bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced nonlinear effects in pulse propagation through epsilon‐near‐zero media
Authors: Ciattoni Alessandro , Rizza Carlo , Marini Andrea , Falco Andrea Di , Faccio Daniele , Scalora Michael
Published: April 2016

In recent years, unconventional metamaterial properties have triggered a revolution of electromagnetic research which has unveiled novel scenarios of wave‐matter interaction. A very small dielectric permittivity is a leading example of such unusual features, since it produces an exotic static‐like regime where the electromagnetic field is spatially slowly‐varying over a physically large region. The so‐called epsilon‐near‐zero metamaterials thus offer an ideal platform where to manipulate the inner details of the “stretched” field. Here we theoretically prove that a standard nonlinearity is able to operate such a manipulation to the point that even a thin slab produces a dramatic nonlinear pulse transformation, if the dielectric permittivity is very small within the field bandwidth. The predicted non‐resonant releasing of full nonlinear coupling produced by the epsilon‐near‐zero condition does not resort to any field enhancement mechanism and opens novel routes to exploiting matter nonlinearity for steering the radiation by means of ultra‐compact structures.

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Three‐wave mixing in whispering gallery resonators
Authors: Breunig Ingo
Published: April 2016

We review the progress in the development of frequency converters based on three‐wave mixing in whispering gallery resonators (WGRs). The theoretical description, given in a unified notation for all basic processes, reveals that the phase‐matching condition known from conventional devices is replaced by several selection rules and, furthermore, the fact that conversion efficiencies of more than 25% can be reached in the overcoupled regime only. Experimentally, the conversion efficiencies exceed 50% already at milliwatt input powers. This is achieved, however, so far in bulk resonators only since today the on‐chip devices have two orders of magnitude lower quality factors. Regarding the stability of the conversion process, one has to consider impurities left from the crystal growth and material specific effects like photoconductivity, photorefractivity, and pyroelectricity. The impressive experimental progress paves the way that micrometer‐sized frequency converters based on WGRs will find the way out of the lab into real‐world applications.

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Green Synthesis of a Bio‐Based Epoxy Curing Agent from Isosorbide in Aqueous Condition and Shape Memory Properties Investigation of the Cured Resin
Authors: Li Chao , Dai Jinyue , Liu Xiaoqing , Jiang Yanhua , Ma Songqi , Zhu Jin
Published: April 2016

The bio‐based diamine and epoxy monomer derived from isosorbide are synthesized. Especially, the diamine is obtained using microwave assistant thiol‐ene coupling reaction in the aqueous media and the influence of reaction parameters, such as initiator content and reaction time, are investigated. After curing the synthesized epoxy monomer together with the diamine, properties of the cured resins are studied by differential sscanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analyzer. Results demonstrate that the cured resin has good shape fixity, good shape recovery, and satisfied thermal stability despite the presence of heteroatoms. This bio‐based epoxy resin shows great potential to be used as a candidate for shape memory material. Considering the bio‐based feedstock and environmental friendly synthetic process, a “green + green” strategy to prepare thermosetting resins with advanced properties is provided in this paper.

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Application of Gurson Model for Evaluation of Density‐Dependent Mechanical Behavior of Polyurethane Foam: Comparative Study on Explicit and Implicit Method
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Ho , Kim Seul‐Kee , Park Seong‐Bo , Bang Chang‐Seon , Lee Jae‐Myung
Published: April 2016

Recently, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a focus of interest around the world for several reasons, and LNG cargo containment systems (CCS) increase in quality to prevent loss of LNG during shipping. For insulation of CCS, polyurethane foam (PUF), an outstanding insulation material, is commonly used. However, until now, although its mechanical properties are relatively good, the material is not considered as a structural member under compressive loading, principal load direction in CCS. Moreover, as PUF is a porous material by mixing and foaming, its mechanical properties depend on voids, which is a dominant parameter for density. Therefore, in the present study, nonlinear behavior of PUF is described using Gurson model with a novel technique, i.e., an acceleration factor. The model expresses the behavior through the volume fraction of voids with consideration of the density effect to evaluate structural performance using user‐defined material subroutine with explicit and implicit methods.

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Mind the Gap! A Journey towards Computational Toxicology
Authors: Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Alberga Domenico , Altomare Cosimo Damiano , Carotti Angelo , Catto Marco , Cellamare Saverio , Gadaleta Domenico , Lattanzi Gianluca , Leonetti Francesco , Pisani Leonardo , Stefanachi Angela , Trisciuzzi Daniela , Nicolotti Orazio
Published: April 2016

Computational methods have advanced toxicology towards the development of target‐specific models based on a clear cause‐effect rationale. However, the predictive potential of these models presents strengths and weaknesses. On the good side, in silico models are valuable cheap alternatives to in vitro and in vivo experiments. On the other, the unconscious use of in silico methods can mislead end‐users with elusive results. The focus of this review is on the basic scientific and regulatory recommendations in the derivation and application of computational models. Attention is paid to examine the interplay between computational toxicology and drug discovery and development. Avoiding the easy temptation of an overoptimistic future, we report our view on what can, or cannot, realistically be done. Indeed, studies of safety/toxicity represent a key element of chemical prioritization programs carried out by chemical industries, and primarily by pharmaceutical companies.
Hydration Free Energy as a Molecular Descriptor in Drug Design: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zafar Ayesha , Reynisson Jóhannes
Published: April 2016

