bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vocal sac of Hylodidae (Amphibia, Anura): Phylogenetic and functional implications of a unique morphology
Authors: Elias‐Costa Agustin J. , Montesinos Rachel , Grant Taran , Faivovich Julián
Published: July 2017

Anuran vocal sacs are elastic chambers that recycle exhaled air during vocalizations and are present in males of most species of frogs. Most knowledge of the diversity of vocal sacs relates to external morphology; detailed information on internal anatomy is available for few groups of frogs. Frogs of the family Hylodidae, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and adjacent Argentina and Paraguay, have three patterns of vocal sac morphology—that is, single, subgular; paired, lateral; and absent. The submandibular musculature and structure of the vocal sac mucosa (the internal wall of the vocal sac) of exemplar species of this family and relatives were studied. In contrast to previous accounts, we found that all species ofCrossodactylusandHylodespossess paired, lateral vocal sacs, with the internal mucosa of each sac being separate from the contralateral one. Unlike all other frogs for which data are available, the mucosa of the vocal sacs in these genera is not supported externally by themm. intermandibularisandinterhyoideus. Rather, the vocal sac mucosa projects through the musculature and is free in the submandibular lymphatic sac. The presence of paired, lateral vocal sacs, the internal separation of the sac mucosae, and their projection through them. interhyoideusare synapomorphies of the family. Furthermore, the specific configuration of them. interhyoideusallows asymmetric inflation of paired vocal sacs, a feature only reported in species of these diurnal, stream‐dwelling frogs.
Identification of a new mineralized tissue in the notochord of reared Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)
Authors: Leprévost Amandine , Azaïs Thierry , Trichet Michael , Sire Jean‐Yves
Published: July 2017

In a study aiming to improve knowledge on the mineralization of the axial skeleton in reared Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869), we discovered a new mineralized tissue within the notochord. To our knowledge, such a structure has never been reported in any vertebrate species with the exception of the pathological mineralization of the notochord remains in degenerative intervertebral disks of mammals. Here, we describe this enigmatic tissue using X‐ray microtomography, histological analyses and solid state NMR‐spectroscopy. We also performed a 1‐year monitoring of the mineral content (MC) of the notochord in relation with seasonal variations of temperature. In all specimens studied from 2‐year‐old juveniles onwards, this mineralized structure was found within a particular region of the notochord called funiculus. This feature first appears in the abdominal region then extends posteriorly with ageing, while the notochord MC also increases. The mineral phase is mainly composed of amorphous calcium phosphate, a small amount of which changes into hydroxyapatite with ageing. The putative role of this structure is discussed as either a store of minerals available for the phosphocalcic metabolism, or a mechanical support in a species with a poorly mineralized axial skeleton. A pathological feature putatively related to rearing conditions is also discussed.
Raman excitation profiles of hybrid systems constituted by single‐layer graphene and free base phthalocyanine: Manifestations of two mechanisms of graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Uhlířová Tereza , Mojzeš Peter , Melniková Zuzana , Kalbáč Martin , Sutrová Veronika , Šloufová Ivana , Vlčková Blanka
Published: July 2017

The ability of single‐layer graphene (SLG) to enhance Raman scattering of planar aromatic molecules denoted graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering (GERS) is currently the subject of focused interest. We report on manifestations of two mechanisms of GERS in Raman spectra of glass/SLG/free base phthalocyanine (H2Pc) monolayer (ML) hybrid systems: (i) photoinduced charge transfer from SLG Fermi level to LUMO of H2Pc excited at onset of the near IR region, and (ii) modification of resonance Raman scattering of H2Pc in the visible region by SLG–H2Pc interaction resulting into delocalization of the electronic transition over the benzene rings of H2Pc. Glass/SLG/H2Pc hybrid systems with either a bilayer or a monolayer of H2Pc molecules and a graphite/H2Pc (ML) reference system were prepared by a spectrally controlled adsorption–desorption of H2Pc from solution, followed by Raman mapping of samples at excitation wavelengths in the 532–830 nm range, construction of excitation profiles for H2Pc Raman bands of the glass/SLG/H2Pc samples and determination of GERS enhancement factors for the glass/SLG/H2Pc (ML) sample versus the graphite/H2Pc (ML) reference sample (3–24 at 633 nm and 3–19 at 647 nm excitations). Selectivity of the excitation profiles and of the GERS enhancement factors with respect to localization of the vibrational modes within the H2Pc molecule demonstrates involvement of a different resonant electronic transition in each of the two mechanisms of GERS. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion‐pair switchable‐hydrophilicity solvent‐based homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of paraquat in environmental and biological samples before high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Rahimi Kakavandi Nader , Ezoddin Maryam , Abdi Khosrou , Ghazi‐Khansari Mahmoud , Amini Mohsen , Shahtaheri Seyed Jalalaldin
Published: July 2017

