bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sow housing associated with reproductive performance in breeding herds
Authors: Koketsu Yuzo , Iida Ryosuke
Published: May 2017

Female pigs in breeding herds can be managed through four phases—gilt development, breeding, gestation, and lactation—during which they may be housed in group or individual pens, stalls, or on pasture. In this review, we focus on housing environments that optimize outcomes during gestation and lactation. Appropriate housing is important during early gestation, to protect embryos and to confirm pregnancy, and from mid‐to‐late gestation, to ensure sufficient nutrition to increase placental and fetal growth. No difference in the number of pigs born alive were reported between group housing and individual stall housing, although more risk factors for reproductive performance are associated with group housing than stall housing including genetics, bedding, floor space allowance, group size, social ranking, and parity. Furthermore, lameness in pregnant pigs is more frequent in group housing than in stall housing. Housing during lactation helps protect piglets from being crushed or from contracting disease, and can foster the transfer of enough colostrum from mother to piglets. Indeed, lactating sows in pen housing tend to have higher pre‐weaning mortality and lighter litter weights than those in crated housing.
Wohin mit den Forschungsdaten?
Authors: Kraft Angelina , Engel Thomas , van den Broek Karina
Published: May 2017

Forschungsergebnisse und die zugehörigen Rohdaten so zu archivieren, dass Wissenschaftler sie finden und weiternutzen können, erfordert eine Infrastruktur. Damit auch kleinere Forschungseinrichtungen eine solche aufbauen können, haben mehrere Forschungsinstitute zusammengearbeitet und ein entsprechendes System entwickelt.
Nahezu spurlos verschwunden
Authors: Osterath Brigitte
Published: May 2017

In Berlin, wo die Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft gegründet wurde, erinnert kaum noch etwas daran. Ein paar Ausnahmen gibt es.
Pro Energiewende
Authors: Praetorius Barbara
Published: May 2017

Die Energiewende ist gut für die Volkswirtschaft, meint Barbara Praetorius. Deutschland zählt zu den Weltmarktführern für Techniken zur Stromerzeugung aus Sonne und Wind.
Wandel – welcher Wandel?
Authors: Fleßner Timo
Published: May 2017

Im Jahr 1867 gründete sich die Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft, die ältere der beiden Vorgängerorganisationen der GDCh. Die Welt ist seitdem eine andere geworden, doch manche Probleme, die uns heute als typisch neuzeitlich erscheinen, sind in Wahrheit gar nicht so neu, wie wir denken.
Structured behavioral treatment research protocol for women with mixed urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Newman Diane K. , Borello‐France Diane , Sung Vivian W.
Published: May 2017

Aims

The primary aim is to provide detailed rationale and methodology for the development and implementation of a perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise research protocol for women who self‐chose surgical intervention and who may or may not have been offered behavioral treatments initially. This protocol is part of the ESTEEM trial (Effects of Surgical Treatment Enhanced with Exercise for Mixed Urinary Incontinence Trial) which was designed to determine the effect of a combined surgical and perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise intervention versus surgery alone on improving mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Methods

As part of a multi‐site, prospective, randomized trial of women with MUI electing midurethral sling (MUS) surgical treatment, participants were randomized to a standardized perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise intervention + MUS versus MUS alone. The specific behavioral intervention included: education on voiding habits, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), bladder training (BT), strategies to control urgency and reduce/prevent urinary symptoms, and monitoring/promoting adherence to behavioral recommendations. To ensure consistency across all eight research sites in the pelvic floor disorders network (PFDN), selective behavioral treatments sessions were audiotaped and audited for protocol adherence.

Results

The behavioral intervention protocol includes individualization of interventions using an algorithm based on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) assessment, participant symptoms, and findings from the study visits. We present, here, the specific perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise interventions administered by study interventionists.

Conclusions

This paper details a perioperative behavioral/pelvic floor exercise intervention research study protocol developed for women undergoing surgery for MUI.
Retropubic versus transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT vs TVT‐O): Five‐year results of the Austrian randomized trial
Authors: Tammaa Ayman , Aigmüller Thomas , Hanzal Engelbert , Umek Wolfgang , Kropshofer Stephan , Lang Peter F. J. , Ralph George , Riss Paul , Koelle Dieter , Jundt Katharina , Tamussino Karl , Bjelic‐Radisic Vesna ,   for the Austrian Urogynecology Working Group
Published: May 2017

Aims

To compare outcomes of the retropubic versus the transobturator tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT vs TVT‐O) at 5 years.

Methods

A total of 569 women undergoing surgery for primary stress incontinence were randomized to receive a retropubic or a transobturator tensionfree vaginal tape (TVT or TVT‐O). Follow‐up at 5 years included clinical examination, urodynamic studies and quality of life. The primary outcome measure was continence defined as a negative cough stress test at a volume of 300 mL. Secondary outcomes included urodynamic parameters, complications and quality of life.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 0041454).

