A genome-wide association study in the Japanese population identifies susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes at UBE2E2 and C2CD4A-C2CD4B

Yamauchi, Toshimasa,Hara, Kazuo,Maeda, Shiro,Yasuda, Kazuki,Takahashi, Atsushi,Horikoshi, Momoko,Nakamura, Masahiro,Fujita, Hayato,Grarup, Niels,Cauchi, Stephane,Ng, Daniel P K,Ma, Ronald C W,Tsunoda, Nature Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan P 2010 Nature genetics Vol.42 No.10

We conducted a genome-wide association study of type 2 diabetes (T2D) using 459,359 SNPs in a Japanese population with a three-stage study design (stage 1, 4,470 cases and 3,071 controls; stage 2, 2,886 cases and 3,087 controls; stage 3, 3,622 cases and 2,356 controls). We identified new associations in UBE2E2 on chromosome 3 and in C2CD4A-C2CD4B on chromosome 15 at genome-wide significant levels (rs7612463 in UBE2E2, combined P = 2.27 ? 10<SUP>??9</SUP>; rs7172432 in C2CD4A-C2CD4B, combined P = 3.66 ? 10<SUP>??9</SUP>). The association of these two loci with T2D was replicated in other east Asian populations. In the European populations, the C2CD4A-C2CD4B locus was significantly associated with T2D, and a combined analysis of all populations gave P = 8.78 ? 10<SUP>??14</SUP>, whereas the UBE2E2 locus did not show association to T2D. In conclusion, we identified two new loci at UBE2E2 and C2CD4A-C2CD4B associated with susceptibility to T2D.

MgAl2SiO6-incorporated poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries

Angulakshmi, N.,Yoo, D. J.,Nahm, K. S.,Gerbaldi, C.,Stephan, A. M. Springer Science + Business Media 2014 IONICS -KIEL- Vol.20 No.2

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs), comprising various concentrations of lithium hexafluorophosphate and magnesium aluminium silicate, were prepared by hot-press technique. The membranes were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, tensile and thermal analyses. It has been demonstrated that the incorporation of the ceramic filler in the polymeric matrix has significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity, thermal stability and mechanical integrity of the membrane. It also improved the interfacial properties with lithium electrode. Finally, an all-solid-state lithium cell composed of Li/CPE/LiFePO4 has been assembled and its cycling performance was analysed at 70 A degrees C. The cell delivered a discharge capacity of 115 mAh g(-1) at 1 A degrees C rate and is found to be higher than previous reports.

^(237)Np(n,f) Cross Section: New Data and Present Status

C. Paradela,L. Tassan-Got,L. Audouin,B. Berthier,L. Ferrant,S. Isaev,C. Le Naour,C. Stephan,D. Trubert,S. David,I. Duran,D. Tarrio,H. Alvarez-Pol,U. Abbondanno,K. Fujii,P. M. Milazzo,C. Moreau,G. Aert 한국물리학회 2011 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.59 No.23

In this document, we present the final result obtained at the n_TOF experiment for the neutron-induced fission cross section of the ^(237)Np, from the fission threshold up to 1 GeV. The method applied to get this result is brie y discussed. n_TOF data are compared to the last experimental measurements using other TOF facilities or the surrogate method, reported experiments performed with monoenergetic sources and the FISCAL systematic, including a discussion about the existing discrepancies.

The Future of Workplace in Vertical Cities: Hanging Gardens, Roof Terraces and Vertical Plazas

Reinke, Stephan C. Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat Korea 2020 International journal of high-rise buildings Vol.9 No.1

As the workplace evolves in our vertical cities, the need for "think spaces" and the public realm to meet, create and innovate will become integral to tall buildings. These people places are designed to address the social challenges and enhance the co-working environments which are emerging in the dense urban context of our future cities. The design of sky terraces and the "spaces between" offer a greener, more humane and smarter work environment for the future. The public realm should no longer be held down, fixed to the ground plane, but rather become part and parcel of the upper levels of our workplace centers. These collective spaces in our workplace centers must provide a three dimensional matrix of connected and identifiable platforms to leverage the open and progressive future way of working. This will enable social networking and idea sharing, and create multi-dimensional, multi-level business incubators for innovation and creativity. The BCO ( British Council of Offices) has performed a landmark Wellness Matters Report which provides an exemplary roadmap for the future of the workplace. Our future vertical cities must also provide for serendipity in the workplace; a key attribute to drive the information exchange and collaboration that are proven to provide positive and progressive business outcomes. In addition to demonstrating examples of existing built work and the concept of the integrated vertical public realm, the presentation also will consider and define wellness in the workplace as a critical factor in our design strategies and our future workplace environments Hanging Gardens, Roof Terraces and the Vertical Plazas; designed for interchange, wellness, animation and collaboration.

