bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and experimental evaluation of air flotation element with additional air‐intake capacity
Authors: Li Xin , Guo Zhilei , Kagawa Toshiharu
Published: April 2015

Focusing on the flotation transmission of thin and light glass substrates, we propose a new air flotation element design. This new element takes advantage of a rotating airflow to form negative pressure, which then intakes additional air to support the floating workpiece via an intake hole connecting the negative pressure with the atmospheric environment. This design can effectively improve the flotation height and can reduce air consumption. Here, the structure and operating principles of this new element are illustrated, while the fundamental characteristics are experimentally investigated. We study the variation of negative pressure and the resulting intake flow when the flotation height varies. It is found that the new flotation element can intake additional air when the flotation height is larger than a certain critical value. Also, the additional air is conducive to raising the flotation level of the workpiece. This feature is suitable for applications involving low flotation forces, e.g. the flotation transmission of thin and light glass substrates. Additionally, the performances of the new element and the traditional orifice element are compared, indicating that, for the same flotation force and supplied airflow, the newly designed element can increase the flotation height by 25%. On the other hand, the air consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% using the new element, for the same flotation force and height. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of A Star‐Shaped Macromolecular Antioxidant Based on β‐Cyclodextrin and its Antioxidative Properties in Natural Rubber
Authors: Xie Hu , Li Hongqiang , Lai Xuejun , Wu Wenjian , Zeng Xingrong
Published: April 2015

Per‐2,3‐acetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin is first synthesized by selective modification and used as core molecule for preparing a star‐shaped macromolecular antioxidant (β‐CD‐DBHMP) via a two‐step method. β‐CD‐DBHMP is characterized by 1H‐NMR, MALDI‐TOF MS, and TGA. The performance of β‐CD‐DBHMP as antioxidant for natural rubber is determined by OIT and accelerated thermal aging test, and its extraction resistance is also investigated. The results show that β‐CD‐DBHMP with a Mn of 4.03 × 103  g · mol−1 is successfully obtained, and it possesses high thermal stability with an initial weight loss temperature of 290 °C. Moreover, β‐CD‐DBHMP is superior to DBHMP for the stabilization of NR against thermal oxidation, and exhibits better extraction resistance. Its possible antioxidative mechanism is also discussed.
Changing Food Consumption Behaviors
Authors: Lowe Ben , Fraser Iain , Souza‐Monteiro Diogo M.
Published: April 2015

Few products are as pervasive and essential to our everyday lives as food: food fuels and satisfies our body, but also excites, disgusts, arouses, stimulates, and tantalizes all of our senses. It is functional and utilitarian, yet also hedonistic. Food consumption is also often a social act and our environment strongly influences what we consume. Yet, despite its obvious importance to us and our well‐being, it appears that as a society the consumption of food has led to a variety of difficult challenges that require some level of behavior change by consumers. Though several decades of research have sought to find answers to the many food consumption challenges that exist, it appears that excessive consumption of the “wrong” foods and its consequences (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, etc.) have begun to override prior concerns about food consumption deficit. Levels of obesity seem to be rising globally and apparently “no national success stories have been reported in the past 33 years” (Ng et al., 2014, p. 766).
Consumers’ Responses to Small Portions: Signaling Increases Savoring and Satiation
Authors: Areni Charles S. , Black Iain
Published: April 2015

This research examines the savoring or eating behaviors by which consumers are able to adjust their level of satiation to accommodate different portion sizes. Over three experiments, it shows that consumers who receive a smaller number of chocolates than initially expected compensate by eating more slowly (an effect mediated by number of chews) pay more attention to the experience, take longer to rate each chocolate, and show increased levels of satiation, relative to consumers who, while eating, believe they will receive a larger quantity but actually receive the same number of chocolates. This research suggests that communicating the benefits of slowing consumption and savoring ones food, may be a useful tool in reducing the amount of food eaten, as it can be paired with messages highlighting how doing this maintains the utility gained from food in terms of its satiating effect and enjoyment.
Heat‐Stress effects on the myosin heavy chain phenotype of rat soleus fibers during the early stages of regeneration
Authors: Oishi Yasuharu , Roy Roland R. , Ogata Tomonori , Ohira Yoshinobu
Published: April 2015

