bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical and Thermoelectrical Behavior of Binary Composites of Phosphate Glass Loaded with Zinc Fillers: Promising Materials for Photovoltaic’s
Authors: Hammi M. , Aziate G. , Pinto G. , Maaroufi A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHomogeneous xPbO−(1−x) P2O5 glasses where 0 % :σ x<100 % have been successfully synthesized using a melt‐quenching method. The short range structures of the prepared samples were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The most stable vitreous phase is of composition 45 mol%PbO‐55 mol%P2O5; it was loaded with zinc volume fraction. We carried out experimental and simulative investigations of the electrical characteristics of pn junction; the obtained results indicated that conductivity of the composites increases by increasing dopent concentration. It was also observed that the current voltage characteristics of the composite were found to be ohmic in nature, wherein drastic drop of the electrical conduction was observed at an accurate temperature of 405 K. Electrical behavior of the composites as function of filler concentration and versus temperature were explained respectively by percolation theory and positive temperature coefficient effect.
An Insight of the Results Provided by Color‐Tuning Studies Made on Ir(III) Complexes: A pi‐Neutral CF3 Group Viewed by Adjusting Energies of pi‐type Molecular Orbitals
Authors: Lin Hung‐Sung , Lu Shou‐Yun , Huang Fu‐Yung , Wu Yan , Su Wei‐Lin , Wang Shao‐Pin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe pi‐nature of a CF3 group can be understood through analysis of its bond orbitals (BOs) mixed into the pi‐type molecular orbitals of CF3‐substituted Ir(ppy)2MDPA+ complexes (ppy=2‐phenyl‐pyridine and MDPA=methylated 2,2′‐dipyridyl amine). It has been found that, through this natural bond orbital analysis, the parent’s molecular orbitals (MOs) can be stabilized by χρ*CF BO via negative hyperconjugation and, simultaneously, destabilized by electron lp(F) BO. Since these two competing pi‐effects are virtually counterbalanced as indicated by the vanishing values of crystal orbital overlap populations, the chemical substitution strategy originated from lowering of HOMO by using this electron‐withdrawing CF3 group has been found effective in color‐tuning to blue region. Based on reduced shielding effect due to de‐ creased χρ‐electron density, the reported position dependent CF3‐substitution effects on pi‐type MOs can also be understood through HOMO/LUMO wavefunction analysis.
An Eco‐friendly Three Component Manifold for the Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphonates under Catalyst and Solvent‐free Conditions, X‐ray Characterization and Their Evaluation as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mirzaei Mahdi , Eshghi Hossein , Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Bakavoli Mehdi , Matin Maryam M. , Hosseinymehr Minoo , Rudbari Hadi Amiri , Bruno Giuseppe 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA series of α‐aminophosphonates were synthesized through one‐pot condensation of aryl aldehydes, aryl amines and diethyl phosphite in the absence of any catalyst and organic solvents. All the synthesized α‐aminophosphonates were characterized by spectral and elemental analysis and in the case of compound 4j by X‐ray crystallography. Some of these new α‐aminophosphonate derivatives were found to have cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell line DU145 in vitro by the MTT method.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous reconstruction using cold‐stored vein allografts: long‐term results of a single center experience
Authors: Meniconi Roberto L. , Santoro Roberto , Guglielmo Nicola , Vennarecci Giovanni , Lepiane Pasquale , Colasanti Marco , Ettorre Giuseppe M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe use of cadaveric vein allografts was first described by our group as a feasible option for venous reconstruction. The aim of this study was to report long‐term results of this innovative technique.MethodsCold‐stored veins harvested from donor cadavers were used as homologous grafts for venous reconstruction after vascular resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgical technique included patch closure or segmental interposition. Graft patency was assessed by computed tomography postoperatively and during follow‐up. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were also analyzed.ResultsEleven patients underwent venous resection and reconstruction by using fresh vein allografts for patch closure in four cases, conduit interposition in six cases and a Y‐shaped graft interposition in one case. Median clamping time, operative time and estimated blood loss were 30 min, 6.6 h, and 337 ml, respectively. One patient, who had preoperative SMV thrombus, developed early portal vein thrombosis and died. Among the remaining 10 patients, there were no cases of graft thrombosis or stenosis during active follow‐up (median 9, range 1–23, months).ConclusionsOur experience with cold‐stored vein allografts suggests that this technique is a useful option for treating major vascular resections during pancreaticoduodenectomy with good results on follow‐up.
