bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron transfer from organic dyes to reduced graphene oxide studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Gan Zhixing , Guo Junhong , Di Yunsong , Li Rongrong , Huang Shisong
Published: February 2016

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets are widely used as electron acceptors in energy‐conversion processes and optoelectronic devices. Therefore, it is of great significance to research the electron transfer (ET) between dyes and rGO. Herein, steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of rGO at different temperatures were measured. At low ratios of RhB to rGO, the emission kinetics reveals that ca. 37.22% of the electrons at excited states of RhB transfer to rGO at room temperature. Also, with the temperature rising, the ET rate slows down while the amount of transferring electrons first increases then decreases. The process of the ET matches well with the Marcus theory of electron–vibration coupling. At high ratios of RhB to rGO, the ET is explained by the model of activation energy. The ET occurs faster at higher temperature.
Capacitance‐voltage characteristic of Ga‐ and N‐polar AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Peng Daqing , Li Zhonghui , Li Chuanhao , Zhang Dongguo , Li Liang , Dong Xun , Pan Lei , Luo Weike
Published: February 2016

Ga‐ and N‐polar AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were designed and epitaxially grown on Si‐ and C‐face SiC substrates by MOCVD. The Capacitance‐voltage characteristics of the two structures were investigated by C‐V profile and drift‐diffusion simulations. The N‐polar structure shows double channels, while the electron concentration in the second channel is one order of magnitude lower than that in the first channel. Energy band diagrams and charge distributions were studied. The second channel is formed in AlN/AlGaN interface with electrons spilling over from the first channel when adequate negative voltage was applied on the schottky contact. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neutronographic characterization of II‐VI cubic crystals highly doped by 3d ions: on possible tendencies to structure rearrangements in the sphalerite crystal lattice
Authors: Surkova Tatiana , Maksimov Veniamin , Dubinin Sergey , Lopez‐Rivera Santos Adan
Published: February 2016

Fine features of the crystal structure of Zn0.9Ni0.1S, Zn0.9V0.1Se, Zn0.95Fe0.05Se semiconductor cubic single crystals have been characterized by neutron scattering at room temperature. It has been revealed that neutron‐diffraction scans of the single crystals, in addition to intense Bragg reflections of face‐centered cubic phase, contain a complex system of diffuse scattering maxima, included superstructure reflections. The superstructure diffuse maxima are found placed on reciprocal lattice knots corresponding with the wave vectors q = (1/3 1/3 1/3) 2π/ac (ac is the cubic lattice parameter), which is interpreted as a manifestation of pretransition state. It is proposed that the revealed destabilized structure state means pretransition of reconstructive structure transformation from the cubic phase to the hexagonal phase. Strong perturbations caused by 3d ions doping lead to a collective response of the cubic lattice of the II‐VI matrices, displacing atomic planes in shears, and tend to induce the transformation. Such a complicated structure state determines nonuniform deformation field supporting possibilities to form long‐wave superstructures. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ZnTe layers on R ‐ and S ‐plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Nakasu Taizo , Hattori Shota , Kizu Takeru , Sun Wei‐Che , Kazami Fukino , Hashimoto Yuki , Kobayashi Masakazu , Asahi Toshiaki
Published: February 2016

ZnTe epilayers were grown on R ‐plane ($ 10 \bar 1 4 $) and S ‐plane ($ 10 \bar 1 1 $) sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy, and the crystal orientation and the optical property were studied. The crystal orientation of ZnTe layers on sapphire substrates was studied using X‐ray diffraction pole figure measurements. It was confirmed that (111)‐oriented domains were formed on the R ‐plane as well as on the S ‐plane substrate. Layers grown on R ‐plane exhibited higher film quality. From the low‐temperature photoluminescence, emissions caused by ZnTe exciton were observed. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Removal of sodium dodecyl sulfate from protein and peptide samples with cross‐linked [Os(dmebpy)2Cl]+/2+‐derivatized acrylamide and vinylimidazole copolymer
Authors: Zhou Jie , Rusnak Felicia
Published: February 2016

Rationale

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is widely used for the solubilization and denaturation of proteins, but it interferes with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), suppressing protein signals or forming adduct ions. A quick and effective clean‐up technique of SDS is essential for MS analysis of proteins. Ion‐exchange spin columns are commonly used for SDS removal in protein samples.

Methods

A bulk sample of insoluble, cross‐linked [Os(dimethylbipyridine)2Cl]+/2+‐derivatized poly(acrylamide)‐poly(vinylimidazole) copolymer was synthesized and broken into small particles. The polymer was activated by washing with 1:1 ACN/water 50 mM triethylammonium phosphate 0.05% TFA, 0.1% TFA ACN and then 0.1% TFA water. Under acidic aqueous conditions, SDS adsorbs on the activated surfaces of the Os‐complexed copolymer particles, but not the proteins and peptides in the same mixtures. Thus, the copolymer can be used to remove SDS from protein and peptide samples. The copolymer‐adsorbed SDS is removed by washing with 0.1% TFA ACN, permitting re‐use of the copolymer.

