bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical Decarboxylative Fluorination of Aryloxyacetic Acids Using N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide and a Photosensitizer
Authors: Leung Joe C. T. , Sammis Glenn M.
Published: February 2015

Fluorinated methoxy arenes are emerging as important motifs in both agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. A novel technique for the synthesis of monofluoromethoxy arenes through the direct fluorodecarboxylation of carboxylic acids was developed that uses photosensitizers and N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI). Utilization of the oxidatively mild fluorine transfer agent NFSI enabled the synthesis of fluoromethyl ethers that were previously inaccessible with decarboxylative fluorinations performed with Selectfluor. Mechanistic studies are consistent with the photosensitizer effecting oxidation of the aryloxyacetic acid.
Headrace tunnels at Tiwag – Experience, examples, existing tunnels and projects under consideration / Erfahrungen, Beispiele, Bestand und Neubauüberlegungen zu Triebwasserwegen der Tiwag
Authors: Bonapace Paul , Hofer Bernhard
Published: February 2015

The Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (Tiwag) currently operates eleven large hydropower stations (> 8 MW) and more than 30 smaller plants (< 5 MW) generating electricity for commercial consumption. Most of the larger stations are storage schemes in the high mountains, intended to be able to balance the opposing seasonal supply and demand situation in the Alps and current fluctuations in the network. The headrace tunnels and penstocks of the high‐pressure power stations of Tiwag are some of the most highly loaded of their type in the world. Great emphasis is placed on sustainable use and low maintenance costs, starting with the construction. Some stations have already been in operation for more than 60 years. This article describes the experience with the headrace tunnels of some of the larger hydropower stations.

Bei der Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (Tiwag) sind elf große Wasserkraftwerke (> 8 MW) und über 30 Kleinanlagen (< 5 MW) in Betrieb, die elektrische Energie für den kommerziellen Gebrauch erzeugen. Die meisten Großanlagen sind als Hochgebirgsspeicherkraftwerke ausgelegt, um die jahreszeitlich entgegengesetzte Angebot‐ und Nachfragesituation in den Alpen sowie Stromschwankungen im Netz ausgleichen zu können. Die für die Hochdruckanlagen der Tiwag gebauten Triebwasserwege und Kraftabstiege gehören zu den am höchsten beanspruchten derartigen Anlagenteilen der Welt. Es wurde bereits beim Bau großer Wert auf eine nachhaltige Nutzung mit geringem Instandhaltungsaufwand gelegt. Manche Anlagen sind bereits seit über 60 Jahren in Betrieb. In diesem Beitrag werden die Erfahrungen mit den Triebwasserwegen einiger größerer Wasserkraftanlagen dargestellt.
The adaptive buffered force QM/MM method in the CP2K and AMBER software packages
Authors: Mones Letif , Jones Andrew , Götz Andreas W. , Laino Teodoro , Walker Ross C. , Leimkuhler Ben , Csányi Gábor , Bernstein Noam
Published: February 2015

The implementation and validation of the adaptive buffered force (AdBF) quantum‐mechanics/molecular‐mechanics (QM/MM) method in two popular packages, CP2K and AMBER are presented. The implementations build on the existing QM/MM functionality in each code, extending it to allow for redefinition of the QM and MM regions during the simulation and reducing QM‐MM interface errors by discarding forces near the boundary according to the buffered force‐mixing approach. New adaptive thermostats, needed by force‐mixing methods, are also implemented. Different variants of the method are benchmarked by simulating the structure of bulk water, water autoprotolysis in the presence of zinc and dimethyl‐phosphate hydrolysis using various semiempirical Hamiltonians and density functional theory as the QM model. It is shown that with suitable parameters, based on force convergence tests, the AdBF QM/MM scheme can provide an accurate approximation of the structure in the dynamical QM region matching the corresponding fully QM simulations, as well as reproducing the correct energetics in all cases. Adaptive unbuffered force‐mixing and adaptive conventional QM/MM methods also provide reasonable results for some systems, but are more likely to suffer from instabilities and inaccuracies. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iron electrolysis‐assisted peroxymonosulfate chemical oxidation for the remediation of chlorophenol‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: Yang Nuo , Cui Jiaxin , Zhang Lieyu , Xiao Wei , Alshawabkeh Akram N , Mao Xuhui
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Electrolysis with an iron anode is a novel way to provide ferrous activators for chemical oxidation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for chlorophenol destruction when compared with H2O2 and persulfate (PS), and to see whether the electrolysis mode facilitates the buildup of conditions that favor the activation of PMS and removal of chlorophenols.

RESULTS

Ferrous species can effectively activate the PMS over a wide pH range. In comparison with H2O2 and PS, PMS is less sensitive to the solution's pH and possesses stronger oxidation capability at alkaline pHs. The optimal molar ratio of PMS to Fe(II) activator is 1:1 for the destruction of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP). The column experiments show that an acidic zone developed downstream from the anode is favorable to maintain ferrous ions and subsequent activation of PMS. The reactivity of the PMS can be manipulated by varying the electrical currents, and the process demonstrates effectiveness for treating organic contaminants. 2,4‐DCP contaminated groundwater shows decreased biotoxicity after the chemical oxidation process without considering the residual PMS.

