bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage and fracture in superplastic alloys – a current state of art
Authors: Blandin J. J.
Published: September 2012

Many superplastic alloys are sensitive to strain induced cavitation. A specificity of damage in superplastic conditions comes from the importance of grain boundary sliding (GBS) which induces generally a significant role of cavity coalescence compared to the conventional steps of nucleation and cavity growth. In terms of cavity morphologies, the GBS contribution promotes the development of cavities with particularly complex shapes. A way to limit damage sensitivity can be to reduce the grain size in the superplastic alloy since it is expected to decrease the associated flow stress and consequently the cavity nucleation rate during deformation. Nevertheless, for ultra fine grained microstructures (like those obtained after severe plastic deformation techniques), superplastic properties can frequently be obtained at lower temperatures than for more conventional microstructures. In such cases, the effect on cavitation may be not straightforward and may depend on applied conditions. The aim of this presentation is to give a brief review of the state of art concerning recent studies of damage in superplastic alloys and to discuss about the benefits and/or drawbacks of grain refining on the associated damage mechanisms.
On the activation energy for super plastic flow in advanced materials
Authors: Muñoz‐Andrade J. D.
Published: September 2012

By applying the quantum mechanics and relativistic mathematical model proposed by Muñoz‐Andrade, the activation energy for super plastic flow in advanced materials is obtained at all times and for every temperature during experimental conditions of super plastic forming. Over this framework, in the present study the activation energy for super plastic flow in advanced materials dependence on strain rate and phase velocity de Broglie are obtained. In addition, the nature determination of the wavelength of the cellular dislocations λ⟂ wave, associated with super plastic flow is calculated. It is concluded that the super plastic flow behavior is related with cooperative grain boundary sliding and self accommodation process, which is assisted in nature behavior by cellular dislocation dynamics. Furthermore, the most important results of this work are analyzed in the environment of the cosmic micromechanics connection during super plastic flow in advanced materials, also named as spatially extended polycrystalline advanced materials.
Comparison study of two constitutive equations for Al‐5083 superplastic aluminium alloy
Authors: Otegi N. , Galdos L. , Hurtado I. , Leen S. B.
Published: September 2012

This paper compares a double power law constitutive equation and a hyperbolic constitutive equation for the prediction of superplastic behaviour of a commercial Al‐5083 superplastic aluminium alloy. These constitutive equations are firstly fitted to tensile test data at different strain rates and then they are compared taking into account their capacity to describe the tensile test curves and the mechanical behaviour of the material in general.
Laminated composite materials based on orthorhombic aluminium/titanium alloy
Authors: Safiullin R. V. , Galeyev R. M. , Valiakhmetov O. R. , Imayev V. M. , Imayev R. M. , Beck W.
Published: September 2012

Laminated composite materials consisting of an orthorhombic Ti2AlNb based alloy and an (α + β) titanium alloy have been fabricated at a laboratory scale using a two‐step process involving diffusion bonding and hot‐pack rolling. The feasibility of fabrication of two‐ and three‐layered materials with high quality bonding between layers has been demonstrated. Preliminary assessment of the tensile mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials at room and elevated temperatures showed that, on the whole, they were superior to those of the titanium alloy and insignificantly inferior to the orthorhombic alloy.
Imaging nigral pathology and clinical progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Du Guangwei , Lewis Mechelle M. , Sen Suman , Wang Jianli , Shaffer Michele L. , Styner Martin , Yang Qing X. , Huang Xuemei
Published: September 2012

The pattern of dopamine cell loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) is known to be prominent in the ventrolateral and caudal substantia nigra (SN), but less severe in the dorsal and rostral region. Both diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and R2* relaxometry of the SN have been reported as potential markers for PD, but their relative ability to mark disease progression and differences in pathophysiological bases remains unclear. High‐resolution T2‐weighted, R2*, and DTI were obtained from 28 controls and 40 PD subjects [15 early stage [disease duration ≤1 year], 14 mid stage [duration 2–5 years], and 11 late stage [duration >5 years]). Fractional anisotropy and R2* values in both rostral and caudal SN were obtained for all subjects, and clinical measures (e.g., disease duration, levodopa‐equivalent daily dosage, and “off”‐drug UPDRS motor score) were obtained for Parkinson's subjects. There was no correlation between fractional anisotropy and clinical measures, whereas R2* was strongly associated with disease progression. Compared to controls, fractional anisotropy in caudal SN was significantly decreased in PD patients of all stages, whereas in rostral SN, it was decreased significantly only in the late‐stage group. R2* in both SN regions was significantly increased in the mid‐ and late‐stage, but not early‐stage, of PD subjects. These findings suggest that fractional anisotropy changes may mark early pathological changes in caudal SN, whereas the changes in R2* may more closely track PD's clinical progression after symptom onset. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Prenylated chalcone xanthohumol associates with histones in breast cancer cells–a novel target identified by a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Wyns Ciska , van Steendam Katleen , Vanhoecke Barbara , Deforce Dieter , Bracke Marc , Heyerick Arne
Published: September 2012

Scope

The intracellular fate of xanthohumol (XN) from hops is an underexplored field in the research for the molecular mechanisms causing its wide range of effects in chemoprevention and gene expression involved in hepatic metabolism.

