bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Research and Analysis of Non-alloy Structural Steel Response Exposed to High Temperature Conditions
Authors: Brnic Josip , Turkalj Goran , Krscanski Sanjin
Published: April 2013

This paper presents and analyzes the responses of non-alloy structural steel (1.0044) subjected to uniaxial stresses at high temperatures. This research has two important determinants. The first one is determination of stress-strain dependence and the second is monitoring the behavior of materials subjected to a constant stress at constant temperature over time. Experimental results refer to mechanical properties, elastic modulus, total elongations, creep resistance and Charpy V-notch impact energy. Experimental results show that the tensile strength and yield strength of the considered material fall when the temperature rises over 523 K. Significant decrease in value is especially noticeable when the temperature rises over 723 K. In addition, engineering assessment of fracture toughness was made on the basis of Charpy impact energy. It is visible that when temperature raises then impact energy increases very slightly.
Removal of Impurities from Metallurgical Grade Silicon by Liquation Refining Method
Authors: Li Jing-wei , Guo Zhan-cheng , Tang Hui-qing , Li Jun-cheng
Published: April 2013

To develop a new method of refining silicon for use in solar cell materials, liquation refining with Al-Si alloying was proposed for purification of metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si). The morphologies of impurities, especially for phosphorus and iron, before and after purification were analyzed. By alloying MG-Si with Al, phosphorus in MG-Si formed Al-Si-Ca-P impurity phase and iron formed skeletal-shaped α-Al8SiFe2 phase into the Al-Si eutectic phase from MG-Si with the presence of Al. It can be concluded that removal mechanism of phosphorus and iron was not only a segregating process, but also a recombining process within certain elements to form specified impurity phases. By centrifugal separation, average separation ratio was 75.73% and average recovery ratio was 82.52% for Al-45%Si system, which is better than traditional separation methods and avoids considerable loss of Al and acid. After refining for four times, mass fractions of phosphorus and boron were reduced to 0.46 × 10−6 and 0.21 × 10−6 respectively. For transition metal impurities, Fe, Ti and Mn, removal fractions of those all were more than 95%.
Differential effects of religiosity on sexual initiation among Nigerian in-school adolescents
Authors: Asubiaro Olayinka Yetunde , Fatusi Adesegun Olayiwola
Published: April 2013

Background: Sexual initiation in adolescence has significant health implications; identifying associated risk and protective factors is critical for context-specific evidence-based interventions. This study examined the influence of religiosity on sexual debut among in-school adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: Data was obtained from 1350 randomly selected in-school adolescents using a self-administered questionnaire. Internal and external religiosity, defined based on the extant literature, were the independent variables. The dependent variable was “ever had sex.” The association between religiosity and the age of sexual debut was assessed using Cox regression and controlling for relevant covariates. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results: Of the participants, 19.8% of the females and 26.6% of the males have had sex (p<0.004). Internal religiosity was protective against sexual debut among females (HR=0.63, 95% CI=0.44–0.91), whereas external religiosity was protective among the males (HR=0.70, 95% CI=0.51–0.71). Age was positively associated with sexual debut among both male (HR=1.11, 95% CI=1.001–1.24) and female adolescents (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11–1.42). Early pubertal development (HR=1.11; 95% CI=1.001–1.24) was also a risk factor for male adolescent sexual initiation. In addition, knowledge of HIV/AIDS risk (HR=0.47; 95% CI=0.30–0.72) was a protective factor against sexual debut among adolescent females, whereas the positive perspective of friends’ involvement in sex (HR=1.014; 95% CI=1.21–2.58) was a risk factor.

Conclusion: The protective effect of internal and external religiosity with regards to sexual debut varied by gender among Nigerian in-school adolescents; the gender differences as well as other significant factors should be taken into account in evidence-based programming to address adolescent sexual health challenges in Nigeria.
Determination of Kinetic Parameter in a Unified Kinetic Model for the Photodegradation of Phenol by Using Nonlinear Regression and the Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Moreira Jesus , Serrano-Rosales Benito , Valades-Pelayo Patricio J. , de Lasa Hugo
Published: April 2013

This study reports the kinetic parameter estimation in the photocatalytic degradation of phenol over different TiO2 catalysts by using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and nonlinear regression. Reaction networks are based on a previously reported unified kinetic model (UKM) of the Langmuir–Hinshelwood type. Nonlinear least-squares fitting and GA are used to find the values for the kinetic constants. The computed parameters were found to predict experimental data for phenol photodegradation at different levels of concentrations. It is shown that both methods render close values for the kinetic constants. This suggests that UKM approach gives the global minimum and as a result, this method provides good and objective parameter estimates with low to moderate cross-correlation among kinetic constants and acceptable 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Global optimization by using GA requires extensive computer times of up to 5 minutes. Least square fitting provides the same results with computer times of seconds only. It is then concluded that the UKM approach effectively avoids overparameterization by finding the global optimum when optimizing the kinetic constants.
Synthesis and electrochemical applications of nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Majeed Saadat , Zhao Jianming , Zhang Ling , Anjum Saima , Liu Zhongyuan , Xu Guobao
Published: April 2013

