bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planungsprozess komplexer Strukturen
Authors: Bollinger Klaus , Grohmann Manfred , Löffler Kim Boris , Weilandt Agnes
Published: April 2014

Für die Architektur war die Disziplin der Tragwerksplanung schon immer von großer Bedeutung. Architekten wie Antoni Gaudi, Félix Candela oder Frei Otto haben die Architektur und besonders die Tragwerksplanung durch ihre außergewöhnliche Sichtweise auf Strukturen nachhaltig beeinflusst. In der Vergangenheit stellte das Entwickeln besonderer Tragwerke oft einen langwierigen Bearbeitungsprozess dar. Eine Vielzahl an Versuchen anhand von Modellen wurde in der Regel durch unzählige rechnerische Nachweise begleitet. Das digitale Zeitalter lässt die Tragwerksplanung wesentlich exakter und schneller komplexe Formen bis zur Ausführung entwickeln. Mittels iterativer oder evolutionärer Generierungsprozesse entstehen heute höchst anspruchsvolle Tragsysteme, die Grundlage solcher Prozesse bildet zunächst die konkrete Definition der Anforderungen an das Tragwerk. Die daraus entwickelten Parameter lassen den Computer in kürzester Zeit eine Vielzahl an Varianten generieren. Mit einer individuellen Gewichtung dieser Parameter steuert der Tragwerksplaner den Generierungsprozess. Dieser Planungsprozess lässt sich mit einem herkömmlichen Planungsablauf, wie er in den Leistungsbildern der HOAI beschrieben wird, nicht mehr vereinbaren. Während in den klassischen Planungsphasen eine schrittweise Erhöhung der Detailtiefe definiert ist, macht das frühe Finden und Wichten der für einen komplexen Gesamtprozess relevanten Parameter eine wesentlich exaktere Detaillierung bereits in der Vorplanung nötig.

Design process of complex structures – Interaction between architecture and structure

The discipline of structural engineering has always been of great importance for architecture. Architects like Antoni Gaudi, Felix Candela or Frei Otto have strongly influenced the architecture and particularly the structural design by their extraordinary view regarding structures. In the past, the development of special structures often required a long editing process. Numerous tests using models were usually accompanied by countless calculation proofs. The digital age allows developing complex shapes until implementation far more precise and faster. Using iterative or evolutionary generation processes, today highly sophisticated support systems come into being. The basis of such processes is firstly the precise definition of the requirements for the structure. The resulting parameters enable the computer to generate a multitude of variations in very short time. With an individual weight functioning of these parameters, the structural engineer controls the generation process. This design process is not compatible anymore with a conventional design process as it is described in the scope of work of the German HOAI. During classical design phases a gradual increase of the level of detail is defined. Whereas the early finding and weight functioning of the relevant parameters, which are necessary for the planning in an overall complex process, requires already a more precise detailing in the pre‐design phase.
Einsatz von BIM im Hochbau – Effekte auf die Tragwerksplanung
Authors: Nöldgen Markus , Zilleßen Kurt , Müllers Ingo , Hehle Thomas
Published: April 2014

Building Information Modeling – kurz BIM genannt – ist zurzeit bei Planern und Ausführenden des Bauwesens in aller Munde. Jeder kann es, jeder macht es, jedes Programm ist natürlich BIM‐fähig, aber fast jeder versteht etwas anderes unter BIM. Die Autoren des Artikels beschäftigen sich mit dem Thema BIM aus der Perspektive der Tragwerksplaner. Sie zeigen auf, was aus ihrer Sicht momentan in der Praxis Stand der Technik ist und beschäftigen sich damit, wie BIM die Arbeitsweise von Tragwerksplanern verändert. Dabei nehmen sie nicht nur die Sichtweise des Bauingenieurs ein, sondern auch jene des Konstrukteurs. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass Bauingenieure durch BIM mehr und mehr dazu gedrängt werden, sich von den gewohnten ebenen Tragwerksmodellen zu verabschieden und den konsequenten Schritt zu räumlichen Tragwerksmodellen zu vollziehen. Konstrukteure werden in Zukunft Bauwerke nicht mehr mit Linien zeichnen, sondern aus Objekten konstruieren.

BIM in Building Structures – Effects on Structural Engineering

Building information modeling – shortly called BIM – is currently very popular among architects, civil engineers and the building industry. Everybody knows it, everybody does it and every software is surely BIM‐capable, but nearly everybody has a different interpretation of BIM. The authors of this report tackle this topic from the structural engineer's point of view. They show what the state‐of‐the‐practice from their point of view is and describe how BIM is changing the way of working for structural engineers. The authors adopt not only the perspective of engineers, but also of draftsmen. It is shown that BIM forces engineers to stop using their usual plane structural models and to start consequently using spatial models. In the near future draftsmen will stop drawing buildings by lines, but they will start to design buildings by using intelligent objects.
Zur Modellierung des Tragverhaltens eines Balken‐Stützen‐Systems im Rahmen der Abklärungen eines Dacheinsturzes
Authors: Herwig Andrin , Piskoty Gabor , Terrasi Giovanni Pietro
Published: April 2014

Im Februar 2009 stürzte das schneebedeckte Dach einer Dreifachsporthalle in St. Gallen, Schweiz ein. Die Untersuchung hat gezeigt, dass der Einsturz durch Stegbeulen bei der Krafteinleitung an den Enden der in Hallenquerrichtung verlaufenden Blechträger eingeleitet wurde. Das Untersuchungsresultat war umstritten, denn eine Gegenhypothese besagte, dass das Versagen der im Tragwerk vorhandenen Stahl‐Beton‐Verbundstützen genauso gut den Einsturz hätte einleiten können.

