bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of negative capacitance in varistor structure on the basis of its models with voltage drop on the intergranular interlayer
Authors: Tonkoshkur Alexander Sergeevich , Ivanchenko Alexander Vladimirovich 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is modeling the effect of negative capacitance in the capacitance-voltage characteristic of the intergranular potential barrier of varistor structure.

Design/methodology/approach
– The modeling of the capacitance-voltage characteristic of the intergranular barrier in metal oxide varistor ceramics is based on the development of the algorithm. It includes all the known mechanisms of electrotransfer in a wide range of voltages and currents, and also takes into account the voltage drop on the intergranular interlayer of intergranular potential barrier.

Findings
– The models and algorithms for calculating the capacitance-voltage characteristics of a single intergranular potential barrier with the use of the most established understanding used at the interpretation of the nonlinear conductivity intergranular barrier are developed. The results of the capacitance-voltage characteristics modeling correspond to the existing understanding of the electrical properties on the ac current varistor ceramics are based on zinc oxide. The model allows to predict the behavior of varistors on the alternating current (voltage).

Originality/value
– It is established that the recharge of the surface localized states occurs when a voltage is applied to the varistor structure, it can lead to a relaxation decrease in the width of the potential barrier overcome by tunneling electrons in the field emission from the conduction band of the one crystallite in the conduction band of the other crystallite and thus to the current backlog of applied voltage on the phase (i.e. the expression of the negative capacitance effect).
A framework for sustainable waste management: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Elsaid Sarah , Aghezzaf El-Houssaine 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– This purpose of this paper is concerned with the issue of designing and operating a sustainable waste management system, in rapidly growing urban areas. Some existing models for waste management and the extent to which they could be applied in a specific environment – Cairo for example – are discussed. An integrated framework which can serve as a basis for the development of a sustainable waste management system is proposed. Sustainability of the system, opportunities and challenges, material re-use and recycling, composting, incineration and energy production and land-filling are examined. Relevant waste management and cost sub-models inherent to the system are discussed. In addition, some other environmental and social aspects are also debated. The main focus of this paper is to provide some insights into the design of a more effective and integrated sustainable waste management system applicable for developing economies.Design/methodology/approach– An in-depth analysis is carried out for the existing models and approaches for waste management. This has led to the development of a framework which can be implemented.Findings– A comprehensive conceptual framework for a waste management system is developed. The major inputs and expected outputs are clearly identified.Originality/value– A comprehensive and complete system for waste management is proposed. This system can be operationalized and implemented with a view of sustainability.
Producer diversity enhances consumer stability in a benthic marine community
Authors: Ramus Aaron P. , Long Zachary T. 
Published: November 2015

Summary

The diversity of many communities is changing due to local extinctions and invasions. Understanding the consequences of these changes is vital to their successful conservation, yet few studies have experimentally investigated how producer diversity affects the stability of higher trophic levels. Here, we show that producer diversity, when manipulated as the only independent variable in the presence of natural top‐down forces, increases the stability of consumer abundance, biomass and diversity in a benthic marine community.

Using four macroalgal species (Codium fragile, Gracilaria tikvahiae, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and Gymnogongrus griffithsiae), we manipulated producer diversity (identity and richness) in a substitutive design to create seven treatments. Our treatments included four monocultures, two 3‐species mixtures that differed only by including either the native or invasive Gracilaria and the complete four‐species mixture. We followed the week‐to‐week dynamics of producer and consumer communities in each treatment concurrently for 12 weeks and quantified their temporal stability.

