bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of morphing concepts and materials for wind turbine blade applications
Authors: Lachenal Xavier , Daynes Stephen , Weaver Paul M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWith increasing size of wind turbines, new approaches to load control are required to reduce the stresses in blades. Experimental and numerical studies in the fields of helicopter and wind turbine blade research have shown the potential of shape morphing in reducing blade loads. However, because of the large size of modern wind turbine blades, more similarities can be found with wing morphing research than with helicopter blades. Morphing technologies are currently receiving significant interest from the wind turbine community because of their potential high aerodynamic efficiency, simple construction and low weight. However, for actuator forces to be kept low, a compliant structure is needed. This is in apparent contradiction to the requirement for the blade to be load carrying and stiff. This highlights the key challenge for morphing structures in replacing the stiff and strong design of current blades with more compliant structures. Although not comprehensive, this review gives a concise list of the most relevant concepts for morphing structures and materials that achieve compliant shape adaptation for wind turbine blades.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling the aerodynamics of vertical‐axis wind turbines in unsteady wind conditions
Authors: Scheurich Frank , Brown Richard E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTMost numerical and experimental studies of the performance of vertical‐axis wind turbines have been conducted with the rotors in steady, and thus somewhat artificial, wind conditions—with the result that turbine aerodynamics, under varying wind conditions, are still poorly understood. The vorticity transport model has been used to investigate the aerodynamic performance and wake dynamics, both in steady and unsteady wind conditions, of three different vertical‐axis wind turbines: one with a straight‐bladed configuration, another with a curved‐bladed configuration and another with a helically twisted configuration. The turbines with non‐twisted blades are shown to be somewhat less efficient than the turbine with helically twisted blades when the rotors are operated at constant rotational speed in unsteady wind conditions. In steady wind conditions, the power coefficients that are produced by both the straight‐bladed and curved‐bladed turbines vary considerably within one rotor revolution because of the continuously varying angle of attack on the blades and, thus, the inherent unsteadiness in the blade aerodynamic loading. These variations are much larger, and thus far more significant, than those that are induced by the unsteadiness in the wind conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gauss–Newton method
Authors: Wang Yong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Gauss–Newton method for nonlinear regression is described, along with its close relationship with the Fisher scoring method. Its many extensions, sometimes in the form of Fisher scoring, are briefly reviewed, including those for coping with large‐residual problems in nonlinear regression, for optimizing a likelihood or other performance criterion, and for dealing with parameters with constraints.WIREs Comput Stat2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1202This article is categorized under:Algorithms and Computational Methods > Quadratic and Nonlinear ProgrammingAlgorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods
Using a specialized blowgun dart to obtain genetic samples from mammals
Authors: Keeley Brian W. , Keeley Annika T. H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe developed a blunt, sticky blowgun dart to collect genetic samples from mammals, and used the technique on the variegated squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) in June and July 2010. Blowgun and darts cost <US$30. The blowgun had an effective range of >40 m. Total sampling success was 88%. The blowgun enabled a rapid method of sample collection that reduced animal stress and the expenses associated with trapping. Developing proficiency in use of the blowgun can be challenging but is overcome with practice. It is difficult to use the blowgun method during heavy rain or high winds. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Heat Production, Nerve Function, and Morphology following Nerve Close Dissection with Surgical Instruments
Authors: Carlander Johan , Koch C. , Brudin L. , Nordborg C. , Gimm O. , Johansson K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to compare an ultrasonically activated instrument (US), monopolar electrosurgery, and bipolar electrosurgery (ES) with respect to heat production, nerve function, and nerve morphology following in vivo application.Materials and methodsThe biceps femoris muscle of anesthetized rats was cut in a standardized manner longitudinally 1 mm adjacent to the sciatic nerve using US shears, a monopolar ES knife, or a bipolar ES scissors. Activation time and temperature were recorded continuously within 1–4 mm of the activation site ipsilateral and contralateral to the nerve with two thermoelectric microsensors. Temperature rise and time delay of reaching the temperature maximum, as an expression of heat spread within tissue, maximum temperature, and thermal dose (equivalent time of exposure at 43°C) were measured and calculated. A total of 49 functional experiments were conducted. The electromyographic (EMG) potential was recorded distally. Nerve dysfunction was defined as more than 10% loss of the evoked EMG amplitude. Forty‐eight nerves were coded and submitted to blind histopathological examination, and morphological damage was graded on a 4‐grade scale.ResultsThe maximum temperature elevation and the thermal dose were significantly higher for the bipolar ES compared with the US instrument (p = 0.024, p = 0.049), and with much less variation of results for the US instrument. The monopolar ES maximum temperature and thermal dose were lower, but a very large variation occurred, probably as a result of more random electrical spread to the ground electrode and muscle motion artifacts. Functional loss was least common in the US group—without being significant—compared to bipolar and monopolar ES. Moderate and severe morphological damage was significantly less common in the US group than in the monopolar ES group (p = 0.041). We found no statistically significant correlation between the highest temperatures and the degree of morphological damage or functional loss.ConclusionsThe temperature elevation depends strongly on the distance to the activated instrument. The bipolar ES scissors generates a higher maximum temperature and thermal dose with a greater variation in than the US. Functional loss and severe morphological damage were uncommon in all groups.
