bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology Options for Engaging Respondents in Self-Administered Questionnaires and Remote Interviewing
Authors:   RTI International, Cook Sarah , Sha Mandy , Murphy Joe , Lau Charles
Published: March 2016

Moving away from in-person interviewing and toward self-administered questionnaires (SAQs) reduces costs but also raises questions about data quality. Without an interviewer present, respondents may lose their engagement with the survey, leading to breakoffs and greater measurement error. One way to potentially reduce these errors is to leverage new technologies to enhance respondent engagement. Another is to use remote interviewers, which is more budget-friendly than in-person interviewers. In this paper, we describe new technology options to keep respondents engaged with SAQs and harness remote interviewing capabilities: mobile data collection, short message service and instant messaging, video interviewing, and virtual worlds. Drawing from literature and professional experience, we discuss the functioning and implications of these recent technologies for respondent engagement and additional indicators, such as respondent burden, accuracy, and retention. This paper serves as a starting point for researchers considering technological options for conducting SAQs or remote interviews to reduce costs while continuing to engage respondents without sacrificing quality.
Harkand : le build-up ou comment regrouper des PME pour former un leader mondial
Authors: Mouté Nicolas
Published: March 2016

Oaktree Capital Management prend le contrôle de Gulmar pour la redresser et crée Harkand en fusionnant trois sociétés. Les build-up ne peuvent guère être lancés sans fonds d’investissement, mais ils imposent les contraintes de leur horizon de temps limité.
Le Plan de lutte contre la pauvreté et pour l’inclusion sociale
Authors: Chérèque François
Published: March 2016

La segmentation des politiques dans le domaine social et le repli des acteurs sociaux provoquent des difficultés considérables pour les bénéficiaires de ces politiques. Le Plan de lutte contre la pauvreté et pour l’inclusion sociale (2013-2017) tente de remédier à cela. Mais la question budgétaire reste floue, la coordination des acteurs pose problème et les rôles des professionnels gagneraient à être redéfinis. Les évaluations annuelles du plan permettent cependant certaines avancées.
Variation associated with sampling bale or pit silage for mycotoxins and conventional chemical characteristics
Authors: McElhinney C. , Danaher M. , Grant J. , Elliott C.T , O’Kiely P.
Published: March 2016

Mycotoxins are heterogeneously distributed analytes such that obtaining a representative sample of silage for analysis can be highly challenging. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify the variability in mycotoxin concentrations, nutritional value characteristics and fermentation characteristics when 20 cores were taken from individual next-to-be-fed silage bales and five cores were taken from the next-to-be-fed section of the feed face of pit silages, (2) compare the values obtained from intensive sampling of the silage after simulated feed-out to values obtained by the above mentioned core sampling, and (3) describe the impact of reducing the number of core samples taken from the baled and pit silages. Round baled silages (n=10) or sections (2 m wide × 1 m height) of pit silages (n=10) were core sampled at twenty and five positions, respectively. After coring, baled silages were chopped, mixed and placed along a simulated feed trough. Silage in the simulated feed trough was then grab sampled (n=20) to produce an aggregate sample, and this was undertaken in triplicate. For pits, silage was mixed and placed along a simulated feed trough before being sampled, as per baled silage. Variation within or among either baled or pit silages, and for core or feed trough samples, was generally much higher for mycotoxins than for conventional chemical composition traits. Within silage (bale or pit) and among silages, variation was generally reduced when samples were collected from the feed trough, except for mycotoxins in pit silages which had higher variation in the feed trough compared with core samples. Increasing the number of core samples increased the likelihood of detecting a positive sample if present and precise estimates of the true chemical composition of the population. Representatively sampling a next-to-be-fed section or bale of silage for conventional chemical characteristics was achieved with 2-4 core samples or 1-2 feed trough samples. However, in contrast, when sampling silages for mycotoxins, collecting a representative sample using core or feed trough sampling methods sometimes required over 100 and over 20 samples, respectively.
Two Cases of the Laryngeal Cystic Lesions
Authors: Kusunoki Takeshi , Wada Ryo , Homma Hirotomo , Kidokoro Yoshinobu , Yanai Aya , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: March 2016

We experienced two rare cases with laryngeal cystic lesions (laryngocele and laryngeal cyst). In the first case, the laryngocele case was removed by laryngomicrosurgery using an oral approach under general anesthesia. In the second case, the magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a dumbbell-type cyst with mucus widely extending from the laryngeal lumen to the neck through the thyroid cartilage. The patient had undergone chemotherapy for renal carcinoma with multiple lung and bone metastases. Therefore, we performed only fine needle aspiration rather than aggressive surgery for extirpation of the cyst using an external approach. This fine needle aspiration could improve the quality of life by decreasing both the left laryngeal swelling and the resulting pain, which were the chief complaints.
Twee gedigte
Authors: Odendaal Bernardus J.
Published: March 2016