Introduction: We investigated heat‐stress effects on the adult myosin heavy chain (MyHC) profile of soleus muscle fibers at an early stage of regeneration. Methods: Regenerating fibers in adult rats were analyzed 2, 4, or 6 days after bupivacaine injection. Rats were heat stressed by immersion in water (42 ± 1°C) for 30 minutes 24 hours after bupivacaine injection and every other day thereafter. Results: No adult MyHC isoforms were observed after 2 days, whereas some fibers expressed only fast MyHC after 4 days. Heat stress increased fast and slow MyHC in regenerating fibers after 6 days. Regenerating fibers expressing only slow MyHC were observed only in heat‐stressed muscles. Bupivacaine injection increased the number of Pax7+ and MyoD+ satellite cells in regenerating fibers, more so in heat‐stressed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that heat stress accelerates fast‐to‐slow MyHC phenotype conversion in regenerating fibers via activation of satellite cells. Muscle Nerve 52: 1047–1056, 2015
Force regulation and electrical properties of motor units in overloaded muscle
Authors: Kryściak Katarzyna , Celichowski Jan , Drzymała‐Celichowska Hanna , Gardiner Phillip F. , Krutki Piotr
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The influence of long‐term muscle overload on force regulation and electrical properties of motor units (MUs) was investigated in rats. Methods: Compensatory overload of the medial gastrocnemius was induced by tenotomy of its synergists. Electrophysiological experiments were performed on functionally isolated MUs 3 months after the surgery. Results: Force–frequency curves for overloaded MUs were shifted rightward compared with control, thus MUs developed the same relative tetanic forces at higher frequencies. Higher force increase was achieved in response to an increase in stimulation frequency in overloaded fast MUs compared with control. The optimal tetanic contraction, characterized by the highest force–time area per pulse, was evoked at higher stimulation frequencies for all overloaded MUs except FF. Only minor adaptive changes in MU action potentials occurred. Conclusions: Compensatory muscle overload leads to substantial modifications in MU force development mechanisms, which are MU‐type‐specific and influence whole muscle force regulation. Muscle Nerve 53: 96–106, 2016
Diagnosis of becker muscular dystrophy: Results of Re‐analysis of DNA samples
Authors: Straathof Chiara S.M. , Van Heusden Dave , Ippel Pieternella F. , Post Jan G. , Voermans Nicol C. , De Visser Marianne , Brusse Esther , Van Den Bergen Janneke C. , Van Der Kooi Anneke J. , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. , Ginjaar Hendrika B.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The phenotype of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is highly variable, and the disease may be underdiagnosed. We searched for new mutations in the DMD gene in a cohort of previously undiagnosed patients who had been referred in the period 1985–1995. Methods: All requests for DNA analysis of the DMD gene in probands with suspected BMD were re‐evaluated. If the phenotype was compatible with BMD, and no deletions or duplications were detected, DNA samples were screened for small mutations. Results: In 79 of 185 referrals, no mutation was found. Analysis could be performed on 31 DNA samples. Seven different mutations, including 3 novel ones, were found. Long‐term clinical follow‐up is described. Conclusions: Refining DNA analysis in previously undiagnosed cases can identify mutations in the DMD gene and provide genetic diagnosis of BMD. A delayed diagnosis can still be valuable for the proband or the relatives of BMD patients. Muscle Nerve 53: 44–48, 2016
Effects of the compositional ratio distribution with sulfurization temperatures in the absorber layer on the defect and surface electrical characteristics of Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells
Authors: Yang Kee‐Jeong , Sim Jun‐Hyoung , Son Dae‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Hwan , Kim Gee Yeong , Jo William , Song Soomin , Kim JunHo , Nam Dahyun , Cheong Hyeonsik , Kang Jin‐Kyu
Published: April 2015

Although Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has attracted attention as an alternative absorber material to replace CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) in solar cells, the current level of understanding of its characteristic loss mechanisms is not sufficient for achieving high power conversion efficiency. In this study, which aimed to minimize the characteristic losses across the devices, we examined the relations between the compositional ratio distribution in the absorber layer, subsequent defect formation, and surface electrical characteristics. A high‐temperature sulfurization process was used to improve the crystallinity of the absorber layer, which increased the uniformity of the compositional ratio distribution and consequently suppressed the formation of a ZnS secondary phase on the CZTS/MoS2 interface. Because defects and defect clusters generated in the absorber layer are shallower when the compositional ratio distribution is uniform, the electron‐hole recombination loss is reduced. These characteristics were confirmed by measuring the defect energy level using admittance spectroscopy and by analyzing the surface potential and current characteristics. These measurements revealed that improving the compositional ratio distribution suppresses the formation of deep‐level defects and reduces the rate of carrier recombination. In addition, improving the compositional ratio distribution substantially contributes to improving the series resistance and short circuit current density characteristics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteomic analyses of two reovirus T3D subtypes and comparison to T1L identifies multiple novel proteins in key cellular pathogenic pathways
Authors: Berard Alicia R. , Severini Alberto , Coombs Kevin M.
Published: April 2015

