bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social network characteristics associated with weight loss among black and hispanic adults
Authors: Winston Ginger J. , Phillips Erica G. , Wethington Elaine , Devine Carol , Wells Martin , Peterson Janey C. , Hippolyte Jessica , Ramos Rosio , Martinez Guillerma , Eldridge Johanna , Charlson Mary
Published: July 2015

Objective

To examine social network member characteristics associated with weight loss.

Methods

A cross‐sectional examination included egocentric network data from 245 Black and Hispanic adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 enrolled in a small change weight loss study. The relationships between weight loss at 12 months and characteristics of helpful and harmful network members (relationship, contact frequency, living proximity, and body size) were examined.

Results

There were 2,571 network members identified. Mean weight loss was −4.8 (±11.3) lbs. among participants with network help and no harm with eating goals vs. +3.4 (±7.8) lbs. among participants with network harm alone. In a multivariable regression model, greater weight loss was associated with help from a child with eating goals (P = 0.0002) and coworker help with physical activity (P = 0.01). Weight gain was associated with having network members with obesity living in the home (P = 0.048) and increased network size (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

There was greater weight loss among participants with support from children and coworkers. Weight gain was associated with harmful network behaviors and having network members with obesity in the home. Incorporating child and coworker support and evaluating network harm and the body size of network members should be considered in future weight loss interventions.
An efficient discretization scheme for solving nonlinear optimal control problems with multiple time delays
Authors: Marzban H. R. , Hoseini S. M.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a composite Chebyshev finite difference method to numerically solve nonlinear optimal control problems with multiple time delays. The proposed discretization scheme is based on a hybrid of block‐pulse functions and Chebyshev polynomials using the well‐known Chebyshev Gauss–Lobatto points. Our approach is an extension and also a modification of the Chebyshev finite difference scheme. A direct approach is used to transform the delayed optimal control problem into a nonlinear programming problem whose solution is much more easier than the original one. Some useful error bounds are established. In addition, the convergence of the method is discussed. A wide variety of numerical experiments are investigated to show the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed discretization procedure. The method has a simple structure and can be implemented without too much effort. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational Therapy and Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion in Adolescence: A Case Study
Authors: Gontijo Daniela Tavares , de Sena e Vasconcelos Anna Carolina , Monteiro Rosana Juliet Silva , Facundes Vera Lúcia Dutra , de Fátima Cordeiro Trajano Maria , de Lima Luciane Soares
Published: July 2015

Occupational therapy can contribute to sexual and reproductive health through health education. The purpose of this study was to describe an occupational therapy intervention aimed at sexual and reproductive health promotion in adolescents. Fifty‐eight adolescents were involved in the study, before, during and after the interventions. Educative activities such as puzzles, storytelling, mime and board games were used, which occupational therapy faculty and students had constructed. The games were employed as mediators for gaining knowledge in sexual and reproductive health. Outcome was measured using a questionnaire, audio recordings and field diaries. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The results showed the adolescents' increased knowledge of sexual and reproductive health information immediately after the intervention. The thematic analysis was grouped into three categories: the adolescents' initial expectations regarding the project, reflections on the process experienced during the interventions and use of educational games by occupational therapists. The importance of rapport and dialogue was highlighted in the construction of interventions based on participatory methods. The absence of a longitudinal follow‐up is a limitation in this study. Further research is important to systematically assess sexual health promotion strategies in adolescence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable formulation of protein‐type drug in electrospun polymeric fiber followed by tableting and scaling‐up experiments
Authors: Wagner István , Nagy Zsombor Kristóf , Vass Panna , Fehér Csaba , Barta Zsolt , Vigh Tamás , Sóti Péter Lajos , Harasztos Anna Helga , Pataki Hajnalka , Balogh Attila , Verreck Geert , Assche Ivo Van , Marosi György
Published: July 2015

Suitability of electrospinning for biodrug formulation was investigated in order to develop an electrospinning‐based method for producing oral dosage form of β‐galactosidase. β‐Galactosidase‐loaded polymeric (polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidones with two different molar masses, and polyethylene glycol) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning in order to lengthen the shelf life of the enzyme (providing an alternative technology to drying). Based on the activity of the encapsulated β‐galactosidase, the most suitable polymer was polyvinylpyrrolidone with higher molecular weight (1,200,000 Da), because 97% of the original activity remained in this case. Kinetic behavior of β‐galactosidase did not show any alteration after encapsulation, and the pH and temperature profiles were not changed either. Time course of viability testing showed that the nanofibrous formulation can provide long‐term stability for β‐galactosidase; the activity of the enzyme decreased only 4% after a year. Furthermore, scaling‐up and tableting had no influence on activity and long‐term stability; thus, the developed drying technology and tablets, containing enzyme‐loaded nanofibers, can provide a new promising way of oral biodrug delivery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Light induced gradient refractive index materials
Authors: Esen Hüseyin , Barghorn Celine C. , Allonas Xavier
Published: July 2015

