bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing four volumetric modulated arc therapy beam arrangements for the treatment of early‐stage prostate cancer
Authors: Elith Craig A. , Dempsey Shane E. , Warren‐Forward Helen M.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

This study compared four different volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) beam arrangements for the treatment of early‐stage prostate cancer examining plan quality and the impact on a radiotherapy department's resources.

Methods

Twenty prostate cases were retrospectively planned using four VMAT beam arrangements (1) a partial arc (PA), (2) one arc (1A), (3) one arc plus a partial arc (1A + PA) and (4) two arcs (2A). The quality of the dose distributions generated were compared by examining the overall plan quality, the homogeneity and conformity to the planning target volume (PTV), the number of monitor units and the dose delivered to the organs at risk. Departmental resources were considered by recording the planning time and beam delivery time.

Results

Each technique produced a plan of similar quality that was considered adequate for treatment; though some differences were noted. The 1A, 1A + PA and 2A plans demonstrated a better conformity to the PTV which correlated to improved sparing of the rectum in the 60–70 Gy range for the 1A + PA and 2A techniques. The time needed to generate the plans was different for each technique ranging from 13.1 min for 1A + PA to 17.8 min for 1A. The PA beam delivery time was fastest with a mean time of 0.9 min. Beam‐on times then increased with an increase in the number of arcs up to an average of 2.2 min for the 2A technique.

Conclusion

Which VMAT technique is best suited for clinical implementation for the treatment of prostate cancer may be dictated by the individual patient and the availability of departmental resources.
Synergistic neuroprotective effects of combined treatment with olmesartan plus azelnidipine in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Omote Yoshio , Deguchi Kentaro , Kono Syoichiro , Liu Wentao , Kurata Tomoko , Hishikawa Nozomi , Yamashita Toru , Ikeda Yoshio , Abe Koji
Published: May 2014

An angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor blocker, olmesartan, and a calcium channel blocker, azelnidipine, possess not only an antihypertensive effect but also an antioxidative effect and other beneficial effects. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of olmesartan and azelnidipine monotherapy (2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg each) and their combination therapy (1 mg/kg each) on stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) in relation to oxidative stress, inflammation, and the neurovascular unit. In comparison with the vehicle group, body weight, regional cerebral blood flow, and motor function were preserved, whereas systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased in the five drug‐treatment groups. Spontaneous infarct volume decreased with the low‐dose combination of olmesartan plus azelnidipine and with the high‐dose olmesartan, with a further decrease in the high‐dose azelnidipine group. In addition, these drugs dose‐dependently reduced oxidative stresses, proinflammatory molecules, and well‐preserved components of the neurovascular unit. The low‐dose combination of olmesartan plus azelnidipine showed a better effect than the low‐dose olmesartan or azelnidipine monotherapy. The present study shows that the low‐dose combination of olmesartan plus azelnidipine demonstrates a greater synergistic benefit than monotherapy with a low‐dose of olmesartan or azelnidipine in SHR‐SP for preventing spontaneous infarct volume, reducing oxidative stresses and proinflammatory molecules, and imparting neurovascular protection. In addition, a high‐dose of olmesartan showed a greater benefit without the lowering of blood pressure, probably because of the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. A high dose of azelnidipine showed the best benefit, probably because of the two effects mentioned above related to the lowering of blood pressure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatiotemporal expression of TRPM4 in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Sakuraba Mayumi , Murata Junko , Teruyama Ryoichi , Kamiya Kazusaku , Yamaguchi Junji , Okano Hideyuki , Uchiyama Yasuo , Ikeda Katsuhisa
Published: May 2014

The present study was conducted to elucidate the presence of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4, TRPM4, in the mouse inner ear. TRPM4 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in the cell body of inner hair cells (IHCs) in the organ of Corti in the apical side of marginal cells of the stria vascularis, in the apical portion of the dark cells of the vestibule, and in a subset of the type II neurons in the spiral ganglion. Subsequently, changes in the distribution and expression of TRPM4 in the inner ear during embryonic and postnatal developments were also evaluated. Immunohistochemical localization demonstrated that the emergence of the TRPM4‐IR in IHCs occurs shortly before the onset of hearing, whereas that in the marginal cells happens earlier, at the time of birth, coinciding with the onset of endolymph formation. Furthermore, semiquantitative real‐time PCR assay showed that expressions of TRPM4 in the organ of Corti and in the stria vascularis increased dramatically at the onset of hearing. Because TRPM4 is a Ca2+‐activated monovalent‐selective cation channel, these findings imply that TRPM4 contributes to potassium ion transport, essential for the signal transduction in IHCs and the formation of endolymph by marginal cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spreading depression: Evidence of five electroencephalogram phases
Authors: Broberg Marita , Pope Kenneth J. , Olsson Torsten , Shuttleworth C. William , Willoughby John O.
Published: May 2014

