bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic posterior cricoid reduction: A surgical method to improve posterior glottic diastasis
Authors: de Alarcón Alessandro , Zacharias Stephanie , Oren Liran , de Luzan Charles Farbos , Tabangin Meredith E. , Cohen Aliza P. , Roetting Nicholas J. , Fleck Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Describe the preoperative evaluation of patients with glottic diastasis who are candidates for endoscopic posterior cricoid reduction (EPCR) and their perioperative and postoperative surgical and voice outcomes, and validate the aerodynamic benefit of EPCR using computation fluid dynamics (CFD)‐based modeling from computed tomography (CT) scans.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Thirteen patients who underwent EPCR were followed from 2013 to 2017. They received a preoperative voice evaluation, microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, dynamic voice CT (performed on patients seen from 2014 to study completion), and postoperative voice evaluation (n = 12). Postoperative inpatient days, complications, and postoperative endoscopic intervention were collected. To validate the aerodynamic benefit of EPCR, CFD modeling was carried out on one patient.

Results

Thirteen patients (nine females, nine with intubation injury, and four with post–airway reconstruction dysphonia) underwent EPCR at a mean age of 11.0 years. The mean preoperative and postoperative Pediatric Voice handicap Index scores were 53.8 and 33.8, respectively (P = .006). Mean maximum phonation time preoperatively and postoperatively was 5.3 and 6.7, respectively (P = .04). Of eight patients who underwent preoperative CT imaging, all demonstrated a posterior gap. Modeling demonstrated a change in flow and pressure. The mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. Nine patients underwent postoperative endoscopic intervention, and one experienced a complication that resolved with intervention.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent EPCR for dysphonia following intubation or airway reconstruction showed improvements in vocal efficiency, loudness, and perceived voice handicapping. Their hospital stay was brief, with few complications. CFD modeling corroborated these clinical findings. EPCR thus warrants consideration in the management of patients with posterior glottic diastasis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:S1–S9, 2019
Emotions, deliberations, and end‐of‐life products
Authors: Sheng Xiaojing , Simpson Penny M. , Siguaw Judy A.
Published: March 2019

Death is inevitable; yet, not all consumers prepare for death by purchasing end‐of‐life (EOL) products. Using the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the dual‐process model framework, this study aims to examine the role of emotions and cognitions in influencing consumers' decisions to engage in planning for death. A mixed methodology design was used. Study 1, a qualitative study, uncovered positive and negative emotions and deliberative reasoning that comprise consumers' EOL purchase decision process. Study 2, a quantitative study, confirmed that emotions and deliberations independently and jointly influenced consumers' EOL attitude and behavior and that emotions affected deliberations for both prepaid funerals and wills. Subjective norms outperformed attitude in predicting both products' purchase behavior. These finding supported the dual‐process model of behavior and the TRA in the EOL research context and contributed to the EOL literature by investigating the effects of emotions and deliberations concurrently; thus validating the important role of emotions in influencing EOL planning and purchase. In light of our findings, marketers could, after due cognizance of the morbidity and sensitivity of the topic, develop actionable promotional and segmentation strategies for EOL products and other emotion‐laden, unsought products and service.
Epimagnolin targeting on an active pocket of mammalian target of rapamycin suppressed cell transformation and colony growth of lung cancer cells
Authors: Yoo Sun‐Mi , Lee Cheol‐Jung , Kang Han Chang , Lee Hye Suk , Lee Joo Young , Kim Kwang Dong , Kim Dae Joon , An Hyun‐Jung , Cho Yong‐Yeon
Published: March 2019

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has a pivotal role in carcinogenesis and cancer cell proliferation in diverse human cancers. In this study, we observed that epimagnolin, a natural compound abundantly found in Shin‐Yi, suppressed cell proliferation by inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced G1/S cell‐cycle phase transition in JB6 Cl41 cells. Interestingly, epimagnolin suppressed EGF‐induced Akt phosphorylation strongly at Ser473 and weakly at Thr308 without alteration of phosphorylation of MAPK/ERK kinases (MEKs), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERKs), and RSK1, resulting in abrogation of the phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and p70S6K at Thr389. Moreover, we found that epimagnolin suppressed c‐Jun phosphorylation at Ser63/73, resulting in the inhibition of activator protein 1 (AP‐1) transactivation activity. Computational docking indicated that epimagnolin targeted an active pocket of the mTOR kinase domain by forming three hydrogen bonds and three hydrophobic interactions. The prediction was confirmed by using in vitro kinase and adenosine triphosphate‐bead competition assays. The inhibition of mTOR kinase activity resulted in the suppression of anchorage‐independent cell transformation. Importantly, epimagnolin efficiently suppressed cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent colony growth of H1650 rather than H460 lung cancer cells with dependency of total and phosphorylated protein levels of mTOR and Akt. Inhibitory signaling of epimagnolin on cell proliferation of lung cancer cells was observed mainly in mTOR‐Akt‐p70S6K and mTOR‐Akt‐GSK3β‐AP‐1, which was similar to that shown in JB6 Cl41 cells. Taken together, our results indicate that epimagnolin potentiates as chemopreventive or therapeutic agents by direct active pocket targeting of mTOR kinase, resulting in sensitizing cancer cells harboring enhanced phosphorylation of the mTORC2‐Akt‐p70S6k signaling pathway.
IRS1‐ rs10498210 G/A and CCR5‐59029 A/G polymorphisms in patients with type 2 diabetes in Kurdistan
Authors: Keshavarzi Fatemeh , Golsheh Shadi
Published: March 2019

Background

The insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) is a critical factor in the signaling pathway for insulin, and mutations in this gene have been reported, which contribute to the ability to develop type 2 diabetes. The polymorphisms in the promoter region of C‐C motif chemokine receptor5 (CCR5) are also being studied as candidates for susceptibility to develop type 2 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between IRS1 and CCR5 polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes in the Kurdistan population.

