bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Evaluation of Double-Strand (Looped) and Single-Strand Polyamide Multifilament Suture: Influence of Knot and Suture Size
Authors: Netscher David T. , Badal Justin J. , Yang Jonathan , Kaufman Yoav , Alexander Jerry , Noble Philip
Published: December 2014

Background

Flexor tendon repair in zone II remains a vexing problem. Repair techniques have been developed to strengthen and optimize the number of core strands crossing a repair. A polyamide looped suture doubles the number of core strands for every needle path. This simplifies repairs, but the knot remains a potential weakness. The purpose of our study was to create a biomechanical model used to evaluate the bulky knot of a looped suture as it may be weaker, resulting in greater deformation.

Methods

Using machined steel rods to hold our suture constructs, we compared four different knot configurations using looped and non-looped sutures in 3-0 and 4-0 varieties using a four-core strand technique. The constructs were tested under increased cyclic loading recording both forces applied and suture construct lengthening (“clinical gapping”) and ultimate breaking strength.

Results

During continuous periods of cyclic loading, we measured permanent deformation and ultimate breaking strength. Permanent deformation results when there is no recoverable change after force removal defined as a permanent rod separation (or gapping) of 2 mm. Four-strand 3-0 and 4-0 looped sutures failed at 39.9 and 27.1 N faring worse than a four-strand non-looped suture which reached a rod separation of 2 mm at 60.7 and 41.3 N. The ultimate breaking strength demonstrated absolute failure (construct rupture) with the 3-0 looped suture breaking at the knot at 50.3 N and the non-looped suture at 61.5 N. For the 4-0 suture, these values were 32.4 and 41.76 N.

Conclusion

Within the constraints of this model, a looped suture fared worse than a non-looped suture especially when comparing 4-0 and 3-0 sutures. However, two-knot 3-0 looped suture constructs did resist the force generally accepted as occurring with early non-resistive tendon motion protocols, while two-knot 4-0 looped suture constructs did not.

Clinical Relevance

This paper provides a description of a model to evaluate various suture materials and knot strengths in isolation of the tendon itself. This allowed us to evaluate mechanical differences between looped and non-looped sutures for polyamide, which are commonly used in flexor tendon repair. These differences between sutures may impact choices for a suture type selected for these repairs.
Predictability of Fetal Doppler, Biophysical Profile, and Cardiotocography for Fetal Acidosis at Birth
Authors: Gupta Ashutosh , Mehta Sanjay , Fazal Tauqeer Syed , Sehgal Renu Raina , Gogia Ashima
Published: December 2014

Fetal Doppler has allowed evaluation of the fetus in both physiological and pathological conditions which has helped in establishing the relationship between Doppler and fetal oxygenation. It is difficult to define pathological acidosis, but the threshold pH of <7 is the best independent predictor for unexplained seizures. Most infants tolerate acidemia well and recover without any remarkable long term sequelae. Worsening umbilical artery acidosis is directly and adversely related to worsening of neurological outcome, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and multiorgan involvement with permanent neurologic injury. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy events are not limited to high-risk pregnancies but may occur in about 50 % of the low-risk population. Combination of low pH at birth with other abnormal clinical parameters, e.g., requirement for intubation, 5 min Apgar score ≤5 has 80 % positive predictability of seizures. Predictability of fetal Doppler examination for asphyxiated fetuses is in the tune of 86 %. High-risk pregnancies are screened antenatally by fetal Doppler, biophysical profile, and CTG to identify at-risk fetuses which are confirmed by the ABG analysis of cord blood immediately after birth. All these noninvasive modalities complement each other to identify, at the earliest, any clinical deterioration. Isolated abnormal, e.g., absent end diastolic flow in umbilical artery, abnormal biophysical profile, or nonreactive CTG are not adequately sensitive in identifying these fetuses which was observed in the present cohort. Thus, fetal Doppler in combination with biophysical profile supplemented with cardiotocograph helps in identifying at-risk fetuses for fetal acidosis and encephalopathy and helps in considering early intervention.
Open BIM-based quantity take-off system for schematic estimation of building frame in early design stage
Authors: Choi Jungsik , Kim Hansaem , Kim Inhan
Published: December 2014

Since construction projects are large and complex, it is especially important to provide concurrent construction process to BIM models with construction automation. In particular, the schematic Quantity Take-Off (QTO) estimation on the BIM models is a strategy, which can be used to assist decision making in just minutes, because 70–80% of construction costs are determined by designers' decisions in the early design stage [1]. This paper suggests a QTO process and a QTO prototype system within the building frame of Open BIM to improve the low reliability of estimation in the early design stage. The research consists of the following four steps: (1) analyzing Level of Detail (LOD) at the early design stage to apply to the QTO process and system, (2) BIM modeling for Open BIM based QTO, (3) checking the quality of the BIM model based on the checklist for applying to QTO and improving constructability, and (4) developing and verifying a QTO prototype system. The proposed QTO system is useful for improving the reliability of schematic estimation through decreasing risk factors and shortening time required.
Comparison of Injury Epidemiology Between the Wenchuan and Lushan Earthquakes in Sichuan, China
Authors: Hu Yang , Zheng Xi , Yuan Yong , Pu Qiang , Liu Lunxu , Zhao Yongfan
Published: December 2014

Objective

We aimed to compare injury characteristics and the timing of admissions and surgeries in the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and the Lushan earthquake in 2013.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the admission and operating times and injury profiles of patients admitted to our medical center during both earthquakes. We also explored the relationship between seismic intensity and injury type.