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐one patients (59%) were evaluated at 5 years (277 were seen, examined and completed questionnaires; 54 only completed questionnaires). No significant differences were seen in rates of a negative cough stress test (83% vs 76%, respectively), urodynamic parameters and complications. Quality‐of‐life improved significantly in both groups, without significant differences between the groups. Erosion rates were 5.2% and 4.5%, and reoperation rates were 4.1% and 3.2% respectively.

Conclusions

At 5 years, subjective and objective results after TVT and TVT‐O are stable and similar, without statistical significant differences between the procedures. Major long‐term problems appear rare.
Does deep brain stimulation improve lower urinary tract symptoms in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Witte Lambertus P. , Odekerken Vincent J. J. , Boel Judith A. , Schuurman P. Richard , Gerbrandy‐Schreuders Lara C. , de Bie Rob M. A. ,   on behalf of the NSTAPS study group
Published: May 2017

Aims

To investigate whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) or the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

An exploratory post‐hoc analysis was performed of specific LUTS items of questionnaires used in a randomized clinical trial with 128 patients (NSTAPS study). First, we compared scores on LUTS items at baseline and 12 months for the GPi DBS and STN DBS group separately. Second, we divided the group by sex, instead of DBS location; to assess a possible gender associated influence of anatomical and pathophysiological differences, again comparing scores at baseline and 12 months. Third, we reported on Foley‐catheter use at baseline and after 12 months.

Results

Urinary incontinence and frequency improved after both GPi DBS and STN DBS at 12 months, postoperatively, but this was only statistically significant for the STN DBS group (P = 0.004). The improvements after DBS were present in both men (P = 0.01) and women (P = 0.05). Nocturia and urinary incontinence did not improve significantly after any type of DBS, irrespective of sex. At 12 months, none of the patients had a Foley‐catheter.

Conclusions

Urinary incontinence and frequency significantly improved after STN DBS treatment in male and female patients with PD. Nocturia and nighttime incontinence due to parkinsonism did not improve after DBS, irrespective of gender.
A GPU‐accelerated nodal discontinuous Galerkin method with high‐order absorbing boundary conditions and corner/edge compatibility
Authors: Modave A. , Atle A. , Chan J. , Warburton T.
Published: May 2017

Discontinuous Galerkin finite element schemes exhibit attractive features for accurate large‐scale wave‐propagation simulations on modern parallel architectures. For many applications, these schemes must be coupled with nonreflective boundary treatments to limit the size of the computational domain without losing accuracy or computational efficiency, which remains a challenging task. In this paper, we present a combination of a nodal discontinuous Galerkin method with high‐order absorbing boundary conditions for cuboidal computational domains. Compatibility conditions are derived for high‐order absorbing boundary conditions intersecting at the edges and the corners of a cuboidal domain. We propose a GPU implementation of the computational procedure, which results in a multidimensional solver with equations to be solved on 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D spatial regions. Numerical results demonstrate both the accuracy and the computational efficiency of our approach.
Solubility characteristics of poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Roesing Miranda , Howell Jason , Boucher David
Published: May 2017

Solubility data for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in 29 pure solvents are presented and discussed in detail. Functional solubility parameter (FSP) and convex solubility parameter (CSP) computations are performed and the CSP and FSP results are compared to previously reported Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) and to the parameters calculated using additive functional group contribution methods. The empirical data reveals experimental solubility parameters with substantial polar (δP) and hydrogen‐bonding (δH) components, which are not intrinsic to the structure of the P3HT polymer. Despite these apparent irregularities, it is shown that the predictor method based on the solubility function, f, does provide a reliable way to quantitatively evaluate the solubility of P3HT in other solvents in terms of a given set of empirical solubility data. The solubility behavior is further investigated using linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) modeling and COSMO‐RS computations of the activity coefficients of P3HT. The LSER model reveals that (1) the cavity term, δT, is the dominant factor governing the solubility behavior of P3HT and (2) the solvent characteristics that dictate the structural order (crystallinity) of P3HT aggregates do not similarly influence the overall solubility behavior of the polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1075–1087
Adamantane Derivatives Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Colorimetric Detection of MiRNA
Authors: Miao Peng , Tang Yuguo , Mao Zhiqing , Liu Yuanzhong
Published: May 2017

MiRNAs are riveting RNA molecules due to their close relevance to the regulation of gene expression and certain physiological or pathological processes. Rapid and sensitive methods for miRNA assay are essential for biological researches and clinical diagnosis of many diseases. In this work, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been modified with adamantane derivatives and then Dwith NA probes for colorimetric detection of miRNA. Target miRNA induces a change in DNA conformation and initiates strand displacement amplification, eventually leading to massive aggregations of AuNPs. By comparing the UV–vis absorption spectra, miRNA concentration can be determined. This developed method can detect miRNA as low as 3.7 × 10−15m with remarkable specificity. Moreover, it is successfully used to inspect the expression of miRNA in biological samples. Therefore, adamantane derivatives functionalized AuNPs are demonstrated to offer a novel platform for biosensing and the miRNA sensing strategy may find a broad spectrum of practical applications.
Co3O4@Co Nanoparticles Embedded Porous N‐Rich Carbon Matrix for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zheng Dezhou , Zhu Lin , Feng Haobin , Yu Minghao , Lu Xihong , Tong Yexiang
Published: May 2017