An approach involving ion‐pair switchable‐hydrophilicity solvent‐based homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography has been applied for the preconcentration and separation of paraquat in a real sample. A mixture of triethylamine and water was used as the switchable‐hydrophilicity solvent. The pH was regulated using carbon dioxide; hence the ratio of the ionized and non‐ionized form of triethylamine could control the optimum conditions. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was utilized as an ion‐pairing agent. The ion‐associate complex formed between the cationic paraquat and sodium dodecyl sulfate was extracted into triethylamine. The separation of the two phases was carried out by the addition of sodium hydroxide, which changed the ionization state of triethylamine. The effects of some important parameters on the extraction recovery were investigated. Under the optimum conditions (500 μL of the extraction solvent, 1 mg sodium dodecyl sulfate, 2.0 mL of 10 mol/L sodium hydroxide, and pH 4), the limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.2 and 0.5 μg/L, respectively, with preconcentration factor of 74. The precision (RSD, n = 10) was  <5%. The recovery of the analyte in environmental and biological samples was in the range of 90.0–92.3%.
Determination of different arsenic species in food‐grade spirulina powder by ion chromatography combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Xiangmei , Chen Yuxi , Ye Jun , Fu Fengfu , Pokhrel Ganga Raj , Zhang Huang , Zhu Yongguan , Yang Guidi
Published: July 2017

A “two‐step” pressurized microwave‐assisted extraction method coupled with ion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of different arsenic species in spirulina samples was developed. The extraction method used H2O2/H2O (1:5, v/v) as solvent to extract all arsenic species except arsenite, which was extracted by using water as solvent. The extraction method had a satisfactory recovery (>96%) and took a short time (20.0 min). With our method, all arsenic species in spirulina samples were completely separated and determined with recoveries of 84–105% and relative standard deviations of 2–4%. Food‐grade spirulina powder samples from seven provinces (Inner Mongolia, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hainan, Yunnan, Jiangsu, and Guangxi) in China were analyzed using the optimized protocol. Arsenate was detected at the concentration range of 170–394 ng/g in all the spirulina samples. Dimethylarsinic acid was detected at the concentration range of 32–839 ng/g in spirulina from above‐six provinces except Guangxi. Monomethylarsonic acid (67 ± 3 ng/g) was detected only in spirulina from Yunnan province. Arsenite was detected at the concentration range of 28–147 ng/g in spirulina from above five provinces except Hainan and Guangxi. Five unknown organic arsenic species were found in spirulina from above six provinces except Guangxi.
Phagocytosis of microbial symbionts balances the carbon and nitrogen budget for the deep‐water boreal sponge Geodia barretti
Authors: Leys S. P. , Kahn A. S. , Fang J. K. H. , Kutti T. , Bannister R. J.
Published: July 2017

Geodia barretti is a massive nearly spherical sponge that forms dense assemblages on the continental shelf of the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. We studied the metabolism of individual sponges collected using a remotely operated vehicle and maintained in large tanks with high volumes of unfiltered water brought from 160 m depth. We used direct methods (In‐Ex) to measure excurrent flow rates, oxygen removed, and carbon and nutrient flux through the sponges. G. barretti had very low specific filtration (0.26 mL min−1 mL−1 sponge tissue) and low respiration (5.34 ± 0.98 nmol O2 min−1 mL−1 sponge tissue; 8.44 ± 1.51 μmol O2 h−1 g C−1) rates in comparison to other sponges. A net release of nitrogen was detected as
. Bacteria were removed from the water filtered with up to 99% efficiency, yet comprised only 5% of the sponges′ total carbon budget; the remainder consisted of dissolved organic carbon and detritus. High bacterial removal was aided by the presence of a tight gasket of cells that surrounds the collar of each choanocyte filter. A test for potential bypass canals showed removal of fluorescent microspheres until they were excreted 5–12 h after feeding. Electron micrographs showed active uptake of Escherichia coli “fed” to the sponge as well as phagocytosis of symbiont microbes by sponge cells in the mesohyl. These data provide the first comprehensive study of metabolism in a deep‐water high microbial abundance sponge.
On some hypersurfaces of the homogeneous nearly Kähler
Authors: Hu Zejun , Yao Zeke , Zhang Yinshan
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study hypersurfaces of the homogeneous nearly Kähler manifold with typical properties. We first show that in the NK there exist neither totally umbilical hypersurfaces nor hypersurfaces of parallel second fundamental form. Then we investigate hypersurfaces of such that its shape operator A and induced almost contact structure ϕ satisfy the condition , and as the main result, a complete classification of this remarkable family of hypersurfaces in is presented.
Photo‐ and Thermoresponsive Dehydration of Spiropyran‐Functionalized Polymer Regulated by Molecular Recognition
Authors: Sumaru Kimio , Takagi Toshiyuki , Satoh Taku , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: July 2017

