bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ad-layers enhance graphene's performance
Authors: Chen Ting-Wei , Hsieh Ya-Ping , Hofmann Mario
Published: October 2015

Graphene's performance as transparent conductor can be significantly enhanced by discontinuous ad-layers on top of a complete graphene sheet by providing highly efficient parallel pathways for carrier transport.
High-performance perovskite solar cells fabricated by vapor deposition with optimized PbI2 precursor films
Authors: Peng Yanke , Jing Gaoshan , Cui Tianhong
Published: October 2015

High-performance CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells were achieved by hybrid physical–chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) method with optimized spin coating process for PbI2 precursor films.
Synthesis, crystal structure and biological properties of a bismuth(iii) Schiff-base complex
Authors: Li Chuan-Hua , Jiang Jian-Hong , Li Xu , Tao Li-Ming , Xiao Sheng-Xiong , Gu Hui-Wen , Zhang Hui , Jiang Chao , Xie Jin-Qi , Peng Meng-Na , Pan Lan-Lan , Xia Xian-Ming , Li Qiang-Guo
Published: October 2015

Synthesis, crystal structure and biological properties of a bismuthoxide Schiff-base complex derived from salen-like ligands and bismuth(iii) salt.
Fabrication of a high-density polyethylene/graphene composite with high exfoliation and high mechanical performance via solid-state shear milling
Authors: Wei Pingfu , Bai Shibing
Published: October 2015

Due to the high specific area and hydrophobic nature of graphene, it is extremely difficult to fabricate graphene polymer composites without the re-stacking of graphene sheets in non-polar polymer matrix.
Correction: Methanobacterium enables high rate electricity-driven autotrophic sulfate reduction
Authors: Pozo Guillermo , Jourdin Ludovic , Lu Yang , Ledezma Pablo , Keller Jurg , Freguia Stefano
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Methanobacterium enables high rate electricity-driven autotrophic sulfate reduction’ by Guillermo Pozo et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 89368–89374.
Mo-doped GZO films used as anodes or cathodes for highly efficient flexible blue, green and red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Huang Jun-Lin , Wu Szu-Wei
Published: October 2015

We propose a novel transparent conductive oxide constructed by doping molybdenum into gallium zinc oxide (GZO).
Tetraphenylethene-based Zn complexes for the highly sensitive detection of single-stranded DNA
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhu Zece , Wei Danqing , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2015

Metal–ligand coordination interactions were utilized to develop tetraphenylethene-based DNA probes, which exhibited a higher fluorescent on/off ratio than ethidium bromide.
2.5.1 Hydroformylation of Epoxides
Authors: Takahashi K. , Nozaki K.
Published: October 2015

The reaction of epoxides with dihydrogen and carbon monoxide catalyzed by cobalt-based complexes affords β-hydroxy aldehydes. This reaction is formally regarded as the hydroformylation of epoxides. Silylformylation of epoxides by the reaction of epoxides with hydrosilanes and carbon monoxide to give 1,3-disiloxyalkanes [bis(silyl ethers)] is a mechanistically related reaction and is also summarized in this chapter.
2.5.3 Cyanation of Aziridines
Authors: Schoonen L. , te Grotenhuis C. , Rutjes F. P. J. T.
Published: October 2015

Aziridines, three-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles, are useful precursors for the synthesis of many biologically interesting molecules, such as α- and β-amino acids and alkaloids, using ring-opening reactions. In this regard, cyanide is an interesting nucleophile because of its low cost and the synthetic versatility of the resulting β-amino nitriles. Non-activated aziridines, bearing a hydrogen or stabilizing electron-donating substituent, often need activation prior to nucleophilic ring opening. Therefore, only limited examples of cyanide-mediated ring opening of non-activated aziridines are known. Activated aziridines are more readily opened, due to the electron-withdrawing substituent on the nitrogen, which destabilizes the ring structure. In some cases, no additives are required for the reaction to proceed, but in most cases a Lewis acid, Lewis base, metal catalyst, or other additive is employed to achieve stereoselective ring opening.
2.5.6 Mannich-Type Reactions
Authors: Merino P.
Published: October 2015

The nucleophilic addition of enolizable carbonyl compounds to imines and related derivatives such as iminium salts, nitrones, oximes, and hydrazones provides direct access to β-amino carbonyl derivatives. This reactivity has been employed in efficient approaches to the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds.
2.5.8 Metathesis Adding a C-1 Unit
Authors: Bruneau C. , Fischmeister C.
Published: October 2015

This chapter introduces metal-catalyzed cross metathesis with ethene (ethenolysis) as an efficient procedure to cleave internal alkenes and introduce a C-1 unit (a CH2 group) at both sides of the starting alkene, leading to two terminal alkene groups. Using this strategy, linear alkenes provide two new terminal alkenes whereas cyclic alkenes give rise to dienes.
Note: A rectangular pulse generator for 50 kV voltage, 0.8 ns rise time, and 10 ns pulse width based on polymer-film switch
Authors: Wu Hanyu , Zhang Xinjun , Sun Tieping , Zeng Zhengzhong , Cong Peitian , Zhang Shaoguo
Published: October 2015