Nitrogen doping is an effective way to tailor the properties of the shaped carbon materials, including the nanotubes, nanocups, nanofibers, as well as the nanorods, and render their potential use for various applications. The common bonding configurations obtained on the N insertion is the pyridinic N and pyrrolic N, which impart the characteristic properties to these carbon materials. This review will focus on the nitrogen-doped carbon materials, the doping effect on the electrochemistry of the doped nanomaterials, and the various synthetic methods to introduce N into the carbon network. The potential applications of the N-doped materials are also reviewed on the basis of the experimental and theoretical studies in electrochemistry.
Mechanical, electrical and tribological properties of graphite filled polyamide-6 composite materials
Authors: Unal Huseyin , Esmer Kadir , Mimaroglu Abdullah
Published: April 2013

In this study, the influence of adding graphite filler, on the mechanical, electrical and tribological properties of nylon-6 composites, is studied. Graphite fillers with different percentages, varying between 5 and 15 wt% were added to nylon-6 polymer material. Nylon-6 composite samples were prepared by the injection molding process. Tensile, impact, electrical and tribological tests were carried out and the dielectric permittivity tangent loss factor, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, impact strength, specific wear rate and coefficient of friction properties were obtained. The results showed that the tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, and specific wear rate of nylon-6 composites, decrease with the increase in graphite filler weight ratio, while the modulus of elasticity, hardness, real part of dielectric permittivity, imaginary part of dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss, increase with increase in the filler weight ratio. Furthermore, it is observed that a rise in the relaxation time of ionic polarization is proportional to the increase in the amount of graphite in the medium and the dielectric conductivity and loss decrease proportionally after approximately 10 KHz. Finally, the maximum improvement in properties, in total, is recorded following the addition of 5 to 10 wt% graphite filler.
Wetting and the reaction of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced composite solder with a copper substrate
Authors: Huang Her-Yueh , Yang Chung-Wei , Pan Sian-Ze
Published: April 2013

In this work, contact angle, spreading area, and isothermal aging tests were conducted to study the difference between Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu lead-free solder and its composite solder at different multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforcement volume fractions. The material interaction between the solder and the substrate at different aging temperatures and times was investigated using scanning electron microscopy elemental analysis. The experimental results indicated that the composite solder had a lower contact angle as well as good spreading area. An intermetallic compound layer was found between the solder and the copper substrate, and the thickness of this reaction layer increased with increasing aging temperature and time. Meanwhile, the intermetallic compound layer of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforcement composite solder was thicker than that of the Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu lead-free solder. The composite solder with 0.1 vol% multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforcement addition exhibited better comprehensive properties than composite solders with other reinforcement volume fractions.
Crystal structure of di-aqua-bis-(2-(4-methyl-5-oxo-4-propan-2-yl-1Himidazol- 2-yl)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid-nickel(II), Ni(C13H14N3O3)2(H2O)2, C26H32N6NiO8
Authors: Liang Peng , Tian Wei-Man , Yin Xian-Hong , Wei Cheng-Yu , Peng Cai-Hua
Published: April 2013

C26H32N6NiO8, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 12.511(3) Å, b = 19.521(5) Å, c = 23.053(6) Å, V = 5630.2 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0541, wRref(F2) = 0.1570, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of diaqua-bis(2-(4-carboxyphenyl)acetato-κO)-bis(1,3- di(pyridin-4-yl)propane-κN)cobalt(II), C44H46CoN4O10
Authors: Li Gui-Lian , Yin Wen-Dong
Published: April 2013

C44H46CoN4O10, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 43.953(6) Å, b = 8.375(1) Å, c = 11.404(2) Å, β = 101.210(1)°, V = 4117.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0322, wRref(F2) = 0.0836, T = 296 K.
A Hypomorphic Mutation Reveals a Stringent Requirement for the ATM Checkpoint Protein in Telomere Protection During Early Cell Division in Drosophila
Authors: Morciano Patrizia , Zhang Yi , Cenci Giovanni , Rong Yikang S
Published: April 2013

Using Drosophila as a model system, we identified a stringent requirement for the conserved function of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) in telomere protection during early embryonic development. Animals homozygous for a hypomorphic mutation in atm develop normally with minimal telomere dysfunction. However, mutant females produce inviable embryos that succumb to mitotic failure caused by covalent fusions of telomeric DNA. Interestingly, although the atm mutation encodes a premature stop codon, it must not have eliminated the production of the mutant protein, and the mutant protein retains kinase activity upon DNA damage. Moreover, although the embryonic phenotype of this mutation resembles that of hypomorphic mutations in the MRN complex, the function of MRN appears normal in the atm embryos. In contrast, there is a prominent reduction of the level of HipHop, an essential member of the Drosophila capping complex. How ATM functions in telomere protection remains poorly understood. The amenability of Drosophila embryos to molecular and biochemical investigations ensures that this newly identified mutation will facilitate future studies of ATM in telomere maintenance.
Quantitative Trait Locus and Haplotype Analyses of Wild and Crop-Mimic Traits in U.S. Weedy Rice
Authors: Mispan Muhamad S , Zhang Lihua , Feng Jiuhuan , Gu Xing-You
Published: April 2013

