bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Development Trend of Electronic Commerce Research: 2000 to 2016
Authors: Yang Yann-Jy , Wang Chih-Chien , Chen Chien-Chang
Published: August 2017

The current study aims to identify the recent research trend of electronic commerce research and report theoretical background used in the electronic commerce research articles. By searching the five electronic commerce research journals, including Electronic Commerce Research, Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, and Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research listed in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) database in a seventeen years period between January 2000 and December 2016, we found 1,205 electronic commerce research articles. By analyzing these articles, the current study maps the trend and reveals the highly influence research article. The current study also reveals theories that used in the electronic commerce research articles. The results provide fundamental insights on the recent research of electronic commerce.

Keywords: Bibliometric, Literature Review, Electronic Commerce, Social Science Citation Index, SSCI

To cite this document: Yann-Jy Yang, Chih-Chien Wang, and Chien-Chang Chen, "Recent Development Trend of Electronic Commerce Research: 2000 to 2016", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 131-142, 2017.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.17824
Effect of heterogeneity and shape on optical properties of urban dust based on three‐dimensional modeling of individual particles
Authors: Conny Joseph M. , Ortiz‐Montalvo Diana L.
Published: August 2017

We show the effect of composition heterogeneity and shape on the optical properties of urban dust particles based on the three‐dimensional spatial and optical modeling of individual particles. Using scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and focused ion beam (FIB) tomography, spatial models of particles collected in Los Angeles and Seattle accounted for surface features, inclusions, and voids, as well as overall composition and shape. Using voxel data from the spatial models and the discrete dipole approximation method, we report extinction efficiency, asymmetry parameter, and single‐scattering albedo (SSA). Test models of the particles involved (1) the particle's actual morphology as a single homogeneous phase and (2) simple geometric shapes (spheres, cubes, and tetrahedra) depicting composition homogeneity or heterogeneity (with multiple spheres). Test models were compared with a reference model, which included the particle's actual morphology and heterogeneity based on SEM/EDX and FIB tomography. Results show particle shape to be a more important factor for determining extinction efficiency than accounting for individual phases in a particle, regardless of whether absorption or scattering dominated. In addition to homogeneous models with the particles' actual morphology, tetrahedral geometric models provided better extinction accuracy than spherical or cubic models. For iron‐containing heterogeneous particles, the asymmetry parameter and SSA varied with the composition of the iron‐containing phase, even if the phase was <10% of the particle volume. For particles containing loosely held phases with widely varying refractive indexes (i.e., exhibiting “severe” heterogeneity), only models that account for heterogeneity may sufficiently determine SSA.
An investigation of the implications of lunar illumination spectral changes for Day/Night Band‐based cloud property retrieval due to lunar phase transition
Authors: Min Min , Deng Jianbo , Liu Chao , Guo Jianping , Lu Naimeng , Hu Xiuqing , Chen Lin , Zhang Peng , Lu Qifeng , Wang Ling
Published: August 2017

The Moon reflects sunlight like a huge mirror hanging in the sky at night, which presents the obviously periodical changes in its luminance or irradiance due to Sun‐Earth‐Moon geometry variation. The potential effect of the periodical changes in lunar phase angle on nighttime Day/Night Band (DNB) radiative transfer simulation in the presence of cloud has seldom been reported thus far. In this study, a radiative transfer model is developed by coupling the lunar light source with various Sun‐Earth‐Moon geometries. To elucidate the stability of DNB‐averaged cloud bulk scattering properties, we simulate nighttime reflectance and radiances under four typical lunar phase angles (0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°) from 7 April 2016 to 8 May 2016 (e.g., two lunar cycles). Explicit simulation analyses indicated that DNB‐averaged cloud bulk scattering properties exhibit weak sensitivity to lunar phase angles. The maximum DNB reflectance differences between any and 90° lunar phase angles are less than 0.05% (0.01%) in the presence of water (ice) clouds, indicating a negligible effect of periodically changes on lunar spectral irradiances. Our findings suggest that the differences of reflectance at lunar phase angle = 90° are less than approximately 0.05% (water cloud)/0.01% (ice cloud), much smaller than 11% radiometric calibration uncertainties of DNB. This means that these differences could be ignored in both nighttime cloud property retrieval and DNB radiative transfer modeling.
The influence of topography on midlatitude cyclones on Australia's east coast
Authors: Pepler Acacia S. , Alexander Lisa V. , Evans Jason P. , Sherwood Steven C.
Published: August 2017