NETWORK-ORIENTED BEHAVIORS IN BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MARKETS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Sabrina C. Thornton,Stephan C. Henneberg,Peter Naud? 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2014 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2014 No.7

This study is concerned with the extent to which network-oriented behaviors directly and/or indirectly affect firm performance. We posit that a firm’s interactive behaviors in relation to an embedded network structure are key mechanisms that facilitate the development of important organizational capabilities in dealing with business partners. Such network-oriented behaviors, which are aimed at affecting the position of a company in the network, are consequently important drivers of firm performance, rather than the network structure alone. We develop a conceptual model that captures network-oriented behaviors as a driving force of firm performance in relation to three other key organizational behaviors, i.e. customer-oriented, competitor-oriented and relationship-oriented behaviors. We test the hypothesized model using a data set of 354 responses collected via an on-line questionnaire from UK managers, whose organizations operate in business-to-business markets in either manufacturing or services sectors. Based on the research results all the hypothesized relationships are supported, except the moderation effect of technological turbulence on the relationship of network-oriented behaviors and relationship portfolio effectiveness. The research results indicate that a firm’s network-oriented behaviors positively impact on the development of customer-oriented and competitor-oriented behaviors. They also foster relationship coordination with its important business partners within the network. In addition, the effective management of the firm’s portfolio of relationships is found to mediate the positive impact of network-oriented behaviors on firm profitability.

High-energy Neutron-induced Fission Cross Sections of Natural Lead and Bismuth-209

D. Tarrio,L. Tassan-Got,L. Audouin,B. Berthier,L. Ferrant,S. Isaev,C. Le Naour,C. Stephan,D. Trubert,S. David,I. Duran,C. Paradela,H. Alvarez-Pol,U. Abbondanno,K. Fujii,P. M. Milazzo,C. Moreau,G. Aert 한국물리학회 2011 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.59 No.23

The CERN Neutron Time-Of-Flight (n_TOF) facility is well suited to measure small neutron-induced fission cross sections, as those of subactinides. The cross section ratios of ^(nat)Pb and ^(209)Bi relative to ^(235)U and ^(238)U were measured using PPAC detectors. The fragment coincidence method allows to unambiguously identify the fission events. The present experiment provides the first results for neutron-induced fission up to 1 GeV for ^(nat)Pb and ^(209)Bi. A good agreement with previous experimental data below 200 MeV is shown. The comparison with proton-induced fission indicates that the limiting regime where neutron-induced and proton-induced fission reach equal cross section is close to 1 GeV.

NETWORK-ORIENTED BEHAVIORS IN BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MARKETS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Sabrina C. Thornton,Stephan C. Henneberg,Peter Naudé 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2014 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2014 No.6

This study is concerned with the extent to which network-oriented behaviors directly and/or indirectly affect firm performance. We posit that a firm’s interactive behaviors in relation to an embedded network structure are key mechanisms that facilitate the development of important organizational capabilities in dealing with business partners. Such network-oriented behaviors, which are aimed at affecting the position of a company in the network, are consequently important drivers of firm performance, rather than the network structure alone. We develop a conceptual model that captures network-oriented behaviors as a driving force of firm performance in relation to three other key organizational behaviors, i.e. customer-oriented, competitor-oriented and relationship-oriented behaviors. We test the hypothesized model using a data set of 354 responses collected via an on-line questionnaire from UK managers, whose organizations operate in business-to-business markets in either manufacturing or services sectors. Based on the research results all the hypothesized relationships are supported, except the moderation effect of technological turbulence on the relationship of network-oriented behaviors and relationship portfolio effectiveness. The research results indicate that a firm’s network-oriented behaviors positively impact on the development of customer-oriented and competitor-oriented behaviors. They also foster relationship coordination with its important business partners within the network. In addition, the effective management of the firm’s portfolio of relationships is found to mediate the positive impact of network-oriented behaviors on firm profitability.