Conspecific weeds retained characteristics from wild ancestors and also developed crop mimicries for adaptation and competitiveness. This research was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the wild and crop-mimic traits and to determine haplotype variants for QTL-rich regions in U.S. weedy rice. An F2 population from the cross between a cultivated (EM93-1) and a U.S. weedy (US1) rice line was evaluated for six wild and eight crop-mimic traits in a greenhouse to identify the QTL. A core collection of 27 U.S. weedy red rice lines and 14 AA-genome wild rice lines were determined for the haplotype variants. A total of 49 QTL were identified, with 45 collocated as clusters on 14 genomic segments. The number of haplotypes across the 14 segments was lower in the weedy (6.1 ± 2.4) than in the wild (7.5 ± 1.8) rice sample. Both samples shared ~50% haplotypes (wild-like). The EM93-1−like haplotypes accounted for a greater proportion (30 ± 26%) of the haplotypes in the weedy than in the wild (7 ± 10%) rice. Based on haplotype patterns for the 14 QTL cluster regions, 26 of the 28 red rice lines were clustered into two groups corresponding to the black-hull awned and straw-hull awnless morphological types, respectively. The QTL analysis demonstrated that conspecific weed-crop differentiation involved many genomic segments with multiple loci regulating natural variation for adaptation and competitiveness. The haplotype analysis revealed that U.S. weedy rice retained large blocks of linkage disequilibrium for the multiple loci from the wild relatives and also incorporated haplotypes from cultivars.
Estimating Variable Effective Population Sizes from Multiple Genomes: A Sequentially Markov Conditional Sampling Distribution Approach
Authors: Sheehan Sara , Harris Kelley , Song Yun S
Published: April 2013

Throughout history, the population size of modern humans has varied considerably due to changes in environment, culture, and technology. More accurate estimates of population size changes, and when they occurred, should provide a clearer picture of human colonization history and help remove confounding effects from natural selection inference. Demography influences the pattern of genetic variation in a population, and thus genomic data of multiple individuals sampled from one or more present-day populations contain valuable information about the past demographic history. Recently, Li and Durbin developed a coalescent-based hidden Markov model, called the pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC), for a pair of chromosomes (or one diploid individual) to estimate past population sizes. This is an efficient, useful approach, but its accuracy in the very recent past is hampered by the fact that, because of the small sample size, only few coalescence events occur in that period. Multiple genomes from the same population contain more information about the recent past, but are also more computationally challenging to study jointly in a coalescent framework. Here, we present a new coalescent-based method that can efficiently infer population size changes from multiple genomes, providing access to a new store of information about the recent past. Our work generalizes the recently developed sequentially Markov conditional sampling distribution framework, which provides an accurate approximation of the probability of observing a newly sampled haplotype given a set of previously sampled haplotypes. Simulation results demonstrate that we can accurately reconstruct the true population histories, with a significant improvement over the PSMC in the recent past. We apply our method, called diCal, to the genomes of multiple human individuals of European and African ancestry to obtain a detailed population size change history during recent times.
Warts Transmitted in Families and Schools: A Prospective Cohort
Authors: Bruggink Sjoerd C. , Eekhof Just A.H. , Egberts Paulette F. , van Blijswijk Sophie C.E. , Assendelft Willem J.J. , Gussekloo Jacobijn
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Cutaneous warts are common in primary schoolchildren; however, knowledge on the routes of transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) causing warts is scarce. This study examines the association between the degree of HPV exposure and incidence of warts in primary schoolchildren to support evidence-based recommendations on wart prevention.

METHODS:

In this prospective cohort study, the hands and feet of all children in grades 1 to 7 (aged 4–12 years) of 3 Dutch primary schools were inspected for the presence of warts at baseline and after 11 to 18 months of follow-up. Data on the degree of HPV exposure included information obtained from parental questionnaires: preexistent warts, warts in family, prevalence of warts at baseline in the class, and use of public places (eg, swimming pools).

RESULTS:

Of the 1134 eligible children, 97% participated; the response rate from parental questionnaires was 77%, and loss to follow-up was 9%. The incidence for developing warts was 29 per 100 person-years at risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 26–32). Children with a white skin type had an increased risk of developing warts (hazard ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–3.9). Having family members with warts (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.52–2.86) and wart prevalence in the class (HR 1.20 per 10% increase, 95% CI 1.03–1.41) were independent environmental risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

The degree of HPV exposure in the family and school class contributes to the development of warts in schoolchildren. Preventive recommendations should focus more on limiting HPV transmission in families and school classes, rather than in public places.
A Cough Algorithm for Chronic Cough in Children: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Chang Anne Bernadette , Robertson Colin Francis , Paul van Asperen Peter , Glasgow Nicholas John , Masters Ian Brent , Teoh Laurel , Mellis Craig Michael , Landau Louis Isaac , Marchant Julie Maree , Morris Peter Stanley
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES

The goals of this study were to: (1) determine if management according to a standardized clinical management pathway/algorithm (compared with usual treatment) improves clinical outcomes by 6 weeks; and (2) assess the reliability and validity of a standardized clinical management pathway for chronic cough in children.

