bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of third‐order nonlinear optical properties of pyrazoline‐doped polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Janardhana K. , Ravindrachary V. , Rajesh Kumar P.C. , Ismayil  
Published: January 2013

AbstractA 2‐pyrazoline,3‐(phenyl)‐5‐(4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophe nyl)‐1H‐2‐pyrazoline (PDAP) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet (UV)–visible, and Z‐scan techniques. The PDAP‐doped polyvinyl alcohol composite films were prepared by solvent casting method using dimethylformamide as solvent. The optical properties of the composites were studied using UV–visible, steady state fluorescence, single beam Z‐scan technique and degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) technique. The optical constants such as band gap and optical activation energy were evaluated. The steady state fluorescence data showed both emission peak wavelengths and intensity change with PDAP‐doping level in the composites. The open aperture Z‐scan of the composite films displayed reverse saturable absorption. A self‐focusing effect was observed under closed aperture configuration and the nonlinear refractive index of the film was observed increasing with the increase of doping. The third‐order nonlinear susceptibility was compared with that obtained with picoseconds pulses through DFWM technique. The thermogravimetry analysis shows that the composites are thermally stable up to 260°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dust effects on PV array performance: in‐field observations with non‐uniform patterns
Authors: Lorenzo E. , Moretón R. , Luque I. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the impact of non‐homogeneous deposits of dust on the performance of a PV array. The observations have been made in a 2‐MW PV park in the southeast region of Spain. The results are that inhomogeneous dust leads to more significant consequences than the mere short‐circuit current reduction resulting from transmittance losses. In particular, when the affected PV modules are part of a string together with other cleaned (or less dusty) ones, operation voltage losses arise. These voltage losses can be several times larger than the short‐circuit ones, leading to power losses that can be much larger than what measurements suggest when the PV modules are considered separately. Significant hot‐spot phenomena can also arise leading to cells exhibiting temperature differences of more than 20 degrees and thus representing a threat to the PV modules' lifetime. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulated gate bipolar transistor reliability testing protocol for PV inverter applications
Authors: Flicker Jack , Kaplar Robert , Yang Benjamin , Marinella Matthew , Granata Jennifer 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTTo decrease the cost of ownership of photovoltaic systems, less costly and more reliable photovoltaic inverters must be developed. Insulated gate bipolar transistors are a significant cause of inverter failures and system inefficiencies, so a thorough understanding of their strengths and weaknesses with regards to inverters is necessary. This paper summarizes the current state of experimentation surrounding the use of IGBTs in photovoltaic inverters and discusses their construction, use, lifetime, and reliability of IGBTs regularly used in photovoltaic inverters. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Crystalline electric field splitting in YbNi4P2 measured by inelastic neutron scattering
Authors: Huesges Zita , Stockert Oliver , Koza Michael Marek , Krellner Cornelius , Geibel Christoph , Steglich Frank 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe heavy fermion (HF) compound YbNi4P2 is a promising new system for the study of ferromagnetic quantum criticality. Its particular crystal structure in which the Yb ions form chains along the c‐axis might cause quasi‐1D magnetic interactions. In thermodynamic and transport measurements, highly anisotropic behaviour has been observed. To clarify the role of the crystalline electric field (CEF) on this anisotropy, we have measured its level scheme by inelastic neutron scattering. We observed a broad magnetic excitation feature between 7 and 13 meV that is composed of two or three CEF transitions. We discuss the probability of an additional CEF level at either very high or very low energy.