Completion Thyroidectomy: Effect of Timing on Clinical Complications and Oncologic Outcome in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Glockzin Gabriel , Hornung Matthias , Kienle Klaus , Thelen Katrin , Boin Marita , Schreyer Andreas G. , Lighvani Hamid R. , Schlitt Hans J. , Agha Ayman 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundDespite improved preoperative diagnostics, incidental postoperative detection of differentiated thyroid cancer in the final histology is still common. In most of these cases, completion thyroidectomy is recommended by national and international guidelines, although secondary surgery is associated with an increased operative risk. The optimal timing of completion thyroidectomy is still controversial.MethodsBetween January 1993 and December 2009, a total of 128 patients underwent completion thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: papillary (n = 87) and follicular (n = 41). These patients were divided into five groups according to the time of the completion thyroidectomy after primary surgery (groups A, 1–3 days; B, 4–7 days; C, 1–7 weeks; D, 7–12 weeks; E, >3 months). Clinical complications and oncologic outcomes were analyzed. The mean follow‐up was 82.5 ± 17 months.ResultsThe overall rates of transient and persistent postoperative hypocalcemia were 7.0 and 3.1%, respectively. The rates of persistent hypocalcemia were significantly increased in groups B, C, and D in comparison to those in groups A and E (p < 0.003). The hypocalcemia rates were 7.1, 4.5, and 3.8% versus 0%, respectively. Transient or persistent vocal cord paresis was observed in eight (6.2%) and four patients (3.1%), respectively. The incidence of persistent vocal cord paresis (VCP) was significantly higher in groups B, C, and D than in groups A and E (p < 0.003). The VCP rates were 7.1, 4.5, and 3.8% versus 0%, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding survival or recurrence among the five groups.ConclusionsConsidering perioperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes, completion thyroidectomy should be performed either within 3 days or beyond 3 months after primary surgery.
The Effect of the Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Sivelestat on Early Injury after Liver Resection
Authors: Tsujii Shigehiro , Okabayashi Takehiro , Shiga Mai , Takezaki Yuka , Sugimoto Takeki , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of sivelestat on endotoxin‐induced lung injury, postperfusion lung injury, and ischemia–reperfusion are known, yet the benefits of sivelestat during liver surgery have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of sivelestat, with a focus on postoperative chemical data, in hepatectomized patients.Patients and methodsA prospective clinical study was conducted in 50 patients undergoing hepatic resection. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Elaspol, sivelestat (ELP group, n = 25) or placebo (control group, n = 25). Perioperative blood chemistry values in both groups, including high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin (IL)‐6, were monitored.ResultsThe HMGB1 levels increased immediately after the operation (from the intraoperative period to the second postoperative day [POD]) in the control group. Compared to the control group, the levels of HMGB1 in the ELP group were significantly suppressed by the perioperative administration of sivelestat. At POD 1, the levels of IL‐6 in the ELP group decreased more rapidly than those before the operation compared to the control group.ConclusionsA human clinical study demonstrated the effect of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase inhibitor on the earliest markers of liver injury. The present study showed that patients who received sivelestat had reduced release of HMGB1, and that IL‐6 levels decreased more rapidly in patients treated with sivelestat than in those who received the placebo. The most appropriate dose, timing, and duration of sivelestat in humans remain unclear; however, it may have therapeutic potential for various liver injuries.
A phase I/II, non-randomized, feasibility/safety and efficacy study of the combination of everolimus, cetuximab and capecitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kordes Sil , Richel Dick J. , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , Weterman Mariëtte J. , Stevens Arnoldus J. W. M. , Wilmink Johanna W. 
