bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcate modular multilevel converter for low‐modulation‐ratio applications
Authors: Chang Yiran , Cai Xu , Zhang Jianwen , Shi Gang
Published: February 2016

In this study, a novel modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology for low‐modulation applications is proposed. The proposed topology has two three‐phase AC ports and is characterised by its bifurcate arms and phase‐shifted connection on the AC side. Conventional MMCs have been widely used in high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) applications and are able to connect a low‐voltage AC source to a high‐voltage DC source, which makes them useful in applications such as DC/AC distribution systems and DC collection of renewable energy. However, high arm currents and high energy fluctuation caused by low‐modulation ratio will increase converter losses and submodule capacitance. In the proposed bifurcate MMC, each arm has three branches and the branch current is lower than the arm current of the conventional MMC, so the difficulty of designing an MMC with low‐modulation ratio is relieved to some extent. Theoretical analysis proves the stability of bifurcate MMCs and provides reference voltage solutions for each branch. A control scheme for a bifurcate MMC is also proposed, and further analysis shows that the circulating current is naturally suppressed under certain conditions. Detailed simulation is performed based on the RT‐LAB platform and confirms the analysis results.
Analysis and calculation on switching frequency and switching losses of modular multilevel converter with maximum sub‐module capacitor voltage deviation
Authors: Huang Shoudao , Liao Wu , Liu Ping , Tang Weichu , Huang Sheng
Published: February 2016

To reduce switching frequency of modular multilevel converter (MMC), proper sub‐module (SM) capacitor voltage deviations would be allowed in the nearest level control. This study proposes a new method to evaluate the switching frequency and switching losses of MMC with maximum SM capacitor voltage deviation. Switching transitions are presented and then the analytic equations of switching frequency and switching losses are derived based on the definite integration approximate substitution. The factors affecting the switching frequency and losses are summarised. Besides, this study analyses the range of maximum SM capacitor voltage deviation as well. The accuracy of this method is proved by a 46‐level single‐phase MMC under different operating conditions in MATLAB/Simulink. Finally, a 9‐level single‐phase MMC laboratory prototype is also built to validate this method.
Enhanced line commutated converter with embedded fully controlled sub‐modules to mitigate commutation failures in high voltage direct current systems
Authors: Ni Xiaojun , Zhao Chengyong , Guo Chunyi , Liu Hang , Liu Yuchao
Published: February 2016

An enhanced line commutated converter (E‐LCC) with embedded fully controlled sub‐modules (SMs) to mitigate commutation failures (CFs) in high voltage direct current (HVDC) system is proposed in this study. The main feature of E‐LCC is that each arm is composed of thyristor valves and series connected fully controlled SMs. The operation modes and voltage–current stresses of embedded SMs in E‐LCC are studied. Then the control strategy, including the pre‐charging scheme of SMs and the coordination control method between the thyristor valves and the SMs, is presented. On the basis of the derived equivalent commutation circuit of E‐LCC‐based HVDC (E‐LCC‐HVDC), the dynamic characteristics of the commutation process are investigated. Then, the impact of E‐LCC‐HVDC on CFs mitigation is theoretically analysed. To validate the proposed E‐LCC‐HVDC, the simulation study is conducted in the electromagnetic transient simulation program PSCAD/EMTDC. The results show that with the embedded SMs, the proposed E‐LCC‐HVDC has the ability to mitigate the CFs and alleviate the power interruption during the AC faults effectively. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis and the presented control method for E‐LCC‐HVDC are also validated.
Application of multilevel full bridge converters in HVDC multiterminal systems
Authors: Petino Cora , Heidemann Matthias , Eichhoff Daniel , Stumpe Maximilian , Spahic Ervin , Schettler Frank
Published: February 2016

The worldwide demand for flexible transmission grids leads to an increasing interest in high voltage direct current (HVDC)‐voltage source converter systems resulting to the planning of radial and interconnected HVDC multiterminal grids. Since HVDC multiterminal systems have high requirements on control and protection, modular multilevel converter with full bridge (FB) submodules can be applied, preventing the handling of high fault current amplitudes. However, the feasibility of multiterminal HVDC systems utilising FB submodules has to be evaluated against the general background of selective fault handling and velocity of the fault clearing process. These necessary investigations are presented within this contribution, carried out by use of an appropriate simulation model in PSCADtm/ EMTDCtm. Thereby, requirements for protection concepts and protective devices for multiterminal systems can be further formulated. Three different variations of a protection concept have been investigated, which differ in the degree of communication structure between the converter stations and protective devices. These scenarios contain approaches with no communication, minimum communication and full communication.
High‐power modular multilevel converter optimal design for DC/DC converter applications
Authors: Jamshidi Far Ali Akbar , Hajian Masood , Jovcic Dragan , Audichya Yash
Published: February 2016

