bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New wine in old bottles or new bottles for new wine? Product language approaches in design‐intensive industries during technological turmoil
Authors: Cautela Cabirio , Simoni Michele , Zurlo Francesco
Published: January 2018

It is widely acknowledged that technological innovation affects the development of product language. Some scholars argue that technological innovation leads companies to develop radically different product language to emphasize novelty; conversely, others note that technological innovation pushes companies to recall previous technology product language in order to increase acceptance of the new technology. This article analyzes the rationale that guides firms to choose these alternative approaches when confronting technological innovations of different magnitude and identifies which of them prevails in a design‐intensive industry. In particular, the study—through an analysis of 678 products in the Italian lighting industry—shows that light‐emitting diode (LED) technology (a discontinuous innovation) involved more product language changes than did compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) technology (a continuous innovation) and that a different use of product materials contributed to this higher number of product language changes. By discussing the reasons behind these findings, this paper extends and better qualifies the literature on the relationship between technological innovation and product design innovation.
An experimental test of alternative population augmentation scenarios
Authors: Kronenberger John A. , Gerberich Jill C. , Fitzpatrick Sarah W. , Broder E. Dale , Angeloni Lisa M. , Funk W. Chris
Published: January 2018

Human land use is fragmenting habitats worldwide and inhibiting dispersal among previously connected populations of organisms, often leading to inbreeding depression and reduced evolutionary potential in the face of rapid environmental change. To combat this augmentation of isolated populations with immigrants is sometimes used to facilitate demographic and genetic rescue. Augmentation with immigrants that are genetically and adaptively similar to the target population effectively increases population fitness, but if immigrants are very genetically or adaptively divergent, augmentation can lead to outbreeding depression. Despite well‐cited guidelines for the best practice selection of immigrant sources, often only highly divergent populations remain, and experimental tests of these riskier augmentation scenarios are essentially nonexistent. We conducted a mesocosm experiment with Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to test the multigenerational demographic and genetic effects of augmenting 2 target populations with 3 types of divergent immigrants. We found no evidence of demographic rescue, but we did observe genetic rescue in one population. Divergent immigrant treatments tended to maintain greater genetic diversity, abundance, and hybrid fitness than controls that received immigrants from the source used to seed the mesocosms. In the second population, divergent immigrants had a slightly negative effect in one treatment, and the benefits of augmentation were less apparent overall, likely because this population started with higher genetic diversity and a lower reproductive rate that limited genetic admixture. Our results add to a growing consensus that gene flow can increase population fitness even when immigrants are more highly divergent and may help reduce uncertainty about the use of augmentation in conservation.
Assessment of mitral annulus and mitral leaflet in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with various degrees of mitral regurgitation: Real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Luo Yongjuan , Zhu Yanbo , Guan Xin , Lin Yunjia
Published: January 2018

Aim

To study the changes of mitral valve (MV) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF)‐related mitral regurgitation (MR) and the relationship between MV parameters and the enlarged left atrium (LA).

Materials and Methods

A total of 43 patients with NVAF were divided into two groups: (1) the MR1 group with mild MR and (2) the MR2 group with moderate‐to‐severe MR. Real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to detect the structure of MV.

Results

There were no significant differences in the basic characteristics among the three groups. As compared with the control group, anterolateral to posteromedial diameter of the annulus (DALPm), anterior to posterior diameter (DAP), three‐dimensional circumference (C3D), two‐dimensional area (A2D), three‐dimensional area (A3D), exposed area of the leaflets (A3DE), and NPA (nonplanar angle) were significantly increased, whereas height and ellipticity were significantly decreased in the MR1 group and MR2 group. The overall longitudinal strain of left atrium (GLS) was significantly decreased in the MR1 and MR2 groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, GLS was inversely correlated with DALPm, DAP, C3D, A2D, A3D, A3DE, and NPA, whereas positively correlated with height, ellipticity, and the leaflet tenting height in both MR1 and MR2 groups.

Conclusion

Even in NVAF patients with mild MR, the structure of MV was changed intensively with the expansion and deformation of the “saddle shape” structure. The deformation of MV was associated with the decreased function of LA. Our results may provide novel insight into evaluation risk factors leading to AF recurrence after ablation procedures.
Intestinal neoplasia: A review of 34 cases
Authors: Spanton J. A. , Smith L. J. , Sherlock C. E. , Fews D. , Mair T. S.
Published: January 2018

The clinicopathological features of 34 horses with a histological diagnosis of intestinal neoplasia were reviewed; these included 17 horses with lymphoma, five with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), four with adenocarcinomas, three with leiomyosarcomas, two with leiomyomas, two with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and one with adenocarcinoma/mesothelioma. The mean age at presentation was 19 years (range 3–36 years), and 81% of cases occurred in horses aged 15 years or older. Weight loss, acute or recurrent colic, inappetence, diarrhoea, depression and pyrexia were the most common presenting clinical signs. Hyperfibrinogenaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and leukocytosis were the most common clinical pathological findings. Transabdominal ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy were the most useful diagnostic tests. Neoplasia was identified in all regions of the intestinal tract, with the jejunum being most frequently affected. The presence of mass lesions or thickened intestinal walls on transabdominal ultrasound, coupled with other clinical findings, were suggestive of intestinal neoplasia. Where possible, complete surgical resection offered the best prognosis, but generally the prognosis was poor to hopeless.
Cytocompatibility of Biodentine and iRoot FS with human periodontal ligament cells: an in vitro study
Authors: Luo T. , Liu J. , Sun Y. , Shen Y. , Zou L.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To evaluate the cytocompatibility of Biodentine and iRoot FS with human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs).