Viruses induce changes in the host to facilitate replication and evade the immune response. These changes are reflected by the host's proteome, including differences in protein abundance. Focusing on up and down regulated proteins after a virus infects the cell will lead to a characterization of the host response to infection, and may give insight into how viruses modulate proteins to evade host defense responses. We previously used SILAC to examine host proteomic changes in protein abundance in HEK293 cells infected with reovirus type 1, strain Lang (T1L). For the present study, we extended this analysis by determining cell protein alterations induced by two different reovirus subtypes, a less pathogenic type 3 Dearing (T3DF) isolate, and a more pathogenic isolate named T3DC that is presently in clinical trials as an anti‐cancer oncolytic agent. This comparison of host proteome regulation showed that T3DC had a more marked effect on DNA replication proteins, recombination and repair, as well as immunological, apoptotic, and survival cell functions. We also identified several proteins not previously identified in any virus infection; branched chain amino‐acid transaminase 2 (BCAT), paternally expressed 10 (PEG10), target of myb1 (TOM1), histone cluster 2 H4b (HIST2H4B) and tubulin beta 4B (TUBB4B).
Machine learning reveals sex‐specific 17β‐estradiol‐responsive expression patterns in white perch (Morone americana) plasma proteins
Authors: Schilling Justin , Nepomuceno Angelito I. , Planchart Antonio , Yoder Jeffrey A. , Kelly Robert M. , Muddiman David C. , Daniels Harry V. , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Reading Benjamin J.
Published: April 2015

With growing abundance and awareness of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment, there is a need for accurate and reliable detection of EDC exposure. Our objective in the present study was to observe differences within and between the global plasma proteomes of sexually mature male and female white perch (Morone americana) before (Initial Control, IC) and after 17β‐estradiol (E2) induction. Semiquantitative nanoLC‐MS/MS data were analyzed by machine learning support vector machines (SVMs) and by two‐way ANOVA. By ANOVA, the expression levels of 44, 77, and 57 proteins varied significantly by gender, treatment, and the interaction of gender and treatment, respectively. SVMs perfectly classified male and female perch IC and E2‐induced plasma samples using the protein expression data. E2‐induced male and female perch plasma proteomes contained significantly higher levels of the yolk precursors vitellogenin Aa and Ab (VtgAa, VtgAb), as well as latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain‐containing protein 1 (Eltd1) and kininogen 1 (Kng1). This is the first report that Eltd1 and Kng1 may be E2‐responsive proteins in fishes and therefore may be useful indicators of estrogen induction.
Nanocomposite hydrogel consisting of Na‐montmorillonite with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Li Ting , Xiang Shuangfei , Ma Piming , Bai Huiyu , Dong Weifu , Chen Mingqing
Published: April 2015

A new kind of nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel with Na‐montmorillonite (MMT) is presented in this article. The NC hydrogels were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of acrylamide and (3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (ATC) in the presence of MMT and N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide used as chemical cross‐linker. Due to the cation‐exchange reaction between MMT and ATC (cationic monomer) during the synthesis of NC hydrogels, MMT platelets were considered chemical “plane” cross‐linkers, different from “point” cross‐linkers. With increasing amount of MMT, the crosslinking degree enhanced, causing a decrease of the swelling degree at equilibrium. Investigations of mechanical properties indicated that NC hydrogels exhibited enhanced strength and toughness, which resulted from chemical interaction between exfoliated MMT platelets and polymer chains in hydrogels. Dynamic shear measurements showed that both storage modulus and loss modulus increased with increasing MMT content. The idea described here provided a new route to prepare hydrogels with high mechanical properties by using alternative natural Na‐MMT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1020–1026
Morphological TEM studies and magnetoresistance analysis of sputtered Al‐substituted ZnO films: The role of oxygen
Authors: Van Gompel M. , Atalay A. Y. , Gaulke A. , Van Bael M. K. , D'Haen J. , Turner S. , Van Tendeloo G. , Vanacken J. , Moshchalkov V. V. , Wagner P.
Published: April 2015

In this article, we report on the synthesis of thin, epitaxial films of the transparent conductive oxide Al:ZnO on (0001)‐oriented synthetic sapphire substrates by DC sputtering from targets with a nominal 1 at.% Al substitution. The deposition was carried out at an unusually low substrate temperature of only 250 °C in argon–oxygen mixtures as well as in pure argon. The impact of the process–gas composition on the morphology was analysed by transmission electron microscopy, revealing epitaxial growth in all the cases with a minor impact of the process parameters on the resulting grain sizes. The transport properties resistivity, Hall effect and magnetoresistance were studied in the range from 10 to 300 K in DC and pulsed magnetic fields up to 45 T. While the carrier density and mobility are widely temperature independent, we identified a low field–low temperature regime in which the magnetoresistance shows an anomalous, negative behaviour. At higher fields and temperatures, the magnetoresistance exhibits a more conventional, positive curvature with increasing field strength. As a possible explanation, we propose carrier scattering at localised magnetic trace impurities and magnetic correlations.