Methods and results

We aimed to elucidate possible targets for binding of XN in a human mammary carcinoma cell line (MCF‐7/6), using a mAB. We investigated the overall solubility and stability of XN in growth medium and the cellular uptake and distribution of XN in MCF‐7/6 cells using an optimized immunocytochemistry technique. After incubation of MCF‐7/6 cells, with 10 μM XN for 0.5 h up to 6 h, we observed primarily a granular nuclear staining, which intensified with increasing exposure times. Immunoprecipitation of cell lysates (treated with 10 μM XN for 2 h) revealed binding of XN to a fraction of proteins with a molecular weight below 20 kDa. Further analysis of the protein mixture via LC‐MS/MS (Q‐TOF) resulted in the identification of specific members of the histone family, i.e. histone H2A, H2B, and H4. The identity of histone H2A was confirmed using immunodetection with a specific anti‐histone H2A antibody.

Conclusion

In summary, we did successfully apply a mAB against XN in immunocytochemistry and precipitation with highly unexpected results.
Simultaneous determination of phenolic compounds and triterpenic acids in oregano growing wild in Greece by 31P NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Agiomyrgianaki Alexia , Dais Photis
Published: September 2012

31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify simultaneously a large number of phenolic compounds and the two triterpenic acids, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, extracted from two oregano species Origanum onites and Origanum vulgare ssp. Hirtum using two different organic solvents ethanol and ethyl acetate. This analytical method is based on the derivatization of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of these compounds with the phosphorous reagent 2‐chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxa phospholane and the identification of the phosphitylated compounds on the basis of the 31P chemical shifts. Unambiguous assignment of the 31P NMR chemical shifts of the dihydroxy‐ and polyhydroxy‐phenols in oregano species as well as those of the triterpenic acids was achieved upon comparison with the chemical shifts of model compounds assigned by using two‐dimensional NMR techniques. Furthermore, the integration of the appropriate signals of the hydroxyl derivatives in the corresponding 31P NMR spectra and the use of the phosphitylated cyclohexanol as an internal standard allowed the quantification of these compounds. The validity of this technique for quantitative measurements was thoroughly examined. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo 3D spatial/1D spectral imaging by spatiotemporal encoding: A new single‐shot experimental and processing approach
Authors: Schmidt Rita , Frydman Lucio
Published: September 2012

A novel method for acquiring and processing quality multislice spectroscopically resolved 2D images in a single shot is introduced and illustrated. By contrast to the majority of single‐scan spectroscopic imaging sequences developed so far, the method here discussed is not based on the acquisition of echo planar data in the k/t‐space, but rather on the use of recently proposed spatiotemporal encoding methods. These techniques provide a robust alternative to classical techniques, as they can scan two spatial plus one spectral dimension by oscillating a single imaging gradient. This work demonstrates that the use of extended spectral/spatial super‐resolution algorithms coupled to new experimental spatiotemporal encoding formulations based on swept inversions rather than on chirped excitations can lead to novel spatiotemporal encoding‐based tools for resolving complex multisliced 2D images according to the chemical shifts in subsecond experiments. A number of phantom‐based models were explored to clarify the relative merits of this technique and estimate its sensitivity performance. In vivo results of fat and water separation on abdominal imaging of mice at 7 T and on human breast imaging at 3 T are presented. Magn Reson Med 70:382–391, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuing Professional Development: Issues Raised by Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Working in Musculoskeletal Settings
Authors: Haywood Hannah , Pain Helen , Ryan Sarah , Adams Jo
Published: September 2012

Background

Nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) are required to evidence their engagement in continuing professional development (CPD) in order to retain their professional registration. Many challenges to CPD are reported, but little literature has explored pertinent CPD issues for clinicians with specialist roles or working in specialist services. No literature to date has explored the perceptions of CPD held by patients who receive these specialist services.

Methods

Three focus groups and two conference calls were conducted with nurses, physiotherapists, podiatrists and occupational therapists who work in musculoskeletal (MSK) services; managers of these services; and people who use MSK services. These focus groups aimed: to explore the CPD needs and issues for this group of clinicians; to explore the perceptions of CPD held by people who have MSK conditions; and to compare the above with current literature to discern any factors specific to MSK settings. The focus groups and conference calls were audio‐recorded. The recordings were coded by the researchers using a priori and inductive coding.

Results

The main issues discussed were: funding and time for CPD, providing examples of ways to provide CPD in spite of the challenges faced; that CPD needs changed with level of experience; initiatives by clinical specialists to reduce professional isolation; and future trends in CPD, including concerns about succession planning. The views of people with MSK conditions demonstrated an emphasis on communication skills that was seldom raised by managers and clinicians.