Controlled and patterned variation of refractive index (wavefront) across a lens surface was obtained via the use of “phase mask”. Gradient interpenetrating network was selected to screen the acrylate and epoxy monomer to obtain necessary refractive index change over the lens surface. The best photoinitiator system was determined to give a stable and transparent wavefront as a mixture of 2 wt% Irgacure 250 (I 250), 1 wt% Isopropylthoxanthone (ITX) and 0.5 wt Irgacure 184 (I 184). It is found that a dipropylene glycol diacrylate (SR 508) and a triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TGDM) improved the stability of the transparent wavefront because of higher Tg of the network. Haze problem, a consequence of diffusion of one monomer to other network because of the rate differences, was eliminated with IPN composed of TGDM (an acrylate with slow polymerization rate) and bis (3,4‐epoxy cyclohexylmethyl)adipate (BECMA, an epoxy with fast polymerization rate). A high refractive index additive, bromonaphthalene, resulted the best wavefront with lens power when incorporated into BECMA and TGDM IPN. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Lung as Second Malignant Neoplasm Following Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Bradee Allison R. , Lehman Alice , Reed Robyn C. , Watson Andrea , Acton Robert
Published: July 2015

Primary pulmonary tumors are extremely rare in the pediatric population; however, sporadic cases of invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma as a second malignant neoplasm (SMN) have been described in survivors of pediatric cancers. Pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have a particularly increased risk of developing a SMN when compared to the general population, though pulmonary adenocarcinoma has not been previously described in a RMS patient. A 12‐year‐old female previously treated for stage IV pelvic RMS was found to have a left pulmonary nodule on surveillance computed tomography. The nodule was detected 4.25 years after the completion of treatment, which included resection, chemotherapy, and radiation to the abdomen and pelvis. Wedge resection of the pulmonary lesion was performed with negative margins. Histopathological examination revealed minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma may rarely present as a SMN in pediatric cancer survivors. The pathogenesis of this association is not yet entirely clear, but may include chemotherapy‐induced mutagenesis and/or genetic predisposition. As pulmonary adenocarcinoma may present as a lung lesion radiographically indistinguishable from metastatic RMS, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any pediatric RMS survivor presenting with a new pulmonary nodule, especially in cases with late recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybridization effects on tensile and bending behavior of aramid/basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Bozkurt Ömer Yavuz
Published: July 2015

In this study, the mechanical properties of aramid/basalt hybrid composite laminates were determined, and the effects of hybridization on the mechanical properties were investigated. To examine the effect of hybridization, the mechanical properties of aramid/basalt hybrid composite laminates were compared with those of aramid/epoxy and basalt/epoxy non‐hybrid composite laminates. The mechanical properties, tensile and flexural, of composite laminates were determined by performing uniaxial tensile and three‐point bending tests. The results showed that the employment of basalt fibers for partial substitution of aramid fibers in the composite laminate could provide improvements in the tensile and flexural properties. Furthermore, the results of three‐point bending tests were found that the employment of basalt fibers on compressive side across the thickness of composite laminates were realized significant improvement for flexural properties in comparison to the employment of basalt fibers on tensile side. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1144–1150, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental investigation of a new type of interfacial instability in a reactive coextrusion process
Authors: Bondon Arnaud , Lamnawar Khalid , Maazouz Abderrahim
Published: July 2015

This paper deals with the study of new interfacial instabilities, called “grainy” defects, in coextrusion process of reactive multilayer polymers. The main objective was to better understand this phenomenon since no help can be found in the literature. The fundamental approach from a micro‐scale to a macro‐scale involves the study of relationships between polymer structure, processing, and interfacial properties. The influence of these parameters on the generation of “grainy” defects during coextrusion has been assessed in correlation with physicochemical properties. Through this work, rheological properties and the interfacial morphology between tie and barrier layers have been investigated by shear stress relaxation experiments and transmission electronic microscopy, respectively. Depending on the reactive polymers, the interfacial coupling was found to significantly alter the stress relaxation behavior by extending the relaxation time and generating an interfacial roughness. Hence, relations between the copolymer architecture, the relaxation process, and the interfacial morphology were established in correlation with the generation of grainy defects in coextrusion process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2542–2552, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prevalence and correlates of current smoking among medical oncology outpatients
Authors: Regan Tim , Carey Mariko , Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Mansfield Elise , Sitas Freddy , Tracey Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Background

Continued smoking following a cancer diagnosis has adverse impacts on cancer treatment and puts individuals at risk of secondary cancers. Data on the prevalence and correlates of smoking among cancer patients are critical for successfully targeting smoking cessation interventions.