We found that higher producer diversity increased the stability of a diverse, productive consumer community. Producer biomass production did not affect consumer production or diversity, suggesting that producer diversity was solely responsible for driving the mechanisms underlying the observed multitrophic diversity–stability relationships. Taken together, our results indicate that higher producer diversity directly increased consumer diversity by increasing overyielding and decreasing the temporal variance of this response variable and that this increased consumer diversity enhanced consumer stability via increased asynchrony among consumers.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the effects of producer diversity propagate upwards to maintain diversity and productivity at higher trophic levels, and thereby enhance the overall stability of food webs.
What is the role of individual accountability in patient safety? A multi‐site ethnographic study
Authors: Aveling Emma‐Louise , Parker Michael , Dixon‐Woods Mary 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn enduring debate concerns how responsibility for patient safety should be distributed between organisational systems and individual professionals. Though rule‐based, calculus‐like approaches intended to support a ‘just culture’ have become popular, they perpetuate an asocial and atomised account. In this article, we use insights from practice theory – which sees organisational phenomena as accomplished in everyday actions, with individual agency and structural conditions as a mutually constitutive, dynamic duality – along with contributions from the political science and ethics literature as a starting point for analysis. Presenting ethnographic data from five hospitals, three in one high‐income country and two in low‐income countries, we offer an empirically informed, normative rethinking of the role of personal accountability, identifying the collective nature of the healthcare enterprise and the extent to which patient safety depends on contributions from many hands. We show that moral responsibility for actions and behaviours is an irreducible element of professional practice, but that individuals are not somehow ‘outside’ and separate from ‘systems’: they create, modify and are subject to the social forces that are an inescapable feature of any organisational system; each element acts on the other. Our work illustrates starkly the structuring effects of the broader institutional and socioeconomic context on opportunities to ‘be good’. These findings imply that one of the key responsibilities of organisations and wider institutions in relation to patient safety is the fostering of the conditions of moral community.
Infections and interaction rituals in the organisation: clinician accounts of speaking up or remaining silent in the face of threats to patient safety
Authors: Szymczak Julia E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractClinician silence in the face of known threats to patient safety is a source of growing concern. Current explanations for the difficulties clinicians have of speaking up are conceptualised at the individual or organisational level, with little attention paid to the space between – the interaction context. Drawing on 103 interviews with clinicians at one hospital in the United States this article examines how clinicians talk about speaking up or not in the face of breaches in infection prevention technique. Accounts are analysed using a microsociological lens as stories of interaction, through which respondents appeal to situational and organisational realities of medical work that serve to justify speaking up or remaining silent. Analysis of these accounts reveals three influences on the decision to speak up, shaped by background conditions in the organisation; mutual focus of attention, interactional path dependence and the presence of an audience. These findings suggest that the decision to speak up in a clinical setting is dynamic, highly context‐dependent, embedded in the interaction rituals that suffuse everyday work and constrained by organisational dynamics. This article develops a more sophisticated and distinctly sociological understanding of the reasons why speaking up in healthcare is so difficult.
Persistent post‐surgical pain and signs of nerve injury: the Tromsø Study
Authors: Johansen A. , Schirmer H. , Nielsen C. S. , Stubhaug A. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThe contribution of nerve lesions and neuropathic pain to persistent post‐surgical pain (PPSP) is poorly established. The aim of this study was to assess the association between PPSP and symptoms and signs of possible nerve injury in an unselected surgical sample.MethodsEighty‐one individuals with and without persistent pain after surgical procedures, were recruited from a cross‐sectional study. Follow‐up examination with questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing was performed 15–32 months later (21–64 months after surgery).ResultsThe median rating of maximum pain intensity among individuals with PPSP decreased from numerical rating scale 4/10 at baseline to 2/10 at follow‐up, but considerable changes occurred in both directions. Individuals with PPSP at follow‐up were significantly more likely to self‐report sensory abnormalities than those without PPSP; however, results from sensory testing did not differ significantly between the groups. Self‐report of sensory disturbances at the site of surgery was associated with increased warm detection thresholds and tactile pain thresholds. Among individuals with PPSP, 61% had positive findings on sensory testing, suggesting probable neuropathic pain.ConclusionIn this study, associations between self‐reported symptoms and PPSP were stronger than associations between self‐reported symptoms and results of psychophysical tests. Fluctuations in pain intensity together with wide ranges for normal variability in sensory functions, hampers detection of significant group differences. Methodological aspects of quantitative sensory testing applied in a mixed clinical sample are discussed.