Spreading depression (SD), a self‐propagating wave of astroglial and neuronal depolarization, is an accompaniment of several neurological disorders including epilepsy. Its well‐described features are initial depolarization, followed by EEG flattening. In this in vivo study in awake animals, the relationship of SDs to epileptiform activity was re‐examined. We assessed SDs generated by mechanical stimulation and by metabolic inhibition with fluorocitrate. In addition to identifying prolonged EEG depression, we identified two periods, one prior to and another during depression, characterized by increases in power of specific frequencies that were sometimes associated with epileptiform discharges. The first period was characterized by ripple activity close to the induction site (88% of SDs with intracortical electrodes). The second period was characterized by localized low‐frequency spikes (100% with dural screw electrodes, 65% with intracortical electrodes). By using fluorocitrate to induce SDs, the initial period was also characterized by runs of spikes (52%). Finally, with SDs induced by both methods, there was a period at the end of depression when additional, unprovoked SDs occurred (20%). Five stages of SD were defined by these phenomena, in the order: excitation, depression, excitation, depression, SD, with metabolic inhibition enhancing the expression of epileptiform spiking. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of sorghum type and malting on production of free amino nitrogen in conjunction with exogenous protease enzymes
Authors: Dlamini Bhekisisa C , Buys Elna M , Taylor John RN
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Sorghum types suitable for brewing and bioethanol production are required. The effect of sorghum type (white non‐tannin versus white type II tannin) on free amino nitrogen (FAN) production from sorghum grain and malt using exogenous protease enzymes was investigated over extended incubation at moderate temperature (45 °C).

RESULTS

With grain in the absence of exogenous proteases, white non‐tannin sorghum produced substantially higher levels of FAN than white type II tannin sorghum, due to the tannins in the latter. Incubating sorghum grain with neutral proteinase and amino‐peptidase in combination improved FAN production. The two sorghum types produced similar FAN levels when malted and incubated in the absence of the exogenous proteases. When both sorghums were malted and incubated with neutral proteinase alone substantially more FAN yield (124–126 mg 100 g−1) occurred than with grains (61–84 mg 100 g−1). The combination of amino‐peptidase and proteinase did not improve FAN further. Neither, did malting influence wort free amino acid profile. Group B amino acids constituted the highest percentage (42–47%).

CONCLUSION

With grain, white non‐tannin sorghum plus proteinase and amino‐peptidase yields the highest FAN, with malt both white non‐tannin and white type II tannin sorghums plus proteinase yield the highest FAN. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimation of bird‐vehicle collision mortality on U.S. roads
Authors: Loss Scott R. , Will Tom , Marra Peter P.
Published: May 2014

Roads have numerous direct and indirect ecological impacts on wildlife. Vehicle collisions are a top impact of roads on birds, with tens of millions of birds thought to be killed each year in the United States. However, currently available mortality estimates are extrapolated from a single study. We reviewed the literature and used 20 mortality rates extracted from 13 studies to systematically quantify data‐driven estimates of annual U.S. mortality from bird‐vehicle collisions. We generated 4 separate estimates along with uncertainty using different subsets of data deemed to be rigorous enough to contribute relatively little bias to estimates. All of our estimates of vehicle mortality are higher than previous U.S. figures. When averaging across model iterations, we estimated that between 89 and 340 million birds die annually from vehicle collisions on U.S. roads. Sensitivity analyses indicated that uncertainty about survey‐related biases (scavenger removal and searcher detection of carcasses) contributes the greatest amount of uncertainty to our mortality estimates. Future studies should account for these biases to provide more accurate local estimates of mortality rates and to inform more precise national mortality estimates. We found relatively little information available to quantify regional, seasonal, and taxonomic patterns of vehicle collision risk, and substantial uncertainty remains about whether collisions contribute to large‐scale impacts on bird populations. Nonetheless, the large magnitude of bird mortality caused by vehicle collisions combined with evidence that collisions can contribute to local population declines for some species highlights the need for implementation of conservation and management actions to reduce this mortality. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A Combinational Strategy of Model Disturbance and Outlier Comparison to Define Applicability Domain in Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship
Authors: Yan Jun , Zhu Wei‐Wei , Kong Bo , Lu Hong‐Bing , Yun Yong‐Huan , Huang Jian‐Hua , Liang Yi‐Zeng
Published: May 2014

In order to define an applicability domain for quantitative structure‐activity relationship modeling, a combinational strategy of model disturbance and outlier comparison is developed. An indicator named model disturbance index was defined to estimate the prediction error. Moreover, the information of the outliers in the training set was used to filter the unreliable samples in the test set based on “structural similarity”. Chromatography retention indices data were used to investigate this approach. The relationship between model disturbance index and prediction error can be found. Also, the comparison between the outlier set and the test set could provide additional information about which unknown samples should be paid more attentions. A novel technique based on model population analysis was used to evaluate the validity of applicability domain. Finally, three commonly used methods, i.e. Leverage, descriptor range‐based and model perturbation method, were compared with the proposed approach.
Future De Novo Drug Design
Authors: Schneider Gisbert
Published: May 2014