High power DC/DC converters and DC hubs are required to interconnect the high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) systems with different voltage levels. Low frequency 50/60 Hz modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are known to provide better power quality, higher reliability, and lower switching losses compared to conventional two‐level voltage source converters (VSCs). This study presents the optimal design of an MMC VSC for medium frequency applications suitable for DC/DC converters and DC hubs. The design aims at minimising the MMC total power loss, size, and weight as these are great importance for HVDC converters. The optimal values for the main MMC parameters including cell capacitance, arm inductance, number of cells, and operating frequency are determined using an in depth study carried out in Matlab and PSCAD. The effect of different voltage balancing methods on converter performance is also investigated. It is shown that a number of cells within the range of 20–56 with an operating frequency around 300 Hz/500 Hz for onshore/offshore applications give best trade‐off between converter total loss and overall size and weight.
Design and implementation of the low computational burden phase‐shifted modulation for DC–DC modular multilevel converter
Authors: Chen Yu , Cui Yuqing , Wang Xinying , Wei Xiaoguang , Kang Yong
Published: February 2016

DC–DC modular multilevel converter (DC–DC MMC) with the medium‐frequency or high‐frequency interlinked transformer is an attractive candidate for high‐voltage‐direct‐current system and DC grid. This study proposes the phase‐shifted modulation for DC–DC MMC, aiming to reduce the switching losses, minimise the computational burdens and obtain the satisfactory performance. According to the features of DC–DC MMC, the least but necessary control parameters are extracted, and their control cycles are also properly designed to adapt to the digital implementation. Then, the modulation algorithm is designed and the parameter mapping is realised by the simplest algorithm. Finally, the voltage fluctuations of the submodules (SMs) under such a modulation are predicted off‐line, and the adapted sort‐and‐selection strategy is designed for voltage balance of the SMs. With the proposed modulation, the switching frequencies of all SMs are strictly equivalent to the fundamental frequency; the sampling, parameter mapping and sort‐and‐selection frequencies are also the fundamental frequency. These features alleviate not only the switching loss in the power stage, but also the computational burden in the modulation and control systems. The analysis and design of the proposed modulation will be given in this study, and verified by the experiments.
Operation and control of an insulated gate bipolar transistor‐based current controlling device for power flow applications in multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current grids
Authors: Diab Hatem Yassin , Marei Mostafa Ibrahim , Tennakoon Sarath Bandara
Published: February 2016

One of the main problems that need to be solved to allow the realisation of multi‐terminal high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems is the absence of a practical power flow control method. Industry leaders and researchers have proposed a few methods of power flow control based on either the control of converter station or the connection of new power electronic equipment to the grid. This study presents the operation and control of a three‐port insulated gate bipolar transistor‐based current flow control (CFC) device suitable for multi‐terminal HVDC systems. Key features and functionalities of the proposed controller including the balancing of cable currents, limiting the magnitude of cable current and current nulling are demonstrated. The three‐port CFC was simulated using power system computer aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transient and direct current (EMTDC), network simulation software to evaluate its steady state and dynamic performance. Furthermore, low‐power prototypes are implemented for a two and three‐ports CFC to experimentally validate their different functionalities. Simulation and experimental studies explore the fast dynamic response and the results show that the CFC studied may have a significant role to play in the control of power flows in multi‐terminal high‐voltage DC systems.
Interaction of atomic and low-energy deuterium with tungsten pre-irradiated with self-ions
Authors: Ogorodnikova O. V. , Markelj S. , von Toussaint U.
Published: February 2016

Polycrystalline tungsten (W) specimens were pre-irradiated with self-ions to create identical samples with high density of defects up to ∼2.5 μm near the surface. Then, W specimens were exposed to either thermal atomic deuterium (D) beam with an incident energy of ∼0.2 eV or low energy D plasma with the incident energy varied between 5 and 200 eV at different sample temperatures. Each sample was exposed once at certain temperature and fluence. The D migration and accumulation in W were studied post-mortem by nuclear reaction method. It was shown that the rate of the D to occupy radiation-induced defects increases with increasing the incident energy, ion flux, and temperature. Experimental investigation was accompanied by modelling using the rate-equation model. Moreover, the analytical model was developed and benchmarked against numerical model. The calculations of the deuterium diffusion with trapping at radiation-induced defects in tungsten by analytical model are consistent with numerical calculations using rate-equation model. The data of reflection and penetration of atomic and low-energy D were taking from calculations using molecular dynamics (MD) with Juslin interatomic potentials and a binary collision code TRIM. MD calculations show an agreement with a binary collision code TRIM only in a very narrow range of deuterium energies between 1 and 20 eV. Incorporation of the data of reflection and penetration of deuterium in the macroscopic modelling has been done to verify the range of validity of calculations using MD and binary collision code TRIM by comparison of modelling results with experimental data. Modelling results are consistent with experiments using reflection and penetration data of D obtained from TRIM code for incident ion energy above 1 eV. Otherwise, the parameters obtained from MD should be incorporated in the rate-equation model to have a good agreement with the experiments.
Dose-dependent high-resolution electron ptychography
Authors: D'Alfonso A. J. , Allen L. J. , Sawada H. , Kirkland A. I.
Published: February 2016

