bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECB Projections as a Tool for Understanding Policy Decisions
Authors: Hubert Paul 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe European Central Bank publishes inflation projections quarterly and we aim to establish empirically whether they influence private inflation forecasts and whether they may be considered as an enhanced means of implementing policy decisions by facilitating private agents’ information processing. We provide original evidence that ECB inflation projections do influence private inflation expectations positively, and that ECB projections convey signals about future ECB rate movements. This paper suggests that ECB projections enable private agents to correctly interpret and predict policy decisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modeling of saturated soils based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)
Authors: Grabe Jürgen , Stefanova Bozhana 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn the first part of this paper the meshless numerical method smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was introduced, and its application for seepage analysis was presented. In this second part the method is extended to truly coupled analysis using a two‐phase model for saturated soils. In contrast to the simulations in the first part of the paper the soil is also subjected to displacements. A hypoplastic constitutive model is applied to the soil, considering a liquefaction threshold for the case of very low effective stress or tension. The interaction between the two phases – water and soil – is presented for the case of laminar and turbulent flow. Various approaches for the evaluation of the interaction coefficients are introduced and evaluated. Test cases for verification and application of the SPH model are presented and discussed.Numerische Modellierung gesättigter Böden mit der Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics – Teil 2: gekoppelte Analyse. Die netzfreie numerische Methode Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics sowie ihre Anwendung zur Grundwasserströmungsanalyse wurden in dem ersten Teil dieses Artikels vorgestellt. Für den vorliegenden zweiten Teil wurde die Methode für die gekoppelte Analyse des gesättigten Boden mittels eines Zweiphasenmodells erweitert. Im Unterschied zum Teil 1 des Artikels ist der Boden auch verformbar. Zur Beschreibung des Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhaltens des Bodens kommt ein hypoplastisches Stoffgesetz zur Anwendung, wobei ein Verflüssigungskriterium für den Boden eingeführt wird, welches bei sehr niedrigen effektiven Spannungen oder sogar bei Zugspannungen greift. Die Wechselwirkung zwischen den beiden Phasen – Wasser und Boden – ist definiert für den laminaren sowie für den turbulenten Fall. Verschiedene Ansätze zur Bestimmung der dazugehörigen Interaktionskoeffizienten werden dargestellt und bewertet. Es werden Beispiele zur Verifizierung und Anwendung des Modells präsentiert und diskutiert.
Zur lateralen Bettungssteifigkeit von Pfählen mit großen Durchmessern bei kleinen Verformungen
Authors: Schädlich Bert , Kirsch Fabian , Richter Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDie wirtschaftliche und sichere Bemessung von Offshore‐Gründungen mit gerammten Stahlrohrpfählen hängt in hohem Maße von einer realistischen Abbildung der horizontalen Bettung des Pfahls durch den umgebenden Boden ab. Üblicherweise erfolgt die geotechnische und stahlbauliche Bemessung von Monopile‐Gründungsstrukturen mit gebetteten Stabwerksmodellen, in denen die Nichtlinearität des Bodenverhaltens durch entsprechende nichtlineare Bettungsfedern (sogenannte p‐y‐Kurven) berücksichtigt wird. Das Verhalten der p‐y‐Kurven bei kleinen Verformungen hat dabei einen großen Einfluss auf die dynamischen Eigenschaften der Gesamtstruktur. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden verschiedene Ansätze für p‐y‐Kurven mit Berechnungen nach der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode verglichen, in denen ein höherwertiges Materialmodell mit erhöhter Bodensteifigkeit im Bereich sehr kleiner Dehnungen verwendet wurde. Es wird gezeigt, dass mit Modifikationen der p‐y‐Kurven im Bereich kleiner Verformungen eine gute Übereinstimmung zwischen Finite‐Elemente‐Berechnung und den Berechnungen am gebetteten Balken erzielt werden kann.Lateral bedding stiffness of large diameter piles at small displacements – comparison of Finite Element calculations with methods based on p‐y‐curves. The economical and safe design of offshore foundations with driven steel pipe piles depends to a large degree on the realistic modelling of the lateral bedding provided by the surrounding soil. Usually, the complex and strongly non‐linear soil behaviour is taken into account in the design of offshore foundations by employing non‐linear bedding springs (p‐y‐curves) in beam‐spring models. The behaviour of the p‐y‐curves at small displacements strongly influences the dynamic properties of the structure, which are crucial for both the ultimate limit state (ULS) and the serviceability limit state (SLS). This paper compares different approaches for p‐y‐curves with numerical results obtained with the Finite Element method, using advanced constitutive models accounting for high soil stiffness at very small strains in the numerical calculations. It is shown, that good agreement between the Finite Element calculation and the beam‐spring model can be obtained if the p‐y‐curves are modified at small displacements.