Diese Gegenhypothese ging von einer unplanmäßigen Biegemomentenübertragung aus, welche das Versagen dieser Stützen herbeigeführt und so den Einsturz eingeleitet hätte. Der Fehler dieser Hypothese bestand darin, dass, wie bei der Bemessung eines neuen Tragwerkteils erlaubt, eine Einwirkung auf ein aus dem statisch unbestimmten System “isoliertes” Tragwerkteil angesetzt wurde.

Modeling of the load‐bearing behavior of a column‐beam system in the frame of the investigations of a roof collapse

In February 2009, the snow covered roof of the triple sports hall of a gymnasium collapsed in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The failure analysis showed that the collapse initiated through local web buckling under the load introduction at the ends of the main plate girders spanning the transverse roof direction. The result of the failure analysis was disputed, since an alternative hypothesis claimed that the failure of the existing steel‐concrete composite columns could have triggered the collapse as well.

The alternative hypothesis was based on an unplanned transmission of a bending moment, which would have caused the failure of those columns and consequently of the whole roof. The error of this hypothesis was that, as allowed in structural design, a load was applied on an “isolated” structural element of the statically indeterminate system.
National Vascular Registry Report on surgical outcomes and implications for vascular centres
Authors: Sidloff D A , Gokani V J , Stather P W , Choke E , Bown M J , Sayers R D
Published: March 2014

Background

The National Vascular Registry Report on Surgical Outcomes (NVSRO) coincided with the update of the National Health Service Standard Contract for Specialized Vascular Services in Adults (NHSSCSVS). The latter promises patients minimum standards for vascular centres. The present study aimed to determine whether current data support the standards proposed in the NHSSCSVS.

Methods

Numbers of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs and carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) performed by hospital Trust and surgeon, and their outcomes were obtained from the NVRSO. These were assessed against NHSSCSVS recommendations that included: more than 60 AAA repairs per year per Trust, over 50 CEAs per year per Trust and at least six vascular surgeons per Trust.

Results

Based on NVRSO data, 107 hospital Trusts (92·2 per cent) would fail to meet the minimum standards required to achieve vascular centre status. Outcomes were poorer in these hospitals (overall mortality rate after AAA: 2·7 versus 1·3 per cent; P = 0·007). There were strong associations between number of AAA repairs or CEAs per Trust and better outcomes (AAA repair, P < 0·001; CEA, P = 0·004). These remained significant when analysed by individual surgeon (AAA repair, P < 0·001; CEA, P < 0·001). Trusts undertaking 60 or fewer elective AAA repairs per year had significantly higher elective AAA mortality rates (2·7 versus 1·7 per cent; P = 0·010). Trusts performing a minimum of 50 CEAs per year had significantly lower perioperative mortality/morbidity rates (1·9 versus 3·0 per cent; P = 0·032). Trusts with seven or more surgeons demonstrated lower AAA-related mortality rates (1·7 versus 2·7 per cent; P = 0·018).

Conclusion

Data from the NVRSO suggest that the majority of hospital Trusts presently fail to meet the standards for vascular centre status. NVRSO data support a standard of more than 60 elective AAA repairs and 50 CEAs per Trust per year. A minimum of seven vascular surgeons per unit was associated with better outcomes. These data support the ongoing remodelling of vascular services in the UK.
Triatominae biochemistry goes to school: Evaluation of a novel tool for teaching basic biochemical concepts of chagas disease vectors
Authors: Cunha Leonardo Rodrigues , de Oliveira Cudischevitch Cecília , Carneiro Alan Brito , Macedo Gustavo Bartholomeu , Lannes Denise , Silva‐Neto Mário Alberto Cardoso da
Published: March 2014

We evaluate a new approach to teaching the basic biochemistry mechanisms that regulate the biology of Triatominae, major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. We have designed and used a comic book, “Carlos Chagas: 100 years after a hero's discovery” containing scientific information obtained by seven distinguished contemporary Brazilian researchers working with Triatominaes. Students (22) in the seventh grade of a public elementary school received the comic book. The study was then followed up by the use of Concept Maps elaborated by the students. Six Concept Maps elaborated by the students before the introduction of the comic book received an average score of 7. Scores rose to an average of 45 after the introduction of the comic book. This result suggests that a more attractive content can greatly improve the knowledge and conceptual understanding among students not previously exposed to insect biochemistry. In conclusion, this study illustrates an alternative to current strategies of teaching about the transmission of neglected diseases. It also promotes the diffusion of the scientific knowledge produced by Brazilian researchers that may stimulate students to choose a scientific career.Copyright © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(4):323–330, 2014.
Resolution of heterogeneous charged antibody aggregates via multimodal chromatography: A comparison to conventional approaches
Authors: Chmielowski Rebecca A. , Meissner Sandra , Roush David , Linden Thomas O. , Glowacki Edward , Konietzko Janelle , Nti‐Gyabaah Joseph
Published: April 2014

