bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The GenApp framework integrated with Airavata for managed compute resource submissions
Authors: Brookes Emre H. , Anjum Nadeem , Curtis Joseph E. , Marru Suresh , Singh Raminder , Pierce Marlon
Published: May 2015

A new framework (GenApp) for rapid generation of scientific applications running on a variety of systems including science gateways has recently been developed. This framework currently builds a GUI and/or web‐based user interface for a variety of target environments on a collection of executable modules. The method for execution of modules has limited framework restrictions: primarily the requirement of wrapping the application to accept input and output formatted in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Initial implementation supports direct execution on a user's workstation, a web server, or a compute resource accessible from the web server. After a successful initial workshop utilizing the framework to create a web‐based user interface wrapping a scientific software suite, it was discovered that long‐running jobs would sometimes fail, because of the loss of a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection. This precipitated an improvement to the execution method with the bonus of easily allowing multiple web clients to attach to the running job. To support a diversity of queue managed compute resources, a Google ‘Summer of Code’ project was completed to integrate the Apache Airavata middleware as an additional execution model within the GenApp framework. New features of file management, job management with progress, and message box support are described. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 2015.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IMP Science Gateway: from the Portal to the Hub of Virtual Experimental Labs in e‐Science and Multiscale Courses in e‐Learning
Authors: Gordienko Yuri , Bekenov Lev , Baskova Olexandra , Gatsenko Olexandr , Zasimchuk Elena , Stirenko Sergii
Published: May 2015

‘Science gateway’ (SG) ideology means a user‐friendly intuitive interface between scientists (or scientific communities) and different software components + various distributed computing infrastructures (DCIs), where researchers can focus on their scientific goals and less on the peculiarities of software/DCI. G.V.Kurdyumov Institute for Metal Physics ‘IMP Science Gateway Portal’ (http://scigate.imp.kiev.ua) is presented for complex workflow management and integration of distributed computing resources (like clusters, service grids, desktop grids, and clouds). It is created on the basis of Web Service – Parallel Grid Run‐time and Application Development Environment (WS‐PGRADE) and gUSE (grid and cloud User Support Environment) technologies, where WS‐PGRADE is designed for science workflow operation and gUSE — for smooth integration of available resources for parallel and distributed computing in various heterogeneous DCIs. Some use cases (scientific workflows) are considered for molecular dynamics simulations of complex behavior of various nanostructures. The modular approach allows scientists to use SG portals as research hubs of various virtual experimental labs in the context of practical applications in material science, physics, and nanotechnologies. In addition, workflows and their components are proposed to be used as Lego‐style construction units for learning modules of various scale by duration, complexity, targeted audience, and so on. These workflows can be used also in e‐Learning infrastructures as constituent elements of learning hubs for the management of learning content, tools, resources, and users in the regular, vocational, lifelong, and informal learning. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building a medical research cloud in the EASI‐CLOUDS project
Authors: Wu Jie , Narayanan Krishnaprasad , Nagel Lars , Fiehe Christoph , Litvina Anna , Tonn Jakob , Zoth Carsten , Goltz Hans‐Joachim , Unger Steffen , Pursche Fabian , Scheel Michael , Brinkmann Andre , Thronicke Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

The demand for Information Technology (IT) resources is constantly growing in the scientific area. The ability to store and process increasing amounts of data has transformed many research disciplines like the life sciences, which now rely on complex data processing and data analytics. Cloud computing can provide researchers with scalable and easy‐to‐use hardware and software resources and allows on‐demand access to services, tools, or even complete work environments.

The European research project EASI‐CLOUDS has developed a service delivery platform with special regard to service integration, monitoring and management, and the negotiation of service level agreements. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the platform, a medical‐use case was devised and implemented in close partnership with the Charité University Hospital that has a high demand for computing resources, especially in the field of magnetic resonance imaging‐related diagnostics of brain diseases. This use case can serve as a blueprint for the development of cloud‐based services for medical research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobile application development exploiting science gateway technologies
Authors: Vitello Fabio , Sciacca Eva , Becciani Ugo , Costa Alessandro , Massimino Piero , Takács Éva , Szakál Balázs
Published: May 2015

Nowadays, collaborative applications are valuable tools for scientists to share their studies and experiences, for example, by interacting simultaneously with their data and outcomes giving feedback to other colleagues on how the data are processed. This paper presents a mobile application connected to a workflow‐enabled framework to perform visualization and data analysis of large‐scale, multi‐dimensional datasets on distributed computing infrastructures. In particular, the usage of workflow‐driven applications, through science gateway technologies, allows the scientist to share heavy data exploration tasks as workflows and the relative results in a transparent and user‐friendly way. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing a novel linear‐time graph kernel for semantic link network
Authors: Peng Li , Zhang Zhiying , Huang Qiaoli , Huang Zhixing , Zhuge Hai
Published: May 2015