Aging effects on pedicled fasciocutaneous flap survival in rats
Authors: Roy Sudeep , Aksamitiene Edita , Hota Salini , Zhang Li‐Hui , Sciarrino Joseph , Baker Adam L. , Heffelfinger Ryan N. , Tuluc Madalina , Hoek Jan B. , Pribitkin Edmund A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundPoorer surgical outcomes in older patients undergoing locoregional head and neck reconstruction have raised questions about tolerance of aging tissue to iatrogenic ischemic insults.MethodsWe examined the effects of aging on viability of pedicled composite flaps in 2‐month and 6‐month old Sprague–Dawley male rats and correlated flap survival with vascular endogenous growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2‐mediated signaling events. Flap segments were assessed for gross/cellular necrosis by optical microscopy and for proangiogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative protein‐marker content.ResultsFlap necrosis significantly increased with age (4.2% in young vs 49.17% in old), correlating with reduced expression of VEGF, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Akt activation, impaired Akt‐dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, elevated Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, activation of Caspase‐3, upregulated nuclear poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) cleavage and lower proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels.ConclusionPedicled flap survival is higher in younger rats in part because of unhindered expression of VEGF and enhanced activity of cell survival and promigratory signaling pathways. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1152–E1162, 2016
A Computational Study of Reaction Routes of 1,3,3‐trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) Synthesis
Authors: Liu Min‐Hsien , Cheng Ken‐Fa , Yen Kuang‐Hung 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study performs simulation modeling of the synthesis of 1,3,3‐trinitro azetidine (TNAZ), a high‐energy compound. Based on the experimental nitromethane and 1,3‐dihalo‐2‐propanol raw material methods in the latest literature, we suggest reasonable reaction mechanisms. Using quantum mechanical theory, i.e., electronic density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) in the Gaussian 09 program, we have completed optimization work for all species in related reaction stages and obtained energy barrier data, which are used to identify the most feasible reaction pathways. Nitromethane has been used to react with formaldehyde through an ionic‐type transition to produce 2,2‐dinitro‐1,3‐propandiol, followed by reaction with hydrogen bromide to produce 1,3‐dibromo‐2,2‐dinitro propane, then further react with a tertiary amine to produce 1‐tertiary amino‐3,3‐dinitro azetidine, and subsequently nitrate to obtain TNAZ. Substituent effects of some atomic groups have been found during synthesis modeling, and a total activation energy of 1386.6 kJ/mol needs to be conquered in order to complete the reaction. Furthermore, from synthesis modeling using the 1,3‐dihalo‐2‐propanol raw material method, the suggested reaction routes could be bromination of glycerol to 1,3‐dibromo‐2‐propanol, followed by reaction with nitromethane to undergo amination, and further cyclization, oxidation, oximization, and nitration in sequence to produce the target product TNAZ. An overall 1163.5 kJ/mol energy barrier needs to be overcome in this part of the computation.
