bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent trends in pH/thermo-responsive self-assembling hydrogels: from polyions to peptide-based polymeric gelators
Authors: Chassenieux Christophe , Tsitsilianis Constantinos
Published: January 2016

This review article highlights the recent advances in the pH and/or temperature responsive self-assembling hydrogels focusing on two types of gelators namely conventional block copolymers, bearing ionogenic repeating units, and polypeptide-based associative segmented (block) macromolecules.
A clear coat from a water soluble precursor: a bioinspired paint concept
Authors: Yang Juan , Bos Inge , Pranger Wim , Stuiver Anthonie , Velders Aldrik H. , Cohen Stuart Martien A. , Kamperman Marleen
Published: January 2016

Mussel-inspired copolymer P(DAA-co-AEMA) forms water-resistant coating upon pH increase by self-crosslinking reaction of catechols and amines.
Improved photon-to-electron response of ternary blend organic solar cells with a low band gap polymer sensitizer and interfacial modification
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Zuo Lijian , Chen Jiehuan , Zhang Zhongqiang , Mai Jiangquan , Lau Tsz-Ki , Lu Xinhui , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: January 2016

A LBG polymer is incorporated into a PTB7:PC71BM host blend to compose a ternary blend system. Besides extending the absorption range, the crystallinity and preferred face-on orientation of PTB7 are simultaneously improved. Ternary blend PSC of 9.06% is achieved with interfacial modification.
Dual physical dynamic bond-based injectable and biodegradable hydrogel for tissue regeneration
Authors: Ding Xiaochu , Gao Jin , Awada Hassan , Wang Yadong
Published: January 2016

Heparin-binding growth factors are incorporated in a new shear thinning hydrogel for sustained release with prolonged bioactivity for tissue regeneration.
Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of two novel mixed-valence iron(ii)–iron(iii) metal formate frameworks
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Ciupa Aneta , Gągor Anna , Sieradzki Adam , Pikul Adam , Ptak Maciej
Published: January 2016

Mixed-valence iron(ii)–iron(iii) formate framework templated by diethylammonium cations exhibit structural and magnetic phase transitions near 240 and 39 K, respectively.
TSPO: kaleidoscopic 18-kDa amid biochemical pharmacology, control and targeting of mitochondria
Authors: Gatliff Jemma , Campanella Michelangelo
Published: January 2016

The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) localizes in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) of cells and is readily up-regulated under various pathological conditions such as cancer, inflammation, mechanical lesions and neurological diseases. Able to bind with high affinity synthetic and endogenous ligands, its core biochemical function resides in the translocation of cholesterol into the mitochondria influencing the subsequent steps of (neuro-)steroid synthesis and systemic endocrine regulation. Over the years, however, TSPO has also been linked to core cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy. It interacts and forms complexes with other mitochondrial proteins such as the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) via which signalling and regulatory transduction of these core cellular events may be influenced. Despite nearly 40 years of study, the precise functional role of TSPO beyond cholesterol trafficking remains elusive even though the recent breakthroughs on its high-resolution crystal structure and contribution to quality-control signalling of mitochondria. All this along with a captivating pharmacological profile provides novel opportunities to investigate and understand the significance of this highly conserved protein as well as contribute the development of specific therapeutics as presented and discussed in the present review.
Two‐dimensional iterative soft decision interference cancellation turbo equaliser
Authors: Shinbox D. , Raphaeli D.
Published: January 2016

A novel iterative equaliser, the 2‐dimensional iterative soft decision interference cancellation (ISDIC) (2D ISDIC) equaliser, is introduced. The 2D ISDIC is the first equaliser that bridges the gap between the low‐complexity ISDIC equaliser which has poor performance, and the high‐complexity inverse‐channel equalising methods, such as the LMMSE and the MMSE ISDIC equalisers, which have better performances. The 2D ISDIC will be incorporated into the turbo equalisation scheme, resulting in an enhanced turbo equaliser, that performs better than the conventional, state of the art, linear turbo equaliser, with lower complexity and lower amount of iterations.
67–80 GHz double‐balanced Gilbert‐cell mixer in 0.1 μm GaAs pHEMT technology
Authors: Kao H.‐L. , Cho C.‐L. , Tseng C.‐L. , Chiu H.‐C. , Chen Y.‐Y.
Published: January 2016

A 67–80 GHz double‐balanced Gilbert‐cell mixer fabricated in 0.1 μm gallium arsenide pseudomorphic high‐electron‐mobility transistor technology is presented. Two Marchand baluns were placed in RF and local oscillator (LO) input ports to convert single‐ended signals to differential signals for wideband use. A differential amplifier between the switch and output stages was used to enhance the conversion gain (CG). The mixer demonstrated an average CG of 14.1 ± 2.1 dB at an LO power of 0 dBm from 67 to 80 GHz. The measured intermediate frequency 3 dB bandwidth was 3 GHz and the input 1 dB compression point was −4.8 dBm.
Simplified merged processing element for successive‐cancellation polar decoder
Authors: Yun H.‐R. , Lee H.
Published: January 2016