Recent reports of electron ptychography at atomic resolution have ushered in a new era of coherent diffractive imaging in the context of electron microscopy. We report and discuss electron ptychography under variable electron dose conditions, exploring the prospects of an approach which has considerable potential for imaging where low dose is needed.
In-situ photopolymerization of monodisperse and discoid oxidized methacrylated alginate microgels in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Wang Shuo , Jeon Oju , Shankles Peter G. , Liu Yuan , Alsberg Eben , Retterer Scott T. , Lee Bruce P. , Choi Chang Kyoung
Published: February 2016

We present a simple microfluidic technique to in-situ photopolymerize (by 365 nm ultraviolet) monodisperse oxidized methacrylated alginate (OMA) microgels using a photoinitiator (VA-086). By this technique, we generated monodisperse spherical OMA beads and discoid non-spherical beads with better shape consistency than ionic crosslinking methods do. We found that a high monomer concentration (8 w/v %), a high photoinitiator concentration (1.5 w/v %), and absence of oxygen are critical factors to cure OMA microgels. This photopolymerizing method is an alternative to current methods to form alginate microgels and is a simpler approach to generate non-spherical alginate microgels.
Variable P supply affects N metabolism in a legume tree, Virgilia divaricata, from nutrient-poor Mediterranean-type ecosystems
Authors: Magadlela Anathi , Vardien Waafeka , Kleinert Aleysia , Steenkamp Emma T. , Valentine Alexander J.
Published: February 2016

Virgilia divaricata Adamson is a forest margin legume that is known to invade the N- and P-poor soils of the mature fynbos, implying that it tolerates variable soil N and P levels. It is not known how the legume uses inorganic N from soil and atmospheric sources under variable P supply. Little is known about how P deficiency affects the root nodule metabolic functioning of V. divaricata and the associated energy costs of N assimilation. This study aimed to determine whether P deficiency affects the metabolic status of roots and nodules, and the impact on the routes of N assimilation in V. divaricata.V. divaricata had reduced biomass, plant P concentration and biological nitrogen fixation during P deficiency. Based on adenylate data, P-stressed nodules maintained their P status better than P-stressed roots. V. divaricata was able to alter C and N metabolism differently in roots and nodules under P stress. This was achieved via internal P cycling by possible replacement of membrane phospholipids with sulfolipids and galactolipids, and increased reliance on the pyrophosphate (PPi)-dependent metabolism of sucrose via UDP-glucose (UDPG) and to fructose-6-phosphate (Fru-6-P). P-stressed roots mostly exported ureides as organic N and recycled amino acids via deaminating glutamate dehydrogenase. In contrast, P-stressed nodules largely exported amino acids. Compared with roots, nodules showed more P conservation during low P supply. The roots and nodules of V. divaricata metabolised N differently during P stress, meaning that these organs may contribute differently to the success of this plant in soils from forest to fynbos.
Cross-cultural integration affects attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS in Australia
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hassan , Dadich Ann
Published: February 2016

Background: The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS represents a significant issue. It can hinder help-seeking behaviours, fracture relationships, conceal prevalence rates and curtail public health initiatives to reduce HIV/AIDS. Culture is known to shape this stigma – it influences how individuals and the communities they represent understand the causes of HIV/AIDS, how it can and should be treated, and how people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) should be regarded. Following recent increases in both HIV/AIDS and cross-cultural migration, this study determines the effect of cross-cultural integration on the tendency to stigmatise PLWHA. Methods: This was achieved by surveying adults who are at the nexus of two dissimilar cultures – adults from the Australian–Iranian community (n = 236). While the Iranian culture is largely collectivistic, the Australian culture is largely individualistic. Results: Survey results indicated the respondents represented a collectivistic (44.1%), transitional (33.5%) or an individualistic (22.4%) culture. Those within the collectivistic culture held the most stigmatising views about PLWHA, supporting coercive policies and reporting they would avoid PLWHA. Those within the individualistic culture held the most positive attitudes. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that movement from a collectivistic to an individualistic culture significantly reduced stigmatising attitudes towards PLWHA. Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the benefits afforded by an individualist culture, particularly for PLWHA. The article concludes with a discussion on the implications associated with these findings, particularly for researchers and practitioners within the health promotion field.
Induction of de novo α-synuclein fibrillization in a neuronal model for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fares Mohamed-Bilal , Maco Bohumil , Oueslati Abid , Rockenstein Edward , Ninkina Natalia , Buchman Vladimir L. , Masliah Eliezer , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: February 2016

Significance

Although it has been established for over 100 years that Lewy bodies (LBs) represent the major pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), we still do not know why these fibrillar intraneuronal inclusions of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein form, or how they contribute to disease progression. One of the major causes underlying this gap in knowledge is the lack of animal models that reproduce the formation of fibrillar LB-like inclusions. In this study, we show that the absence of human α-Syn (hα-Syn) fibrillization into LBs in mice can be attributed to interactions between hα-Syn and its endogenously expressed mouse α-Syn homologue. Moreover, we provide well-characterized primary neuronal and in vivo models that recapitulate the main molecular feature of PD, bona fide α-Syn fibrillization.
Axons provide the secretory machinery for trafficking of voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral nerve
Authors: González Carolina , Cánovas José , Fresno Javiera , Couve Eduardo , Court Felipe A. , Couve Andrés
Published: February 2016