The computer‐assisted generation of new chemical entities (NCEs) has matured into solid technology supporting early drug discovery. Both ligand‐ and receptor‐based methods are increasingly used for designing small lead‐ and druglike molecules with anticipated multi‐target activities. Advanced “polypharmacology” prediction tools are essential pillars of these endeavors. In addition, it has been realized that iterative design‐synthesis‐test cycles facilitate the rapid identification of NCEs with the desired activity profile. Lab‐on‐a‐chip platforms integrating synthesis, analytics and bioactivity determination and controlled by adaptive, chemistry‐driven de novo design software will play an important role for future drug discovery.
83Kr nuclear magnetic moment in terms of that of 3He
Authors: Makulski Włodzimierz
Published: May 2014

High resolution NMR spectroscopy was applied to precisely determine the 83Kr nuclear magnetic dipole moment on the basis of new results available for nuclear magnetic shielding in krypton and helium‐3 atoms. Small amounts of 3He as the solutes and 83Kr as the buffer gas were observed in 3He and 83Kr NMR spectra at the constant external field, B0 = 11.7578 T. In each case, the resonance frequencies (νHe and νKr) were linearly dependent on the density of gaseous solvent. The extrapolation of experimental points to the zero density of gaseous krypton allowed for the evaluation of both resonance frequencies free from intermolecular interactions. By combining these measurements with the recommended 83Kr chemical shielding value, the nuclear magnetic moment could be determined with much better precision than ever before, μ(83Kr) = −0.9707297(32)μN, with the improvement due to the greater accuracy of the spectral data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing Osteoarthritis in Primary Care: Exploring Healthcare Professionals’ Views on a Multiple‐Joint Intervention Designed to Facilitate Self‐Management
Authors: Patel Geeta , Walsh Nicola , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael
Published: May 2014

Aim

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and a major cause of chronic pain and disability. Self‐management of OA through education and exercise are recommended as core treatments. Current research has demonstrated the effectiveness of these approaches, but most trials tailor interventions for specific joints. The aim of the present study was to explore healthcare professionals’ views on a group‐based exercise intervention designed to facilitate the self‐management of OA in the lower limbs and/or lower back.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals (nine general practitioners, ten physiotherapists and one community‐based rheumatologist). The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: 1) Patient understanding of osteoarthritis; 2) Multiple‐joint approach and 3) Practical aspects of the intervention. Healthcare professionals stated the usefulness of the intervention in improving patients’ knowledge about their condition and self‐management. They commented on including patients affected with OA in multiple or different lower limb sites in the intervention. They considered this a positive move, as they viewed self‐management techniques as applicable to more than one affected joint in the lower body. Consideration of the practical aspects of the intervention included thoughts on an appropriate facilitator, the need to ensure accessibility to patients and ways to exercise once the intervention had ended.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals saw the intervention as an acceptable and feasible approach to facilitate the self‐management of OA. This study has implications for developing and implementing cost‐effective interventions in primary care settings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing the politics of innovation and sustainability
Authors: Schepers Stefan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Policy objectives and government interventions about sustainability resulting from social debates forces business models to adapt and determines the kind of innovation that is required and the ways in which it can be achieved. Yet, governments' role in defining sustainability and innovation is often overlooked, and new ways of managing the government dimension of sustainability is required as well as the development of corporate strategies encompassing inclusive visions of the corporations' role in society.

Design/methodology/approach

This article aims to examine the issue from various perspectives in view of doing further research.

Findings

The management of innovation for sustainability requires increased collaboration and mentoring by public governance systems and the elaboration of coherent and inclusive strategic visions also serving the public interest when setting corporate strategies.

Originality/value

The article is based on political and economic writings and on practical experience in the public and private sectors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The structure and photocatalytic performances of mechanically synthesized poly(3′,4′‐ethylenedioxy‐2,2′:5′,2″‐Terthiophene)/Zno composites
Authors: Jamal Ruxangul , Ali Ahmat , Zhang Li , Osman Yakupjan , Rahman Adalet , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: May 2014