The photo‐ and thermoresponse of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) functionalized with spiropyran chromophore is examined with respect to the influence of molecular recognition by cyclodextrin (CD). Characterization in aqueous solutions of spiropyran‐functionalized poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) under coexistence of α‐, β‐, or γ‐CD reveals that β‐CD selectively includes the ring‐closing isomer of the chromophore, which is dominant under light irradiation, while no inclusion is observed for the protonated ring‐opening isomer, which is dominant in the dark before irradiation. As a result, it is shown that the selective inclusion of the chromophore at a polymer side chain is switched by light irradiation. Further, drastic photoresponsive dehydration of spiropyran‐functionalized pNIPAAm is inhibited only by β‐CD out of three examined CDs, demonstrating that the molecular recognition regulates the dehydration of the whole polymer triggered by the photoswitching of the chromophore introduced at only 1 mol% functionalization.
Modification of pedicle lengthening through perforator transposition in free anterolateral thigh flaps with pedicle size discrepancy: A case report
Authors: Han Hyun Ho , Jun Daiwon , Mun Goo Hyun , Moon Suk‐Ho
Published: July 2017

In spite of thorough presurgical planning, emergency situations requiring longer pedicle length may arise during anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap surgeries. While performing vessel graft for pedicle lengthening, discrepancy may occur because of a certain genetic predisposition or vascular variation at the anastomosis site of the graft vessel and the flap pedicle. A 76‐year‐old male patient with neurofibromatosis type I had a 15 x 10 cm defect, which was caused by radical excision of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor on his back. A 15 x 10 cm sized free ALT flap was obtained. The distance between the recipient vessels and the defect area was 20 cm. The diameters of vessels in the harvested flap were as follows: proximal end of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA)—artery/vein: 3.0/2.5 mm, distal end of the descending branch of the LCFA—artery/vein: 1.0/1.0 mm, and perforator in the ALT flap—artery/vein: 0.8/1.0 mm. The conventional method requires transfer of the distal portion of the LCFA (below the bifurcation) which mandates us to perform anastomoses with a vessel diameter discrepancy of 2 mm. As an alternative, a bifurcating perforator‐including flap was transposed to the most distal part of the descending branch of the LCFA. An ALT flap with a pedicle having a total length of 20 cm was constructed. The flap survived without any complications. This technique may provide an option for resolving size discrepancy between the graft vessel and the ALT pedicle.
Positive ground state of coupled systems of Schrödinger equations in R2 involving critical exponential growth
Authors: do Ó João Marcos , de Albuquerque José Carlos
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study the existence of a positive ground state solution to the following coupled system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations:

where the nonlinearities f1(x,s) and f2(x,s) are superlinear at infinity and have exponential critical growth of the Trudinger‐Moser type. The potentials V1(x) and V2(x) are nonnegative and satisfy a condition involving the coupling term λ(x), namely, λ(x)2<δ2V1(x)V2(x) for some 0<δ<1. For this purpose, we use the minimization technique over the Nehari manifold and strong maximum principle to get a positive ground state solution. Moreover, by using a bootstrap argument and Lq‐estimates, we get regularity and asymptotic behavior.
An extension of the Yamada‐Watanabe theorem
Authors: Salavati Erfan
Published: July 2017

A well‐known result on pathwise uniqueness of the solution of stochastic differential equations in
is the Yamada‐Watanabe theorem. We have extended this result by replacing the Lipschitz assumption on the drift coefficient by much weaker assumption of semi‐monotonicity.
Better arthritis care: What training do community‐based health professionals need to improve their care of people with arthritis? A Delphi study
Authors: Erwin J. , Edwards K. , Woolf A. , Whitcombe S. , Kilty S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to identify the competencies that non‐specialist community‐based nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) need to enable them to assess, care for and manage arthritis appropriately.

Methods

A Delphi survey with an expert panel of 43 rheumatology specialists and expert patients was used to identify the competencies needed by community‐based nurses and AHPs to enable them to improve their care of people with arthritis. The process was informed by feedback from focus groups with arthritis patients, community‐based nurses and AHPs.

Results

The core competencies in arthritis care needed by non‐specialist community‐based nurses and AHPs were identified. The key goals identified were to increase the understanding of arthritis and its impact on patients’ lives, and to increase the ability to help patients to self‐manage their condition and access support. Competencies included an understanding of the pathology underlying inflammatory and non‐inflammatory arthritis, the ability to distinguish between the two and the ability to recognize early warning signs, with an emphasis on osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis, gout and septic arthritis. Essential competencies included the ability to engage in shared decision making, goal setting and signposting, to provide patients with education and information and to make appropriate referrals.

