bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth Prevalence of Anorectal Malformations for the Western Cape Province, South Africa, 2005 to 2012
Authors: Numanoglu Alp , Theron Andre
Published: January 2017

Introduction Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are a major birth anomaly worldwide. South Africa has ethnically and geologically diverse populations. A recent publication indicated an increased birth prevalence of ARMs in the Witwatersrand referral area between 2005 and 2010. The purpose of this study was to determine the birth prevalence of ARM and its various subtypes in the Western Cape referral district over an 8-year period.

Methods For an 8-year period from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2012; retrospective data were collected from the Pediatric Surgical Departments of Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, as well as the private sector health registries. The number of live births per year for a specific municipal district was obtained from the National Department of Health. The chi-square for trend test was used to determine statistical significance.

Results The birth prevalence for ARM in the Western Cape Province (WCP) in 2012 was shown to be 1:5,572 live births (1.79/10,000 live births). The West Coast municipality district had the highest average birth prevalence rate of 1:3,063 (3.26/10,000) live births for years studied. There was a male predominance (1.6:1), the most common ARM was the vestibular fistula (19.2%) and in 26% of the patients, there was an initial delay in the diagnosis.

Conclusion This study has provided some recent data for ARMs for the WCP. There was no statistical significant change in the prevalence of ARMs over the 8-year period for the WCP as well as in any of the individual six municipal health districts (χ2 for trend, p = 0.52). The number of delayed diagnosis of ARM is of concern.
Biosynthetic Studies on Acetosellin and Structure Elucidation of a New Acetosellin Derivative
Authors: Hufendiek Peter , Stölben Simon , Kehraus Stefan , Merten Nicole , Harms Henrik , Crüsemann Max , Arslan Idris , Gütschow Michael , Schneider Tanja , König Gabriele
Published: January 2017

Natural products from fungi, especially Ascomycota, play a major role in therapy and drug discovery. Fungal strains originating from marine habitats offer a new avenue for finding unusual molecular skeletons. Here, the marine-derived fungus Epicoccum nigrum (strain 749) was found to produce the azaphilonoid compounds acetosellin and 5′,6′-dihydroxyacetosellin. The latter is a new natural product. The biosynthesis of these polyketide-type compounds is intriguing, since two polyketide chains are assembled to the final product. Here we performed 13C labeling studies on solid cultures to prove this hypothesis for acetosellin biosynthesis.
Erratum: “They never talk about a victim’s feelings: according to criminal law, feelings are not facts”—Portuguese judicial narratives about sex crimes
Authors: Ventura Isabel
Published: January 2017

Correction to: Palgrave Communications (2016) 2 Article number: 16101 doi:10.1057/palcomms.2016.101; Published 20 December 2016; Updated 10 January 2017 A word was previously omitted from the title. This has been corrected and the title now reads: ‘“They never talk about a victim’s feelings: according to criminal law, feelings are not facts”—Portuguese judicial narratives about sex crimes’, where it previously read: ‘“They never talk about victim’s feelings: according to criminal law, feelings are not facts”—Portuguese judicial narratives about sex crimes’.
Continuum viscoplastic simulation of a granular column collapse on large slopes: μ(I) rheology and lateral wall effects
Authors: Martin N. , Ionescu I. R. , Mangeney A. , Bouchut F. , Farin M.
Published: January 2017

We simulate here dry granular flows resulting from the collapse of granular columns on an inclined channel (up to 22°) and compare precisely the results with laboratory experiments. Incompressibility is assumed despite the dilatancy observed in the experiments (up to 10%). The 2-D model is based on the so-called μ(I) rheology that induces a Drucker-Prager yield stress and a variable viscosity. A nonlinear Coulomb friction term, representing the friction on the lateral walls of the channel, is added to the model. We demonstrate that this term is crucial to accurately reproduce granular collapses on slopes ≳10°, whereas it remains of little effect on the horizontal slope. Quantitative comparison between the experimental and numerical changes with time of the thickness profiles and front velocity makes it possible to strongly constrain the rheology. In particular, we show that the use of a variable or a constant viscosity does not change significantly the results provided that these viscosities are of the same order. However, only a fine tuning of the constant viscosity (η=1 Pa s) makes it possible to predict the slow propagation phase observed experimentally at large slopes. Finally, we observed that small-scale instabilities develop when refining the mesh (also called ill-posed behavior, characterized in the work of Barker et al. [“Well-posed and ill-posed behaviour of the μ(I)-rheology for granular flow,” J. Fluid Mech. 779, 794–818 (2015)] and in the present work) associated with the mechanical model. The velocity field becomes stratified and the bands of high velocity gradient appear. These model instabilities are not avoided by using variable viscosity models such as the μ(I) rheology. However we show that the velocity range, the static-flowing transition, and the thickness profiles are almost not affected by them.
Laser stimulated plasma-induced luminescence for on-air material analysis
Authors: Veltri S. , Barberio M. , Liberatore C. , Scisciò M. , Laramée A. , Palumbo L. , Legaré F. , Antici P.
Published: January 2017