In this article, we describe a rectangular pulse generator, consisting of a polymer-film switch, a tri-plate transmission line, and parallel post-shaped ceramic resistor load, for 50-kV voltage, 0.8-ns rise time, and 10-ns width. The switch and resistors are arranged in atmospheric air and the transmission line can work in atmospheric air or in transformer oil to change the pulse width from 6.7 ns to 10 ns. The fast switching and low-inductance characteristics of the polymer-film switch ensure the fast rising wavefront of <1 ns. This generator can be applied in the calibration of nanosecond voltage dividers and used for electromagnetic pulse tests as a fast-rising current injection source.
Hole injection from the sidewall of V-shaped pits into c-plane multiple quantum wells in InGaN light emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Xiaoming , Liu Junlin , Jiang Fengyi
Published: October 2015

The role which the V-shaped pits (V-pits) play in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been proposed to enable the formation of sidewall MQWs, whose higher bandgap than that of the c-plane MQWs is considered to act as an energy barrier to prevent carriers from reaching the dislocations. Here, with increasing proportion of current flowing via the V-pits, the emission of the c-plane MQWs broadens across the short-wavelength band and shows a blueshift successively. This phenomenon is attributed to hole injection from the sidewall of V-pits into the c-plane MQWs, which is a new discovery in the injection mechanism of InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs.
Voltage-driven spin-transfer torque in a magnetic particle
Authors: Gartland P. , Davidović D.
Published: October 2015

We discuss a spin-transfer torque device, where the role of the soft ferromagnetic layer is played by a magnetic particle or a magnetic molecule, in weak tunnel contact with two spin polarized leads. We investigate if the magnetization of the particle can be manipulated electronically, in the regime where the critical current for magnetization switching is negligibly weak, which could be due to the reduced particle dimensions. Using master equation simulations to evaluate the effects of spin-orbit anisotropy energy fluctuations on spin-transfer, we obtain reliable reading and writing of the magnetization state of such magnetic particle, and find that the device relies on a critical voltage rather than a critical current. The critical voltage is governed by the spin-orbit energy shifts of discrete levels in the particle. This finding opens a possibility to significantly reduce the power dissipation involved in spin-transfer torque switching, by using very small magnetic particles or molecules.
Thermoelectric conversion efficiency in IV-VI semiconductors with reduced thermal conductivity
Authors: Ishida Akihiro , Thao Hoang Thi Xuan , Yamamoto Hidenari , Kinoshita Yohei , Ishikiriyama Mamoru
Published: October 2015

Mid-temperature thermoelectric conversion efficiencies of the IV-VI materials were calculated under the Boltzmann transport theory of carriers, taking the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects into account. The conversion efficiency was discussed with respect to the lattice thermal conductivity, keeping other parameters such as Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity to the same values. If room temperature lattice thermal conductivity is decreased up to 0.5W/mK, the conversion efficiency of a PbS based material becomes as high as 15% with the temperature difference of 500K between 800K and 300K.
Ocean acidification has different effects on the production of dimethylsulfide and dimethylsulfoniopropionate measured in cultures of Emiliania huxleyi and a mesocosm study: a comparison of laboratory monocultures and community interactions
Authors: Webb Alison L. , Malin Gill , Hopkins Frances E. , Ho Kai Lam , Riebesell Ulf , Schulz Kai G. , Larsen Aud , Liss Peter S.
Published: October 2015

Environmental context Approximately 25% of CO2 released to the atmosphere by human activities has been absorbed by the oceans, resulting in ocean acidification. We investigate the acidification effects on marine phytoplankton and subsequent production of the trace gas dimethylsulfide, a major route for sulfur transfer from the oceans to the atmosphere. Increasing surface water CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) affects the growth of phytoplankton groups to different degrees, resulting in varying responses in community production of dimethylsulfide. Abstract The human-induced rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution has led to increasing oceanic carbon uptake and changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, resulting in lowering of surface water pH. In this study we investigated the effect of increasing CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) on concentrations of volatile biogenic dimethylsulfide (DMS) and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), through monoculture studies and community pCO2 perturbation. DMS is a climatically important gas produced by many marine algae: it transfers sulfur into the atmosphere and is a major influence on biogeochemical climate regulation through breakdown to sulfate and formation of subsequent cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Overall, production of DMS and DMSP by the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi strain RCC1229 was unaffected by growth at 900μatm pCO2, but DMSP production normalised to cell volume was 12% lower at the higher pCO2 treatment. These cultures were compared with community DMS and DMSP production during an elevated pCO2 mesocosm experiment with the aim of studying E. huxleyi in the natural environment. Results contrasted with the culture experiments and showed reductions in community DMS and DMSP concentrations of up to 60 and 32% respectively at pCO2 up to 3000μatm, with changes attributed to poorer growth of DMSP-producing nanophytoplankton species, including E. huxleyi, and potentially increased microbial consumption of DMS and dissolved DMSP at higher pCO2. DMS and DMSP production differences between culture and community likely arise from pH affecting the inter-species responses between microbial producers and consumers.
Assessment of the surface chemistry of wood-derived biochars using wet chemistry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Pereira R. Calvelo , Arbestain M. Camps , Sueiro M. Vazquez , Maciá-Agulló J. A.
Published: October 2015