Poly(3′,4′‐ethylenedioxy‐2,2′:5′,2″‐terthiophene)/ZnO(poly(TET)/ZnO) composites with the ratio of poly(TET) and nano‐ZnO from 3:1 to 1:3 were synthesized by hand grinding and ball milling methods, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the composites were examined through the degradation processes of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV light irradiation, and the possible mechanism for the photocatalytic activity enhancement by synergetic effects between nano‐ZnO and poly(TET) was proposed. The results showed that the strong interactions between the poly(TET) and nano‐ZnO occurred in the case of ball milling method. The results also proved that the crystallinity of ZnO was not disturbed in both of methods, and the nano‐ZnO was uniformly distributed in polymer matrix in the case of ball milling method. The comparative studies showed that the addition of the nano‐ZnO could enhance the photocatalytic activities of the composites. The highest degradation efficiency (100%) at 3 h under UV light irradiation occurred in the case of poly(TET)/ZnO(1:1) synthesized by ball milling method. Furthermore, the nanocompsosite displayed higher photocatalytic activity than nano‐ZnO, which was due to the holes (h+) transferring from the valence band of ZnO to the polymer backbone and the adsorption of MB molecules in polymer matrix via π–π conjugation between MB and aromatic regions of the poly(TET). POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1597–1605, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Differential accumulation of soluble proteins in roots of metallicolous and nonmetallicolous populations of Agrostis capillaris L. exposed to Cu
Authors: Hego Elena , Bes Clémence M. , Bedon Frank , Palagi Patricia M. , Chaumeil Philippe , Barré Aurélien , Claverol Stéphane , Dupuy Jean‐William , Bonneu Marc , Lalanne Céline , Plomion Christophe , Mench Michel
Published: May 2014

Differential expression of soluble proteins was explored in roots of metallicolous (M) and non‐M (NM) plants of Agrostis capillaris L. exposed to increasing Cu to partially identify molecular mechanisms underlying higher Cu tolerance in M plants. Plants were cultivated for 2 months on perlite with a CuSO4 (1–30 μM) spiked‐nutrient solution. Soluble proteins extracted by the trichloroacetic acid/acetone procedure were separated with 2DE (linear 4–7 pH gradient). After Coomassie Blue staining and image analysis, 19 proteins differentially expressed were identified using LC‐MS/MS and Expressed Sequence Tag (ESTs) databases. At supra‐optimal Cu exposure (15–30 μM), glycolysis was likely altered in NM roots with increased production of glycerone‐P and methylglyoxal based on overexpression of triosephosphate isomerase and fructose bisphosphate aldolase. Changes in tubulins and higher expressions of 5‐methyltetrahydropteroyltriglutamatehomocysteine methyltransferase and S‐adenosylmethionine synthase underpinned impacts on the cytoskeleton and stimulation of ethylene metabolism. Increased l‐methionine and S‐adenosylmethionine amounts may also facilitate production of nicotianamine, which complexes Cu, and of l‐cysteine, needed for metallothioneins and GSH. In M roots, the increase of [Cu/Zn] superoxide dismutase suggested a better detoxification of superoxide, when Cu exposure rose. Higher Cu‐tolerance of M plants would rather result from simultaneous cooperation of various processes than from a specific mechanism.
Photopotential decay delay on TiO2 surface modified with p‐benzaldehydes: consequences and applications
Authors: Núñez Oswaldo , Rivas Carlos , Vargas Ronald
Published: May 2014

TiO2 (Anatase) surface has been modified with p‐substituted benzaldehydes (p = OCH3, CH3, H, CN, and NO2) and 4‐stilbene carboxaldehyde. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, UV–Vis reflectance spectra, and theoretical calculations indicate that the TiO2 surface has been chemically modified and supported acetal formation by means of TiO2–OH reaction with the aldehyde. A steady state photocurrent was obtained during simulated UV light irradiation of the acetal‐TiO2 in aqueous solution. Once the light irradiation is turned off, open‐circuit potential decay measurements were used in order to determine the electron life‐time (tn). Excited electron decay is inhibited down to 1 s when the electron withdrawing delocalization capacity of the modified TiO2 increases. Electron life‐time also depends on the solution reduction capacity. However, the unmodified TiO2 life‐time does not. The TiO2 modification results in a new series of photocatalysts that improve the organic contaminants degradation in solution because slow electron decay also induces retardation of the electron‐hole recombination. Therefore, there is a linear relationship between the electron decay life‐time and degradation rate constant. However, when electron delocalization is further increased in a way that the electron life‐time becomes ca. 7 s, degradation rate is kept constant. Therefore, the extra electron stability compromise degradation in such a way that the modified nanoparticle switches from a useful oxidant agent to a material that favors the charge carriers separation through a stable radical anion formation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of fluorine substituents for enhanced stability of flexible and ITO‐free high‐performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Carlé Jon E. , Helgesen Martin , Zawacka Natalia K. , Madsen Morten V. , Bundgaard Eva , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: May 2014