The east coast of Australia has a relatively high frequency of midlatitude cyclones, locally known as East Coast Lows (ECLs), which can cause severe weather including widespread flooding and coastal erosion. The elevated topography close to the east coast has been hypothesized to play a role in both the genesis and impacts of cyclones in this region, but existing studies have been limited to case studies of individual events. In this paper we present the results from two 20 year simulations over the Australian region using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and assess the results from removing all topography in the region on both mean atmospheric circulation and ECL frequency. Removing topography results in an increase in sea level pressure to the south of Australia and an increase in moisture flux convergence and rainfall near the east coast, as well as a decrease in potential vorticity to the north of the ECL region. This results in a change in the spatial distribution of cyclones, with a 37% decrease in the frequency of cyclones that develop to the south of the ECL region but a 20% increase in cyclones near the east coast. This results in little overall change in the frequency of ECLs and suggests that coarse topography is unlikely to be responsible for the difficulties in simulating coastal cyclones in global climate models.
Language and migration: theoretical perspectives
Authors: Edwards John
Published: August 2017

While minority groups can be considered under two broad headings – indigenous and immigrant – the distinction between them is not as clear as might first be imagined. Consider the Tamils of Sri Lanka: some came to the island 1,000 years ago, others moved there in the mid‐19th century. Are some indigenous and some not? How will we regard the apparently permanent Gastarbeiter in Europe 500 years hence? Are the Welsh and Bretons truly indigenous in the lands they now occupy? Were they not historical interlopers in their turn?
A Visible‐Light‐Driven, Metal‐free Route to Aromatic Amides via Radical Arylation of Isonitriles
Authors: Malacarne Marco , Protti Stefano , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: August 2017

The photochemical metal‐free carboamidation of aryl radicals has been exploited for the preparation of aromatic amides, including hetero‐ and polyaromatic derivatives, under visible light irradiation of arylazo sulfones in the presence of isocyanides in aqueous acetonitrile. The process was useful for the smooth preparation of the antidepressant moclobemide.

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Theoretical Studies of Allene Synthesis through Cadmium Iodide‐Mediated Allenylation of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Han Yulin , Zhang Xue
Published: August 2017

The cadmium iodide‐mediated reaction between an amine and two molecules of terminal alkynes for the synthesis of allenes has been investigated by using DFT calculations. On the basis of these calculations, a plausible mechanism has been proposed. The results also reveal that pyrrolidine serves not only as a reactant but also as a shuttle in a proton relay.
Platinum Nanoparticle Impacts at a Liquid|Liquid Interface
Authors: Stockmann T. Jane , Angelé Léo , Brasiliense Vitor , Combellas Catherine , Kanoufi Frédéric
Published: August 2017

Single nanoparticle (NP) electrochemistry detection at a micro liquid|liquid interface (LLI) is exploited using the catalyzed oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this way, current spikes reminiscent of nanoimpacts were recorded, which corresponded to electrocatalytic enhancement of the ORR by Pt NPs. The nature of the LLI allows exploration of new phenomena in single NP electrochemistry. The recorded impacts result from a bipolar reaction occurring at the Pt NP straddling the LLI. O2 reduction takes place in the aqueous phase, while ferrocene hydride (Fc‐H+; a complex generated upon facilitated interfacial proton transfer by Fc) is oxidized in the organic phase. Ultimately, the role of reactant partitioning, NP bouncing, or the ability of NPs to induce Marangoni effects, is demonstrated.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Isonicotinic Carboxamide Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Hyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Abu Farha Rana , Bustanji Yasser , Al‐Hiari Yusuf , Bardaweel Sanaa , Al‐Qirim Tariq , Abu Sheikha Ghassan , Albashiti Rabab
Published: August 2017

Hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress have been implicated as contributing factors to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Currently, a large number of antihyperlipidemic medications are conveniently available in the market. Nonetheless, the majority of antihyperlipidemics lack the desired safety and efficacy. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential effect of novel N‐(benzoylphenyl)pyridine‐4‐carboxamide and N‐(9,10‐dioxo‐9,10‐dihydroanthracenyl)pyridine‐4‐carboxamide derivatives in controlling hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress using the Triton WR‐1339‐induced hyperlipidemic rat model for antihyperlipidemic activity and the DPPH radical scavenging assay for antioxidant activity. This study revealed the antihyperlipidemic activities of some of the newly synthesized, novel carboxamide derivatives, mainly C4 and C12 (p < 0.05). The majority of the compounds displayed a relatively low or no DPPH radical scavenging effect, with C20 possessing the best radical scavenging effect (22%) among all. This research opens the door for new potential antihyperlipidemic compounds derived from isonicotinic acid. N‐(3‐Benzoylphenyl)pyridine‐4‐carboxamide (C4) was found to have promising lipid‐lowering and antioxidant effects, which may create a protective effect against CVDs, by reducing the LDL‐C levels and diminishing the generation of reactive oxygen species.
Consensus of Fractional Multi‐Agent Systems Using Distributed Adaptive Protocols
Authors: Ren Guojian , Yu Yongguang
Published: August 2017

This paper is concerned with the adaptive consensus problem of fractional multi‐agent systems for both the linear and nonlinear cases. Distributed adaptive protocols are designed, respectively, for linear and nonlinear fractional multi‐agent systems, under which consensus is achieved for any undirected connected communication graph without using any global information. Furthermore, the leader‐following problem is studied as an extension. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Kinetic Study on Quinuclidinolysis of O‐Phenyl O‐Y‐substituted‐Phenyl Thionocarbonates: Effects of Changing Nonleaving Group from Thionobenzoyl to Phenyloxythionocarbonyl on Reactivity and Transition‐State Structure
Authors: Koh Han‐Joong , Um Ik‐Hwan
Published: August 2017