No abstract available.
Spatial-Temporal Clustering of Tornadoes
Authors: Malamud Bruce D. , Turcotte Donald L.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The standard measure of the intensity of a tornado is the Fujita or Enhanced Fujita scale, which is based qualitatively on the damage caused by a tornado. An alternative measure of tornado intensity is the tornado path length, L. Here we examine the spatial-temporal clustering of severe tornadoes, which we define as having path lengths L ≥ 10 km. Of particular concern are tornado outbreaks when a large number of severe tornadoes occur in a day in a restricted region. We apply a spatial-temporal clustering analysis developed for earthquakes. We take all pairs of severe tornadoes in an outbreak, and for each pair plot the spatial lag (distance between touchdown points) against the temporal lag (time between touchdown points). We test our approach applying our analysis to the intense tornado outbreaks in the central United States on 26 and 27 April 2011, which resulted in over 300 fatalities. The patterns of spatial-temporal lag correlations that we obtain for the two days are strikingly different. On 26 April there were 45 severe tornadoes and our clustering analysis is dominated by a complex sequence of linear features. We associate each linear feature with multiple tornadoes generated by one discrete supercell thunderstorm. On 27 April there were 64 severe tornadoes and our clustering analysis is predominantly random with virtually no embedded linear patterns. We associate this pattern with a widespread complex of interacting supercell thunderstorms without long well defined paths of movement.
Vegetation greenness response to water availability in northern China from 1982 to 2006
Authors: Fengtai Zhang , Youzhi An
Published: March 2016

Abstract. An evaluation of the relationship between satellite-observed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data as a proxy for vegetation greenness and water availability (rainfall and soil moisture) can greatly improve our understanding of how vegetation greenness responds to water availability fluctuations. Using Sen and Pearson’s correlation methods, we analyzed the spatio-temporal variation of vegetation greenness for both the entire year and the growing season (GS,4-10) in northern China from 1982 to 2006. Although, vegetation greenness and soil moisture during the study period changed significantly for the entire study area, there was no change in rainfall. Linear correlation analysis between NDVI and rainfall revealed higher correlations using data for all seasons. Higher correlations for NDVI and soil moisture were obtained using growing season data. This study highlights how strongly vegetation greenness responds to water availability dynamics, especially in the growing season period.
Classroom Management The Effectiveness of Teacher’s Roles
Authors: Abdel Rahman Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan
Published: March 2016

The current study aimed at investigating and exploring the effective roles of English teacher on the development of classroom management as well as the enhancement of learners achievement in Taibah University, Ula Branch. Teacher’s roles take account of teacher’s classroom language, teacher’s responsibilities, and the criticism and the evaluation of teacher’s performance. This research claims that the teacher who makes great activation of his roles in classroom, tends to be the top and the most first factor that improves classroom management and enriches learners knowledge. Quantitative method has been chosen because it provides statistical data from English teachers using questionnaire. Factual information was collected and arranged in graphs. The results were analyzed and compared with previous studies. The participants’ responses provided supportive evidence and were fully consistent with this study.
Reorganizing the Management of Specialist Uro-Andrologic Ultrasound Health-Care Service: Impact on Professional Quality
Authors: Dell'Atti Lucio , Russo Gian Rosario
Published: March 2016

Introduction.

The process of organizing a ultrasound service nowadays can be improved by properly managing the user's request, the speed of response and safety, the standardization of methods and skills.

Materials and Methods.

The outpatients at our uro-andrologic ultrasound clinic (O.U. of Urology in Ferrara) received a questionnaire each; we administered a total of 640 questionnaires. The number of questionnaires collected was 532. Patients were asked to give an assessment of services using a qualitative method according to a 4-parameter response scale: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied.

Results.

The identification of indicators to be monitored by the user's perceived quality was accomplished by establishing the correlation coefficient between different parameters of analysis and an overall rating of the sample. Some of these parameters were: the relationship with the practitioner, the availability of doctors, the ability of doctors for reassurance, the completeness of information and facilities hygiene conditions. When these parameters vary, positively or negatively, also the citizen's overall opinion changes.

Conclusions.

The customer satisfaction is an important component of the quality of care, it represents both an indicator of the effectiveness of health intervention and the ability to meet quality requirements of the health service organization. The objective of an ultrasound service should be to provide, within a reasonable timeframe, the supply of high quality with qualified personnel, with adequate tools and procedures.
Neuroendocrine Target Therapies for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Innocenzi Michele , Ravaziol Michele , Minisola Francesco , Alfarone Andrea , Cattarino Susanna , Monti Giuseppe , Gentile Vincenzo , Di Silverio Franco
Published: March 2016

It is important to determine whether an increase in Chromogranin A levels and neuroendocrine (NE) cell activation are associated with progression towards on hormone-independent prostate-cancer. We proposed a combination of estrogens and somatostatin analogues as therapy of NE activation in hormone-independent prostate cancer. The combined therapy with ethinyl estradiol and lanreotide offered objective and symptomatic responses in patients with limited treatment options and refractoriness to conventional hormonal therapy strategies; in particular, it offered a median overall survival that was superior to the 10–month median survival in patients with hormone refractory disease. This combined therapy also sustains the new concept in cancer treatment in which therapies may target not only cancer cells but also its microenvironment, which can yield protection against apoptosis.
A Case of Giant Cell Tumor of the Hipbone Invading the Bladder
Authors: Iacono Fabrizio , Ruffo Antonio , Di Lauro Giovanni , Romis Leo , Illiano Ester , Prezioso Domenico
Published: March 2016

Giant Cell Tumor of Bone (GCTB) is a very rare neoplasm of the skeleton (about one new case per million population per year). In literature there is a great confusion about GCTB. The majority of authors think that GCTB is a benign locally aggressive tumor, others think that this is a malignant neoplasm and some authors think that GCTB is a reactive condition.

