bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating crystal plasticity simulations using GPU multiprocessors
Authors: Mellbin Y. , Hallberg H. , Ristinmaa M.
Published: July 2014

Crystal plasticity models are often used to model the deformation behavior of polycrystalline materials. One major drawback with such models is that they are computationally very demanding. Adopting the common Taylor assumption requires calculation of the response of several hundreds of individual grains to obtain the stress in a single integration point in the overlying FEM structure. However, a large part of the operations can be executed in parallel to reduce the computation time. One emerging technology for running massively parallel computations without having to rely on the availability of large computer clusters is to port the parallel parts of the calculations to a graphical processing unit (GPU). GPUs are designed to handle vast numbers of floating point operations in parallel. In the present work, different strategies for the numerical implementation of crystal plasticity are investigated as well as a number of approaches to parallelization of the program execution. It is identified that a major concern is the limited amount of memory available on the GPU. However, significant reductions in computational time‐up to 100 times speedup‐are achieved in the present study, and possible also on a standard desktop computer equipped with a GPU. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Philanthropy and social capital in Mexico
Authors: Layton Michael D. , Moreno Alejandro
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to examine the factors underlying philanthropic behavior in Mexico. In particular, we analyze the influence of social capital on two types of behavior: giving and volunteering. This research is based upon groundbreaking national public opinion surveys conducted in 2005 and 2008, the first of their kind in Mexico to focus on donations and volunteerism. We find that membership in associations (an important component of social capital) is strongly and positively associated with secular giving and volunteering. We also tested the role of three other aspects of social capital: participation in informal personal networks, a belief in the norm of reciprocity, and interpersonal trust, and our findings show that the former two have a consistently significant effect on our dependent variables but interpersonal trust does not. We discuss the implications of this for a society where trust in others is comparatively low. Differences between Mexico and the USA, for example, highlight the importance of context in philanthropic behavior. Mexicans' religiosity also stands out as an important variable, particularly when it comes to understanding religious forms of giving and volunteering in the country. The practical significance of our findings for the promotion of philanthropy is that Mexican nonprofits must compensate for being in a low‐trust culture by encouraging membership and a sense of group belonging.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of stacking sequence on mechanical properties of hybrid flax/jute fibers reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Karaduman Y. , Onal L. , Rawal A.
Published: July 2014

In this study, the hybrid composites were prepared by stacking jute/PP nonwoven and flax/MAPP woven fabrics in defined sequences. Polypropylene (PP) and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were used as matrix materials. Jute and flax fibers were treated with alkali solution in order to improve the interface properties of the resultant composites. The mechanical properties of these hybrid composites were analyzed by means of tensile, flexural, and drop‐weight impact tests. The effect of fabric stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The stacking of nonwovens at the top and in alternate layers has resulted in maximum flexural strength, flexural stiffness, and impact force. It was also shown that hybrid composites have improved tensile, flexural, and impact properties in comparison to neat PP matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2167–2173, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quasistatic and dynamic mechanical characterization of a woven carbon fiber–zinc oxide nanowires–epoxy composite
Authors: Masghouni N. , Al‐Haik M.
Published: July 2014

The ability to engineer the fiber/matrix interface in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) can be achieved by introducing a nanophase between the fiber and the matrix, which could functionally‐grade the material properties and enhance the load transfer. Many nanomaterials when employed exhibited significant interfacial improvements such as carbon nanotubes and nanofibers. In lieu of carbon nanomaterials, we suggest growing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires on the interface of woven carbon fibers prior to forming the composite. This study shows that, when grown on the surface of carbon fibers, the ZnO nanowires have enhanced both the on‐axis strength and stiffness by 20 and 7.5%, respectively, and the off axis strength by 14%. The experimental results showed also that the interlaminar shear strength increased by 88% and the damping capabilities by 51%. Furthermore, this novel interface could also offer embedded energy harvesting functionality through the piezoelectric properties of ZnO. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2184–2192, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Physical–chemical properties of xylan/PAAc magnetic semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Feng , Jing Zhanxin , Wang Haihong , Liu Yuyang
Published: July 2014

A novel magnetic semi‐IPN hydrogel based on xylan and poly(acrylic acid) was prepared, and the prepared hydrogels had excellent thermal stability, magnetic‐, and pH‐ sensitive properties. The physical‐chemical properties of the prepared hydrogels depended on the contents of xylan and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The thermal stability of the hydrogels enhanced as the contents of xylan and Fe3O4 nanoparticles increased; however, the equilibrium swelling ratio decreased with increasing the contents of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and xylan. The interconnected pore channels were formed in the hydrogels and the amount of the channels increased with an increase in xylan content. The prepared hydrogels had a super‐paramagnetic property, and the magnetization increased with an increase in the content of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The superior characteristics of the xylan/PAAc magnetic semi‐IPN hydrogel would expand its applications in drug delivery and magnetic separation aspects. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2317–2325, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mineralocorticoid receptors in the ventral hippocampus are involved in extinction memory in rats
Authors: Xing Xiaoli , Wang Hongbo , Liang Jing , Bai Yunjing , Liu Zhengkui , Zheng Xigeng
Published: July 2014

