bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ventricular fiber optimization utilizing the branching structure
Authors: Washio Takumi , Yoneda Kazunori , Okada Jun‐ichi , Kariya Taro , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we propose an algorithm that optimizes the ventricular fiber structure of the human heart. A number of histological studies and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging analyses have revealed that the myocardial fiber forms a right‐handed helix at the endocardium. However, the fiber formation changes its orientation as a function of transmural depth, becoming a left‐handed helix at the epicardium. To determine how nature can construct such a structure, which obtains surprising pumping performance, we introduce macroscopic modeling of the branching structure of cardiac myocytes in our finite element ventricular model and utilize this in an optimization process. We put a set of multidirectional fibers around a central fiber orientation at each point of the ventricle walls and simulate heartbeats by generating contraction forces along each of these directions. We examine two optimization processes using the workloads or impulses measured in these directions to update the central fiber orientation. Both processes improve the pumping performance towards an optimal value within several tens of heartbeats, starting from an almost‐flat fiber orientation. However, compared with the workload optimization, the impulse optimization produces better agreement with experimental studies on transmural changes of fiber helix angle, streamline patterns of characteristic helical structures, and temporal changes in strain. Furthermore, the impulse optimization is robust under geometrical changes of the heart and tends to homogenize various mechanical factors such as the stretch and stretch rate along the fiber orientation, the contraction force, and energy consumption. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Handling and Sensing of Single Enzyme Molecules: From Fluorescence Detection towards Nanoscale Electrical Measurements
Authors: Mathwig Klaus , Chi Qijin , Lemay Serge G. , Rassaei Liza 
Published: October 2015

AbstractClassical methods to study single enzyme molecules have provided valuable information about the distribution of conformational heterogeneities, reaction mechanisms, and transients in enzymatic reactions when individual molecules instead of an averaging ensemble are studied. Here, we highlight major advances in all‐electrical single enzyme studies with a focus on recent micro‐ and nanofluidic tools, which offer new ways of handling and studying small numbers of molecules or even single enzyme molecules. We particularly emphasize nanofluidic devices, which enable the integration of electrochemical transduction and detection.
Improved Performance of Ru/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts in the Selective Methanation of CO in CO2‐Rich Reformate Gases upon Transient Exposure to Water‐Containing Reaction Gas
Authors: Abdel‐Mageed Ali M. , Widmann Daniel , Eckle Stephan , Behm R. Jürgen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTo better understand the role of water in the selective methanation of CO in CO2‐rich reformate gases on Ru/Al2O3 catalysts, the influence of exposing these catalysts to H2O‐rich reformate gases on their reaction characteristics in transient experiments was investigated by employing kinetic and in situ spectroscopic measurements as well as ex situ catalyst characterization. Transient exposure of the ruthenium catalyst to wet reaction gas (5 or 15 % H2O) results in significantly enhanced activity and selectivity for CO methanation in subsequent reactions in dry reformate compared with activation and reaction in dry reformate directly. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy results reveal that this is in accordance with a significant decrease in ruthenium particle size, which is stable during subsequent reaction in dry reformate. The implications of these data and additional results from in situ IR spectroscopy on the role and influence of H2O on the reaction, also in technical applications, are discussed.
Long‐Range π‐Conjugation in Phenothiazine‐containing Donor–Acceptor Dyes for Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Antony Mini P. , Moehl Thomas , Wielopolski Mateusz , Moser Jacques‐E. , Nair Shantikumar , Yu Yong‐Jae , Kim Jong‐Hyung , Kay Kwang‐Yol , Jung Young‐Sam , Yoon Kyung Byung , Grätzel Carole , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFour organic donor–π‐bridge–acceptor dyes containing phenothiazine as a spacer and cyanoacrylic acid as an acceptor were synthesized and tested as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The influence of iodide‐ and cobalt‐based redox electrolytes on the photovoltaic device performance was investigated. In these new dyes, systematic π‐conjugation was extended by inserting one or two phenothiazine moieties and investigated within the context of the resulting photoinduced charge‐transfer properties. A detailed investigation, including transient absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical methods, provided important information on the role of extended π‐conjugation on the photophysical properties and photovoltaic device performance. Overall, the results showed that the extension of π‐conjugation by one phenothiazine unit resulted in the best device performance owing to reduced recombination rates, whereas extension by two phenothiazine units reduced dye adsorption on TiO2 probably owing to the increase in molecular size. The performance of the dyes in DSCs was found to be a complex interaction between dye structure and size.