Endocan, Novel Potential Biomarker for Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Bălănescu Paul , Lădaru Anca , Bălănescu Eugenia , Voiosu Theodor , Băicuş Cristian , Dan Gheorghe Andrei 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (Ssc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular alterations of small arteries and microvessels with subsequent tissue fibrosis. Endocan is expressed by endothelial cells and associated with endothelial dysfunction; therefore it could be a potential biomarker for Ssc patients.MethodsTwenty‐one Ssc patients and 20 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. Serum endocan levels were determined using ELISA method in all patients and controls.ResultsSerum endocan levels were superior in Ssc patients (median 2.53 (1.10–7 ng/ml)) compared with controls (0.79 (0–2 ng/ml), P < 0.05). Higher serum endocan expression was seen in diffuse Ssc subset and associated with the presence of digital ulcers and daily Raynaud's phenomenon (P < 0.05). Higher serum endocan levels were associated with a modified Rodnan skin score >14 and longer disease duration (P < 0.05). Values of areas under the receiver operating curves showed that serum endocan had good discriminative power for Ssc diagnosis, differentiating diffuse from limited subset type and differentiating patients with modified Rodnan skin score above and under 14 (area under curve: 0.94, 0.81, 0.75, respectively).ConclusionThe results of this pilot study suggest endocan as a potential biomarker for microvascular manifestations and complications in Ssc patients. These encouraging results could promote future prospective studies in order to determine the exact role played by endocan as a biomarker for Ssc.
An accountability account: A review and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical research on felt accountability
Authors: Hall Angela T. , Frink Dwight D. , Buckley M. Ronald 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAccountability is a fundamental element of all societies and the organizations that operate within them. This paper focuses on the individual‐level accountability concept of felt accountability (also referred to in the literature as simply accountability), which can be described as the perceptions of one's personal accountability. We describe key theories that have formed the theoretical groundwork for the body of felt accountability literature, and discuss the empirical research published since the last major review of the accountability literature in the late 1990s. Empirical research has revealed that accountability has both constructive and deleterious consequences. Moreover, research examining accountability and key outcomes has produced mixed results, suggesting that consideration of moderators and nonlinear relationships are important when examining accountability. Although accountability is an important construct, there are many issues that have yet to be investigated by scholars. We identify limitations and gaps in the current body of the empirical research and conclude the paper with suggestions for scholars striving to make contributions to this line of research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Membrane Thickness Affect the Transport of Selective Ions Mediated by Ionophores in Synthetic Membranes?
Authors: Lomora Mihai , Dinu Ionel Adrian , Itel Fabian , Rigo Serena , Spulber Mariana , Palivan Cornelia G. 
Published: September 2015

Biomimetic polymer nanocompartments (polymersomes) with preserved architecture and ion‐selective membrane permeability represent cutting‐edge mimics of cellular compartmentalization. Here it is studied whether the membrane thickness affects the functionality of ionophores in respect to the transport of Ca2+ ions in synthetic membranes of polymersomes, which are up to 2.6 times thicker than lipid membranes (5 nm). Selective permeability toward calcium ions is achieved by proper insertion of ionomycin, and demonstrated by using specific fluorescence markers encapsulated in their inner cavities. Preservation of polymersome architecture is shown by a combination of light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. By using a combination of stopped‐flow and fluorescence spectroscopy, it is shown that ionomycin can function and transport calcium ions across polymer membranes with thicknesses in the range 10.7–13.4 nm (7.1–8.9 times larger than the size of the ionophore). Thicker membranes induce a decrease in transport, but do not block it due to the intrinsic flexibility of these synthetic membranes. The design of ion selective biomimetic nanocompartments represents a new path toward the development of cellular ion nanosensors and nano­reactors, in which calcium sensitive biomacromolecules can be triggered for specific biological functions.
