bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational approach for robust nondestructive test design maximizing characterization capabilities for solids and structures subject to uncertainty
Authors: Notghi Bahram , Brigham John C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryA robust approach to nondestructive test (NDT) design for material characterization and damage identification in solids and structures is presented and numerically evaluated. The generally applicable approach combines maximization of test sensitivity with minimization of test information redundancy, while simultaneously minimizing the effects of uncertain system parameters to determine optimal NDT parameters for robust nondestructive evaluation. In addition, to maintain reasonable computational expense while also allowing for general applicability, a stochastic collocation technique is presented for the quantification of uncertainty in the robust design metrics. The robust NDT design approach was tested through simulated case studies based on the characterization of localized variations in Young's modulus distributions in aluminum structural components utilizing steady‐state dynamic surface excitation and localized measurements of displacement and compared with a purely deterministic NDT design approach. The robust design approach is shown to produce substantially different NDT designs than the analogous deterministic strategy. More importantly, the robust NDT designs are shown to provide significant improvements in the ability to accurately nondestructively evaluate structural properties for the cases considered, when there is significant uncertainty in system parameters and/or aspects of the NDT implementation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No pain, no gain: insights into changing individual volitional behaviour
Authors: Arli Denni , Kubacki Krzysztof , Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn , Pekerti Andre A. , Tkaczynski Aaron 
Published: May 2015

Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study is threefold: first, to empirically examine the effect of attitudes on people's intentions towards starting a new physical activity in three weight groups; second, to explore differences within various demographic groups; and finally, to offer research and practical implications for social marketers who are working in the area of physical activity. A total of 1459 respondents participated in an online survey. Our findings indicate that when individuals hold both negative and positive attitudes towards physical activity, they will have higher intentions to start a new physical activity. Empirical examination identified that overweight and obese people have more negative and less positive attitudes than healthier people toward physical activity. The results indicate that overcoming negative attitudes and reinforcing positive attitudes remain as a necessary condition to influence volitional behaviours such as physical activity, which requires cognitive processing and actions in order for the behaviour to be changed. People engaging in physical activities understand both positive and negative effects of physical activities, and they may engage in physical activities despite knowing there are short‐term costs.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of human amniotic fluid stem cells as an adjunct to promote pulmonary development in a rabbit model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: DeKoninck Philip , Toelen Jaan , Roubliova Xenia , Carter Shea , Pozzobon Michela , Russo Francesca Maria , Richter Jute , Vandersloten Pieter‐Jan , Verbeken Erik , De Coppi Paolo , Deprest Jan 
Published: May 2015

What's already known about this topic?

There is increasing evidence that cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells could have a beneficial effect in treating adult lung disease. Amniotic fluid stem cells are a population of cells with multipotent differentiation capacities. Initial reports in rodent CDH models have shown promising evidence using these cells to improve pulmonary development in utero.
What does this study add?

Intra‐tracheal cell therapy with amniotic fluid stem cells in combination with tracheal occlusion in a rabbit CDH model increases the number of alveoli, without major signs of toxicity.
Breast cancer survivors' perceived medical communication competence and satisfaction with care at the end of treatment
Authors: Brédart Anne , Kop Jean‐Luc , Fiszer Chavie , Sigal‐Zafrani Brigitte , Dolbeault Sylvie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundInformation is a care priority in most breast cancer survivors (BCS). We assessed whether BCS information needs at 8 months after hospital cancer treatment could be related to their age, education level, perceived medical communication competence, satisfaction with care, attachment style, and self‐esteem.MethodsOf 426 BCS approached during the last week of treatment (T1), 85% completed the Medical Communication Competence Scale, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Satisfaction with Care Questionnaire, Rosenberg's Self‐Esteem Scale and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Supportive Care Needs Survey were completed at T1 and again 8 months later (T2) with a 66% (n = 283) response rate.ResultsBaseline respondents' median (range) age was 56 years (23–86 years). Information needs decreased over time, although some persisted. Multivariate regression analyses evidenced overall higher information needs at T2 in younger BCS and in those dissatisfied with the information provided at T1. Specifically, in younger BCS, higher information needs were related to lower satisfaction with doctors' availability, and in older BCS, they were related to higher self‐perceived competence in information giving, lower self‐perceived competence in information seeking, and lower satisfaction with doctors' information provision. Psychological distress was strongly related to information needs. Education, BCS attachment style, and self‐esteem were not associated with information needs.ConclusionsIn order to enhance supportive care for BCS, younger BCS should be provided with more time to address all their concerns and older BCS should be encouraged to express their specific desires for information. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation techniques for Gutzwiller wave functions in finite dimensions
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Jan , Schickling Tobias , Bünemann Jörg 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe give a comprehensive introduction into a diagrammatic method that allows for the evaluation of Gutzwiller wave functions in finite spatial dimensions. We discuss in detail some numerical schemes that turned out to be useful in the real‐space evaluation of the diagrams. The method is applied to the problem of d‐wave superconductivity in a two‐dimensional single‐band Hubbard model. Here, we discuss in particular the role of long‐range contributions in our diagrammatic expansion. We further reconsider our previous analysis on the kinetic energy gain in the superconducting state.
Structured Benefit–risk assessment: a review of key publications and initiatives on frameworks and methodologies
Authors: Mt‐Isa Shahrul , Ouwens Mario , Robert Veronique , Gebel Martin , Schacht Alexander , Hirsch Ian 
Published: May 2015