Methodology

Human periodontal ligament cells were characterized by flow cytometry and immunocytochemical analysis. Human periodontal ligament cell adhesion was assessed by scanning electron microscopy at day 3; proliferation by live/dead assay at days 1, 3 and 7; and osteogenic differentiation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity staining, ALP quantification analysis and qRT‐PCR at days 7 and 14. Data were analysed with anova and independent sample t‐tests with SPSS 21.0.

Results

Both iRoot FS and Biodentine increased the adhesion of hPDLCs at day 3. Compared to Biodentine, iRoot FS positively increased hPDLC proliferation on days 3 (P = 0.03) and 7 (P = 0.00). Osteogenic marker ALP was observed consistently in all samples, with iRoot FS having significantly higher ALP activity at day 14 (P = 0.00). Compared with Biodentine, iRoot FS significantly increased the mRNA level of ALP, COL1 and Runx2, and OCN increased only on day 14 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

iRoot FS had a positive effect on the adhesion, proliferation and biomineralization of hPDLCs compared with Biodentine.
Microfoundations of Organizational Goals: A Review and New Directions for Future Research
Authors: Linder Stefan , Foss Nicolai J
Published: January 2018

Organizational goals are central in management theory, yet our understanding of their antecedents, formation and dynamics, and consequences contains many gaps, in particular concerning the microfoundations of how goals are formed and changed and through which they may affect individual and organizational performance. We distill a number of key themes in the extant literature, use the microfoundations perspective to isolate research gaps, and suggest a microfoundational framework for future research on organizational goals. Subsequently, we discuss the theories that are particularly promising with respect to furthering such research on organizational goals.
Migrant Health Policies. Actors and Levels in a Multi‐Level Perspective
Authors: Perna Roberta
Published: January 2018

Until recently, migrant health policies have been overlooked as a topic of policy analysis. Although interest in the issue has developed in parallel with the progressive acknowledgement of the presence of unhealthy migrants and the transformation of welfare states and policy dynamics in Europe, studies on migrant health policies have often focused on the state as a unique unit of observation while hindering the role played by other institutional and non‐institutional actors taking part in the migrant health multi‐level governance. This contribution will bridge this gap, deconstructing the various actors and levels involved in migrant health policymaking from a multi‐level perspective. By critically reviewing migrant health policy research and discussing it with the new MIPEX Health Strand, this contribution suggests a more encompassing perspective in the analysis of migrant health policies and processes, looking at the different players at stake in this multifaceted policy field.
From a marketplace of electronics to a digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE): The emergence of a meta‐organization in Zhongguancun, China
Authors: Du Wenyu (Derek) , Pan Shan L. , Zhou Ning , Ouyang Taohua
Published: January 2018

Extant studies on digital entrepreneurship have mainly focused on firm‐level characteristics and overlooked the external environment, ie, the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE). This study intends to fill that gap by exploring how a DEE emerges. We adopt the meta‐organization theory as our theoretical lens and conduct an in‐depth case study at Zhongguancun, a budding DEE often referred to as China's Silicon Valley. Case analysis reveals that the emergence of a DEE is a process of forming a meta‐organization, whereby labour is divided into 3 roles and effort is integrated via 2 processes. Our study contributes to the digital entrepreneurship literature by offering a community perspective. It also contributes to the literature on meta‐organization, which has mainly focused on the globally distributed meta‐organizations and overlooked the collocated meta‐organizations such as a DEE. Regarding practical implications, policymakers and community leaders responsible for DEE development can use our findings to develop their local DEEs.
Improving high‐power properties of PZT ceramics by external DC bias field
Authors: Bansal Anushka , Shekhani Husain N. , Majzoubi Maryam , Hennig Eberhard , Scholehwar Timo , Uchino Kenji
Published: January 2018

This paper concludes that the deterioration of the mechanical quality factor Qm when operated under high power, can be recovered by externally applying positive DC bias field. Material constants for piezoelectric ceramics are generally characterized under low‐power conditions. However, high‐power properties deviate significantly from the ones measured under low‐power conditions (Qm degrades by a factor of ~2). DC Bias field helps to recover the properties of the ceramic under high‐power conditions. The DC bias field of 200 V/mm exhibits an almost equivalent “opposite” change rate to the vibration velocity of 0.1 m/s. It is also notable that the piezoelectric loss tan θ’ can be decreased most effectively under positive DC bias field (1.9% per 100 V/mm for the hard PZT and 3.1% per 100 V/mm for the soft PZT), in comparison with the elastic or dielectric losses. This report presents a comprehensive analysis on the low‐ and high‐power piezoelectric properties of hard and soft Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT's) under externally applied DC bias field in the k31 resonance mode (transverse extensional).
Structural dependence of crystallization in glasses along the nepheline (NaAlSiO4) ‐ eucryptite (LiAlSiO4) join
Authors: Marcial José , Kabel Joey , Saleh Muad , Washton Nancy , Shaharyar Yaqoot , Goel Ashutosh , McCloy John S.
Published: January 2018