Conclusions

Sufficient time, funding and provision of study leave were key to facilitating CPD activity for nurses and AHPs working in MSK services. People with MSK conditions particularly valued health professionals who combined good listening and communication skills with an attempt to understand what it was like to live with their condition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nurse staffing, RN mix, and assault rates on psychiatric units
Authors: Staggs Vincent S.
Published: September 2012

The association between nurse staffing and patient violence on psychiatric units is unclear, and the association between nursing skill mix and violence has not been studied. Monthly data on physical/sexual assaults by patients against others were obtained for 351 adult psychiatric units. Total and injury assault rates were modeled as dependent variables using hierarchical Poisson regression, with total staffing and registered nurse (RN) mix as predictors. Assault rates were 12% higher per additional nursing hour per patient day but 6% lower per 5‐point increase in percent of hours provided by RNs. In cubic spline models fit to explore nonlinear staffing–violence associations, assault rates increased with staffing through most of its range but began to decline at very high levels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:26–37, 2013
Predictive abilities of the STOP‐Bang and Epworth Sleepiness Scale in identifying sleep clinic patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Vana Kimberly D. , Silva Graciela E. , Goldberg Rochelle
Published: September 2012

This study compared the predictive abilities of the STOP‐Bang and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for screening sleep clinic patients for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). Forty‐seven new adult patients without previous diagnoses of OSA or SDB were administered the STOP‐Bang and ESS and were assigned to OSA or SDB risk groups based on their scores. STOP‐Bang responses were scored with two Body Mass Index cut points of 35 and 30 kg/m2 (SB35 and SB30). The tools' predictive abilities were determined by comparing patients' predicted OSA and SDB risks to their polysomnographic results. The SB30 correctly identified more patients with OSA and SDB than the ESS alone. The ESS had the highest specificity for OSA and SDB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:84–94, 2013
Pretos Novos: Evidence for African Oral Hygiene Practices in Brazil, 1769–1830
Authors: Cook D. C. , Bastos M. Q. R. , Lopes C. , Mendonça de Souza S. , Santos R. V.
Published: September 2012

Fine, polished abrasion of teeth provides evidence for use of traditional oral hygiene practices in 32 fragmentary dentitions from a cemetery for newly arrived enslaved Africans who died before leaving Valongo, the slave port and market of Rio de Janeiro. We infer that chewing sticks were used before these people were enslaved. Cosmetic dental modification and abrasion of tooth roots occur in some individuals. High caries frequency, tooth loss and hypercementosis characteristic remains of enslaved Africans with longer residence in the New World were not found in this unique collection. We review evidence that the practice of using chewing sticks persists in some regions of the Americas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J is regulated by the pVHL–HIF axis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Casagrande Silvia , Ruf Melanie , Rechsteiner Markus , Morra Laura , Brun‐Schmid Sonja , von Teichman Adriana , Krek Wilhelm , Schraml Peter , Moch Holger
Published: September 2012

Mass spectrometry analysis of renal cancer cell lines recently suggested that the protein‐tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J (PTPRJ), an important regulator of tyrosine kinase receptors, is tightly linked to the von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL). Therefore, we aimed to characterize the biological relevance of PTPRJ for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In pVHL‐negative ccRCC cell lines, both RNA and protein expression levels of PTPRJ were lower than those in the corresponding pVHL reconstituted cells. Quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis of ccRCC with known VHL mutation status and normal matched tissues as well as RNA in situ hybridization on a tissue microarray (TMA) confirmed a decrease of PTPRJ expression in more than 80% of ccRCCs, but in only 12% of papillary RCCs. ccRCC patients with no or reduced PTPRJ mRNA expression had a less favourable outcome than those with a normal expression status (p = 0.05). Sequence analysis of 32 PTPRJ mRNA‐negative ccRCC samples showed five known polymorphisms but no mutations, implying other mechanisms leading to PTPRJ's down‐regulation. Selective silencing of HIF‐α by siRNA and reporter gene assays demonstrated that pVHL inactivation reduces PTPRJ expression through a HIF‐dependent mechanism, which is mainly driven by HIF‐2α stabilization. Our results suggest PTPRJ as a member of a pVHL‐controlled pathway whose suppression by HIF is critical for ccRCC development.
Protein interactomics based on direct molecular fishing on paramagnetic particles: Experimental simulation and SPR validation
Authors: Ershov Pavel , Mezentsev Yury , Gnedenko Oksana , Mukha Dmitry , Yantsevich Aleksei , Britikov Vladimir , Kaluzhskiy Leonid , Yablokov Evgeny , Molnar Andrey , Ivanov Alexis , Lisitsa Andrey , Gilep Andrey , Usanov Sergey , Archakov Alexander
Published: September 2012