Fear extinction decreases conditioned fear responses that normally occur when a conditioned stimulus (CS) is repeatedly presented in the absence of an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US), which is the behavioral basis of exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, knowledge about the neurobiology of extinction is insufficient. The present study investigated changes in the protein expression of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the dorsal hippocampus (DH)and ventral hippocampus (VH), induced by extinction and return of conditioned fear responses to an auditory signal. Western blot analysis indicated that shock stress enhanced the expression of MRs in only the DH, whereas extinction selectively increased the expression of MRs in the VH. The infusion of MRs antagonist spironolactone in the VH indicated that MRs in the VH did not affect the retrieval of fear and extinction memories, but facilitated the formation of extinction memory. However, no changes in GRs in either the DH or VH were observed in each phase of auditory fear conditioning. These results suggest that MRs in the DH and VH have differential functions in the extinction of auditory fear conditioning. MRs in the DH appear to be related to only stressful experiences, whereas MRs in the VH are involved in extinction formation. The enhancement of MRs in the VH might be necessary to improve PTSD.
Prenatal and postnatal findings in five cases of Fryns syndrome
Authors: Peron Angela , Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Fabietti Isabella , Baffero Giulia Maria , Fogliani Roberto , Ciralli Fabrizio , Mosca Fabio , Rizzuti Tommaso , Leva Ernesto , Lalatta Faustina
Published: July 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Fryns syndrome is characterized by congenital diaphragmatic hernia, facial dysmorphisms, distal digital hypoplasia, and variable cerebral, ocular, cardiovascular, and genitourinary malformations. It is often lethal. No causative gene is known, and the diagnosis is based on clinical findings. Data on prenatal diagnosis are lacking.

What does this study add?

This study demonstrates that prenatal diagnosis of Fryns syndrome is currently not possible in most cases.

This finding has implications for prenatal genetic counseling and in utero treatment of diaphragmatic hernia.
Kinetic modeling of atom transfer radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and 2‐(trimethylsilyl) ethyl methacrylate in a train of continuous stirred‐tank reactors
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Yin‐Ning , Shi Lan , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: July 2014

A comprehensive model was developed using the method of moments to describe the atom transfer radical copolymerization (ATRcoP) of methyl methacrylate and 2‐(trimethylsilyl) ethyl methacrylate in a train of continuous stirred‐tank reactors (CSTRs). The use of a train of CSTRs effectively decreases the residence time distribution and molecular weight distribution. Two different constraint conditions (i.e., constant feeding flow rate and constant total average residence time) were simulated. At constant feeding flow rate, the monomer conversion and average molecular weight are significantly improved by increasing the number of CSTRs in the train. Moreover, a constant total average residence time increases the productivity of copolymers with the increase in the number of CSTRs in the series. Thus, a train of CSTRs can be used to produce copolymers continuously with consistent quality. This method is important in obtaining a balance between the quality and quantity of the copolymer production for ATRcoP. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1030–1038, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Arbitrary l‐wave bound states of the Schrödinger equation for the hyperbolical molecular potential
Authors: Wei Gao‐Feng , Chen Wen‐Li
Published: July 2014

Within the framework of supersymmetric quantum mechanics method, we study by an algebraic method the arbitrary l‐wave bound states of the Schrödinger equation for the hyperbolical molecular potential by a proper approximation to nonlinear centrifugal term. The explicitly analytical formula of energy levels is derived, and the corresponding bound state wave functions are presented. The function analysis method is used to rederive the same energy levels of the quantum system under consideration to check the validity of this algebraic method. In addition, it is shown from numerical results of energy levels that above certain α parameter depending on the choices of potential parameters V1 and V2 the hyperbolical molecular potential cannot trap a particle as it becomes weaker and the energy level starts to turn positive when the potential parameter α becomes larger. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BotCatch: leveraging signature and behavior for bot detection
Authors: Ji Yuede , Li Qiang , He Yukun , Guo Dong
Published: July 2014

The goal of bot detection is to discover malicious bot processes by signature comparison or behavior analysis. Existing approaches have several drawbacks, such as requiring a lot of prior knowledge, low detection accuracy, and high false alarm rate. In this paper, we propose a multi‐feedback approach, BotCatch, to detect bots effectively and efficiently on a host by leverage of a combination of signature and behavior. First, BotCatch assigns suspicious files to signature‐analysis and behavior‐analysis modules, which generate each detection result. Second, BotCatch correlates signature and behavior results to generate the final detection result through correlation engine. Third, BotCatch feeds back signature, behavior, and correlation results to dynamically adjust detecting modules through multi‐feedback engine. We evaluated the performance of BotCatch with 636 bot and 150 benign samples. Our results indicate that BotCatch achieves an accuracy of 97.1% and an F‐measure value of 0.982 simultaneously, which is better than existing approaches without feedbacks. BotCatch, due to the multi‐feedback mechanism, has the ability to gradually get more robust and accurate as the number of samples increases. The final stage even reaches an accuracy of 98.5% and F‐measure value of 0.991. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating dichotomised outcomes in two groups with unequal variances: a distributional approach
Authors: Sauzet O. , Peacock J. L.
Published: July 2014

