bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy yield prediction errors and uncertainties of different photovoltaic models
Authors: Makrides George , Zinsser Bastian , Schubert Markus , Georghiou George E. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTMathematical, empirical, and electrical models have long been implemented and used to predict the energy yield of many photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The purpose of this paper is to compare the annual DC energy yield prediction errors of four models namely the single‐point efficiency, single‐point efficiency with temperature correction, the Photovoltaic for Utility‐Scale Applications (PVUSA), and the one‐diode model, against outdoor measurements for different grid‐connected PV systems in Cyprus over a 4‐year evaluation period. The different models showed a wide variation of prediction errors, demonstrating a strong dependence between model performance and the different technologies. In particular, it was clearly shown that the application of temperature loss correction based on the manufacturer's temperature coefficients of power at maximum power point assisted in improving the energy yield prediction significantly especially for the crystalline silicon (c‐Si) technologies. In most cases, the best agreement between the modeled results and outdoor‐measured annual DC energy yield for mono‐crystalline silicon (mono‐c‐Si) and multi‐crystalline silicon (multi‐c‐Si) technologies was obtained using the one‐diode model. The energy yield for the thin‐film technologies was more accurately predicted using the PVUSA model with the exception of the copper‐indium‐gallium‐diselenide (CIGS) technology, which was best predicted using the single‐point efficiency with temperature correction and one‐diode models, thus demonstrating similar physical properties to c‐Si technologies. The paper further quantifies the combined uncertainties associated with the predicted energy yield as a function of the input parameters for the single‐point efficiency, single‐point efficiency with temperature correction, and the PVUSA models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Swelling of Ultrathin Molecular Layer‐by‐Layer Polyamide Water Desalination Membranes
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Young Allison P. , Lee Jung‐Hyun , Stafford Christopher M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe water vapor swelling behavior of ultrathin crosslinked aromatic polyamide (PA) films, synthesized via molecular layer‐by‐layer deposition, is characterized via specular X‐ray reflectivity. The results show that these films expand only along the thickness direction and their maximum swelling ratio can be controlled by the specific diamine monomer chemistry. By measuring the swelling ratio as a function of water activity, the Flory interaction parameter and monomers between crosslinks of these PAs are characterized using the Flory‐Rehner and the Painter‐Shenoy thermodynamic swelling models. Comparing the monomers between crosslink calculated from the swelling theories with values obtain from chemical analysis indicate that the PS model gives a more accurate description of the PA networks. This suggests that these low functionality but highly crosslinked networks swell via a combination of chain expansion and topological rearrangement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1647–1655
Study on Preparation of Insensitive and Spherical High Bulk Density Nitroguanidine with Controllable Particle Size
Authors: Li Jin‐Shuh , Wu Si‐Wei , Lu Kai‐Tai 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, the solventing‐out recrystallization method was applied to prepare insensitive and spherical high bulk density nitroguanidine (NQ). Experiments were performed at various operating conditions by using N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and acetone as solvent and antisolvent, respectively. The effects of different operating parameters such as NQ/NMP ratio, amount of acetone used, crystallization temperature, stirring speed and stirring time were investigated. The particle size and morphology of the prepared NQ crystals were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the bulk density was measured by the Archimedes’ method and the impact sensitivity was determined by fall hammer method. The experimental results showed that the solventing‐out recrystallization method could be used to prepare spherical high bulk density NQ with a narrow particle size distribution and the particle size could be controlled by changing the operating conditions. The bulk density of these spherical NQ particles was found to be in the range of 0.94–0.97 g cm−3, which is higher than that of needle‐shaped NQ particles, and they became less sensitive towards impact.
Ion irradiation induced structural modifications of Fe81Mo8Cu1B10 NANOPERM‐type alloy
Authors: Miglierini Marcel , Hasiak Mariusz 
Published: October 2015

Structural modifications and their impact upon magnetic properties are studied in amorphous NANOPERM‐type 57Fe81Mo10Cu1B10 metallic glass exposed to irradiation with 130 keV N+ ions to the total fluencies of up to 2.5 × 1017 ions/cm2. Using surface sensitive technique of Mössbauer spectrometry, traces of crystalline phases are found already in the as‐quenched state after the sample production. On the air side of the ribbons, bcc‐Fe dominates whereas on the opposite wheel side, also a presence of Fe3O4 is unveiled. The amount of surface crystallization is higher on the wheel side of the ribbons. After ion irradiation, mostly the air side is affected because it was facing the incident ions. Gradual formation of iron nitrides is observed with increasing ion fluence. Though the radiation damage exhibits itself only at this side of the ribbons, its influence upon bulk magnetic properties is clearly identified by the help of magnetic measurements. Hysteresis loops exhibit changes in their shape as well as coercive field. Along with the formation of magnetic crystalline phases (bcc‐Fe and nitrides), they are caused by structural rearrangement which takes place also inside the amorphous residual phase. Structural modifications are confirmed via evolution of hyperfine magnetic fields with ion fluence.Structural modification of the 57Fe81Mo10Cu1B10 alloy caused by ion irradiation as demonstrated by microstructural (Mössbauer spectrometry (a,b)) and macroscopic (hysteresis loops (c,d)) measurements. As‐quenched (a,c) and 2.5 × 1017 N+/cm2 irradiated (b,d) alloys are compared.