In this work the idea was investigated whether calculated hydration energy (ΔGhyd) can be used as a molecular descriptor in defining promising regions of chemical space for drug design. Calculating ΔGhyd using the Density Solvation Model (SMD) in conjunction with the density functional theory (DFT) gave an excellent correlation with experimental values. Furthermore, calculated ΔGhyd correlates reasonably well with experimental water solubility (r2=0.545) and also log P (r2=0.530). Three compound collections were used: Known drugs (n=150), drug‐like compounds (n=100) and simple organic compounds (n=140). As an approximation only molecules, which do not de/protonate at physiological pH were considered. A relatively broad distribution was seen for the known drugs with an average at −15.3 kcal/mol and a standard deviation of 7.5 kcal/mol. Interestingly, much lower averages were found for the drug‐like compounds (−7.5 kcal/mol) and the simple organic compounds (−3.1 kcal/mol) with tighter distributions; 4.3 and 3.2 kcal/mol, respectively. This trend was not observed for these collections when calculated log P and log S values were used. The considerable greater exothermic ΔGhyd average for the known drugs clearly indicates in order to develop a successful drug candidate value of ΔGhyd<−5 kcal/mol or less is preferable.
Experiences of cervical screening and barriers to participation in the context of an organised programme: a systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Chorley Amanda J. , Marlow Laura A. V. , Forster Alice S. , Haddrell Jessica B. , Waller Jo
Published: April 2016

Objective

As uptake of cervical screening continues to decline, this systematic review synthesises the qualitative literature on women's perceptions and experiences of cervical screening in the context of an organised call–recall programme, in order to understand the barriers to informed uptake.

Methods

We searched nine databases for English language peer‐reviewed publications reporting on qualitative data from screening‐eligible women, exploring barriers to cervical screening in countries that offer a nationally organised call–recall programme. Evidence was integrated using thematic synthesis.

Results

Thirty‐nine papers from the UK, Australia, Sweden and Korea were included. The majority of participants had attended screening at least once. Two broad themes were identified: (a) should I go for screening? and (b) screening is a big deal. In considering whether to attend, women discussed the personal relevance and value of screening. Women who had previously attended described how it was a big deal, physically and emotionally, and the varied threats that screening presents. Practical barriers affected whether women translated screening intentions into action.

Conclusions

The variation in women's understanding and perceptions of cervical screening suggests that interventions tailored to decisional stage may be of value in increasing engagement with the invitation and uptake of screening in those who wish to take part. There is also a need for further research with women who have never attended screening, especially those who remain unaware or unengaged, as their perspectives are lacking in the existing literature. © 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Alternative Modeling Strategies for Characterizing Radio Performance
Authors: Zessin Cynthia G. , Oelrich Michael H. , Hutto Gregory T. , Romeo Amber , Rios Armando J. , Simpson James R.
Published: April 2016

Historically, the application of logistic and Poisson regression has been focused in the social science and medical fields where the response variable typically has only a few possible outcomes. These techniques are not commonly applied to characterize military operations even though response variables that measure success or failure are commonly encountered in this field. This paper explores the application of ordinal logistic and Poisson regression as alternatives to ordinary least squares estimation for modeling operational performance in a military testing environment. The operational test planners chose a nested face‐centered experimental design, which was executed to collect test data. Three modeling techniques were employed in the analysis: multiple linear regression, ordinal logistic regression, and Poisson regression. The purpose of the study was to determine which regression technique best fits the test data. Cross validation and model goodness comparison were accomplished by assessing that the model fits for each model type in combination with a comparison of significant main effects and interactions. Finally, contrasts are provided relative to the ease of implementing each technique. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic Impact of Software Patching and Optimal Release Scheduling
Authors: Anand Adarsh , Agarwal Mohini , Tamura Yoshinobu , Yamada Shigeru
Published: April 2016

Because of highly distributed nature of software products, the task of improving software reliability is becoming a complex job. Specialized tools and techniques are being used to isolate the risky software modules. In order to retain in market, firms are required not only to provide the software on time but also to endow with continuous processing. Product updating is the process that comes to safeguard the firm's image at this point of time. And one such attribute of updating is providing software patches. Today, almost all software firms are providing either patching, module exchange or service pack application processes consequent to a release. This paper proposes a scheduling policy for a software product and shows the importance of patching in lowering the system outages and making the system more cost effective. Validation on the proposed policy has been done using real life software failure data set of Tandem Computers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two general integral inequalities and their applications to stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Chen Jun , Xu Shengyuan , Chen Weimin , Zhang Baoyong , Ma Qian , Zou Yun
Published: April 2016

