bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiphase Electric Drives: Introduction
Authors: Duran Mario J. , Levi Emil , Barrero Federico
Published: November 2017

The theory of three‐phase electric machines, power converters, and high‐performanceACdrives is typically included in many undergraduate and master engineering curricula. However, the coverage of electric drives with more than three phases (i.e., multiphase) is often absent or limited. This article aims at students and engineers with an electrical engineering background who want to extend their knowledge to multiphase electric drives. The article introduction provides the motivation for their use, some historical data and various examples of industry applications. The modeling of the electric machine, the modulation of the converter, and the high‐performance control of the drive are subsequently revisited, providing a comprehensive explanation of the differences compared to three‐phase systems. A brief up‐to‐date review of the innovative modes of operation that are exclusive to multiphase drives is also included. All the considerations relate to machines with near‐sinusoidal air gap magnetomotive force (MMF) that operate using the principle of the Tesla's rotating field.
Peptide fragments of Hsp70 modulate its chaperone activity and sensitize tumor cells to anti‐cancer drugs
Authors: Sverchinsky Dmitry V. , Lazarev Vladimir F. , Semenyuk Pavel I. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Guzhova Irina V. , Margulis Boris A.
Published: November 2017

Most Hsp70 chaperone inhibitors exert anti‐cancer effects; however, their high cytotoxicity proposed the use of peptide fragments of the chaperone as safer modulators of its activity and as complements to customary drugs. One such peptide, ICit‐2, was found to inhibit substrate‐binding and refolding activities of the chaperone. Using various approaches, we established that ICit‐2 binds Hsp70, which may explain its inhibitory action. ICit‐2 penetrates A‐431 cancer cells and, in combination with doxorubicin (Dox), enhances the cytotoxicity and growth inhibitory effect of the drug. Similarly, using the B16 mouse melanoma model, we found that ICit‐2 inhibits the rate of tumor growth by 48% compared to Dox alone, confirming that the peptide can be employed to sensitize resistant tumors to cytostatic medicines.
REY‐Th‐U Solute Dynamics in the Critical Zone: Combined Influence of Chemical Weathering, Atmospheric Deposit Leaching, and Vegetation Cycling (Mule Hole Watershed, South India)
Authors: Braun Jean‐Jacques , Riotte Jean , Battacharya Shrema , Violette Aurélie , Prunier Jonathan , Bouvier Vincent , Candaudap Frédéric , Maréchal Jean‐Christophe , Ruiz Laurent , Panda Smruthi Rekha , Subramanian S.
Published: November 2017

The source and proportion of REY, Th, and U exported by groundwater and by the ephemeral stream along with the elemental proportions passing through vegetation have been assessed in the subhumid tropical forested CZO of Mule Hole, Southern India. The study relies on a pluriannual hydrogeochemical monitoring combined with a hydrological model. The significant difference between the soil input (SI) and output (SO) solute fluxes (mmol/km2/yr) of LREE (SI‐SO = 13,250‐1,500), HREE (1,930‐235), Th (64‐12), and U (63‐25) indicates a strong uptake by roots carried by canopy and forest floor processes. The contribution of atmospheric dust leaching can reach about 60% of LREE and 80% of HREE. At the watershed scale, the U solute flux exported by groundwater (180 mmol/km2/yr) mainly originates from the breakdown of primary U‐bearing accessory minerals and dominates by a factor of 25 the stream flux. The precipitation of authigenic U‐bearing phases and adsorption onto Fe‐oxides and oxyhydroxides play a significant role for limiting the U mobility. In the groundwater, the plagioclase chemical weathering is efficiently traced by the positive Eu‐anomaly. The very low (REY) to nil (Th) contents are explained by the precipitation of authigenic phases. In the stream flow, dominated by the overland flow (87% of the yearly stream flow), the solute exports (in mmol/km2/yr) of REY (1,080 for LREE and 160 for HREE) and of Th (14) dominate those by groundwater. Their mobility is enhanced by chelation with organic ligands produced by forest floor and canopy processes.
Earthquakes as Precursors of Ductile Shear Zones in the Dry and Strong Lower Crust
Authors: Menegon L. , Pennacchioni G. , Malaspina N. , Harris K. , Wood E.
Published: November 2017