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important reaction in many energy conversion systems, but it is severely restricted by its slow kinetics. Developing efficient non‐noble‐metal catalysts for ORR has attracted extended interests, but still remains a great challenge. Herein, an efficient catalysts consisting of Co3O4@Co nanoparticles embedded in N‐rich mesoporous carbon matrix is developed by the carbonization of Co‐containing zeolitic imidazolate framework precursor. The derived matrix exhibits outstanding catalytic activity with onset potential of 0.97 V vs. RHE, half‐wave potential of 0.88 V vs. RHE, and good catalytic durability when tested with the rotation speed of 1600 rpm. Carbinization under NH3 introduces extra elemental N, which subsequently enhances the limiting current densities. This study provides insight into the rational design of highly active ORR catalysts.
A Novel Method to Prepare Nano‐sized CL‐20/NQ Co‐crystal: Vacuum Freeze Drying
Authors: Gao Han , Du Ping , Ke Xiang , Liu Jie , Hao Gazi , Chen Teng , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2017

Nano‐sized energetic co‐crystal consisting of the most powerful used military explosive 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) and a typical insensitive explosive used in propellants nitroguanidine (NQ) was prepared by vacuum freeze drying method. Material studio 6.1 was used to simulate the hydrogen bonds between CL‐20 and NQ molecules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to reveal the morphology and size of the product. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray diffraction spectrum (XRD) proved the formation of the co‐crystal at the molecular level. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to characterize the thermal behavior of the co‐crystal. The result of mechanical sensitivity test indicated the sensitivity was effectively reduced compared to neat CL‐20.
Optical nonlinear and electro‐optical coefficients in bulk aluminium nitride single crystals
Authors: Majkić Aleksej , Franke Alexander , Kirste Ronny , Schlesser Raoul , Collazo Ramón , Sitar Zlatko , Zgonik Marko
Published: May 2017

Bulk aluminium nitride single crystals grown by physical vapour transport were characterised for their nonlinear optical properties. The two independent nonzero optical nonlinear coefficients were determined by the Maker Fringe method, with a LiNbO3 plate as a reference. At a wavelength of 1030 nm, the measured coefficient |d33| = (4.3 ± 0.3) pm V−1 and |d31| = |d33|/(45 ± 5). Michelson interferometer was used to measure two unclamped electro‐optic coefficients to give r33 = (1.16 ± 0.13) pm V−1 and r13 = (0.11 ± 0.02) pm V−1 at a wavelength of 633 nm. By calculating the dispersion relation for d33, we show that AlN is a very promising material for quasi phase‐matched frequency conversion into UV.
A chest wall mass after breast carcinoma surgery: a simple diagnosis?
Authors: Minervini Fabrizio , Greuter Ladina , Kestenholz Peter , Schneider Tino , Gutmann Christine , Dutly André Emanuel
Published: May 2017

Tuberculosis affects pulmonary and extra‐pulmonary sites with a multitude of differing presentations. The involvement of thoracic wall is a rare entity. We report the case of a patient who had a tumefaction on the right chest wall 6 months after a right breast mastectomy. After an initial radiological suspicion of malignancy, we detected intraoperatively an abscess in which histologic examination revealed granulomas with multinucleated giant cells.
Argumentation Tasks in Secondary English Language Arts, History, and Science: Variations in Instructional Focus and Inquiry Space
Authors: Litman Cindy , Greenleaf Cynthia
Published: May 2017

This study drew on observations of 40 secondary English language arts, history, and science lessons to describe variation in opportunities for students to engage in argumentation and possible implications for student engagement and learning. The authors focused their analysis on two broad dimensions of argumentation tasks: (1)Instructional focuscategorized tasks as learning to argue, arguing to learn, or interactive argumentation focused on evaluating different possible meanings and interpretations of text. (2)Inquiry spacedescribed the degree to which the question, possible claims, and knowledge and skills needed to accomplish an argumentation task were predetermined. Findings point to task characteristics as a potentially powerful influence on instruction and resultant student engagement. Although most of the argumentation tasks focused on arguing to learn, the authors found that both arguing‐to‐learn and learning‐to‐argue tasks were frequently based on predetermined questions, answers, and content. In contrast, interactive argumentation was generally shaped by student questions and interpretations. Using contrasting illustrations from observed lessons, the authors theorize about the role of inquiry space in argumentation teaching and learning. Given that students’ interactive argumentation often revealed important argumentative reasoning, the authors argue for recognizing these activities as argumentation and exploring their potential in the development of argumentation literacy skills.
Semiparametric estimation of time‐varying intervention effects using recurrent event data
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Lam K. F. , Chen Feng , Milligan Paul , Cheung Yin Bun
Published: May 2017