Second‐order rate constants (kquin) for reactions of O‐3,4‐dinitrophenyl O‐phenyl thionocarbonate (2a) with a series of quinuclidine derivatives and for those of O‐phenyl O‐Y‐substituted‐phenyl thionocarbonates (2a–2h) with quinuclidine in 80 mol % H2O/20 mol % DMSO at 25.0 ± 0.1°C are reported. Comparison of the kquin values in this study with those reported previously for the corresponding reactions of O‐3,4‐dinitrophenyl thionobenzoate (1a) and O‐Y‐substituted‐phenyl thionobenzoates (1a–1j) has revealed that 2a is more reactive than 1a toward all the quinuclidine derivatives studied, while the thionocarbonate esters possessing a weak electron‐withdrawing group in the leaving group (e.g., 2g and 2h) are less reactive than the corresponding thionobenzoate esters (e.g., 1g and 1h) toward quinuclidine. The Brønsted‐type plots for the reactions of 2a with quinuclidine derivatives and for those of 2a–2h with quinuclidine are linear with βnuc = 0.67 and βlg = −0.85, respectively, indicating that the reactions proceed through a concerted mechanism with a loose transition state (TS). This is in contrast to the report that the corresponding reactions of 1a–1j proceed through a forced concerted mechanism with a tight TS on the basis of the linear Brønsted‐type plots with βnuc = 0.89 and βlg = −0.37. Factors that control the reactivity of these esters toward quinuclidine are discussed in detail.
Lithium Recovery from Challenging Deposits: Zinnwaldite and Magnesium‐Rich Salt Lake Brines
Authors: Bertau Martin , Voigt Wolfgang , Schneider Anke , Martin Gunther
Published: August 2017

Lithium can be found in its bound form in silicatic rocks and dissolved in salt lake brines. Both types of lithium resources, whose amounts exceed the expected demand for lithium by several times, are used for lithium recovery. The known lithium resources and their geochemical characteristics are reviewed together with the presently applied recovery processes which are still very similar to the historically early techniques. New processes for direct carbonization of zinnwaldite, hydrochloric and oxalic acid leaching as well as a new method for the recovery of lithium from magnesium‐rich brines are presented.
New D.A.R.E., police facilitate decision‐making skills to prevent drug use
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2017

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), the school‐based substance use prevention program delivered by police officers, has quietly changed into a completely different curriculum. Instead of spending 45 minutes lecturing students about drugs — which has proven to be counterproductive, resulting in increasing, rather than decreasing, drug use — the police officers are now showing them videos of various situations and encouraging the students to break out into small groups to talk about how they would respond.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Authors: Fritz Gregory K.
Published: August 2017

In the past several months, I've had the opportunity to learn more about the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), due to the fact that I accepted an invitation to join their advisory board. Previously, I had been generally aware of the organization's existence and activities, but my recent immersion has led me to conclude that, when it comes to children's mental health, the NCTSN is a national treasure. I want to share some of what I've learned with CABL readers.
Extrarenal pelvis mimicking hydronephrosis: a case for caution
Authors: Koratala Abhilash , Bhattacharya Deepti
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Extrarenal pelvis is an anatomical variant that appears as a large hypoechoic mass just outside the renal sinus and can be confused with hydronephrosis, especially on a point‐of‐care renal ultrasound. Unlike hydronephrosis, it is not associated with dilated calyces, parenchymal thinning, hydroureter, or enlarged kidney per se.
Rational Design Rules for Molecular Water Oxidation Catalysts based on Scaling Relationships
Authors: Hessels Joeri , Detz Remko J. , Koper Marc T. M. , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: August 2017

Lowering the overpotential required for water oxidation is of paramount importance for the efficient production of carbon‐neutral fuels. This article highlights the intrinsic influence of the water oxidation mechanism used by molecular catalysts on the theoretically achievable minimal overpotential, based on scaling relationships typically used for heterogeneous catalysts. Due to such scaling relationships, catalysts that operate through the water nucleophilic attack mechanism have a fundamental minimal overpotential of about 0.3 V, whereas those that follow the dinuclear radical oxo coupling mechanism should in principle be able to operate with a lower overpotential. Therefore, it is recommended to design catalysts operating through the latter mechanism to achieve very efficient water oxidation systems.
Conjugated Gold–Porphyrin Monolayers Assembled on Inorganic Surfaces
Authors: Contino Annalinda , Maccarrone Giuseppe , Fragalà Maria E. , Spitaleri Luca , Gulino Antonino
Published: August 2017

