85).

Conclusions:

Measurement of ankle valgus deformity depends on the direction of beam projection and ankle valgus deformity is more severe in the posterior coronal plane of the ankle joint. This discrepancy should be taken into consideration in the planning of ankle valgus deformity management.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—diagnostic.
Posterior C1-C2 Fixation Using Absorbable Suture for Type II Odontoid Fracture in 2-Year-Old Child: Description of a New Technique and Literature Review
Authors: Labbe Jean L. , Peres Olivier , Leclair Olivier , Goulon Renaud , Scemama Patrice , Jourdel François , Bertrou Véronique , Murgier Jerome
Published: August 2015

Odontoid synchondrosis fractures are rare in children, even though they are the more common cervical fracture in children less than 7 years old. Nonoperative treatment with external orthosis immobilization is the treatment of choice for stable undisplaced or minimally displaced injuries. In unstable fractures, when reduction cannot be achieved or maintained, surgical fixation is recommended. We report a 2-year-old boy with an unstable fracture of the odontoid treated surgically using an absorbable monofilament suture for C1-C2 interlaminar fixation without bone grafting. This suture was strong enough to provide the stability necessary to allow healing of the synchondrosis and the delayed resorption of the suture was followed by complete restoration of the mobility between C1 and C2. This case illustrates that surgical stabilization using an absorbable suture in young children with an unstable odontoid fracture is a safe and effective alternative to other surgical techniques.

Level of Evidence: Level III.
Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease and Their Parents
Authors: Burström Åsa , Öjmyr-Joelsson Maria , Bratt Ewa-Lena , Lundell Bo , Nisell Margret
Published: August 2015

Background:

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are in need of lifelong healthcare. For adolescents with CHD, this transfer to adult-care clinic can be difficult.

Objective:

The aim was to identify and describe the needs of adolescents with CHD and their parents during the transition before transfer to adult cardiologic healthcare.

Methods:

This study has an exploratory design with a qualitative approach, where 13 adolescents with CHD and their parents (n = 12) were individually interviewed. The interviews were analyzed with content analysis.

Results:

The analysis of the adolescents’ interviews resulted in 3 categories: change of relationships, knowledge and information, and daily living. The theme that emerged depicting the meaning of the categories found wasSafety and control, indicating needs of continuity, knowledge, and taking responsibility. Analysis of the parents’ answers gave 2 categories: change of relationship and daily living. The theme that emerged was safety and trust, indicating needs of continuity and shifting responsibility.

Conclusions:

The transition must be carefully planned to ensure that adolescents can master new skills to manage the transfer to adult cardiologic healthcare. A structured program may facilitate and fulfill the needs of the adolescents and their parents, taking into consideration the aspects of trust, safety, and control. However, the content and performance of such a program must also be examined. We plan to undertake an extensive research project in the area, and this study will be a baseline for further research.
SFS_CODE: More Efficient and Flexible Forward Simulations
Authors: Hernandez Ryan D. , Uricchio Lawrence H.
Published: August 2015

Modern implementations of forward population genetic simulations are efficient and flexible, enabling the exploration of complex models that may otherwise be intractable. Here we describe an updated version ofSFS_CODE, which has increased efficiency and includes many novel features. Among these features is an arbitrary model of dominance, the ability to simulate partial and soft selective sweeps, as well as track the trajectories of mutations and/or ancestries across multiple populations under complex models that are not possible under a coalescent framework. We also releasesfs_coder, a Python wrapper toSFS_CODEallowing the user to easily generate command lines for common models of demography, selection, and human genome structure, as well as parse and simulate phenotypes fromSFS_CODEoutput.

Availability and Implementation

Our open source software is written inCand Python, and are available under the GNU General Public License athttp://sfscode.sourceforge.net.

