bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly(lactic acid) composites containing thymol
Authors: Tawakkal Intan S.M.A. , Cran Marlene J. , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: May 2016

The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporated with 30% w/w untreated kenaf (UK) or treated kenaf (TK) fibers was explored together with the inclusion of 5%–10% w/w thymol for potential antimicrobial packaging material applications. The TK fiber composites had significantly higher tensile strength than those containing UK fibers. Scanning electron micrograph images showed a better adhesion between the TK fibers and the matrix was achieved resulting in improved reinforcement of the PLA/TK fiber composite. The neat PLA and composites containing 10% w/w thymol exhibited lower processing torque, tensile strength, and glass transition temperatures than those without thymol suggesting a possible lubricating and/or plasticizing effect. However, the incorporation of thymol into PLA at this level as well as into the composites did not influence the flexibility of the materials as a whole. Decomposition in compost progressed rapidly for neat PLA and PLA/thymol resulting in complete disintegration within 35 days. The presence of kenaf slightly inhibited the decomposition although complete disintegration of the composite was achieved within 48 days. The results suggest that PLA composites containing kenaf have the potential to be developed as rigid, compostable food packaging items such as trays from biodegradable and renewable resources. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1261–1272, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
The maternal age‐related first trimester risks for trisomy 21, 18 and 13 based on Danish first trimester data from 2005 to 2014
Authors: Hartwig Tanja Schlaikjær , Sørensen Steen , Jørgensen Finn Stener
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Most currently used age‐related risks of T21, T18 and T13 are based on estimates of the live‐birth prevalence, and describe an exponential increase of risk by increased maternal age. We investigated the first trimester prevalence of T21, T18 and T13 in a large population of Danish women.

Methods

From the Danish Cytogenetic Central Registry we got the information of all pre‐ and postnatally diagnosed fetuses with T21, T18 or T13 between 2005 and 2014 in Denmark. Information on the total number of births and maternal age at birth were gathered from StatBank Denmark.

Results

The total number of included women was 605 853. The total number of T21 cases was 1564, T18 cases was 401 and T13 cases was 157. The overall first trimester prevalence per 10 000 pregnancies was 25.8 for T21, 6.6 for T18 and 2.6 for T13. Boltzmann sigmoidal model (Y = Bottom + (top‐bottom / (1 − exp (V50 − X) / slope)) was found to best describe the age‐related risk of T21, T18 and T13.

Conclusion

We found that the age‐related risks are better described by sigmoidal functions, contrary to the widely assumed exponential functions. Our results indicate a lower age‐related a priori risk of T21, T18 and T13 compared to widely used risk models. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die einfachste Eisenbahn der Welt
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim , Schlichting Jan
Published: May 2016

Die einfachste Eisenbahn besteht aus einer Stabbatterie mit ferromagnetischen Polen. An diesen haftet durch magnetische Anziehung je ein Zylindermagnet, von dem jeweils derselbe Magnetpol von der Batterie weg nach außen weist. Schiebt man diese Achse in eine aus gut leitendem Draht gewickelte Spule, so werden die beiden elektrischen Pole via Magneten leitend miteinander verbunden. Der starke Strom erzeugt ein Magnetfeld, das an dem einen Magneten zu einer Abstoßung und an dem anderen zu einer Anziehung führt. Dadurch bewegt sich die magnetbewehrte Batterie wie eine Eisenbahn durch einen Tunnel.
Schnelles Schalten mit Licht
Authors: Krausz Ferenc , Schultze Martin
Published: May 2016

Das schnelle Schalten elektrischer Ströme ist die Grundlage der modernen Elektronik und Computertechnologie. Der mit dem Schaltprozess verbundene Energieverbrauch und die daraus resultierende Wärmeentwicklung ist zugleich der limitierende Faktor für die Erhöhung der Schaltfrequenzen. Experimente mit einer Zeitauflösung im Attosekundenbereich zeigen einen möglichen Ausweg. Mit dem starken elektrischen Feld ultrakurzer Laserimpulse lassen sich elektrische Ströme mit Lichtfrequenz bei gleichzeitig verschwindendem Energieverlust schalten. Diese physikalischen Prozesse erfordern noch ein tiefergehendes Verständnis. Davon könnte eine zukünftige “Lichtelektronik” profitieren, die wesentlich schnellere und leistungsfähigere Informationstechnologien hervorbringen könnte.
Der Hummelflug in Turbulenz
Authors: Engels Thomas , Sesterhenn Jörn , Kolomenskiy Dmitry , Schneider Kai , Lehmann Fritz‐Olaf
Published: May 2016

Fliegende Tiere im Allgemeinen und insbesondere Insekten schlagen mit den Flügeln, um ihren Vor‐ und Auftrieb zu erzeugen. Landläufiger Meinung zum Trotz können Hummeln erstaunlich gut fliegen. Mit Hilfe der bisher aufwändigsten Computersimulationen haben wir zeigen können, dass die aerodynamischen Mechanismen des Schlagfluges auch dann noch funktionieren, wenn das Insekt in starke Turbulenz gerät.
Schweinemedaillons im Differentialkalorimeter
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: May 2016