Published: February 2012

Summary
Background Improvements in knowledge of molecular mechanisms in cancer are the basis for new studies combining chemotherapy with targeted drugs. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by erlotinib or cetuximab has limited or no activity, respectively, in pancreatic cancer. The crosstalk between EGFR and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways is a potential mechanism of resistance; therefore we conducted a study to explore safety and efficacy of multiple pathway inhibition by cetuximab and everolimus in combination with capecitabine. Methods Safety and efficacy of fixed standard dose cetuximab in combination with various dose levels of everolimus (5–10 mg/day) and capecitabine (600–800 mg/m2 bid, 2 weeks every 3 weeks) were investigated in a phase I/II study in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The primary endpoint was objective response. Results Sixteen patients were treated in the phase I part at two dose levels. Mucositis, rash and hand-foot syndrome were dose-limiting toxicities. Dose level 1 (everolimus 5 mg/day, capecitabine 600 mg/m2 bid for 2 weeks every 3 weeks and cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly) was considered the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Of 31 patients in the phase II part, partial response was documented in two patients (6.5%) and five (16.1%) had stable disease. Median overall survival was 5.0 months (CI 3.1–6.8). Conclusion The schedule of capecitabine, everolimus and cetuximab resulted in considerable epidermal and mucosal toxicities and prevented escalation to optimal dose levels. Because of toxicity and low efficacy this treatment combination cannot be recommended for treatment in pancreatic cancer patients.
Regime Switching State-Space Models Applied to Psychological Processes: Handling Missing Data and Making Inferences
Authors: Hamaker E. L. , Grasman R. P. P. P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMany psychological processes are characterized by recurrent shifts between distinct regimes or states. Examples that are considered in this paper are the switches between different states associated with premenstrual syndrome, hourly fluctuations in affect during a major depressive episode, and shifts between a “hot hand” and a “cold hand” in a top athlete. We model these processes with the regime switching state-space model proposed by Kim (J. Econom. 60:1–22, 1994), which results in both maximum likelihood estimates for the model parameters and estimates of the latent variables and the discrete states of the process. However, the current algorithm cannot handle missing data, which limits its applicability to psychological data. Moreover, the performance of standard errors for the purpose of making inferences about the parameter estimates is yet unknown. In this paper we modify Kim’s algorithm so it can handle missing data and we perform a simulation study to investigate its performance in (relatively) short time series in cases of different kinds of missing data and in case of complete data. Finally, we apply the regime switching state-space model to the three empirical data sets described above.
Addressing the Future Burden of Cancer and Its Impact on the Oncology Workforce: Where Is Cancer Prevention and Control?
Authors: Chang Shine , Cameron Carrie 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The need for cancer professionals has never been more urgent than it is today. Reports project serious shortages by 2020 of oncology health care providers. Although many plans have been proposed, no role for prevention has been described. In response, a 2-day symposium was held in 2009 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to capture the current status of the cancer prevention workforce and begin to identify gaps in the workforce. Five working groups were organized around the following topic areas: (a) health policy and advocacy; (b) translation to the community; (c) integrating cancer prevention into clinical practice; (d) health services infrastructure and economics; and (e) discovery, research, and technology. Along with specific recommendations on these topics, the working groups identified two additional major themes: the difficulty of defining areas within the field (including barriers to communication) and lack of sufficient funding. These interdependent issues synergistically impede progress in preventing cancer; they are explored in detail in this synthesis, and recommendations for actions to address them are presented. Progress in cancer prevention should be a major national and international goal. To achieve this goal, ensuring the health of the workforce in cancer prevention and control is imperative.
Turbulent three-dimensional dielectric electrohydrodynamic convection between two plates
Authors: Kourmatzis A. , Shrimpton J. S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe fundamental mechanisms responsible for the creation of electrohydrodynamically driven roll structures in free electroconvection between two plates are analysed with reference to traditional Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC). Previously available knowledge limited to two dimensions is extended to three-dimensions, and a wide range of electric Reynolds numbers is analysed, extending into a fully inherently three-dimensional turbulent regime. Results reveal that structures appearing in three-dimensional electrohydrodynamics (EHD) are similar to those observed for RBC, and while two-dimensional EHD results bear some similarities with the three-dimensional results there are distinct differences. Analysis of two-point correlations and integral length scales show that full three-dimensional electroconvection is more chaotic than in two dimensions and this is also noted by qualitatively observing the roll structures that arise for both low (${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 1$) and high electric Reynolds numbers (up to ${\mathit{Re}}_{E} = 120$). Furthermore, calculations of mean profiles and second-order moments along with energy budgets and spectra have examined the validity of neglecting the fluctuating electric field ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ in the Reynolds-averaged EHD equations and provide insight into the generation and transport mechanisms of turbulent EHD. Spectral and spatial data clearly indicate how fluctuating energy is transferred from electrical to hydrodynamic forms, on moving through the domain away from the charging electrode. It is shown that ${ E}_{i}^{\ensuremath{\prime} } $ is not negligible close to the walls and terms acting as sources and sinks in the turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent scalar flux and turbulent scalar variance equations are examined. Profiles of hydrodynamic terms in the budgets resemble those in the literature for RBC; however there are terms specific to EHD that are significant, indicating that the transfer of energy in EHD is also attributed to further electrodynamic terms and a strong coupling exists between the charge flux and variance, due to the ionic drift term.