Results

The time from earthquake onset to the peak in patient admissions and surgeries differed between the 2 earthquakes. In the Wenchuan earthquake, injuries due to being struck by objects or being buried were more frequent than other types of injuries, and more patients suffered injuries of the extremities than thoracic injuries or brain trauma. In the Lushan earthquake, falls were the most common injury, and more patients suffered thoracic trauma or brain injuries. The types of injury seemed to vary with seismic intensity, whereas the anatomical location of the injury did not.

Conclusions

Greater seismic intensity of an earthquake is associated with longer delay between the event and the peak in patient admissions and surgeries, higher frequencies of injuries due to being struck or buried, and lower frequencies of injuries due to falls and injuries to the chest and brain. These insights may prove useful for planning rescue interventions in trauma centers near the epicenter. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:541-547)
WEIGHTED COMPOSITION OPERATORS ON H∞ ∩ o
Authors: OHNO SHÛICHI
Published: December 2014

We will characterize the boundedness and compactness of weighted composition operators on the closed subalgebra H∞ ∩ $\mathcal{B}$o between the disk algebra and the space of bounded analytic functions on the open unit disk.
Seven Years of Implementing UNESCO’s 2003 Intangible Heritage Convention—Honeymoon Period or the “Seven-Year Itch”?
Authors: Blake Janet
Published: December 2014

This article aims to examine how far our experience of implementing UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage Convention, which was adopted in 2003 and entered into force in April 2006, over the last seven years has transformed our understanding of intangible cultural heritage and of its safeguarding. There have been, of course, both positive and negative impacts thus far as well as both unexpected and, thus far, unknown outcomes. The Convention broke new ground, introducing new terminology and new definitions of existing terms and requiring a reexamination of some approaches to international and national law making and policymaking. When considering the impact of the 2003 Convention internationally, we need to look, inter alia, at its impact on international policymaking (including cultural policy, the sustainable development agenda and indigenous rights), related developments in other areas of international law (including human rights and environmental law), and the way in which states treat shared heritage that crosses international frontiers. On the national level, we should consider how the Convention may have contributed to creating a new paradigm for identifying and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH), shifting the focus of significance, redefining the role of non-state actors vis-à-vis state authorities in this process and, even, moving the idea of national heritage away from a purely state-driven concept. Important questions to consider include whether the Convention has resulted in the development of new national policy strategies for (a) promoting the function of ICH in society and (b) integrating ICH into planning and development programs and how effectively Parties have managed to engage communities, groups, and individuals in the aforementioned activities.
Thinking about Antiquities: Museums and Internationalism
Authors: Lyons Claire L.
Published: December 2014

John Henry Merryman’s seminal writings established the twin poles of nationalism and internationalism, which have framed debates over cultural patrimony for three decades. He has long advocated a cosmopolitan ideal of sharing the world’s artistic heritage as the best course for preservation, knowledge, and public access. Although the tensions between national ownership and universal circulation frequently put countries and museums at odds, above all when it comes to ancient art and archaeological objects, a middle ground has been found that can bridge the gap. This article reviews several recent MOUs that U.S. museums and cultural ministries in Italy, Greece, and Turkey have established for exhibition loans and research collaborations. The J. Paul Getty Museum’s experiences in implementing four international cultural agreements illuminate how sharing works in practice, and the benefits (and costs) of an object-oriented approach to cultural diplomacy.
Wirksamkeit elternzentrierter Interventionen bei Kindern im Alter von zwei bis zwölf Jahren
Authors: Herr Linda , Mingebach Tanja , Becker Katja , Christiansen Hanna , Kamp-Becker Inge
Published: December 2014

Mittels eines systematischen Reviews von 68 Meta-Analysen und Übersichtsartikeln wird überprüft, welche elternzentrierten Interventionen für Kinder im Alter von zwei bis zwölf Jahren wirksam sind und welche psychischen Störungen effektiv behandelt werden können. Insgesamt zeigte sich, dass ein enger Einbezug der Eltern in die Behandlung der Kinder mit internalisierenden Störungen (v. a. bei jüngeren Kindern) sinnvoll ist. Hierbei scheinen vor allem kognitiv-behaviorale Ansätze mit Elterneinbezug wirksam zu sein. Hinsichtlich externalisierender Verhaltensprobleme erreichen behaviorale Elterntrainings neben einer Reduktion der Verhaltensprobleme auch positive Effekte auf Erziehungsverhalten und das elterliche psychische Wohlbefinden. Besonders behaviorale elternzentrierte Interventionen, deren Wirksamkeit nachgewiesen ist, sollten künftig häufiger angewendet werden und eine Möglichkeit zur Abrechnung über die Krankenkassen geschaffen werden.
Ist das „Stepping-Stones/Triple P”-Elterntraining eine sinnvolle, ergänzende Intervention in der Behandlung von Kindern mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen?
Authors: Sprenger Linda , Becker Katja , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner Monika , Mingebach Tanja , Otterbach Saskia , Peters Mira , Kamp-Becker Inge
Published: December 2014

