bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogas upgrading from vinasse digesters: a comparison between an anoxic biotrickling filter and an algal‐bacterial photobioreactor
Authors: Lebrero Raquel , Toledo‐Cervantes Alma , Muñoz Raúl , del Nery Valéria , Foresti Eugenio
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Biological technologies for biogas upgrading such as anoxic biotrickling filters (BTF) and algal–bacterial photobioreactors (PBR) constitute a cost‐effective, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional physical–chemical methods. Nonetheless, there is a lack of studies comparing their performance when treating real biogas.

RESULTS

A H2S removal efficiency >98% was consistently recorded in both systems, with elimination capacities up to 26 and 12.4 g S‐H2S m−3 h−1 in the BTF and PBR, respectively, at empty bed residence times (EBRTs) of ∼ 30 min. Both bioreactors demonstrated a high robustness towards fluctuations in biogas composition and flowrate, maintaining nearly complete desulfurization despite the variations in sulfur load and EBRT. The BTF also showed an immediate recovery from a 15 days operational shut‐down, and the ability to utilize the nutrients from nitrate‐supplemented digestate during biogas desulfurization. In addition, the PBR supported an average CO2 removal of 23.0 ± 11.8%, increasing to 62% at higher pH of 8.1, with a carbon fixation rate of 285 mg CO2 L−1 d−1.

CONCLUSIONS

The BTF was confirmed as a robust technology for the desulfurization of real biogas, even when supplemented with effluent from the digester. High H2S removal was also achieved in the PBR, the CO2 fixation capacity of microalgae enhancing biogas purification. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
How temperature‐induced variation in musculoskeletal anatomy affects escape performance and survival of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Ackerly Kerri L. , Ward Andrea B.
Published: October 2015

Fishes are particularly sensitive to the effects of environmental conditions during early development, which can significantly impact adult morphology, performance, and survival. Previous research has highlighted the sensitivity of fishes to the effects of temperature during early development on vertebral number and muscle composition, which are both important determinants of an individual's swimming performance. In this study, we investigated the effect of developmental temperature on vertebral and muscle variation, and the subsequent effect of any variation on burst swimming performance in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Following development at a range of temperatures, all individuals were shifted to and maintained at a common temperature before startle responses were recorded and individuals were analyzed for either vertebral number or muscle composition. Our results indicate that developmental temperature does not significantly affect muscle composition, but can affect an individual's vertebral number, and that individuals with more vertebrae achieved greater displacement and velocities during C‐start performance. To determine the ecological importance of this vertebral variation and to identify the potential selective factors behind it, we exposed populations of zebrafish with various vertebral numbers to native predators, needlenose garfish (Xenentodon cancila). We found that only caudal vertebral number was related to survival, and that survivors had the same caudal vertebral number across developmental temperatures. Overall, this work highlights the importance of including variation in musculoskeletal anatomy when investigating what is driving selection in fishes. J. Exp. Zool. 325A:25–40, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Codon bias and gene ontology in holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects
Authors: Carlini David B. , Makowski Matthew
Published: October 2015

The relationship between preferred codon use (PCU), developmental mode, and gene ontology (GO) was investigated in a sample of nine insect species with sequenced genomes. These species were selected to represent two distinct modes of insect development, holometabolism and hemimetabolism, with an aim toward determining whether the differences in developmental timing concomitant with developmental mode would be mirrored by differences in PCU in their developmental genes. We hypothesized that the developmental genes of holometabolous insects should be under greater selective pressure for efficient translation, manifest as increased PCU, than those of hemimetabolous insects because holometabolism requires abundant protein expression over shorter time intervals than hemimetabolism, where proteins are required more uniformly in time. Preferred codon sets were defined for each species, from which the frequency of PCU for each gene was obtained. Although there were substantial differences in the genomic base composition of holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects, both groups exhibited a general preference for GC‐ending codons, with the former group having higher PCU averaged across all genes. For each species, the biological process GO term for each gene was assigned that of its Drosophila homolog(s), and PCU was calculated for each GO term category. The top two GO term categories for PCU enrichment in the holometabolous insects were anatomical structure development and cell differentiation. The increased PCU in the developmental genes of holometabolous insects may reflect a general strategy to maximize the protein production of genes expressed in bursts over short time periods, e.g., heat shock proteins. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 686–698, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual Fluorescent Properties of Stilbene Units and CdZnS/ZnS Quantum Dots Nanocomposites: White‐Light Emission in Solution versus Light‐Harvesting in Films
Authors: He Tingchao , Gao Yang , Gao Yuan , Lin Xiaodong , Chen Rui , Hu Wenbo , Zhao Xin , Wang Yue , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Fan Quli , Grimsdale Andrew C. , Sun Handong
Published: October 2015

