bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of combined effects of upward and downward propagation of shear bands on stability of slopes with sensitive clay
Authors: Dey R. , Hawlader B. , Phillips R. , Soga K.
Published: March 2016

Modeling of progressive development of zones of large inelastic shear deformation (shear band) that results from strain‐softening behavior of sensitive clays could explain the failure mechanisms of large landslides. Because of toe erosion, a shear band can be initiated and propagated upward (inward) from the river bank. On the other hand, upslope surcharge loading could generate shear bands that might propagate down towards the river bank. In the present study, upward and downward propagation of shear bands and failure of sensitive clay slopes are modeled using the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian approach in Abaqus finite element (FE) software. It is shown that the formation and propagation of shear bands are significantly influenced by kinematic constraints that change with displacements of the soil masses, and therefore the propagation of an existing shear band might be stopped and new shear bands could be formed. The main advantages of the present FE modeling are: (i) extremely large strains in the shear bands can be successfully simulated without numerical issues, (ii) a priori definition of shearing zones is not required to tackle severe strains; instead, the FE program automatically identifies the critical locations for shear band formation and propagation. Toe erosion could significantly increase the slope failure potential because of upslope surcharge loading. FE analyses with a thick and thin sensitive clay layers show that the global failure could occur at lower surcharge loads in the former as compared to the latter cases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unified reliability analysis by active learning Kriging model combining with random‐set based Monte Carlo simulation method
Authors: Yang Xufeng , Liu Yongshou , Gao Yi
Published: March 2016

Reliability analysis with both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties is investigated in this paper. The aleatory uncertainties are described with random variables, and epistemic uncertainties are tackled with evidence theory. To estimate the bounds of failure probability, several methods have been proposed. However, the existing methods suffer the dimensionality challenge of epistemic variables. To get rid of this challenge, a so‐called random‐set based Monte Carlo simulation (RS‐MCS) method derived from the theory of random sets is offered. Nevertheless, RS‐MCS is also computational expensive. So an active learning Kriging (ALK) model that only rightly predicts the sign of performance function is introduced and closely integrated with RS‐MCS. The proposed method is termed as ALK‐RS‐MCS. ALK‐RS‐MCS accurately predicts the bounds of failure probability using as few function calls as possible. Moreover, in ALK‐RS‐MCS, an optimization method based on Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions is proposed to make the estimation of failure probability interval more efficient based on the Kriging model. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach are demonstrated with four examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peer review and the publication process
Authors: Ali Parveen Azam , Watson Roger
Published: March 2016

Aims

To provide an overview of the peer review process, its various types, selection of peer reviewers, the purpose and significance of the peer review with regard to the assessment and management of quality of publications in academic journals.

Design

Discussion paper.

Methods

This paper draws on information gained from literature on the peer review process and the authors' knowledge and experience of contributing as peer reviewers and editors in the field of health care, including nursing.

Results

There are various types of peer review: single blind; double blind; open; and post‐publication review. The role of the reviewers in reviewing manuscripts and their contribution to the scientific and academic community remains important.
Intuitive eating is inversely associated with body weight status in the general population‐based NutriNet‐Santé study
Authors: Camilleri Géraldine M. , Méjean Caroline , Bellisle France , Andreeva Valentina A. , Kesse‐Guyot Emmanuelle , Hercberg Serge , Péneau Sandrine
Published: March 2016

Objective

To examine the relationship between intuitive eating (IE), which includes eating in response to hunger and satiety cues rather than emotional cues and without having forbidden foods, and weight status in a large sample of adults.

Methods

A total of 11,774 men and 40,389 women aged ≥18 years participating in the NutriNet‐Santé cohort were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Self‐reported weight and height were collected as well as IE levels using the validated French version of the Intuitive Eating Scale‐2. The association between IE and weight status was assessed using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

A higher IE score was strongly associated with lower odds of overweight or obesity in both men and women. The strongest associations were observed in women for both overweight [quartile 4 vs. 1 of IE: odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: (0.19, 0.17‐0.20)] and obesity (0.09, 0.08‐0.10). Associations in men were as follows: for overweight (0.43, 0.38‐0.48) and obesity (0.14, 0.11‐0.18).

Conclusions

IE is inversely associated with overweight and obesity which supports its importance. Although no causality can be inferred from the reported associations, these data suggest that IE might be relevant for obesity prevention and treatment.
The influence of photo initiators on refractive index and glass transition temperature of optically and rheologically adjusted acrylate based polymers
Authors: Gleißner Uwe , Hanemann Thomas , Megnin Christof , Wieland Felicia
Published: March 2016

A material system with individually adjustable rheological and optical properties is presented. The optical transmission and refractive indices of the material were modified, and viscosities were investigated at different temperatures and shear rates. Furthermore, two UV‐sensitive photo initiators were analysed with respect to their effect on the polymerization behaviour of the material system.