Displacement field estimation for a two-dimensional structure using fiber Bragg grating sensors

Rapp, Stephan,Kang, Lae-Hyong,Han, Jae-Hung,Mueller, Uwe C,Baier, Horst Institute of Physics Publishing 2009 Smart materials & structures Vol.18 No.2

<P>The structure shape itself is of great interest for many aerospace applications. For example, the stability of the surface shape of large, high precision or space reflectors is essential for the communication performance. The knowledge of static and dynamic displacements of these structures would provide the possibility to enhance their performance by appropriate countermeasures. During operation, however, the direct measurement of displacements of the whole structure is often difficult. This study investigates whole displacement field estimation using strain measurement and a displacement–strain-transformation approach. The use of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) as strain sensors for this application offers the possible implementation of an integrated sensor network including many measurement points within only a few optical fibers. This paper discusses many issues related to the displacement field estimation of a dynamically excited plate using a transformation matrix based on a modal approach. In order to reduce systematic displacement estimation errors due to aliasing, a parametric study was performed and the sensor locations were optimized. Experimental validation was also conducted using a cantilever plate equipped with 16 FBG sensors in an optimized configuration. The estimated displacements showed good agreements with those measured directly from laser displacement sensors. </P>

Science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems

Ferrari, Andrea C.,Bonaccorso, Francesco,Fal'ko, Vladimir,Novoselov, Konstantin S.,Roche, Stephan,Bøggild, Peter,Borini, Stefano,Koppens, Frank H. L.,Palermo, Vincenzo,Pugno, Nicola,Garrido, Jos&eacut The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015 Nanoscale Vol.7 No.11

<P>We present the science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems, targeting an evolution in technology, that might lead to impacts and benefits reaching into most areas of society. This roadmap was developed within the framework of the European Graphene Flagship and outlines the main targets and research areas as best understood at the start of this ambitious project. We provide an overview of the key aspects of graphene and related materials (GRMs), ranging from fundamental research challenges to a variety of applications in a large number of sectors, highlighting the steps necessary to take GRMs from a state of raw potential to a point where they might revolutionize multiple industries. We also define an extensive list of acronyms in an effort to standardize the nomenclature in this emerging field.</P>

Assessment of In Vivo Lumbar Inter-Vertebral Motion: Reliability of a Novel Dynamic Weight-Bearing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique Using a Side-Bending Task

Niladri Kumar Mahato,Stephane Montuelle,Brian C. Clark 대한척추외과학회 2019 Asian Spine Journal Vol.13 No.3

Study Design: Between-session reliability of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based experimental technique to quantify lumbar inter-vertebral motion in humans. Purpose: We have developed a novel, dynamic, MRI-based approach for quantifying in vivo lumbar inter-vertebral motion. In this study, we present the protocol’s reliability results to quantify inter-vertebral spine motion. Overview of Literature: Morphometric studies on intervertebral displacements using static, supine MRI and quantification of dynamic spine motion using different X-ray based radiography techniques are commonly found in the literature. However, reliability testing of techniques assessing real-time lumbar intervertebral motion using weight-bearing MRI has rarely been reported. Methods: Ten adults without a history of back pain performed a side-bending task on two separate occasions, inside an open-MRI, in a weight-bearing, upright position. The images were acquired during the task using a dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) sequence. The MRI imaging space was externally calibrated before the study to recreate the imaging volume for subsequent use in an animation software. The dynamic MR images were processed to create side-bending movement animations in the virtual environment. Participant-specific three-dimensional models were manually superimposed over vertebral image silhouettes in a sequence of image frames, representing the motion trials. Inter-vertebral axes and translation and rotational displacements of vertebrae were quantified using the animation software. Results: Quantification of inter-vertebral rotations and translations shows high reliability. Between-session reliability results yielded high values for the intra-class correlation coefficient (0.86–0.93), coefficient of variation (13.3%–16.04%), and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (0.89–0.98). Conclusions: This technique may be developed further to improve its speed and accuracy for diagnostic applications, to study in vivo spine stability, and to assess outcomes of surgical and non-surgical interventions applied to manage pathological spine motion.