Graph is an efficient tool for representing structured data such as proteins, molecular compounds, and social networks. Graph kernel is a technique to measure the similarity between graphs. However, existing graph kernels still have several limitations: (1) semantics on link is ignored; (2) node is associated with single label; (3) most graph kernels require more than cubic time, which is still computationally expensive; and, (4) there is seldom consideration of handling the graph comparison when the number of node types becomes huge. In this paper, we utilize semantic link network (SLN) to represent complex structured data with richer semantic information. Topic model is employed for dimension reduction and tagging each node with multiple labels. And a novel linear‐time graph kernel for SLN is designed to calculate the similarity between two SLNs. This work remedies the limitations of the conventional graph kernels. The effectiveness and efficiency of this approach are evaluated by the document classification task on public corpora. Empirical results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve better performance than the traditional topic model‐based classification approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting Large‐Pore Metal–Organic Frameworks for Separations through Entropic Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Torres‐Knoop Ariana , Dubbeldam David
Published: May 2015

We review the molecular mechanisms behind adsorption and the separations of mixtures in metal–organic frameworks and zeolites. Separation mechanisms can be based on differences in the affinity of the adsorbate with the framework and on entropic effects. To develop next‐generation adsorbents, the separation efficiency of the materials needs to be improved. The performance under industrially relevant conditions largely depends on two factors: 1) the separation selectivity and 2) the pore volume capacity of the material. Enthalpic mechanisms can lead to increased selectivities, but these are mostly restricted to the low loading regime, and hence these mechanisms are unable to make use of all of the large‐pore volume that a metal–organic framework can provide. Industrial processes routinely operate in the pore saturation regime. In this Review, we focus on entropic molecular separation mechanisms that are effective under these conditions and, in particular, on a recent methodology to obtain high selectivities at high pore loading.
Design of efficient QCA multiplexers
Authors: Cocorullo G. , Corsonello P. , Frustaci F. , Perri S.
Published: May 2015

A new methodology to realize efficient multiplexers using quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is presented in this paper. The novel designs here demonstrated fully exploit the intrinsic logic capabilities of the basic building block in the QCA domain: the Majority Gate. An efficient logic formulation is derived for the 4:1 multiplexing function that can be recursively applied to the realization of multiplexers with any fan‐in, by adding in the worst‐case path only one level of Majority Gate for each input doubling. A 16:1 multiplexer designed by applying the proposed recursive approach requires less than 1600 cells and consumes only 12 clock phases to complete the operation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnic disparity in the clinical characteristics of patients with heart failure
Authors: Gotsman Israel , Avishai‐Eliner Sarit , Jabara Refat , Zemora Zehava , Shauer Ayelet , Lotan Chaim , Keren Andre
Published: May 2015

Aims

The characteristics of heart failure (HF) patients of different ethnic backgrounds in Israel are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of Arab vs. Jewish patients with chronic HF.

Methods and results

Patients with a diagnosis of HF at a health maintenance organization in Jerusalem, Israel were evaluated. All patients were followed for cardiac‐related hospitalizations and death. The study cohort included 6773 HF patients; 4991 (74%) were Jewish and 1735 (26%) were Arab. The overall prevalence of HF in the Jewish vs. Arab population was similar (women, 4.3% vs. 4.7%, respectively, P = 0.06; men, 5.3% vs. 5.2%, P = 0.61). The prevalence of HF was significantly higher in Arab subjects of younger age groups (50–70 years). Arabs developed HF on average 10 years earlier and had a significantly higher rate of diabetes and obesity. Standard of care based on prescribed medications was similar between the ethnic groups. Glucose and cholesterol levels were higher in the Arab cohort. Mortality was similar between the groups at median follow‐up (576 days), with the exception of cardiovascular hospitalizations and death that were higher in Arab men.

Conclusions

Arab subjects develop HF at a much younger age compared with their Jewish counterparts and have a higher prevalence of diabetes and obesity. Standard of care and clinical outcome are comparable. Implementation of prevention programmes to reduce risk factors, particularly diabetes and obesity, may help reduce the disparity between Arabs and Jews.
Export of fine particulate organic carbon from redwood‐dominated catchments
Authors: Madej Mary Ann
Published: May 2015