Dichotomisation in medical research is sometimes necessary for decision‐making or communication purposes. This practice has been criticised in the case of continuous data, and it has been said that means should be compared instead. However when the two groups have unequal variances, comparing means might not show the whole picture as a particular group with a risk defined by a threshold in an outcome may have been affected differently by an intervention than when there is a simple shift of distribution. A statistically sound method using a distributional approach for the dichotomisation of normally distributed outcomes has been described under the assumption of equal variances. This assumption is not sustainable in some situations, and in this work, we develop the method further to cover the case of unequal variances. Through examples from the literature and our own data, we illustrate the effect of unequal variance on dichotomised estimates and present a validation of the method through simulations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nachhaltige Stahlkonstruktionen für Erneuerbare Energien
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Bechtel Anne , Eichstädt Rasmus , Stranghöner Natalie , Berg Jörn , Gorbachov Anna , Wagner Hermann‐Josef , Röder Julian
Published: July 2014

Tragfähigkeit, Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit sind die primären Anforderungen, die an Stahlkonstruktionen regenerativer Technologien gestellt werden, so dass die Auslegung und Errichtung dieser Konstruktionen vorwiegend durch monetäre und technische Gesichtspunkte beeinflusst wird. Zur Berücksichtigung von Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten aufseiten der Planung, Herstellung und Fertigung von Stahlkonstruktionen fehlen derzeit geeignete Instrumente, um die Nachhaltigkeit ganzheitlich zu dimensionieren. Auf Basis bestehender Bewertungssysteme aus dem Hochbau wurde im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes “NaStafEE“ eine Methode zur ganzheitlichen Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung stählerner Tragstrukturen für regenerative Technologien entwickelt. Mit Hilfe der entwickelten Methodik können unterschiedliche Bauweisen und Ausführungsvarianten unter Berücksichtigung von Anforderungen an eine nachhaltige Bauweise verglichen werden. Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Methodenentwicklung sowie der beispielhaften Anwendung auf stählerne Gründungsstrukturen von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen sowie Stahlfermenter von Biogasanlagen.

Sustainability of steel constructions of renewables. Mechanical resistance, serviceability and durability are the primary requirements for steel structures of renewable energies. During design and execution, these structures are mainly influenced by economic and technical aspects. Currently, there is a lack of appropriate instruments for a holistic sustainability approach in order to consider sustainability aspects during the stages of design, manufacturing and erection of steel constructions. Based on existing rating systems originating from the building sector, a method for a holistic sustainability assessment of steel structures for renewables has been developed within the research project “NaStafEE”. With the help of the sustainability rating system, different types of construction and variants of execution can be compared under consideration of requirements for sustainability aspects. This article deals with the development of the rating system and the exemplary application to steel support structures of offshore wind energy turbines and to steel digesters of biogas power plants.
Integrale Analyse von Bestandsbaumaßnahmen und vergleichende Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Patschin Alena , Pätzold Anja , Preckwinkel Eva , Floerke Paul , Weiß Sonja , Gralla Mike , Brandt Tim , Ummenhofer Thomas , Hermann Manfred , Zinke Tim , Herrmann Christoph , Dettmer Tina , Tichelmann Karsten Ulrich , Ziegler Bastian
Published: July 2014

Bauen im Bestand beschreibt im Allgemeinen die Verdichtung, Modernisierung und Sanierung von bestehenden Gebäuden. Unter dem Aspekt der Nachhaltigkeit liegt der Schwerpunkt des Bauens der nächsten Jahrzehnte im Bestand. Hierbei ergeben sich große Chancen für den Stahl(leicht)bau, die im Rahmen der vorgestellten Forschungsergebnisse aufgezeigt werden. Die interdisziplinäre Planung von Gebäudeerweiterungen in Form von Aufstockungen aus Stahl erfolgt für ausgewählte, repräsentative Referenzgebäude und liefert eine Basis für weitere, allgemeine Erkenntnisse zum Bauen im Bestand unter Berücksichtigung von stadtplanerischen und architektonischen sowie bauphysikalischen Aspekten, statisch‐konstruktiven Anforderungen, des Baubetriebs, der Immobilienbewertung und lebenszyklusübergreifenden Nachhaltigkeitsbewertungen. Im Ergebnis liegen erstmalig detaillierte Ökobilanzergebnisse für spezifische Bestandsbaumaßnahmen vor, die eine Vorteilhaftigkeit gegenüber Abriss und Neubau ausweisen.

Integral analysis of building projects dealing with existing structures including comparative assessments of sustainability – Exemplified through investigations of the building for the physics institute at the TU Dortmund, Germany. Building in existing contexts and structures considers urban densification, modernization and redevelopment of the existing building stock in general. Aspects of sustainability will primarily be focusing on refurbishment and restoration of existing buildings; they will be the challenge of future. These future developments unfold many opportunities for the application for steel and steel‐lightweight structures, which are highlighted through this presented research project. The interdisciplinary planning approach of roof top extensions for existing buildings with steel structures is simulated for selected, representative reference buildings and can be used to facilitate a basis for further insights in respect to building with existing structures. This approach considers city planning and architectural requirements, aspects of building physics, structural solutions, building process concerns, real estate assessment, sustainability and life cycle assessments. As a result, for the first time detailed outcomes regarding the life cycle assessments for specific projects dealing with the composition of existing structures in contrast to the process of demolition and new development are available. An advantage of building in existing context can be determined.
Nachhaltigkeitsanalysen von Stahlverbundbrücken
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Maier Philippa , Zinke Tim , Ummenhofer Thomas , Pfaffinger Marjolaine , Mensinger Martin , Schneider Sarah , Lenz Katrin , Beck Tabea , Friedrich Heinz
Published: July 2014