Gold nanoparticles show important properties owing to their electronic structures. A limitation of some gold nanoparticles is that they either show surface plasmons or luminescence. The increase in size of the gold nanoparticles, and the appearance of the surface plasmons may result in the disappearance of luminescence. The aim of our study is the nanoscale assembly of Au nanoparticles on a monolayer of porphyrin molecules anchored to functionalized inorganic surfaces. This functional architecture not only exhibits a strong surface plasmon due to the gold nanoparticles, but also a strong luminescence signal from the porphyrin molecules. Finally we observed a long‐range order in the Au nanoparticles conjugated to the porphyrin monolayer.
C−H Bond Functionalization by Mechanochemistry
Authors: Hernández José G.
Published: August 2017

The advances made in the mechanosynthesis of inorganic and organometallic complexes and the excellent past developments with metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions by high‐speed ball milling have sufficienly laid the ground work for the merging of C−H functionalization and mechanochemical techniques. In recent years, the fast development of mechanochemical C−H activation have given us examples of metal‐catalyzed olefinations, amidations, halogenations, and oxidative couplings, among others. This concept article will describe some of the events that led to the development of mechanochemical C−H activation, the current state‐of‐the‐art, the present challenges of this merge, and some unique scenarios in which mechanochemistry could complement the traditional solution‐based approaches.
Ecohydrological index, native fish, and climate trends and relationships in the Kansas River basin
Authors: Sinnathamby Sumathy , Douglas‐Mankin Kyle R. , Muche Muluken E. , Hutchinson Stacy L. , Anandhi Aavudai
Published: August 2017

This study quantified climatological and hydrological trends and relationships to presence and distribution of 2 native aquatic species in the Kansas River basin over the past half century. Trend analyses were applied to indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHAs) at 34 streamgages over a 50‐year period (1962–2012). Results showed a significant negative trend in annual streamflow for 10 of 12 western streamgages (up to −7.65 mm/50 years) and smaller negative trends for most other streamgages. Significant negative trends in western basin streamflow were more widespread in summer (12 stations) than in winter or spring (6 stations). The negative‐trend magnitude and significance decreased from west to east for maximum‐flow IHAs. Minimum‐flow IHAs, however, significantly decreased at High Plains streamgages but significantly increased at Central Great Plains streamgages. Number of zero‐flow days showed positive trends in the High Plains. Most streamgages showed negative trends in low‐ and high‐flow pulse frequency and high‐flow pulse duration, and positive trends in low‐flow pulse duration. These results were consistent with increasing occurrence of drought. Shift in occurrence from present (1860–1950) to absent (2000–2012) was significantly related (p < .10) to negative trends of 1‐day maximum flows (both species) and indices associated with reduced spawning‐season flows for Plains Minnow and shifting annual‐flow timing and increased flow intermittency for Common Shiner. Both species were absent for all western basin sites and had different responses to hydrological index trends at eastern basin sites. These results demonstrate ecohydrological index changes impact distributions of native fish and suggest target factors for assessment or restoration activities.
A flexible method to determine the sensitive physical parameter combination for soil carbon under five plant types
Authors: Sun Guodong , Mu Mu
Published: August 2017

Model parameter errors are a critical source of uncertainty in simulations of soil carbon. It is important to determine which parameter errors should be reduced to improve the simulation ability of soil carbon. It is essential to determine the most sensitive parameter combination. In this study, a new flexible approach is employed to identify the most sensitive parameter combination based on the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation related to parameter (CNOP‐P) using the Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena model. The CNOP‐P is a type of parameter error that triggers the upper bound of uncertainty in a numerical simulation and prediction, for which a nonlinear effect can be reported. To compare the sensitivity of parameter combinations, the one‐at‐a‐time (OAT) approach is also applied to determine the sensitivity of each parameter. Using the CNOP‐P approach, parameter errors can really cause large simulation errors for soil carbon throughout an entire study region (2674.69 g C/m2). Results show the most sensitive parameter combinations of soil carbon are different for five plant functional types (PFTs). For all cases, fair (fraction of decomposed litter emitted as CO2 to the atmosphere) and (fraction of soil‐bound decomposed litter entering intermediate soil carbon pool) comprise the most sensitive parameter combination for boreal needle‐leaved evergreen trees, boreal needle‐leaved summergreen trees, temperate broadleaved summergreen trees, temperate broadleaved evergreen trees, and C3 perennial grass. For C3 perennial grass under semi‐arid conditions, the hydrology process is also critical in the uncertainty of simulated soil carbon. The most sensitive parameter combination using the new flexible approach is different to that of the top rank of sensitivity of each parameter when employing the CNOP‐P and OAT methods, which implies that a nonlinear effect of the parameter combination is crucial for determining the sensitive parameter combination. The sensitivity of the parameter combination is dependent on the PFTs and climate condition. Among factors causing the uncertainty of simulated soil carbon, the fast‐decomposing soil carbon pool plays the main contribution. It is considered that the physical process involved in the fast‐decomposing soil carbon pool needs to be improved as a priority compared to other physical processes to enhance the simulation ability of soil carbon.
Macroevolutionary constraints to tolerance: trade‐offs with drought tolerance and phenology, but not resistance
Authors: Pearse Ian S. , Aguilar Jessica , Schroder John , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: August 2017

