bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sendai viroplexes for epidermal growth factor receptor‐directed delivery of interleukin‐12 and salmosin genes to cancer cells
Authors: Kim Jung Seok , Kim Min Woo , Jeong Hwa Yeon , Kang Seong Jae , Park Sang Il , Lee Yeon Kyung , Kim Hong Sung , Kim Keun Sik , Park Yong Serk
Published: May 2016

Background

The effective delivery of therapeutic genes to target cells has been a fundamental goal in cancer gene therapy because of its advantages with respect to both safety and transfection efficiency. In the present, study we describe a tumor‐directed gene delivery system that demonstrates remarkable efficacy in gene delivery and minimizes the off‐target effects of gene transfection.

Methods

The system consists of a well‐verified cationic O,O′‐dimyristyl‐N‐lysyl glutamate (DMKE), Sendai virus fusion (F) protein and hemagglutinin–neuraminidase (HN) protein, referred to as cationic Sendai F/HN virosomes. To achieve tumor‐specific recognition, anti‐epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor antibody was coupled to the surface of the virosomes containing interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and/or salmosin genes that have potent anti‐angiogenetic functions.

Results

Among the virosomal formulations, the anti‐EGF receptor (EGFR) viroplexes, prepared via complexation of plasmid DNA (pDNA) with cationic DMKE lipid, exhibited more efficient gene transfection to tumor cells over‐expressing EGF receptors compared to the neutrally‐charged anti‐EGFR virosomes encapsulating pDNA. In addition, the anti‐EGFR viroplexes with IL‐12 and salmosin genes exhibited the most effective therapeutic efficacy in a mouse tumor model. Especially when combined with doxorubicin, transfection of the two genes via the anti‐EGFR viroplexes exhibited an enhanced inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis in lungs.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that anti‐EGFR viroplexes can be utilized as an effective strategy for tumor‐directed gene delivery. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of clinical pathogenic herpes simplex virus 1 strains with enzymatically created siRNA pools
Authors: Paavilainen Henrik , Lehtinen Jenni , Romanovskaya Alesia , Nygårdas Michaela , Bamford Dennis H. , Poranen Minna M. , Hukkanen Veijo
Published: May 2016

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen causing severe diseases such as encephalitis, keratitis, and neonatal herpes. There is no vaccine against HSV and the current antiviral chemotherapy fails to treat certain forms of the disease. Here, we evaluated the antiviral activity of enzymatically created small interfering (si)RNA pools against various pathogenic HSV strains as potential candidates for antiviral therapies. Pools of siRNA targeting 0.5–0.8 kbp of essential HSV genes UL54, UL29, or UL27 were enzymatically synthesized. Efficacy of inhibition of each siRNA pool was evaluated against multiple clinical isolates and laboratory wild type HSV‐1 strains using three cell lines representing host tissues that support HSV‐1 replication: epithelial, ocular, and cells that originated from the nervous system. The siRNA pools targeting UL54, UL29, and UL27, as well as their equimolar mixture, inhibited HSV replication, with the pool targeting UL29 having the most prominent antiviral effect. In contrast, the non‐specific control siRNA pool did not have such an effect. Moreover, the UL29 pool elicited only a minimal innate immune response in the HSV‐infected cells, thus evidencing the safety of its potential clinical use. These results are promising for the development of a topical RNA interference approach for clinical treatment of HSV infection. J. Med. Virol. 88:2196–2205, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological and sedimentary responses to ice mass interaction during the last deglaciation
Authors: Chiverrell Richard C. , Burke Matthew J. , Thomas Geoffrey S.P.
Published: May 2016

During decline of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) down‐wasting of ice meant that local sources played a larger role in regulating ice flow dynamics and driving the sediment and landform record. At the Last Glacial Maximum, glaciers in north‐western England interacted with an Irish Sea Ice Stream (ISIS) occupying the eastern Irish Sea basin (ISB) and advanced as a unified ice‐mass. During a retreat constrained to 21–17.3 ka, the sediment landform assemblages lain down reflect the progressive unzipping of the ice masses, oscillations of the ice margin during retreat, and then rapid wastage and disintegration. Evacuation of ice from the Ribble valley and Lancashire occurred first while the ISIS occupied the ISB to the west, creating ice‐dammed lakes. Deglaciation, complete after 18.6–17.3 ka, was rapid (50–25 m a−1), but slower than rates identified for the western ISIS (550–100 m a−1). The slower pace is interpreted as reflecting the lack of a calving margin and the decline of a terrestrial, grounded glacier. Ice marginal oscillations during retreat were probably forced by ice‐sheet dynamics rather than climatic variation. These data demonstrate that large grounded glaciers can display complex uncoupling and realignment during deglaciation, with asynchronous behaviour between adjacent ice lobes generating complex landform records.
Challenges to the Development of Strategic Procurement: A Meta‐Analysis of Organizations in the Public and Private Sectors
Authors: White Gareth R.T. , Parfitt Scott , Lee Chris , Mason‐Jones Rachel
Published: May 2016

