bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of poly(propylene carbonate)/modified sepiolite nanocomposites
Authors: Zheng Fang , Mi Qing Hua , Zhang Kun , Xu Jing
Published: July 2014

A series of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/modified sepiolite (mSp) nanocomposites with different mSp contents were prepared via a solution‐based processing method. The modified sepiolite was obtained by fabricating sepiolite with methyl trimethoxysilanes (MTMS) gel. The effect of mSp amount, in the range 1–10 wt%, on the morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation of PPC was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), static strenching analysis, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Morphological studies showed the homogeneous dispersion of mSp in the PPC matrix whose structure remains amorphous. The nanoscale dispersion of mSp significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability. The thermal motion and degradation of the polymer occur at higher temperature in the presence of mSp because of the strong interfacial adhesion between the two components. POLYM. COMPOS., 21–27, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomics analysis of adult testis from Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhang Yan , Dong Zhaoming , Gu Peiming , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Dandan , Guo Xiaomeng , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou
Published: July 2014

The development of the testis involves a large number of tissue‐specific proteins, possibly because the sperms in it are the most divergent of all cell types. In this study, LC‐MS/MS was employed to investigate the protein compositions of the adult testis of silkworm. A total of 14 431 peptides were identified in the adult testis of Bombyx mori, which were matched to 2292 proteins. Thirty‐two HSPs constitute a group of most abundant proteins in the adult testis, suggesting that they are critical for the development, differentiation, and survival of germ cells. Other proteins in this analysis were also involved in testis‐specific processes mainly including sperm motility, meiosis, germ cell development, and spermatogenesis. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000909 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000909).
Miscible blends of polylactide and poly(methyl methacrylate): Morphology, structure, and thermal behavior
Authors: Canetti Maurizio , Cacciamani Adriana , Bertini Fabio
Published: July 2014

The miscibility of polylactic acid (PLA) and atactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends is investigated as a function of composition. The blends quenched from the melt show the presence of a single glass transition temperature dependent on the composition. The equilibrium melting temperature is determined using the Hoffman‐Weeks method and a depression is observed with increasing content of the PMMA component. The PLA spherulite growth rate and the overall isothermal crystallization rates decrease with increasing the amount of the amorphous component. The increase of the long period value as a function of the PMMA content in the blend is due to the segregation of PMMA component in the amorphous PLA interlamellar regions. The Lauritzen‐Hoffman secondary nucleation theory analysis shows that the segregation of the PMMA in the interlamellar region induces an increase in the surface entropy of folding. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1168–1177
Dissipation behaviour, processing factors and risk assessment for metalaxyl in greenhouse‐grown cucumber
Authors: Ramezani Mohammad Kazem , Shahriari Dariush
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Cucumber is widely cultivated in Iran, and the application of systemic and protective fungicides is the main choice of disease treatment, particularly in greenhouse‐grown systems. In this research, cucumber fruits were harvested at 1 h to 25 days after the last application to determine the residue and dissipation behaviour of metalaxyl. The effects of peeling and storage (at 3 °C for 4 days) on metalaxyl residue reduction were also assessed. Samples were extracted by the QuEChERS procedure then analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The dissipation of metalaxyl residues approximately fitted a first‐order kinetic model, obtaining half‐life values of 2.2 and 3.8 days and preharvest interval values of 5.2 and 12.5 days at the recommended dose (2 kg ha−1) and double (4 kg ha−1) dose respectively. The processing factor values for peeling and storage were 0.50 and 0.93 respectively, showing that storage had little effect on residue reduction compared with peeling.