Methods

Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood by salt extraction method and the polymorphisms were examined using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method.

Results

The results of current study indicated that the frequency of AA genotype in type 2 diabetic patients in both CCR5 (OR = 2.9, p = 0.04) and IRS1 (OR = 3.3, p = 0.036) were significantly more than controls.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the presence of AA genotype in both CCR5 and IRS1 is associated with type 2 diabetes. There was no significant association between AG or GG genotypes with type 2 diabetes.
Field leaders praise incoming, outgoing leadership at the National Council
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

Nearly a year after Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health, announced she was leaving the organ‐ization, its board of directors has selected a replacement. Chuck Ingoglia, vice president of operations will assume the position June 1. Rosenberg announced she was leaving the National Council after 15 years at the helm during NATCON, the organization's annual conference, last year in Washington, D.C.
APA supports doctoral students following university closing
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

The mandated and sudden closing of a national system of for‐profit colleges has left hundreds of students across the country in limbo, including psychology students close to completing their degrees. Citing the students' imminent graduation and their need to enter the workforce to provide mental health care and address the opioid crisis, the American Psychological Association (APA) has called on Congress and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to intervene.
Characteristics of rogue waves on a soliton background in a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Wang Xiu‐Bin , Han Bo
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (CNLS) equation, which can describe evolution of localized waves in a two‐mode nonlinear fiber, is under investigation. By using the Darboux‐dressing transformation, the new localized wave solutions of the equation are well constructed with a detailed derivation. These solutions reveal rogue waves on a soliton background. Moreover, the main characteristics of the solutions are discussed with some graphics. Our results would be of much importance in predicting and enriching rogue wave phenomena in nonlinear wave fields.
Assessing the Role of 98 Established Loci for BMI in American Indians
Authors: Muller Yunhua L. , Hanson Robert L. , Piaggi Paolo , Chen Peng , Wiessner Gregory , Okani Chidinma , Skelton Graham , Kobes Sayuko , Hsueh Wen‐Chi , Knowler William C. , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Meta‐analyses of genome‐wide association studies in Europeans have identified > 98 loci for BMI. Transferability of these established associations in Pima Indians was analyzed.

Methods

Among 98 lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 82 had minor allele frequency ≥ 0.01 in Pima Indians and were analyzed for association with the maximum BMI in adulthood (n = 3,491) and BMIzscore in childhood (n = 1,958). Common tag SNPs across 98 loci were also analyzed for additional signals.

Results

Among the lead SNPs, 13 (TMEM18,TCF7L2,MRPS33P4,PRKD1,ZFP64,FTO,TAL1,CALCR,GNPDA2,CREB1,LMX1B,ADCY9,NLRC3) were associated with BMI (P  ≤ 0.05) in Pima adults. A multi‐allelic genetic risk score (GRS), which summed the risk alleles for 82 lead SNPs, showed a significant trend for a positive relationship between GRS and BMI in adulthood (beta = 0.48% per risk allele;P = 1.6 × 10−9) and BMIzscore in childhood (beta = 0.024 SD;P = 1.7 × 10−7). GRS was significantly associated with BMI across all age groups ≥ 5 years, except for those ≥ 50 years. The strongest association was seen in adolescence (age 14‐16 years;P = 1.84 × 10−9).

Conclusions

In aggregate, European‐derived lead SNPs had a notable effect on BMI in Pima Indians. Polygenic obesity in this population manifests strongly in childhood and adolescence and persists throughout much of adult life.
Preparation and Comparison of the Photocatalytic Properties of ZnSe with Different Crystalline Phases
Authors: Shi Zhu , Liu Jiani , Liu Dongxu , Zhang Qi , Lang Jihui , Li Xiuyan
Published: March 2019

Hexagonal wurtzite (HWZ) ZnSe nanosheets (NSs) and cubic zinc blende (CZB) ZnSe nanodisks (NDs) are successfully fabricated by treating the relevant precursor ZnSe(en)0.5 (en = ethylenediamine) composites that are prepared by the solvothermal method without or with NaBH4. The morphological and structural analyses show that the NaBH4 affects not only the crystalline phase structure but also the geometrical morphology of ZnSe. The result of nitrogen adsorption–desorption reveals that CZB ZnSe NDs have larger specific surface area than that of HWZ ZnSe NSs. Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV–vis DRS) indicate the light‐absorption capacity of CZB ZnSe NDs in the visible region is slightly stronger than that of HWZ ZnSe NSs. The photocatalytic properties of HWZ ZnSe NSs and CZB ZnSe NDs are compared by decolorization of methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution under simulated sunlight illumination. The result shows that the degradation rate constant of MO over CZB ZnSe NDs is ≈1.8 times larger than that of HWZ ZnSe NSs.
Evidence for Thermal‐Based Transition in Super‐Lattice Phase Change Memory
Authors: Boniardi Mattia , Boschker Jos E. , Momand Jamo , Kooi Bart J. , Redaelli Andrea , Calarco Raffaella
Published: March 2019