Conclusions

Health professionals working in the community commonly encounter arthritis as a presenting problem or as a co‐morbidity. The quality of care provided to people with inflammatory arthritis and OA in the community is currently variable. The present study identified the core competencies that all community‐based nurses and AHPs should have in relation to OA and inflammatory arthritis.
Cauda equina repair in the rat: Part 3. Axonal regeneration across Schwann cell—Seeded collagen foam
Authors: Mackenzie Samuel J. , Yi Juneyoung L. , Singla Amit , Russell Thomas M. , Osterhout Donna J. , Calancie Blair
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Treatments for patients with cauda equina injury are limited. Methods: In this study, we first used retrograde labeling to determine the relative contributions of cauda equina motor neurons to intrinsic and extrinsic rat tail muscles. Next, we transected cauda equina ventral roots and proceeded to bridge the proximal and distal stumps with either a type I collagen scaffold coated in laminin (CL) or a collagen–laminin scaffold that was also seeded with Schwann cells (CLSC). Regeneration was assessed by way of serial retrograde labeling. Results: After accounting for the axonal contributions to intrinsic vs. extrinsic tail muscles, we noted a higher degree of double labeling in the CLSC group (58.0 ± 39.6%) as compared with the CL group (27.8 ± 16.0%; P = 0.02), but not the control group (33.5 ± 18.2%; P = 0.10). Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of using CLSCs in cauda equina injury repair. Muscle Nerve 57: E78–E84, 2018
Osteopontin is linked with AKT, FoxO1, and myostatin in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Nghiem Peter P. , Kornegay Joe N. , Uaesoontrachoon Kitipong , Bello Luca , Yin Ying , Kesari Akanchha , Mittal Priya , Schatzberg Scott J. , Many Gina M. , Lee Norman H. , Hoffman Eric P.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Osteopontin (OPN) polymorphisms are associated with muscle size and modify disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We hypothesized that OPN may share a molecular network with myostatin (MSTN). Methods: Studies were conducted in the golden retriever (GRMD) and mdx mouse models of DMD. Follow‐up in‐vitro studies were employed in myogenic cells and the mdx mouse treated with recombinant mouse (rm) or human (Hu) OPN protein. Results: OPN was increased and MSTN was decreased and levels correlated inversely in GRMD hypertrophied muscle. RM‐OPN treatment led to induced AKT1 and FoxO1 phosphorylation, microRNA‐486 modulation, and decreased MSTN. An AKT1 inhibitor blocked these effects, whereas an RGD‐mutant OPN protein and an RGDS blocking peptide showed similar effects to the AKT inhibitor. RMOPN induced myotube hypertrophy and minimal Feret diameter in mdx muscle. Discussion: OPN may interact with AKT1/MSTN/FoxO1 to modify normal and dystrophic muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: 1119–1127, 2017
Is repeat Botulinum Toxin A injection valuable for neurogenic detrusor overactivity—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ni Jianshu , Wang Xiaohu , Cao Nailong , Si Jiemin , Gu Baojun
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate the value of repeat botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) injections in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and EBSCO databases for articles published until June 2016. Studies that reported the efficacy and safety of repeat BTX‐A injections for adult patients with NDO were eligible. The effect size for each outcome was calculated as the standardized mean difference ± standard error and 95% confidence interval, and was graded as small, >0.2; moderate, >0.5; or large, >0.8. The outcomes included maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure (MDP), reflex volume (RV), bladder compliance (BC), quality of life (QOL), and injection interval. Descriptive reviews were performed for urinary incontinence (UI) and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Eighteen studies involving 1533 patients whose level of evidence ranged from 3 to 4 were included in this study. We noted non‐significant changes in MCC, MDP, RV, and BC between the first and last injections. Patients who had received ≤4 injections were found to have stable QOL improvements after the first and last injections, whereas patients who had received ≥5 injections were found to have a significant decrease in QOL after the last injection. No significant differences in injection intervals were noted after repeat BTX‐A injections, and the repeat injection failure rate was low.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that repeat BTX‐A injections allow sustained improvements in patients with NDO. The rate of AEs was stable and low. However, additional high‐quality, large‐scale, and long‐term trials are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of ≥5 repeat BTX‐A injections.
Postprostatectomy incontinence is related to pelvic floor displacements observed with trans‐perineal ultrasound imaging
Authors: Stafford Ryan E. , van den Hoorn Wolbert , Coughlin Geoff , Hodges Paul W.
Published: July 2017

Aims

To investigate the relationship between post‐prostatectomy incontinence and dynamic features of activation of specific pelvic floor muscles in addition to anatomical parameters of the urethra.

Methods

Forty‐two men aged 66 (7) years (incontinent [N = 19] and continent [N = 23]) who had undergone prostatectomy participated. Transperineal ultrasound imaging was used to record sagittal images of pelvic structures during involuntary coughing and sustained maximal voluntary contractions. Imaging data were analyzed to calculate displacements of pelvic floor landmarks associated with activation of the puborectalis, striated urethral sphincter, and bulbocavernosus muscles. Anatomical features of functional urethral length and the resting position of the ano‐rectal and urethra‐vesical junctions were calculated. A principal component analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to consider which combinations of variables best distinguish between men with and without incontinence.

Results

Five principal components were identified that together explained 72.0% of the data. Two principal components that represented (i) striated urethral sphincter activation and (ii) bulbocavernosus and puborectalis muscle activation were significantly different between participants with and without incontinence. Together these components correctly identified 88.1% of incontinent men, with a specificity and sensitivity of 91.3% and 84.2%, respectively. Poor function of the bulbocavernosus and puborectalis muscles could be compensated by good striated urethral sphincter function, but the bulbocavernosus and puborectalis muscles had less potential to compensate for poor striated urethral sphincter function.