Significance

Regulation of the axonal protein content is fundamental to maintain neural function. The transport of ready-made proteins by fast and slow mechanisms has been extensively studied, but local synthesis may also define the composition of the axon, in particular during adaptation or recovery. Accumulated evidence suggests that a proportion of cytosolic proteins are locally translated, but very little is known about membrane proteins. Our findings show the distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum and secretory organelles in peripheral axons and demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, an autonomous capacity of the axonal biosynthetic system in delivering membrane proteins, namely sodium channels, to the plasma membrane. These results contribute to our understanding of axonal trafficking and may be relevant for axonal regeneration.
Impact of the International Status of the Interpreting Student's Mother Tongues on Training
Authors: Déjean Le Féal Karla
Published: February 2016

Un des facteurs qui exerce une grande influence sur la formation d’interprètes est le statut dont la langue maternelle des étudiants jouit dans les conférences internationales ainsi que la résistance que cette langue est susceptible d’opposer à la tendance croissante à employer l’anglais comme seul moyen de communication. L’article traite de l’incidence du statut de langue de moindre diffusion sur les exigences qualitatives à l’égard de l’interprétation ainsi que sur les besoins quantitatifs en interprètes de cette langue. Les problèmes posés par le “retour” que les interprètes de langues de moindre diffusion sont le plus souvent obligés de pratiquer et l’enseignement de ce retour sont exposés plus en détail.
Foreign Language Translation by a Translator and a Language Learner
Authors: Kim Ryonhee
Published: February 2016

Cette étude porte sur le processus de traduction de L1 en L2(Coréen-Anglais) réalisée par un traducteur professionnel et un étudiant en utilisant la méthode think-aloud.

Il s’agit de mettre en évidence les différences dans l’approche et le processus de traduction entre un professionnel et un non-professionnel. Ils énoncent leurs idées au cours de la traduction qui est enregistrée et analysée. L’analyse révèle des différences importantes entre le traducteur professionnel et l’apprenant en langue étrangère concernant l’unité et la stratégie de traduction.

Le premier traduit spontanément au niveau des phrases. Elle utilise des statégies variées telles que regroupements, paraphrase, réduction de sens, omission, jeu de mot, recherche dans le dictionnaire...etc. Au contraire, l’apprenant a tendance à traduire mot à mot et sa traduction s’approchait davantage du mot à mot. Sa stratégie se limite à une recherche dans le dictionnaire. Le texte produit par le traducteur professionnel est succinct et naturel alors que celui de l’apprenant est plus long, parfois inapproprié et artificiel.

Le résultat final a été examiné en relation avec le processus observé. Il semble qu’ travail médiocre dépendant du dictionnaire produit une traduction trop littérale. Les résultats de cette étude peuvent être utilisés dans l’enseignement de la traduction. La traduction du sens doit être encouragée en amenant les étudiants à traduire à un niveau plus élaboré qu’un simple mot à mot, au moins par groupes de mots, tout en utilisant le dictionnaire de manière plus sélective. Des stratégies variées doivent être requises. Avant tout la confiance en soi semble être la clé du développement de la traduction.
L’exposé en Langue Étrangére Un cours d'appoint aux cours d'interprétation1
Authors: Ouvrard Gilles
Published: February 2016

In translation schools, mastery of foreign languages is an entrance prerequisite and a basic criterion for graduation. But, in practice, the degree of mastery may differ depending upon the languages concerned since “distant” languages are more difficult to master than “close” ones. This could be a factor contributing to failure at the end of the program for some students. Although, strictly speaking, teaching the language itself does not have to be part of the curriculum, language enhancement remains necessary for all students, especially in the context of a “distant” language. While training has to concentrate on the acquisition of translation skills per se, additional courses aimed at language enhancement may be beneficial as well. There is a course currently offered at the Graduate School of Interpretation and Translation at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea, focusing on students’ oral presentations of selected topics in French as foreign language, and placing emphasis on spontaneous oral expression and delivery. This paper gives a description of the course and of resulting observations.
“If you please, sir...”
Authors: Nord Christiane
Published: February 2016

Les formes d’adresse sont les marqueurs de la fonction phatique comme on peut le voir dans le cadre des salutations ou des bavardages. Il convient ainsi de supposer que les orateurs utilisent des styles conventionnels particuliers afin de rendre leur discours plus naturel ou acceptable auprès de leur public. Si ces styles sont spécifiques à une culture particulière, les traducteurs devront décider s’ils vont les « apprivoiser » pour les rendre conformes aux normes de la culture d’arrivée ou s’ils vont les reproduire tels qu’ils sont dans le texte de départ avec les traits de « l’exotisme ». Après avoir défini et classé les fomes et les fonctions d’adresse en général, cet article tend à explorer les différences concernant la forme, la fréquence et la distribution des comportements d’adresse dans les oeuvres de fiction contemporaines espagnoles, anglaises et allemandes ainsi que dans ses traductions.
Louis Zukofsky and The West Wing
Authors: Abend-David Dror
Published: February 2016