Contact

ryan.hernandez@ucsf.edu

Supplementary information

Detailed usage information is available from the project website athttp://sfscode.sourceforge.net.
Timing and scope of genomic expansion within Annelida: evidence from homeoboxes in the genome of the earthwormEisenia fetida
Authors: Zwarycz Allison S , Nossa Carlos W , Putnam Nicholas H , Ryan Joseph F
Published: August 2015

Annelida represents a large and morphologically diverse group of bilaterian organisms. The recently published polychaete and leech genome sequences revealed an equally dynamic range of diversity at the genomic level. The availability of more annelid genomes will allow for the identification of evolutionary genomic events that helped shape the annelid lineage and better understand the diversity within the group. We sequenced and assembled the genome of the common earthworm,Eisenia fetida. As a first pass at understanding the diversity within the group, we classified 440 earthworm homeoboxes and compared them to those of the leechHelobdella robustaand the polychaeteCapitella teleta. We inferred many gene expansions occurring in the lineage connecting the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) ofCapitellaandEiseniato theEisenia/HelobdellaMRCA. Likewise, the lineage leading from theEisenia/HelobdellaMRCA to the leechHelobdella robustahas experienced substantial gains and losses. However, the lineage leading fromEisenia/HelobdellaMRCA toE. fetidais characterized by extraordinary levels of homeobox gain. The evolutionary dynamics observed in the homeoboxes of these lineages are very likely to be generalizable to all genes. These genome expansions and losses have likely contributed to the remarkable biology exhibited in this group. These results provide a new perspective from which to understand the diversity within these lineages, show the utility of sub-draft genome assemblies for understanding genomic evolution, and provide a critical resource from which the biology of these animals can be studied. The genome data can be accessed through theEisenia fetidaGenome Portal:http://ryanlab.whitney.ufl.edu/genomes/Efet/
Social capital: a review of its dimensions and promise for future family enterprise research
Authors: Nordstrom Onnolee Anne , Steier Lloyd
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to review the notion of social capital and its dominant dimensions and appraise the ways in which social capital and these dimensions have been applied within family business research. Second, to develop a number of suggestions of ways in which the concept could be extended, from a symbolic perspective, to provide greater insight into the complexity and heterogeneity of family systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper designed to stimulate new ways of thinking about social capital and the competitive advantage of family firms.

Findings

– This paper suggests that social capital has a symbolic dimension, which has been largely overlooked both within the field of family business and across social capital research more generally. Within the field of family business the authors connect this neglect to an over-emphasis on business theories. The authors offer ways in which incorporating a family theory – symbolic interactionism – could help to better understand family firms, social capital, and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes an original approach to social capital. Guided by the notion of informed pluralism the paper integrates seemingly unrelated theories and identifies opportunities for new and innovative research. By espousing a symbolic interactionist approach the argument developed within this paper is valuable for helping to advance new ways of thinking about social capital and the competitive (dis)advantage of family firms.
Underpricing of IPOs in Saudi Arabia and Sharia compliance
Authors: Mayes David , Alqahtani Faisal
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of underpricing in the Saudi Arabian market of initial public offerings (IPOs), offer explanations and consider whether Sharia-compliance had a significant impact on the initial returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comprehensive sample of 72 IPOs in Saudi Arabia between 2004 and September 2010 is used to analyse the initial return after adjusting it to the market movement as well as controlling for some common factors.

Findings

– This paper finds that not only underpricing occurs but it is also among the highest levels in the world. While traditional factors affecting initial returns include age, market timing and firm size, it is found that Sharia compliance significantly reduces underpricing in Saudi Arabia. This may imply that Sharia compliance helps to reduce the uncertainty and consequences of the limited information inherent in IPOs.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is needed to see if the effect of Sharia compliance status on the short-run performance of IPOs extends to other Islamic countries or is a country-specific characteristic. More firms need to be examined to identify the market characteristics that drive the returns.

Practical implications

– Very substantial sums are being “left on the table” and more efficient pricing of IPOs would be of considerable benefit to firms.

Social implications

– By considering two different regimes, this paper offers some important lessons for the treatment of risk-taking, particularly in Islamic countries.

Originality/value

– This paper is among the first to provide an empirical evidence of the impact of Sharia compliance on the initial return pattern in the IPO market.
Falsification Testing of Instrumental Variables Methods for Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Pizer Steven D.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To demonstrate how falsification tests can be used to evaluate instrumental variables methods applicable to a wide variety of comparative effectiveness research questions.

Study Design

Brief conceptual review of instrumental variables and falsification testing principles and techniques accompanied by an empirical application. Sample STATA code related to the empirical application is provided in the Appendix.