Brückenbauwerke werden für eine sehr lange Lebensdauer geplant und errichtet. Vor allem für Straßenbrücken ist bei der Beurteilung eine Abkehr von den reinen Herstellungskosten in Richtung einer lebenszyklusorientierten, ganzheitlichen Bewertung voranzutreiben. Durch die Bottom‐Up‐Analysen an Realbauwerken, die typische Autobahnbrücken mittlerer Spannweite repräsentieren, wurden detaillierte Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Die Resultate von Lebenszykluskostenrechnungen, Ökobilanzierung und Berechnungen von externen Effekten werden hier für drei Varianten von Autobahnbrücken dargestellt und analysiert.

Analyses of steel‐composite bridges according to sustainability – holistic assessment of motorway crossings with quantitative methods. Bridges are designed and built for a long life‐cycle. For motorway bridges concerning the assessment in view of sustainability no longer construction costs should be decisive. By using a bottom‐up approach representative bridges are analyzed representing typical solutions of medium span highway bridges. Results of life‐cycle cost analyses, life‐cycle environmental analyses and calculations of external effects are shown and analyzed for three variants of motorway crossings.
Wirtschaftlichkeit von Stahlkonstruktionen für große Hallen
Authors: Eckstein Klaus
Published: July 2014

Die Planung von Tragwerken hat sich weitgehend von einer programm‐unterstützten Planung zu einer programm‐dominierten Planung entwickelt. Durch die programm‐gesteuerte Bemessung entfällt eine bewusste Profilwahl. Das Know‐how für das Konstruieren bildet sich beim Planer nicht aus oder es verkümmert. An drei Stahlhallen wird beispielhaft gezeigt, dass es durch Mangel an Konstruktions‐Know‐how zu Tragwerken mit unwirtschaftlich hohem Materialeinsatz kommen kann.

Economy of steel structures for large halls. Planning of structures has been developed largely by a computer program‐assisted planning into a computer program‐dominated planning. Through the computer program‐generated design eliminates a conscious choice of profile. The know‐how of designing cannot be formed or it stunted. At three steel buildings it is shown by way of example that the shortage of know‐how could lead to structures with uneconomical high use of materials.
Ernst Meier – Schöpfer der windschnittigen Luftschiffhalle
Authors: Fuhrmann Roland
Published: July 2014

Bis zum Ausbruch des Ersten Weltkrieges gab es kaum eine deutsche Großstadt, die nicht bereits über eine Luftschiffhalle verfügte oder über deren Errichtung nachdachte – wollte sie nicht den Anschluss an das prophezeite Luftschiff‐Verkehrsnetz verpassen. Die starren Gerüstluftschiffe des Zeppelin‐Typs setzten sich zunehmend durch, stellten aber besondere Anforderungen. Das Eigengewicht ihrer Konstruktion verlangte ein viel größeres Gasvolumen und erforderte Luftschiffhallen mit immensen Ausmaßen. Nach jedem Fahrtende war ihre Verbringung in Bergehallen unbedingt erforderlich. Das Ein‐ und Aushallen der Luftschiffe, vor allem das Passieren der Tore bei Seitenwind, blieb immer ein kritischer Moment. Zur Lösung dieses Problems wurden elektrisch in den Wind drehbare Luftschiffhallen favorisiert [1]. Solche Drehhallen waren ungleich teurer. Als Kompromiss wurden Luftschiffhallen fest in Hauptwindrichtung gebaut und deren Tore zumeist als Windschutzwände ausgebildet. Bis Kriegsende wurde nicht von glattwandigen, abstehenden Toren abgewichen, obwohl dies mehrfach für Unfälle sorgte. Da viele Luftschiffhäfen gleichzeitig Flugplätze waren, machte sich der störende Einfluss der kantigen Luftschiffhallen‐Baukörper auf die laminare Strömung besonders bemerkbar und erzeugte Wirbel, die den leichten Flugapparaten wie auch den Luftschiffen bei Bodenmanövern gleichermaßen gefährlich wurden.

Die Ausnahme bildete ein allseits abgerundeter Luftschiffhallentyp, der 1913 in Dresden, Liegnitz und Posen errichtet wurde – Konstruktionen eines heute unbekannten Ingenieurs: Ernst Meier (Bild 1). Seine Erfindung des Kuppeldrehtores ermöglichte erstmals auch die sphärische Wölbung der beiden Hallengiebelseiten. Geöffnet schmiegten sich die Torhälften zudem so an den Hallenkörper an, dass im Torbereich kaum Strömungsbehinderung stattfand und die kritischen Luftwirbel ausblieben.