Disturbed hypoxic responses as a pathogenic mechanism of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Catrina Sergiu‐Bogdan , Zheng Xiaowei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDiabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a chronic complication of diabetes that is characterized by impaired wound healing in the lower extremities. DFU remains a major clinical challenge because of poor understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms. Impaired wound healing in diabetes is characterized by decreased angiogenesis, reduced bone marrow‐derived endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment, and decreased fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that increased hypoxic conditions and impaired cellular responses to hypoxia are essential pathogenic factors of delayed wound healing in DFU. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1, a heterodimer of HIF‐1α and HIF‐1β) is a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis that mediates the adaptive cellular responses to hypoxia by regulating the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, metabolic changes, proliferation, migration, and cell survival. However, HIF‐1 signalling is inhibited in diabetes as a result of hyperglycaemia‐induced HIF‐1α destabilization and functional repression. Increasing HIF‐1α expression and activity using various approaches promotes angiogenesis, EPC recruitment, and granulation, thereby improving wound healing in experimental diabetes. The mechanisms underlying HIF‐1α regulation in diabetes and the therapeutic strategies targeting HIF‐1 signalling for the treatment of diabetic wounds are discussed in this review. Further investigations of the pathways involved in HIF‐1α regulation in diabetes are required to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying impaired wound healing in diabetes and to provide a foundation for developing novel therapeutic approaches to treat DFU. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is there still a place for Achilles tendon lengthening?
Authors: Tagoe Mark T. , Reeves Neil D. , Bowling Frank L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPatients with diabetes and ankle equinus are at particularly high risk for forefoot ulceration because of the development of high forefoot pressures. Stiffness in the triceps surae muscles and tendons are thought to be largely responsible for equinus in patients with diabetes and underpins the surgical rationale for Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) procedures to alleviate this deformity and reduce ulcer risk. The established/traditional surgical approach is the triple hemisection along the length of the Achilles tendon. Although the percutaneous approach has been successful in achieving increases in ankle dorsiflexion >30°, the tendon rupture risk has led to some surgeons looking at alternative approaches. The gastrocnemius aponeurosis may be considered as an alternative because of the Achilles tendon's poor blood supply. ATL procedures are a balance between achieving adequate tendon lengthening and minimizing tendon rupture risk during or after surgery. After ATL surgery, the first 7 days should involve reduced loading and protected range of motion to avoid rupture, after which gradual reintroduction to loading should be encouraged to increase tendon strength. In summary, there is a moderate level of evidence to support surgical intervention for ankle joint equinus in patients with diabetes and forefoot ulceration that is non‐responsive to other conservative treatments. Areas of caution for ATL procedures include the risk for overcorrection, tendon rupture and the tendon's poor blood supply. Further prospective randomized control trials are required to confirm the benefits of ATL procedures over conservative care and the most optimal anatomical sites for surgical intervention. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Warning coloration can be disruptive: aposematic marginal wing patterning in the wood tiger moth
Authors: Honma Atsushi , Mappes Johanna , Valkonen Janne K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWarning (aposematic) and cryptic colorations appear to be mutually incompatible because the primary function of the former is to increase detectability, whereas the function of the latter is to decrease it. Disruptive coloration is a type of crypsis in which the color pattern breaks up the outline of the prey, thus hindering its detection. This delusion can work even when the prey's pattern elements are highly contrasting; thus, it is possible for an animal's coloration to combine both warning and disruptive functions. The coloration of the wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) is such that the moth is conspicuous when it rests on vegetation, but when it feigns death and drops to the grass‐ and litter‐covered ground, it is hard to detect. This death‐feigning behavior therefore immediately switches the function of its coloration from signaling to camouflage. We experimentally tested whether the forewing patterning of wood tiger moths could function as disruptive coloration against certain backgrounds. Using actual forewing patterns of wood tiger moths, we crafted artificial paper moths and placed them on a background image resembling a natural litter and grass background. We manipulated the disruptiveness of the wing pattern so that all (marginal pattern) or none (nonmarginal pattern) of the markings extended to the edge of the wing. Paper moths, each with a hidden palatable food item, were offered to great tits (Parus major) in a large aviary where the birds could search for and attack the “moths” according to their detectability. The results showed that prey items with the disruptive marginal pattern were attacked less often than prey without it. However, the disruptive function was apparent only when the prey was brighter than the background. These results suggest that warning coloration and disruptive coloration can work in concert and that the moth, by feigning death, can switch the function of its coloration from warning to disruptive.
Ocean acidification and temperature increase impact mussel shell shape and thickness: problematic for protection?