The refractive indices of the material system were adjusted between 1.513 < nD,20 < 1.595, with optical transmittances of up to 90% within the UV‐VIS region (400 nm < λ < 800 nm). Two photo initiators, Diphenyl(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide and Bis(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, were investigated, and viscosity was modified at 20 °C between 0.002 Pa · s < η < 87 Pa · s. The glass transition temperature of the polymerized samples was determined to be between 40 °C and 50 °C. Results showed that Diphenyl(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide exhibited more effective polymerization compared to Bis(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide.

The addition of phenanthrene to the mixtures increased the refractive index with ∆n = 0.02, whilst the viscosity was decreased by a small amount. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of β‐cyclodextrin pendant on the dispersion robustness of polycarboxylate superplasticizer toward kaolin
Authors: Xu Haijun , Sun Shenmei , Yu Qijun , Wei Jiangxiong
Published: March 2016

Two types of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as pendant groups were synthesized by different methods to employ monovinyl β‐CD monomer (MA‐β‐CD), and their dispersion robustness toward clay was evaluated by the dosage to achieve the specific spread value of the cement paste in the presence of 3 wt% kaolin. The interaction mechanism was investigated by X‐ray diffraction analysis and adsorption measurement, and it was proposed that the sorption of PCEs on the surfaces of kaolin particles was weakened by β‐CD pendants due to their pronounced steric hindrance effect. The results demonstrated that PCE with higher contents of β‐CD pendants, which was synthesized via partially replacing poly(ethylene oxide) monomer by MA‐β‐CD, was more tolerant toward kaolin. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:755–761, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Adjunct Histamine Blockers as Premedications to Prevent Carboplatin Hypersensitivity Reactions
Authors: Mach Claire M. , Lapp Elisabeth A. , Weddle Kellie J. , Hunter Rodney J. , Burns Kimberly A. , Parker Crystal , Brown Jubilee , Smith Judith A.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of premedications given as an adjunct to carboplatin on the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in women with ovarian cancer. Medications of interest include a histamine1 (H1) and histamine2 (H2) blocker in addition to dexamethasone.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review evaluating the addition of an H1 and H2 blocker in addition to dexamethasone as standard premedications on the incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions (CHRs) in women with ovarian cancer.

Main Results

The odds ratio for premedication use was 0.46 with a 95% confidence interval (0.17–1.27), suggesting that patients with premedication use had approximately half the risk of CHR compared with patients without premedication. The overall incidence of CHRs decreased from 7.9% at baseline to 3.2% after the addition of premedications. The incidence of CHRs was 5.2% in 58 patients with recurrent or progressive disease compared with 2.1% in 96 newly diagnosed patients. Lifetime dose greater than 3377 mg, number of cycles more than six, and progressive or recurrent disease were predictive factors of CHR in women with ovarian cancer.

Principal Conclusions

Total lifetime exposure to carboplatin remains the greatest predictive factor of CHR in women with ovarian cancer. Although data analysis indicates the addition of premedications for all ovarian cancer patients receiving carboplatin did not result in a statistically significant reduction in CHRs, a patient benefit in CHR reduction was observed. A prospective study is needed to confirm these findings.
Statin Effects on Exacerbation Rates, Mortality, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review of Prospective Studies
Authors: Howard Meredith L. , Vincent Ashley H.
Published: March 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating, irreversible disease with currently available therapies targeting symptom control and exacerbation reduction. A need for alternative disease‐modifying therapies remains, specifically those that may have antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that impact the pathophysiologic components of COPD. Statin drugs, the current gold standard for the treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), contain properties that affect the inflammatory disease processes seen in COPD. Several retrospective studies have demonstrated that statins may have a benefit in the reduction of morbidity and mortality in patients with COPD. This has led to prospective trials evaluating the impact of statins on various COPD‐related outcomes. This article reviews the current body of prospective evidence for use of statins in patients with COPD. A search of the PubMed/Medline database of English‐language articles was conducted from 1964 through November 2015; references of relevant articles were also reviewed for qualifying studies. Prospective studies of all types relating to statin use in patients with COPD were included if they had COPD‐ or respiratory‐related outcomes; ultimately, eight studies were identified for this review. Statin effects on exacerbation rates, mortality, and inflammatory markers in patients with COPD are discussed. Strong prospective evidence does not currently exist to suggest that statins provide a clinical benefit in patients with COPD who do not have other CVD risk factors. Benefits from statins that have been illustrated are likely explained by their impact on underlying CVD risk factors rather than the COPD disease process. An opportunity exists for unanswered questions to be addressed in future studies.
Lipid‐derived monomer and corresponding bio‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Huang Liliang , Ullah Aman
Published: March 2016