The rheology and the conditions for viscous flow of the dry granulite facies lower crust are still poorly understood. Viscous shearing in the dry and strong lower crust commonly localizes in pseudotachylyte veins, but the deformation mechanisms responsible for the weakening and viscous shear localization in pseudotachylytes are yet to be explored. We investigated examples of pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes in anorthosites from Nusfjord (Lofoten, Norway). Mutual overprinting relationships indicate that pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes are coeval and resulted from the cyclical interplay between brittle and viscous deformation. The stable mineral assemblage in the mylonitized pseudotachylytes consists of plagioclase, amphibole, clinopyroxene, quartz, biotite, ± garnet ± K‐feldspar. Amphibole‐plagioclase geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modeling indicate that pristine and mylonitized pseudotachylytes formed at 650–750°C and 0.7–0.8 GPa. Thermodynamic modeling indicates that a limited amount of H2O infiltration (0.20–0.40 wt. %) was necessary to stabilize the mineral assemblage in the mylonite. Diffusion creep is identified as the main deformation mechanisms in the mylonitized pseudotachylytes based on the lack of crystallographic preferred orientation in plagioclase, the high degree of phase mixing, and the synkinematic nucleation of amphiboles in dilatant sites. Extrapolation of flow laws to natural conditions indicates that mylonitized pseudotachylytes are up to 3 orders of magnitude weaker than anorthosites deforming by dislocation creep, thus highlighting the fundamental role of lower crustal earthquakes as agents of weakening in strong granulites.
A Census of Atmospheric Variability From Seconds to Decades
Authors: Williams Paul D. , Alexander M. Joan , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Butler Amy H. , Davies Huw C. , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Kushnir Yochanan , Lane Todd P. , Lundquist Julie K. , Martius Olivia , Maue Ryan N. , Peltier W. Richard , Sato Kaoru , Scaife Adam A. , Zhang Chidong
Published: November 2017

This paper synthesizes and summarizes atmospheric variability on time scales from seconds to decades through a phenomenological census. We focus mainly on unforced variability in the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. In addition to atmosphere‐only modes, our scope also includes coupled modes, in which the atmosphere interacts with the other components of the Earth system, such as the ocean, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. The topics covered include turbulence on time scales of seconds and minutes, gravity waves on time scales of hours, weather systems on time scales of days, atmospheric blocking on time scales of weeks, the Madden–Julian Oscillation on time scales of months, the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation and El Niño–Southern Oscillation on time scales of years, and the North Atlantic, Arctic, Antarctic, Pacific Decadal, and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillations on time scales of decades. The paper serves as an introduction to a special collection of Geophysical Research Letters on atmospheric variability. We hope that both this paper and the collection will serve as a useful resource for the atmospheric science community and will act as inspiration for setting future research directions.
A Reconstruction of Subtropical Western North Pacific SST Variability Back to 1578, Based on a Porites Coral Sr/Ca Record from the Northern Ryukyus, Japan
Authors: Kawakubo Y. , Alibert C. , Yokoyama Y.
Published: November 2017

We present a seasonal reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) from 1578 to 2008, based on a Porites coral Sr/Ca record from the northern Ryukyus, within the Kuroshio southern recirculation gyre. Interannual SST anomalies are generally ~0.5°C, making Sr/Ca‐derived SST reconstructions a challenging task. Replicate measurements along adjacent coral growth axes, enabled by the laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique used here, give evidence of rather large uncertainties. Nonetheless, derived winter SST anomalies are significantly correlated with the Western Pacific atmospheric pattern which has a dominant influence on winter temperature in East Asia. Annual mean SSTs show interdecadal variations, notably cold intervals between 1670 and 1700 during the Maunder Minimum (MM) and between 1766 and 1788 characterized by a negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Cold summers in 1783 and 1784 coincide with the long‐lasting Laki eruption that had a profound impact on the Northern Hemisphere climate, including the severe “Tenmei” famine in Japan. The decades between 1855 and 1900 are significantly cooler than the first half of the twentieth century, while those between 1700 and 1765, following the MM, are warmer than average. SST variability in the Ryukyus is only marginally influenced by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, so that external forcing remains the main driver of low‐frequency temperature changes. However, the close connection between the Kuroshio extension (KE) and its recirculation gyre suggests that decadal SST anomalies associated with the KE front also impact the Ryukyus, and there is a possible additional role for feedback of the Kuroshio‐Oyashio variability to the large‐scale atmosphere at decadal timescale.
Monitoring Streambed Scour/Deposition Under Nonideal Temperature Signal and Flood Conditions
Authors: DeWeese Timothy , Tonina Daniele , Luce Charles
Published: November 2017