Aims

To explore among a sample of medical oncology outpatients (a) the prevalence of self‐reported current smoking and (b) the demographic and psychosocial factors associated with self‐reported smoking.

Methods

A heterogeneous sample of cancer patients aged 18 years or over was recruited from 1 of 11 medical oncology treatment centres across Australia. Patients completed a survey assessing the following: smoking status; socio‐demographic, disease and treatment characteristics; time since diagnosis; anxiety; and depression. Factors associated with self‐reported smoking were examined using a univariate and multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1379 patients returned surveys and 1338 were included in the analysis. The prevalence of current smoking was 10.9% (n = 146). After adjusting for treatment centre, patients aged 65 years and older and those without health concession cards were significantly less likely to smoke. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and those without private health insurance were more likely to smoke.

Discussion

A minority of cancer patients reported continued smoking at an average time of 13 months post‐diagnosis. Patients, who are younger, have been diagnosed with lung cancer and have lower socioeconomic status are at‐risk groups and represent important targets for smoking cessation advice and intervention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of decellularized human myocardial matrix: A comparison of six patients
Authors: Johnson Todd D. , Hill Ryan C. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Nigam Vishal , Behfar Atta , Christman Karen L. , Hansen Kirk C.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize and quantitatively analyze human cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) isolated from six different cadaveric donor hearts.

Experimental design

ECM was isolated by decellularization of six human cadaveric donor hearts and characterized by quantifying sulfated glycosaminoglycan content (sGAG) and via PAGE. The protein content was then quantified using ECM‐targeted Quantitative conCATamers (QconCAT) by LC‐SRM analysis using 83 stable isotope labeled (SIL) peptides representing 48 different proteins. Nontargeted global analysis was also implemented using LC‐MS/MS.

Results

The sGAG content, PAGE, and QconCAT proteomics analysis showed significant variation between each of the six patient samples. The quantitative proteomics indicated that the majority of the protein content was composed of various fibrillar collagen components. Also, quantification of difficult to remove cellular proteins represented less than 1% of total protein content, which is very low for a decellularized biomaterial. Global proteomics identified over 200 distinct proteins present in the human cardiac ECM.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

In conclusion, quantification and characterization of human myocardial ECM showed significant patient‐to‐patient variability between the six investigated patients. This is an important outcome for the development of allogeneic derived biomaterials and for increasing our understanding of human myocardial ECM composition.
Proteomic contributions to our understanding of vaccine and immune responses
Authors: Galassie Allison C. , Link Andrew J.
Published: July 2015

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health successes; yet, due to the empirical nature of vaccine design, we have an incomplete understanding of how the genes and proteins induced by vaccines contribute to the development of both protective innate and adaptive immune responses. While the advent of genomics has enabled new vaccine development and facilitated understanding of the immune response, proteomics identifies potentially new vaccine antigens with increasing speed and sensitivity. In addition, as proteomics is complementary to transcriptomic approaches, a combination of both approaches provides a more comprehensive view of the immune response after vaccination via systems vaccinology. This review details the advances that proteomic strategies have made in vaccine development and reviews how proteomics contributes to the development of a more complete understanding of human vaccines and immune responses.
Protein–protein association rates captured in a single geometric parameter
Authors: Das Madhurima , Basu Gautam
Published: July 2015

Understanding factors that drive protein–protein association is of fundamental importance. We show that a single geometric parameter in crystal structures of protein–protein complexes, the angle between the electric dipole of one subunit and the partner‐generated electric field at the same subunit, linearly correlates with experimentally determined protein–protein association rates. Imprint of a dynamic kinetic process in a single static geometric parameter, associated with mutual electrostatic orientation of subunits in protein–protein complexes, is elegant and demonstrates the universality of electrostatic steering in attenuating protein–protein association rates. That the essence of a complex phenomenon could be captured by properties of the final crystal structure of the complex implies that the electrostatic orientations of protein subunits in crystal structures and the associated transition states are nearly identical. Further, the cosine of the angle, alone, is shown to be sufficient in predicting association rate constants, with accuracies comparable to currently available predictors that use more intricate methodologies. Our results offer mechanistic insights and could be useful in development of coarse‐grained models. Proteins 2015; 83:1557–1562. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Larvicidal spirobisnaphthalenes from the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. against Aedes albopictus
Authors: Tian Jin , Liu Xin Chao , Liu Zhi Long , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

In our screening programme for new agrochemicals from endophytic fungi, the ethyl acetate extract of an endophytic Berkleasmium sp. isolated from the medicinal plant Dioscorea zingiberensis was found to possess strong larvicidal activity against the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus.