Novel simplified merged processing element (SMPE) architectures to design a low‐complexity successive‐cancellation (SC) polar decoder are presented. The proposed SMPE architectures reduce the number of sign‐magnitude conversions and switch networks, relative to those of the conventional merged processing element. Synthesis results show that the (1024, 512) SC polar decoder using the proposed SMPE architectures significantly decreases hardware complexity and improves technology scaled normalised throughput, as compared to those of the previously reported architectures.
Non‐blocking frame based multicast scheduler for IQ switches
Authors: Čiča Z.
Published: January 2016

It has been shown that input queued (IQ) switches have throughput limitations when loaded with multicast traffic. However, if circulation of packets is allowed, the IQ switches can be non‐blocking for any admissible multicast traffic scenario using only a speedup of two. The non‐blocking frame based algorithm for scheduling the multicast traffic is proposed.
Split ring loaded monopole antenna
Authors: Saraswat Kapil , Harish Ayyangar R.
Published: January 2016

A split ring loaded monopole antenna structure for triple‐band operation is proposed in this study. Multi‐resonance is achieved by attaching two rings to a monopole on a circular ground plane. The connected rings improve the directivity and support multiband response. The authors present a discussion on the multi‐resonance operation and investigate the antenna characteristics by changing the dimensions of the structure. Results of the parametric analysis are used to determine the effect of changing the dimensions of the antenna on the three resonant frequencies and also arrive at empirical design equations. An equivalent circuit of the antenna is proposed and is used to explain multi‐resonance behaviour of the antenna. Simulated and measured performances of the proposed antenna are compared and a good agreement is observed between the two.
The status of the SNS external antenna ion source and spare RFQ test facility
Authors: Welton R. F. , Aleksandrov A. V. , Dudnikov V. G. , Han B. X. , Kang Y. , Murray S. N. , Pennisi T. R. , Piller C. , Santana M. , Stockli M. P.
Published: January 2016

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory operates the Spallation Neutron Source, consisting of a H− ion source, a 1 GeV linac and an accumulator ring. The accumulated <1 μs-long, ∼35 A beam pulses are extracted from the ring at 60 Hz and directed onto a liquid Hg target. Spalled neutrons are directed to ∼20 world class instruments. Currently, the facility operates routinely with ∼1.2 MW of average beam power, which soon will be raised to 1.4 MW. A future upgrade with a second target station calls for raising the power to 2.8 MW. This paper describes the status of two accelerator components expected to play important roles in achieving these goals: a recently acquired RFQ accelerator and the external antenna ion source. Currently, the RFQ is being conditioned in a newly constructed 2.5 MeV Integrated Test Facility (ITF) and the external antenna source is also being tested on a separate test stand. This paper presents the results of experiments and the testing of these systems.
Linear electromagnetic excitation of an asymmetric low pressure capacitive discharge with unequal sheath widths
Authors: Lieberman M. A. , Lichtenberg A. J. , Kawamura E. , Chabert P.
Published: January 2016

It is well-known that standing waves having radially center-high radio frequency (rf) voltage profiles exist in high frequency capacitive discharges. In this work, we determine the symmetric and antisymmetric radially propagating waves in a cylindrical capacitive discharge that is asymmetrically driven at the lower electrode by an rf voltage source. The discharge is modeled as a uniform bulk plasma which at lower frequencies has a thicker sheath at the smaller area powered electrode and a thinner sheath at the larger area grounded electrode. These are self-consistently determined at a specified density using the Child law to calculate sheath widths and the electron power balance to calculate the rf voltage. The fields and the system resonant frequencies are determined. The center-to-edge voltage ratio on the powered electrode is calculated versus frequency, and central highs are found near the resonances. The results are compared with simulations in a similar geometry using a two-dimensional hybrid fluid-analytical code, giving mainly a reasonable agreement. The analytic model may be useful for finding good operating frequencies for a given discharge geometry and power.
Hollow carbon spheres in microwaves: Bio inspired absorbing coating
Authors: Bychanok D. , Li S. , Sanchez-Sanchez A. , Gorokhov G. , Kuzhir P. , Ogrin F. Y. , Pasc A. , Ballweg T. , Mandel K. , Szczurek A. , Fierro V. , Celzard A.
Published: January 2016

The electromagnetic response of a heterostructure based on a monolayer of hollow glassy carbon spheres packed in 2D was experimentally surveyed with respect to its response to microwaves, namely, the Ka-band (26–37 GHz) frequency range. Such an ordered monolayer of spheres mimics the well-known “moth-eye”-like coating structures, which are widely used for designing anti-reflective surfaces, and was modelled with the long-wave approximation. Based on the experimental and modelling results, we demonstrate that carbon hollow spheres may be used for building an extremely lightweight, almost perfectly absorbing, coating for Ka-band applications.
Low temperature electroformation of TaOx-based resistive switching devices
Authors: Gala Darshil K. , Sharma Abhishek A. , Li Dasheng , Goodwill Jonathan M. , Bain James A. , Skowronski Marek
Published: January 2016