We describe an experimental approach for direct molecular fishing of prey protein on the surface of two types of paramagnetic particles (PMP) having different size and composition. Human microsomal cytochrome b5 (b5) and its known partner human cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) were used as bait and prey proteins, respectively. For assessing the level of unspecific binding of background proteins, α‐fetoprotein (aFP) was used. SPR measurements were applied for quantitative analysis of trapped proteins (CYP3A5 and aFP) after fishing on PMP. It was shown that the described approach of molecular fishing on micro‐PMP provides enough prey proteins for LC‐MS/MS identification and SPR validation, so this approach can be used for discovery of new protein–protein interactions in the framework of Human Proteome Project.
A new method for quantitative analysis of cell surface glycoproteome
Authors: Sun Zhen , Chen Rui , Cheng Kai , Liu Hongwei , Qin Hongqiang , Ye Mingliang , Zou Hanfa
Published: September 2012

As the altered glycosylation expressions of cell surface proteins are associated with many diseases, glycoproteomics approach has been widely applied to characterization of surface glycosylation alteration. In general, the abundances of proteolytic glycopeptides derived from corresponding glycoproteins can be measured to determine the abundances of glycoproteins. However, this quantification strategy cannot distinguish whether the changes are results from changes of protein abundance or changes in glycosite occupancy. For the accurate and specific quantification of the cell surface glycosylation profile, we proposed a modified cell surface‐capturing strategy where the glycopeptides were submitted to LC‐MS/MS analysis directly for identification of glycoproteins and the non‐glycopeptides were isotopically labelled for quantification of glycoproteins. This strategy was applied to comparatively analyze cell surface glycoproteins of two human cell lines, i.e. Chang Liver and HepG2 cells. Totally 341 glycoproteins were identified with 82.4% specificity for cell membrane proteins and 33 glycoproteins were quantified with significant expression change between the two cell lines. The differential expressions of two selected proteins (EMMPRIN and BCAM) were validated by Western blotting. This method enables specific and accurate analysis of the cell surface glycoproteins and may have broad application in the field of biomarker and drug target discovery.
Proteins linked to drought tolerance revealed by DIGE analysis of drought resistant and susceptible barley varieties
Authors: Wendelboe‐Nelson Charlotte , Morris Peter C.
Published: September 2012

Drought is a major threat to world agriculture. In order to identify proteins associated with plant drought tolerance, barley varieties bred in the UK (Golden Promise) and Iraq (Basrah) were compared. The variety Basrah showed physiological adaptations to drought when compared to Golden Promise, for example relative water content of roots and shoots after 1 week of drought was much higher for Basrah than for Golden Promise. DIGE analysis was carried out on proteins from roots and leaves under control and drought conditions. Twenty‐four leaf and 45 root proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. The relative expression patterns of the identified proteins fell into a number of distinct classes. The variety Basrah is characterised by constitutive expression or higher drought‐induced expression levels of proteins regulating ROS production and protein folding. Photosynthetic enzymes, by contrast, were downregulated in Basrah. Enzyme assays showed a good correlation between DIGE‐derived protein abundance estimates and enzyme activity in extracts. Overall, this study shows that the enhanced drought tolerance of variety Basrah is driven by an enhanced regulation of ROS under drought.
Manipulating charge‐transfer character and tuning emission color with electron‐withdrawing main‐group moieties in iridium‐based electrophosphors: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Ran Xe‐Qin , Feng Ji‐Kang , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Ren Ai‐Min , Zhou Guijiang , Sun Chia‐Chung
Published: September 2012

A new way has been investigated for tuning the optical and electronic performance of cyclometalated iridium(III) phosphors by simple tailoring of the phenyl ring of ppy (Hppy = 2‐phenylpyridine) with various main group moieties in [Ir(ppy‐X)2(acac)] (X = POPh2, SO2Ph, GePh3, OPh, OPh(CF3)3, SOPh). The geometric and electronic structures of the complexes in the ground state are studied with time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and Hartree–Fock method, whereas the lowest singlet and triplet excited states are optimized by the configuration interaction singles method. At the TD‐DFT level, absorptions and phosphorescence properties of the studied molecules were calculated on the basis of the optimized ground‐ and excited‐state geometries, respectively. The various main group moieties produce a remarkable influence on their optoelectronic properties. The calculated data reveal that the studied molecules have improved charge transfer rate and balance and can be used as hole and electron transport materials in organic light‐emitting devices. In particular, the work can provide valuable insight toward future design of new and relatively rare luminescent materials with enhanced electron‐injection and electron‐transporting features. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excited‐state hydrogen bonding dynamics of pyruvic acid and geminal‐diol, 2,2‐dihydroxypropanoic acid in aqueous solution: a DFT/TDDFT study
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Zhang Lingfeng
Published: September 2012

In this work, we present the optimized ground state geometrical structures, electronic excitation energies and corresponding oscillation strengths of the low‐lying electronically excited states for the isolated Tce‐CH3COCOOH and Tce‐CH3C(OH)2COOH as well as their corresponding hydrogen‐bonded dimers Tce‐CH3COCOOH‐H2O and Tce‐CH3C(OH)2COOH‐H2O through time‐dependent density functional theory method. It is found that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds C=O···H‐O are strengthened in the electronically excited states of the hydrogen‐bonded dimers Tce‐CH3COCOOH‐H2O and Tce‐CH3C(OH)2COOH‐H2O, in that the excitation energies of the related excited states for the hydrogen‐bonded dimers are decreased compared with those of the corresponding monomers. The calculated results are consistent with the rules that are first demonstrated by Zhao on the excited‐state hydrogen bonding dynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarkable temporal stability of high‐abundance human plasma proteins assessed by targeted mass spectrometry
Authors: Randall Sarah A. , McKay Matthew J. , Pascovici Dana , Mahon Kate , Horvath Lisa , Clarke Stephen J. , Molloy Mark P.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To examine temporal fluctuations in selected plasma protein levels over a period of nearly 4 months and assess biological variation of these proteins across a healthy population cohort.