Rapid lung MRI in children with pulmonary infections: Time to change our diagnostic algorithms
Authors: Sodhi Kushaljit Singh , Khandelwal Niranjan , Saxena Akshay Kumar , Singh Meenu , Agarwal Ritesh , Bhatia Anmol , Lee Edward Y. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundTo determine the diagnostic utility of a new rapid MRI protocol, as compared with computed tomography (CT) for the detection of various pulmonary and mediastinal abnormalities in children with suspected pulmonary infections.MethodsSeventy‐five children (age range of 5 to 15 years) with clinically suspected pulmonary infections were enrolled in this prospective study, which was approved by the institutional ethics committee. All patients underwent thoracic MRI (1.5T) and CT (64 detector) scan within 48 h of each other. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI were evaluated with CT as a standard of reference. Inter‐observer agreement was measured with the kappa coefficient.ResultsMRI with a new rapid MRI protocol demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100% for detecting pulmonary consolidation, nodules (>3 mm), cyst/cavity, hyperinflation, pleural effusion, and lymph nodes. The kappa‐test showed almost perfect agreement between MRI and multidetector CT (MDCT) in detecting thoracic abnormalities (k = 0.9). No statistically significant difference was observed between MRI and MDCT for detecting thoracic abnormalities by the McNemar test (P = 0.125).ConclusionRapid lung MRI was found to be comparable to MDCT for detecting thoracic abnormalities in pediatric patients with clinically suspected pulmonary infections. It has a great potential as the first line cross‐sectional imaging modality of choice in this patient population. However, further studies will be helpful for confirmation of our findings. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1196–1206.
Sympatric cattle grazing and desert bighorn sheep foraging
Authors: Garrison Kyle R. , Cain James W. , Rominger Eric M. , Goldstein Elise J. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTForaging behavior affects animal fitness and is largely dictated by the resources available to an animal. Understanding factors that affect forage resources is important for conservation and management of wildlife. Cattle sympatry is proposed to limit desert bighorn population performance, but few studies have quantified the effect of cattle foraging on bighorn forage resources or foraging behavior by desert bighorn. We estimated forage biomass for desert bighorn sheep in 2 mountain ranges: the cattle‐grazed Caballo Mountains and the ungrazed San Andres Mountains, New Mexico. We recorded foraging bout efficiency of adult females by recording feeding time/step while foraging, and activity budgets of 3 age‐sex classes (i.e., adult males, adult females, yearlings). We also estimated forage biomass at sites where bighorn were observed foraging. We expected lower forage biomass in the cattle‐grazed Caballo range than in the ungrazed San Andres range and lower biomass at cattle‐accessible versus inaccessible areas within the Caballo range. We predicted bighorn would be less efficient foragers in the Caballo range. Groundcover forage biomass was low in both ranges throughout the study (Jun 2012–Nov 2013). Browse biomass, however, was 4.7 times lower in the Caballo range versus the San Andres range. Bighorn in the Caballo range exhibited greater overall daily travel time, presumably to locate areas of higher forage abundance. By selecting areas with greater forage abundance, adult females in the Caballo range exhibited foraging bout efficiency similar to their San Andres counterparts but lower overall daily browsing time. We did not find a significant reduction in forage biomass at cattle‐accessible areas in the Caballo range. Only the most rugged areas in the Caballo range had abundant forage, potentially a result of intensive historical livestock use in less rugged areas. Forage conditions in the Caballo range apparently force bighorn to increase foraging effort by feeding only in areas where adequate forage remains. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Scale‐dependent effects of density and habitat on foal survival
Authors: Laforge Michel P. , Uzal Antonio , Medill Sarah A. , Mcloughlin Philip D. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIdentifying the most appropriate scale to study factors influencing life history is important to evolutionary ecology and wildlife management. For example, the scale at which density is assessed and explains variation in survival can affect how biologists observe and interpret population dynamics, which can influence plans for managing populations. Feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) contrast with most ungulates by exhibiting a mating system characterized by female‐defense polygyny with persistent, non‐territorial breeding groups (bands) and female‐biased initial (natal) and subsequent (breeding) dispersal. We predicted that for horses, offspring movements coupled with female‐biased breeding dispersal would increase the scale at which density best related to juvenile survival compared to species with greater female philopatry. From 2008 to 2013, we censused the population of feral horses on Sable Island, Canada. We annually computed individual‐specific local densities for 442 foals (horses/km2 in radii of 2,000 m, 4,000 m, and 8,000 m fixed to a band's centroid of movements) and whole‐island (total) population density, group (band) size, and local access to surface freshwater, which affected movement patterns and selection of vegetation by females. The population of feral horses increased from 380 in 2008 to 559 in 2013. Overwinter survival of foals averaged 82.8%. Island‐wide density was the most important predictor of foal mortality and was negatively associated with survival, with a lesser negative effect from local density. Increased access to surface freshwater (ponds) was an important predictor of foal survival but only at certain scales. Our study emphasizes the relevance of a multi‐scale approach when analyzing the response of fitness components to changes in habitat and population processes, which may be influenced by the particular social organization of the species. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Dual‐based adaptive FEM for inelastic problems with standard FE implementations