Results

Standard myoglobin and some practical protein samples from a biochemistry lab spiked with different concentrations of SDS were successfully cleaned up using this Os‐copolymer for LC/MS analyses. Up to 0.2% (w/v %) of SDS can be successfully removed from those protein samples.

Conclusions

This Os‐complexed copolymer provides a new alternative for quick cleanup of SDS from protein samples, and can serve as a new class of metal complex based anion exchanger for protein purification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid strategy using global analysis of oxidized fatty acids and bioconversion by Bacillus circulans
Authors: Sanaki Takao , Inaba Yoko , Fujiwara Takuji , Yoshioka Takeshi , Matsushima Keisuke , Minagawa Kazuyuki , Higashino Kenichi , Nakano Toru , Numata Yoshito
Published: February 2016

Rationale

Targeted oxidized fatty acid analysis has been widely used to understand the roles of fatty acids in the development of diseases. However, because of the extensive structural diversity of fatty acids, it is considered that unknown lipid metabolites will remain undetected. Here, to discover and identify unknown lipid metabolites in biological samples, a global analytical system and a method of synthesizing lipid standards were investigated.

Methods

Oxidized fatty acids in mouse lung tissues were extracted using mixed‐mode spin columns. Separation was achieved via ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometric (MS) analysis was conducted in full scan mode using a Q Exactive Plus instrument equipped with an electrospray ionization probe, and structure analysis was carried out by high‐resolution data‐dependent tandem mass spectrometry (dd‐MS2). In addition, lipid standards, which are not commercially available, were synthesized by bioconversion using Bacillus circulans.

Results

Oxidized fatty acids in mouse lung tissues were analyzed by high‐resolution accurate‐mass analysis, and multiple unknown molecules were discovered and tentatively identified using high‐resolution dd‐MS2. Among these molecules, 21‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (21‐HDoHE) and 22‐HDoHE, which are not commercially available, were synthesized by bioconversion. By comparing the exact masses, retention times, and characteristic fragment ions of the synthesized standards, 21‐HDoHE and 22‐HDoHE were definitively identified in the mouse lung tissue.

Conclusions

Our strategy of global analysis and bioconversion can be used for the discovery and identification of unknown lipid molecules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacteriophage cell lysis of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli for top‐down proteomic identification of Shiga toxins 1 & 2 using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Zaragoza William J.
Published: February 2016

Rational

Analysis of bacteria by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) often relies upon sample preparation methods that result in cell lysis, e.g. bead‐beating. However, Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can undergo bacteriophage‐induced cell lysis triggered by antibiotic exposure that may allow greater selectivity of the proteins extracted.

Methods

We have developed a sample preparation method for selective extraction of bacteriophage‐encoded proteins and specifically Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 & 2) expressed from STEC strains induced by DNA‐damaging antibiotics. STEC strains were cultured overnight on agar supplemented with ciprofloxacin, mitomycin‐C or an iron chelator to induce the bacteriophage lytic cycle with concomitant expression and release of Stx1 and/or Stx2. Sample preparation relied exclusively on bacteriophage lysis for release Stx into the extraction solution.

Results

Three clinical STEC strains were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐TOF‐MS/MS) and top‐down proteomics analysis: E. coli O157:H7 strain EDL933, E. coli O91:H21 strain B2F1 and E. coli O26:H11 strain ECRC #05.2217. The B‐subunit of Stx1a of EDL933 was detected and identified even though it was ~100‐fold less abundant than the B‐subunit of Stx2a that had been identified previously for this strain. Two bacteriophage‐encoded proteins were also identified: L0117 and L0136. The B‐subunits of Stx2d of strain B2F1 and Stx1a of strain ECRC #05.2217 were also detected and identified.

Conclusions

Bacteriophage lysis appeared to enhance the detection sensitivity of Stx for these STEC strains compared to previous work using mechanical lysis. Detection/identification of other bacteriophage‐encoded proteins (beyond Stx) tends to support the hypothesis of Stx release by bacteriophage cell lysis. Published in 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Real‐time in vitro intravascular reconstruction and navigation for endovascular aortic stent grafting
Authors: Shi Chaoyang , Tercero Carlos , Wu Xianliang , Ikeda Seiichi , Komori Kimihiro , Yamamoto Kiyohito , Arai Fumihito , Fukuda Toshio
Published: February 2016

Background

Trans‐catheter endovascular stent grafting minimizes trauma and increases the benefitting patient population. However, the alignment between stent graft branches and vasculature branches remains time‐consuming and challenging, and such techniques require a significant amount of contrast agent for imaging.