METHODS:

A total of 272 children (mean ± SD age: 4.5 ± 3.7 years) were enrolled in a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in 5 Australian centers. Children were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 arms: (1) early review and use of cough algorithm (“early-arm”); or (2) usual care until review and use of cough algorithm (“delayed-arm”). The primary outcomes were proportion of children whose cough resolved and cough-specific quality of life scores at week 6. Secondary measures included cough duration postrandomization and the algorithm’s reliability, validity, and feasibility.

RESULTS:

Cough resolution (at week 6) was significantly more likely in the early-arm group compared with the delayed-arm group (absolute risk reduction: 24.7% [95% confidence interval: 13–35]). The difference between cough-specific quality of life scores at week 6 compared with baseline was significantly better in the early-arm group (mean difference between groups: 0.6 [95% confidence interval: 0.29–1.0]). Duration of cough postrandomization was significantly shorter in the early-arm group than in the delayed-arm group (P = .001). The cough algorithm was reliable (κ = 1 in key steps). Feasibility was demonstrated by the algorithm’s validity (93%–100%) and efficacy (99.6%). Eighty-five percent of children had etiologies easily diagnosed in primary care.

CONCLUSIONS:

Management of children with chronic cough, in accordance with a standardized algorithm, improves clinical outcomes irrespective of when it is implemented. Further testing of this standardized clinical algorithm in different settings is recommended.
Yield of Chest Radiography After Removal of Esophageal Foreign Bodies
Authors: Fisher Jeremy , Mittal Rohit , Hill Sarah , Wulkan Mark L. , Clifton Matthew S.
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to determine the benefit of routine postoperative chest radiography after removal of esophageal foreign bodies in children.

METHODS:

Medical records were reviewed of all patients evaluated with an esophageal foreign body at a single children’s hospital over 10 years. Operative records and imaging reports were reviewed for evidence of esophageal injury.

RESULTS:

Of 803 records identified, 690 were included. All underwent rigid esophagoscopy and foreign body removal. The most common items removed were coins (94%), food boluses (3%), and batteries (2%). The rate of esophageal injury was 1.3% (9 patients). No injuries were identified on chest radiographs done as routine or for concern of injury. Patients with operative findings suggestive of an esophageal injury (n = 105) were significantly more likely to have an injury (8.6% vs 0%, P = .0001). Of the 585 children who did not have physical evidence of injury, 40% (n = 235) received a routine chest radiograph. Regardless of the indication, no injuries were identified on chest films.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that intraoperative findings during rigid esophagoscopy suggestive of an injury are predictive of esophageal perforation. Routine chest radiography is not warranted in children who do not meet this criterion. In patients with a concern for injury, we suggest that chest radiography should be deferred in favor of esophagram.
Thermal Budget Reduction for Back-end Compatibility and Control of Resistance Switching Mechanism (Unipolar to Bipolar) in Pr1-xCaxMnO3 (PCMO) RRAM
Authors: Panwar Neeraj , Rao Gurudatt , Chandra Raju N. Ravi , Nori Rajashree , Kumbhare Pankaj , Deshmukh Sanchit , Srinivasan V S Senthil , Venkataramani N. , Ganguly Udayan
Published: April 2013

A low thermal budget process for back-end compatible PCMO based RRAM cell is essential for 3D stacked memory. In this paper, we investigate two strategies to engineer low thermal budget processing for bipolar switching - (i) deposition engineering i.e. based on deposition temperature and oxygen partial pressure, (ii) post deposition anneal i.e. based on inert anneal of room temperature deposited PCMO film.. We demonstrate that both deposition and anneal shows a transition temperature above which bipolar switching is realized. Oxygen partial pressure is a key deposition process parameter. As oxygen partial pressure is reduced memory window increases, however beyond an optimal O2 partial pressure, unipolar switching is observed. Inert anneal is more effective in thermal budget reduction as N2/550°C/2min anneal has same memory performance as 650°C/2hour deposition process.
Photophysical behavior of ensembles of single semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Patty Kira D. , Sadeghi S. M.
Published: April 2013

In this contribution we explored the impact of irradiation intensity on the fluorescence of single quantum dots and ensembles of single quantum dots over time scales much greater than the blinking of the individual quantum dots. We also investigated how blinking and photo enhancement are influenced by photo-oxidation when the intensity of the irradiating laser was increased. Analysis of the emission photographs shows the presence of large time scale individual and ensemble blinking behavior. Analysis of the data indicates that photoinduced fluorescence enhancement occurs even when the inter-dot spacing of the quantum dots precludes the formation of a Coulomb blockade. Additionally, irradiation of ensembles of CdSe/ZnS SQDs at higher source intensities lead to a more accelerated suppression of quantum dots emission via photo-oxidation than for ensembles of closely packed quantum dots.
Three-dimensional sub-wavelength fabrication by integration of additive and subtractive femtosecond-laser direct writing
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhou Yunshen , He Xiangnan , Gao Yang , Mahjouri-Samani Masoud , Baldacchini Tommaso , Lu Yongfeng
Published: April 2013