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Indocyanine green angiography for prediction of thrombosis in the internal jugular vein
Authors: Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Yamamoto Takumi , Iida Takuya 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAlthough rare, thrombosis does occur in the internal jugular vein (IJV), which often leads to detrimental results. The aim of this report is to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography for prediction of IJV thrombosis.Patients and MethodsFrom December of 2013 to August of 2014, we performed ICG angiography intraoperatively on patients who underwent free‐flap reconstruction with head and neck cancer. Ten flaps from 8 of these patients were chosen where one pedicle artery of a flap was anastomosed to the superior thyroid artery in an end‐to‐end fashion, and one pedicle vein of the flap was anastomosed to the IJV in an end‐to‐side fashion. For each case, the time it took for the dye to enter the pedicle artery and exit the pedicle vein into the IJV was measured in seconds (ICG time). These data were compared in 2 groups: group 1, which showed signs of congestion postoperatively and group 2, which showed no signs of congestion. Signs of congestions were defined as purple or blue flap color, rapid capillary refill, swollen flap, and brisk bleeding with dark blood after prick with 23‐gauge needle.ResultsOf the 10 flaps, 1 flap demonstrated signs of congestion postoperatively and was found with a thrombus in the IJV. The ICG time in this case was significantly longer than the means of ICG time in flaps with no thrombosis (18 ± 0 seconds versus 6.0 ± 1.0).ConclusionsIntraoperative ICG angiography may predict postoperative IJV thrombosis with accuracy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:469–473, 2015.
Impact of childhood and recent traumatic events on the clinical presentation of overactive bladder
Authors: Lai H. Henry , Morgan Clinton D. , Vetter Joel , Andriole Gerald L. 
Published: September 2015

Aims(1) To describe the Prevalence of childhood and recent trauma in patients with overactive bladder (OAB), and (2) assess the impact of traumatic events on the clinical presentation and the severity of OAB symptoms, quality of life, and psychosocial health.MethodsPatients diagnosed with OAB (n = 51) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 30) were administered the Childhood Traumatic Events Scale and Recent Traumatic Events Scale, assessing exposure and perceived impact of common traumatic events. Among OAB patients, validated instruments were administered to correlate traumatic exposure to evaluate adult urinary symptoms (ICIQ‐UI, ICIQ‐OAB, OAB‐q, UDI‐6, IIQ‐7, USS), mood dysregulation (HADS), sleep and fatigue (PROMIS), and Psychological stress (PSS).ResultsChildhood sexual trauma was more prevalent in patients with OAB compared to controls (29.4% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.041). OAB patients also rated their childhood sexual exposure as more traumatic compared to controls (mean ratings of 1.7 vs. 0.4, P = 0.050). There was no difference in childhood deaths (P = 0.24), parental upheaval (P = 0.87), violence (P = 0.099), illness/injury (P = 0.683), or any recent traumatic events between OAB and control subjects. Childhood trauma predicted worse bladder pain (P = 0.005), worse non‐urologic pain (P = 0.017), poorer mood (P = 0.001), higher anxiety (P = 0.029), higher physical symptom burden (P < 0.001), and higher psychological stress (P < 0.039). However, childhood trauma did not correlate with the severity of OAB symptoms (urgency, frequency, incontinence).ConclusionsThirty percent of OAB patients reported childhood sexual trauma. These patients report more pain symptoms, poorer mood, and greater somatic burden. These data highlight the potentiating role of psychosocial stressors from childhood in the adult suffering from OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1017–1023, 2016. © 2015 Wiley periodicals, Inc.
