bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of an Oxepin from a Bacterial Cytochrome P450‐Catalyzed Oxidation
Authors: Stok Jeanette E. , Chow Sharon , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Farfan Soto Clementina , Matyas Csongor , Poirier Raymond A. , Williams Craig M. , De Voss James J.
Published: January 2016

The cytochromes P450 are hemoproteins that catalyze a range of oxidative C−H functionalization reactions, including aliphatic and aromatic hydroxylation. These transformations are important in a range of biological contexts, including biosynthesis and xenobiotic biodegradation. Much work has been carried out on the mechanism of aliphatic hydroxylation, implicating hydrogen atom abstraction, but aromatic hydroxylation is postulated to proceed differently. One mechanism invokes as the key intermediate an arene oxide (and/or its oxepin tautomer). Conclusive isolation of this intermediate has remained elusive and, currently, direct formation of phenols from a Meisenheimer intermediate is believed to be favored. We report here the identification of a P450 [P450cam (CYP101A1) and P450cin (CYP176A1)]‐generated arene oxide as a product of in vitro oxidation of tert‐butylbenzene. Computations (CBS‐QB3) predict that the arene oxide and oxepin have similar stabilities to other arene oxides/oxepins implicated (but not detected) in P450‐mediated transformations, suggesting that arene oxides can be unstable terminal products of P450‐catalyzed aromatic oxidation that can explain the origin of some observed metabolites.
Study of production and the stability of styrallyl acetate nanocapsules using complex coacervation
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Li Wei , Zhu Guangyong , Zhou Rujun , Niu Yunwei
Published: January 2016

The styrallyl acetate (SA) nanocapsules were prepared using complex coacervation with gelatin (G) and gum arabic (GA) as the wall materials. The stability of the nanocapsules formed at different pH (4.8, 4.5, 4.2, 3.9, 3.6), wall concentration (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) and the ratio of oil/emulsifier (1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) were evaluated. The results showed that the formation and stability of nanocapsules were influenced by these factors. The optimal process conditions were determined depending on the most stable aqueous system with the highest encapsulation efficiency. The optimum conditions were as follows: pH 4.5, the total concentration 1% and the ratio of core oil/emulsifier 1:1. The results of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicated that SA was encapsulated in G and GA successfully and the structure of SA and the wall materials was not changed. The further stability of optimal nanocapsules was assessed. Nanocapsules loaded with oil presented good stability over 8 months. Furthermore, the thermal stability was analysed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results showed that the SA nanocapsules exhibited excellent thermal stability than the pure oil. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling Realized Volatility Dynamics with a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Qu Hui , Ji Ping
Published: January 2016

The heterogeneous autoregressive model of realized volatility (HAR‐RV) is inspired by the heterogeneous market hypothesis and characterizes realized volatility dynamics through a linear function of lagged daily, weekly and monthly realized volatilities with a (1, 5, 22) lag structure. Considering that different markets can have different heterogeneous structures and a market's heterogeneous structure can vary over time, we build an adaptive heterogeneous autoregressive model of realized volatility (AHAR‐RV), whose lag structure is optimized with a genetic algorithm. Using nine common loss functions and the superior predictive ability test, we find that our AHAR‐RV model and its extensions provide significantly better out‐of‐sample volatility forecasts for the CSI 300 index than the corresponding HAR models. Furthermore, the AHAR‐RV model significantly outperforms all the other models under most loss functions. Besides, we confirm that Chinese stock markets' heterogeneous structure varies over time and the (1, 5, 22) lag structure is not the optimal choice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong, Conductive and Defect‐Free
Authors: Hüttel Andreas K.
Published: January 2016

Carbon nanotubes are a fascinating material. In experiments at ultra‐low temperatures, physicists make their different properties interact with one another — and in so doing find answers to fundamental questions.
Numerical Study of the Aerodynamic Response and Energy Harvesting of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Piezoelectric Flags in a Uniform Flow
Authors: Song Rujun , Shan Xiaobiao , Xie Tao
Published: January 2016

The kinetic energy of airflow is renewable and exists everywhere. It can drive the piezoelectric energy harvester to vibrate, which can convert energy of airflow into electricity. This paper presents the constructive vibration modes of multi‐piezoelectric flags (MPF) for energy harvesting in a uniform flow. The aerodynamic response and energy harvesting of both the single piezoelectric flag (SPF) and the MPF are investigated by a 2D‐numerical method. This method is fully coupled fluid‐structure‐electric (FSE) by using the immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method, Euler‐Bernoulli beam and the piezoelectric theory. As an application, the dynamic characteristics of the SPF at a stable state are described. As for the MPF, vortices shedding from the piezoelectric flag effect the vibration of surrounding flags. In‐phase vibration modes of the MPF, as the constructive vibration modes for the energy harvesting, can be obtained in tandem and side‐by‐side patterns. The vibration characteristics of the MPF are effected by the streamwise and spanwise gap distances. Multi‐times electrical energy can be achieved using the MPF compared with the SPF alone in a uniform flow.
Prediction skill and predictability of Eurasian snow cover fraction in the NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2 reforecasts
Authors: He Qiong , Zuo Zhiyan , Zhang Renhe , Yang Song , Wang Wanqiu , Zhang Ruonan , Riddle Emily E.
Published: January 2016