Clearance of aggregates during protein purification is increasingly paramount as protein aggregates represent one of the major impurities in biopharmaceutical products. Aggregates, especially dimer species, represent a significant challenge for purification processing since aggregate separation coupled with high purity protein recovery can be difficult to accomplish. Biochemical characterization of the aggregate species from the hydrophobic interaction and cation exchange chromatography elution peaks revealed two different charged populations, i.e. heterogeneous charged aggregates, which led to further challenges for chromatographic removal. This paper compares multimodal versus conventional cation exchange or hydrophobic chromatography methodologies to remove heterogeneous aggregates. A full, mixed level factorial design of experiment strategy together with high throughput experimentation was employed to rapidly evaluate chromatographic parameters such as pH, conductivity, and loading. A variety of operating conditions were identified for the multimodal chromatography step, which lead to effective removal of two different charged populations of aggregate species. This multimodal chromatography step was incorporated into a monoclonal antibody purification process and successfully implemented at commercial manufacturing scale. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:636–645, 2014
Immobilization of lipase on woolen fabrics: Enhanced effectiveness in stain removal
Authors: An Jing Dong , Patterson Darrell Alec , McNeil Steve , Hossain Md Monwar
Published: April 2014

The aim of this research was to examine the effectiveness of an enzyme in enhancing the cleaning effectiveness of woolen fabric without addition of any detergent. As a model enzyme, lipase from Pseudomonas fluoresces was immobilized onto a woolen cloth using a unique protocol that involved: chlorination of the wool, adsorbing a polyethyleneimine (PEI) spacer, adsorbing, and cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) followed by adsorption of the lipase. It was determined that for this protocol, the immobilized activity was dependent on the GA solution pH and not on its concentration. The cloth exhibited excellent oily stain removal ability: after being stained with olive oil and stored for 1 day in air at room temperature, the oily stain could be easily removed by 0.05 M pH 8.5 Tris buffer without any detergent addition. This enhanced cleaning was stable also over a period of one month. The activity of the cloth (based on activity assay) dropped considerably over just 15 days storage in air. This therefore likely indicates that the enhanced cleaning seen over an extended storage period may not require as high an enzyme activity. The activity of the immobilized lipase was also very stable when stored under near ideal conditions: when the immobilized cloth was stored in 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 8.5) for more than 80 days in a refrigerator, more than 80% of the lipase activity remained. Overall, results indicate that this immobilization protocol is a promising step towards producing a woolen fabric with enhanced cleaning properties. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:806–817, 2014
Solution‐NMR Characterization of Outer‐Membrane Protein A from E. coli in Lipid Bilayer Nanodiscs and Detergent Micelles
Authors: Sušac Lukas , Horst Reto , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: April 2014

X‐ray crystallography and solution NMR of detergent‐reconstituted OmpA (outer membrane protein A from E. coli) had shown that this protein forms an eight‐stranded transmembrane β‐barrel, but only limited information was obtained for the extracellular loops. In NMR studies of OmpA in two different detergent micelles, “NMR‐invisible” amino acid residues in‐between the extracellular loops and the β‐barrel prevented complete structural characterization. Here, we show that this NMR‐invisible ring around the β‐barrel of OmpA is also present in lipid bilayer nanodiscs and in mixed micelles with a third detergent, thus suggesting that the implicated rate processes have a functional role rather than representing an artifact of the protein reconstitution. In addition to sequence‐specific NMR assignments for OmpA in the nanodiscs, the present results are based on a protocol of micro‐coil TROSY‐ and CRINEPT‐type NMR diffusion measurements for studying the hydrodynamic properties and the foldedness of [2H,15N]‐labeled membrane proteins in nanodiscs. This protocol can be applied under conditions closely similar to those used for NMR structure determinations or crystallization trials.
Using Singular Value Decomposition to Characterize Protein–Protein Interactions by In‐cell NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Majumder Subhabrata , DeMott Christopher M. , Burz David S. , Shekhtman Alexander
Published: April 2014

Distinct differences between how model proteins interact in‐cell and in vitro suggest that the cytosol might have a profound effect in modulating protein–protein and/or protein–ligand interactions that are not observed in vitro. Analyses of in‐cell NMR spectra of target proteins interacting with physiological partners are further complicated by low signal‐to‐noise ratios, and the long overexpression times used in protein–protein interaction studies may lead to changes in the in‐cell spectra over the course of the experiment. To unambiguously resolve the principal binding mode between two interacting species against the dynamic cellular background, we analyzed in‐cell spectral data of a target protein over the time course of overexpression of its interacting partner by using single‐value decomposition (SVD). SVD differentiates between concentration‐dependent and concentration‐independent events and identifies the principal binding mode between the two species. The analysis implicates a set of amino acids involved in the specific interaction that differs from previous NMR analyses but is in good agreement with crystallographic data.
Catalytic Molecular Logic Devices by DNAzyme Displacement
Authors: Brown Carl W. , Lakin Matthew R. , Stefanovic Darko , Graves Steven W.
Published: April 2014