Plant tolerance of herbivory, i.e., the ability to recover after damage, is an important component of how plants cope with herbivores. Tolerance has long been hypothesized to be constrained evolutionarily by plant resistance to herbivores, traits that allow plants to cope with stressful growing conditions, and traits that influence the timing of damage in relation to reproduction. Variation in tolerance and resistance can be caused by differences in the identity of the plant (e.g., genotype, species, clade) and by the context of the herbivore threat (e.g., identity of the herbivore, type of damage it causes, abiotic conditions in which the plant is growing). To date, the vast majority of studies have explored trade‐offs with tolerance within species. Here, we test hypotheses of constraints on tolerance using comparative approaches in a clade of mustards, emphasizing the variety of contexts in which damage is realistically tolerated. We estimated tolerance to leaf damage, tolerance to apical clipping at the bolting stage – simulating browsing –, and resistance to a specialist and generalist lepidopteran herbivore for a group of native mustards, grown in field soils unique to each population and in a common potting soil. Resistance to herbivores was soil dependent, while surprisingly, tolerance was not. Phylogenetic signal in resistance to specialist and generalist lepidopteran herbivores was present, but only when plants were grown in field soils. Tolerance had low phylogenetic signal. Tolerance to leaf damage was unrelated to tolerance to simulated browse. We found no evidence for a resistance‐tolerance trade‐off, and some evidence for a soil‐dependent positive correlation between tolerance and resistance to both herbivores. Drought‐tolerant species had poorer ability to tolerate browse damage, and earlier flowering species tended to be less tolerant to leaf damage. Our results suggest that tolerance trades off with traits that allow mostly annual, monocarpic Streptanthus (s.l.) to persist in drought‐prone conditions but is largely unrelated to resistance to herbivores. Our study highlights a need for a new framework for tolerance to herbivory that explicitly acknowledges that the relationship among tolerance, resistance, and traits that ameliorate abiotic stress.
HPTLC methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected furocoumarins in essential oils
Authors: Le Borgne Erell , Cicchetti Esméralda , Bertrand Thomas
Published: August 2017

The concentration of furocoumarins, known to induce mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and photodermatitis under UV radiation, is limited by the EU cosmetic regulation in consumer products such as cosmetics, sun protection and bronzing formulations. The bergapten concentration is also limited by the International Fragrance Association. Analytical methods have been proposed for their quantification using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV detection or mass spectrometry with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) in accordance with the regulation. These methods are time and solvent consuming for routine quality control analyses. In this context, simple and fast HPLC methods in one‐ (1‐D) and two‐ (2‐D) dimensions were developed for the simultaneous analysis of the 15 most common furocoumarins reported in Citrus essential oils: psoralen, bergapten, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin, oxypeucedanin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, byakangelicol, byakangelicin, heraclenin, 8‐geranyloxypsoralen, bergamottin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, epoxybergamottin along with five other furocoumarins known to be present in Angelica, bergamot or Heracleum species: angelicin, bergaptol, isobergapten, psora‐4 and 5‐(4‐phenoxybutoxy)psoralen. The 1‐D method was validated for the quantification of bergapten using a Camag TLC Scanner as a detector. The LOD was determined at 2 mg/kg. The method was linear from 2 to 100 mg/kg and the method range was defined using accuracy profiles at with an 80% tolerance interval, with a 30% error, to be 5–100 mg/kg in acetonitrile and 13–100 mg/kg in matrix.
Crustal and upper mantle structure beneath the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea from Rayleigh‐wave analysis
Authors: Corchete Victor
Published: August 2017