IntroductionThe conduct of structured benefit–risk assessment (BRA) of pharmaceutical products is a key area of interest for regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. However, the acceptance of a standardized approach and implementation are slow. Statisticians play major roles in these organizations, and have a great opportunity to be involved and drive the shaping of future BRA.MethodWe performed a literature search of recent reviews and initiatives assessing BRA methodologies, and grouped them to assist those new to BRA in learning, understanding, and choosing methodologies. We summarized the key points and discussed the impact of this emerging field on various stakeholders, particularly statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry.ResultsWe provide introductory, essential, special interest, and further information and initiatives materials that direct readers to the most relevant materials, which were published between 2000 and 2013.  Based on recommendations in these materials we supply a toolkit of advocated BRA methodologies.DiscussionDespite initiatives promoting these methodologies, there are still barriers, one of which being the lack of a consensus on the most appropriate methodologies among stakeholders. However, this opens up opportunities, for statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry especially, to champion appropriate BRA methodology use throughout the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.ConclusionsThis article may serve as a starting point for discussions and to reach a mutual consensus for methodology selection in a particular situation. Regulators and pharmaceutical industry should continue to collaborate to develop and take forward BRA methodologies, and by clear communication develop a mutual understanding of the key issues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Upper Limb Exercise Through Yoga on Limb Swelling in Chinese Breast Cancer Survivors – A Pilot Study
Authors: Lai Yen-Ting , Hsieh City C. , Huang Li-Sheng , Liu Wen-Sheng , Lin Shu-Huan , Wang Ling-Li , Chen Shyh-Fang , Lin Chih-Ching 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Purpose:
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of yoga on lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Design: Repeated measures before and after the intervention. We enrolled 15 women with breast cancer who had not previously worn elastic clothing to treat lymphedema.

Methods:
The program was led by a certified trainer and consisted of 60-minute sessions, three times a week for 12 weeks. The volumes of the affected and normal limbs were measured. A self-assessed edema score was also recorded.

Findings:
Fifteen patients completed the program, none of whom suffered from complications related to exercise. There was no significant edema after exercise. No significant differences were noted in subgroup analysis by age or the affected arm.

Conclusions:
Yoga does not induce lymphedema.

Clinical Relevance:
Lymphedema is usually treated with uncomfortable elastic clothing, and high-resistance exercise may induce edema. Yoga may be suitable for these patients.
A parametric study of coupled‐mode flutter for MW‐size wind turbine blades
Authors: Pourazarm Pariya , Modarres‐Sadeghi Yahya , Lackner Matthew 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWith the increasing size of offshore wind turbine rotors, the design criteria used for the blades may also evolve. Current offshore technology utilizes three relatively stiff blades in an upwind configuration. With the goal of minimizing the mass, there is an interest in the lightweight rotors that instead utilize two flexible blades oriented downwind. These longer blades are more flexible and thus susceptible to experience flow‐induced instability. Coupled‐mode flutter is one of the destructive aeroelastic instabilities that can occur in flexible structures subjected to aerodynamic loading. Because of variation in one of the system parameters, e.g., flow velocity, structural modes coalesce at a critical flow velocity, and coupled‐flutter occurs. In the present work, a parametric study is conducted in order to study the influence of the natural frequencies in the torsional and flapwise directions on the critical flutter speed for wind turbine blades. Three MW‐size wind turbine blades are studied using a three‐dimensional blade model, which includes coupled flapwise and torsional displacements. The results show that the three blades have very similar behavior as the system parameters vary. It is shown that the first torsional natural frequency and the ratio of the first torsional natural frequency to the first flapwise natural frequency are the most critical parameters affecting the onset of instability. Critical flutter speeds even lower than the blade rated speed can be observed for blades with low torsional natural frequencies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shaping the future of nanomedicine: anisotropy in polymeric nanoparticle design
Authors: Meyer Randall A. , Green Jordan J. 
Published: May 2015