In order to understand the reactivity of biochar in soil, we thoroughly examined the carbonaceous surface of different biochars, paying particular attention to the distribution of oxygen-containing functional groups. Biochar was produced from pine, poplar and willow at two different temperatures (400 and 550°C) and characterised using elemental analysis and wet chemistry (Boehm and potentiometric titrations, cation-exchange capacity (CEC) measurement). In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed on both untreated and acid-washed biochar samples. Qualitative relationships were observed between data generated from the titration methods under investigation and XPS analyses, both describing the general distribution of oxygen-containing surface functional groups. Total acidity of biochar ranged widely, between 32 and 1067 mmol kg–1, and was mostly attributed to the presence of hydroxyl or phenol groups. The number of functional groups containing oxygen decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, mainly because of a decrease in the content of phenol groups. A quantitative comparison of titrations and CEC (i.e. biochar’s ion-exchange capacity) measurements was compromised by a masking effect caused by the biochar’s inorganic fraction (<8%). An acid-washing step with nitric acid was shown not to alter the biochar surface systematically. The use of potentiometric titrations with an acid-washing pretreatment proved to be suitable to quantify biochar acidic functional groups, and hence biochar acidity.
Change in water extractable organic carbon and microbial PLFAs of biochar during incubation with an acidic paddy soil
Authors: Li Ming , Liu Ming , Joseph Stephen , Jiang Chun-Yu , Wu Meng , Li Zhong-Pei
Published: October 2015

Biochar has been considered to affect the transformation of soil organic carbon, soil microbial activity and diversity when applied to soil. However, the changes in chemical and biological properties of biochar itself in soil have not been fully determined. In this study, various biochar samples were obtained from three crop straws (rice, peanut and corn) and two wood chips (bamboo and pine), and incubated with an acidic paddy soil. We examined the changes of biochar water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) content and its ultraviolet (UV) absorbance at 280 nm during incubation period, and also investigated the microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) profile of biochar after 75 days of incubation. The WEOC content of biochars decreased at the end of incubation, except for the biochar pyrolysed from bamboo chips at 400°C. An average reduction rate of 61.2% in WEOC concentration for straw biochars occurred within the first 15 days, while no significant change was observed for all biochars between day 15 and 45, and a slight increase in WEOC occurred for all biochars in the last 30 days. There was a positive relationship between biochar WEOC content and its UV absorbance properties. The microbial PLFAs concentrations of biochars varied from 15.56 to 60.35 nmol g–1, and there was a greater abundance in content and species for corn straw biochars than for the other types of biochars. General bacteria were the dominant microbial group that colonised biochar sample, while gram-positive bacterial and fungi were less in abundance. The chemical properties of fresh biochar were well correlated with total PLFAs concentrations, and significantly related to the composition of microbial community. We concluded that the WEOC component of most biochars change within such short-term application to soil, and the WEOC in combined with the pH and nutrient status of biochar, can alter the type and abundance of microorganisms that colonised biochar.
Interatomic repulsion softness directly controls the fragility of supercooled metallic melts
Authors: Krausser Johannes , Samwer Konrad H. , Zaccone Alessio
Published: October 2015

Significance

Bulk metallic glasses are the most promising materials in many technological applications thanks to their mechanical properties. The stability and thermoelasticity of supercooled liquid metals is encoded in the temperature dependence of the viscosity at the glass transition: the fragility. Although with colloidal glasses it has been possible to explain the fragility in terms of the softness (or its inverse, the steepness) of the microscopic interparticle potential, the same could not be done with metals due to the complex interatomic interaction. Here we solve this problem and propose a new methodology which provides the missing analytical link between fragility and interatomic potential in metals. Our results show that the same scenario found earlier with colloidal glasses applies to metals too.
Effects of cognitive design principles on user’s performance and preference
Authors: Westerbeek Hans , van Amelsvoort Marije , Maes Alfons , Swerts Marc
Published: October 2015