CONCLUSIONS

Iron electrolysis‐assisted peroxymonosulfate chemical oxidation can effectively treat the 2,4‐dichlorophenol and mixtures of organic contaminants. This process can be engineered as an in situ chemical oxidation method for groundwater remediation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Independent Domination in Cubic Graphs
Authors: Dorbec Paul , Henning Michael A. , Montassier Mickael , Southey Justin
Published: February 2015

A set S of vertices in a graph G is an independent dominating set of G if S is an independent set and every vertex not in S is adjacent to a vertex in S. The independent domination number of G, denoted by , is the minimum cardinality of an independent dominating set. In this article, we show that if is a connected cubic graph of order n that does not have a subgraph isomorphic to K2, 3, then . As a consequence of our main result, we deduce Reed's important result [Combin Probab Comput 5 (1996), 277–295] that if G is a cubic graph of order n, then , where denotes the domination number of G.
Characterization of degradation products of Ivabradine by LC‐HR‐MS/MS: a typical case of exhibition of different degradation behaviour in HCl and H2SO4 acid hydrolysis
Authors: Patel Prinesh N. , Borkar Roshan M. , Kalariya Pradipbhai D. , Gangwal Rahul P. , Sangamwar Abhay T. , Samanthula Gananadhamu , Ragampeta Srinivas
Published: February 2015

A validated stability‐indicating HPLC method was established, and comprehensive stress testing of ivabradine, a cardiotonic drug, was carried out as per ICH guidelines. Ivabradine was subjected to acidic, basic and neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and thermal stress conditions, and the resulting degradation products were investigated by LC‐PDA and LC‐HR‐MS/MS. The drug was found to degrade in acid and base hydrolysis. An efficient and selective stability assay method was developed on Phenomenex Luna C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 µm) column using ammonium formate (10 mM, pH 3.0) and acetonitrile as mobile phase at 30 °C in gradient elution mode. The flow rate was 0.7 ml/min and detection wavelength was 286 nm. A total of five degradation products (I‐1 to I‐5) were identified and characterized by LC‐HR‐MS/MS in combination with accurate mass measurements. The drug exhibited different degradation behaviour in HCl and H2SO4 hydrolysis conditions. It is a unique example where two of the five degradation products in HCl hydrolysis were absent in H2SO4 acid hydrolysis. The present study provides guidance to revise the stress test for the determination of inherent stability of drugs containing lactam moiety under hydrolytic conditions. Most probable mechanisms for the formation of degradation products have been proposed on the basis of a comparison of the fragmentation pattern of the drug and its degradation products. In silico toxicity revealed that the degradation products (I‐2 to I‐5) were found to be severe irritants in case of ocular irritancy. The analytical assay method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, range, precision, accuracy and robustness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Characterization of PNIPAm Core Cross‐Linked Star Polymers and Their Functionalization with Cyclodextrin
Authors: Liu Yu‐Yang , Lan Song , Xiao Li‐Qun
Published: February 2015

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) core cross‐linked star (CCS) polymers (s‐(PNIPAm)n) are synthesized by arm‐first ATRP method. The related synthesis conditions are investigated and optimized. By varying cross‐linker N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) concentration, PNIPAm CCS polymers with about 47, 86, and 211 arms are synthesized. Then, under ATRP condition, the “living” sites at the core of s‐(PNIPAm)n reacting with a monovinyl β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) monomer afford β‐CD functionalized s‐(PNIPAm)n (CDF‐SPNIPAm). The structures of the star polymers are characterized. The results indicate that in CDF‐SPNIPAm, the ratio of β‐CD units to PNIPAm arm numbers could be up to 0.6:1. The fluorescence spectra of star polymer/ANS (8‐­anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt hydrate) systems prove that the β‐CD moieties of CDF‐SPNIPAm are available for including guest molecules. By using pH‐sensitive adamantyl (Ada)‐terminated poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (Ada‐P4VP) (synthesized by ATRP strategy) as a model guest macromolecule, the host–guest complexation between β‐CD units of CDF‐SPNIPAm and adamantyl groups of Ada‐P4VP is confirmed via 2D NOESY 1H NMR and DLS measurements. The results indicate that the presence of the Ada‐P4VP arms provides temperature‐responsive star polymers with pH sensitivity. Therefore, the β‐CD‐functionalized star PNIPAm could provide host macromolecular platform for constructing novel miktoarm star polymers.

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Design of elastomer structure to facilitate incorporation of expanded graphite in silicones without compromising electromechanical integrity
Authors: Hassouneh Suzan Sager , Daugaard Anders Egede , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: February 2015

The development of elastomer materials with a high dielectric permittivity has attracted increased interest over the past years due to their use in, for example, dielectric elastomers. For this particular use, both the electrically insulating properties — as well as the mechanical properties of the elastomer — have to be tightly controlled in order not to destroy favorable elastic properties by the addition of particles. This study focuses on improving the electromechanical properties of an enhanced PDMS matrix with expanded graphite (EG) as filler. The PDMS matrix is crosslinked by means of an 8‐functional crosslinker, which allows for development of a suitable network matrix. The dielectric permittivity was increased by almost a factor of 4 compared to a benchmark silicone elastomer.
Nonmotor predictors for levodopa requirement in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Erro Roberto , Picillo Marina , Amboni Marianna , Moccia Marcello , Vitale Carmine , Longo Katia , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Santangelo Gabriella , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Barone Paolo
Published: February 2015