Werden Schweinemedaillons bei großer Hitze gebraten, geraten sie oft trocken, zäh und faserig. Hohe Temperaturen bekommen manchen Proteinen offenbar nicht besonders gut. Grund genug, sich das thermische Verhalten der relevanten Eiweiße im Lendenmuskel genauer anzusehen.
The experiences of caregivers of patients with delirium, and their role in its management in palliative care settings: an integrative literature review
Authors: Finucane Anne M. , Lugton Jean , Kennedy Catriona , Spiller Juliet A.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To explore the experiences of caregivers of terminally ill patients with delirium, to determine the potential role of caregivers in the management of delirium at the end of life, to identify the support required to improve caregiver experience and to help the caregiver support the patient.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched—PsychInfo, Medline, Cinahl and Scopus from January 2000 to July 2015 using the terms ‘delirium’, ‘terminal restlessness’ or ‘agitated restlessness’ combined with ‘carer’ or ‘caregiver’ or ‘family’ or ‘families’. Thirty‐three papers met the inclusion criteria and remained in the final review.

Results

Papers focused on (i) caregiver experience—distress, deteriorating relationships, balancing the need to relieve suffering with desire to communicate and helplessness versus control; (ii) the caregiver role—detection and prevention of delirium, symptom monitoring and acting as a patient advocate; and (iii) caregiver support—information needs, advice on how to respond to the patient, interventions to improve caregiver outcomes and interventions delivered by caregivers to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

High levels of distress are experienced by caregivers of patients with delirium. Distress is heightened because of the potential irreversibility of delirium in palliative care settings and uncertainty around whether the caregiver–patient relationship can be re‐established before death. Caregivers can contribute to the management of patient delirium. Additional intervention studies with informational, emotional and behavioural components are required to improve support for caregivers and to help the caregiver support the patient. Reducing caregiver distress should be a goal of any future intervention.© 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
MoxW1−x(SySe1−y)2 Alloy Nanoflakes for High‐Performance Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gong Qiufang , Sheng Sida , Ye Hualin , Han Na , Cheng Liang , Li Yanguang
Published: May 2016

Over years, layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have shown vast potentials in catalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While most current research works are exclusively focused on binary systems, very little attention has been paid to their ternary and quaternary alloys. In this work, a high‐temperature solution method is employed to prepare 25 different MoxW1−x(SySe1−y)2 alloys with high yields. Resulting products are comprised of thin nanoflakes with cation and anion compositions independently tunable over the entire range. When evaluated as HER electrocatalysts in acids, these materials exhibit high activity and durability with small onset overpotentials and Tafel slopes. Furthermore, some general trend in their composition‐activity correlation is observed, and a few most active combinations successfully identified. This study may provide valuable insights in the future search of high‐performance HER electrocatalysts based on TMDs.
Children with lower respiratory tract infections and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels: A case–control study
Authors: Velarde López Angel Alfonso , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Leonard Mary B. , Xie Dawei , Schinnar Rita , Strom Brian L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children under age of 5 years worldwide. The role of vitamin D in respiratory infections including pneumonia is unclear; therefore, we aimed to determine if children with lower respiratory tract infections had low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3.

Methods

We performed a case–control study of children ages 3–60 months from the Guatemala City metropolitan area, hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia between September and December 2012. Controls were selected from the well‐baby/care immunization clinics serving the population from which cases emerged. We analyzed serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and conducted parental interviews to assess subject age, sex, race, feeding type, vitamin D supplementation, frequency of sun exposure, and maternal education. Height and weight were ascertained from medical records. Complete information was available for 70 (83%) of 84 eligible cases and 68 (60%) of 113 eligible controls.

Results

The median (IQR) serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration for cases was 23.2 ng/ml (14.4–29.9) compared to 27.5 ng/ml (21.4–32.3) in controls (P = 0.006). Multiple regression analysis using an a priori cut‐point for vitamin D of <20 ng/ml showed that children with lower respiratory tract infections were more likely to have low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels than controls (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.2, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Children with lower respiratory tract infections in Guatemala had low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1080–1087. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Layer formation and morphology of ultrasonic spray coated polystyrene nanoparticle layers
Authors: Stryckers J. , D'Olieslaeger L. , Silvano J. V. M. , Apolinario C. K. , Laranjeiro A. C. G. , Gruber J. , D'Haen J. , Manca J. , Ethirajan A. , Deferme W.
Published: May 2016