Lithium and sodium aluminosilicates are important glass‐forming systems for commercial glass‐ceramics, as well as being important model systems for ion transport in battery studies. In addition, uncontrolled crystallization of LiAlSiO4 (eucryptite) in high‐Li2O compositions, analogous to the more well‐known problem of NaAlSiO4 (nepheline) crystallization, can cause concerns for long‐term chemical durability in nuclear waste glasses. To study the relationships between glass structure and crystallization, nine glasses were synthesized in the LixNa1‐xAlSiO4 series, from x = 0 to x = 1. Raman spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (Li‐7, Na‐23, Al‐27, Si‐29), and X‐ray diffraction were used to study the quenched and heat‐treated glasses. It was found that different LiAlSiO4 and NaAlSiO4 crystal phases crystallize from the glass depending on the Li/Na ratio. Raman and NMR spectra of quenched glasses suggest similar structures regardless of alkali substitution. Li‐7 and Na‐23 NMR spectra of the glass‐ceramics near the endmember compositions show evidence of several differentiable sites distinct from known LixNa1‐xAlSiO4 crystalline phases, suggesting that these measurements can reveal subtle chemical environment differences in mixed‐alkali systems, similar to what has been observed for zeolites.
Preparation of homogeneous mullite‐based fibrous ceramics by starch consolidation
Authors: Zang Wenjie , Jia Tao , Dong Xue , Liu Jiachen , Du Haiyan , Hou Feng , Guo Anran
Published: January 2018

Silica sol is one of the frequently used binders in high‐temperature resisting fibrous porous ceramics, but in the drying process, it can diffuse with water and influence the uniformity of ceramics. To solve this diffusion problem and fabricate homogeneous fibrous porous ceramics, cationic starch was firstly introduced in mullite fibrous system. The effects of starch content and high‐temperature binder content on microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties were also investigated. The results indicate that starch consolidated mullite fibrous ceramics owned a homogeneous 3D skeleton structure, since the introduced starch can absorb both water and silica particles by gelatinization and ensure the even distribution of binders. Compared with the mullite fibrous ceramics fabricated without starch addition, starch consolidated ceramics owned better microstructure and higher interior compression strength. Furthermore, both the starch and silica sol content had great impact on the microstructure, density, porosity, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength of the fibrous ceramic.
Merchants of knowledge: Petty retail and differentiation without consolidation among farmers in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Aga Aniket
Published: January 2018

This article focuses on the intermediary figure of the village‐level petty retailer of chemical inputs, providing an account of the everyday relationships of farmers with transnational and domestic agribusiness capital. Retailers are figures from whom farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. The article traces the rise of village‐level retailers in western Maharashtra, India, since the 1990s, and finds that Maratha (a dominant landholding cultivator caste) households have ventured into retailing. Further, farmers depend on retailers for credit, technical knowledge, and for the sale of their harvest. By analysing the pressures and risks of petty retail, visible in interactions with farmers, the article argues that even as retailing provides avenues for upward mobility to petty agricultural commodity producers, the trade is too volatile for the gains to sustain. Thus, the entry of Marathas into petty retail is akin to an attempt at class differentiation but without consolidation.
Gendered constructions of Filipina teachers in Japan's Skype English conversation industry
Authors: Tajima Misako
Published: January 2018

Drawing on data from a larger project that includes blog entries and interview findings, this paper investigates the ways in which Filipina teachers working in Japan's Skype English conversation (eikaiwa) industry are constructed as intimate and romanticized entities through Japanese male learners’ discursive practices. The paper argues that these highly gendered constructions are never unrelated to the male learners’ desires to display their masculinity. The paper also points out that these desires stem from the long‐established sex‐mediated link between Japanese men and Filipinas based on their economic disparities. The paper concludes with a suggestion that the popularity of Philippines‐based Skype eikaiwa cannot be explained by the development of telecommunication tools or neoliberalism alone; rather, it should be understood as a trend that has emerged from the complicated intersection of all pre‐existent and current economic, socio‐political, cultural‐political, and technological components.
Christ, the Karamazovs, and Compensational Theodicies
Authors: McCullough Ross
Published: January 2018

This article draws from Ivan Karamazov a two‐fold challenge to the goodness of God: that no one can forgive the infliction of suffering upon the innocent and that, even when forgiven, this suffering costs more than any good brought out of it. It then looks to Alyosha for a response to these challenges, suggesting that Christ can forgive because of the cross and that his doing so puts the innocent to a choice: either to join their suffering to his – and so maintain God's goodness – or to lose their innocence. This response helps supply another defect of theodicies that appeal to the compensatory goods that God brings out of innocent suffering, namely that it seems to make some kind of salvation necessary and not gratuitous. For here all innocent suffering is joined to the cross and so part of the economy of redemption, not something prior to redemption that renders it necessary.
Extreme rainfall affects assembly of the root‐associated fungal community
Authors: Barnes Christopher J. , van der Gast Christopher J. , McNamara Niall P. , Rowe Rebecca , Bending Gary D.
Published: January 2018

Global warming is resulting in increased frequency of weather extremes. Root‐associated fungi play important roles in terrestrial biogeochemical cycling processes, but the way in which they are affected by extreme weather is unclear. Here, we performed long‐term field monitoring of the root‐associated fungus community of a short rotation coppice willow plantation, and compared community dynamics before and after a once in 100 yr rainfall event that occurred in the UK in 2012.