Erst nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg und durch den kriegsbedingt gewachsenen Wissensstand in der Strömungsmechanik wurde dieser Vorteil allgemein anerkannt und weltweit auf eine Vielzahl Luftschiffhallen und ‐hallenentwürfe angewandt [2].
Concise Review: Generation of Neurons From Somatic Cells of Healthy Individuals and Neurological Patients Through Induced Pluripotency or Direct Conversion
Authors: Velasco Iván , Salazar Patricia , Giorgetti Alessandra , Ramos–Mejía Verónica , Castaño Julio , Romero–Moya Damià , Menendez Pablo
Published: July 2014

Access to healthy or diseased human neural tissue is a daunting task and represents a barrier for advancing our understanding about the cellular, genetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. Reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency by transient expression of transcription factors was achieved a few years ago. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from both healthy individuals and patients suffering from debilitating, life-threatening neurological diseases have been differentiated into several specific neuronal subtypes. An alternative emerging approach is the direct conversion of somatic cells (i.e., fibroblasts, blood cells, or glial cells) into neuron-like cells. However, to what extent neuronal direct conversion of diseased somatic cells can be achieved remains an open question. Optimization of current expansion and differentiation approaches is highly demanded to increase the differentiation efficiency of specific phenotypes of functional neurons from iPSCs or through somatic cell direct conversion. The realization of the full potential of iPSCs relies on the ability to precisely modify specific genome sequences. Genome editing technologies including zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CAS9 RNA-guided nucleases have progressed very fast over the last years. The combination of genome-editing strategies and patient-specific iPSC biology will offer a unique platform for in vitro generation of diseased and corrected neural derivatives for personalized therapies, disease modeling and drug screening. Stem Cells  2014;32:2811–2817
Expansion of Murine Periosteal Progenitor Cells with Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Reveals an Intrinsic Endochondral Ossification Program Mediated by Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
Authors: van Gastel Nick , Stegen Steve , Stockmans Ingrid , Moermans Karen , Schrooten Jan , Graf Daniel , Luyten Frank P. , Carmeliet Geert
Published: July 2014

The preservation of the bone-forming potential of skeletal progenitor cells during their ex vivo expansion remains one of the major challenges for cell-based bone regeneration strategies. We report that expansion of murine periosteal cells in the presence of FGF2, a signal present during the early stages of fracture healing, is necessary and sufficient to maintain their ability to organize in vivo into a cartilage template which gives rise to mature bone. Implantation of FGF2-primed cells in a large bone defect in mice resulted in complete healing, demonstrating the feasibility of using this approach for bone tissue engineering purposes. Mechanistically, the enhanced endochondral ossification potential of FGF2-expanded periosteal cells is predominantly driven by an increased production of BMP2 and is additionally linked to an improved preservation of skeletal progenitor cells in the cultures. This characteristic is unique for periosteal cells, as FGF2-primed bone marrow stromal cells formed significantly less bone and progressed exclusively through the intramembranous pathway, revealing essential differences between both cell pools. Taken together, our findings provide insight in the molecular regulation of fracture repair by identifying a unique interaction between periosteal cells and FGF2. These insights may promote the development of cell-based therapeutic strategies for bone regeneration which are independent of the in vivo use of growth factors, thus limiting undesired side effects. Stem Cells  2014;32:2407–2418
An efficient regression testing approach for PHP web applications: a controlled experiment
Authors: Do Hyunsook , Hossain Md.
Published: July 2014

Companies that provide web applications often encounter various security attacks and frequent feature‐update demands from users, and when these needs arise, companies need to fix security problems or upgrade the application with new features. These fixes often involve small patches or revisions, but still, testers need to perform regression testing on their products to ensure that the changes have not introduced new faults. Performing regression testing on the entire product, however, can be very expensive, and it is not a viable solution for companies that need a short turnaround time to release patches. One solution is focusing only on the code areas that have been changed and performing regression testing on them. By doing this, companies can provide quick patches more dependably whenever they encounter security breaches. In this paper, the authors proposed a new regression testing approach that identifies the affected areas by code changes using impact analysis and generates new test cases for the impacted areas by changes using program slices. To facilitate the approach, the researchers implemented a Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) Analysis and Regression Testing Engine (PARTE) and performed a controlled experiment using five open source web applications with multiple versions. The results showed that this approach is effective in reducing the cost of regression testing for a frequently patched web application, and exposed ways in which that effectiveness can vary with application characteristics and versioning frequencies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties of vinylester/glass and polyester/glass composites fabricated by resin transfer molding and hand lay‐up
Authors: Roopa T.S. , Murthy H. Narasimha , Sudarshan K. , Nandagopan O.R. , Kumar Ajith , Krishna M. , Angadi Gangadhar
Published: July 2014

This paper reports the comparative performance of vinylester/glass and polyester/glass laminates fabricated by resin transfer molding (RTM) and hand lay‐up. A resin transfer mold was designed and fabricated for preparing the laminates. Void content was much lower in Spartan II RTM specimens than in that of hand lay‐up. Ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and interlaminar shear strength of RTM specimens were superior to that of the hand lay‐up for both vinylester/glass and polyester/glass. The improvements for vinylester/glass were 44%, 28%, 88%, 84%, 36%, and 78% for the respective properties. The corresponding improvements for polyester/glass were 21%, 52%, 70%, 74%, 57%, and 82%, respectively. Particle impact erosion rate was lower in RTM specimens than that of the hand lay‐up. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL. 21:166–173, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Determinants of Low Fertility in India
Authors: Dharmalingam Arunachalam , Rajan Sowmya , Morgan S. Philip
Published: July 2014