Experimental design

Plasma was collected from ten healthy volunteers over two time‐courses: (i) weekly for 4 weeks; (ii) bimonthly over 4 months and depleted of albumin and IgG. SRM MS was used to determine the relative quantitation of 31 plasma proteins commonly observed in biomarker studies over these time courses. Estimates of between‐subject and within‐subject biological variances determined by SRM were calculated for each protein.

Results

Replicate analysis demonstrated the high precision of SRM assays of plasma proteins. Statistical analysis indicated that none of the measured proteins exhibited significant temporal fluctuations over either time course. Overall, time‐based intraindividual quantitative variation of plasma protein levels was considerably lower than biological variation occurring between individual volunteers.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

This study is the first to show robust temporal stability of the plasma proteome in healthy individuals using SRM‐based peptide quantitation. This is important as it provides a strong basis for reliable detection of disease/treatment‐related changes of these plasma proteins and others using SRM.
Autoimmunoreactive IgGs from patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Li , Chai Qiang , Charlesworth M. Cristine , Figueroa Juan J. , Low Phillip , Shen Win‐Kuang , Lee Hon‐Chi
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Autoantibodies are implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and cardiac arrhythmias. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that autoantibodies are present in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Experimental design

Seven control subjects (6 F:1 M, average age 36.1 years) and ten patients with the diagnosis of POTS (7 F: 3 M, average age 35.1 years) provided informed consent and 30 mL of venous blood. Human heart membrane proteins were resolved by 2DE and immunoblotted against purified IgGs from controls and patients.

Results

Eighteen protein spots immunoreactive specifically against patient IgGs were detected and they were excised from gels, trypsin‐digested, and analyzed by nanoLC‐electrospray MS/MS. Forty unique proteins were identified and these include proteins that are associated with cardiac hypertrophy (mimecan, myozenin), cardiac remodeling (periostin), cardiomyopathy (desmin, desmoplakin), cell survival (laminin), structural integrity (filamin), chaperone proteins (crystalline, HSP70), mitochondrial enzymes, and channel proteins. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed multiple pathways were involved including those that regulate energy metabolism, redox, fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and degeneration.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Autoantibodies are present in patients with POTS. These autoantibodies cross‐react with a wide range of cardiac proteins and may induce alterations in cardiac function. Autoimmune pathogenetic mechanisms should be further explored in these patients.
People, Land, and Context: Multilevel Determinants of Off‐farm Employment in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Barbieri Alisson Flávio , Pan William K.
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates the factors that motivate decisions of settler colonists to engage in off‐farm employment (OFE) in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Overall, OFE, as a type of population mobility, may increasingly become a dominant demographic factor in rural frontier regions. Although OFE decisions are primarily a matter of individual choice, factors associated with the farm household and the local community also play key roles in this decision making. This paper applies a multilevel conceptual framework and uses a multinomial, multilevel statistical model to study OFE in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon in 1999 as a result of factors at the individual, farm household, and community levels. The results show important differences between OFE participation choices in personal characteristics, human capital, farm household life cycle, land use, land management, farm environmental conditions, transportation accessibility, community size, and structure of local labour markets. The paper also identifies the effects of policy‐relevant variables on choices to engage in OFE in local community, other rural, or urban areas of destination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Device efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes: Progress by improved light outcoupling
Authors: Brütting Wolfgang , Frischeisen Jörg , Schmidt Tobias D. , Scholz Bert J. , Mayr Christian
Published: September 2012

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are efficient large‐area light sources facing their market entry. Still, the development of stable and more efficient blue emitters and the enhancement of light outcoupling remain challenges for further device improvements. Here, we review the working principles of OLEDs and highlight ongoing efforts to improve their efficiency, in particular by coupling out more light.
Truncated Lorch‐window method revealing the off‐octahedral Ge in nanocrystalline Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Liu X. Q. , Li X. B. , Zhang B. , Zhang S. B. , Ma E. , Zhang Z. , Han X. D.
Published: September 2012

Traditional Lorch‐window technique was modified to the truncated Lorch‐window through various truncation ranges to apply the Lorch‐window functions. The terminal ripples in radial distribution functions (RDFs) were weakened and the shoulder peak at 2.6 Å in crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) was revealed by the indication of the off‐octahedral Ge. The Cs‐corrected high resolution transmission electron microscopy image and the corresponding simulations suggest that the off‐octahedral Ge atoms are indeed in the tetrahedral symmetry. These results indicate that the complex structural details in the intermediate phase of GST other than simple rock‐salt structure though the quantified information, such as the accurate atomic positions of the off‐octahedral Ge need being further clarified in the future. These results also reveal the significance of high‐Q signals in revealing the structures in short range order.