In this work, we present a method for performing analysis of the chemical composition and optical properties of materials using In-Air Plasma-Induced Luminescence. This is achieved by interaction of a focused high-energy laser with air, an interaction that produces a sub-millimetric plasma. The energetic electrons generated and accelerated in the plasma at energies higher than 5 keV reach the target surface of the sample to be analyzed, causing luminescence emission and plasmonic resonance. Each material is characterized by different chemical and optical properties that can be determined with the above-described technique. As such, our method allows obtaining an exact analysis of the sample, covering surfaces in the range of tens of mm2, in only a few minutes. We show that the acquired information with our method is identical to what obtained with more sophisticated methods, such as SEM-cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence.
Multi-physics simulation of metal printing at micro/nanoscale using meniscus-confined electrodeposition: Effect of environmental humidity
Authors: Morsali Seyedreza , Daryadel Soheil , Zhou Zhong , Behroozfar Ali , Qian Dong , Minary-Jolandan Majid
Published: January 2017

Capability to print metals at micro/nanoscale in arbitrary 3D patterns at local points of interest will have applications in nano-electronics and sensors. Meniscus-confined electrodeposition (MCED) is a manufacturing process that enables depositing metals from an electrolyte containing nozzle (pipette) in arbitrary 3D patterns. In this process, a meniscus (liquid bridge or capillary) between the pipette tip and the substrate governs the localized electrodeposition process. Fabrication of metallic microstructures using this process is a multi-physics process in which electrodeposition, fluid dynamics, and mass and heat transfer physics are simultaneously involved. We utilized multi-physics finite element simulation, guided by experimental data, to understand the effect of water evaporation from the liquid meniscus at the tip of the nozzle for deposition of free-standing copper microwires in MCED process.
Instrumentation-related uncertainty of reflectance and transmittance measurements with a two-channel spectrophotometer
Authors: Peest Christian , Schinke Carsten , Brendel Rolf , Schmidt Jan , Bothe Karsten
Published: January 2017

Spectrophotometers are operated in numerous fields of science and industry for a variety of applications. In order to provide confidence for the measured data, analyzing the associated uncertainty is valuable. However, the uncertainty of the measurement results is often unknown or reduced to sample-related contributions. In this paper, we describe our approach for the systematic determination of the measurement uncertainty of the commercially available two-channel spectrophotometer Agilent Cary 5000 in accordance with the Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurements. We focus on the instrumentation-related uncertainty contributions rather than the specific application and thus outline a general procedure which can be adapted for other instruments. Moreover, we discover a systematic signal deviation due to the inertia of the measurement amplifier and develop and apply a correction procedure. Thereby we increase the usable dynamic range of the instrument by more than one order of magnitude. We present methods for the quantification of the uncertainty contributions and combine them into an uncertainty budget for the device.
Double flush-mounted probe diagnostics and data analysis technique for argon glow discharge plasma
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , Liu Yu , Cao Jinxiang , Xu Liang , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Zhongkai , Wang Pi
Published: January 2017

In this work, a double flush-mounted probe for measuring plasma parameters was designed and fabricated. The method to determine the plasma density and electron temperature using a floating double flush-mounted probe was characterized. To validate this method, the measurement results in an argon glow discharge plasma, including the electron density and temperature measurements, were compared with those obtained using a single probe and a double probe. Results indicate that the electron density measured using the double flush-mounted probe agrees well with those measured using other probes; the effective electron temperature values are also consistent within the admissible error range. These results suggest that the double flush-mounted probe can be used for accurate measurements at low pressure DC plasma discharges and also can be applied to other complex plasmas such as tokamaks, in the boundary-layer region without a reference electrode.
Photon counting phosphorescence lifetime imaging with TimepixCam
Authors: Hirvonen Liisa M. , Fisher-Levine Merlin , Suhling Klaus , Nomerotski Andrei
Published: January 2017

TimepixCam is a novel fast optical imager based on an optimized silicon pixel sensor with a thin entrance window and read out by a Timepix Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The 256 × 256 pixel sensor has a time resolution of 15 ns at a sustained frame rate of 10 Hz. We used this sensor in combination with an image intensifier for wide-field time-correlated single photon counting imaging. We have characterised the photon detection capabilities of this detector system and employed it on a wide-field epifluorescence microscope to map phosphorescence decays of various iridium complexes with lifetimes of about 1 μs in 200 μm diameter polystyrene beads.
Note: A high-performance, low-cost laser shutter using a piezoelectric cantilever actuator
Authors: Bowden W. , Hill I. R. , Baird P. E. G. , Gill P.
Published: January 2017