Nanoparticles have been increasingly studied due to their unique properties. The deposition of uniform layers with these nanoparticles however is a crucial step in many of their applications. In this work, ultrasonic spray coating is the technique of choice as it is by design well‐suited for the deposition of nano‐suspension dispersions. The influence of different deposition parameters, ink composition and post‐treatment are subject of study in this paper. It is shown in this work that (mass‐) production of uniform nanoparticle layers is possible due to the narrow distribution of the droplet size and the deagglomeration of the particles during ultrasonic spray coating. It is also demonstrated that with ultrasonic spray coating it is possible to deposit an eco‐friendly, water‐based nanoparticle ink into layers with desired thickness and morphology.
Buoyant Nanoparticles: Implications for Nano‐Biointeractions in Cellular Studies
Authors: Watson C. Y. , DeLoid G. M. , Pal A. , Demokritou P.
Published: May 2016

In the safety and efficacy assessment of novel nanomaterials, the role of nanoparticle (NP) kinetics in in vitro studies is often ignored although it has significant implications in dosimetry, hazard ranking, and nanomedicine efficacy. It is demonstrated here that certain nanoparticles are buoyant due to low effective densities of their formed agglomerates in culture media, which alters particle transport and deposition, dose–response relationships, and underestimates toxicity and bioactivity. To investigate this phenomenon, this study determines the size distribution, effective density, and assesses fate and transport for a test buoyant NP (polypropylene). To enable accurate dose–response assessment, an inverted 96‐well cell culture platform is developed in which adherent cells are incubated above the buoyant particle suspension. The effect of buoyancy is assessed by comparing dose–toxicity responses in human macrophages after 24 h incubation in conventional and inverted culture systems. In the conventional culture system, no adverse effects are observed at any NP concentration tested (up to 250 μg mL−1), whereas dose‐dependent decreases in viability and increases in reactive oxygen species are observed in the inverted system. This work sheds light on an unknown issue that plays a significant role in vitro hazard screening and proposes a standardized methodology for buoyant NP assessments.
Anziehen von geschraubten Verbindungen nach Eurocode 3 und DIN EN 1090‐2
Authors: Stranghöner Natalie , Jungbluth Dominik , Hüller Volker , Machura Gregor
Published: May 2016

Mit der Einführung des Eurocodes 3 und der DIN EN 1090‐2 ist es in Deutschland unter anderem in Bezug auf die Ausführung von geschraubten Verbindungen in Stahltragwerken zu großen Verwirrungen gekommen. Diese beruhen im Wesentlichen – aber nicht nur – auf der Frage: Welches Vorspannkraftniveau darf bei welchem Verbindungstyp mit welchem Anziehverfahren angesetzt werden? Wo die Frage nach dem richtigen Anziehverfahren relativ schnell geklärt ist, da dieses über den Nationalen Anhang zur Bemessungsnorm für Stahlbauanschlüsse, der DIN EN 1993‐1‐8/NA, eindeutig an die Höhe des Vorspannkraftniveaus gekoppelt ist, führt die Frage nach dem “richtigen” Vorspannkraftniveau sowohl beim Tragwerksplaner als auch bei der ausführenden Stahlbaufirma immer wieder zu großen Diskussionen, da das in DIN EN 1090‐2 angebotene Mindestvorspannkraftniveau Fp,C in Deutschland nur mit dem in der nationalen Praxis zwar durchaus bekannten, aber absolut unüblichen Kombinierten Vorspannverfahren aufgebracht werden darf. Alternativ dazu wurde in DIN EN 1993‐1‐8/NA das niedrigere “alte” deutsche Regelvorspannkraftniveau Fp,C* mit Ausführungsregeln zum Anziehen mittels des modifizierten Drehmoment‐Vorspannverfahrens wieder definiert. Weitere praxisrelevante Fragestellungen betreffen exemplarisch das Anziehen von nicht vorgespannten Schraubverbindungen und den Einsatz von nicht CE‐gekennzeichneten Komponenten einer CE‐gekennzeichneten Schraubengarnitur. Im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags werden diese und weitere Fragestellungen zum Anziehen von geschraubten Verbindungen im Stahlbau zusammenfassend beantwortet.

Tightening of bolted connections according to Eurocode 3 and DIN EN 1090‐2. With the introduction of Eurocode 3 and DIN EN 1090‐2, great confusions arise in Germany regarding the execution of bolted connections in steel structures. This is based essentially – but not exclusively – on the question: which preload level may be applied in which connection type with which tightening procedure? Where the question of the correct tightening procedure is resolved relatively quickly, since this is clearly linked via DIN EN 1993‐1‐8 / NA at the height of the applied preload level, yields the question of the “correct” preload level for both the structural engineer and the executive steel construction company to major discussions since DIN EN 1090‐2 offers the minimum preloading force Fp,C which is allowed to be applied in Germany only by the – although known, but absolutely unusual – combined method. Alternatively, the lower “old” German preloading force Fp,C* is defined in DIN EN 1993‐1‐8 / NA with execution rules for the modified torque method. Other practical questions relate to the tightening of non‐preloaded bolts and the use of non CE‐marked components of a CE‐marked bolt assembly. As part of this paper, these and other issues for the tightening of bolted connections in steel structures are answered.
Combustion behavior of polypropylene/polyamide66/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Kouini Benalia , Serier Aicha
Published: May 2016