Quasi‐non‐linear deformation modeling of a human liver based on artificial and experimental data
Authors: Dogan Firat , Celebi M. Serdar 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundResearchers working on error‐prevention theories have shown that the use of replica models within simulation systems has improved operating skills, resulting in better patient outcomes.MethodsThis study aims to provide material test data specifically for a human liver to validate the accuracy of viscoelastic soft tissue models. This allows the validation of virtual surgery simulators by comparison with physical test data obtained from material tests on a viscoelastic silicone gel pad.ResultsThe results proved that stress behavior and relaxation curves of Aquaflex® experiment and FEM simulation are close if average liver response and respective material parameters and model are used.ConclusionsThe precise representation of manipulated tissues used in virtual surgery trainers involves the accurate characterization of mechanical properties of the tissue. Consequently, successful implementations of these mechanical properties in a mathematical model of the deforming organ are of major importance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracontinental and intercontinental dissemination of Asian H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (clade 2.3.4.4) in the winter of 2014–2015
Authors: Saito Takehiko , Tanikawa Taichiro , Uchida Yuko , Takemae Nobuhiro , Kanehira Katsushi , Tsunekuni Ryota 
Published: October 2015

SummaryAsian H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) that possess the clade 2.3.4.4 HA gene have been identified in wild birds and poultry since late 2014 in both Europe and North America (N. America). Clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIVs of the H5N8 subtype have been isolated in both regions, whereas reassortment viruses with NA N1 and N2 subtypes of the North American (N. American). avian lineage have only been identified in N. America. The HA genes of those isolates were closely related to genes of the HPAIVs that have caused massive outbreaks in poultry in Korea since January 2014. The outbreaks caused by those viruses and the genetic relatedness of their HA and NA genes are reviewed in this study. Although the illegal movement of poultry and poultry products cannot be ruled out as a cause of intercontinental and intracontinental dissemination of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIVs during the winter of 2014–2015, transmission of the viruses by infected migratory birds appears to be a more plausible mechanism for their dissemination. In particular, the involvement of migratory birds in HPAIV transmission between Asia and N. America is highly likely because of the reassortments between H5N8 HPAIV and the N. American lineage avian influenza viruses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Translation, Validation, and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Urdu Version “FSFI–U”
Authors: Rehman Khaleeq Ur , Asif Mahmood Mohammad , Sheikh Saba Shabbir , Sultan Tipu , Khan M. Amanullah 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common problem, and many self-report questionnaires are available for its evaluation. Pakistani women with sexual problems feel shy to consult with their physician. A validated self-report questionnaire, in the local language with modest expressions is required for these women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and perform a psychometric validation of an Urdu translation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods
The FSFI was translated in Urdu, and its precision was ascertained through reverse translation. It was pretested on 22 bilingual women and refined again to reach at a reliable Urdu version of the questionnaire FSFI-U. One hundred sixteen bilingual women, in a stable sexual relationship over the previous 6 months were finally asked to fill out the FSFI and FSFI-U. Their sexual function was then clinically evaluated and responses were compared with the clinical assessment as well as with each other.

Main Outcome Measures
The responses were analyzed through descriptive statistics for reliability, face validity, agreement between the responses to the original English version and to the FSFI-U, and also for test–retest consistency. The data were analyzed statistically using Cronbach's alpha analysis, Intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson correlation, and Student's t-test.

Results
FSFI was found to be easily understandable and capable of adequately evaluating and measuring various aspects of female sexual function. A high degree of internal consistency was demonstrated on Cronbach's alpha analysis. Cronbach's α coefficient for various domains was sufficiently high ranging from 0.84 to 0.97. The clinical assessment of the presence and severity of FSD also matched with the self-report questionnaire. Similarly, various domains of FSFI had high degree of correlation in the Urdu version of FSFI (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
The Urdu translation version of FSFI is valid and reliable for use in the literate population of Pakistan.