Additive nanofabrication by two-photon polymerization (TPP) has recently drawn increased attention due to its sub-100 nm resolution and truly three-dimensional (3D) structuring capability. However, besides additive processes, subtractive process is also demanded for many 3D fabrications. Method possessing both additive and subtractive fabrication capabilities was rarely reported. In this study, we developed a complementary 3D micro/nano-fabrication process by integrating both additive two-photon polymerization (TPP) and subtractive multi-photon ablation (MPA) into a single platform of femtosecond-laser direct writing process. Functional device structures were successfully fabricated including: polymer fiber Bragg gratings containing periodic holes of 500-nm diameter and 3D micro-fluidic systems containing arrays of channels of 1-µm diameter. The integration of TPP and MPA processes enhances the nanofabrication efficiency and enables the fabrication of complex 3D micro/nano-structures that are impractical to produce by either TPP or MPA alone, which is promising for a wide range of applications including integrated optics, metamaterials, MEMS, and micro-fluidics.
Aromatic Polythiourea with Ultrahigh Breakdown Strength for High Energy Density and Low Loss Capacitor Applications
Authors: Wu Shan , Burlingame Quinn , Li Weiping , Lin Minren , Zhou Yue , Chen Qin , Payzant Andrew , Xiao Kai , Zhang Qiming
Published: April 2013

Dielectric capacitors for energy storage are of great importance in modern electronics and electric systems. It is a challenge to realize the high energy density while maintain the low dielectric loss. We investigated an ultra high breakdown electric field of 1.1 GV/m, which is approaching the intrinsic breakdown, in aromatic polythiourea, a new dielectric material that serves a high energy density of 23 J/cm3 as well as high charge-discharge efficiency above 90%. The molecular structure and film surface morphology were also studied, it was proved a polar amorphous phase and glass state material could significantly suppress the high field conduction to several orders smaller compared with regular polymer dielectric materials, which are usually semi-crystalline and in rubber phase.
Elastic strains in polycrystalline UO2 samples implanted with He: micro Laue diffraction measurements and elastic modeling
Authors: Richard Axel , Castelier Etienne , Palancher Herve , Micha Jean-Sebastien , Goudeau Philippe
Published: April 2013

In the framework of the study of long-term storage of the spent nuclear fuel, polycrystalline UO2 samples have been implanted with He ions. The thin implanted layer, close to the free surface is subjected to elastic stresses which are studied by x-ray diffraction (micro Laue diffraction) and a mechanical modeling. A simple expression of the displacement gradient tensor has been evidenced; it concerns only three terms (ε3, ε4 and ε5) which strongly evolve with considered grain orientations. Finally, we show that results obtained with micro diffraction are in very good agreement with conventional x-ray diffraction measurements done in laboratory at macro scale.
Creep rupture due to thermally induced cracking
Authors: Yoshioka Naoki , Kun Ferenc , Ito Nobuyasu
Published: April 2013

We study sub-critical fracture driven by thermally activated crack nucleation in the framework of a fiber bundle model. Based on analytic calculations and computer simulations we show that in the presence of stress inhomogeneities, thermally activated cracking results in an anomalous size effect, i.e. the average lifetime of the system decreases as a power law of the system size, where the exponent depends on the external load and on the temperature. We propose a modified form of the Arrhenius law which provides a comprehensive description of the load, temperature, and size dependence of the lifetime of the system. On the micro-level, thermal fluctuations trigger bursts of breaking events which form a stochastic time series as the system evolves towards failure. Numerical and analytical calculations revealed that both the size of bursts and the waiting times between consecutive events have power law distributions, however, the exponents depend on the load and temperature. Analyzing the structural entropy and the location of consecutive bursts we show that in the presence of stress concentration the acceleration of the rupture process close to failure is the consequence of damage localization.
The Clinical and Histologic Outcome of Dental Implant in Large Ridge Defect Regenerated With Alloplast: A Randomized Controlled Preclinical Trial
Authors: Kim David M. , Nevins Marc L. , Lin Zhao , Fateh Ardavan , Kim Soo-Woo , Schupbach Peter , Nevins Myron
Published: April 2013