Phase change memory (PCM) device physics comprehension represents an important chapter of future development of the PCM‐based architectures and their placement into the storage class memory (SCM) segment of the memory hierarchy. Here, a reduction of SET and RESET currents by more than 60% with respect to conventional GeTe–Sb2Te3 (GST) alloys is demonstrated by using phase change memory cells containing (GeTe–Sb2Te3)/Sb2Te3 super‐lattices (SL). Further, it is demonstrated that our SL PCM devices have similar characteristics in terms of the memory transition as conventional memory cells based on GST, even though showing reduced power consumption, indicative of an efficiency augmented SET‐to‐RESET transition. The reduced power consumption may be attributed to an increased thermal resistance of the SL with respect to the bulk GST alloy. This demonstrates that it is possible to engineer PCM with enhanced performance by employing SL structures, enlarging the possibility of employing SL as SCM players.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Mn3Ge Grown on a Thin Polycrystalline MgO Seed Layer
Authors: Liu Enlong , Couet Sebastien , Jochum Johanna K. , Van Bael Margriet , Opperdoes Bas , Temst Kristiaan , Mertens Sofie , Van Elshocht Sven , De Boeck Jo , Kar Gouri S. , Swerts Johan
Published: March 2019

D022‐Mn3Ge has been studied recently for its large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and low magnetization, which enables it as a potential alternative material for the scaling of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) used in spin‐transfer‐torque magnetic random access memory (STT‐MRAM). Most of the research was carried out on D022‐Mn3Ge deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on single crystalline MgO substrates. As the use of single crystalline substrates is not compatible with an industrial integration flow, we developed a polycrystalline MgO seed layer by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on Si. PMA is observed in MBE‐grown D022‐Mn3Ge with coercive field up to 4.5 Tesla, even when the PVD‐MgO seed is only 1 nm thick. It indicates that PVD‐MgO is able to serve as the seed layer for D022‐Mn3Ge integration to MTJs. However, no PMA is observed in Mn3Ge grown by PVD, which is attributed to different kinetics taking place during PVD deposition.
Long‐Term Stability Control of CVD‐Grown Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Şar Hüseyin , Özden Ayberk , Demiroğlu İlker , Sevik Cem , Perkgoz Nihan K. , Ay Feridun
Published: March 2019

The structural stability of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) formations is of particular importance for their reliable device performance in nano‐electronics and opto‐electronics. Recent observations show that the CVD‐grown TMD monolayers are likely to encounter stability problems such as cracking or fracturing when they are kept under ambient conditions. Here, two different growth configurations are investigated and a favorable growth geometry is proposed, which also sheds light onto the growth mechanism and provides a solution for the stability and fracture formation issues for TMDs specifically for MoS2 monolayers. It is shown that 18 months naturally and thermally aged MoS2 monolayer flakes grown using specifically developed conditions, retain their stability. To understand the mechanism of the structural deterioration, two possible effective mechanisms, S vacancy defects and growth‐induced tensile stress, are assessed by the first principle calculations where the role of S vacancy defects in obtaining oxidation resistant MoS2 monolayer flakes is revealed to be rather more critical. Hence, these simulations, time‐dependent observations and thermal aging experiments show that durability and stability of 2D MoS2 flakes can be controlled by CVD growth configuration.
Enhanced Exchange Bias Effect by Modulating Relative Ratio of Magnetic Ions in Y2Co2−xMnxO6 (x = 1.0–1.9)
Authors: Oh Sang Hyub , Moon Jae Young , Oh Dong Gun , Choi Young Jai , Lee Nara
Published: March 2019

It has recently been reported that the exchange bias (EB) phenomenon in double‐perovskite Y2CoMnO6 ceramic arises from additional antiferromagnetic (AFM) clusters formed by the anti‐sites of ionic disorders in the dominant ferromagnetic (FM) phase. To extensively examine the role of ionic orders and versatile magnetic interactions, we measure the magnetic properties of Y2Co2 − xMnxO6 (x = 1.0–1.9) compounds with different relative ratios of the magnetic ions. Upon increasing the ratio of Mn ions, the FM transition temperature is gradually lowered with a greatly enhanced EB effect for x ≥ 1.4. The measurement of heat capacity and AC magnetic susceptibility in the compound with x = 1.5 suggests the formation of magnetic cluster‐glass state from short‐range FM order with comparable AFM clusters generated by the formation of Mn3+–O2−–Mn3+ bonds. The dependence of the EB effect on the cooling field reveals the maximum EB field at 2 K to be HEB = 3.19 kOe. The large EB effect originates from the adjusted proportions of FM and AFM phases and the improved interfacial pinning of exchange coupling in the cluster‐glass state. Our results, based on intricate magnetic correlations and phases, provide essential clues for exploring suitable ceramic compounds for magnetic functional applications.
Measurement of 18O18O and 17O18O in atmospheric O2 using the 253 Ultra mass spectrometer and applications to stratospheric and tropospheric air samples
Authors: Laskar Amzad H. , Peethambaran Rahul , Adnew Getachew A. , Röckmann Thomas
Published: March 2019

Rationale

The doubly substituted isotopologues (e.g., 18O18O, 17O18O) in atmospheric O2 are potential tracers for ozone photochemistry and atmospheric temperatures. Their low abundances and isobaric interference are the major analytical challenges. The 253 Ultra high‐resolution stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer is suitable for resolving isobaric interferences.