Integral inequalities have been widely used in stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay because they directly produce bounds for integral terms with respect to quadratic functions. This paper presents two general integral inequalities from which almost all of the existing integral inequalities can be obtained, such as Jensen inequality, the Wirtinger‐based inequality, the Bessel–Legendre inequality, the Wirtinger‐based double integral inequality, and the auxiliary function‐based integral inequalities. Based on orthogonal polynomials defined in different inner spaces, various concrete single/multiple integral inequalities are obtained. They can produce more accurate bounds with more orthogonal polynomials considered. To show the effectiveness of the new inequalities, their applications to stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay are demonstrated with two numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluvial Corridor Changes Over Time in Regulated and Non‐Regulated Rivers (Upper Esla River, NW Spain)
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández V. , González del Tánago M. , Maroto J. , García de Jalón D.
Published: April 2016

Over the last decades, rivers and fluvial corridors have been noticeably modified from their natural conditions. In general, damming and other in‐channel human interventions have been traditionally considered as the main drivers of change. However, recent studies highlight the influence of climate, hillslope and floodplain cover changes over fluvial corridor dynamics. The present study illustrates the channel morphology and riparian vegetation responses observed in three gravel bed rivers located in the Upper Esla River, north‐west of Spain. The entire study catchment was exposed to afforestation changes and farmland abandonment during the last decades, and two of the rivers are regulated by large dams. Analysis of historical orthophotos at different periods between 1956 and 2011 allowed quantifying channel narrowing, reduction of braiding index and vegetation encroachment along the three rivers. Field reconnaissance of landforms and vegetation structure along transects showed significant differences in species composition and age structure between the non‐regulated reach, where recruitment of Salicacea pioneer species existed, and the regulated reaches where mature and late‐seral species were much more abundant. These responses were consistent with reductions in mean annual discharge in all rivers and with flood disturbance decrease and summer minimum flow increase that were observed in the regulated rivers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of AlN thin film prepared by reactive sputtering
Authors: Zang Yuan , Li Lianbi , Ren Zhanqiang , Cao Ling , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2016

AlN films with a preferred orientation <002> have been prepared on Si(100) substrates via DC reactive magnetron sputtering. X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ellipsometer, and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–VIS–NIR) spectrophotometer were used to investigate the structural and optical properties of the AlN thin films. When the sputtering pressure is about 0.4 Pa, the flow ratio between nitrogen and argon is 1 : 3, and the growth temperature is 400 °C, the transmissivity of the AlN film is about 90% in the visible and near‐infrared region, and its optical band gap is ~5.84 eV. The refractive index of the thin films is about 2.05, which is lower than the bulk AlN refractive index. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of adjusted rate differences using additive negative binomial regression
Authors: Donoghoe Mark W. , Marschner Ian C.
Published: April 2016

Rate differences are an important effect measure in biostatistics and provide an alternative perspective to rate ratios. When the data are event counts observed during an exposure period, adjusted rate differences may be estimated using an identity‐link Poisson generalised linear model, also known as additive Poisson regression. A problem with this approach is that the assumption of equality of mean and variance rarely holds in real data, which often show overdispersion. An additive negative binomial model is the natural alternative to account for this; however, standard model‐fitting methods are often unable to cope with the constrained parameter space arising from the non‐negativity restrictions of the additive model. In this paper, we propose a novel solution to this problem using a variant of the expectation–conditional maximisation–either algorithm. Our method provides a reliable way to fit an additive negative binomial regression model and also permits flexible generalisations using semi‐parametric regression functions. We illustrate the method using a placebo‐controlled clinical trial of fenofibrate treatment in patients with type II diabetes, where the outcome is the number of laser therapy courses administered to treat diabetic retinopathy. An R package is available that implements the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical investigation of single‐objective and multiobjective evolutionary algorithms for developer's assignment to bugs
Authors: Karim Muhammad Rezaul , Ruhe Günther , Rahman Md. Mainur , Garousi Vahid , Zimmermann Thomas
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the modeling of developers’ assignment to bugs (DAB) is studied. The problem is modeled both as a single objective (minimize bug fix time) and as a bi‐objective (minimize bug fix time and cost) combinatorial optimization problem. Two models of developer assignment are considered where in the first model a single developer is assigned per bug (single developer model), while in the second model a single developer is assigned for each competency area of a bug (individual competency model). The latter model is proposed in this paper. For the single developer model, GA@DAB, an existing genetic algorithm‐based approach, is extended to support precedence among bugs. For the individual competency model of DAB, one genetic algorithm‐based approach (Competence@DAB) and one nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II‐based approach (CompetenceMulti2@DAB ) are proposed to generate solutions minimizing time and minimizing both time and cost, respectively. The performance of the proposed approaches was evaluated for 2040 bugs of 19 open‐source milestone projects from the Eclipse platform. Our results and analysis show that the proposed individual competency model is far better than the single developer model, with average bug fix time reduction of 39.7% across all projects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myocardial deformation in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta: a case–control study
Authors: Miranda J. O. , Hunter L. , Tibby S. , Sharland G. , Miller O. , Simpson J. M.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To study myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) compared with gestational age‐matched normal controls.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 12 fetuses with postnatally confirmed CoA and 12 gestational age‐matched controls seen at a tertiary fetal cardiology unit between January 2013 and July 2014. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking in standard grayscale four‐chamber view of the fetal heart was performed to assess left and right myocardial deformation. Global longitudinal strain, strain rate and velocities, and regional longitudinal strain were analyzed and compared with controls.