Cross‐sectional HAADF‐STEM image of an Al:ZnO film grown without oxygen in the sputtering gas. The inset is a false‐colour [100] high resolution STEM image (inverted annular bright field: green, annular dark‐field: red) of the ZnO crystal structure.
Surface etching of CZTS absorber layer by Br‐related solution
Authors: Miyazaki H. , Aono M. , Kishimura H. , Katagiri H.
Published: April 2015

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) material has many advantages for high‐efficiency thin‐film solar cell absorber layer. A detailed study of the surface of the CZTS and the hetero‐interface of the CZTS/buffer layer is important to improve the conversion efficiency of CZTS thin film solar cells. We investigated the surface condition of the CZTS films by carrying out the surface treatment using bromine solution. The activation energy of the etching using bromine solution was estimated from the slope of the line fitting the graph of the temperature dependence of the etching rate. The activation energy is about 0.35 eV. This value suggests that etching mechanism of CZTS using bromine solution is diffusion‐limited process. There were no significant changes in the structural characteristics after surface treatment by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. From the results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, a relative surface composition was shifted to Cu‐ and Zn‐rich phase after surface treatment. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the assessment of CIGS surface passivation by photoluminescence
Authors: Joel Jonathan , Vermang Bart , Larsen Jes , Donzel‐Gargand Olivier , Edoff Marika
Published: April 2015

An optimized test structure to study rear surface passivation in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells by means of photoluminescence (PL) is developed and tested. The structure – illustrated in the abstract figure – is examined from the rear side. To enable such rear PL assessment, a semi‐transparent ultra‐thin Mo layer has been developed and integrated in place of the normal rear contact. The main advantages of this approach are (i) a simplified representation of a rear surface passivated CIGS solar cell is possible, (ii) it is possible to assess PL responses originating close to the probed rear surface, and (iii) a stable PL response as a function of air exposure time is obtained. In this work, PL measurements of such structures with and without rear surface passivation layers have been compared, and the measured improvement in PL intensity for the passivated structures is associated with enhanced CIGS rear interface properties.

magnified image

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) bright field cross‐section image of the rear illuminated test structure fabricated for PL characterization.

(© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Memory Enhancement of Acteoside (Verbascoside) in a Senescent Mice Model Induced by a Combination of d‐gal and AlCl3
Authors: Gao Li , Peng Xiao‐Ming , Huo Shi‐Xia , Liu Xin‐Ming , Yan Ming
Published: April 2015

Acteoside, also known as verbascoside or orobanchin, is a common compound found in many important medicinal plants including the Chinese herb Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, which is used for its neuroprotective and memory enhancement properties. We have investigated the effects of acteoside using a senescent mouse model induced by a combination of chronic intraperitoneal administration of d‐gal (60 mg/kg/day) and oral administration AlCl3 (5 mg/kg/day) once daily for 90 days. After 60 days, acteoside (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day) was orally administered once daily for 30 days. The memory enhancing effects of acteoside were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. The results showed that 30–120 mg/kg/day of acteoside reduced the escape latency in finding the platform, and increased the number of crossings of the platform. A 30–120 mg/kg/day of acteoside increased significantly the expression of nerve growth factor and tropomycin receptor kinase A mRNA and protein in the hippocampus, measured using real‐time RT‐PCR, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blotting. These results support the use of C. deserticola for memory enhancement and indicate that the effects of acteoside are induced via promotion of nerve growth factor and tropomycin receptor kinase A expression. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical solution of the pair equation of a model two‐electron diatomic system
Authors: Bodoor Khaled , Kobus Jacek , Morrison John
Published: April 2015

It has been well‐documented that about 90% of the total correlation energy of atomic systems can be obtained by solving so‐called pair equations. For atoms, this approach requires solving partial differential equations (PDE) in two variables. In case of a diatomic molecule, we face devising a method for treating PDEs in five variables. This article shows how a well‐established finite difference method used to solve Hartree–Fock equations for diatomic molecules can be extended to solve numerically a model two‐electron Schrödinger equation for such systems. We show that using less than 100 grid points in each variable, it is possible to obtain the total energy of the helium atom and hydrogen molecule with a chemical accuracy and the S energy of the helium atom and hydride ion as accurately as the best results available. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantum topological resolution of catalyst proficiency
Authors: Jenkins Samantha , Xiao Chen‐Xia , Xu Tianlv , Yin Dulin , Kirk Steven R. , Chass Gregory A.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this exploratory investigation is to characterize, contrast, and explain the differences between efficient Ni(π‐allyl)2 and inefficient Pd(π‐allyl)2 systems in the catalyzed cross‐coupling of alkanes. Within the framework of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, we have created quantum topology phase diagrams (QTPDs) for nonisomeric species by the creation of aggregate‐isomers; simple sum rules are introduced to ensure that the Poincaré‐Hopf relation is obeyed. We show that the catalyzed reaction cycles can be represented as a directed QTPD where each species of the main reaction cycle forms a closed loop. The topological position of the unwanted side products relative to the main reaction cycle for each catalyst is also considered. We find the more efficient Ni(π‐allyl)2 catalyst produces a reaction cycle on the QTPD that contains no “missing” topologies, preferentially proceeding to desired product at 94% yield, while avoiding wasteful side‐product pathways, disconnected from the major pathway by “missing” topologies. The converse is true for the less efficient Pd(π‐allyl)2 catalyst, whose reaction pathway markedly bifurcates to final yields of 56% and 44% for product and side‐product, respectively. We subsequently used our nearest neighbor ring‐critical point approach to show that the species of the main reaction cycle of the efficient Ni(π‐allyl)2 catalyst facilitates the desired chemical transformation whilst more effectively barring the formation of unwanted side product, with respect to the inefficient Pd(π‐allyl)2 catalyst. The findings from the QTPD analysis are in agreement with traditional energetic‐barrier interpretations of reaction pathway preference. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partial‐state stabilization and optimal feedback control
Authors: L'Afflitto Andrea , Haddad Wassim M. , Bakolas Efstathios
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we develop a unified framework to address the problem of optimal nonlinear analysis and feedback control for partial stability and partial‐state stabilization. Partial asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop nonlinear system is guaranteed by means of a Lyapunov function that is positive definite and decrescent with respect to part of the system state, which can clearly be seen to be the solution to the steady‐state form of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and hence guaranteeing both partial stability and optimality. The overall framework provides the foundation for extending optimal linear‐quadratic controller synthesis to nonlinear nonquadratic optimal partial‐state stabilization. Connections to optimal linear and nonlinear regulation for linear and nonlinear time‐varying systems with quadratic and nonlinear nonquadratic cost functionals are also provided. Finally, we also develop optimal feedback controllers for affine nonlinear systems using an inverse optimality framework tailored to the partial‐state stabilization problem and use this result to address polynomial and multilinear forms in the performance criterion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Latin Leapfrog
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: April 2015