Methods

O2 from air is purified using gas chromatography on a packed column filled with molecular sieve 5 Å and cooled to −78°C. The δ17O, δ18O, Δ17O, Δ35 and Δ36 values are measured on the extracted O2 with the 253 Ultra at medium mass resolution (M/ΔM ~10000) using Faraday detectors for the singly substituted isotopologues and ion counters for the doubly substituted isotopologues.

Results

Interferences from isobars, mainly 35Cl for 17O18O and H35Cl and 36Ar for 18O18O, are sufficiently resolved to enable high‐precision determination of Δ35 and Δ36. The Δ35 and Δ36 values of O2 after photochemical isotope equilibration at −63°C and heating to 850°C agree with the theoretical prediction. The stratospheric Δ35 and Δ36 values are close to isotopic equilibrium at the ambient temperatures. However, the values for tropospheric O2 differ from those expected at equilibrium.

Conclusions

The 253 Ultra allows interference‐free clumped isotope measurements of O2 at medium mass resolution. The Δ35 and Δ36 signatures in atmospheric O2 are mainly governed by O3 photochemistry, temperature and atmospheric transport. Tropospheric O2 is isotopically well mixed and retains a significant stratospheric signature.
Valorization of the Modified Mono Ammonium Phosphate by Cobalt in the Synthesise of 3,4‐Dihydropyrano[c]chromene Derivatives
Authors: El Hallaoui Achraf , Chehab Soukaina , Malek Badr , Zimou Omar , Ghailane Tourya , Boukhris Said , Souizi Abdelaziz , Ghailane Rachida
Published: March 2019

This work presents a simple process for the preparation of Cobalt Orthophosphate (Co3(PO4)2), by modifying phosphate fertilizer mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) by cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2). Co3(PO4)2 has been characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic methods namely X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is the first time that Co3(PO4)2 is used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the condensation between an aryl aldehyde, 4‐hydroxycoumarin and malononitrile. The results show that Co3(PO4)2 is an effective catalyst for one‐pot synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrano [3, 2‐c] chromene. The optimisation of each reaction parameter allows achieving excellent results in terms of time and yield. The application of Co3(PO4)2 as catalyst in the 3, 4‐dihydropyrano [3, 2‐c] chromene derivatives synthesis offers certain advantages such as shorter reaction time, simple treatment, furthermore, the catalyst possesses a great capacity for reutilization and therefore its application contributes to the development of green chemistry.
A Pyrene‐Based Turn‐On Fluorescence Probe for CN− Detection and Its Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Chao Jianbin , Xu Miao , Liu Yaoming , Zhang Yongbin , Huo Fangjun , Yin Caixia , Wang Xiaolu
Published: March 2019

The fluorescent probe 1‐(pyren‐1‐yl)‐3‐(2, 6‐dichlorophenyl)‐acrylketone (probe 1) was synthesized for the detection of cyanide (CN−). The results indicated that CN− significantly increased the fluorescence intensity of probe 1 at 464 nm. The fluorescence intensity showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CN− in the range of 2.5‐12.5 μM, and the detection limit was 37 nM. Probe 1 exhibited outstanding selectivity toward CN−. Reaction mechanism of CN− nucleophilic addition to probe 1 was supported by DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. In addition, probe 1 had been successfully employed for the imaging of CN− in cells, C. elegans and zebrafishes. Besides, the probe 1 was also successfully applied to detect the concentration of CN− in spiked tap water samples.
Novel Turtle‐Shape Dendrimers Based on a Pyrene Core
Authors: Mangione María I. , Cappellari María V. , Fungo Fernando , Spanevello Rolando A.
Published: March 2019

The design and synthesis of X‐shaped molecules bases on a central pyrene is reported. A Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction was applied to successfully bond the pyrene core through acetylene linkages to electroactive dendrons moieties such as triphenylamine or carbazole. Dendrons were functionalized with bulky alkyl groups to disrupt π‐π stacking interactions and consequently affording soluble dendrimers. These novel π‐conjugated turtle‐shape dendrimers are organic materials with great potential applications in optoelectronic devices.
Stressful work conditions, positive affect, and physical health of middle‐aged couples: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda A.S. , Lee Seonhwa , Klopack Eric T. , Wickrama Thulitha
Published: March 2019