Recently, researchers have recognized the significant role of small mountainous river systems in the transport of carbon from terrestrial environments to the ocean, and the scale of such studies have ranged from channel bed units to continents. In temperate zones, these mountain river systems commonly drain catchments that are largely forested. However, the magnitude of carbon export from rivers draining old‐growth redwood forests has not been evaluated to date. Old‐growth redwood stands support some of the largest quantities of biomass in the world, up to 350 000 Mg of stem biomass km‐2 and soil organic carbon can reach 46 800 Mg km‐2. In north coastal California, suspended sediment samples were collected at three gaging stations for two to four years on streams draining old‐growth redwood forests. Carbon content, determined through loss‐on‐ignition tests, was strongly correlated with turbidity, and continuous turbidity records from the gaging stations were used to estimate annual carbon exports of 1 · 6 to 4 · 2 Mg km‐2 yr‐1. These values, representing 13 to 33% of the suspended sediment load, are some of the highest percentages reported in the global literature. The fraction of organic carbon as part of the suspended sediment load decreased with discharge, but reached an asymptote of 5 to 10% at flows 10 to 20 times the mean annual flows. Although larger rivers in this region exhibit high sediment yields (up to 3600 Mg km‐2 yr‐1), mainly attributed to high rates of uplift, mass movement, and timber harvest, the small pristine streams in this study have sediment yields of only 8 to 100 Mg km‐2 yr‐1. Because the current extent of old‐growth redwood stands is less than 5% of its pre‐European‐settlement distribution, the present organic carbon signature in suspended sediment loads in this region is likely different from that in the early 20th century. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Evaluation of individual sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to cetuximab by short‐term culture of tumor slices
Authors: Peria Marine , Donnadieu Jérôme , Racz Caroline , Ikoli Jean‐Fortuné , Galmiche Antoine , Chauffert Bruno , Page Cyril
Published: May 2015

Background

Cetuximab is a targeted therapy with demonstrated efficacy in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, no laboratory assay is available to predict its efficacy in an individual patient.

Methods

Short‐term cultures of tumor slices were performed on 9 tumor samples obtained after surgical resection in patients. Cancer cell proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the impact of cetuximab on cell proliferation was examined.

Results

Tumor architecture and the heterogeneous composition of HNSCC were preserved for at least 48 hours during short‐term culture of tumor slices. HNSCC cells demonstrated a heterogeneous individual response to cetuximab.

Conclusion

Short‐term culture of tumor slices is a strategy to estimate the clinical activity of cetuximab in individual patients with HNSCC. Further studies are required to correlate the results obtained with the clinical response of individual patients to cetuximab. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E911–E915, 2016
Getting personal: Head and neck cancer management in the era of genomic medicine
Authors: Birkeland Andrew C. , Uhlmann Wendy R. , Brenner J. Chad , Shuman Andrew G.
Published: May 2015

Background

Genetic testing is rapidly becoming an important tool in the management of patients with head and neck cancer. As we enter the era of genomics and personalized medicine, providers should be aware of testing options, counseling resources, and the benefits, limitations, and future of personalized therapy.

Methods

This article offers a primer to assist clinicians treating patients in anticipating and managing the inherent practical and ethical challenges of cancer care in the genomic era.

Results

Clinical applications of genomics for head and neck cancer are emerging. We discuss the indications for genetic testing, types of testing available, implications for care, privacy/disclosure concerns, and ethical considerations. Hereditary genetic syndromes associated with head and neck neoplasms are reviewed, and online genetics resources are provided.

Conclusion

This article summarizes and contextualizes the evolving diagnostic and therapeutic options that impact the care of patients with head and neck cancer in the genomic era. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2250–E2258, 2016
Evolution of Strategic HRM as Seen Through Two Founding Books: A 30th Anniversary Perspective on Development of the Field
Authors: Kaufman Bruce E.
Published: May 2015

Two pioneering books published in 1984 arguably launched the field of strategic human resource management (SHRM). The first isStrategic Human Resource Managementby Fombrun, Tichy, and Devanna; the second isManaging Human Assetsby Beer, Spector, Lawrence, Mills, and Walton. This article provides a 30th anniversary review of the two books, partly to honor their pioneering contributions but also to use them as a lens for examining how the field has subsequently evolved and developed. Two recently published SHRM books are used as a benchmark for this analysis. The review identifies areas of SHRM constancy and change, major theoretical and empirical innovations, and newly developed research questions and directions, largely in an American context. Diagrammatic models of SHRM are synthesized and compared from the four books; also, nine specific dimensions of evolution in the field are highlighted with discussion of advances and shortcomings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Off the Mark: Response to Kaufman's Evolution of Strategic HRM
Authors: Wright Patrick M. , Guest David , Paauwe Jaap
Published: May 2015

Professor Bruce Kaufman's look back at two seminal books published at the beginning of the strategic HRM field and examination of two recent books to trace the evolution of the field identifies some issues, but ones with which the field has dealt for a number of years. His choice of our book HRM and Performance provided the wrong target, and consequently his analysis seemed to miss the mark. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HRM at a Crossroads: Comments on “Evolution of Strategic HRM Through Two Founding Books: A 30th Anniversary Perspective on Development of the Field”
Authors: Beer Michael
Published: May 2015