Two low‐band gap polymer series based on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) and dithienylbenzothiadiazole, with different numbers of fluorine substituents on the 2,3,1‐benzothiadiazole unit, have been synthesized and explored in a comparative study of the photochemical stability and operational lifetime in flexible large area roll‐coated bulk heterojunction solar cells. The two polymer series have different side chains on the BDT unit, namely 2‐hexyldecyloxy (BDTHDO) (P1–P3) or 2‐hexyldecylthiophene (BDTTHD) (P4–P6). The photochemical stability clearly shows that the stability enhances along with the number of fluorine atoms incorporated on the polymer backbone. Fabrication of the polymer solar cells based on the materials was carried out in ambient atmosphere on a roll coating/printing machine employing flexible and indium‐tin‐oxide‐free plastic substrates. Solar cells based on the P4–P6 series showed the best performance, reaching efficiencies up to 3.8% for an active area of 1 cm2, due to an enhanced current compared to P1–P3. Lifetime measurements, carried out according to international summit on OPV stability (ISOS), of encapsulated devices reveals an initial fast decay for P1–P6 in the performance followed by a much slower decay rate, still retaining 40–55% of their initial performance after 250 h of testing under ISOS‐L‐1 conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 893–899
Renormalization group approach to matrix models via noncommutative space
Authors: Kuroki T. , Kawamoto S. , Tomino D.
Published: May 2014

We develop a new method for analyzing the large‐N limit of matrix models. We assign the concept of energy to each matrix element and integrate the most highest energy to get a new matrix model which has reduced rank. By regarding this procedure as a renormalization group, we deduce the critical exponents in the large‐N limit by elaborating fixed points of renormalization group transformation. For consistency of our method, we compare our result to that obtained by another method and find nice agreement.
Aggregation propensity of Aib homo‐peptides of different length: an insight from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Conflitti Paolo , Raniolo Stefano , Caruso Mario , Mazzuca Claudia , Gatto Emanuela , Placidi Ernesto , Formaggio Fernando , Toniolo Claudio , Venanzi Mariano , Palleschi Antonio
Published: May 2014

Interactions between peptides are relevant from a biomedical point of view, in particular for the role played by their aggregates in different important pathologies, and also because peptide aggregates represent promising scaffolds for innovative materials.

In the present article, the aggregation properties of the homo‐peptides formed by α‐aminoisobutyric acid (U) residues are discussed. The peptides investigated have chain lengths between six and 15 residues and comprise benzyl and naphthyl groups at the N‐ and C‐termini, respectively. Spectroscopic experiments and molecular dynamics simulations show that the shortest homo‐peptide, constituted by six U, does not exhibit any tendency to aggregate under the conditions examined. On the other hand, the homologous peptide with 15 U forms very stable and compact aggregates in 70/30(v/v) methanol/water solution. Atomic force microscopy images indicate that these aggregates promote formation of long fibrils once they are deposited on a mica surface. The aggregation phenomenon is mainly due to hydrophobic interactions occurring between very stable helical structures, and the aromatic groups in the peptides seem to play a minor role. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What if Networks Move? Dynamic Social Networking in the Context of African Migration to Europe
Authors: Schapendonk Joris
Published: May 2014

As a welcome alternative to economic explanations of migration, the social network has become a key concept in migration studies. However, by maintaining a static conceptualisation of networks (as grid‐like structures) and by suggesting that social capital automatically derives from networks, we tend to fall into a form of network determinism. As an alternative, this paper makes the case for a practice approach to social networks that recognise the changeable nature of networks and the social endeavours that are needed to accumulate social capital. In so doing, I first revisit the work of Granovetter and Bourdieu in order to explore existing practice elements in their network approaches. I subsequently combine these insights with practice‐oriented migration studies. This analysis results in four hitherto undertheorised elements that provide a foundation for the advocated networking approach. Finally, I illustrate the analytical value of this approach by discussing the networking practices of sub‐Saharan African migrants en route for the European Union. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embedded GaAs nanopillars studied by high resolution reciprocal space mapping and SEM
Authors: Zozulya Alexey V. , Slobodskyy Taras , Bartsch Thorben , Wetzel Alina , Sonnenberg David , Heyn Christian , Sprung Michael , Hansen Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

Novel nanostructures based on GaAs nanopillars epitaxially embedded in air‐gap heterostructures have been studied by high resolution reciprocal space mapping using synchrotron radiation. The measurements were motivated by thermal conductance measurements on samples with different pillar densities that show unexpected behavior. X‐ray diffraction data and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to assess the quality of investigated heterostructures with different pillar densities. Our SEM studies reveal high quality of stripes and trenches in the air‐gap heterostructures. X‐ray diffraction profiles extracted from the measured reciprocal space maps confirm the homogeneous profile of air gaps. We found no indication of material contact between the top and the bottom layers of the air‐gap heterostructures due to sagging. In addition, the structural quality of the bulk and the top layers of heterostructures is addressed.
Correlation between surface morphology and defect structure of heteroepitaxial diamond grown on off‐axis substrates
Authors: Mayr Michael , Stehl Christian , Fischer Martin , Gsell Stefan , Schreck Matthias
Published: May 2014