Streambed erosion and deposition are fundamental geomorphic processes in riverbeds, and monitoring their evolution is important for ecological system management and in‐stream infrastructure stability. Previous research showed proof of concept that analysis of paired temperature signals of stream and pore waters can simultaneously provide monitoring scour and deposition, stream sediment thermal regime, and seepage velocity information. However, it did not address challenges often associated with natural systems, including nonideal temperature variations (low‐amplitude, nonsinusoidal signal, and vertical thermal gradients) and natural flooding conditions on monitoring scour and deposition processes over time. Here we addressed this knowledge gap by testing the proposed thermal scour‐deposition chain (TSDC) methodology, with laboratory experiments to test the impact of nonideal temperature signals under a range of seepage velocities and with a field application during a pulse flood. Both analyses showed excellent match between surveyed and temperature‐derived bed elevation changes even under very low temperature signal amplitudes (less than 1°C), nonideal signal shape (sawtooth shape), and strong and changing vertical thermal gradients (4°C/m). Root‐mean‐square errors on predicting the change in streambed elevations were comparable with the median grain size of the streambed sediment. Future research should focus on improved techniques for temperature signal phase and amplitude extractions, as well as TSDC applications over long periods spanning entire hydrographs.
Dosimetric effects of intrafractional isocenter variation during deep inspiration breath‐hold for breast cancer patients using surface‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Kügele Malin , Edvardsson Anneli , Berg Lovisa , Alkner Sara , Andersson Ljus Carina , Ceberg Sofie
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate potential dose reductions to the heart, left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), and ipsilateral lung for left‐sided breast cancer using visually guided deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) with the optical surface scanning system Catalyst™, and how these potential dosimetric benefits are affected by intrafractional motion in between breath holds. For both DIBH and free breathing (FB), treatment plans were created for 20 tangential and 20 locoregional left‐sided breast cancer patients. During DIBH treatment, beam‐on was triggered by a region of interest on the xiphoid process using a 3 mm gating window. Using a novel nonrigid algorithm, the Catalyst™ system allows for simultaneous real‐time tracking of the isocenter position, which was used to calculate the intrafractional DIBH isocenter reproducibility. The 50% and 90% cumulative probabilities and maximum values of the intrafractional DIBH isocenter reproducibility were calculated and to obtain the dosimetric effect isocenter shifts corresponding to these values were performed in the treatment planning system. For both tangential and locoregional treatment, the dose to the heart, LAD and ipsilateral lung was significantly reduced for DIBH compared to FB. The intrafractional DIBH isocenter reproducibility was very good for the majority of the treatment sessions, with median values of approximately 1 mm in all three translational directions. However, for a few treatment sessions, intrafractional DIBH isocenter reproducibility of up to 5 mm was observed, which resulted in large dosimetric effects on the target volume and organs at risk. Hence, it is of importance to set tolerance levels on the intrafractional isocenter motion and not only perform DIBH based on the xiphoid process.
A knowledge‐based approach to automated planning for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Li Tingting , Xiao Han , Ji Weixing , Guo Ming , Zeng Zhaochong , Zhang Jianying
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To build a knowledge‐based model of liver cancer for Auto‐Planning, a function in Pinnacle, which is used as an automated inverse intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning system.

Methods and Materials

Fifty Tomotherapy patients were enrolled to extract the dose–volume histograms (DVHs) information and construct the protocol for Auto‐Planning model. Twenty more patients were chosen additionally to test the model. Manual planning and automatic planning were performed blindly for all twenty test patients with the same machine and treatment planning system. The dose distributions of target and organs at risks (OARs), along with the working time for planning, were evaluated.

Results

Statistically significant results showed that automated plans performed better in target conformity index (CI) while mean target dose was 0.5 Gy higher than manual plans. The differences between target homogeneity indexes (HI) of the two methods were not statistically significant. Additionally, the doses of normal liver, left kidney, and small bowel were significantly reduced with automated plan. Particularly, mean dose and V15 of normal liver were 1.4 Gy and 40.5 cc lower with automated plans respectively. Mean doses of left kidney and small bowel were reduced with automated plans by 1.2 Gy and 2.1 Gy respectively. In contrast, working time was also significantly reduced with automated planning.

Conclusions

Auto‐Planning shows availability and effectiveness in our knowledge‐based model for liver cancer.
PbS/CdS Core–Shell Quantum Dots Suppress Charge Transfer and Enhance Triplet Transfer
Authors: Huang Zhiyuan , Xu Zihao , Mahboub Melika , Li Xin , Taylor Jordan W. , Harman W. Hill , Lian Tianquan , Tang Ming Lee
Published: November 2017

A sub‐monolayer CdS shell on PbS quantum dots (QDs) enhances triplet energy transfer (TET) by suppressing competitive charge transfer from QDs to molecules. The CdS shell increases the linear photon upconversion quantum yield (QY) from 3.5 % for PbS QDs to 5.0 % for PbS/CdS QDs when functionalized with a tetracene acceptor, 5‐CT. While transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that both PbS and PbS/CdS QDs show the formation of the 5‐CT triplet (with rates of 5.91±0.60 ns−1 and 1.03±0.09 ns−1 respectively), ultrafast hole transfer occurs only from PbS QDs to 5‐CT. Although the CdS shell decreases the TET rate, it enhances TET efficiency from 60.3±6.1 % to 71.8±6.2 % by suppressing hole transfer. Furthermore, the CdS shell prolongs the lifetime of the 5‐CT triplet and thus enhances TET from 5‐CT to the rubrene emitter, further bolstering the upconverison QY.
Highly Selective Manganese(I)/Lewis Acid Cocatalyzed Direct C−H Propargylation Using Bromoallenes
Authors: Zhu Can , Schwarz Jonas Luca , Cembellín Sara , Greßies Steffen , Glorius Frank
Published: November 2017

