bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Temperature in the Construction of Permanent Magnet Tubular Linear Actuator
Authors: Waindok Andrzej
Published: February 2014

The calculation results for the thermal field of the permanent magnet tubular linear actuator (PMTLA) have been presented in the paper. For the analysis of heating, four different mathematical field models have been created and compared. Each of them uses the finite element method (FEM). In the most simplify model only the standard convective heat transfer coefficient has been implemented. In the most sophisticated model, thermal radiation, convective heat transfer and dependence of the coil resistance vs. temperature have been included. In all models the Joule losses have been assumed as the heat source. The numerical models have been verified experimentally with using the infrared camera and by measuring the coil resistance. Using the most precise model, the nominal current value has been determined for PMTLAs with two different permanent magnet types: NdFeB and SmCo. The conclusions are valuable in the designing process of many actuators with permanent magnets.
Modeling and Measurement of Transients for a 5-Phase Permanent Magnet Tubular Linear Actuator Including Control and Supply System
Authors: Waindok Andrzej
Published: February 2014

The mathematical and physical models of the permanent magnet tubular linear actuator (PMTLA) including control and supply system are presented in the paper. In the numerical analysis a field-circuit model is used. The field model is calculated using the finite element method (FEM), while the circuit model is implemented in Matlab/Simulink software. Both models are coupled using the look-up tables in Matlab software. To verify the calculations, the real drive system has been build. It consists of supply and control system, PC and sensors. The supply system is connected to the controller, which uses the Texas Instruments digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F2812. The processor is linked with the PC, where the control algorithm as well as the graphical user interface (GUI) have been developed in the Matlab/Simulink package using the extended toolboxes. Data transfer is realized using the LPT port supported by the Real Time Workshop. With using this system, the calculation results obtained from the numerical model have been compared with the measured ones. A good conformity was obtained.
Comparison of Magnetic Field Parameters Obtained from 2D and 3D Finite Element Analysis for an Active Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Wajnert Dawid
Published: February 2014

The paper presents numerical modeling of 8-pole radial active magnetic bearing based on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional magnetic field computation with nonlinear characteristic of magnetic material. In this work has been used numerical models based on finite element methods. In paper has been specified differences between two and three dimensional models. Results of numerical calculation have been verified by measurement of magnetic field distribution and inductances of windings.
Calculation and Verification of Magnetic Field Parameters in Axial Active Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Graca Piotr
Published: February 2014

The paper presents numerical modeling of an Axial Active Magnetic Bearing (AAMB) based on two-dimensional (2D) magnetic field computation. The calculations, assisted by the Finite Element Method (FEM), have focused on the determination of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic force. Obtained magnetic field parameters were then measured and verified on a physical model.
Similarity Estimation for Assessing the Accuracy of a Non-Invasive Identification Method
Authors: Hellmich Arvid , Hofmann Stefan , Hipp Kevin , Schlegel Holger , Drossel Welf Guntram
Published: February 2014

In the paper, an approach for parameter identification during regular movements of servo axes is discussed. In contrast to the usual case, where test signals are applied to the process, there is no deterministic excitation present in this manner. Consequently, the accuracy of the identified parameter depends on the available excitation and needs to be assessed after the identification is completed. Considering that, several methods of error calculation and similarity measurement are presented in the paper and discussed for the specific use case of non-invasive parameter identification.
Influence of the Electrodeposition Cathodic Potential on the Composition and Magnetic Properties of CoNi Nanowires
Authors: Moskaltsova Anastasiia , Proenca Mariana P. , Sousa Celia T. , Apolinário Arlete , Ventura João , Kakazei Gleb N. , Araújo João P.
Published: February 2014

Ordered hexagonal arrays of Co (x)Ni (1-x) nanowires (NWs) with different content of cobalt (0.35 < x < 0.75), were successfully fabricated by a potentiostatic electrodeposition technique inside anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The CoNi NWs were electrodeposited using only one electrolyte bath and tuning the Co% by the applied deposition potential. The systematic study of the morphology, chemical composition and magnetic properties of the CoNi NW arrays was performed. The obtained results unambiguously demonstrated the influence of the Co content on the magnetic properties of CoNi NWs. The Co% was found to decrease when increasing the applied cathodic potential and the coercivity of the CoNi NWs linearly increased with the Co%. The magnetic texture of the fabricated NW arrays was found lower for smaller Co concentrations, which was in good agreement with the squareness results.
Postovipositional maternal care in the burrower bug, Adomerus rotundus (Hemiptera: Cydnidae)
Authors: Inadomi Kouichi , Wakiyama Maiko , Hironaka Mantaro , Mukai Hiromi , Filippi Lisa , Nomakuchi Shintaro
Published: February 2014