Enabling the development of strategic procurement has long been recognized as contributing to an effective organization, but companies in both the public and private sector still seem to find it challenging, and there appears to be a systemic Cycle of Impotence.
Developing Entrepreneurial Resilience in the UK Tourism Sector
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave
Published: May 2016

Resilience toward social as well as business costs is important in decision‐making for owners of lifestyle‐oriented firms.
The utility of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging during robotic adrenalectomy
Authors: Colvin Jennifer , Zaidi Nisar , Berber Eren
Published: May 2016

Background and Objectives

Indocyanine green (ICG) has been used for medical imaging since 1950s, but has more recently become available for use in minimally invasive surgery owing to improvements in technology. This study investigates the use of ICG florescence to guide an accurate dissection by delineating the borders of adrenal tumors during robotic adrenalectomy (RA).

Methods

This prospective study compared conventional robotic view with ICG fluorescence imaging in 40 consecutive patients undergoing RA. Independent, non‐blinded observers assessed how accurately ICG fluorescence delineated the borders of adrenal tumors compared to conventional robotic view.

Results

A total of 40 patients underwent 43 adrenalectomies. ICG imaging was superior, equivalent, or inferior to conventional robotic view in 46.5% (n = 20), 25.6% (n = 11), and 27.9% (n = 12) of the procedures. On univariate analysis, the only parameter that predicted the superiority of ICG imaging over conventional robotic view was the tumor type, with adrenocortical tumors being delineated more accurately on ICG imaging compared to conventional robotic view.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of ICG to guide the dissection and removal of adrenal tumors during RA. A simple reproducible method is reported, with a detailed description of the utility based on tumor type, approach and side. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:153–156. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Update on the Clinical Utility of the Children's Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory
Authors: McKinnon Anna , Smith Patrick , Bryant Richard , Salmon Karen , Yule William , Dalgleish Tim , Dixon Clare , Nixon Reginald D. V. , Meiser‐Stedman Richard
Published: May 2016

The Children's Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (CPTCI) is a self‐report questionnaire that measures maladaptive cognitions in children and young people following exposure to trauma. In this study, the psychometric properties of the CPTCI were examined in further detail with the objective of furthering its utility as a clinical tool. Specifically, we investigated the CPTCI's discriminant validity, test‐retest reliability, and the potential for the development of a short form of the measure. Three samples (London, East Anglia, Australia) of children and young people exposed to trauma (N = 535; 7–17 years old) completed the CPTCI and a structured clinical interview to measure posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms between 1 and 6 months following trauma. Test‐retest reliability was investigated in a subsample of 203 cases. The results showed that a score in the range of 46 to 48 on the CPTCI was indicative of clinically significant appraisals as determined by the presence of PTSD. The measure also had moderate‐to‐high test‐retest reliability (r = .78) over a 2‐month period. The Children's Post‐Traumatic Cognitions Inventory‐Short Form (CPTCI‐S) had excellent internal consistency (α = .92), and moderate‐to‐high test‐retest reliability (r = .78). The examination of construct validity showed the model had an excellent fitting factor structure (Comparative Fit index = 0.95, Tucker‐Lewis index = 0.91, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .07). A score ranging from 16 to 18 was the best cutoff point on the CPTCI‐S, in that it was indicative of clinically significant appraisals as determined by the presence of PTSD. Based on these results, we concluded that the CPTCI is a useful tool to support the practice of clinicians and that the CPTCI‐S has excellent psychometric properties.
Structured decision making for managing pneumonia epizootics in bighorn sheep
Authors: Sells Sarah N. , Mitchell Michael S. , Edwards Victoria L. , Gude Justin A. , Anderson Neil J.
Published: May 2016

Good decision‐making is essential to conserving wildlife populations. Although there may be multiple ways to address a problem, perfect solutions rarely exist. Managers are therefore tasked with identifying decisions that will best achieve desired outcomes. Structured decision making (SDM) is a method of decision analysis used to identify the most effective, efficient, and realistic decisions while accounting for values and priorities of the decision maker. The stepwise process includes identifying the management problem, defining objectives for solving the problem, developing alternative approaches to achieve the objectives, and formally evaluating which alternative is most likely to accomplish the objectives. The SDM process can be more effective than informal decision‐making because it provides a transparent way to quantitatively evaluate decisions for addressing multiple management objectives while incorporating science, uncertainty, and risk tolerance. To illustrate the application of this process to a management need, we present an SDM‐based decision tool developed to identify optimal decisions for proactively managing risk of pneumonia epizootics in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Montana. Pneumonia epizootics are a major challenge for managers due to long‐term impacts to herds, epistemic uncertainty in timing and location of future epizootics, and consequent difficulty knowing how or when to manage risk. The decision tool facilitates analysis of alternative decisions for how to manage herds based on predictions from a risk model, herd‐specific objectives, and predicted costs and benefits of each alternative. Decision analyses for 2 example herds revealed that meeting management objectives necessitates specific approaches unique to each herd. The analyses showed how and under what circumstances the alternatives are optimal compared to other approaches and current management. Managers can be confident that these decisions are effective, efficient, and realistic because they explicitly account for important considerations managers implicitly weigh when making decisions, including competing management objectives, uncertainty in potential outcomes, and risk tolerance. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Avian occupancy response to oak woodland and savanna restoration
Authors: Vander Yacht Andrew L. , Keyser Patrick D. , Buehler David A. , Harper Craig A. , Buckley David S. , Applegate Roger D.
Published: May 2016

