bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High holding voltage segmentation stacking silicon-controlled-rectifier structure with field implant as body ties blocking layer
Authors: Yen Shiang-Shiou , Cheng Chun-Hu , Lan Yu-Pin , Chiu Yu-Chien , Fan Chia-Chi , Hsu Hsiao-Hsuan , Chang Shao-Chin , Jiang Zhe-Wei , Hung Li-Yue , Tsai Chi-Chung , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: March 2016

High electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection robustness and good transient-induced latchup immunity are two important issues for high voltage integrate circuit application. In this study, we report a high-voltage-n-type-field (HVNF) implantation to act as the body ties blocking layer in segmented topology silicon-controlled-rectifier (SCR) structure in 0.11 µm 32 V high voltage process. This body ties blocking layer eliminate the elevated triggered voltage in segmented technique. Using a large resistance as shunt resistor in resistor assisted triggered SCRs stacking structure, the double snapback phenomenon is eliminate. The series SCR could be decoupled a sufficient voltage drop to turned-on when a very low current flow through the shunt resistor. The holding voltage and the failure current of 22 V and 3.4 A are achieved in the best condition of segmented topology SCR stacking structure, respectively. It improves the latchup immunity at high voltage ICs application. On the other hand, the triggered voltage almost keep the same value which is identical to SCR single cell without using segmented topology.
Mevlana'nın Ölümsüzlüğünün Sırrı / The Mystery of Eternality of Mowlana(His Relations With Shams)
Authors: Uğurlu Tuğberk
Published: March 2016

The Mystery of Eternality of Mowlana (His Relations With Shams)

Although, religion is a guide for humanity which is sent to promote humans mundane life and keep balance of society prosperity and social relationships besides helps persons to accomplish their spritual progress and the journey to their creator, unfortunately it also went on one of the main reasons of wars that had occured during the human history and its still going on. During this long human history, humanity extremely witnessed to a lot of falsifier scholars and mystics who abused their goodwills. And thousands of intellectuals and men of religion  has forgotten. However  after over seven centuries Mowlana is still alive as one of the most famous Sufis and as a great leaders for eternal peace, friendship and happiness. What is the secret that in spite of all changes and progress in the ways of life and thinking, in science and technology and in the world of today his many centuries old ideas and thoughts are still valid and shining like the polar star? This article tries to answer this question.

Mevlana’nın Ölümsüzlüğünün Sırrı (Şems ile ilişkisi)

Din, şahısların manevi gelişimini ve kendi yaratıcılarına olan yolculuklarını tamamlayabilmelerinin yanı sıra insanların dünya hayatlarını düzenlemek, toplum refahını ve sosyal ilişkileri dengede tutmak için insanlığa gönderilmiş bir rehber olmasına rağmen maalesef uzun insanlık tarihi boyunca çıkmış savaşların temel sebeplerinden biri de olagelmiştir ve hala da devam etmektedir.  Bu uzun insanlık tarihi boyunca insanlık, sahte sufilerin ve âlimlerin kendilerinin iyi niyetlerini suiistimal etmelerine fazlasıyla şahitlik etmiş ve binlerce düşünürün ve din adamlarının isimleri hafızlardan silinmişken,  yedi asrı aşkın bir sürenin ardından Mevlana, en meşhur sufilerden ve ebedi huzur, dostluk ve mutluluğun ulu önderlerinden biri olarak hala hayattadır. Peki; yaşam ve düşünce tarzlarındaki, bilim ve teknolojideki bunca gelişmeye rağmen onun çok eski asırlardan gelen fikir ve düşüncelerinin hala geçerli olmasının ve bir kutup yıldızı gibi parlamasının sırrı nedir? Makalede bu sorunun cevabı aranmaktadır.
Sosyo-Kültürel Açıdan Kelâm ve Hadis İlimlerinde Epistemoloji /
The Epistemology in the Sciences of Hadith and Kalam from the Perspective of Socio-Cultural Context
Authors: CAGLAYAN Harun
Published: March 2016

The Epistemology in the Sciences of Hadith and Kalam From the Perspective of Socio-Cultural Context

The reason is an important source of information in the science of Kalam while the report (khabar) is an important source in the science of Hadith. The nature of these sciences is the main reason of this dichotomy. While Kalam defends and promotes Islamic doctrine, Hadith interests locating the deeds of the prophet (sunnah). Therefore, the sciences of Kalam and Hadith had been perceived as alternative or opponent disciplines to each other through the Muslim history.  This study examines determining factors of epistemological approach of Kalam and Hadith by considering socio-cultural dynamics and educational policies of Muslim societies. The article consists of three chapters. The first chapter deals with the Islamic education and institutes. The second chapter handles educational issues related with the sciences of hadith and kalam. The last chapter examines the topic of “khabar (report)” in the sciences of Hadith and Kalam with an epistemological point of view.