Using a conceptual framework focusing on factors that enhance or reduce fertility relative to desired family size (see Bongaarts 2001), we study fertility variation across time (1992–2006) and space (states) in India. Our empirical analyses use data from three waves of the Indian National Family Health Surveys. We find that this framework can account for a substantial portion of the variation in the total fertility rate (TFR) over time and across states. Our estimates focus attention on the critical components of contemporary Indian fertility, especially desired family size, unwanted fertility, son preference, and fertility postponement.
Hammerhead ribozyme activity and oligonucleotide duplex stability in mixed solutions of water and organic compounds
Authors: Nakano Shu-ichi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Miyoshi Daisuke , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: July 2014

Nucleic acids are useful for biomedical targeting and sensing applications in which the molecular environment is different from that of a dilute aqueous solution. In this study, the influence of various types of mixed solutions of water and water‐soluble organic compounds on RNA was investigated by measuring the catalytic activity of the hammerhead ribozyme and the thermodynamic stability of an oligonucleotide duplex. The compounds with a net neutral charge, such as poly(ethylene glycol), small primary alcohols, amide compounds, and aprotic solvent molecules, added at high concentrations changed the ribozyme‐catalyzed RNA cleavage rate, with the magnitude of the effect dependent on the NaCl concentration. These compounds also changed the thermodynamic stability of RNA base pairs of an oligonucleotide duplex and its dependence on the NaCl concentration. Specific interactions with RNA molecules and reduced water activity could account for the inhibiting effects on the ribozyme catalysis and destabilizing effects on the duplex stability. The salt concentration dependence data correlated with the dielectric constant, but not with water activity, viscosity, and the size of organic compounds. This observation suggests the significance of the dielectric constant effects on the RNA reactions under molecular crowding conditions created by organic compounds.
Long‐term outcomes of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease
Authors: Goya Masahiko , Fukunaga Masato , Hiroshima Ken‐ichi , Hayashi Kentaro , Makihara Yu , Nagashima Michio , An Yoshimori , Ohe Seiji , Yamashita Kennosuke , Ando Kenji , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Iwabuchi Masashi , Katayama Kouji , Ito Tomoaki , Niu Harushi
Published: July 2014

Background

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is feasible. However, the long‐term outcomes for different underlying diseases have not been well defined.

Methods

Eighty‐eight consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation of VT using a three‐dimensional mapping system were analyzed. The primary endpoint was any VT or ventricular fibrillation (VF) recurrence. Secondary endpoints were a composite of death or any VT/VF recurrence. Underlying heart diseases were remote myocardial infarction (remote MI) in 51 patients and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy in 37 (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy [ARVC] in 18 patients, and dilated cardiomyopathy [NIDCM] in 19).

Results

Acute success was achieved in 82 of 88 (93%) patients. During a follow‐up period of 39.2±4.6 months, VT recurred in 26 of 87 (30%), and VT/VF recurrence or death occurred in 39 of 87 (45%) patients. ARVC had better outcomes than NIDCM for the primary (p<0.05) and secondary endpoints (p<0.05). Remote MI‐VT revealed a midrange outcome.

Conclusions

The long‐term outcomes after catheter ablation of VT varied according to the underlying heart disease. ARVC‐VT ablation was associated with better long‐term prognosis than NIDCM. Remote MI‐VT demonstrated a midrange outcome.
The Rule of Law in a Chinese Way: Social Diversification and Reconstructing the System of Authority
Authors: JI Weidong
Published: July 2014

Against the background of increasing social diversification in a market economy, this paper examines the challenges confronting China’s existing power structure and system of authority. Both to overcome the legitimation crisis of ruling and to achieve a soft landing of the political reform depend on reconstructing the authority of the rule of law through judicial reform as the breakthrough point. For this very reason, the top-level design of regime transition can follow a two-step strategy of building a rule of law country first, to be followed by restructuring power, so as to achieve democracy via the rule of law. It also proposes a conception to institutionalize the rule of law, emphasizing that the alternative three-review mechanism is both necessary and feasible, in that a top-level design of judicial review can contribute to our strivings for judicial fairness, an implementation of budget review and accountability review at the grassroots level for fiscal democracy, and the synergy of high-level and grassroots powers for a virtuous circle between the rule of law authority and democratic polity in mutual enhancement. There also comes the moment for plural efforts to both drive and achieve the rule of law based on the three-review mechanism.
DID BABYLONIAN ASTROLOGY INFLUENCE EARLY CHINESE ASTRAL PROGNOSTICATIONXING ZHAN SHU星占術?
Authors: Pankenier David W.
Published: July 2014

This article examines the question whether aspects of Babylonian astral divination were transmitted to East Asia in the ancient period. An often-cited study by the Assyriologist Carl Bezold claimed to discern significant Mesopotamian influence on early Chinese astronomy and astrology. This study has been cited as authoritative ever since, including by Joseph Needham, although it has never been subjected to careful scrutiny. The present article examines the evidence cited in support of the claim of transmission.
Skew products, quantitative recurrence, shrinking targets and decay of correlations
Authors: GALATOLO STEFANO , ROUSSEAU JÉRÔME , SAUSSOL BENOIT
Published: July 2014