Eurasian snow cover fraction (SCF) prediction is analyzed using the recently developed National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) monthly retrospective forecasts for 1983–2009. The CFSv2 is generally capable of reproducing the observed Eurasian SCF seasonal cycle and climatology. This study focuses on the prediction skill and predictability of Eurasian SCF in snowmelt and snowfall seasons because the intensive variability occurs in the two seasons. The CFSv2 reasonably predicts the interannual variations, long‐term trend and leading pattern in snowmelt season several months ahead. In comparison with the snowmelt season, the CFSv2 shows a better prediction skill in climatological values but a worse skill in the interannual variability in snowfall season. In addition, the forecasted downward trend of SCF in the snowfall season is opposite to that in the observation. The biases of Eurasian SCF in the snowmelt and snowfall seasons are significantly related with those of temperature and precipitation in the CFSv2. The forecasted cooler and wetter atmosphere is suggestive of the overestimation of the mean SCF. Meanwhile, the underestimation in the variability of both temperature and precipitation in the CFSv2 may be the important factor for the underestimated variability of SCF, especially for the damped variability of SCF in the snowfall season. Generally, the CFSv2 shows a higher and more stable prediction skill after late‐1990s than before in the two seasons. The change in the initial condition in the CFSv2 and the observed SCF in late‐1990s might be the plausible reason for it.
Main features of large‐scale oceanic‐atmospheric circulation related to strongest droughts during rainy season in Brazilian São Francisco River Basin
Authors: Paredes Trejo Franklin , Brito‐Castillo Luis , Barbosa Alves Humberto , Guevara Edilberto
Published: January 2016

Severe droughts have caused serious impact on water supply and agriculture in São Francisco River Basin (SFRB), Brazil, especially during the rainy season. Observational evidence suggests that droughts in this region could be driven by some large‐scale ocean‐atmospheric patterns. This study provides a general description of linkage between the ocean‐atmospheric circulation patterns and the droughts during the rainy season (November–December), in the SFRB's upper sub‐basins. The NCEP reanalysis I and monthly gridded precipitation dataset of the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre from 1948 to 2010 were used. SPI was used as drought index. All analyses were performed in a domain that covered South America and southern‐tropical portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Both the wind speed and vertical velocity fields at 200 hPa and specific humidity at 700 hPa were analysed. Results indicate that more extensive short‐duration droughts are linked to: (1) El Niño conditions highly concentrated inside the Niño 3.4 region; (2) ITCZ with a northernmost‐than‐normal position; (3) weaker‐than‐normal convective activity over the SFRB coupled to a weaker‐than‐normal upper‐level westerly jet stream. For decadal scale, the atmospheric anomalies patterns are best correlated to long‐duration extensive droughts than the oceanic anomalies patterns (r = −0.84 and −0.14, respectively). This suggests that droughts in SFRB are strongly dependent on large‐scale moisture transport and upper‐level atmospheric circulation.
Generalized B‐bar: unlocking multiple compliance modes of finite elements with stiff‐fiber anisotropy
Authors: Oberrecht S. P. , Krysl P.
Published: January 2016

Element locking is often seen in homogenized models of elastic fiber‐reinforced materials, and splitting the material compliance into two separate terms isolates troublesome strain modes. Once isolated, the locking modes can be addressed with tailored integration schemes or the opportune introduction of field variables. The canonical application of this approach is seen in the dilatational‐deviatoric split used to treat so‐called ‘volumetric locking’. In the present work, we invoke the spectral decomposition of the material compliance to provide a generalized split. Doing so naturally parses the response into six independent strain modes, with varying propensity for locking. This split can be used to generalize fundamental techniques, such as selective reduced integration and the B‐bar method. This broadened approach works to remedy locking suffered by lower order finite elements used to discretize troublesome materials. Applying these generalized methods to achieve the dilational‐deviatoric split is trivial. However, the compliance spectrum's ability to naturally isolate stiff material response modes makes it a uniquely valuable tool for use on homogenized anisotropic materials. Applying the split, defined by only the first compliance mode, has given rise to the generalized methods, which have proven effective in unlocking finite element models of anisotropic materials. In the present work, the generalization is broadened to treat more than one constrained mode. While treating six modes is equivalent to simple reduced integration techniques, up to five compliance modes are now separated for advantageous treatment. However, some attention must be paid to the stability of the resulting finite element stiffness matrices. We focus here on the treatment of two principal compliance modes. These ‘two‐mode’ applications of the generalized B‐bar method are shown to be a more robust default treatment of linear hexahedral elements than is provided by classical selective reduced integration. This is achieved with a negligible computational overhead. A framework for assessing element stability is delineated, and commonly arising instabilities are analyzed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value within otolaryngology: Assessment of the cost‐utility analysis literature
Authors: Patel Krupa R. , Phillips David J. , Leibowitz Jason M. , Scognamiglio Theresa , Banuchi Victoria E. , Kuhel William I. , Kutler David I. , Cohen Marc A.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To assess the characteristics and quality of cost utility analyses (CUA) related to otolaryngology within the CEA registry and to summarize their collective results.