RESULTS

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the fungal extract has led to the isolation of seven spirobisnaphthalenes, including palmarumycins C8, C12, C15 and B6 and diepoxins γ, δ and ζ. Among them, palmarumycins C8 and B6 showed strong larvicidal activity against the fourth‐instar larvae of A. albopictus, with LC50 values of 8.83 and 11.51 µg mL−1 respectively. Interestingly, only spirobisnaphthalenes with a chlorine substituent possessed strong larvicidal activity.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the spirobisnaphthalenes derived from the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. could be promising leads for the development of new larvicides against A. albopictus. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Trichoderma viride chitinases on the peritrophic matrix of Lepidoptera
Authors: Berini Francesca , Caccia Silvia , Franzetti Eleonora , Congiu Terenzio , Marinelli Flavia , Casartelli Morena , Tettamanti Gianluca
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The peritrophic matrix (PM) is formed by a network of chitin fibrils associated with proteins, glycoproteins and proteoglycans that lines the insect midgut. It is a physical barrier involved in digestion processes, and protects the midgut epithelium from food abrasion, pathogen infections and toxic materials. Given its fundamental role in insect physiology, the PM represents an excellent target for pest control strategies. Although a number of viral, bacterial and insect chitinolytic enzymes affecting PM integrity have already been tested, exploitation of fungal chitinases has been almost neglected. Fungal chitinases, already in use as fungal phytopathogen biocontrol agents, are known to attack the insect cuticle, but their action on the insect gut needs to be better investigated.

RESULTS

In the present paper, we performed a biochemical characterisation of a commercial mixture of chitinolytic enzymes derived from Trichoderma viride and analysed its in vitro and in vivo effects on the PM of the silkworm Bombyx mori, a model system among Lepidoptera. We found that these enzymes have significant in vitro effects on the structure and permeability of the PM of this insect. A bioassay supported these results and showed that the oral administration of the mixture causes PM alterations, leading to adverse consequences on larval growth and development, negatively affecting pupal weight and even inducing mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an integrated experimental approach to evaluate the effects of fungal chitinases on Lepidoptera. The encouraging results obtained herein make us confident about the possible use of fungal chitinases to control lepidopteran pests. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of sweeteners on the survival and behaviour of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Zheng Chunyan , Zeng Ling , Xu Yijuan
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) causes serious damage that affects fruit production. Chemical insecticides have been widely used for the prevention and control of this destructive pest. However, the resistance of B. dorsalis to these compounds has become a serious problem. This study tested six sweeteners for their toxicity to B. dorsalis.

RESULTS

B. dorsalis fed on erythritol, aspartame and saccharin exhibited significantly higher mortality than those fed on sucrose. Flies fed on erythritol died faster than did the control flies (water). However, no dose‐dependent effects were observed at the concentrations tested. These three sweeteners decreased the climbing ability of B. dorsalis. Notably, adults fed on saccharin exhibited significantly decreased climbing ability after 12 h compared with those fed on sucrose. Additionally, these three sweeteners had a negative effect on the frequency and duration of the flies' behaviour patterns (flying, walking, grooming and inactivity). Saccharin not only induced a marked reduction in the frequency of flights and walks but also induced decreases in the time spent flying and walking and increases in inactivity compared with sucrose. Erythritol induced a reduction in movement and increased the time spent inactive compared with the control and other treatments.

CONCLUSION

Three sweeteners had significant negative effects on the survival of B. dorsalis. Erythritol was toxic to B. dorsalis. Aspartame and saccharin also decreased the survival and behaviour of adult flies and may be toxic to (or contribute to poor nutrition in) B. dorsalis. These sweeteners could therefore be developed as additive ingredients in baits. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Destination Choices of Permanent and Temporary Migrants in China, 1985–2005
Authors: Liu Ye , Xu Wei
Published: July 2015

Previous studies on internal migration in China have failed to capture both the heterogeneity of migratory behaviours and migration processes and the rapidly changing migration circumstances. Using microdata from China's 1990 population census and the 1% population sample survey of 2005, this paper examines whether and how destination choices differ between permanent migrants (withhukouat the destination) and temporary migrants (withouthukouat the destination) and how such differentials change between 1985 and 2005. We use the conditional logit model to gauge the effect of the economic transition andhukoureforms and employ the mixed model to study howhukourestrictions are intertwined with migrants' socio‐economic status to influence the destination choices. Temporary migrants are found to be increasingly concentrated in southeast coastal provinces with better employment opportunities, whereas permanent migrants tend to move in the opposite direction, to south‐central and southwestern provinces with a low entry barrier and numerous return migrants. Modelling results reveal that over time, both types of migrants are increasingly responsive to interregional wage differentials, and that thehukousystem continues to matter in shaping destination choices. Moreover, the localisation of thehukouregulation and the commodification ofhukouin recent years have resulted in an increased concentration of highly skilled migrants relative to low‐skilled migrants in the most prosperous regions. Our findings suggest that state intervention is still intertwined with market mechanism to influence migration in reform‐era China, and that the state should not be seen as a unitary entity when understanding recenthukoureforms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and double‐hierarchical structure of MoS2/C nanospheres
Authors: Shyyko Lyudmyla , Kotsyubynsky Volodymyr , Budzulyak Ivan , Rawski Michal , Kulyk Yurij , Lisovski Roman
Published: July 2015