Results

Median gestational age at echocardiography was 25 + 4 weeks. Fetuses with CoA presented with a narrower, but not shorter, left ventricle when compared with controls (mitral valve diastolic diameter, 5.90 vs 8.50 mm; P = 0.002; left ventricular diastolic length, 16.50 vs 18.50 mm; P = 0.05). Global longitudinal systolic strain (P = 0.004), systolic strain rate (P = 0.01) and diastolic strain rate (P = 0.004) of the left ventricle were significantly lower in fetuses with CoA compared with controls. Similar findings were observed for longitudinal systolic (P = 0.03) and diastolic (P = 0.01) velocities of the left ventricle. Right ventricular parameters were not different between groups.

Conclusions

Fetuses with CoA have lower left ventricular longitudinal systolic strain, systolic strain rate and diastolic strain rate when compared with gestational age‐matched control fetuses. These differences in deformation might explain, at least in part, the cardiac asymmetry observed in fetuses with CoA. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Assessment of a comprehensive aeroelastic tool for horizontal‐axis wind turbine rotor analysis
Authors: Calabretta Angelo , Molica Colella Marco , Greco Luca , Gennaretti Massimo
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the development of a computational aeroelastic tool for the analysis of performance, response and stability of horizontal‐axis wind turbines. A nonlinear beam model for blades structural dynamics is coupled with a state‐space model for unsteady sectional aerodynamic loads, including dynamic stall effects. Several computational fluid dynamics structural dynamics coupling approaches are investigated to take into account rotor wake inflow influence on downwash, all based on a Boundary Element Method for the solution of incompressible, potential, attached flows. Sectional steady aerodynamic coefficients are extended to high angles of attack in order to characterize wind turbine operations in deep stall regimes. The Galerkin method is applied to the resulting aeroelastic differential system. In this context, a novel approach for the spatial integration of additional aerodynamic states, related to wake vorticity and dynamic stall, is introduced and assessed. Steady‐periodic blade responses are evaluated by a harmonic balance approach, whilst a standard eigenproblem is solved for aeroelastic stability analyses. Drawbacks and potentialities of the proposed model are investigated through numerical and experimental comparisons, with particular attention to rotor blades unsteady aerodynamic modelling issues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Qualitative Assessment of a Novel Efficacy-Focused Training Intervention for Public Health Workers in Disaster Recovery
Authors: Tower Craig , Altman Brian A. , Strauss-Riggs Kandra , Iversen Annelise , Garrity Stephanie , Thompson Carol B. , Walsh Lauren , Rutkow Lainie , Schor Kenneth , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: April 2016

Objective

We trained local public health workers on disaster recovery roles and responsibilities by using a novel curriculum based on a threat and efficacy framework and a training-of-trainers approach. This study used qualitative data to assess changes in perceptions of efficacy toward Hurricane Sandy recovery and willingness to participate in future disaster recoveries.

Methods

Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select trainers and trainees from participating local public health departments in jurisdictions impacted by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Two focus groups totaling 29 local public health workers were held in April and May of 2015. Focus group participants discussed the content and quality of the curriculum, training logistics, and their willingness to engage in future disaster recovery efforts.

Results

The training curriculum improved participants’ understanding of and confidence in their disaster recovery work and related roles within their agencies (self-efficacy); increased their individual- and agency-level sense of role-importance in disaster recovery (response-efficacy); and enhanced their sense of their agencies’ effective functioning in disaster recovery. Participants suggested further training customization and inclusion of other recovery agencies.

Conclusion

Threat- and efficacy-based disaster recovery trainings show potential to increase public health workers’ sense of efficacy and willingness to participate in recovery efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:615–622)
Flow and fouling in a pleated membrane filter
Authors: Sanaei P. , Richardson G. W. , Witelski T. , Cummings L. J.
Published: April 2016

Pleated membrane filters are widely used in many applications, and offer significantly better surface area to volume ratios than equal-area unpleated membrane filters. However, their filtration characteristics are markedly inferior to those of equivalent unpleated membrane filters in dead-end filtration. While several hypotheses have been advanced for this, one possibility is that the flow field induced by the pleating leads to spatially non-uniform fouling of the filter, which in turn degrades performance. In this paper we investigate this hypothesis by developing a simplified model for the flow and fouling within a pleated membrane filter. Our model accounts for the pleated membrane geometry (which affects the flow), for porous support layers surrounding the membrane, and for two membrane fouling mechanisms: (i) adsorption of very small particles within membrane pores; and (ii) blocking of entire pores by large particles. We use asymptotic techniques based on the small pleat aspect ratio to solve the model, and we compare solutions to those for the closest-equivalent unpleated filter.
Packing a rectangle with m x (m + 1) rectangles
Authors: Ellard Richard , MacHale Des
Published: April 2016

We consider the packing of rectangles of dimension m x (m + 1) — where m is a natural number — into a larger rectangle. More specifically, we consider the following problem: What is the smallest area of a rectangle into which rectangles of dimensions 1 x 2, 2 x 3, 3 x 4,…, n x (n + 1) will fit without overlap?