Methods

All cost‐utility analyses published between 1976 and 2011 contained in the Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis Registry (CEA Registry) were evaluated. Topics that fall within the care of an otolaryngologist were included in the review regardless of the presence of an otolaryngologist author. Potential associations between various study characteristics and CEA registry quality scores were evaluated using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient.

Results

Sixty‐one of 2913 (2.1%) total CUA publications screened were related to otolaryngology. Eighteen of 61 (29.5%) publications included an otolaryngologist as an author. Fourteen studies agreed on the cost effectiveness of at least unilateral cochlear implantation and six of seven (85.7%) studies demonstrated the cost effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Forty‐six percent (28 of 61) of all manuscripts were published between 2008 and 2011. A more recent publication year was associated with a higher CEA registry quality score while the presence of an otolaryngologist author and journal impact factor had no significant correlation with the quality of the CUA.

Conclusion

Based on current evidence in the CEA registry, unilateral cochlear implantation for hearing loss and CPAP for OSA are both cost‐effective therapeutic interventions. Although CUAs in otolaryngology have increased in quantity and improved in quality in more recent years, there is a relative lack of CUAs in otolaryngology in comparison to other subspecialties.
An Optical luminescence chronology for late Pleistocene aeolian activity in the Colombian and Venezuelan Llanos
Authors: Carr Andrew S. , Armitage Simon J. , Berrío Juan-Carlos , Bilbao Bibiana A. , Boom Arnoud
Published: January 2016

The lowland savannas (Llanos) of Colombia and Venezuela are covered by extensive aeolian landforms for which little chronological information exists. We present the first optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) age constraints for dunes in the Llanos Orientales of lowland Colombia and new ages for dunes in the Venezuelan Llanos. The sampled dunes are fully vegetated and show evidence of post-depositional erosion. Ages range from 4.5 ± 0.4 to 66 ± 4 ka, with the majority dating to 27–10 ka (Marine Isotope Stage 2). Some dunes accumulated quickly during the last glacial maximum, although most were active 16–10 ka. Accretion largely ceased after 10 ka. All dunes are elongated downwind from rivers, parallel with dry season winds, and are interpreted as source-bordering features. As they are presently isolated from fluvial sediments by gallery forest it is proposed that activity was associated with a more prolonged dry season, which restricted gallery forest, leading to greater sediment availability on river shorelines. Such variability in dry season duration was potentially mediated by the mean latitude of the ITCZ. The cessation of most dune accretion after ca. 10 ka suggests reduced seasonality and a more northerly ITCZ position, consistent with evidence from the Cariaco Basin.
Modelling gravity currents without an energy closure
Authors: Konopliv N. A. , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G. , McElwaine J. N. , Meiburg E.
Published: January 2016

We extend the vorticity-based modelling approach of Borden & Meiburg (Phys. Fluids, vol. 25 (10), 2013, 101301) to non-Boussinesq gravity currents and derive an analytical expression for the Froude number without the need for an energy closure or any assumptions about the pressure. The Froude-number expression we obtain reduces to the correct form in the Boussinesq limit and agrees closely with simulation data. Via detailed comparisons with simulation results, we furthermore assess the validity of three key assumptions underlying both our as well as earlier models: (i) steady-state flow in the moving reference frame; (ii) inviscid flow; and (iii) horizontal flow sufficiently far in front of and behind the current. The current approach does not require an assumption of zero velocity in the current.
Dietary intake and food contributors of polyphenols in adults and elderly adults of Sao Paulo: a population-based study
Authors: Miranda A. M. , Steluti J. , Fisberg R. M. , Marchioni D. M.
Published: January 2016

A comprehensive estimation of polyphenol intake is needed to gain a better understanding of the association between polyphenol-rich food intake and the potential effects of this intake on chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the intake of polyphenols and the major dietary contributors in the population of Sao Paulo. Data were obtained from the Health Survey-São Paulo (ISA-Capital 2008) and were reported for 1103 adults and elderly adults. Food intake was estimated by one 24-h dietary recall (24HR). Polyphenol intake was calculated by matching food consumption data from the 24HR with the polyphenol content in foods listed in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean total intake of polyphenols was 377·5 (se15·3) mg/d. The main polyphenol classes were phenolic acids (284·8 (se15·9) mg/d) and flavonoids (54·6 (se3·5) mg/d). Intakes were higher in the elderly adults than in other adults (P<0·001) and higher in individuals with lower educational level (P=0·01) and current smokers (P=0·02). The main dietary contributors for total polyphenols were coffee (70·5 %), citrus fruits (4·6 %) and tropical fruits (3·4 %). Coffee was the major source of polyphenols, providing 266·2 (se16·5) mg/d, and contributed 92·3 % of the phenolic acids and 93·1 % of the alkylmethoxyphenols. These findings will be useful for assessing the potential role on health of polyphenols and specific polyphenol-rich foods, such as coffee, and enable a comparison with people from other countries.
The Influence of Overseas Business Associations on Law-making in China: A Case Study
Authors: Hui Elaine Sio-ieng , Chan Chris King-chi
Published: January 2016