We consider the estimation of the optimal interval between doses for interventions such as malaria chemoprevention and vaccine booster doses that are applied intermittently in infectious disease control. A flexible exponential‐like function to model the time‐varying intervention effect in the framework of Andersen–Gill model for recurrent event time data is considered. The partial likelihood estimation approach is adopted, and a large scale simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. A simple guideline for the choice of the optimal interval between successive doses is proposed. The methodology is illustrated with the analysis of data from a malaria chemoprevention trial. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uniform Microgels Containing Agglomerates of Silver Nanocubes for Molecular Size‐Selectivity and High SERS Activity
Authors: Kim Dong Jae , Jeon Tae Yoon , Park Sung‐Gyu , Han Hye Ji , Im Sang Hyuk , Kim Dong‐Ho , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: May 2017

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising technique for molecular analysis as the molecular fingerprints (Raman spectra) are amplified to detectable levels compared with common spectroscopy. Metal nanostructures localize electromagnetic field on their surfaces, which can lead to dramatic increase of Raman intensity of molecules adsorbed. However, the metal surfaces are prone to contamination, thereby requiring pretreatment of samples to remove adhesive molecules. To avoid the pretreatment and potentially achieve point‐of‐care (POC) analysis, we have developed SERS‐active microgels using the droplet‐microfluidic system. As the microgels are composed of water‐swollen network with consistent mesh size, they selectively allow diffusion of molecules smaller than the mesh, thereby excluding large adhesives. To render the microgels highly SERS‐active, we destabilize silver nanocubes to form agglomerates, which are embedded in the matrix of microgels. The nanogaps in the agglomerates provide high sensitivity in Raman measurement and size‐selective permeability of the microgel matrix obviates the pretreatment of samples. To validate the functions, we demonstrate the direct detection of Aspirin dissolved in whole blood without any pretreatment.
Spontaneously Embedded Scattering Structures in a Flexible Substrate for Light Extraction
Authors: Gim Seungo , Lee Illhwan , Park Jae Yong , Lee Jong‐Lam
Published: May 2017

A flexible hazy substrate (FHS) with embedded air bubbles to increase light extraction efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is reported. In order to embed the air bubbles in the flexible substrate, micropatterned substrates are fabricated by plasma treatment, and then coated with a planarization layer. During the planarization layer coating, air bubbles are trapped between the substrate and the planarization layer. The haze of the FHS can be controlled from 1.7% to 68.4% by changing the size of micropatterns by adjusting the plasma treatment time. The FHS shows average haze of 68.4%, average total transmittance of 90.3%, and extremely flat surface with average roughness (R
a) of 1.2 nm. Rigorous coupled‐wave analysis and finite‐difference time‐domain simulations are conducted to demonstrate that the air bubbles in the substrate can effectively extract photons that are trapped in the substrate. The FHS increases the power efficiency of OLEDs by 22% and further increases by 91% combined with an external extraction layer. Moreover, the FHS has excellent mechanical flexibility. No defect has been observed after 10 000 bending cycles at bending radius of 4 mm.
Minimizing the Heat Effect of Photodynamic Therapy Based on Inorganic Nanocomposites Mediated by 808 nm Near‐Infrared Light
Authors: Chan Ming‐Hsien , Pan Yu‐Ting , Lee I‐Jung , Chen Chieh‐Wei , Chan Yung‐Chieh , Hsiao Michael , Wang Feng , Sun Lingdong , Chen Xueyuan , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: May 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on photosensitizers (PSs) constructed with nanomaterials has become popular in cancer treatment, especially oral carcinoma cell. This therapy is characterized by improved PS accumulation in tumor regions and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for PDT under specific excitation. In the selection of near‐infrared (NIR) window, 808 nm NIR light because it can avoid the absorption of water is particularly suitable for the application in PDT. Hence, multiband emissions under a single 808 nm near‐infrared excitation of Nd3+‐sensitized upconversion nanoparticles (808 nm UCNPs) have been applied for the PDT effect. 808 nm UCNPs serve as light converter to emit UV light to excite inorganic PS, graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs), thereby generating ROS. In this study, a nanocomposite consisting UCNPs conjugated with poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) to improve binding with CNQDs is fabricated. According to the research results, NIR‐triggered nanocomposites of 808 nm UCNP‐PLL@CNs have been verified by significant improvement in ROS generation. Consequently, 808 nm UCNP‐PLL@CNs exhibit high capability for ROS production and efficient PDT in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the mechanism of PDT treatment by 808 nm UCNP‐PLL@CNs is evaluated using the cell apoptosis pathway.
Crucial Mechanism to the Eutectoid Transformation of Wüstite Scale on Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Lin Szu‐Ning , Huang Chao‐Chi , Wu Min‐Tao , Wang Wei‐Lin , Hsieh Ker‐Chang
Published: May 2017