Digital media is changing the world, and Latin America is no exception. In fact, some of the fastest transformation in media consumption is happening in Central and South American markets. What does this mean for brands and advertisers? And what does it mean for research?
Mobile as a catalyst for change in marketing
Authors: Briggs Rex
Published: April 2015

Get ready for real‐time creative and media optimisation across all media
The Shape of Things to Come
Authors: McDonald Scott
Published: April 2015

Technological development is so rapid it's even prompting us to wonder whether computers can displace market researchers.
Better bitmap performance with Roaring bitmaps
Authors: Chambi Samy , Lemire Daniel , Kaser Owen , Godin Robert
Published: April 2015

Bitmap indexes are commonly used in databases and search engines. By exploiting bit‐level parallelism, they can significantly accelerate queries. However, they can use much memory, and thus, we might prefer compressed bitmap indexes. Following Oracle's lead, bitmaps are often compressed using run‐length encoding (RLE). Building on prior work, we introduce the Roaring compressed bitmap format: it uses packed arrays for compression instead of RLE. We compare it to two high‐performance RLE‐based bitmap encoding techniques: Word Aligned Hybrid compression scheme and Compressed ‘n’ Composable Integer Set. On synthetic and real data, we find that Roaring bitmaps (1) often compress significantly better (e.g., 2×) and (2) are faster than the compressed alternatives (up to 900× faster for intersections). Our results challenge the view that RLE‐based bitmap compression is best. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting Threats and Opportunities for Foreign Innovators in China's Strategic Emerging Industries: A Policy‐Based Analysis
Authors: Prud'homme Dan
Published: April 2015

This article reviews over 50 recent Chinese policies designated to develop China's “strategic emerging industries” (SEIs), and conducts interviews with foreign firms and Chinese government officials to identify the most significant threats and opportunities for foreign innovators in these industries. Threats identified include initiatives to stimulate the market primarily in the interest of Chinese firms, cultivate “indigenous” intellectual property (IP) rights, and create national champions in specific SEIs. Opportunities include using certain strategies to tap into monetary stimuli for SEIs and supporting industries, benefits from further regionalization and optimization of industrial bases, direct benefits and spillovers from improved IP protection and management, and potential opportunities from increased mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by Chinese firms. These findings should be contextualized with the knowledge that not all aspects of the SEIs’ initiative are “new,” current Chinese industrial policy does not only target seven SEIs, and SEI policies may not all work exactly as intended. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Motivation
Authors: Jang Bong Gee , Conradi Kristin , McKenna Michael C. , Jones Jill S.
Published: April 2015

The main purpose of this article is to provide educators with clear definitions of motivational factors in reading so that instructional planning can capitalize on important distinctions. The authors present definitions of a small set of related motivational concepts (including attitudes, interests, self‐efficacy, self‐concept, goals, and value) and show how awareness of the distinctions can lead to more effective teaching. They provide descriptions of appropriate assessments and detail effective instructional techniques.
Chemical looping technology for energy and chemical production
Authors: Bayham Samuel C. , Tong Andrew , Kathe Mandar , Fan Liang‐Shih
Published: April 2015