Fatty acid based monomer and corresponding hybrid polymer layered silicate nanocomposites have successfully been prepared by using in situ polymerizations. The hybrid materials were prepared by adding different ratios of nanoclay during free radical homopolymerization of 2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl stearate (AOES) monomer and copolymerization of AOES with styrene. AOES monomer was synthesized by treating stearic acid with 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate. The formation of AOES monomer, homopolymer and copolymer was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis. Further analysis and characterization of the nanocomposites were carried out by XRD, transmission electron microscopy, AFM and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. TGA of the polymer nanocomposites was also carried out to evaluate their thermal stability, while flammability tests were conducted to investigate the effect of layered silicate on flame retardancy. Nanofiller addition into the polymer matrix substantially improved the thermal properties and fire retardancy of the composites. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of sheep primary testicular cells infected with bluetongue virus
Authors: Du Junzheng , Xing Shanshan , Tian Zhancheng , Gao Shandian , Xie Junren , Chang Huiyun , Liu Guangyuan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong
Published: March 2016

Bluetongue virus (BTV) causes a non‐contagious, arthropod‐transmitted disease in wild and domestic ruminants, such as sheep. In this study, we used iTRAQ labeling coupled with LC‐MS/MS for quantitative identification of differentially expressed proteins in BTV‐infected sheep testicular (ST) cells. Relative quantitative data were obtained for 4455 proteins in BTV‐ and mock‐infected ST cells, among which 101 and 479 proteins were differentially expressed at 24 and 48 h post‐infection, respectively, indicating further proteomic changes during the later stages of infection. Ten corresponding genes of differentially expressed proteins were validated via real‐time RT‐PCR. Expression levels of three representative proteins, eIF4a1, STAT1 and HSP27, were further confirmed via western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis disclosed that the differentially expressed proteins are primarily involved in biological processes related to innate immune response, signal transduction, nucleocytoplasmic transport, transcription and apoptosis. Several upregulated proteins were associated with the RIG‐I‐like receptor signaling pathway and endocytosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to investigate proteome‐wide dysregulation in BTV‐infected cells with the aid of quantitative proteomics. Our collective results not only enhance understanding of the host response to BTV infection but also highlight multiple potential targets for the development of antiviral agents.
Synthesis, characterizations, and electrochromic properties of donor–acceptor type polymers containing 2, 1, 3‐benzothiadiazole and different thiophene donors
Authors: Yijie Tao , Kai Zhang , Zhaoyang Zhang , Haifeng Cheng , Chunlin Jiao , Yulei Zhao
Published: March 2016

Three donor–acceptor type π‐conjugated monomers containing 2, 1, 3‐benzothiadiazole (Tz) as the acceptor unit and different thiophene derivatives (thiophene, 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene, and thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) as the donor units have been synthesized via Stille coupling reaction. The corresponding polymers are electrochemically deposited onto FTO glass by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The maximum absorption wavelength of the neutral polymers varies with the electron‐rich character of incorporated thiophene moieties, giving rise to tunable colors. In addition, the prepared polymer films demonstrate reasonable transmittance modulation, fast switching rate, high color efficiency and good stability, which meet the requirements of smart windows and electrochromic display applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2239–2246
Corrigendum on: Observation of Bi‐Maxwellian Distributions in a H2 Plasma Produced by a Narrow Gap VHF Discharge
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Chen , Chiu Kuo‐Feng , Chen Chia‐Fu , Lien Cheng‐Yang , Tsai Yu‐Jer , Lien Ting‐Kuei , Matsunaga Fumihiko , Tanaka Masaaki , Ogiwara Kohei , Uchino Kiichiro , Kawai Yoshinobu
Published: March 2016

In the paper by Kuan‐Chen Chen et al. (ppap.201500183), published online on 2 December 2015, it was not unequivocally disclosed which PIC‐MCC code the authors used for their calculations. This corrigendum is published to correct this.
Structures, Oxidation, and Charge Transport of Phosphorus‐Doped Germanium Nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yu , Pi Xiaodong , Wang Xunhai , Yuan Tianhao , Jiang Qingjun , Gresback Ryan , Lu Jianguo , Yang Deren
Published: March 2016

The doping of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) is crucial for the optimization of the performance of devices based on them. In contrast to recent progress on the doping of compound semiconductor NCs and silicon NCs, the doping of germanium (Ge) NCs has lagged behind. Here it is shown that Ge NCs can be doped with phosphorus (P) during synthesis by a nonthermal plasma. It is found that there are more P atoms in the NC near‐surface region than in the NC core. P doping modifies the surface state of Ge NCs. Compressive strain can be incuced in Ge NCs by P which can explain the P‐doping‐enhanced oxidation resistance of Ge NCs. Stable dispersions of P‐doped Ge NCs in acetonitrile can be cast to produce films for field‐effect transistors (FETs). FET analysis shows that the electrical conductivity and electron mobility of a Ge‐NC film increase with the increase of the P doping level, although the electrical activation efficiency of P in the Ge‐NC film is low. Finally, atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide at the surface of P‐doped Ge NCs is shown to improve the performance of the FETs.
The impact of crystallization conditions on structure‐based drug design: A case study on the methylene blue/acetylcholinesterase complex
Authors: Dym Orly , Song Wanling , Felder Clifford , Roth Esther , Shnyrov Valery , Ashani Yacov , Xu Yechun , Joosten Robbie P. , Weiner Lev , Sussman Joel L. , Silman Israel
Published: March 2016