Unlike the corresponding problem for squares of areas 12, 22, 32, …, n2(see [1]), where there is no known non-trivial example of an exact fit into a rectangle, in many cases we can achieve an exact fit for our set of m x (m + 1) rectangles. Intuitively, this is because each m x (m + 1) rectangle has two possible orientations, which considerably increases the chances of an exact fit. As in [1], we make the (possibly unnecessary) assumption that the sides of each m x (m + 1) rectangle are parallel to the sides of the bounding rectangle, whose dimensions are integral. For any given n, we consider two solutions to our problem to be distinct only if the bounding rectangles have different dimensions (but equal area).
Fracture porosity creation and persistence in a basement-involved Laramide fold, Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation, Green River Basin, USA
Authors: LAUBACH STEPHEN E. , FALL ANDRÁS , COPLEY LAUREN K. , MARRETT RANDALL , WILKINS SCOTT J.
Published: April 2016

Fracture-hosted porosity and quartz distribution along with crack-seal texture and fluid inclusion assemblage sequences in isolated, bridging quartz deposits show that open fractures can persist through protracted burial and uplift in foreland basins. Fractures oriented at a high angle to current maximum compressive stress remain open and were weak mechanical discontinuities for millions of years even at great depth. Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation sandstones in the basement-involved (Laramide) Table Rock anticline, eastern Greater Green River Basin, Wyoming sampled by two horizontal wells (cut parallel or nearly parallel to bedding and at a high angle to steeply dipping fractures) have 41.5 m of rock in four cores at depths of 4538–4547 m. Cores intersect older E-striking Set 1 fractures are abutted by or locally cross-cut by N-striking Set 2 fractures. Both sets contain quartz and porosity. Sequenced using quartz crack-seal cement texture maps, Set 1 fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) trapping temperatures increase progressively from 140 to 165°C then decrease toc. 150°C, compatible with fracture opening overc. 15 Ma during rapid burial followed by uplift in Eocene–Oligocene time. Set 2 opened atc. 160°C, probably near maximum burial. After a period of quiescence, Set 2 reopened atc. 5 Ma atc. 140°C, on a cooling trajectory. Intermittent Set 2 movement could reflect local basement-involved fault movement, followed after a pause by further Set 2 reactivation in the modern stress field during uplift. Interpretations are sensitive to available burial/thermal histories, which have considerable uncertainty.
Nutritional attributes in the fillet of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) from the Arabian Sea near the south-west coast of India
Authors: Chakraborty Kajal , Krishna Raola Vamshi , Joy Minju , Makkar Fasina
Published: April 2016

Inter-annual and seasonal variability in the nutritional parameters of the edible portion of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) collected from the Arabian Sea were determined for a period of 4 years. Greater levels of long chainn-3 fatty acids (35% during pre-monsoon), critical in the human diet for their anti-inflammatory properties with greatern-3:n-6 fatty acid ratio (8:12) demonstrated that this species may serve as an alternative to balance the greater amount ofn-6 fatty acids. The present study demonstrated skipjack tuna as a significant source of protein, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. A balanced essential to non-essential amino acid ratio (1.2:1.4) in the fillets indicated that this species could provide well-balanced protein depositions. Vitamins A and K1demonstrated post-monsoon maxima, whilst vitamins D3and E showed pre-monsoon maxima. Greater calcium (172 mg 100 g−1) and phosphorus contents (923 mg 100 g−1) were recorded in the fillets of skipjack tuna during the pre-monsoon season. The chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface temperature of its habitat were considered to understand their effect on the nutritional composition of skipjack tuna all through the study period. Significant correlation between long chainn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (r2~ 0.99) of skipjack tuna alongside chlorophyll-a concentration was observed, particularly during the monsoon. The lesser atherogenic/thrombogenicity indices (<1), greater hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (>1.0), and lesser cholesterol contents (<50 mg 100 g−1) of the fillets in skipjack tuna contributed towards its parameters to be qualified as a high value, balanced nutritional source.
East West Players and After: Acting and Activism
Authors: Mok Christine
Published: April 2016