A basic tenant of successful osseointegration is that the implant resides in a sufficient quality and quantity of bone to ensure bone contact and thus stabilization. A prospective, randomized controlled preclinical trial was conducted to evaluate the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) when placing implants in bone regenerated by 3 different combinations of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). Dental implants were placed into the regenerated ridges of 6 female foxhounds; the ridges were reconstructed with different formulations of BCP in combination with an hydroxyapatite collagen membrane. They were retrieved after 3 months to perform light microscopic and histomorphometric analyses. Implants in each group appeared to be stable and osseointegrated. Light microscopic evaluation revealed tight contacts between the implant threads with the surrounding bone for all 4 groups. The mean BIC ranged from 64.7% to 73.7%. This preclinical trial provided clinical and histologic evidence to support the efficacy of all 3 formulations of BCP to treat large alveolar ridge defects to receive osseointegrated dental implants.
Size and shape evolution of PS particle layers during etching
Authors: Bauer Christina T. , Wonn Anne , Brodoceanu Daniel , Born Philip , Kroner Elmar , Kraus Tobias
Published: April 2013

Crystalline monolayers of polymer particles are useful templates for surface microstructuring. Here, the authors discuss the use of oxygen plasma to tune interparticle distances in such films. A systematic evaluation of the etch process depending on particle size, plasma power, etching time and particle density was performed. The size evolution of individual particles was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and compared with different models of the etching process. The authors conclude that none of the existing etch models fit the data very well. Analysis of the particle shape throughout the etching process indicates that changes in particle geometry occur depending on their original size and density. In dense films, bridges form between the particles’ original contact points. Particles increasingly deviate from a spherical geometry. Such shape changes are not captured by current models of the etching process. The authors propose a mechanism to explain the formation of bridges between the particles and their role in the preservation of long-range order. This paper is supplemented by supporting information. Supplementary information will be available at http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/upload/10.1680bbn.13.00002_SupplementaryInformation.pdf .
Coping with the boom: transport strategies for Perth, Australia
Authors: Mason Garry , Newson Graham , Wooldridge Craig
Published: April 2013

Over the next 20 years the population of metropolitan Perth, Australia, is expected to increase from 1·8 million to 2·7 million. The city also has ambitious plans for development, which will have short- and long-term impacts on the transport network. As reported in this paper, the short-term transport plan covers all modes of transport and includes provision of new public transport services and bus priority schemes, new and enhanced routes for cyclists, increased provision for pedestrians and improved traffic efficiency. The plan is estimated to cost A$110 million (£74 million) and is fully funded.
Designing for diversity: one of the biggest challenges facing civil engineers
Authors: Jenkinson Ian
Published: April 2013

The London 2012 Paralympic Games reminded the world of the importance of social inclusion, including the design of public facilities and infrastructure. Ian Jenkinson of the Institution of Civil Engineers' Municipal Engineer journal highlights some of the challenges of designing for diversity.
Lessons learned for civil engineers from the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Carpenter John
Published: April 2013

Christchurch in New Zealand suffered several big earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, resulting in over 180 deaths and major infrastructure damage. Safety risk consultant John Carpenter says a government report on roles and responsibilities makes salutary reading for civil engineers.
Cloud computing set to make complex design simulation accessible to all civil engineers
Authors: Normand Jonah
Published: April 2013

Cloud computing is poised to bring complex design simulation and analysis within reach of all civil engineering designers, says Jonah Normand of Autodesk. It offers affordable access to state-of-the-art simulation on demand – all that is needed is an internet connection.
Partially Separated Metamodels With Evolution Strategies for Well-Placement Optimization
Authors: Bouzarkouna Z.. , Ding D.Y.. Y. , Auger A..
Published: April 2013

The net present value (NPV) of a project can be significantly increased by finding the optimal location of non-conventional wells. This optimization problem is nowadays one of the most challenging problems in oil-and gas-field development. Suitable methods to tackle this problem include stochastic optimization algorithms, which are particularly robust and able to deal with complex reservoir geology with high heterogeneities. However, these methods require in general a considerable computational effort in terms of number of reservoir simulations, which are CPU-time-demanding.

This paper presents the use of the CMA-ES (covariance matrix adaptation—evolution strategy) optimizer, recognized as one of the most powerful derivative free optimizers, to optimize well locations and trajectories. A local-regression-based metamodel is incorporated into the optimization process in order to reduce the computational cost. The objective function (e.g., the NPV) can usually be split into local components, referring to each of the wells that moreover depends in general on a smaller number of principal parameters, and thus can be modeled as a partially separable function.

In this paper, we propose to exploit the partial separability of the objective function into CMA-ES coupled with metamodels by building partially separated metamodels. Thus, different metamodels are built for each well or set of wells, which results in a more accurate modeling.