Die Effektivität des Elterntrainings „Stepping Stones/Triple P” als ergänzende Behandlung von Kindern mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS) wurde untersucht. Die Eltern von 13 Kindern mit ASS (neun Jungen, vier Mädchen) zwischen vier und zwölf Jahren (M=6.7 Jahre, SD=2.61) nahmen an der Studie teil. Das Training fand über einen Zeitraum von 14 Wochen mit acht Gruppensitzungen à zwei Stunden statt. Die Eltern wurden zum Prä- und Postzeitpunkt, sowie sechs Monate später bezüglich komorbider Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und dem Erziehungsverhalten befragt. Außerdem wurden die autistische Kernsymptomatik sowie die elterliche Belastung zum Prä- und Postzeitpunkt erhoben. Ein Teil der Eltern wurde zusätzlich als Eigenwarteliste-Kontrollgruppe erfasst. Durch das Elterntraining konnten die komorbiden Verhaltensauffälligkeiten der Kinder reduziert werden (d=.65), außerdem verbesserten sich die Erziehungsfertigkeiten (d=.97). Keine Veränderungen ergaben sich hinsichtlich der elterlichen Belastung und der autistischen Kernsymptomatik. Insgesamt zeigt sich das Elterntraining nach „Stepping Stones/Triple P” als sinnvolle begleitende Intervention in der Behandlung von Kindern mit einer ASS.
Analyse der Beanspruchungs- und Erholungsbilanz deutscher Trainer
Authors: Altfeld Sebastian , Kellmann Michael
Published: December 2014

Die vorliegende Studie beschäftigt sich mit der Erhebung und dem Vergleich der Erholungs-Beanspruchungs-Bilanz von deutschen haupt- und nebenberuflichen, sowie ehrenamtlichen Trainerinnen und Trainern. Durch die Erfassung von individuellen Belastungen und persönlichen Erholungsfaktoren soll zudem ein differenziertes Bild über die Erholungs- und Beanspruchungszustände der drei Traineranstellungsformen gegeben werden. 296 Trainerinnen und Trainer aus unterschiedlichen Sportarten beantworteten den Erholungs-Belastungs-Fragebogen für Trainer (EBF-Trainer). Zudem beantworteten sie offene Fragen bezüglich ihrer individuellen Belastungs- und Erholungsfaktoren, die sie in den vergangenen vier Wochen erlebten. Hauptberufliche Trainerinnen und Trainer scheinen im Bereich Soziale Beanspruchung signifikant beanspruchter zu sein als nebenberufliche und ehrenamtliche Trainer. Zudem zeigen sie signifikant niedrigere Werte im Bereich der Sozialen Erholung. Für die drei Trainergruppen zeigen sich im Profilverlauf erhöhte Beanspruchungswerte auf der Subskala Konflikte/Leistungsdruck. Dies spiegeln auch die Auswertungsergebnisse der Trainerangaben wider, in der Konflikte mit Athleten, im sozialen Umfeld und mit dem Vereins- beziehungsweise Verbandsvorstand am häufigsten als Belastungen genannt wurden.
Piezoelectricity and Application to the Excitation of Acoustic Fields for Ultrasonic Particle Manipulation
Authors: Dual Jürg , Möller Dirk
Published: December 2014

Piezoelectric materials are widely used in the excitation of MHz frequency vibrations in devices for ultrasonic manipulation. An applied electrical voltage is transformed into mechanical stress, strain and displacement. Piezoelectric elements can be used in either a resonant or non-resonant manner. Depending on the desired motion, the piezoelectric longitudinal, transverse or shear effects are exploited. Because of the coupling between electrical and mechanical quantities in the constitutive law, the modelling of devices turns out to be quite complex. In this paper, the general equations that need to be used are delineated. For a one-dimensional actuator, the underlying physics is described, including the consequences resulting for the characterization of devices. For a practical setup used in ultrasonic manipulation, finite element models are used to model the complete system, including piezoelectric excitation, solid motion and acoustic field. It is shown how proper tailoring of transducer and electrodes allows selective excitation of desired modes.
Building Microfluidic Acoustic Resonators
Authors: Lenshof Andreas , Evander Mikael , Laurell Thomas , Nilsson Johan
Published: December 2014

Acoustophoresis is getting more attention as an effective and gentle non-contact method of manipulating cells and particles in microfluidic systems. A key to a successful assembly of an acoustophoresis system is a proper design of the acoustic resonator where aspects of fabrication techniques, material choice, thickness matching of involved components, as well as strategies of actuation, all have to be considered. This tutorial covers some of the basics in designing and building microfluidic acoustic resonators and will hopefully be a comprehensive and advisory document to assist the interested reader in creating a successful acoustophoretic device.
Applications in Acoustic Trapping
Authors: Evander Mikael , Nilsson Johan
Published: December 2014