Methods

A new framework for intravascular reconstruction based on sensor fusion between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and electromagnetic (EM) tracking was proposed. A new image processing method was presented to realize fully automatic processing of IVUS imaging and 3D reconstruction in real time, as well as branch detection for alignment and deployment. Complementary navigation using CT data allows for efficient catheter advancement and assistant clinical judgement.

Results

The reconstruction of an in vitro descending aorta phantom with branches was realized at 35 Hz, with cross‐section radius average error of 0.64 mm.

Conclusion

The proposed method demonstrates significant potential for clinical applications, enables navigation for precise alignment and placement for stent grafting to reduce surgical time, and decreases hemorrhagic collisions and the use of contrast agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distance‐based mixture modeling for classification via hypothetical local mapping
Authors: Qiao Mu , Li Jia
Published: February 2016

We propose a new approach for mixture modeling based only upon pairwise distances via the concept of hypothetical local mapping (HLM). This work is motivated by the increasingly commonplace applications involving complex objects that cannot be effectively represented by tractable mathematical entities. The new modeling approach consists of two steps. A distance‐based clustering algorithm is applied first. Then, HLM takes as input the distances between the training data and their corresponding cluster centroids to estimate the model parameters. In the special case where all the training data are taken as cluster centroids, we obtain a distance‐based counterpart of the kernel density. The classification performance of the mixture models is compared with other state‐of‐the‐art distance‐based classification methods. Results demonstrate that HLM‐based algorithms are highly competitive in terms of classification accuracy and are computationally efficient. Furthermore, the HLM‐based modeling approach adapts readily to incremental learning. We have developed and tested two schemes of incremental learning scalable for dynamic data arriving at a high speed.
An extended simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (E‐SART) for X‐ray dual spectral computed tomography
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Zhao Xing , Wang Feng
Published: February 2016

X‐ray dual spectral computed tomography (DSCT) scans the measured object with two different x‐ray energy spectra and the collected polychromatic projections from this procedure can be used to perform basis material decomposition of the object. An iterative method E‐ART was recently proposed to produce highly quantitative basis material images for DSCT, but it has the drawback of slow convergence and huge computational costs. Inspired by the E‐ART method, this paper proposes an extended simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (E‐SART) for the basis material decomposition of DSCT and an accelerating strategy for improve the convergence speed of the iterative reconstruction. Compared with the E‐ART method, the proposed method has much faster convergence rate while at the same time it has better noise suppressing feature. The advantages of this method were verified by experiments in which the FORBILD thorax phantom was iteratively reconstructed from noise‐free and noisy polychromatic projections. SCANNING 38:599–611, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“The most eastern of the West, the most western of the East”: Energy‐transport infrastructures and regional politics of the periphery in Turkey
Authors: Firat Bilge
Published: February 2016

The construction of railroads, highways, pipelines, tunnels, and bridges is a result of an imagined construction of regions and in return helps solidify such imaginations. Critics of the role of technological advancement in fostering social, economic, political, and cultural integration between centers and peripheries argue that many such projects remain as political dreamscapes instead of serving as successful examples of transregional integration. Nevertheless, new political dreamscapes give way to new client networks from the European peripheries, solidified by real material networks of energy and transport. Currently promoting itself as a bridge and energy hub between Europe and Asia, Turkey champions such infrastructural developmentalism. This article examines how some political dreamscapes of energy‐transport infrastructures, which are imagined to connect Eurasia to Europe via Turkey, relate to their actual construction. At a time when hopes for Turkey's political integration with its surrounding regions have waned, I critically interrogate whether economic integration by means of material infrastructures for energy and transport can substitute for political forms of integration.
Strategy, human capital investments, business‐domain capabilities, and performance: a study in the global software services industry
Authors: Chatterjee Joydeep
Published: February 2016

Research summary: In knowledge‐based industries, continuous human capital investments are essential for firms to enhance capabilities and sustain competitive advantage. However, such investments present a dilemma for firms, because human resources are mobile. Using detailed project‐level operational, financial, and human capital data from a leading multinational firm in the global IT services industry, this study finds that deliberate investments in improving general human capital can help firms develop superior capabilities and maintain high profits. This paper identifies two types of capabilities essential for success in this industry—technological and business‐domain capabilities—and provides empirical evidence justifying such investments. Theoretical and practical implications of capability‐seeking general human capital investments are discussed.