Structure‐based drug design utilizes apoprotein or complex structures retrieved from the PDB. >57% of crystallographic PDB entries were obtained with polyethylene glycols (PEGs) as precipitant and/or as cryoprotectant, but <6% of these report presence of individual ethyleneglycol oligomers. We report a case in which ethyleneglycol oligomers' presence in a crystal structure markedly affected the bound ligand's position. Specifically, we compared the positions of methylene blue and decamethonium in acetylcholinesterase complexes obtained using isomorphous crystals precipitated with PEG200 or ammonium sulfate. The ligands' positions within the active‐site gorge in complexes obtained using PEG200 are influenced by presence of ethyleneglycol oligomers in both cases bound to W84 at the gorge's bottom, preventing interaction of the ligand's proximal quaternary group with its indole. Consequently, both ligands are ∼3.0Å further up the gorge than in complexes obtained using crystals precipitated with ammonium sulfate, in which the quaternary groups make direct π‐cation interactions with the indole. These findings have implications for structure‐based drug design, since data for ligand‐protein complexes with polyethylene glycol as precipitant may not reflect the ligand's position in its absence, and could result in selecting incorrect drug discovery leads. Docking methylene blue into the structure obtained with PEG200, but omitting the ethyleneglycols, yields results agreeing poorly with the crystal structure; excellent agreement is obtained if they are included. Many proteins display features in which precipitants might lodge. It will be important to investigate presence of precipitants in published crystal structures, and whether it has resulted in misinterpreting electron density maps, adversely affecting drug design.
Total synthesis of mambalgin‐1/2/3 by two‐segment hydrazide‐based native chemical ligation
Authors: Lan Huan , Wu Kun , Zheng Yong , Pan Man , Huang Yi‐Chao , Gao Shuai , Zheng Qing‐Yun , Zheng Ji‐Shen , Li Yi‐Ming , Xiao Bailong , Liu Lei
Published: March 2016

Mambalgins are a class of 57‐residue polypeptide toxins isolated from the venom of the African mamba. They exhibit potent analgesic effects by inhibiting the acid‐sensing ion channels. Classified as members of the family of three‐finger toxins, mambalgins contain four pairs of disulfide bridges that help to stabilize the three‐finger scaffold. Here, we report the chemical synthesis of functional mambalgin‐1/2/3 by using one‐step two‐segment hydrazide‐based native chemical ligation. The two‐segment ligation approach reported here may enable efficient production of mambalgin toxins. These synthetic mambalgins are useful compounds for development of diagnostic or therapeutic reagents. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion bombardment measurements and simulations of a low temperature VHF PECVD SiH4–H2 discharge in the a‐Si:H to μc‐Si:H transition regime
Authors: Landheer Kees , Goedheer Wim J. , Poulios Ioannis , Schropp Ruud E. I. , Rath Jatindra K.
Published: March 2016

We studied ion bombardment during amorphous silicon layer deposition for hydrogen dilutions 5 to 59 with mass resolved IED measurements and simulations. The trends in the peak position of H2+ and SiHy+ IEDs with increasing hydrogen dilution show good agreement between measurements and simulations. A difference in asymmetry of the discharge between simulations and measurements results in a roughly 6 eV lower peak position for the simulations. An increasing SiHy+ ion flux with increasing hydrogen dilution is measured. We hypothesize that this is due to amorphous silicon etching that is enhanced by Hy+ ion bombardment.
Dielectric enhancement of PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LaNiO3 multilayer thick film
Authors: Fan Yasong , Chen Xiaoyang , Habibul Arzigul , Zhang Danyang , Yu Ping
Published: March 2016

Multilayer thick films (∼4 μm) with compositional PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LaNiO3 layers and one‐layer PZT thick films were prepared on the silicon substrate by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering. PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LaNiO3 multilayer thick film are characterized by highly preferential (100)‐oriented growth and columnar microstructure due to alternately introducing LaNiO3 seeding layers. The effects of LaNiO3 layers on microstructure and electrical properties of PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3 thick films were investigated in detail. The results show that both PZT and PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LaNiO3 multilayer thick film were pure perovskite crystalline phase. The PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3 film texture was dense and well adhered on the LaNiO3 layer. PbZr0.3Ti0.7O3/LaNiO3 multilayer thick film possessed obvious enhanced dielectric properties compared with PZT thick film: ϵr ∼2450 (10 kHz) and tanδ ∼0.02 (10 kHz). Rayleigh law was used to analysis the behavior of the enhanced dielectric properties and the pinched‐shaped polarization‐electric field hysteresis loops. The larger Rayleigh parameter, α ∼51.1408 cm kV−1 (1 kHz) indicates the larger extrinsic contribution to permittivity and strong domain‐wall–defect charge interaction. The leakage current behaviors of the multilayer thick film were also investigated in detail.
Electron–phonon interaction in II‐VI quantum wells
Authors: Maslov A. Yu. , Proshina O. V.
Published: March 2016