The elastic structure beneath the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea is presented in this paper by means of S‐velocity maps, for depths ranging from 0 to 350 km, determined from Rayleigh‐wave analysis. The S‐velocity mapping, for the depth range from 0 to 5 km, shows clearly the distribution of sedimentary basins of the study area. For the depth range from 5 to 35 km, the higher S‐velocity values are associated to the areas in which the crust is thinner (oceanic crust). For the Caribbean Plate, which consists of the Venezuelan and Colombian basins separated by the Beata Ridge, a differentiation between both basins is possible in terms of S‐velocity. The thickening of the Caribbean crust (observed in the southern part of the study area), due to the Caribbean–South America plate interactions, is confirmed by the S‐velocity mapping; thickened crust is characterized by S‐velocities lower than those for the upper mantle. For depths greater than 35 km, the S‐velocity presents its higher values at the older regions of the study area, while the younger or active regions are imaged with low S‐velocity. Finally, a new and very interesting feature presented in this study is the location and thickness of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system. On the other hand, this study provides the mapping necessary to locate the deep geologic structures, present in the study area, which tectonic and geologic evolution is wished to determine, allowing also to know the nature and type of the crust and upper‐mantle structure beneath this area. Once this knowledge is reached, an evolutionary model can be developed. This study is especially interesting for areas in the Gulf of Mexico that are hidden beneath near‐opaque, complex, and extensive allochthonous salt bodies, which make it difficult to use other seismic exploration techniques such as seismic refraction or reflection techniques.
Siglec‐H is a microglia‐specific marker that discriminates microglia from CNS‐associated macrophages and CNS‐infiltrating monocytes
Authors: Konishi Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Masaaki , Kunisawa Taikan , Imai Kenta , Sayo Akira , Malissen Bernard , Crocker Paul R. , Sato Katsuaki , Kiyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Several types of myeloid cell are resident in the CNS. In the steady state, microglia are present in the CNS parenchyma, whereas macrophages reside in boundary regions of the CNS, such as perivascular spaces, the meninges and choroid plexus. In addition, monocytes infiltrate into the CNS parenchyma from circulation upon blood–brain barrier breakdown after CNS injury and inflammation. Although several markers, such as CD11b and ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), are frequently used as microglial markers, they are also expressed by other types of myeloid cell and microglia‐specific markers were not defined until recently. Previous transcriptome analyses of isolated microglia identified a transmembrane lectin, sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin H (Siglec‐H), as a molecular signature for microglia; however, this was not confirmed by histological studies in the nervous system and the reliability of Siglec‐H as a microglial marker remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Siglec‐H is an authentic marker for microglia in mice by immunohistochemistry using a Siglec‐H‐specific antibody. Siglec‐H was expressed by parenchymal microglia from developmental stages to adulthood, and the expression was maintained in activated microglia under injury or inflammatory condition. However, Siglec‐H expression was absent from CNS‐associated macrophages and CNS‐infiltrating monocytes, except for a minor subset of cells. We also show that the Siglech gene locus is a feasible site for specific targeting of microglia in the nervous system. In conclusion, Siglec‐H is a reliable marker for microglia that will allow histological identification of microglia and microglia‐specific gene manipulation in the nervous system.
Investigation of the Reaction of In Situ Prepared Dithiocarbamic Acids with Itaconic Anhydride in Water
Authors: Halimehjani Azim Ziyaei , Nosood Yazdanbakhsh Lotfi
Published: August 2017

An environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of 2‐(3‐alkyl‐4‐oxo‐2‐thioxo‐1,3‐thiazinan‐5‐yl)acetic acid via the one‐pot three‐component reaction of primary amines, carbon disulfide, and itaconic anhydride in water is described. Also, this protocol was expanded for the synthesis of succinic acids containing a dithiocarbamate group by using hindered primary amines and secondary amines.
Sickle cell trait knowledge and health literacy in caregivers who receive in‐person sickle cell trait education
Authors: Creary Susan , Adan Ismahan , Stanek Joseph , O'Brien Sarah H. , Chisolm Deena J. , Jeffries Tanica , Zajo Kristin , Varga Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

Background

Despite universal screening that detects sickle cell trait (SCT) in infancy, only 16% of Americans with SCT know their status. To increase SCT status awareness, effective education for patients and their families is needed. The objective of this study was to assess caregivers’ SCT knowledge before and after an in‐person SCT education session.

Methods

A trained educator provides in‐person SCT education to caregivers of referred infants with SCT at Nationwide Children's Hospital. From August 2015 to July 2016, primarily English‐speaking caregivers of infants with hemoglobin S‐trait were recruited and completed a health literacy assessment and a SCT knowledge assessment (SCTKA) before and after receiving education. Caregivers repeated the SCTKA again after ≥6 months, if they could be contacted.

Results

Thirty‐eight (38.1%) percent of 113 caregivers had high SCTKA scores (≥75%) before education but 90.3% achieved high scores after education. Caregivers with low SCTKA scores after education had significantly lower health literacy (P = 0.029) and baseline SCTKA scores (P = 0.003) compared to those with higher scores after education. At ≥6 months, caregivers’ scores were significantly higher (P = 0.014) than baseline, but only 73.3% scored ≥75%.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that caregivers’ baseline SCT knowledge is low, improves with in‐person education but may decline with time. Caregivers who do not achieve high SCT knowledge after education had lower health literacy and baseline knowledge. Future studies should determine if adapting in‐person education to caregivers’ health literacy and knowledge levels results in high and sustained SCT knowledge among all caregivers and more individuals who know their SCT status.
Online dose reconstruction for tracked volumetric arc therapy: Real‐time implementation and offline quality assurance for prostate SBRT
Authors: Kamerling Cornelis Ph. , Fast Martin F. , Ziegenhein Peter , Menten Martin J. , Nill Simeon , Oelfke Uwe
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Firstly, this study provides a real‐time implementation of online dose reconstruction for tracked volumetric arc therapy (VMAT). Secondly, this study describes a novel offline quality assurance tool, based on commercial dose calculation algorithms.