This study investigated actor and partner effects involving middle‐aged husbands' and wives' stressful work conditions (SWCs), positive affect (PA), and health outcomes in a dyadic trajectory context in three steps. First, examination of husbands' and wives' individual trajectories showed significant interindividual variations in SWCs and PA over time. Second, a dyadic growth curve model incorporating both husbands' and wives' growth curves of SWCs and PA showed that husbands' and wives' trajectories of SWCs over their early middle years (1991–1994) were negatively associated with their own parallel trajectories of PA independent of depressive symptoms trajectories. Finally, most of the growth factors of PA trajectories of husbands and wives (1991–1994) predicted their own residual changes in physical illness and overall physical health in 2001. In dyadic models, although contemporaneous correlations between most of the study constructs between husbands and wives were significant, all partner effects involving growth parameters of SWCs, PA, and health outcomes were not significant. Most of the indirect effects from SWCs growth factors to health outcomes through PA were significant. The findings suggested that PA was an important health resource for middle‐aged husbands and wives that mediates the influence of one's SWCs on own physical health outcomes.
Inkjet‐Printed High‐Efficiency Multilayer QLEDs Based on a Novel Crosslinkable Small‐Molecule Hole Transport Material
Authors: Xie Liming , Xiong Xueying , Chang Qiaowen , Chen Xiaolian , Wei Changting , Li Xia , Zhang Meng , Su Wenming , Cui Zheng
Published: March 2019

Quantum dots light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) have attracted much interest owing to their compatibility with low‐cost inkjet printing technology and potential for use in large‐area full‐color pixelated display. However, it is challenging to fabricate high efficiency inkjet‐printed QLEDs because of the coffee ring effects and inferior resistance to solvents from the underlying polymer film during the inkjet printing process. In this study, a novel crosslinkable hole transport material, 4,4′‐bis(3‐vinyl‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (CBP‐V) which is small‐molecule based, is synthesized and investigated for inkjet printing of QLEDs. The resulting CBP‐V film after thermal curing exhibits excellent solvent resistance properties without any initiators. An added advantage is that the crosslinked CBP‐V film has a sufficiently low highest occupied molecular orbital energy level (≈−6.2 eV), high film compactness, and high hole mobility, which can thus promote the hole injection into quantum dots (QDs) and improve the charge carrier balance within the QD emitting layers. A red QLED is successfully fabricated by inkjet printing a CBP‐V and QDs bilayer. Maximum external quantum efficiency of 11.6% is achieved, which is 92% of a reference spin‐coated QLED (12.6%). This is the first report of such high‐efficiency inkjet‐printed multilayer QLEDs and demonstrates a unique and effective approach to inkjet printing fabrication of high‐performance QLEDs.
Thick‐Film High‐Performance Solar Cells with a C60‐Containing Polystyrene Additive
Authors: Lee Byongkyu , Jeong Mingyu , Lee Jungho , Oh Jiyeon , Cho Yongjoon , Jung Sungwoo , Lee Sang Myeon , Chen Shanshan , Yang Changduk
Published: March 2019

In this study, a C60‐containing polystyrene (PS‐C60) is used as an effective polymer additive for thick‐film high‐performance polymer solar cells, which are necessary for performing roll‐to‐roll mass production in the future. The PS‐C60‐processed device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.34 ± 0.10%; the PCE is still high (7.30 ± 0.10%) for an active layer thickness of 450 nm, which is more than twice that observed in non‐additive devices (3.11 ± 0.15%). The usage of PS‐C60 results in an efficient exciton dissociation and charge extraction, less bimolecular recombination, and superior charge transport. These effects lead to an improved device performance, even with a thick active layer. Surprisingly, PS‐C60 also helps the film to retain its morphology at high temperatures, thereby improving its thermal stability. The PS‐C60 device retains ≈90% of the initial PCE after conducting a high‐temperature treatment, whereas a remarkable decrease (≈55%) is observed in case of the non‐additive one. The versatility and applicability of the strategy that is presented in this study can considerably help the development of stable thick‐layer devices in terms of satisfying the requirements of the roll‐to‐roll production of solar cells.
Improving supply chain management process using design structure matrix based cross‐functional analysis
Authors: Son Samuel , Kim Junhong , Lee Jangwon , Ahn Jaemyung
Published: March 2019

This paper introduces a process improvement study for a supply chain management (SCM) system of an aircraft manufacturer by using the design structure matrix (DSM). A high‐level model for the overall SCM process has been set up. Information and operation interfacing between critical tasks (CTs) belonging to adjacent steps of the high‐level models are expressed and analyzed using the DSM. The interface values (IVs), which represent the extent of risk exposure of the interfaces, are computed. The IVs associated with DSM cells are used to identify high‐impact cross‐functional areas of the system. The gray areas, which present opportunities for improvements in the system performance, are found after an in‐depth gap analysis of the identified high‐impact areas. Finally, the measures that can address the gaps in the gray areas and improve the system process are developed. The results and insights obtained from a process improvement case study on SCM of the Boeing Company are discussed.
Calcium signals that determine vascular resistance
Authors: Ottolini Matteo , Hong Kwangseok , Sonkusare Swapnil K.
Published: March 2019