The addition of treated nanoclay as the reinforcement agent modifies the melt behavior of PP/PA66 nanocomposites, but also profoundly decreases the burning rate of reinforced formulations. To modify the flammability of PP/PA66 nanocomposites, various amounts (0–6 wt%) of treated nanoclay were added to improve the fire performance of PP/PA66 nanocomposites. Horizontal flame test according UL94 was used to evaluate the fire performance of the reinforced formulations, and the results proved that the addition of more than 2 wt% treated nanoclay lead the improvements in flame retardancy through the reduced burning rate. The melt behavior of PP/PA66/Nanoclay nanocomposites was also investigated. It is proposed that, in the presence of clay, the combustion surface changed to a compact carbonaceous–silicate structure. When the clay content was 4–6 wt%, the layered silicates became enriched on part of the surface and formed an island‐like structure; the islands displayed a loose cinder structure with much higher silicon content, in contrast to a surface with low silicon content in the surrounding polymers substrate. As the clay content continued to increase, the char covered most of the combustion surface and more clay accumulated on the burning surface. In addition, the clay particles promoted the formation of the carbonaceous–silicate structure. The melt behavior of the PP/PA66 nanocomposites was affected with increasing addition of clay. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:E68–E71, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and thermal properties of carbon black reinforced natural rubber/polyvinyl alcohol fully‐interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Rao Shiva , Devi S N Shobha , Johns Anish , Kalkornsurapranee Ekwipoo , Sham Aan MP , Johns Jobish
Published: May 2016

Nano composite based on fully interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of natural rubber and polyvinyl alcohol was prepared by reinforcing carbon black (CB) into the IPN matrix. As a common crosslinking agent for both the constituent polymers, glutaraldehyde was used to prepare the fully IPN. Effects of weight fraction of CB on the physical properties of the composites were investigated. A remarkable improvement was observed in the mechanical strength and the thermal stability of the blend by the incorporation of CB. Maximum tensile strength was observed for the nano composite with 0.8% of CB. Further addition of CB resulted in decrease of tensile properties due to the formation of agglomerates, as evident from scanning electron microscope images. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E21–E29, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Torque rheological properties of agro‐waste‐based polypropylene composites: Effect of filler content and green coupling agent
Authors: Chun Koay Seong , Husseinsyah Salmah , Yeng Chan Ming
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the effect of filler content and green coupling agent (GCA) on the torque rheological properties of polypropylene (PP)/cocoa pod husk (CPH) composites. The GCA was prepared from coconut oil and it was used to improve the properties of PP/CPH composites. The processing torque of PP/CPH composites was increased with increasing of filler content and the presence of GCA. The power law index (n) of PP/CPH composites were less than 1.0. Thus, the composites melt showed pseudoplastic character and it exhibited shear thinning effect. The values n of PP/CPH composites increased with higher filler content and after filler modification using GCA. This indicated that the pseudoplasticity of composites were affected by filler–matrix interaction. The viscosity of PP/CPH composites increased after increased filler content and the presence of GCA. The change of viscosity was related to filler–filler interaction and filler–matrix adhesion. The increase of filler content and addition of GCA also increased the activation energy (Ea) of PP/CPH composites. This indicated that the energy of fusion process of PP/CPH composites increased with higher filler content and the addition of GCA. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:E30–E35, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
RNA‐binding proteins in eye development and disease: implication of conserved RNA granule components
Authors: Dash Soma , Siddam Archana D. , Barnum Carrie E. , Janga Sarath Chandra , Lachke Salil A.
Published: May 2016

The molecular biology of metazoan eye development is an area of intense investigation. These efforts have led to the surprising recognition that although insect and vertebrate eyes have dramatically different structures, the orthologs or family members of several conserved transcription and signaling regulators such as Pax6, Six3, Prox1, and Bmp4 are commonly required for their development. In contrast, our understanding of posttranscriptional regulation in eye development and disease, particularly regarding the function of RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), is limited. We examine the present knowledge of RBPs in eye development in the insect model Drosophila as well as several vertebrate models such as fish, frog, chicken, and mouse. Interestingly, of the 42 RBPs that have been investigated for their expression or function in vertebrate eye development, 24 (~60%) are recognized in eukaryotic cells as components of RNA granules such as processing bodies, stress granules, or other specialized ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. We discuss the distinct developmental and cellular events that may necessitate potential RBP/RNA granule‐associated RNA regulon models to facilitate posttranscriptional control of gene expression in eye morphogenesis. In support of these hypotheses, three RBPs and RNP/RNA granule components Tdrd7, Caprin2, and Stau2 are linked to ocular developmental defects such as congenital cataract, Peters anomaly, and microphthalmia in human patients or animal models. We conclude by discussing the utility of interdisciplinary approaches such as the bioinformatics tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery) to prioritize RBPs for deriving posttranscriptional regulatory networks in eye development and disease. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:527–557. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1355

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Single Lesion Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Resection
Authors: Shimoda Mitsugi , Tago Kazuma , Shiraki Takayuki , Mori Shozo , Kato Masato , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: May 2016