Through an investigation of the Shenzhen Collective Consultation Ordinance and the Guangdong Regulations on the Democratic Management of Enterprises, this article demonstrates how transnational capital in China deploys its associational power alongside its structural economic power to lobby and pressure the national and local governments to advance its own interests. In addition, building upon the ideas of Hall and Soskice about the varieties of capitalism, the authors have developed the concept of “varieties of transnational capital” to account for the differing positions of overseas business associations regarding the two laws. We find that these positions are shaped by two determining factors: a) where the associations are situated in global production chains, and b) the industrial relations model in their home countries.
Fairness and the Strengths of Agents’ Claims
Authors: SHARADIN NATHANIEL
Published: January 2016

John Broome has proposed a theory of fairness according to which fairness requires that agents’ claims to goods be satisfied in proportion to the relative strength of those claims. In the case of competing claims for a single indivisible good, Broome argues that what fairness requires is the use of a weighted lottery as a surrogate to satisfying the competing claims: the relative chance of each claimant's winning the lottery should be set to the relative strength of each claimant's claim. In this journal, James Kirkpatrick and Nick Eastwood have objected that the use of weighted lotteries in the case of indivisible goods is unacceptable. In this article, I explain why Kirkpatrick and Eastwood's objection misses its mark.
Entre connecteur et modalisateur: à propos de quelques emplois de autant/façon de dire que
Authors: KUYUMCUYAN ANNIE
Published: January 2016

Autant dire que établit une égalité de pertinence communicative entre deux énonciations. Peu usitée dans les systèmes comparatifs au sens strict, elle trouve son emploi dans des structures pseudo-paratactiques, entre deux énoncés. Précédé initialement d'un verbe modal, le marqueur fonctionne alors comme un connecteur destiné à articuler une relation discursive de « reformulation ». La « chute » du préfixe modal rend ce fonctionnement manifeste. Or une nouvelle variation semble intervenue récemment dans l'emploi de cette expression. Si ses emplois comme connecteur perdurent et semblent désormais stabilisés, ils semblent en effet marginalement céder devant un rôle de modalisateur.
Irradiation effects on antibody performance in the frame of biochip-based instruments development for space exploration
Authors: Baqué M. , Dobrijevic M. , Le Postollec A. , Moreau T. , Faye C. , Vigier F. , Incerti S. , Coussot G. , Caron J. , Vandenabeele-Trambouze O.
Published: January 2016

Several instruments based on immunoassay techniques have been proposed for life-detection experiments in the framework of planetary exploration but few experiments have been conducted so far to test the resistance of antibodies against cosmic ray particles. We present several irradiation experiments carried out on both grafted and free antibodies for different types of incident particles (protons, neutrons, electrons and 12C) at different energies (between 9 MeV and 50 MeV) and different fluences. No loss of antibodies activity was detected for the whole set of experiments except when considering protons with energy between 20 and 30 MeV (on free and grafted antibodies) and fluences much greater than expected for a typical planetary mission to Mars for instance. Our results on grafted antibodies suggest that biochip-based instruments must be carefully designed according to the expected radiation environment for a given mission. In particular, a surface density of antibodies much larger than the expected proton fluence would prevent significant loss of antibodies activity and thus assuring a successful detection.
Cells With Chromosomal Aberrations Trigger Neoplastic Transformations in Humans
Authors: Goswami Hit Kishore
Published: January 2016

Human population cytogenetic studies have revealed that a majority of persons who are prone to developing malignant features possess chromatin bodies termed as marker dots (MDs) measuring nearly 2 to 3 microns. These MDs are seen emanating from certain specific chromosomes, which may be early indicators of neoplastic transformation within cells.
A Big Climate Driver in a Small Ocean Basin
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: January 2016

Scientists review Atlantic Ocean circulation variability and its applications for predicting decadal climate variation.
Non-fouling hyaluronic acid coatings for improved sandwich ELISA measurements in plasma
Authors: Ramadan Mohamed H. , Sansone Nicole J. , Pendergast Louisa M. , Friedrich Emily E. , Washburn Newell R.
Published: January 2016

Nonspecific protein adsorption can interfere with blood diagnostics, especially in point-of-care tests for which minimal sample processing is required.
A novel comparative pattern count analysis reveals a chronic ethanol-induced dynamic shift in immediate early NF-κB genome-wide promoter binding during liver regeneration
Authors: Kuttippurathu Lakshmi , Patra Biswanath , Hoek Jan B. , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth
Published: January 2016

We demonstrate a novel methodology to identify key immediate early regulatory mechanisms during liver regeneration, which are altered by adaptation to ethanol intake.
A calixpyridinium-based supramolecular tandem assay for alkaline phosphatase and its application to ATP hydrolysis reaction
Authors: Wang Kui , Cui Jian-Hua , Xing Si-Yang , Dou Hong-Xi
Published: January 2016