Chemical looping has been considered as a promising technology for CO2 capture and for producing electricity and/or chemicals from various carbonaceous feedstocks. This article provides an overview of chemical looping processes, their potential process configurations, and applications for power and chemical production. The designs and results of various demonstration units are discussed in relation to parameters required for commercialization. Furthermore, the barriers to commercialization of a chemical looping plant for power or syngas production are illustrated. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:216–241. doi: 10.1002/wene.173

This article is categorized under:

Fossil Fuels > Science and Materials

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Airway Reconstruction with Autologous Pulmonary Tissue Flap and an Elastic Metallic Stent
Authors: Zhang Suning , Liu Zongang
Published: April 2015

To pursue a suitable central airway replacement, we conducted central airway reconstruction using autologous pulmonary tissue flaps lined with alloy stents in five patients after extensive tracheal resection. Preoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests were used to evaluate efficacy of this technique. All patients demonstrated improved arterial blood gas values and pulmonary function. Follow‐up bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography scan showed that each reconstructed trachea lacked swing or structural damage, and that each transplanted pulmonary tissue flap had ample blood circulation. After as long as 84 months follow‐up, four patients reported no complications, although one patient died from severe hemoptysis 14 months after the surgery. The application of central airway reconstruction using an autologous pulmonary tissue flap lined with an elastic metallic stent provides a promising alternative for patients with thoracic tracheal defects.
A prospective 10‐year study of individualized, intensified enzyme replacement therapy in advanced Fabry disease
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Swift Caren , Wang Xuan , Blankenship Derek , Ries Markus
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that more frequent enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) slows the decline in kidney function in adult patients with Fabry disease.

Methods

A single center open label 10‐year prospective clinical trial of 12 patients with advanced Fabry disease who, after having experienced an ongoing decline in renal function after 2‐4 years of receiving ERT at the approved dose of 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase alfa every other week (EOW), were switched to weekly (EW) ERT at the same dose. We used linear regression to fit each individual patient's longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) record in order to compare the deterioration rates between EOW and EW ERT.

Results

For the entire group, mean slope on agalsidase alfa every 2 weeks was ‐7.92 ± 2.88 ml/min/1.73 m2/year and 3.84 ± 4.08 ml/min/1.73 m2/year on weekly enzyme infusions (p = 0.01, two‐tailed paired t test). Three patients (25 %) completed the entire study with relatively preserved renal function while 50 % of patients reached end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) during the 10 years of this study. The estimated average delay to ESRD was 13.8 years [n = 11; 95 % CI 0.66, 27]. One patient had a positive eGFR slope on weekly infusions while the patient with the highest antibody titer had a steeper slope after switching. Mean globotriaosylceramide concentrations in urine and plasma as well as urine protein excretion remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Weekly enzyme infusions slow the decline of renal function in a subgroup of more severe patients thus showing that existing ERT can be further optimized.
Adolescent hallux valgus: A systematic review of outcomes following surgery
Authors: Harb Ziad , Kokkinakis Michail , Ismail Hiba , Spence Gavin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The management of adolescent hallux valgus (AHV) remains controversial, with reservations about both conservative and surgical treatments. Non-operative management has a limited role in preventing progression. Surgical correction of AHV has, amongst other concerns, been associated with a high prevalence of recurrence of deformity after surgery. We conducted a systematic review to assess clinical and radiological outcomes following surgery for AHV.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar and PubMed. The study was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Demographic data, radiographic parameters and results of validated clinical scoring systems were analysed.

Results

The published literature on AHV is largely heterogeneous and retrospective. Nine contemporary studies reporting on 140 patients (201 osteotomies) were included. The female to male ratio was 10:1. The mean age at operation was 14.5 years (range 10.5–22). The mean follow-up was 41.6 months (range 12–134). The mean post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 85.8 (standard deviation, SD ±7.38). The mean AOFAS patient satisfaction showed that 86 % (SD ±11.27) of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcome. On the duPont Bunion Rating Score (BRS), 90 % rated their outcome as good or excellent. There was a statistically significant improvement in the inter-metatarsal angle (IMA, p = 0.0003), hallux valgus angle (HVA, p < 0.0001) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Based on the most current published evidence, contemporary surgical interventions for AHV show excellent clinical and radiological outcomes, with high patient satisfaction. The rates of recurrence and other complications are lower than the historically reported figures. There is a need for high-level, multi-centre collaborative studies with prospective data to establish the long-term outcomes and optimal surgical procedure(s).
Opposite expression of CYP51A1 and its natural antisense transcript AluCYP51A1 in adenovirus type 37 infected retinal pigmented epithelial cells
Authors: Pickl Julia Maria Anna , Kamel Wael , Ciftci Sibel , Punga Tanel , Akusjärvi Göran
Published: April 2015