This is the first case in literature of GCTB of the Hipbone invading the Bladder.
Impactos locais e inter-regionais no emprego e na renda da agropecuária no Estado do Paraná.
Authors: Esteves Emerson Guzzi Zuan , Michellon Ednaldo , Alves Alexandre Florindo , Sesso-Filho Umberto Antonio , Amaral Antônio Edson
Published: March 2016

O objetivo desse estudo é analisar o panorama do setor da agropecuária paranaense, seus impactos locais e inter-regionais, multiplicadores de emprego e renda, bem como os índices de ligação para frente e para trás e geração de emprego. O setor da agropecuária empregou 4,16% dos trabalhadores formais do Estado em 2009, destacando-se como um dos mais importantes. A teoria insumo-produto é uma ferramenta de análise da estrutura da economia, que permite a estimativa de indicadores econômicos.  A metodologia aplicada agregou as 42 categorias da MIP de 1995 e 2009 para 20 setores, ajuste necessário tendo em vista as aptidões locais e a compatibilização com os dados das 87 categorias da CNAE. Dos resultados conclui-se que a agropecuária do Paraná oscilou nos indicadores entre 1995 e 2009, entretanto com desempenho melhor do que o encontrado no Restante do Brasil, reforçando a importância do setor no plano estadual. Destaque para o multiplicador de emprego que no período analisado aumentou seu valor de 1,68 para 1,84; sendo que na média dos setores houve uma queda na economia paranaense de 2,60 para 2,19.
Foreign Exchange Exposure and Hedging of Turkish Companies: Panel Data Evidence
Authors: Erdogan Mahmut
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the foreign exchange exposure and determinants of risk for different time horizons of Turkish companies from 1997 to 2011. In order to analyze the effect of the 2001 crisis, the study is split into two sub-periods: pre-crisis, and post-crisis. The empirical findings of the study suggest a negative relationship between exposure and asset turnover ratio, and profit margin, while there was a positive relationship between exposure and leverage. The study also provides empirical support for the fact that the companies with a higher export rate are exposed to higher risk. Finally, large companies are subject to less risk in the short run.
Quantification of Seed Oil Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Jatropha cucas L. from Guizhou, China
Authors: SENOU Hamidou , ZHENG Cai X. , SAMAKE Gabriel , TRAORE Mamadou B. , FOLEGA Fousseni , TRAORE Bakary M.
Published: March 2016

The methyl esters of fatty acids composition of the oil from jatropha curcas seeds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer GC-MS. Fourteen components were found to be representative with 99.52% of the total content of seed oils. The main constituents were unsaturated fatty acids (71.93%) and saturated fatty acids (27.59%). For the saturated fatty acids composition such as palmitic and stearic acid, the rate was 15.80% and 10.79%, respectively. Linoleic acid (39.58%) and oleic acid (30.41%) were obtained in highest concentration among the unsaturated fatty acids identified in the seeds oil of Jatropha curcas from Guizhou. This value also justifies the fluidity of the oil at room temperature. A high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (39.58%) and a slightly lower rate of monounsaturated fatty acids (32.35%) were also observed. The seed oils profile of Guizhou Jatropha curcas presents the desirable fatty acid C14 to C18 and interesting features for the biodiesel production.
Conflicts Management Model in School: A Mixed Design Study
Authors: Dogan Soner
Published: March 2016

The object of this study is to evaluate the reasons for conflicts occurring in school according to perceptions and views of teachers and resolution strategies used for conflicts and to build a model based on the results obtained. In the research, explanatory design including quantitative and qualitative methods has been used. The quantitative part of the research has been designed as the relational quantitative model. Data have been collected from 216 teachers working in the province of Sivas through the Scale of Reasons for Conflicts and the Scale of Resolution Strategies. The qualitative part of the research has been conducted in conformity with the case study design. Data has been gathered from 20 teachers working in the province of Sivas through open-ended questions. According to the research findings, the reasons for conflicts occurring in school has been diversified based on the way of doing things, individual differences and school management. The strategies for conflict solution used by the teachers vary according to school shareholders in which they experience conflict. Furthermore, findings have been obtained regarding that there is not any common management policy in the school. In this context, “Management Model for Conflict in School” for building conflict management culture in the school has been made.
Physiological adaptations to osmotic stress and characterization of a polyethylene glycol-responsive gene in Braya humilis
Authors: Lirong Wang , Pengshan Zhao , Xin Zhao , Xiaopeng Wang , Xiaofei Ma , Yi Li
Published: March 2016