Cet article utilise la traduction dans le but de mettre en évidence quelques malaises moraux majeurs ancrés dans la réalité quotidienne d'une culture américaine en apparence hétérogène et dont la prétention est de considérer que "tous les hommes sont semblables». La discussion porte sur deux types de relations. L'un concerne la relation oedipienne tourmentée et inquiétante existant entre les personnages de la Maison Blanche dans la série télévisée américaine « West Wing » , à savoir le Directeur de la Communication Toby Ziegler et le Président des Etats-Unis Josiah Bartlet. Le second est la relation intense et instable entre l'Amérique du moderniste Ezra Pound et son disciple juif au caractère obstiné , Louis Zukofsky. Tant dans le cas fictionnel de Toby Ziegler que dans celui non-fictionnel de Louis Zukofsky, la traduction apparaît telle que la langue et la culture des communautés immigrées se font sentir, soit dans le texte imprimé soit dans les sous-titres. Plus important encore, la traduction ne survient pas, comme Walter Benjamin le fait valoir, dans un " style linguistique plus élevé et plus pur», mais plutôt dans un style populaire, soulignant par làmême d'importantes différences culturelles souvent passées sous silence dans le discours dominant. Ainsi, l'article traite des représentations complexes des deux ensembles de relations dans les textes, ainsi que de la réalité tout aussi complexe de la politique américaine, en particulier après la récente élection du président Barack Obama.
Current State and Challenges of Interpreter Education in Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim-González Noraini
Published: February 2016

L’enseignement et la formation jouent un rôle très important dans la professionnalisation d’une occupation (Cordero, 1994; Grossman, 2002; Pöchhacker, 2004; Schmitz, 1988; Schubert, 1988; Tseng, 1992). Alors que ces deux processus sont étroitement liés, ils diffèrent sous l’angle des procédés, de la précision, du contenu et de l’échelle de temps (Buckley & Caple, 2004; Kenny & Reid, 1986). Il faut tenir compte de ces différences dans la planification et l’approche pédagogique des programmes d’enseignement théorique et de formation pratique des interprètes, notamment pour satisfaire les besoins du marché d’interprétation et pour assurer que ses exigences soient satisfaites au moyen d’un enseignement et d’une formation pratique efficaces (Pöchhacker, 2004; Tseng, 1992) L’Universiti Sains Malaysia est la seule institution universitaire en Malaisie qui offre un diplôme (B.A.) en traduction et interprétation. Cet exposé analyse la structure du programme, le nombre de candidats, l’intérêt que portent les étudiants à la profession d’interprète, l’infrastructure et les ressources d’enseignement et d’apprentissage, les problèmes et les contraintes liés à l’enseignement de l’interprétation en el diplôme, enfin, suggère des pistes pour améliorer l’enseignement de l’interprétation en Malaisie.
Doing a Double Take on Note-Taking
Authors: Lim Hyang-Ok
Published: February 2016

Un des éléments clés de l'interprétation consécutive est la prise de notes. Les étudiants interprètes éprouvent souvent des difficultés à se trouver un style qui leur convienne et qui leur réussisse. Les instructeurs donnent généralement des lignes directrices, mais ne dispensent pas d' « enseignement » propre à la prise de notes. Le but de cet article est d'examiner deux séries de notes prises par les mêmes étudiants sur la base d'un même texte, lu à l'occasion des examens de mi-session et finaux du semestre. Les notes seront examinées et analysées pour voir s'il y a eu des changements ou des évolutions dans le style de prise de notes des étudiants. En outre, afin de les aider dans l'analyse de leurs notes, le même texte a été lu à cinq interprètes expérimentés et leurs notes ont été comparées à celles des étudiants.

En outre, afin de les aider dans l'analyse de leurs notes, le même texte a été lu à cinq interprètes expérimentés et leurs notes ont été comparées à celles des étudiants.
Contribution of deformation-induced martensite to fracture appearance of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Das A.
Published: February 2016

Fracture surface commonly carries the evidence of high-energy (ductile/tough) and low-energy (brittle) regions involved in fracture history, the macroscopic appearance of a fracture surface has often been utilised to qualitatively evaluate toughness of materials. For metastable austenitic stainless steels (AISI 304LN), the degree of martensitic transformation affects the fracture appearance and thus depends critically on the strain rate. The two dimensional ductile tearing ridge pattern quantified from many tensile fractographs are observed to predict the nature of disparity in deformation and fracture responses with systematic variation in strain rate of the steel under ambient atmosphere. The spatial distribution of deformation-induced martensite under tension at various stress/strains and strain rates strongly influences void nucleation, growth, coalescence and hence, keeps the impression on the ductile tearing ridge morphologies and dimple geometries on the fracture surface, where the initial inclusion content was constant.
Efficiency of Two-Way Weirs and Prepositioned Electrofishing for Sampling Potamodromous Fish Migrations
Authors: Favrot Scott D. , Kwak Thomas J.
Published: February 2016