Oak (Quercusspp.) woodlands and savannas throughout the Mid‐South, USA have become closed‐canopy forests through succession in the absence of fire, contributing to declines in disturbance‐dependent avian species. Restoration could ameliorate these trends, but effects of such management practices on avian communities of the Mid‐South are poorly understood. We implemented an experiment on the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee with treatments involving fall (Oct) or spring (Mar) fire with woodland (14 m2/ha) or savanna (7 m2/ha) residual basal area and unmanaged control stands (20 ha each). We conducted fixed‐radius point counts 3 times annually (2010–2012) and analyzed trends in naïve occupancy for 41 species. For 20 species with adequate data (10 early‐, 10 late‐successional), we performed multiple‐season, robust‐design occupancy modeling and accounted for detection bias. We then used mixed‐model polynomial regression to define relationships between occupancy and measures of live and dead basal area, midstory density, and herbaceous groundcover. Restoration substantially altered forest structural characteristics but did not affect the occupancy of most late‐successional species. In contrast, the presence of early‐successional species increased as live basal area decreased and herbaceous groundcover increased. Only 3 of 41 species (hooded warbler [Setophaga citrina], ovenbird [Seiurus aurocapilla], and worm‐eating warbler [Helmitheros vermivorum]) exhibited reduced occupancy as woodland and savanna conditions were approached. The presence of all other species, including 13 regionally and 2 continentally declining, remained constant or increased as restoration progressed. Woodland conditions of 10 m2/ha live basal area and 20% herbaceous groundcover maximized occupancy of early‐successional species with little consequences for late‐successional species. Proceeding further toward savanna conditions negatively affected species associated with lower strata of mature‐forests but further increased the presence of some early‐successional species. Midstory density and dead basal area were poor predictors of occupancy and thus may be necessary but not sufficient in promoting early‐successional species. Our results suggest implementing oak woodland and savanna management in the Mid‐South could benefit disturbance‐dependent birds of high conservation priority with minimal negative impacts on the presence of late‐successional species. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Mechanisms for Imparting Conductivity to Nonconductive Polymeric Biomaterials
Authors: Patton Alexander J. , Poole‐Warren Laura A. , Green Rylie A.
Published: May 2016

Traditionally, conductive materials for electrodes are based on high modulus metals or alloys. Development of bioelectrodes that mimic the mechanical properties of the soft, low modulus tissues in which they are implanted is a rapidly expanding field of research. Many polymers exist that more closely match tissue mechanics than metals; however, the majority do not conduct charge. Integrating conductive properties via incorporation of metals and other conductors into nonconductive polymers is a successful approach to producing polymers that can be used in electrical interfacing devices. When combining conductive materials with nonconductive polymer matrices, there is often a tradeoff between the electrical and mechanical properties. This review analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of approaches involving coating or layer formation, composite formation via dispersion of conductive inclusions through polymer matrices, and in situ growth of a conductive network within polymers.

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Polymer–Graphene Nanocomposite Materials for Electrochemical Biosensing
Authors: Sobolewski Peter , Piwowarczyk Magdalena , Fray Mirosława El
Published: May 2016

Biosensing is an important and rapidly developing field, with numerous potential applications in health care, food processing, and environmental control. Polymer–graphene nanocomposites aim to leverage the unique, attractive properties of graphene by combining them with those of a polymer matrix. Molecular imprinted polymers, in particular, offer the promise of artificial biorecognition elements. A variety of polymers, including intrinsically conducting polymers (polyaniline, polypyrrole), bio‐based polymers (chitosan, polycatechols), and polycationic polymers (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), polyethyleneimine), have been utilized as matrices for graphene‐based nanofillers, yielding sensitive biosensors for various biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules.

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Fabrication of Dendrimer‐Based Polyion Complex Submicrometer‐Scaled Structures with Enhanced Stability under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Naoyama Kenshiro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki , Kishimura Akihiro
Published: May 2016

Submicrometer‐scaled (subμ‐) self‐assembled materials have been developed based on polyion complex (PIC) formation, in particular for biomedical‐applications. However, sufficient stability under physiological conditions is required for their practical use. In this study, PIC formation behavior is examined using a block aniomer, poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(aspartic acid), and homocatiomers, poly(l‐lysine) (LPK) and dendritic poly(l‐lysine) (DPK) with different generations, to elucidate the contribution of the dendritic architecture to stability enhancement. LPK‐based PIC shows a subμ‐vesicular structure only at 25 °C in the absence of NaCl; in contrast, DPK‐based PIC forms a subμ‐structure under physiological salt concentration and temperature conditions, even when the number of charges of a single molecule is much smaller than that of LPK. Moreover, the formation of subμ‐vesicular and ‐spherical micellar structures is dependent on DPK generation. Thus, the molecular backbone architecture of the PIC component plays an important role not only in expanding the preparation conditions and enhancing stability, but also in controlling the self‐assembled structures, mainly due to the spatially restricted structures of dendrimers.