This chapter of the book reviews applications in acoustic trapping of micron-sized particles and cells in microfluidic systems. Acoustic trapping enables non-invasive and non-contact immobilisation of cells and particles in microfluidic systems. Acoustic trapping has been used for reducing the time needed to create 3D cell clusters, to enhance particle-based bioassays and has facilitated interaction studies of both cells and particles. An area that is increasingly interesting is the use of acoustic trapping for enriching low concentration samples and the washing or fractioning of cell populations prior to sensitive detection methods (MALDI-MS, PCR etc.) The main focus of the review is systems where particles can be retained against a flow while applications in which particles are positioned in a stationary fluid will be addressed in Chapter 17.
Intramolecular Schmidt reaction of acyl chlorides with alkyl azides: preparation of pyrrolizine by intramolecular capture of intermediates with alkenes or alkynes
Authors: Wang Bao-Juan , Xue Ping , Gu Peiming
Published: December 2014

Intramolecular capture of the intermediates from the Schmidt reaction of acyl chlorides with alkenes or alkynes has been realized.
Potent affinity material for tracing acetone and related analytes based on molecular recognition by halogen bonds
Authors: Linke Alexander , Jungbauer Stefan H. , Huber Stefan M. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: December 2014

A helping third hand converts halogen bonds into a superior recognition tool.
Monitoring the cytosolic entry of cell-penetrating peptides using a pH-sensitive fluorophore
Authors: Qian Ziqing , Dougherty Patrick G. , Pei Dehua
Published: December 2014

A simple and effective method for monitoring the cytosolic delivery of cell-penetrating peptides.
Full spectral XANES imaging using the Maia detector array as a new tool for the study of the alteration process of chrome yellow pigments in paintings by Vincent van Gogh
Authors: Monico Letizia , Janssens Koen , Alfeld Matthias , Cotte Marine , Vanmeert Frederik , Ryan Chris G. , Falkenberg Gerald , Howard Daryl L. , Brunetti Brunetto Giovanni , Miliani Costanza
Published: December 2014

FS-XANES imaging using the Maia detector is proposed for studying chrome yellows alteration in Van Gogh artworks.
Effect of precursor on the formation of different phases of iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Singh Hema , Jouen Samuel , Hannoyer Beatrice , Banerjee Shaibal
Published: December 2014

Trioctylamine is known to act simultaneously as a reducing as well as a hydrolyzing agent.
Transition metal ions regulate the catalytic performance of Ti0.8M0.2Ce0.2O2+x for the NH3-SCR of NO: the acidic mechanism
Authors: Shen Yuesong , Su Yun , Ma Yifan
Published: December 2014

The maximum activity is dependent on the number of Lewis acid sites, and the active temperature window is dependent on the acid strength.
2-Pyrrolecarbaldiminato–Cu(ii) complex catalyzed three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition for 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles synthesis in water at room temperature
Authors: Zhou Changjian , Zhang Jie , Liu Ping , Xie Jianwei , Dai Bin
Published: December 2014

2-Pyrrolecarbaldiminato–Cu(ii) complexes were first established as efficient catalyst for 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles synthesis under green and mild reaction conditions.
Direct production of OH radicals upon CH overtone activation of (CH3)2COO Criegee intermediates
Authors: Liu Fang , Beames Joseph M. , Lester Marsha I.
Published: December 2014

Ozonolysis of alkenes, a principle non-photolytic source of atmospheric OH radicals, proceeds through unimolecular decay of energized carbonyl oxide intermediates, known as Criegee intermediates. In this work, cold dimethyl-substituted Criegee intermediates are vibrationally activated in the CH stretch overtone region to drive the 1,4 hydrogen transfer reaction that leads to OH radical products. IR excitation of (CH3)2COO reveals the vibrational states with sufficient oscillator strength, coupling to the reaction coordinate, and energy to surmount the effective barrier (≤ 16.0 kcal mol−1) to reaction. Insight on the dissociation dynamics is gleaned from homogeneous broadening of the spectral features, indicative of rapid intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution and/or reaction, as well as the quantum state distribution of the OH X2Π (v = 0) products. The experimental results are compared with complementary electronic structure calculations, which provide the IR absorption spectrum and geometric changes along the intrinsic reaction coordinate. Additional theoretical analysis reveals the vibrational modes and couplings that permit (CH3)2COO to access to the transition state region for reaction. The experimental and theoretical results are compared with an analogous recent study of the IR activation of syn-CH3CHOO and its unimolecular decay to OH products [F. Liu, J. M. Beames, A. S. Petit, A. B. McCoy, and M. I. Lester, Science 345, 1596 (2014)].
The action principle for dissipative systems
Authors: Lazo Matheus J. , Krumreich Cesar E.
Published: December 2014

In the present work, we redefine and generalize the action principle for dissipative systems proposed by Riewe by fixing the mathematical inconsistencies present in the original approach. In order to formulate a quadratic Lagrangian for non-conservative systems, the Lagrangian functions proposed depend on mixed integer order and fractional order derivatives. As examples, we formulate a quadratic Lagrangian for a particle under a frictional force proportional to the velocity and to the classical problem of an accelerated point charge.
Texture evolution in nanocrystalline iron films deposited using biased magnetron sputtering
Authors: Vetterick G. , Baldwin J. K. , Misra A. , Taheri M. L.
Published: December 2014