Braya humilis (Brassicaceae) is a widely distributed plant in arid and semi-arid regions of northern Asia. This plant is well adapted to extremely arid conditions and is a promising candidate species to discover novel drought tolerance strategies. However, not much information about the mechanism(s) mediating drought resistance in this species is currently available. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the physiological traits and expression patterns of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-responsive gene in B. humilis responding to different levels of osmotic stress induced by PEG-6000. Several important physiological parameters were examined, including the levels of relative water content, soluble protein, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activity. A tolerance threshold between 20 and 30% PEG-6000 was identified for B. humilis. The water status and oxidative damage below this threshold were maintained at a relatively constant level during the 12 h of treatment. However, once the threshold was exceeded, the water status and oxidative damage were obviously affected after treatment for 4 h. The soluble protein results suggest that B. humilis maintains a vigorous resistance to osmotic stress and that it may play a greater role in osmotic regulation at late stages of stress. Moreover, superoxide dismutase and catalase may be important at preventing oxidative damage in plants at early stages of stress, while peroxidase may be more involved in some biological processes that resist osmotic stress at the late stage, especially in severely damaged plants. Furthermore, a PEG-responsive gene, BhCIPK12, was identified by differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned, and characterized by quantitative real-time PCR. We hypothesized that this gene may play an important role in mediating osmotic stress or drought resistance in plants. Altogether, these results provide valuable insights into the mechanism(s) mediating drought tolerance in B. humilis.
Genes, Affect, and Reason
Authors: Moss Henry ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2016

Many believe that, in addition to cognitive capacities, autonomous robots need something similar to affect. As in humans, affect, including specific emotions, would filter robot experience based on a set of goals, values, and interests. This narrows behavioral options and avoids combinatorial explosion or regress problems that challenge purely cognitive assessments in a continuously changing experiential field. Adding human-like affect to robots is not straightforward, however. Affect in organisms is an aspect of evolved biological systems, from the taxes of single-cell organisms to the instincts, drives, feelings, moods, and emotions that focus human behavior through the mediation of hormones, pheromones, neurotransmitters, the autonomic nervous system, and key brain structures. We argue that human intelligence is intimately linked to biological affective systems and to the unique repertoire of potential behaviors, sometimes conflicting, they facilitate. Artificial affect is affect in name only and without genes and biological bodies, autonomous robots will lack the goals, interests, and value systems associated with human intelligence. We will take advantage of their general intelligence and expertise, but robots will not enter our intellectual world or apply for legal status in the community.
The Efficacy of Transverse Fixation and Early Exercise in the Treatment of Fourth Metacarpal Bone Fractures
Authors: Moon Suk-Ho , Kim Hak-Soo , Jung Sung-No , Kwon Ho
Published: March 2016

Background Several techniques have been designed to treat fifth metacarpal fractures reported to be effective. However, these methods cannot be easily applied to the fourth metacarpal due to its central anatomical position. In this study, we sought to analyze the functional outcomes of patients who underwent transverse pinning for a fourth metacarpal bone fracture.

Methods A total of 21 patients were selected and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. After fracture reduction, two transverse Kirchner wires were first inserted from the fifth metacarpal to the third metacarpal transversely at the distal part of the fractured bone, and then another two wires were inserted at the proximal part of the fractured bone. The splint was removed approximately one week postoperatively and the Kirchner wires were removed four to five weeks postoperatively. Patients started active and passive exercise one week after the operation. Pain visual analog scores, total active and passive motion, and the active and passive range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and grip strength were evaluated.

Results Dorsal angulation improved from a preoperative value of 44.2° to a postoperative value of 5.9°. Six weeks after surgery, functional recovery parameters, such as range of motion and grip strength, had improved to 98% of the function of the normal side. No major complication was observed.

Conclusions We suggest that the transverse pinning of fourth metacarpal bone fractures is an effective treatment option that is less invasive than other procedures, easy to perform, requires no secondary surgery, minimizes joint and soft tissue injury, and allows early mobilization.
Revolution i detailhandlen? Om Marshall-plan, studierejser og selvbetjeningsbutikker.
Authors: Fossat Sissel Bjerrum
Published: March 2016

Artiklen undersøger, hvordan udbredelsen af selvbetjeningsbutikker i Danmark var en del af Marshall-planens målsætning. Ved at fokusere på en af de rejser om selvbetjening, der blev arrangeret i Marshall-regi, kan det vises, hvordan oprettelsen af selvbetjeningsbutikker både var i overensstemmelse med amerikanske og danske ønsker. I den danske detailhandel var især kooperationen interesseret i de nye principper, men der fandtes også skeptiske stemmer, der advarede mod de amerikanske ideer.

Abstract

The article explores how the dissemination of self-service shops in Denmark was an integral part of the Marshall Plan. Focusing on one of those journeys under the auspices of the Marshall Plan to study such self-service shops in the USA, the article shows how the creation of self-service shops was in accordance with American as well as Danish aspirations. In the Danish retailing business, particularly the cooperative movement was interested in the new principles, even if sceptical voices cautioned against these American ideas. Outside these circles, the Danish unions and employers’ organizations supported the intentions to modernize what they considered an expensive link in the retail trade. The gain in productivity pursued by the industry was considered to depend not only on increasing consumption, but also on standardized goods and mass consumption.
The use of Firewood in Ancient Maya Funerary Rituals: A Case Study from Rio Bec (Campeche, Mexico)
Authors: Dussol Lydie , Elliott Michelle , Pereira Grégory , Michelet Dominique
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we examine wood charcoal assemblages that were recovered from ash layers in Terminal Classic (A.D. 800–950) burials at the Maya site of Rio Bee to understand the use of fuel wood in funerary rites. Compared to charcoal deposits from domestic and non-funerary contexts, the spectrum of wood taxa used in the burial deposits is unique, which suggests specific fire-related practices. Members of the Sapotaceae family and Cordiasp. dominated all contexts and were clearly primary fuels. In contrast, the use of pine (Pinus sp.), which does not grow locally today, was limited to ritual practices. In addition, it seems that a deliberate effort was made to maximize the taxonomic richness of the fuel wood used in burials. Funerary charcoal deposits appear to have been carefully and intentionally “composed” for burning during funerary rites. We propose that this practice materialized the relationship between fire, ash, and the cycles of life and death, which are often symbolized by plant life cycles in the worldview of ancient Maya societies. This study also emphasizes the contribution of anthracological (wood charcoal) analysis to the reconstruction of human behavior and the importance of systematic paleoethnobotanical sampling in funerary contexts.
Herança genética da resistência de capim-amargoso ao glyphosate
Authors: Melo Marcel Sereguin Cabral de , Silva Danilo Carvalho Pereira da , Rosa Lucas Elache , Nicolai Marcelo , Christoffoleti Pedro Jacob
Published: March 2016