Conclusions

Dynamic features of pelvic floor muscle activation, particularly shortening of the striated urethral sphincter during cough and voluntary contraction, are related to continence status after prostatectomy.
TAC‐302 promotes neurite outgrowth of isolated peripheral neurons and prevents bladder denervation related bladder dysfunctions following bladder outlet obstruction in rats
Authors: Yoshida Shohei , Orimoto Naoki , Tsukihara Hiroshi , Noma Takahisa , Hakozaki Atsushi , Sasaki Eiji
Published: July 2017

Aims

To evaluate the ability of TAC‐302, a cyclohexenoic fatty alcohol derivative, to enhance neurite outgrowth in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and the preventive effects of TAC‐302 on bladder denervation‐related storage and voiding dysfunctions in rats with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

Rat DRG neurons were cultured in the presence of TAC‐302. Cell numbers and neurite lengths were quantified after a 24 h culture. BOO was achieved by partial ligature of the proximal urethra in female rats. BOO rats were divided into three groups and orally treated with vehicle of 3 or 30 mg/kg TAC‐302 twice a day for 4 weeks. Cystometry was performed under conscious conditions. Immunohistochemical staining using anti‐PGP9.5 of the bladder muscle layer was performed, and the innervation area was scored.

Results

TAC‐302 significantly and dose‐dependently increased neurite outgrowth in cultured DRG neurons. BOO rats showed a decreased innervation area in the urinary bladder compared to sham‐operated rats. BOO‐induced denervation of the urinary bladder was partially prevented by oral treatment with TAC‐302. TAC‐302 significantly reduced the frequency of non‐voiding contraction (NVC) and residual urine volume (RUV) compared with the BOO vehicle group (P < 0.05). The innervation area score exhibited significant negative correlations with NVC and RUV, indicating that they increased according to the progression of denervation.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that TAC‐302 promotes neurite outgrowth in vitro. In addition, TAC‐302 prevents BOO‐induced bladder dysfunction in rats, and has a protective effect on bladder denervation.
Diet Quality in Midadulthood Predicts Visceral Adiposity and Liver Fatness in Older Ages: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Maskarinec Gertraud , Lim Unhee , Jacobs Simone , Monroe Kristine R. , Ernst Thomas , Buchthal Steven D. , Shepherd John A. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Le Marchand Loïc , Boushey Carol J.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The relationship of diet quality assessed by established indices (HEI‐2010, AHEI‐2010, aMED, DASH) with adiposity measures was examined, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL).

Methods

Close to 2,000 participants of the Multiethnic Cohort completed validated food frequency questionnaires at cohort entry (1993‐1996) and clinic visit (2013‐2016) when they underwent whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Linear regression was used to estimate mean values of adiposity measures by dietary index tertiles at baseline and standardized regression coefficients (βs) after adjusting for total adiposity and other covariates. Logistic regression of VAT and NAFL on dietary indices was also performed.

Results

Higher dietary quality scores at cohort entry were inversely related to all adiposity measures, with the strongest associations for percent liver fat (βs = −0.14 to −0.08), followed by VAT (βs = −0.11 to −0.05), BMI (βs = −0.11 to −0.06), and total body fat (βs = −0.09 to −0.05). Odds ratios adjusted for total adiposity ranged between 0.57 and 0.77 for NAFL and between 0.41 and 0.65 for high VAT when comparing the highest versus lowest tertiles of diet quality.

Conclusions

These longitudinal findings indicate that maintaining a high‐quality diet during mid‐to‐late adulthood may prevent adverse metabolic consequences related to VAT and NAFL.
Reimagining Oceania through Critical Junctures—Introduction
Authors: Schorch Philipp , Pascht Arno
Published: July 2017

The introduction to this special issue draws attention to the conscious, creative and innovative actions of people when encountering new ideas, material objects or events like changes in the environment. The main argument is that critical situations and crisis make people reimagine their worlds, and how and when this is done is at the core of this volume. For this purpose, the concept of critical juncture is introduced since it allows for a fresh perspective by zooming in on individual, imaginative qualities and broader, often unexpected, transformations which are a result of both historical processes and cultural actors’ creativity on different scales. The introduction suggests that the concept of critical juncture can be applied as a theoretical framework for a wide range of changes in Oceania, of which climate change is a particularly relevant example.
Brilliance as Cognitive Complexity in Aboriginal Australia
Authors: Turpin Myfany , Fabb Nigel
Published: July 2017