“Where are all the Asian actors in mainstream New York theatre?” What began as a plaintive status update on Facebook launched a full-scale investigation by Asian American actors that culminated in a report titled “Ethnic Representation on New York City Stages” and the formation in the fall of 2011 of an advocacy group, the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC). AAPAC's findings were disheartening. In the preceding five years, Asian Americans had received only 3 percent of all available roles in not-for-profit theatre and only 1.5 percent of all available roles on Broadway. The percentage of roles filled by African American and Latino actors, in contrast, had increased since 2009. According to the report, “Asian Americans were the only minority group to see their numbers go down from levels set five years ago.” The data AAPAC compiled were both surprising in their concreteness and unsurprising in their bleakness. The Facebook query sparked an active digital conversation that touched a collective sense of discord just below the surface for many Asian American theatre artists, especially actors. Ralph Peña, artistic director of Ma-Yi Theatre Company, invited key Facebook commenters to hold a more formal conversation about access, embodiment, and Asian American representation. This group, many of whom were artists in midcareer, trained at top conservatories, and fostered in New York City's vibrant Asian American theatre community, became the Steering Committee of AAPAC. The members of the Steering Committee channeled their frustration and anger into archive fever by researching and documenting ethnic representation on Broadway and in sixteen of the largest not-for-profit theatres in New York City over a five-year period. In front of an audience of three hundred, members of AAPAC presented their findings at a roundtable at Fordham University on 13 February 2012 that included prominent artistic directors, agents, directors, casting directors, and producers and was moderated by David Henry Hwang. With the report in hand, AAPAC members roused the New York theatre community with a series of town hall–style meetings and urged theatrical production gatekeepers to do, if not better, then, something.
A new stabilizing solution for motion planning and control of multiple robots
Authors: Prasad Avinesh , Sharma Bibhya , Vanualailai Jito
Published: April 2016

This paper formulates a new scalable algorithm for motion planning and control of multiple point-mass robots. These autonomous robots are designated to move safely to their goals ina prioriknown workspace cluttered with fixed and moving obstacles of arbitrary positions and sizes. The control laws proposed for obstacle and collision avoidance and target convergence ensure that the equilibrium point of the given system is asymptotically stable. Computer simulations with the proposed technique and applications to a team of two planar (RP) manipulators working together in a common workspace are presented. Also, the robustness of the system in the presence of noise is verified through simulations.
Using the Past to Intervene in the Present: Spectacular Framing in Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Authors: Aziz Aamir
Published: April 2016

In this article Aamir Aziz argues that Arthur Miller's The Crucible is a wilful and purposeful theatrical response to the operations of Joseph McCarthy and his henchmen. He highlights the theatricality of the McCarthy trials and examines them through the frame of spectacle, as outlined by Guy Debord, to show how Miller used his play theatrically to unhinge the machinations of McCarthyism and the seemingly unassailable frame of an American democracy defending itself against Communist subversion. Miller's play was thus a theatrical intervention into an ideological force field that served to puncture and expose the veil of this spectacle. Aamir Aziz received his doctorate from Universiteit Leiden in 2014, and is now an Assistant Professor in English in the Department of English Language and Literature at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. He has recently published articles in International Policy Digest, New Authors' Journal, Sydney Globalist, and London Globalist.
Critical appraisal of questionnaires to assess functional impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Kaur Navaldeep , Belchior Patricia , Gelinas Isabelle , Bier Nathalie
Published: April 2016

Background:

Mild deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) have consistently been reported in the individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A variety of functional assessment tools, including self-and informant report questionnaires and performance-based measures, have been employed in MCI. Previously, a limited focus has been directed at appraising the quality of questionnaires. The goal of this study was to identify the questionnaires that have been validated in the MCI population. Additionally, the quality of validation studies and psychometric attributes of these questionnaires were appraised.

Methods:

Relevant articles were systematically searched in PsychINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL against specific eligibility criteria. To evaluate the methodology of the psychometric studies, the COSMIN checklist was employed. Also, the psychometric properties of the assessment tools were evaluated based upon Terwee's criteria.

Results:

A total of five psychometric studies and questionnaires were critically evaluated. Varying psychometric properties were available for the chosen tools. None of the studies received the best possible rating for their methodological quality. It was found that questionnaires with high discriminative ability to distinguish MCI from other diagnostic groups were: Disability Assessment in Dementia-6 (DAD-6), Functional Activity Questionnaire (FAQ), and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study/Activities of Daily Living scale adapted for MCI patients (ADCS-MCI-ADL-24).

Conclusion:

Psychometric studies with strong methodological rigor are required in the future. Considering the fact that IADL decline has been associated with dementia, early detection of functional difficulties in MCI needs to be encouraged as it will allow suitable and timely interventions to prolong functional independence of affected individuals.
Frequency of unsafe storage, use, and disposal practices of opioids among cancer patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Silvestre Julio , Reddy Akhila , de la Cruz Maxine , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Bruera Eduardo , Todd Knox H.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Approximately 75% of prescription opioid abusers obtain the drug from an acquaintance, which may be a consequence of improper opioid storage, use, disposal, and lack of patient education. We aimed to determine the opioid storage, use, and disposal patterns in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a comprehensive cancer center.

Method:

We surveyed 113 patients receiving opioids for at least 2 months upon presenting to the ED and collected information regarding opioid use, storage, and disposal. Unsafe storage was defined as storing opioids in plain sight, and unsafe use was defined as sharing or losing opioids.