A manganese(I)/Lewis acid cocatalyzed direct C−H propargylation with high selectivity has been developed. BPh3 was discovered to not only promote the reactivity, but also enhance the selectivity. Secondary, tertiary, and even quaternary carbon centers at the propargylic position could be directly constructed. Both internal and terminal alkynes are easily accessible. The chirality was successfully transferred from an axially chiral allene to central chirality. The reactivity of the manganese catalyst in this reaction was found to be unique among transition metal catalysts.
Evaluate document fraud by thinking of all the ways to break the rules
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2017

MINNEAPOLIS — “One of the biggest problems in international education is dealing with document fraud,” said Timothy J. Kell, senior evaluator at Educational Credential Evaluators, in a session at the annual meeting for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. To do the job of international documentation verification correctly, you have to be able to think of all the ways to game the system, Kell said. “Everyone has a goal of doing this job well and helping students. But to help students, we have to help the good students and not the bad students,” Kell said.
Characterization of Porous Silica Materials with Water at Ambient Conditions. Calculating the Pore Size Distribution from the Excess Surface Work Disjoining Pressure Model
Authors: Georgi Nikolaj , Kolesnikov Andrei , Uhlig Hans , Möllmer Jens , Rückriem Michael , Schreiber Andreas , Adolphs Jürgen , Enke Dirk , Gläser Roger
Published: November 2017

Characterization of mesoporous materials today is routinely performed recording the adsorption isotherm of nitrogen at 77 K. The pore size distribution (PSD) can subsequently be determined using either thermodynamics or statistical mechanics based approaches. While nitrogen has evolved as the reference adsorptive, other gases are often used to extract more information from the isotherm. This contribution is focused on the calculation of a PSD from the water vapor isotherm. It is demonstrated that water adsorption provides accurate results comparable to the standard nitrogen adsorption.
Resolve challenging situations with your students' parents
Authors: Gaddy Stephanie
Published: November 2017

A large part of your work as a disability services provider is to advocate for your students. This means advocating in collaboration with these students, faculty, staff, administration, and perhaps even your students' parents. Generally, when you advocate with students you can support their understanding of the requirements in higher education through personal conversations and emails.
Iron‐Nitrate‐Catalyzed Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes and Alcohols with N‐Hydroxyphthalimide: Efficient Synthesis of N‐Hydroxyimide Esters
Authors: Xu Xiaohe , Sun Jian , Lin Yuyan , Cheng Jingya , Li Pingping , Jiang Xiaoying , Bai Renren , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: November 2017

An Fe(NO3)3·9H2O‐catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction between N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) or N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHSI) and aldehydes or alcohols in air is described. This transformation represents an efficient approach to the preparation of N‐hydroxyimide ester derivatives in moderate to excellent yields, and has a wide substrate scope.
Thermal and exergetic performance evaluation of an absorption type desiccant dehumidifier
Authors: Rafique M. Mujahid , Gandhidasan P. , Bahaidarah Haitham M.S. , Shakir Muhammad Ali
Published: November 2017

In this article, a mathematical model for rotary‐shaped liquid desiccant dehumidifier has been developed for its parametric and feasibility analysis. The dehumidifier has a cylindrical shape with a number of circular channels, distributed uniformly over the rotor cross section. This type of dehumidifier is commonly known as desiccant wheel. The energy and exergetic performance of the dehumidifier has been discussed under different operating conditions. The performance curves which help to optimize the performance of the dehumidifier are drawn for a wide range of rotational speeds (0.5–7 rpm), wheel width (0.1–0.6 m), air mass flux (1–8 kg/m2.s), and regeneration temperature (50–90°C). A reduction of about 25% in humidity ratio is observed with an increase in the wheel width from 0.1 to 0.2 m. Furthermore, a feasibility analysis of the proposed dehumidification system has been presented for climatic conditions of Dhahran. The computed results show that better supply air conditions can be obtained to provide human comfort in the hot and humid climate with effectiveness of the system largely dependent on air flow rate, wheel width, and humidity ratio of the process air. The annual average value of dehumidification performance is found to be 0.55 which shows that system can control the latent load efficiently throughout the year. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1411–1423, 2018
Ground source heat pump carbon emissions and ground‐source heat pump systems for heating and cooling of buildings: A review
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Ahmadi Mohammad Ali , Sadaghiani Mirhadi S. , Ghazvini Mahyar , Shahriar Sadegh , Alhuyi Nazari Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Owing to the eye‐catching pros of high energy and environmental performances, numerous ground‐source heat pump (GSHP) systems have been employed in domestic and industrial buildings throughout the world. One of the proved renewable energy technologies is the GSHPs which is able to fulfill the gap between cooling and heating. The main contribution of this article is to present a fully description and critical review of the GSHP systems along with their current developments. At first, the energy efficiency and working standard of a heat pump are introduced. Furthermore, an expansive description of the GSHPs and its advances, and a fully explanation of the ground‐couplet (GCHP) heat pumps, ground‐water (GWHP), and surface water (SWHP) are provided. The mainly representative ground thermal response examination approaches and simulation for the vertical ground heat exchangers presently existing are reviewed counting the heat transfer progressions inside and outside the holes. Similarly, various info regarding a different GWHP by a heat exchanger with different structures, and the opportunity to gain the enhanced energy efficiency with joint cooling and heating using GCHP are explained. The numerous hybrid GCHP systems for heating or cooling‐dominated constructions are appropriately illustrated. It can be deduced that the GSHP technology can be employed both in hot and cold weather areas and the potential of energy saving is noteworthy. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1241–1265, 2018
Augment dynamic and transient capability of DFIG using optimal design of NIOPID based DPC strategy
Authors: Darvish Falehi Ali
Published: November 2017

