bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale modeling of plastic deformations in nano‐scale materials; Transition to plastic limit
Authors: Khoei A. R. , Jahanshahi M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryA large amount of research in computational mechanics has biased toward atomistic simulations. This trend, on one hand, is due to the increased demand to perform computations in nanoscale and, on the other hand, is due to the rather simple applications of pairwise potentials in modeling the interactions between atoms of a given crystal. The Cauchy–Born (CB) hypothesis has been used effectively to model the behavior of crystals under different loading conditions, in which the comparison with molecular dynamics simulations presents desirable coincidence between the results. A number of research works have been devoted to the validity of CB hypothesis and its application in post‐elastic limit. However, the range of application of CB hypothesis is limited, and it remains questionable whether it is still applicable beyond the validity limit. In this paper, a multi‐scale technique is developed for modeling of plastic deformations in nanoscale materials. The deformation gradient is decomposed into the plastic and elastic parts, i.e., F = FpFe. This decomposition is in contrast to the conventional decomposition, F = FeFp, generally encountered in continuum and crystal plasticity. It is shown that the former decomposition is more appropriate for the problem dealt within this work. Inspired by crystal plasticity, the plastic part is determined from the slip on potential slip systems. Based on the assumption that the CB hypothesis remains valid in the homogeneous deformation, the elastic deformation gradient resulting from the aforementioned decomposition is employed in conjunction with the CB hypothesis to update the state variables for face‐centered cubic crystals. The assumption of homogeneity of elastic deformation gradient is justified by the fact that elastic deformations are considerably smaller than the plastic deformations. The computational algorithms are derived in details, and numerical simulations are presented through several examples to demonstrate the capability of the proposed computational algorithm in the modeling of golden crystals under different loading conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empowering Consumers Through Data and Smart Technology: Experimental Evidence on the Consequences of Time‐of‐Use Electricity Pricing Policies
Authors: Harding Matthew , Lamarche Carlos 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates the extent to which technology used to automate household responses to time‐of‐use pricing for electricity leads to higher energy savings than simply providing households with information on current prices and quantities. Using a large randomized field trial, we find that informed households with “smart” thermostats achieve impressive reductions in consumption during on‐peak periods of up to 48 percent, but also engage in substantial load shifting to off‐peak hours. We also document the extent to which household responses to time‐of‐use pricing are heterogeneous and vary significantly by demographics, weather, and across the usage distribution.
Interferon‐gamma reduces the proliferation of M. tuberculosis within macrophages from a patient with a novel hypomorphic NEMO mutation
Authors: Khan Taj Ali , Schimke Lena Friederike , Amaral Eduardo Pinheiro , Ishfaq Muhammad , Barbosa Bonfim Caio César , Rahman Hazir , Iqbal Asif , D'Império Lima Maria Regina , Costa Carvalho Beatriz Tavares , Cabral‐Marques Otavio , Condino‐Neto Antonio 
Published: July 2016

AbstractX‐linked ectodermal dysplasia with immunodeficiency (XL‐EDA‐ID) is caused by mutations in the nuclear factor‐kappa B essential modulator (NEMO) gene. Here, we report the clinical and genetic features of a XL‐EDA‐ID patient who developed bacillus Calmette–Guérin infection. Patient lymphocytes failed to degrade IκB‐α, and sequencing of NEMO identified the novel mutation c.1238A>C/p.H413P. Furthermore, patient monocyte‐derived macrophages ingested Mycobacterium tuberculosis normally, but failed to control the intracellular proliferation of bacilli, a defect which was improved in the presence of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). This work expands the genetic spectrum of XL‐EDA‐ID and demonstrates improvement in macrophage function in a NEMO‐deficient patient by IFN‐γ.
Largely restricted nucleation effect of carbon nanotubes in a miscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(butylene succinate) blend
Authors: Mao Hanjun , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Nan , Huang Ting , Yang Jinghui , Wang Yong 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe crystallization behaviors of miscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(butylene succinate) (PVDF/PBS) and its blend composites with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) during non‐isothermal and isothermal processes were investigated. The results showed that CNTs acted as heterogeneous nucleation agents and further improved the nucleation ability of PBS and PVDF in blends. However, compared with the nucleation effects of CNTs in PBS/CNT or PVDF/CNT binary composites, the nucleation effect of CNTs in miscible PVDF/PBS was largely restricted and nucleation efficiency was lowered. A reasonable explanation about the restricted nucleation ability of CNTs was studied from the viewpoint of interfacial interactions between polymer components and CNTs, in which a preferential affinity of CNTs to PBS was found. Further combined with the preparation method, it is proposed that PVDF chains adsorbed on the CNT surface in the master batch were peeled off from the CNTs by incorporated PBS chains, due to the better interaction between PBS and CNTs. Finally, the PVDF chains at the interface were diluted by PBS, and most of the CNT surface was covered by PBS chains, giving rise to the nucleation of PBS on the CNTs. On the other hand, unremoved PVDF still adsorbed on the CNT surface and crystallized. Compared with PVDF/CNT and PBS/CNT binary composites, the nucleation density in the ternary composites was greatly lowered, resulting in restricted nucleation effects of CNTs. On the other hand, the preferable adsorption of PBS on CNTs induced an apparent phase fluctuation in the PVDF/PBS blend composites, which also reflected the selective adsorption of PBS on the CNT surface. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal structure of zebrafish complement 1qA globular domain
Authors: Yuan Hongyu , Chen Rong , Tariq Mansoor , Liu Yanjie , Sun Yaping , Xia Chun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractC1q contains three globular domains (C1qgD) that are the key functional component of the classical complement system. C1qgD can interact with important immune molecules, including IgG and C‐reactive protein (CRP) to form defense systems to protect animals. Here, the first non‐mammalian structure, zebrafish C1qA globular domain (Dare‐C1qAgD) was solved. Although the overall architecture of Dare‐C1qAgD is similar to human C1qA, residues involved in C1qBgD, C1qCgD, and CRP binding are somewhat different while residues involved in IgG binding are not present in zebrafish. The structure gives insight into how human and fish C1qA evolved from an ancestral protein.
NMR characterization of dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine in adsorbed monolayers at fluid interfaces studied by multiscale computations
Authors: Tsoneva Yana , Tadjer Alia , Mineva Tzonka 
Published: July 2016