The theory of charge‐particle interaction with polar optical phonons is developed for II‐VI compounds‐based heterostructures in which the symmetries of the quantum well and barrier materials are different. The parameters of the electron–phonon interaction are found for the structures in which the material of hexagonal symmetry is used for creating a quantum well or barriers. It is shown that the electron–phonon interaction depends on the anisotropy of the dielectric parameters of the hexagonal material for both cases. Compared to previously obtained results for a quantum well based on the material of cubic symmetry both enhancing and weakening of polaron effects are possible. The obtained results are applied to the explanation of polaron mass magnitude in the quantum well based on ZnO‐ZnMgO. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of Mg1‐xCdxO thin films
Authors: Guia Lluís‐Manel , Sallet Vincent , Sartel Corinne , Martínez‐Tomás M. Carmen , Muñoz‐Sanjosé Vicente
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the growth of thin films of the Mg1–xCdxO alloy in the Mg‐rich range of compositions by using the metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) method at low pressure. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to analyse the compound formation and the progressive incorporation of Cd2+ ions into the cubic MgO lattice. Both, layers with a single‐cubic phase of Mg1–xCdxO and layers with a phase separation, where Cd1–xMgxO and Mg1–xCdxO coexist, have been studied. Finally, a morphological study of the layers has been carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the layers' composition has been measured by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of the number of electronically coupled CdSe/ZnSe QD planes on characteristics of optically pumped green lasers
Authors: Sedova I. V. , Lutsenko E. V. , Sorokin S. V. , Vainilovich A. G. , Gronin S. V. , Yablonskii G. P. , Aljoheni M. , Aljerwi A. , Alyamani A. , Ivanov S. V.
Published: March 2016

Structural properties and laser characteristics of true green (λ=530‐550 nm) ZnSe‐based optically pumped laser heterostructures with several (up to three) CdSe/ZnSe quantum dot (QD) planes in the active region were studied in details. Optimization of the MBE growth conditions to reduce the non‐equilibrium defect density in the active region as well as the active region design allowed obtaining nearly the same rather low laser threshold values of Ithr∼4 kW/cm2 at Lcav∼100 μm for all the samples. The internal laser parameters were determined by measuring the laser threshold and differential quantum efficiency as functions of the cavity length. The design of laser structures provides high excitation homogeneity of the active region due to strong enough carrier tunneling between QD layers spaced by 5‐nm‐thick ZnSe barriers, which is confirmed by the sub‐linear dependence of the transparency excitation intensity versus number of QD planes in the active region (IT = 0.556, 1.037, and 1.311 kW/cm2). The triple‐QD‐plane laser structure demonstrates significant increase in characteristic gain up to ΓG0=161.62 cm‐1. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
2D‐localization and delocalization effects in quantum Hall regime in HgTe wide quantum wells
Authors: Gudina Svetlana V. , Arapov Yurii G. , Neverov Vladimir N. , Podgornykh Sergey M. , Popov Mikhail R. , Shelushinina Nina G. , Yakunin Mikhail V. , Dvoretsky Sergey A. , Mikhailov Nikolay N.
Published: March 2016

We have measured the longitudinal and Hall resistivities in the quantum Hall regime at magnetic fields B up to 9 T and temperatures T = (2.9–50) K for HgTe/HgCdTe heterostructure with wide HgTe quantum well. The results are analysed within the scaling concept for the conductivity on the delocalized states at the center of the Landau level and within the variable‐range hopping model for the conductivity on the localized states between the Landau levels. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural properties and vertical transport in ZnSe/CdSe superlattices grown on an In0.3Ga0.7As metamorphic buffer layer
Authors: Evropeytsev E. A. , Sorokin S. V. , Klimko G. V. , Gronin S. V. , Sedova I. V. , Belyaev K. G. , Ivanov S. V. , Pozina G. , Toropov A. A.
Published: March 2016

We report on the growth by molecular‐beam epitaxy of short‐period ZnSe/CdSe superlattices (SLs) on an In0.3Ga0.7As metamorphic buffer layer. Such SLs are considered as a promising material for a wide band‐gap photoactive p‐n junction in a hybrid monolithic Ge/InxGa1‐xAs/Iny(Al,Ga)1‐yAs/II‐VI solar cell. Lattice‐matching of the SLs to the In0.3Ga0.7As layer is confirmed by X‐ray diffractometry. Vertical transport of photoexcited carriers is investigated by means of both steady state and time‐resolved photoluminescence techniques in heterostructures containing the ZnSe/CdSe SL with an enlarged quantum well (EQW). Characteristic times of the carrier transport across the SL towards EQW are evaluated in the temperature range 120–300 K. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy for deep intramural myomas
Authors: Kang So Yeon , Jeung In‐Cheul , Chung Youn‐Jee , Kim Hyun‐Kyung , Lee Chae Rim , Mansukhani Tanvi S. , Kim Mee‐Ran
Published: March 2016

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy for deep intramural myomas.