We report the design and characterization of an optical shutter based on a piezoelectric cantilever. Compared to conventional electro-magnetic shutters, the device has intrinsically low power and is acoustically quiet. The cantilever position is controlled by a high-voltage op-amp circuit for easy tuning of the range of travel, and mechanical slew rate, which enables a factor of 30 reduction in mechanical noise compared to a rapidly switched device. We achieve shuttering rise and fall times of 11 μs, corresponding to mechanical slew rates of 1.3 ms−1, with a timing jitter of less than 1 μs. When used to create optical pulses, we achieve minimum pulse durations of 250 μs. The reliability of the shutter was investigated by operating continuously for one week at 10 Hz switching rate. After this period, neither the shutter delay or actuation speed had changed by a measurable amount.
Ring-polymer molecular dynamics studies on the rate coefficient of the abstraction channel of hydrogen plus ethane, propane, and dimethyl ether
Authors: Meng Qingyong , Chen Jun
Published: January 2017

To accurately compute the rates of the abstraction channels of hydrogen plus ethane (Et), propane (Pr), and dimethyl ether (DME), ring-polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD) method is used in conjunction with the recently constructed local permutation invariant polynomial neural-networks potential energy surface of the parent H + CH4 system [Q. Meng et al., J. Chem. Phys. 144, 154312 (2016)]. For H + Et, one of the H atoms in CH4 of the parent system is replaced by a methyl group, while for the H + DME reaction, it is replaced by the methoxyl group. For the H + Pr reaction, replacing one of the H atoms in CH4 by an ethyl group, the terminal channel is built, meanwhile the middle channel is considered through replacing two H atoms in CH4 by two methyl groups. Since the potential energy barriers of the title reactions must differ from the H + CH4 barrier, the corrections have to be made by computing the ratio of free-energy barriers between H + CH4 and the title reactions at coupled cluster with a full treatment singles and doubles (where the triples contribution is calculated by perturbation theory, that is, CCSD(T)) level. Comparing the present RPMD rates with the previous theoretical and experimental results, good agreement can be found. Moreover, probable reasons for the deviation between the present RPMD rates and the previous experimental ones are discussed.
The effect of intermediate frequency on sheath dynamics in collisionless current driven triple frequency capacitive plasmas
Authors: Sharma S. , Mishra S. K. , Kaw P. K. , Turner M. M.
Published: January 2017

The Capacitively Coupled Plasma discharge featuring operation in current driven triple frequency configuration has analytically been investigated, and the outcome is verified by utilising the 1D3V particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation code. In this analysis, the role of middle frequency component of the applied signal has precisely been explored. The discharge parameters are seen to be sensitive to the ratio of the chosen middle frequency to lower and higher frequencies for fixed amplitudes of the three frequency components. On the basis of analysis and PIC simulation results, the middle frequency component is demonstrated to act as additional control over sheath potential, electron sheath heating, and ion energy distribution function (iedf) of the plasma discharge. For the electron sheath heating, effect of the middle frequency is seen to be pronounced as it approaches to the lower frequency component. On the other hand, for the iedf, the control is more sensitive as the middle frequency approaches towards the higher frequency. The PIC estimate for the electron sheath heating is found to be in reasonably good agreement with the analytical prediction based on the Kaganovich formulation.
Field dependent neutron diffraction study in Ni50Mn38Sb12 Heusler alloy
Authors: Sahoo Roshnee , Das Amitabh , Stuesser Norbert , Suresh K. G.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present the temperature and field dependent neutron diffraction (ND) study to unravel the structural and magnetic properties in the Ni50Mn38Sb12 Heusler system. This alloy shows martensitic transition from the high temperature austenite cubic phase to a low temperature martensite orthorhombic phase on cooling. At 3 K, the lattice parameters and magnetic moments are found to be almost insensitive to field. Just below the martensitic transition temperature, the martensite phase fraction is found to be 85%. Upon applying the field, the austenite phase becomes dominant, and the field induced reverse martensitic transition is clearly observed in the ND data. Therefore, the present study gives an estimate of the strength of the martensite phase or the sharpness of the martensitic transition. Variation of individual moments and the change in the phase fraction obtained from the analysis of the ND data vividly show the change in the magneto-structural state of the material across the transition.
Defect evolution and its impact on the ferromagnetism of Cu-doped ZnO nanocrystals upon thermal treatment: A positron annihilation study
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yuan , Chen Yuqian , Zhang Q. K. , Qi N. , Chen Z. Q. , Wang S. J. , Li P. H. , Mascher P.
Published: January 2017