AbstractStructural characteristics of model monolayers of dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (1,2‐dilauroyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphatidylcholine [DLPC]) adsorbed at the water/vapors and water/octane interfaces were studied by means of computational chemistry methods. Coarse‐grained, followed by all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations were used to obtain the monolayers equilibrium structures at room temperature at both fluid interfaces. The analysis of the polar head orientation, polar region thickness, tail lengths, and NMR order parameter revealed that the different interface composition affects only the tail lengths and their orientation with respect to the interface. At the octane/water boundary the DLPC tails are less extended than the tails at the water/vacuum interface and are rather significantly tilted or multiply folded. Very similar structuring of the polar DLPC region at both studied boundaries was established. Dynamic 13C NMR chemical shift values, δ(13C) computed with density functional theory allowed to identify the interface effect on the DLPC molecular structure and the intramolecular motions in the adsorbed monolayer at the room temperature equilibrium. Detailed analysis of these dynamic δ(13C) values compared with available experimental data and static δ(13C) estimates of one DLPC low‐energy conformer are presented and discussed.
QTL mapping including codominant SNP markers with ploidy level information in a sugarcane progeny
Authors: Costa E. A. , Anoni C. O. , Mancini M. C. , Santos F. R. C. , Marconi T. G. , Gazaffi R. , Pastina M. M. , Perecin D. , Mollinari M. , Xavier M. A. , Pinto L. R. , Souza A. P. , Garcia A. A. F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractQuantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping contributes to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding programs by providing information about the genetic effects, positioning and number of QTLs. Combined with marker-assisted selection, it can help breeders reduce the time required to develop new sugarcane varieties. We performed a QTL mapping study for important agronomic traits in sugarcane using the composite interval mapping method for outcrossed species. A new approach allowing the 1:2:1 segregation ratio and different ploidy levels for SNP markers was used to construct an integrated genetic linkage map that also includes AFLP and SSR markers. Were used 688 molecular markers with 1:1, 3:1 and 1:2:1 segregation ratios. A total of 187 individuals from a bi-parental cross (IACSP95-3018 and IACSP93-3046) were assayed across multiple harvests from two locations. The evaluated yield components included stalk diameter (SD), stalk weight (SW), stalk height (SH), fiber percentage (Fiber), sucrose content (Pol) and soluble solid content (Brix). The genetic linkage map covered 4512.6 cM and had 118 linkage groups corresponding to 16 putative homology groups. A total of 25 QTL were detected for SD (six QTL), SW (five QTL), SH (four QTL), Fiber (five QTL), Pol (two QTL) and Brix (three QTL). The percentage of phenotypic variation explained by each QTL ranged from 0.069 to 3.87 %, with a low individual effect because of the high ploidy level. The mapping model provided estimates of the segregation ratio of each mapped QTL (1:2:1, 3:1 or 1:1). Our results provide information about the genetic organization of the sugarcane genome and constitute the first step toward a better dissection of complex traits.
Comparative study between staples and eight plate in the management of coronal plane deformities of the knee in skeletally immature children
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Gaba Sahil , Sud Alok , Mandlecha Pushpvardhan , Goel Lakshay , Nayak Mayur 
Published: July 2016