We have successfully implemented the supramolecular tandem assay principle for monitoring alkaline phosphatase based on a novel calixpyridinium/dye reporter pair.
A straightforward approach for the one-pot synthesis of cyclic polymers from RAFT polymers via thiol–Michael addition
Authors: Zhao Junfei , Zhou Yanyan , Zhou Yu , Zhou Nianchen , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin
Published: January 2016

A straightforward approach for the synthesis of cyclic polymers in a one-pot reaction.
Mechanistic insights into the ring-opening of biomass derived lactones
Authors: Gupta Shelaka , Arora Rishabh , Sinha Nishant , Alam Md. Imteyaz , Haider M. Ali
Published: January 2016

Density functional theory calculations suggest the formation of an oxocarbenium ion intermediate in acid catalyzed ring-opening reactions of biomass derived lactones, which may play an important role in determining it's reactivity.
DABCO-catalyzed consecutive one pot four-component protocol for the synthesis of a novel class of (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-ones
Authors: Bejjam Madhu Babu , Kumar G. Santhosh , Swetha A. , Meshram H. M.
Published: January 2016

A DABCO catalyzed, novel and efficient one-pot, four component protocol has been developed for the synthesis of (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one scaffolds under metal-free conditions.
Visible light photocatalysis with CBr4: a highly selective aerobic photooxidation of methylarenes to aldehydes
Authors: Tripathi Shubhangi , Singh Sachchida N. , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: January 2016

An efficient, operationally simple, metal-free strategy for the selective oxidation of methylarenes to aromatic aldehydes through visible light photocatalysis employing CBr4 and molecular oxygen is reported.
Recognition and binding of voltage-dependent anion channel-1 with ATP and NADH by spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking
Authors: Li Q. , Duan M. J. , Li S. S. , Zhang Y. L. , Qiao P. , Bian L. J.
Published: January 2016

Recognition and binding of voltage-dependent anion channel-1 with ATP and NADH by spectroscopic analysis and molecular docking.
Metal nanoparticles reveal the organization of single-walled carbon nanotubes in bundles
Authors: Rodriguez Raul D. , Blaudeck Thomas , Kalbacova Jana , Sheremet Evgeniya , Schulze Steffen , Adner David , Hermann Sascha , Hietschold Michael , Lang Heinrich , Schulz Stefan E. , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: January 2016

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were decorated with Ag and Au nanoparticles. The smaller SWCNTs in bundles are preferentially affected by the presence of metal nanoparticles. We postulate that smaller diameter SWCNTs surround larger ones.
Fluorescence behavior of 5,10-disubstituted [5]helicene derivatives in solution and the effect of self-assembly on their radiative and non-radiative rate constants
Authors: Hirose Takashi , Ito Natsuki , Kubo Hiromu , Sato Tohru , Matsuda Kenji
Published: January 2016

Fluorescence behavior of 5,10-disubstituted [5]helicene derivatives is sensitive to the type of substituent and the motif of self-assembly in the solution phase.
QM/MM study on the enantioselectivity of spiroacetalization catalysed by an imidodiphosphoric acid catalyst: how confinement works
Authors: Simón Luis , Paton Robert S.
Published: January 2016

An explanation of why confined imidodiphosphoric acid catalyst succeeds where other chiral phosphoric acid catalysts fail.
Robust distributed model predictive control under actuator saturations and packet dropouts with time‐varying probabilities
Authors: Han Huaxiang , Zhang Xiaohua , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2016

In this study, the authors investigate distributed model predictive control for polytopic uncertain systems subject to actuator saturations and packet dropouts with time‐varying probabilities in controller‐to‐actuator channels. For the sake of less computational efforts and a flexible system structure, the global system is decomposed into several lower‐dimensional subsystems and the subsystems optimise a global performance function in parallel. A novel augmented distributed controller model is proposed to describe both the actuator saturations and packet dropouts in one unified expression by adopting a stochastic variable taking the value 1 or 0 with time‐varying probabilities and accordingly a new result is obtained. By placing the saturated linear feedback law into the convex hull of a group of linear feedback laws, the distributed controller for each subsystem is obtained from the solution of the convex optimisation problem involving linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is supplied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed techniques.
Modelling, simulation, and verification for detailed short‐circuit analysis of a 1 × 25 kV railway traction system
Authors: Chen Tsai‐Hsiang , Liao Rih‐Neng
Published: January 2016

This study presents a modelling and simulation method for the analysis of short‐circuits in 1 × 25 kV railway traction systems (RTSs). First, the authors developed models of major components and a full‐scale model of a RTS. The component models developed in this study include a specific Le Blanc traction transformer and an overhead catenary system. The models are represented using corresponding coupling‐free equivalent circuits to facilitate implementation using software packages MATLAB®/Simulink®. The short‐circuit fault simulation of a RTS was conducted on a personal computer operating with MS Windows 7®. Field testing data was used to verify the simulation results. The modelling and simulation technology developed in this study provide a valuable reference for power engineers involved in the planning, design, and operation of a railway traction network.
Advanced fuzzy power extraction control of wind energy conversion system for power quality improvement in a grid tied hybrid generation system
Authors: Bhattacharjee Chayan , Roy Binoy Krishna
Published: January 2016