A herança genética da resistência ao glyphosate em capim-amargoso (Digitaria insularis) pode ajudar a entender sua disseminação, porém a mesma não foi previamente caracterizada. Estas informações são essenciais para o entendimento da evolução de resistência à herbicidas na agricultura e o fluxo gênico entre plantas resistentes e suscetíveis. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a herdabilidade dos genes de resistência entre os biótipos resistente e suscetível ao glyphosate, através da determinação da suscetibilidade dos biótipos na progênie F1. Para isso foi comparada a suscetibilidade da geração F1 dos biótipos resistente (MG) e suscetível (S), que permaneceram isolados ou induzidos à polinização cruzada através do acondicionamento de panículas em sacos de polinização. O grau de suscetibilidade ao glyphosate foi medido através de curvas de dose-resposta da progênie F1. A geração F1 de plantas oriunda de um possível cruzamento entre os biótipos demonstrou o mesmo padrão de suscetibilidade ao glyphosate que a progênie oriunda da planta mãe. Comparando as médias dos biótipos resistentes com os suscetíveis ao glyphosate foi calculado um fator de resistência de 4,01. Conclui-se que não há a transferência de genes de resistência após indução ao cruzamento entre biótipos, sendo necessários mais estudos para determinar se isso ocorreu devido à espécie ser exclusivamente autógama ou se a resistência é poligênica, não seguindo o modelo de hereditariedade monogênica. Desta forma, a dispersão da resistência do capim-amargoso pode ser atribuída à disseminação de suas sementes, e não à transferência gênica entre biótipos pela polinização cruzada entre plantas, pois o trabalho evidência fecundação cruzada em taxas imperceptíveis pelo estudo.
The Effect of Phenol Concentration on the Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus Disease: Early Results of a Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Emiroglu M , Karaali C , Salimoglu S , Sert I , Ugurlu L , Aydın C
Published: March 2016

Our hypothesis was that a low concentration (30%) of phenol would be more effective than a high concentration (80%) in the treatment of pilonidal disease. The purpose of our study was to compare the effects of high and low doses of liquid phenol in the treatment of pilonidal disease, since the phenolization technique and concentration of the phenol solution is not well defined. Consecutive patients being treated for pilonidal disease with high and low concentrations of phenol were included in this randomized prospective study. The demographic data, pilonidal disease characteristics, and results of phenol application were examined. Of 101 subjects, 52 were treated with 80% phenol while 49 were treated with 30% phenol. The mean observation period was approximately 1 year. The total recovery rate was higher among the 80% phenol group (P = 0.046). The recovery period, the period of leave from work, and complication rates were similar in both groups (P = 0.414, 0.328, 0.256). Also, in the Likert-type survey administered by validated methods, there was no difference in the degree of satisfaction (P = 0.494). The low concentrations of phenol did not achieve faster recovery, faster return to work, or fewer complications in the treatment of pilonidal disease. An 80% concentration of phenol should be used for a higher rate of recovery.
Photochemical response of the nighttime mesosphere to electric field heating—Onset of electron density enhancements
Authors: Kotovsky D. A. , Moore R. C.
Published: March 2016

Onsets of electron density enhancements in the upper nighttime mesosphere produced by electric field heating of electrons are examined using a photochemical model that accounts for 29 dynamic species via a set of 156 reactions. Physical mechanisms are identified which result in electron density enhancements that continuously increase for up to several seconds after electric field heating, establishing the conditions under which early VLF scattering is either “fast” (<20 ms) or slower(>20 ms, including “slow,” ≥500 ms). During heating, O− ions are produced by heterolysis, e− + O2 → e− + O− + O+, and dissociative attachment, e−+ O2 → O− + O. Following heating, a significant proportion of O− ions associatively detach with molecular oxygen, O− + O2 → O3 + e−, and atomic oxygen, O− + O → O2 + e−. If enough O− ions are produced during heating such that O− detachment exceeds electron loss (predominantly attachment, e− + O3 →
+ O, and/or electron‐ion recombination), electron densities will continue to increase after heating has ended. Consequently, the total risetime of electron density enhancements produced by electric field heating is controlled by the duration of the electric field heating and (in some cases) the effects of O− detachment following heating.
Frictional strength of ground dolerite gouge at a wide range of slip rates
Authors: Wada Jun‐ichi , Kanagawa Kyuichi , Kitajima Hiroko , Takahashi Miki , Inoue Atsuyuki , Hirose Takehiro , Ando Jun‐ichi , Noda Hiroyuki
Published: March 2016