Managerial summary: The primary managerial implication of this research is that capability‐seeking investments in developing general human capital through strategic learning (training and internal certifications) can enhance firm performance. Although investing in general human capital is risky, the firm considered this a strategic necessity in order to thrive in the fast paced IT services industry. By leveraging general technological skills in combination with business‐domain knowledge to address customer's business problems firms can earn and sustain higher profits. Our study also demonstrates how a developing‐country firm responded to strong competitive challenge from global rivals possessing superior capabilities by upgrading the capabilities of its employees through internal development. In doing so the firm was able to narrow the capability gap vis‐à‐vis its foreign peers and expand its business globally. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual potential capacity model for reinforced concrete beams subjected to shear
Authors: Lee Deuck Hang , Han Sun‐Jin , Kim Kang Su
Published: February 2016

The shear resistance mechanisms of a reinforced concrete (RC) member with shear reinforcement can be divided into the contributions of the concrete and the shear reinforcement. The shear resistance mechanisms of concrete can be further divided into the shear resistance of the intact concrete in the compression zone, the aggregate interlock in the cracked tension zone and the dowel action of the longitudinal tension reinforcement. The shear demand curves and potential shear capacity curves for both tension and compression zones have been derived in this study, with the assumption that the shear failures of RC members are dominated by the flexural‐shear strength. The shear capacity model was also proposed on this basis. In the proposed model, the crack width and the local stress increase in reinforcement were calculated based on the bond behaviour between the reinforcement and its surrounding concrete. Further, the crack concentration factor was introduced to consider the formation and propagation of the critical shear crack that developed from the flexural cracks. The results of a total of 1,018 shear tests were collected and compared with the analysis results provided by the proposed model. It was demonstrated that the proposed model provides a good estimate of the shear strengths of RC beams.
Scenarios of public energy research and development expenditures: financing energy innovation in Europe
Authors: Bointner Raphael , Pezzutto Simon , Sparber Wolfram
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to examine public expenditures for energy R&D in Europe and the resulting energy knowledge stock. After the first oil shock energy R&D became more and more important in Europe. The energy R&D distribution among technologies of the EU member states and the European Commission was similar in the 1980s with a strong focus on nuclear energy. Nowadays, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies are of growing importance. The new program Horizon 2020 is expected to have an equal distribution between nonnuclear and nuclear energy R&D expenditures. The cumulative energy knowledge stock induced by public R&D expenditures amounts to approximately 36 billion EUR in 2013, whereupon the EU member states’ share is more than three times larger than the European Commission's share. The study provides knowledge stock scenarios for the next years under business as usual and changing conditions. According to the scenarios, the knowledge stock will increase to 48.5–55 billion EUR by 2023. For the first time, such comparison between the EU member states’ and the European Commission's R&D expenditures has been performed for a period of more than 30 years, obtaining a clear picture of the induced energy knowledge stock. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:470–488. doi: 10.1002/wene.200

This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy

Energy Research & Innovation > Economics and Policy
Improving the Performance of a Ternary Prussian Blue Analogue as Cathode of Lithium Battery via Annealing Treatment
Authors: Xie Chen‐Chao , Yang Dong‐Hui , Zhong Ming , Zhang Ying‐Hui
Published: February 2016

A ternary prussian blue analogue (V1.07Cu0.35)Fe‐PBA and its annealed derivatives were prepared and investigated for their electrochemical behavior as lithium cathode material. The results indicate that the annealed one prepared at 200 °C under argon protection, though retains similar framework with the as‐prepared one, shows improved capacity (93 mA·h·g–1 at 50 mA·g–1), cycle stability (retaining 86 % of the capacity after 50 cycles) and rate capability, attributable to improved intercalation of Li ions via removing tunnel water from framework.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of trans‐[RhCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Mayer Peter
Published: February 2016

The synthesis and structural characterization of trans‐[RhCl(NO)(PtBu2H)2]BF4 (2) is reported. The title compound could easily be prepared in good yields by a kind of “bridge‐splitting” reaction of [{Rh(μ‐Cl)(PtBu2H)2}2] (1) with an appropriate amount of nitrosonium tetrafluoridoborate in dichloromethane at room temperature. Single crystals of 2 were grown from dichloromethane/diethyl ether and were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography.
Screen time, weight status and the self‐concept of physical attractiveness in adolescents
Authors: Suchert Vivien , Hanewinkel Reiner , Isensee Barbara
Published: February 2016

Adolescents in modern societies spend about 3 h per day in front of small recreational screens. The present study aims at investigating the relationships between screen time and different indicators of overweight. In addition, associations with the self‐concept of physical attractiveness and perceived weight status will be examined. In a total sample of 1228 students (47.5% girls) aged 12–17 years (M = 13.74, SD = 0.68) cross‐sectional associations were determined by conducting multiple linear regression analyses. Screen time showed a significant positive dose–response relationship with body mass index percentile, waist circumference, body fat, waist‐to‐height‐ratio, and a negative association with self‐concept of physical attractiveness independent of age, gender and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Thus, screen time seems to be associated with adolescent overweight, abdominal obesity, and body dissatisfaction. Reducing adolescents' screen time could be a promising approach for primary prevention of obesity and for the promotion of a positive physical self‐concept.
Atrial arrhythmias in inherited arrhythmogenic disorders
Authors: Hasdemir Can
Published: February 2016