The topographic surface features that develop during chemical vapour deposition of heteroepitaxial diamond on off‐axis Ir/YSZ/Si(001) and their implications on the incorporation and modification of 0D and 1D defects have been studied. After growth with nitrogen in the gas phase, the surface has split into alternating stripes of opposite inclination. The terrace regions are tilted towards the crystallographic [001] axis, while the risers are tilted in the opposite direction. AFM measurements on the macroscopic terraces reveal a microscopic substructure consisting of terraces and risers on a smaller length scale. Cross‐section SEM images display inclined dark and bright striations. In photoluminescence maps, the stripes ending at risers show a higher NV and SiV emission intensity thus indicating a stronger defect incorporation of colour centres. Relative growth rates on terrace and riser areas have been evaluated. In high resolution Raman measurements, the cross‐section maps display bands of high line width embedded in a background of lower line width. Conversion of these data into dislocation density maps reveals local variations by one order of magnitude. The tilt angle of the threading dislocation bundles is attributed to an interaction induced by the lateral step flow on the off‐axis growth surface.

Scheme of the investigated diamond samples.
Modeling and multifractal analysis of radiation defect evolution in solids
Authors: Baktybekov Kazbek , Baratova Aliya
Published: May 2014

The results of modeling of radiation defects formation and evolution on the surface and in the volume of a crystal are presented in this paper. Statistical properties are calculated for the investigated system. It is revealed that defect structure is a multifractal and system entropy decreases, while observing self‐organization of the physical system. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The firm as a distributed knowledge system: A constructionist approach
Authors: Tsoukas Haridimos
Published: May 2014

The organizational problem firms face is the utilization of knowledge which is not, and cannot be, known by a single agent. Even more importantly, no single agent can fully specify in advance what kind of practical knowledge is going to be relevant, when and where. Firms, therefore, are distributed knowledge systems in a strong sense: they are decentered systems, lacking an overseeing ‘mind’. The knowledge they need to draw upon is inherently indeterminate and continually emerging; it is not self‐contained. Individuals' stock of knowledge consists of (a) role‐related normative expectations; (b) dispositions, which have been formed in the course of past socializations; and (c) local knowledge of particular circumstances of time and place. A firm has greater‐or‐lesser control over normative expectations, but very limited control over the other two. At any point in time, a firm's knowledge is the indeterminate outcome of individuals attempting to manage the inevitable tensions between normative expectations, dispositions, and local contexts.
Modularity, flexibility, and knowledge management in product and organization design
Authors: Sanchez Ron , Mahoney Joseph T.
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates interrelationships of product design, organization design, processes for learning and managing knowledge, and competitive strategy. This paper uses the principles of nearly decomposable systems to investigate the ability of standardized interfaces between components in a product design toembed coordinationof product development processes. Embedded coordination creates ‘hierarchical coordination’ without the need to continually exercise authority—enabling effective coordination of processes without the tight coupling of organizational structures. We develop concepts ofmodularityin product and organization designs based on standardized component and organization interfaces. Modular product architectures createinformation structuresthat provide the ‘glue’ that holds together the loosely coupled parts of a modular organization design. By facilitating loose coupling, modularity can also reduce the cost and difficulty of adaptive coordination, thereby increasing thestrategic flexibilityof firms to respond to environmental change. Modularity in product and organization designs therefore enables a new strategic approach to themanagement of knowledgebased on an intentional, carefully managedloose couplingof a firm's learning processes at architectural and component levels of product creation processes.
Knowledge, strategy, and the theory of the firm
Authors: Liebeskind Julia Porter
Published: May 2014

This paper argues that firms have particular institutional capabilities that allow them to protect knowledge from expropriation and imitation more effectively than market contracting. I argue that it is these generalized institutional capabilities that allow firms to generate and protect the unique resources and capabilities that are central to the strategic theory of the firm.
Recent developments in high‐strength and stainless steel tubular members and connections
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Ling , Heidarpour Amin , Gardner Leroy
Published: May 2014

This paper reports on recent developments in high‐strength and stainless steel tubular members and connections. It includes carbon steel tubes with a yield stress up to 1350 MPa and stainless steel tubes. The paper describes high‐strength tubes in terms of residual stresses, material properties at elevated temperatures, member behaviour, welded connections under static loading, fatigue strength of welded connections, fabricated sections utilizing high‐strength steel tubes and stainless steel tubular members and connections.
Modern production of heavy plates for construction applications – controlling production processes and quality
Authors: Pfeiffer Esther , Kern Andreas
Published: May 2014