Cytochrome P450 family member CYP51A1 is a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis whose deregulation is implicated in numerous diseases, including retinal degeneration. Here we describe that HAdV‐37 infection leads to downregulation of CYP51A1 expression and overexpression of its antisense non‐coding Alu element (AluCYP51A1) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. This change in gene expression is associated with a reversed accumulation of a positive histone mark at the CYP51A1 and AluCYP51A1 promoters. Further, transient AluCYP51A1 RNA overexpression correlates with reduced CYP51A1 mRNA accumulation. Collectively, our data suggest that AluCYP51A1 might control CYP51A1 gene expression in HAdV‐37‐infected RPE cells.
Performance Management Can Be Fixed: An On-the-Job Experiential Learning Approach for Complex Behavior Change
Authors: Pulakos Elaine D. , Hanson Rose Mueller , Arad Sharon , Moye Neta
Published: April 2015

In spite of numerous attempts over decades to improve performance management (PM) systems, PM is viewed as more broken than ever, with managers and employees seeing it as a burdensome activity that is of little value. Yet, the behaviors that PM is meant to achieve are in fact important drivers of engagement and performance. So where is the disconnect? The problem is that formal PM systems have reduced PM to intermittent steps and processes that are disconnected from day-to-day work and behaviors that actually drive performance: communicating ongoing expectations, providing informal feedback in real time, and developing employees through experience. To deliver on its promise, PM needs to shift from focusing on the formal system to focusing on the PM behaviors that matter every day. We describe a 5-step PM reform process that helps organizations achieve this change and that shows promise for increasing satisfaction and positive outcomes from PM processes. Central to the intervention is that organizational members need to intentionally practice and solidify effective PM behavior through a structured, on-the-job, experiential learning intervention that yields meaningful behavior change. The change-management and training interventions discussed here provide a model for organizational culture and behavior change efforts beyond PM.
Embracing the “Two-Body Problem”: The Case of Partnered Academics
Authors: Fisher Cynthia D.
Published: April 2015

The focal article has given examples of children, other relatives, and friends as potential beneficiaries of preferential treatment and has discussed the counterbalancing likelihood of organizational gain from (properly) employing individuals who already share social connections. Surprisingly, there is minimal mention of spouses or domestic partners. From the 1970s through the 1990s, a number of articles were published on the legal and practical issues of applying antinepotism policies to spouses, but since 2000, the literature has been almost entirely silent. This is surprising given that, in 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 47.4% of U.S. families involve husbands and wives who both work.
Going Beyond the Fix: Taking Performance Management to the Next Level
Authors: Church Allan H. , Ginther Nicole M. , Levine Rebecca , Rotolo Christopher T.
Published: April 2015

Most organizations require some level of emphasis on sustained performance to survive. This is particularly true of publically traded organizations or those concerned with profit-and-loss accountability. In short, performance needs to be managed. As a result, performance management (PM) is a key practice in business and is often one of the primary areas of responsibility for industrial and organizational (I-O) practitioners in organizational settings. It is also a key lever for change in organization development (OD) interventions (e.g., Church, Rotolo, Shull, & Tuller, 2014), particularly when linked to specific behaviors that are being introduced and/or reinforced for the future success of the organization. Unfortunately, as Pulakos, Mueller Hanson, Arad, and Moye (2015) have noted, leaders and employees in most organizations fundamentally dislike PM. In fact, this dislike is so intense that it has resulted in professional conferences, workshops, and popular business books focused on the simplification, replacement, or even demise of the field (e.g., Culbert, 2010; Effron & Ort, 2010). There is even a PM book for dummies (Lloyd, 2009).
Improvements in Performance Management Through the Use of 360 Feedback
Authors: Campion Michael C. , Campion Emily D. , Campion Michael A.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this commentary is to complement the lead article by Pulakos, Mueller Hanson, Arad, and Moye (2015) by proposing the incorporation of 360 feedback as another means of improving performance management (PM). A 360 feedback refers to the practice of soliciting anonymous ratings and narrative comments on the job performance and other behaviors of the focal employee from a wide range of others who have worked with the employee. These sources include peers, subordinates, other managers, and often customers, as well as the immediate supervisor and self-ratings. There is an extensive body of research literature on 360s. Almost 300 articles and books have accumulated on the topic over the past 30 years (Campion, Campion, & Campion, 2014), resulting in substantial knowledge about the usefulness and effectiveness of 360s. Although the primary purpose of 360s has been employee development, 360s are being increasingly used within PM systems.
Microbiota associated with pollen, bee bread, larvae and adults of solitary beeOsmia cornuta(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Lozo J. , Berić T. , Terzić-Vidojević A. , Stanković S. , Fira D. , Stanisavljević L.
Published: April 2015