This paper introduces an intelligent extraction of optimum power and its dispatch by using fuzzy logic from a grid tied hybrid generation system comprising of a permanent magnet synchronous generator based wind turbine and a low concentration photovoltaic generator. For photovoltaic generator, maximum power point tracking control is implemented using fuzzy logic under varying solar irradiance. Power extracted from wind turbine is designed as a fuzzy function of the dc link voltage error, its rate of change and error in the direct axis current of the inverter. This reduces high frequency oscillations in the wind extracted power. Such an extraction is considered as a novelty of this paper. A failure mode and effect analysis is done for power converters and possible mitigation schemes are suggested for different faults. A 1:1 delta wye‐grounded transformer is used at the inverter output to eliminate the triplet harmonics. Further, dynamic performances of both fuzzy proportional‐derivative and integral (PD+I) controller and classical proportional integral (PI) controller, to control the inverter currents, are compared. The proposed method results in an enhanced power dispatch and improvement in distortions and oscillations in the converter currents. This also reduces the probability of failures in the converter switches and other passive components.
Optimal capacitor placement in distribution systems for power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement
Authors: Abou El‐Ela Adel Ali , El‐Sehiemy Ragab A. , Kinawy Abdel‐Mohsen , Mouwafi Mohamed Taha
Published: January 2016

This study presents a two‐stage procedure to identify the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors in radial distribution systems. In first stage, the loss sensitivity analysis using two loss sensitivity indices (LSIs) is employed to select the most candidate capacitors locations. In second stage, the ant colony optimisation algorithm is investigated to find the optimal locations and sizes of capacitors considering the minimisation of energy loss and capacitor costs as objective functions while system constraints are fully achieved. The fixed, practical switched and the combination of fixed and switched capacitors are considered to find the optimal solution. The backward/forward sweep algorithm is developed for the load flow calculations. The proposed procedure is applied to different standard test systems as 34‐bus and 85‐bus radial distribution systems. In addition, the application of the proposed procedure on a real distribution system of the East Delta Network as a part of the Unified Egyptian Network is used as a test system. Numerical results show the capability of the proposed procedure to find the optimal solution for significant saving in the total cost with more accurate and efficient, competitive compared with other methods in the literature especially with increasing the distribution system sizing.
Autonomous navigation for lunar satellite using X‐ray pulsars with measurement faults
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wu Panlong , Li Xingxiu
Published: January 2016

X‐ray pulsar‐based navigation (XNAV) is a navigation method using celestial X‐ray source observations for spacecraft orbit determination. However, if the measurements are not reliable due to any kind of malfunction, the performance of XNAV may result in considerable errors and even divergence. In this study, a new algorithm called robust extended Kalman filter (REKF) is proposed for the lunar satellite autonomous navigation system, which is robust against measurement malfunctions. First, the satellite dynamic model applied perturbations is derived under the J2 perturbation of the Moon. The pulse time‐of‐arrival (TOA) is used to build the observation model. Second, the performance of XNAV system is discussed by analysing the transformation error of TOA, system observability and controllability. Then, an adaptive measurement noise scale factor (AMNSF) is designed by using the innovation sequence in REKF. Meanwhile, the gain matrix is modified by adding the AMNSF to reduce the influence of malfunction and enhance the robustness of XNAV system. Finally, the simulation results show the proposed navigation scheme is valid and feasible, and it is appropriate for lunar satellite autonomous navigation.
Structural, linguistic and rhetorical features of the entrepreneurial pitch
Authors: Daly Peter , Davy Dennis
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– As mastering the two-minute entrepreneurial pitch is a key skill required of entrepreneurs and all those who have to sell an idea in a business context, the purpose of this paper is to analyse successful entrepreneurial pitches in order to provide practical pitch-related advice to entrepreneurs and to business school instructors developing pedagogical materials.

Design/methodology/approach

– As mastering the two-minute entrepreneurial pitch is a key skill required of entrepreneurs and all those who have to sell an idea in a business context, this paper aims to analyse successful entrepreneurial pitches in order to provide practical pitch-related advice to entrepreneurs and to business school instructors developing pedagogical materials.

Findings

– A ten-stage discourse framework was shown to underlie most pitches and typical linguistic exponents and rhetorical devices were identified. While there was a strong correlation between linguistic exponents and particular organisational stages, it was not possible to map the rhetorical strategies or tropes onto the organisational stages. The rhetorical framework provides a macro-structure to help entrepreneurs manipulate key content, whereas the linguistic framework highlights the salient grammatical, organisational, syntactic and lexical features of a successful pitch.

Research limitation

– The sample of entrepreneurial pitches analysed is too small to be totally representative of the entrepreneurial pitch in general. However, this in-depth multi-dimensional analysis provides initial research into the canonical features of the entrepreneurial pitch.