I agree with Bruce Kaufman's evaluation of the HRM field and the danger to its relevance if change does not take place in the field's almost exclusive use of normal science, lack of focus on organizational change and development and indifference to the development of useful and usable knowledge. I use the development of the Harvard Business School's first‐ever required course in HRM and Managing Human Assets, the book that grew from the course, to illustrate why and how the strategic HRM perspective of the book emerged. I go on to argue that we do not need more proof that HRM practices are associated with financial performance. The best CEOs already believe this, though they need knowledge and practices that will enable them to develop a positive sustainable HRM system. HRM research, both normal and action science, must answer the question of how a “great” HRM system—practices, leadership, organization design, culture, and change processes—might be developed over time (its takes years) and how great companies can avoid the liquidation of intangible assets in the face of pressures for short‐term performance. I describe my own work to illustrate the future direction HRM should take methodologically and conceptually. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Where's the Rhetoric?
Authors: Rives Ashley , Olsen Allison Wynhoff
Published: May 2015

At the university level, rhetoric dominates conversations surrounding writing pedagogy, yet preservice English language arts teachers are not typically instructed to teach rhetorically. Although the stated exigence of the Common Core State Standards is to prepare students to be college and career ready, this analysis suggests misalignment. This research analyzed howrhetoricis used in the Common Core and how the Standards indicate what is necessary for writing in college. Findings indicate thatrhetoricis used implicitly rather than explicitly and as a tool rather than a theory. The Common Core also promotes a progression of prescriptive writing tasks, a language of power, and a preference for logic over emotion. Rather than promote readiness, the Standards perpetuate the gap between secondary and postsecondary writing experiences.
Distinguishing Foeniculum vulgare fruit from two adulterants by combination of microscopy and GC–MS analysis
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Dong , Mao Wen‐Wen , Zhou Ping , Li Ping , Li Hui‐Jun
Published: May 2015

Foeniculum vulgare fruit (FVF) is a widely used traditional medicine. However, two adulterants, namely Anethum graveolens fruit (AGF) and Cuminum cyminum fruit (CCF), have been found in use as FVF in China owing to similar appearance and odor. For the purpose of accurate differentiation of the three herbal medicines, extensive anatomical examination and chemical profiling were conducted. Using light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy, the macroscopic and microscopic features of the three species were compared. It was found that some microscopic characteristics, including transverse shape of mericarp, presence or absence of reticulate cells and non‐glandular hairs, as well as fluorescence of endocarp, were of diagnostic significance. Moreover, essential oils were qualitatively and semi‐quantitatively analyzed using GC–MS. The analytical results indicated significant chemical variations in different species: in FVF, trans‐anethole (83.20%) was the predominant volatile compound followed by estragole (5.03%) and limonene (3.45%), while in AGF, the first, second and third compounds with highest content were carvone (42.58%), apiol (20.76%) and limonene (20.32%), and in CCF were cuminlaldehyde (36.00%), 2‐caren‐10‐al (23.25%) and γ‐terpinene (9.65%), respectively. In conclusion, the proposed light microscopy coupled with fluorescence microscopy and/or GC–MS analysis allowed successful distinguishing FVF from AGF and CCF. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:633–641, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Oncentra® Brachy IPSA and graphical optimisation techniques: a case study of HDR brachytherapy head and neck and prostate plans
Authors: Jameson Michael G. , Ohanessian Lucy , Batumalai Vikneswary , Patel Virendra , Holloway Lois C.
Published: May 2015

There are a number of different dwell positions and time optimisation options available in the Oncentra® Brachy (Elekta Brachytherapy Solutions, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) brachytherapy treatment planning system. The purpose of this case study was to compare graphical (GRO) and inverse planning by simulated annealing (IPSA) optimisation techniques for interstitial head and neck (HN) and prostate plans considering dosimetry, modelled radiobiology outcome and planning time. Four retrospective brachytherapy patients were chosen for this study, two recurrent HN and two prostatic boosts. Manual GRO and IPSA plans were generated for each patient. Plans were compared using dose–volume histograms (DVH) and dose coverage metrics including; conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI) and conformity number (CN). Logit and relative seriality models were used to calculate tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Approximate planning time was also recorded. There was no significant difference between GRO and IPSA in terms of dose metrics with mean CI of 1.30 and 1.57 (P > 0.05) respectively. IPSA achieved an average HN TCP of 0.32 versus 0.12 for GRO while for prostate there was no significant difference. Mean GRO planning times were greater than 75 min while average IPSA planning times were less than 10 min. Planning times for IPSA were greatly reduced compared to GRO and plans were dosimetrically similar. For this reason, IPSA makes for a useful planning tool in HN and prostate brachytherapy.
Estimating spatial patterns of air temperature at building‐resolving spatial resolution in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Yi Chaeyeon , Kim Kyu Rang , An Seung Man , Choi Young‐Jean , Holtmann Achim , Jänicke Britta , Fehrenbach Ute , Scherer Dieter
Published: May 2015