Empirical Application

Comparative long‐term risks of sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones for management of type 2 diabetes. Outcomes include mortality and hospitalization for an ambulatory care–sensitive condition. Prescribing pattern variations are used as instrumental variables.

Conclusions

Falsification testing is an easily computed and powerful way to evaluate the validity of the key assumption underlying instrumental variables analysis. If falsification tests are used, instrumental variables techniques can help answer a multitude of important clinical questions.
Application of Light‐Emitting Diodes in Food Production, Postharvest Preservation, and Microbiological Food Safety
Authors: D'Souza Craig , Yuk Hyun‐Gyun , Khoo Gek Hoon , Zhou Weibiao
Published: August 2015

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) possess unique properties that are highly suitable for several operations in the food industry. Such properties include low radiant heat emissions; high emissions of monochromatic light; electrical, luminous, and photon efficiency; long life expectancy, flexibility, and mechanical robustness. Therefore, they reduce thermal damage and degradation in crops and foods and are suitable in cold‐storage applications. Control over spectral composition of emitted light results in increased yields and nutritive content of horticultural or agricultural produce. Recently, LEDs have been shown to preserve or enhance the nutritive quality of foods in the postharvest stage, as well as manipulate the ripening of fruits, and reduce fungal infections. LEDs can be used together with photosensitizers or photocatalysts to inactivate pathogenic bacteria in food. UV LEDs, which are rapidly being developed, can also effectively inactivate pathogens and preserve food in postharvest stages. Therefore, LEDs provide a nonthermal means of keeping food safe without using chemical sanitizers or additives, and do not accelerate bacterial resistance. This article provides a review of the technology of LEDs and their role in food production, postharvest preservation, and in microbiological safety. Several challenges and limitations are identified for further investigation, including the difficulty in optimizing LED lighting regimens for plant growth and postharvest storage, as well as the sensory quality and acceptability of foods stored or processed under LED lighting. Nevertheless, LED technology presents a worthy alternative to current norms in lighting for the growth and storage of safe and nutritious food.
Domestic Homicide: Neuropsychological Profiles of Murderers Who Kill Family Members and Intimate Partners
Authors: Hanlon Robert E. , Brook Michael , Demery Jason A. , Cunningham Mark D.
Published: August 2015

Domestic homicide is the most extreme form of domestic violence and one of the most common types of homicide. The objective was to examine differences between spontaneous domestic homicide and nondomestic homicide offenders regarding demographics, psychiatric history, crime characteristics, and neuropsychological status, utilizing neuropsychological test data from forensic examinations of 153 murderers. Using standard crime classification criteria, 33% committed spontaneous domestic homicides (SDH) and 61% committed nondomestic homicides (NDH). SDH offenders were more likely to manifest psychotic disorders, but less likely to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder or to have prior felony convictions. SDH offenders manifested significantly worse neuropsychological impairments than NDH offenders. The mean number of victims was lower for the SDH than the NDH group and only 14% of SDH offenders used a firearm, whereas 59% of NDH offenders used a firearm. These findings corroborate the notion that spontaneous domestic homicide may represent a discernible criminological phenotype.
General Election 2015: Business as Usual or New Departure?
Authors: Curtice John
Published: August 2015

May's General Election brought an unexpected Conservative victory alongside significant gains for formerly fringe parties. John Curtice analyses the results and finds the old certainties of British politics fast disappearing.
Neural correlates of reactive aggression in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid disruptive behaviour disorders
Authors: Bubenzer‐Busch S. , Herpertz‐Dahlmann B. , Kuzmanovic B. , Gaber T. J. , Helmbold K. , Ullisch M. G. , Baurmann D. , Eickhoff S. B. , Fink G. R. , Zepf F. D.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often linked with impulsive and aggressive behaviour, indexed by high comorbidity rates between ADHD and disruptive behaviour disorders (DBD). The present study aimed to investigate underlying neural activity of reactive aggression in children with ADHD and comorbid DBD using functional neuroimaging techniques (fMRI).