Nanocomposites with organic–inorganic properties represent a new field of basic research and offer prospects for many novel applications in extremely diverse fields, due to their remarkable emerging new properties and multifunctional nature. However, controllable manipulation of their fluorescent properties in different phases is still challenging, which seriously limits the related applications of nanocomposites. In this work, a convenient protocol to fabricate organic–inorganic nanocomposites composed of stilbene chromophores and CdZnS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) pairs, with controllable fluorescent properties is presented. It is found that stable white‐light emission can be achieved only in solution phase, with negligible energy transfer or reabsorption between chromophores and QDs pairs. By contrast, when the nanocomposites are deposited as blended films, they cannot give rise to white‐light emission, no matter what donor/acceptor volume ratios are used. However, the blended films can exhibit near‐unity efficiency (94%) of Förster resonance energy transfer from QDs to chromophores. The underlying physical mechanisms are revealed through comprehensive steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopic analysis. This work suggests that the CdZnS/ZnS QDs/stilbene nanocomposites can be directly used for fluorescence sensors and probes in biological system as well as fundamental investigation of light‐harvesting, and also sheds light on developing other new materials for artificial photosynthesis and optoelectronics.

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The Impact of Intermediate Information on Sabotage in Tournaments with Heterogeneous Contestants
Authors: Deutscher Christian , Schneemann Sandra
Published: October 2015

Applying detailed within‐tournament information about intermediate scores and contestants' ability in rank‐order professional soccer tournaments, this study empirically analyzes the impact of interim results on the sabotage activities of heterogeneous contestants. Intermediate information that suggests that a contest is decided early decreases total sabotage. Splitting contestants into favorites and underdogs reveals that both contestants sabotage the most if intermediate information about the score compensates for or decreases ex ante heterogeneity between the teams. However, engaging in sabotage does not pay off for the contestants. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the solutions of a higher‐order difference equation in terms of generalized Fibonacci sequences
Authors: Halim Yacine , Bayram Mustafa
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with the solutions, stability character, and asymptotic behavior of the difference equation

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3745:mma3745-math-0002
where
and the initial values x−k,x−k + 1,…,x0 are nonzero real numbers, such that their solutions are associated to Horadam numbers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐inflammatory and anti‐arthritic effects of pentacyclic triterpenoids maslinic acid through NF‐κB inactivation
Authors: Fukumitsu Satoshi , Villareal Myra O. , Fujitsuka Takashi , Aida Kazuhiko , Isoda Hiroko
Published: October 2015

Scope

Consumption of olives (Olea europaea L.), including table olives and oil, is associated with low incidence of inflammation‐related diseases. In this study, the effects of maslinic acid (MA), the main constituent of olive pomace, on the expression of genes and proteins involved in inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of MA on carrageenan‐induced paw edema and collagen antibody induced arthritis in mice was determined.

Methods and results

We confirmed the suppressive effects of MA on LPS‐induced tumor necrosis factor α production and on the expression of inflammatory response associated genes in RAW 264.7 cells. We also clarified the suppressive effect of MA on LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐kappa B activation as well as the phosphorylation of IκB‐α. Furthermore, MA (200 mg/kg in the edema model or 100 mg/kg in the arthritis model) exerted anti‐inflammatory and antiarthritis effects as shown by the suppression of paw edema, arthritis score, inflammatory cells, and destruction of synovium in knee joints.

Conclusion

Olive products containing MA are useful as a new preventive and therapeutic food ingredient for inflammatory and arthritic diseases.
Role of EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling in spiral artery development during pregnancy: An appraisal
Authors: Dong Hongmei , Yu Chaoran , Mu Jiao , Zhang Ji , Lin Wei
Published: October 2015