Chemical reactions catalyzed by DNAzymes offer a route to programmable modification of biomolecules for therapeutic purposes. To this end, we have developed a new type of catalytic DNA‐based logic gates in which DNAzyme catalysis is controlled via toehold‐mediated strand displacement reactions. We refer to these as DNAzyme displacement gates. The use of toeholds to guide input binding provides a favorable pathway for input recognition, and the innate catalytic activity of DNAzymes allows amplification of nanomolar input concentrations. We demonstrate detection of arbitrary input sequences by rational introduction of mismatched bases into inhibitor strands. Furthermore, we illustrate the applicability of DNAzyme displacement to compute logic functions involving multiple logic gates. This work will enable sophisticated logical control of a range of biochemical modifications, with applications in pathogen detection and autonomous theranostics.
Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring: A Technique to Optimize Enzyme Use in Bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Singh Kulveer , Blanford Christopher F.
Published: April 2014

This Concept article outlines how an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (E‐QCM‐D) is used as a tool to follow adsorption and inactivation processes of immobilised oxidoreductases and to determine their specific activity simultaneously. Plots that relate activity to the adsorbed mass and dissipation have distinct features that can be used to diagnose the mechanisms of long‐term activity loss. Along with model plots, this article highlights some of the key advances made by using the technique and how it has been applied to biocatalytic processes in which electrons are transferred directly between an electrode and an immobilised enzyme.
Understanding the Fundamental Role of π/π, σ/σ, and σ/π Dispersion Interactions in Shaping Carbon‐Based Materials
Authors: Alonso Mercedes , Woller Tatiana , Martín‐Martínez Francisco J. , Contreras‐García Julia , Geerlings Paul , De Proft Frank
Published: April 2014

Noncovalent interactions involving aromatic rings, such as π‐stacking and CH/π interactions, are central to many areas of modern chemistry. However, recent studies proved that aromaticity is not required for stacking interactions, since similar interaction energies were computed for several aromatic and aliphatic dimers. Herein, the nature and origin of π/π, σ/σ, and σ/π dispersion interactions has been investigated by using dispersion‐corrected density functional theory, energy decomposition analysis, and the recently developed noncovalent interaction (NCI) method. Our analysis shows that π/π and σ/σ stacking interactions are equally important for the benzene and cyclohexane dimers, explaining why both compounds have similar boiling points. Also, similar dispersion forces are found in the benzene⋅⋅⋅methane and cyclohexane⋅⋅⋅methane complexes. However, for systems larger than naphthalene, there are enhanced stacking interactions in the aromatic dimers adopting a parallel‐displaced configuration compared to the analogous saturated systems. Although dispersion plays a decisive role in stabilizing all the complexes, the origin of the π/π, σ/σ, and σ/π interactions is different. The NCI method reveals that the dispersion interactions between the hydrogen atoms are responsible for the surprisingly strong aliphatic interactions. Moreover, whereas σ/σ and σ/π interactions are local, the π/π stacking are inherently delocalized, which give rise to a non‐additive effect. These new types of dispersion interactions between saturated groups can be exploited in the rational design of novel carbon materials.
The longitudinal impact of patient navigation on equity in colorectal cancer screening in a large primary care network
Authors: Percac‐Lima Sanja , López Lenny , Ashburner Jeffrey M. , Green Alexander R. , Atlas Steven J.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

The long‐term effects of interventions to improve colorectal (CRC) screening in vulnerable populations are uncertain. The authors evaluated the impact of patient navigation (PN) on the equity of CRC prevention over a 5‐year period.

METHODS

A culturally tailored CRC screening PN program was implemented in 1 community health center (CHC) in 2007. In a primary care network, CRC screening rates from 2006 to 2010 among eligible patients from the CHC with PN were compared with the rates from other practices without PN. Multivariable logistic regression models for repeated measures were used to assess differences over time.

RESULTS

Differences in CRC screening rates diminished among patients at the CHC with PN and at other practices between 2006 (49.2% vs 62.5%, respectively; P < .001) and 2010 (69.2% vs 73.6%, respectively; P < .001). The adjusted rate of increase over time was higher at the CHC versus other practices (5% vs 3.4% per year; P < .001). Among Latino patients at the CHC compared with other practices, lower CRC screening rates in 2006 (47.5% vs 52.1%, respectively; P = .02) were higher by 2010 (73.5% vs 67.3%, respectively; P < .001). Similar CRC screening rates among non‐English speakers at the CHC and at other practices in 2006 (44.3% vs 44.7%, respectively; P = .79) were higher at the CHC by 2010 (70.6% vs 58.6%, respectively; P < .001). Adjusted screening rates increased more over time for Latino and non‐English speakers at the CHC compared with other practices (both P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A PN program increased CRC screening rates in a CHC and improved equity in vulnerable patients. Long‐term funding of PN programs has the potential to reduce cancer screening disparities. Cancer 2014;120:2025–2031. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Thermal Expansion, Anharmonicity and Temperature‐Dependent Raman Spectra of Single‐ and Few‐Layer MoSe2 and WSe2
Authors: Late Dattatray J. , Shirodkar Sharmila N. , Waghmare Umesh V. , Dravid Vinayak P. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: April 2014