CONCLUSION

The higher content of metalaxyl residues in flesh showed its penetration from the skin into the flesh. The results provided more understanding of fungicide distribution as well as the effective role of peeling in reducing residues in cucumber fruits. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A Pilot Study on the Effectiveness of a Rose Hip Shell Powder in Patients Suffering from Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Chrubasik‐Hausmann S. , Chrubasik C. , Neumann E. , Müller‐Ladner U.
Published: July 2014

We carried out a 3‐month preliminary investigation on the effectiveness of a rose hip shell powder and its mechanism of action. Of 52 patients suffering from acute exacerbations of low back pain (n = 39) or knee pain (n = 13), 29 had participated earlier in the pilot study with the pseudofruit powder Litozin®. After assessing the baseline values, patients were offered up to 20 g of a rose hip shell powder per day. Patients were encouraged to adjust the daily dose upwards or downwards according to their symptoms for the period of 3 months. The examination for possible effectiveness was by intention‐to‐treat analysis with last observation carried forward. There was no difference in any generic or disease‐specific outcome variables between the patients consuming the rose hip shell powder and those consuming the pseudofruit powder Litozin® in the previous surveillance study. A human protein array system and fractions from the rose powders were used to study their effect on cytokine expression in vitro. The data indicate that lipophilic rose hip fractions from the shell and the pseudofruit inhibit cytokine expression and that the shell powder may be the better starting material for a future rose hip extract prepared with a lipophilic solvent. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the Effect of Curcumin Capsules on Glyburide Therapy in Patients with Type‐2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Neerati Prasad , Devde Raju , Gangi Anil Kumar
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to assess the possible beneficial effects of curcumin capsules as lipid‐lowering effects and as a permeability glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of glyburide and as a P‐gp substrate with glyburide in patients with type‐2 diabetes mellitus. Open‐label, randomized control trial was carried out for 11 days on eight type‐2 diabetic patients on glyburide therapy. On the first day of the study, following the administration of 5 mg of glyburide, blood samples were collected from the patients at various time intervals ranging from 0.5 to 24 h. Blood sampling was repeated on the 11th day of the study, after treating the patients with curcumin for ten consecutive days. Glyburide concentrations changed at the second hour, Cmax was unchanged, the glucose levels were decreased, Area Under first Movement Curre (AUMC) was increased, and no patient has experienced the hypoglycaemia. The low‐density lipoprotein, very‐low‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides were decreased significantly, and the high‐density lipoprotein content increased. The co‐administration of curcumin capsules with glyburide may be beneficial to the patients in better glycaemic control. The lipid lowering and antidiabetic properties of the curcumin show as a potential future drug molecule. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wear and metallographic analysis of WaveOne and reciproc NiTi instruments before and after three uses in root canals
Authors: Pirani Chiara , Paolucci Alessandro , Ruggeri Oddone , Bossù Maurizio , Polimeni Antonella , Gatto Maria Rosaria Antonella , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Prati Carlo
Published: July 2014

Reciprocating instruments made from M‐wire alloy have been proposed to reduce the risk of fracture. No information is available on the surface alteration after single and multiple uses in root canals. Two reciprocating NiTi instruments were used on extracted teeth up to three times. ESEM/EDS analysis was conducted to determine defects, alterations, and wear features of the apical third of instruments and metallographic analysis was performed on the cross‐section of new and used instruments to compare alloy properties. Topography of apical portion was evaluated by AFM before and after uses. Extracted single‐rooted teeth were divided into two groups and instrumented according to the manufacturer's recommendations with: (A) WaveOne Primary and (B) Reciproc R25. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to the number of canals instrumented: 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Chi square test was performed to verify homogeneity of defects distribution and GLM to evaluate the differences of RMS at baseline and after use for both groups (α level 0.05). No instrument fractured and no spiral distortions were observed under optical microscope even when the number of uses increased. Not significant differences were found for WaveOne and Reciproc. Blades presented a wrapped portion in WaveOne group and a more symmetrical feature in Reciproc group. Metallographic analysis revealed in both groups the presence of twinned martensitic grains with isolated flat austenitic areas. Both instruments demonstrated limited alteration, such as tip deformation and wear. This study confirmed the safe clinical use of both instruments for shaping multi‐rooted teeth. SCANNING 36:517–525, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baclofen prevented the changes in c‐Fos and brain‐derived neutrophic factor expressions during mecamylamine‐precipitated nicotine withdrawal in mice
Authors: Varani Andrés P. , Moutinho Machado Lirane , Balerio Graciela N.
Published: July 2014