Authors: Fitzer Susan C. , Vittert Liberty , Bowman Adrian , Kamenos Nicholas A. , Phoenix Vernon R. , Cusack Maggie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOcean acidification threatens organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells by potentially generating an under‐saturated carbonate environment. Resultant reduced calcification and growth, and subsequent dissolution of exoskeletons, would raise concerns over the ability of the shell to provide protection for the marine organism under ocean acidification and increased temperatures. We examined the impact of combined ocean acidification and temperature increase on shell formation of the economically important edible mussel Mytilus edulis. Shell growth and thickness along with a shell thickness index and shape analysis were determined. The ability of M. edulis to produce a functional protective shell after 9 months of experimental culture under ocean acidification and increasing temperatures (380, 550, 750, 1000 μatm pCO2, and 750, 1000 μatm pCO2 + 2°C) was assessed. Mussel shells grown under ocean acidification conditions displayed significant reductions in shell aragonite thickness, shell thickness index, and changes to shell shape (750, 1000 μatm pCO2) compared to those shells grown under ambient conditions (380 μatm pCO2). Ocean acidification resulted in rounder, flatter mussel shells with thinner aragonite layers likely to be more vulnerable to fracture under changing environments and predation. The changes in shape presented here could present a compensatory mechanism to enhance protection against predators and changing environments under ocean acidification when mussels are unable to grow thicker shells. Here, we present the first assessment of mussel shell shape to determine implications for functional protection under ocean acidification.
Selective integration of local‐feature detector by boosting for pedestrian detection
Authors: Nishida Kenji , Kurita Takio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAn example‐based classification algorithm for pedestrian detection is presented. The classifier integrates component‐based classifiers according to the AdaBoost algorithm. A probability estimate by a kernel‐SVM is used for the outputs of base learners, which are independently trained for local features. The base learners are determined by selecting the optimal local feature according to sample weights determined by the boosting algorithm with cross‐validation. Our method was applied to the MIT CBCL pedestrian image database, and 54 subregions were extracted from each image as local features. The experimental results showed a good classification ratio for unlearned samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 177(4): 12–22, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21195
Effect of polymer ablation gas on arc quenching properties around current zero
Authors: Onchi Toshiyuki , Tanaka Yasunori , Uesugi Yoshihiko 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe influence of polymer ablation on arc properties such as the temperature distribution and arc conductance in the current decay process was investigated by numerical approaches. A numerical thermofluid model was developed for a simplified circuit breaker with POM or PTFE ablation. In this model, thermal plasma‐polymer solid coupling phenomena such as melting and evaporation were taken into account without any empirical model based on measurements, unlike other existing numerical thermofluid models. The dominant process for the decay of arc conductance was examined by changing the thermodynamic parameters such as the melting and boiling temperatures of solid polymers, or the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of the ablation gas. It was found that the gas density, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of the ablation gas were more effective for decaying arc conductance than any other thermodynamic parameters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(3): 32–45, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22274
One‐Pot Silyl Ketene Acetal‐Formation Mukaiyama–Mannich Additions to Imines Mediated by Trimethylsilyl Trifluoro­methanesulfonate
Authors: Wade Downey C. , Ingersoll Jared A. , Glist Hadleigh M. , Dombrowski Carolyn M. , Barnett Adam T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate and trialkylamine base, thioesters are readily converted into silyl ketene acetals in situ and undergo Mukaiyama–Mannich addition to N‐phenylimines in one pot. The silyl triflate appears to play two roles, activating both the thioester and the imine. This process also works well when thioesters are replaced with amides, esters, or ketones. Products are isolated as desilylated anilines without the necessity of a deprotection step. Yields range from 65 to 99 %.
Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Glucose Based on Ni@Pt Core‐shell Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon
Authors: Mei He , Wu Wenqin , Yu Beibei , Wu Huimin , Wang Shengfu , Zhang Xiuhua , Xia Qinghua 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this work, Ni@Pt core‐shell nanoparticles with diameter of 3–4 nm and thin Pt shell was synthesized by a successive reduction approach using carbon as support to develop high‐performance non‐enzymatic glucose sensor. The resulting electrochemical sensor displayed good catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation, presenting a high current density of 66.9 µA mM−1 cm−2 at an applied potential of −0.1 V. It showed a wide linear range of 0.1–30.1 mM and the limit of detection was down to 30 µM (S/N=3). Notably, it was found that the proposed sensor exhibited good selectivity to avoid the interference from ascorbic acid, uric acid, fructose and acetamidophenol. Furthermore, the feasibility of the as‐prepared non‐enzymatic glucose sensor in the determination of glucose in serum samples was successfully implemented.