Small arteries in the body control vascular resistance, and therefore, blood pressure and blood flow. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the arterial walls respond to various stimuli by altering the vascular resistance on a moment to moment basis. Smooth muscle cells can directly influence arterial diameter by contracting or relaxing, whereas endothelial cells that line the inner walls of the arteries modulate the contractile state of surrounding smooth muscle cells. Cytosolic calcium is a key driver of endothelial and smooth muscle cell functions. Cytosolic calcium can be increased either by calcium release from intracellular stores through IP3 or ryanodine receptors, or the influx of extracellular calcium through ion channels at the cell membrane. Depending on the cell type, spatial localization, source of a calcium signal, and the calcium‐sensitive target activated, a particular calcium signal can dilate or constrict the arteries. Calcium signals in the vasculature can be classified into several types based on their source, kinetics, and spatial and temporal properties. The calcium signaling mechanisms in smooth muscle and endothelial cells have been extensively studied in the native or freshly isolated cells, therefore, this review is limited to the discussions of studies in native or freshly isolated cells.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Imaging

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Introduction: Bridging Histories of East and Central Africa
Authors: Castryck Geert , von Oppen Achim , Zöller Katharina
Published: March 2019

Regional distinctions such as “East” and “Central” Africa have been constructed, originally very much from an outsiders’ perspective. Different East and Central African historiographies reflect – and reproduce – these distinctions. However, the inhabitants of those spaces never stopped crossing and entangling them. Likewise, this section approaches East and Central Africa empirically as a space of historical entanglement. Moreover, the authors question the traditional divide between both regions epistemologically, by transferring research perspectives from one region’s historiography to the other. They thus illustrate that bridging histories of East and Central Africa can reveal histories that would otherwise remain hidden or marginal.
Motion of an oil droplet through a capillary with charged surfaces
Authors: Grassia P.
Published: March 2019

A model developed by Wilmottet al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 841, 2018, pp. 310–350) for the advance of a charged oil droplet along a charged capillary pore is considered. The oil droplet is surrounded by an aqueous phase filling the pore, and the model considers a uniformly curved capillary static droplet front plus an aqueous thin film separating the body of the oil droplet from the capillary wall, with these two regions being joined by a transition region. The methodology follows a classical asymptotic approach proposed by Bretherton (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 10, 1961, pp. 166–188) but incorporates additional electro-osmotic effects (specifically an electro-osmotic disjoining tension) due to the charged surfaces. A number of dimensionless parameters control the model’s behaviour, of which the most important is denoted$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}^{\prime }$and represents the ratio between the ‘nominal’ thickness of the aqueous film (as determined neglecting any electrostatic effects) and the Debye length within the film, which is sensitive to ion concentrations and hence to salinity. When$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}^{\prime }$is large, electro-osmotic effects are screened and Bretherton’s classical results are recovered. However as$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}^{\prime }$decreases, electro-osmotic effects come into play and the film becomes much thicker than Bretherton’s prediction to ensure that screening effects are not altogether lost, and also there is a noticeable increase in the pressure needed to drive the droplet front along. These results apply with minor variations in the case of singly charged surfaces (charge on either oil or on the capillary wall), oil and wall surfaces with like charges, or oil and wall surfaces with opposite but unequal charges. However in the case of opposite and equal charges, the system’s behaviour changes dramatically. There is now a conjoining electro-osmotic pressure rather than a disjoining tension, the film becomes thinner than the analogous Bretherton film, and the pressure needed to drive the droplet front along decreases. Surprisingly in this case, for sufficiently small$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}^{\prime }$, the work done by the conjoining pressure can exceed the work done against viscous dissipation, meaning the pressure required to drive the droplet front is not just smaller than in Bretherton’s predictions but also slightly less than would be estimated based on capillary forces alone. Although the main effect of reducing salinity is to increase Debye length and hence reduce$\unicode[STIX]{x1D712}^{\prime }$, salinity also affects surface charges. A situation is explored whereby reducing salinity affects charges, producing a switch from disjoining tensions to conjoining pressures and back again: this leads to a non-monotonic response in film thickness and pressure required to drive the droplet front along.
Proposal of control laws for turbulent skin friction reduction based on resolvent analysis
Authors: Kawagoe Aika , Nakashima Satoshi , Luhar Mitul , Fukagata Koji
Published: March 2019

This paper evaluates and modifies the so-called suboptimal control technique for turbulent skin friction reduction through a combination of low-order modelling and direct numerical simulation (DNS). In a previous study, Nakashima et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 828, 2017, pp. 496–526) employed resolvent analysis to show that the efficacy of suboptimal control was mixed across spectral space when the streamwise wall shear stress (case ST) was used as a sensor signal, i.e. specific regions of spectral space showed drag increment. This observation suggests that drag reduction may be attained if control is applied selectively in spectral space. DNS results presented in the present study, however, do not show a significant effect on the flow with selective control. A posteriori analyses attribute this lack of efficacy to a much lower actuation amplitude in the simulations compared to model assumptions. Building on these observations, resolvent analysis is used to design and provide a preliminary assessment of modified control laws that also rely on sensing the streamwise wall shear stress. Control performance is then assessed by means of DNS. The proposed control laws generate as much as $10\,\%$ drag reduction, and these results are broadly consistent with resolvent-based predictions. The physical mechanisms leading to drag reduction are assessed via conditional sampling. It is shown that the new control laws effectively suppress the near-wall quasi-streamwise vortices. A physically intuitive explanation is proposed based on a separate evaluation of clockwise and anticlockwise vortices.
Organizational innovation culture and firms’ new product performance in two emerging markets: The moderating effects of institutional environments and organizational cohesion
Authors: Xie Xuemei , Wu Yonghui , Xie Peihong , Yu Xiaoyu , Wang Hongwei
Published: March 2019