The variability in the clinical phenotype of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests the existence of several subtypes of the disease. Motor heterogeneity of PD is well established, but not nonmotor heterogeneity. At present, we are unable to predict the rate of progression of PD based on robust biomarkers. We aimed to examine the heterogeneity of PD by attempting to identify nonmotor factors associated with the rate of motor progression and functional decline, as measured by the time to reach the need for levodopa therapy during the first 4 years from diagnosis in a cohort of de novo PD patients. The median time to introduction of l‐dopa for patients with urinary symptoms was significantly shorter than that for those without (20 vs. 37 months; P = 0.001). Cox's regression models showed that the urinary domain was associated with a higher probability of starting l‐dopa (hazard ratio: 2.1; P = 0.002). There was no influence of such confounders as sex, age, baseline motor features, use of dopamine agonists and/or monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, and total l‐dopa equivalent daily dosage. Patients with urinary symptoms had higher baseline and follow‐up motor and nonmotor disturbances than those without. Our study suggests the existence of a subgroup of patients who show urinary symptoms along with an overall higher motor and nonmotor burden. Such patients are prone to manifest a rapid functional decline over the first 4 years of the disease. Urinary symptoms might be a clinical marker of severity as well as a possible nonmotor subtype of PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dietary CML‐enriched protein induces functional arterial aging in a RAGE‐dependent manner in mice
Authors: Grossin Nicolas , Auger Florent , Niquet‐Leridon Céline , Durieux Nicolas , Montaigne David , Schmidt Ann Marie , Susen Sophie , Jacolot Philippe , Beuscart Jean‐Baptiste , Tessier Frédéric J. , Boulanger Eric
Published: February 2015

Scope

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are endogenously produced and are present in food. Nε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) is an endothelial activator via the receptor for AGEs (RAGEs) and is a major dietary AGE. This work investigated the effects of a CML‐enriched diet and RAGE involvement in aortic aging in mice.

Methods and results

After 9 months of a control diet or CML‐enriched diets (50, 100, or 200 μgCML/g of food), endothelium‐dependent relaxation, RAGE, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and sirtuin‐1 expression, pulse wave velocity and elastin disruption were measured in aortas of wild‐type or RAGE−/− male C57BL/6 mice. Compared to the control diet, endothelium‐dependent relaxation was reduced in the wild‐type mice fed the CML‐enriched diet (200 μgCML/g) (66.8 ± 12.26 vs. 94.3 ± 2.6%, p < 0.01). RAGE and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (p < 0.05) expression were increased in the aortic wall. RAGE−/− mice were protected against CML‐enriched diet‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Compared to control diet, the CML‐enriched diet (200 μgCML/g) increased the aortic pulse wave velocity (86.6 ± 41.1 vs. 251.4 ± 41.1 cm/s, p < 0.05) in wild‐type animals. Elastin disruption was found to a greater extent in the CML‐fed mice (p < 0.05). RAGE‐/− mice fed the CML‐enriched diet were protected from aortic stiffening.

Conclusion

Chronic CML ingestion induced endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness and aging in a RAGE‐dependent manner.
Evidence for the presence of stem/progenitor cells in porcine endometrium
Authors: Bodek Gabriel , Bukowska Joanna , Wisniewska Joanna , Ziecik Adam J.
Published: February 2015

A population of adult stem cells responsible for cyclic reconstructing and remodeling has been proposed to reside in the highly regenerative mammalian endometrium. Recently, stem/progenitor cells have been identified in the human and mouse endometrium, but less is known about these cells in livestock animals. Using Hoechst 33342 fluorescent dye staining and flow cytometry, we identified an emerging cell side population that may be responsible for the regeneration process of the porcine endometrium. The percentage of side‐population cells on Day 19 of the estrous cycle was significantly higher than that on Days 2–4. Moreover, single cells were able to seed clones that could differentiate into three independent mesenchymal‐cell lineages. We also demonstrated the expression of specific markers of self‐renewal cells on these side‐population cells and the presence of a population of cells among the stromal cells that possess markers for mesenchymal stem cells. These results indicate that the porcine endometrium contains a population of cells with the capacity for self‐renewal and a high rate of proliferation, which depend on the phase of the estrous cycle. These cells could potentially be involved in the cyclic reconstruction of the porcine endometrium. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 182–190, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Diethylzinc on the Activity of Ethylene Polymerization by Metallocene Catalyst
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: February 2015

Adding a suitable amount of diethylzinc as the third compound to a metallocene/MAO catalytic system for ethylene (co) polymerization gives rise to a sharp increase in activity. For ethylene homopolymerization, the activity is enhanced from 2.28 (Zn/Zr = 0) to 10.92 × 106 g/mol‐Zr/h (Zn/Zr = 100), and the activity for ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization is enhanced from 7.68 (Zn/Zr = 0) to 16.20 × 106 g/mol‐Zr/h (Zn/Zr = 100). The activity decreases when the amount of diethylzinc is further increased. UV‐vis analysis shows that a mixed aluminoxane (MEAO) may be generated by the reaction of diethylzinc with MAO.
Syntheses of donor acceptor biobased photocurable water‐soluble resins based on poly‐l‐lysine
Authors: Koleilat Houria , Giani Olivia , Joly‐Duhamel Christine , Robin Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2015