CuO/ZnO nanocomposites with 4 at. % CuO were annealed in air at various temperatures between 100 and 1200 °C to produce Cu-doped ZnO nanocrystals. X-ray diffraction shows that a CuO phase can be observed in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites annealed at different temperatures, and the Cu-doped ZnO nanocrystals are identified to be of wurtzite structure. The main peak (101) appears at slightly lower diffraction angles with increasing annealing temperature from 400 up to 1200 °C, which confirms the successful doping of Cu into the ZnO lattice above 400 °C. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that most particles in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites are isolated when annealing at 100–400 °C, but these particles have a tendency to form clusters or aggregates as the annealing temperature increases from 700 to 1000 °C. Positron annihilation measurements reveal a large number of vacancy defects in the interface region of the nanocomposites, and they are gradually recovered with increasing annealing temperature up to 1000 °C. Room-temperature ferromagnetism can be observed in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites, and the magnetization decreases continuously with increasing annealing temperature. However, there may be several different origins of ferromagnetism in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites. At low annealing temperatures, the ferromagnetism originates from the CuO nanograins, and the ferromagnetism of CuO nanograins decreases with an increase in the grain size after subsequent higher temperature annealing, which leads to the weakening of ferromagnetism in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites. After annealing from 400 to 1000 °C, the ferromagnetism gradually vanishes. The ferromagnetism is probably induced by Cu substitution but is mediated by vacancy defects in the CuO/ZnO nanocomposites. The disappearance of ferromagnetism coincides well with the recovery of vacancy defects. It can be inferred that the ferromagnetism is mediated by vacancy defects that are distributed in the interface region.
Light trapping in a-Si:H thin film solar cells using silver nanostructures
Authors: Wang P. H. , Theuring M. , Vehse M. , Steenhoff V. , Agert C. , Brolo A. G.
Published: January 2017

Plasmonic thin film solar cells (modified with metallic nanostructures) often display enhanced light absorption due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). However, the plasmonic field localization may not be significantly beneficial to improved photocurrent conversion efficiency for all types of cell configurations. For instance, the integration of random metallic nanoparticles (NPs) into thin film solar cells often introduces additional texturing. This texturing might also contribute to enhanced photon-current efficiency. An experimental systematic investigation to decouple both the plasmonic and the texturing contributions is hard to realize for cells modified with randomly deposited metallic nanoparticles. This work presents an experimental and computational investigation of well-defined plasmonic (Ag) nanoparticles, fabricated by nanosphere lithography, integrated to the back contact of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells. The size, shape, periodicity and the vertical position of the Ag nanoparticles were well-controlled. The experimental results suggested that a-Si:H solar cells modified with a periodic arrangement of Ag NPs (700 nm periodicity) fabricated just at the top of the metal contact in the back reflector yields the highest improvement in terms of current density (JSC). Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations also indicated that Ag nanoparticles located at the top of the metal contact in the back reflector is expected to lead to the most efficient light confinement inside the a-Si:H absorber intrinsic layer (i-layer).
Effects of perfluoroalkylsilane molecular assembly on flow induced voltage generated by doped silicon wafers
Authors: Satheesh U. , Prakash P. , Devaprakasam D.
Published: January 2017

We report the effects of surface modifications on (i) Seebeck coefficients and (ii) flow induced voltage generations of the n-type (n-Si) and p-type (p-Si) silicon wafers. The surfaces of n-Si and p-Si wafers were coated with 1H,1H,2H,2H- perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) molecules. The surface modified n-Si and p-Si of size 12 mm×4 mm were mounted on the π/4 angle inclined experimental mount, and nitrogen gas was flown over the inclined surface at the subsonic velocities, 5.3, 10.61, 15.91, 21.22, and 26.52 ms−1, and the voltage difference between the lead and rear ends of pristine and surface modified n-Si and p-Si was measured. The experimental results and theoretical relations are presented. The flow induced voltage generation is caused by the interplay between the Bernoulli flow and Seebeck effect. The flow-voltage response results show that the half coated and full coated n-Si and p-Si wafers generate more voltage than that of the uncoated at a given velocity. The band theory reveals that the flow of nitrogen gas accumulates charge carriers at the FOTS self assembled monolayer (SAM)—silicon interfaces, which resulted in the more voltage generation by full and half coated ni-Si and p-Si surfaces than that of the pristine surface. The enhanced voltage generations and high sensitivities are caused by an effective increase of the gradient of Fermi Energy (EF) (Seebeck coefficient) due to FOTS SAM coatings. Because of that the FOTS SAM modified n-Si and p-Si are become highly sensitive to nitrogen gas flow.
Vertical organic light-emitting transistor showing a high current on/off ratio through dielectric encapsulation for the effective charge pathway
Authors: Lee Gyujeong , Lee In-Ho , Park Hea-Lim , Lee Sin-Hyung , Han Jongseok , Lee Changhee , Keum Chang-Min , Lee Sin-Doo
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate a vertical organic light emitting transistor (VOLET) showing a high current on/off ratio through dielectric encapsulation of a finger-like source electrode, which is placed between the bottom gate electrode and the top drain electrode. In such a VOLET configuration, the charge transport occurs largely from the source electrode to an underlying organic semiconductor (OSC) layer through the interface between the OSC and the gate insulator. Accordingly, the current leakage is greatly reduced and the transistor-type switching behavior with a high on/off current ratio is achieved. The on/off current ratio of our VOLET is about 100 times higher than that of an existing VOLET with no dielectric encapsulation. Numerical simulations of the spatial distributions of the charge densities and the charge pathways performed in the two different VOLET configurations are in good agreement with the experimental results. Our dielectric encapsulation approach will provide a versatile method for developing a new class of high-performance OLET displays.
Formation of I2-type basal-plane stacking faults in In0.25Ga0.75N multiple quantum wells grown on a (101¯1) semipolar GaN template
Authors: Li Yueliang , Qi Haoyuan , Meisch Tobias , Hocker Matthias , Thonke Klaus , Scholz Ferdinand , Kaiser Ute
Published: January 2017