Authors: Widany K.‐U. , Mahnken R. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryGoal‐oriented error estimation allows to refine meshes in space and time with respect to arbitrary quantities. The required dual problems that need to be solved usually require weak formulations and the Galerkin method in space and time to be established. Unfortunately, this does not obviously leads to structures of standard finite element implementations for solid mechanics. These are characterized by a combination of variables at nodes (e.g. displacements) and at integration points (e.g. internal variables) and are solved with a two‐level Newton method because of local uncoupled and global coupled equations. Therefore, we propose an approach to approximate the dual problem while maintaining these structures. The primal and the dual problems are derived from a multifield formulation. Discretization in time and space with appropriate shape functions and rearrangement yields the desired result. Details on practical implementation as well as applications to elasto‐plasticity are given. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dynamic mesh strategy applied to the simulation of flapping wings
Authors: Deng Shuanghou , Xiao Tianhang , van Oudheusden Bas , Bijl Hester 
Published: November 2015

SummaryA robust and efficient dynamic grid strategy based on an overset grid coupled with mesh deformation technique is proposed for simulating unsteady flow of flapping wings undergoing large geometrical displacement. The dynamic grid method was implemented using a hierarchical unstructured overset grid locally coupled with a fast radial basis function (RBF)‐based mapping approach. The hierarchically organized overset grid allows transferring the grid resolution for multiple blocks and overlapping/embedding the meshes. The RBF‐based mapping approach is particularly highlighted in this paper in view of its considerable computational efficiency compared with conventional RBF evaluation. The performance of the proposed dynamic mesh strategy is demonstrated by three typical unsteady cases, including a rotating rectangular block in a fixed domain, a relative movement between self‐propelled fishes and the X‐wing type flapping‐wing micro air vehicle DelFly, which displays the clap‐and‐fling wing‐interaction phenomenon on both sides of the fuselage. Results show that the proposed method can be applied to the simulation of flapping wings with satisfactory efficiency and robustness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A distortion measure to validate and generate curved high‐order meshes on CAD surfaces with independence of parameterization
Authors: Gargallo‐Peiró A. , Roca X. , Peraire J. , Sarrate J. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryA framework to validate and generate curved nodal high‐order meshes on Computer‐Aided Design (CAD) surfaces is presented. The proposed framework is of major interest to generate meshes suitable for thin‐shell and 3D finite element analysis with unstructured high‐order methods. First, we define a distortion (quality) measure for high‐order meshes on parameterized surfaces that we prove to be independent of the surface parameterization. Second, we derive a smoothing and untangling procedure based on the minimization of a regularization of the proposed distortion measure. The minimization is performed in terms of the parametric coordinates of the nodes to enforce that the nodes slide on the surfaces. Moreover, the proposed algorithm repairs invalid curved meshes (untangling), deals with arbitrary polynomial degrees (high‐order), and handles with low‐quality CAD parameterizations (independence of parameterization). Third, we use the optimization procedure to generate curved nodal high‐order surface meshes by means of an a posteriori approach. Given a linear mesh, we increase the polynomial degree of the elements, curve them to match the geometry, and optimize the location of the nodes to ensure mesh validity. Finally, we present several examples to demonstrate the features of the optimization procedure, and to illustrate the surface mesh generation process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching wildlife techniques to millennials with a flipped classroom
Authors: McCleery Robert 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTMillennials prefer to learn by working in groups, using technology, engaging in real‐world issues, and discussing course content. To accommodate and engage these learning preferences, I modified the traditional Wildlife Techniques lecture and lab structure by “flipping” the class. I placed lectures and instructional videos online and used class time for discussion and problem‐solving. Evaluating students’ perceptions of this approach revealed that they clearly found discussion groups helpful and preferred them to the traditional lectures used in other classes. Students did not have a clear preference between online versus in‐class lectures. However, placing lectures online provided students with the opportunity to have discussion groups during regularly scheduled class time. Students generally felt that discussion groups helped them to understand the lectures, whereas the videos allowed them to use their time efficiently. Students reported that this course increased their knowledge of the targeted subject. In total, the flipped class approach appears to engage the millennial student in wildlife sciences in a format that accommodates their learning preferences. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
High dimensional robust M-estimation: asymptotic variance via approximate message passing
Authors: Donoho David , Montanari Andrea 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn a recent article, El Karoui et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci 110(36):14557–14562, 2013) study the distribution of robust regression estimators in the regime in which the number of parameterspis of the same order as the number of samplesn. Using numerical simulations and ‘highly plausible’ heuristic arguments, they unveil a striking new phenomenon. Namely, the regression coefficients contain an extra Gaussian noise component that is not explained by classical concepts such as the Fisher information matrix. We show here that that this phenomenon can be characterized rigorously using techniques that were developed by the authors for analyzing the Lasso estimator under high-dimensional asymptotics. We introduce anapproximate message passing(AMP) algorithm to compute M-estimators and deploystate evolutionto evaluate the operating characteristics of AMP and so also M-estimates. Our analysis clarifies that the ‘extra Gaussian noise’ encountered in this problem is fundamentally similar to phenomena already studied for regularized least squares in the setting$$n<p$$n<p.