High‐Energy Storage Density and Efficiency of (1−x)[0.94 NBT–0.06 BT]–xST Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Cao Wenping , Li Weili , Zhang Tiandong , Sheng Jie , Hou Yafei , Feng Yu , Yu Yang , Fei Weidong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing the component materials barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT), strontium titanate (SrTiO3, ST), and sodium bismuth titanate [(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3, NBT], anti‐ferroelectric lead‐free ceramics of (1−x)[0.94NBT–0.06BT]–xST have been fabricated using conventional techniques. The microstructure, electrical properties, and energy‐storage performance of the obtained ceramics were investigated in detail. It was determined that the addition of ST can enhance the difference between the maximum polarization (Pmax) and remnant polarization (Pr), resulting in the improvement of the energy‐storage properties. The maximum recoverable energy density of 0.98 J cm−3 with a relatively high efficiency of 82 % was achieved under 90 kV cm−1 at x=0.30, which also displayed excellent energy‐storage stability in the temperature range from room temperature to 120 °C.
Direct and indirect effects of petroleum production activities on the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) as a surrogate for the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus)
Authors: Weir Scott M. , Knox Ami , Talent Larry G. , Anderson Todd A. , Salice Christopher J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

The dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) is a habitat specialist of conservation concern limited to shin oak sand dune systems of New Mexico and Texas (USA). Because much of the dunes sagebrush lizard's habitat occurs in areas of high oil and gas production, there may be direct and indirect effects of these activities. The congeneric Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) was used as a surrogate species to determine direct effects of 2 contaminants associated with oil and gas drilling activities in the Permian Basin (NM and TX, USA): herbicide formulations (Krovar and Quest) and hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Lizards were exposed to 2 concentrations of H2S (30 ppm or 90 ppm) and herbicide formulations (1× or 2× label application rate) representing high-end exposure scenarios. Sublethal behavioral endpoints were evaluated, including sprint speed and time to prey detection and capture. Neither H2S nor herbicide formulations caused significant behavioral effects compared to controls. To understand potential indirect effects of oil and gas drilling on the prey base, terrestrial invertebrate biomass and order diversity were quantified at impacted sites to compare with nonimpacted sites. A significant decrease in biomass was found at impacted sites, but no significant effects on diversity. The results suggest little risk from direct toxic effects, but the potential for indirect effects should be further explored. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1276–1283. © 2015 SETAC
Dividend‐Rollover Effect and the Ad Hoc Black‐Scholes Model
Authors: Choi Youngsoo , Jordan Steven J. , Ok Soonchan 
Published: October 2015

One of the most widely used option‐valuation models among practitioners is the ad hoc Black‐Scholes (AHBS) model. The main contribution of this study is methodological. We carefully consider three dividend strategies (No dividend, Implied‐forward dividend, and Actual dividend) for the AHBS model to investigate their effect on pricing errors. We suggest a new dividend strategy, implied‐forward dividend, which incorporates expectational information on dividends embedded in option prices. We demonstrate that our implied‐forward dividend strategy produces more consistent estimates between in‐sample market and model option prices. More importantly our new implied‐forward dividend strategy makes more accurate out‐of‐sample forecasts for one‐day or one‐week ahead prices.Second, we document that both a “Return‐volatility” Smile and a “Return‐pricing Error” Smile exist. From these return characteristics, we make two conclusions: (1) the return dependency of implied volatility is an important explanatory variable and should be controlled to reduce the pricing error of an AHBS model, and (2) it is important for the hedging horizon to be based on return size, that is, the larger the contemporaneous return, the more frequent an option issuer must rebalance the option's hedge. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:742‐772, 2012
Promoting Handwashing Behavior: The Effects of Large‐scale Community and School‐level Interventions
Authors: Galiani Sebastian , Gertler Paul , Ajzenman Nicolas , Orsola‐Vidal Alexandra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper analyzes a randomized experiment that uses novel strategies to promote handwashing with soap at critical points in time in Peru. It evaluates a large‐scale comprehensive initiative that involved both community and school activities in addition to communication campaigns. The analysis indicates that the initiative was successful in reaching the target audience and in increasing the treated population's knowledge about appropriate handwashing behavior. These improvements translated into higher self‐reported and observed handwashing with soap at critical junctures. However, no significant improvements in the health of children under the age of 5 years were observed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making a Change: The Role of External Coaches in School‐Based Communities of Practice
Authors: Mayer Anysia P. , Grenier Robin S. , Warhol Larisa , Donaldson Morgaen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExternal coaches, provided by intermediary organizations, are being utilized to support and develop principals, teachers, and schools and bring about substantive change through communities of practice (CoPs). These coaches provide an external perspective and are integral to the reform process. HRD recognizes the value of coaching in organizational improvement and change, yet understanding the use of external coaches in CoP is lacking in the literature. This article seeks to address this gap by presenting the results from a qualitative case study exploring the roles and experiences of three coaches, in seven elementary–middle schools implementing the Together Initiative (TI) school reform. Researchers' fieldwork consisted of informal site visits and 155 formal interviews with stakeholders involved in the Together Initiative, a reform aimed at improving urban public schools. This study provides a new context for understanding the role of coaching in supporting organizational change.