Different gene expressions between cattle and yak provide insights into high‐altitude adaptation
Authors: Wang K. , Yang Y. , Wang L. , Ma T. , Shang H. , Ding L. , Han J. , Qiu Q. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryDNAsequence variation has been widely reported as the genetic basis for adaptation, in both humans and other animals, to the hypoxic environment experienced at high altitudes. However, little is known about the patterns of gene expression underlying such hypoxic adaptations. In this study, we examined the differences in the transcriptomes of four organs (heart, kidney, liver and lung) between yak and cattle, a pair of closely related species distributed at high and low altitudes respectively. Of the four organs examined, heart shows the greatest differentiation between the two species in terms of gene expression profiles. Detailed analyses demonstrated that some genes associated with the oxygen supply system and the defense systems that respond to threats of hypoxia are differentially expressed. In addition, genes with significantly differentiated patterns of expression in all organs exhibited an unexpected uniformity of regulation along with an elevated frequency of nonsynonymous substitutions. This co‐evolution of protein sequences and gene expression patterns is likely to be correlated with the optimization of the yak metabolic system to resist hypoxia.
Regional Interactions between California and the Southwest: The Western Edge of the North American Continental System
Authors: Smith Erin M. , Fauvelle Mikael 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe first few centuries of the second millennium saw drastic changes in Coastal California and the American Southwest. In both areas, systems of internal trade intensified, and social systems sped down a path of increasing complexity. Following Peter Peregrine and Stephen Lekson (2006, 2012), we do not believe that these neighboring developments were purely coincidental. Rather, we see California and the Southwest as components in a continental‐wide interaction system spanning both North and Central America. We argue that prehistoric interaction between the two regions was regular and sustained and that economic or political developments in one area are likely to have had important implications in the other. Specifically, we outline archaeological and ethnohistoric evidence for the trade of goods between the two areas, with shell beads and asphaltum moving east from coastal California in exchange for Southwestern ceramics and textiles. Rather than seeing each area as a case study in autochthonous social development, we argue that a regional synthesis of economic interactions and connectivity will build toward a better understanding of social changes in both regions. [world systems theory, trade and exchange, North America]
Plasma cholesterol is related to menstrual status in adolescent girls with eating disorders and weight loss
Authors: Swenne Ingemar 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThis study examined the relationship between plasma cholesterol and circulating triiodothyronine and oestradiol in 561 adolescent girls aged 11–17 with eating disorders.MethodsPlasma total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum triodothyronine and oestradiol were measured at assessment, and historical weight data were obtained from growth charts provided by the school health services. Cholesterol levels were related to weight change, menstrual status and serum hormones.ResultsPlasma total cholesterol levels of >5.0 mmol/L were found in 38% of the 77 girls who were premenarcheal, 32% of the 199 with secondary amenorrhoea and 17% of those who were still menstruating. These cholesterol levels were inversely related to serum oestradiol and triiodothyronine concentrations, but not weight change, in amenorrhoic girls and were positively related to body mass index and inversely related to weight loss and serum triiodothyronine in girls who were still menstruating.ConclusionIncreased plasma total cholesterol was related to amenorrhoea in adolescent girls with eating disorders and weight loss. Oestrogens appeared to mediate the effect of starvation on cholesterol, most effectively in premenarcheal girls. Re‐establishing menstruation is an important goal in the treatment of eating disorders, to avoid dyslipidaemia and the risk of future cardiovascular disease.
Remission and platelet responses with romiplostim in primary immune thrombocytopenia: final results from a phase 2 study
Authors: Newland Adrian , Godeau Bertrand , Priego Victor , Viallard Jean‐Francois , López Fernández María F. , Orejudos Amelia , Eisen Melissa 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIn anecdotal reports, some patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) maintained platelet counts after discontinuing romiplostim. Here, we examined rates of platelet response (≥50 × 109/l), remission, splenectomy and adverse events in patients with primary ITP duration ≤6 months who were treated with romiplostim for ≤12 months. The starting dose of romiplostim was 1 μg/kg; concomitant and rescue treatments were permitted to maintain platelet counts. Patients with platelet counts ≥50 × 109/l at the end of 12 months entered a dose taper in which the romiplostim dose was decreased as long as platelet counts were maintained. Remission (platelet count ≥50 × 109/l for 24 consecutive weeks with no ITP treatments) was evaluated in patients once romiplostim was discontinued. Over the 12 months, a high response rate (>90%) was observed. Platelet response occurred quickly (median, ~2 weeks) and was observed for a cumulative median of 11 months. Remission was observed in 24 patients (32%); there were no significantly predictors of remission. Most (20/24) patients had remission start before the forced taper. No new safety signals were identified. Thus, in patients with early‐stage ITP, romiplostim was well tolerated and induced rapid responses, with remission occurring in approximately one‐third of patients (NCT01143038, Amgen 20080435).
The influence of mothers' and fathers' sensitivity in the first year of life on children's cognitive outcomes at 18 and 36 months