Results:

The median age was 53 years, 55% were female, 64% were white, and 86% had advanced cancer. Of those surveyed, 36% stored opioids in plain sight, 53% kept them hidden but unlocked, and only 15% locked their opioids. However, 73% agreed that they would use a lockbox if given one. Patients who reported that others had asked them for their pain medications (p= 0.004) and those who would use a lockbox if given one (p= 0.019) were more likely to keep them locked. Some 13 patients (12%) used opioids unsafely by either sharing (5%) or losing (8%) them. Patients who reported being prescribed more pain pills than required (p= 0.032) were more likely to practice unsafe use. Most (78%) were unaware of proper opioid disposal methods, 6% believed they were prescribed more medication than required, and 67% had unused opioids at home. Only 13% previously received education about safe disposal of opioids. Overall, 77% (87) of patients reported unsafe storage, unsafe use, or possessed unused opioids at home.

Significance of Results:

Many cancer patients presenting to the ED improperly and unsafely store, use, or dispose of opioids, thus highlighting a need to investigate the impact of patient education on such practices.
DIVISION B COMMISSION 6: ASTRONOMICAL TELEGRAMS
Authors: Yamaoka H. , Green D. W. E. , Samus N. N. , Aksnes K. , Gilmore A. C. , Nakano S. , Sphar T. , Tichá J. , Williams G. V.
Published: April 2016

IAU Commission 6 “Astronomical Telegrams” had a single business meeting during Honolulu General Assembly of the IAU. It took place on Tuesday, 11 August 2015. The meeting was attended by Hitoshi Yamaoka (President), Daniel Green (Director of the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, CBAT, via Skype), Steven Chesley (JPL), Paul Chodas (JPL), Alan Gilmore (Canterbury University), Shinjiro Kouzuma (Chukyo University), Paolo Mazzali (Co-Chair of the Supernova Working Group), Elena Pian (Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa), Marion Schmitz (chair IAU Working Group Designations + NED), David Tholen (University of Hawaii), Jana Ticha (Klet Observatory), Milos Tichy (Klet Observatory), Giovanni Valsecchi (INAF\slash Italy), Gareth Williams (Minor Planet Center). Apologies: Nikolai Samus (General Catalogue of Variable Stars, GCVS).
DIVISION B COMMISSION 14 WORKING GROUP: MOLECULAR DATA
Authors: Federman Steven R. , Bernath Peter F. , Müller Holger S.P.
Published: April 2016

The current report covers the period from the second half of 2011 to late 2014. It is divided into three areas covering rotational, vibrational, and electronic spectroscopy. A signifcant amount of experimental and theoretical work has been accomplished over the past three years, leading to the development and expansion of a number of databases whose links are provided below. Two notable publications have appeared recently: An issue of The Journal of Physical Chemistry A in 2013 honoring the many contributions of Takeshi Oka (J. Phys. Chem. A, 117, pp. 9305-10143); and IAU Symposium 297 on Diffuse Interstellar Bands (Cami & Cox 2014). A number of the relevant papers from these volumes are cited in what follows. Related research on collisions, reactions on grain surfaces, and astrochemistry are not included here.
REPORT
Authors: Ehrenfreund Pascale Foing , Kwok Sun , Irvine William , Galante Douglas , Gargaud Muriel , Levasseur-Regourd Anne-Chantal , Haghighipour Nader , Holm Nils , Lineweaver Charley , Jayawardhana Ray , Ohishi Masatoshi
Published: April 2016

The International Astronomical Union's Commission 51 was established in 1982 as\break “Bioastronomy: Search for Extraterrestrial Life”. As the interests of Commission members expanded to include all aspects of the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, C51 was renamed simply “Bioastronomy” in 2006. Thus, the term “bioastronomy” became for the Commission essentially synonymous with the NASA-coined term “astrobiology“. Since the latter term has been adopted by many scientific societies around the world with similar interests, under the new Division and Commission structure of the IAU the Commission has been again renamed and is now Commission F-3 “Astrobiology”.
DIVISION F COMMISSION 53: EXTRASOLAR PLANETS
Authors: des Etangs Alain Lecavelier , Minniti Dante , Boss Alan , Mayor Michel , Bodenheimer Peter , Collier-Cameron Andrew , Jayawardhana Ray , Kokubo Eiichiro , Mardling Rosemary , Queloz Didier , Rauer Heike , Zhao Gang
Published: April 2016