We report a new kind of coating using UV waterborne technique with a biobased poly(amino acid) resin. Firstly we performed the thermal polycondensation of l‐lysine during 15 h at 150 °C to synthesize water‐soluble oligomers of poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) with 5–6 monomer units. These oligomers were then transformed in mild conditions to give photocurable water‐soluble resins. We grafted on the poly‐l‐lysine backbone, allyl and maleamic acid functional groups, with a grafting rate close to 65% thanks to allyl glycidyl ether and maleic anhydride respectively. The influence of the reaction time and the reagents ratio on the grafting rate was investigated. Hence, the donor/acceptor photopolymerization of the mixture of allyl ether‐poly‐l‐lysine (PLL‐g‐AE) with maleamic acid‐poly‐l‐lysine (PLL‐g‐MA) in aqueous solution gave yellow transparent films. The degree of conversion and other kinetic parameters have been studied and detailed. This work contributes to the development of materials based on renewable resources and cleaner processes. It opens a new pathway to both fundamental and applied‐driven research. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 955–963
Trapping mechanisms in GaN‐based MIS‐HEMTs grown on silicon substrate
Authors: Bisi Davide , Meneghini Matteo , Van Hove Marleen , Marcon Denis , Stoffels Steve , Wu Tian‐Li , Decoutere Stefaan , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico
Published: February 2015

In this work we report on the three dominant trapping mechanisms affecting the dynamic performance of a double‐heterostructure GaN‐based MIS‐HEMT grown on silicon substrate. In the OFF‐state, with high drain voltage and pinched‐off 2DEG, the dominant mechanism is the charge‐trapping in the gate‐drain access region caused by the transversal drain‐to‐substrate potential. This effect causes the dynamic increase of the ON‐resistance, and is positively temperature‐dependent, thus of great concern for high‐temperature operation. In the SEMI‐ON‐state, due to the presence of high VDS and relatively high IDS, an additional trapping mechanism emerges, involving the injection of hot electrons from the 2DEG into trap states located in the GaN‐buffer or in the AlGaN barrier. This mechanism, critical in hard‐switching operations, affects both the ON‐resistance and the VTH. Finally, when the gate is positively biased (gate overdrive state) trapping of electrons happens in the gate dielectric layer(s), leading to strong metastable VTH instabilities.
Towards organic solar cells without the hole transporting layer on the plasmon‐enhanced ITO electrode
Authors: Vojtko Andrej , Jergel Matej , Nádaždy Vojtech , Šiffalovi Peter , Kaiser Michal , Halahovets Yuriy , Benkovičová Monika , Ivančo Ján , Majková Eva , Erola Markus O. A. , Suvanto Sari , Pakkanen Tuula T.
Published: February 2015

The avoiding of the hole transport layer (HTL) by an UV/ozone treatment of the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was successfully tested on the P3HT:PC61BM and PBDTTT‐CF:PC71BM organic solar cells with plasmonic gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods spincoated on ITO, respectively. Reference device on bare UV‐ozone treated ITO and the one with HTL were also prepared for comparison. It was found that the UV/ozone treatment of the bare ITO and plasmon‐enhanced ITO electrode allowed an effective alignment of the electrode work function with the polymer in the active layer at the saturated values of 5.5 eV and 5.6 eV, respectively. This result is well explained by the integer charge transfer model. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device on bare UV/ozone treated ITO was comparable to that of the conventional device with HTL. Application of two types of 30 nm gold nanoparticles and 40 nm long gold nanorods on ITO before the subsequent UV/ozone treatment improved the PCE by up to 20% and 10%, respectively. These results suggest feasibility of a simple and cost‐effective preparation of OSCs.
Ultrathin InAlN/GaN heterostructures with high electron mobility
Authors: Fang Y. L. , Feng Z. H. , Yin J. Y. , Zhang Z. R. , Lv Y. J. , Dun S. B. , Liu B. , Li C. M. , Cai S. J.
Published: February 2015

The ultrathin InAlN/GaN heterostructure with 3 nm thickness was grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition, and a room‐temperature mobility of 2175 cm2/V · s at sheet density of 1.39 × 1013 cm−2 was achieved. Excellent crystalline and structural quality of the ultrathin InAlN/GaN heterostructure was revealed by transmission electron microscopy and atom force microscopy. The double periodicity of the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillation was observed in the magnetoresistance measurements, and the energy separation between the two subbands was determined as 116 meV. It was found that the smaller interface electric field for the ultrathin InAlN/GaN was responsible for the smaller energy separations, which facilitated the occupation of the second subband.
Design, Properties, and In Vivo Behavior of Super­paramagnetic Persistent Luminescence Nanohybrids
Authors: Teston Eliott , Lalatonne Yoann , Elgrabli Dan , Autret Gwennhael , Motte Laurence , Gazeau Florence , Scherman Daniel , Clément Olivier , Richard Cyrille , Maldiney Thomas
Published: February 2015