The thermal environment in urban areas is substantially influenced by local surface properties and their modification through human activities. The effects of urban climate on human health are one of the motivations for the development of various urban climate analysis tools. Climate Analysis Seoul (CAS) is a tool that incorporates a meso‐scale atmospheric model and conceptual geographic information system (GIS)‐based models to provide gridded air temperature deviations based on high‐resolution land cover information. The CAS output was evaluated using air temperatures observed at 18 automatic weather stations (AWS) located in the detail region (DR) Eunpyeong. Correlation analyses were performed to reveal the influence of different land cover characteristics and CAS output variables on measured air temperature deviations. Based on the results of the correlation analyses in the study region (SR) Seoul, a regression model (total air temperature distribution, TD′) was developed. It predicts spatially distributed air temperatures based on morphological parameters and an observed reference temperature. Using the TD′ model, maps of daily maximum air temperatures were produced for the entire area of Seoul with a horizontal resolution of 25 m, and of 5 m for the DR, the latter allows to assess the impacts of different building and vegetation structures on air temperature by resolving buildings. The TD′ model was evaluated using measurements at eight AWS. The TD′ model slightly overestimated daily maximum air temperatures in 2007 and 2011, but performed better for 2011, mainly because land cover data represent the final state of the urban development. The TD′ model appears to be a suitable tool for estimating air temperature distributions at building‐resolving resolutions. It can be used to assess changes in the thermal environment and heat‐related hazards through urban development plans already ahead of their realization.
Elliptic and parabolic regularity for second‐ order divergence operators with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Haller‐Dintelmann Robert , Jonsson Alf , Knees Dorothee , Rehberg Joachim
Published: May 2015

We study second‐order equations and systems on non‐Lipschitz domains including mixed boundary conditions. The key result is interpolation for suitable function spaces. From this, elliptic and parabolic regularity results are deduced by means of Šneı̆berg's isomorphism theorem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust and high resolution hyperpolarized metabolic imaging of the rat heart at 7 t with 3d spectral‐spatial EPI
Authors: Miller Jack J. , Lau Angus Z. , Teh Irvin , Schneider Jürgen E. , Kinchesh Paul , Smart Sean , Ball Vicky , Sibson Nicola R. , Tyler Damian J.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Hyperpolarized metabolic imaging has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of diseases where metabolism is dysregulated, such as heart disease. We investigated the feasibility of imaging rodent myocardial metabolism at high resolution at 7 T.

Methods

We present here a fly‐back spectral‐spatial radiofrequency pulse that sidestepped maximum gradient strength requirements and enabled high resolution metabolic imaging of the rodent myocardium. A 3D echo‐planar imaging readout followed, with centric ordered z‐phase encoding. The cardiac gated sequence was used to image metabolism in rodents whose metabolic state had been manipulated by being fasted, fed, or fed and given the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor dichloroacetate.

Results

We imaged hyperpolarized metabolites with a spatial resolution of
mm3 and a temporal resolution of 1.8 s in the rat heart at 7 T. Significant differences in myocardial pyruvate dehydrogenase flux were observed between the three groups of animals, concomitant with the known biochemistry.

Conclusion

The proposed sequence was able to image in vivo metabolism with excellent spatial resolution in the rat heart. The field of view enabled the simultaneous multi‐organ acquisition of metabolic information from the rat, which is of great utility for preclinical research in cardiovascular disease. Magn Reson Med 000:000–000, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Magn Reson Med 75:1515–1524, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance.
Contribution of the external urethral sphincter to urinary void size in unanesthetized unrestrained rats
Authors: LaPallo Brandon K. , Wolpaw Jonathan R. , Chen Xiang Yang , Carp Jonathan S.
Published: May 2015

Aims

In anesthetized rats, voiding is typically associated with phasic activation (bursting) of the external urethral sphincter (EUS). During spontaneous voiding in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats, EUS bursting is the most common form of EUS activity exhibited, but it is not necessary for productive voiding to occur. The aim of the present study was to determine which aspects of EUS activity contributed to void size during bursting and non‐bursting voiding in conscious, freely moving rats.

Methods

Female rats were implanted with electrodes adjacent to the EUS for recording electromyographic activity (EMG). EUS EMG recordings were performed during 24‐hr sessions in a metabolic cage while voided urine was continuously collected and weighed.

Results

Void size was positively correlated with the duration of the intra‐burst silent and active periods and variables reflecting the overall intensity and duration of bursting, particularly at lower frequencies within the 3‐10 Hz range of EUS bursting. In addition, void size was inversely related to the frequency of bursting and to the average EMG amplitude during voiding, both in voids with and without bursting.