Potamodromy (i.e., migration entirely in freshwater) is a common life history strategy of North American lotic fishes, and efficient sampling methods for potamodromous fishes are needed to formulate conservation and management decisions. Many potamodromous fishes inhabit medium-sized rivers and are mobile during spawning migrations, which complicates sampling with conventional gears (e.g., nets and electrofishing). We compared the efficiency of a passive migration technique (resistance board weirs) and an active technique (prepositioned areal electrofishers; [PAEs]) for sampling migrating potamodromous fishes in Valley River, a southern Appalachian Mountain river, from March through July 2006 and 2007. A total of 35 fish species from 10 families were collected, 32 species by PAE and 19 species by weir. Species richness and diversity were higher for PAE catch, and species dominance (i.e., proportion of assemblage composed of the three most abundant species) was higher for weir catch. Prepositioned areal electrofisher catch by number was considerably higher than weir catch, but biomass was lower for PAE catch. Weir catch decreased following the spawning migration, while PAEs continued to collect fish. Sampling bias associated with water velocity was detected for PAEs, but not weirs, and neither gear demonstrated depth bias in wadeable reaches. Mean fish mortality from PAEs was five times greater than that from weirs. Catch efficiency and composition comparisons indicated that weirs were effective at documenting migration chronology, sampling nocturnal migration, and yielding samples unbiased by water velocity or habitat, with low mortality. Prepositioned areal electrofishers are an appropriate sampling technique for seasonal fish occupancy objectives, while weirs are more suitable for quantitatively describing spawning migrations. Our comparative results may guide fisheries scientists in selecting an appropriate sampling gear and regime for research, monitoring, conservation, and management of potamodromous fishes.
The inhibitory effect of soybean and soybean isoflavone diets on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Nagano Takao , Wu Woruna , Tsumura Kazunobu , Yonemoto-Yano Hiroko , Kamada Tomoari , Haruma Ken
Published: February 2016

Murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is one of the most frequently used animal models of human allergic contact dermatitis. We investigated the inhibitory effects of soybean and soy isoflavone (SI) diets on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene- (DNFB) induced CHS in mice. The DNFB-induced ear swelling was inhibited in the soy- and SI-treated groups. Histopathological investigations revealed that oral feeding of soybean and SI attenuated ear tissue edema and reduced the number of Gr-1+ cell infiltrations into ear tissues. DNA microarray analysis showed that the expression of Ccl24, Xcl1, Ifng, and Ccl17 in the ear tissues was lower in the soy-treated mice than in the positive controls. In addition, CCL24 mRNA and protein expression in the ear tissues were more highly suppressed in the soy- and SI-treated groups. These results suggest that soybean and SI consumption downregulated the gene and protein expression of CCL24, thereby affording protection against CHS in mice.
Host-derived glycans serve as selected nutrients for the gut microbe: human milk oligosaccharides and bifidobacteria†
Authors: Katayama Takane
Published: February 2016

Lactation is a common feeding strategy of eutherian mammals, but its functions go beyond feeding the neonates. Ever since Tissier isolated bifidobacteria from the stool of breast-fed infants, human milk has been postulated to contain compounds that selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in intestines. However, until relatively recently, there have been no reports to link human milk compound(s) with bifidobacterial physiology. Over the past decade, successive studies have demonstrated that infant-gut-associated bifidobacteria are equipped with genetic and enzymatic toolsets dedicated to assimilation of host-derived glycans, especially human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Among gut microbes, the presence of enzymes required for degrading HMOs with type-1 chains is essentially limited to infant-gut-associated bifidobacteria, suggesting HMOs serve as selected nutrients for the bacteria. In this study, I shortly discuss the research on bifidobacteria and HMOs from a historical perspective and summarize the roles of bifidobacterial enzymes in the assimilation of HMOs with type-1 chains. Based on this overview, I suggest the co-evolution between bifidobacteria and human beings mediated by HMOs.
Moduli spaces and macromolecules
Authors: Penner R.
Published: February 2016

Techniques from moduli spaces are applied to biological macromolecules. The first main result provides new a priori constraints on protein geometry discovered empirically and confirmed computationally. The second main result identifies up to homotopy the natural moduli space of several interacting RNA molecules with the Riemann moduli space of a surface with several boundary components in each fixed genus. Applications to RNA folding prediction are discussed. The mathematical and biological frameworks are surveyed and presented from first principles.
Distributional Effects of Crop Insurance Subsidies
Authors: Lusk Jayson L.
Published: February 2016