Monitoring of the root‐associated fungi was performed over a 3‐yr period by metabarcoding the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Repeated soil testing and continuous climatic monitoring supplemented community data, and the relative effects of environmental and temporal variation were determined on the root‐associated fungal community.

Soil saturation and surface water were recorded throughout the early growing season of 2012, following extreme rainfall. This was associated with a crash in the richness and relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi, with each declining by over 50%. Richness and relative abundance of saprophytes and pathogens increased.

We conclude that extreme rainfall events may be important yet overlooked determinants of root‐associated fungal community assembly. Given the integral role of ectomycorrhizal fungi in biogeochemical cycles, these events may have considerable impacts upon the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
Effectiveness of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) in predicting chronic diseases and mortality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ji M. , Zhang S. , An R.
Published: January 2018

Anthropometric measures are simple, inexpensive, noninvasive tools to assess the risk of morbidity and mortality. This systematic review assessed the performance of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) in predicting hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and all‐cause mortality and compared the differential predictability between ABSI and two other common anthropometric measures – body mass index and waist circumference. A keyword and reference search were conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science for articles published until 1 November 2017. Thirty‐eight studies were included in the review, including 24 retrospective cohort studies and 14 cross‐sectional studies conducted in 15 countries. Meta‐analysis found that a standard deviation increase in ABSI was associated with an increase in the odds of hypertension by 13% and type 2 diabetes by 35% and an increase in cardiovascular disease risk by 21% and all‐cause mortality risk by 55%. ABSI outperformed body mass index and waist circumference in predicting all‐cause mortality but underperformed in predicting chronic diseases. ABSI is highly clustered around the mean with a rather small variance, making it difficult to define a clinical cutoff for clinical practice. Future studies are warranted to assess ABSI's potential usefulness as an anthropometric measure in population‐level health surveillance.
Shells from aquaculture: a valuable biomaterial, not a nuisance waste product
Authors: Morris James P. , Backeljau Thierry , Chapelle Gauthier
Published: January 2018

Mollusc aquaculture is advocated as a highly sustainable food source and may play an important role in future food security globally. With production increasing worldwide, it is timely to appraise all aspects of aquaculture when considering its expanding role as a food source. In this regard, one regularly overlooked aspect of mollusc aquaculture is waste generation: namely the production of calcareous shells. Shells from the aquaculture industry are widely regarded as a nuisance waste product, yet at the same time, calcium carbonate is mined in the form of limestone and viewed as a valuable commodity. In a time of increased awareness of the need for a circular economy, the aquaculture and seafood industry should consider shells as a valuable biomaterial that can be reused for both environmental and economic benefit. This review discusses the current waste shell issue and identifies large‐scale shell applications that are already in place. Further, it highlights proposed applications that have the potential to be scaled up to address the problem of waste shell accumulations and reduce our reliance on environmentally damaging incineration and landfill disposal. Of the plethora of shell valorisation techniques proposed in the scientific literature, this review will focus only on those that can incorporate large‐scale shell utilisation, and do not require high‐energy processing, and are thus; simple, sustainable and potentially economically viable. Further, this review questions whether, in many cases, shells can provide more inherent value being returned to the marine environment rather than being used in land‐based applications.
Manipulating the wild: a survey of restoration and management interventions in U.S. wilderness
Authors: Lieberman Lucy , Hahn Beth , Landres Peter
Published: January 2018

Landscape scale restoration is a common management intervention used around the world to combat ecological degradation. For wilderness managers in the United States, the decision to intervene is complicated by the Wilderness Act's legal mandate to preserve wilderness character and demonstrate managerial restraint (16 U.S.C. § 1131–1136). We assessed the frequency and type of management interventions, specifically actions to manage ecosystems, that have occurred in the National Wilderness Preservation System between 2011 and 2015, including the specific type of intervention, the methods used, the project proponent, and the factors that influenced the decision to act. We sent an online survey to staff members at 527 wilderness units from four federal agencies that manage wilderness and found that management interventions occurred in 37% of wildernesses sampled (n = 210). The greatest frequency of interventions occurred in the National Park Service (75%), and the three most common interventions were vegetation treatments (46%), wildfire (35%), and wildlife restoration projects (18%). Our findings point to a need for greater transparency about information on management interventions. We recommend creating an interagency database to track information on management interventions in wilderness to better understand which actions are occurring and why; such a database could help inform wilderness stewardship decisions while demonstrating best practices for ecological restorations implemented within the constraints of the Wilderness Act.
Adolescents' Reward‐related Neural Activation: Links to Thoughts of Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury
Authors: Poon Jennifer A. , Thompson James C. , Forbes Erika E. , Chaplin Tara M.
Published: January 2018

Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by an increase in risk behaviors, including nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Heightened reward‐related brain activation and relatively limited recruitment of prefrontal regions contribute to the initiation of risky behaviors in adolescence. However, neural reward processing has not been examined among adolescents who are at risk for future engagement for NSSI specifically, but who have yet to actually engage in this behavior. In the current fMRI study (N = 71), we hypothesized that altered reward processing would be associated with adolescents' thoughts of NSSI. Results showed that NSSI youth exhibited heightened activation in the bilateral putamen in response to a monetary reward. This pattern of findings suggests that heightened neural sensitivity to reward is associated with thoughts of NSSI in early adolescence. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Machine learning in cardiovascular medicine: are we there yet?
Authors: Shameer Khader , Johnson Kipp W , Glicksberg Benjamin S , Dudley Joel T , Sengupta Partho P
Published: January 2018

Artificial intelligence (AI) broadly refers to analytical algorithms that iteratively learn from data, allowing computers to find hidden insights without being explicitly programmed where to look. These include a family of operations encompassing several terms like machine learning, cognitive learning, deep learning and reinforcement learning-based methods that can be used to integrate and interpret complex biomedical and healthcare data in scenarios where traditional statistical methods may not be able to perform. In this review article, we discuss the basics of machine learning algorithms and what potential data sources exist; evaluate the need for machine learning; and examine the potential limitations and challenges of implementing machine in the context of cardiovascular medicine. The most promising avenues for AI in medicine are the development of automated risk prediction algorithms which can be used to guide clinical care; use of unsupervised learning techniques to more precisely phenotype complex disease; and the implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms to intelligently augment healthcare providers. The utility of a machine learning-based predictive model will depend on factors including data heterogeneity, data depth, data breadth, nature of modelling task, choice of machine learning and feature selection algorithms, and orthogonal evidence. A critical understanding of the strength and limitations of various methods and tasks amenable to machine learning is vital. By leveraging the growing corpus of big data in medicine, we detail pathways by which machine learning may facilitate optimal development of patient-specific models for improving diagnoses, intervention and outcome in cardiovascular medicine.
Calculated antioxidant activity of selected phenolic compounds
Authors: Cotes Sandra , Cotuá José , Muñoz Amner
Published: January 2018

Determination of the corresponding bond dissociation enthalpy, ionization potential and proton affinity, dipole moment values, highest occupied molecular orbital eigenvalues, and spin density along with the bioactivity score is central to the antioxidant activity evaluation in this paper. Molecular geometries were optimized with DFT using B3LYP and UB3LYP for parent, ionic, and radical species and 6-311+G(d,p) basis set. Bioactivity, drug likeness, and drug scores were calculated using freely available cheminformatics programs for data visualization and analysis. Overall, the values revealed two structures as promising molecules because of good reaction enthalpies (ΔHr). Lipinski rules were fully satisfied for all molecules.
Effect of synthetic condition on the electrochemical behavior of MoO3 microplates used as anode in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Xia , Li Yan , Li Danqing , Zhang Yujun , Xu Yuandong
Published: January 2018

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) microplates are synthesized via the hydrothermal method and a simple heat treatment process without adding surfactant. Different hydrothermal reaction times and acidities are employed to explore the influence of preparation condition on the electrochemical performance for MoO3 microplates. These studies reveal that the hydrothermal time and acidity have a great impact on the morphology of MoO3 microplates. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the sheets-assembled MoO3 microplates with longer hydrothermal reaction time and proper acidity possess a superior morphology, which show better cycling performance and rate capability stability. The prepared MoO3 microplates display that the coulombic efficiency is around 100% during 50 cycles, demonstrating much better lithium storage properties. Considering the excellent electrochemical performance, the MoO3 microplates are considered to be a potential candidate in high-performance LIBs.
Interactive Visual Reality of the Offshore Hoisting Operation and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Xu Xiujun , Li Zhen , Wang Liquan , Yao Shaoming , Fang Xiaoming
Published: January 2018

To establish an accurate real-time visual reality system for offshore hoisting operations, the “Offshore Oil 201” crane ship was employed as a background, and a mathematical model for hoisting operations was created with regard to the influence of ocean environment, the dynamic positioning system of the crane ship, the ballasting system based on the ship’s six degree of freedom (DOF) real-time feedback, and the manipulation of the control system. An interactive three-dimensional virtual scene was constructed with the virtual reality technique, multi-channel data interaction, real-time numerical calculation, and semi-physical simulation in order to realize the immersive feeling of the scenes. Bliss approximate integration was used to solve the mathematical model of the hoisting system and the real-time data interaction of the simulation system was realized on the basis of the accurate solution. The simulation results show that the simulation system can solve the time response of the hoisting system with good calculation accuracy. The preview of the construction project of the offshore hoisting operation can be implemented by the simulation system to investigate the key parameters and hoisting process, which will effectively reduce the risk of offshore hoisting operations and enhance the safety of the offshore engineering operations. The problem of high cost of staffs’ training has been solved, and the simulation system has both accuracy and instantaneity, the whole process of offshore hoisting is demonstrated with the highest authenticity.
Production Optimization of Polymer Flooding Using Improved Monte Carlo Gradient Approximation Algorithm with Constraints
Authors: Xu Lingfei , Zhao Hui , Li Ying , Cao Lin , Xie Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiansong , Li Yong
Published: January 2018