We conducted a series of rotary‐shear friction experiments on ground dolerite gouges, in which the amount of adsorbed moisture increases with grinding time (tgr), at room temperature and humidity, a normal stress of 2 MPa, and constant equivalent slip rates (Veqs) ranging from 20 µm/s to 1.3 m/s. Their frictional strength changed with Veq and tgr in three different ways depending on Veq and the gouge temperature (T). At Veq ≤ 1.3 cm/s, T did not exceed 80°C, and the steady state friction coefficient (μss) ranged from 0.59 to 0.80. μss changes little with Veq, while μss at a given Veq systematically increases with tgr probably due to moisture‐adsorbed strengthening of gouges. At Veq = 4 cm/s, T exceeded 100°C, and dehydration of gouges resulted in roughly the same μss values (0.60–0.66) among gouges with different periods of tgr. At Veq ≥ 13 cm/s, T reached 160–500°C, and μss dramatically decreases with Veq to 0.08–0.26 at Veq = 1.3 m/s, while μss at a given Veq systematically decreases with tgr. At these fast Veqs, dehydration of gouges likely occurred too fast for water vapor to completely escape out from the gouge layer. Therefore, faster dehydration at faster Veq possibly resulted in a larger pore pressure increase and lower frictional strength. In addition, because gouges with longer periods of tgr contain larger amounts of adsorbed moisture, they became weaker due to larger increases in pore pressure and hence larger amounts of reduction in frictional strength.
The immediate and prolonged effects of climate extremes on soil respiration in a mesic grassland
Authors: Hoover David L. , Knapp Alan K. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: March 2016

The predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of climate extremes is expected to impact terrestrial carbon fluxes to the atmosphere, potentially changing ecosystems from carbon sinks to sources, with positive feedbacks to climate change. As the second largest terrestrial carbon flux, soil CO2efflux or soil respiration (Rs) is strongly influenced by soil temperature and moisture. Thus, climate extremes such as heat waves and extreme drought should have substantial impacts onRs. We investigated the effects of such climate extremes on growing seasonRsin a mesic grassland by experimentally imposing 2 years of extreme drought combined with midsummer heat waves. After this 2 year period, we continued to measureRsduring a recovery year. Two consecutive drought years reducedRsby about 25% each growing season; however, when normal rainfall returned during the recovery year, formerly droughted plots had higher rates ofRsthan control plots (up to +17%). The heat wave treatments had no effect onRs, alone or when combined with drought, and during the growing season, soil moisture was the primary driver ofRswith little evidence forRstemperature sensitivity. When compared to aboveground net primary production, growing seasonRswas much less sensitive to drought but was more responsive postdrought. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ecosystems become sources of CO2during drought because carbon inputs (production) are decreased relatively more than outputs (respiration). Moreover, stimulation ofRspostdrought may lengthen the time required for net carbon exchange to return to predrought levels.
A revised surface age for the North Polar Layered Deposits of Mars
Authors: Landis Margaret E. , Byrne Shane , Daubar Ingrid J. , Herkenhoff Kenneth E. , Dundas Colin M.
Published: March 2016

The North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) of Mars contain a complex stratigraphy that has been suggested to retain a record of past eccentricity‐ and obliquity‐forced climate changes. The surface accumulation rate in the current climate can be constrained by the crater retention age. We scale NPLD crater diameters to account for icy target strength and compare surface age using a new production function for recent small impacts on Mars to the previously used model of Hartmann (2005). Our results indicate that ice is accumulating in these craters several times faster than previously thought, with a 100 m diameter crater being completely infilled within centuries. Craters appear to have a diameter‐dependent lifetime, but the data also permit a complete resurfacing of the NPLD at ~1.5 ka.
Oceans are a major source of waves in the thermosphere
Authors: Zabotin Nikolay A. , Godin Oleg A. , Bullett Terence W.
Published: March 2016

Recent theoretical analysis by Godin et al. (2015) led to the suggestion that infragravity waves (IGWs, i.e., surface gravity waves in the ocean with periods longer than 30 s) can radiate acoustic‐gravity waves (AGWs) and account for a significant part of the wave activity observed in the thermosphere with periods between about 5 min and 3 h. In this paper, we report a strong experimental demonstration of thermospheric waves being driven by the ocean using data from two Deep‐ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis stations located off the US East Coast and Dynasonde radar system located at Wallops Island, Virginia. Over a 9 month observation period, variations of IGW and AGW spectral amplitudes demonstrate large, statistically significant correlation in a broad range of frequencies (0.2–3.2 mHz) and altitudes (140–190 km). Peak correlation values (~0.43) indicate that waves radiated by the ocean represent a major constituent of thermospheric wave activity.
Interfacial Mechanical Behavior and Electrochemical Corrosion Characteristics of Cold‐Sprayed and Hot‐Rolled Titanium/Stainless‐Steel Couples
Authors: Li Zhiming , Yang Xiaoping , Zhang Junbao , Shan Aidang
Published: March 2016