Nanofabrication and biomedical applications of polymeric nanoparticles have become important areas of research. Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles have been investigated for their use as delivery vehicles for therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Although polymeric nanoconstructs have traditionally been fabricated as isotropic spheres, anisotropic, nonspherical nanoparticles have gained interest in the biomaterials community owing to their unique interactions with biological systems. Polymeric nanoparticles with different forms of anisotropy have been manufactured using a variety of novel methods in recent years. In addition, they have enhanced physical, chemical, and biological properties compared with spherical nanoparticles, including increased targeting avidity and decreased nonspecific in vivo clearance. With these desirable properties, anisotropic nanoparticles have been successfully utilized in many biomedical settings and have performed superiorly to analogous spherical nanoparticles. We summarize the current state‐of‐the‐art fabrication methods for anisotropic polymeric nanoparticles including top‐down, bottom‐up, and microfluidic design approaches. We also summarize the current and potential future applications of these nanoparticles, including drug delivery, biological targeting, immunoengineering, and tissue engineering. Ongoing research into the properties and utility of anisotropic polymeric nanoparticles will prove critical to realizing their potential in nanomedicine. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:191–207. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1348This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
A Rational Approach to IrPTe – DFT and CalPhaD Studies on Phase Stability, Formation, and Structure of IrPTe
Authors: Pielnhofer Florian , Schöneich Michael , Lorenz Tobias , Yan Wenjie , Nilges Tom , Weihrich Richard , Schmidt Peer 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPhase formation, stability, crystal and electronic structures of IrPTe are investigated from experiment and quantum chemical calculations. The phase formation is studied from thermodynamic data and CalPhaD modeling. Applying a high‐temperature gas‐balance a formation pathway for IrPTe is studied from the elements and the binary parent compounds IrTe2 and IrP2. The obtained paracostibite (CoSbS) type structure contains rarely occurring heteroatomic P–Te dumbbells. The stability of IrPTe and the found structure is studied from DFT calculations with respect to the elements, IrTe2 and IrP2, and possible polymorphs. Probable metastable modifications with XY dumbbells (as known for isoelectronic compounds like CoAsS) are obtained from systematic DFT modelling. Phase transitions are predicted form the equation of states (EOS). According to its electronic band structure IrPTe is predicted as small gap (ΔEg = 0.5 eV) semiconductor.
Species diversity and vegetation distribution in nebkhas of Nitraria tangutorum in the Desert Steppes of China
Authors: Zhou Hai , Zhao Wen‐Zhi , Luo Wei‐Cheng , Liu Bing 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNebkhas (phytogenic miniature dunes) are mounds composed of wind‐borne sediment within or around shrub canopies and often develop under plants, creating microenvironments that affect the distribution of vegetation. In our study we investigated the vegetation of 397 nebkhas populated with the shrub Nitraria tangutorum in Yanchi County, in the northwest of China. We measured nebkha size (height, width and length) and soil moisture (from 0 to 100 cm). Distinct microsites of each nebkha (crest, mid‐slope, bottom, edge and internebkha space) were identified and plant species diversity was also measured. Four vegetation groups (N. tangutorum–Chloris virgata + Eragrostis pilosa, N. tangutorum–Artemisia scoparia, N. tangutorum–Salsola collina + Bassia dasyphylla, N. tangutorum–Agriophyllum squarrosum) were described by two way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) on the basis of classification and, concomitantly, the relationships between species composition and environmental gradients were explained by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Regression analysis indicated that as height and area of the nebkhas increased, species richness increased linearly, while the other species diversity indices (Simpson index, Pielou index and Shannon–Wiener evenness index) increased logarithmically. The response of species richness to heterogeneity of the microenvironment resulted from the four aspects (east, south, north and west) of the nebkhas, and varied among the different microsites of the nebkhas. Species composition was correlated with spatial variability in soil moisture along the gradient from the nebkha crest to the internebkha space. It appeared that the microheterogeneity of the nebkhas promoted the abundance of plant species.
Long-term changes and distribution of mercury concentrations in surface sediments of the Gdansk Basin (Southern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Jędruch Agnieszka , Bełdowski Jacek , Bełdowska Magdalena 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Purpose
In the Baltic Sea, the reduction of mercury load is estimated to be 44 % compared to the end of the previous century. Confirmation of mercury load decrease is frequently based on sedimentary mercury profiles. This study aims to assess the inter-annual changes of mercury concentration and the net input in surface sediments, in order to assess the effect of decreased emissions and other processes.

Materials and methods
Surface sediments were collected in 2011–2013 from areas where existing data series were available. Sediments were freeze dried, and total mercury concentrations, loss on ignition and fine fraction content were analysed. We compared recent concentrations of mercury in the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea to values previously reported in the same area since 1993. Net mercury deposition in the analysed sediments and previously reported data were calculated. The observed variability was correlated to climate-related processes and input changes.