An example is presented. Results show that taking advantage of the partial separability of the objective function leads to a significant decrease in the number of reservoir simulations needed to find the "optimal" well configuration, given a restricted budget of reservoir simulations. The proposed approach is practical and promising to deal with the placement of a large number of wells.
High Day‐ or Nighttime Temperature Alters Leaf Assimilation, Reproductive Success, and Phosphatidic Acid of Pollen Grain in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Djanaguiraman M. , Prasad P. V. V. , Schapaugh W. T.
Published: April 2013

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is often exposed to high daytime and nighttime temperatures during critical growth stages. Threshold mean daily temperature for photosynthesis, respiration, and reproductive process in soybean is ≥26°C. In future, the magnitude of increase in nighttime temperatures will be greater than in daytime temperatures. The objectives were to determine effects of high daytime or nighttime temperatures on (i) leaf photosynthetic and respiration rates; (ii) pollen germination, pod‐set, and seed weight; and (iii) pollen phospholipids profile. Soybean plants were exposed to high daytime temperature (39/20°C), high nighttime temperatures (30/23°C, 30/26°C, and 30/29°C), or optimum temperature (30/20°C) for 10 d at flowering stage. High daytime temperature (39/20°C) or nighttime temperatures (30/29°C) increased leaf respiration rates and decreased leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, photochemical quenching, and electron transport rate compared to optimum temperature. Likewise, high temperature decreased pollen viability and germination. Lower pollen germination at high temperature may be due to decreased levels of saturated phospholipids and phosphatidic acid in pollen grains compared with optimum temperature. Pod‐set and seed weight were decreased by high daytime or nighttime temperature. In conclusion, high daytime (39/20°C) or nighttime (30/29°C) temperature decreased leaf photosynthetic rate and pollen germination, leading to lower pod‐set and seed weight.
Comparison of Soil Carbon Dioxide Efflux between Residential Lawns and Corn Fields
Authors: Bowne David R. , Johnson Erin R.
Published: April 2013

Soil carbon dioxide efflux is impacted by urbanization but few studies have directly examined it in contrasting human‐dominated land uses. We tested the hypothesis that soil carbon dioxide efflux would be greater in residential lawns than corn fields in Lancaster County, PA, by measuring soil carbon dioxide efflux, soil temperature, and soil moisture once a week for 10 wk in the fall of 2011. Soil carbon dioxide efflux occurring in residential lawns was significantly higher (F1,6 = 7.46, p = 0.034) than the levels in corn (Zea mays L.) fields for the duration of the study. Soil carbon dioxide efflux significantly decreased over time in both land‐use types (F9,54 = 37.34, p < 0.001). Soil temperature, soil moisture, and land‐use type significantly contributed to the efflux (R2 = 0.744, F3,76 = 73.443, p < 0.001). Higher soil temperatures in residential lawns were attributed to an urban heat island. Our results suggest converting agricultural land to residential developments could increase soil carbon dioxide release per unit area of soil, especially if urbanization increases local soil temperatures.
Multiple Congenital Bilateral Trigger Digits in a 2-Year-Old Child: Case Report
Authors: De Luna V , Potenza V , Garro L , Farsetti P , Caterini R
Published: April 2013

Trigger finger is a rare condition in children. In this paper, we report on a 2-year-old boy with multiple congenital bilateral trigger digits. The patient had no history of perinatal trauma, viral or bacterial infections, or metabolic disorders. The patient was treated with physiotherapy for one year. At the one-year follow-up, the boy presented with six trigger fingers (3 on the right hand, 3 on the left hand). Neither thumb was involved. The six trigger fingers were treated surgically: first, the right-hand trigger fingers and, six months later, those of the left hand. After each operation, a 4-week brace in extension was applied to the operated hand. The symptoms were completely resolved after surgical treatment. Many authors have recommended surgical release for the treatment of trigger finger in children; empirical treatment with physiotherapy may be an option when symptoms present or appear at an older age.
Tropism Analysis of Two Coxsackie B5 Strains Reveals Virus Growth in Human Primary Pancreatic Islets but not in Exocrine Cell Clusters In Vitro
Authors: M Hodik , A Lukinius , O Korsgren , G Frisk
Published: April 2013

Human Enteroviruses (HEVs) have been implicated in human pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Human studies are sparse or inconclusive and our aim was to investigate the tropism of two strains of Coxsackie B virus 5 (CBV-5) in vitro to primary human pancreatic cells. Virus replication was measured with TCID50 titrations of aliquots of the culture medium at different time points post inoculation. The presence of virus particles or virus proteins within the pancreatic cells was studied with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and electron microscopy (EM). None of the strains replicated in the human exocrine cell clusters, in contrast, both strains replicated in the endocrine islets of Langerhans. Virus particles were found exclusively in the endocrine cells, often in close association with insulin granules. In conclusion, CBV-5 can replicate in human endocrine cells but not in human exocrine cells, thus they might not be the cause of pancreatitis in humans. The association of virus with insulin granules might reflect the use of these as replication scaffolds.
Interactive Software “Isotonic Design using Normalized Equivalent Toxicity Score (ID-NETS©TM)” for Cancer Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Chen Zhengjia , Wang Zhibo , Wang Haibin , Owonikoko Taofeek K , Kowalski Jeanne , Khuri Fadlo R
Published: April 2013