The diverse fossil chelonians from Milia (late Pliocene, Grevena, Greece) with a new species of Testudo Linnaeus, 1758 (Testudines: Testudinidae)
Authors: Vlachos Evangelos , Tsoukala Evangelia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe late Pliocene (early Villafranchian, MN 16a) locality of Milia (Grevena, Greece) has yielded numerous remains of mammals, such as zygodons, mastodons, rhinocerotids, hipparions, bovids, cervids, suids, carnivorans and tapirs. Several specimens of chelonians have also been discovered and comprise a small testudinid, a geoemydid and a giant tortoise. The presence of a giant tortoise and the presence of a geoemydid with large dimensions are further examples of the trend towards gigantism evidenced by the diverse fauna of Milia. In terms of taxonomic abundance of extinct turtles, this is the richest locality in Greece. The small testudinid is of particular importance because it preserves a posteriorly flared carapace, as in the extant Testudo marginata, but the posterior carapace is much taller and anteroposteriorly shorter. These characters allow us to erect a new species, Testudo brevitesta sp. nov., and to discuss the presence of the marginated tortoise and closely related forms in Greece. The new taxon is analysed in a phylogenetic context within other extant and extinct testudinids, providing new information on the clade Testudona.
Beyond March Madness: Fruitful Practices to Prepare for High‐Stakes ELA Tests
Authors: Dougherty Stahl Katherine A. , Schweid Jason 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSuccessful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (2010) will require an alignment between learning standards, effective instruction, and the new assessments designed by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced (SB) consortia. Both the CCSS and the new generation of assessments call for students to comprehend and respond to complex texts using text evidence and high levels of thinking. Traditional test preparation that focused on isolated skills is not likely to be effective in preparing students for success on the PARCC or SB tests. Instead, fruitful practices are likely to be (a) teaching integrated content units, (b) teaching comprehension strategies, (c) providing opportunities for high levels of speaking, listening and thinking about texts, (d) using official writing rubrics, and (e) providing diagnostic interventions for at‐risk readers.
A Range of Writing Across the Content Areas
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractStudents must be taught to write and then be expected to write for a variety of purposes to a variety of audiences, including in mathematics, science, and social studies. As part of building the writing prowess of students, they must write routinely, both short and long pieces. As part of a comprehensive writing curriculum, students’ writing fluency should be fostered, students should participate in lessons designed to build their composing skills, and students must learn to write from the sources that they read.
The Origins and History of American Children's Literature
Authors: Tunnell Michael O. , Jacobs James S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBooks meant for young readers did not appear until scholars such as John Locke began to suggest a more modern concept of childhood. Though the eighteenth century saw the establishment and growth of children's book publishing, it was as late as the nineteenth century when children's literature truly came of age. This article traces the development of American children's literature from its early European roots to the rich and diverse literary offerings available to young readers in the twenty‐first century.
Let's Bring Back the Magic of Song for Teaching Reading
Authors: Iwasaki Becky , Rasinski Timothy , Yildirim Kasim , Zimmerman Belinda S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBased on a first grade teacher's search for approaches to promote successful reading acquisition in her first grade classroom, the authors present a curricular engagement in which the teacher explored using music, specifically singing songs, as a fun and motivating way to accelerate reading progress. The premise is that singing (while at the same time having a visual display of the words in the songs) can be a very useful instructional tool to teach reading to beginning readers. The process involves learning one new song (accompanied by the printed lyrics) per week, followed by repeated readings/singings, discussions of content, and activities related to phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency and word work. The children made on average more than a year's reading growth during the duration of the teacher's investigation. This article explores the possibilities and benefits of having beginning and/or struggling readers sing as an instructional strategy to enhance reading progress.
Comparing PACE with a Medicaid‐Only Managed Long‐Term Care Plan: Health Outcomes Over Time
Authors: Nadash Pamela 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOutcomes from a partially integrated model of managed long‐term care—The VNS CHOICE program (VCP)—were compared to those from a fully capitated model—the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). A retrospective cohort design examined discharge, morbidity, and functional status for 3,200 individuals over 18 months. Although the two populations were close in average functional status, the PACE sample was sicker and more cognitively impaired. Higher rates of death were found in the PACE program (22 percent vs. 10 percent over 18 months) and a greater likelihood of decline in instrumental activities of daily living; higher functional disability scores (ADLs) predicted discharge in PACE but not in VCP. When propensity score stratification was used to compare like populations, the impact of program enrolment on outcomes became statistically insignificant, suggesting that a partially capitated model performs at least as well as the fully capitated PACE model.