In this work, I2-type basal-plane stacking faults (BSFs) were observed in In0.25Ga0.75N multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown on a (101¯1) semipolar GaN template by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The structure and formation mechanisms of the I2-type BSFs at the GaN-InGaN interface were investigated in detail. The formation of the I2-type BSFs contributes to lattice mismatch accommodation within the InGaN QWs. Their density varies in different regions of the sample due to the inhomogeneous distribution of the In content in the InGaN layer. The relationship between the In content in the InxGa1-xN layer and the I2-type BSFs is discussed.
Analysis of wrinkled membrane structures based on a wrinkle-wave model
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Huang Jin , Wang Yali
Published: January 2017

As research on the applications of high-precision membrane structures develops, wrinkling has become a popular topic. Here, we present a new wrinkle-wave model to describe wrinkles more accurately. First, the characteristics of wrinkle-waves that result from radial tension stress applied at the vertex of a triangular structure were analyzed. However, for polygonal structures under more than two tensions, the influence of the other vertexes should also be considered. Therefore, by introducing a load ratio, we constructed a wrinkle-wave model of a square membrane structure subjected to corner forces. This model is applicable to various loading cases and polygonal membrane structures. Comparison among the results of the finite element analysis, and the experimental and analytical results showed that the proposed model more accurately described the wrinkling details and solved the problem of convergence that is encountered during finite element analysis.
A tubular hybrid Halbach/axially-magnetized permanent-magnet linear machine
Authors: Sui Yi , Liu Yong , Cheng Luming , Liu Jiaqi , Zheng Ping
Published: January 2017

A single-phase tubular permanent-magnet linear machine (PMLM) with hybrid Halbach/axially-magnetized PM arrays is proposed for free-piston Stirling power generation system. Machine topology and operating principle are elaborately illustrated. With the sinusoidal speed characteristic of the free-piston Stirling engine considered, the proposed machine is designed and calculated by finite-element analysis (FEA). The main structural parameters, such as outer radius of the mover, radial length of both the axially-magnetized PMs and ferromagnetic poles, axial length of both the middle and end radially-magnetized PMs, etc., are optimized to improve both the force capability and power density. Compared with the conventional PMLMs, the proposed machine features high mass and volume power density, and has the advantages of simple control and low converter cost. The proposed machine topology is applicable to tubular PMLMs with any phases.
La traducción del humor en textos audiovisuales
Authors: Martínez Sierra Juan José
Published: January 2017

The study of the translation of humour in audiovisual texts remains an issue that demands further reflection and empirical findings. Progress in recent years has been remarkable, although the intrinsic complexity of this matter, so rooted in tangled dimensions such as the cultural one, makes it necessary to restate what has already been presented, and even to adopt additional perspectives. This article is based on that premise, and is an attempt to take a further step towards understanding the mechanisms which have the potential to activate humour not only within the community in which it was created, but also in the one to which it has been transferred through a translation process. The central idea of this contribution is the consideration, based on the audiovisual field, of jokes as prototypes; that is, as entities in most cases composed of different types of potentially humorous elements that combine together and feed back in order to produce the effect that their author intended: humour. As will be seen, it is a comprehensive approach, capable of responding to the functioning of humour in the different modes of audiovisual translation. Moreover, its potential and applicability can be transferred to other types of texts, such as oral and written. The discussion will be illustrated with some examples from the popular television series The Simpsons.
Locating variation in the dative alternation
Authors: Biggs Alison
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the structure of the dative alternation in dialects of Northwest British English. This includes theme passivization of apparent Double Object Constructions (It was given her). Detailed investigation shows that different dialects use distinct licensing strategies to derive the Theme passive structure. The main variety discussed is Liverpool English, where Theme passivisation is shown to derive from a prepositional dative with a null preposition. In contrast, Manchester English, a neighbouring variety, derives Theme passives of the Double Object Construction, via an Applicative configuration (Haddican 2010, Haddican and Holmberg 2012). The study shows that a range of syntactic properties and restrictions on a structure can be traced back to variation in the functional lexicon.
Variant-centered variation and the like conspiracy
Authors: Dinkin Aaron J.
Published: January 2017