The results of MoS2/carbon nanocomposite hydrothermal synthesis is presented. The synthesized material was studied by XRD, TEM, EDS, SAXS, and porosimetry. The multilayer nanospheres with the average size 40–70 nm were obtained. The investigations confirm the formation of particles with double‐hierarchical structure where 2H‐MoS2 layers alternate with carbon layers. Atomic ratio of MoS2:C is about 1:1 (at.%) and does not depend on the heat treatment.

The proposed formation mechanism of MoS2/C double‐hierarchical structure.
The influence of deposition temperature on the adhesion of diamond films deposited on WC–Co substrates using a Cr–N interlayer
Authors: Fischer Miriam , Chandran Maneesh , Akhvlediani Rozalia , Hoffman Alon
Published: July 2015

The possibility of combining the hardness of diamond with the toughness of WC–Co has attracted a great attention toward the deposition of diamond films on WC–Co substrates due to their potential industrial applications. However, the performance of diamond coated WC–Co machining tools is limited by the coating‐substrate adhesion strength. In this work, we report on the effect of deposition temperature on the adhesion of diamond films deposited on WC–10%Co substrates. Prior to diamond deposition, an interlayer of 1.5 μm thick Cr–N was deposited on the WC–Co substrates to minimize cobalt diffusion. Diamond films were deposited using hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique at different temperatures (500–750 °C). Phase purity and residual stress of diamond films were investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Adhesion was determined using Vickers hardness test with discrete loads of 20 kgf by examining the failure occurred at the weaker interface, which allows an easy propagation of indentation induced lateral cracks. The weaker interface was found at the diamond/Cr–N interlayer. Improved adhesion was found for diamond films deposited at 650 °C, compared to the films deposited at other temperatures. A comprehensive analysis about the optimum deposition temperature that leads to better adhesion is discussed.
Scanning spreading resistance microscopy for electrical characterization of diamond interfacial layers
Authors: Xu Zheng , Hantschel T. , Tsigkourakos M. , Vandervorst W.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a methodology to directly investigate on the nanometer scale electrical properties of the nucleation layer of grown diamond films, which are important when the film is used as an electrode with the current flow across the nucleation layer. The diamond films are grown on Si substrates. In this methodology, the Si substrate is locally removed by wet etching and electrical measurements are then carried out by scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM). SSRM is based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and measures the local spreading resistance underneath a conducting tip which is scanned in contact mode across the sample surface. Our work shows how SSRM can be applied on the diamond interfacial layer and what insights can be gained from these measurements. We show how undoped and boron‐doped seeds are incorporated at the interface and how the seed solution concentration impacts the interfacial seed density and the resulting interfacial electrical resistance. This paper discusses in more detail the sample preparation and measurement procedures.
Self‐aggregation of convection in long channel geometry
Authors: Wing Allison A. , Cronin Timothy W.
Published: July 2015

Cloud cover and relative humidity in the Tropics are strongly influenced by organized atmospheric convection, which occurs across a range of spatial and temporal scales. One mode of organization that is found in idealized numerical modelling simulations is self‐aggregation, a spontaneous transition from randomly distributed convection to organized convection despite homogeneous boundary conditions. We explore the influence of domain geometry on the mechanisms, growth rates and length‐scales of self‐aggregation of tropical convection. We simulate radiative–convective equilibrium with the System for Atmospheric Modeling (SAM), in a non‐rotating, highly elongated three‐dimensional (3D) channel domain of length >104 km, with interactive radiation and surface fluxes and fixed sea‐surface temperature varying from 280–310 K. Convection self‐aggregates into multiple moist and dry bands across this full range of temperatures. As convection aggregates, we find a decrease in upper tropospheric cloud fraction but an increase in lower tropospheric cloud fraction; this sensitivity of clouds to aggregation agrees with observations in the upper troposphere but not in the lower troposphere. An advantage of the channel geometry is that a separation distance between convectively active regions can be defined; we present a theory for this distance based on boundary layer. We find that surface fluxes and radiative heating act as positive feedback mechanisms, favouring self‐aggregation, but advection of moist static energy acts as a negative feedback, opposing self‐aggregation, for nearly all temperatures and times. Early in the process of self‐aggregation, surface fluxes are a positive feedback at all temperatures, shortwave radiation is a strong positive feedback at low surface temperatures but weakens at higher temperatures and longwave radiation is a negative feedback at low temperatures but becomes a positive feedback for temperatures greater than 295–300 K. Clouds contribute strongly to the radiative feedback, especially at low temperatures.
Four‐decadal climatological intercomparison of rocketsonde and radiosonde with different reanalysis data: results from Thumba Equatorial Station
Authors: Das Siddarth Shankar , Uma K. N. , Bineesha V. N. , Suneeth K. V. , Ramkumar G.
Published: July 2015