Background and objectives

Hepatic resection is established as the treatment for HCC. However, patients sometimes experience early recurrence of HCC (ER HCC) after curative resection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted for 193 patients with single HCC who underwent curative liver resection in our medical center between April 2000 and March 2013. We divided the cohort into two groups; early recurrence group (ER G) which experienced recurrence within 6 months after resection, and non‐early recurrence group (NER G). Risk factors for ER HCC were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐nine out of 193 (20.2 %) patients had ER HCC. Univariate analysis showed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS, p = 0.036), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p = 0.001), level of PIVKA‐II (p = 0.0001), level of AFP (p = 0.0001), amounts of blood loss (p = 0.001), operating time (p = 0.002), tumor size (p = 0.0001), stage III and IV (p = 0.0001), and microvascular invasions (portal vein: p = 0.0001 and hepatic vein: p = 0.001) to be associated with ER HCC. By multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in high NLR (p = 0.029) and high AFP (p = 0.0001) in patients with ER HCC.

Conclusions

Preoperative high AFP (more than 250 ng/ml) and high NLR (more than 1.829) were independent risk factors for ER HCC.
BRAFV600E Mutation is Associated with Decreased Disease‐Free Survival in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Fraser S. , Go C. , Aniss A. , Sidhu S. , Delbridge L. , Learoyd D. , Clifton‐Bligh R. , Tacon L. , Tsang V. , Robinson B. , Gill A. J. , Sywak M.
Published: May 2016

Background

The BRAFV600E mutation is a recognised molecular marker in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), reported incidence from 30 to 80 %. BRAFV600E aberrantly activates the MAPK pathway, a central regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Previous studies have reported conflicting data regarding the impact of BRAFV600E on clinicopathological features of PTC. The study aims to determine whether BRAFV600E is useful as a prognostic biomarker in PTC.

Methods

A cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for PTC was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was disease‐free survival. Secondary outcome measures were tumour size, nodal positivity and radioactive iodine ablation rate. All cases were re‐examined to confirm PTC. Immunohistochemistry for BRAFV600E was performed on tissue microarrays. A single endocrine pathologist, blinded to clinicopathological data, interpreted staining.

Results

496 patients with PTC were included, and 309 (62 %) were BRAFV600E positive. Tumour size was similar for BRAFV600E‐positive and ‐negative tumours (21.3 vs. 23.2 mm, p = 0.23). BRAFV600E‐positive patients were significantly older at first operation (mean age 45 versus 49 years, p = 0.003). BRAFV600E‐positive PTCs had a higher rate of disease recurrence (12.9 vs. 5.6 %, p = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (44 vs. 29.4 %, p = 0.004) and extra‐thyroidal extension (44 vs. 22 %, p < 0.001). Five‐year disease‐free survival was 89.6 % for BRAFV600E positive and 96.3 % for negative tumours, p < 0.001. There was no difference between groups for vascular invasion or multifocality. The mean follow‐up was 57 months for both groups.

Conclusion

BRAFV600E in PTC predicts an increased risk of lymph node metastasis, extra‐thyroidal extension and reduced disease‐free survival. It is an additional useful prognostic biomarker.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Innovatory Incremental-Forming Process Dedicated to the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Szyndler Joanna , Grosman Franciszek , Tkocz Marek , Madej Lukasz
Published: May 2016

The main goal of this work is development of the incremental-forming (IF) process for manufacturing integral elements applicable to the aerospace industry. A description of the proposed incremental-forming concept based on division of large die into a series of small anvils pressed into the material by a moving roll is presented within this article. A unique laboratory device has been developed to investigate the effects of process parameters on the material flow and the press loads. Additionally, a developed numerical model of this process with specific boundary conditions is also presented and validated to prove its predictive capabilities. However, main attention is placed on development of the process window. Thus, detailed investigation of the process parameters that can influence material behavior during plastic deformation, namely, roll size and roll frequency, is presented. Proper understanding of the material flow to improve the IF process, as well as press prototype, and to increase its technological readiness is the goal of this article. Results in the form of, e.g., strain distribution or recorded forging loads are presented and discussed.
Holocene environmental change in the eastern Snake River Plain of Idaho, USA, as inferred from stable isotope analyses of small mammals
Authors: Commendador Amy S. , Finney Bruce P.
Published: May 2016