With the fast development of noninvasive diagnosis, the design of multimodal imaging probes has become a promising challenge. If many monofunctional nanocarriers have already proven their efficiency, only few multifunctional nanoprobes have been able to combine the advantages of diverse imaging modalities. An innovative nanoprobe called mesoporous persistent luminescence magnetic nanohybrids (MPNHs) is described that shows both optical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties intended for in vivo multimodal imaging in small animals. MPNHs are based on the assembly of chromium‐doped zinc gallate oxide and ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles embedded in a mesoporous silica shell. MPNHs combine the optical advantages of persistent luminescence, such as real time imaging with highly sensitive and photostable detection, and MRI negative contrast properties that ensure in vivo imaging with rather high spatial resolution. In addition to their imaging capabilities, these MPNHs can be motioned in vitro with a magnet, which opens multiple perspectives in magnetic vectorization and cell therapy research.
Die Hochmoselbrücke – Herstellung, Montage und Planung des Stahlüberbaus
Authors: Hagedorn Michael , Heiland Uwe , Klähne Thomas
Published: February 2015

Technische Konstruktionen, bei denen ein oder mehrere Parameter den Bereich gewöhnlicher Dimensionen verlassen, erweisen sich vielfach als nicht kompatibel für die Anwendung der üblichen Konstruktions‐ und/oder Dimensionierungsprinzipien. Es lässt sich zeigen, dass auch bei scheinbar phänomenologischer Analogie zweier zu vergleichender Konstruktionen, bei gleichzeitiger offensichtlicher Maßstabsverzerrung statt einer Übertragung von Erfahrungswerten oder von normierten Prozeduren in Bezug auf die Auslegung einer Konstruktion oder auf deren statische und dynamische Fähigkeiten, sinnvolle Sonderlösungen anzuwenden sind.

Die Hochmoselbrücke verlässt mit Parametern wie ihrer Bauhöhe über Grund (ca. 160 m), ihrer Gesamtlänge von ca. 1702 m und ihrer maximalen Einzelstützweite von ca. 210 m, die auch während des Montagevorganges nicht durch Hilfsabstützungen zu reduzieren war, in Teilen übliche Dimensionen des Ganzstahlbrückenbaus. Für die Durchführung der im Taktschieben zu realisierenden Überbau‐Montage, wird bei der Überwindung der maximalen Einzelstützweite ein in Europa noch nicht erreichter freier Kragarm ausgeführt werden.

The Hochmosel‐Bridge, Germany – Manufacture, assembly and design of the superstructures. Technical constructions in which one or more parameters are beyond the scope of its ordinary dimension often prove to be incompatible for the application of the ordinary, conventional design principles. It can be shown that even with apparent phenomenological analogy of two to comparative constructions, while apparent scale distortion rather than a transfer of experience or standardized procedures with regard to better special solutions are applied to the design of a structure or their static and dynamic capabilities. The Hochmoselbrücke leaves with parameters such as height above ground (about 160 m), her total length of 1702 m, and her maximum single span of about 210 m, which was also not reduced by auxiliary supports during the assembly process, parts of usual dimensions of a full‐steel‐bridge‐construction. The stepwise implemented assembly and move procedure of the site‐process (for the superstructure assembly) brings in overcoming of these single span a new record of a free cantilever executes process in Europe.
Cold‐formed members – comparison between tests and a unified design method for beam‐columns
Authors: Höglund Torsten
Published: February 2015

In [1] a unified method for the design of steel beam‐columns is presented. The method has been checked for rolled steel beam‐columns and extruded aluminium beam‐columns. It is included in Eurocode 9 [19] for aluminium members and it is proposed to be included also in Eurocode 3 Part 1‐3 [16] as well, but then it needs to be checked for typical cold‐formed sections.

Cold‐formed sections are usually un‐symmetric and thin‐walled, for instance channel sections or C‐shaped sections (lipped channels). When used as compression members, local buckling causes a redistribution of the longitudinal stress which leads to a shift of the effective centroid. The shift causes overall bending and reduces the column strength when the member is compressed between pinned ends. In fixed‐ended columns, however, the shift of the effective centroid is balanced by a shift of the applied force and bending is not introduced [6]. As a result, the strength of fixed‐ended channel column exceeds that of a pin‐ended column of the same effective length [7].

Using effective width for the flanges of channels e.g. according to EN 1993‐1‐5 [17] gives conservative result as the centroid of the effective section is too close to the web. The mixed effective width/effective thickness method for outstand elements given in Annex D of EN 1993‐1‐3 [16] is the basis in the following interpretations.
Non‐linear seismic response analysis of vehicle‐bridge interactive systems
Authors: Borjigin Sudanna , Kim Chul‐Woo , Chang Kai‐Chun , Sugiura Kunitomo
Published: February 2015

The intention of this study is to investigate how vehicles on highway bridges affect the seismic responses of the bridges under strong ground motions. Most highway bridge design codes do not consider the live load in the seismic design of highway bridges because of the low probability of the two events of the critical live load and an earthquake occurring at the same time. As a result, little attention has been paid to the influence of vehicle loads on the seismic responses of highway bridges. However, considering the high probability of traffic jams on urban roads, it is preferable to examine and clarify the dynamic interaction effect of vehicles on road bridges while subjected to seismic loads. In this study, the vehicle‐bridge‐ground motion interactions are realized by combining ABAQUS and MATLAB. ABAQUS provides a GUI environment to establish the numerical bridge model and apply the seismic forces, while MATLAB provides a platform to control the iterations in both time and force increments. As a preliminary study, a simplified 3D pier‐beam bridge model loaded with multiple vehicles with two degrees of freedom moving at a constant speed has been considered. When subjected to identical, strong seismic loadings, it was observed that the transverse accelerations of the bridge with moving vehicles are smaller than those without moving vehicles. Further, permanent deformation occurs after earthquakes because of yielding at the bottom of the pier; it was observed that the permanent deformations of the bridge with moving vehicles tend to be smaller than those without moving vehicles.
Structural safety assessment of continuous girder bridge with fatigue crack in web plate
Authors: Hashimoto Kunitaro , Kayano Makio , Suzuki Yasuo , Sugiura Kunitomo , Watanabe Eiichi
Published: February 2015