This article investigates the distributional effects of the subsidized crop insurance program in the United States. An equilibrium displacement model is constructed, linking the supply of disaggregate farm commodities with final consumer food demands. Using state‐specific data on farm commodity production, crop insurance payments, food expenditures, and federal tax payments, the welfare effects of the removal of the premium subsidies for crop insurance are calculated for each state in the United States. Results indicate that the removal of the premium subsidy for crop insurance would have resulted in aggregate net economic benefits of $622, $932, and $522 million in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. The deadweight loss amounts to about 9.6%, 14.4%, and 8.0% of the total crop insurance subsides paid to agricultural producers in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. In aggregate, removal of the premium subsidy for crop insurance reduces farm producer surplus and consumer surplus, with taxpayers being the only aggregate beneficiary. The findings reveal that the costs of such farm policies are often hidden from food consumers in the form of a higher tax burden. On a disaggregate level, there is significant variation in effects of removal of the premium subsidy for crop insurance across states. Agricultural producers in several Western states, such as California, Oregon, and Washington, are projected to benefit from the removal of the premium subsides for crop insurance, whereas producers in the Plains States, such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and Kansas, are projected to be the biggest losers.
God, Ancient Israel
Authors: Bonfiglio Ryan
Published: February 2016

In the Hebrew Bible, the term “God” (Hebrew ʾĕlōhîm or ʾĕlôah; Aramaic ʾĕlāh) typically indicates the supreme deity of ancient Israel. Biblical authors refer to this deity using a wide range of titles, descriptive terms, and metaphors that bring to light God’s various roles, activities, and attributes. God’s personal name, Yahweh, is revealed in theophany (Exod 3:13–15), is invoked in priestly blessings (Num 6:24–26), and introduces most prophetic oracles (“thus says the LORD”). This name must be treated with the utmost reverence (Deut 5:11), and in later Jewish tradition, it cannot even be uttered. Although many biblical texts make a sharp distinction between Yahweh and certain Canaanite deities (especially Baal), it is likely that the Israelite concept of divinity emerged from a Canaanite background and shared numerous common features with it, such as the belief in a divine council and the notion of God as a Divine Warrior. The earliest forms of Israelite religion did not exclude the belief in, or worship of, other deities, perhaps even a goddess (Asherah). More exclusive forms of monotheism probably emerged near the end of the monarchic period, if not later. The notion that Israel’s God is inherently invisible, immaterial, and uncircumscribable might be implied by the second commandment of the Decalogue. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the worship of Yahweh was not always and everywhere purely aniconic. Due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the topic, biblical scholars approach the study of ancient Israel’s God from a diversity of methodological perspectives (literary, historical, sociological, etc.) and use data gleaned from various sources (the Hebrew Bible, comparative ancient Near Eastern (ANE) texts, iconographic materials, and archaeological artifacts). In addition, the study of the nature, character, and activity of ancient Israel’s God is central to the whole task of Old Testament theology and is crucial for understanding the Jewish background of the New Testament.
Political Learning and Socialization
Authors: Thies Cameron
Published: February 2016

Political Learning and Political Socialization are two concepts in international relations and foreign policy that attempt to get at the cognitive and social dynamics present in the international system. Both concepts require interplay across multiple levels of analysis and a focus on agency inherent in different types of actors. Both have involved the importation of theory from other disciplines, including psychology, sociology, social psychology, and others. Yet, as with all theoretical imports, scholars of international relations have adapted them to their subject matter, albeit imperfectly at times. This article provides a general overview of past and current developments in the application of political learning and political socialization to international affairs.
Chinese Nationalism
Authors: Carrico Kevin
Published: February 2016

The rise of nationalism in China in recent decades, following the reform-era decline of Maoism as a source of legitimization for the Party-state, is a commonly cited narrative in both academic studies and media reports. Yet references to nationalism as a causal factor in Chinese politics and society leave unanswered the question of precisely what this concept of “nationalism” means. Examining the Chinese phrase for nationalism, minzu-zhuyi, composed of the concept minzu (nation, nationality, ethnicity) and the characters zhuyi or “-ism,” sheds light on the meaning of nationalism in this cultural and political context. We can see here four primary aspects of nationalism: (i) the national project, composed of delineating a geographical space labeled as China and building a Chinese state to rule over this geo-body; (ii) national identity, referring to the cultivation and contestation of a particular vision of the Chinese nation and a corresponding sense of “Chineseness”; (iii) nationalist sentiment, composed of antagonistic and even xenophobic and racist emotions toward other groups or nations and the corresponding affective investment in the idea of China; and (iv) relations between nationalities (i.e., ethnicities) and the place of minority nationalities within the Chinese nation-state. Yet these reflections on the multiple levels and meanings of nationalism in China open up as many questions as they answer. Is national identity a new or ancient phenomenon in China? Where does contemporary nationalist sentiment come from—the state, the public, intellectuals, globalization, or external provocations? Is nationalism inculcated in a top–down manner by the state, or is it growing from the bottom–up as a popular movement potentially opposed to the state, or both? How is nationalism manifested in thought and practice—a cornerstone of contemporary Chinese politics, a fleeting set of emotions activated occasionally by media incitement, or just one factor among many for understanding the dynamics of contemporary Chinese politics and society? What are its effects, and what are its implications for the future—hindering political change or integrating public opinion into state policy? and Leading toward more confident engagement with the world or toward growing conflict in East Asia? To begin to provide answers to these questions, the studies cited below view Chinese nationalism from a variety of historical, political, cultural, and ethnological perspectives, extending from the transition from empire to nation-state at the end of the Qing Dynasty to reform-era issues of identity, political contestation, popular culture, international relations, and ethnic relations within the Chinese nation-state.
Insight Into Resistance Phenotypes of Emergent Non 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Type Pneumococci Isolated From Invasive Disease After 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Implementation in France
Authors: Janoir Claire , Lepoutre Agnès , Gutmann Laurent , Varon Emmanuelle
Published: February 2016