We consider toral extensions of hyperbolic dynamical systems. We prove that its quantitative recurrence (also with respect to given observables) and hitting time scale behavior depend on the arithmetical properties of the extension. By this we show that those systems have a polynomial decay of correlations with respect to $C^{r}$ observables, and give estimations for its exponent, which depend on $r$ and on the arithmetical properties of the system. We also show examples of systems of this kind having no shrinking target property, and having a trivial limit distribution of return time statistics.
Lower bound in the Roth theorem for amenable groups
Authors: CHU QING , ZORIN-KRANICH PAVEL
Published: July 2014

Let $T_{1}$ and $T_{2}$ be two commuting probability measure-preserving actions of a countable amenable group such that the group spanned by these actions acts ergodically. We show that ${\it\mu}(A\cap T_{1}^{g}A\cap T_{1}^{g}T_{2}^{g}A)>{\it\mu}(A)^{4}-{\it\epsilon}$ on a syndetic set for any measurable set $A$ and any ${\it\epsilon}>0$. The proof uses the concept of a sated system, introduced by Austin.
Chain transitivity and variations of the shadowing property
Authors: BRIAN WILLIAM R. , MEDDAUGH JONATHAN , RAINES BRIAN E.
Published: July 2014

We show that, under the assumption of chain transitivity, the shadowing property is equivalent to the thick shadowing property. We also show that, if ${\mathcal{F}}$ is a family with the Ramsey property, then an arbitrary sequence of points in a chain transitive space can be ${\it\varepsilon}$-shadowed (for any ${\it\varepsilon}$) on a set in ${\mathcal{F}}$.
A family of rational maps with buried Julia components
Authors: GODILLON SÉBASTIEN
Published: July 2014

It is known that the disconnected Julia set of any polynomial map does not contain buried Julia components. But such Julia components may arise for rational maps. The first example is due to Curtis T. McMullen who provided a family of rational maps for which the Julia sets are Cantor of Jordan curves. However, all known examples of buried Julia components, up to now, are points or Jordan curves and comes from rational maps of degree at least five. This paper introduces a family of hyperbolic rational maps with disconnected Julia set whose exchanging dynamics of postcritically separating Julia components is encoded by a weighted dynamical tree. Each of these Julia sets presents buried Julia components of several types: points, Jordan curves, but also Julia components which are neither points nor Jordan curves. Moreover, this family contains some rational maps of degree three with explicit formula that answers a question McMullen raised.
Tubular neighborhoods and continuation of Morse decompositions
Authors: CARBINATTO M. C. , RYBAKOWSKI K. P.
Published: July 2014

We prove a continuation result for Morse decompositions under tubular singular semiflow perturbations, which generalizes a corresponding result from Carbinatto and Rybakowski [Morse decompositions in the absence of uniqueness, II.Topol. Methods Nonlinear Anal.22(2003), 15–51] and is applicable to cases in which the phase space of the perturbed semiflow is not necessarily homeomorphic to a product of metric spaces having as a factor the phase space of the limiting semiflow. We apply this result to singularly perturbed second-order differential equations on differential manifolds.
Parabolic-like mappings
Authors: LOMONACO LUNA
Published: July 2014

In this paper we introduce the notion of parabolic-like mapping. Such an object is similar to a polynomial-like mapping, but it has a parabolic external class, i.e. an external map with a parabolic fixed point. We define the notion of parabolic-like mapping and we study the dynamical properties of parabolic-like mappings. We prove a straightening theorem for parabolic-like mappings which states that any parabolic-like mapping of degree two is hybrid conjugate to a member of the family $$\begin{eqnarray}\mathit{Per}_{1}(1)=\left\{[P_{A}]\,\bigg|\,P_{A}(z)=z+\frac{1}{z}+A,~A\in \mathbb{C}\right\}\!,\end{eqnarray}$$ a unique such member if the filled Julia set is connected.
A dynamical-geometric characterization of the geodesic flows of negatively curved locally symmetric spaces
Authors: FANG YONG
Published: July 2014

In this paper we prove the following rigidity result: let ${\it\varphi}$ be a $C^{\infty }$ topologically mixing transversely symplectic Anosov flow. If (i) its weak stable and weak unstable distributions are $C^{\infty }$ and (ii) its Hamenstädt metrics are sub-Riemannian, then up to finite covers and a constant change of time scale, ${\it\varphi}$ is $C^{\infty }$ flow conjugate to the geodesic flow of a closed locally symmetric Riemannian space of rank one.
Rigidity times for a weakly mixing dynamical system which are not rigidity times for any irrational rotation
Authors: FAYAD BASSAM , KANIGOWSKI ADAM
Published: July 2014

We construct an increasing sequence of natural numbers $(m_{n})_{n=1}^{+\infty }$ with the property that $(m_{n}{\it\theta}[1])_{n\geq 1}$ is dense in $\mathbb{T}$ for any ${\it\theta}\in \mathbb{R}\setminus \mathbb{Q}$, and a continuous measure on the circle ${\it\mu}$ such that $\lim _{n\rightarrow +\infty }\int _{\mathbb{T}}\Vert m_{n}{\it\theta}\Vert \,d{\it\mu}({\it\theta})=0$. Moreover, for every fixed $k\in \mathbb{N}$, the set $\{n\in \mathbb{N}:k\nmid m_{n}\}$ is infinite. This is a sufficient condition for the existence of a rigid, weakly mixing dynamical system whose rigidity time is not a rigidity time for any system with a discrete part in its spectrum.
Classification and rigidity of totally periodic pseudo-Anosov flows in graph manifolds
Authors: BARBOT THIERRY , FENLEY SÉRGIO R.
Published: July 2014