It is important to realize the transformation behavior of wüstite, because it greatly affects the final structure of the oxide layer and the surface quality of steel products. In the present study, the transformation behaviors of the wüstite layer are examined under nearly‐oxygen‐free conditions in order to simulate the cooling processes after the hot rolled strip is coiled. As the single phase wüstite is prepared at 950 °C, the 460 °C transformed oxide layer is composed of a mixture of iron and magnetite formed through eutectoid reactions. For the 750 °C‐fabricated wüstite, only magnetite is observed after transformation, without iron precipitates, and residual wüstite. It is speculated that the unusual transformation behavior of the low‐temperature‐made wüstite results from the pseudo‐structural intermediate phase transformation between wüstite and magnetite. This pseudo‐structure is a pre‐transformed wüstite and contains various concentrations of ferrous ion, which is determined by the fabrication conditions. During the hot strip mill process, wüstite is produced continuously from finish mill to laminar flow sections and culminated at 570 °C. Consequently, the final eutectoid transformation below 570 °C is dominantly controlled by the surface temperature ranging from 750 to 950 °C for low carbon steel.
Stahlbautechnische Problemlösung bei einer Kurvenstütze einer Dreiseilbahn – Penkenbahn im Zillertal
Authors: Bischofberger Markus , Köss Walter
Published: May 2017

Bei Kurven in Seilbahntrassen kommt es bei der Fahrt des Laufwerks sowohl zu einer horizontalen als auch zu einer vertikalen Seilauslenkung. Für Dreiseilbahnen (3S‐Bahnen) mit zwei Tragseilen als Fahrbahn für die Kabine und einem Zugseil entwickelte die Firma Doppelmayr Seilbahnen eine Kurvenstütze, bei der die Seilschuhe eine horizontale und eine vertikale Winkelablenkung des Zugseils bei der Fahrt über die dreidimensionale – also um zwei Achsen gekrümmte – Kurve ermöglichen. Diese Konstruktion wurde erstmals bei der Penkenbahn in Mayrhofen im Zillertal realisiert.
Starch component characteristics and physicochemical properties in wheat grains with different amylose contents in relation to low light after anthesis
Authors: Liu Xiwei , Cai Ruiguo , Li Yong , Zhang Min , Yang Min , Zhang Yuchun
Published: May 2017

The effect of low light on the characteristics and physicochemical properties of wheat starch components after anthesis were investigated using wheat cultivars with different amylose contents, Lunxuan 987 and Nongdanuo 50222, which were blocked to allow only 60% photosynthetic active radiation during the total grain filling (S1), early grain filling (1–10 DAA, S2), middle grain filling (11–20 DAA, S3), and later grain filling (21–30 DAA, S4) stages. The control was not shaded (CK). The results showed that the starch content, amylose, amylopectin, and relative crystallinity significantly decreased under low light conditions after anthesis. The amylose/amylopectin ratio increased in Lunxuan 987 at S2 and S3, while it decreased overall in Nongdanuo 50222. The volume and proportion of surface B‐granules in Lunxuan 987 increased at S2 and S4, while those of Nongdanuo 50222 increased at each low light stage. The peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown value, and enthalpy of Lunxuan 987 starch improved at S1 and S4, while the above indices in Nongdanuo 50222 decreased and were significantly higher than in Lunxuan 987. Nongdanuo 50222 showed a lower starch yield, higher B‐granule volume, surface area proportion, and crystallinity than Lunxuan 987, and showed significant differences in all pasting and thermal parameters compared to Lunxuan 987. There were significant correlations between wheat endosperm starch components and their physicochemical properties, indicating that the effects of low light after anthesis on wheat starch components indirectly affected the physicochemical properties.
Corrosion of anchorage head system of post‐tensioned prestressed concrete structures under chloride environment
Authors: Li Fumin , Luo Xiaoya , Liu Zhenguo
Published: May 2017

Corrosion of anchorage head system may lead to severe structural failure. To understand the characteristics of corrosion and the risks of anchoring failure, 11 post‐tensioned prestressed concrete specimens with single‐hole anchorage‐plate system sealed with postcast concrete contaminated by NaCl were fabricated and then corroded for 8 months. By periodically monitoring corrosion current density and breaking the specimens to detect mass loss, the time‐varying law of corrosion rate and the influences of chloride concentration and cover layer depth on corrosion rate were found. The mean corrosion rate of each component of anchorage head system varies with effective prestress level in a light growing trend with approximate linear relationship. The plates were corroded most severely and manifested relatively full and uniform corrosion characteristics, whereas the barrels and wedges were corroded slightly and exhibited relatively local and pitting corrosion characteristics. The average corrosion rate of the plates is 50 times and 80 times higher than that of the barrels and wedges, respectively. The interfaces of the contacted components were hardly corroded. Finally, the corrosion risk of the anchorage head system was analyzed.
Tests on strengths of steel strand and strand‐concrete (or cement slurry) bond stress under cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Xie Jian , Kang Er‐Cong , Yan Jia‐Bao , Nie Zhi‐Meng
Published: May 2017

This paper experimentally studied the strengths of the steel strand and strand‐concrete (or cement slurry) bond stress under different cryogenic temperatures ranging from 20 to −160 °C. Twenty one tensile tests were firstly carried out to obtain the yield and ultimate strengths of the steel strand under different cryogenic temperatures. The influences of the cryogenic temperatures on the yield strength, ultimate strength, and fracture strain of the steel strand were discussed and analyzed. Sixty six pull‐out tests with 3 identical specimens for each parameter were carried out to obtain the ultimate strength behaviors of the strand‐concrete (or cement slurry) bond. The failure modes, strand‐concrete (or cement slurry) bond stress, and influences of the low temperature and strength of concrete on the bond stress were reported, discussed, and analyzed. Design equations were also developed to predict the yield and ultimate strengths of the steel strand under temperature intervals of 20 to −160 °C, and their accuracies were checked through validations against the test results. Prediction models in the literature were also used to predict the strand‐concrete bond stress, and their accuracies were checked by the reported test results. Empirical design equations were also developed to predict the strand‐cement slurry bond stress at cryogenic temperatures.
Effectiveness of rikkosan gargling for burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Nakazawa Seitaro , Okada Kazutaka , Matsushita Takae , Hegozaki Seiji , Sakata Ken‐ichiro , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Yamazaki Yutaka
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Case

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by a burning sensation or other dysesthesias of the oral mucosa, without accompanying abnormal clinical or laboratory findings. Although various treatment options have been proposed, there is currently no optimal approach. This report describes the cases of two women, aged 65 and 75 years, with BMS. The first patient had tongue pain, which disappeared after treatment with antidepressants, but which recurred 9 months later. The second patient had burning pain in the tongue and a continual phantom sensation of bitterness. Both patients were prescribed rikkosan as a mouthwash.

Outcome

Initial gargling with rikkosan relieved the burning pain in both patients for approximately 60 min. Continuous treatment gradually reduced the frequency of symptoms, while also increasing the duration of symptom‐free periods. Symptoms disappeared after 4 and 10 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Rikkosan gargling may be a useful adjuvant treatment for BMS.
Language Identity in the Elementary English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Brownell Cassie J.
Published: May 2017

In response to the growing number of linguistically diverse students in elementary classrooms, this Teaching Tip centers stories of students exploring language identity and use in one fourth‐grade classroom in the Midwestern United States. Specifically, the author situates this Teaching Tip by first telling how students engaged in a discussion about the Navajo code talkers before nuancing stories of two linguistically diverse elementary students as they navigated and negotiated the intricacies of language identity in their school. The author then illuminates how teachers can open new spaces for dialogue about and the practice of a multiplicity of languages.
Temporary streams in temperate zones: recognizing, monitoring and restoring transitional aquatic‐terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Stubbington Rachel , England Judy , Wood Paul J. , Sefton Catherine E.M.
Published: May 2017

Temporary streams are defined by periodic flow cessation, and may experience partial or complete loss of surface water. The ecology and hydrology of these transitional aquatic‐terrestrial ecosystems have received unprecedented attention in recent years. Research has focussed on the arid, semi‐arid, and Mediterranean regions in which temporary systems are the dominant stream type, and those in cooler, wetter temperate regions with an oceanic climate influence are also receiving increasing attention. These oceanic systems take diverse forms, including meandering alluvial plain rivers, ‘winterbourne’ chalk streams, and peatland gullies. Temporary streams provide ecosystem services and support a diverse biota that includes rare and endemic specialists. We examine this biota and illustrate that temporary stream diversity can be higher than in comparable perennial systems, in particular when differences among sites and times are considered; these diversity patterns can be related to transitions between lotic, lentic, and terrestrial instream conditions. Human impacts on temperate‐zone temporary streams are ubiquitous, and result from water‐resource and land‐use‐related stressors, which interact in a changing climate to alter natural flow regimes. These impacts may remain uncharacterized due to inadequate protection of small temporary streams by current legislation, and hydrological and biological monitoring programs therefore require expansion to better represent temporary systems. Novel, temporary‐stream‐specific biomonitors and multi‐metric indices require development, to integrate characterization of ecological quality during lotic, lentic, and terrestrial phases. In addition, projects to restore flow regimes, habitats, and communities may be required to improve the ecological quality of temporary streams.WIREs Water2017, 4:e1223. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1223

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Molecular ‘time‐machines’ to unravel key biological events for drug design
Authors: Ganesan Aravindhan , Coote Michelle L. , Barakat Khaled
Published: May 2017