Methods

We have conducted a retrospective study for 170 patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy by a single operator of tertiary university hospital.

Results

There were 100 cases of robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy for deep intramural myomas. The patients had 3.8±3.5 myomas on average, and the mean size of the largest myoma of each patient was 7.5±2.1 centimeters in diameter. Mean operative time was 276.4±97.1 minutes, and mean console time was 146.0±62.7 minutes. Thirty two patients had surgeries for other gynecologic conditions such as pelvic endometriosis or endometrial polyps along with myomectomy at the same time. All the patients recovered without any major complication. After the surgery, nine(75.0 %) of the 12 women pursuing a pregnancy became pregnant.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic myomectomy for deep intramural myomas could be a minimal invasive surgical option for women who wish preserve fertility. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A default method to specify skeletons for Bayesian model averaging continual reassessment method for phase I clinical trials
Authors: Pan Haitao , Yuan Ying
Published: March 2016

The Bayesian model averaging continual reassessment method (CRM) is a Bayesian dose‐finding design. It improves the robustness and overall performance of the continual reassessment method (CRM) by specifying multiple skeletons (or models) and then using Bayesian model averaging to automatically favor the best‐fitting model for better decision making. Specifying multiple skeletons, however, can be challenging for practitioners. In this paper, we propose a default way to specify skeletons for the Bayesian model averaging CRM. We show that skeletons that appear rather different may actually lead to equivalent models. Motivated by this, we define a nonequivalence measure to index the difference among skeletons. Using this measure, we extend the model calibration method of Lee and Cheung (2009) to choose the optimal skeletons that maximize the average percentage of correct selection of the maximum tolerated dose and ensure sufficient nonequivalence among the skeletons. Our simulation study shows that the proposed method has desirable operating characteristics. We provide software to implement the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of Simulation Parameters for Flash‐Reduced Forging of Two‐Cylinder Crankshafts
Authors: Behrens Bernd‐Arno , Stonis Malte , Blohm Thoms , Rüther Tilmann , Güzey Gürbüz
Published: March 2016

Flash‐reduced forging is a promising alternative for forging complicated high‐duty parts. With a new process chain, the ability to reduce the existing flash quota of complex high‐duty parts can make the difference in the competition and reduce the costs compared to flashless forging. The European Union is funding a research project which deals with the improvement of the forging sequence of a two‐cylinder crankshaft by using flash‐reduced forging. To increase the forecast quality of simulations using Finite‐Element‐Analysis for a future process chain design, the conventional existing process chain is simulated with FORGE3 and compared with industrial forging trials. Furthermore, a variation of simulation parameters has been used to get the significant influence parameters, fitting the results of these forging trials.
Intravenous Transplantation of Mesenchymal Progenitors Distribute Solely to the Lungs and Improve Outcomes in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: White Seok Voon , Czisch Chris E. , Han May H. , Plant Christine D. , Harvey Alan R. , Plant Giles W.
Published: March 2016

Cellular transplantation strategies utilizing intraspinal injection of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) have been reported as beneficial for spinal cord injuries. However, intraspinal injection is not only technically challenging, but requires invasive surgical procedures for patients. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of noninvasive intravenous injection of MPCs in two models of cervical spinal cord injury, unilateral C5 contusion and complete unilateral C5 hemisection. MPCs isolated from green fluorescence protein (GFP)-luciferase transgenic mice compact bone (1 × 106 cells), or vehicle Hank's Buffered Saline Solution (HBSS), were intravenously injected via the tail vein at D1, D3, D7, D10, or D14. Transplanted MPCs were tracked via bioluminescence imaging. Live in vivo imaging data showed that intravenously injected MPCs accumulate in the lungs, confirmed by postmortem bioluminescence signal—irrespective of the time of injection or injury model. The results showed a rapid, positive modulation of the inflammatory response providing protection to the injured spinal cord tissue. Histological processing of the lungs showed GFP+ cells evenly distributed around the alveoli. We propose that injected cells can act as cellular target decoys to an immune system primed by injury, thereby lessening the inflammatory response at the injury site. We also propose that intravenous injected MPCs modulate the immune system via the lungs through secreted immune mediators or contact interaction with peripheral organs. In conclusion, the timing of intravenous injection of MPCs is key to the success for improving function and tissue preservation following cervical spinal cord injury.
Rbm24 Regulates Alternative Splicing Switch in Embryonic Stem Cell Cardiac Lineage Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lin Yu , Liu Jing , Zhang Zi Guan , Fu Wei , Guo Li Yan , Pan Lei , Kong Xu , Zhang Meng Kai , Lu Ying Hua , Huang Zheng Rong , Xie Qiang , Li Wei Hua , Xu Xiu Qin
Published: March 2016