In this article we analyze totally periodic pseudo-Anosov flows in graph 3-manifolds. This means that in each Seifert fibered piece of the torus decomposition, the free homotopy class of regular fibers has a finite power which is also a finite power of the free homotopy class of a closed orbit of the flow. We show that each such flow is topologically equivalent to one of the model pseudo-Anosov flows which we previously constructed in Barbot and Fenley (Pseudo-Anosov flows in toroidal manifolds.Geom. Topol. 17(2013), 1877–1954). A model pseudo-Anosov flow is obtained by glueing standard neighborhoods of Birkhoff annuli and perhaps doing Dehn surgery on certain orbits. We also show that two model flows on the same graph manifold are isotopically equivalent (i.e. there is a isotopy of$M$mapping the oriented orbits of the first flow to the oriented orbits of the second flow) if and only if they have the same topological and dynamical data in the collection of standard neighborhoods of the Birkhoff annuli.
School feeding contributes to micronutrient adequacy of Ghanaian schoolchildren
Authors: Abizari Abdul-Razak , Buxton Christiana , Kwara Lugutuah , Mensah-Homiah Joseph , Armar-Klemesu Margaret , Brouwer Inge D.
Published: July 2014

Without gains in nutritional outcomes, it is unlikely that school feeding programmes (SFP) could improve cognition and academic performance of schoolchildren despite the improvements in school enrolment. We compared the nutrient intake adequacy and Fe and nutritional status of SFP and non-SFP participants in a cross-sectional survey involving 383 schoolchildren (aged 5–13 years). Quantitative 24 h recalls and weighed food records, repeated in 20 % subsample, were used to estimate energy and nutrient intakes adjusted for day-to-day variations. The probability of adequacy (PA) was calculated for selected micronutrients and the mean of all PA (MPA) was calculated. The concentrations of Hb, serum ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and anthropometric measurements were used to determine Fe and nutritional status. Energy and nutrient intakes and their adequacies were significantly higher among SFP participants (P< 0·001). The MPA of micronutrients was significantly higher among SFP participants (0·61 v. 0·18; P< 0·001), and the multiple-micronutrient-fortified corn soya blend was a key contributor to micronutrient adequacy. In SFP participants, 6 g/l higher Hb concentrations (P< 0·001) and about 10 % points lower anaemia prevalence (P= 0·06) were observed. The concentration of sTfR was significantly lower among SFP participants (11·2 v. 124 mg/l; P= 0·04); however, there was no difference in the prevalence of Fe deficiency and Fe-deficiency anaemia between SFP and non-SFP participants. There was also no significant difference in the prevalence of thinness, underweight and stunting. In conclusion, the present results indicate that school feeding is associated with higher intakes and adequacies of energy and nutrients, but not with the prevalence of Fe and nutritional status indicators. The results also indicate an important role for micronutrient-dense foods in the achievement of micronutrient adequacy within SFP.
Promoting a Competitive Local Business Community in Ghana: The Role of the Legal Framework for Public Procurement
Authors: Dagbanja Dominic N
Published: July 2014

Ghana's Public Procurement Act 2003 was enacted to bring about the judicious, economic and efficient use of state resources, transparency, fairness, and non-discrimination in procurement. The primary objective of the act is best value for money. This article assesses how, beyond being used to achieve its primary objective, the law should be applied to propel the capacity and competitiveness of local businesses in Ghana. It argues that effective implementation of the act can indirectly promote competition and industrial competiveness in Ghana. Therefore, procurement entities must follow the requirements for procurement, both to achieve best value for money and to build and improve upon the capacity of domestic industries. Competition, transparency and restrictions on the application of single-source procurement and restricted tendering can promote and encourage the participation of Ghanaian firms in procurement. This can enhance their capacity and competitiveness in both procurement and other economic activities in Ghana.
ATTITUDES OF CIRCUMCISED WOMEN TOWARDS DISCONTINUATION OF GENITAL CUTTING OF THEIR DAUGHTERS IN KENYA
Authors: PATRA SHRABONI , SINGH RAKESH KUMAR
Published: July 2014

Female genital cutting (FGC) is widely practised in Kenya. However, its prevalence has declined over the last two decades (38.0% in 1998 KDHS, 32.2% in 2003 KDHS and 27.1% in 2008–09 KDHS), implying changes in behaviours and attitudes of Kenyans towards FGC. This study provides an overview of changing attitudes of women towards FGC in Kenya. An extensive literature review was undertaken and 2008–09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data were used to focus on the present scenario. Analyses were based on a national sample of 2284 circumcised women. About 68% of these women wanted to discontinue FGC, and attitudes towards discontinuation were found to vary with women's background characteristics. Surprisingly, 92.5% of circumcised women of the North-Eastern province still wished to continue FGC, and for Muslims the percentage was 72.2%. About 36% of circumcised women responded that their daughters were already circumcised. Only 13% of circumcised mothers intended their daughters to be circumcised in the future. The study shows that the attitude of Kenyan women, irrespective of their circumcision status, has been changing gradually towards the discontinuation of circumcision of their daughters.