Writers on Australian Aboriginal ceremonial practices and contemporary commercial art have identified properties that can be described as producing ‘brilliance’, the term used by Howard Morphy (1989) for Yolngu visual art. Brilliance involves the emotionally charged knowledge that Ancestral power is manifest. We suggest that, in Australian Aboriginal ceremonial practices and art, two kinds of brilliance are at work, both of which we exemplify using evidence from songs and languages of the Arandic and Warlpiri region of Central Australia. One kind of brilliance is manifest as visual brightness and whiteness, the other relates to a variety of cognitive complexities that involve diverse combinations of parts both within and across modalities of expression. In extending the notion of brilliance from the visuality of brightness to include cognitive complexity, we follow other work on Australian Aboriginal ceremonial practices. Seeking to understand why these properties should produce particular emotional and epistemic effects in participants, we draw on psychological accounts of the sublime and awe (Keltner and Haidt 2003; Miall and Kuiken 1994), which we treat as part of the same broad family of experiences as the experience of brilliance. We suggest both visual brightness and cognitive complexity represent an ‘extremity’ that as such places considerable cognitive demands on the participants. These extraordinary cognitive demands stimulate emotion and produce the experience of Ancestral power and surprising moments of insight.
Microinjection molding of polypropylene/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites: The influence of process parameters
Authors: Zhou Shengtai , Hrymak Andrew N. , Kamal Musa R.
Published: July 2017

Polypropylene (PP) filled with 10 wt% multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites were prepared via masterbatch dilution and subjected to microinjection molding (μIM) under various processing conditions. The molding conditions were altered by systematically changing the machine variables, such as: melt temperature, mold temperature, backpressure and injection velocity. A mold insert with a three‐step decrease in thickness along the flow direction was adopted. The effect of molding parameters on the electrical conductivity and dimensional stability of as‐molded microparts was evaluated using the design of experiments (DOE) method. The distribution of maximum shear rates along the flow direction was simulated via Moldflow, and the state of dispersion of CNT within the microparts was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the thermal behavior of the microparts molded from unfilled PP and PP/CNT 10 wt% nanocomposites at different sampling positions along the flow direction was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed that the crystallization process of unfilled PP taken from different regions of the microparts is temperature dependent, which was ascribed to the variations of shearing effects undergone by the polymer melt during μIM, while this effect is not significant for CNT loaded systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E226–E234, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of rheology and morphology to follow physical fibrillar network evolution through fiber spinning of PP/PA6 blend fiber
Authors: Hajiraissi Roozbeh , Jahani Yousef , Hallmann Tobias
Published: July 2017

This work is aimed at investigating the influence of fibrillar morphology of deformed Polyamide 6 (PA6) droplets dispersed in Polypropylene (PP) matrix on the melt viscoelastic behavior of their blends. The blends of PP with various amounts of PA6 (1%, 6%, 10%, and 20%) were prepared by melt mixing in a co‐rotating twin screw extruder and fibrillated by fiber spinning process. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed that the PA6 spherical droplets form fibrillar inclusions after fiber spinning. The steady and transient shear rheological responses of samples were evaluated in both linear and nonlinear ranges of deformation. Non‐terminal behavior of storage modulus at low frequency appeared as a typical characteristic of fibrillar morphology whose width and value depend on fibril growth. Storage modulus and complex viscosity of the blends containing PA6 fibrillated structure were remarkably enhanced compared to as‐extruded samples. The fibrillar‐induced elasticity of the fibers is a distinguishable behavior which was revealed by conducting transient stress and creep‐recovery measurements and upon appearing mature fibrils, elasticity of the polymer blend fibers increased significantly. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1251–1260, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of subcell power conversion efficiencies of radiation‐damaged triple‐junction solar cells using photoluminescence decays
Authors: Tex David M. , Ihara Toshiyuki , Nakamura Tetsuya , Imaizumi Mitsuru , Ohshima Takeshi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: July 2017

We characterize the radiation‐induced damage of InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cells for various proton irradiation energies and fluences using conventional current‐voltage (I‐V) measurements, external quantum efficiency, and a noncontact time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) technique. From the I‐V curves, we obtain the conversion efficiency of the entire device. The external quantum efficiency showed that the short‐circuit current is only determined by the top InGaP subcell. To obtain accurate information about the point of maximum power, a new PL technique is introduced. The PL time decays of the InGaP and GaAs subcells are measured to obtain the characteristic decay time constants of carrier separation and recombination. We empirically verify that the time‐resolved PL method can be used to predict the electrical conversion efficiency of the subcells. We find that the limiting subcell at the point of maximum power is different from that for short‐circuit current. Radiation damage in unexpected regions of the device is revealed using this optical method.
HoF3 and DyF3 Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents for High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: González‐Mancebo Daniel , Becerro Ana I. , Rojas T. Cristina , García‐Martín Maria L. , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Ocaña Manuel
Published: July 2017