EFNB2 and EPHB4, which belong to a large tyrosine kinase receptor superfamily, are molecular markers of arterial and venous blood vessels, respectively. EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling plays an important role in physiological and pathological angiogenesis, and its role in tumor vessel development has been extensively studied. Pregnancy and tumors share similar features, including continuous cell proliferation and increased demand for a blood supply. Our previous studies showed that Efnb2 and Ephb4 were expressed dynamically in the spiral arteries, uterine natural killer cells, and trophoblasts during mouse gestation Days 6.5–12.5. Moreover, uterine natural killer cells and trophoblasts are required for the modification of spiral arteries. Oxygen tension within the pregnant uterus, which contributes to the vascular development, also affects EFNB2 and EPHB4 expression. Considering the role of EFNB2/EPHB4 signaling in embryonic and tumor vascular development, and its dynamic expression in the decidua and placenta, we hypothesize that EFNB2 and EPHB4 are involved in the regulation of spiral artery remodeling. Investigating this hypothesis will help clarify the mechanisms of pathological pregnancy that may underlie abnormal spiral artery development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 12–18, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical aging and glass transition of hairy nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: Koerner Hilmar , Opsitnick Elizabeth , Grabowski Christopher A. , Drummy Larry F. , Hsiao Ming-Siao , Che Justin , Pike Megan , Person Vernecia , Bockstaller Michael R. , Meth Jeff S. , Vaia Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Matrix free assemblies of polymer‐grafted, “hairy” nanoparticles (aHNP) exhibit novel morphology, dielectric, and mechanical properties, as well as providing means to overcome dispersion challenges ubiquitous to conventional polymer‐inorganic nanocomposite blends. Physical aging of the amorphous polymer glass between the close‐packed nanoparticles (NPs) will dominate long‐term stability; however, the energetics of volume recovery within the aHNPs is unknown. Herein, we compare glass transition temperature (Tg) and enthalpy recovery of aHNPs to NP‐polymer blends, across different nano‐silica loadings (0–50 v/v%) and canopy architecture of polystyrene (PS) grafted silica. For aHNPs, the grafting of PS to silica imposes an additional design constraint between silica volume fraction, graft density, and graft molecular weight. At low and intermediate silica volume fraction, the Tg of blended nanocomposites is independent of silica content, reflecting a neutral polymer‐NP interface. For aHNPs, the Tg decreases with silica content, implying that chain tethering decreases local segment density more than the effect of molecular weight or polymer‐NP interactions. Additionally, the Tg of the aHNPs is higher than a linear matrix of comparable molecular weight, implying a complementary effect to local segment density that constrains cooperativity. In contrast, enthalpy recovery rate in the blend or aHNP glass is retarded comparably. In addition, a cross‐over temperature, Tx, emerges deep within the glass where the enthalpy recovery process of all nanocomposites becomes similar to linear unfilled matrices. Differences between structural recovery in aHNP and blended nanocomposites occur only at the highest silica loadings (∼ 50 v/v%), where enthalpy recovery for aHNPs is substantially suppressed relative to the blended counterparts. The absence of physical aging at these loadings is independent of brush architecture (graft density or molecular weight of tethered chains) and indicates that the impact of chain tethering on effective bulk structural relaxation starts to appear at particle‐particle surface separations on the order of the Kuhn length. Overall, these observations can be understood within the context of how three separate structural characteristics impact local segment density and relaxation processes: the dimension and architecture of the tethered polymer chains, the separation between NP surfaces, and the confinement imposed by chain tethering and space filling within the aHNP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 319–330
Cubic and orthorhombic SnS thin‐film absorbers for tin sulfide solar cells
Authors: Nair P. K. , Garcia‐Angelmo A. R. , Nair M. T. S.
Published: October 2015

The tin sulfide solar cell has acquired prominence in recent years. We present the characteristics of two polymorphs of SnS and their perspectives in thin‐film solar cells. Thin‐film SnS with cubic crystalline structure (SnS‐CUB) was obtained via two chemical routes. This semiconductor is distinct from the more common SnS thin films of orthorhombic crystalline structure (SnS‐ORT), also obtained by chemical routes. The SnS‐CUB reported here with a lattice constant a of 11.587 Å replaces the zinc blende structure previously reported for this material with a of 5.783 Å. Thin films of SnS‐CUB have an optical bandgap (Eg) of 1.66–1.72 eV and electrical conductivity (σ) of 10−6 Ω−1 cm−1. These characteristics distinguish them from SnS‐ORT presented here with an Eg of 1.1 eV and σ typically higher by two orders of magnitude. We discuss the uncertainties that have prevailed in the assignment of crystalline structure for SnS‐CUB and SnS‐ORT. The optical and electrical properties of these two polymorphs of SnS are contrasted in the context of light‐generated current density in solar cells. We conclude that the two SnS polymorphs when considered together as optical absorbers offer wider prospects for tin sulfide thin‐film solar cells.
Optical and structural properties of InAs nanoclusters in crystalline Si obtained through sequential ion implantation and RTA
Authors: Sortica Mauricio A. , Canut Bruno , Hatori Masahiro , Dias Johnny F. , Chauvin Nicolas , Marty Olivier
Published: October 2015

Si (100) wafers were implanted at 500 °C with 250 keV As ions and 350 keV In ions in this order. The implantations were carried out with three different fluences, namely 1 × 1016, 2 × 1016, and 5 × 1016 cm−2. The samples were annealed with rapid thermal annealing (RTA) for 30 s at temperatures ranging from 800 up to 1000 °C. Different techniques like photoluminescence (PL) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) were employed to characterize the samples. Finally, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) provided further structural information of the InAs nanoclusters. The results indicate that InAs nanoprecipitates are formed after RTA treatment. Moreover, a broad photoluminescence peak was observed in all samples submitted to RTA. RBS results reveal that losses of implanted ions due to diffusion processes can be minimized through the use of RTA, depending of the fluence of ion implantation. Finally, the present results suggest that the photoluminescence yield depends on the degree of the radiation damage induced in the Si matrix during the implantation process.
Nanophase separation in CoSb‐based half‐Heusler thermoelectrics: A multiscale simulation study
Authors: Mena Joaquin Miranda , Schoberth Heiko G. , Gruhn Thomas , Emmerich Heike
Published: October 2015