Previous research on the small mammal population recovered from archeological excavations at the Wasden Site in southeastern Idaho suggests that changing frequency distributions through time represent a shift in climate during the early Holocene from a cooler, wetter regime to a warmer, drier one. This conclusion was re-evaluated using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of bone collagen from the three species of small mammals examined in the earlier studies: pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides), pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis), and ground squirrels (Spermophilus townsendii). Resulting carbon and nitrogen isotopic values are consistent with known differences in feeding ecology, suggesting high fidelity as proxies for past vegetation (and thus climate) regimes. Patterns of 15N enrichment and increased representation of C4-CAM vegetation observed in the pocket gophers, and to a lesser extent ground squirrels, suggests increasing warmth and/or aridity from the early Holocene until ∼7000 cal yr BP, thus supporting previous hypotheses of climate change on the eastern Snake River Plain. The results highlight the potential contribution of such studies for archeological research by providing additional proxies for environmental conditions that bear on paleoecological adaptations to climatic change, including past human use and occupation of the region.
Moral Salience and the Role of Goodwill in Firm-Stakeholder Trust Repair
Authors: Brown Jill A. , Buchholtz Ann K. , Dunn Paul
Published: May 2016

Re-establishing trust presents a complex challenge for a firm after it commits corporate misconduct. We introduce a new construct, moral salience, which we define as the extent to which the firm’s behavior is morally noticeable to the stakeholder. Moral salience is a function of both the moral intensity of the firm’s behavior and the relational intensity of the firm-stakeholder psychological contract. We apply this moral salience construct to firm misconduct to develop a model of trust repair that is based on goodwill, and moderated by the firm’s stakeholder culture.
Outlining the Case for a Common Law Duty of Care of Business to Exercise Human Rights Due Diligence
Authors: CASSEL Doug
Published: May 2016

This article outlines the case for a business duty of care to exercise human rights due diligence, judicially enforceable in common law countries by tort suits for negligence brought by persons whose potential injuries were reasonably foreseeable. A parent company’s duty of care would extend to the human rights impacts of all entities in the enterprise, including subsidiaries. A company would not be liable for breach of the duty of care if it proves that it reasonably exercised due diligence as set forth in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. On the other hand, a company’s failure to exercise due diligence would create a rebuttable presumption of causation and hence liability. A company could then avoid liability only by carrying its burden to prove that the risk of the human rights violations was not reasonably foreseeable, or that the damages would have resulted even if the company had exercised due diligence.
Corporations and Human Rights Obligations
Authors: ARNOLD Denis G
Published: May 2016

The claim that corporations have human rights obligations remains contentious and can be fraught with confusion. This article synthesizes existing corporate human rights theory and responds to objections to the idea that transnational corporations (TNCs) have human rights obligations. The argument proceeds in three stages. The first section describes the different forms TNCs take and explains why TNCs are properly understood as moral agents responsible for their policies and practices. The second section reviews and explains different philosophical theories of corporate human rights obligations. The third section articulates and responds to objections to the idea that corporations have human rights obligations. The main conclusion of this article is that there are multiple, compelling and overlapping justifications of corporate human rights obligations.
Tracking interface and common curve dynamics for two-fluid flow in porous media
Authors: McClure J. E. , Berrill M. A. , Gray W. G. , Miller C. T.
Published: May 2016

The movements of fluid–fluid interfaces and the common curve are an important aspect of two-fluid-phase flow through porous media. The focus of this work is to develop, apply and evaluate methods to simulate two-fluid-phase flow in porous medium systems at the microscale and to demonstrate how these results can be used to support evolving macroscale models. Of particular concern is the problem of spurious velocities that confound the accurate representation of interfacial dynamics in such systems. To circumvent this problem, a combined level-set and lattice-Boltzmann method is advanced to simulate and track the dynamics of the fluid–fluid interface and of the common curve during simulations of two-fluid-phase flow in porous media. We demonstrate that the interface and common curve velocities can be determined accurately, even when spurious currents are generated in the vicinity of interfaces. Static and dynamic contact angles are computed and shown to agree with existing slip models. A resolution study is presented for dynamic drainage and imbibition in a sphere pack, demonstrating the sensitivity of averaged quantities to resolution.
Decadal evolution of a very small heavily debris-covered glacier in an Alpine permafrost environment
Authors: CAPT M. , BOSSON J.-B. , FISCHER M. , MICHELETTI N. , LAMBIEL C.
Published: May 2016

Glacier response to climate forcing can be heterogeneous and complex, depending on glacier system characteristics. This article presents the decadal evolution of the Tsarmine Glacier (Swiss Alps), a very small and heavily debris-covered cirque glacier located in the Alpine periglacial belt. Archival aerial photogrammetry and autocorrelation of orthophotos were used to compute surface elevation, volume and geodetic mass changes, as well as horizontal displacement rates for several periods between 1967 and 2012. A GPR survey allowed us to investigate glacier thickness (15 m mean) and volume (4 × 106m3) in 2015 and to anticipate its future evolution. Different dynamics occurred in recent decades because of the heterogeneous surface characteristics. The climate-sensitive upper debris-free zone contrasts with the progressively stagnant heavily debris-covered glacier tongue. Between 1967 and 2012, the glacier lost 1/3 of its initial volume (2 × 106m3). The average mass balance stabilised at ~−0.3 m w.e. a−1since 1999. Compared with other local glaciers, the Tsarmine Glacier shows a particular decadal behaviour both in time (divergence of mass balance since the 2000s) and space (inverted ablation pattern). This might be explained by the combined influence of debris cover, shadow, snow redistribution and permafrost conditions on this very small glacier.
Glacier area shrinkage in eastern Nepal Himalaya since 1992 using high-resolution inventories from aerial photographs and ALOS satellite images
Authors: OJHA SUNAL , FUJITA KOJI , ASAHI KATSUHIKO , SAKAI AKIKO , LAMSAL DAMODAR , NUIMURA TAKAYUKI , NAGAI HIROTO
Published: May 2016