To exactly control the active and reactive power of Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG), a robust controller along with an effective strategy should be applied. Since the generated power by DFIG depends on the wind speed, both active and reactive power has been essentially followed out according to the entrance wind in the steady state and turbulent conditions. Hence, the Non‐Integer Order Proportional Integral Derivative (NIOPID) controller based Direct Power Control (DPC) strategy is here introduced to simultaneously minimize the deviation of both the active and reactive power so that precise tracking of these powers to be attained. Toward this subject, both the dynamic and transient stability of DFIG have been scheduled as main targets of this paper. Due to multi‐objective nature of the design problem, a multi‐objective technique is assigned to figure out the optimal result. Considering the high performance of Multi Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) for unraveling the nonlinear objectives, it has been employed to reveal the optimal parameters NIOPID controller. To well verify and validate the performance of NIOPID controller, it has been evaluated under the affected power system caused by short circuit and flicker incidents. The simultaneous coordination scheme based on MOPSO has been withal scheduled with respect to three aforementioned operating conditions. To sum up, the simulation results have transparently validated the dynamic and transient performance of NIOPID based DPC. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1491–1502, 2018
Electricity System Reliability Issues During Energy System Transformation
Authors: Cashin Michael G. , Winter Christian , Palmer Eric
Published: November 2017

Energy system transformation in the electric energy industry encompasses a broad range of changes in how primary energy is produced, transported, converted, priced, and delivered to consumers. Minnesota Power (ALLETE) is responding to these changes by implementing strategies like our EnergyForward resource strategy. EnergyForward describes the transition to a diverse and balanced generation portfolio that meets customers' desires for clean, safe, flexible, and affordable electricity.
After Considerable Struggle, EPA Method 082 Modernized Visible Emissions Monitoring
Authors: Dolan Shawn D.
Published: November 2017

For many years, federal and commercial facilities have been regulated using opacity measurements to determine compliance in terms of percent opacity or the degree to which the emission obscures the background.
Electricity Deregulation Under Siege II: Temptation of the Kleptocrats
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: November 2017

Electricity markets have problems. In the August 2017 edition of this newsletter, I wrote about “Electricity Deregulation Under Siege,” where various regulators, from the United Kingdom to New York, have proposed restrictions on retail power supply competition. In December 2016, I wrote about how the intersection of gas and electricity systems causes its own problems in power markets around the world.
Changing patterns in water toxicity associated with current use pesticides in three California agriculture regions
Authors: Anderson Brian S , Phillips Bryn M , Voorhees Jennifer P , Deng Xin , Geraci Jeff , Worcester Karen , Tjeerdema Ron S
Published: November 2017

Regulation of agriculture irrigation water discharges in California, USA, is assessed and controlled by its 9 Regional Water Quality Control Boards under the jurisdiction of the California State Water Resources Control Board. Each Regional Water Board has developed programs to control pesticides in runoff as part of the waste discharge requirements implemented through each region's Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. The present study assessed how pesticide use patterns differ in the Imperial (Imperial County) and the Salinas and Santa Maria (Monterey County) valleys, which host 3 of California's prime agriculture areas. Surface-water toxicity associated with current use pesticides was monitored at several sites in these areas in 2014 and 2015, and results were linked to changes in pesticide use patterns in these areas. Pesticide use patterns appeared to coincide with differences in the way agriculture programs were implemented by the 2 respective Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and these programs differed in the 2 Water Board Regions. Different pesticide use patterns affected the occurrence of pesticides in agriculture runoff, and this influenced toxicity test results. Greater detection frequency and higher concentrations of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos were detected in agriculture runoff in Imperial County compared to Monterey County, likely due to more rigorous monitoring requirements for growers using this pesticide in Monterey County. Monterey County agriculture runoff contained toxic concentrations of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides, which impacted amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and midge larvae (Chironomus dilutus) in toxicity tests. Study results illustrate how monitoring strategies need to evolve as regulatory actions affect change in pesticide use and demonstrate the importance of using toxicity test indicator species appropriate for the suite of contaminants in runoff in order to accurately assess environmental risk. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:270–281. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points

Regulatory policy influences pesticide use in agriculture. Policies differ between regions in California, USA. Differences in pesticide use affects pesticides in agriculture runoff. Toxicity and pesticide monitoring results reflect these differences.
The Role of Robotics Teams’ Collaboration Quality on Team Performance in a Robotics Tournament
Authors: Menekse Muhsin , Higashi Ross , Schunn Christian D. , Baehr Emily
Published: November 2017

Background

Working effectively in teams is an important 21st century skill as well as a fundamental component of the ABET professional competencies. However, successful teamwork is challenging, and empirical studies with adolescents concerning how the collaboration quality of team members is related to team performance are limited.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study investigated the relationship between team collaboration quality and team performance in a robotics competition using multiple measures of team performance, including both objective task performance and expert judge evaluations, on a diverse set of supporting performance dimensions.