The transition of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency to differentiation is accompanied by an expansion of mRNA and proteomic diversity. Post-transcriptional regulation of ESCs is critically governed by cell type-specific splicing. However, little is known about the splicing factors and the molecular mechanisms directing ESC early lineage differentiation. Our study identifies RNA binding motif protein 24 (Rbm24) as a key splicing regulator that plays an essential role in controlling post-transcriptional networks during ESC transition into cardiac differentiation. Using an inducible mouse ESC line in which gene expression could be temporally regulated, we demonstrated that forced expression of Rbm24 in ESCs dramatically induced a switch to cardiac specification. Genome-wide RNA sequencing analysis identified more than 200 Rbm24-regulated alternative splicing events (AS) which occurred in genes essential for the ESC pluripotency or differentiation. Remarkably, AS genes regulated by Rbm24 composed of transcriptional factors, cytoskeleton proteins, and ATPase gene family members which are critical components required for cardiac development and functionality. Furthermore, we show that Rbm24 regulates ESC differentiation by promoting alternative splicing of pluripotency genes. Among the Rbm24-regulated events, Tpm1, an actin filament family gene, was identified to possess ESC/tissue specific isoforms. We demonstrated that these isoforms were functionally distinct and that their exon AS switch was essential for ESC differentiation. Our results suggest that ESC's switching into the differentiation state can be initiated by a tissue-specific splicing regulator, Rbm24. This finding offers a global view on how an RNA binding protein influences ESC lineage differentiation by a splicing-mediated regulatory mechanism.
Hidden failure identification and protection of multi‐grounding fault in secondary circuit of potential transformer
Authors: Xue Shimin , Sun Wenpeng , Yang Jingyue , Gao Feng , Li Yongli , Li Zhongqing
Published: March 2016

Hidden failures as potential faults in relay protection are lethal for power systems. Multi‐grounding fault in the secondary circuit of a potential transformer (PT) is a typical hidden failure. When this hidden fault happens, zero‐sequence voltage of computer relaying will shift. Then it will result in the mis‐operation of zero‐sequence directional protection, which may cause a cascading failure. In this paper, we analyze the impact on zero‐sequence directional protection caused by multi‐grounding fault first. Then in order to solve the problem, we analyze the characteristic of the affected voltage and current. We find that the zero‐sequence voltage of the special phase is in phase with its negative sequence voltage under normal circumstance, but this is not true in this hidden failure. As a consequence, we propose an identification method of multi‐grounding fault in a PT and a new zero‐sequence direction algorithm that can avoid the mis‐operation of the zero‐sequence directional protection. Finally, the results of simulation prove the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the identification method and the new zero‐sequence direction algorithm. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Language processing in bilingual aphasia: a new insight into the problem
Authors: Khachatryan Elvira , Vanhoof Gertie , Beyens Hilde , Goeleven Ann , Thijs Vincent , Van Hulle Marc M.
Published: March 2016

There is increasing evidence that a bilingual person should not be considered as two monolinguals in a single body, a view that has gradually been adopted in the diagnosis and treatment of bilingual aphasia. However, its investigation is complicated due to the large variety in possible language combinations, pre‐ and postmorbid language proficiencies, and age of second language acquisition. Furthermore, the tests and tasks used to assess linguistic capabilities differ in almost every study, hindering a direct comparison of their outcomes. Behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging data from healthy population show that the processing of second language domains (semantics, syntax, morphology) depends on factors such as age and method of acquisition, proficiency level and environment in which the second language was acquired. A number of single and multiple case reports that rely on behavioral testing of bilingual aphasics replicate these results. Additionally, they show that the patient's performance depends on the size and location of the lesion, as well as language typology and morphological characteristics. Furthermore, the impairment and recovery patterns and recovery generalization from treated to untreated language depend on the lexical and orthographic distances between the two languages. For healthy bilinguals, language processing is usually studied in comparison to monolinguals. We advocate that a good starting point for identifying patterns specific for bilingual aphasia is to compare patient studies of bilinguals and monolinguals. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:180–196. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1384

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Language

Neuroscience > Cognition
Testing and validation of multi‐lidar scanning strategies for wind energy applications
Authors: Newman Jennifer F. , Bonin Timothy A. , Klein Petra M. , Wharton Sonia , Newsom Rob K.
Published: March 2016