Woodland caribou calf mortality in Newfoundland: insights into the role of climate, predation and population density over three decades of study
Authors: Mahoney Shane P. , Lewis Keith P. , Weir Jackie N. , Morrison Shawn F. , Glenn Luther J. , Schaefer James A. , Pouliot Darren , Latifovic Rasim 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe rates and causes of juvenile mortality are central features of the dynamics and conservation of large mammals, like woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou(Gmelin, 1788)), but intrinsic and extrinsic factors may be modified by variations in animal abundance. We tested the influences of population size, climate, calf weight and sex on survival to 6 months of age of 1241 radio‐collared caribou calves over three decades, spanning periods of population growth (1979–1997) and decline (2003–2012) in Newfoundland, Canada. Daily survival rates were higher and rose more quickly with calf age during the population growth period compared to the decline. Population size (negatively) and calf weight (positively) affected survival during the decline but neither had a detectable influence during the growth phase. Sex, climate and plant productivity (the latter two derived from the North Atlantic Oscillation and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, respectively) exerted minimal influence during either phase. Predation was the dominant source of mortality. The mean percentage of calves killed by predators was 30 % higher during the decline compared to the growth phase. Black bears (Ursus americanus) and lynx (Lynx canadensis) were the major predators during the population increase but this changed during the decrease to black bears and coyotes (Canis latrans). Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Newfoundland caribou experienced phase‐dependent survival mediated proximally by predation and competition for food.
Better Living Through Technology
Authors: Gunkel David J. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
In this brief response to Mark Coeckelbergh’s contribution, I demonstrate how the author introduces an important shift in the way we approach technology. Instead of focusing on the new and often-times dramatic existential vulnerabilities supposedly introduced by technological innovation, Coeckelbergh targets the way technology already transforms our existential vulnerabilities. And I show how this shift in focus has three very important consequences: (1) a different way to ask about and investigate the question concerning technology, (2) the importance of hacking as a mode of responding to this question and (3) the significance of questioning as a philosophical project.
How Low Can House Prices Go? Estimating a Conservative Lower Bound
Authors: Bogin Alexander N. , Bruestle Stephen D. , Doerner William M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn risk management, the credit risk and required capital associated with mortgage assets is often estimated through stress testing where the house price path is an important determinant of the severity of the stress test. Specifically, the extent of credit-related losses is a function of how far house prices are above long-term trend and the extent to which they can fall below trend. Focusing on the latter, we develop a theoretically-based statistical technique to identify a conservative lower bound (CLB) for house prices. Leveraging a model based upon investor incentives, the CLB explains the depth of housing market downturns at both the national and state level over a variety of market environments. This approach performs well in several historical back tests and has strong out-of-sample predictive ability. When back-tested, the estimation approach does not understate house price declines in any state over the 1987 to 2001 housing cycle and only understates declines in three states during the most recent financial crisis. This latter result is particularly noteworthy given that the post-2001 estimates are performed out-of-sample. The CLB is attractive because it (1) provides a leading indicator of the severity of future downturns and (2) allows estimates of trough to recover or decrease in magnitude as markets return to baseline conditions. This estimation technique could prove helpful in measuring the credit risk associated with portfolios of mortgage assets as part of evaluating static or designing dynamic stress tests.
Pastoralist disturbance effects on Himalayan marmot foraging and vigilance activity
Authors: Poudel Buddi S. , Spooner Peter G. , Matthews Alison 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPastoralism is pervasive and has a long history across the rangelands of Trans‐Himalaya. Disturbance associated with pastoralism can influence the behaviour of wild animals; hence, it is important to better understand its effects on wild animal behaviour. We compared the activity budget of the Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) between areas experiencing both high and low levels of pastoralism, in the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. Scan sampling was used to collect diurnal activity budget data on adult marmots, whereas 2 min focal observations were made on foraging marmots to assess vigilance during foraging. Contrary to our prediction, there was no significant difference between areas of high and low pastoralism in terms of foraging behaviour. However, the vigilance activity of marmots was significantly influenced by the extent of disturbances associated with pastoralism. Marmots scanned the surroundings more often while foraging and spent more time scanning in high pastoralism sites as compared to marmots in low pastoralism sites. Although we found no direct negative effects of pastoralism on foraging time, marmots shifted the time of day when they foraged. This study suggests that marmots adjust their vigilance behaviour according to the environmental conditions in which they occur. These findings have important implications for the conservation of marmots in the wake of increasing pastoral activities and consequent increases in human‐wildlife conflict in Nepal.