Molecular dynamics (MD) has become a routine tool in structural biology and structure‐based drug design (SBDD). MD offers extraordinary insights into the structures and dynamics of biological systems. With the current capabilities of high‐performance supercomputers, it is now possible to perform MD simulations of systems as large as millions of atoms and for several nanoseconds timescale. Nevertheless, many complicated molecular mechanisms, including ligand binding/unbinding and protein folding, usually take place on timescales of several microseconds to milliseconds, which are beyond the practical limits of standard MD simulations. Such issues with traditional MD approaches can be effectively tackled with new generation MD methods, such as enhanced sampling MD approaches and coarse‐grained MD (CG‐MD) scheme. The former employ a bias to steer the simulations and reveal biological events that are usually very slow, while the latter groups atoms as interaction beads, thereby reducing the system size and facilitating longer MD simulations that can witness large conformational changes in biological systems. In this review, we outline many of such advanced MD methods, and discuss how their applications are providing significant insights into important biological processes, particularly those relevant to drug design and discovery. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1306. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1306

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Free Energy Methods

Software > Simulation Methods
ELISA‐type assays of trace biomarkers using microfluidic methods
Authors: Dong Jinhua , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

Recently, great progress has been achieved for analytical technologies for biological substances. Traditionally, detection methods for analytes mainly rely on large instrumental analyses. These methods require costly equipment, skilled operators and long measurement time despite their generally low sensitivity. In contrast, immunoassays are becoming more and more popular for it is powerful, inexpensive, and convenient nature. Immunoassay has a range of applications, because it employs antibody, a protein produced by plasma cells in the acquired immune system to identify and neutralize diverse pathogens and other exogenous substances. However, the sensitivity of conventional immunoassays so far is limited by their reaction principles and detection methods. The microfluidics technology is the one that manipulates small volumes of fluid and flow, which has the potential to miniaturize many laboratory procedures. Immunoassays on microfluidic devices have been studied extensively and have gained significant attention owing to intrinsic advantages offered by the assay platforms. The techniques have allowed the miniaturization of conventional immunoassay and bring the advantages such as small volumes of samples and reagents as well as the decrease of contamination, which results in the decline of false‐positive results. Ultimately, the combination of immunoassays with microfluidics affords a promising platform for multiple, sensitive, and automatic point‐of‐care diagnostics. Recent achievements on microfluidic devices and immunoassay detection systems including digital assay employing single molecule will be introduced in detail and the strategies for faster and more sensitive configurations in microfluidic immunosensors will be highlighted. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1457. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1457

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Chemical Vapor Transport Reactions – Arguments for Choosing a Suitable Transport Agent
Authors: Binnewies Michael , Schmidt Marcus , Schmidt Peer
Published: May 2017

A variety of processes of crystal growth proceeds via the gas phase. If the initial solid material is volatilized in a heterogeneous reaction under presence of a gaseous reactant, the transport agent, the term Chemical Vapor Transport Reaction (CVT) is applied. Crystallization processes by CVT are known for both elements, intermetallics, binary and complex oxides, halides, chalcogenides, and pnictides. Even if the formation of volatile halides is a common feature of almost all vapor transport reactions, significant differences are there concerning the choice of a suitable transport agent depending on the nature of the initial solid phase. Actually, the appropriateness of transport agents for the respective transport reaction can be described in a thermodynamic way. Besides some basic principles for systematic evaluation more practical recommendations for suitable experimental conditions are given for CVT of different classes of inorganic materials.
The Identification, Preservation and Classification of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroidectomy
Authors: Wang Kun , Cai Huilan , Kong Deguang , Cui Qiuxia , Zhang Dan , Wu Gaosong
Published: May 2017

Background

Avoiding injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is one of the major challenges during thyroid operation. The aim of this study was to propose a practical classification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Methods

A retrospective study of total thyroidectomy was performed. Totally 240 patients were included, with 480 external branches of the superior laryngeal nerves explored by intraoperative neuromonitoring. The classification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was determined by the distance between the upper edge of the superior thyroid pole and the lowest point of the nerve when the thyroid lobe was retracted in the lateral and inferior direction. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was run to predict the type of the nerve from several variables.

Results

The identification rate of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was 98.54% (473 of 480 nerves). Higher ratio of longitudinal size of the thyroid lobe to ipsilateral neck length increased the likelihood of that both the type 2 and 3 nerve with respect to type 1 nerve, with OR 2.72, 95% CI = 1.21–6.12 and OR 5.30, 95% CI = 2.09–13.44, respectively. (1a) The nerve whose lowest point (entry into the muscle) was located more than 1 cm above the horizontal plane passing the upper border of superior thyroid pole. (1b) The nerve whose lowest point (the point right above the superior thyroid pole) was located more than 1 cm above the plane. (2a) The nerve whose lowest point (entry into the muscle) was located within 1 cm above the plane. (2b) The nerve whose lowest point (the point right above the superior thyroid pole) was located within 1 cm above the plane. (3a) The nerve whose lowest point (entry into the muscle) was located below the plane. (3b) The nerve whose lowest point (the point right below the superior thyroid pole) was located anterior to the gland. (3c) The nerve whose lowest point (the point right below the superior thyroid pole) was located posterior to the gland.