Life distribution analysis based on Lévy subordinators for degradation with random jumps
Authors: Shu Yin , Feng Qianmei , Coit David W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFor a component or a system subject to stochastic degradation with sporadic jumps that occur at random times and have random sizes, we propose to model the cumulative degradation with random jumps using a single stochastic process based on the characteristics of Lévy subordinators, the class of nondecreasing Lévy processes. Based on the inverse Fourier transform, we derive a new closed‐form reliability function and probability density function for lifetime, represented by Lévy measures. The reliability function derived using the traditional convolution approach for common stochastic models such as gamma degradation process with random jumps, is revealed to be a special case of our general model. Numerical experiments are used to demonstrate that our model performs well for different applications, when compared with the traditional convolution method. More importantly, it is a general and useful tool for life distribution analysis of stochastic degradation with random jumps in multidimensional cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 483–492, 2015
Topology optimization of multiscale elastoviscoplastic structures
Authors: Fritzen Felix , Xia Liang , Leuschner Matthias , Breitkopf Piotr 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThis paper extends current concepts of topology optimization to the design of structures made of nonlinear microheterogeneous materials. The objective is to maximize the macroscopic structural stiffness for a prescribed material volume usage while accounting for the nonlinearity and the microstructure of the material. The resulting design problem considers two scales: the macroscopic scale at which the optimization is performed and the microscopic scale at which the material heterogeneities and the nonlinearities are observed. The topology optimization at the macroscopic scale is performed by means of the bi‐directional evolutionary structural optimization method. The solution of the macroscopic boundary value problem requires as inputs the effective constitutive response with full consideration of the microstructure. While computational homogenization methods such as the FE2 method could be used to solve the nonlinear multiscale problem, the associated numerical expense (CPU time and memory) is highly unacceptable. In order to regain the computational feasibility of the computational scale transition, a recent model reduction technique of the authors is employed: the potential‐based reduced basis model order reduction with graphics processing unit acceleration. Numerical examples show the efficiency of the resulting nonlinear two‐scale designs. The impact of different load amplitudes on the design is examined. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flimmernde Luft und funkelnde Sterne
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDas Flimmern der Sterne, von manchen als romantisch empfunden, ist für Astronomen ein Ärgernis. Selbst bei klarer Luft scheinen die Sterne herumzuhüpfen und in ständiger Bewegung zu sein. Das Maß des Seeings, wie die Wissenschaftler sagen, beschränkt das räumliche Auflösungsvermögen von Teleskopen. Mit einer einfachen Versuchsanordnung und einer Hochgeschwindigkeits‐Kamera lässt sich dieses Phänomen im Labor nachstellen und analysieren.
Cyclodextrine: wenn Chemie Physik auslöst
Authors: Vilgis Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCyclodextrine besitzen torusförmige Strukturen mit erstaunlichen Eigenschaften: Die Innenseite des Torus ist lipophil, die Außenseite hydrophil. Die geschmacksneutralen “Ringzucker” können in ihrem Hohlraum wasserunlösliche Stoffe beherbergen, ermöglichen aber auch neuartige Emulsionen mit steuerbarer Viskosität, intensivem Geschmack und lang anhaltender Aromafreigabe.
Selection of recombinant anti‐SH3 domain antibodies by high‐throughput phage display
Authors: Huang Haiming , Economopoulos Nicolas O. , Liu Bernard A. , Uetrecht Andrea , Gu Jun , Jarvik Nick , Nadeem Vincent , Pawson Tony , Moffat Jason , Miersch Shane , Sidhu Sachdev S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAntibodies are indispensable tools in biochemical research and play an expanding role as therapeutics. While hybridoma technology is the dominant method for antibody production, phage display is an emerging technology. Here, we developed and employed a high‐throughput pipeline that enables selection of antibodies against hundreds of antigens in parallel. Binding selections using a phage‐displayed synthetic antigen‐binding fragment (Fab) library against 110 human SH3 domains yielded hundreds of Fabs targeting 58 antigens. Affinity assays demonstrated that representative Fabs bind tightly and specifically to their targets. Furthermore, we developed an efficient affinity maturation strategy adaptable to high‐throughput, which increased affinity dramatically but did not compromise specificity. Finally, we tested Fabs in common cell biology applications and confirmed recognition of the full‐length antigen in immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. In summary, we have established a rapid and robust high‐throughput methodology that can be applied to generate highly functional and renewable antibodies targeting protein domains on a proteome‐wide scale.
Thermography and electroluminescence imaging of scribing failures in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar modules
Authors: Misic B. , Pieters B. E. , Schweitzer U. , Gerber A. , Rau U. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntentionally implemented scribing failures in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 modules are studied using electroluminescence (EL) and dark lock‐in thermography (DLIT). While the EL images do not allow a non‐ambiguous defect distinction, the DLIT images reveal characteristic defect patterns for each defect type. In order to explain the DLIT defect appearance, we model and simulate the scribing defects in a network simulation model. The simulations yield characteristic current flow patterns for each scribing defect type and thus aid in the understanding and interpretation of the measurements.