Conclusions

EUS bursting contributes to productive voiding when bursting is present. Lower bursting frequencies elicit more productive voiding than do higher frequencies. In the absence of bursting, the association of increased void size with smaller average EUS EMG amplitude suggests that conscious rats can perform synergic voiding (i.e., bladder contraction with EUS relaxation) that is comparable to that seen in humans and other typically non‐bursting species.Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:696–702, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel transmission for ultrahigh‐field imaging
Authors: Padormo Francesco , Beqiri Arian , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J.
Published: May 2015

The development of MRI systems operating at or above 7 T has provided researchers with a new window into the human body, yielding improved imaging speed, resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio. In order to fully realise the potential of ultrahigh‐field MRI, a range of technical hurdles must be overcome. The non‐uniformity of the transmit field is one of such issues, as it leads to non‐uniform images with spatially varying contrast. Parallel transmission (i.e. the use of multiple independent transmission channels) provides previously unavailable degrees of freedom that allow full spatial and temporal control of the radiofrequency (RF) fields. This review discusses the many ways in which these degrees of freedom can be used, ranging from making more uniform transmit fields to the design of subject‐tailored RF pulses for both uniform excitation and spatial selection, and also the control of the specific absorption rate. © 2015 The Authors. NMR in Biomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Computing stress intensity factors for curvilinear cracks
Authors: Chiaramonte Maurizio M. , Shen Yongxing , Keer Leon M. , Lew Adrian J.
Published: May 2015

The use of the interaction integral to compute stress intensity factors around a crack tip requires selecting an auxiliary field and a material variation field. We formulate a family of these fields accounting for the curvilinear nature of cracks that, in conjunction with a discrete formulation of the interaction integral, yield optimally convergent stress intensity factors. In particular, we formulate three pairs of auxiliary and material variation fields chosen to yield a simple expression of the interaction integral for different classes of problems. The formulation accounts for crack face tractions and body forces. Distinct features of the fields are their ease of construction and implementation. The resulting stress intensity factors are observed converging at a rate that doubles that of the stress field. We provide a sketch of the theoretical justification for the observed convergence rates and discuss issues such as quadratures and domain approximations needed to attain such convergent behavior. Through two representative examples, a circular arc crack and a loaded power function crack, we illustrate the convergence rates of the computed stress intensity factors. The numerical results also show the independence of the method from the size of the domain of integration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Picking Out Logic Operations in a Naphthalene β‐Diketone Derivative by Using Molecular Encapsulation, Controlled Protonation, and DNA Binding
Authors: Yousuf Sameena , Alex Ritty , Selvakumar Paulraj Mosae , Enoch Israel V. M. V. , Subramanian Palani Sivagnana , Sun Yu
Published: May 2015

On–off switching and molecular logic in fluorescent molecules are associated with what chemical inputs can do to the structure and dynamics of these molecules. Herein, we report the structure of a naphthalene derivative, the fashion of its binding to β‐cyclodextrin and DNA, and the operation of logic possible using protons, cyclodextrin, and DNA as chemical inputs. The compound crystallizes out in a keto‐amine form, with intramolecular N−H⋅⋅⋅O bonding. It shows stepwise formation of 1:1 and 1:2 inclusion complexes with β‐cyclodextrin. The aminopentenone substituents are encapsulated by β‐cyclodextrin, leaving out the naphthalene rings free. The binding constant of the β‐cyclodextrin complex is 512 m−1. The pKa value of the guest molecule is not greatly affected by the complexation. Dual input logic operations, based on various chemical inputs, lead to the possibility of several molecular logic gates, namely NOR, XOR, NAND, and Buffer. Such chemical inputs on the naphthalene derivative are examples of how variable signal outputs based on binding can be derived, which, in turn, are dependent on the size and shape of the molecule.
Preparation and Performance of Nano HMX/TNT Cocrystals
Authors: Li Hequn , An Chongwei , Guo Wenjian , Geng Xiaoheng , Wang Jingyu , Xu Wenzheng
Published: May 2015

Cocrystals of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) with high energy and low sensitivity were obtained by a spray drying method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Raman spectroscopy (FT‐Raman) were used to characterize the raw materials and cocrystals. Impact sensitivity and thermal decomposition properties of the cocrystals were tested and analyzed. The results show that microparticles prepared by the spray drying method are spherical in shape and 1–10 μm in size. The particles are aggregates of many tiny cocrystals, ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm. The formation of cocrystals originates from the NO⋅⋅⋅H hydrogen bonding between NO2 (HMX) and CH3 (TNT). Compared with raw HMX, the impact sensitivity of the cocrystals reduces obviously and it is much harder to decompose the cocrystal thermally.
Laboratory‐Scale Method for Estimating Explosive Performance from Laser‐Induced Shock Waves
Authors: Gottfried Jennifer L.
Published: May 2015