If cooled down from high temperatures, some half‐Heusler alloys based on CoTiSb show a spontaneous phase separation into coexisting domains. In thermoelectric applications, this domain structure is beneficial for the efficiency because it reduces the lattice thermal conductivity, which increases the figure of merit. For this reason, it is of great relevance to understand the details of the demixing phenomenon. We combine density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and mean field calculations in order to investigate the demixing behavior of CoTiSb with Z= Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu. Based on the calculations we present phase diagrams, which provide the coexistence region of the materials. Density functional theory results show that for low temperatures, demixed states are more stable than mixed ones. With the help of an ab initio‐based cluster expansion of the configurational energy, we can perform mean field calculations and Monte Carlo simulations to study half‐Heusler alloys at higher temperature on a larger scale. With the mean field calculations, the coexistence region and the spinodal can be determined for regions far from the critical point. The Monte Carlo simulations help to improve the coexistence lines and provide insights into structures formed in alloys that are quenched into the coexistence region.
Photoswitchable Faraday effect in EuS–Au nanosystems
Authors: Kawashima Akira , Nakanishi Takayuki , Kitagawa Yuichi , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: October 2015

Effective photoswitchable europium sulfide nanocrystals with gold nanoparticles using dithiol (DDT: 1,10‐decanedithiol) joint molecules, EuS–Au nanosystems, are demonstrated. The TEM image indicates the formation of EuS–Au nanosystems composed of cube‐shaped EuS nanocrystals and spherical Au nanoparticles. Under visible‐light irradiation, a drastic change of absorption band of EuS–Au nanosystems at around 600 nm was observed. The Faraday effects of EuS–Au nanosystems were estimated using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurements. The effective change of the MCD spectra of EuS–Au nanosystems under visible‐light irradiation was successfully observed at around 670 nm for the first time. The effective reversible changes in MCD spectra with the alternative irradiation cycles of visible light (>440 nm) and dark are also presented. The decrease rate of rotation angle at 670 nm of EuS–Au nanosystems is larger than that of absorbance. These results indicate that the effective change of MCD spectra of EuS–Au nanosystems would be dominated not only by a drastic change of absorption band related to enhanced LSPR of Au nanoparticles but also by specific interaction between EuS and Au in nanosystem under irradiation.

Illustration of photoswitch and TEM image of EuS–Au nanosystems.
Comparative study of optical and magneto‐optical properties of normal, disordered, and inverse spinel‐type oxides
Authors: Zviagin Vitaly , Richter Peter , Böntgen Tammo , Lorenz Michael , Ziese Michael , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Salvan Georgeta , Grundmann Marius , Schmidt‐Grund Rüdiger
Published: October 2015

, , , , and thin films were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition at high and low temperatures resulting in crystalline single‐phase normal, inverse, as well as disordered spinel oxide thin films with smooth surface morphology. The dielectric function, determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry in a wide spectral range from 0.5 to 8.5 eV, is compared with the magneto‐optical response of the dielectric tensor, investigated by magneto‐optical Kerr effect spectroscopy in the spectral range from 1.7 to 5.5 eV with an applied magnetic field of 1.7 T. Crystal field, inter‐valence, and inter‐sublattice charge transfer transitions, and transitions from to metal cation 3d or 4s bands are identified in both the principal diagonal elements and the magneto‐optically active off‐diagonal elements of the dielectric tensor. Depending on the degree of cation disorder, resulting in local symmetry distortion, the magneto‐optical response is found to be strongest for high crystal quality inverse spinels and for disordered normal spinel structure, contrary to the first principle studies of and . The results presented provide a basis for deeper understanding of light–matter interaction in this material system that is of vital importance for device‐related phenomena and engineering.
The estimation of phason flips in 1D quasicrystal from the diffraction pattern
Authors: Buganski Ireneusz , Strzalka Radoslaw , Wolny Janusz
Published: October 2015

The statistical approach based on the average unit‐cell concept and the envelop functions for the diffraction pattern were used to estimate the number of phason flips in the model 1D quasicrystal (Fibonacci chain). The characteristic function of a statistical distribution expanded to a power series with distribution moments as coefficients can be used to retrieve phases of diffraction peaks. In addition, the number of flips in the structure can be designated in two ways: with the value of the second moment's value and directly from the shape of a probability density function retrieved from the diffraction pattern. In this paper, all calculations are performed for a nondecorated Fibonacci chain.
Quasiparticle self‐consistent GW study of AIN
Authors: Bakhtatou Ali , Meddour Athmane
Published: October 2015