Methods

Online dose reconstruction for VMAT is a computationally challenging task in terms of computer memory usage and calculation speed. To potentially reduce the amount of memory used, we analyzed the impact of beam angle sampling for dose calculation on the accuracy of the dose distribution. To establish the performance of the method, we planned two single‐arc VMAT prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy cases for delivery with dynamic MLC tracking. For quality assurance of our online dose reconstruction method we have also developed a stand‐alone offline dose reconstruction tool, which utilizes the RayStation treatment planning system to calculate dose.

Results

For the online reconstructed dose distributions of the tracked deliveries, we could establish strong resemblance for 72 and 36 beam co‐planar equidistant beam samples with less than 1.2% deviation for the assessed dose‐volume indicators (clinical target volume D98 and D2, and rectum D2). We could achieve average runtimes of 28–31 ms per reported MLC aperture for both dose computation and accumulation, meeting our real‐time requirement. To cross‐validate the offline tool, we have compared the planned dose to the offline reconstructed dose for static deliveries and found excellent agreement (3%/3 mm global gamma passing rates of 99.8%–100%).

Conclusion

Being able to reconstruct dose during delivery enables online quality assurance and online replanning strategies for VMAT. The offline quality assurance tool provides the means to validate novel online dose reconstruction applications using a commercial dose calculation engine.
Real‐time tomosynthesis for radiation therapy guidance
Authors: Hsieh Scott S. , Ng Lydia W.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Fluoroscopy has been a tool of choice for monitoring treatments or interventions because of its extremely fast imaging times. However, the contrast obtained in fluoroscopy may be insufficient for certain clinical applications. In stereotactic ablative radiation therapy of the lung, fluoroscopy often lacks sufficient contrast for gating treatment. The purpose of this work is to describe and assess a real‐time tomosynthesis design that can produce sufficient contrast for guidance of lung tumor treatment within a small field of view.

Methods

Previous tomosynthesis designs in radiation oncology have temporal resolution on the order of seconds. The proposed system design uses parallel acquisition of multiple frames by simultaneously illuminating the field of view with multiple sources, enabling a temporal resolution of up to 30 frames per second. For a small field of view, a single flat‐panel detector could be used if different sectors of the detector are assigned to specific sources. Simulated images were generated by forward projection of existing clinical datasets. The authors varied the number of tubes and the power of each tube in order to determine the impact on tumor visualization.

Results

Visualization of the tumor was much clearer in tomosynthesis than in fluoroscopy. Contrast generally improved with the number of sources used, and a minimum of four sources should be used. The high contrast of the lung allows very low system power, and in most cases, less than 1 mA was needed. More power is required in the lateral direction than the AP direction.

Conclusions

The proposed system produces images adequate for real‐time guidance of radiation therapy. The additional hardware requirements are modest, and the system is capable of imaging at high frame rates and low dose. Further development, including a prototype system and a dosimetry study, is needed to further evaluate the feasibility of this device for radiation therapy guidance.
Validity evidence for the Chinese version Classroom Appraisal of Resources and Demands (CARD)
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Chuang , Lambert Richard , Wu Chenggang , Wen Hongbo
Published: August 2017

The Classroom Appraisal of Resources and Demands (CARD) was designed to evaluate teacher stress based on subjective evaluations of classroom demands and resources. However, the CARD has been mostly utilized in western countries. The aim of the current study was to provide aspects of the validity of responses to a Chinese version of the CARD that considers Chinese teachers’ unique vocational conditions in the classroom. A sample of 580 Chinese elementary school teachers (510 female teachers and 70 male teachers) were asked to respond to the Chinese version of the CARD. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the data fit the theoretical model very well (e.g., CFI: .982; NFI: .977; GFI: .968; SRMR: .028; RMSEA: .075; where CFI is comparative fit index, NFI is normed fit index, GFI is goodness of fit, SRMR is standardized root mean square residual, RMSEA is root mean square error of approximation), thus providing evidence of construct validity. Latent constructs of the Chinese version of the CARD were also found to be significantly associated with other measures that are related to teacher stress such as self‐efficacy, job satisfaction, personal habits to deal with stress, and intention to leave their current job.
Model‐Based Discovery and Development of Biopharmaceuticals: A Case Study of Mavrilimumab
Authors: Wang Bing , Wu Chi‐Yuan , Jin Denise , Vicini Paolo , Roskos Lorin
Published: August 2017