This paper, which focuses on a fatigue crack found in a main girder of a continuous steel girder bridge, assesses the remaining structural safety of the steel bridge with such a fatigue crack in order to judge whether or not urgent action such as closure to traffic or necessary temporary repairs and strengthening should be carried out. Therefore, an elastic‐plastic finite displacement analysis is carried out for the continuous three‐span non‐composite steel girder bridge with four main girders in which a fatigue crack about 1.1 m long in the web plate of the main girder was discovered during an inspection. From the analysis results it is found that the load redistribution function of the multiple main girder system was effective and the remaining load‐carrying capacity of such a bridge system is such that there will be no sudden collapse of the entire bridge.
Engineering complex geometries – the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku
Authors: Winterstetter Thomas , Alkan Mustafa , Berger Radu , Watanabe Maiko , Toth Agatha , Sobek Werner
Published: February 2015

The present paper describes the engineering design by Werner Sobek for the new Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, a masterpiece of 3D freeform architecture by Zaa Hadid.
Quantifying the impact of Wellington Zoo's persuasive communication campaign on post‐visit behavior
Authors: MacDonald Edith
Published: February 2015

Zoos potential to facilitate visitor conservation behavior is commonly articulated. Few studies, however, have quantified whether zoos’ conservation messages result in visitors implementing the behavior. To test if zoo conservation messages are adopted at home, I implemented a persuasive communication campaign which advocated keeping cats indoor at night, a behavior that is a potential solution to cats depredating native wildlife. Furthermore, I tested if a public commitment (signing a pledge card) strengthened the relationship between on‐site intention to engage in the behavior and actual implementation of the behavior at home. The conservation behavior was included in the twice‐daily animal presentations in the amphitheater. A sample of 691 visitors completed a survey as they exited the amphitheater that measured their recall of the conservation behavior and intention to engage in the behavior at home. The last 311 visitors to complete the survey were asked to sign a pledge card which was publicly displayed in the amphitheater. Six weeks after their zoo trip, visitors were contacted and asked if they had implemented the behavior. Recall of the conservation behavior was high (91% for control, 100% for pledge group) and the entire pledge group had implemented the behavior whereas just half (51%) of the control group did. Furthermore, signing the pledge card strengthened the relationship between onsite intention and at home behavior (r = 1.0 of for the pledge group and r = 0.21 for the control group). Overall, the zoo's conservation message was recalled and behavior implemented at home. Zoo Biol. 34:163–169, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Reproductive activity in the peninsular pronghorn determined from excreted gonadal steroid metabolites
Authors: Kersey David C. , Holland Jeff , Eng Curtis
Published: February 2015

Fecal hormone monitoring was employed to better define annual patterns of reproductive steroid metabolites from a breeding pair of peninsular pronghorn (Antilocapra americana peninsularis) maintained at the Los Angeles Zoo. Notably in the female, increased excretion of estrogen metabolites occurred during the breeding season (Jun–Aug), and a biphasic pattern in progestagen activity was measured during gestation. Of additional interest, a preterm increase in estrogen that continued for an additional 64 days post partum. Male androgen activity correlated with the female estrogen patterns, with a single successful copulation occurring during the breeding season; interestingly however, the male exhibited no reproductive behaviors during the female's preterm/post partum estrogen increase. These data are the first reproductive steroid profiles for the peninsular pronghorn and provide valuable insight that will aid efforts that link the species' reproductive physiology with conservation management. Zoo Biol. 34:183–188, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bile Duct Tumor Thrombus: Surgical Outcomes and the Prognostic Impact of Concomitant Major Vascular Invasion
Authors: Kasai Yosuke , Hatano Etsuro , Seo Satoru , Taura Kojiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: February 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the long‐term surgical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) and to identify a therapeutic strategy for this condition.

Methods

Forty‐four patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC with BDTT or direct invasion involving the first branches of the bile duct or common hepatic duct were enrolled in this study. The overall survival time and time to recurrence were analyzed.

Results

The median survival time and the 5‐year survival rate were 23.7 months and 31.0 %, respectively. Child‐Pugh classification B [hazard ratio (HR) 4.92; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.97–11.65], major vascular invasion (MVI; HR 2.79; 95 % CI 1.14–6.87), and serosal invasion (HR 2.71; 95 % CI 1.19–6.02) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The median survival times were 12.3 and 72.3 months for the patients with and without MVI, respectively. Among the 41 patients who underwent macroscopic curative resection, the median time to recurrence and the 5‐year recurrence rate were 8.6 months and 85.6 %, respectively. MVI was the only independent prognostic factor for recurrence (HR 3.31; 95 % CI 1.55–7.05). The median times to recurrence were 3.7 and 11.6 months for the patients with and without MVI, respectively.