Aiming at optimizing polymer flooding, we establish an optimal control model of polymer flooding, which has an objective function of the net present value (NPV) involving the effect of polymer injection. An improved Monte Carlo gradient approximation (MCGA) algorithm, based on the idea of the ensemble-based optimization (EnOpt) scheme to solve the problem of strongly fluctuating perturbation gradients, is proposed by introducing the covariance matrix of the control vectors to filter and smooth the searching direction. A synthetic heterogeneous reservoir model is built to test the performance of the algorithms including the improved MCGA, standard MCGA and finite difference stochastic approximation (FDSA) algorithm. For the results, the improved MCGA gets closer to the optimal NPV of FDSA than the standard algorithm, and shows the high efficiency of saving calculation time compared with the FDSA. The value of NPV increases more than 20% for the improved algorithm, and the optimal production rates, injection rates, polymer concentrations, polymer slug sizes are obtained simultaneously. This paper subsequently discusses the influence of different time step sizes and oil prices. It can be concluded that moderate step size and relatively low oil price are applicable. Finally, an actual block application of the improved MCGA shows a 11.3% increase of NPV and a 6.5% increase of field oil production total (FOPT), showing the feasibility in optimizing real reservoirs.
An Optimized Design for Compact Masked AES S-Box Based on Composite Field and Common Subexpression Elimination Algorithm
Authors: Ye Yunfei , Wu Ning , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Dong Liling , Zhou Fang
Published: January 2018

As the only nonlinear operation, masked S-box is the core to resist differential power attack (DPA) for advanced encryption standard (AES) cipher chips. In order to suit for the resource-constrained applications, a compact masked S-box based on composite field is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the architecture of masked S-box is designed with composite field masking method. Secondly, four masked S-boxes based on GF ((2[Formula: see text], which are based on four basis methods with the optimal coefficient and the corresponding optimal root, are implemented and optimized by the delay-aware common subexpression elimination (DACSE) algorithm. Finally, experimental results show that, while maintaining the DPA-resistance performance, our best masked S-box achieves better area performance with the fastest speed compared with the existing works. Therefore, our masked S-box is suitable for resource-constrained applications with fast speed requirements.
Customer and Cost Sharing in a Jackson Network
Authors: Timmer Judith , Scheinhardt Werner
Published: January 2018

In this paper we consider a Jackson network of independent service stations. To improve upon the total expected queue length, the stations may redistribute the total arrival rate of customers over all queues. We investigate this situation by means of arrival rate games. These are cooperative TU cost games in which the stations are the players and the total cost of a coalition is linear in the total expected queue length. We show that these games are totally balanced; cooperation is beneficial to all stations. Further, we provide a tailor-made cost allocation rule that belongs to the core of the game.
Model eyes with curved multilayer structure for the axial resolution evaluation of an ophthalmic optical coherence tomography device
Authors: Cao Zhenggang , Ding Zengqian , Hu Zhixiong , Qiao Wen , Liu Wenli , Chen Xiaojun
Published: January 2018

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been widely applied to the diagnosis of eye diseases during the past two decades. However, valid evaluation methods are still not available for the clinical OCT devices. In order to assess the axial resolution of the OCT system, standard model eyes with micro-scale multilayer structure have been designed and manufactured in this study. Mimicking a natural human eye, proper Titanium dioxide (TiO2) materials of particles with different concentrations were selected by testing the scattering coefficient of PDMS phantoms. The artificial retinas with multilayer films were fabricated with the thicknesses from 9.5 to 30 micrometers using spin coating technology. Subsequently, standard OCT model eyes were accomplished by embedding the retina phantoms into the artificial frames of eyes. For ease of measurement processing, a series of model eyes were prepared, and each contained films with three kinds of thicknesses. Considering the traceability and accuracy of the key parameters of the standard model eyes, the thicknesses of multilayer structures were verified using Thickness Monitoring System. Through the experiment with three different OCT devices, it demonstrated the model eyes fabricated in this study can provide an effective evaluation method for the axial resolution of an ophthalmic OCT device.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Experimental Oral Biofilms Exposed to Different Carbohydrate Sources
Authors: Jiang Qingru , Kainulainen Veera , Stamatova Iva , Korpela Riitta , Meurman Jukka H.
Published: January 2018