The conventional methodology of variationist linguistics foregrounds the variable as the object of study: each variant is situated in the envelope of variation against the other variants it competes with. This paper argues that it is necessary to look beyond the context of the alternations a variant participates in in order to get a full picture of the factors affecting variation. The multi-functional variantlikeis used as a case study to illustrate the value of a variant-centered analysis: the fact that several distinct variables are all simultaneously changing toward the variantlikesuggests that a variant can be targeted for change across multiple variables, parallelling Campbell-Kibler (2011)’s model of the variant as the carrier of sociolinguistic meaning. It is conjectured that the set of changes towardlikecan be explained as a top-down discursive change targetinglikeas an indicator of vague literality, a function it retains in multiple distinct variable contexts.
Constant effects and the independence of variants in controlled judgment data*
Authors: Haddican Bill , Johnson Daniel Ezra , Haug Hilton Nanna
Published: January 2017

This article proposes that Kroch’s (1989) Constant Rate Hypothesis – the generalization that contextual effects tend to be stable in processes of diachronic variation in production data – be extended to synchronic variation in controlled judgment data. Two recent, large-sample judgment experiments are discussed suggesting that shared contextual effects across speakers in acceptability judgments can be used to infer a single abstract source for patterns of variation across superficially different contexts. At the same time, the results suggest that not all sets of variants – or “ways of saying the same thing” (Labov 1972: 271) – are linguistic variables of this formally defined type.
The dynamics of variation in individuals
Authors: Tamminga Meredith , MacKenzie Laurel , Embick David
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the factors conditioning the production of linguistic variables in real time by individual speakers: what we term thedynamics of variation in individuals. We propose a framework that recognizes three types of factors conditioning variation: sociostylistic, internal linguistic, and psychophysiological. We develop two main points against this background. The first is that sequences of variants produced by individuals display systematic patterns that can be understood in terms of sociostylistic conditioning and psychophysiological conditioning. The second is that psychophysiological conditioning and internal linguistic conditioning are distinct in their mental implementations; this claim has implications for understanding the locality of the factors conditioning alternations, the universality and language-specificity of variation, and the general question of whether grammar and language use are distinct. Questions about the dynamics of variation in individuals are set against community-centered perspectives to argue that findings in the two domains, though differing in explanatory focus, can ultimately be mutually informative.
Strong adhesion by regulatory T cells induces dendritic cell cytoskeletal polarization and contact-dependent lethargy
Authors: Chen Jiahuan , Ganguly Anutosh , Mucsi Ashley D. , Meng Junchen , Yan Jiacong , Detampel Pascal , Munro Fay , Zhang Zongde , Wu Mei , Hari Aswin , Stenner Melanie D. , Zheng Wencheng , Kubes Paul , Xia Tie , Amrein Matthias W. , Qi Hai , Shi Yan
Published: January 2017

Dendritic cells are targeted by regulatory T (T reg) cells, in a manner that operates as an indirect mode of T cell suppression. In this study, using a combination of single-cell force spectroscopy and structured illumination microscopy, we analyze individual T reg cell–DC interaction events and show that T reg cells exhibit strong intrinsic adhesiveness to DCs. This increased DC adhesion reduces the ability of contacted DCs to engage other antigen-specific cells. We show that this unusually strong LFA-1–dependent adhesiveness of T reg cells is caused in part by their low calpain activities, which normally release integrin–cytoskeleton linkage, and thereby reduce adhesion. Super resolution imaging reveals that such T reg cell adhesion causes sequestration of Fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein essential for immunological synapse formation, and skews Fascin-1–dependent actin polarization in DCs toward the T reg cell adhesion zone. Although it is reversible upon T reg cell disengagement, this sequestration of essential cytoskeletal components causes a lethargic state of DCs, leading to reduced T cell priming. Our results reveal a dynamic cytoskeletal component underlying T reg cell–mediated DC suppression in a contact-dependent manner.
Class II MHC–independent suppressive adhesion of dendritic cells by regulatory T cells in vivo
Authors: Yan Jiacong , Liu Bo , Shi Yan , Qi Hai
Published: January 2017

Regulatory T (T reg) cells are essential for peripheral homeostasis and known to target and suppress dendritic cells (DCs). One important mechanism is through prolonged interaction between antigen-specific T reg cells and DCs that down-regulates the co-stimulatory capacity of DCs. However, the dynamics and TCR specificities of such T reg cell–DC interaction and its relevance to the suppressive outcomes for individual DCs have not been clarified. To gain insights into the underlying cellular events in vivo, we analyzed individual T reg cell–DC interaction events in lymph nodes by intravital microscopy. Our results show that, upon exposure to interleukin-2, T reg cells formed prolonged adhesive contact with DCs, independent of antigen or MHC recognition, which significantly suppressed the contemporaneous interaction of the same DCs with antigen-specific conventional T cells and impaired T cell priming. Therefore, T reg cells may function in part as feedback regulators in inflammatory milieu, by suppressing local DCs and interrupting immune activation in a contact-dependent and class II MHC-independent manner.
Effect of High Velocity Ballistic Impact on Pretensioned Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) Plates
Authors: KAMARUDIN Kamarul Azhar , ABDUL HAMID Iskandar
Published: January 2017