Fully dense Ti/stainless‐steel couples are produced via cold‐spraying and subsequent hot‐rolling at various temperatures. Accordingly, the authors examined the nanoindentation hardness and modulus as well as elemental distributions corresponding to the interfacial regions. Moreover, the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the Ti part prior to and following hot‐rolling is also investigated. Our results shown that the couples hot‐rolled at 950 °C can successfully avoid both prior defects in the Ti and intermetallic compounds at the interface. Hot‐rolling has a significant influence on the interfacial mechanical behavior. The cold‐sprayed and hot‐rolled Ti parts exhibit excellent electrochemical corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions, which is identical to that of normal pure Ti.
Design, Synthesis, and Versatile Processing of Indolo[3,2‐b]indole‐Based π‐Conjugated Molecules for High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Cho Illhun , Park Sang Kyu , Kang Boseok , Chung Jong Won , Kim Jin Hong , Cho Kilwon , Park Soo Young
Published: March 2016

A series of indolo[3,2‐b]indole (IDID) derivatives comprising the core unit of N,N‐dihexyl‐IDID with different aromatic and aliphatic substituents at 2‐ and 7‐position are designed and synthesized to construct high‐performance organic semiconductors by different processing routes. Structure‐property relationship of the derivatives is comprehensively studied in terms of their photophysical, electrochemical, structural, and electrical characteristics. IDID derivatives are either evaporated in vacuum or dissolved in common organic solvents to ensure applicalbility in different processing routes toward outstanding p‐type semiconductor films. Among others, the excellently soluble compound 4H4TIDID (with 2‐ and 7‐substituents of 5‐hexyl‐2,2′‐bithiophene moiety, solubility >20 wt% in chloroform), shows the highest field‐effect hole mobility of 0.97 cm2 V−1 s−1 in a device constructed by vacuum‐deposition and 0.18 cm2 V−1 s−1 in device cosntructed by spin‐coating, respectively. The 2D grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction of 4H4TIDID films in both devices identically show the 2D molecular orientation favorable for the high transistor mobility.
2D Single‐Crystalline Molecular Semiconductors with Precise Layer Definition Achieved by Floating‐Coffee‐Ring‐Driven Assembly
Authors: Wang Qijing , Qian Jun , Li Yun , Zhang Yuhan , He Daowei , Jiang Sai , Wang Yu , Wang Xinran , Pan Lijia , Wang Junzhuan , Wang Xizhang , Hu Zheng , Nan Haiyan , Ni Zhenhua , Zheng Youdou , Shi Yi
Published: March 2016

2D organic materials with in‐plane van der Waals forces among molecules have unique characteristics that ensure a brilliant future for multifunctional applications. Soluble organic semiconductors can be used to achieve low‐cost and high‐throughput manufacturing of electronic devices. However, achieving solution‐processed 2D single‐crystalline semiconductors with uniform morphology remains a substantial challenge. Here, the fabrication of 2D molecular single‐crystal semiconductors with precise layer definition by using a floating‐coffee‐ring‐driven assembly is presented. In particular, bilayer molecular films exhibit single‐crystalline features with atomic smoothness and high film uniformity over a large area; field‐effect transistors yield average and maximum carrier mobilities of 4.8 and 13.0 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. This work demonstrates the strong potential of 2D molecular crystals for low‐cost, large‐area, and high‐performance electronics.
Light‐Induced Degradation Mechanism in Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/Fullerene Blend Solar Cells
Authors: Tamai Yasunari , Ohkita Hideo , Namatame Miki , Marumoto Kazuhiro , Shimomura Satoru , Yamanari Toshihiro , Ito Shinzaburo
Published: March 2016

The mechanism of light‐induced degradation in organic solar cells based on regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and indene‐C60 bisadduct is studied by transient absorption (TA) and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. After 45 h light exposure under simulated solar illumination at 100 mW cm−2, the short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltage, and fill factor are all degraded by about 20%–30% relative to the initial photovoltaic parameters. For the assignment of limiting conversion processes in the degraded solar cells, exciton diffusion into a donor/acceptor interface, charge transfer at the interface, charge dissociation into free charge carriers, and charge collection to each electrode are observed before and after the light exposure by the TA measurement. As a result, it is found that the charge collection deteriorates after the light exposure because of light‐induced charge trap formation in the bulk of the active layer. The origin of charge traps is further discussed on the basis of ESR measurements and density functional theory calculation.
Statistics of droplet sizes generated by a microfluidic device
Authors: Prileszky Tamás A. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A. , Furst Eric M.
Published: March 2016

The distribution of droplet sizes produced in a microfluidic T‐junction is modeled using the gamma probability distribution. The proposed model is validated using physical insight from the hypothesized mechanism of droplet breakup and statistically using the Anderson–Darling test. Where signal‐to‐noise ratio is low and the gamma distribution does not hold, an alternative probabilistic description is used to estimate the true mean of droplet sizes. In addition, a new correlation is developed to relate mean droplet sizes to T‐junction inlet flow rates and dispersed‐phase viscosity. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2923–2928, 2016
The potential role of irisin in the thermoregulatory responses to mild cold exposure in adults
Authors: Calton Emily K. , Soares Mario J. , James Anthony P. , Woodman Richard J.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine the acute effect of a mild cold exposure on thermoregulatory thermogenesis and the role of circulating irisin in the process.