Fe thin films were deposited on sodium chloride (NaCl) substrates using magnetron sputtering to investigate means of texture control in free standing metal films. The Fe thin films were studied using transmission electron microscopy equipped with automated crystallographic orientation microscopy. Using this technique, the microstructure of each film was characterized in order to elucidate the effects of altering deposition parameters. The natural tendency for Fe films grown on (100) NaCl is to form a randomly oriented nanocrystalline microstructure. By careful selection of substrate and deposition conditions, it is possible to drive the texture of the film toward a single (100) orientation while retaining the nanocrystalline microstructure.
Homoclinic tangle of the ideal separatrix in the DIII-D tokamak from (30, 10) + (40, 10) perturbation
Authors: Punjabi Alkesh
Published: December 2014

Trajectories of magnetic field lines are a 1½ degree of freedom Hamiltonian system. The perturbed separatrix in a divertor tokamak is radically different from the unperturbed one. This is because magnetic asymmetries cause the separatrix to form extremely complicated structures called homoclinic tangles. The shape of flux surfaces in the edge region of divertor tokamaks such as the DIII (J. L. Luxon and L. G. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)) is fundamentally different from near-circular. Recently, a new method is developed to calculate the homoclinic tangle and lobes of the separatrix of divertor tokamaks in physical space (A. Punjabi and A. Boozer, Phys. Lett. A 378, 2410 (2014)). This method is based on three elements: preservation of the two invariants—symplectic and topological neighborhood—and a new set of canonical coordinates called the natural canonical coordinates. The very complicated shape of edge surfaces can be represented very accurately and very realistically in these new coordinates (A. Punjabi and H. Ali, Phys. Plasmas 15, 122502 (2008); A. Punjabi, Nucl. Fusion 49, 115020 (2009)). A symplectic map in the new coordinates can advance the separatrix manifold forward and backward in time. Every time the two manifolds meet in a fixed poloidal plane, they intersect and form homoclinic tangle to preserve the two invariants. The new coordinates can be mapped to physical space and the dynamical evolution of the homoclinic tangle can be seen and pictured in physical space. Here, the new method is applied to the DIII-D tokamak to study the basic features of the homoclinic tangle of the unperturbed separatrix from two Fourier components, which represent the peeling-ballooning modes of equal amplitude and no radial dependence, and the results are analyzed. Homoclinic tangle has a very complicated structure and becomes extremely complicated for as the lines take more toroidal turns, especially near the X-point. Homoclinic tangle is the most complicated near the X-point and forms the largest lobes there. On average, the field lines cover a distance of about 9 m per turn. Poloidal rotation of the lines has large gradients in the poloidal direction. The average normal displacement of the lines on the separatrix varies from 5 mm to 7 cm. Average outward displacement of the lines is considerably larger than the inward displacement; however, on the average more lines are displaced inside than outside of the separatrix. The field line diffusion normal to the separatrix has extremely wide variation and very large poloidal gradients. Half of all the lines are lost in less than 6 turns. Complicated electric potentials will be required to maintain the neutrality of the plasma, and the E × B drifts from these fields can modify plasma confinement and influence the edge physics (A. Punjabi and A. Boozer, Phys. Lett. A 378, 2410 (2014)).
Ion sphere model for Yukawa systems (dusty plasmas)
Authors: Khrapak S. A. , Khrapak A. G. , Ivlev A. V. , Thomas H. M.
Published: December 2014

Application of the ion sphere model (ISM), well known in the context of the one-component-plasma, to estimate thermodynamic properties of model Yukawa systems is discussed. It is shown that the ISM approximation provides fairly good estimate of the internal energy of the strongly coupled Yukawa systems, in both fluid and solid phases. Simple expressions for the excess pressure and isothermal compressibility are derived, which can be particularly useful in connection to wave phenomena in strongly coupled dusty plasmas. It is also shown that in the regime of strong screening a simple consideration of neighboring particles interactions can be sufficient to obtain quite accurate estimates of thermodynamic properties of Yukawa systems.
Effects of inter-nanocrystal distance on luminescence quantum yield in ensembles of Si nanocrystals
Authors: Valenta J. , Greben M. , Gutsch S. , Hiller D. , Zacharias M.
Published: December 2014

The absolute photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of multilayers of Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) separated by SiO2 barriers were thoroughly studied as function of the barrier thickness, excitation wavelength, and temperature. By mastering the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition growth, we produce a series of samples with the same size-distribution of SiNCs but variable interlayer barrier distance. These samples enable us to clearly demonstrate that the increase of barrier thickness from ∼1 to larger than 2 nm induces doubling of the PL QY value, which corresponds to the change of number of close neighbors in the hcp structure. The temperature dependence of PL QY suggests that the PL QY changes are due to a thermally activated transport of excitation into non-radiative centers in dark NCs or in the matrix. We estimate that dark NCs represent about 68% of the ensemble of NCs. The PL QY excitation spectra show no significant changes upon changing the barrier thickness and no clear carrier multiplication effects. The dominant effect is the gradual decrease of the PL QY with increasing excitation photon energy.
Lattice-matched magnetic tunnel junctions using a Heusler alloy Co2FeAl and a cation-disorder spinel Mg-Al-O barrier
Authors: Scheike Thomas , Sukegawa Hiroaki , Furubayashi Takao , Wen Zhenchao , Inomata Koichiro , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Hono Kazuhiro , Mitani Seiji
Published: December 2014