Left (a): Original reduced interference function F(Q) (black) and truncated F(Q) data. Right (b): Corresponding RDF curves. L‐12 (red half‐solid triangle) represent the data with a truncation range of 12 Å−1, and L‐16 (open square) for the truncation range of 16 Å−1.

magnified image
Delaying satisfiability for random 2SAT
Authors: Sinclair Alistair , Vilenchik Dan
Published: September 2012

Let (C1,C′(*)),(C2,C′(*)),…,(C
m,C′(*)) be a sequence of ordered pairs of 2CNF clauses chosen uniformly at random (with replacement) from the set of all 4
\documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \begin{align*}\binom{n}{2}\end{align*} \end{document}
clauses on n variables. Choosing exactly one clause from each pair defines a probability distribution over 2CNF formulas. The choice at each step must be made on‐line, without backtracking, but may depend on the clauses chosen previously. We show that there exists an on‐line choice algorithm in the above process which results whp in a satisfiable 2CNF formula as long as m/n ≤ (1000/999)1/4. This contrasts with the well‐known fact that a random m ‐clause formula constructed without the choice of two clauses at each step is unsatisfiable whp whenever m/n > 1. Thus the choice algorithm is able to delay satisfiability of a random 2CNF formula beyond the classical satisfiability threshold. Choice processes of this kind in random structures are known as “Achlioptas processes.” This paper joins a series of previous results studying Achlioptas processes in different settings, such as delaying the appearance of a giant component or a Hamilton cycle in a random graph. In addition to the on‐line setting above, we also consider an off‐line version in which all m clause‐pairs are presented in advance, and the algorithm chooses one clause from each pair with knowledge of all pairs. For the off‐line setting, we show that the two‐choice satisfiability threshold for k ‐SAT for any fixed k coincides with the standard satisfiability threshold for random 2k ‐SAT.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2013
The phase transition in random graphs: A simple proof
Authors: Krivelevich Michael , Sudakov Benny
Published: September 2012

The classical result of Erdős and Rényi asserts that the random graph G(n,p) experiences sharp phase transition around
\documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}\begin{align*}p=\frac{1}{n}\end{align*} \end{document}
– for any ε > 0 and
\documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}\begin{align*}p=\frac{1-\epsilon}{n}\end{align*} \end{document}, all connected components of G(n,p) are typically of size Oε(log n), while for
\documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}\begin{align*}p=\frac{1+\epsilon}{n}\end{align*} \end{document}, with high probability there exists a connected component of size linear in n. We provide a very simple proof of this fundamental result; in fact, we prove that in the supercritical regime
\documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}\begin{align*}p=\frac{1+\epsilon}{n}\end{align*} \end{document}, the random graph G(n,p) contains typically a path of linear length. We also discuss applications of our technique to other random graph models and to positional games. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2013
LAPPI: A light‐weight technique to practical process modeling and improvement target identification
Authors: Raninen Anu , Ahonen Jarmo J. , Sihvonen Hanna‐Miina , Savolainen Paula , Beecham Sarah
Published: September 2012

Understanding the current state of the software processes and their problem points is important. Without this understanding, software process improvement (SPI) resources may be allocated to less meaningful targets. SPI work can be challenging to initiate especially in small companies where resources and knowledge of SPI are often limited. The aim of the developed technique, LAPPI (A Light‐weight Technique to Practical Process Modeling and Improvement Target Identification), is to provide an easy to use, lightweight tool for process modeling and improvement target identification. The technique provides a suitable method that integrates with various SPI initiatives. The method used in the development of LAPPI is a nonformal variation of constructive research. LAPPI has been incrementally developed in multiple academia‐industry collaboration projects and by industry actors themselves. Our evaluation of the LAPPI technique in 42 studies conducted in 31 companies indicates that the technique is suitable for modeling the current process and identifying the points of improvement in the process. Practical experience shows that LAPPI provides a cost‐effective technique for process modeling and improvement target identification especially in small and medium‐sized enterprises. It is most useful in the diagnosing phase of SPI. It helps the company to understand the current processes and the organizational interactions, and to create a process description baseline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continued fraction enhancement of Bayesian computing
Authors: Wand Matt P. , Ormerod John T.
Published: September 2012

The agéd number theoretic concept of continued fractions can enhance certain Bayesian computations. The crux of this claim is due to continued fraction representations of numerically challenging special function ratios that arise in Bayesian computing. Continued fraction approximation via Lentz's Algorithm often leads to efficient and stable computation of such quantities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bat mortality at a wind‐energy facility in southeastern Wisconsin
Authors: Grodsky Steven M. , Jennelle Christopher S. , Drake David , Virzi Thomas
Published: September 2012