Selenium Health Benefit Values: Updated Criteria for Mercury Risk Assessments
Authors: Ralston Nicholas V. C. , Ralston Carla R. , Raymond Laura J. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Selenium (Se)-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) protect brain tissues against oxidative damage and perform other vital functions, but their synthesis requires a steady supply of Se. High methylmercury (CH3Hg) exposures can severely diminish Se transport across the placenta and irreversibly inhibit fetal brain selenoenzymes. However, supplemental dietary Se preserves their activities and thus prevents pathological consequences. The modified Se health benefit value (HBVSe) is a risk assessment criterion based on the molar concentrations of CH3Hg and Se present in a fish or seafood. It was developed to reflect the contrasting effects of maternal CH3Hg and Se intakes on fetal brain selenoenzyme activities. However, the original equation was prone to divide-by-zero-type errors whereby the calculated values increased exponentially in samples with low CH3Hg contents. The equation was refined to provide an improved index to better reflect the risks of CH3Hg exposures and the benefits provided by dietary Se. The HBVSe provides a biochemically based perspective that confirms and supports the FDA/EPA advice for pregnant and breast-feeding women regarding seafoods that should be avoided vs. those that are beneficial to consume. Since Se can be highly variable between watersheds, further evaluation of freshwater fish is needed to identify locations where fish with negative HBVSe may arise and be consumed by vulnerable subpopulation groups.
A comparison of cognitive biases between schizophrenia patients with delusions and healthy individuals with delusion-like experiences
Authors: Gawęda Ł. , Prochwicz K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe role of psychosis-related cognitive biases (e.g. jumping to conclusions) in a delusion continuum is well-established. Little is known about the role of types of cognitive biases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of psychosis-related and “Beckian” (i.e. anxiety- and depression-related) cognitive biases assessed with a clinical questionnaire in the delusion continuum and its dimensions.MethodsSchizophrenia patients with (n= 57) and without (n= 35) delusions were compared to healthy subjects who had a low (n= 53) and high (n= 57) level of delusion-like experiences (DLEs) on the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis (CBQp). Delusion dimensions in the clinical sample were assessed with the semi-structured interview PSYRATS. DLEs were measured with the Peters Delusion Inventory (PDI).ResultsHigh DLEs participants scored significantly higher than low DLEs, and patients with delusions scored higher than patients without delusions on the total scores of the CBQp. High DLEs participants scored significantly higher than low DLEs on catastrophisation and JTC. Schizophrenia patients with delusions scored significantly higher when compared to patients without delusions on intentionalising, dichotomous thinking, JTC and emotional reasoning. Patients with delusions and high DLEs participants scored similarly on JTC. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that catastrophising predicted total severity of clinical delusions and JTC predicted the cognitive dimension of clinical delusions. Both JTC and catastrophisation predicted the frequency and conviction associated with DLEs.ConclusionsBoth “Beckian” and psychosis-related cognitive biases may underlie delusions. Different aspects of clinical delusions and delusion-like experiences may be related to different cognitive biases.
EphA2 modulates radiosensitive of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via p38/mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐mediated signal pathways
Authors: Jin Qiao , Li Xiangjun , Cao Peiguo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to investigate the role of EPH receptor A2 (EphA2) in the modulation of radiosensitivity of hepatic cellular cancer (HCC) cells and to determine whether p38/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling mediated EphA2 function in this respect. The protein expressions of EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were tested in HCC and normal hepatic tissues. In HCC 97H cells, EphA2 was overexpressed and knocked out by transfection with EphA2 expression vector and EphA2‐ShRNA, respectively, prior to cell exposure to low‐dose irradiation. Significantly upregulated EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were observed in HCC tissues, compared with those in normal hepatic tissues. Low‐dose irradiation (1 Gy) only caused minor damage to HCC 97H cells, as assessed by alterations in cell viability, apoptosis rate, and cell healing capacity (p = 0.072, p = 0.078, and p = 0.069 respectively). However, EphA2 knock‐out in HCC 97H cells induced significant reduction in cell viability and cell healing capacity after these cells were subjected to low‐dose irradiation. Apoptosis rate underwent dramatic increase (p < 0.01). By contrast, EphA2 overexpression in HCC 97H cells reversed these effects and enhanced cell colony formation rate, thus displaying remarkable attenuation of radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells. Further, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK, was added to HCC 97H cells over‐expressing EphA2. The effect of EphA2 overexpression on the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells was abrogated. Thus, the present study indicates that EphA2 have the ability to negatively regulate the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells, which mainly depends on 38MAPK‐mediated signal pathways.