Recently, experimental fundamental quantities of a fine powder of rocksalt AlN (RS) at ambient pressure have been measured. The optical part of this experiment analyzes the phonon features observed by Raman scattering and infrared transmission. This new experimental RS measurement may provide access in the future to new experimental data on its band structure and this might make it worthwhile to reinvestigate the band structure with the best available newest methods. In this context, electronic and optical measurements of AlN semiconductor in the wurtzite, zinc‐blende, and rocksalt phases were performed within the quasiparticle self‐consistent GW (QSGW), the local density approximation (LDA), and the hybrid quasiparticle self‐consistent GW (hQSGW) approximations based on the recently developed mixed basis all‐electron full‐potential method (PMT method) that uses the augmented plane waves (APWs) and the higher localized muffin‐tin orbitals (MTOs) simultaneously. From comparison between our results and the experimental results of zinc‐blende and wurtzite structures, we have calculated some theoretical data for rocksalt structure at ambient pressure and predicted quantities such as gaps, optical spectrum, and transition energies.
Size effect on magnetic susceptibility of titanium monoxide nanocrystals
Authors: Valeeva Albina A. , Nazarova Svetlana Z. , Rempel Andrey A.
Published: October 2015

For the first time a magnetic quantum‐size effect is found in paramagnetic titanium monoxide nanocrystals with the sizes down to 30 nm. In situ measurements in the temperature range from 300 to 1200 K showed that the magnetic susceptibility of superstoichiometric titanium monoxide nanocrystals TiOy (y > 1) depends not only on the structural state of the sample, but also on the size of nanocrystals. The data analysis both for the ordered and disordered TiOy showed that the reason for inversely proportional dependence of Van‐Vleck paramagnetism on the size of titanium monoxide nanocrystals is distortion of local symmetry of titanium and oxygen atoms near the nanocrystal surface. Van‐Vleck contribution induced by the atomic‐vacancy disordering in titanium monoxide is proportional to the deviation of the long‐order parameter from its maximal value.
Atomic scale investigation of Si and Ce‐rich nanoclusters in Ce‐doped SiO1.5 thin films
Authors: Beainy G. , Weimmerskirch‐Aubatin J. , Stoffel M. , Vergnat M. , Rinnert H. , Etienne A. , Pareige P. , Talbot E.
Published: October 2015

The optical properties and the nanoscale structure of Ce‐doped SiO1.5 thin films elaborated by evaporation were investigated by photoluminescence and atom probe tomography. Strong Ce‐related blue luminescence is observed on the 1100 °C annealed sample. Atom probe tomography experiments give evidence of the formation of a cerium silicate having a stoichiometry compatible with Ce2Si2O7. Moreover, we further observe the formation of pure Si nanocrystals (Si‐ncs) which results from the phase separation of the SiO1.5 film. No optical signal from Si‐ncs was observed at least for the 3% Ce‐doped SiO1.5 film considered in this study. We analyze the size distribution of both Si‐ncs and Ce2Si2O7 particles. Finally, the Si and Ce diffusion coefficients were estimated based on atom probe tomography characterizations. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication and characterizations of films made of Te/TeO2 nanopowder consolidated by poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Palomba M. , Coscia U. , Carotenuto G. , Nicola S. De , Ambrosone G.
Published: October 2015

Tellurium based material was obtained by binding nanosized tellurium grains, produced by dry vibration milling technique, with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The morphology, structural and electrical properties of Te/PMMA films were investigated. The photoelectrical properties of the films were studied under white light illumination varying the optical power density from 2 to 170mW/cm2 and turning on and off the light cyclically. In order to determine the effects of milling technique two sets of Te/PMMA samples were produced by binding the “as received” and milled Te powders with PMMA. A quite prompt and evident photoresponse was observed for the material prepared with Te nanopowder, while not significant variations of the conductivity were detected in a reference sample fabricated with the as received coarse Te powder and illuminated in the same optical power density range. The origin of the photoconduction can be attributed to the enhancement of the ratio between TeO2 and Te phases in the nanopowder occurring during the milling stage. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vulnerabilities of network OS and mitigation with state‐based permission system
Authors: Noh Jiseong , Lee Seunghyeon , Park Jaehyun , Shin Seungwon , Kang Brent Byunghoon
Published: October 2015

The advancement of software defined networking (SDN) is redefining traditional computer networking architecture. The role of the control plane of SDN is of such importance that SDNs are referred to as network operating systems (OSs). However, the robustness and security of the network OS has been overlooked. In this paper, we report three main issues pertaining to network OSs. First, we identified vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious or buggy applications running on network OSs. We also identified four major attack vectors that could undermine network OS operations: denial of service, global data manipulation, control plane poisoning, and system shell execution. Further, it was demonstrated that real‐world attacks can be launched on commonly used network OSs without significant effort. Second, we present a method to address the attacks by analyzing network applications running on network OSs to identify their behavioral features, which enabled the extraction of a permission set for each network application. Based on this work, a permission‐based malicious network application detector was introduced, which examines the permission set of each application and prevents it from executing without permission. Our system shows almost no performance overhead. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory and practice of uncommon molecular electronic configurations
Authors: Gryn'ova Ganna , Coote Michelle L. , Corminboeuf Clemence
Published: October 2015