Perfectly lattice-matched magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) consisting of a Heusler alloy B2-Co2FeAl (CFA) electrode and a cation-disorder spinel (Mg-Al-O) barrier were fabricated by sputtering and plasma oxidation. We achieved a large tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 228% at room temperature (RT) (398% at 5 K) for the epitaxial CFA/MgAl-O/CoFe(001) MTJ, in which the effect of lattice defects on TMR ratios is excluded. With inserting a ultrathin (≤1.5 nm) CoFe layer between the CFA and Mg-Al-O, the TMR ratio further increased up to 280% at RT (453% at 5 K), which reflected the importance of controlling barrier-electrode interface states other than the lattice matching.
Three-dimensional nanoscale study of Al segregation and quantum dot formation in GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires
Authors: Mancini L. , Fontana Y. , Conesa-Boj S. , Blum I. , Vurpillot F. , Francaviglia L. , Russo-Averchi E. , Heiss M. , Arbiol J. , Morral A. Fontcuberta i , Rigutti L.
Published: December 2014

GaAs/Al-GaAs core-shell nanowires fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy contain quantum confining structures susceptible of producing narrow photoluminescence (PL) and single photons. The nanoscale chemical mapping of these structures is analyzed in 3D by atom probe tomography (APT). The study allows us to confirm that Al atoms tend to segregate within the AlGaAs shells towards the vertices of the hexagons defining the nanowire cross section. We also find strong alloy fluctuations remaining AlGaAs shell, leading occasionally to the formation of quantum dots (QDs). The PL emission energies predicted in the framework of a 3D effective mass model for a QD analyzed by APT and the PL spectra measured on other nanowires from the same growth batch are consistent within the experimental uncertainties.
The Phonology of Marvdashti Dialect
Authors: Emadi Nezam
Published: December 2014

Phonology is one of several aspects of a natural language and it is the study of sound systems of languages. The purpose of this article is to study and describe the phonemic system of the dialect of Marvdashti. Marvdashti dialect belongs to the southwestern branch of New Iranian languages. The article deals with an inventory of Marvdashti dialect sounds and their features and it covers the phonological rules which specify how sounds interact with each other. This study first introduces and examines the consonants and vowels of Marvdashti dialect, and then explores phoneme arrangement, syllable structure and phonological processes such as assimilation, dissimilation, alteration, epenthesis, deletion and methathesis.
Comparison of Mixture Bayesian and Mixture Regression Approaches to Infer Gene Networks
Authors: Rodriguez–Zas Sandra L. , Southey Bruce R.
Published: December 2014

Most Bayesian network applications to gene network reconstruction assume a single distributional model across all the samples and treatments analyzed. This assumption is likely to be unrealistic especially when describing the relationship between genes across a range of treatments with potentially different impacts on the networks. To address this limitation, a mixture Bayesian network approach has been developed. Besides, the equivalence between Bayesian networks and regression approaches has been demonstrated. Here, two strategies are compared: the mixture Bayesian network approach and the mixture regression approach, when used for the purpose of gene network inference. The finite mixture model that is integrated into both strategies allows the characterization of gene relationships unique to particular conditions as well as the identification of interactions shared across conditions. The chapter reviews performances on real data describing a pathway analyzed under up to nine different experimental conditions, and highlights the strengths of the approaches evaluated.
Bayesian Causal Phenotype Network Incorporating Genetic Variation and Biological Knowledge
Authors: Moon Jee Young , Neto Elias Chaibub , Deng Xinwei , Yandell Brian S.
Published: December 2014

In a segregating population, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping can identify QTLs with a causal effect on a phenotype. A common feature of these methods is that QTL mapping and phenotype network reconstruction are conducted separately. As both tasks have to benefit from each other, this chapter presents an approach which jointly infers a causal phenotype network and causal QTLs. The joint network of causal phenotype relationships and causal QTLs is modeled as a Bayesian network. In addition, a prior distribution on phenotype network structures is adjusted by biological knowledge, thus extending the former framework, QTLnet, into QTLnet-prior. This integrative approach can incorporate several sources of biological knowledge such as protein-protein interactions, gene ontology annotations, and transcription factor and DNA binding information. A Metropolis-Hastings scheme is described that iterates between accepting a network structure and accepting k weights corresponding to the k types of biological knowledge.
Detection of Copy Number Variations from Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Data Using Linear-chain Conditional Random Field Models
Authors: Yin Xiaolin , Li Jing
Published: December 2014

Copy number variation (CNV) accounts for roughly 12% of the human genome. Beside their inherent role in cancer development, CNVs have been reported to underlie susceptibility to complex diseases. Each variation may range from around 1000 nucleotides to less than 5 megabases. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) allows the identification of copy number alterations across genomes. The key computational challenge in analyzing CNVs using aCGH data is the detection of segment boundaries of copy number changes and inference of the copy number state for each segment. Markov random fields and, more specifically, conditional random fields provide a unified framework for data preprocessing, segmentation and copy number state decoding.
Introduction
Authors: Wilmsen David
Published: December 2014