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Interrater reliability of electrodiagnosis in neonatal brachial plexopathy
Authors: Spires Mary Catherine , Brown Spencer M. , Chang Kate Wan‐Chu , Leonard James A. , Yang Lynda J‐S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: We investigated interrater reliability of overall assessment of nerve root lesions by electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). Methods: Two blinded, board‐certified reviewers retrospectively reviewed de‐identified EDX data from 37 infants with NBPP for 2005–2012. Only nerve conduction and electromyography needle data were included. The examiners independently assigned 1 of 4 nerve root lesion categories: (1) pre‐ganglionic lesion (avulsion), (2) post‐ganglionic lesion (rupture), (3) normal, or (4) “unable to determine.” Simple percentage agreement, the Cohen kappa statistic representing interrater reliability for each nerve root (C5–T1), and overall kappa between examiners were evaluated. Results: Interrater reliabilities were substantial to almost perfect for each nerve root except C5. Considering all nerve roots, overall interrater reliability was substantial (kappa = 0.62); simple percentage agreement was 75% (138/185). Conclusions: Interrater reliability of nerve root assessment by EDX for infants with NBPP was high for C6–T1 root levels, but less reliable for C5 because of technical factors. Muscle Nerve 55: 69–73, 2017
Instability of the finite‐difference split‐step method applied to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. III. external potential and oscillating pulse solutions
Authors: Lakoba Taras I.
Published: May 2016

This is the final part of a series of articles where we have studied numerical instability (NI) of localized solutions of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (gNLS). It extends our earlier studies of this topic in two ways. First, it examines differences in the development of the NI between the case of the purely cubic NLS and the case where the gNLS has an external bounded potential. Second, it investigates how the NI is affected by the oscillatory dynamics of the simulated pulse. The latter situation is common when the initial condition is not an exact stationary soliton. We have found that in this case, the NI may remain weak when the time step exceeds the threshold quite significantly. This means that the corresponding numerical solution, while formally numerically unstable, can remain sufficiently accurate over long times, because the numerical noise will stay small. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 633–650, 2017
Hematologic Response to Vorinostat Treatment in Relapsed Myeloid Leukemia of Down Syndrome
Authors: Scheer Carina , Kratz Christian , Witt Olaf , Creutzig Ursula , Reinhardt Dirk , Klusmann Jan‐Henning
Published: May 2016

Children with Down syndrome are at high risk to develop myeloid leukemia (ML‐DS). Despite their excellent prognosis, children with ML‐DS particularly suffer from severe therapy‐related toxicities and for relapsed ML‐DS the cure rates are very poor. Here we report the clinical course of one child with ML‐DS treated with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) after second relapse. The child had previously received conventional chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, yet showed a remarkable clinical and hematologic response. Thus, HDAC inhibitor may represent an effective class of drugs for the treatment of ML‐DS.
Research Progress of Graphene‐Based Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Le‐Ying , Zhao Li‐Fen , He Hai‐Feng , Shao Xiao‐Yu , Fang Guan‐Biao , Wan Zhen‐Gao , Zeng Rong‐Chang
Published: May 2016

Nowadays, rubber nanocomposites filled with graphene are endowed with promising future, because graphene has unique and outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. This article summarizes the preparation and functionalization of graphene, and introduces the preparation, properties, and the latest achievement of graphene/rubber nanocomposites. Meanwhile it draws conclusions about factors that influence the properties of graphene‐based rubber composites. Finally, it gives the outlook and prospect about the development of graphene‐based rubber nanocomposites in future. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1006–1022, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure and properties of polymer nanocomposite films with carbon nanotubes and graphene
Authors: Radmilović Vuk V. , Carraro Carlo , Uskoković Petar S. , Radmilović Velimir R.
Published: May 2016