The electronic configuration of the molecule is the foundation of its structure and reactivity. The spin state is one of the key characteristics arising from the ordering of electrons within the molecule's set of orbitals. Organic molecules that have open‐shell ground states and interesting physicochemical properties, particularly those influencing their spin alignment, are of immense interest within the up‐and‐coming field of molecular electronics. In this advanced review, we scrutinize various qualitative rules of orbital occupation and spin alignment, viz., the aufbau principle, Hund's multiplicity rule, and dynamic spin polarization concept, through the prism of quantum mechanics. While such rules hold in selected simple cases, in general the spin state of a system depends on a combination of electronic factors that include Coulomb and Pauli repulsion, nuclear attraction, kinetic energy, orbital relaxation, and static correlation. A number of fascinating chemical systems with spin states that fluctuate between triplet and open‐shell singlet, and are responsive to irradiation, pH, and other external stimuli, are highlighted. In addition, we outline a range of organic molecules with intriguing non‐aufbau orbital configurations. In such quasi‐closed‐shell systems, the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) is energetically lower than one or more doubly occupied orbitals. As a result, the SOMO is not affected by electron attachment to or removal from the molecule, and the products of such redox processes are polyradicals. These peculiar species possess attractive conductive and magnetic properties, and a number of them that have already been developed into molecular electronics applications are highlighted in this review. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2015, 5:440–459. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1233

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Effects of Ultrasound Amplitude on the Physicochemical Properties of Some Edible Oils
Authors: Hosseini Sepideh , Gharachorloo Maryam , Tarzi Babak Ghiassi , Ghavami Mehrdad , Bakhoda Hossein
Published: October 2015

This research reports on the studied effect of the intensity of ultrasound (24 kHz) on the quality characteristics of olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower seed oil, and tallow olein. These characteristics (free acidity, peroxide value, conjugated dienes concentration, viscosity, iodine value, turbidity, color values, and melting behavior) were determined in oil samples before and after ultrasonic treatment. Changes in the oxidation parameters showed that the high‐intensity ultrasound treatment accelerated the deterioration of oils. In most cases, extra‐virgin sesame oil was most resistant to deterioration from sonicating treatments. The decreases in β‐carotene content and Hunter values revealed that ultrasound might have good potential for bleaching oils at an appropriate intensity and frequency. The differential scanning calorimeter thermograms, viscosity, and turbidity results indicated that ultrasound probably accelerates the polymerization of the oils. The present study has confirmed that some changes in the physicochemical parameters or structures of oil components had occurred. These changes depended on the sources and initial conditions of the oils as well as the intensity of the applied ultrasound.
Management of the knees in arthrogryposis
Authors: Pontén Eva
Published: October 2015

Arthrogryposis is defined as limited range of motion in three or more joints in two or more body parts. This article will describe treatment options for the arthrogrypotic knee. In all types of arthrogryposis, and in both extension and flexion deformities, very early treatment is favorable. Just after birth, traction and mobilization followed by serial casting could often greatly improve the range of motion. In the hyperextended knee, surgical lengthening of the extensor apparatus may be needed. Flexion deformities could be improved with temporary physeal arrest of the anterior distal femur by fixing two-hole plates over the physis on both sides of patella. The plates will result in a constrained growth of the anterior physis, and thus a very slow extension of the knee, which will give the nerves and vessels time to adjust. Pterygium, webbing of the knee joint, is a special subgroup that in selected mild cases could be treated with extensive surgical release of the webbing and orthotics. Arthrogrypotic knees can be treated with early reduction and maintenance with orthotics.
Do research findings on schema-based instruction translate to the classroom?
Authors: Blissett Sarah , Goldszmidt Mark , Sibbald Matt
Published: October 2015

Introduction Schema-based instruction has been shown to improve diagnostic performance and reduce cognitive load. However, to date, this has only been studied in controlled research settings. More distractions in classrooms may limit generalizability to real-world settings. We evaluated whether schema-based instruction would maintain its effects on cognitive load optimization and performance in a classroom.

Methods Focused on the approach of interpreting cardiac auscultation findings, 101 first-year medical students at Western University were randomized to receive a traditional (n = 48) or a schema-based lecture (n = 53). Students completed four written questions to test diagnostic performance and a cognitive load assessment at the end of the lecture. Diagnostic performance and cognitive load were compared with independent t-tests.

Results Schema-based instruction was associated with increased diagnostic performance on written questions (64 ± 22 % vs 44 ± 25 % p < 0.001) and reduced intrinsic cognitive load (mean difference = 15 %, standard error 3 %, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in reported extraneous (p = 0.36) or germane (p = 0.42) cognitive load.

Conclusions Our results demonstrate that schema-based instruction can be used to reduce intrinsic load and improve diagnostic performance in a real-world classroom setting. The results would be strengthened by replication across other locations and topics.
Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for identifying extraluminal manifestations of Crohn's disease with magnetic resonance enterography
Authors: Shih I‐Lun , Lee Tsung‐Chun , Tu Chia‐Hung , Chang Chin‐Chen , Wang Yu‐Fen , Tseng Yao‐Hui , Chiu Han‐Mo , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Shih Tiffany Ting‐Fang , Liu Kao‐Lang
Published: October 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography has emerged as a new imaging modality in evaluating patients with Crohn's disease. However, whether interpretations of MR enterography findings are consistent among radiologists has not yet been fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver agreement for identifying extraluminal manifestations of Crohn's disease with MR enterography.