We present an analytic and a large scale experimental comparison of two informationally equivalent information displays of soccer statistics. Both displays were presented by the BBC during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The displays mainly differ in terms of the number and types of cognitively natural mappings between visual variables and meaning. Theoretically, such natural form-meaning mappings help users to interpret the information quickly and easily. However, our analysis indicates that the design which contains most of these mappings is inevitably inconsistent in how forms and meanings are mapped to each other. The experiment shows that this inconsistency was detrimental for how fast people can find information in the display and for which display people prefer to use. Our findings shed new light on the well-established cognitive design principle of natural mapping: while in theory, information designs may benefit from natural mapping, in practice its applicability may be limited. Information designs that contain a high number of form-meaning mappings, for example, for aesthetic reasons, risk being inconsistent and too complex for users, leading them to find information less quickly and less easily.
How bulleted lists and enumerations in formatted paragraphs affect recall and evaluation of functional text
Authors: Jansen Frank
Published: October 2015

The influence of the bulleted list format on recall and evaluation of functional text (i.e., health flyers, direct mail letters, and recipes) is investigated in five studies in which the same series of components, formatted as enumerations in a paragraph, function as the control condition. In three studies, the bulleted list format has a positive effect on the reader’s ability to recall the content of the items of the series. This positive effect is mitigated if the components are heterogeneous. In two studies, bulleted lists have a negative effect on the recall of content presented in the surrounding text. In another two studies, bulleted lists have a (positive) effect on the reader’s evaluation of the text.
Animacy and differential subject marking in the Ikema dialect of Miyako
Authors: Iwasaki Shoichi
Published: October 2015

Ikema is a dialect of the Miyako language of Ryukyu, Japan and is endangered. It is remotely related to Japanese, but unlike Japanese it shows a differential-subject marking based on the animacy feature of the subject noun. The pronoun and personal names are invariably marked by ga, while inanimate nouns are marked by nu. All human common nouns are also marked by nu, but a subset of this category can be marked by ga. In this paper, I propose to employ the socio-pragmatic notion of addressability, or the noun’s potential to be used as an address term, to classify human nouns into two subtypes for case marking, “Dad, can you help me?”.
Terminal NK cell maturation is controlled by concerted actions of T-bet and Zeb2 and is essential for melanoma rejection
Authors: van Helden Mary J. , Goossens Steven , Daussy Cécile , Mathieu Anne-Laure , Faure Fabrice , Marçais Antoine , Vandamme Niels , Farla Natalie , Mayol Katia , Viel Sébastien , Degouve Sophie , Debien Emilie , Seuntjens Eve , Conidi Andrea , Chaix Julie , Mangeot Philippe , de Bernard Simon , Buffat Laurent , Haigh Jody J. , Huylebroeck Danny , Lambrecht Bart N. , Berx Geert , Walzer Thierry
Published: October 2015

Natural killer (NK) cell maturation is a tightly controlled process that endows NK cells with functional competence and the capacity to recognize target cells. Here, we found that the transcription factor (TF) Zeb2 was the most highly induced TF during NK cell maturation. Zeb2 is known to control epithelial to mesenchymal transition, but its role in immune cells is mostly undefined. Targeted deletion of Zeb2 resulted in impaired NK cell maturation, survival, and exit from the bone marrow. NK cell function was preserved, but mice lacking Zeb2 in NK cells were more susceptible to B16 melanoma lung metastases. Reciprocally, ectopic expression of Zeb2 resulted in a higher frequency of mature NK cells in all organs. Moreover, the immature phenotype of Zeb2−/− NK cells closely resembled that of Tbx21−/− NK cells. This was caused by both a dependence of Zeb2 expression on T-bet and a probable cooperation of these factors in gene regulation. Transgenic expression of Zeb2 in Tbx21−/− NK cells partially restored a normal maturation, establishing that timely induction of Zeb2 by T-bet is an essential event during NK cell differentiation. Finally, this novel transcriptional cascade could also operate in human as T-bet and Zeb2 are similarly regulated in mouse and human NK cells.
NMRe: a web server for NMR protein structure refinement with high-quality structure validation scores
Authors: Ryu Hyojung , Lim GyuTae , Sung Bong Hyun , Lee Jinhyuk
Published: October 2015

Summary: Protein structure refinement is a necessary step for the study of protein function. In particular, some nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures are of lower quality than X-ray crystallographic structures. Here, we present NMRe, a web-based server for NMR structure refinement. The previously developed knowledge-based energy function STAP (Statistical Torsion Angle Potential) was used for NMRe refinement. With STAP, NMRe provides two refinement protocols using two types of distance restraints. If a user provides NOE (Nuclear Overhauser Effect) data, the refinement is performed with the NOE distance restraints as a conventional NMR structure refinement. Additionally, NMRe generates NOE-like distance restraints based on the inter-hydrogen distances derived from the input structure. The efficiency of NMRe refinement was validated on 20 NMR structures. Most of the quality assessment scores of the refined NMR structures were better than those of the original structures. The refinement results are provided as a three-dimensional structure view, a secondary structure scheme, and numerical and graphical structure validation scores.