Four decades of climatological data on winds from 0 to 65 km measured over the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) (8.53°N, 76.87°E), a low‐latitude equatorial station in India, are compared with four global reanalysis datasets. The observations are made using balloon‐borne experiments (0–35 km) and rocket soundings (20–65 km) from 1970 to 2013. Reanalysis data compared well with the real‐time observations below the tropopause and less well above it in both the wind components (zonal and meridional). The average correlation coefficient between observations and reanalysis is found to be 0.9 for zonal wind from the surface to 30 km and 0.6 for meridional wind from the surface to 15 km. The amplitude of the semi‐annual oscillation (SAO), annual oscillation (AO), and Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) are reproduced well in the four reanalysis datasets. The QBO amplitude maximum around 20–30 km altitude is systematically underestimated by all the reanalyses compared to the observations.
Risk adaptive hybrid RFID access control system
Authors: Al‐Zewairi Malek , Alqatawna Ja'far , Atoum Jalal
Published: July 2015

Dynamic environments pose a challenge for traditional access control models where permissions are granted or revoked merely based on predefined and static access policies making them incapable of dynamically adapting to changing conditions. Risk adaptive access control models have been gaining more attention in the research community as an alternative approach to overcome the limitations of traditional access control models. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging technology widely utilized in both physical and logical access control systems because of its contactless nature, low cost, high read/write speed and long distance operation. Serverless RFID system architecture offers better availability assurance and lower implementation cost, while access rights management is easier in server‐based architecture. In this study, we continue to build on our previous research on the privacy and security of RFID access control systems without a backend database in order to overcome its limitations. We propose a hybrid design for a risk adaptive RFID access control system; that is, dynamically alternating between two access control modes, online (server‐based) and offline (serverless), to adapt to the level of risk depending on rule‐based risk scenarios and current risk value. The proposed design combines features of both serverless and risk adaptive access control systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A statistical model for measurement error that incorporates variation over time in the target measure, with application to nutritional epidemiology
Authors: Freedman Laurence S. , Midthune Douglas , Dodd Kevin W. , Carroll Raymond J. , Kipnis Victor
Published: July 2015

Most statistical methods that adjust analyses for measurement error assume that the target exposure T is a fixed quantity for each individual. However, in many applications, the value of T for an individual varies with time. We develop a model that accounts for such variation, describing the model within the framework of a meta‐analysis of validation studies of dietary self‐report instruments, where the reference instruments are biomarkers. We demonstrate that in this application, the estimates of the attenuation factor and correlation with true intake, key parameters quantifying the accuracy of the self‐report instrument, are sometimes substantially modified under the time‐varying exposure model compared with estimates obtained under a traditional fixed‐exposure model. We conclude that accounting for the time element in measurement error problems is potentially important. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A general regression framework for group testing data, which incorporates pool dilution effects
Authors: Wang Dewei , McMahan Christopher S. , Gallagher Colin M.
Published: July 2015

Group testing, through the use of pooling, has been widely implemented as a more efficient means to screen individuals for infectious diseases. Typically, in these settings, practitioners are tasked with the complimentary goals of both case identification and estimation. For these purposes, many group testing strategies have been proposed, which address issues such as preserving anonymity in estimation studies, quality control, and classification. In general, these strategies require that a significant number of the individuals be retested, either in pools or individually. In order to provide practitioners with a general methodology that can be used to accurately and precisely analyze data of this form, herein, we propose a binary regression framework that can incorporate data arising from any group testing strategy. Further, we relax previously made assumptions regarding testing error rates by relating the diagnostic testing results to the latent biological marker levels of the individuals being tested. We investigate the finite sample performance of our proposed methodology through simulation and by applying our techniques to hepatitis B data collected as part of a study involving Irish prisoners. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tests for time‐invariant correlation of longitudinally measured biomarkers
Authors: Chen Su , Braun Thomas M.
Published: July 2015

Our work is motivated by a study that longitudinally measured serum biomarkers and levels of bacterial pathogens in the oral cavity with the intent of testing if the correlation between each biomarker and each pathogen is homogeneous over time. To address this question, we propose a model for the joint distribution of the serial biomarker measures and the serial pathogen measures and use the variance of this distribution to derive the asymptotic distribution of the sample correlation coefficient of a biomarker and a pathogen at each time point. We use both a Wald test based upon Fisher's Z‐transformation and an
‐test with an estimated degrees of freedom in order to produce a test with valid size. We examine the performance of both tests via Monte Carlo simulation in a variety of settings defined by the number of subjects, the number of time points, and the range of the true correlation coefficients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal designs in longitudinal trials with varying treatment effects and discrete‐time survival endpoints
Authors: Safarkhani Maryam , Moerbeek Mirjam
Published: July 2015