Authors: Malmberg L.–E. , Lewis S. , West A. , Murray E. , Sylva K. , Stein A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing interest in the relative effects of mothers' and fathers' interactions with their infants on later development. However to date there has been little work on children's cognitive outcomes.MethodsWe examined the relative influence of fathers' and mothers' sensitivity during interactions with their children at the end of the child's first year (10–12 months, n = 97), on child general cognitive development at 18 months and language at 36 months.ResultsBoth parents' sensitivity was associated with cognitive and language outcomes in univariate analyses. Mothers' sensitivity, however, appeared to be associated with family socio‐demographic factors to a greater extent that fathers' sensitivity. Using path modelling the effect of paternal sensitivity on general cognitive development at 18 months and language at 36 months was significantly greater than the effect of maternal sensitivity, when controlling for socio‐demographic background. In relation to language at 36 months, there was some evidence that sensitivity of one parent buffered the effect of lower sensitivity of the other parent.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that parental sensitivity can play an important role in children's cognitive and language development, and that higher sensitivity of one parent can compensate for the lower sensitivity of the other parent. Replication of these findings, however, is required in larger samples.
Using zebrafish in systems toxicology for developmental toxicity testing
Authors: Nishimura Yuhei , Inoue Atsuto , Sasagawa Shota , Koiwa Junko , Kawaguchi Koki , Kawase Reiko , Maruyama Toru , Kim Soonih , Tanaka Toshio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWith the high cost and the long‐term assessment of developmental toxicity testing in mammals, the vertebrate zebrafish has become a useful alternative model organism for high‐throughput developmental toxicity testing. Zebrafish is also very favorable for the 3R perspective in toxicology; however, the methodologies used by research groups vary greatly, posing considerable challenges to integrative analysis. In this review, we discuss zebrafish developmental toxicity testing, focusing on the methods of chemical exposure, the assessment of morphological abnormalities, housing conditions and their effects on the production of healthy embryos, and future directions. Zebrafish as a systems toxicology model has the potential to elucidate developmental toxicity pathways, and to provide a sound basis for human health risk assessments.
Maternal protein restriction that does not have an influence on the birthweight of the offspring induces morphological changes in kidneys reminiscent of phenotypes exhibited by intrauterine growth retardation rats
Authors: Yuasa Ko , Kondo Tomohiro , Nagai Hiroaki , Mino Masaki , Takeshita Ai , Okada Toshiya 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSevere restriction of maternal protein intake to 6–8% protein diet results in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), low birthweight and high risk of metabolic syndrome in the adult life of the offspring. However, little information is available on the effects of maternal protein restriction on offspring under the conditions that does not have an influence on their birthweight of the offspring,. In the present study, pregnant rats were kept on a diet consisting of either 9% (low‐protein, Lp rats) or 18% (normal‐protein, Np rats) protein by weight/volume/etc. After birth, both Lp and Np rats were kept on a diet containing 18% protein. Neonatal body weight was significantly lower in Lp rats compared to Np rats from 4 days to 5weeks after birth. While glomerular number per unit volume (1 mm3) of the kidney (Nv) was comparable between Lp and Np rats 4 weeks after birth, the Nv was significantly decreased in Lp rats at 20 weeks after birth. Four and 20 weeks after birth, glomerular sclerosis index, interstitial fibrosis score, and ratio of ED1‐positive cell ratio were all significantly higher in Lp compared to Np rats. Transforming growth factor‐β1‐positive cells were observed in the distal tubules in the kidney of 4‐ and 20‐week‐old Lp rats kidneys, but not in those of age‐matched Np rats. Altogether, these findings revealed that maternal protein restriction that does not have an influence on the birthweight of the offspring, induces similar changes as those seen in the kidneys of IUGR neonates.
Sensitization to reactive diluents and hardeners in epoxy resin systems. IVDK data 2002–2011. Part II: concomitant reactions
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Hillen Uwe , Skudlik Christoph , Jappe Uta 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundBeside the basic resins, reactive diluents and hardeners are important sensitizers in epoxy resin systems (ERSs). Because of chemical similarities, immunological cross‐reactivity may occur.ObjectivesTo analyse concomitant reactivity among reactive diluents and hardeners in the patients concerned, as one integral part of a research project on the sensitizing capacity of ERSs (FP‐0324).MethodsA retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2002–2011, was performed.ResultsThere was close concomitant reactivity to 1,6‐hexanediol diglycidyl ether and 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether (1,4‐BDDGE), and to phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) and cresyl glycidyl ether (CGE), whereas reactions to p‐tert‐butylphenyl glycidyl ether occurred more independently from those to PGE and CGE. Concomitant reactions to butyl glycidyl ether and 1,4‐BDDGE may point to a common allergenic compound derived from the metabolism of 1,4‐BDDGE. Among the structurally more diverse group of hardeners, there was no evidence of immunological cross‐reactions.ConclusionsMore detailed knowledge of cross‐reactivity among ERS components facilitates the interpretation of patch test results and will allow safer ERSs to be composed in the future.