Transport characteristics of TiN/Ta/TaOx/TiN resistive-switching crossbar devices with amorphous TaOx functional layer have been investigated at cryogenic temperatures. Quasi-DC I-V characteristics at 10 K show a negative differential resistance region followed by a rapid transition to the non-volatile formed state. Accounting for Joule heating, the device temperature at the point of switching was estimated at 150 K. Measurements of transient resistance at low stage temperatures revealed an abrupt drop of resistance delayed by a characteristic incubation time after the leading edge of the voltage pulse. The incubation time was a strong function of applied voltage but did not depend on temperature between 10 K and 100 K. This implies a very low activation energy of the threshold switching process at low temperatures. Both of these observations argue against the involvement of oxygen vacancy motion at the onset of the forming process.
Acoustic scattering from inhomogeneous spheres with impenetrable cores
Authors: Kolezas Georgios D. , Zouros Grigorios P. , Kokkorakis Gerassimos C.
Published: January 2016

In this work, we develop a full wave solution for the acoustic scattering by inhomogeneous compressibility spheres having an impenetrable core. The solution is developed by following two alternative mathematical formulations: one through a volume integral equation where a modified Green's function is needed to describe the scattering by the impenetrable core, and one through a surface-volume integral equation where the equivalent surface sources due to the impenetrable core are described via a surface integral. We prove analytically that these two alternative paths lead to the same set of nonhomogeneous equations for the evaluation of the total acoustic field. We investigate both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Our developed method is then numerically validated by comparison with other techniques, including the exact solution for core-mantle spheres with constant compressibility function. Furthermore, we construct a solution which is valid for a special inhomogeneous compressibility profile based on the Nomura-Takaku distribution, which allows to construct the solution based on the separation of variables. Thus, the proposed method is further validated for inhomogeneous functions. New numerical results are presented for the interior and scattered acoustic fields for various inhomogeneous profiles.
Effect of temperature and radiation on the parameters of photovoltaic modules
Authors: Perraki V. , Kounavis P.
Published: January 2016

This work evaluates the influence of temperature and irradiation on the behavior of mono-crystalline silicon, poly-crystalline silicon, and Copper Indium diselenide (CIS), modules which have been exposed to real conditions. An outdoor experimental setup has been installed, at a Mediterranean site in north latitude 38 °, in order to collect results from current-voltage measurements that corresponded at constant radiation level in order to evaluate the effect of temperature and results from measurements realized at about the same temperature in order to study the effect of irradiation. The results present that the daily generated power normalized to the manufacturer's value is positively influenced by the irradiation and not by the negative effect of temperature. The performance of mono and poly Si appears superior to that of CIS early in the morning, while this advantage is diminished during midday, when the temperature and irradiance are highest, as CIS performance becomes comparable to the other two. However, the temperature affects the efficiency and fill factor for the mono and poly-Si modules recording the lower values on higher temperatures, while it does not the same for the CIS modules. This experimental study can provide information for locations with similar climatic conditions because it helps to take into account variation in temperatures together with variation in radiation and to avoid under-designing of photovoltaic systems and system malfunction.
Fabrication of organic-inorganic perovskite thin films for planar solar cells via pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Liang Yangang , Yao Yangyi , Zhang Xiaohang , Hsu Wei-Lun , Gong Yunhui , Shin Jongmoon , Wachsman Eric D. , Dagenais Mario , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: January 2016

We report on fabrication of organic-inorganic perovskite thin films using a hybrid method consisting of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of lead iodide and spin-coating of methylammonium iodide. Smooth and highly crystalline CH3NH3PbI3 thin films have been fabricated on silicon and glass coated substrates with fluorine doped tin oxide using this PLD-based hybrid method. Planar perovskite solar cells with an inverted structure have been successfully fabricated using the perovskite films. Because of its versatility, the PLD-based hybrid fabrication method not only provides an easy and precise control of the thickness of the perovskite thin films, but also offers a straightforward platform for studying the potential feasibility in using other metal halides and organic salts for formation of the organic-inorganic perovskite structure.
Energy trapping of thickness-extensional modes in thin film bulk acoustic wave filters
Authors: Zhao Zinan , Qian Zhenghua , Wang Bin
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the thickness-extensional vibration of a rectangular piezoelectric thin film bulk acoustic wave filter with two pairs of electrodes symmetrically deposited on the center of the zinc oxide film. The two-dimensional scalar differential equations which were first derived to describe in-plane vibration distribution by Tiersten and Stevens are employed. The Ritz method with trigonometric functions as basis functions is used based on a variational formulation developed in our previous paper. Free vibration resonant frequencies and corresponding modes are obtained. The modes may separate into symmetric and antisymmetric ones for such a structurally symmetric filter. Trapped modes with vibrations mainly under the driving electrodes are exhibited. The six corner-type regions of the filter neglected by Tiersten and Stevens for an approximation are taken into account in our analysis. Results show that their approximation can lead to an inaccuracy on the order of dozens of ppm for the fundamental mode, which is quite significant in filter operation and application.
Effect of band filling on anomalous Hall conductivity and magneto-crystalline anisotropy in NiFe epitaxial thin films
Authors: Shi Zhong , Jiang Hang-Yu , Zhou Shi-Ming , Hou Yan-Liang , Ye Quan-Lin , Su Si Ming
Published: January 2016

The anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and magneto-crystalline anisotropy (MCA) are investigated in epitaxial NixFe1−x thin films grown on MgO (001) substrates. The scattering independent term b of anomalous Hall conductivity shows obvious correlation with cubic magneto-crystalline anisotropy K1. When nickel content x decreasing, both b and K1 vary continuously from negative to positive, changing sign at about x = 0.85. Ab initio calculations indicate NixFe1−x has more abundant band structures than pure Ni due to the tuning of valence electrons (band fillings), resulting in the increased b and K1. This remarkable correlation between b and K1 can be attributed to the effect of band filling near the Fermi surface.
Spin reorientation transition in Sm0.5Tb0.5FeO3 orthoferrite single crystal
Authors: Zhao Xiangyang , Zhang Kailin , Liu Xiumei , Wang Bo , Xu Kai , Cao Shixun , Wu Anhua , Su Liangbi , Ma Guohong
Published: January 2016

Single crystal of Sm0.5Tb0.5FeO3 was grown by an optical floating zone method. The spin reorientation transition behavior (Γ2 → Γ24 → Γ4) is observed in the temperature range from 150 to 250 K. The dynamics of spin reorientation transition is studied by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). FM mode was only discovered when temperature is below 55 K. And the FM mode resonant frequency increases from 0.216 THz to 0.268 THz with temperature deceasing from 55 K to 39 K. The AFM mode resonant frequency is fixed at 0.542 THz except in the very low temperature range. Our results demonstrate that THz-TDS is an effective means to study the dynamical iron ions SRT in RFeO3.
Gender Differences among Alaska Native People Seeking Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
Authors: Bear Ursula Running , Beals Janette , Novins Douglas K. , Manson Spero M.
Published: January 2016

Background

Few studies focus on gender differences among patients who utilize detoxification services; even fewer focus on detoxification for Alaska Native people. This analysis focused on gender differences at admission among a sample of Alaska Native patients seeking alcohol withdrawal treatment.

Methods

The sample included 383 adult Alaska Native patients admitted to an inpatient alcohol detoxification unit during 2006 and 2007. Logistic regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted associations with gender.

Results

Women were 88% more likely to have stable housing than men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15, 3.05, P = .01). Women were 87% less likely to be seasonal workers (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.48, P = .003) and 50% less likely than men to be seeking employment (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.84, P = .01) at admission. Women had more than 5 times the odds of having children in the home at admission (OR = 5.64, 95% CI = 3.03, 10.56, P < .001) and almost 3 times the odds of experiencing physical abuse than men (OR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.31, 6.66, P = .01). Additionally, women were 50% less likely to accept a referral to substance abuse treatment following detoxification (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.83, P = .01).

Conclusions

The study found significant differences based upon gender. For instance, women are in need of services that accommodate women with children and services that address histories of physical abuse. Conversely, men are in need of housing and employment opportunities. Post detoxification follow-up, case management, and transition to care should include gender as a factor in treatment planning.
Evaluation of Overdose Prevention Trainings in New York City: Knowledge and Self-Efficacy among Participants 12 Months after Training
Authors: Maldjian Lara , Siegler Anne , Kunins Hillary V.
Published: January 2016

Background: Prevention of unintentional opioid overdose deaths is effective through overdose prevention trainings (OPTs), in which laypersons are taught overdose response through six actions. This longitudinal study examines trainee knowledge 12 months after OPT completion. Methods: Participants were enrolled following OPT at six sites. At the 12-month follow-up, participants were asked to name the drug overdoses that naloxone reverses and name overdose response actions. A 6-point scale was created and was comprised of the number of correct overdose response actions mentioned (check breathing; administer sternum rub; call 911; give rescue breathing; administer naloxone; put victim in recovery position). Mean knowledge was compared by participant sociodemographic characteristics, confidence, and site of OPT training (indoors versus outdoors). Results: Of 344 OPT participants, 273 were reached at 12 months. Nearly all (99%) participants identified that naloxone reverses heroin overdoes; 77% identified that naloxone reverses opioid analgesics overdoses; and 68% identified that naloxone reverses methadone overdoses. Overdose response actions most frequently mentioned were giving naloxone (86%) and calling 911 (76%). The remaining four actions were mentioned by less than 40% of participants. Overall mean knowledge score was 2.7 out of 6. Mean knowledge scores were higher for college graduates than those with less than college education (3.2 vs 2.6, P < 0.001), for those who felt very confident (mean score [ms] = 2.9), compared to somewhat confident (ms = 2.4) and a little or not at all confident (ms = 1.5) in their ability to reverse an overdose ( P < .001), and for indoor-training recipients (3.0 vs 2.5, P = 0.02). There were no differences in mean knowledge scores for trainees by age, race, or gender. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for several improvements in OPT curriculum, including emphasis on naloxone reversal of opioid analgesic and methadone overdoses, and all 6 rescue actions. Lower knowledge scores among outdoor-trained participants likely reflect session brevity, suggesting that outdoor trainings need to be enhanced.
Why mutual helping in most natural systems is neither conflict-free nor based on maximal conflict
Authors: Bshary Redouan , Zuberbühler Klaus , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: January 2016

Mutual helping for direct benefits can be explained by various game theoretical models, which differ mainly in terms of the underlying conflict of interest between two partners. Conflict is minimal if helping is self-serving and the partner benefits as a by-product. In contrast, conflict is maximal if partners are in a prisoner's dilemma with both having the pay-off-dominant option of not returning the other's investment. Here, we provide evolutionary and ecological arguments for why these two extremes are often unstable under natural conditions and propose that interactions with intermediate levels of conflict are frequent evolutionary endpoints. We argue that by-product helping is prone to becoming an asymmetric investment game since even small variation in by-product benefits will lead to the evolution of partner choice, leading to investments by the chosen class. Second, iterated prisoner's dilemmas tend to take place in stable social groups where the fitness of partners is interdependent, with the effect that a certain level of helping is self-serving. In sum, intermediate levels of mutual helping are expected in nature, while efficient partner monitoring may allow reaching higher levels.
Contrasting the genetic architecture of 30 complex traits from summary association data
Authors: Shi Huwenbo , Kichaev Gleb , Pasaniuc Bogdan
Published: January 2016

Variance components methods that estimate the aggregate contribution of large sets of variants to the heritability of complex traits have yielded important insights into the disease architecture of common diseases. Here, we introduce new methods that estimate the total variance in trait explained by a single locus in the genome (local heritability) from summary GWAS data while accounting for linkage disequilibrium (LD) among variants. We apply our new estimator to ultra large-scale GWAS summary data of 30 common traits and diseases to gain insights into their local genetic architecture. First, we find that common SNPs have a high contribution to the heritability of all studied traits. Second, we identify traits for which the majority of the SNP heritability can be confined to a small percentage of the genome. Third, we identify GWAS risk loci where the entire locus explains significantly more variance in the trait than the GWAS reported variants. Finally, we identify 55 loci that explain a large proportion of heritability across multiple traits.
Drivers of successful international business strategy
Authors: Thomé Karim Marini , Medeiros Janann Joslin
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the drivers of trading company strategy that explain trading company success in international business.

Design/methodology/approach

– The strategy tripod that results from combining the industry-, resource- and institution-based views, each of which proposes specific drivers of strategic success, was used as the framework for investigating, in a longitudinal perspective, the drivers of the strategy of a trading company and its success in emerging economies. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, document analysis and non-participant observation and analyzed using content analysis techniques.

Findings

– Rather than a single driver, the authors found that strategic choices were driven at times by the demands of industrial competitiveness, at times by firm resources and capabilities, and at times by institutional conditions. There was evidence neither of a linear chronological order for these drivers, nor of driver obsolescence. On the contrary, findings suggest that drivers are cumulative and interactive. Changes in organizational resources and capabilities or in competitive or institutional environments can force review and re-thinking of strategic objectives.

Research limitations/implications

– Generalization is affected by the fact that the study focusses on the experience of one individual trading company.

Practical implications

– From a pragmatic, managerially oriented perspective, the findings show the importance to be alert to all the tripod legs over time, and not belittle the institutional context. This fact is noted by the data, which not realize a timeline or order between the drivers and the strategies adopted by the firm.

Originality/value

– The paper is of value in showing the drivers of trading company strategy and the determinants of trading company success in emerging economies using a longitudinal perspective rather than the more usual sectional perspective. In addition, the study is original in simultaneously investigating all three legs of the strategy tripod and providing empirical evidence about how the respective drivers interact over time.
I have to change to stay the same
Authors: Sternheim Joyce
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose that to survive and thrive the library needs to aim for a more active role in people’s lives and in the communities that surround them. Public libraries are places of learning. They strive to enrich, empower and inspire people to support their full participation in society. But our fast-changing society (Pink, 2005) requires people to develop new competencies, such as creativity, empathy, collaboration and big-picture thinking. However, current processes of the public library are still primarily aimed at providing and improving access to information produced by others. Although of great importance, these processes are fundamentally passive and do not actively stimulate people to share knowledge and insights or to engage in conversations. It explores how this can be done and what effect this change might have on library space based on the ideas and perspective of the Dutch Ministry of Imagination.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Ministry, a cooperation between architect Jan David Hanrath and librarians Rob Bruijnzeels and Joyce Sternheim, conducts research and realizes new types of libraries and library architecture. To turn the public library into a more dynamic and active social setting, the Ministry has developed a new work process supported by matching criteria for the layout of library space.

Findings

– The new concept has been brought into practice in the Chocolate Factory in Gouda, The Netherlands, which since then has become a permanent testing ground for new library work.

Originality/value

– This paper is a thought piece that will be of interest not only to those concerned with public libraries, but also to everyone who is searching for ways to turn the library into a learning environment in which a continuous process of knowledge creation takes place, through interaction with the collection, but – most importantly – through interaction between people.
On the way to the campus of tomorrow
Authors: Brandt Sabina , Bachmann Gudrun
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper summarises the outcomes of the exploratory project of the Department of Educational Technologies at the University of Basel published in Lernumgebungen an der Hochschule. Auf dem Weg zum Campus von morgen [Learning environments at university. On the way to the campus of tomorrow.] (Škerlak et al., 2014) in a review paper and supplement these in a particular consideration of the role of university libraries. This project examined what “the campus of tomorrow” might look like and which steps will take us there.

Design/methodology/approach

– Together with users of university premises and designers of learning environments, this project looked at “the campus of today” and drafted collective propositions “for the campus of tomorrow” within the scope of five workshops and subsequent studies, interviews and dicsussion.

Findings

– In the process, it became clear in which fields of tension between different needs and requirements the university is moving with respect to designing its space and services. Knowing the poles of these fields of tension, making deliberate decisions and finding a campus-wide balance together with future users, appears to be fundamental to new building, service and campus concepts. During this development of spaces and concepts, it is particularly worthwhile to consider individual institutions, such as the library, more within the context of the campus as a whole and to intensify the cooperation of different stakeholders of the university for this purpose.

Originality/value

– During this development of spaces and concepts, it is particularly worthwhile to consider individual institutions, such as the library, more within the context of the campus as a whole and to intensify the cooperation of different stakeholders of the university for this purpose. This holistic approach and the suggestion of specific fields of tension within which the university has to develop its learning spaces offers new perspectives on campus and library development.
Data-driven decision-making in the library
Authors: Massis Bruce
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the current environment for libraries to consider the value of using data to support decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper contains literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

– In developing a library’s strategic direction, it is essential that evidentiary data be referenced to supplement the organization’s rationale for decision-making. There is an expectation by stakeholders that libraries are able to generate reports and decisions based on aggregated data for in-demand reporting. Therefore, capturing, analyzing and reporting decisions based on data are indispensable in today’s libraries.

Originality/value

– The value in addressing this topic is to examine the option by libraries to use data to support data-driven decision-making.
Serendipitous libraries
Authors: Hannabuss Stuart
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest that holiday libraries have as much design as they have chance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Generalizability from experiential anecdote.

Findings

– Though ephemeral, such libraries may have items of value and interest, and can have focus and purpose too.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper recommends more research based on survey evidence.

Practical implications

– Chance collections may nevertheless have items of value, can degrade but also be refreshed and may have a pragmatic role for users.

Social implications

– Most users take such collections for granted: a librarian or bibliographer will find them of interest.

Originality/value

– This paper is a commentary on an invisible resource.
Phenomenological model and working mechanism of bio-inspired polymeric composites driven by water gradient
Authors: Lu Haibao , Zhang Aying , Yao Yongtao , Lin Long
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a phenomenological model to investigate the underlying mechanism and predict the bio-inspired performance under different thermo-temporal conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Flory-Rehner free-energy functions are applied to quantitatively identify the driving forces in the viscously bio-inspired response of a dynamic polymer network. Furthermore, the permeation transition equation is adopted to couple water gradient and water sorption/desorption into the free-energy function.

Findings

– The results show that the influence of potential energy on deformation can be related to a stretching ratio that uniquely determines water sorption/desorption, locomotion frequency and contractile stress. Finally, by means of combining the free-energy function and Arrhenius equation, a phenomenological thermo-temporal model is developed and verified by the experimental results.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focuses on exploring the theoretical mechanism and significantly enhances understanding of relevant experimental features reported previously.

Originality/value

– The outcome of this study will provide a powerful phenomenological and quantitative tool for study on shape memory effect in bio-inspired polymers.
Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Makino Takamitsu , Jinnin Masatoshi
Published: January 2016

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complicated autoimmune and connective tissue disease, of which the pathogenesis and treatment have not been fully elucidated. SSc patients may have a genetic predisposition, such as specific human leukocyte antigens and single nucleotide polymorphisms, but can also develop various clinical symptoms with individual differences. Epigenetics, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, long non‐coding RNA and miRNA, could explain the crossroad between genetics and environmental factors. For instance, epigenetics is associated with environmental factors, which may cause the breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of SSc in patients with a particular genetic background. In the future, further investigations of the interplay between genetics and epigenetics will be beneficial to elucidate the complex molecular cross‐talk and heterogeneity in the SSc pathogenesis. Furthermore, this research will lead to the discovery of new therapeutic approaches and biomarkers.
Lymph node metastasis according to primary tumor location in T1 and T2 stage non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Xiong Jian , Wang Rui , Sun Yihua , Chen Haiquan
Published: January 2016

Background

To evaluate the pattern of lymph node metastasis (LNM) according to primary tumor location in T1 and T2 stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

The data of 1916 NSCLC patients with LNM who underwent surgery with systematic nodal resection between November 2008 to December 2014 were included in the study. Analyses of tumor location, pathological T stage, and nodal metastasis were performed.

Results

In T1a stage patients, superior mediastinum, aortopulmonary, and inferior mediastinum lymph node metastases were observed in primary tumors present in the right upper lobe (RUL), left upper lobe (LUL) and right middle lobe (RML), respectively. In T1b‐stage patients, superior mediastinum, aortopulmonary, and inferior mediastinum lymph node metastases were observed in the RML, LUL, and right lower lobe (RLL), respectively. In patients with T2a‐stage, superior mediastinum, aortopulmonary and inferior mediastinum lymph node metastases were observed in the RUL, LUL, and RLL, respectively. However, in T2b‐stage patients, RUL, LUL and RML locations were associated with superior mediastinum, aortopulmonary, and inferior mediastinum lymph node metastases, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that T stage was significantly associated with mediastinal and intrapulmonary lymph node metastases. In addition, tumor location was significantly associated with N2 station LNM.

Conclusion

LNM varied according to tumor location and T‐stage, which are independent factors influencing N2 station LNM.
Pulse Oximeter Plethysmograph Estimate of Pulsus Paradoxus as a Measure of Acute Asthma Exacerbation Severity and Response to Treatment
Authors: Arnold Donald H. , Wang Li , Hartert Tina V.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Pulsus paradoxus is one of the few objective bedside measures of acute asthma exacerbation severity but is difficult to measure in tachypneic and tachycardic patients and in noisy clinical environments. Our primary objective was to examine whether pulse oximeter plethysmograph estimate of pulsus paradoxus (PEP) is associated with physiologic and symptom measures of acute exacerbation severity (airway resistance by impulse oscillometry [%IOS] and the Acute Asthma Intensity Research Score [AAIRS]). Secondary objectives were to validate the previous association of PEP with percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) and to examine associations of change of PEP with change of these outcomes after 2 hours of treatment.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective observational study of patients aged 5–17 years with acute asthma exacerbations. The predictor variable, PEP, was measured using a dedicated pulse oximeter and waveform analysis program. Outcome measures included the AAIRS, %IOS, and %FEV1 at baseline and after 2 hours of treatment. We examined associations of PEP with %IOS and the AAIRS at baseline using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and race. As secondary analyses we similarly examined the association of PEP with %FEV1 at baseline and change of PEP with change of %IOS, the AAIRS, and %FEV1 after 2 hours of treatment using multiple linear regression models adjusted for the baseline value of the outcome measure and the AAIRS.

Results

Among 684 participants (61% males; 61% African American) there were associations of baseline PEP with %IOS, the AAIRS, and %FEV1 (p < 0.001). Change of PEP after 2 hours of treatment was associated with change of %FEV1 (p < 0.001) and change of the AAIRS (p = 0.01) but not with change of %IOS (p = 0.60).

Conclusions

PEP demonstrates criterion validity in predicting baseline %IOS, the AAIRS, and %FEV1, and responsiveness to change of the AAIRS and %FEV1. Data contained in the oximeter plethysmograph waveform might be utilized as a continuous, objective measure of acute asthma exacerbation severity and real‐time response to treatment.
Non‐lethal management of carnivore predation: long‐term tests with a startle reflex‐based deterrence system on a fish farm
Authors: Götz T. , Janik V. M.
Published: January 2016