Isotonic Design using Normalized Equivalent Toxicity Score (ID-NETS) is a novel Phase I design that integrates the novel toxicity scoring system originally proposed by Chen et al. [1] and the original Isotonic Design proposed by Leung et al. [2]. ID-NETS has substantially improved the accuracy of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) estimation and trial efficiency in the Phase I clinical trial setting by fully utilizing all toxicities experienced by each patient and treating toxicity response as a quasi-continuous variable instead of a binary indicator of dose limiting toxicity (DLT). To facilitate the incorporation of the ID-NETS method into the design and conduct of Phase I clinical trials, we have designed and developed a user-friendly software, ID-NETS©TM, which has two functions: 1) Calculating the recommended dose for the subsequent patient cohort using available completed data; and 2) Performing simulations to obtain the operating characteristics of a trial designed with ID-NETS. Currently, ID-NETS©TMv1.0 is available for free download at (http://winshipbbisr.emory.edu/IDNETS.html).
Integrative Economic Education to Combine Citizenship Education and Financial Literacy
Authors: Remmele Bernd , Seeber Günther
Published: April 2013

Financial markets grow more and more important for society and its members. People, including school students, should meet these current as well as future competence requirements relating to financial literacy. However, the conditions determining the requirements for financial education are highly dynamic and are becoming more and more complex. So a point exists when the learning results of school education as well as lifelong financial education will not be sufficient to solve the financial problems people are confronted with. It might thus be more effective to take care of legal conditions, which are easier to handle. Generating such conditions requires civic competences in order to establish political pressure. Civic power of judgement without core financial and general economic expertise is not convincing and effective, because to achieve one's political objectives in a democratic society it is necessary to be in possession of the relevant arguments. Further, financial literacy without civic competence remains just on a reactive competence level instead of providing students with political agency. These two dimensions, i.e. financial literacy and the corresponding civic competences, have thus to be understood as parts of an integrative concept of economic education.
Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transitioning Enhances Ex Vivo Reprogramming of Human Exocrine Pancreatic Tissue Toward Functional Insulin-Producing β-Like Cells
Authors: Lima Maria João , Muir Kenneth R. , Docherty Hilary M. , Drummond Robert , McGowan Neil W.A. , Forbes Shareen , Heremans Yves , Houbracken Isabelle , Ross James A. , Forbes Stuart J. , Ravassard Philippe , Heimberg Harry , Casey John , Docherty Kevin
Published: April 2013

Because of the lack of tissue available for islet transplantation, new sources of β-cells have been sought for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the human exocrine-enriched fraction from the islet isolation procedure could be reprogrammed to provide additional islet tissue for transplantation. The exocrine-enriched cells rapidly dedifferentiated in culture and grew as a mesenchymal monolayer. Genetic lineage tracing confirmed that these mesenchymal cells arose, in part, through a process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitioning (EMT). A protocol was developed whereby transduction of these mesenchymal cells with adenoviruses containing Pdx1, Ngn3, MafA, and Pax4 generated a population of cells that were enriched in glucagon-secreting α-like cells. Transdifferentiation or reprogramming toward insulin-secreting β-cells was enhanced, however, when using unpassaged cells in combination with inhibition of EMT by inclusion of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and transforming growth factor-β1 inhibitors. Resultant cells were able to secrete insulin in response to glucose and on transplantation were able to normalize blood glucose levels in streptozotocin diabetic NOD/SCID mice. In conclusion, reprogramming of human exocrine-enriched tissue can be best achieved using fresh material under conditions whereby EMT is inhibited, rather than allowing the culture to expand as a mesenchymal monolayer.
Resistance to Aerobic Exercise Training Causes Metabolic Dysfunction and Reveals Novel Exercise-Regulated Signaling Networks
Authors: Lessard Sarah J. , Rivas Donato A. , Alves-Wagner Ana B. , Hirshman Michael F. , Gallagher Iain J. , Constantin-Teodosiu Dumitru , Atkins Ryan , Greenhaff Paul L. , Qi Nathan R. , Gustafsson Thomas , Fielding Roger A. , Timmons James A. , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: April 2013

Low aerobic exercise capacity is a risk factor for diabetes and a strong predictor of mortality, yet some individuals are “exercise-resistant” and unable to improve exercise capacity through exercise training. To test the hypothesis that resistance to aerobic exercise training underlies metabolic disease risk, we used selective breeding for 15 generations to develop rat models of low and high aerobic response to training. Before exercise training, rats selected as low and high responders had similar exercise capacities. However, after 8 weeks of treadmill training, low responders failed to improve their exercise capacity, whereas high responders improved by 54%. Remarkably, low responders to aerobic training exhibited pronounced metabolic dysfunction characterized by insulin resistance and increased adiposity, demonstrating that the exercise-resistant phenotype segregates with disease risk. Low responders had impaired exercise-induced angiogenesis in muscle; however, mitochondrial capacity was intact and increased normally with exercise training, demonstrating that mitochondria are not limiting for aerobic adaptation or responsible for metabolic dysfunction in low responders. Low responders had increased stress/inflammatory signaling and altered transforming growth factor-β signaling, characterized by hyperphosphorylation of a novel exercise-regulated phosphorylation site on SMAD2. Using this powerful biological model system, we have discovered key pathways for low exercise training response that may represent novel targets for the treatment of metabolic disease.