Practical implication

– This study provides an actionable, best practice, discoursal template for the entrepreneurial pitch together with the typical linguistic exponents and rhetorical features. The findings should sensitise entrepreneurs and instructors to salient macro- and micro-features of the entrepreneurial pitch.

Originality value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has been carried out that takes a multi-dimensional analysis approach (both rhetorical and linguistic/discourse analysis) to deconstruct the entrepreneurial pitch.
Social networks of Portuguese self-initiated expatriates
Authors: Pinto Luísa  Helena , Araújo Raquel Campos
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the social networks of Portuguese self-initiated expatriates (SIEs), in terms of composition, diversity and roles.

Methodology

– Semi-structured interviews with several Portuguese SIEs from diverse occupations and who were living and working in different locations were conducted, to explore the composition, diversity and roles performed by their social networks.

Findings

– The findings indicate that: first, surveyed Portuguese SIEs had both home and host social networks: while home networks fade over time, host networks were mainly work driven; second, most SIEs had an “anchor contact” prior to the relocation, which assisted in the decision to go abroad and the initial settlement; and third, surveyed Portuguese SIEs purposefully sough “fellow nationals” from a similar social status and background to get feedback and emotional support, while deliberately ignored Portuguese diaspora.

Originality/value

– Following the findings from this exploratory study, several research propositions are outlined highlighting the interactions between SIEs’ social networks at the destination and stereotypes toward their national origin. This study helps understand what shapes the formation of social networks among SIEs.
A New Method in Detecting the Sticky Rice Component in Traditional Chinese Tabia
Authors: Zheng Y. , Zhang H. , Zhang B.‐J. , Yue L.‐H.
Published: January 2016

Tabia was a very popular construction material with high mechanical strength, great tenacity and good impermeability, which was widely used in ancient China. It is one of the greatest inventions of ancient China. Organic additives, such as sticky rice, egg white and sugar, were believed to be added to some tabia, according to many ancient documents. However, the detection of these organic additives is not easy, because the soil and pigments in tabia can interfere with the analytical observations. In this paper, a simple and economical method to detect sticky rice composition in tabia is presented. Starch, the main component of sticky rice, can be extracted by acetic acid aqueous solution, using a microporous membrane filter and an ultrafiltration method to get rid of the interference of soil particles and pigment, and finally it can be detected by an iodine–starch chromogenic reaction. A number of ancient Chinese tabia samples were analysed using this method and starch was found, which proved that sticky rice was added during the preparation process of tabia.
Haemophilia in a real‐world setting: the value of clinical experience in data collection
Authors: Dolan Gerry , Iorio Alfonso , Jokela Vuokko , Juusola Kristian , Lassila Riitta
Published: January 2016

At the 8th Annual Congress of the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) held in Helsinki, Finland, in February 2015, Pfizer sponsored a satellite symposium entitled: ‘Haemophilia in a real‐world setting: The value of clinical experience in data collection’ Co‐chaired by Riitta Lassila (Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland) and Gerry Dolan (Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK); the symposium provided an opportunity to explore the practical value of real‐world data in informing clinical decision‐making. Gerry Dolan provided an introduction to the symposium by describing what is meant by real‐world data (RWD), stressing the role RWD can play in optimising patient outcomes in haemophilia and highlighting the responsibility of all stakeholders to collaborate in continuous data collection. Kristian Juusola (Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland) then provided personal experience as a haemophilia nurse around patient views on adherence to treatment regimes, and how collecting insights into real‐world use of treatment can shape approaches to improving adherence. The importance of elucidating pharmacokinetic parameters in a real‐world setting was then explored by Vuokko Jokela (Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland). Finally, Alfonso Iorio (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) highlighted the importance of quality data collection in translating clinical reality into scientific advances.
The Diagnostic Guideline for Anxiety and Challenging Behaviour for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Preliminary Outcomes on Internalizing Problems, Challenging Behaviours, Quality of Life and Clients' Satisfaction
Authors: Pruijssers Addy , van Meijel Berno , Maaskant Marian , Teerenstra Steven , van Achterberg Theo
Published: January 2016

Background

People with intellectual disabilities are vulnerable to develop psychopathology (in particular anxiety) and related challenging behaviour.

A diagnostic guideline was developed to support professionals to better diagnose and thus treat psychopathology and related CB. This study examined preliminary outcomes from the application of this guideline.

Method

A comparative multiple case study with an experimental and a control condition.

Results

The application of the guideline showed a trend of decreases of internalizing problems (P = 0.07) and anxiety/depressed problems (P = 0.09). We found no statistically significant decreases of externalizing problems and no increases in perceived quality of life as compared with care as usual. Clients were not more satisfied with the support they received for coping with their emotional and behaviour problems.