It is plausible to assume that the treatment effect in a longitudinal study will vary over time. It can become either stronger or weaker as time goes on. Here, we extend previous work on optimal designs for discrete‐time survival analysis to trials with the treatment effect varying over time. In discrete‐time survival analysis, subjects are measured in discrete time intervals, while they may experience the event at any point in time. We focus on studies where the width of time intervals is fixed beforehand, meaning that subjects are measured more often when the study duration increases. The optimal design is defined as the optimal combination of the number of subjects, the number of measurements for each subject, and the optimal proportion of subjects assigned to the experimental condition. We study optimal designs for different optimality criteria and linear cost functions. We illustrate the methodology of finding optimal designs using a clinical trial that studies the effect of an outpatient mental health program on reducing substance abuse among patients with severe mental illness. We observe that optimal designs depend to some extent on the rate at which group differences vary across time intervals and the direction of these changes over time. We conclude that an optimal design based on the assumption of a constant treatment effect is not likely to be efficient if the treatment effect varies across time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insensitivity of Human iPS Cells-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Interferon-γ-induced HLA Expression Potentiates Repair Efficiency of Hind Limb Ischemia in Immune Humanized NOD Scid Gamma Mice
Authors: Sun Yue-Qi , Zhang Yuelin , Li Xin , Deng Meng-Xia , Gao Wen-Xiang , Yao Yin , Chiu Sin-Ming , Liang Xiaoting , Gao Fei , Chan Camie W. , Tse Hung-Fat , Shi Jianbo , Fu Qing-Ling , Lian Qizhou
Published: July 2015

Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are immunoprivileged cells due to the low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II molecules. However, the expression of MHC molecules in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived MSCs has not been investigated. Here, we examined the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in human MSCs derived from iPSCs, fetuses, and adult bone marrow (BM) after stimulation with interferon-γ (IFN-γ), compared their repair efficacy, cell retention, inflammation, and HLA II expression in immune humanized NOD Scid gamma (NSG) mice of hind limb ischemia. In the absence of IFN-γ stimulation, HLA-II was expressed only in BM-MSCs after 7 days. Two and seven days after stimulation, high levels of HLA-II were observed in BM-MSCs, intermediate levels were found in fetal-MSCs, and very low levels in iPSC-MSCs. The levels of p-STAT1, interferon regulatory factor 1, and class II transactivator exhibited similar phenomena. Moreover, p-STAT1 antagonist significantly reversed the high expression of HLA-II in BM-MSCs. Compared to adult BM-MSCs, transplanting iPSC-MSCs into hu-PBMNC NSG mice revealed markedly more survival iPSC-MSCs, less inflammatory cell accumulations, and better recovery of hind limb ischemia. The expression of HLA-II in MSCs in the ischemia limbs was detected in BM-MSCs group but not in iPSC-MSCs group at 7 and 21 days after transplantation. Our results demonstrate that, compared to adult MSCs, human iPSC-MSCs are insensitive to proinflammatory IFN-γ-induced HLA-II expression and iPSC-MSCs have a stronger immune privilege after transplantation. It may attribute to a better therapeutic efficacy in allogeneic transplantation. Stem Cells  2015;33:3452–3467
Brief Report: Human Perivascular Stem Cells and Nel-Like Protein-1 Synergistically Enhance Spinal Fusion in Osteoporotic Rats
Authors: Lee Soonchul , Zhang Xinli , Shen Jia , James Aaron W. , Chung Choon G. , Hardy Reef , Li Chenshuang , Girgius Caroline , Zhang Yulong , Stoker David , Wang Huiming , Wu Benjamin M. , Peault Bruno , Ting Kang , Soo Chia
Published: July 2015