This work describes an experimental investigation of the pretensioned thin plates made of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) struck by hemispherical and blunt projectiles at various impact velocities. The experiments were done using a gas gun with combination of pretension equipment positioned at the end of gun barrel near the nozzle. Measurements of the initial and residual velocities were taken, and the ballistic limit velocity were calculated for each procedures. The pretension target results in reduction of ballistic limit compared to non-pretension target for both flat and hemispherical projectiles. Target impacted by hemispherical projectile experience split at earlier impact velocity compared to target by flat projectile. C-Scan images analysis technique was used to show target impact damaged by hemispherical and flat projectiles. The damage area was shown biggest at ballistic limit velocity and target splitting occurred most for pretention plate.
Mode I stress intensity factors of slanted cracks in plates
Authors: Ismail Al Emran , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Zubir , Muhd Nor Nik Hisyamudin
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the roles of slanted cracks on the stress intensity factors (SIF) under mode I tension and bending loading. Based on the literature survey, lack of solution of SIFs of slanted cracks in plain strain plates are available. In this work, the cracks are modelled numerically using ANSYS finite element program. There are two important parameters such as slanted angles and relative crack length. SIFs at the crack tips are calculated according to domain integral method. Before the model is further used, it is validated with the existing model. It is found that the present model is well agreed with the previous model. According to finite element analysis, there are not only mode I SIFs produced but also mode II. As expected the SIFs increased as the relative crack length increased. However, when slanted angles are introduced (slightly higher than normal crack), the SIFs increased. Once the angles are further increased, the SIFs decreased gradually however they are still higher than the SIFs of normal cracks. For mode II SIFs, higher the slanted angels higher the SIFs. This is due to the fact that when the cracks are slanted, the cracked plates are not only failed due to mode I but a combination between both modes I and II.
Effect of Immerse Temperature and Time on Solvent Debinding Process of Stainless Steel 316L Metal Injection Molding
Authors: Kamarudin Nur Hafizah , Ibrahim Mohd Halim Irwan
Published: January 2017

This study was carried out to investigate solvent debinding by conducting the extraction process at temperature ranging from 40 to 80 °C within 2 to 8 hours, while keeping the heptane solvent and 12:1 of solvent to feed ratio as constant. The palm kernel loss was evaluated as an indicator of the process’s performance. It was also supported by the pore evolution that was observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Micrograph (FESEM). Results show that both parameter give large effect on the solvent debinding performance. The best immerse temperature and time for extracting maximum palm kernel in heptane solution at S/F ratio of 12:1, without sacrificing the ability of producing free defect metal part were given by 80 °C and 6 hours, respectively.
Opinion survey of members of British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery related to specific case scenarios in slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Jamjoom Bakur A. , Butler Daniel , Thomas Simon , Ramachandran Manoj , Cooke Stephen
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to assess contemporary management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) by surveying members of the British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS). A questionnaire with five case vignettes was used. Two questions examined the timing of surgery for an acute unstable SCFE in a child presenting at 6 and 48 h after start of symptoms. Two further questions explored the preferred method of fixation in mild and severe stable SCFE. The final question examined the management of the contralateral normal hip. Responses were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the data was analysed using a χ
2-test. The response rate was 56% (110/196). Overall, 88% (97/110) responded that if a child presented with an acute unstable SCFE within 6 h, they would treat it within 24 h of presentation, compared with 41% (45/110) for one presenting 48 h after the onset of symptoms (P<0.0001). Overall, 53% (58/110) of surveyed BSCOS members would offer surgery for an unstable SCFE between 1 and 7 days after onset of symptoms. Single screw fixation in situ for mild stable SCFE was advocated by 96% (106/110) with 71% (78/110) using this method for the treatment of severe stable SCFE. Corrective osteotomy is used by 2% (2/110) and 25% (28/110) of respondents for mild and severe stable SCFE, respectively (P<0.0001). Surgeons preferring osteotomy are more likely to perform an intracapsular technique. Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral normal hip was performed by 27% (30/110) of respondents. There are significant differences in opinions between BSCOS members as to the optimal management of SCFE. This reflects the variable recommendations and quality in the current scientific literature. Further research is therefore required to determine best practice and enable consensus to be reached.
Acute administration of cyclosporine A does not impair attention or memory performance in healthy men
Authors: Kahl Anna L. , Kirchhof Julia , Füting Anna , Hütter Bernd-Otto , Wilde Benjamin , Witzke Oliver , Benson Sven , Hadamitzky Martin , Schedlowski Manfred
Published: January 2017