Atrial arrhythmias are being increasingly recognized in inherited arrhythmogenic disorders particularly in patients with Brugada syndrome and short QT syndrome. Atrial arrhythmias in inherited arrhythmogenic disorders have significant epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic implications. There has been progress in the understanding of underlying genetic characteristics and the mechanistic link between atrial arrhythmias and inherited arrhythmogenic disorders. Appropriate management of these patients is of paramount importance.
Progress in octahedral spherical hohlraum study
Authors: Lan Ke , Liu Jie , Li Zhichao , Xie Xufei , Huo Wenyi , Chen Yaohua , Ren Guoli , Zheng Chunyang , Yang Dong , Li Sanwei , Yang Zhiwen , Guo Liang , Li Shu , Zhang Mingyu , Han Xiaoying , Zhai Chuanlei , Hou Lifei , Li Yukun , Deng Keli , Yuan Zheng , Zhan Xiayu , Wang Feng , Yuan Guanghui , Zhang Haijun , Jiang Bobin , Huang Lizhen , Zhang Wei , Du Kai , Zhao Runchang , Li Ping , Wang Wei , Su Jingqin , Deng Xuewei , Hu Dongxia , Zhou Wei , Jia Huaiting , Ding Yongkun , Zheng Wanguo , He Xiantu
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we give a review of our theoretical and experimental progress in octahedral spherical hohlraum study. From our theoretical study, the octahedral spherical hohlraums with 6 Laser Entrance Holes (LEHs) of octahedral symmetry have robust high symmetry during the capsule implosion at hohlraum-to-capsule radius ratio larger than 3.7. In addition, the octahedral spherical hohlraums also have potential superiority on low backscattering without supplementary technology. We studied the laser arrangement and constraints of the octahedral spherical hohlraums, and gave a design on the laser arrangement for ignition octahedral hohlraums. As a result, the injection angle of laser beams of 50°–60° was proposed as the optimum candidate range for the octahedral spherical hohlraums. We proposed a novel octahedral spherical hohlraum with cylindrical LEHs and LEH shields, in order to increase the laser coupling efficiency and improve the capsule symmetry and to mitigate the influence of the wall blowoff on laser transport. We studied on the sensitivity of the octahedral spherical hohlraums to random errors and compared the sensitivity among the octahedral spherical hohlraums, the rugby hohlraums and the cylindrical hohlraums, and the results show that the octahedral spherical hohlraums are robust to these random errors while the cylindrical hohlraums are the most sensitive. Up till to now, we have carried out three experiments on the spherical hohlraum with 2 LEHs on Shenguang(SG) laser facilities, including demonstration of improving laser transport by using the cylindrical LEHs in the spherical hohlraums, spherical hohlraum energetics on the SGIII prototype laser facility, and comparisons of laser plasma instabilities between the spherical hohlraums and the cylindrical hohlraums on the SGIII laser facility.
Knee Kinematics and Joint Moments During Stair Negotiation in Participants With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hajizadeh Maryam , Hashemi Oskouei Alireza , Ghalichi Farzan , Sole Gisela
Published: February 2016

Objective

Biomechanical changes have been reported for patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACLD) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL reconstruction) (ACLR), likely due to loss of stability and changes in proprioception and neuromotor control. This review evaluated kinematics and kinetics of ACLD and ACLR knees, compared with those on the contralateral uninjured sides, as well as and those in asymptomatic controls during stair navigation.

Design

This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

Electronic database searches were conducted from their original available dates to January 2015. Studies that included participants with ACLD or ACLR and reported knee joint angles or moments during stair ascent or descent were included.

Methodology

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and the methodological quality of these was assessed with a modified Downs and Black checklist. Effect sizes for differences between injured leg and uninjured contralateral leg or controls were calculated, and meta‐analyses were performed if two or more studies considered the same variable.

Synthesis

Quality assessment showed an average (± standard deviation) of 70.3% ± 7.2%. Meta‐analysis showed less knee flexion at initial contact for ACLR knees compared with that in contralateral knees during stair ascent, with a moderate effect size and minimal heterogeneity. Knees with ACLD showed less peak knee flexion compared with that on contralateral sides during stair ascent, with minimal heterogeneity. External knee flexion moments were lower for ACLR compared with those in controls and contralateral sides during ascent and descent, whereas these moments were decreased for the ACLD compared with controls only during ascent. Meta‐analysis results exhibited moderate/high heterogeneity or small/trivial effect sizes.