We report the temperature‐dependent Raman spectra of single‐ and few‐layer MoSe2 and WSe2 in the range 77–700 K. We observed linear variation in the peak positions and widths of the bands arising from contributions of anharmonicity and thermal expansion. After characterization using atomic force microscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, the temperature coefficients of the Raman modes were determined. Interestingly, the temperature coefficient of the A22u mode is larger than that of the A1g mode, the latter being much smaller than the corresponding temperature coefficients of the same mode in single‐layer MoS2 and of the G band of graphene. The temperature coefficients of the two modes in single‐layer MoSe2 are larger than those of the same modes in single‐layer WSe2. We have estimated thermal expansion coefficients and temperature dependence of the vibrational frequencies of MoS2 and MoSe2 within a quasi‐harmonic approximation, with inputs from first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory. We show that the contrasting temperature dependence of the Raman‐active mode A1g in MoS2 and MoSe2 arises essentially from the difference in their strain–phonon coupling.
Measurement of two‐dimensional distribution of surface supersaturation over a sodium chlorate crystal surface using multidirectional interferometry
Authors: Murayama Kenta , Tsukamoto Katsuo , Srivastava Atul , Miura Hitoshi , Yokoyama Etsuro , Kimura Yuki
Published: April 2014

The two‐dimensional (2D) distributions of surface supersaturation of sodium chlorate crystals with and without solutal convection have been measured by means of a multidirectional interferometry (MDI) technique coupled with the principles of three‐dimensional (3D) computer tomography. When solutal convection was present over a top face, the supersaturation at the center of the face was depleted by a factor of >0.9 with reference to the value at the edges of the crystal. When the convection was suppressed using an upside‐down geometry, the depletion of supersaturation at the center of the face was much smaller, <0.4. Therefore, the supersaturation difference between the edges and the face center, which is responsible for the morphological stability due to volume diffusion for the solute, becomes less important compared to the effect of convection due to hydrodynamic reasons. This result should give us a key to solve why the crystal quality is sometimes better in convection‐free microgravity conditions because of improved stability of a crystal face caused by more homogeneous distribution of supersaturation over the crystal surface.
Modeling Practical Performance Limits of Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Based on the Current State of Materials Research
Authors: Seitz Linsey C. , Chen Zhebo , Forman Arnold J. , Pinaud Blaise A. , Benck Jesse D. , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: April 2014

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a means to store solar energy in the form of hydrogen. Knowledge of practical limits for this process can help researchers assess their technology and guide future directions. We develop a model to quantify loss mechanisms in PEC water splitting based on the current state of materials research and calculate maximum solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiencies along with associated optimal absorber band gaps. Various absorber configurations are modeled considering the major loss mechanisms in PEC devices. Quantitative sensitivity analyses for each loss mechanism and each absorber configuration show a profound impact of both on the resulting STH efficiencies, which can reach upwards of 25 % for the highest performance materials in a dual stacked configuration. Higher efficiencies could be reached as improved materials are developed. The results of the modeling also identify and quantify approaches that can improve system performance when working with imperfect materials.
Isolated Boron and Nitrogen Sites on Porous Graphitic Carbon Synthesized from Nitrogen‐Containing Chitosan for Supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Li , Fu Yu , Tian Chungui , Yang Ying , Wang Lei , Yin Jie , Ma Jing , Wang Ruihong , Fu Honggang
Published: April 2014

Separated boron and nitrogen porous graphitic carbon (BNGC) is fabricated by a facile hydrothermal coordination/ZnCl2‐activation process from renewable and inexpensive nitrogen‐containing chitosan. In this synthetic pathway, chitosan, which has a high nitrogen content, first coordinates with Fe3+ ions to form chitosan–Fe that subsequently reacts with boric acid (boron source) to generate the BNGC precursor. After simultaneous carbonization and ZnCl2 activation followed by removal of the Fe catalyst, BNGC, containing isolated boron and nitrogen centers and having a high surface area of 1567 m2 g−1 and good conductivity, can be obtained. Results indicate that use of chitosan as a nitrogen‐containing carbon source effectively prevents nitrogen atoms from direct combination with boron atoms. In addition, the incorporation of Fe3+ ions not only endows BNGC with high graphitization, but also favors for nitrogen fixation. Remarkably, the unique microstructure of BNGC enables its use as an advanced electrode material for energy storage. As electrode material for supercapacitors, BNGC shows a high capacitance of 313 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and also long‐term durability and coulombic efficiency of >99.5 % after 5000 cycles. Notably, in organic electrolytes, the energy density could be up to 50.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 10.5 kW kg−1. The strategy developed herein opens a new avenue to prepare BNGC without inactive BN bonds from commercially available chitosan for high‐performance supercapacitors.
Implementation of the bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology: Interobserver concordance and reclassification of previously inconclusive aspirates
Authors: Pathak Priya , Srivastava Ruchi , Singh Navjeevan , Arora Vinod K. , Bhatia Arati
Published: April 2014

Standardized diagnostic terminology was introduced by the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) in an effort to bring uniformity to the reporting of thyroid cytopathology, provide more defined categories to enable clinical management, and minimize the number of inconclusive cases. Previous studies indicate that the BSRTC is a reliable and valid reporting system for thyroid cytology.