Method

Eighteen boys with ADHD (age 9–14 years, 10 subjects with comorbid DBD) and 18 healthy controls were administered a modified fMRI‐based version of the ‘Point Subtraction Aggression Game’ to elicit reactive aggressive behaviour. Trials consisted of an ‘aggression phase’ (punishment for a fictitious opponent) and an ‘outcome phase’ (presentation of the trial outcome).

Results

During the aggression phase, higher aggressive responses of control children were accompanied by higher activation of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex and the temporoparietal junction. Patients displayed inverted results. During the outcome phase, comparison between groups and conditions showed differential activation in the dorsal striatum and bilateral insular when subjects gained points. Losing points was accompanied by differential activation of regions belonging to the insula and the middle temporal sulcus.

Conclusion

Data support the hypothesis that deficient inhibitory control mechanisms are related to increased impulsive aggressive behaviour in young people with ADHD and comorbid DBD.
A Phenotypic Analysis of Regulatory T Cells and Uterine NK Cells from First Trimester Pregnancies and Associations with HLA‐G
Authors: Djurisic Snezana , Skibsted Lillian , Hviid Thomas Vauvert F.
Published: August 2015

Problem

The prevalence of regulatory T cells and NK cells expressing activation and HLA‐G receptors, and the influence of in vivo sHLA‐G and mHLAG on HLA‐G receptors expressed by NK cells in the uterine compartment is unclear.

Method of study

KIR2DL4 and/or ILT2 expression on regulatory T cells and NK cells from the placental bed and peripheral blood in first trimester was assessed using flow cytometry. Expression of mHLA‐G on trophoblast cells and sHLA‐G in ‘uterine’ and peripheral blood was determined with ELISA and flow cytometry, and specific associations with expression levels of cognate receptors or activation markers on immune cells were determined.

Results

In the placental bed, CD45RA surface expression on Tregs was similar to peripheral Tregs in pregnant women, but T cells with lower CD4 and CD8 expression were accumulated. HLA‐G receptor expression was increased on NK cells from ‘uterine blood’. Soluble HLA‐G was significantly increased in ‘uterine blood’ compared with peripheral blood, but no correlation was found between sHLA‐G and mHLA‐G in the uterine compartment. A correlation was found between sHLA‐G and the fraction of KIR2DL4‐positive NK cells in the uterine compartment, and a tendency was observed between mHLA‐G and the fraction of ILT2‐positive NK cells in the uterine compartment.

Conclusion

The NK subset in the placental bed displays a unique phenotype that may be influenced by mHLA‐G on trophoblast cells and locally accumulated sHLA‐G in the uterus.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis during and following caesarean section: a survey of clinical practice
Authors: Seeho Sean K.M. , Nippita Tanya A. , Roberts Christine L. , Morris Jonathan M. , Nassar Natasha
Published: August 2015

Background

Caesarean section (CS) is a significant risk factor for venous thromboembolism; however, the optimal method of thromboprophylaxis around the time of CS is unknown.

Aims

To examine current thromboprophylaxis practice during and following CS in Australia and New Zealand, and the willingness of obstetricians to participate in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing different methods of thromboprophylaxis after CS.

Materials and Methods

An online survey was sent to fellows and trainees of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Results

There were 488 responses from currently practising obstetricians (response rate 23.4%). During CS, 48% and 80% of obstetricians recommended intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and elastic stockings (ES), respectively. Following CS, 96–97% of obstetricians recommended early ambulation, 87–90% recommended ES, 23–36% recommended IPC, and 42–65% recommended low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) depending on clinical factors. Increased BMI (OR 3.42; 95% CI 2.87–4.06), emergency CS (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.67–2.16) and older maternal age (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.26–1.49) were associated with more frequent LMWH use. Of obstetricians who prescribed LMWH, 70% adjusted the dose depending on maternal weight. LMWH therapy was most commonly recommended until discharge from hospital (31%), <5 days (24%) and 5–7 days (15%). Most obstetricians (58–79%) were willing to enrol women in a RCT, but less likely if the woman had an increased BMI or emergency CS.

Conclusions

There is considerable variation in clinical practice regarding thromboprophylaxis during and following CS. Obstetricians support a RCT to assess different methods of thromboprophylaxis following CS.