Conclusions

Differences for kinematics and kinetics for the ACL‐injured knees indicate long‐term compensatory and asymmetric movement patterns while ascending and descending stairs. Due to the heterogeneity as well as the small numbers of available studies, the consequences of these differences in terms of long‐term function or posttraumatic osteoarthritis need further exploration.
Educación y proyecto vital en un mundo en colapso civilizatorio. Parte II
Authors: Viniegra Velázquez Leonardo
Published: February 2016

Esta parte II está dedicada al proyecto vital entendido como apreciación de la propia experiencia, que orienta y articula nuestras decisiones, acciones y emprendimientos en la consecución de logros y el cumplimiento de propósitos vitales, el cual suele tener en nuestro tiempo un carácter tácito, desdibujado e individualista fomentado por la educación pasiva, que es sintónico con la degradación extrema y la quiebra civilizatoria en curso.Se argumenta cómo la educación participativa al dotar al sentido de la vida de poderosos motivos cognitivos: el conocimiento del sí mismo y del contexto, permite a la experiencia vital de los educandos profundizarlo y concienciar la catástrofe civilizatoria y sus raíces, para actuar en consecuencia al asumir proyectos vitales altruistas basados en la lucha por la dignidad propia y ajena, como eje articulador de las prioridades de vida.El proyecto vital que se propone es una aventura cognitiva suscitada por la educación participativa e influencias análogas, capaz de trascender el individualismo, el consumismo y la pasividad que son los mayores obstáculos en la búsqueda del progreso genuino y de otro mundo posible, donde tenga viabilidad la superación espiritual, intelectual y moral de la condición humana. Tales proyectos suponen un eje rector: la lucha sin término por la dignidad sublimada; una necesidad primaria: vincularse con otras subjetividades afines en la búsqueda de sinergias a contrapelo del orden imperante; una aspiración indeclinable: sociedades incluyentes, pluralistas, deliberativas, igualitarias, justas, solidarias y cuidadosas del ecosistema planetario.
Risk of Avalanche Involvement in Winter Backcountry Recreation: The Advantage of Small Groups
Authors: Zweifel Benjamin , Procter Emily , Techel Frank , Strapazzon Giacomo , Boutellier Roman
Published: February 2016

Objective

Avalanches are the primary hazard for winter backcountry recreationists and cause numerous deaths and injuries annually. Although recreationists usually travel in groups, there is little empirical knowledge on group-related risk factors. This study aims to explore the relative risk of avalanche accidents with respect to group size and to discuss underlying reasons for different risk levels.

Methods

We compared backcountry usage data in regions in Switzerland and Italy with avalanche accident data in these regions.

Results

We found higher avalanche risk for groups of 4 or more people and lower risk for people traveling alone and in groups of 2. The relative risk of group size 4, 5, and 6 was higher compared with the reference group size of 2 in the Swiss and Italian dataset. The relative risk for people traveling alone was not significantly different compared with the reference group size of 2 in the Italian dataset but was lower in the Swiss dataset.

Conclusions

These findings are in accordance with avalanche safety recommendations regarding the higher risk of large groups but not regarding lower risks of people traveling alone in avalanche terrain, which is not recommended and requires great caution. Further studies on backcountry usage are necessary to improve our understanding of human behavior and risk factors. New techniques (eg, video monitoring) may be useful for acquiring reliable data on backcountry usage.
The role of serial physical examinations in the management of angioedema involving the head and neck: A prospective observational study
Authors: Linkov Gary , Cracchiolo Jennifer R. , Chan Norman J. , Healy Megan , Jamal Nausheen , Soliman Ahmed M.S.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To elucidate the progression of angioedema of the head and neck with routine management and to assess the utility of serial physical exams and fiberoptic laryngoscopy in its management.

Methods

This study was a prospective observational research. From 2013 to 2014, a prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. Forty patient were approached, 7 refused, 33 (18–90 years old) were enrolled. Patients presented with angioedema involving the head and neck over a 12 month period were asked to participate in the study. Physical examination and fiberoptic laryngoscopy were performed at presentation and then repeated at least 1 h later.

Results

Thirty‐three patients with head and neck angioedema from any cause were enrolled (mean age 58, range 23–89 years). The upper lip was the most commonly involved site (58%). On reevaluation, 82% of patients reported subjective improvement in symptoms. The association between subjective improvement and the physical exam, including fiberoptic laryngoscopy findings, was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In stable patients with angioedema of any head and neck subsite, self‐reported symptoms are associated with clinical stability or improvement as assessed by physical signs and fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Patients' symptoms may be an appropriate surrogate to monitor clinical status without the need for routine serial physical examinations or fiberoptic laryngoscopy, though further study is needed.
Varieties of Religious Freedom in Japanese Buddhist Responses to the 1899 Religions Bill
Authors: THOMAS Jolyon Baraka
Published: February 2016