This study was conducted to compare the concordance between observers with varying cytopathology experience when using the BSRTC, and to assess the impact on the number of inconclusive reports.

A retrospective study was conducted in two parts. In the first part 415 thyroid aspirates were reviewed independently by three observers with different experience levels. The aspirates were reclassified according to BSRTC and agreement scores were calculated using kappa statistics. In the second part 39 inconclusive aspirates signed out previously, were recategorized according to BSRTC.

Agreement level between the three observers using the BSRTC was strong (Fleiss' kappa score = 0.6561). Inconclusive cases could be categorized further with BSRTC; there was significant reduction in the number of inconclusive diagnoses (P < 0.001).

Strong interobserver agreement with BSRTC indicates the ease with which the new system can be applied in regular reporting. Significant reduction in the number of inconclusive diagnoses results in better communication with the clinician and improved risk assessment for thyroid aspirates. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:944–949. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in patterns of injecting drug use in Hungary: a shift to synthetic cathinones
Authors: Péterfi Anna , Tarján Anna , Horváth Gergely Csaba , Csesztregi Tamás , Nyírády Adrienn
Published: April 2014

The spread of synthetic cathinone injecting is a new phenomenon observed in recent years in Hungary. Until 2010, when the first anecdotal reports on cathinone injecting appeared, injecting was associated with the use of heroin and amphetamine. In this paper we review available evidence of the changes in the drug market and a concurrent shift in patterns of injecting drug use that have been taking place in Hungary since 2010. Remarkable changes have been observed in police seizures data since 2010. While new psychoactive substances have appeared, the availability of heroin has dropped significantly. A qualitative study in 2011 revealed that these market changes correlate with changes in patterns of injecting drug use: decreasing heroin use and the appearance of mephedrone injecting were reported by treatment and needle and syringe programme (NSP) personnel. These changes are detectable in other routine epidemiological data collection systems in the following years as well (i.e. treatment, drug‐related deaths, NSP clientele). Heroin‐related treatment demand dropped, as did heroin‐related mortality. Parallel to this, a growing number of clients appeared in treatment and in NSPs who were primarily injecting cathinones. The shift to cathinones can be observed in amphetamine and heroin injectors as well. Monitoring changes in patterns of injecting drug use are especially important because of the vulnerability of this drug‐user population and the consequences of this high‐risk route of drug administration. The realignment observed in Hungary is to be further investigated with regard to its determinants, changes in risk behaviour, and in treatment needs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorus Chemistry
Authors: Caporali Maria
Published: March 2014

An overview of the papers in this cluster issue is presented.

“...Since its discovery, much progress has been made, and nowadays the chemistry of phosphorus rivals that of carbon. The variety of compounds finds a plethora of applications not only as ligand in the rich field of coordination chemistry and catalysis, but also as organophosphorus building blocks opening new avenues towards fascinating and highly functionalized materials.”

Read more by the Guest Editor on p. 1565.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids modify expression of TGF‐β in a co‐culture model ultilising human colorectal cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to Lactobacillus gasseri, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bentley‐Hewitt Kerry L , De Guzman Cloe Erika , Ansell Juliet , Mandimika Tafadzwa , Narbad Arjan , Lund Elizabeth K
Published: March 2014

Commensal bacteria and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have both been shown independently to modulate immune responses. This study tested the hypothesis that the different colonic immunomodulatory responses to commensal (Lactobacillus gasseri) and pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) may be modified by PUFAs. Experiments used a Transwell system combining the colorectal cell line HT29, or its mucous secreting sub‐clone HT29‐MTX, with peripheral blood mononuclear cells to analyse immunomodulatory signalling in response to bacteria, with and without prior treatment with arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid. L. gasseri increased transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) mRNA and protein secretion in colonic cell lines when compared with controls, an effect that was enhanced by pre‐treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid. In contrast, the Gram‐negative pathogen E. coli LF82 had no significant effect on TGF‐β1 protein. L. gasseri also increased IL‐8 mRNA but not protein while E. coli increased both; although differences between PUFA treatments were detected, none were significantly different to controls. Colonic epithelial cells show different immunomodulatory signalling patterns in response to the commensal L. gasseri compared to E. coli and S. aureus and pre‐treatment of these cells with PUFAs can modify responses.