As a source of competitive advantages for firms, innovation has boosted scholars’ interest in the identification of its main determinants from the perspective of organizational culture. However, there is a lack of research on innovation cultures in the context of emerging markets. Based on survey data from 433 manufacturing firms (331 Chinese firms and 102 Vietnamese firms), this study addresses this research gap using a hierarchical regression analysis to explore the impact of organizational innovation culture on firms’ new product performance and to examine the moderating effects of institutional environments and organizational cohesion on this relationship. We find that there are positive relationships between organizational innovation culture and firms’ new product performance. In contrast to recent research on organizational cohesion, we report that organizational cohesion has both a direct, positive effect on new product performance and a positive moderating role in organizational innovation culture and firms’ new product performance. Furthermore, regarding the institutional environment in the context of emerging markets, we find that the effects of organizational innovation culture on firms’ new product performance are stronger in China than in Vietnam. Therefore, this paper enriches organizational culture research by providing a multidimensional theoretical framework and extends institutional theory in the context of emerging markets by examining the moderating effect of institutional environments on the relationship between organizational innovation culture and firms’ new product performance in both China and Vietnam.
The Counterterrorism War Paradigm versus International Humanitarian Law: The Legal Contradictions and Global Consequences of the US “War on Terror”
Authors: Hajjar Lisa
Published: March 2019

Since 2001, we have witnessed the development of a counterterrorism war paradigm built to advance claims about the post-9/11 scope and discretion of US executive power and to articulate specific interpretations of national security interests and strategic objectives in the “war on terror.” What makes this a paradigm rather than merely a conglomeration of evolving policies is the cohesiveness and mutual reinforcement of its underlying rationales about the rights of the US government to prosecute a territorially unbounded war against an evolving cast of enemies. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concept of a juridical field, the article focuses on how officials who constructed a legal framework for this paradigm, rather than disregarding international law wholesale, have engaged in interpretations and crafted rationales to evade some international humanitarian law (IHL) rules and norms while rejecting the underlying logic or applicability of others. This article traces the counterterrorism war paradigm’s development and explains how it now competes with and threatens to supersede the customary law principles enshrined in IHL.
Fault rocks within the blueschist metabasalts of the Diamante–Terranova unit (southern Italy): potential fossil record of intermediate-depth subduction earthquakes
Authors: Vitale Stefano , Fedele Lorenzo , Tramparulo Francesco D’Assisi , Prinzi Ernesto Paolo
Published: March 2019

We report the first evidence of fault rocks (FRs) developed during high-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) subduction-related metamorphism, within quartz+epidote pods embedded in the glaucophane–lawsonite-bearing ophiolitic metabasalts of the Diamante–Terranova unit (Calabria, Italy). FRs occur as relic injections appearing as thin dark seams, locally showing an internal foliation characterized by tabular, curvilinear and meander-like shapes, and consist of very fine grains of glaucophane and titanite, locally including survivor clasts of epidote and lawsonite. Some boudinaged veins show glaucophane fibres in the boudin necks, marking a clear HP/LT syn-metamorphic origin at c. 30 km depth. The injected FRs can be alternatively interpreted either as pseudotachylytes or as fluidized ultracataclasites. Although subsequent recrystallization largely obliterated primary diagnostic features, the occurrence of (i) different-coloured flow streaks, characterized by alternating layers of glaucophane and titanite, (ii) well-developed flow folds and (iii) corroded epidote survivor crystals could indicate a viscous flow of molten material characterized by a non-uniform chemical composition. With this in mind, we support the hypothesis that these fine-grained veins were originally pseudotachylytes generated by the frictional melting of the glaucophane-rich layers of the Diamante–Terranova metabasalts, likely related to seismic events occurring during the Eocene along thrust faults within the subducting oceanic Ligurian lithosphere. The lack of evidence for pseudotachylyte relics in the metabasalt source rock argues for a selective preservation, largely dependent on the efficient mechanical shielding action of the stiffer quartz+epidote pods.
The Prospects of Global History: Personal Reflections of an Old Believer
Authors: Vries Peer
Published: March 2019

Global history seems to be the history for our times. Huge syntheses such as the seven-volume Cambridge World History or the six-volume A History of the World suggest the field has come to fruition. Robert Moore, in his contribution to the book under review, The Prospect of Global History, is quite confident in this respect: if there is a single reason for “the rise of world history”, it is “the collapse of every alternative paradigm” (pp. 84–85). As early as 2012, the journal Itinerario published an interview with David Armitage with the title “Are We All Global Historians Now?” That may have been provocative but Armitage obliged by claiming “the hegemony of national historiography is over”.
Fatty acids: a role for Africa?
Authors: Delarue J.
Published: March 2019