Historians have often described early-twentieth-century Japanese Buddhists as ignorant of the importance of religious freedom, myopically focused on their parochial agendas, and sycophantically aligned with the state. Such depictions assume that the attitudes of a minority of elite Buddhist clerics represent majority Buddhist opinion; they also problematically treat religious freedom as a universal principle rather than a historically contingent concept subject to the conflicting claims of competing interest groups. This article highlights the contingency of religious freedom law and the diversity of its interpretation by introducing three discrete attitudes that surfaced in Buddhist responses to a controversial Bill advanced by the Japanese government in December 1899. Tracing differences between statist, corporatist, and latitudinarian interpretations of religious freedom, it shows that religious freedom is never unitary or uniform in any time or place.
LIFE CARE ANNUITIES (LCA) EMBEDDED IN A NOTIONAL DEFINED CONTRIBUTION (NDC) FRAMEWORK
Authors: Pla-Porcel Javier , Ventura-Marco Manuel , Vidal-Meliá Carlos
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the possibility of embedding public long-term care (LTC) insurance within the retirement pension system, i.e. introducing life care annuities into a notional defined contribution framework. To do this, we develop a multistate overlapping generations model that includes the so-called survivor dividend and give special attention to the assumptions made about mortality rates for dependent persons and LTC incidence rates, which largely determine the contribution rate assigned to LTC. The proposed model could be of interest to policymakers because it could be implemented without too much difficulty, it would universalize LTC coverage with a “fixed” cost, and it would discourage politicians from making promises about future LTC benefits without the necessary funding support.
PERCEPTION, HISTORY AND BENEFIT
Authors: Simion Mona
Published: February 2016

In recent literature, several authors attempt to naturalize epistemic normativity by employing an etiological account of functions. The thought is that epistemic entitlement consists in the normal functioning of our belief-acquisition systems, where the latter acquire the function to reliably deliver true beliefs through a history of biological benefit.

This paper's aim is twofold. First, it puts pressure on the main proper functionalist claim; it is argued that a history of positive biological feedback is neither necessary nor sufficient for epistemic justification. Second, I suggest that this problem is sourced in a defect of application of functionalist accounts to epistemic normativity, and I offer a fix.
SEEING IT FOR ONESELF: PERCEPTUAL KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, AND INTELLECTUAL AUTONOMY
Authors: Pritchard Duncan
Published: February 2016

The idea of ‘seeing it for oneself’ is explored. It is claimed that there is something epistemically important about acquiring one's knowledge first-hand via active perception rather than second-hand via testimony (or even via passive perception). Moreover, it is claimed that this kind of active perceptual seeing it for oneself is importantly related to the kind of understanding that is acquired when one possesses a correct and appropriately detailed explanation of how cause and effect are related. In both cases we have a kind of seeing it for oneself – perceptual, intellectual – which serves what is claimed to be a fundamental good:intellectual autonomy. It is argued that this proposal leads to a distinctive view about the goal of inquiry as often being a certain kind of knowledge rather than knowledgesimpliciter. Finally, it is claimed that treating intellectual autonomy as a fundamental good is entirely compatible with granting that there is an important social dimension to our epistemic practices.
INFERENTIALISM AND COGNITIVE PENETRATION OF PERCEPTION
Authors: Lyons Jack C.
Published: February 2016

Cognitive penetration of perception is the idea that what we see (hear, taste, etc.) is influenced by such “cognitive” states as beliefs, expectations, and so on. A perceptual belief that results from cognitive penetration may be less justified than a nonpenetrated one. Inferentialism is a kind of internalist view that tries to account for this by claiming that (a) some experiences are epistemically evaluable, on the basis of why the perceiver has that experience, and (b) the familiar canons of good inference provide the appropriate standards by which experiences are evaluated. I examine recent defenses of inferentialism by Susanna Siegel, Peter Markie, and Matthew McGrath and argue that the prospects for inferentialism are dim.
Impact of Safety-Engineered Devices on the Incidence of Occupational Blood and Body Fluid Exposures Among Healthcare Personnel in an Academic Facility, 2000–2014
Authors: Kanamori Hajime , Weber David J. , DiBiase Lauren M. , Pitman Karen L. , Consoli Stephanie A. , Hill James , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Rutala William A.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Legislative actions and advanced technologies, particularly dissemination of safety-engineered devices, have aided in protecting healthcare personnel from occupational blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the trends in BBFE among healthcare personnel over 15 years and the impact of safety-engineered devices on the incidence of percutaneous injuries as well as features of injuries associated with these devices.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study at University of North Carolina Hospitals, a tertiary care academic facility. Data on BBFE in healthcare personnel were extracted from Occupational Health Service records (2000–2014). Exposures associated with safety-engineered and conventional devices were compared. Generalized linear models were applied to measure the annual incidence rate difference by exposure type over time.