Grammatical structures built upon reflexes of šī in Arabic dialects, especially interrogatives and negators, have attracted much attention within Arabic linguistics. Theoretical and descriptive approaches to grammatical ši within the discipline largely assume that the grammatical markers are derived from the Arabic word for ‘thing’, implicitly borrowing concepts from grammaticalization theory and other theoretical orientations to describe the processes involved, thereby acquiescing in the assumption that Arabic must conform to theory, although exerting little influence on linguistic theory writ large. Furthermore, Arabic linguistics does not habitually gather insights from comparative studies of the closely related Semitic languages, tending to restrict itself to the domains of Arabic literature or dialectology. Comparison with Semitic languages, however, adds explanatory depth, often contravening theoretical concepts.
Origins of grammatical ši
Authors: Wilmsen David
Published: December 2014

Similarities between southern peninsular Arabic dialects and the Modern South Arabian languages support a southern pre-diaspora origin for the Arabic dialects negating and interrogating with reflexes of šī. Most share an existential particle analogous to the Arabic šī found in Yemeni, Omani, and Syrian varieties, at least, and Mehri possesses an indefinite determiner śi that functions exactly like the analogous Arabic šī. Southern Arabic speakers were probably in the Fertile Crescent as early as seven centuries before Islam and maybe twice that many, ample time for a southern Arabic feature to become established in the Levant. Current dialect distributions probably originate in the displacement of the old southern Arab Christian elite by Arabic-speaking Muslims from Central Arabia.
An Economic Analysis of National Food Sovereignty Policies in the Middle East
Authors: Harrigan Jane
Published: December 2014

Increased food imports to the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) have been stimulated by population growth and changing consumption patterns. International organisations involved in MENA have advocated a food security strategy that relies upon diversification away from agriculture towards manufacturing exports, with the resulting foreign exchange used to import food. This research assesses the economic implications of increasing domestic food production in Lebanon and Jordan. It examines the debate between advocates of greater reliance on domestic food production and those who advocate a predominately trade-based food security strategy heavily dependent on food imports. This chapter assesses the food security status of Lebanon and Jordan using different indicators, including Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM). It analyses both countries’ patterns of international trade in agricultural commodities to assess the extent to which international trade, as opposed to domestic food production, is used to achieve food security at the national aggregate level.
Win-Win Versus Lose-Lose
Authors: Tétreault Mary Ann , Wheeler Deborah L. , Shepherd Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Food security is crucial for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries operating a distributive social contract predicated on citizen wellbeing and prosperity in return for political acquiescence. This rentier bargain was threatened by the surge in food prices in 2008, leading some Gulf countries to invest in agricultural projects in developing countries. This study identifies the risks that such foreign land investments pose to the investor as well as to this chapter’s case study countries of Ethiopia and Cambodia. Criticisms of overseas agricultural investment centre on corruption; expropriation of land from local populations who are often subject to forcible eviction with minimal compensation; and a lack of provision for local people’s livelihoods or even access to food after they have been evicted. Yet, GCC states could reshape foreign investment policies as a means of improving productivity as well as bolstering economic development in impoverished rural areas of less-developed countries.
Food Insecurity In The West Bank
Authors: Cavatorta Elisa , Waples Sam
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the spatial patterns of food insecurity in the West Bank region of the Palestinian Territories, and how community-level factors, such as environmental aspects and resource accessibility, can explain these patterns. Access to markets and resources is hindered by mobility restrictions of people and goods as Israel retains control of borders as well as agricultural and grazing land. Employment possibilities are limited and livelihood opportunities depend on the surrounding environment, resulting in chronic levels of poverty and food insecurity in the West Bank. This research constructs an original dataset combining household survey data on food insecurity, census data on community-level characteristics and environmental information extracted by elaborating Geographic Information System (GIS) surfaces. We predict food insecurity incidences at the community-level for the entire West Bank and analyse the geographical patterns of food insecurity. The study finds strong influences of local environmental characteristics in explaining household food insecurity.
Presbyterian Politics and the Restoration of Scottish Episcopacy, 1660–2
Authors: Raffe Alasdair
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines the re‐establishment of episcopacy in Scotland. Historians have attributed the Scottish Church settlement to the anticlerical views of the resurgent nobility, Charles II's desire to recover his prerogative, and a perceived need for uniformity among the Stuart kingdoms. It is proposed that instead the crown overturned Presbyterianism in order to remove the structures and habits of ‘Presbyterian politics’. The chapter analyses the government's efforts to suppress four particular practices: the issuing of declarations and petitions, the publishing of controversial books, the church courts’ claims to adjudicate on the legitimacy of decisions made by secular authorities, and politicized preaching. In several cases, however, the government was willing for these practices to be used by those sympathetic to an episcopalian settlement. Finally, alternative forms of political behaviour promoted in place of Presbyterian politics are discussed.
Triggering the Law of Armed Conflict?
Authors: Corn Geoffrey S.
Published: December 2014