The wind‐energy industry is rapidly developing worldwide as a viable renewable power option to offset high economic and environmental costs of fossil fuel consumption and nuclear power generation. Evidence suggests bats are more likely to be negatively affected by wind facilities than are birds. Studies have shown that significant bat mortality occurs at wind facilities, yet our understanding of the concomitant drivers of these events is limited. Our objectives were to assess the impact of a wind facility in southeastern Wisconsin, USA, on migratory and non‐migratory and/or short‐distance migrant bats by 1) estimating mortality, 2) recording species composition of mortality cases, and 3) determining the correlative variables associated with bat mortality events. We estimated 4,454 total bats, 3,019 migratory and 912 non‐migratory and/or short‐distance migrant bats were killed, respectively, over 277 search days during two spring and two autumn study periods, 2008–2010. We found bat mortality was strongly linked to migration. Approximately one‐quarter of all bat mortality consisted of non‐migratory big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and short‐distance migrant little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), which is higher than many previous studies, supported by similar studies in the Midwest, and of concern due to these species' susceptibility to white‐nose syndrome. We determined weanling mice were suitable surrogates for bat carcasses in scavenger removal trials. We found temperature was positively related to bat mortality, which indicates a possible link with prey availability. We encourage standardization in search and statistical methods across studies and acknowledgment of migratory and non‐migratory and/or short‐distance migrant bat mortality at wind facilities in agricultural landscapes. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Eat prey and love: Game‐meat consumption and attitudes toward hunting
Authors: Ljung Per E. , Riley Shawn J. , Heberlein Thomas A. , Ericsson Göran
Published: September 2012

Public support of hunting is a key to sustaining this socio‐economic activity that contributes to control of game populations. Previous studies have suggested that experience with hunting and hunters may determine acceptance of hunting. An untested assumption is that consumption of game meat is a causal factor in generating positive attitudes toward hunters and hunting. Here we used a survey, sent during 2009 to a random sample of 1,067 Swedish residents, to test the association between non‐hunters' frequency of game‐meat consumption and their attitudes toward hunting. We found that game meat was consumed at least once per year in 65% of non‐hunters' household, and that 80% of non‐hunters expressed favorable attitudes toward hunting. Game‐meat consumption and social relationships were the key factors associated with positive attitudes toward hunting. Our findings suggest game‐meat consumption to be an important reason that hunting is well accepted in the Swedish society. We suggest that increased distribution and availability of game meat to non‐hunters will increase the likelihood that positive attitudes toward hunters and hunting will be sustained. Our findings are from Sweden, where meat from wild game can freely be distributed and traded; yet, the results can be considered as catalysts for discussion about sale of game meat in countries where it now is illegal. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Synchrotron X‐ray Powder Diffraction and Electronic Band Structure of α‐ and β‐Cu2ZnSiS4
Authors: Rosmus Kimberly A. , Brunetta Carl D. , Srnec Matthew N. , Karuppannan Balamurugan , Aitken Jennifer A.
Published: September 2012

The quaternary diamond‐like semiconductor, Cu2ZnSiS4, was synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis at 1000 °C. High‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction of this product revealed the presence of two polymorphs. This data confirms that the known α‐Cu2ZnSiS4 exists with the wurtz‐stannite structure in the noncentrosymmetric space group Pmn21. The new polymorph, β‐Cu2ZnSiS4, crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group Pn with a = 6.134092(6) Å, b = 6.392752(5) Å, c = 7.421228(8) Å, β = 90.056(1)°, Z = 2, χ2 = 5.554, Rp = 0.0857 and wRp = 0.1173. Electronic structure calculations performed for both polymorphs indicate direct bandgaps of 1.3 and 1.7 eV at the Γ‐point, respectively.
Two‐Step Synthesis of a Novel Cd17 Sulfide Cluster through Ionic Clusters
Authors: Zhang Qichun , Zheng Shou‐Tian , Bu Xianhui , Feng Pingyun
Published: September 2012

A novel discrete neutral Cd17 sulfide cluster (denoted CMM‐9) with seven corners has been synthesized by slow diffusion of methanol into a mixed solution (DMF/CS2 = 1:1, weight ratio) containing an ionic starting material CMM‐4. The structures of CMM‐4 and CMM‐9 are determined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data collected at 150 K. The structure of the new Cd17 cluster is distinctly different from the well‐known C1 cluster that also has 17 Cd sites. The UV/Vis spectrum of the new cluster CMM‐9 revealed a maximum absorption at 305 nm in DMF solution, which is slightly red‐shifted compared to the regular C1 cluster (C1, [Cd17S4(SPh)28]2–, with a maximum absorption at 296 nm).
[Ir2Te14Br12]2(InBr4)2 – Clusters with Te10·– Radical Anions
Authors: Günther Anja , Isaeva Anna , Ruck Michael
Published: September 2012