Practical applications: We have demonstrated an interaction between dietary PUFAs and epithelial cell response to both commensal and pathogenic bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract by utilising in vitro co‐culture models. The data suggest that n‐3 PUFAs may provide some protection against the potentially damaging effects of pathogens. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of combining n‐3 PUFAs and the commensal bacteria, and potential probiotic, L. gasseri are illustrated by the increased expression of immunoregulatory TGF‐β1.
Role of aeolian sediment accretion in the formation of heuweltjie earth mounds, western South Africa
Authors: McAuliffe Joseph R. , Timm Hoffman M. , McFadden Leslie D. , King Matthew P.
Published: April 2014

The action of organisms in shaping landforms is increasingly recognized; the field of biogeomorphology and the conceptual framework of ecosystem engineering have arisen in response to the need for integrated studies of the interactions between biotic and abiotic components of landscapes. Pathways by which organisms influence landscape development may be complex. For example, primary change initiated by one biotic element may initiate a cascade of other changes that eventually produce a significant landscape modification. Mound‐like landforms in North America and southern Africa are widely cited examples of biogenic structures, yet there is considerable controversy regarding the processes responsible for their formation. Heuweltjies (Afrikaans for little hills) are circular mounds ranging from 10–30 m diameter and 0.5–2 m height and are widespread in western South Africa. Colonies of the termite (Microhodotermes viator) are typically associated with heuweltjies and some investigators have attributed heuweltjie formation to the direct action of termites in redistributing earthen materials. However, rather than being directly responsible in this way, termites simply create nutrient‐rich islands, which support denser vegetation, thereby inducing the localized accretion of aeolian sediments and upward growth of mounds. Contrasting soil features in heuweltjies in one locale indicate these processes have occurred throughout the late Quaternary. Geographic variation in sizes of mounds is explained in part by the local availability of sediments that can be mobilized and redistributed by the wind. Recognition of the operation of aeolian processes in the formation of heuweltjies has important implications for conservation. Any land use that diminishes the sediment‐trapping effect of vegetation on heuweltjies truncates the very process by which new aeolian materials can accrue and may promote irreversible erosion and landscape degradation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of aquatic and dietary exposure of heavy metals Cd, Cu, and Zn to benthic ostracod Heterocypris incongruens
Authors: Sevilla Janice Beltran , Nakajima Fumiyuki , Kasuga Ikuro
Published: April 2014

The benthic ostracod Heterocypris incongruens is becoming an important tool for the ecotoxicological assessment of contaminated sediments. However, no study has yet explored solid-phase (dietary) exposure to ostracod. The present study examined the effects of metals on H. incongruens through aquatic and dietary exposures. The algal food Chlorella vulgaris was exposed to different concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), and subcellular distributions of these metals in algal cells were determined. Parallel experiments were also performed to determine the toxic effects of dissolved metals on ostracod through aqueous exposure. Significant toxic effects on mortality were observed when ostracod were fed with Cd-contaminated (47–100%) and Cu-contaminated algae (55–100%). With increasing accumulated Zn in the algal cell, ostracod mortality also increased (20–83%). Aquatic exposure of ostracod to different concentrations of dissolved Cd (3.2–339 µg Cd/L) and Cu (260–2600 µg Cu/L) resulted in high observed mortalities (57–100% and 95–100%, respectively). Based on the results of aqueous and dietary exposure tests, it can be concluded that both exposure routes are important in evaluating the toxic effect of Cd on ostracod. Similar results were observed in tests using other metals (i.e., using Cu and Zn), thus emphasizing the importance of considering not only aquatic but also dietary exposure routes when evaluating metal toxicity to ostracod. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1624–1630. © 2014 SETAC
Implied Risk Neutral Densities From Option Prices: Hypergeometric, Spline, Lognormal, and Edgeworth Functions
Authors: Santos André , Guerra João
Published: April 2014

This work examines the performance of four different methods to estimate the “true” Risk‐Neutral Density functions (RNDs) using European options. These methods are the Mixture of Lognormal distributions (MLN), the Smoothed Implied Volatility Smile (SML), the Density Functional Based on the Confluent Hypergeometric function (DFCH), and the Edgeworth expansions (EE). The “true” RND is unknown, so it was generated using the stochastic Heston model and considering parameters that reflect the characteristics of the options market for the US dollar and Brazilian real exchange rate (USD/BRL). We find that the DFCH and MLN have the best performance in capturing the “true” RNDs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:655–678, 2015
Beach Ridges as Favored Locales for Human Settlement on Pacific Islands
Authors: Dickinson William R.
Published: April 2014

Coastal beach ridges have been favored locales for human habitations on Pacific islands since initial human settlement. Their smooth crests shaped by surf action form sandy substrates that differ in morphology from eolian dunes. Island beach ridges that were accreted to island cores during post‐mid‐Holocene drawdown in regional hydro‐isostatic sea level include coastal spits that partially enclose backbeach wetlands, tombolos that tie previously separate islets together, and cheniers that form elongate elevated tracts on accretionary coastal plains. Some beach ridges were accreted directly to the flanks of bedrock islands, but others grew at varying distances from ancestral bedrock shorelines to trap remnants of offshore lagoons as lakes or swamps and marshes between the beach ridges and exposures of island bedrock. Composite chenier plains formed by the successive lateral accretion of multiple beach ridges over time are prominent locally as broad coastal lowlands. Longshore sand transport driven by prevailing trade winds influences beach ridge evolution but beach dynamics reflected by beach sand textures confirm the dominance of onshore sand movement from wave attack for the morphology of the beach ridges.
Lessons learnt during construction assistance for the improvement of contract models
Authors: Holzleitner Wolfgang , Kraft‐Fish Martin , Steinacher Reinhold
Published: April 2014

The consultant Bernard Ingenieure has two decades of design, site supervision and technical assistance experience working with Indian contractors on hydropower and infrastructure projects on the Indian subcontinent. This article presents the lessons learnt by the consultant from these projects, in particular the 126 MW Dagachhu Hydropower Project, which is due to be completed in 2014. The article subsequently describes how the consultant has applied regulatory measures in tender documents for its ongoing projects, as well as ideas for further measures to be applied in future contract models.