Modern steel and pressure vessel construction requires heavy plates with tailored properties. In addition to satisfying quality standards, delivery on schedule is an important requirement for building projects. To show how these demands on actual deployment of plates are realized, this paper discusses methods for optimum production planning and production control where the focus is upon improving the flow of work, thus gradually eliminating unevenness across the system to realize the demands. Owing to the complexity of the heavy plate production process, computer‐based modelling of material flow processes is presented as a suitable tool. In addition, important aspects of quality assurance and quality control during the production of high‐performance plates are summarized. The quality characteristics of the plates are suitable surface quality, flatness, dimensional accuracy und mechanical and technological properties. How these features are controlled during the production of heavy plates is presented systematically.
Mobile pavilions for the fairground of the BASELWORLD
Authors: Göppert Knut , Haspel Lorenz , Waldner Dany
Published: May 2014

Most stands at last year’s BASELWORLD as well as the fairground have been fundamentally redesigned: Six crystalline pavilions that house food service, media relations and ticket office string through a mosaic of blooming flower beds. Together with the architectural practice dany waldner AG, schlaich bergermann und partner developed a modular system for mobile buildings that feature a quick and easy installation for versatile use while meeting high design requirements. Functional but elegant detailing was required starting with wide span customized multi‐functional aluminium girders carrying the roof membranes, incorporating invisible stressing devices for the membrane, attachments of secondary girders, facade columns and facade panels as well as electrical power supply for the integrated illumination. Laminates of glass panes and varying metallised textiles were used to clad the facade panels made of light weight aluminium frames and connected with integrated connection devices. The structure is resting on legs adjustable in height and adaptable to varying inclination of the ground, requiring a series of movable parts to be designed for multi use, long term performance and corrosion resistance free of lubrication. Combining the advantages of stainless steel, bronze, aluminium and black steel in the strict content of requirements made the project a challenge somewhere between civil and mechanical engineering.
Metabolic syndrome and common urological conditions: looking beyond the obvious
Authors: Rees Jonathan , Kirby Mike
Published: May 2014

Awareness of the link between the metabolic syndrome and many common urological conditions should encourage all physicians to assess the patient presenting with these conditions for underlying metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Nonparametric regression with missing data
Authors: Efromovich Sam
Published: May 2014

Optimal estimation of a regression function, when either the response or the predictor may be missed at random, is considered. Missing at random (MAR) means that the conditional probability of missing, given response and predictor, does not depend on a variable whose values may be missed. Mean integrated squared error (MISE) is the used statistical criteria, and a nonparametric approach implies that no assumption about shape of the regression function is made. It is shown that optimal estimation depends on which variable, the response or the predictor, is missed. For a setting with missed responses, optimal estimation is based only on complete cases of observations and incomplete ones can be ignored. For a setting with missed predictors, optimal estimation is based on all cases, both complete and incomplete, and the procedure includes estimation of the conditional probability of missing the predictor given the response. Proposed estimators are completely data‐driven, do not involve imputation of missing values, and adapt to missing mechanism and smoothness of an estimated regression function. Theoretical results are complemented by the analysis of a credit score survey data. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:265–275. doi: 10.1002/wics.1303

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
The many ways to age for a single yeast cell
Authors: Carmona‐Gutierrez Didac , Büttner Sabrina
Published: May 2014

The identification and characterization of the molecular determinants governing ageing represents the key to counteracting age‐related diseases and eventually prolonging our health span. A large number of fundamental insights into the ageing process have been provided by research into the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which couples a wide array of technical advantages with a high degree of genetic, proteomic and mechanistic conservation. Indeed, this unicellular organism harbours regulatory pathways, such as those related to programmed cell death or nutrient signalling, that are crucial for ageing control and are reminiscent of other eukaryotes, including mammals. Here, we summarize and discuss three different paradigms of yeast ageing: replicative, chronological and colony ageing. We address their physiological relevance as well as the specific and common characteristics and regulators involved, providing an overview of the network underlying ageing in one of the most important eukaryotic model organisms. © 2014 The Authors. Yeast published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The Family of LiCo6P4 Type Compounds – Trends in Electronic Structure and Chemical Bonding
Authors: Matar Samir F. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: May 2014

Selected ternary compounds of the family of AT6X4 (LiCo6P4‐type) intermetallics were studied by ab initio methods with respect to their electronic structures and chemical bonding. The bonding characteristics highlight the role of the three‐dimensional [T6X4] polyanionic networks which, within the hexagonal channels, accommodate loosely bonded A cations. In alkali metal based compounds, when T is replaced by indium (e.g. in KIn6Au4) the reverse occupancy leads to positively charged In (ca. +0.5) and negatively charged Au (ca. –0.9). Peculiar magnetic behavior is traced out whereby a magnetic order is identified only when T is a 3d element, which polarizes and induces a negative small moment on A (U) as in UCr6P4 oppositely to CeRh6X4 for X = Si, Ge.
The effect of noise on the response of a vertical cantilever beam energy harvester
Authors: Friswell M.I. , Bilgen O. , Ali S.F. , Litak G. , Adhikari S.
Published: May 2014