Conclusions

Identification rate of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve by intraoperative neuromonitoring was significantly high. Understanding the new practical classification of the nerve allows for better identification and function preservation of this nerve during thyroidectomy.
Relationship between seasonal progression of floral meristem development and FLOWERING LOCUS T expression in the deciduous tree Fagus crenata
Authors: Miyazaki Yuko , Satake Akiko
Published: May 2017

Estimating the timing of flower bud formation in plants is essential to identify environmental factors that regulate floral transition. The presence of winter dormancy between the initiation of flowers and anthesis, characteristic of most trees in the temperate forests, hampers accurate estimation of the timing of floral transition. To overcome this difficulty, expression levels of flowering‐time genes could be used as indicators of the timing of floral transition. Here, we evaluated the usefulness of molecular markers in estimating the timing of floral transition in Fagus crenata, a deciduous tree that shows intermittent and synchronized flowering at the population level. We selected FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) as a candidate molecular marker and quantified the expression levels of its ortholog in F. crenata (FcFT). Subsequently, we analyzed the relationship between morphogenetic changes that occur between the vegetative state of the buds and the initiation of floral organs, and compared the FcFT expression levels in reproductive and vegetative buds, collected from spring to autumn. FcFT expression in leaves peaked at least two weeks before the morphological changes associated with flowering were visible in the buds in late July. FcFT expression levels were significantly higher in the reproductive buds than in the vegetative buds in July. These results suggest that the FcFT expression in July is a reliable indicator of the timing and occurrence of floral transition. This study highlights the utility of molecular tools in unraveling reproductive dynamics in plants, in combination with ecological and physiological approaches.
Non-Heterosexuality, Relationships, and Young Women’s Contraceptive Behavior
Authors: Ela Elizabeth J. , Budnick Jamie
Published: May 2017

Non-heterosexual young women have a higher rate of unintended pregnancy than their heterosexual peers, but their fertility behaviors are understudied. We use longitudinal data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life study to investigate mechanisms contributing to non-heterosexual women’s higher pregnancy risk. These data include weekly reports of relationships, sex, and contraceptive use over 30 months. We compare the relationships and fertility behaviors of three groups: exclusively heterosexual (consistent heterosexual behavior, identity, and attraction); mostly heterosexual (heterosexual identity with same-sex behavior and/or same-sex attraction); and LGBTQ (any non-heterosexual identity). We find that mostly heterosexual and LGBTQ women behave differently from exclusively heterosexual women in ways likely to elevate their risk of unintended pregnancy: more distinct partners during the study period, more sexual intercourse with men, less frequent contraceptive use, less use of a dual method (condom plus hormonal method), and more gaps in contraceptive coverage. Mostly heterosexual women resemble LGBTQ women in their contraceptive behavior but have significantly more intercourse with men, which may increase their pregnancy risk relative to both LGBTQ and exclusively heterosexual women. We conclude by considering implications for LGBTQ health and the measurement of sexual minority populations.
Measuring Five Dimensions of Religiosity across Adolescence
Authors: Pearce Lisa D. , Hayward George M. , Pearlman Jessica A.
Published: May 2017

This paper theorizes and tests a latent variable model of adolescent religiosity in which five dimensions of religiosity are interrelated: religious beliefs, religious exclusivity, external practice, private practice, and religious salience. Research often theorizes overlapping and independent influences of single items or dimensions of religiosity on outcomes such as adolescent sexual behavior, but rarely operationalizes the dimensions in a measurement model accounting for their associations with each other and across time. We use longitudinal structural equation modeling with latent variables to analyze data from two waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion. We test our hypothesized measurement model as compared to four alternate measurement models and find that our proposed model maintains superior fit. We then discuss the associations between the five dimensions of religiosity we measure and how these change over time. Our findings suggest how future research might better operationalize multiple dimensions of religiosity in studies of the influence of religion in adolescence.
Eclipsed by Orthodoxy: The Vanishing Point of Consideration and the Forgotten Ingenuity of the Indian Contract Act 1872
Authors: SWAMINATHAN Shivprasad
Published: May 2017

The definition of consideration in Section 2(d) of the Indian Contract Act 1872 substantially anticipated the far-reaching reforms to the orthodox doctrine of consideration that were proposed by the English Law Revision Committee (1937). These included making enforceable, through the doctrine of promissory estoppel, promises without consideration in the traditional sense that were meant to and did induce reliance; making enforceable a promise to perform a pre-existing duty; and making binding a promise to keep an offer open. The pivots of the definition in Section 2(d) were: a ‘subjective’ conception of consideration on which value was to be measured by the desire of the contractors alone, as opposed to an external standard; a concomitant purging of the traditional requirements of benefit and detriment; and the recognition of induced reliance as a form of consideration. The definition was designed to mark the vanishing point of consideration without having to formally abolish it. This design, however, went awry as courts and scholars in India projected the orthodox English model of consideration, replete with benefit and detriment, and external standards of value, upon this provision. Consequently, an ingenious piece of draftsmanship came to be eclipsed by orthodoxy.