In this report, we demonstrate a simple fabrication route for polyvinyl butyral (PVB)‐based nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and graphene. In spite of insufficient percolation threshold due to low concentration of carbonaceous nanofillers, in the amount of 1 wt%, significant improvement of electrical and mechanical properties with negligible deterioration of optical properties for the polymer PVB matrix can be achieved. Both hardness and modulus increase and electrical resistivity and transmittance decrease in this order: PVB + multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) ⇒ PVB + single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) ⇒ PVB + graphene. The largest values of reduced modulus and hardness are observed for the PVB + graphene nanocomposite, obtained by nanoindentation. Transmittance is ∼84%, 86%, 89%, and 91% at 370 nm, and at 550 nm is ∼84%, 88%, 90%, and 92%, for PVB + graphene, PVB + MWCNT, PVB + SWCNT, and pure PVB, respectively. The highest resistivity of 4 × 104 Ωcm is exhibited by the PVB + MWCNT nanocomposite while the lowest, 1.9 × 103 Ωcm, is exhibited by the PVB + graphene. Nanocomposite films are fabricated by a simple processing route using ultrasonic mixing and spin coating. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E490–E497, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
MALDI mass spectrometry imaging: A cutting‐edge tool for fundamental and clinical histopathology
Authors: Longuespée Rémi , Casadonte Rita , Kriegsmann Mark , Pottier Charles , Picard de Muller Gaël , Delvenne Philippe , Kriegsmann Jörg , De Pauw Edwin
Published: May 2016

Histopathological diagnoses have been done in the last century based on hematoxylin and eosin staining. These methods were complemented by histochemistry, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular techniques. Mass spectrometry (MS) methods allow the thorough examination of various biocompounds in extracts and tissue sections. Today, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), and especially matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging links classical histology and molecular analyses. Direct mapping is a major advantage of the combination of molecular profiling and imaging. MSI can be considered as a cutting edge approach for molecular detection of proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, lipids, and small molecules in tissues. This review covers the detection of various biomolecules in histopathological sections by MSI. Proteomic methods will be introduced into clinical histopathology within the next few years.
CO2 capture by Li‐functionalized silicene
Authors: Zhu Jiajie , Chroneos Alexander , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: May 2016

CO2 capture and storage technology is of key importance to reduce the greenhouse effect. By its large surface area and sp3 hybridization, Li‐functionalized silicene is demonstrated to be a promising CO2 absorbent that is stable up to at least 500 K and has a very high storage capacity of 28.6 mol/kg (55.7 wt%). The adsorption energy of CO2 on Li‐functionalized silicene is enhanced as compared to pristine silicene, to attain an almost ideal value that still facilitates easy release. In addition, the band gap is found to change sensitively with the CO2 coverage. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A bug reproduction approach based on directed model checking and crash traces
Authors: Nayrolles Mathieu , Hamou‐Lhadj Abdelwahab , Tahar Sofiène , Larsson Alf
Published: May 2016

Reproducing a bug that caused a system to crash is an important task for uncovering the causes of the crash and providing appropriate fixes. In this paper, we propose a novel crash reproduction approach that combines directed model checking and backward slicing to identify the program statements needed to reproduce a crash. Our approach, named JCHARMING (Java CrasH Automatic Reproduction by directed Model checkING), uses information found in crash traces combined with static program slices to guide a model checking engine in an optimal way. We show that JCHARMING is efficient in reproducing bugs from 10 different open source systems. Overall, JCHARMING is able to reproduce 80% of the bugs used in this study in an average time of 19 min. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is the data on your wearable device secure? An Android Wear smartwatch case study
Authors: Do Quang , Martini Ben , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond
Published: May 2016

The increasing convergence of wearable technologies and cloud services in applications, such as health care, could result in new attack vectors for the ‘Cloud of Things’, which could in turn be exploited to exfiltrate sensitive user data. In this paper, we analyze the types of sensitive user data that may be present on a wearable device and develop a method to demonstrate that they can be exfiltrated by an adversary. To undertake this study, we select the Android Wear smartwatch operating system as a case study and, specifically, the Samsung Gear Live smartwatch. We present a technique that allows an adversary to exfiltrate data from smartwatches. Using this technique, we determine that the smartwatch stores a relatively large amount of sensitive user data, including SMS messages, contact information, and biomedical data, and does not effectively protect this user data from physical exfiltration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical shear displacement theory: on the way to extending the scope of shear design and assessment for members without shear reinforcement
Authors: Yang Yuguang , den Uijl Joop , Walraven Joost
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a new theory for the shear capacity of reinforced concrete members without shear reinforcement. While recognizing that there are multiple failure mechanisms, the theory attributes the opening of a critical flexural shear crack as the lower bound of the shear capacity. It proposes that the shear displacement of an existing flexural crack can be used as the criterion for the unstable opening of the critical flexural shear crack. Based on the theory, the paper presents a simplified shear evaluation model. Compared with the current shear provisions in the design codes, the model is characterized by good accuracy and a solid physical background. It demonstrates a great flexibility for dealing with complex design conditions. As an example, the paper discusses the possibility of extending the theory to the shear resistance of higher‐strength concrete. The suggested method provides a more logical and fluent transition from normal‐ to high‐strength concrete and shows good agreement with experimental observations.
From soil to sea: the role of groundwater in coastal critical zone processes
Authors: Sawyer Audrey H. , Michael Holly A. , Schroth Andrew W.
Published: May 2016

Near coasts, surface water–groundwater interactions control many biogeochemical processes associated with the critical zone, which extends from shallow aquifer to vegetative canopy. For example, submarine groundwater discharge delivers a significant fraction of weathering products such as silica and calcium to the world's oceans. Owing to changing fertilizer and land use practices, submarine groundwater discharge is also responsible for high nitrogen loads that drive eutrophication in marine waters. Submarine groundwater discharge is generally unmonitored due to its heterogeneous and diffuse spatial patterns and complex temporal dynamics. Here, we review the physical processes that drive submarine groundwater discharge at various spatial and temporal scales and highlight examples of interdependent critical zone processes. Like the inland critical zone, the coastal critical zone is undergoing rapid change in the Anthropocene. Disturbances include warming air and sea temperatures, sea‐level rise, increasing storm severity, increasing nutrient and contaminant inputs, and ocean acidification. In a changing world, it is more important than ever to understand complex feedbacks between dynamic surface water‐groundwater interaction, rocks, and life through long‐term monitoring efforts that extend beyond inland rivers to coastal groundwater. WIREs Water 2016, 3:706–726. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1157

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Science of Water > Water Quality
Resonances from QCD bound states and the 750 GeV diphoton excess
Authors: Kats Yevgeny , Strassler Matthew J.
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Pair production of colored particles is in general accompanied by production of QCD bound states (onia) slightly below the pair-production threshold. Bound state annihilation leads to resonant signals, which in some cases are easier to see than the decays of the pair-produced constituents. In a previous paper (arXiv:1204.1119) we estimated the bound state signals, at leading order and in the Coulomb approximation, for particles with various spins, color representations and electric charges, and used 7 TeV ATLAS and CMS resonance searches to set rough limits. Here we update our results to include 8 and 13 TeV data. We find that the recently reported diphoton excesses near 750 GeV could indeed be due to a bound state of this kind. A narrow resonance of the correct size could be obtained for a color-triplet scalar with electric charge −4/3 and mass near 375GeV, if (as a recent lattice computation suggests) the wave function at the origin is somewhat larger than anticipated. Pair production of this particle could have evaded detection up to now. Other candidates may include a triplet scalar of charge 5/3, a triplet fermion of charge −4/3, and perhaps a sextet scalar of charge −2/3.
Mediastinal Adiposity Influences the Technical Difficulty of Thoracic Procedure in Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: Okamura Akihiko , Watanabe Masayuki , Kurogochi Takanori , Imamura Yu , Nishida Koujiro , Mine Shinji
Published: May 2016

Background

Obesity is considered to influence the difficulty of surgery. However, whether mediastinal adiposity influences the difficulty of the thoracic procedure in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) remains unclear.

Methods

Computed tomography volumetry was performed in 142 patients who underwent MIE between 2012 and 2014. We measured abdominal visceral fat area (AVFA) at the umbilicus level and mediastinal fat area (MFA) at the tracheal carina level. The influence of MFA on the difficulty of the thoracic procedure was assessed using the thoracic procedure duration as a parameter, and the effect of MFA on morbidity after MIE was assessed.

Results

MFA was significantly smaller than AVFA (p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between them (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between MFA and thoracic procedure duration (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that MFA was independently correlated with prolonged thoracic procedure duration (p < 0.01). Regarding postoperative complications associated with the thoracic procedure, there were no significant differences in MFA between patients with or without pneumonia and those with or without chylothorax. Patients who experienced recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) had greater MFA than those who did not (p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis revealed that MFA was a significant predictor of the occurrence of RLNP (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Although the extent of mediastinal adiposity was much lesser than that of abdominal visceral adiposity, it could be a predictor of the difficulty of the thoracic procedure as well as the risk of RLNP in MIE.
Singularly perturbed equations of degenerate type
Authors: Araújo Damião J. , Ricarte Gleydson C. , Teixeira Eduardo V.
Published: May 2016

This work is devoted to the study of nonvariational, singularly perturbed elliptic equations of degenerate type. The governing operator is anisotropic and ellipticity degenerates along the set of critical points. The singular behavior is of order

\text{O}\left(\frac{1}{\epsilon }\right)

along
ϵ
-level layers

\{u_{\epsilon } \sim \epsilon \}

, and a non-homogeneous source acts in the noncoincidence region

\{u_{\epsilon } > \epsilon \}

. We obtain the precise geometric behavior of solutions near
ϵ
-level surfaces, by means of optimal regularity and sharp geometric nondegeneracy. We further investigate Hausdorff measure properties of
ϵ
-level surfaces. The analysis of the asymptotic limits as the
ϵ
parameter goes to zero is also carried out. The results obtained are new even if restricted to the uniformly elliptic, isotropic setting.
A higher dimensional Poincaré–Birkhoff theorem for Hamiltonian flows
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Ureña Antonio J.
Published: May 2016

We propose an extension to higher dimensions of the Poincaré–Birkhoff Theorem which applies to Poincaré time-maps of Hamiltonian systems. Examples of applications to pendulum-type systems and weakly-coupled superlinear systems are also given.
Challenges in Testosterone Measurement, Data Interpretation, and Methodological Appraisal of Interventional Trials
Authors: Trost Landon W. , Mulhall John P.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Male hypogonadism is a common condition, with an increasing body of literature on diagnosis, implications, and management. Given the significant variability in testosterone (T) from a physiologic and assay perspective, a thorough understanding of factors affecting T values and study methodology is essential to interpret reported study outcomes appropriately. However, despite the large number of publications on T, there are no reference materials consolidating all relevant and potentially confounding factors necessary to interpret T studies appropriately.

Aims

To create a resource document that reviews sources of T variability, free vs total T, assay techniques and questionnaires, and study methodology relevant to interpreting outcomes.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed of all the T literature published on T variability, assay techniques, and T-specific questionnaires. Results were summarized in the context of their impact on interpreting T literature outcomes and methodology.

Main Outcome Measures

Effect of various factors on T variability and their relevance to study methodology and outcomes.

Results

Several factors affect measured T levels, including aging, circadian rhythms, geography, genetics, lifestyle choices, comorbid conditions, and intraindividual daily variability. The utility of free T over total T is debatable and must be compared using appropriate threshold levels. Among various assay techniques, mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis are gold standards. Calculated empirical estimates of free T also are commonly used and accepted. Hypogonadism-specific questionnaires have limited utility in screening for hypogonadism, and their role as objective end points for quantifying symptoms remains unclear. Numerous aspects of study methodology can directly or indirectly affect reported outcomes, including design (randomized, prospective, retrospective), duration, populations studied (age, comorbid conditions), low T threshold, therapeutic agent used, objective measurements and end points selected, and statistical interpretation.

Conclusion

Critical appraisal of the T literature requires an understanding of numerous factors resulting in T variability, study design and methodology, and limitations of assay techniques and objective measurement scales.
Experimental investigation of flowfield over an iced aerofoil
Authors: Manshadi M.D. , Esfeh M.K.
Published: May 2016

Wind-tunnel measurements were used to study the characteristics of the unsteady separation bubbles on a NACA 0015 aerofoil with simulated two-dimensional leading-edge glaze ice accretions. The unsteadiness present in the iced-aerofoil flowfield was determined using measurements of the time-dependent aerofoil surface pressure distribution at Reynolds number of 1.0 × 106. Additionally, the unsteady flow features were investigated through the power spectrum of the stream-wise velocity fluctuations using a hot-wire anemometry. The results showed that the highest value of root-mean-square fluctuation of the surface pressure consistently occurred upstream of the mean shear-layer reattachment location. Spectral analysis of stream-wise velocity fluctuations near reattachment location revealed evidence of the regular frequency at Strouhal numbers of 0.5-0.63. Moreover, the low-frequency oscillations associated with shear-layer flapping was also identified in the wake velocity spectra on the order of 10 Hz that resulted in Strouhal numbers of 0.0186-021.
Numerical and experimental validation of a morphed wing geometry using Price-Païdoussis wind-tunnel testing
Authors: Koreanschi A. , Sugar-Gabor O. , Botez R.M.
Published: May 2016

An experimental validation of an optimised wing geometry in the Price-Païdoussis subsonic wind tunnel is presented. Two wing models were manufactured using optimised glass fibre composite and tested at three speeds and various angle-of-attack. These wing models were constructed based on the original aerofoil shape of the ATR 42 aircraft and an optimised version of the same aerofoil for a flight condition of Mach number equal to 0.1 and angle-of-attack of 0°. The aerofoil's optimisation was realised using an ‘in-house’ genetic algorithm coupled with a cubic spline reconstruction routine, and was analysed using XFoil aerodynamic solver. The optimisation was concentrated on improving the laminar flow on the upper surface of the wing, between 10% and 70% of the chord. XFoil-predicted pressure distributions were compared with experimental data obtained in the wind tunnel. The transition position was estimated from the experimental pressure data using a second derivative methodology and was compared with the transition predicted by XFoil code. The results have shown the agreement between numerical and experimental data. The wind-tunnel tests have shown that the improvement of the laminar flow of the optimised wing is higher than the value predicted numerically.
Simplified propeller analysis and design including effects of stall
Authors: Traub L.W.
Published: May 2016

A simplified method to analyse propellers based on vortex theory is presented. Small-angle approximations are implemented to eliminate the need for iteration in the determination of the induced angle-of-attack. A stall model is developed and combined with analytic relations describing the blade aerofoil characteristics, eliminating the need for look-up tables of aerofoil behaviour. The method is also extended to serve as an optimal propeller design tool. Comparisons of the approach with experiment are presented for validation as an analysis tool. Use of the theory as a design tool is also demonstrated through contrast with an existing blade design methodology.
Method for evaluating the landing aircraft sequence under disturbed conditions with the use of Petri nets
Authors: Skorupski J. , Florowski A.
Published: May 2016

One of the important tasks that air traffic management services are faced with today is the task of maximising airport capacity. This can be achieved at the tactical level through proper organisation of air traffic around an airport. In recent years, many methods and algorithms for scheduling aircraft landings have been developed; they take into account various optimisation goals. The aim of this paper was to create a method that would allow one to evaluate landing aircraft sequences resulting from these control algorithms, especially in the presence of random disturbances. This method involves modelling the landing aircraft sequence by using Petri nets. The model and the computer tool that have been developed make it possible to take into account different kinds of disturbances and examine the effectiveness of various control strategies under these conditions. This paper presents two experiments that test disturbances with different characteristics and of different intensities. It has been shown that small but more frequent disturbances lead to the worsening of evaluation scores for a given sequence to a lesser extent than rare but larger disturbances. This is particularly important for control algorithms in which the focus is on high aircraft density. If the type of particular disturbances is properly assessed, then it will be possible to assist the decision-maker (air traffic controller) by providing him/her with quantitative evaluations of possible solutions.
Conceptual model for runway change procedure in Guarulhos International Airport based on SODAR data
Authors: Luiz Silva W. , Albuquerque Neto F.L. , França G.B. , Matschinske M.R.
Published: May 2016

In this work, we qualify and quantify the advantages of using SODAR (sonic detection and ranging) from current scenarios of Aeronautical Meteorology, with the goal of establishing a conceptual model for runway change procedures at Guarulhos International Airport (São Paulo, Brazil). The methods consist of analysing data from the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) and Brazilian Airport Infrastructure (Infraero) about the reports of runway changes in Guarulhos in addition to SODAR data from September 2011 and December 2013. It is noted that in 234 analysed cases of runway change, there were significant periods of weak-intensity wind on the surface as well as the anticipated modification wind direction at altitude detected by sonic detection and ranging (SODAR), indicating future changes in levels closer to the surface. By examining the intersection of both scenarios, it is possible to observe that there is enough time for the air traffic controller to anticipate the needed runway change while minimising the impact on the aircraft flow, and this period has an average duration of 1 hour and 24 minutes. This confirms that the preliminary analysis of the information provided by SODAR can help predict alterations in wind direction, requiring redirection and bringing advantages in economic and security terms.
Using Insights From Behavioral Economics to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness and Response
Authors: Linnemayr Sebastian , O’Hanlon Claire , Uscher-Pines Lori , Van Abel Kristin , Nelson Christopher
Published: May 2016

Behavioral economics is based on the idea that individuals’ decisions are affected by systematic and predictable cognitive biases and that these same biases can be leveraged to change behavior and improve decision-making. Insights from behavioral economics have been used to encourage a range of desired behaviors but have rarely been used in disaster preparedness and response, though traditional efforts by public health practitioners have failed to increase adoption of key preparedness behaviors. In this work, we aim to show how some of the key concepts in the behavioral economics literature are applicable to behaviors related to disaster preparedness and response, and we present ideas for behavioral economics-based interventions that we vetted with public health officials. Two of the best-received interventions were applications of social norms approaches, which leverage social influence bias, and commitment devices, which leverage present bias and loss aversion. Although the current evidence base for the applications of concepts from behavioral economics in disaster preparedness and response is weak, behavioral economics has achieved positive results in similar decision-making contexts. The low cost and potentially high impact of behavioral economics-based interventions warrant further investigation and testing. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 7)
A logical critique of the expert position in design research: beyond expert justification of design methods and towards empirical validation
Authors: Vermaas Pieter
Published: May 2016

This paper gives a general and logical analysis of theexpert positionin design research by which methods for innovative design can be derived from expert design practices. It first gives a framework for characterising accounts of design by the way in which they define and relategeneral,descriptiveandprescribedtypes of design practices. Second, it analyses with this framework the expert position’s conservatism of prescribing existing expert design practices to non-expert designers. Third, it argues that the expert status of expert designers does not provide sufficient justification for prescribing expert design practices to non-expert designers; it is shown that this justification needs support by empirical testing. Fourth, it discusses validation of design methods for presenting an approach to this testing. One consequence of the need to empirically test the expert position is that its prescription has to be formulated in more detail. Another consequence is that it undermines the expert position since expert design practices are not anymore certain sources for deriving design methods with. Yet it also opens the expert position to other sources for developing design methods for innovation, such as the practices of contemporary designers and the insights of design researchers.
VARIETIES OF TEXTUAL VARIANTS: EVIDENCE FROM THE TSINGHUA BAMBOO-STRIP *MING XUN MANUSCRIPT
Authors: Shaughnessy Edward L.
Published: May 2016

*Ming xun 命訓 is a text included among the Tsinghua University corpus of Warring States manuscripts and corresponds with a chapter by the same title in the Yi Zhou shu 逸周書. Although the manuscript and received text are quite similar, nevertheless there are numerous textual variants between them. This study provides examples of these variants, divided into five different categories: mis-writing or mis-copying; classifier variation; phonetic loans; graphic similarity; added or deleted text, as well as a sixth type of variant that might be termed “identical variants.” The study also provides complete translations of both the manuscript and received text.