To better understand the recent wide-scale changes in glacier coverage, we created and compared two glacier inventories covering eastern Nepal, based on aerial photographs (1992) and high-resolution Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) imagery (2006–10). The ALOS-derived inventory contained 1034 debris-free and 256 debris-covered glaciers with total and average areas of 440.2 ± 33.3 and 0.42 km2and 1074.4 ± 206.4 and 4.19 km2, respectively. We found that the debris-free glaciers have lost 11.2% (0.7 ± 0.1% a−1) of their area since 1992, whereas the number of glaciers increased by 5% because of fragmentation. The area change was significantly correlated by simple linear regression with minimum elevation (r= 0.30), maximum elevation (r= −0.18), altitudinal range (r= −0.50), glacier area (r= −0.62) and mean slope (r= 0.16), confirming that larger glaciers tended to lose a larger area (but a smaller percentage) than smaller glaciers. The intra-regional analysis of the glacier changes clearly showed higher shrinkage rates in the western massifs compared with the eastern massifs. In addition, 61 small glaciers covering an area of 2.4 km2have completely disappeared since 1992.
Breakfast consumption and weight-loss maintenance: results from the MedWeight study
Authors: Brikou Dora , Zannidi Dimitra , Karfopoulou Eleni , Anastasiou Costas A. , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: May 2016

Daily breakfast consumption is a common eating behaviour among people who have maintained their weight loss after weight-loss management. However, there is not a precise definition for breakfast in the literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential associations between breakfast consumption (based on several definitions) and weight-loss maintenance, as well as to explore differences in breakfast quality between individuals who managed to maintain part of the weight loss and in those who regained weight loss. The study sample consisted of 354 participants of the MedWeight study (age: 32 (sd 10) years, 61 % women) who had lost ≥10 % of their initial body weight and either maintained the loss for ≥1 year (maintainers, n 257) or regained weight loss (regainers, n 97). Participants completed online questionnaires and reported their dietary intake through two telephone 24-h recalls. Breakfast consumption was evaluated using twelve different definitions. The analysis indicated that breakfast consumption was associated with weight-loss maintenance only in men, when using self-reported breakfast consumption or the following breakfast definitions: (1) the first eating episode consumed at home and (2) the first eating episode consumed at home excluding caffeinated drinks. This association remained statistically significant even after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Thus, breakfast, the first eating episode of the day, when consumed at home, may be protective against weight regaining.
Nudging consumers towards healthier choices: a systematic review of positional influences on food choice
Authors: Bucher Tamara , Collins Clare , Rollo Megan E. , McCaffrey Tracy A. , De Vlieger Nienke , Van der Bend Daphne , Truby Helen , Perez-Cueto Federico J. A.
Published: May 2016

Nudging or ‘choice architecture’ refers to strategic changes in the environment that are anticipated to alter people’s behaviour in a predictable way, without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives. Nudging strategies may be used to promote healthy eating behaviour. However, to date, the scientific evidence has not been systematically reviewed to enable practitioners and policymakers to implement, or argue for the implementation of, specific measures to support nudging strategies. This systematic review investigated the effect of positional changes of food placement on food choice. In total, seven scientific databases were searched using relevant keywords to identify interventions that manipulated food position (proximity or order) to generate a change in food selection, sales or consumption, among normal-weight or overweight individuals across any age group. From 2576 identified articles, fifteen articles comprising eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. This review has identified that manipulation of food product order or proximity can influence food choice. Such approaches offer promise in terms of impacting on consumer behaviour. However, there is a need for high-quality studies that quantify the magnitude of positional effects on food choice in conjunction with measuring the impact on food intake, particularly in the longer term. Future studies should use outcome measures such as change in grams of food consumed or energy intake to quantify the impact on dietary intake and potential impacts on nutrition-related health. Research is also needed to evaluate potential compensatory behaviours secondary to such interventions.
MILITANT CATHOLICISM, INTERCONFESSIONAL RELATIONS, AND THE ROOKWOOD FAMILY OF STANNINGFIELD, SUFFOLK, c. 1689–1737
Authors: BROWN CARYS
Published: May 2016