A new laboratory‐scale method for predicting explosive performance (e.g., detonation velocity and pressure) based on milligram quantities of material is demonstrated. This technique is based on schlieren imaging of the shock wave generated in air by the formation of a laser‐induced plasma on the surface of an energetic material residue. The shock wave from each laser ablation event is tracked for more than 100 μs using a high‐speed camera. A suite of conventional energetic materials including DNAN, TNT, HNS, TATB, NTO, PETN, RDX, HMX, and CL‐20 was used to develop calibration curves relating the characteristic shock velocity for each energetic material to several detonation parameters. A strong linear correlation between the laser‐induced shock velocity and the measured performance from full‐scale detonation testing has been observed. The Laser‐induced Air Shock from Energetic Materials (LASEM) method was validated using nitrocellulose, FOX‐7, nano‐RDX, three military formulations, and three novel high‐nitrogen explosives currently under development. This method is a potential screening tool for the development of new energetic materials and formulations prior to larger‐scale detonative testing. The main advantages are the small quantity of material required (a few milligrams or less per laser shot), the ease with which hundreds of measurements per day can be obtained, and the ability to estimate explosive performance without detonating the material (reducing cost and safety requirements).
Surface composition of PdCuAu ternary alloys: a combined LEIS and XPS study
Authors: Tarditi Ana M. , Imhoff Carolina , Miller James B. , Cornaglia Laura
Published: May 2015

PdCuAu ternary alloy samples with different composition were synthesized on top of ZrO2‐modified porous stainless steel disks by the sequential electroless deposition technique. The structure, morphology and bulk composition of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Complete alloy formation with a pure fcc phase for the Pd71Cu26Au3, Pd70Cu25Au5 and Pd67Cu24Au9 samples and a bcc structure for the Pd62Cu36Au2 and Pd60Cu37Au3 samples were obtained upon annealing at 500 °C for 120 h as revealed by XRD. A combination of low‐energy ion scattering (LEIS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate the surface properties of the PdCuAu alloys. XPS results confirmed alloy formation under the annealing conditions. XPS analysis also revealed that the near‐surface regions of the alloys became enriched in Pd with respect to the bulk composition determined by EDX. In contrast, LEIS and angle‐resolved XPS analyses showed that the top‐most surface layers in all samples were copper‐rich compared with the bulk composition. This high Cu surface concentration could impart resistance to bulk sulfide formation to the PdCuAu alloy membranes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Starch‐g‐lactic acid/montmorillonite nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization and controlled drug release study
Authors: Namazi Hassan , Belali Simin
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a new starch‐g‐lactic acid/montmorillonite nanocomposite was developed for controlled and sustained drug release. First, starch‐g‐lactic acid was synthesized by reaction between starch and lactic acid with azeotropic distillation. In order to achieve a high degree of grafting starch, effects of the reaction time and the monomer concentration were evaluated. Bio‐based nanocomposites were prepared through solution intercalation technique of starch‐g‐lactic acid with Closite Na+. The morphology of the samples was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanoparticles were spherical with a mean size of around 355 ± 5 nm. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Acetylated starch and its nanoparticle were used to study the overall effect of sustained release of the fluoxetine. The nanocomposite showed good drug encapsulation efficiency and a sustained drug release pattern.
Biofilms based on cassava starch containing extract of yerba mate as antioxidant and plasticizer
Authors: Medina Jaramillo Carolina , González Seligra Paula , Goyanes Silvia , Bernal Celina , Famá Lucía
Published: May 2015

Cassava starch based films containing different concentrations of yerba mate extract as antioxidant (0, 5, and 20%) were prepared by casting. The effect of the incorporation of the extract on the antioxidant activity, structure, and physicochemical properties of the biofilms was evaluated. Significant antioxidant capacity in the films with yerba mate extract was obtained, especially in the materials containing 5% of the additive. The surface roughness and contact angle of the systems containing the extract increased, indicating hydrofobic behavior of the films surface when the additive was used. This was also confirmed by water vapor permeability and water content results. The incorporation of yerba mate extract led to an important improvement in the elasticity of the biofilms, as well as to a shift of the relaxations associated with the glycerol‐rich and starch‐rich phases to lower temperature values, revealing a typical behavior of a plasticized film. The relevant antioxidant and plasticizing effects of yerba mate extract on cassava starch films make them promising to be used as coatings or packaging in the food industry.
Higher‐order sliced inverse regressions
Authors: Ding Shanshan , Cook R. Dennis
Published: May 2015

With the advancement of modern technology, array‐valued data are often encountered in application. Such data can exhibit both high dimensionality and complex structures. Traditional methods for sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) are generally inefficient for array‐valued data as they cannot adequately capture the underlying structure. In this article, we discuss recently developed higher‐order approaches to SDR for regressions with matrix‐ or array‐valued predictors, with a special focus on sliced inverse regressions. These methods can reduce an array‐valued predictor's multiple dimensions simultaneously without losing much/any information for prediction and classification. We briefly discuss the implementation procedure for each method. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:249–257. doi: 10.1002/wics.1354