Clinical contrast agents (CAs) currently used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at low fields are less effective at high magnetic fields. The development of new CAs is mandatory to improve diagnostic capabilities of the new generation of high field MRI scanners. The purpose of this study is to synthesize uniform, water dispersible LnF3 (Ln = Ho, Dy) nanoparticles (NPs) and to evaluate their relaxivity at high magnetic field (9.4 T) as a function of size and composition. Two different types of HoF3 NPs are obtained by homogeneous precipitation in ethylene glycol at 120 °C. The use of holmium acetate as holmium precursor leads to rhombus‐like nanoparticles, while smaller, ellipsoid‐like nanoparticles are obtained when nitrate is used as the holmium salt. To explain this behavior, the mechanism of formation of both kinds of particles is analyzed in detail. Likewise, rhombus‐like DyF3 nanoparticles are prepared following the same method as for the rhombus‐like HoF3 nanoparticles. We have found, to the best of knowledge, the highest transverse relaxivity values at 9.4 T described in the literature for this kind of CAs. Finally, the LnF3 NPs have shown negligible cytotoxicity for C6 rat glioma cells for concentrations up to 0.1 mg mL−1.
Statistical process monitoring via image data using wavelets
Authors: Koosha Mehdi , Noorossana Rassoul , Megahed Fadel
Published: July 2017

Image data plays an important role in manufacturing and service industries because each image can provide a huge set of data points in just few seconds with relatively low cost. Enhancement of machine vision systems during the time has led to higher quality images, and the use of statistical methods can help to analyze the data extracted from such images efficiently. It is not efficient from time and cost point of views to use every single pixel in an image to monitor a process or product performance effectively. In recent years, some methods are proposed to deal with image data. These methods are mainly applied for separation of nonconforming items from conforming ones, and they are rarely applied to monitor process capability or performance. In this paper, a nonparametric regression method using wavelet basis function is developed to extract features from gray scale image data. The extracted features are monitored over time to detect process out‐of‐control conditions using a generalized likelihood ratio control chart. The proposed approach can also be applied to find change point and fault location simultaneously. Several numerical examples are used to evaluate performance of the proposed method. Results indicate suitable performance of the proposed method in detecting out‐of‐control conditions and providing precise diagnostic information. Results also illustrate suitable performance of our proposed method in comparison with a competitive approach.
Semiparametric Bayesian analysis of accelerated failure time models with cluster structures
Authors: Li Zhaonan , Xu Xinyi , Shen Junshan
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we develop a Bayesian semiparametric accelerated failure time model for survival data with cluster structures. Our model allows distributional heterogeneity across clusters and accommodates their relationships through a density ratio approach. Moreover, a nonparametric mixture of Dirichlet processes prior is placed on the baseline distribution to yield full distributional flexibility. We illustrate through simulations that our model can greatly improve estimation accuracy by effectively pooling information from multiple clusters, while taking into account the heterogeneity in their random error distributions. We also demonstrate the implementation of our method using analysis of Mayo Clinic Trial in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
A semiparametric method for comparing the discriminatory ability of biomarkers subject to limit of detection
Authors: Yin Lixuan , Diao Guoqing , Liu Aiyi
Published: July 2017

Receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the curves (AUC) are often used to compare the discriminatory ability of potentially correlated biomarkers. Many biomarkers are subject to limit of detection due to the instrumental limitation in measurements and may not be normally distributed. Standard parametric methods assuming normality can lead to biased results when the normality assumption is violated. We propose new estimation and inference procedures for the AUCs of biomarkers subject to limit of detection by using the semiparametric transformation model allowing for heteroscedasticity. We obtain the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimators by maximizing the likelihood for the observed data with limit of detection. The proposed estimators are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal, and asymptotically efficient. Additionally, we propose a Wald type test statistic to compare the AUCs of 2 potentially correlated biomarkers with limit of detection. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method is robust to nonnormality while performing as well as its parametric counterpart when the normality assumption is true. An application to an autism study is provided.
Selective Conversion of Nitroarenes to N‐Aryl Hydroxylamines Catalysed by Carbon‐Nanotube‐Supported Nickel(II) Hydroxide
Authors: Prakash Praveen , De Masi Déborah , Geertsen Valérie , Miserque Frédéric , Li Haiyan , Namboothiri Irishi N. N. , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric
Published: July 2017

A novel nanohybrid was assembled by a layer‐by‐layer strategy that permitted the immobilization of nickel(II) hydroxide on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. The heterogeneous catalyst was used for the reduction of a wide variety nitroaromatics to hydroxylamines in a binary solvent mixture (tetrahydrofuran/water), in the presence of sodium borohydride and under mild conditions. The reaction is highly selective as it afforded cleanly the expected aromatic hydroxylamines in the presence of other sensitive groups such as halogens, esters, double bonds or nitriles. The catalyst could also be readily recycled by a simple centrifugation and reused in subsequent reduction reactions with no decrease in catalytic activities, over five cycles. Analysis of the spent catalyst indicated neither alteration in the morphology, metal‐content, nor oxidation state of the carbon nanotube‐supported nickel(II). The catalytic nanohybrid assembly reported in this work thus compares favorably with known systems, as it is very stable, operates at room temperature with limited nickel loading (0.8 mol%), and selectively leads to N‐aryl hydroxylamines without the formation of the corresponding anilines.
Recent Progress in Application of Graphene Supported Metal Nanoparticles in C−C and C−X Coupling Reactions
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Issaabadi Zahra , Tohidi Mohammad Mostafa , Mohammad Sajadi S.
Published: July 2017

The carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds catalytic formation is among the most significant reactions in organic synthesis which extensively applied for synthesis of natural products, heterocycles, dendrimers, biologically active molecules and useful compounds. This review provides the latest advances in the preparation of graphene supported metal nanoparticles and their application in the catalytic formation of both carbon‐carbon (C−C) and carbon‐heteroatom (C−X) bonds including the Suzuki, Heck, Hiyama, Ullmann, Buchwald and Sonogashira coupling reactions. Numerous examples are given concerning the use of these catalysts in C−C and C−X coupling reactions along with the reliable and simple preparation methods of these catalysts, their characterization and catalytic properties and also the recycling possibilities.
Against Quantum Indeterminacy
Authors: Glick David ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2017

A growing literature is premised on the claim that quantum mechanics provides evidence for metaphysical indeterminacy. But does it? None of the currently fashionable realist interpretations involve fundamental indeterminacy and the ‘standard interpretation’, to the extent that it can be made out, doesn’t require indeterminacy either.
Phase-Field Modeling of Sigma-Phase Precipitation in 25Cr7Ni4Mo Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Malik Amer , Odqvist Joakim , Höglund Lars , Hertzman Staffan , Ågren John
Published: July 2017

Phase-field modeling is used to simulate the formation of sigma phase in a model alloy mimicking a commercial super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) alloy, in order to study precipitation and growth of sigma phase under linear continuous cooling. The so-called Warren–Boettinger–McFadden (WBM) model is used to build the basis of the multiphase and multicomponent phase-field model. The thermodynamic inconsistency at the multiple junctions associated with the multiphase formulation of the WBM model is resolved by means of a numerical Cut-off algorithm. To make realistic simulations, all the kinetic and the thermodynamic quantities are derived from the CALPHAD databases at each numerical time step, using Thermo-Calc and TQ-Interface. The credibility of the phase-field model is verified by comparing the results from the phase-field simulations with the corresponding DICTRA simulations and also with the empirical data. 2D phase-field simulations are performed for three different cooling rates in two different initial microstructures. A simple model for the nucleation of sigma phase is also implemented in the first case. Simulation results show that the precipitation of sigma phase is characterized by the accumulation of Cr and Mo at the austenite-ferrite and the ferrite-ferrite boundaries. Moreover, it is observed that a slow cooling rate promotes the growth of sigma phase, while a higher cooling rate restricts it, eventually preserving the duplex structure in the SDSS alloy. Results from the phase-field simulations are also compared quantitatively with the experiments, performed on a commercial 2507 SDSS alloy. It is found that overall, the predicted morphological features of the transformation and the composition profiles show good conformity with the empirical data.
Isolation, identification and characterization of arsenic transforming exogenous endophytic Citrobacter sp. RPT from roots of Pteris vittata
Authors: Selvankumar T. , Radhika R. , Mythili R. , Arunprakash S. , Srinivasan P. , Govarthanan M. , Kim Hyunook
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to assess the arsenic (As) transformation potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from roots of Pteris vittata plant. The endophytic bacterium was tested for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against As. The endophytic strain RPT exhibited the highest resistance to As(V) (400 mg/l). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence suggested that strain RPT was a member of genus Citrobacter. The As transformation assay revealed As(III) oxidation and As(V) reduction potential of Citrobacter sp. RPT. The As resistance mechanism was further confirmed by amplification of arsC and aoxB genes. The growth kinetics of strain RPT was altered slightly in the presence of different concentration (100–400 mg/l) of As stress. Temperature and pH influenced the As removal rate. The maximum As removal was observed at pH 7.0 (74%) and 37 °C (70.9%). The results suggest that strain RPT can survive under the As stress and has been identified as a potential candidate for application in bioremediation of As in contaminated environments.
Intergenerational Neighborhood Attainment and the Legacy of Racial Residential Segregation: A Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Pais Jeremy
Published: July 2017

Advances in mediation analysis are used to examine the legacy effects of racial residential segregation in the United States on neighborhood attainments across two familial generations. The legacy effects of segregation are anticipated to operate through two primary pathways: a neighborhood effects pathway and an urban continuity pathway. The neighborhood effects pathway explains why parent’s exposure to racial residential segregation during their family-rearing years can influence the residential outcomes of their children later in life. The urban continuity pathway captures the temporal consistency of the built and topographical environment in providing similar residential opportunities across generations. Findings from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and U.S. Census data indicate that the legacy effect of racial residential segregation among black families operates primarily through the neighborhood effects that influence children growing up. For white families, there is less support for the legacy effects of segregation. The findings are supported by a comprehensive mediation analysis that provides a formal sensitivity analysis, deploys an instrumental variable, and assesses effect heterogeneity. Knowledge of the legacy of segregation moves neighborhood attainment research beyond point-in-time studies of racial residential segregation to provide a deeper understanding into the ways stratified residential environments are reproduced.