Explanations of local interconfessional relations in post-revolutionary England tend to highlight the role of Catholic quiescence and compromise in allowing Protestants and Catholics to ‘get along’. By examining the interactions of a Catholic family who were far from quiescent in their religious and political practice, this article suggests that these explanations may overemphasize the compromise of religious minorities, obscuring the importance of the wider local context to the shape of interconfessional relations. The subjects of this study, the Rookwoods of Stanningfield, Suffolk, were active in expression of Catholic religion and its political implications. Contrary to patterns suggested elsewhere, the social and economic interactions of this family with their neighbours illustrate that such ardent Catholicism was not enough to prevent cordial relations with local Protestants. The social and economic importance of the Rookwoods within their community is used to make suggestions as to why they were accepted on the local level against a backdrop of wider anti-Catholic polemic. The example of the Rookwoods implies a need to explore the broader factors which shaped the underlying balance of power on a local level before it is possible to understand the nature of compromises that allowed for peaceful co-existence.
Gambling Preferences, Options Markets, and Volatility
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Bowles T. Boone , Whitby Ryan J.
Published: May 2016

This study examines whether the gambling behavior of investors affects volume and volatility in financial markets. Focusing on the options market, we find that the ratio of call option volume relative to total option volume is greatest for stocks with return distributions that resemble lotteries. Consistent with the theoretical predictions of Stein (1987), we demonstrate that gambling-motivated trading in the options market influences future spot price volatility. These results not only identify a link between lottery preferences in the stock market and the options market, but they also suggest that lottery preferences can lead to destabilized stock prices.
Outcomes of weight management in obese pet dogs: what can we do better?
Authors: German Alexander J.
Published: May 2016

Obesity is arguably the biggest health and welfare issue affecting pet dogs. Although successful weight loss has health benefits, current strategies are far from ideal. Many obese dogs that start a weight programme fail to lose weight, or subsequently regain the weight they have lost. Given that current weight loss strategies are not perfect, clinicians need to focus carefully on tailoring the programme, perhaps setting a pragmatic target for weight loss, so as to ensure the benefits are maximised. This review will summarise key findings from recent clinical research into pet obesity, and present a framework for improving success, by better tailoring weight management regimens and end points to the individual.
A Probable Cattle-Handling Settlement in the Windrush Valley, Oxfordshire: A Brief Summary of 25 Years Work at Gill Mill Quarry, Ducklington and South Leigh
Authors: Booth Paul
Published: May 2016

Extensive long-term excavations at Gill Mill revealed polyfocal floodplain settlement of middle Iron Age date, one area continuing in occupation into the early/mid-third centurya.d.Elsewhere a nucleated site ofc.10 ha developedde novofrom the early second century around a network of minor roads. Characterised by extensive systems of enclosures and limited structural evidence (but probably including a shrine), this settlement, occupied up to abouta.d.370, is interpreted as concerned principally with cattle management and marketing, perhaps with a partly seasonal population base.
Recent Discoveries in the Fort and Extramural Settlement at Vindolanda: Excavations from 2009–2015
Authors: Birley Andrew , Meyer Alexander , Greene Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2016

The most recent work at Vindolanda has produced some startling results which both support and challenge our standing interpretations of some aspects of the frontier zone in Roman Britain. These include the timeline for the development of forts on the frontier, the foundation of extramural settlements and the relationship between fort and extramural settlement. The work raises questions not only about Vindolanda but more generally about the formation of the frontier itself and the interpretation of the archaeology of other sites.
Using Mao to Package Criminal Justice Discourse in 21st-century China
Authors: Trevaskes Susan
Published: May 2016

“Strike hard” anti-crime campaigns, “harmonious justice” and “stability maintenance” are the three key politically inspired agendas of crime control and punishment in 21st-century China. This paper is a study of how discourse has helped to package these agendas and to mobilize politico-legal functionaries into action. It examines discourse in the first weeks of the 2014 “people's war on terror” and the agendas of “harmonious justice” and “stability maintenance” in the Hu Jintao era. It finds that each has been rationalized and shaped by an understanding of the utility of punishment based on Mao's utilitarian dialectics. The political virtuosity of Mao's dialectics is that it can be adapted to suit any political situation. In understanding how Mao connects with criminal justice in China today, this paper identifies what is the “political” in “politico-legal” discourse in the fight against crime in the 21st century.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis in High Secure Services: An Exploratory Hermeneutic Review of the International Literature
Authors: Slater Jonathon , Townend Michael
Published: May 2016

Background: Mainstream psychological interventions may need adaptation in High Secure (HS) healthcare contexts to enable better recovery, safeguard the public and offer economic value. One specific psychological intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), has an already proven efficacy in aiding recovery in non-forensic populations, yet its impact in HS settings has received considerably less research attention. Aims: This exploratory review catalogues CBTp approaches used in HS hospitals and appraises impact through the inclusion of both fugitive literature and peer reviewed research. Method: A pragmatic approach was utilized through an iterative literature search strategy and hermeneutic source analysis of the identified studies. Results: Fourteen studies were identified from HS contexts from within the UK and internationally. These included group, individual therapy and CBTp linked milieus. Conclusions: CBTp is an active component of treatment in HS contexts. Some modes of delivery seem to have greater levels of efficacy with more typical HS patients. The literature indicates key differences between HS and non-HS applied CBTp. Continued application and evaluation of CBTp in HS conditions is warranted.