Results and discussion
Three studied areas—major river mouth, shallow bay and offshore area—were significantly different in terms of sediment type and mercury concentration. Total mercury concentrations in the study area in 2011–2013 ranged between 2 and 260 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) (mean 61 ng g−1 dw; median 36 ng g−1 dw). Nearly 75 % of the obtained results did not exceed 50 ng g−1 dw, while concentrations >200 ng g−1 dw accounted for a little over 5 % of all the obtained results. Mercury input calculated for the area was much smaller than that recorded for the 1990s, but was characterised with large inter-annual variability, attributed to climate-related processes.

Conclusions
Although a decreasing trend could be observed, it is modified by inter-annual variability. It follows from observations that in the present situation, where mercury emission has been successfully inhibited, that concentrations of this metal in sediments reflect natural metal migration processes rather than the direct influence of anthropogenic sources.
Early‐life stress increases the survival of midbrain neurons during postnatal development and enhances reward‐related and anxiolytic‐like behaviors in a sex‐dependent fashion
Authors: Chocyk Agnieszka , Majcher‐Maślanka Iwona , Przyborowska Aleksandra , Maćkowiak Marzena , Wędzony Krzysztof 
Published: May 2015

AbstractClinical studies have suggested that early‐life stress (ELS) increases the risk of psychopathologies that are strongly associated with dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Thus, ELS may interfere with the development and maturation of the dopaminergic system; however, the mechanisms involved in such interference are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ELS on the survival of specific populations of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) during postnatal development. First, we injected bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) into pregnant rat dams on embryonic days 12, 13 and 14 to permanently label midbrain neurons. Then, after birth, the dams and litters were subjected to a maternal separation (MS) procedure to model ELS conditions. The number of BrdU+ neurons and the total number of neurons (cresyl violet+, CV+) were estimated in both male and female juvenile, adolescent, and adult rats. Moreover, sucrose preference and anxiety‐like behaviors were studied during adulthood. We found that MS permanently increased the number of BrdU+ and CV+ neurons in the VTA of males. In the SNc, a temporary increase in the number of BrdU+ neurons was observed in juvenile MS males; however, only adult MS males displayed an increase in the number of CV+ neurons. Immunofluorescence analysis implied that MS affected the fate of non‐dopaminergic neurons. MS males displayed anxiolytic‐like behavior and an increase in sucrose preference. These results suggest that ELS induces distinct dysregulation in the midbrain circuitry of males, which may lead to sex‐specific psychopathology of the reward system.
A meta‐analysis of risk of pregnancy loss and caffeine and coffee consumption during pregnancy
Authors: Li Ji , Zhao Hong , Song Ju‐Min , Zhang Jing , Tang Yin‐Lan , Xin Chang‐Mao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious reports of the relationship between pregnancy loss and caffeine/coffee consumption have been inconsistent.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between pregnancy loss and caffeine and coffee consumption.Search strategyPubMed was searched for reports published before September 2014, with the keywords “caffeine,” “coffee,” “beverage,” “miscarriage,” “spontaneous abortion,” and “fetal loss.”Selection criteriaCase‐control and cohort studies were included when they had been reported in English, the exposure of interest was caffeine/coffee consumption during pregnancy, the outcome of interest was spontaneous abortion or fetal death, and multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) or risk ratios were provided or could be calculated.Data collection and analysisData were extracted and combined ORs calculated.Main resultsOverall, 26 studies were included (20 of caffeine and eight of coffee). After adjustment for heterogeneity, caffeine consumption was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss (OR 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.40), as was coffee consumption (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21). A dose–response analysis suggested that risk of pregnancy loss rose by 19% for every increase in caffeine intake of 150 mg/day and by 8% for every increase in coffee intake of two cups per day.ConclusionsConsumption of caffeine and coffee during pregnancy seems to increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
Corruption in sport: From the playing field to the field of policy
Authors: Masters Adam 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHow is corruption in sport evolving into a global public policy issue? In the past century, four trends have affected sport according to Paoli and Donati (2013) — de-amateurisation at the turn of the twentieth century, medicalisation since the 1960s, politicisation and commercialisation to the point where sport is now a business worth more than US$141 billion annually. Each of these trends had a corrupting effect on what is generally perceived as a past ‘golden age’ of sport. In the twenty-first century more public funding is being directed into sport in the developed and developing world. As a result this paper will argue organised sport has entered a fifth evolutionary trend — criminalisation. In this latest phase, public policy needs to grapple with what constitutes corruption in what has historically been a private market.