This chapter addresses the conditions that bring the law of armed conflict into force: the critical predicate for a nation to assert the broad authority inherent in situations of armed conflict and for individuals to claim the humanitarian protections of the law. The chapter will explain why the initial U.S. interpretation of the widely accepted law-triggering equation generated such criticism and controversy, and how that interpretation deviated from long-standing U.S. military policy. The chapter will then explain why national authorities abandoned this initial interpretation, but also why this abandonment in no way eliminated controversy related to characterizing the struggle against al-Qaeda as a legitimate justification for exercising the authority to use wartime powers to disrupt and disable this transnational terrorist threat.
Minimal within-host dengue models highlight the specific roles of the immune response in primary and secondary dengue infections
Authors: Ben-Shachar Rotem , Koelle Katia
Published: December 2014

In recent years, the within-host viral dynamics of dengue infections have been increasingly characterized, and the relationship between aspects of these dynamics and the manifestation of severe disease has been increasingly probed. Despite this progress, there are few mathematical models of within-host dengue dynamics, and the ones that exist focus primarily on the general role of immune cells in the clearance of infected cells, while neglecting other components of the immune response in limiting viraemia. Here, by considering a suite of mathematical within-host dengue models of increasing complexity, we aim to isolate the critical components of the innate and the adaptive immune response that suffice in the reproduction of several well-characterized features of primary and secondary dengue infections. By building up from a simple target cell limited model, we show that only the innate immune response is needed to recover the characteristic features of a primary symptomatic dengue infection, while a higher rate of viral infectivity (indicative of antibody-dependent enhancement) and infected cell clearance by T cells are further needed to recover the characteristic features of a secondary dengue infection. We show that these minimal models can reproduce the increased risk of disease associated with secondary heterologous infections that arises as a result of a cytokine storm, and, further, that they are consistent with virological indicators that predict the onset of severe disease, such as the magnitude of peak viraemia, time to peak viral load, and viral clearance rate. Finally, we show that the effectiveness of these virological indicators to predict the onset of severe disease depends on the contribution of T cells in fuelling the cytokine storm.
Multi-scale modelling of the dynamics of cell colonies: insights into cell-adhesion forces and cancer invasion from
in silico
simulations
Authors: Schlüter Daniela K. , Ramis-Conde Ignacio , Chaplain Mark A. J.
Published: December 2014

Studying the biophysical interactions between cells is crucial to understanding how normal tissue develops, how it is structured and also when malfunctions occur. Traditional experiments try to infer events at the tissue level after observing the behaviour of and interactions between individual cells. This approach assumes that cells behave in the same biophysical manner in isolated experiments as they do within colonies and tissues. In this paper, we develop a multi-scale multi-compartment mathematical model that accounts for the principal biophysical interactions and adhesion pathways not only at a cell–cell level but also at the level of cell colonies (in contrast to the traditional approach). Our results suggest that adhesion/separation forces between cells may be lower in cell colonies than traditional isolated single-cell experiments infer. As a consequence, isolated single-cell experiments may be insufficient to deduce important biological processes such as single-cell invasion after detachment from a solid tumour. The simulations further show that kinetic rates and cell biophysical characteristics such as pressure-related cell-cycle arrest have a major influence on cell colony patterns and can allow for the development of protrusive cellular structures as seen in invasive cancer cell lines independent of expression levels of pro-invasion molecules.
Modeling and quantifying frequency-dependent fitness in microbial populations with cross-feeding interactions
Authors: Ribeck Noah , Lenski Richard E.
Published: December 2014

Coexistence of multiple populations by frequency-dependent selection is common in nature, and it often arises even in well-mixed experiments with microbes. If ecology is to be incorporated into models of population genetics, then it is important to represent accurately the functional form of frequency-dependent interactions. However, measuring this functional form is problematic for traditional fitness assays, which assume a constant fitness difference between competitors over the course of an assay. Here, we present a theoretical framework for measuring the functional form of frequency-dependent fitness by accounting for changes in abundance and relative fitness during a competition assay. Using two examples of ecological coexistence that arose in a long-term evolution experiment withEscherichia coli, we illustrate accurate quantification of the functional form of frequency-dependent relative fitness. Using a Monod-type model of growth dynamics, we show that two ecotypes in a typical cross-feeding interaction—such as when one bacterial population uses a byproduct generated by another—yields relative fitness that is linear with relative frequency.
Microbiota and the human nature: know thyself
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: December 2014

Biology has been driven by the human desire for self‐knowledge. The discovery of our intimate symbiosis with microbes raises the question about our identity. A central issue is whether the microbiome associated with humans changes our phenotype in an observable way. As we deal with a great multitude of colonizing microbes and as even monozygotic twins differ substantially for their microbiome, we might deal with a dynamic system that is highly sensitive to initial conditions for which long‐term prediction are impossible according to chaos theory. The overall colonization of the human alimentary tract can be teleological rationalized by a strong antimicrobial activity in the proximal and a mutualistic but controlled relationship with the microbiome in the distal gut segments. Yet the association of a specific microbiome with physiological traits turned out to be complicated and became frequently only clear after microbiota transfer experiments into gnotobiotic mice as a reductionist approach. As pathogenic bacteria create human phenotypes by their presence, mutualistic bacteria create symptoms (phenotypes) by their absence as exemplified by lactobacilli in bacterial vaginosis.