The regulatory measures intrude on what is traditionally considered to be the contractor's sphere of influence, such as selection of plant and equipment, personnel and works sequencing. Since the proposed measures are only as useful as the provisions to enforce their implementation, the fulfilment of contract conditions is linked to payment deductions, which have the aim of encouraging contractors to improve their performance and therefore project outcomes rather than to save cost.

Projects in India would benefit from replacing awards based on the lowest price with Quality and Cost‐Based Selection (QCBS), as this would promote improved Technical Proposals, hence an improved quality of construction. The marking schemes for Technical Proposals must be clearly defined and give traceable results to prevent subjective decision‐making.
The development and implementation of a tunnel characterization method
Authors: Coffman Richard A. , Garner Cyrus D. , Salazar Sean E.
Published: April 2014

The Garner and Coffman method was developed to design a proposed underground facility based on an allowable settlement profile; the method may also be used to characterize an unknown underground facility based on an observed surface settlement profile. The method uses both static methods and 2‐D finite element analyses to relate the characteristics of the ground surface settlement profile to the underground facility (depth, diameter, and number of tunnels). The calibration and validation of the Garner and Coffman method, as obtained by using tunnel segment data from historical tunneling projects (Bangkok, London, Taipei, Singapore, and Heinenoord), are presented. Specifically, the method was calibrated using settlement profiles and facility characteristics from 15 tunnel segments and validated using settlement profiles from 16 additional tunnel segments. A numerical relationship (developed during this research project) was then used during the validation of the model to predict facility characteristics for the “unknown” underground structures. The predicted depth and diameter for each of the “unknown” underground structures were within ten percent of the actual diameter and actual depth of the underground structure, as obtained from the literature. For all 16 validation tunnel segments, the tunnel location was predicted within one tunnel diameter of the actual facility centerline.
The effect of word imagery on priming effect under a preconscious condition: An fMRI study
Authors: Lee Jong‐Sun , Choi Jeewook , Yoo Jae Hyun , Kim Minjung , Lee Seungbok , Kim Ji‐Woong , Jeong Bumseok
Published: April 2014

Semantic priming is affected by the degree of association and how readily a word is imagined. In the association effect, activity in the perisylvian structures including the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, the left middle temporal gyrus, and the supramarginal gyrus was correlated. However, little is known about the brain regions related to the effect of imagery word under the preconscious condition. Forty word pairs for high (HA)‐, low (LA)‐, and nonassociation (NA), nonword (NW) conditions were presented. Each 40 association word pairs (HA and LA) included 20 high (HI) and 20 low (LI) imagery prime stimuli, using a visually presented lexical decision task. A trial consisted of 30 ms prime, 30 ms mask, 500 ms probe, and 2–8 s stimulus onset asynchrony. Brain activation was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging during word discrimination. Behavioral data indicated that the shortest response time (RT) was given for HA words, followed by LA and NA, and NW showed the longest RT (P < 0.01). RT was faster in HI than LI within HA, but not LA conditions (P < 0.01). Functional neuroimaging showed that differential brain regions for high imagery (HI) and low imagery (LI) words within low prime‐target word association were observed in the left precuneus, left posterior cingulate gyrus, and right cuneal cortex. The present findings demonstrate that the effect of the degree of imagery on semantic priming occurs during the early stage of language processing, indicating an “automatic imagery priming effect.” Our paradigm may be useful to explore semantic deficit related to imagery in various psychiatric disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4795–4804, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH IN FIRST‐TIME PARENTS
Authors: Parfitt Ylva , Ayers Susan
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to examine the transition to parenthood and mental health in first‐time parents in detail and explore any differences in this transition in the context of parental gender and postpartum mental health. Semistructured clinical interviews (Birmingham Interview for Maternal Mental Health) were carried out with 46 women and 40 men, 5 months after birth. Parents were assessed on pre‐ and postpartum anxiety, depression, and postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a range of adjustment and relationship variables. One fourth of the men and women reported anxiety in pregnancy, reducing to 21% of women and 8% of men after birth. Pregnancy and postpartum depression rates were roughly equal, with 11% of women and 8% of men reporting depression. Postpartum PTSD was experienced by 5% of parents. Postpartum mental health problems were significantly associated with postpartum sleep deprivation (odds ratio [OR] = 7.5), complications in labor (OR = 5.1), lack of postpartum partner support (OR = 8.0), feelings of parental unworthiness (OR = 8.3), and anger toward the infant (OR = 4.4). Few gender differences were found for these variables. This study thus highlights the importance of focusing interventions on strengthening the couple's relationship and avoiding postnatal sleep deprivation, and to address parents’ feelings of parental unworthiness and feelings of anger toward their baby.