Background.  In 2010, the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), containing 6 additional serotypes including the multidrug-resistant 19A, replaced the PCV7 in France. This study aimed at analyzing trends in antibiotic resistance in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) isolates in France after PCV13 introduction.

Methods.  A total of 5243 pneumococci isolated from IPD in 2008–2009 (late PCV7 era) and 2011–2012 (PCV13 era) were studied according to their serotype and antibiotic resistance profile. Multilocus sequence typing analysis was performed on strains of the predominant serotypes (12F and 24F) isolated from young children.

Results.  Overall, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance decreased in France (−21.5% for penicillin from 2008–2009 to 2011–2012), mainly driven by the decline of the 19A serotype. Among non-PCV13 serotypes that concomitantly emerged, serotypes 12F, 24F, 15A, and 35B were consistently associated with resistance to 1 or more antibiotics. In children under 2 years, serotypes 15A, 35B, and 24F accounted together for 37.8% and 31.9% of penicillin-nonsusceptible and erythromycin-resistant isolates, respectively. Chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole resistance were mainly associated with serotypes 12F and 24F, respectively. Genetic analysis showed that although emergence of serotype 12F pneumococci resulted from the expansion of various pre-existing lineages, increase in serotype 24F was related to the clonal expansion of the ST162 penicillin-susceptible cotrimoxazole-resistant lineage.

Conclusions.  We showed that decline of PCV13-related IPD was associated with a decline in antibiotic resistance in France, but that it likely favored the spread of several resistant nonvaccine serotypes. However, antibiotic resistance does not seem to be the only element that may drive this phenomenon.
Educational Value Units: A Mission-Based Approach to Assigning and Monitoring Faculty Teaching Activities in an Academic Medical Department
Authors: Regan Linda , Jung Julianna , Kelen Gabor D.
Published: February 2016

Problem

Increasing emphasis on revenue generation could jeopardize the fundamental notion of what it means to be faculty. Despite being a core mission, education is often marginalized in academic medical departments, and expectations of faculty effort in this area are often vague. A potential solution is mission-based budgeting (MBB), which refers to the allocation of resources based on core-mission-related priorities.

Approach

From December 2012 to March 2013, the authors developed an educational value unit (EVU) system (using an MBB approach) to assign and monitor teaching activities related to the core departmental educational mission at the Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine. EVUs were based on learner contact time, with one EVU equal to roughly one hour of in-person time with medical students or residents. Core education faculty vetted the proposed system; educational leaders determined the total EVUs needed and assessed the impact of their equitable distribution among faculty; and faculty members selected preferences and were assigned EVU obligations.

Outcomes

For academic year 2013–2014, 5,896 EVUs were distributed among 54 faculty. At the end of the year, complete EVU data were available for 47 faculty. Of these, only 6 failed to complete their assigned EVU obligations. All core teaching activities were covered, and educational efforts were distributed more equitably across faculty.

Next Steps

The system is being refined, with an emphasis on incorporating learner outcome metrics, refining the teaching grid, incorporating failure to meet EVU obligations into yearly faculty evaluations, and disseminating the system to other departments and institutions.
The Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center: A Unique Model for Educating Medical Trainees and Providing Expedited Care
Authors: Serrao Richard A. , Orlander Jay D.
Published: February 2016

In this article, the authors reexamine the Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) model, which uniquely combines the education of trainees with the care of referred patients at one Veterans Affairs medical center. As an ambulatory clinic with an inpatient mind-set, the ADTC uses a series of closely spaced outpatient appointments that are longer than typical ambulatory visits, offering a VIP-level of evaluation with the patient-centered goal of expedited diagnosis and treatment. Faculty triage patients by weighing factors such as urgency, educational value, complexity, and instability of diseases in conjunction with the resources, availability, and appropriateness of other services within the medical center.

The ADTC’s unique focus on the education of trainees in comparison with other clinical rotations is evident in the ratio of learning to patient care. This intensive training environment expects postgraduate year 2 and 3 internal medicine residents and fourth-year medical students to read, reflect, and review literature daily. This mix of education and care delivery is ripe for reexploration in light of recent calls for curriculum reform amidst headlines exposing delays in veterans’ access to care.

A low-volume, high-intensity clinic like the ADTC can augment the clinical services provided by a busy primary care and subspecialty workforce without losing its emphasis on education. Other academic health centers can learn from this model and adapt its structure in settings where accountable care organizations and education meet.