Health effects of fatty acids have been very controversial. Total mortality is inversely associated with the amount of total fat consumed. In contrast,transfatty acids or SFA intake is positively related to mortality while the inverse is observed with consumption of MUFA or PUFA. Among PUFA, long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA have many beneficial effects. Dietary intake of some types of fatty acids is specific to Africa. Energy from saturated fat does not exceed 14% and energy fromn-6 PUFA does not exceed 8% of total energy intake. Dietary intake of LCn-3 PUFA is less than 100 mg/d whereas international recommendations promote 250–500 mg/d. Consumption of plantn-3 PUFA mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA) is highly variable depending on the country. Both fish and ALA availability are low in several African countries. The prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular events remain very low in Africa, partly explained by the fact that the whole dietary pattern is globally the best of all continents. One objective of ‘fat for Africa’ could be to increase, as much as possible, the dietary intake of LCn-3 PUFA by promoting sustainable aquaculture and to maintain as much as possible traditional dietary pattern by preventing a tendency to westernisation, provided that the amount of energy and protein is sufficient to fight against wasting and stunting where it still exists.
Costs of coexistence: understanding the drivers of tolerance towards Asian elephants Elephas maximus in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Saif Omar , Kansky Ruth , Palash Anwar , Kidd Martin , Knight Andrew T.
Published: March 2019

Habitat degradation and fragmentation have heightened the importance of understanding human tolerance towards wildlife, as the fate of wildlife in multi-use landscapes depends on people's capacity for coexistence. We applied the wildlife tolerance model to examine drivers of tolerance towards Asian elephants Elephas maximus in rural Bangladesh, interviewing local people in 17 villages. We used structural equation modelling to identify causal pathways in which elephant-related exposure, positive and negative interactions, costs and benefits (tangible and intangible) contributed to tolerance. Contrary to expectations, monetary costs were non-significant in shaping tolerance despite major impacts on livelihoods. Instead, intangible costs and intangible benefits were significant factors determining tolerance. Furthermore, reducing people's exposure to elephants would not necessarily affect tolerance, nor would increasing positive interactions. We discuss how the socio-economic and bio-cultural dynamics of local communities can explain these results, and demonstrate how our model can be used to incorporate such complexities into conservation decision-making. For instance, compensation schemes aim to recompense monetary losses and direct damages, to improve tolerance, whereas our results suggest a more effective approach would be to enhance resilience to non-monetary costs and improve perceived benefits. We conclude that future studies should pay increased attention to intangible costs and consider the less direct drivers of tolerance. Through repeated testing of universal models such as that presented here, broad trends may emerge that will facilitate the application of policies across contexts and landscapes.
WHERE IS SALUT?
Authors: Josel Seth F.
Published: March 2019

I first performed Salut für Caudwell (1977) at November Music in Den Bosch, two and half years ago. The festival celebrated Lachenmann's eightieth birthday in grand style, and the composer himself attended. During a backstage chat, Lachenmann, whom I've known for around 20 years, casually hinted that there were things ‘missing’ in the print edition of the work, published in 1985: that is, that performative information in the fair copy was not fully reproduced in the print edition. At that moment, my curiosity was piqued intensely, and the seed of a new edition was planted. While I understood the formidable challenges involved in properly preparing the part, rehearsing, and traversing this Everest of the guitar literature, I was not fully prepared for the astonishing array of hazards that awaited me. This article describes the labyrinth of sketches, drafts, and score iterations I encountered in beginning to prepare a new edition of Salut for Lachenmann's publishers, Breitkopf & Härtel.
Food seeking and food sharing under uncertainty
Authors: Aharonov-Majar Efrat , Suleiman Ramzi
Published: March 2019

We propose an elaboration of Anselme and Güntürkün's research that considers individuals’ foraging behavior as part of group efforts to cope with uncertainty. We discuss different possibilities for the interaction between individual and group mechanisms for risk reduction in uncertain environments, and we raise some open questions for future research.
Evolution of interfaces for the nonlinear parabolic p-Laplacian-type reaction-diffusion equations. II. Fast diffusion vs. absorption
Authors: ABDULLA UGUR G. , JELI ROQIA
Published: March 2019

We present a full classification of the short-time behaviour of the interfaces and local solutions to the nonlinear parabolic p-Laplacian-type reaction-diffusion equation of non-Newtonian elastic filtration$$u_t-\Big(|u_x|^{p-2}u_x\Big)_x+bu^{\beta}=0, \ 1 \lt p \lt 2, \beta \gt 0.$$If the interface is finite, it may expand, shrink or remain stationary as a result of the competition of the diffusion and reaction terms near the interface, expressed in terms of the parameters p, β, sign b, and asymptotics of the initial function near its support. In some range of parameters, strong domination of the diffusion causes infinite speed of propagation and interfaces are absent. In all cases with finite interfaces, we prove the explicit formula for the interface and the local solution with accuracy up to constant coefficients. We prove explicit asymptotics of the local solution at infinity in all cases with infinite speed of propagation. The methods of the proof are based on nonlinear scaling laws and a barrier technique using special comparison theorems in irregular domains with characteristic boundary curves. A full description of small-time behaviour of the interfaces and local solutions near the interfaces for slow diffusion case when p>2 is presented in a recent paper by Abdulla and Jeli [(2017) Europ. J. Appl. Math.28(5), 827–853].