Application of Bayesian Methods for Age‐Dependent Reliability Analysis
Authors: Alzbutas Robertas , Iešmantas Tomas 
Published: January 2013

In this article, the authors present a general methodology for age‐dependent reliability analysis of degrading or ageing components, structures and systems. The methodology is based on Bayesian methods and inference—its ability to incorporate prior information and on ideas that ageing can be thought of as age‐dependent change of beliefs about reliability parameters (mainly failure rate), when change of belief occurs not only because new failure data or other information becomes available with time but also because it continuously changes due to the flow of time and the evolution of beliefs.The main objective of this article is to present a clear way of how practitioners can apply Bayesian methods to deal with risk and reliability analysis considering ageing phenomena. The methodology describes step‐by‐step failure rate analysis of ageing components: from the Bayesian model building to its verification and generalization with Bayesian model averaging, which as the authors suggest in this article, could serve as an alternative for various goodness‐of‐fit assessment tools and as a universal tool to cope with various sources of uncertainty.The proposed methodology is able to deal with sparse and rare failure events, as is the case in electrical components, piping systems and various other systems with high reliability. In a case study of electrical instrumentation and control components, the proposed methodology was applied to analyse age‐dependent failure rates together with the treatment of uncertainty due to age‐dependent model selection. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative pattern analysis of the N‐terminally processed isoforms of platelet factor‐4 in serum
Authors: Kim Jin Young , Lee Jae‐Ryoung , Choi Sunkyu , Kim Eun‐Min , Jung Nak‐Kyun , Kim Young Hwan , Yoo Jong Shin , Lee Seung‐won 
Published: January 2013

RATIONALEPlatelet factor 4 (PF4) is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family which has been shown to play a role in inflammation and in the regulation of angiogenesis. In general, chemokines are susceptible to proteolytic cleavage in amino and carboxy terminal regions, which usually results in dramatic changes to the chemokine bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to identify various platelet factor‐4 (PF4) isoforms caused by proteolytic processing and to quantify their levels in normal serum.METHODSFirst, we identified the N‐terminally truncated PF4 isoforms from a standard purified PF4 protein sample by using mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis. Then, we used high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to semi‐purify PF4 from serum samples, and the levels of the four most abundant PF4 isoforms were quantitatively determined using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assays on a nano‐LC/triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer.RESULTSWe have identified seven N‐terminally processed PF4 isoforms and compared the levels of major PF4 isoforms from nine serum samples. Pro‐p1 (EAEEDGDLQCLCVK–; average MW, 7765.2) is the major PF4 isoform in serum whereas the PF4 isoforms, designated Prot‐p4 (FASAEAEEDGDLQCLCVK– ;average MW, 8141.5), Prot‐p3 (SAEAEEDGDLQCLCVK– ; average MW, 7923.3), and Prot‐p2 (AEEDGDLQCLCVK– ; average MW, 7836.3), are at about 16%, 3%, and 2% levels of the major one, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThis study is the first report on the levels of N‐terminally processed PF4 isoforms in serum. Also, this study shows the usefulness of SRM in determining concentrations of protein isoform variants, which can be often overlooked in immunoassay analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics analysis of ancient food vessel stitching reveals >4000‐year‐old milk protein
Authors: Buckley Michael , Melton Nigel D. , Montgomery Janet 
Published: January 2013

RATIONALEThe 19th century excavation of an exceptionally well‐preserved Early Bronze Age high status log‐coffin burial from northern England, dated to 2200–2020 BC, yielded a 'food residue' collected from the inside of an accompanying bark vessel. This residue contained fibrous stitching that was used to hold the bark walls of the vessel together, first described as animal sinews, although the surviving material clearly contains animal hairs. Protein sequencing by soft ionisation mass spectrometry should identify the proteins that constitute the material, as well as the animal species from which they derive.METHODSPeptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) by MALDI‐TOF‐MS combined with liquid chromatography‐ESI‐LTQ‐MS/MS was used to identify low‐abundance proteins as well as the dominant proteins in the sample.RESULTSThese proteomics techniques revealed the dominant proteins as deriving from the fibrous keratins (both types 1 and 2) and collagens (types 1 and 3), specifically those indicative of a bovine source. However, several peptide sequences diagnostic of bovine α‐S1‐casein were also observed, indicating that traces of milk had been preserved within the >4000‐year‐old fibrous residue.CONCLUSIONSThe presence of this food vessel that once contained milk within a burial of high status is suggestive of the importance placed on these secondary products. It is perhaps more remarkable that this information was retrieved not only from material of such antiquity, but also from an excavation that occurred nearly 200 years ago. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear time history analysis of China Pavilion for Expo 2010 Shanghai China