Conclusions

Concomitant MVI was a strong prognostic factor in the setting of HCC with BDTT. Extended hepatectomy provided a good prognosis for the patients with BDTT alone without MVI.
Repeat Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC for Peritoneal Surface Malignancy and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Wong Joelle F. S. , Tan Grace H. C. , Wang Weining , Soo K. C. , Teo Melissa C. C.
Published: February 2015

Background

Peritoneal‐based malignancy (PBM), especially peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal malignancies traditionally carries a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra‐peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been shown to attain long median survival of 34–92 months and 5 year survival of 29–59 % in patients with favorable histopathological subtypes. Recurrence after CRS and HIPEC poses a management dilemma. This paper evaluates our institution’s experience with repeat CRS and HIPEC, its associated morbidity and outcomes.

Methods

One‐hundred and thirty underwent CRS and HIPEC for PBM from April 2001 to June 2013. 49 had peritoneal recurrences, of which 24 had peritoneal only recurrence. 7 out of the 24 underwent a second CRS and HIPEC.

Results

Five females and two males with median age of 51 (37–63), underwent a second CRS and HIPEC. The primary malignancies were: 1 peritoneal mesothelioma, 3 appendiceal, 2 ovarian, and 1 colorectal cancers. Median peritoneal cancer indices for the initial and second CRS were 19 and 12, respectively. Completeness of cytoreduction score of 0 was achieved for all patients. Median hospitalization after second CRS and HIPEC was 12 days (7–60). 1 out of 7 (14 %) experienced grade 3 or 4 post‐operative complications. There was no 30‐day or inpatient mortality. Median follow‐up was 13 months (1–97). Median disease‐free interval between the first CRS and HIPEC to peritoneal recurrence was 20 months (14–87). Median disease‐free survival of 6 months (1–97) was achieved after the second CRS and HIPEC. Six patients remained alive without disease and one passed away with disease. Two had recurrences at 12 and 71 months after second CRS and HIPEC, 1 died and the other, still alive, went on to have a third CRS.

Conclusion

Repeat CRS and HIPEC can achieve prolonged survival in selected patients with peritoneal‐based malignancies, and can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.
Cross-linked xenogenic collagen implantation in the sheep model for vaginal surgery
Authors: Endo Masayuki , Urbankova Iva , Vlacil Jaromir , Sengupta Siddarth , Deprest Thomas , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Feola Andrew , Deprest Jan
Published: February 2015

The properties of meshes used in reconstructive surgery affect the host response and biomechanical characteristics of the grafted tissue. Whereas durable synthetics induce a chronic inflammation, biological grafts are usually considered as more biocompatible. The location of implantation is another determinant of the host response: the vagina is a different environment with specific function and anatomy. Herein, we evaluated a cross-linked acellular collagen matrix (ACM), pretreated by the anti-calcification procedure ADAPT® in a sheep model for vaginal surgery. Ten sheep were implanted with a cross-linked ACM, and six controls were implanted with a polypropylene (PP; 56 g/m2) control. One implant was inserted in the lower rectovaginal septum, and one was used for abdominal wall defect reconstruction. Grafts were removed after 180 days; all graft-related complications were recorded, and explants underwent bi-axial tensiometry and contractility testing. Half of ACM-implanted animals had palpable induration in the vaginal implantation area, two of these also on the abdominal implant. One animal had a vaginal exposure. Vaginal ACMs were 63 % less stiff compared to abdominal ACM explants (p = 0.01) but comparable to vaginal PP explants. Seven anterior vaginal ACM explants showed areas of graft degradation on histology. There was no overall difference in vaginal contractility. Considering histologic degradation in the anterior vaginal implant as representative for the host, posterior ACM explants of animals with degradation had a 60 % reduced contractility as compared to PP (p = 0.048). Three abdominal implants showed histologic degradation; those were more compliant than non-degraded implants. Vaginal implantation with ACM was associated with graft-related complications (GRCs) and biomechanical properties comparable to PP. Partially degraded ACM had a decreased vaginal contractility.
Clearing the Air: A Qualitative Investigation of Genetic Counselors’ Experiences of Counselor‐Focused Patient Anger
Authors: Schema Lynn , McLaughlin Michaela , Veach Patricia McCarthy , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: February 2015

Patient anger is challenging for healthcare professionals to manage, particularly when it is directed at them. This study comprises the first in‐depth investigation of genetic counselors’ experiences with patient anger. Using a brief survey and interview methods, this study explored prevalence and context of patient anger directed at the genetic counselor, how genetic counselors manage patient anger directed at them, and possible thematic differences due to genetic counseling experience. Individuals enrolled in the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) listserv were invited to participate in a study of their experiences with patient anger directed at them. A majority of survey respondents (95.7 %, 243/254) reported experiencing patient anger directed at them, and 19.4 % reported having feared for their safety because of patient anger. Twenty‐two survey respondents were purposively selected to participate in individual interviews. Inductive and cross case analysis yielded prevalent themes concerning patient triggers for anger, including bad news, logistical mishaps, and perceived counselor characteristics. Interview results further suggest unaddressed patient anger negatively affected patient and counselor emotional well‐being and hindered genetic counseling goals. Prevalent challenges included genetic counselor attempts to accurately recognize, understand, and effectively manage patient anger without taking it personally. Commonly recommended strategies for addressing anger were empathy (i.e., understanding origins of patient anger), anticipating and acknowledging anger, maintaining personal, professional and legal protection, and debriefing with colleagues. Themes were quite similar across counselor experience levels. The findings underscore the importance of training and continuing education regarding patient anger. Additional findings, practice implications, and research recommendations are presented.
Treatment of Preiser Disease with Vascularized Bone Graft from the Distal Radius: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Da Gama Sérgio Augusto Machado , De Rezende Marcelo Rosa , Ribak Samuel
Published: February 2015