Several factors cause lidars to measure different values of turbulence than an anemometer on a tower, including volume averaging, instrument noise and the use of a scanning circle to estimate the wind field. One way to avoid the use of a scanning circle is to deploy multiple scanning lidars and point them toward the same volume in space to collect velocity measurements and extract high‐resolution turbulence information. This paper explores the use of two multi‐lidar scanning strategies, the tri‐Doppler technique and the virtual tower technique, for measuring 3‐D turbulence. In summer 2013, a vertically profiling Leosphere WindCube lidar and three Halo Photonics Streamline lidars were operated at the Southern Great Plains Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site to test these multi‐lidar scanning strategies. During the first half of the field campaign, all three scanning lidars were pointed at approximately the same point in space and a tri‐Doppler analysis was completed to calculate the three‐dimensional wind vector every second. Next, all three scanning lidars were used to build a ‘virtual tower’ above the WindCube lidar. Results indicate that the tri‐Doppler technique measures higher values of horizontal turbulence than the WindCube lidar under stable atmospheric conditions, reduces variance contamination under unstable conditions and can measure high‐resolution profiles of mean wind speed and direction. The virtual tower technique provides adequate turbulence information under stable conditions but cannot capture the full temporal variability of turbulence experienced under unstable conditions because of the time needed to readjust the scans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of an escarpment on flow parameters of relevance to wind turbines
Authors: Barthelmie R. J. , Wang H. , Doubrawa P. , Giroux G. , Pryor S. C.
Published: March 2016

Assessing potential costs and benefits of siting wind turbines on escarpments is challenging, particularly when the upstream fetch is offshore leading to more persistent wind speeds in power producing classes, but an increased importance of stable stratification under which terrain impacts on the flow may be magnified. In part because of a lack of observational data, critical knowledge gaps remain and there is currently little consensus regarding optimal models for flow characterization and turbine design calculations. We present a unique dataset comprising measurements of flow parameters conducted over a 10–14 m escarpment at turbine relevant heights (from 9 to 200 m) and use them to evaluate model simulations. The results indicate good agreement in terms of the wind speed decrease before the terrain feature and the increase at (and downwind of) the escarpment of ~3–5% at turbine hub‐heights. However, the horizontal extent of the region, in which the impact of the escarpment on the mean flow is evident, is larger in the models than the measurements. A region of high turbulence was indicated close to the escarpment that extended through the nominal rotor plane, but the horizontal extent of this region was narrow (<10 times the escarpment height, H) in both models and observations. Moving onshore the profile of turbulence was more strongly influenced by higher roughness of a small forest. While flow angles close to the escarpment were very complex, by a distance of 10 H, flow angles were <3° and thus well within limits indicated by design standards. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equity impacts of energy and climate policy: who is shouldering the burden?
Authors: Farrell Niall , Lyons Seán
Published: March 2016

Carbon pricing, technological supports, and energy subsidies comprise the most‐often implemented energy and climate policies. The cost of these policies has grown in recent years, resulting in equity impacts receiving greater attention by academics, policymakers, and the general public. While precise impacts are specific to particular circumstances, there are a number of primary channels through which energy and climate policies affect welfare. This paper gives an overview of how these channels operate. Where applicable, drivers of policy cost are outlined to show how these policies may grow to represent a meaningful welfare impact. Through case study analyses, we explain the most common mechanisms through which these policy costs drive equity outcomes. We review their implementation to date to give insight into the prevalence of these equity outcomes in an international context. Finally, we analyze the ability of remedial measures to counteract inequitable impacts. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:492–509. doi: 10.1002/wene.201

This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy
Stabilizing solutions at thresholds of the continuous spectrum and anomalous transmission of waves
Authors: Korolkov A. I. , Nazarov Sergei A. , Shanin A. V.
Published: March 2016

A problem of scattering by a resonator connecting two 2D waveguides is studied. The incident wave is one of the waveguide modes taken at the spectral parameter close to a threshold of the continuous spectrum. It is shown that in the general case the reflection coefficient for such a mode is close to ‐1 (this case corresponds to an almost perfect reflection). Also it is shown that in some special cases the reflection coefficient is close to 0, and an almost perfect transmission is observed. The behavior of scattering at near‐threshold frequencies is determined by solutions corresponding to the threshold spectral parameter and crucially depends on whether stabilizing solutions do exist or not. Anomalous transmission is observed when there exist only solutions growing at infinity.
Conflict resolution patterns and violence perpetration in adolescent couples: A gender‐sensitive mixed‐methods approach
Authors: Fernet Mylène , Hébert Martine , Paradis Alison
Published: March 2016

This study used a sequential two‐phase explanatory design. The first phase of this mixed‐methods design aimed to explore conflict resolution strategies in adolescent dating couples, and the second phase to document, from both the perspective of the individual and of the couple, dyadic interaction patterns distinguishing youth inflicting dating violence from those who do not. A sample of 39 heterosexual couples (mean age 17.8 years) participated in semi‐structured interviews and were observed during a 45 min dyadic interaction. At phase 1, qualitative analysis revealed three main types of conflict resolution strategies: 1) negotiating expectations and individual needs; 2) avoiding conflicts or their resolution; 3) imposing personal needs and rules through the use of violence. At phase 2, we focused on couples with conflictive patterns. Results indicate that couples who inflict violence differ from nonviolent couples by their tendency to experience conflicts when in disagreement and to resort to negative affects as a resolution strategy. In addition, while at an individual level, they show a tendency to withdraw from conflict and to use less positive affect, at a dyadic level they present less symmetry. Results offer important insights for prevention programs.