Autologous bone grafts (ABGs) are considered as the gold standard for spinal fusion. However, osteoporotic patients are poor candidates for ABGs due to limited osteogenic stem cell numbers and function of the bone microenvironment. There is a need for stem cell-based spinal fusion of proven efficacy under either osteoporotic or nonosteoporotic conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of human perivascular stem cells (hPSCs), a population of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from adipose tissue, in the presence and absence of NELL-1, an osteogenic protein, for spinal fusion in the osteoporosis. Osteogenic differentiation of hPSCs with and without NELL-1 was tested in vitro. The results indicated that NELL-1 significantly increased the osteogenic potential of hPSCs in both osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic donors. Next, spinal fusion was performed by implanting scaffolds with regular or high doses of hPSCs, with or without NELL-1 in ovariectomized rats (n = 41). Regular doses of hPSCs or NELL-1 achieved the fusion rates of only 20%–37.5% by manual palpation. These regular doses had previously been shown to be effective in nonosteoporotic rat spinal fusion. Remarkably, the high dose of hPSCs+NELL-1 significantly improved the fusion rates among osteoporotic rats up to approximately 83.3%. Microcomputed tomography imaging and quantification further confirmed solid bony fusion with high dose hPSCs+NELL-1. Finally, histologically, direct in situ involvement of hPSCs in ossification was shown using undecalcified samples. To conclude, hPSCs combined with NELL-1 synergistically enhances spinal fusion in osteoporotic rats and has great potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for osteoporotic patients. Stem Cells  2015;33:3158–3163
Organic Photovoltaic Materials—Design, Synthesis and Scale‐Up
Authors: Wong Wallace W. H. , Banal James L. , Geraghty Paul B. , Hong Quentin , Zhang Bolong , Holmes Andrew B. , Jones David J.
Published: July 2015

This account describes the work of our group in the area of organic photovoltaics in the past six years. The emphasis is on our experiences in the development of the organic materials, their characterization, scale‐up and application in devices. We share our insight into the relationship between synthetic methods, molecular properties, bulk material properties and device performance.

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New and emerging models of human intelligence
Authors: Conway Andrew R. A. , Kovacs Kristof
Published: July 2015

In the last decade, new models of human intelligence have altered the theoretical landscape in psychometrics and cognitive science. In the current article, we provide an overview of key distinguishing features of these new models. Compared to 20th century models of intelligence, the new models proposed in the 21st century are unique for three primary reasons; (1) new models interpret the general factor, or g, as an emergent property reflecting the pattern of positive correlations observed among test scores, not as a causal latent variable, and therefore challenge the notion of general ability, (2) new models bridge correlational and experimental psychology and account for inter‐individual differences in behavior in terms of intra‐individual psychological processes, and (3) new models make novel predictions about the neural correlates of intelligent behavior. WIREs Cogn Sci 2015, 6:419–426. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1356

Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Theory and Methods
Modeling of the dynamics of wind to power conversion including high wind speed behavior
Authors: Litong‐Palima Marisciel , Bjerge Martin Huus , Cutululis Nicolaos A. , Hansen Lars Henrik , Sørensen Poul
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes and validates an efficient, generic and computationally simple dynamic model for the conversion of the wind speed at hub height into the electrical power by a wind turbine. This proposed wind turbine model was developed as a first step to simulate wind power time series for power system studies. This paper focuses on describing and validating the single wind turbine model, and is therefore neither describing wind speed modeling nor aggregation of contributions from a whole wind farm or a power system area. The state‐of‐the‐art is to use static power curves for the purpose of power system studies, but the idea of the proposed wind turbine model is to include the main dynamic effects in order to have a better representation of the fluctuations in the output power and of the fast power ramping especially because of high wind speed shutdowns of the wind turbine. The high wind speed shutdowns and restarts are represented as on–off switching rules that govern the output of the wind turbine at extreme wind speed conditions. The model uses the concept of equivalent wind speed, estimated from the single point (hub height) wind speed using a second‐order dynamic filter that is derived from an admittance function. The equivalent wind speed is a representation of the averaging of the wind speeds over the wind turbine rotor plane and is used as input to the static power curve to get the output power. The proposed wind turbine model is validated for the whole operating range using measurements available from the DONG Energy offshore wind farm Horns Rev 2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The climate effect of increased forest bioenergy use in Sweden: evaluation at different spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Cintas Olivia , Berndes Göran , Cowie Annette L. , Egnell Gustaf , Holmström Hampus , Ågren Göran I.
Published: July 2015

Bioenergy from boreal forests managed for productive purposes (e.g., pulp, timber) is commonly held to offer attractive options for climate change mitigation. However, this view has been challenged in recent years. Carbon balances, cumulative radiative forcing, and average global temperature change have been calculated for a variety of bioenergy management regimes in Swedish forests, and the results support the view that an increased use of forest biomass for energy in Sweden can contribute to climate change mitigation, although methodological (e.g., spatial scales) and parameter value choices influence the results significantly. We show that the climate effect of forest‐based bioenergy depends on the forest ecosystems and management, including biomass extraction for bioenergy and other products, and how this management changes in response to anticipated market demands; and on the energy system effects, which determine the fossil carbon displacement and other greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation effects of using forest biomass for bioenergy and other purposes. The public and private sectors are advised to consider information from comprehensive analyses that provide insights about energy and forest systems in the context of evolving forest product markets, alternative policy options, and energy technology pathways in their decision‐making processes. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:351–369. doi: 10.1002/wene.178

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment