bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of an abdominal wall cystic urachal carcinoma in an unusual location
Authors: Kim Kyoungyul , Jung Minsun , Lim Dongyoung , Ryu Young-Joon
Published: August 2017

A solitary cystic lesion in the abdominal wall is generally benign, such as an omental cyst, mesenteric cyst, enteric duplication cyst, cystic mesothelioma, or skin appendage tumor. Furthermore, most malignancies in the urachal remnant are intraperitoneal lesions, and generally develop on the anterior aspect of the bladder dome. Moreover, most urachal glandular malignant neoplasms are the mucinous cystic type. We report a cystic urachal adenocarcinoma that presented as an abdominal wall cystic lesion. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to Kangwon National University Hospital for a 5-cm palpable abdominal wall mass. Conservative surgical excision was performed with subsequent histological and immunohistochemical evaluations, but only a few non-mucinous invasive glands and finger-like growths were noted. During a 2-year period, the tumor recurred several times along the urachal tract and metastasized to the regional lymph nodes. Despite receiving chemotherapy, the patient died 2 years after the first surgery.
Voluntary Assurance of Sustainability Report and Audit Fees
Authors: Zhao Qi
Published: August 2017

The 21th century has seen huge changes of corporations. While companies’ business grew rapidly, attention and recognition on corporate social responsibility has gradually been attracted and put on a vital strategy position. It has been proofed to be a crucial way that enterprises share their social responsibility actively in order to enhance their competitive advantage. With more and more enterprises knowing how important social responsibility is for their development, they released a new method which is called sustainability report to show them determine and confidence to take social responsibility.This thesis can be divided into six parts. The first part is about introduction and background. The second part is literature review. The third part is the development of hypotheses. The fourth part is research method and the fifth part is a conclusion. The last part is the reference.
Importance of Data Flow Diagrams and Entity Relationships Diagrams to Data Structures Systems Design in C++ “A Practical Example”
Authors: Al Ashry Mohammed H. S.
Published: August 2017

Structures have always been employed in designing software applications. In order to specify separate data structures, however, classes should be introduced to facilitate the process. The development of databases, in this case is made easier to specify records, data items, and simpler to identify unique keys within the database. The dataflow and entity relationships diagrams help in the development process. This paper provides a simple set of diagrams emphasizing the importance of these relationships.
Enhancing Organizational Performance through Human Resource Outsourcing in the Nigerian Deposit Money Banks
Authors: A. P. Olannye , O. M. Okoro
Published: August 2017

As competition rages on in the business environment, the demand for increased productivity, profitability with reduced cost and effective performance has put organizations under pressure to redirect their strategy towards outsourcing in order to develop and focus on their core competencies. The broad objective of this study is to examine the effect of Human Resources Outsourcing on organizational performance in Deposit Money Banks. The study made use of a sample of 260 staff from 10 money deposit banks in the Asaba metropolis of Delta State, Nigeria. The research instrument was a 25-item validated structured questionnaire of the likert type scale. A cross-sectional survey research design method was adopted, and the statistical techniques used are principle component factor analysis, correlation and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that that there is a significant positive relationship between the variables of human resource outsourcing and organizational performance. This implies that its effect on organizational performance such as cost savings and productivity is as a result of outsourcing activities. The study therefore concludes that recruitment process outsourcing has significant relationship with organizational performance by moving the recruitment process to a recruitment agency, time is saved by the managers for more efficient planning. There is a need to adopt effective strategies when outsourcing recruitment process because human resource is the most vital asset of any organization. The study therefore recommends that Deposit Money Banks should engage in Human resource (HR) outsourcing practices, in order to get access to expert services as well as to take advantage of the excellent quality that external vendors provide and focus on their core competencies.
English Language Proficiency and Content Assessment Performance: A Comparison of English Learners and Native English Speakers Achievement
Authors: Miley Suzi Keller , Farmer Aarek
Published: August 2017

As a result of the accountability requirements established in Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Educational Act (ESEA) legislation, English Learners (ELs) are expected to make progress in both content area academic achievement and English Language Proficiency (ELP). In Tennessee ELs progress is measured by administering WIDA-Access to assess English language proficiency, and Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) standardized assessments to measure content academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the performance levels of ELs who achieved the exit criteria on WIDA-Access state mandated English proficiency assessment and their subsequent performance on English Language Arts and Math TCAP assessments. Specifically, a comparison of EL’s achievement on TCAP was compared to the achievement on TCAP of non-ELs. Independent samples t-tests were performed on data from 302 elementary and middle school ELs and non-ELs that participated in WIDA-Access and TCAP assessments in 2015. Data analyses concluded that English Language Arts and Math TCAP scale scores were significantly different between ELs and non-ELs. Achievement levels in both English Language Arts TCAP and Math TCAP for ELs, who achieved the exit criteria on WIDA-Access, were lower than the achievement levels of non-ELs. Discussions of the findings in this study along with implications of using these assessments to measure ELs growth is provided in relation to the increased demands on measuring both the academic achievement and English language progress for ELs.
The Model Construction of English Ecological Class in the High School in China
Authors: Zhou Zhen
Published: August 2017

The Ecological class is a kind of class in which the system of class teaching is in a state of dynamic balance and it can enhance the efficiency of class teaching. The article analyzes the feature of English ecological class，illustrates the non-ecological class teaching problems and explores the ways to establish English ecological class from the five aspects such as: teaching environment, the relationship between the teacher and students and the relationship between students and students, teaching methods, teaching content, and teaching evaluation, so as to improve the English teaching effect of the high school, and to provide some reference for the English teaching in the high school.
Adhesion Abilities of Lactobacillus Plantarum Strains Isolated from Nigerian Fermented Maize Food - Akamu
Authors: Obinna-Echem Patience Chisa
Published: August 2017

Two strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from akamu a Nigerian fermented maize food were investigated for probiotic potential based on: adhesion to hydrocarbons (hydrophobicity), porcine mucin and epithelial cell models. Gelatinase and haemolytic activities of the L. plantarum isolates were also studied. Adhesions to mono polar solvents (>22%) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the n-alkanes (<13%) with significant maximal affinity (35%) for chloroform an acidic solvent. The general order of affinity was chloroform > ethyl acetate > hexadecane > hexane. NGL7 had significantly (p≤0.05) the highest affinity for all the solvents. Both L. plantarum strains had significant adhesions to porcine mucin (≥6.51 Log10 CFU mL-1) after 2 h at 37oC. Viable counts on Caco-2 cells were 5.13 and 5.53 Log10 CFU mL-1 for NGL7 and NGL5 respectively. The L. plantarum strains possessed significant adhesion abilities: adhesion to hydrocarbons, porcine mucin and Caco-2 cells with no gelatinase and haemolytic activity. This suggested that the L. plantarum strains isolated from the Nigerian fermented maize food -akamu would be able to adhere to the intestinal mucosa and epithelial cells for beneficial health effects without posing any risk.
Deterioration of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Caused by Different Processes
Authors: Segura Nadia , Pinchak Yenny , Merlinski Natalie , Amarillo Miguel , Feller Camila , Irigaray Bruno , Raggio Laura , Orono Mariana , Grompone Maria A.
Published: August 2017

Extra virgin olive oil is recognized as a very stable oil because of its composition in fatty acids and its content in natural antioxidants (tocopherols and polyphenols). In the bibliography are works that address different aspects of this stability, from the duration of its useful life to its performance in the frying of foods. Some works also link their stability with the content of natural antioxidants. For example, Franco et al. (2014) studied the content of phenols and their antioxidant capacity in olive oils of seven different varieties. Baccouri et al. (2008) found a good correlation between the oxidative stability (measured in Rancimat) of the oils studied and the concentration of total phenols and tocopherols.
Microbial Ecology of Decontaminated and Not Decontaminated Beef Carcasses
Authors: Yang Xianqin , Tran Frances , Wolters Taylor
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate spoilage microflora of decontaminated and not decontaminated beef carcasses. Carcasses after skinning and after chilling at two beef plants (A, a small plant where no interventions but dry chilling are used; B, a large plant where multiple antimicrobial interventions and spray chilling are used) were swab-sampled for determination of carcass microflora. The numbers of aerobes, Pseudomonas, Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Enterobacteriaceae (EB) on carcasses at plant A after skinning were 5.2, 3.7, 2.8, 3.9, and 1.6 log cfu 15,000 cm-2 and they were not significantly different (p>0.05) from those on carcasses at plant B at equivalent times. The numbers of EB were significantly lower (p<0.05) on carcasses after chilling at both plants. However, no difference was observed for the other four groups of microorganisms (p>0.05). At plant A, the microflora on carcasses after skinning and after chilling included 18 and 19 bacterial species, with Psychrobacter (30.9%) and Psychrobacter (42.9%) being the respective predominant genus, respectively. At plant B, the microflora after skinning and after chilling included 21 and 17 bacterial species, with Chryseobacterium (18.6%), Kocuria (18.6%) and Brevibacterium (18.6%), and Pseudomonas (33.3%) being the respective predominant genera. The spoilage microflora of decontaminated beef carcasses is similar in numbers to that of conventionally produced carcasses, suggesting the decontamination treatments for beef carcasses may not cause major difference in storage life of chilled vacuum packaged beef, the major form of beef for international and domestic trading in North America.
The Separable Complementation Property and Mrówka Compacta
Authors: Ferrer Jesus
Published: August 2017

We study the separable complementation property for $C(K_{\cal A})$ spaces when $K_{\cal A}$ is the Mr\'owka compact associated to an almost disjoint family ${\cal A}$ of countable sets. In particular we prove that, if ${\cal A}$ is a  generalized ladder system,  then $C(K_{\cal A})$ has the separable complementation property ($SCP$ for short) if and only if it has the controlled version of this property. We also show that, when ${\cal A}$ is  a maximal generalized ladder system, the space $C(K_{\cal A})$ does not enjoy the $SCP$.
A prisão do depositário infiel e o Pacto de São José da Costa Rica
Authors: Silva Cleberton Aragão , Leão Antonina Gallotti Lima
Published: August 2017

A possibilidade de prisão civil do depositário infiel suscita controvérsias nas instâncias judiciárias e na doutrina, destacando-se por abranger a questão relativa ao direito fundamental à liberdade e por vincular-se à análise da hierarquia dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no ordenamento jurídico interno, mais especificamente, do Pacto de São José da Costa Rica. Ratificado pelo Brasil em 1992, o Pacto de São José da Costa Rica não permite a prisão por dívidas, exceto a do devedor de obrigação alimentícia, não admitindo a outra exceção estipulada em nossa Constituição Federal, relativa ao depositário infiel, no artigo 5º, LXVII. A hierarquia desse tratado internacional perante o ordenamento jurídico interno tem sido tema de discussão entre os juristas, havendo as seguintes teorias: hierarquia supraconstitucional, hierarquia constitucional, hierarquia de lei   ordinária, e hierarquia infraconstitucional, porém supralegal, entendimento esse aceito pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal recentemente, e que demonstra uma importante evolução jurisprudencial quanto ao tema, segundo os juristas. Assim, nas mais recentes decisões, nossa Corte Maior determinou a impossibilidade de prisão civil do depositário infiel de qualquer espécie, concretizando o respeito ao direito à liberdade, cláusula pétrea de nossa Constituição.ssa Constituição.
A importância da robótica aplicada à neurociência como ferramenta utilizada na reabilitação de pacientes com deficiência locomotora: uma revisão teórica
Authors: Souza Jefferson Roberto Menezes de , Wanderley Diogo de Aquino , Dória Ãcaro da Silva
Published: August 2017

A neurociência vem evoluindo sensivelmente, nas últimas décadas, principalmente no campo da fisiologia de órgãos e sistemas. Na tentativa de integrar o cérebro de animais a uma máquina, os pesquisadores têm se mobilizado no sentido de promover a recuperação de pacientes com faculdades motoras perdidas ou comprometidas, a exemplo da mobilidade e sensibilidade, devido a fatores genéticos, acidentes ou mesmo paralisia. Tal feito vem sendo realizado através do emprego de neuropróteses, que atuam de forma a proporcionar uma vida mais digna e confortável aos seus usuários. O presente estudo tem por objetivo fazer uma revisão da literatura pertinente ao tema, apontando os benefícios e novas possibilidades trazidas pela implementação da robótica no tratamento de pacientes com sérias limitações locomotoras. Para atingir tal fim foi feita uma pesquisa bibliográfica, onde foram relacionadas as contribuições de diversos autores, pertinentes ao tema, traçando-se uma visão geral dos conceitos de artefatos como próteses, exoesqueletos e órteses robóticas abordados, com o intuito de discutir suas aplicações, além da forma pela qual tais artefatos podem ajudar na reabilitação de pacientes.
A systematic review of differential rate of use of the word “evolve” across fields
Authors: Singh Nina , Sit Matthew T. , Schutte Marissa K. , Chan Gabriel E. , Aldana Jeyson E. , Cervantes Diana , Himmelstein Clyde H. , Yeh Pamela J.
Published: August 2017

Background

Although evolution is the driving force behind many of today’s major public health and agriculture issues, both journalists and scientific researchers often do not use the term “evolve” in discussions of these topics.

Methods

In a total of 1,066 articles and 716 papers selected from 25 US newspapers and 34 scientific journals, we assess usage of the word “evolve” and its substitute words in the contexts of cancer tumor drug resistance, HIV drug resistance, mosquito insecticide resistance, and weed pesticide resistance.

Results

We find significant differences in the use of “evolve” among fields and sources. “Evolve” is used most when discussing weed pesticide resistance (25.9% in newspapers, 52.4% in journals) and least when discussing cancer tumor drug resistance (3.9% in newspapers, 9.8% in journals). On average, scientific journals use “evolve” more often (22.2%) than newspapers (7.8%). Different types of journals (general science, general clinical, cancer specific, and drug resistance specific) show significantly different “evolve” usages when discussing cancer tumor drug resistance.

Discussion

We examine potential explanations of these findings, such as the relatively recent framing of cancer in evolutionary terms, before looking at consequences of low “evolve” usage and of differential “evolve” usage across fields. Use of the word “evolve” may not reflect current understanding of the problems we examine. However, given that our ability to tackle resistance issues relies upon accurate understandings of what causes and exacerbates resistance, use of the word “evolve” when called for may help us confront these issues in the future.
The α1β1 region is crucial for biofilm enhancement activity of MTC28 in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Kundu Prasun , Dutta Debabrata , Kumar Das Amit
Published: August 2017

We show here that MTC28, a secretory antigen of 28 kDa from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is involved in biofilm formation. The exogenous addition of MTC28 to the culture medium as well its expression in Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 shows an enhancement in biofilm formation, which leads to drug resistance. Structural analysis of MTC28 followed by mutational studies confirms the role of its α1β1 region in the biofilm enhancement activity. Confocal and flow cytometry studies show that the α1β1 region of MTC28 is crucial for binding to the M. smegmatis cell wall. The enhancement in biofilm formation due to MTC28 is also observed in M. tuberculosis H37Ra. This is the first report on the structure–function relationship of MTC28.
From agenda‐setting to implementation: The role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing urban climate risks
Authors: Surminski Swenja , Leck Hayley
Published: August 2017

Multisectoral partnerships (MSPs) form an increasingly popular and important part of the global climate and disaster risk governance landscape, but the literature offers little critical investigation of this phenomenon. In particular it remains unclear how MSPs can support the transition from agenda setting to implementation in response to multiple current and future pressures threatening the resilience of cities. Through the lens of the London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP) and drawing from other MSP examples, this paper investigates the scope for MSPs to enhance climate adaptation in an urban context. Our paper has two main aims: to expand understanding of the role of MSPs in the adaptation decision process in the context of the wider governance literature, and to shed some light on the complexities of transitioning through that process. To clarify the role of a MSP we propose a distinction between “first generation” and “second generation” MSPs, illustrating the progression from agenda‐setting to implementation: “first generation” MSPs are focused on agenda setting and knowledge sharing in order to support decision makers, while “second generation” MSPs are aimed at implementing solutions. We consider this distinction from the perspective of the individual members and their perceptions, motivations, and expectations. We find that the dynamic nature of urban adaptation with a shifting focus from initial agenda setting toward the implementation of actions presents challenges for existing MSPs, particularly such long‐established ones like the LCCP. Our investigation shows that “first generation” MSPs can play important roles in agenda setting, but finds little evidence of “second generation” MSPs achieving implementation.
Is the permeability of naturally fractured rocks scale dependent?
Authors: Azizmohammadi Siroos , Matthäi Stephan K.
Published: August 2017

The equivalent permeability,
of stratified fractured porous rocks and its anisotropy is important for hydrocarbon reservoir engineering, groundwater hydrology, and subsurface contaminant transport. However, it is difficult to constrain this tensor property as it is strongly influenced by infrequent large fractures. Boreholes miss them and their directional sampling bias affects the collected geostatistical data. Samples taken at any scale smaller than that of interest truncate distributions and this bias leads to an incorrect characterization and property upscaling. To better understand this sampling problem, we have investigated a collection of outcrop‐data‐based Discrete Fracture and Matrix (DFM) models with mechanically constrained fracture aperture distributions, trying to establish a useful Representative Elementary Volume (REV). Finite‐element analysis and flow‐based upscaling have been used to determine
eigenvalues and anisotropy. While our results indicate a convergence toward a scale‐invariant
REV with increasing sample size,
magnitude can have multi‐modal distributions. REV size relates to the length of dilated fracture segments as opposed to overall fracture length. Tensor orientation and degree of anisotropy also converge with sample size. However, the REV for
anisotropy is larger than that for
magnitude. Across scales, tensor orientation varies spatially, reflecting inhomogeneity of the fracture patterns. Inhomogeneity is particularly pronounced where the ambient stress selectively activates late‐ as opposed to early (through‐going) fractures. While we cannot detect any increase of
with sample size as postulated in some earlier studies, our results highlight a strong
anisotropy that influences scale dependence.
Sea level adaptation decisions under uncertainty
Authors: Thorarinsdottir T. L. , Guttorp P. , Drews M. , Kaspersen P. Skougaard , de Bruin K.
Published: August 2017

Sea level rise has serious consequences for harbor infrastructure, storm drains and sewer systems, and many other issues. Adapting to sea level rise requires comparing different possible adaptation strategies, comparing the cost of different actions (including no action), and assessing where and at what point in time the chosen strategy should be implemented. All these decisions must be made under considerable uncertainty—in the amount of sea level rise, in the cost and prioritization of adaptation actions, and in the implications of no action. Here we develop two illustrative examples: for Bergen on Norway's west coast and for Esbjerg on the west coast of Denmark, to highlight how technical efforts to understand and quantify uncertainties in hydrologic projections can be coupled with concrete decision‐problems framed by the needs of the end‐users using statistical formulations. Different components of uncertainty are visualized. We demonstrate the value of uncertainties and show for example that failing to take uncertainty into account can result in the median‐projected damage costs being an order of magnitude smaller.
Uncertainty in regional temperatures inferred from sparse global observations: Application to a probabilistic classification of El Niño
Authors: Ilyas Maryam , Brierley Christopher M. , Guillas Serge
Published: August 2017

Instrumental records showing increases in surface temperature are some of the robust and iconic evidence of climate change. But how much should we trust regional temperature estimates interpolated from sparse observations? Here we quantify the uncertainty in the instrumental record by applying multiresolution lattice kriging, a recently developed interpolation technique that leverages the multiple spatial scales of temperature anomalies. The probability of monthly anomalies across the globe is represented by an ensemble, based on HadCRUT4 and accounting for observational and coverage uncertainties. To demonstrate the potential of these new data, we investigate the area‐averaged temperature anomalies over the Niño 3.4 region in the equatorial Pacific. Having developed a definition of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) able to cope with probability distribution functions, we classify the ENSO state for each year since 1851. We find that for many years it is ambiguous as to whether there was an El Niño or not from the Niño 3.4 region alone. These years are mainly before 1920, but also just after World War II.
Tsunami hazard assessments with consideration of uncertain earthquake slip distribution and location
Authors: Sepúlveda Ignacio , Liu Philip L.‐F. , Grigoriu Mircea , Pritchard Matthew
Published: August 2017

This paper proposes a stochastic approach to model the earthquake uncertainties in terms of the rupture location and the slip distribution for a future event, with an expected earthquake magnitude. Once the statistical properties of earthquake uncertainties are described, they are then propagated into the tsunami response and the inundation at assessed coastal areas. The slip distribution is modeled as a random field within a nonrectangular rupture area. The Karhunen‐Lòeve (K‐L) expansion method is used to generate samples of the random slip, and a translation model is employed to obtain target probability properties. A strategy is developed to specify the accuracy of the random samples in terms of numbers of subfaults of the rupture area and the truncation of the K‐L expansion. The propagation of uncertainty into the tsunami response is performed by means of a Stochastic Reduced Order Model. To illustrate the methodology, we investigated a study case in north Chile. We first demonstrate that the stochastic approach generates consistent earthquake samples with respect to the target probability properties. We also show that the results obtained from SROM are more accurate than those obtained with classic Monte Carlo simulations. To validate the methodology, we compared the simulated tsunamis and the tsunami records for the 2014 Chilean earthquake. Results show that leading wave measurements fall within the tsunami sample space. At later times, however, there are mismatches between measured data and the simulated results, suggesting that other sources of uncertainties are as relevant as the uncertainty of earthquakes.
Simultaneous characterization of mesoscale and convective‐scale tropical rainfall extremes and their dynamical and thermodynamic modes of change
Authors: Fildier B. , Parishani H. , Collins W. D.
Published: August 2017

The Superparameterized Community Atmosphere Model (SPCAM) is used to identify the dynamical and organizational properties of tropical extreme rainfall events on two scales. We compare the mesoscales resolved by General Circulation Models (GCMs) and the convective scales resolved by Cloud‐Resolving Models (CRMs) to reassess and extend on previous results from GCMs and CRMs in radiative‐convective equilibrium. We first show that the improved representation of subgridscale dynamics in SPCAM allows for a close agreement with the 7%/K Clausius‐Clapeyron rate of increase in mesoscale extremes rainfall rates. Three contributions to changes in extremes are quantified and appear consistent in sign and relative magnitude with previous results. On mesoscales, the thermodynamic contribution (5.8%/K) and the contribution from mass flux increases (2%/K) enhance precipitation rates, while the upward displacement of the mass flux profile (‐1.1%/K) offsets this increase. Convective‐scale extremes behave similarly except that changes in mass flux are negligible due to a balance between greater numbers of strong updrafts and downdrafts and lesser numbers of weak updrafts. Extremes defined on these two scales behave as two independent sets of rainfall events, with different dynamics, geometries, and responses to climate change. In particular, dynamic changes in mesoscale extremes appear primarily sensitive to changes in the large‐scale mass flux, while the intensity of convective‐scale extremes is not. In particular, the increases in mesoscale mass flux directly contribute to the intensification of mesoscale extreme rain, but do not seem to affect the increase in convective‐scale rainfall intensities. These results motivate the need for better understanding the role of the large‐scale forcing on the formation and intensification of heavy convective rainfall.
Automatic recognition of complex magnetic regions on the Sun in SDO magnetogram images and prediction of flares: Techniques and results for the revised flare prediction program Flarecast
Authors: Steward Graham , Lobzin Vasili , Cairns Iver H. , Li Bo , Neudegg David
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, solar magnetograms provided by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager onboard Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft are used to identify active regions automatically by thresholding the line‐of‐sight component of the solar magnetic field. The flare potential of the regions is predicted by locating potential active regions with strong‐gradient polarity inversion lines (SPILs) and estimating 18 physically relevant parameters of these regions. In particular, parameters of interest include the sum of north‐south gradients, sum of east‐west gradients, length of SPIL, and total integrated magnetic flux. For deterministic prediction of flares, analyses for thresholding of single parameters and different combinations, which include up to four parameters, are presented and compared. If the false alarm rate does not exceed 10% (20%), the probabilities for correct prediction of X‐ray flares of class M and greater, M5 and greater, and X in the 24 h window are 71% (86%), 84% (96%), and 94% (100%), respectively. These probabilities are for the best four‐parameter technique found. A technique for probabilistic forecasting was also developed. These deterministic and probabilistic techniques will be implemented in a revised version of the flare warning program, Flarecast, which will be operational in the Australian Space Forecast Centre.
Calibration of a modified temperature‐light intensity logger for quantifying water electrical conductivity
Authors: Gillman M. A. , Lamoureux S. F. , Lafrenière M. J.
Published: August 2017

The Stream Temperature, Intermittency, and Conductivity (STIC) electrical conductivity (EC) logger as presented by Chapin et al. (2014) serves as an inexpensive (∼50 USD) means to assess relative EC in freshwater environments. This communication demonstrates the calibration of the STIC logger for quantifying EC, and provides examples from a month long field deployment in the High Arctic. Calibration models followed multiple nonlinear regression and produced calibration curves with high coefficient of determination values (R2 = 0.995 − 0.998; n = 5). Percent error of mean predicted specific conductance at 25°C (SpC) to known SpC ranged in magnitude from −0.6% to 13% (mean = −1.4%), and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) ranged from 2.1% to 13% (mean = 5.3%). Across all tested loggers we found good accuracy and precision, with both error metrics increasing with increasing SpC values. During 10, month‐long field deployments, there were no logger failures and full data recovery was achieved. Point SpC measurements at the location of STIC loggers recorded via a more expensive commercial electrical conductivity logger followed similar trends to STIC SpC records, with 1:1.05 and 1:1.08 relationships between the STIC and commercial logger SpC values. These results demonstrate that STIC loggers calibrated to quantify EC are an economical means to increase the spatiotemporal resolution of water quality investigations.
Making the most out of a hydrological model data set: Sensitivity analyses to open the model black‐box
Authors: Borgonovo E. , Lu X. , Plischke E. , Rakovec O. , Hill M. C.
Published: August 2017

In this work, we investigate methods for gaining greater insight from hydrological model runs conducted for uncertainty quantification and model differentiation. We frame the sensitivity analysis questions in terms of the main purposes of sensitivity analysis: parameter prioritization, trend identification, and interaction quantification. For parameter prioritization, we consider variance‐based sensitivity measures, sensitivity indices based on the L1‐norm, the Kuiper metric, and the sensitivity indices of the DELSA methods. For trend identification, we investigate insights derived from graphing the one‐way ANOVA sensitivity functions, the recently introduced CUSUNORO plots, and derivative scatterplots. For interaction quantification, we consider information delivered by variance‐based sensitivity indices. We rely on the so‐called given‐data principle, in which results from a set of model runs are used to perform a defined set of analyses. One avoids using specific designs for each insight, thus controlling the computational burden. The methodology is applied to a hydrological model of a river in Belgium simulated using the well‐established Framework for Understanding Structural Errors (FUSE) on five alternative configurations. The findings show that the integration of the chosen methods provides insights unavailable in most other analyses.
Multi‐isocentric 4π volumetric‐modulated arc therapy approach for head and neck cancer
Authors: Subramanian Vallinayagam Shanmuga , Subramani Vellaiyan , Chilukuri Srinivas , Kathirvel Murugesan , Arun Gandhi , Swamy Shanmugam Thirumalai , Subramanian Kala , Fogliata Antonella , Cozzi Luca
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To explore the feasibility of multi‐isocentric 4π volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (MI4π‐VMAT) for the complex targets of head and neck cancers.

Methods

Twenty‐five previously treated patients of HNC underwent re‐planning to improve the dose distributions with either coplanar VMAT technique (CP‐VMAT) or noncoplanar MI4π‐VMAT plans. The latter, involving 3–6 noncoplanar arcs and 2–3 isocenters were re‐optimized using the same priorities and objectives. Dosimetric comparison on standard metrics from dose‐volume histograms was performed to appraise relative merits of the two techniques. Pretreatment quality assurance was performed with IMRT phantoms to assess deliverability and accuracy of the MI4π‐VMAT plans. The gamma agreement index (GAI) analysis with criteria of 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA) and 3% dose difference (DD) was applied.

Results

CP‐VMAT and MI4π‐VMAT plans achieved the same degree of coverage for all target volumes related to near‐to‐minimum and near‐to‐maximum doses. MI4π‐VΜΑΤ plans resulted in an improved sparing of organs at risk. The average mean dose reduction to the parotids, larynx, oral cavity, and pharyngeal muscles were 3 Gy, 4 Gy, 5 Gy, and 4.3 Gy, respectively. The average maximum dose reduction to the brain stem, spinal cord, and oral cavity was 6.0 Gy, 3.8 Gy, and 2.4 Gy. Pretreatment QA results showed that plans can be reliably delivered with mean gamma agreement index of 97.0 ± 1.1%.

Conclusions

MI4π‐VMAT plans allowed to decrease the dose‐volume‐metrics for relevant OAR and results are reliable from a dosimetric standpoint. Early clinical experience has begun and future studies will report treatment outcome.
Peptide Hydrogels—A Tissue Engineering Strategy for the Prevention of Oesophageal Strictures
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Workman Victoria L. , O'Brien Marie , McLaren Jane , White Lisa , Ragunath Krish , Rose Felicity , Saiani Alberto , Gough Julie E.
Published: August 2017

Endoscopic treatment of Barrett's oesophagus often leads to further damage of healthy tissue causing fibrotic tissue formation termed as strictures. This study shows that synthetic, self‐assembling peptide hydrogels (PeptiGelDesign) support the activity and function of primary oesophageal cells, leading to epithelialization and stratification during in vitro 3D co‐culture. Following buffering in culture media, rat oesophageal stromal fibroblasts (rOSFs) are incorporated into a library of peptide hydrogels, whereas mouse oesophageal epithelial cells (mOECs) are seeded on the surface. Optimal hydrogels (PGD‐AlphaProC and PGD‐CGD2) support mOEC viability (>95%), typical cell morphology (cobblestone‐like), and slower migration over a shorter distance compared to a collagen control, at 48 h. Positive expression of typical epithelial markers (ZO‐1 and cytokeratins) is detected using immunocytochemistry at day 3 in culture. Furthermore, optimal hydrogels are identified which support rOSF viability (>95%) with homogeneous distribution when incorporated into the hydrogels and also promote the secretion of collagen type I detected using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), at day 7. A 3D co‐culture model using optimal hydrogels for both cell types supports a stratified epithelial layer (expressing involucrin and AE1/AE3 markers). Findings from this study could lead to the use of peptide hydrogels as a minimally invasive endoscopic therapy to manage oesophageal strictures.
A Simple Method for Synthesis of High‐Quality Millimeter‐Scale 1T′ Transition‐Metal Telluride and Near‐Field Nanooptical Properties
Authors: Chen Kun , Chen Zefeng , Wan Xi , Zheng Zebo , Xie Fangyan , Chen Wenjun , Gui Xuchun , Chen Huanjun , Xie Weiguang , Xu Jianbin
Published: August 2017

The controlled synthesis of MoTe2 and WTe2 is crucial for their fundamental research and potential electronic applications. Here, a simplified ambient‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) strategy is developed to synthesize high‐quality and large‐scale monolayer and few‐layer 1T′‐phase MoTe2 (length ≈ 1 mm) and WTe2 (length ≈ 350 µm) crystals by using ordinary salts (KCl or NaCl) as the growth promoter combining with low‐cost (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O and hydrate (NH4)10W12O41·xH2O as the Mo and W sources, respectively. Atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy confirm the high‐quality nature and the atomic structure of the as‐grown 1T′ MoTe2 and WTe2 flakes. Variable‐temperature transport measurements exhibit their semimetal properties. Furthermore, near‐field nanooptical imaging studies are performed on the 1T′ MoTe2 and WTe2 flakes for the first time. The sub‐wavelength effects of 1T′‐phase MoTe2 (λp ≈ 140 nm) and WTe2 (λp ≈ 100 nm) are obtained. This approach paves the way for the growth of special transition‐metal dichalcogenides materials and boosts the future polaritonic research of 2D telluride compounds.
Spatial and Temporal Modulation of Thermal Emission
Authors: Coppens Zachary J. , Valentine Jason G.
Published: August 2017

Precise control of a material's emissivity is critical for thermal‐engineering applications. Metamaterials, which derive their optical properties from sub‐wavelength structures, have emerged as a promising way to tune emissivity over a wide parameter space. However, metamaterial designs have not yet achieved simultaneous spatial and temporal control of emissivity, which is important for advanced engineering applications such as adaptive thermal management and reconfigurable infrared camouflage. Here, spatiotemporal emissivity control is demonstrated by designing and fabricating a large‐area, infrared metamaterial that is modulated with ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light generates free carriers in a photosensitive ZnO spacer layer, which changes the metamaterial optical properties and causes a localized increase in emissivity. Thermal imaging of the metamaterial during UV illumination reveals an apparent temperature increase as a result of the emissivity change. The imaged temperature fluctuation is recorded under exposure from a temporally modulated and spatially patterned UV illumination source to characterize both the temporal response and spatial resolution of the emissivity change. The results of this work demonstrate new capabilities for thermal metamaterials that could bring about the next generation of thermal‐engineering devices.
A 1D Vanadium Dioxide Nanochannel Constructed via Electric‐Field‐Induced Ion Transport and its Superior Metal–Insulator Transition
Authors: Xue Wuhong , Liu Gang , Zhong Zhicheng , Dai Yuehua , Shang Jie , Liu Yiwei , Yang Huali , Yi Xiaohui , Tan Hongwei , Pan Liang , Gao Shuang , Ding Jun , Xu Xiao‐Hong , Li Run‐Wei
Published: August 2017

Nanoscale manipulation of materials' physicochemical properties offers distinguished possibility to the development of novel electronic devices with ultrasmall dimension, fast operation speed, and low energy consumption characteristics. This is especially important as the present semiconductor manufacturing technique is approaching the end of miniaturization campaign in the near future. Here, a superior metal–insulator transition (MIT) of a 1D VO2 nanochannel constructed through an electric‐field‐induced oxygen ion migration process in V2O5 thin film is reported for the first time. A sharp and reliable MIT transition with a steep turn‐on voltage slope of <0.5 mV dec−1, fast switching speed of 17 ns, low energy consumption of 8 pJ, and low variability of <4.3% is demonstrated in the VO2 nanochannel device. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy observation and theoretical computation verify that the superior electrical properties of the present device can be ascribed to the electroformation of nanoscale VO2 nanochannel in V2O5 thin films. More importantly, the incorporation of the present device into a Pt/HfO2/Pt/VO2/Pt 1S1R unit can ensure the correct reading of the HfO2 memory continuously for 107 cycles, therefore demonstrating its great possibility as a reliable selector in high‐density crossbar memory arrays.
Room Temperature Electrochemical Sintering of Zn Microparticles and Its Use in Printable Conducting Inks for Bioresorbable Electronics
Authors: Lee Yoon Kyeung , Kim Jeonghyun , Kim Yerim , Kwak Jean Won , Yoon Younghee , Rogers John A.
Published: August 2017

This study describes a conductive ink formulation that exploits electrochemical sintering of Zn microparticles in aqueous solutions at room temperature. This material system has relevance to emerging classes of biologically and environmentally degradable electronic devices. The sintering process involves dissolution of a surface passivation layer of zinc oxide in CH3COOH/H2O and subsequent self‐exchange of Zn and Zn2+ at the Zn/H2O interface. The chemical specificity associated with the Zn metal and the CH3COOH/H2O solution is critically important, as revealed by studies of other material combinations. The resulting electrochemistry establishes the basis for a remarkably simple procedure for printing highly conductive (3 × 105 S m−1) features in degradable materials at ambient conditions over large areas, with key advantages over strategies based on liquid phase (fusion) sintering that requires both oxide‐free metal surfaces and high temperature conditions. Demonstrations include printed magnetic loop antennas for near‐field communication devices.
Forming Sticky Droplets from Slippery Polymer Zwitterions
Authors: Letteri Rachel A. , Santa Chalarca Cristiam F. , Bai Ying , Hayward Ryan C. , Emrick Todd
Published: August 2017

Polymer zwitterions are generally regarded as hydrophilic and repellant or “slippery” materials. Here, a case is described in which the polymer zwitterion structure is tailored to decrease water solubility, stabilize emulsion droplets, and promote interdroplet adhesion. Harnessing the upper critical solution temperature of sulfonium‐ and ammonium‐based polymer zwitterions in water, adhesive droplets are prepared by adding organic solvent to an aqueous polymer solution at elevated temperature, followed by agitation to induce emulsification. Droplet aggregation is observed as the mixture cools. Variation of salt concentration, temperature, polymer concentration, and polymer structure modulates these interdroplet interactions, resulting in distinct changes in emulsion stability and fluidity. Under attractive conditions, emulsions encapsulating 50–75% oil undergo gelation. By contrast, emulsions prepared under conditions where droplets are nonadhesive remain fluid and, for oil fractions exceeding 0.6, coalescence is observed. The uniquely reactive nature of the selected zwitterions allows their in situ modification and affords a route to chemically trigger deaggregation and droplet dispersion. Finally, experiments performed in a microfluidic device, in which droplets are formed under conditions that either promote or suppress adhesion, confirm the salt‐responsive character of these emulsions and the persistence of adhesive interdroplet interactions under flow.
1D Coordination Polymer Nanofibers for Low‐Temperature Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Yang Yu , Zhu Wenjun , Dong Ziliang , Chao Yu , Xu Lai , Chen Meiwan , Liu Zhuang
Published: August 2017

Near‐infrared (NIR)‐light‐triggered photothermal therapy (PTT) usually requires hyperthermia to >50 °C for effective tumor ablation, which can potentially induce inflammatory disease and heating damage of normal organs nearby, while tumor lesions without sufficient heating (e.g., the internal part) may survive after treatment. Achieving effective tumor killing under relatively low temperatures is thus critical toward successful clinical use of PTT. Herein, we design a simple strategy to fabricate poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐modified one‐dimensional nanoscale coordination polymers (1D‐NCPs) with intrinsic biodegradability, large surface area, pH‐responsive behaviors, and versatile theranostic functions. With NCPs consisting of Mn2+/indocyanine green (ICG) as the example, Mn‐ICG@pHis‐PEG display efficient pH‐responsive tumor retention after systemic administration and then load Gambogic acid (GA), a natural inhibitor of heat‐shock protein 90 (Hsp90) that plays an essential role for cells to resist heating‐induced damage. Such Mn‐ICG@pHis‐PEG/GA under a mild NIR‐triggered heating is able to induce effective apoptosis of tumor cells, realizing low‐temperature PTT (~43 °C) with excellent tumor destruction efficacy. This work not only develops a facile approach to fabricate PEGylated 1D‐NCPs with tumor‐specific pH responsiveness and theranostic functionalities, but also presents a unique low‐temperature PTT strategy to kill cancer in a highly effective and minimally invasive manner.
High Areal Energy 3D‐Interdigitated Micro‐Supercapacitors in Aqueous and Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Eustache Etienne , Douard Camille , Demortière Arnaud , De Andrade Vincent , Brachet Mylene , Le Bideau Jean , Brousse Thierry , Lethien Christophe
Published: August 2017

The fabrication of high‐performance on‐chip 3D micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) based on MnO2 pseudocapacitive binder‐free thin film electrodes (<500 nm thick) with interdigitated topology is reported. An original technological process easily scalable to pilot production line is proposed on 3 in. silicon wafers. High areal energy (>10 µW h cm−2) and power densities (>10 mW cm−2) are reached on small footprint micro‐supercapacitors (4 mm2) tested in aqueous electrolyte (0.8 V). Furthermore, the cell voltage of such MSCs can be increased up to 1.5 V with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids but at the expense of the areal capacitance. The performance in ionic liquid is in the same order of magnitude than the one obtained for aqueous electrolyte. The benefit from the 3D topology is clearly demonstrated when the surface performance is normalized to the electrode thickness allowing this study to obtain an interesting energy versus power tradeoff (>10 µW h cm−2 µm−1 and >1 mw cm−2 µm−1). This study aims at improving the energy density of MSCs while keeping high power capability, by combining the use of ionic liquids and the deposition of MnO2 thin film onto robust and efficient 3D scaffolds.