Purpose To compare two commonly used methods of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (staples and figure of eight plate) in the management of coronal plane deformities of the knee in skeletally immature children. Methods This prospective study was conducted between November 2012 and November 2015. A total of 40 patients with 67 affected knee joints, having at least 1 year of skeletal growth remaining, were included in the study. Angular correction was measured by recording the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), and anatomical tibio-femoral angle (TFA) (for the overall alignment of lower limbs). Implant removal was done after 5° of overcorrection was achieved. The rate of correction (° per month) and complications related to each technique were recorded. Results The most common diagnosis was idiopathic genu valgum. The overall rate of correction (TFA) was 1.2° for staples and 1.4° for eight plate ( p = 0.70, not statistically significant). The correction in mLDFA was statistically better in the eight plate group, whereas an opposite trend was recorded in mMPTA. Implant-related complications were present in two cases of the staples group. Conclusion Although the overall correction rate was similar in both groups, implant-related complications were lower with figure of eight plate. In idiopathic genu valgum (the most common diagnosis), the correction was statistically better in the eight plate group. We recommend figure of eight plate over staples in managing these deformities.
Chemoradiotherapy with Brachytherapy or Electron Therapy Boost for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus—Reducing the Colostomy Rate
Authors: Kent C. , Bessell E. M. , Scholefield J. H. , Chappell S. , Marsh L. , Mills J. , Sayers I. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to determine overall survival, disease-specific survival and stoma-free survival after treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus with chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy or electron boost in a recent cohort of patients.

Methods
Fifty-two patients (median age 62 years) were treated with radical chemoradiotherapy (mitomycin C, infusional 5-fluorouracil concurrently with conformal radical radiotherapy 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks) followed by a radiotherapy boost between 1 December 2000 and 30 April 2011. Follow-up was to 30 November 2014. Thirty-six patients received a boost (15–20 Gy) over 2 days with 192Ir needle brachytherapy for anal canal tumours, and 16 patients received electron beam therapy (20 Gy in 10 fractions in 2 weeks) for anal margin tumours. A defunctioning stoma was only created prior to chemoradiotherapy for fistula or severe anal pain.

Results
The overall survival for the 36 patients treated with chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy was 75 % (95 % CI, 61–89) at 5 years, the disease-specific survival was 91 % (95 % CI, 81–101 %), and the stoma-free survival was 97 % (95 % CI, 91–103 %) all at 5 years. For the 16 patients treated with an electron boost for anal margin tumours, the 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival and stoma-free survival were 68 % (95 % CI, 44–92 %), 78 % (95 % CI, 56–100 %) and 80 % (95 % CI, 60–100 %), respectively.

Conclusions
A very low stoma formation rate can be obtained with radical chemoradiotherapy followed by a brachytherapy boost for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal but not with an electron boost for anal margin tumours.
An evaluation of community-based cognitive stimulation therapy: a pilot study with an Irish population of people with dementia
Authors: Kelly M. E. , Finan S. , Lawless M. , Scully N. , Fitzpatrick J. , Quigley M. , Tyrrell F. , O’Regan A. , Devane A. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesResearch shows that cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) improves cognitive function, quality of life, and well-being of people with mild–moderate dementia. Despite consistent evidence and recommendations, CST is not routinely available in Ireland post-diagnosis. The aim of the current research was to develop and evaluate community-based CST for people with mild–moderate dementia, run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland across four pilot sites in Ireland.MethodsParticipants with mild–moderate dementia attended once weekly CST sessions for 14 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were completed by CST participants, carers, and CST facilitators. Primary outcomes of interest for CST participants included quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease Scale), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and subjective cognitive function (Memory Awareness Rating Scale-Functioning Subscale). Secondary outcomes included well-being, cognitive ability, satisfaction with cognitive performance, and engagement and confidence of CST participants; well-being of carers; and job satisfaction of facilitators. Post-intervention interviews supplemented quantitative analyses.ResultsIn total, 20 CST participants, 17 carers, and six CST facilitators completed evaluation assessments. Results showed that CST improved participants’ satisfaction with cognitive performance (p=0.002), level of engagement (p=0.046), level of confidence (p=0.026). Improvements on subjective cognitive function just fell short of significance (p=0.055). Qualitative analysis of interview data identified consistent themes of cognitive and overall benefits of CST; and provided support for quantitative data.ConclusionsCommunity-based CST positively impacted the lives of people with dementia and their families. This study supports prior recommendations that CST should be made routinely available to people with mild–moderate dementia, particularly in light of the lack of post-diagnostic interventions currently offered in Ireland.
MALDI-TOF MS in clinical parasitology: applications, constraints and prospects
Authors: SINGHAL NEELJA , KUMAR MANISH , VIRDI JUGSHARAN SINGH 
Published: July 2016

SUMMARYMatrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is currently being used for rapid and reproducible identification of bacteria, viruses and fungi in clinical microbiological laboratories. However, some studies have also reported the use of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of parasites, likeLeishmania, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, ticks and fleas. The present review collates all the information available on the use of this technique for parasites, in an effort to assess its applicability and the constraints for identification/diagnosis of parasites and diseases caused by them. Though MALDI-TOF MS-based identification of parasites is currently done by reference laboratories only, in future, this promising technology might surely replace/augment molecular methods in clinical parasitology laboratories.
Almost quasi-isometries and more non-C*-exact groups
Authors: FINN-SELL MARTIN 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe study permanence results for almost quasi-isometries, the maps arising from the Gromov construction of finitely generated random groups that contain expanders (and hence that are notC*-exact). We show that the image of a sequence of finite graphs of large girth and controlled vertex degrees under an almost quasi-isometry does not have Guoliang Yu's property A. We use this result to broaden the application of Gromov's techniques to sequences of graphs which are not necessarily expanders. Thus, we obtain more examples of finitely generated non-C*-exact groups.
The distribution of k-free numbers and the derivative of the Riemann zeta-function
Authors: MENG XIANCHANG 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUnder the Riemann Hypothesis, we connect the distribution of k-free numbers with the derivative of the Riemann zeta-function at nontrivial zeros of ζ(s). Moreover, with additional assumptions, we prove the existence of a limiting distribution of $e^{-\frac{y}{2k}}M_k(e^y)$ and study the tail of the limiting distribution, where $M_k(x)=\sum_{n\leq x}\mu_k(n)-{x}/{\zeta(k)}$ and μk(n) is the characteristic function of k-free numbers. Finally, we make a conjecture about the maximum order of Mk(x) by heuristic analysis on the tail of the limiting distribution.
L'Étude Mathématique des Assurances non Viagères dans l'Europe Continentale Occidentale
Authors: Ammeter H. , Depoid P. , de Finetti B. 
Published: July 2016

Ce rapport n'a pas le but de résumer toute la littérature actuarielle sur les assurances non viagères: on se proposait de tracer le fil conducteur de quelques uns des développements d'idées où l'apport des mathématiques est plus profond et, en particulier, de ceux où il semble qu'il y aura encore à travailler longtemps. A ce compte, seulement quelques étapes pouvaient être explicitement mentionnées dans le texte, tandis qu'une bibliographic complète aurait dû suivre à la fin du rapport.Maintes circonstances ont restreint le temps à disposition des rapporteurs et ont augmenté les difficultés d'un travail en commun à distance; sans doute quelques contributions ont échappé ou n'ont pas reçu le relief qu'il aurait fallu leur donner. Les auteurs prient de bien vouloir justifier les omissions par ces circonstances, et de les leur signaler.L'assurance sur la vie et les assurances non viagères semblent présenter des différences essentielles, soit au point de vue de leur objet (indemnité d'une perte dans le deuxième cas, mais non dans le premier), soit au point de vue de leur méthode (théorie mathématique complétement développée dès longtemps pour le premier cas, mais non dans le deuxième).Ya-t-il néanmoins une notion unique d'assurance, en général, qui comprenne toutes les deux? Est-il possible de concevoir d'une façon unique l'application du calcul des probabilités et des méthodes mathématiques qui le traduisent, dans le champ de l'assurance en général? Ou ya-t-il des limitations, ou des circonstances qui obligent à distinguer à cet effet les deux champs de l'assurance sur la vie et de l'assurance non viagère?
The Influence of Climate on Fire Damage
Authors: Andersson Hans 
Published: July 2016

In his paper “Actuarial Activity in General Insurance in the Northern Countries of Europe” L. Wilhelmsen gives amongst other things an account of the work carried on by Centralstället för nordisk ömsesidig Brandförsäkringsstatistik (CNÖB, the Northern Central Office for Fire Insurance Statistics from Mutual Companies). In this he states that one part of the organisation's work is the carrying out of special investigations of current problems with material collected on each occasion for the purpose.The object of this paper is to report investigations carried out in CNÖB on the connection between temperature and risk premium in fire insurance. The material used is made up exclusively of civil risks (buildings) and the material has been taken from Sweden and Norway. The background to the investigation consists in the fact that in Scandinavia the risk premiums for fire insurance show an apparent geographical variation, in that the amount clearly increases in the most northerly provinces.As we know that the fire damage directly or indirectly caused by heating systems (chimney fires, cracked building blocks, embers from fireplaces or chimneys etc.) represents a large proportion of the damage in civil risks (40-50%, in some materials 60% or more), that the proportion is greatest in the northern parts and that in the Swedish material about 50% of the damage in any one area falls in the four months December to March, it is quite reasonable to trace the influence of the temperature factor behind the geographical variation; the colder the climate, the more lighting of fires and the more damage. This line of argument is connected exclusively to the frequency of damage; we shall return later to the mean degree of damage.