Identification of mealybug pest species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Egypt and France, using a DNA barcoding approach
Authors: Abd-Rabou S. , Shalaby H. , Germain J.-F. , Ris N. , Kreiter P. , Malausa T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPseudococcidae (mealybugs) is a large taxonomic group, including a number of agronomic pests. Taxonomic identification of mealybug species is a recurrent problem and represents a major barrier to the establishment of adequate pest management strategies. We combined molecular analysis of three DNA markers (28S-D2, cytochrome oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2) with morphological examination, for the identification of 176 specimens collected from 40 mealybug populations infesting various crops and ornamental plants in Egypt and France. This combination of DNA and morphological analyses led to the identification of 17 species: seven in Egypt (Planococcus citri (Risso), Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, Phenacoccus parvus Morrison and Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell)) and 11 in France (Planococcus citri, Pseudococcus viburni Signoret, Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti), Pseudococcus comstocki (Kuwana), Rhizoecus amorphophalli Betrem, Trionymus bambusae (Green), Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi), Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, Planococcus vovae (Nasonov), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) and Phenacoccus aceris Signoret), Pl. citri being found in both countries. We also found genetic variation between populations considered to belong to the same species, justifying further investigation of the possible occurrence of complexes of cryptic taxa.
Implications of farmers’ seed exchanges for on-farm conservation of quinoa, as revealed by its genetic diversity in Chile
Authors: FUENTES F. F. , BAZILE D. , BHARGAVA A. , MARTÍNEZ E. A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYQuinoa cultivation in Chile presents an ancient and active complex of geographic, climatic, social and cultural interactions that has determined its current biodiversity in the three main growing zones (north, central and south). Importantly, these interactions involve the participation of farmers, whose activities are at the base of seed exchange networks due to their knowledge andin situconservation of genetic diversity. The present study reports how a better understanding of farmers’ seed exchanges and local production practices could impact the genetic structure and diversity of quinoa at national scale in Chile. Using field interviews and characterization of 20 microsatellite genetic markers in a multi-origin set of 34 quinoa accessions representative of Chile and the South American region, the phenetic analysis of germplasm was consistent with the current classification of quinoa ecotypes present in Chile and Andean zone. This allowed the identification of five populations, which were represented by quinoa of Salares (northern Chile), Coastal/Lowlands (central and southern Chile), Highlands (Peru, Bolivia and Argentina) and Inter-Andean Valleys (Ecuador and Colombia). The highly informative quality of the markers used revealed a wide genetic diversity among main growing areas in Chile, which correlated well with natural geographical–edaphic–climatic and social–linguistic context to the expansion of quinoa biodiversity. Additionally, in addition to ancient seed exchanges, this process is still governed by the diverse agricultural practices of Andean farmers. Genetic erosion is considered an imminent risk due to small-scale farming, where the influence of increased migration of people to urban systems and export-driven changes to the agro-ecosystems may further reduce the diversity of quinoa plants in cultivation.
Research on English teaching and learning: Taiwan (2004–2009)
Authors: Chen Suchiao , Tsai Yachin 
Published: February 2012

This article analyzes research in second/foreign language teaching and learning conducted in Taiwan over the period 2004–2009. Representative articles published in local refereed journals and conference proceedings – not readily accessible outside Taiwan – are reviewed to reflect current trends in English teaching and learning. The main themes discussed include English-in-education policy and curriculum, research on English-skills development, and assessment.The analysis presented here highlights the fact that research in Taiwan not only follows international trends but also satisfies specific needs in local sociolinguistic contexts. Additionally, this paper sheds light on why the international readership of this locally conducted research remains very limited, and concludes by outlining the challenges that researchers face and the gradually shifting status of English in Taiwan in this increasingly globalized world.