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Sun Fangtao , Lu Xilin , Qian Jiang 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYThe peculiar building style and special structural system of the National Hall of China Pavilion for Expo 2010 Shanghai is a long‐span and large cantilevered steel–concrete hybrid structure with a shape of an inverted trapezoid in elevation and local discontinuity of floor slabs in plan for esthetic and functional considerations. Because of these characteristics, the building is classified as an irregular and complex structure. To investigate the seismic behavior of the structure, a refined finite element model was established by using NosaCAD. To simulate the nonlinear behavior of the members, the fiber section model was chosen for compression‐flexure frame members, and nonlinear flat shell element was chosen for tube wall. Nonlinear analysis was carried out to study the seismic behavior of the structure under the minor and major earthquakes at the level of intensity 7. With the analysis, the deformations, internal forces and damage states of the structure were investigated. Analysis results show that there is no damage on structure under minor earthquake, the structural system has sufficient capacity and ductility to resist major earthquake, and seismic performance objective of no damage under minor earthquake and no collapse under major earthquake can be reached. The deformation of the structure is less than the limit of the Chinese code. The order and distribution of damages on components of the tubes are reasonable, which can dissipate some dynamic energy. Finally, weak points were identified, and some corresponding suggestions were put forward to improve the overall seismic performance of this structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear‐scaling self‐consistent field methods for large molecules
Authors: Kussmann Jörg , Beer Matthias , Ochsenfeld Christian 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOver the last decades, linear‐scaling quantum–chemical methods (QM) have become an important tool for studying large molecular systems, so that already with modest computer resources molecules with more than a thousand atoms are well in reach. The key feature of the methods is the reduction of the steep scaling of the computational effort of conventional ab initio schemes to linear while reliability and accuracy of the underlying quantum–chemical approximation is preserved in the most successful schemes. This review gives a brief overview of selected linear‐scaling approaches at the Hartree–Fock and density‐functional theory level with a particular emphasis on density matrix‐based approaches. The focus is not only on energetics, but also on the calculation of molecular properties providing an important link between theory and experiment. In addition, the usefulness of linear‐scaling QM approaches within quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) hybrid schemes is briefly discussed. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2013, 3:614–636. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1138This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
Visual working memory
Authors: Mance Irida , Vogel Edward K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractVisual working memory (VWM), the system of storing, manipulating, and utilizing, visual information is fundamental to many cognitive acts. Exploring the limitations of this system is essential to understand the characteristics of higher‐order cognition, since at a basic level, VWM is the interface through which we interact with our environment. Given its important function, this system has become a very active area of research in the recent years. Here, we examine current models of VWM, along with the proposed reasons for what limits its capacity. This is followed by a short description of recent neural findings that have helped constrain models of VWM. In closing, we focus on work exploring individual differences in working memory capacity, and what these findings reveal about the intimate relationship between VWM and attention. WIREs Cogn Sci 2013, 4:179–190. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1219This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory
Analysis of biomarker expression in severe endometriosis and determination of possibilities for targeted intraoperative imaging
Authors: van den Berg Liseth L. , Crane Lucia M.A. , van Oosten Marleen , van Dam Gooitzen M. , Simons Arnold H.M. , Hofker H. Sijbrand , Bart Joost 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the expression of biomarkers in endometriotic tissue in order to determine the most promising molecules for targeted intraoperative imaging.MethodsTissue samples were obtained from 18 patients with endometriosis. The intensity and pattern of expression of the following biomarkers were assessed by immunohistochemistry: C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), estrogen receptor (ER), folate receptor α (FR‐α), hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐α (HIF‐1α), progesterone receptor (PR), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A). The Target Selection Criteria scoring system was used to select the most promising biomarkers for intraoperative imaging.ResultsExpression of CXCR4, EpCAM, ER, PR, and VEGF‐A was scored as strong in endometriotic epithelium. Expression of FR‐α was detected in 94.4% of samples, whereas HIF‐1α was expressed in just 5.6% of samples. Of note, CXCR4, ER, and VEGF‐A were also expressed in surrounding healthy tissue, thus reducing the target‐to‐background ratio.ConclusionOf the 7 biomarkers assessed in the present study, EpCAM, FR‐α, and VEGF‐A seem the most promising for targeted intraoperative imaging of endometriosis.
Glomerulonephritis associated with tuberculosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Solak Yalcin , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Anil Melih , Atalay Huseyin , Ozbek Orhan , Turkmen Kultigin , Polat Ilker , Turk Suleyman 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRapidly progressive glomerulonephritis caused mycobacterium tuberculosis is rare; however, three case have been reported to date. Crescentic glomerulonephritis is a life‐threatening disease and together with the presence of tuberculous infection is associated with a poor outcome if treatment is inadequate and delayed. We describe the case of a 31‐year‐old female patient with nephrotic syndrome and progressive renal failure secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis. Renal biopsy showed crescent formation in 14 out of 27 glomeruli, and there was diffuse linear staining of immunoglobulin G deposits. Treatment included corticosteroids in combination with antituberculosis drugs for 2 months, and resulted in a significant improvement in renal function, the disappearance of proteinuria and pulmonary symptoms. We also present a review of the pertinent literature and discuss the pathophysiology of tuberculosis‐related acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis.
Evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in chronic heart failure patients by two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging
Authors: Jiang Feng‐Xia , Guo Rui‐Qiang , Chen Jin‐Ling 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients using two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D‐STI), and also to compare the usefulness of three patterns of myocardial deformation in mechanical dyssynchrony assessment. Furthermore, the relationships between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), QRS duration (QRSd), and LVMD were explored. In total, 78 patients and 60 healthy individuals (group 3) were enrolled. The patients were classified into two subgroups: LVEF ≤ 35% (group 1), 35% < LVEF < 50% (group 2). All participants underwent two‐dimensional echocardiography, and dyssynchrony indices derived from 2D‐STI were calculated. According to statistical principles, the cut‐off value of LVMD was defined as mean ± 1.645 SD of the normal population. Dyssynchrony rates were calculated in CHF subgroups and compared within each subgroup, respectively. Compared with group 3, all indices in group 1 were remarkably higher (p < 0.05), and some of the indices in group 2 were significantly higher (p < 0.05). A significant difference of dyssynchrony rate was noted within both group 1 and group 2 (χ2 = 25.55, p < 0.05 vs. χ2 = 23.88, p < 0.05), and the highest value was derived from the longitudinal index in both subgroups. LVEF was related to all three forms of strain/strain rate (p < 0.05), whereas no relationship existed between QRSd and dyssynchrony indices (p > 0.05). CHF patients have different extents of LVMD. Longitudinal deformation shows the best detectability of dyssynchrony motion. Left ventricular systolic function was closely related to mechanical dyssynchrony, whereas QRSd showed no significant correlation.
The loess cover of northeastern Wisconsin
Authors: Schaetzl Randall J. , Attig John W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe present the first study of the distribution, genesis and paleoenvironmental significance of late Pleistocene loess in northeastern Wisconsin and adjacent parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Loess here is commonly 25–70 cm thick. Upland areas that were deglaciated early and remained geomorphically stable preferentially accumulated loess by providing sites that were efficient at trapping and retaining eolian sediment. Data from 419 such sites indicate that the loess was mainly derived from proglacial outwash plains and to a lesser extent, hummocky end moraines within and near the region, particularly those toward the east of the loess deposits. Most of the loess was transported on katabatic winds coming off the ice sheet, which entrained and transported both silt and fine sands. The loess fines markedly, and is better sorted, distal to these source regions. Only minimal amounts of loess were deposited in this area via westerly winds. This research (1) reinforces the observation that outwash plains and end moraines can be significant loess sources, (2) provides evidence for katabatic winds as significant eolian transport vectors, and (3) demonstrates that the loess record may be variously preserved across landscapes, depending on where and when geomorphically stable sites became available for loess accumulation.
Does Use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy While Continuing to Smoke Undermine Cessation?: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beard Emma , Aveyard Paul , Michie Susan , McNeill Ann , West Robert 
Published: January 2013

Aims: To review population surveys to assess (a) prevalence of the use of NRT for smoking reduction (SR) and temporary abstinence (TA) and (b) how far this is associated with attempts to stop smoking, smoking cessation and reduction in cigarette consumption.Methods: An electronic search was undertaken of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Articles were selected if they (1) assessed whether smokers had used or were currently using NRT for SR and/or TA; (2) involved smokers who had not taken part in a harm reduction programme; and (3) assessed prevalence and/or association of SR and/or TA with reductions in cigarette consumption and/or attempts to stop smoking and/or with smoking cessation. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and results were extracted independently by two researchers.Results: Data were available from five countries (US, UK, Canada, Switzerland and Australia). Between 1% and 23% of smokers reported having ever used NRT for smoking reduction and between 2% and 14% during periods of temporary abstinence. Use of NRT for SR and/or TA was associated with little or no reduction in cigarette consumption. There was some evidence that it was positively associated with attempts to stop smoking and smoking cessation.Conclusion: In smoking populations use of NRT to aid SR and in situations where smoking is not permitted appears to be having little effect on achieving a reduction in cigarette consumption but does not undermine cessation and may promote it.
International Law and Public Attitudes Toward Torture: An Experimental Study
Authors: Wallace Geoffrey P.R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDomestic approaches to compliance with international commitments often presume that international law has a distinct effect on the beliefs and preferences of national publics. Studies attempting to estimate the consequences of international law unfortunately face a wide range of empirical and methodological challenges. This article uses an experimental design embedded in two U.S. national surveys to offer direct systematic evidence of international law's effect on mass attitudes. To provide a relatively tough test for international law, the surveys examine public attitudes toward the use of torture, an issue in which national security concerns are often considered paramount. Contrary to the common contention of international law's inefficacy, I find that legal commitments have a discernible impact on public support for the use of torture. The effect of international law is also strongest in those contexts where pressures to resort to torture are at their highest. However, the effects of different dimensions in the level of international agreements' legalization are far from uniform. In contrast to the attention often devoted to binding rules, I find that the level of obligation seems to make little difference on public attitudes toward torture. Rather, the relative precision of the rules, along with the degree to which enforcement is delegated to third parties, plays a much greater role in shaping public preferences. Across both international law and legalization, an individual's political ideology also exerts a strong mediating effect, though in varying directions depending on the design of the agreement. The findings have implications for understanding the overall impact of international law on domestic actors, the importance of institutional design, and the role of political ideology on compliance with international agreements.