The reaction of the electrophilic transition metal iridium with tellurium, indium, and bromine resulted in black, shiny crystals with the composition [Ir2Te14Br12]2(InBr4)2. X‐ray diffraction on single‐crystals revealed a triclinic structure (space group P$\bar{1}$) that contains two crystallographically distinct, centrosymmetric clusters, (Te10)[Ir(TeBr3)2]2+ and (Te10)[Ir(TeBr4)(TeBr2)]2+, as well as two tetrahedral InBr4– anions per unit cell. The center of the positively charged cluster is a Te10·– radical anion. This biconvex tricyclo[5.1.1.13, 5] unit consists of two angulated Te4 rings that are linked by two almost linear μ‐Te bridges. The radical causes an intense single ESR signal at g = 1.999. Molecular DFT‐calculations show that the unpaired electron populates an orbital of the Te10‐unit. Computational variation of the number of electrons causes noticeable variations in the Te–Te distances, providing strong evidence for the Te10·– radical. The decatellurium unit coordinates two iridium(III) cations as a bridging bis‐tetradentate ligand. Two terminal bromidotellurate(II) groups complete the slightly distorted octahedral coordination of each transition metal atom. The two [IrTe6] polyhedra share a common edge. The constitutions of the terminal ligands differ, including only TeBr3– anions in one type of clusters, but a combination of TeBr42– and TeBr2 groups in the other. The coordinating tellurium atoms of the central Te10·– and of the terminal groups act as electron pair donors, thereby fulfilling the 18‐electron‐rule for the iridium(III) cations.
N‐Triazolylpropanamide – an Acrylamide‐Derived Multifunctional Ligand for the Construction of Supramolecular Hydrogen‐Bonded Networks
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Hrib Cristian G. , Lorenz Volker , Edelmann Frank T. , Zhang Jianfeng , Yi Qiaohua
Published: September 2012

The synthesis and single crystal X‐ray structure of the multifunctional acrylamide‐derived ligand N‐triazolylpropanamide (1, = NTPA) are reported. The title compound was prepared in 72 % yield by Michael addition of 1, 2, 4‐triazole and acrylamide in the presence of Triton B (= trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide) as catalyst. Treatment of 1 with FeCl3(H2O)6 in MeOH/MeCN led to reduction and formation of the iron(II) complex (NTPA)2FeCl2(MeOH)2 (2, yellow prisms, 52 % yield). Both 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Surprisingly, the NTPA ligands in 2 are coordinated to iron in a monodentate fashion through a triazole ring nitrogen atom. In the crystal, both compounds form supramolecular hydrogen‐bonded networks.
Supramolecular Networks Extended by N–H···O Interactions between Cu‐Benzimidazole Subunits and Keggin Anions
Authors: Liu Guo‐Cheng , Wang Yu‐Fei , Tian Ai‐Xiang , Wang Xiu‐Li , Cao Jing‐Jing , Yang Song , Lin Hong‐Yan
Published: September 2012

Three new 2D/3D supramolecular architectures derived from Cu‐organic subunits and Keggin anions, [CuII2(biz)8(HPMoVI10MoV2O40)(H2O)2]·2H2O (1), [CuI4(biz)8(SiW12O40)]·2H2O (2) and [CuI2(dmbiz)4(Hdmbiz)2(SiW12O40)] (3) (biz = benzimidazole, dmbiz = 5, 6‐dimethyl benzimidazole), were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 has two kinds of [CuII(biz)2]2+ cations, which are further extended by Keggin anions into a 2D (4, 8)‐connected supramolecular network by hydrogen bonding interactions. In compound 2, four types of [CuI(biz)2]+ subunits link the [SiW12O40]4– anions to form a 3D (2, 6)‐connected supramolecular structure. Compound 3 shows a 3D supramolecular network with a NaCl‐type topology constructed by [CuI(dmbiz)2]+ subunits, anions, and discrete [Hdmbiz]+ cations. Moreover, the electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated.
A Model for Peer Experiential and Reciprocal Supervision (PEERS) for Genetic Counselors: Development and Preliminary Evaluation Within Clinical Practice
Authors: Sexton A. , Hodgkin L. , Bogwitz M. , Bylstra Y. , Mann K. , Taylor J. , Hodgson J. , Sahhar M. , Kentwell M.
Published: September 2012

A model for practising genetic counselors to obtain clinical supervision via reciprocal peer observation and feedback was developed and trialled. The model was developed in response to a perceived lack of opportunity for immediate observational feedback for practising genetic counselors. The aims reached by consensus were to facilitate learning new approaches and skills, to revitalise current ways of practising, and to enhance supervision skills in a two‐way process, where the observer learnt from the counselor, and vice‐versa. The genetic counselors agreed on a process of paired reciprocal observation whereby the observer was present in the room during the counseling session, and a reflective feedback discussion was arranged within 24 h of the session. Four main themes emerged from analysis of the recorded discussions were (i)“I wasn't sure if I‐”:voicing of doubts or internal questions that occurred during session for the counselor conducting the session, (ii)“I really liked that”:positive feedback and validation from the observer, (iii)“I wonder whether‐”:offering of alternative views, insights and strategies by the observer, and (iv)“That's a real thing for me to take away and think about”:evidence of learning by both observers and counselors.