There is clinical and experimental evidence that treatment with immunosuppressive and antiproliferative drugs such as the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) is associated with mental health problems and neuropsychological disturbances in patients. However, it remains unclear whether and to what extent cognitive functions such as memory and attention processes are affected by the pharmacological treatment. This is partly because of the fact that it is difficult to refer the observed neuropsychological disturbances in patients to the drug itself, to drug-induced immune suppression, or to interaction with other medication or comorbidities. Thus, in a double-blind study with healthy male participants (n=30), we investigated whether short-term intake of therapeutic doses of CsA (4×2.5 mg/kg) affects attention, working memory performance, and anxiety levels, measured with the Tests of Attentional Performance and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The data indicate that short-term CsA-administration and subsequent suppression in interleukin-2 production are accompanied neither by a decrease in attention or memory performance nor by increased anxiety levels in healthy male volunteers, suggesting that the short-term intake of CsA does not impair cognitive functioning. Further studies in healthy humans are needed to determine neurocognitive functions and mood states after short-term or subchronic treatment with different immunosuppressive and antiproliferative drugs.
FIVE-YEAR OUTCOMES OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF RANIBIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION
Authors: Wu Tsung-Tien , Kung Ya-Hsin
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the 5-year outcomes, efficacy, and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab injections for the treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization.

Methods:

The medical records of 18 consecutive eyes of 14 patients who received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization with a follow-up of 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity, total number of treatments, and complications.

Results:

The average number of injections over 5 years was 4.56 ± 3.52. Ten eyes (55.56%) had no need for treatment after the first year. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.59 ± 0.47 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent, 6/24) at baseline to 0.32 ± 0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent, 6/13) at 1 year, and to 0.38 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Snellen equivalent, 6/15) at 2 years (P = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively; paired t-test). After 2 years, although mean best-corrected visual acuity remained better than baseline, the difference was not statistically significant. At 5 years, vision improved by at least 1 line for 61.11% of eyes and by more than 3 lines for 33.33%. The final visual acuity of 2 eyes was worse than baseline because of disease activity and profound chorioretinal atrophy, which increased in six eyes. No complications were noted.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal ranibizumab was safe and effective for treating myopic choroidal neovascularization. Only 44% of eyes required retreatment after the first year, and vision improved in more than 60% of eyes over 5 years.
BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION SECONDARY TO A RETINAL ARTERIOLAR MACROANEURYSM: A NOVEL MECHANISM SUPPORTED BY MULTIMODAL IMAGING
Authors: Chen Yi , Chen Simon D. M. , Chen Fred K.
Published: January 2017

Background/Purpose:

To report a case of a branch retinal vein occlusion secondary to a retinal arteriolar macroaneurysm (RAM).

Methods:

Retrospective case report describing examination findings, treatment outcome and unique multimodal imaging features demonstrated on fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography and adaptive optics photography of the retinal vessels and RAM.

Results:

A 61-year-old man presented with 20/200 vision in the right eye because of a branch retinal vein occlusion secondary to a RAM. After sector panretinal photocoagulation and a course of 24 intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections over 4 years, visual acuity improved to 20/25. Fluorescein angiography showed filling of the RAM even after 4 years. Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated venous collateral vessels in both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses, and adaptive optics imaging revealed a gap between the RAM wall and occluded vein.

Conclusion:

Multimodal imaging of this unusual presentation illustrated a novel mechanism of branch retinal vein occlusion in which a primary RAM adjacent to the junction of two retinal veins led to obstruction of venous flow without evidence of direct compression. This supports the theory that perianeurysmal microenvironment changes may be of importance in the pathogenesis of venous occlusion.
Noncontact Evaluation of Corneal Grafts: Swept-Source Fourier Domain OCT Versus High-Resolution Scheimpflug Imaging
Authors: Szalai Eszter , Németh Gábor , Hassan Ziad , Módis László
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To study the reliability and repeatability of anterior segment measurements in patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty with swept light source Fourier domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in comparison with a high-resolution Scheimpflug camera.

Methods:

Keratometry (K) and elevation data of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces, central corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth were determined in 56 postkeratoplasty eyes (mean age: 59.6 ± 16.5 yrs) with SS-OCT (CASIA SS-1000; Tomey) followed by Scheimpflug photography (Pentacam High Resolution; Oculus). Examinations were also performed on 48 right eyes of 48 age-matched healthy subjects (mean age: 66.3 ± 7.0 yrs).

Results:

A statistically significant difference was detected between both tomographers in anterior flat K [1.7 ± 4.92 diopters (D)], posterior astigmatism (1.32 ± 5.7 D) and elevation (6.65 ± 14.07 μm), and central corneal thickness (27.39 ± 90.81 μm) and anterior chamber depth values (0.14 ± 0.66 mm) in patients who had undergone corneal transplantation (P < 0.05). In the postkeratoplasty group, repeatability of SS-OCT was higher for every anterior segment parameter in comparison with the Pentacam. In corneal grafts, the variability between 3 consecutive measurements on the same subject was remarkably lower for every parameter while using SS-OCT.

Conclusions:

In patients who had undergone corneal transplantation, SS-OCT provided more reliable and repeatable anterior segment evaluations when compared with the rotating Scheimpflug system. Our findings suggested that the tested high-resolution swept-source OCT system is a comprehensive and precise diagnostic tool for postoperative follow-up of patients who have undergone penetrating keratoplasty.