Complex subsociality involving guarding, progressive provisioning, and trophic egg production behaviours in herbivorous Hemiptera is known in only a few genera in the Cydnidae subfamily Sehirinae and in Parastrachiidae. Because progressive provisioning and trophic egg production are apparently specific to these closely related species, phylogenetically it seems likely that the behaviours emerged once in the common ancestor of this clade. However, the scarcity of information on species in the clade precludes any reliable exploration of this hypothesis. To ameliorate this situation, it is necessary to accumulate additional information for as many related species as possible. To this end, we first targeted Japanese representatives of the genus Adomerus Mulsant and Rey (Hemiptera: Cydnidae), three species of which are distributed in Japan. Complex subsocial behaviours in two of these species, Adomerus triguttulus (Motschulsky) and Adomerus variegatus (Signoret), have been well characterised and analysed. The third Japanese species, Adomerus rotundus (Hsiao), was identified to display complex maternal care, but, with the exception of egg hatch synchronisation, parental behaviours have not been characterised. In this study, we examined the parental behaviours of A. rotundus. Additional investigations on subsocial behaviours, in addition to morphological and molecular analyses, should gradually clarify whether the complex subsociality represents a homologous or convergent adaptation.
Caudal epidural analgesia using lidocaine alone or in combination with ketamine in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Azari Omid , Molaei Mohammad M. , Ehsani Amir H.
Published: February 2014

This study was performed to investigate the analgesic effect of lidocaine and a combination of lidocaine and ketamine following epidural administration in dromedary camels. Ten 12–18-month-old camels were randomly divided into two equal groups. In group L, the animals received 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg/kg) and in group LK the animals received a mixture of 10% ketamine (1 mg/kg) and 2% lidocaine (0.22 mg/kg) administered into the first intercoccygeal (Co1–Co2) epidural space while standing. Onset time and duration of caudal analgesia, sedation level and ataxia were recorded after drug administration. Data were analysed by U Mann-Whitney tests and significance was taken as p < 0.05. The results showed that epidural lidocaine and co-administration of lidocaine and ketamine produced complete analgesia in the tail, anus and perineum. Epidural administration of the lidocaine-ketamine mixture resulted in mild to moderate sedation, whilst the animals that received epidural lidocaine alone were alert and nervous during the study. Ataxia was observed in all test subjects and was slightly more severe in camels that received the lidocaine-ketamine mixture. It was concluded that epidural administration of lidocaine plus ketamine resulted in longer caudal analgesia in standing conscious dromedary camels compared with the effect of administering lidocaine alone.
Endovascular Coil Occlusion of Traumatic Intradural Aneurysm with Presentation as Carotid Cavernous Fistula
Authors: Karanam Lakshmi S P , Alurkar Anand B , Natarajan M , Pugazhenthi B
Published: February 2014

Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are abnormal communication between cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus. These entities are usually encountered in 0.2-0.8% of patients with traumatic skull base fractures. Traumatic cerebral aneurysms are rare and account for less than 1% of intracranial aneurysms. CCF due to ruptured intradural traumatic aneurysm is very rare and difficult to treat by surgical methods. We present one such case of a 40-year-old man with post-traumatic CCF due to a ruptured intradural aneurysm successfully treated with endovascular embolization.
On Littlewood Polynomials with Prescribed Number of Zeros Inside the Unit Disk
Authors: Borwein Peter , Choi Stephen , Ferguson Ron , Jankauskas Jonas
Published: February 2014

We investigate the numbers of complex zeros of Littlewood polynomials p(z) (polynomials
with coefficients {−1, 1}) inside or on the unit circle |z| = 1, denoted by N(p) and U(p), respectively. Two types of Littlewood polynomials are considered: Littlewood polynomials with one sign change in
the sequence of coefficients and Littlewood polynomials with one negative coefficient. We obtain
explicit formulas for N(p), U(p) for polynomials p(z) of these types. We show that if n + 1 is a prime
number, then for each integer k, 0 ≤ k ≤ n − 1, there exists a Littlewood polynomial p(z) of degree n with N(p) = k and U(p) = 0. Furthermore, we describe some cases where the ratios N(p)/n and
U(p)/n have limits as n → ∞ and find the corresponding limit values.
Discrimination and the Presumptive Rights of Immigrants
Authors: Mendoza José Jorge
Published: February 2014

Philosophers have assumed that as long as discriminatory admission and exclusion policies are off the table, it is possible for one to adopt a restrictionist position on the issue of immigration without having to worry that this position might entail discriminatory outcomes. The problem with this assumption emerges, however, when two important points are taken into consideration. First, immigration controls are not simply discriminatory because they are based on racist or ethnocentric attitudes and beliefs, but can themselves also be the source of social and civic ostracism. Second, by focusing so much on questions of admission and exclusion, philosophers have tended to overlook the discriminatory potential of immigration enforcement mechanisms. In this essay, I make the case that philosophers who deal with the issue of immigration cannot dispense with the potential for discrimination in a state's enforcement mechanism as easily as they have with the potential for discrimination in a state's admission and exclusions criteria. In addition, I put forth the positive claim that the way to combat this potential for discrimination (e.g., xenophobia) must begin with a defense of, and advocacy for, immigrant rights.
HER2/neu in Endometrial Cancer: A Promising Therapeutic Target With Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Buza Natalia , Roque Dana M. , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: February 2014