Availability and implementation: NMRe is available at http://psb.kobic.re.kr/nmre/

Contact:  jinhyuk@kribb.re.kr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DARA: a web server for rapid search of structural neighbours using solution small angle X-ray scattering data
Authors: Kikhney Alexey G. , Panjkovich Alejandro , Sokolova Anna V. , Svergun Dmitri I.
Published: October 2015

Motivation: Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an established method for studying biological macromolecules in solution, whereby the experimental scattering patterns relate to the quaternary and tertiary structure of the macromolecule. Here we present DARA, a web-server, that queries over 150 000 scattering profiles pre-computed from the high resolution models of macromolecules and biological assemblies in the Protein Data Bank, to rapidly find nearest neighbours of a given experimental or theoretical SAXS pattern. Identification of the best scattering equivalents provides a straightforward and automated way of structural assessment of macromolecules based on a SAXS profile. DARA results are useful e.g. for fold recognition and finding of biologically active oligomers.

Availability and implementation:  http://dara.embl-hamburg.de/

Contact:  svergun@embl-hamburg.de
dbMAE: the database of autosomal monoallelic expression
Authors: Savova Virginia , Patsenker Jon , Vigneau Sébastien , Gimelbrant Alexander A.
Published: October 2015

Recently, data on ‘random’ autosomal monoallelic expression has become available for the entire genome in multiple human and mouse tissues and cell types, creating a need for better access and dissemination. The database of autosomal monoallelic expression (dbMAE; https://mae.hms.harvard.edu) incorporates data from multiple recent reports of genome-wide analyses. These include transcriptome-wide analyses of allelic imbalance in clonal cell populations based on sequence polymorphisms, as well as indirect identification, based on a specific chromatin signature present in MAE gene bodies. Currently, dbMAE contains transcriptome-wide chromatin identification calls for 8 human and 21 mouse tissues, and describes over 16 000 murine and ∼700 human cases of directly measured biased expression, compiled from allele-specific RNA-seq and genotyping array data. All data are manually curated. To ensure cross-publication uniformity, we performed re-analysis of transcriptome-wide RNA-seq data using the same pipeline. Data are accessed through an interface that allows for basic and advanced searches; all source references, including raw data, are clearly described and hyperlinked. This ensures the utility of the resource as an initial screening tool for those interested in investigating the role of monoallelic expression in their specific genes and tissues of interest.
A Proposed Collaboration Against Big Tobacco: Common Ground Between the Vaping and Public Health Community in the United States
Authors: Wagener Theodore L. , Meier Ellen , Tackett Alayna P. , Matheny James D. , Pechacek Terry F.
Published: October 2015

An unfortunate conflict is underway between the public health community and the vaping community over e-cigarettes’ harmfulness or lack thereof. This conflict is made worse by an information vacuum that is being filled by vocal members on both sides of the debate; a perceived lack of credibility of public health officials by those in the vaping community; the tobacco industry’s recent involvement in e-cigarettes; and the constant evolution of different styles and types of e-cigarettes. This conflict is avoidable; common ground exists. If both groups rally around what is in their own and the public’s best interest—the end of combustible tobacco—all will benefit significantly. If not, the result may be missed opportunities, misguided alliances, and—ultimately—poorer public health.

Implications:

This study brings light to the contentious debate between the vaping and public health communities. It addresses how both sides are responsible for bringing misleading information to the public and vocal leaders on both sides are unknowingly intensifying and polarizing the debate-likely at the expense of public health. It also describes how this conflict is avoidable, and provides a starting point for potential positions of common ground against Big Tobacco.
Safety and Effectiveness of a Small Incision Lateral Eyebrow Ptosis Repair Technique Using a Frontalis Muscle Transposition Flap
Authors: Ganapathy Preethi S. , Chundury Rao V. , Perry Julian D.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a frontalis muscle transposition flap for treatment of lateral eyebrow ptosis.

Methods:

The charts of all patients undergoing frontalis muscle transposition flap eyebrow ptosis repair from December 2013 to September 2014 were reviewed. Charts with inadequate photographs were excluded. Charts were reviewed for demographics, preoperative and postoperative photographs, surgical technique, and complications. The following parameters were assessed on preoperative and postoperative photographs: corneal diameter, central brow height, and lateral brow height. Measurements were normalized to a standard corneal diameter of 11.5 mm. Statistical analysis was performed in conjunction with the Cleveland Health Institute Biostatistics Department.

Results:

Forty-six total patients underwent frontalis muscle transposition flap eyebrow ptosis repair and the charts of 31 patients (53 cases) were reviewed. There were 20 female and 11 male patients. Average age was 69.1 ± 7.7 years (range: 50 - 86 years). There were 9 unilateral and 22 bilateral cases. Concomitant surgeries included upper blepharoplasty (33 cases), conjunctival-Mullerectomy blepharoptosis repair (3 cases), and intralesional tetracycline injection for festoons (3 cases). Average follow-up interval between surgery and the final postoperative photograph was 10.2 weeks (range: 6–26 weeks). Overall, lateral brow height increased postoperatively by 1.78 mm (p < 0.05). In patients that underwent frontalis muscle transposition flap alone, lateral brow height increased by 2.86 mm (p < 0.05). Scalp hypesthesia was documented in 10/31 patients, and resolved in 8/10 patients at last follow up.

Conclusions:

A frontalis muscle transposition flap effectively addresses lateral eyebrow ptosis repair through a small, relatively concealed incision. It produces temporary scalp hypesthesia in a significant number of patients, and long-term results remain unknown.
The structure of the genotype–phenotype map strongly constrains the evolution of non-coding RNA
Authors: Dingle Kamaludin , Schaper Steffen , Louis Ard A.
Published: October 2015

The prevalence of neutral mutations implies that biological systems typically have many more genotypes than phenotypes. But, can the way that genotypes are distributed over phenotypes determine evolutionary outcomes? Answering such questions is difficult, in part because the number of genotypes can be hyper-astronomically large. By solving the genotype–phenotype (GP) map for RNA secondary structure (SS) for systems up to lengthL= 126 nucleotides (where the set of all possible RNA strands would weigh more than the mass of the visible universe), we show that the GP map strongly constrains the evolution of non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Simple random sampling over genotypes predicts the distribution of properties such as the mutational robustness or the number of stems per SS found in naturally occurring ncRNA with surprising accuracy. Because we ignore natural selection, this strikingly close correspondence with the mapping suggests that structures allowing for functionality are easily discovered, despite the enormous size of the genetic spaces. The mapping is extremely biased: the majority of genotypes map to an exponentially small portion of the morphospace of all biophysically possible structures. Such strong constraints provide a non-adaptive explanation for the convergent evolution of structures such as the hammerhead ribozyme. These results present a particularly clear example of bias in the arrival of variation strongly shaping evolutionary outcomes and may be relevant to Mayr's distinction between proximate and ultimate causes in evolutionary biology.
Strain-rate-dependent microplane model for high-rate comminution of concrete under impact based on kinetic energy release theory
Authors: Kirane Kedar , Su Yewang , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: October 2015

The apparent increase of strength of concrete at very high strain rates experienced in projectile impact (10 s
−1
to 10
6
 s
−1
), called ‘dynamic overstress’, has recently been explained by the theory of release of local kinetic energy of shear strain rate in finite size particles about to form. This theory gives the particle size and the additional kinetic energy density that must be dissipated in finite-element codes. In previous research, it was dissipated by additional viscosity, in a model partly analogous to turbulence theory. Here it is dissipated by scaling up the material strength. Microplane model M7 is used and its stress–strain boundaries are scaled up by factors proportional to the −4/3rd power of the effective deviatoric strain rate and its time derivative. The crack band model with a random tetrahedral mesh is used and all the artificial damping is eliminated. The scaled M7 model is seen to predict the crater shapes and exit velocities of projectiles penetrating concrete walls of different thicknesses as closely as the previous models. The choice of the finite strain threshold for element deletion criterion, which can have a big effect, is also studied. It is proposed to use the highest threshold above which a further increase has a negligible effect.
Short-term benefits, but transgenerational costs of maternal loss in an insect with facultative maternal care
Authors: Thesing Julia , Kramer Jos , Koch Lisa K. , Meunier Joël
Published: October 2015

A lack of parental care is generally assumed to entail substantial fitness costs for offspring that ultimately select for the maintenance of family life across generations. However, it is unknown whether these costs arise when parental care is facultative, thus questioning their fundamental importance in the early evolution of family life. Here, we investigated the short-term, long-term and transgenerational effects of maternal loss in the European earwig
Forficula auricularia
, an insect with facultative post-hatching maternal care. We showed that maternal loss did not influence the developmental time and survival rate of juveniles, but surprisingly yielded adults of larger body and forceps size, two traits associated with fitness benefits. In a cross-breeding/cross-fostering experiment, we then demonstrated that maternal loss impaired the expression of maternal care in adult offspring. Interestingly, the resulting transgenerational costs were not only mediated by the early-life experience of tending mothers, but also by inherited, parent-of-origin-specific effects expressed in juveniles. Orphaned females abandoned their juveniles for longer and fed them less than maternally-tended females, while foster mothers defended juveniles of orphaned females less well than juveniles of maternally-tended females. Overall, these findings reveal the key importance of transgenerational effects in the early evolution of family life.
Evaluation of p53 Immunohistochemical Expression Using Open-Source Software for Digital Image Analysis: A Tissue Microarray Study of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Chaux Alcides , Netto George J , Burnett Authur L
Published: October 2015

The addition of molecular biomarkers is needed to increase the accuracy of pathologic factors as prognosticators of outcome in penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Evaluation of these biomarkers is usually carried out by immunohistochemistry. Herein we assess p53 immunohistochemical expression on tissue samples of penile SCC using freely-available, open-source software packages for digital image analysis. We also compared the results of digital analysis with standard visual estimation. Percentages of p53 positive cells were higher by visual estimation than by digital analysis. However, correlation was high between both methods. Our study shows that evaluation of p53 immunohistochemical expression is feasible using open-source software packages for digital image analysis. Although our analysis was limited to penile SCC, the rationale should also hold for other tumor types in which evaluation of p53 immunohistochemical expression is required. This approach would reduce interobserver variability, and would provide a standardized method for reporting the results of immunohistochemical stains. As these diagnostic tools are freely-available online, researchers and practicing pathologists could incorporate them in their daily practice without increasing diagnostic costs.
Deep neural networks: a new framework for modelling biological vision and brain information processing
Authors: Kriegeskorte Nikolaus
Published: October 2015

Recent advances in neural network modelling have enabled major strides in computer vision and other artificial intelligence applications. Human-level visual recognition abilities are coming within reach of artificial systems. Artificial neural networks are inspired by the brain and their computations could be implemented in biological neurons. Convolutional feedforward networks, which now dominate computer vision, take further inspiration from the architecture of the primate visual hierarchy. However, the current models are designed with engineering goals and not to model brain computations. Nevertheless, initial studies comparing internal representations between these models and primate brains find surprisingly similar representational spaces. With human-level performance no longer out of reach, we are entering an exciting new era, in which we will be able to build neurobiologically faithful feedforward and recurrent computational models of how biological brains perform high-level feats of intelligence, including vision.
Long exposure test in air, conducted on super-lattice coatings at 850°C for 4,000 hours
Authors: Dudziak Tomasz Pawel , Du Hailiang , Datta Prasanta
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the high-temperature behavior of newly developed high-impulse power magnetron sputtering system (HIPIMS) coatings and compare them to the standard TiAlCr system deposited on to a Ti–Al intermetallic alloy. The corrosion test was performed in air for 4,000 hours at 850°C.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, air oxidation test was performed at high temperature. Design and methodology is described in detail in the methodology section in the submitted manuscript. The test was carried out by discontinuous exposure of the three different systems produced by different deposition technique. The exposed samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The exposed samples were investigated from the surface and cross-sections.

Findings

– The performed study shows that HIPIMS coatings had a much better oxidation resistance at a high temperature than that offered by the standard physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. HIPIMS costing developed Al–Cr oxide on the surface; however, cracks and detachments were found at the interface between the coating and the substrate. TiAlCr coating spalled off from the material due to the critical thickness reached; moreover, high brittleness and lack of adherence were found. Due to poor oxidation resistance, TiAlCr coating was discarded from the test after 3,000 hours of exposure.

Originality/value

– The work performed in this study was designed for 4,000 hours oxidation at 850°C. The long-term exposures are not commonly met in the research work due to the cost and time. The work clearly shows differences between new type of coatings and standard PVD system applied on TiAl lightweight alloy.
Child and family social workers’ experiences of working with parents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Lewis Claire , Stenfert-Kroese Biza , O'Brien Alex
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– While an increasing number of adults with an intellectual disability are having children, research suggests that they face an increased risk of having their children removed. The purpose of this paper is to explore child and family social workers’ experiences of working with parents with intellectual disability, in order to further our understanding of this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Seven social workers were interviewed. Each had experience of working on safeguarding cases where a parent had a diagnosis of intellectual disability. Data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

Findings

– Five super-ordinate themes were identified. These were: “feeling torn,” “experiencing a power imbalance,” “hopelessness,” having “pride” in their work’ and experiencing “barriers.”

Research limitations/implications

– The results are discussed in the context of the increased risk that parents with an intellectual disability face of having their children removed. Several areas for future research are identified.

Practical implications

– The study highlights several areas for development regarding services for parents with intellectual disability.

Originality/value

– The study describes some of the difficulties experienced by social workers in this area of their work, from their own perspective. It also strengthens existing ideas about improving services for parents with intellectual disability.
Position varying MEC-based investigation of the no-load operation of T-LPMSMs
Authors: Zouaghi Mohamed Wael , Souissi Amal , Abdennadher Imen , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to deal with the investigation of no-load operation of tubular linear permanent magnet synchronous machines (T-LPMSMs). It is aimed at the prediction of the phase flux linkages, the back-EMF and the cogging force using a position varying magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on the elaboration and the resolution of the position varying MEC, and the utilization of its results for the prediction of the phase flux linkages, the back-EMF and the cogging force, considering a general topology of T-LPMSMs. Then, a case study is treated with a position varying MEC-based investigation of its no-load features. These are validated by a 2-D finite element analysis (FEA).

Findings

– It has been found that the developed position varying MEC can be regarded as an accurate tool that requires a low CPU-time.

Research limitations/implications

– Beyond the FEA validation, this work should be extended to an experimental one. Moreover, the position varying MEC validity should be extended to load operation in order to enable the prediction of the force production capability.