Design/Method

Data included Table Score, Robot Design, Research Project, Core Values, and Collaboration Quality scores for 366 youths on 61 K‐8 robotics teams that participated in a FIRST LEGO League Championship. Regression and mediation analyses were conducted to explore the relation between effective team collaboration and team performance. Furthermore, analysis of variance was conducted to explore the relationship between Collaboration Quality and team experience.

Results

Collaboration Quality was a good predictor of robotics team performance across all measures (with R2 = .50 and p < .001). Mediation analysis revealed that the Robot Design acted as a full mediator for the predictive effect of Collaboration Quality on the Table Score. In addition, the cumulative amount of team experience was significantly related to Collaboration Quality.

Conclusions

Overall, this study using collaboration performance assessments and actual competition data with a large number of teams confirms the importance of high‐quality teamwork in producing superior products with students engaged in authentic engineering tasks.
Gait patterns, symptoms, and function in patients with isolated tibiofemoral osteoarthritis and combined tibiofemoral and patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Authors: Hart Harvi F. , Crossley Kay M. , Hunt Michael A.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare hip and knee biomechanics during walking in individuals with isolated tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (TFOA), combined TFOA and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA), and those without knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare patient‐reported symptoms and function in individuals with isolated TFOA and those with combined TFOA and PFOA. Participants with and without knee OA were assessed and categorized into (i) no OA, (ii) isolated TFOA, and (iii) combined TFOA and PFOA, based on Kellgren and Lawrence diagnostic criteria. Quantitative motion analyses were conducted during walking, and hip and knee kinematics, and external moments were calculated. Peak values in the sagittal and frontal planes during stance phase were computed. Patient‐reported symptoms and function data were obtained using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to compare between‐group differences in gait and patient‐reported symptoms and function data. The results showed no statistically significant differences in hip and knee kinematics and external moments between the three groups. Relative to those with isolated TFOA, individuals with combined TFOA and PFOA had greater pain (mean difference [95%CI]: 1.5 [0.05–3.1]), stiffness (0.8 [0.02–1.5]), and poorer function (5.4 [0.2–10.7]). In conclusion, the combined TFOA and PFOA radiographic disease pattern is associated with worse pain and function compared to the isolated TFOA disease pattern. The results of the present study provide no indications that treatments designed to change walking biomechanics should differ between individuals with isolated TFOA and those with combined TFOA and PFOA. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1666–1672, 2018.
Pilot study of living donor liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma exceeding Milan Criteria (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer extended criteria)
Authors: Llovet Josep M. , Pavel Mihai , Rimola Jordi , Diaz Maria Alba , Colmenero Jordi , Saavedra-Perez David , Fondevila Constantino , Ayuso Carmen , Fuster Josep , Ginès Pere , Bruix Jordi , Garcia-Valdecasas Juan Carlos
Published: November 2017

A subset of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan criteria might obtain acceptable survival outcomes after liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has emerged as a feasible alternative to overcome the paucity of donors. In 2001, we started a protocol for LDLT in Child A‐B patients with HCC fulfilling a set of criteria—the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) expanded criteria—that expanded the conventional indications of transplantation: 1 tumor ≤ 7 cm, 5 tumors ≤ 3 cm, and 3 tumors ≤ 5 cm without macrovascular invasion or downstaging to Milan after locoregional therapies. We present a prospective cohort of 22 patients with BCLC extended indications based on size/number (n = 17) or downstaging (n = 5) treated with LDLT between 2001 and 2014. Characteristics of the patients were as follows: median age, 57 years old; males/female, n = 20/2; Child‐Pugh A/B, n = 16/6; and alpha fetoprotein < 100 ng/mL, n = 21. Twelve patients received neoadjuvant locoregional therapies. At the time of transplantation, 12 patients had HCC staging beyond Milan criteria and 10 within. Pathological reports showed that 50% exceeded BCLC expanded criteria. Perioperative mortality was 0%. After a median follow‐up of 81 months, the 1‐, 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival was 95.5%, 86.4%, 80.2%, and 66.8%, respectively. Overall, 7 patients recurred (range, 9‐108 months), and the 5‐year and 10‐year actuarial recurrence rates were 23.8% and 44.4%, respectively. In conclusion, a proper selection of candidates for extended indications of LDLT for HCC patients provide survival outcomes comparable to those obtained within the Milan criteria, but these results need confirmation. Liver Transplantation 24 369–379 2018 AASLD.
Adaptive analysis of infinite beams dynamics problems using the periodic configuration update method in the time domain
Authors: Mezeh Reda , Sadek Marwan , Hage Chehade Fadi , Shahrour Isam
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a new approach for the assessment of the dynamic response of continuously supported infinite beams under high‐speed moving loads. A change in the representation of equations of motion in the dynamics of discrete structures is proposed to obtain an improved accuracy of the numerical integration in the time domain. The proposed numerical method called the “periodic configuration update” or “PCU method” is applied to solve the problem of a vertical moving harmonic load on an infinite classical Euler‐Bernoulli beam resting on a continuous viscoelastic foundation. This study shows the superiority of the proposed method in comparison with other methods presented in the literature that suffer from the material time derivative, i.e., convective terms, that arises from the Galilean transformation. To confront this numerical problem, the PCU method retains the principle of the spatial follow of loads while zeroing the relative velocity with the traversed beam via a step‐by‐step adaptive integration of the equation of structural dynamics. The dynamic load is modeled with high theoretical velocities that can reach the critical velocity of the studied beam with different angular frequencies belonging to moderate frequency range. A parametric study is carried out to analyze the influence of key parameters on the convergence. The obtained results show a high efficiency of the PCU method for solving these types of problems relative to the dynamics of high speed trains/tracks.
Characterization of cysteine thiol modifications based on protein microenvironments and local secondary structures
Authors: Bhatnagar Akshay , Bandyopadhyay Debashree
Published: November 2017

We have demonstrated earlier that protein microenvironments were conserved around disulfide‐bridged cystine motifs with similar functions, irrespective of diversity in protein sequences. Here, cysteine thiol modifications were characterized based on protein microenvironments, secondary structures and specific protein functions. Protein microenvironment around an amino acid was defined as the summation of hydrophobic contributions from the surrounding protein fragments and the solvent molecules present within its first contact shell. Cysteine functions (modifications) were grouped into enzymatic and non‐enzymatic classes. Modifications studied were—disulfide formation, thio‐ether formation, metal‐binding, nitrosylation, acylation, selenylation, glutathionylation, sulfenylation, and ribosylation. 1079 enzymatic proteins were reported from high‐resolution crystal structures. Protein microenvironments around cysteine thiol, derived from above crystal structures, were clustered into 3 groups—buried‐hydrophobic, intermediate and exposed‐hydrophilic clusters. Characterization of cysteine functions were statistically meaningful for 4 modifications (disulfide formation, thioether formation, sulfenylation, and iron/zinc binding) those have sufficient amount of data in the current dataset. Results showed that protein microenvironment, secondary structure and protein functions were conserved for enzymatic cysteine functions, in contrast to the same function from non‐enzymatic cysteines. Disulfide forming enzymatic cysteines were tightly packed within intermediate protein microenvironment cluster, have alpha‐helical conformation and mostly belonged to CxxC motif of electron transport proteins. Disulfide forming non‐enzymatic cysteines did not belong to conserved motif and have variable secondary structures. Similarly, enzymatic thioether forming cysteines have conserved microenvironment compared to non‐enzymatic cystienes. Based on the compatibility between protein microenvironment and cysteine modifications, more efficient drug molecules could be designed against cysteine‐related diseases.
Toward a social practice theory of relational competing
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula , Bednarek Rebecca
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: This article brings together the competitive dynamics and strategy‐as‐practice literatures to investigate relational competition. Drawing on a global ethnography of the reinsurance market, we develop the concept of micro‐competitions, which are the focus of competitors’ everyday competitive practices. We find variation in relational or rivalrous competition by individual competitors across the phases of a micro‐competition, between competitors within a micro‐competition, and across multiple micro‐competitions. These variations arise from the interplay between the unfolding competitive arena and the implementation of each firm's strategic portfolio. We develop a conceptual framework that makes four contributions to: relational competition; reconceptualizing action and response; elaborating on the awareness‐motivation‐capability framework within competitive dynamics; and the recursive dynamic by which implementing strategy inside firms shapes, and is shaped by, the competitive arena.

Managerial Summary: Competition is often seen as war: “attack,” “retaliation,” and “dethronement.” Yet competition can also be relational, incorporating collaboration and reciprocity. We show these dynamics in a syndicated financial market, reinsurance, where multiple competitors get the same price for a share of the same deal. Our competitors have rivalrous motivations to win business and relational motivations to ensure buoyant pricing, maintain market health, and enable long‐standing client relationships to persist. These motivations are grounded in the strategizing practices with which firms implement their strategic portfolios and compete on deals. Competitors’ rivalrous or relational motivations are highly dynamic, shifting throughout the competition on any deal and across the multiple deals on which they compete. Cumulatively these practices shape the entire market for these volatile, uncertain financial products.
Highly Transparent and Integrable Surface Texture Change Device for Localized Tactile Feedback
Authors: Ankit  , Tiwari Naveen , Rajput Mayank , Chien Nguyen Anh , Mathews Nripan
Published: November 2017

Human–machine haptic interaction is typically detected by variations in friction, roughness, hardness, and temperature, which combines to create sensation of surface texture change. Most of the current technologies work to simulate changes in tactile perception (via electrostatic, lateral force fields, vibration motors, etc.) without creating actual topographical transformations. This makes it challenging to provide localized feedback. Here, a new concept for on‐demand surface texture augmentation that is capable of physically forming local topographic features in any predesigned pattern is demonstrated. The transparent, flexible, integrable device comprises of a hybrid electrode system with conductive hydrogel, silver nanowires, and conductive polymers with acrylic elastomer as the dielectric layer. Desired surface textures can be controlled by a predesigned pattern of electrodes, which operates as independent or interconnected actuators. Surface features with up to a height of 0.155 mm can be achieved with a transformation time of less than a second for a device area of 18 cm2. High transparency levels of 76% are achieved due to the judicious choice of the electrode and the active elastomer layer. The capability of localized and controlled deformations makes this system highly useful for applications such as display touchscreens, touchpads, braille displays, on‐demand buttons, and microfluidic devices.
Wildlife governance in the 21st century—Will sustainable use endure?
Authors: Decker Daniel J. , Organ John F. , Forstchen Ann B. , Jacobson Cynthia A. , Siemer William F. , Smith Christian A. , Lederle Patrick E. , Schiavone Michael V.
Published: November 2017

In light of the trajectory of wildlife governance in the United States, the future of sustainable use of wildlife is a topic of substantial interest in the wildlife conservation community. We examine sustainable‐use principles with respect to “good governance” considerations and public trust administration principles to assess how sustainable use might fare in the 21st century. We conclude that sustainable‐use principles are compatible with recently articulated wildlife governance principles and could serve to mitigate broad values and norm shifts in American society that affect social acceptability of particular uses. Wildlife governance principles emphasize inclusive discourse among diverse wildlife interests, which could minimize isolated exchanges among cliques of like‐minded people pursuing their ambitions without seeking opportunity for sharing or understanding diverse views. Aligning governance practices with wildlife governance principles can help avoid such isolation. In summary, sustainable use of wildlife is likely to endure as long as society 1) believes the long‐term sustainability of wildlife is not jeopardized, and 2) accepts practices associated with such use as legitimate. These are 2 criteria needing constant attention. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
False vacuum decay in gauge theory
Authors: Endo Motoi , Moroi Takeo , Nojiri Mihoko M. , Shoji Yutaro
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The decay rate of a false vacuum is studied in gauge theory, paying particular attention to its gauge invariance. Although the decay rate should not depend on the gauge parameter ξ according to the Nielsen identity, the gauge invariance of the result of a perturbative calculation has not been clearly shown. We give a prescription to perform a one-loop calculation of the decay rate, with which a manifestly gauge-invariant expression of the decay rate is obtained. We also discuss the renormalization necessary to make the result finite, and show that the decay rate is independent of the gauge parameter even after the renormalization.
Integrable flows between exact CFTs
Authors: Georgiou George , Sfetsos Konstantinos
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We explicitly construct families of integrable σ-model actions smoothly inter-polating between exact CFTs. In the ultraviolet the theory is the direct product of two current algebras at levels k
1 and k
2. In the infrared and for the case of two deformation matrices the CFT involves a coset CFT, whereas for a single matrix deformation it is given by the ultraviolet direct product theories but at levels k
1 and k
2 − k
1. For isotropic deformations we demonstrate integrability. In this case we also compute the exact beta-function for the deformation parameters using gravitational methods. This is shown to coincide with previous results obtained using perturbation theory and non-perturbative symmetries.
Risk of Catastrophic Health Expenditure in Rwandan Surgical Patients with Peritonitis
Authors: Rickard J. L. , Ngarambe C. , Ndayizeye L. , Smart B. , Majyambere J. P. , Riviello R.
Published: November 2017

Background

Surgical procedures are cost‐effective compared with various medical and public health interventions. While peritonitis often requires surgery, little is known regarding the associated costs, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The aim of this study was to determine in‐hospital charges for patients with peritonitis and if patients are at risk of catastrophic health expenditure.

Methods

As part of a larger study examining the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with peritonitis at a referral hospital in Rwanda, patients undergoing operation for peritonitis were enrolled and hospital charges were examined. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients at risk for catastrophic health expenditure. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of various factors with risk for catastrophic health expenditure.

Results

Over a 6‐month period, 280 patients underwent operation for peritonitis. In‐hospital charges were available for 245 patients. A total of 240 (98%) patients had health insurance. Median total hospital charges were 308.1 USD, and the median amount paid by patients was 26.9 USD. Thirty‐three (14%) patients were at risk of catastrophic health expenditure based on direct medical expenses. Estimating out‐of‐pocket non‐medical expenses, 68 (28%) patients were at risk of catastrophic health expenditure. Unplanned reoperation was associated with increased risk of catastrophic health expenditure (p < 0.001), whereas patients with community‐based health insurance had decreased risk of catastrophic health expenditure (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The median hospital charges paid out‐of‐pocket by patients with health insurance were small in relation to total charges. A significant number of patients with peritonitis are at risk of catastrophic health expenditure.