Methods

MR enterography was performed with a 3‐tesla system. We retrospectively enrolled patients with Crohn's disease that had MR enterography between November 2011 and March 2013. Three radiologists reviewed the images independently. Extraluminal findings of these patients were recorded and described. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were calculated using the kappa statistic.

Results

A total of 22 sessions of MR enterography were performed on 15 patients (12 men and 3 women) with Crohn's disease. The mean age was 38.7 ± 11.4 years. We identified extraluminal manifestations such as engorged vasa recta, enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, fibrofatty proliferation, fistulas, and abscesses. In addition, avascular necrosis of the femoral head as a complication of long‐term steroid treatment was also depicted. The intraobserver agreement was almost perfect (κ = 0.83; p < 0.001), and the interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.65; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

MR enterography is a clinically useful tool for evaluating extraluminal manifestations of Crohn's disease with good intraobserver and interobserver agreement.
Social networking sites and mental health problems in adolescents: The mediating role of cyberbullying victimization
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga H. , Hamilton H.A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Previous research has suggested an association between the use of social networking sites (SNSs) and mental health problems such as psychological distress, suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents. However, little is known about the factors that might mediate these relationships. The present study examined the link between the use of social networking sites and psychological distress, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and tested the mediating role of cyberbullying victimization on these associations in adolescents.

Methods

The sample consisted of a group of 11-to-20-year-old individuals (n = 5126, 48% females; mean ± SD age: 15.2 ± 1.9 years) who completed the mental health portion of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) in 2013. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to test the mediation models.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, subjective socioeconomic status (SES), and parental education, use of SNSs was associated with psychological distress (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 2.03, 1.22–3.37), suicidal ideation (3.44, 1.54–7.66) and attempts (5.10, 1.45–17.88). Cyberbullying victimization was found to fully mediate the relationships between the use of SNSs with psychological distress and attempts; whereas, it partially mediated the link between the use of SNSs and suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Findings provide supporting evidence that addressing cyberbullying victimization and the use of SNSs among adolescents may help reduce the risk of mental health problems.
Kinetic analysis of gluconate phosphorylation by human gluconokinase using isothermal titration calorimetry
Authors: Rohatgi Neha , Guðmundsson Steinn , Rolfsson Óttar
Published: October 2015

Gluconate is a commonly encountered nutrient, which is degraded by the enzyme gluconokinase to generate 6‐phosphogluconate. Here we used isothermal titration calorimetry to study the properties of this reaction. ΔH, K
M and k
cat are reported along with substrate binding data. We propose that the reaction follows a ternary complex mechanism, with ATP binding first. The reaction is inhibited by gluconate, as it binds to an Enzyme–ADP complex forming a dead‐end complex. The study exemplifies that ITC can be used to determine mechanisms of enzyme catalyzed reactions, for which it is currently not commonly applied.
Arrhythmia management after device removal
Authors: Nishii Nobuhiro
Published: October 2015

Arrhythmic management is needed after removal of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Patients completely dependent on CIEDs need temporary device back‐up until new CIEDs are implanted. Various methods are available for device back‐up, and the appropriate management varies among patients. The duration from CIED removal to implantation of a new CIED also differs among patients. Temporary pacing is needed for patients with bradycardia, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) or catheter ablation is needed for patients with tachyarrhythmia, and sequential pacing is needed for patients dependent on cardiac resynchronization therapy. The present review focuses on arrhythmic management after CIED removal.
Functional Outcomes and Unplanned Transfers of Pediatric Patients With Central Neurological Impairments Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation Care With Cancer and Noncancer Diagnoses
Authors: Tsao Elaine , Bjornson Kristie , Christensen Ana , Apkon Susan
Published: October 2015

Background

Functional impairments from central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction experienced by pediatric patients with cancer diagnoses are well documented. However, little is known of these patients' functional outcomes and potential complications while receiving inpatient rehabilitation services.

Objective

To compare functional outcomes and unplanned transfer rates of pediatric patients with impairments associated with CNS dysfunction between those with primary cancer diagnoses and noncancer diagnoses while receiving inpatient rehabilitation care.

Design

Retrospective comparison cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation unit within a regional tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Participants

Patients with CNS‐based functional impairments with primary cancer diagnoses (n = 107) and noncancer diagnoses (n = 480), admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit between January 1, 2005 and April 1, 2012, who were aged 1 to 20 years at time of admission.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) reflecting functional status was collected at admission and discharge with change score and WeeFIM efficiency calculated. Length of stay on the rehabilitation unit and unplanned transfer rates were also collected.