Practical implications

– The developed position varying MEC could be suitably used for the pre-design of T-LPMSMs. These are currently given an increasing attention in many applications, such as wave energy conversion and free-piston engines.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a position varying MEC for the prediction of the features of T-LPMSMs.
Broken bar and end-ring faults: analysis of their effects on the rotor cage currents
Authors: Mesbeh Amina , Jarboui Marwen , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of different faulty scenarios on the induction motor (IM) operation with emphasis on the currents in the rotor bar and end rings.

Design/methodology/approach

– The modeling of the IM followed by a graphical representation-based analysis of the rotor steady-state currents under healthy operation is treated. Then, a case study is considered in order to investigate different faulty scenarios with a focus on the rotor cage currents.

Findings

– It has been found that the rotor faults greatly affect the currents in the bars and in the end rings both in amplitude and in harmonic content. These vary according to the relative positions with respect to the fault such that: the currents in the bars adjacent to the faulty one(s) have the highest amplitudes with the lowest harmonic content; and the ones in the ring portions adjacent to the faulty one have the lowest amplitudes with the highest harmonic content.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the simulated model has confirmed the well known IM behavior under healthy operation, it would be appreciated if the obtained results under faulty operation would be validated by finite element analysis.

Practical implications

– It is of great interest to investigate the effects of faulty scenarios on the rotor cage currents, in order to take appropriate actions starting from the design of the IM.

Originality/value

– A deep investigation (including the waveforms, the phasor diagrams and the harmonic content) of the effects of different faulty scenarios on the IM rotor cage currents represents the major contribution of this work.
Impact of technical power take-off constraints on the power extraction of unidirectional and bidirectional point absorbers
Authors: Bozzetto Alessandro , Spro Ole Christian , Tedeschi Elisabetta
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to quantify the impact of the constraints of the power take-off system (PTO) on the power extraction of a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC). Such constraints include power, torque and maximum stroke limitations. Two different concepts, unidirectional and bidirectional point absorbers, are analysed, which both are relevant for practical applications in the wave energy industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The two different cases of unidirectional and bidirectional point absorbers are analysed and directly compared. Moreover, a simplified control strategy is considered for the point absorber, which is based on a constant torque reference. The WEC performance is first evaluated in selected sea states and then the analysis is extended to assess the impact of the different solutions on the expected yearly wave energy production of the point absorber, when deployed at a specific location. The European Marine Energy Center (EMEC) is selected as the target site for the analysis.

Findings

– The analysis was performed in selected sea states and then it was extended to all the sea conditions occurring at the EMEC test site. The comparison between unidirectional and bidirectional operated devices suggested a clear superiority of the latter, ensuring similar power extraction at the expense of a halved required torque by the PTO. Moreover, a selective control strategy was implemented, and the results showed an increase in yearly energy production for the bidirectional device.

Research limitations/implications

– The study proved the importance of including the actual PTO constraints in the preliminary power assessment in order to avoid unrealistic overestimation of the expected power performance.

Originality/value

– The paper quantifies the power performance obtained with the application of such control strategy considering both unidirectional and bidirectional point absorbers. This analysis and comparison is extremely relevant since both unidirectional and bidirectional devices are reaching the market.
Fleadapt scale: a new tool to measure frontline employee adaptability in power sector
Authors: Sony Michael , Mekoth Nandakumar
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– An adaptable frontline employee (FLE) would be an asset for the organization, customer and to other constituents, external to the organization. Previous research by the same authors conceptualizes FLE adaptability in the power sector, using grounded theory as a multidimensional construct (Sony and Nandakumar, 2014). The purpose of this study is to explore this concept by developing a new scale to measure the FLE adaptability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research is conducted in various phases to build up a new 41-item self-reported scale to measure adaptability of FLEs using structural equation modelling on data obtained from FLE ' s working in the power sector in India.

Findings

– The finding of the paper is a valid FLEADAPT scale which can be used for measuring adaptability of FLEs.

Research limitations/implications

– Although this study has provided relevant and interesting insights into the understanding of FLE adaptability, it is important to recognize its limitations. First, data in this study were obtained from firms in Western India. Although it can be said that the two samples represent a cross-section of a large number of businesses, it would be useful to obtain a broader and wider sampling frame from other countries. Because respondents’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviour are influenced by their cultures, it would be useful to test whether the existing FLE adaptability scale can be generalized to situations in other countries.

Practical implications

– FLE adaptability is identified as a key process in job performance, and hence, the scale will become an important managerial assessment tool.

Social implications

– This scale has a dimension to measure the social aspect of frontline adaptability, thus giving organizations a new tool to measure adaptability among the front lines.

Originality/value

– Despite the increasing research attention paid to the concept of FLEs, to date, there has been no valid and comprehensive operational measure of FLE adaptability. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide a comprehensive, psychometrically sound and operationally valid measure of an FLE’s adaptability.