RESULTS

A total of 4,300 BBFE, including 3,318 percutaneous injuries (77%), were reported. The incidence rate for overall BBFE was significantly reduced during 2000–2014 (incidence rate difference, 1.72; P=.0003). The incidence rate for percutaneous injuries was also dramatically reduced during 2001–2006 (incidence rate difference, 1.37; P=.0079) but was less changed during 2006–2014. Percutaneous injuries associated with safety-engineered devices accounted for 27% of all BBFE. BBFE was most commonly due to injecting through skin, placing intravenous catheters, and blood drawing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed significant overall reduction in BBFE and percutaneous injuries likely due in part to the impact of safety-engineered devices but also identified that a considerable proportion of percutaneous injuries is now associated with these devices. Additional prevention strategies are needed to further reduce percutaneous injuries and improve design of safety-engineered devices.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:497–504
Surgical Team Stability and Risk of Sharps-Related Blood and Body Fluid Exposures During Surgical Procedures
Authors: Myers Douglas J. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Epling Carol , Hunt Debra , Richardson William , Smith-Lovin Lynn , Dement John M.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether surgical teams with greater stability among their members (ie, members have worked together more in the past) experience lower rates of sharps-related percutaneous blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE) during surgical procedures.

DESIGN

A 10-year retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A single large academic teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Surgical teams participating in surgical procedures (n=333,073) performed during 2001–2010 and 2,113 reported percutaneous BBFE were analyzed.

METHODS

A social network measure (referred to as the team stability index) was used to quantify the extent to which surgical team members worked together in the previous 6 months. Poisson regression was used to examine the effect of team stability on the risk of BBFE while controlling for procedure characteristics and accounting for procedure duration. Separate regression models were generated for percutaneous BBFE involving suture needles and those involving other surgical devices.

RESULTS

The team stability index was associated with the risk of percutaneous BBFE (adjusted rate ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]). However, the association was stronger for percutaneous BBFE involving devices other than suture needles (adjusted rate ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85–0.99]) than for exposures involving suture needles (0.96 [0.88–1.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater team stability may reduce the risk of percutaneous BBFE during surgical procedures, particularly for exposures involving devices other than suture needles. Additional research should be conducted on the basis of primary data gathered specifically to measure qualities of relationships among surgical team personnel.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:512–518
Attenuation and directional spreading of ocean wave spectra in the marginal ice zone
Authors: Montiel Fabien , Squire V. A. , Bennetts L. G.
Published: February 2016

A theoretical model is used to study wave energy attenuation and directional spreading of ocean wave spectra in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). The MIZ is constructed as an array of tens of thousands of compliant circular ice floes, with randomly selected positions and radii determined by an empirical floe size distribution. Linear potential flow and thin elastic plate theories model the coupled water–ice system. A new method is proposed to solve the time-harmonic multiple scattering problem under a multidirectional incident wave forcing with random phases. It provides a natural framework for tracking the evolution of the directional properties of a wave field through the MIZ. The attenuation and directional spreading are extracted from ensembles of the wave field with respect to realizations of the MIZ and incident forcing randomly generated from prescribed distributions. The averaging procedure is shown to converge rapidly so that only a small number of simulations need to be performed. Far-field approximations are investigated, allowing efficiency improvements with negligible loss of accuracy. A case study is conducted for a particular MIZ configuration. The observed exponential attenuation of wave energy through the MIZ is reproduced by the model, while the directional spread is found to grow linearly with distance. The directional spreading is shown to weaken when the wavelength becomes larger than the maximum floe size.
Consumption of a high-fat meal containing cheese compared with a vegan alternative lowers postprandial C-reactive protein in overweight and obese individuals with metabolic abnormalities: a randomised controlled cross-over study
Authors: Demmer Elieke , Van Loan Marta D. , Rivera Nancy , Rogers Tara S. , Gertz Erik R. , German J. Bruce , Zivkovic Angela M. , Smilowitz Jennifer T.
Published: February 2016

Dietary recommendations suggest decreased consumption of SFA to minimise CVD risk; however, not all foods rich in SFA are equivalent. To evaluate the effects of SFA in a dairy food matrix, as Cheddar cheese, v. SFA from a vegan-alternative test meal on postprandial inflammatory markers, a randomised controlled cross-over trial was conducted in twenty overweight or obese adults with metabolic abnormalities. Individuals consumed two isoenergetic high-fat mixed meals separated by a 1- to 2-week washout period. Serum was collected at baseline, and at 1, 3 and 6 h postprandially and analysed for inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, TNFα, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)), acute-phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid-A (SAA), cellular adhesion molecules and blood lipids, glucose and insulin. Following both high-fat test meals, postprandial TAG concentrations rose steadily (P < 0·05) without a decrease by 6 h. The incremental AUC (iAUC) for CRP was significantly lower (P < 0·05) in response to the cheese compared with the vegan-alternative test meal. A treatment effect was not observed for any other inflammatory markers; however, for both test meals, multiple markers significantly changed from baseline over the 6 h postprandial period (IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNFα, MCP-1, SAA). Saturated fat in the form of a cheese matrix reduced the iAUC for CRP compared with a vegan-alternative test meal during the postprandial 6 h period. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov under NCT01803633.