The IAU Working Group on Extrasolar Planets (WGESP) was created by the Executive Council as a Working Group of Division III. This decision took place in June 1999, that is only 7 years after the discovery of planets around the pulsar PSR B1257+12 and 4 years after the discovery of 51 Peg b. This working group was renewed for 3 years at the General Assembly in 2003 in Sydney, Australia. It was chaired by Alan Boss from Carnegie Institution of Washington. The WGESP members were Paul Butler, William Hubbard, Philip Ianna, Martin Kürster, Jack Lissauer, Michel Mayor, Karen Meech, Francois Mignard, Alan Penny, Andreas Quirrenbach, Jill Tarter, and Alfred Vidal-Madjar.
REPORT
Authors: Green Richard , Arcand Kimberly Kowal , Benvenuti Piero , Blattner Peter , Cheung Sze-leung , Fienberg Rick , Fotios Steve , Garcia Beatriz , Govender Kevin , Hearnshaw John , Marchetti Lucia , Monrad Christian , Montmerle Thierry , Pompea Stephen , Posch Thomas , Ruggles Clive , Russo Pedro , Simmons Mike , Smith Malcolm , Walker Constance , Wang Xiaohua
Published: April 2016

The Executive Committee Working Group on “Cosmic Light” was created in 2014 (at its EC94 Meeting, Apr.30-May 2, Canberra, Australia), in preparation of the contribution of the IAU to the UNESCO “2015 International Year of Light and Light Technologies” (IYL2015), which had been approved by the UN in December 2013 (see http://www.light2015.org/Home.html).
The dynamic organization of fungal acetyl-CoA carboxylase
Authors: Hunkeler Moritz , Stuttfeld Edward , Hagmann Anna , Imseng Stefan , Maier Timm
Published: April 2016

Acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACCs) catalyse the committed step in fatty-acid biosynthesis: the ATP-dependent carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. They are important regulatory hubs for metabolic control and relevant drug targets for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome and cancer. Eukaryotic ACCs are single-chain multienzymes characterized by a large, non-catalytic central domain (CD), whose role in ACC regulation remains poorly characterized. Here we report the crystal structure of the yeast ACC CD, revealing a unique four-domain organization. A regulatory loop, which is phosphorylated at the key functional phosphorylation site of fungal ACC, wedges into a crevice between two domains of CD. Combining the yeast CD structure with intermediate and low-resolution data of larger fragments up to intact ACCs provides a comprehensive characterization of the dynamic fungal ACC architecture. In contrast to related carboxylases, large-scale conformational changes are required for substrate turnover, and are mediated by the CD under phosphorylation control.
The cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin2 regulates brush border length and organization in Drosophila renal tubules
Authors: Halberg Kenneth A. , Rainey Stephanie M. , Veland Iben R. , Neuert Helen , Dornan Anthony J. , Klämbt Christian , Davies Shireen-Anne , Dow Julian A. T.
Published: April 2016

Multicellular organisms rely on cell adhesion molecules to coordinate cell–cell interactions, and to provide navigational cues during tissue formation. In Drosophila, Fasciclin 2 (Fas2) has been intensively studied due to its role in nervous system development and maintenance; yet, Fas2 is most abundantly expressed in the adult renal (Malpighian) tubule rather than in neuronal tissues. The role Fas2 serves in this epithelium is unknown. Here we show that Fas2 is essential to brush border maintenance in renal tubules of Drosophila. Fas2 is dynamically expressed during tubule morphogenesis, localizing to the brush border whenever the tissue is transport competent. Genetic manipulations of Fas2 expression levels impact on both microvilli length and organization, which in turn dramatically affect stimulated rates of fluid secretion by the tissue. Consequently, we demonstrate a radically different role for this well-known cell adhesion molecule, and propose that Fas2-mediated intermicrovillar homophilic adhesion complexes help stabilize the brush border.
Erratum: Observation of giant Goos-Hänchen and angular shifts at designed metasurfaces
Authors: Yallapragada Venkata Jayasurya , Ravishankar Ajith P. , Mulay Gajendra L. , Agarwal Girish S. , Achanta Venu Gopal
Published: April 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 19319; published online: 13 January 2016; updated: 13 April 2016 In the original version of this Article, the symbol “ ” in the equations was incorrectly written as “E” In addition, the HTML version of the Article incorrectly listed Venkata Jayasurya Yallapragada, and not Venu Gopal Achanta, as corresponding author.
Correction: Corrigendum: Metabolomics reveals metabolic changes in male reproductive cells exposed to thirdhand smoke
Authors: Xu Bo , Chen Minjian , Yao Mengmeng , Ji Xiaoli , Mao Zhilei , Tang Wei , Qiao Shanlei , Schick Suzaynn F. , Mao Jian-Hua , Hang Bo , Xia Yankai
Published: April 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 15512; published online: 22 October 2015; updated: 13 April 2016 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “This study was supported by National 973 Program (2012CBA01305); National Science Fund for Outstanding Young Scholars (81322039); National Natural Science Foundation (31371524); Distinguished Young Scholars of Jiangsu Province (BK20130041); Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD); New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-0870) and the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) Grant 19XT-0070 (to B.
Erratum: Expression of programmed death ligand-1 on tumor cells varies pre and post chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sheng Jin , Fang Wenfeng , Yu Juan , Chen Nan , Zhan Jianhua , Ma Yuxiang , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Yan , Zhao Hongyun , Zhang Li
Published: April 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20090; published online: 29 January 2016; updated: 13 April 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Yan Huang, which was incorrectly given as Yanhuang. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions ofthe Article.