Results

No significant difference in total WeeFIM scores at admission was found between cancer and noncancer groups. Both groups had significant increases in WeeFIM scores at discharge (P < .001). The noncancer group had significantly higher WeeFIM change in self‐care (P = .001), mobility (P = .009), and total score (P = .004) and had a greater length of stay (P < .001). A comparison of WeeFIM efficiency in all domains revealed no significant difference between cancer and noncancer groups. There was also no significant between‐group difference in unplanned transfer rates.

Conclusions

Children with CNS‐based functional impairments with cancer and noncancer diagnoses made functional gains with similar WeeFIM efficiencies after undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. However, patients with noncancer diagnoses made greater gains in self care, mobility, and total scores with longer stays on the rehabilitation service. No significant difference was found in unplanned transfer rates between cancer and noncancer groups for acute medical care.
Autonomous Motivation and Pro-Environmental Behaviours Among Bedouin Students in Israel: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Kaplan Haya , Madjar Nir
Published: October 2015

Promoting pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) among students is a major concern for educators. The present article presents an educational program based on a self-determination theory framework (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) and a study demonstrating that working according to the theoretical principles presented in the program leads to the desired outcomes. The primary aim of the study was to test whether a hypothesised model in which autonomy support by students’ parents and moderators in a large-scale intervention program would be associated with autonomous motivation, which would in turn lead to PEBs, over and above the contributions of the students’ self-perceived competence and relatedness. The participants were 102 Bedouin high-school students (Grades 8 to 10) sampled from a cultural background characterised by a collectivist-hierarchical society in Israel. The results, based on structural equation modelling, indicated that moderators and parental autonomy support, as well as self-perceived relatedness and competence, were associated with students’ autonomous motivation, which in turn was associated with pro-environmental behaviours (including cleaning behaviours, activism, and preserving behaviours). The study supported the hypothesised model and demonstrated that SDT can be utilised as a theoretical framework for educational programs aimed at improving students’ self-determined PEBs.
TRANSFERENCE FOR THE ERDŐS–KO–RADO THEOREM
Authors: BALOGH JÓZSEF , BOLLOBÁS BÉLA , NARAYANAN BHARGAV P.
Published: October 2015

For natural numbers$n,r\in \mathbb{N}$with$n\geqslant r$, the Kneser graph$K(n,r)$is the graph on the family of$r$-element subsets of$\{1,\ldots ,n\}$in which two sets are adjacent if and only if they are disjoint. Delete the edges of$K(n,r)$with some probability, independently of each other: is the independence number of this random graph equal to the independence number of the Kneser graph itself? We shall answer this question affirmatively as long as$r/n$is bounded away from$1/2$, even when the probability of retaining an edge of the Kneser graph is quite small. This gives us a random analogue of the Erdős–Ko–Rado theorem, since an independent set in the Kneser graph is the same as a uniform intersecting family. To prove our main result, we give some new estimates for the number of disjoint pairs in a family in terms of its distance from an intersecting family; these might be of independent interest.
Simulation of the blooming phenomenon in forced circular jets
Authors: Gohil Trushar B. , Saha Arun K. , Muralidhar K.
Published: October 2015

The bifurcation and the blooming of jets have been numerically investigated at moderate Reynolds numbers. The study is motivated by a review article of Reynolds et al. (Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech., vol. 35, 2003, pp. 295–315) in which flow visualization images of jet blooming have been discussed, when the flow is subjected to inflow perturbations. Dual-mode perturbation, a combination of axisymmetric and helical excitations, has been used at the inflow plane to control the jet structures. In addition to the excitation frequency ratio, the effects of small-scale perturbation, excitation amplitude and initial momentum thickness have been examined. Results obtained at a Reynolds number of 2000 show that the number of branches formed in the blooming jet is strongly dependent on the excitation frequency ratio. For frequency ratios of 2, 2.5, 2.25, 2.4 and 2.22, the number of branches seen is 2, 5, 9, 12 and 20 respectively. In a blooming jet, the offset angle lies in the range 140°–180°. An equal number of branches is seen in the time-averaged flow field as well. The range of excitation frequency of the axisymmetric mode of perturbation is found to be $0.45<\mathit{St}_{D}<0.525$, with an excitation frequency ratio range of $2<R_{f}<2.6$, for which blooming jets are formed. The role of inlet shear layer thickness is less important as far as the blooming jet is concerned, while increasing excitation amplitude increases entrainment. Time-averaged data show that the blooming patterns persist in time, showing a substantial increase in spreading and entrainment.
Director Histories and the Pattern of Acquisitions
Authors: Rousseau Peter L. , Stroup Caleb
Published: October 2015

We trace directors through time and across firms to study whether acquirers’ access to nonpublic information about potential targets via their directors’ past board service histories affects the market for corporate control. In a sample of publicly traded U.S. firms, we find acquirers about 4.5 times more likely to buy firms where their directors once served. Effects are stronger when the acquirer has better corporate governance, the interlocked director has a larger ownership stake at the acquirer, or the director played an important role during past service. The findings are robust to endogeneity of board composition and controls for contemporaneous interfirm interlocks.