Methods

We studied 22 adults (9 males, 13 females) aged 57.7 ± 10.07 years and body mass index 27.8 ± 4.52 kg/m2. Participants experienced a 90‐min exposure to 20°C and 25°C in a randomized cross‐over design. Resting metabolic rate (RMR), forearm to finger‐tip gradient (FFG), blood pressure (BP), in‐the‐ear temperature (IET), and fasting bloods were measured on each occasion.

Results

There were significant increases in FFG [mean ± SD: +3.8 ± 3.0°C, P < 0.001], systolic blood pressure (SBP) [+8 ± 13 mm Hg, P = 0.015], and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [+4 ± 6 mm Hg, P = 0.005] and decreases in IET [−0.24 ± 0.29°C, P = 0.001]. Overall, RMR [+190 ± 570 kJ/d, P = 0.135], irisin, glucose or insulin did not differ between temperatures. There were no significant between‐gender differences, but males significantly increased SBP (+12 ± 16, P = 0.02) and DBP (+6 ± 7, P = 0.02) with decreases in heart rate (−4 ± 3, P = 0.002), while females did not. Moreover men had approximately 50% higher thermogenic response while women had approximately 25% greater vasoconstrictor response. Adjusted for age, gender, insulin sensitivity, and body composition, fold changes in irisin were inversely related to respiratory quotient (r= −0.54, P = 0.048), while IET was related to FFG (r= −0.55, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Mild cold exposure increased vasoconstriction with a drop in IET and these were related. Greater irisin was related to a greater fasting fat oxidation in the absence of shivering. A potential gender bias in thermoregulation was noted. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:699–704, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing significant (>30%) alopecia as a possible biomarker for stress in captive rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Novak Melinda A. , Menard Mark T. , El‐Mallah Saif N. , Rosenberg Kendra , Lutz Corrine K. , Worlein Julie , Coleman Kris , Meyer Jerrold S.
Published: March 2016

Hair loss is common in macaque colonies. Very little is known about the relationship between psychological stress and hair loss. We initially examined alopecia and hair cortisol concentrations in 198 (89 male) rhesus macaques from three primate centers and demonstrated replicability of our previous finding that extensive alopecia (>30% hair loss) is associated with increased chronic cortisol concentrations and significantly affected by facility. A subset of these monkeys (142 of which 67 were males) were sampled twice approximately 8 months apart allowing us to examine the hypotheses that gaining hair should be associated with decreases in cortisol concentrations and vice versa. Hair loss was digitally scored using ImageJ software for the first sample. Then visual assessment was used to examine the second sample, resulting in three categories of coat condition: (i) monkeys that remained fully haired; (ii) monkeys that remained alopecic (with more than 30% hair loss); or (iii) monkeys that showed more than a 15% increase in hair. The sample size for the group that lost hair was too small to be analyzed. Consistent with our hypothesis, monkeys that gained hair showed a significant reduction in hair cortisol concentrations but this effect only held for females. Coat condition changed little across sampling periods with only 25 (11 male) monkeys showing a greater than 15% gain of hair. Twenty (7 male) monkeys remained alopecic, whereas 97 (49 males) remained fully haired. Hair cortisol was highly correlated across samples for the monkeys that retained their status (remained alopecic or retained their hair). Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22547, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smarte elektronische Textilien
Authors: Weng Wei , Chen Peining , He Sisi , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: March 2016

Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt den aktuellen Forschungsstand auf dem Gebiet der tragbaren Elektronik (“smarte” Textilien). Wir diskutieren die hauptsächlichen Anwendungsformen smarter elektronischer Textilien zur Erzeugung, Speicherung und Nutzung von Elektrizität mit dem Fokus auf funktionellen Materialien. Ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt ist die Integration dieser Einzelfunktionen. Verbleibende Herausforderungen werden aufgezeigt und Hinweise für zukünftige Entwicklungsrichtungen gegeben.
A Monooxygenase from Boreostereum vibrans Catalyzes Oxidative Decarboxylation in a Divergent Vibralactone Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Yang Yan‐Long , Zhou Hui , Du Gang , Feng Ke‐Na , Feng Tao , Fu Xiao‐Li , Liu Ji‐Kai , Zeng Ying
Published: March 2016

The oxidative decarboxylation of prenyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate to prenylhydroquinone has been frequently proposed for the biosynthesis of prenylated (hydro)quinone derivates (sometimes meroterpenoids), yet no corresponding genes or enzymes have so far been reported. A FAD‐binding monooxygenase (VibMO1) was identified that converts prenyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate into prenylhydroquinone and is likely involved in the biosynthesis of vibralactones and other meroterpenoids in the basidiomycete Boreostereum vibrans. Feeding of 3‐allyl‐4‐hydroxybenzylalcohol, an analogue of the vibralactone pathway intermediate 3‐prenyl‐4‐hydroxybenzylalcohol, generated 20 analogues with different scaffolds. This demonstrated divergent pathways to skeletally distinct compounds initiating from a single precursor, thus providing the first insight into a novel biosynthetic pathway for 3‐substituted γ‐butyrolactones from a shikimate origin.