An energy harvesting concept has been proposed comprising a piezoelectric patch on a vertical cantilever beam with a tip mass. The cantilever beam is excited in the transverse direction at its base. This device is highly nonlinear with two potential wells for large tip masses, when the beam is buckled. For the pre‐buckled case considered here, the stiffness is low and hence the displacement response is large, leading to multiple solutions to harmonic excitation that are exploited in the harvesting device. To maximise the energy harvested in systems with multiple solutions the higher amplitude response should be preferred. This paper investigates the amplitude of random noise excitation where the harvester is unable to sustain the high amplitude solution, and at some point will jump to the low amplitude solution. The investigation is performed on a validated model of the harvester and the effect is demonstrated experimentally.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Leads to Reduction in Thyroxine Requirement in Morbidly Obese Patients With Hypothyroidism
Authors: Aggarwal Sandeep , Modi Shrey , Jose Toney
Published: May 2014

Background

The impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on various co‐morbidities including type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and sleep apnea is well established. However, its effect on hypothyroidism has not been given due attention evidenced by the scant literature on the subject. The purpose of this report is to assess the change in thyroxine (T4) requirement in morbidly obese patients with clinical hypothyroidism after LSG.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of morbidly obese patients on T4 replacement therapy for clinical hypothyroidism who underwent LSG from August 2009 to July 2012 at our institution.

Results

Of the 200 patients who underwent LSG during this period, 21 (10.5 %) were on T4 replacement therapy preoperatively for clinical hypothyroidism. Two patients were lost to follow‐up. The remaining 19 patients were categorized into two groups. Group 1 comprised 13 patients with decreased T4 requirements after LSG. Group 2 comprised six patients in whom the T4 dose remained unaltered. The mean change in T4 requirement in group 1 was 42.07 % (12–100 %). Group 1 patients had a significantly higher mean preoperative body mass index (48.7 vs. 43.0 kg/m2; p = 0.03) than the group 2 patients. There was a significant correlation between the percentage excess weight loss and the percentage change in T4 requirement in group 1 (r = 0.607, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Sleeve gastrectomy has a favorable impact on hypothyroid status as seen by a reduction in T4 requirement in the majority of morbidly obese patients with overt hypothyroidism.
Measuring Attitudes About Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: The ATT-IPV Scale
Authors: Yount Kathryn M. , VanderEnde Kristin , Zureick-Brown Sarah , Anh Hoang Tu , Schuler Sidney Ruth , Minh Tran Hung
Published: May 2014

In lower-income settings, women more often than men justify intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet, the role of measurement invariance across gender is unstudied. We developed the ATT-IPV scale to measure attitudes about physical violence against wives in 1,055 married men and women ages 18–50 in My Hao district, Vietnam. Across 10 items about transgressions of the wife, women more often than men agreed that a man had good reason to hit his wife (3 % to 92 %; 0 % to 67 %). In random split-half samples, one-factor exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (N1 = 527) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (N2 = 528) models for nine items with sufficient variability had significant loadings (0.575–0.883; 0.502–0.897) and good fit (RMSEA = 0.068, 0.048; CFI = 0.951, 0.978, TLI = 0.935, 0.970). Three items had significant uniform differential item functioning (DIF) by gender, and adjustment for DIF revealed that measurement noninvariance was partially masking men’s lower propensity than women to justify IPV. A CFA model for the six items without DIF had excellent fit (RMSEA = 0.019, CFI = 0.994, TLI = 0.991) and an attitudinal gender gap similar to the DIF-adjusted nine-item model, suggesting that the six-item scale reliably measures attitudes about IPV across gender. Researchers should validate the scale in urban Vietnam and elsewhere and decompose DIF-adjusted gender attitudinal gaps.
Phases of unimodular complex valued maps: optimal estimates, the factorization method, and the sum-intersection property of Sobolev spaces
Authors: Mironescu Petru , Molnar Ioana
Published: May 2014

We address and answer the question of optimal lifting estimates for unimodular complex valued maps: given

s > 0

and

1 \leq p < \infty

, find the best possible estimate of the form

|\varphi |_{W^{s,p}}≲F(|e^{ı\varphi }|_{W^{s,p}})

.

The most delicate case is

sp < 1

. In this case, we extend the results obtained in [3,4] for

p = 2

(using

L^{2}

Fourier analysis and optimal constants in the Sobolev embeddings) by developing non-

L^{2}

estimates and an approach based on symmetrization. Following an idea of Bourgain (presented in [3]), our proof also relies on averaged estimates for martingales. As a byproduct of our arguments, we obtain a characterization of fractional Sobolev spaces with

0 < s < 1

involving averaged martingale estimates.

Also when

sp < 1

, we propose a new phase construction method, based on oscillations detection, and discuss existence of a bounded phase.

When

sp \geq 1

, we extend to higher dimensions a result on optimal estimates of Merlet [20], based on one-dimensional arguments. This extension requires new ingredients (factorization techniques, duality methods).