Carnivore depredation on human livestock is a worldwide problem with few viable solutions. Non‐lethal management tools such as acoustic devices show highly varying success and often pose a conservation risk due to noise pollution and habitat degradation. We tested the long‐term effectiveness of a deterrence system which harnesses an autonomous reflex (startle) to selectively inflict avoidance responses in a target species (phocid seals) by emitting band‐limited noise pulses with sharp onset times. Seal predation was monitored at a marine salmon farm (test site) over a full production cycle (19 month) with a multi‐transducer deterrent system deployed for the final year. Predation was also monitored for several months at two control sites and additional short‐term tests were carried out at sites which suffered higher predation rates. Generalized linear (mixed) models revealed that sound exposure caused a 91% reduction in lost fish when comparing predation levels within the test site and 97% when comparing the test site against both control sites. Similarly, sound exposure led to a 93% reduction in the number of fish lost due to seal damage at a short‐term test site. Visual monitoring of marine mammals around the long‐term test site showed that the number of seal surfacings within 100 m from the loudspeakers was only slightly lower during sound exposure. Harbour porpoise and otter distribution around the farm was not affected by sound exposure. By adjusting the frequency composition of startle stimuli, our method has the potential to provide solutions for managing human–wildlife conflicts in terrestrial and marine habitats by selectively deterring target species.
Statistical Analysis of Heat Waves in the State of Victoria in Australia
Authors: Wong T. S. T.
Published: January 2016

The recent blistering heat waves of 2009 in the state of Victoria in Australia were so unprecedented in terms of duration and intensity that society was largely unprepared. These heat waves caused serious health, social and economic problems. In this paper, the daily maximum temperatures at ten selected stations are studied. Auto‐regressive integrated moving‐average models are used to prewhiten the time series. Uncorrelated, non‐normal and heavy‐tailed residuals are analyzed by means of a new skew t‐mixture distribution. The number of mixture components is effectively determined by an innovative penalisation procedure. It is shown that the resulting skew t‐mixture models provide an acceptable fit in all cases. Possible future temperature patterns are obtained through simulation. It is forecast that the average duration of high temperature episodes will increase by two to three days per year and a new eight‐year high temperature level is very likely in the coming few years. The relationship between heavy tail behaviour of the fitted distribution and heat waves is noteworthy.
Cilengitide restrains the osteoclast‐like bone resorbing activity of myeloma plasma cells
Authors: Tucci Marco , Stucci Stefania , Felici Claudia , Cafforio Paola , Resta Leonardo , Rossi Roberta , Silvestris Franco
Published: January 2016

Cilengitide (CLG) is an inhibitor of both αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins, with a defined anti‐tumour effect in glioblastoma. Pre‐clinical studies demonstrate its ability to restrain the bone resorbing property of metastatic osteotropic tumours and we have previously shown that the disablement of αvβ3 in multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells results in exhaustion of their in vitro osteoclast (OC)‐like activity on bone substrate. Here, we investigated the effect of CLG on this functional property of MM cells. Both αvβ3 and αvβ5 were measured on primary marrow MM cells from 19 patients, and the effect of CLG on proliferation, apoptosis and adhesion was investigated in parallel with MM cell lines and OCs from healthy donors. In addition, the effect of CLG on the capability of malignant plasma cells to produce erosive lacunae on calcium phosphate was explored in relation to the activation of intracellular kinases of molecular pathways of both integrins. Ultrastructural microscopy was used to evaluate the morphological changes in MM cells due to the effect of CLG on cell adhesion. The data from our study demonstrate that CLG restrains the bone resorbing function of MM cells by disabling their adhesion properties. Further investigations in pre‐clinical studies of osteotropic tumours are warranted.
A phase 2 study of Rituximab‐Bendamustine and Rituximab‐Cytarabine for transplant‐eligible patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Armand Philippe , Redd Robert , Bsat Jad , Mayuram Sangeetha , Giardino Angela , Fisher David C. , LaCasce Ann S. , Jacobson Caron , Davids Matthew S. , Brown Jennifer R. , Weng Li , Wilkins Jennifer , Faham Malek , Freedman Arnold S. , Joyce Robin , Jacobsen Eric D.
Published: January 2016

Chemoimmunotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a standard therapy for transplant‐eligible patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The achievement of complete remission (CR) and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity are associated with better outcomes. We tested an induction regimen of rituximab/bendamustine followed by rituximab/high‐dose cytarabine (RB/RC). This phase 2 study (NCT01661881) enrolled 23 transplant‐eligible patients aged 42–69, of whom 70% were MCL international prognostic index low‐risk. Patients received three cycles of RB followed by three cycles of RC. The primary endpoint of the trial was the rate of CR after six cycles of therapy, with a rate of 75% considered promising. 96% of patients achieved a CR/unconfirmed CR after treatment, meeting the primary objective. One patient progressed on study, one declined ASCT in CR, and the remaining 21 underwent successful stem cell collection and ASCT. After a median follow‐up of 13 months, the progression‐free survival rate was 96%. Among 15 MRD‐evaluable patients who completed treatment, 93% achieved MRD negativity after RB/RC. In conclusion, RB/RC achieves very high CR and MRD negativity rates in transplant‐eligible patients, with a favourable safety profile. RB/RC warrants further comparative studies, and may become a useful alternative to RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone)‐based induction regimens in this patient population.