Using cultivation-dependant method, we isolated 184 strains from fresh and old bee bread, pollen, larvae and adults of solitary beeOsmia cornuta. The 16S rDNA sequencing of 79 selected isolates gave the final species-specific identification of strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that microbiota isolated from five different sources were represented with 29 species within three different phyla, Firmicutes with 25 species, Actinobacteria with only one species and Proteobacteria with three species of Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial biodiversity presented with Shannon–Wiener index (H′) was highest in the alimentary tract of adults and old bee bread (H′ = 2.43 andH′ = 2.53, respectively) and in the same time no dominance of any species was scored. On the contrary, results obtained for Simpson index (D) showed that in pollen samples the dominant species wasPantoea agglomerans(D= 0.42) while in fresh bee bread that wasStaphylococcussp. (D= 0.27). We assume that microbial diversity detected in the tested samples of solitary beeO. cornutaprobably come from environment.
Mitochondrial DNA revealed the extent of genetic diversity and invasion origin of populations from two separate invaded areas of a newly invasive pest,Cydia pomonella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in China
Authors: Li Y. , Duan X. , Qiao X. , Li X. , Wang K. , Men Q. , Chen M.
Published: April 2015

Cydia pomonellais a serious invasive insect pest in China, and has caused severe damage to the production of apple and pear in its invaded areas. This species is distributing in the northwest and northeast of China, but no occurrence of it has been recorded in the large areas (about 3000–5000 km away) between the invaded northwestern and northeastern regions despite continuous monitoring. As yet the genetic diversity and invasion origin of theC. pomonellapopulations in Northwestern and Northeastern China is obscure. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of 14 populations ofC. pomonellasampled throughout the main distribution regions in Northwestern (Xinjiang and Gansu Provinces) and Northeastern (Heilongjiang Province) China and compared them with nine populations from Europe and other continents using the mitochondrial COI, COII and Cytb genes. Both the populations from Northeastern and Northwestern China shared some haplotypes with populations from other countries. Haplotypes of the three mitochondrial genes had a different distribution in Northeastern and Northwestern China. The northeastern populations had more private haplotypes than the northwestern populations. A large number of the individuals from northwestern populations shared a few haplotypes of each of the three genes. The haplotype numbers and haplotype diversities of the northeastern populations were similar to those of field populations in other countries, but were higher than those of the northwestern populations. Populations from the Northwestern China showed similar haplotype number and haplotype diversity. We conclude that the population genetic background ofC. pomonellapopulations in Northeastern and Northwestern China varies due to different invasion sources and that this should be considered before the application of new pest control tactics.
Nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus as compensatory measures in the context of building renovation: efficacy and predictors of occupancy
Authors: SCHAUB TONIO , MEFFERT PETER J. , KERTH GERALD
Published: April 2015

Currently, renovation and thermal insulation of buildings is happening at a high rate in many European countries, driven in part by the political aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, building renovations often lead to a loss of structures, such as accessible cavities, on which synanthropic species, for example house-nesting birds, depend. In Germany, due to legislative regulations, it is a common practice to install nest-boxes as compensation for destroyed nest sites of birds. However, studies on the efficacy of such measures remain sparse. We monitored the occupancy of 477 compensatory nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus, predominantly placed on renovated prefabricated buildings in a city in Germany. We found 24.3% of the boxes occupied by Swifts. On most buildings, the number of occupied boxes was as high as or even higher than the assumed number of breeding sites prior to renovation. Furthermore, in a district where nearly all buildings had been renovated in the past 10 years, we recorded a remarkably high density of Swifts breeding in nest-boxes. Using boosted regression trees, we analysed whether eight different nest-box properties influenced box occupation probability. The number of neighbouring boxes was the most important. Additionally, box age, facade orientation, city district, relative and absolute height, and manner of installation (external/internal) also played a role. Between different nest-box types, we found only negligible differences in occupation probability. Our findings suggest that installing nest-boxes is likely to be an appropriate measure to compensate for nesting sites of Swifts lost during building renovations. Based on our results, we recommend mounting the boxes a few metres apart from each other and close to the roof edge to maximise success. Further studies should be carried out to assess whether our results and conclusions can be confirmed in other situations.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICE INDICES FOR TOKYO
Authors: Diewert Erwin , Shimizu Chihiro
Published: April 2015

This paper uses hedonic regression techniques to decompose the price of a house into land and structure components using real estate sales data for Tokyo. To get sensible results, a nonlinear regression model using data that covered multiple time periods was used. Collinearity between the amounts of land and structure in each residential property leads to inaccurate estimates for the land and structure value of a property. This collinearity problem was solved by using exogenous information on the rate of growth of construction costs in Tokyo in order to get useful constant-quality subindices for the price of land and structures separately.
PARSING POSTWAR AMERICAN RATIONALITY
Authors: JEWETT ANDREW
Published: April 2015

The “long 1950s,” once written off as a conservative era, now figure in many histories as the height of American “high modernity,” the apogee of a scientific outlook rooted in instrumental reason. This portrait suggests that the “Enlightenment project” took firm hold of American thought and culture in the early Cold War years, having finally defeated those who sought to yoke scientific rationality to one or another system of moral restraints. Despite nascent movements of opposition, the story goes, a rationalistic, technocratic form of liberalism dominated national life until the left and right mobilized against it in the 1960s.