Conclusion

The application of the Diagnostic Guideline for Anxiety and Challenging Behaviour did not show statistically significant changes in externalizing problems and Quality of Life. Despite the small sample size of n = 59, we did find a trend in decreasing internalizing problems and anxiety/depressed problems. Further research into either or not confirming these trends is recommended.
The impact of breastfeeding peer support for mothers aged under 25: a time series analysis
Authors: Scott Sarah , Pritchard Catherine , Szatkowski Lisa
Published: January 2016

Breastfeeding has known positive health benefits for babies and mothers, yet the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates in Europe. Despite national guidance that recommends provision of breastfeeding peer support, there is conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness, especially in high‐income countries, and a lack of evidence among young mothers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a breastfeeding peer support service (BPSS) in one UK city in increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration in young mothers. Routinely collected data were obtained on feeding method at birth, 2 and 6 weeks for all 5790 women aged <25 registered with a local general practitioner and who gave birth from April 2009 to September 2013. Segmented regression was used to quantify the impact of the introduction of the BPSS in September 2012 on the prevalence of breastfeeding at birth, 2 and 6 weeks, accounting for underlying trends. Results showed that breastfeeding prevalence at birth and 2 weeks began to increase month‐on‐month after the introduction of the BPSS, where previous figures had been static; prevalence at birth increased by 0.55 percentage points per month (95% CI 0.10–1.00, P = 0.018) and at 2 weeks by 0.50 percentage points (95% CI 0.15–0.86, P = 0.007). There was no change from an underlying marginally increasing trend in prevalence at 6 weeks. In conclusion, our findings suggest that a one‐to‐one BPSS provided by paid peer supporters and targeted at young mothers in the antenatal and post‐natal periods may be beneficial in increasing breastfeeding initiation and prevalence at 2 weeks.
A Big Five facet analysis of a psychopath: The validity of the HDS mischievous scale of sub‐clinical psychopathy
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Crump John
Published: January 2016

Around 5,700 British adults completed the NEO‐PI‐R, which measures the Big Five Personality factors at the Domain and the Facet level, as well as the Hogan Development Survey (HDS); measure of Anti‐Social Personality Disorder called Mischievous. Previous work in this field has used clinical measures of psychopathy and either student or patient samples. This sought to validate this measure by comparing NEO facet correlational results with other studies. The Mischievous score from the HDS was the criterion variable in the correlations and multiple regressions. Mischievous people were Disagreeable, Stable, Extraverts, lacking in Conscientiousness. Facet analysis showed them high on Excitement‐seeking but low of Straightforwardness, Anxiety and Deliberation. Limitations are of the study are discussed.
Teacher Mentoring as a Community Effort
Authors: Bradley‐Levine Jill , Lee Jean Sangmin , Mosier Gina
Published: January 2016

This article presents the findings from a study of a mentoring program for novice mathematics and science teachers, which was provided by their teacher education program. This study reports the findings of interviews with novice math and science teachers, their mentors, and the mentoring program administrators to explore stakeholder perceptions of mentoring support. Findings suggest the importance of using multiple mentoring strategies to develop, support, and retain high‐quality math and science teachers in the teaching profession. This study contributes to what is known about the role that teacher education programs may play in mentoring novice math and science teachers who have graduated from their programs.
Nonlinear Bending Analysis of First-Order Shear Deformable Microscale Plates Using a Strain Gradient Quadrilateral Element
Authors: Ansari R. , Faghih Shojaei M. , Shakouri A. H. , Rouhi H.
Published: January 2016

Based on Mindlin's strain gradient elasticity and first-order shear deformation plate theory, a size-dependent quadrilateral plate element is developed in this paper to study the nonlinear static bending of microplates. In comparison with the classical first-order shear deformable quadrilateral plate element, the proposed element needs 15 additional nodal degrees-of-freedom (DOF) including derivatives of lateral deflection and rotations with respect to coordinates, which means a total of 20DOFs per node. Also, the developed strain gradient-based finite-element formulation is general so that it can be reduced to that on the basis of modified couple stress theory (MCST) and modified strain gradient theory (MSGT). In the numerical results, the nonlinear bending response of microplates for different boundary conditions, length-scale factors, and geometrical parameters is studied. It is revealed that by the developed nonclassical finite-element approach, the nonlinear behavior of microplates with the consideration of strain gradient effects can be accurately studied.
Tensile Flow Behavior of 9Cr–2WVTa Reduced-Activation Ferritic/Martensitic Steel
Authors: Najafi Hamidreza
Published: January 2016

Tensile flow behavior of 9Cr–2WVTa ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel in normalized-tempered condition has been studied based on Voce equation over the temperature range of 25–600 °C. Yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) decrease with increase in temperature. However, the elongation decreases with increase in temperature up to 400 °C and then increases beyond 400 °C. True stress–true plastic strain curves at all temperatures are adequately described by the Voce equation. While saturation stress (σs) decreases with temperature, the rate at which the stress approaches the saturation value (nV) increases with temperature. The variation of the stress increment up to saturation stress (σun) with temperature shows a plateau in the temperature range of 200–400 °C. Moreover, the product of σun and nV (σun·nV) is inversely proportional to the elongation. The relation of elongation to σun·nV can be described by a power law with the exponent of −1.63.