Öz

Kelâm ilminde bilgi kaynağı olarak akla önem verilirken, Hadis ilminde habere önem verilir. Bu yaklaşımın temel nedeni, Kelâm ilminin İslâmî öğretinin savunuculuğunu ve propagandasını yapan aklî bir ilim olmasıdır. Nakli bir ilim olarak Hadis ilmi ise Müslüman toplum yaşamında önemli bir konuma sahip Sünnet’in tespitiyle ilgilenmektedir. Bu farklılıktan dolayı, tarihsel süreç içerisinde Kelâm ve Hadis ilimleri birbirine alternatif veya rakip disiplin gibi algılanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, Müslüman toplumların içinde bulunduğu sosyo-kültürel dinamikler ve eğitim politikaları göz önünde bulundurularak,  Kelâm ve Hadis’in epistemolojik yaklaşım tarzını belirleyen faktörlerin neler olduğuna temas edilecektir. Çalışma üç bölümden oluşmaktadır. Birinci bölümde İslam’da eğitim ve eğitim kurumları konularına temas edilmiştir. İkinci bölümde eğitsel açıdan hadis ve kelam ilimleri ile ilgili meseleler ele alınmıştır. Üçüncü bölümde ise epistemolojik açıdan hadis ve kelam ilimlerinde haber konusu incelenmiştir.
 
A framework to quantify uncertainty in simulations of oil transport in the ocean
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael C. , Iskandarani Mohamed , Srinivasan Ashwanth , Thacker W. Carlisle , Chassignet Eric , Knio Omar M.
Published: March 2016

An uncertainty quantification framework is developed for the DeepC Oil Model based on a nonintrusive polynomial chaos method. This allows the model's output to be presented in a probabilistic framework so that the model's predictions reflect the uncertainty in the model's input data. The new capability is illustrated by simulating the far‐field dispersal of oil in a Deepwater Horizon blowout scenario. The uncertain input consisted of ocean current and oil droplet size data and the main model output analyzed is the ensuing oil concentration in the Gulf of Mexico. A 1331 member ensemble was used to construct a surrogate for the model which was then mined for statistical information. The mean and standard deviations in the oil concentration were calculated for up to 30 days, and the total contribution of each input parameter to the model's uncertainty was quantified at different depths. Also, probability density functions of oil concentration were constructed by sampling the surrogate and used to elaborate probabilistic hazard maps of oil impact. The performance of the surrogate was constantly monitored in order to demarcate the space‐time zones where its estimates are reliable.
Sensitivity of the surface responses of an idealized AGCM to the timing of imposed ozone depletion‐like polar stratospheric cooling
Authors: Sheshadri Aditi , Plumb R. Alan
Published: March 2016

An idealized atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) is used to investigate the sensitivity of model responses to the timing of imposed polar stratospheric cooling, intended to mimic the radiative effects of ozone depletion. The model exhibits circulation responses to springtime cooling that qualitatively match both observations and the responses of comprehensive chemistry climate models. The model's surface response is sensitive to the timing of the cooling, with the onset becoming delayed with later cooling, but with the termination occurring at similar times, suggesting that the meteorology plays an important role. The model's responses do not match the latitudinal structure of the leading annular mode; rather, the response described by the second empirical orthogonal function plays a substantial role, in addition to the first. It is suggested that the imposed cooling, when it delays the final warming, results in an extended period of lower stratospheric variability, which could be an important factor in producing realistic surface responses.
Population Genetics of Plant Pathogens
Authors: Zhan Jiasui
Published: March 2016

Population genetics consider the origin, maintenance and spatiotemporal distribution of genetic variation of species under the influences of mutation, gene flow, recombination, drift and selection. Mutation is the primary source of genetic variation and its rates vary significantly among genomes within or among pathogen species. Recombination increases genetic variation and plays a key role in the dissipation of linkage disequilibrium. Gene flow increases the genetic variation of local populations but decreases population differentiation. The principle determinant of gene flow is the dispersal mechanism of plant pathogens. Genetic drift is determined by effective population size. Pathogen populations with large effective sizes tend to have less genetic drift, therefore greater genetic variation and be more stable over time. Natural selection can increase or decrease genetic variation and population differentiation, depending on the type of selection. Directional selection can cause a rapid loss of major resistance agrochemical effectiveness.

Key Concepts

Genetic variation of plant pathogens results from their coevolutionary interaction with hosts and other ecological factors.

Mutation by which new nucleotide sequences are generated is the primary source of genetic variation and pathogen evolution.

Stochastic change in the frequencies of neutral alleles by genetic drift in the pathogen populations leads to nonadaptive genetic differentiation while selection for ecological traits results in adaptive genetic differentiation.

Pathogen evolution is escalated in modern agroecosystems attributable to monoculture, agricultural intensification and globalisation.

Plant diseases cause more damage to the hosts in the newly invaded territories than in their centre of origin as a result of the lack of host–pathogen coevolution.

Selection is the primary force responsible for the loss of resistance gene and agrochemical effectiveness.

Natural selection on plant pathogens can be manipulated by spatiotemporal deployment of host resistance and application of agrochemicals.

Resistance gene rotation can delay pathogen evolution and maximise the life span of resistance genes.

Effective field hygiene can reduce both the epidemic severity of plant diseases and the evolutionary rate of plant pathogens.
TIRF
(Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence)
Authors: Oheim Martin
Published: March 2016

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) stands out as a technique allowing wide‐field near‐membrane imaging by selectively exciting molecules located close to the substrate/water boundary onto which cells are grown. TIRF probes a ∼200‐nm thin layer close to the basal plasma membrane of the cell. This optical sectioning of TIRF is key for individual‐organelle and single‐molecule detection and it is the basis for a growing number of superresolution microscopies, including PALM, STORM and variants of STED and SIM. TIRF microscopy has matured from an expert technique to a routine method in cell‐biological imaging. Implemented with an external prism more than 50 years ago, TIRF has been popularised through the advent of ‘through‐the‐objective’ TIRF, in which a laser beam is focused in the extreme periphery of a high‐numerical aperture objective to direct a highly inclined collimated beam to the reflecting interface. Inexpensive and conceptually simple, the technique is not without flaws particularly when it comes to image quantification. After a short introduction, this tutorial recalls the principles and main geometries for setting up TIRF, gives an overview of experiments relying on evanescent‐wave excitation and also discusses some problems and remedies when TIRF images shall be used as measurements.

Key Concepts

Spatially confined fluorescence can be excited in close proximity of a dielectric interface by the evanescent wave set up by total internal reflection.

100% pure evanescent fields are impractical; there is always a bit of contaminating epifluorescence.

The selective detection of supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) is the optical equivalent to TIRF on the emission site, with similar optical sectioning.

Combining TIRF and SAF improves optical sectioning and facilitates image quantification.

Apart from the z‐localisation of excitation light, evanescent fields have other properties interesting for biological imaging, including an unusual polarisation behaviour.
Optimization of the Cold Expansion Process for Titanium Holes
Authors: Achard Victor , Daidie Alain , Paredes Manuel , Chirol Clément
Published: March 2016

Cold expansion of metallic holes is widely used in the aerospace industry for improving the fatigue performance of mechanical assemblies. To increase the efficiency of the process, it is worth considering the possibility of carrying out the expansion twice in succession in the same hole. This paper discusses the consequences of such an operation on a single titanium hole through a numerical and experimental study. More precisely, numerical modeling is developed in order to simulate cases where the expansion is carried out twice: in the same direction and in opposite directions. The residual fields are analyzed and the results compared with experimental results using incremental hole‐drilling technique. Results show that double expansion may have a very positive impact on the homogeneity of the compressive fields.
Interfacial Crystallization‐Driven Assembly of Conjugated Polymers/Quantum Dots into Coaxial Hybrid Nanowires: Elucidation of Conjugated Polymer Arrangements by Electron Tomography
Authors: Jin Seon‐Mi , Kim Inhye , Lim Jung Ah , Ahn Hyungju , Lee Eunji
Published: March 2016

A simple and practical “solution‐biphase method” allows the preparation of efficient charge‐transporting 1D nanocrystals with coaxial p–n junctions. It involves gradual diffusion of a top layer of poor solvent (acetonitrile) into a bottom layer of poly(3‐hexyl thiophene)‐b‐poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) (P3HT‐b‐P2VP) conjugated polymers (CPs) and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) dissolved in chloroform. Initial interfacial crystallization‐driven assembly of CPs results in the formation of seeds consisting of dimeric QDs transversely bridged by CPs. Coaxial CPs/QDs hybrid NWs are generated by 1D growth of QDs‐dimeric seeds, enabling tracing of the CPs‐crystallization process via the QDs. Thus, well‐arranged QDs along the longitudinal axis of the NWs infer highly crystalline CPs with edge‐on orientation, as confirmed by electron tomography, UV–vis spectroscopy, and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. This high cristallinity as well as the increased length of the resulting hybrid NWs in solution and the corresponding crystallite size in as‐cast film represent a significant improvement compared to the conventional “one‐pot addition method”. Moreover, although randomly QDs‐attached hybrids of P3HT homopolymer are produced by the solution‐biphase method, branched aggregates with micrometer‐long NW arms are generated from the crystal seeds containing multiple growth facets without precipitate, despite acetonitrile being a nonsolvent.
MoS2‐Quantum‐Dot‐Interspersed Li4Ti5O12 Nanosheets with Enhanced Performance for Li‐ and Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Guobao , Yang Liwen , Wei Xiaolin , Ding Jianwen , Zhong Jianxin , Chu Paul K.
Published: March 2016

Rational nanoscale surface engineering of electroactive nanoarchitecture is highly desirable, since it can both secure high surface‐controlled energy storage and sustain the structural integrity for long‐time and high‐rate cycling. Herein, ultrasmall MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) are exploited as surface sensitizers to boost the electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO). The LTO/MoS2 composite is prepared by anchoring 2D LTO nanosheets with ultrasmall MoS2 QDs using a simple and effective assembly technique. Impressively, such 0D/2D heterostructure composites possess enhanced surface‐controlled Li/Na storage behavior. This unprecedented Li/Na storage process provides a LTO/MoS2 composite with outstanding Li/Na storage properties, such as high capacity and high‐rate capability as well as long‐term cycling stability. As anodes in Li‐ion batteries, the materials have a stable specific capacity of 170 mAhg−1 after 20 cycles and are able to retain 94.1% of this capacity after 1000 cycles, i.e., 160 mAhg−1, at a high rate of 10 C. Due to these impressice performance, the presented 0D/2D heterostructure has great potential in high‐performance LIBs and sodium‐ion batteries.
Recent Developments in Mechanochemical Materials Synthesis by Extrusion
Authors: Crawford Deborah E. , Casaban José
Published: March 2016

Mechanochemical synthesis, i.e., reactions conducted by grinding solid reactants together with no or minimal solvent, has been demonstrated as an excellent technique for the formation of both organic and inorganic compounds. Mechanochemistry is viewed as an alternative approach to chemical synthesis and is not always considered when developing manufacturing processes of fine chemicals. Here, recent advances are highlighted regarding mechanochemical synthesis, by utilizing a well‐developed continuous technique – extrusion, and the advantages it offers to further support its use in the manufacturing of these chemicals. To put this work into context, it is shown how extrusion plays a vital role for manufacturing in the food, polymer, and pharmaceutical industries, and how the research carried out by these respective industrialists provides great insight and understanding of the technique, with the results being applicable in the chemical industry. The synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is highlighted herein as an excellent example showcasing the advantages that extrusion provides to the manufacture of these materials, one advantage being the exceptional space time yields (STYs) reported for these processes, at three orders of magnitude greater than conventional (solvothermal) synthesis.
Stereoselective thia‐Michael 1,4‐Addition to Acyclic 2,4‐Dienones and 2‐En‐4‐ynones
Authors: Kowalczyk Rafał , Boratyński Przemysław J.
Published: March 2016

Organocatalyzed highly stereoselective 1,4‐thia‐Michael addition of mercaptans to linear 2,4‐dienones and 2‐en‐4‐ynones was developed using Cinchona alkaloid‐based squaramides. Application of only 0.5–1 mol % loading afforded products in up to 98:2 e.r. and above 99:1 after a single recrystallization. The adducts of allyl mercaptan can be conveniently further transformed to new chiral 2‐substituted 2,5‐dihydrothiophenes by ring‐closing metathesis.

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Fabrication of pH‐Responsive Hydrogel and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Tulain Ume Ruqia , Ahmad Mahmood , Rashid Ayesha , Malik Muhammad Zubair , Iqbal Furqan Muhammad
Published: March 2016

The present research work deals with the development of pH‐responsive hydrogel by free radical polymerization in aqueous media to protect the rabeprazole sodium from acidic environment of stomach. Swelling behavior of hydrogels that was observed in buffer of various pH indicated highly pH‐dependent swelling of hydrogels. Characterization of pH‐responsive hydrogels by FTIR, SEM, and thermal analysis revealed that hydrogel has porous structure, favors swelling, drug loading, and drug release at a specific site in gastrointestinal tract and thermally more stable than parent polymer. In comparison with simple drug solution and hydrogel formulations, pharmacokinetic parameters of hydrogels formulations showed a significant difference in Cmax values of (CMC‐g‐AA) CA and the same oral dose of rabeprazole sodium was 87.28 ± 12.671 and 61.263 ± 5.37 ng/mL, respectively, Tmax of graft copolymer matrices CA (4.43 h) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than drug solution (1 h) and area under curves (AUCs) for CA (952.25 ± 191 ng⋅h/mL) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the drug solution (83.67 ± 8.28 ng⋅h/mL) indicated the effect of dosage form would last for longer duration. Thus, in vitro and in vivo drug release studies of hydrogels proved their controlled release behavior with preferential delivery into alkaline pH environment and for a prolonged period of time.
Measuring Changes in Farmers’ Attitudes to Agricultural Cooperatives: Evidence from Swedish Agriculture 1993–2013
Authors: Hakelius Karin , Hansson Helena
Published: March 2016

This study assessed changes in farmers’ attitudes to agricultural cooperatives by developing a behavioral framework based in psychological and psychometric theory for measuring attitude change. The assessment focused on a unique dataset that allowed attitude coverage and strength of evaluation derived from data collected in 1993 and in 2013 to be evaluated. Explorative factor analytical methods revealed the attitude construct to be two‐dimensional in both datasets, covering the domains named “Commitment” and “Trust” in both cases. Thus, the coverage of the attitude construct seemed unchanged. However, the strength of evaluation of both attitude dimensions was significantly increased. These findings have clear policy implications for agricultural cooperatives, since understanding the nature of changes in attitudes to these organizations is important for their successful development. [EconLit citations: P13; Q13].
Analysis of Umbrella Branding with Crowdsourced Data
Authors: Richards Timothy J.
Published: March 2016

We test for umbrella effects among private label products using a new type of data: crowdsourced data, or data contributed by users of an in‐store shopping app for their own, and other users' benefit. We model umbrella effects in our crowdsourced data using a random‐parameter logit model with private‐label preference parameters correlated among product categories. Our results support the existence of umbrella effects in our limited sample data, where umbrella effects are defined as correlated preferences for private labels across categories. [JEL Classifications: D12; D43; L13; L83; M31].
Pd@C3N4 nanocatalyst for highly efficient hydrogen storage system based on potassium bicarbonate/formate
Authors: Shao Xianzhao , Xu Jinming , Huang Yanqiang , Su Xiong , Duan Hongmin , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2016

Formate/bicarbonate system has several desirable properties such as noncorrosive and nonirritating nature, as well as facile handling, which make it an attractive candidate for a safe, reversible hydrogen storage material. Herein, Pd nanoparticles supported on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐C3N4) for formate‐based reversible hydrogen storage is reported. The as‐developed Pd/mpg‐C3N4 material was shown to be a superior catalyst for the hydrogenation of high concentrations of bicarbonate to formate under mild conditions. The effects of reaction temperature, H2 pressure, and bicarbonate concentration on the hydrogenation of bicarbonate to formate were investigated. The catalytic performance remained steady with high activity up to six hydrogenation cycles. The interaction between mpg‐C3N4 and Pd nanoparticles and the concerted effects of the nitrogen species located at mpg‐C3N4 and bicarbonate played a synergetic role in the enhancement of the performance of the catalyst for hydrogenation. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2410–2418, 2016
An adhesive CFD‐DEM model for simulating nanoparticle agglomerate fluidization
Authors: Liu Daoyin , van Wachem Berend G. M. , Mudde Robert F. , Chen Xiaoping , van Ommen J. Ruud
Published: March 2016

Nanoparticles are fluidized as agglomerates with hierarchical fractal structures. In this study, we model nanoparticle fluidization by assuming the simple agglomerates as the discrete element in an adhesive (Computational Fluid Dynamics—Discrete Element Modelling) CFD‐DEM model. The simple agglomerates, which are the building blocks of the larger complex agglomerates, are represented by cohesive and plastic particles. It is shown that both the particle contact model and drag force interaction in the conventional CFD‐DEM model need modification for properly simulating a fluidized bed of nanoparticle agglomerates. The model is tested for different cases, including the normal impact, angle of repose (AOR), and fluidization of nanoparticle agglomerates, represented by the particles with the equivalent material properties. It shows that increasing the particle adhesion increases the critical stick velocity, angle of repose, and leads from uniform fluidization to defluidization. The particle adhesion, bulk properties, and fluidization can be linked to each other by the current adhesive CFD‐DEM model. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2259–2270, 2016
Isotopic reconstructions of habitat change surrounding the extinction of Oreopithecus, the last European ape
Authors: Nelson Sherry V. , Rook Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

Objective

Oreopithecus bambolii was the last hominoid to survive in Europe. The purpose of this investigation was to reconstruct, through stable isotope analyses, Oreopithecus’ habitat, subsistence behavior, and changes in habitat that may have led to its extinction.

Methods

Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes from inorganic carbonate in tooth enamel from Oreopithecus and its contemporaneous faunas from localities in Tuscany and Sardinia were sampled. Also the fauna from localities in Tuscany shortly after Oreopithecus went extinct were sampled.

Results

Results indicated that Oreopithecus, compared with most modern hominoids, inhabited forests that probably had a more open canopy. At Tuscan localities, Oreopithecus yields some of the highest carbon isotope values but some of the lowest oxygen, suggesting a diet that may have included tubers or aquatic vegetation. Relatively higher oxygen values in Sardinia suggested that its diet included arboreal foods as well. Among modern and fossil hominoids, Oreopithecus only resembled chimpanzees living outside of rainforests. It also resembled Ardipithecus in carbon isotope values, suggesting possible similarities in feeding strategies concordant with shared skeletal features between Oreopithecus and early hominins. Isotope values from post‐Oreopithecus faunas indicated a shift to more forested conditions, unlike other hominoid extinctions associated with loss of forest.

Conclusions

Isotopic reconstructions of Oreopithecus’ habitat and changes associated with its extinction indicated that its paleoecology was unique among hominoids. However, these reconstructions also suggested that like other hominoids, Oreopithecus was susceptible to changes in seasonality of precipitation, and it may have used wetlands as a buffer to seasonal regimes. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:254–271, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring a highly dispersible silica–elastomer composite for tire applications
Authors: Manoharan Partheban , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: March 2016

In this article, we provide an extensive analyses of various properties that are required for tire tread based on developed highly dispersible (HD) silica‐filled epoxidized natural rubber composites. Silica in an HD form has become a staple filler in tire tread applications because of its inherent advantages. In this study, epoxidized natural rubber with 25 mol % epoxide (ENR 25) and natural rubber were mixed with two different types of HD silica for superior reinforcement. A standard tire tread formulation was used as the base compound. The magic triangle properties were conspicuously influenced by the viscoelastic characteristics of the vulcanizates. The introduction of polar rubber (ENR 25) into the HD silica greatly improved rheological, physicomechanical, bound rubber content, and dynamic mechanical properties, and this led to a better, fuel‐efficient tire. We successfully achieved this, even in the absence of a silane coupling agent. ENR 25 played an imperative role in showing an extraordinary rubber–filler interactions and was primarily responsible for these observations. In this study, we explored the HD silica dispersion with transmission electron microscopy observations. Morphological studies revealed well‐dispersed HD silica with the formation of a rubber–filler network. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43531.
Preparation and characterization of PVA membrane modified by water‐soluble hyperbranched polyester (WHBP) for the dehydration of n‐butanol
Authors: Zhang Qian‐Zhi , Li Bing‐Bing , Sun De , Zhang Li‐Jun , Li Da‐Yong , Yang Ping
Published: March 2016

Water‐soluble hyperbranched polyester (WHBP) was synthesized through the esterification reaction of the fourth generation hyperbranched polyester and maleic anhydride. A novel cross‐linked WHBP/PVA membrane was prepared by adding WHBP into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution with glutaraldehyde as the cross‐linker. WHBP was characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), while WHBP/PVA membranes were characterized by ATR‐FTIR, X‐ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, mechanical capacity, and water contact angle. Testing results showed that maleic anhydride was grafted on the surface of WHBP; compared with PVA membrane, WHBP/PVA membrane had lower crystallinity, weaker mechanical strength, higher hydrophilicity, and better thermal stability. Sorption and diffusion behaviors of n‐butanol and water in WHBP/PVA membrane were investigated; pervaporation performances of WHBP/PVA membrane were studied through the dehydration of the 90 wt % n‐butanol aqueous solution at 40°C. With an increase of the WHBP content from 0 to 30 wt %, both n‐butanol uptake and n‐butanol diffusion coefficient first decreased then increased; n‐butanol flux first decreased from 10 to 2 g·m−2·h−1 then increased to 213 g·m−2·h−1; both sorption selectivity and diffusion selectivity first increased then decreased; separation factor first increased from 88 to 1309 then decreased to 16. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43533.
War Criminals and Other “Ordinary Men”: A Case Report†
Authors: Hough George , Twemlow Stuart W.
Published: March 2016

The authors provide a psychological portrait of Milan Lukić, a convicted war criminal, whose case was convened at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia at The Hague. Such in‐depth case studies are rare in the study of war criminals and unique to the study of war criminals associated with the Bosnian conflict. The authors relied upon extensive psychological interviews and psychological testing conducted over a series of days with Lukić and a review of extensive background records to create this psychological portrait. The evaluation data indicate that Lukić was found to be essentially “normal” psychologically, consistent with prior studies of war criminals who were also found to be psychologically normal and legally sane. Our findings contribute to the refutation of the so‐called Nazi personality hypothesis that emerged after World War II. There was no evidence from Lukic's developmental history that would be predictive of his war crimes behavior before the outbreak of the Bosnian conflict. The authors hypothesize that Lukic's war crimes behavior was, in part, a by‐product of the breakdown of the social and moral order that occurred in Bosnia. His ruthless and sadistic behaviors that were manifest after he entered the war suggest an emergent atypical pattern of psychopathic behaviors which manifested under conditions of extreme social and moral duress and which were also reinforced by blind obedience to authority. The authors advocate that future studies of war criminals include an examination of personality as embedded within a particularized social and historical context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EVIDENCE THAT ECDYSIS IN THE LARVAL COCKROACH, Periplaneta americana L. IS TRIGGERED BY AN INCREASE IN THE CONCENTRATION OF HEMOLYMPH SUGAR
Authors: Steele John E.
Published: March 2016

Ecdysis in insects can be defined as shedding of the cuticle at the end of a larval stadium. This event can only occur after the peak titer of ecdysteroid in the hemolymph has returned to a low level. In the cockroach Periplaneta americana, ecdysis is strongly correlated with a rise in the concentration of trehalose and glucose in the hemolymph, leading to the idea that a causal relationship may exist between both events. The objective in this study was to determine if an increase in hemolymph sugar level would shorten the time to ecdysis in cockroach larvae with experimentally delayed ecdysis. The last larval stadium of P. americana averages 33.5 days but this increases significantly if the larva is injected with a small volume of saline. Injection of 10 μl of saline on day 20 and on four successive days lengthened the stadium by as much as 2 weeks. If, however, trehalose or glucose is incorporated into the saline, approximately 40% of the treated larvae undergo ecdysis at the same time as uninjected larvae. Injection of Peram‐AKH, the hypertrehalosemic hormone, also decreases the time for ecdysis to occur. This suggests that peak levels of ecdysteroid trigger the release of Peram‐AKH, which then leads to activation of trehalose synthesis. The results support the hypothesis that elevated hemolymph sugar is a contributing factor in the removal of ecdysteroid from the hemolymph.
ASK: A taxonomy of accuracy, social, and knowledge information seeking posts in social question and answering
Authors: Liu Zhe , Jansen Bernard J.
Published: March 2016

Many people turn to their social networks to find information through the practice of question and answering. We believe it is necessary to use different answering strategies based on the type of questions to accommodate the different information needs. In this research, we propose the ASK taxonomy that categorizes questions posted on social networking sites into three types according to the nature of the questioner's inquiry of accuracy, social, or knowledge. To automatically decide which answering strategy to use, we develop a predictive model based on ASK question types using question features from the perspectives of lexical, topical, contextual, and syntactic as well as answer features. By applying the classifier on an annotated data set, we present a comprehensive analysis to compare questions in terms of their word usage, topical interests, temporal and spatial restrictions, syntactic structure, and response characteristics. Our research results show that the three types of questions exhibited different characteristics in the way they are asked. Our automatic classification algorithm achieves an 83% correct labeling result, showing the value of the ASK taxonomy for the design of social question and answering systems.
Nasoethmoidal meningocele in a child presenting bilateral congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation: Evidence for a new entity or consequence of gestational exposures?
Authors: da Rosa Ernani B. , Silveira Daniélle B. , Tsugami Laís G. , Bellé Nathan L. , Matos Izabelle O. , Targa Luciano V. , Betat Rosilene da S. , da Cunha André C. , Villacis Rolando A.R. , Rogatto Sílvia R. , Dorfman Luiza E. , Rosa Rafael F. M. , Zen Paulo R.G.
Published: March 2016

Background

Nasoethmoidal meningocele is considered an uncommon type of cephalocele, and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is a rare lung disorder characterized by overgrowth of the terminal bronchioles.

Case

We report the unusual association between a nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM type II in a fetus exposed to valproic acid and misoprostol. The mother was an 18‐year‐old woman on her first pregnancy. She had a history of absence seizures since she was 5 years old. She took valproic acid from the beginning of the gestation until the end of the third month. At the end of the third month, she attempted interruption of her pregnancy using misoprostol. The fetal nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM type II were identified through morphological ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging. A genome‐wide study detected one copy number variation classified as rare, entirely contained into the SPATA5 gene. However, it does not seem to be associated to the clinical findings of the patient.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, there is only one case reported in the literature showing the same association between a nasoethmoidal meningocele and CCAM. Thus, the malformations observed in our patient may be related to the gestational exposures. Also, we cannot rule out that the patient may present the same condition characterized by a cephalocele and CCAM described by some authors, or even an undescribed entity, because some hallmark features, such as laryngeal atresia and limb defects, were not observed in our case. Further reports will be very important to better understand the associations described in our study. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:225–231, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence and potential in vivo functions for biofluid miRNAs: From expression profiling to functional testing
Authors: Iftikhar Hina , Carney Ginger E.
Published: March 2016

A controversial hypothesis in RNA biology is that extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs), including those in biofluids, have non‐cell‐autonomous activities. Several studies have characterized biofluid miRNA profiles in healthy or diseased individuals but generally have failed to identify distinct disease signatures. It remains unclear whether alterations in fluid miRNA levels are simply indicators of physiological change or whether miRNAs are taken up by new cells at concentrations sufficient to affect gene expression. There are limitations to biofluid miRNA studies performed to date: methodology for isolating and quantifying biofluid miRNAs is not standardized across studies; mechanistic details of miRNA release and uptake are incomplete; and efforts to assess non‐cell‐autonomous effects of extracellular miRNAs have employed predominantly in vitro strategies. We describe controversies and questions that need to be addressed to test possible in vivo roles of extracellular miRNAs and propose model organisms with rich genetic toolkits for carrying out in vivo functional analyses.

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Attorney Questions Predict Jury‐eligible Adult Assessments of Attorneys, Child Witnesses, and Defendant Guilt
Authors: Mugno Allison P. , Klemfuss J. Zoe , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: March 2016

Children are often the primary source of evidence in maltreatment cases, particularly cases of child sexual abuse, and may be asked to testify in court. Although best‐practice protocols for interviewing children suggest that interviewers ask open‐ended questions to elicit detailed responses from children, during in‐court testimony, attorneys tend to rely on closed‐ended questions that elicit simple (often “yes” or “no”) responses (e.g., Andrews, Lamb, & Lyon, ; Klemfuss, Quas, & Lyon, ). How then are jurors making decisions about children's credibility and ultimately the case outcome? The present study examined the effect of two attorney‐specific factors (e.g., temporal structure and questioning phase) on mock jurors' perceptions of attorney performance, child witness credibility, storyline clarity, and defendant guilt. Participants were randomly assigned to read a trial excerpt from one of eight conditions and were then asked to evaluate the attorney, child witness, and the case. Selected excerpts were from criminal court case transcripts and contained either high attorney temporal structure (e.g., use of temporal markers) or low temporal structure (e.g., frequent topic switching), involved direct or cross‐examination, and represented cases resulting in a conviction or acquittal. Child responses were kept consistent across all excerpts. Results showed that participants perceived the attorney's performance and child's credibility more favorably and thought the storyline was clearer when attorneys provided high rather than low temporal structure and when the excerpt contained direct rather than cross‐examination. Participants who read a direct rather than cross‐examination excerpt were also more likely to think the defendant was guilty. The study highlights the impact of attorney questioning style on mock jurors' perceptions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“FEApps”: Boosting students’ enthusiasm for coding and app designing, with a deeper learning experience in engineering fundamentals
Authors: Bishay Peter L.
Published: March 2016

In this article, a model for a multi‐goal course project is reported and discussed. Teams of students are asked to create attractive Matlab Apps for topics related to “Fundamentals of Engineering” (FE) exam (hence called “FEApps”). The main goals of this project, discussed in details in the article, are: (1) allowing students practice coding in a new innovative environment, (2) encouraging students to think as designers who create user‐friendly and robust products or services and their user manuals, (3) giving students the chance to work in teams with more useful interactions among teams, (4) showing students the benefit of writing multiple drafts for their projects and getting many feedback before the final presentations, and (5) refreshing students’ knowledge about topics related to FE exam. The article provides some examples of “FEApps” created by the participating students. This course project guarantees the highest student retention rates based on the well‐known “learning pyramid” and focuses on one of the relatively difficult mechanical engineering program outcomes, specified by the ABET, which is outcome i: “a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life‐long learning.” The project assessment survey results proved that all project goals had been successfully met. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:456–463, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21723
Seizures associated with Lupus during pregnancy
Authors: Aoki Shigeru , Kobayashi Natsuko , Mochimaru Aya , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: March 2016

Key Clinical Message

A sudden flare of previously stable SLE may give rise to CNS lupus. During pregnancy, seizures associated with CNS lupus can cause hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the infant.
Investigation of Hydrodynamics of High‐Temperature Fluidized Beds by Pressure Fluctuations
Authors: Nemati Nasrin , Zarghami Reza , Mostoufi Navid
Published: March 2016

Hydrodynamics of a gas‐solid fluidized bed at elevated temperatures was investigated by analyzing pressure fluctuations in time and frequency domains. Sand particles were fluidized with air at various bed temperatures. At a constant gas velocity, the standard deviation, power spectrum density function, and wide‐band energy of pressure fluctuations reach a maximum at 300 °C. Increasing the temperature to this value causes larger bubble sizes and after the bubbles reach their maximum size, they break into smaller bubbles. The Archimedes number decreases with higher temperature and the type of fluidization becomes closer to that of Geldart A boundary at this maximum temperature. Based on estimation of the drag force acting on the emulsion phase, it was concluded that 300 °C was a transition temperature at which the drag force reaches a minimum due to a significant change of interparticle and hydrodynamic forces.
Optimization of Lipase Biosynthesis from Rhizopus oryzae for Biodiesel Production Using Multiple Oils
Authors: Mukhtar Hamid , Khursheed Samreen , Ikram‐ul‐Haq  , Mumtaz Muhammad Waseem , Rashid Umer , Al‐Resayes Saud Ibrahim
Published: March 2016

Lipase synthesis was optimized using different substrates through solid‐state fermentation followed by application of the produced lipase for biodiesel synthesis from multiple oils. Rhizopus oryzae RO‐1 showed maximum lipase production and was selected for further use. The production of lipase by R. oryzae RO‐1 could be improved when the substrate was supplemented with olive oil and the growth conditions were optimized. After partial purification, the enzyme was immobilized on four different supports. For the production of biodiesel, Amberlite‐immobilized lipase was employed for transesterification of olive, canola, sunflower, soybean, and algal oil from Cladophora sp. The biodiesels produced were characterized by recording their Fourier transform infrared spectra. Biodiesel generated from algal oil contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it highly suitable as winter‐grade biodiesel.
One‐Step Electrodeposition of S‐Doped Cobalt–Nickel Layered Double Hydroxides on Conductive Substrates and their Electrocatalytic Activity in Alkaline Media
Authors: Qian Lei , Chen Wen , Liu Miaomiao , Jia Qiannan , Xiao Dan
Published: March 2016

S‐doped Co–Ni layered double hydroxides (S‐LDHs) with different morphologies were successfully grown on different conductive substrates through a one‐step cyclic voltammetry electrodeposition method by using thiourea (TU) as the sulfur source. The electrodeposition mechanism and the morphology changes of the S‐LDHs on different conductive substrates are discussed. The S‐LDHs on stainless steel (SS) (S‐LDHs/SS) can be directly used as binder‐free electrodes for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The electrocatalytic performances were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The electrochemical results indicate that the S‐LDHs electrocatalyze MOR and OER in alkaline media, and the electrocatalytic activity was higher than that of the undoped Co–Ni LDHs.
Highly Stable Perylenediimide‐Based Self‐Assembled Monolayers Studied with Spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Bkhach Sihame , Le Duc Yann , Alévêque Olivier , Gautier Christelle , Hudhomme Piétrick , Levillain Eric
Published: March 2016

Perylenediimide (PDI)‐based self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied by using quartz crystal microbalance, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and spectroelectrochemistry (SEC). The high stability of PDI‐based SAMs has allowed very low signals to be probed by using absorption and emission SEC and by extracting voltabsorptograms. The wavelengths are reported for the absorption maxima of the PDI, anion radical, and dianion species. In contrast, the magnitudes of the molar extinction coefficient of the reduced forms were not preserved in the SAM. The quenching of PDI fluorescence was confirmed on a gold substrate.