The authors report two cases of women with Preiser disease treated with dorsal distal radius vascularized grafts. In the first case, after minor trauma, the patient had pain in the left wrist of insidious onset and evolution with significant worsening. The radiographic examination showed increased density of the proximal pole of the scaphoid, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed partial necrosis. Intraoperatively, as the integrity of the cartilage of the proximal pole of the scaphoid was observed, dorsal vascularized distal radius graft was performed using the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery. In 4 months postoperatively, MRI showed almost total integration of the graft, and 1 year after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic, with normal mobility of the operated wrist and imaging showing a normal scaphoid. The second case had similar history and clinical picture, but the radiographs showed narrowing and diffuse sclerosis and also osteolytic areas in the proximal pole of the scaphoid; MRI showed diffuse necrosis. The same graft technique was used, considering that there was a good cartilaginous coverage of the scaphoid. After 9 years of follow-up, the patients remain free of pain or functional limitations. In such cases, the vascularized graft technique was effective and, therefore, a good therapeutic option, provided that there is no degenerative changes in the carpus and, especially, the cartilage of the proximal pole is viable.
Foreign-born Peers and Academic Performance
Authors: Conger Dylan
Published: February 2015

The academic performance of foreign-born youth in the United States is well studied, yet little is known about whether and how foreign-born students influence their classmates. In this article, I develop a set of expectations regarding the potential consequences of immigrant integration across schools, with a distinction between the effects of sharing schools with immigrants who are designated as English language learners (ELL) and those who are not. I then use administrative data on multiple cohorts of Florida public high school students to estimate the effect of immigrant shares on immigrant and native-born students’ academic performance. The identification strategy pays careful attention to the selection problem by estimating the effect of foreign-born peers from deviations in the share foreign-born across cohorts of students attending the same school in different years. The assumption underlying this approach is that students choose schools based on the composition of the entire school, not on the composition of each entering cohort. The results of the analysis, which hold under several robustness checks, indicate that foreign-born peers (both those who are ELL and those who are non-ELL) have no effect on their high school classmates’ academic performance.
Functional characterization of a BCL10 isoform in the rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Mazzone Pellegrino , Scudiero Ivan , Coccia Elena , Ferravante Angela , Paolucci Marina , D'Andrea Egildo Luca , Varricchio Ettore , Pizzulo Maddalena , Reale Carla , Zotti Tiziana , Vito Pasquale , Stilo Romania
Published: February 2015

The complexes formed by BCL10, MALT1 and members of the family of CARMA proteins have recently been the focus of much attention because they represent a key mechanism for regulating activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB. Here, we report the functional characterization of a novel isoform of BCL10 in the troutOncorhynchus mykiss, which we named tBCL10. tBCL10 dimerizes, binds to components of the CBM complex and forms cytoplasmic filaments. Functionally, tBCL10 activates NF‐κB transcription factor and is inhibited by the deubiquitinating enzyme A20. Finally, depletion experiments indicate that tBCL10 can functionally replace the human protein. This work demonstrates the evolutionary conservation of the mechanism of NF‐κB activation through the CBM complex, and indicates that the rainbow troutO. mykiss can serve as a model organism to study this pathway.
Ulnar Neuropathy After Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Shim Jae Seong , Chung Sun G. , Bang Hyun , Lee Hyuk Jin , Kim Keewon
Published: February 2015

Currently, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is widely used for treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. We report a case of ulnar neuropathy secondary to the application of ESWT. A 48‐year‐old man was diagnosed with medial epicondylitis and underwent 2 sessions of ESWT. Immediately after the second session, he experienced paresthesia and weakness in the right hand. On physical examination, atrophy of the first dorsal interosseus and weakness of the abductor digiti minimi were observed. Electrophysiologic study demonstrated ulnar neuropathy at the elbow with severe partial axonotmesis. Our case report demonstrates that ESWT might cause or contribute to peripheral nerve injury at the site of application.
Board independence and corporate investments
Authors: Lu Jun , Wang Wei
Published: February 2015

This research investigates whether and how board independence influences corporate investment decisions in a Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) framework, where the capital investment and the research and development (R&D) investment are examined simultaneously. We argue that the free cash flow problem primarily inflicts capital investments, while the managerial conservatism mainly undercuts the more risky R&D investments. Consistent with independent board mitigating both agency problems, we find that firms with a higher degree of board independence is negatively associated with capital investments but positively associated with R&D investments, after controlling for common determinants of investments. We address the endogeneity of board independence by exploiting an exogenous change in board structure brought about by the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) and continue to find consistent results.