Probiotic administration may favour caries prevention, as recent research has shown. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in experimental biofilms exposed to various carbohydrates, and also to assess its cariogenic potential. Multispecies experimental oral biofilms with or without LGG were grown with a sole-carbohydrate source (fructose/glucose/lactose/sorbitol/sucrose). The viable cells of LGG and structure of the biofilms were examined after 64.5 h of incubation, and pH values of spent media were measured at 16.5, 40.5, and 64.5 h. Fermentation profiles of LGG in biofilm media were assessed with study carbohydrate as the sole energy source. Our results showed that LGG reached higher viable cell numbers with glucose and sucrose in 64.5-h multispecies experimental oral biofilms compared to other carbohydrates. When LGG was incorporated in biofilms, no distinct pH changes at any time points were observed under any of the carbohydrates used; the pH values of spent media at each time point were lower when lactose was used, compared to other carbohydrates. The fermentation profiles of LGG in biofilm media were similar to its growth in MRS (no obvious growth with lactose or sucrose). In conclusion, LGG in our in vitro multispecies experimental oral biofilms was capable of surviving and growing well in each carbohydrate source. LGG might not have harmful effects on dental hard tissues. Another finding from our study was that the lowest pH values were observed in the presence of lactose, and the thickest biofilms were in sucrose.
Predictors of Thrombocytopenia after Self-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Single-Center Experience from China
Authors: Zhu Qifeng , Liu Xianbao , He Wei , He Yuxin , Tang Mengyao , Sun Yinghao , Xu Xiaobin , Shi Keda , Kong Huijia , Jiang Jubo , Chen Liangwei , Chen Jie , Hu Po , Xu Qiyuan , Wang Jianan
Published: January 2018

Objectives: The importance of thrombocytopenia (TP) has been discussed previously. However, data are still limited, especially on predictors of TP. We sought to investigate predictors of TP after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), in particular, clinically significant TP. Methods: We reviewed a total of 123 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR in our medical center. They were stratified into 3 groups according to the nadir platelet count post-TAVR: no/mild TP, moderate TP, and severe TP. Clinically significant TP, also known as major TP, was defined as moderate-to-severe TP (a nadir platelet count <100 × 109/L and a >50% decrease in platelet count). Results: Baseline platelet, baseline hemoglobin, general anesthesia (GA), valve malpositioning and post-TAVR left ventricular ejection fraction were found to be predictors of post-TAVR nadir platelet count. Major TP was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (OR 3.524, 95% CI 1.546-8.031) and 1-month mortality (OR 11.226, 95% CI 1.208-104.328). Age (OR 1.110, 95% CI 1.014-1.215) and GA (OR 6.494, 95% CI 2.058-20.408) were predictors of major TP. Conclusion: Post-TAVR nadir platelet count can be predicted based on baseline and procedural data. Old age and GA contribute to clinically significant TP.
Differential Changes in Myocardial Performance Index and Its Time Intervals in Donors and Recipients of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome before and after Laser Therapy
Authors: Ortiz Javier U. , Torres Ximena , Eixarch Elisenda , Bennasar Mar , Cruz-Lemini Monica , Gómez Olga , Lobmaier Silvia M. , Martínez Josep M. , Gratacós Eduard , Crispi Fatima
Published: January 2018

Objective: To evaluate left myocardial performance index (MPI) and time intervals in fetuses with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) before and after laser surgery. Methods: Fifty-one fetal pairs with TTTS and 47 uncomplicated monochorionic twin pairs were included. Left ventricular isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), ejection time (ET), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) were measured using conventional Doppler. Results: Recipients showed prolonged ICT (46 ± 12 vs. 31 ± 8 vs. 30 ± 5 ms; p < 0.001) and IRT (51 ± 9 vs. 43 ± 8 vs. 43 ± 5 ms; p < 0.001) and higher MPI (0.57 ± 0.12 vs. 0.47 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.05; p < 0.001) than donors and controls. Donors showed shorter ET than recipients and controls (157 ± 12 vs. 169 ± 10 vs. 168 ± 10 ms; p < 0.001) and higher MPI than controls (0.47 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.05; p = 0.006). Preoperative MPI changes were observed in all TTTS stages. Time intervals partially improved after surgery. Conclusion: Donor and recipient twins had higher MPI due to different changes in the time intervals, possibly reflecting the state of hypovolemia in the donor and hypervolemia and pressure overload in the recipient.
Uma tentativa de colonização no litoral sul de São Paulo por imigrantes oriundos do sul dos Estado Unidos após a Guerra Civil
Authors: Goldman Frank
Published: January 2018

Na época em que representantes americanos apareceram no Brasil em preparação ou antecipação duma imigração de sulistas dos Estados Unidos, o Brasil era um império com uma economia escravocrata e uma população de nove milhões. O número de "empresários" era grande e a área por êles visitada e examinada enorme. A localidade que levou as autoridades brasileiras e a maioria dos emigrantes americanos a pensar que oferecia mais possibilidades foi o litoral sul de São Paulo.
Aspectos do nacionalismo econômico brasileiro (II) - Os esforços em prol da Industrialização
Authors: Luz Nícia Vilela
Published: January 2018

(Primeiras linhas do texto)"Anteriormente ao último quartel do século XIX não tinha ainda havido, no Brasil, um movimento coletivo, partindo da pró-pria indústria, em prol da industrialização do país. O que houve foram, no início do século, esforços por parte de um govêrno consciente de ser a indústria a mais produtiva fonte de riqueza. (...)"
Aristóteles e os índios americanos: um estudo do preconceito de raça no Mundo Moderno (II)
Authors: Hanke Lewis
Published: January 2018

(Primeiras linhas do texto)"Las Casas pôde estar em Valladolid em 1550 para confrontar-se com Sepúlveda porque tinha regressado à Espanha pela última vez em 1547 com a idade de setenta e três anos, depois de quase meio século de experiência com negócios indígenas, cujo climax foram seus serviços como bispo de Chiapa no Sul do México (...)"
A emigração italiana para o Brasil (Notas e observações)
Authors: Valerio Gianina
Published: January 2018

EMIGRAÇÃO: FENÔMENO ECONÔMICO DIVERGENTE. Poucas questões, econômicas apresentam tão grande divergência de opiniões como o fenômeno da emigração. Alguns sustentam a tese de que é um bem porque alivia a pressão demográfica das áreas tensamente povoadas, desenvolvendo, ao mesmo tempo, o comércio e estimulando o ramo produtivo. Outros, porém, são de parecer contrário, pois a consideram como uma perda, por parte da população, dos elementos mais ativos e dotados de maior espírito de iniciativa.
O problema indígena
Authors: Schaden Egon
Published: January 2018

Lembro-me muitas vêzes de uma conversa que, em janeiro de 1949, já lá vão dez anos, tive com o velho General Rondon. Trocávamos idéias sôbre a melhor maneira de se ajudarem os índios brasileiros a se incorporarem à nacionalidade ou, por outra, de se lhes garantir um lugar ao sol. O que mais admiração ,me causava no ancião era a sua juventude de espírito, a sua capacidade de rever e de refazer opiniões defendidas com ardor durante decênios de sua vida. Chegara à convicção de que já não se deveria nacionalizar os índios, o que, afirmava, "cria problemas graves e desajustamentos", mas preservar as culturas tribais, tomando por base os padrões econômicos de cada uma delas, para se fomentar uma atividade de produção que, sem ser revolucionária, lhes proporcionasse os meios necessários para se integrarem à vida econômica das regiões em que vivem.
Coelho Netto em Campinas (1901-1904)
Authors: Lapa José Roberto do Amaral
Published: January 2018

Os elementos informativos, que aqui reunimos, servem apenas de subsídios históricos à biografia, que ainda não se escreveu, de Coelho Netto.
História da Palestina nos tempos do Novo Testamento (II)
Authors: Mehlmann João
Published: January 2018

História da Palestina nos tempos do Novo Testamento (II)
Doutor Rodrigues, Barão de Santa Eulália: a vida de um barão do café
Authors: Azevedo Aroldo de
Published: January 2018

Há menos de dez anos, conhecia eu muito pouco, qua-se nada, a respeito do Barão de Santa Eulália. Quando ia até Lorena, contemplava sua fisionomia austera, emoldu-rada num belo retrato a óleo que presidia o salão de vi-sitas da casa de meu Pai. Sabia que ocupara cargos públi-cos de importância para a vida da Província e, sobretudo, para sua cidade natal. Não ignorava que falecera relati-vamente moço, aos 50 anos, dez meses antes da procla-mação da República. Fora disso, muito pouco mais.
A navegação de Fernão de Magalhães
Authors: Davies Arthur
Published: January 2018

Se a viagem de Fernão de Magalhães tivesse conseguido acrescentar as Molucas ao mundo espanhol, a história da Amé-rica do Sul teria sido bem diferente. A Argentina, a Patagô-nia e o Chile dominariam uma grande rota espanhola para a Ásia e as Ilhas, das Especiarias. Teriam sido o centro principal do esfôrço espanhol no Novo Mundo . Entretanto, o império espanhol localizando-se a Oeste e tendo como centro o Méxi-co, deixou a América do Sul largamente aberta ao posterior avanço e estabelecimento dos portuguêses no Brasil.
Noções de Numismática Medalhística
Authors: Coimbra Álvaro da Veiga
Published: January 2018

A palavra medalha deriva do italiano medaglia que durante a Idade Média era sinônimo de óbulo ou de meio-dinheiro. Depois que as medalhas italianas foram desmonetizadas, o seu nome pas-sou a ser aplicado a peças antigas e sem valor monetário. Mais tarde, por uma extensão natural, usou-se da mesma designação pa-ra tôdas as espécies de velhas peças e particularmente para aque-las que restavam da Antigüidade.
A universidade latino-americana: suas possibilidades e responsabilidades
Authors: Costa João Cruz
Published: January 2018

Contribuição brasileira ao estudo do problema.Não é fácil para um brasileiro que não está suficientemen-te informado sôbre as origens, a evolução e a situação da Uni-versidade hispano-americana, examinar o complexo problema que a instituição universitária apresenta nesta parte do nosso continente. E' que, como justamente escreve Jacques Lam-bert, as duas metades da América do Sul, "são dois mundos de costas um para o outro, e entre os quais o intercâmbio de pes-soas e, sobretudo, de mercadorias, depois de ter sido impossí-vel durante longo tempo, é ainda hoje difícil" (1) .