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Algorithms

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Analysis and characterization of the X‐ray beam produced by a PF device for radiotherapy applications
Authors: Sumini M. , Previti A. , Galassi D. , Ceccolini E. , Rocchi F. , Mostacci D. , Tartari A. , Pasi F. , Facoetti A. , Mazzini G. , Nano R. , Virelli A. , Zironi I. , Castellani G. , Cucchi G. , Orecchia R.
Published: May 2015

A plasma focus device, devoted to the study of a possible application to the radiotherapy treatment of malignant cells, has been recently put into operation. The low‐energy (up to 200 keV) X‐rays are produced by conversion of the electron beam generated by the device during the pinch phase. The X‐ray spectrum has already been fully characterized, and an initial campaign of irradiation of specific cell cultures has been completed. At present, the links between the operational parameters of the actual device, the beam intensity, and the cell irradiation effects are being analyzed, trying to evaluate the advantage of the very high dose rate that can be delivered, of the order of several Gy in a few tens of nanoseconds. Preliminary results on radiobiological effectiveness are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface and subsurface characterisation in micro-milling of monocrystalline silicon
Authors: Huo Dehong , Lin Chao , Choong Zi Jie , Pancholi Ketan , Degenaar Patrick
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an experimental investigation on surface and subsurface characterisation of micro-machined single-crystal silicon with (100) orientation. Full immersion slot milling was conducted using solid cubic boron nitride (CBN) and diamond-coated fine grain tungsten carbide micro-end mills with a uniform tool diameter of 0.5 mm. The micro-machining experiments were carried out on an ultra-precision micro-machining centre. Formal design of experiments (DoE) techniques were applied to design and analysis of the machining process. Surface roughness, edge chipping formation and subsurface residual stress under varying machining conditions were characterised using white light interferometry, SEM and Raman microspectroscopy. Tens of nanometre-level surface roughness can be achieved under the certain machining conditions, and influences of variation of cutting parameters including cutting speeds, feedrate and axial depth of cut on surface roughness were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Raman microspectroscopy studies show that compressive subsurface residual stress and amorphous phase transformation were observed on most of the micro-machined subsurface, which provides evidence of ductile mode cutting. Surface and subsurface characterisation studies show that the primary material removal mode is ductile or partial ductile using lower feedrate for both tools, and diamond-coated tools can produce better surface quality. Silicon brain implants were fabricated with good dimensional accuracy and edge quality using the optimised machining conditions, which demonstrated that micro-milling is an effective process for fabrication of silicon components at a few tens to a few hundreds of micron scale.
Examining the Role of Securement and Dressing Products to Prevent Central Venous Access Device Failure: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ullman Amanda J. , Cooke Marie , Rickard Claire M.
Published: May 2015

Objective: To describe the underpinning principles involved in central venous access device (CVAD) securement and dressing products to prevent CVAD failure and complications through a synthesis of research studies.

Background: Functional, dependable CVADs are a necessary part of patient care. Dressing and securement products are used to prevent CVAD failure and complications, but there is a large variety of products available for clinicians to access, with variable effectiveness.

Methods: A narrative review of studies describing the mechanisms for CVAD securement and dressing products to prevent failure and complication was undertaken. After a systematic search, 20 clinical and laboratory studies were included in the review.

Discussion: The major mechanisms by which CVAD dressing and securement products prevent failure are providing a barrier to microbial contamination and motion reduction. CVAD securement and dressing products provide these functions using coating, adhesion, antimicrobial properties, absorbency, and moisture vapor transmission without causing irritation to skin and maintaining visibility of the insertion site. The complexity of patients requiring CVAD securement and dressing means that universal recommendations across CVAD populations and broad generalization of studies from single populations (eg, intensive care) or devices (eg, peripherally inserted central catheters) are ill advised.

Conclusions: CVAD securement and dressing products provide important, multifaceted functions to prevent CVAD failure and complication.
Mapping High vs. Low Planning Knowledge in Survivors of Brain Injury
Authors: Shears Connie , Gauvain Mary
Published: May 2015

Distinguishing the comprehension of goal-directed actions from the enactment of those actions is the mental stage of planning, which we identify as planning knowledge. This distinction allows rehabilitation efforts to utilise reading comprehension of a fictional character's plans as a possible cognitive retraining tool. Hypothesising that comprehension of physical cause and effect is relatively intact in brain injury survivors, we compared survivors with high vs. low scores on the errand-planning task for comprehension of inferences based on physical cause and effect versus planning knowledge domains. Results indicate that those survivors with high errand-planning scores formed inferences from both knowledge domains, while survivors with low errand-planning scores were unable to form knowledge-based inferences. These findings suggest that a rehabilitation focus on comprehension of actions towards a goal state may retrain survivors’ skill at the mental stage of planning.