Context.—In the era of targeted cancer therapy, there is growing interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies against endometrial carcinoma, especially its most biologically aggressive variant, serous adenocarcinoma. Several publications have demonstrated that a significant proportion of uterine serous carcinomas show HER2 overexpression and/or amplification, suggesting that HER2 may be a promising therapeutic target. Case reports have already shown clinical response to trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 antibody against HER2, and patients are currently being enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective randomized trial to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab.

Objective.—To review current data on HER2 testing and targeted therapy against HER2/neu in endometrial carcinoma.

Data Sources.—Review of the literature and personal experience of the authors.

Conclusions.—Parallel to the clinical studies, there is a need to develop standardized criteria for HER2 testing in endometrial carcinoma that reflect the unique biological and pathogenetic features of these tumors and correlate with clinical response to therapy. This article presents a comprehensive review of the current state of HER2-based therapy and HER2 testing in endometrial carcinoma.
Germ Cell Tumors of the Ovary: An Update
Authors: Nogales Francisco F. , Dulcey Isabel , Preda Ovidiu
Published: February 2014

Context.—The field of ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) has remained relatively unchanged in the last 2 decades. However, the introduction of new stem cell pluripotency markers has provided a new understanding into the identification and taxonomy of OGCT types. New data have provided new insights into unusual teratoma-associated autoimmune disorders and the origin of gliomatosis peritonei.

Objective.—To review the impact of new pluripotency markers in the diagnosis of malignant OGCT (MOGCT) and analyze new nomenclature proposals and clinicopathologic entities.

Data Sources.—Ovarian germ cell tumors from routine material and expert consultation files at San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain, and the relevant literature were reviewed.

Conclusions.—Although a correct diagnosis of MOGCT can often be made with histologic and classic immunohistochemical studies, the new immunohistochemical pluripotency markers give higher diagnostic accuracy. Germ cell tumors represent a caricature of the phases of normal embryonic differentiation from primordial germ and stem cells to extraembryonal and somatic tissue differentiation. Since every stage of differentiation and its related tumor type exhibit characteristic markers, the analysis of their expression facilitates tumor typing, thus complementing the use of classic antibodies. They also allow a more precise evaluation of the degree of immaturity in teratoma. The new term, primitive endodermal tumors, simplifies the understanding of the complex histology of the yolk sac tumor group, as this terminology encompasses its multiple endodermal differentiations. Recently described autoimmune encephalitis due to antibodies against the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor has become the most frequent autoimmune disorder associated with ovarian teratoma.
Endometrial Carcinoma in Women Aged 40 Years and Younger
Authors: Garg Karuna , Soslow Robert A.
Published: February 2014

Context.—Endometrial carcinoma is a disease of older postmenopausal women, and is relatively uncommon in patients younger than 40 years. Endometrial carcinomas in this age group may be familial, associated with Lynch syndrome, or sporadic.

Objectives.—To present our current knowledge of endometrial carcinomas in women younger than 40 years.

Data Sources.—The review is based on previously published articles on this topic.

Conclusions.—Most endometrial carcinomas that occur in this age group are associated with estrogen excess. They are usually low-grade endometrioid carcinomas that present at low stages and are associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Tumors associated with mismatch repair abnormalities and Lynch syndrome appear to be distinct, with worse prognostic factors and, possibly, clinical behavior. Conservative hormonal therapy and ovarian conservation are reasonable considerations in the management of these young patients, but carry the risk of tumor progression, recurrence, and an occult synchronous or metachronous ovarian carcinoma.
National Standards in Pathology Education: Developing Competencies for Integrated Medical School Curricula
Authors: Sadofsky Moshe , Knollmann-Ritschel Barbara , Conran Richard M. , Prystowsky Michael B.
Published: February 2014

Context.—Medical school education has evolved from department-specific memorization of facts to an integrated curriculum presenting knowledge in a contextual manner across traditional disciplines, integrating information, improving retention, and facilitating application to clinical practice. Integration occurs throughout medical school using live data-sharing technologies, thereby providing the student with a framework for lifelong active learning. Incorporation of educational teams during medical school prepares students for team-based patient care, which is also required for pay-for-performance models used in accountable care organizations.

Objective.—To develop learning objectives for teaching pathology to medical students. Given the rapid expansion of basic science knowledge of human development, normal function, and pathobiology, it is neither possible nor desirable for faculty to teach, and students to retain, this vast amount of information. Courses teaching the essentials in context and engaging students in the learning process enable them to become lifelong learners. An appreciation of pathobiology and the role of laboratory medicine underlies the modern practice of medicine. As such, all medical students need to acquire 3 basic competencies in pathology: an understanding of disease mechanisms, integration of mechanisms into organ system pathology, and application of pathobiology to diagnostic medicine.

Design.—We propose the development of 3 specific competencies in pathology to be implemented nationwide, aimed at disease mechanisms/processes, organ system pathology, and application to diagnostic medicine. Each competency will include learning objectives and a means to assess acquisition, integration, and application of knowledge. The learning objectives are designed to be a living document managed (curated) by a group of pathologists representing Liaison Committee on Medical Education–accredited medical schools nationally.

Conclusions.—Development of a coherent set of learning objectives will assist medical students nationally to gain the basic competencies in pathology necessary for clinical practice. Having national standards for competencies preserves schools' independence in specific curriculum design while assuring all students meet the evolving needs of medical practice.
Teacher Goals and Dilemmas in the Use of Mathematical Representations
Authors: Taylor Edd V. , Dyer Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this article is to describe the reported goals of teachers participating in professional development related to their efforts to consider multiple representations in their teaching. Through analysis of monthly written reflections and group discussion, we describe 3 teacher dilemmas that emerged related to their efforts to consider multiple representations in their teaching: (a) equitable practices when particular representations result in differential success, (b) a teacher's need to balance exposure and choice, and (c) a potential dilemma related to conflicts between competing goals. We provide suggestions of how mathematics educators might use these findings to support future professional development efforts.
40 years research and development on liquid crystal displays
Authors: Uchida Tatsuo
Published: February 2014

Electronic displays, especially liquid crystal displays (LCDs), have made significant progress. In this paper, the actual situation of how the research and development of the new field was pushed forward is introduced by referring to the process of liquid crystal study related to the author’s experience. In addition, the future trends of research and development on image electronics are discussed on the basis of the peculiar characteristics of humans related to information input and output ability.
Effect of contact material on amorphous InGaZnO thin-film transistor characteristics
Authors: Ueoka Yoshihiro , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Bermundo Juan Paolo , Yamazaki Haruka , Urakawa Satoshi , Osada Yukihiro , Horita Masahiro , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: February 2014

Amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) having several metals, namely Ag, Ti, and Mo, as the source and drain electrodes were characterized. TFTs with Ti and Mo electrodes showed drain current–gate voltage characteristics without fluctuation. However, TFTs with Ag electrodes indicated a low noisy on-state current at a large channel length under a low drain–source voltage condition. The source and drain resistances [R
s/d (Ω)] of the TFTs with each of the three metals were calculated from the I
DS–V
GS characteristics. The R
s/d values of the Ag, Ti, and Mo samples reached 4 × 104, 2 × 104, and 1 × 104 Ω, respectively. This implies that a spatial potential barrier exists at the a-IGZO/Ag interface and that the resistance of the potential barrier changes with the application of gate voltage.
Room-temperature bonding of heterogeneous materials for near-infrared image sensor
Authors: Shuto Takanori , Iwanabe Keiichiro , Ogura Mutsuo , Nishida Katsuhiko , Asano Tanemasa
Published: February 2014

A room-temperature bonding technique using cone-shaped microbumps with the aid of ultrasonic vibration is applied to the fabrication of a near-infrared (NIR) image sensor. The image sensor is fabricated using the chip-on-chip integration of an InGaAs photodiode array on an InP substrate and a Si CMOS readout IC. The pixel pitch is 25 µm to compose quarter-VGA class (320 × 256 pixels) resolution. A high-quality imaging of a heated object is demonstrated. Bonding of the VGA array with 15 µm pitch is attempted to realize a high-resolution image sensor.
Comparative study of dopant-segregated Schottky barrier germanium nanowire transistors
Authors: Zhang Yi-Bo , Sun Lei , Xu Hao , Xia Yu-Qian , Wang Yi , Zhang Sheng-Dong
Published: February 2014

P-type Schottky barrier Ge nanowire transistors modulated with dopant segregated regions are proposed and studied. The impact of dopant segregated regions on device performance is simulated and investigated with numerical tools. It is revealed that dopant segregation is beneficial to increasing drive current and better utilizing nanowire channel. The OFF-state current is effectively suppressed with high dopant concentration, and the phenomena in the minimum current curves are carefully reinterpreted with carrier transport mechanisms. It is also shown that the dopant segregated regions with moderate length and high concentration can achieve high ON/OFF ratio and low subthreshold slope. Furthermore, we find that the subthreshold slope of long segregation length is insensitive to source/drain barrier heights, and that moderate segregation length helps to obtain lower subthreshold slope as channel length is scaled down.
Just-In-Time Compilation of NumPy Vector Operations
Authors: Lund Johannes , Kristensen Mads R. B. , Lund Simon A. F. , Vinter Brian
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we introduce JIT compilation for the high-productivity framework Python/NumPy in order to boost the performance significantly. The JIT compilation of Python/NumPy is completely transparent to the user – the runtime system will automatically JIT compile and execute the NumPy instructions encountered in a Python application. In other words, we introduce a framework that provides the high-productivity from Python while maintaining the high-performance of a low-level, compiled language.

We transforms NumPy vector instruction into an Abstract Syntax Tree representation that creates the basis for further optimizations. From the AST we auto-generate C code which we compile into computational kernels and execute. These incorporate temporary array removal and loop-fusion which are main benefactors in the achieved speedups. In order to amortize the overhead of creation, we also implement a cache for the compiled kernels.

We evaluate the JIT compilation by executing several scientific computing benchmarks on an AMD. Compared to NumPy, we achieve speedups of a factor 4.72 for a N-Body application and 7.51 for a Jacobi Stencil application executing on a single CPU core.
Unified Modeling Language in History and Social Science Education
Authors: Bergandy Jan
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses using Unified Modeling Language (UML), a proven and well supported technology, in teaching problem solving skills to middle and high school age students. UML has been successfully used by software industry as a standardized graphical modeling language in specification and design of software systems. The paper focuses on the phase of our project involving teaching history and social science. It advocates relevance of our approach and illustrates how modeling in UML can be effectively utilized in teaching of these subjects. Paper also addresses aligning of our approach with curriculum standards driving K-12 education.
Conceptualizing Quality in Software Industry
Authors: Khalifa Nermine M , Abd Elghany Mona M
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the different software quality perceptions from the different stakeholders’ perspectives and presents a critique to previously developed quality models and measurement theory frameworks associated. It emphasizes the rationale beyond the selection of the Goal Question Metric (GQM) as an evaluation method for the development of the software project with the desired quality needs satisfying the software system. Then it ends up with several concluding remarks that pinpoint the main discussion points and offers guidance for further research.
Displacement and dynamic weakening processes in smectite‐rich gouge from the Central Deforming Zone of the San Andreas Fault
Authors: French M. E. , Kitajima H. , Chester J. S. , Chester F. M. , Hirose T.
Published: February 2014

The strength of clay‐rich gouge from the Central Deforming Zone (CDZ) of the San Andreas Fault (SAF) was measured using a high‐speed rotary shear apparatus to evaluate the potential for unstable slip along the creeping segment of the SAF. Wet and dry gouge was sheared at 0.1–1.3 m/s, 0.5–1.5 MPa normal stress, and 1–20 m displacement. CDZ gouge is weaker wet than dry and exhibits displacement strengthening to peak friction followed by weakening to steady state strength that decreases with increasing velocity. A clay foliation (Unit 2) develops from the initial microstructure (Unit 1) during the first 1.5 m of slip coincident with increasing strength. Subsequent weakening occurs during shear within Unit 2, and subsequently with development of a localized foliated slip zone (Unit 4) and fluidized material (Unit 3). Displacement and dynamic weakening result from slip along clay foliation assisted by shear‐heating pressurization of pore fluid in wet gouge and additional grain‐size reduction and possible clay dehydration in dry gouge. Peak strength is proportional to normal stress, but steady state strength is insensitive to normal stress probably because pore pressure approaches the normal stress. As such, CDZ gouge is weak at coseismic rates relative to interseismic creep strength. The potential for sustaining rupture propagation into the CDZ from an adjacent seismic segment is sensitive to the relationship used to extrapolate the critical weakening displacement from experimental to in situ conditions. Rupture propagation from a microseismic patch within the CDZ is unlikely, but sustained propagation from a large earthquake (e.g., Parkfield event) may be possible.
Zagros “phantom earthquakes” reassessed—The interplay of seismicity and deep salt flow in the Simply Folded Belt?
Authors: Nissen Edwin , Jackson James , Jahani Salman , Tatar Mohammad
Published: February 2014

Unraveling the contributions of main shock slip, aftershocks, aseismic afterslip, and postseismic relaxation to the deformation observed in earthquake sequences heightens our understanding of crustal rheology, triggering phenomena, and seismic hazard. Here, we revisit two recent earthquakes in the Zagros mountains (Iran) which exhibited unusual and contentious aftereffects. The Mw ~6 earthquakes at Qeshm (2005) and Fin (2006) are both associated with large interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) signals, consistent with slip on steep reverse faults in carbonate rocks of the middle sedimentary cover, but small aftershocks detected with local seismic networks were concentrated at significantly greater depths. This discrepancy can be interpreted in one of two ways: either (1) there is a genuine vertical separation between main shock and aftershocks, reflecting a complex stress state near the basement‐cover interface, or (2) the aftershocks delimit the main shock slip and the InSAR signals were caused by shallow, updip afterslip (phantom earthquakes) with very similar magnitudes, mechanisms, and geographical positions as the original earthquakes. Here, we show that main shock centroid depths obtained from body waveform modeling—which in this instance is the only method that can reveal for certain the depth at which seismic slip was centered—strongly support the first interpretation. At Qeshm, microseismic aftershock depths are centered at the level of the Hormuz Formation, an Infracambrian sequence of intercalated evaporitic and nonevaporitic sediments. These aftershocks may reflect the breaking up of harder Hormuz sediments and adjacent strata as the salt flows in response to main shock strain at the base of the cover. This work bolsters recent suggestions that most large earthquakes in the Zagros are contained within carbonate rocks in the midlower sedimentary cover and that the crystalline basement shortens mostly aseismically.
Climate change, water rights, and water supply: The case of irrigated agriculture in Idaho
Authors: Xu Wenchao , Lowe Scott E. , Adams Richard M.
Published: February 2014

We conduct a hedonic analysis to estimate the response of agricultural land use to water supply information under the Prior Appropriation Doctrine by using Idaho as a case study. Our analysis includes long‐term climate (weather) trends and water supply conditions as well as seasonal water supply forecasts. A farm‐level panel data set, which accounts for the priority effects of water rights and controls for diversified crop mixes and rotation practices, is used. Our results indicate that farmers respond to the long‐term surface and ground water conditions as well as to the seasonal water supply variations. Climate change‐induced variations in climate and water supply conditions could lead to substantial damages to irrigated agriculture. We project substantial losses (up to 32%) of the average crop revenue for major agricultural areas under future climate scenarios in Idaho. Finally, farmers demonstrate significantly varied responses given their water rights priorities, which imply that the distributional impact of climate change is sensitive to institutions such as the Prior Appropriation Doctrine.
Near‐ and Far‐Transfer Effects of Working Memory Updating Training in Elderly Adults
Authors: Xin Zhao , Lai Zhou‐Ren , Li Fu. , Maes Joseph H. R.
Published: February 2014

Age‐related declines in working memory, especially with regard to updating ability, affect many high‐level aspects of cognition in elderly adults. Recent studies have demonstrated that training might improve working memory. We investigated the effects of 20 days of adaptive training of working memory updating in healthy elderly adults. Comparing the performance on cognitive function tests before and after training in a trained group and a non‐trained group, significant positive training effects were observed in a numerical updating task and a digit‐span test, but not in a non‐verbal reasoning test. The results suggest beneficial effects of working memory updating training to working memory tasks that use different content material and task formats than those used during training. However, confirming the results of previous studies, transfer effects to other higher order cognitive processes seem to be absent in elderly adults. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lineup Member Similarity Effects on Children's Eyewitness Identification
Authors: Fitzgerald Ryan J. , Whiting Brittany F. , Therrien Natalie M. , Price Heather L.
Published: February 2014

To date, research investigating the similarity among lineup members has focused on adult eyewitnesses. In the present research, children made identifications from lineups containing members of lower or higher similarity to a target person. In Experiment 1, following a live interaction, children's (6–14 years) correct identification rate was reduced in higher‐similarity relative to lower‐similarity lineups. In Experiment 2, children (6–12 years) and adults watched a video containing a target person. Again, higher‐similarity lineup members reduced children's correct identifications; however, similarity had no effect on adults' correct identification rate. Although children benefited from lower‐similarity lineups when the target was present, lower‐similarity lineups generally increased misidentifications of an innocent suspect when the target was absent. Thus, increasing similarity in lineups for children had a cost on target‐present lineups and a benefit on target‐absent lineups. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of Thigh Muscle Strength With Knee Symptoms and Radiographic Disease Stage of Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Ruhdorfer Anja , Wirth Wolfgang , Hitzl Wolfgang , Nevitt Michael , Eckstein Felix ,   for the Osteoarthritis Initiative Investigators
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine whether thigh muscle strength differs between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees, and/or different radiographic strata of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Isometric extensor and flexor strength were analyzed in 3,809 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants (2,201 women and 1,608 men) with central radiographic Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade readings. Isometric strength measurements were stratified by radiographic disease status (K/L grades 0, 1, 2, and 3/4) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores. Age‐adjusted, separate‐slopes analysis of covariance models was used to compare strength between “symptomatic” (WOMAC score range 5–20) and “asymptomatic” (WOMAC score = 0) legs within and across K/L grade strata. Exploratory analyses focused on strength normalized to body weight and symptom frequency.

Results

Isometric strength was significantly lower in symptomatic than in asymptomatic legs: −11 to −13% for extensor strength and −7 to −16% for flexor strength (P < 0.0001 for both) in men, and −9 to −17% (P = 0.029) for extensor strength, and −10 to −21% (P = 0.049) for flexor strength in women. Similar observations were made for pain frequency strata. Extensor and flexor strength were not significantly different across K/L grade strata in asymptomatic legs in either sex (P ≥ 0.12). However, strength normalized to body weight was lower at higher K/L grades in both sexes (P ≤ 0.02) because the body mass index was greater in participants with more advanced radiographic disease.

Conclusion

Knee symptoms (i.e., pain) appear to be the relevant determinant of isometric knee extensor and flexor strength in KOA, whereas no direct association between strength and radiographic severity was observed. These findings suggest that the reduction in thigh muscle strength in KOA is related to pain but not to the structural (radiographic) disease status.
Fatigue Life and Failure Characteristics of an Ultrafine‐Grained Ti–6Al–4V Alloy Processed by ECAP and Extrusion
Authors: Polyakov Alexander V. , Semenova Irina P. , Huang Yi , Valiev Ruslan Z. , Langdon Terence G.
Published: February 2014

Experiments were conducted to investigate the low‐cycle deformation behavior of an ultrafine‐grained (UFG) Ti–6Al–4V alloy produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD) through a combination of equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) and extrusion. The fatigue properties were examined by stress‐controlled fatigue testing at stress amplitudes in the range of 700–1050 MPa. The specimens exhibited a dimpled final overload fracture mode. The results show the UFG alloy has a longer fatigue life and a finer dimple size than the coarse‐grained material.
Structure and Disorder in Squaraine–C60 Organic Solar Cells: A Theoretical Description of Molecular Packing and Electronic Coupling at the Donor–Acceptor Interface
Authors: Fu Yao‐Tsung , da Silva Filho Demetrio A. , Sini Gjergji , Asiri Abdullah M. , Aziz Saadullah Gary , Risko Chad , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2014

Organic solar cells based on the combination of squaraine dyes (as electron donors) and fullerenes (as electron acceptors) have recently garnered much attention. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to investigate the evolution of a squaraine–C60 bilayer interface as a function of the orientation and order of the underlying squaraine layer. Electronic couplings between the main electronic states involved in exciton dissociation and charge (polaron pair) recombination are derived for donor–acceptor complexes extracted from the simulations. The results of the combined molecular‐dynamics−quantum‐mechanics approach provide insight into how the degree of molecular order and the dynamics at the interface impact the key processes involved in the photovoltaic effect.
Analysis of 16 STRs of NOS gene regions and around in six sardinian populations (Italy)
Authors: Bachis Valeria , Calò Carla Maria , Vona Giuseppe , Corrias Laura , Carreras‐Torres Robert , Moral Pedro
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aims of this work are to provide first data on novel STRs at the NOS gene regions in human populations and to test for possible correlations with mortality rate by malaria in different areas of Sardinia (Italy).

Methods

In the present study, 16 STRs (13 analyzed for the first time in human populations) localized on three genes NOS were typed in 213 healthy individuals, unrelated for at least three generations, from six historical–geographical Sardinian areas. STRs alleles were determined through sequencing. Statistical analyses were performed by Genepop (v.4.0), Arlequin (v.3.5.1.2), R (v.2.15.1), Statistica (v.5.1), and PHASE (v.2.1) software packages.

Results

The number of alleles found for each locus ranged from 2 to 12 and their distribution is most often unimodal. All populations met Hardy Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction, with few exceptions. Analysis of genetic distances did not show strong genetic structuring of the investigated populations. Instead, the population genetic variability shows a positive and highly significant (P‐value < 0.01) correlation between mortality determined by malaria infection and alleles (TGGA)7 of NOS2, (AAAAG)2 and (ATTT)10 of adNOS1, and (AAACA)11 of adNOS3 genes.

Conclusions

The peculiar allele distribution found for several NOS alleles could be due to malaria infection that may have contributed to their frequencies, but we cannot exclude that the peculiar allele distribution of NOS might also be due to genetic drift, emphasized by isolation and founder effect. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:401–406, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of morphology on the flame‐retardant behaviors of melamine cyanurate in PA6 composites
Authors: Tang Shuo , Qian Li‐jun , Qiu Yong , Sun Nan
Published: February 2014

Three types of melamine cyanurate (MCA) with micrometer‐size sphere‐like, micrometer‐scale rod‐like, and nanometer‐scale flake‐like morphologies were synthesized by changing the chemical circumstances of the reactions. The microcosmic morphologies of MCA were characterized via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. After the MCAs with different morphologies were incorporated into polyamide 6 (PA6), the flame‐retardant properties of the MCA/PA6 composites were investigated using the limited oxygen index (LOI), UL94, and cone calorimeter tests. The MCA/PA6 composites with nanometer‐scale flake‐like MCA obtained an LOI value of 29.5% and a UL94 V‐0 rating, which were higher than those with micrometer‐size sphere‐like and rod‐like MCAs. However, the different morphologies did not affect the heat release rate, total smoke release, average carbon monoxide yield, and average carbon dioxide yield based on the cone calorimeter. The flame‐retardant mechanism of MCAs with different morphologies was investigated via thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA‐Fourier transform infrared spectra. The results show that the different morphologies of MCA resulted in different dispersed evenness of MCA. Further, the nanometer‐scale flake‐like morphology of MCA brought more interactions of hydrogen bond between MCA and PA6, which resulted in the delay of MCA decomposition and the enhancement of MCA flame‐retardant effect. The nanometer‐scale flake‐like MCA had a better performance compared with the other samples because of the delaying and even release of flame‐retardant effect by the decomposition of evenly dispersed MCA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40558.
Clinical and Serologic Correlates of Anti‐PM/Scl Antibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: A Multicenter Study of 763 Patients
Authors: D'Aoust Julie , Hudson Marie , Tatibouet Solène , Wick James ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Mahler Michael , Baron Murray , Fritzler Marvin J.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Anti‐PM/Scl autoantibodies are found in polymyositis, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis (SSc), and systemic autoimmune disease overlap syndromes. PM‐1α is a major epitope of the PM/Scl complex, and antibodies against PM‐1α can be detected using a validated enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and identify the clinical correlates of anti–PM‐1α antibodies in a large cohort of patients with SSc.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 763 patients with SSc enrolled in a multicenter Canadian cohort. The sera were analyzed by ELISA for the presence of antibodies against PM‐1α. Associations between the presence of anti–PM‐1α antibodies and demographic, clinical, and other serologic manifestations of SSc were investigated.

Results

Anti–PM‐1α antibodies were present in 55 patients with SSc (7.2%), of whom almost 50% (26 of 55; 3.4% of the overall cohort) had no other SSc‐specific antibodies, namely anticentromere, anti–topoisomerase I, and anti–RNA polymerase III. Features positively associated with the presence of anti–PM‐1α antibodies included younger age at disease onset, skeletal muscle involvement, calcinosis, inflammatory arthritis, and overlap disease. Interstitial lung disease was less frequent and there were fewer gastrointestinal symptoms present in patients with anti–PM‐1α antibodies compared to patients without these antibodies.

Conclusion

Anti–PM‐1α antibodies are relatively common in SSc and are associated with a distinct clinical phenotype, consistent with that described in association with other anti‐PM/Scl autoantibodies. Although anti–PM‐1α antibodies are not exclusive of other SSc‐specific antibodies, they can be present in the absence thereof. Thus, anti–PM‐1α antibodies may have considerable diagnostic and prognostic relevance in SSc.
Brief Report: A Polymorphism in TLR2 Is Associated With Arterial Thrombosis in a Multiethnic Population of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kaiser Rachel , Tang Ling Fung , Taylor Kimberly E. , Sterba Kirsten , Nititham Joanne , Brown Elizabeth E. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , McGwin Gerald , Alarcón Graciela S. , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Reveille John D. , Vilá Luis M. , Petri Michelle , Rauch Joyce , Miller Emily , Mesznik Kara , Kwok Pui‐Yan , Kimberly Robert P. , Salmon Jane E. , Criswell Lindsey A.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Thrombosis is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Studies that have investigated the genetics of thrombosis in SLE are limited. We undertook this study to assess the association of previously implicated candidate genes, particularly Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes, with pathogenesis of thrombosis.

Methods

We genotyped 3,587 SLE patients from 3 multiethnic populations for 77 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 genes, primarily in TLRs 2, 4, 7, and 9, and we also genotyped 64 ancestry‐informative markers (AIMs). We first analyzed association with arterial and venous thrombosis in the combined population via logistic regression, adjusting for top principal components of the AIMs and other covariates. We also subjected an associated SNP, rs893629, to meta‐analysis (after stratification by ethnicity and study population) to confirm the association and to test for study population or ethnicity effects.

Results

In the combined analysis, the SNP rs893629 in the KIAA0922/TLR2 region was significantly associated with arterial thrombosis (logistic P = 6.4 × 10−5, false discovery rate P = 0.0044). Two additional SNPs in TLR2 were also suggestive: rs1816702 (logistic P = 0.002) and rs4235232 (logistic P = 0.009). In the meta‐analysis by study population, the odds ratio (OR) for arterial thrombosis with rs893629 was 2.44 (95% confidence interval 1.58–3.76), without evidence for heterogeneity (P = 0.78). By ethnicity, the effect was most significant among African Americans (OR 2.42, P = 3.5 × 10−4) and European Americans (OR 3.47, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

TLR2 gene variation is associated with thrombosis in SLE, particularly among African Americans and European Americans. There was no evidence of association among Hispanics, and results in Asian Americans were limited due to insufficient sample size. These results may help elucidate the pathogenesis of this important clinical manifestation.