Drug development is a lengthy, costly process with low probability of success. Biopharmaceuticals are highly specific molecules, with efficacy and safety closely tied to target biology and pharmacology. The “learning−predicting−confirming” continuum by translational and clinical modeling and simulation (M&S) was implemented at every decision point for mavrilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody in development for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This tutorial uses mavrilimumab as an example to demonstrate rational discovery, preclinical development, clinical study design, and dose selection of biotherapeutics by M&S.
Retrofit fault‐tolerant tracking control design of an unmanned quadrotor helicopter considering actuator dynamics
Authors: Liu Zhixiang , Yuan Chi , Yu Xiang , Zhang Youmin
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a retrofit fault‐tolerant tracking control (FTTC) design method with application to an unmanned quadrotor helicopter (UQH). The proposed retrofit fault‐tolerant tracking controller is developed to accommodate loss‐of‐effectiveness faults in the actuators of UQH. First, a state feedback tracking controller acting as the normal controller is designed to guarantee the stability and satisfactory performance of UQH in the absence of actuator faults, while actuator dynamics of UQH are also considered in the controller design. Then, a retrofit control mechanism with integration of an adaptive fault estimator and an adaptive fault compensator is devised against the adverse effects of actuator faults. Next, the proposed retrofit FTTC strategy, which is synthesized by the normal controller and an additional reconfigurable fault compensating mechanism, takes over the control of the faulty UQH to asymptotically stabilize the closed‐loop system with an acceptable performance degradation in the presence of actuator faults. Finally, both numerical simulations and practical experiments are conducted in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FTTC methodology on the asymptotic convergence of tracking error for several combinations of loss‐of‐effectiveness faults in actuators.
Constrained estimation for time‐varying networks with hybrid incomplete information
Authors: Wang Fan , Liang Jinling
Published: August 2017

This paper deals with the constrained
estimation problem for a class of time‐varying complex networks with hybrid incomplete information including randomly occurring uncertainties, randomly occurring nonlinearities, and fading measurements over a finite horizon. Communication links among nodes have uncertain coupling strengths, which can be transformed into a norm‐bounded inner coupling matrix based on the interval matrix approach. The proposed performance requirements not only quantify the degree of the estimation error with regard to unknown‐but‐bounded disturbances but also confine the estimation error in a constrained set. By exploiting the intensive stochastic analysis and the set‐membership method, sufficient conditions are developed under which networks fulfill the
performance and the bounded constraint, respectively. Then, a new criterion is derived to ensure the prescribed requirements in terms of recursive linear matrix inequalities suitable for online computation. Finally, a simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the developed results.
Impact of satellite imagery spatial resolution on land use classification accuracy and modeled water quality
Authors: Fisher Jonathan R. B. , Acosta Eileen A. , Dennedy‐Frank P. James , Kroeger Timm , Boucher Timothy M.
Published: August 2017

Remote sensing offers an increasingly wide array of imagery with a broad variety of spectral and spatial resolution, but there are relatively few comparisons of how different sources of data impact the accuracy, cost, and utility of analyses. We evaluated the impact of satellite image spatial resolution (1 m from Digital Globe; 30 m from Landsat) on land use classification via ArcGIS Feature Analyst, and on total suspended solids (TSS) load estimates from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the Camboriú watershed in Southeastern Brazil. We independently calibrated SWAT models, using both land use map resolutions and short‐term daily streamflow (discharge) and TSS load data from local gauge stations. We then compared the predicted TSS loads with monitoring data outside the model training period. We also estimated the cost difference for land use classification and SWAT model construction and calibration at these two resolutions. Finally, we assessed the value of information (VOI) of the higher‐resolution imagery in estimating the cost‐effectiveness of watershed conservation in reducing TSS at the municipal water supply intake. Land use classification accuracy was 82.3% for 1 m data and 75.1% for 30 m data. We found that models using 1 m data better predicted both annual and peak TSS loads in the full study area, though the 30 m model did better in a sub‐watershed. However, the 1 m data incurred considerably higher costs relative to the 30 m data ($7000 for imagery, plus additional analyst time). Importantly, the choice of spatial resolution affected the estimated return on investment (ROI) in watershed conservation for the municipal water company that finances much of this conservation, although it is unlikely that this would have affected the company's decision to invest in the program. We conclude by identifying key criteria to assist in choosing an appropriate spatial resolution for different contexts.
An input–output linearization algorithm‐based inter‐area damping control strategy for DFIG
Authors: Liao Kai , He Zhengyou , Wang Yao , Yang Jianwei
Published: August 2017

A novel input–output linearization algorithm‐based inter‐area oscillation damping control strategy for the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is proposed in this paper. The dynamic model of the study system, a classical two‐area power system for inter‐area oscillation study integrated with a DFIG‐based wind farm, is modeled first. Then, the suitable input and output variables are chosen according to the control objective, which are the variables need to be linearized. The feedback control law, which can linearize the selected system input to system output, is obtained via the Lie derivative of the output function and state function according to the input–output linearization algorithm. Therefore, the control parameters can be designed to utilize the linear system control algorithm to improve the system dynamic response. The proposed control strategy can deal with the nonlinearity existing in the damping control loop, and thus the performance of the damping control can be improved. The simulation carried on the MATLAB/Simulink platform was employed to investigate the performance of the proposed damping control strategy for DFIG. Simulation results are compared with those of a system with no additional damping controller and with a conditional damping controller. It shows that proposed method can improve the system damping obviously. Compared to the conventional power system stabilizer (PSS) control, the proposed damping controller can damp the swing in power more quickly. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.