Previous studies from our laboratory showed that baclofen (BAC, GABAB receptor agonist) prevented the behavioral and neurochemical alterations of nicotine (NIC) withdrawal syndrome. To further investigate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the c‐Fos and brain‐derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) expression during NIC withdrawal and its prevention with BAC. Swiss‐Webster mice received NIC (2.5 mg/kg, sc) four times daily, for 7 days. On the 8th day, NIC‐treated mice received the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (MEC; 2 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h after the last dose of NIC. A second group of NIC‐treated mice received BAC (2 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to MEC administration. Thirty minutes after MEC, mice were sacrificed and the immunohistochemistry assays (c‐Fos and BDNF) were performed at different anatomical levels. c‐Fos expression decreased in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), and increased in the habenular (Hb), accumbens shell (AcbSh) nuclei during NIC withdrawal. BAC re‐established the modified c‐Fos expression only in the DG, BST and AcbSh during NIC withdrawal. Conversely, BDNF expression decreased in the CA1 and CA3 area of the hippocampus, the Hb, and caudate putamen (CPu) during NIC withdrawal. Finally, BAC restored the decreased BDNF expression during NIC withdrawal in the CA1, CA3, Hb, and CPu. The results suggest a relationship between BAC's preventive effect of the expression of NIC withdrawal signs, and its ability to restore the changes in c‐Fos and BDNF expression, observed in specific brain areas of NIC‐withdrawn mice. Synapse 68:508–517, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying serotonin transporters by PET with [11C]‐DASB before and after interferon‐α treatment
Authors: Shapiro Peter A. , Sloan Richard P. , Deochand Chetram , Franceschi Ana M. , Delorenzo Christine , Mann J. John , Parsey Ramin V.
Published: July 2014

Background

Interferon‐α (IFN‐α) therapy is frequently associated with disabling depression, fatigue, and related neuropsychiatric effects. Although depression in major depressive disorder is associated with low serotonin transporter binding, animal models suggest that IFN‐associated mood effects are linked to increased presynaptic serotonin transporter binding. This study tested the hypotheses that IFN administration to human subjects increases presynaptic serotonin binding activity, and that this effect correlates with incident depression symptoms.

Methods

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans using [11C]‐DASB were obtained for nine hepatitis C patients before and after IFN‐α treatment for 8 weeks. Serotonin transporter binding was estimated using the likelihood estimation in graphical analysis (LEGA) model and measured as the volume of distribution (VT) divided by the free fraction of ligand (fP). Depression was measured with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Diagnosis (SCID) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D).

Results

Compared to pre‐IFN treatment values, changes in serotonin transporter binding and depression symptoms were not significant. There was no correlation between changes in serotonin transporter binding and depression symptoms.

Limitations

The study is limited by small sample size, minimal effect on observed mood symptoms within the sample, and brief duration of follow‐up.

Conclusion

These findings do not support the hypothesis of an IFN‐induced change in serotonin transporter function as the cause of incident depressive symptoms in patients treated with IFN‐α. Additional study of these possible relationships should be of longer duration and include more subjects with more pronounced changes in mood. Synapse 68:548–555, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CLA Supplementation and Aerobic Exercise Lower Blood Triacylglycerol, but Have No Effect on Peak Oxygen Uptake or Cardiorespiratory Fatigue Thresholds
Authors: Jenkins Nathaniel D. M. , Buckner Samuel L. , Cochrane Kristen C. , Bergstrom Haley C. , Goldsmith Jacob A. , Weir Joseph P. , Housh Terry J. , Cramer Joel T.
Published: July 2014

This study examined the effects of 6 weeks of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation and moderate aerobic exercise on peak oxygen uptake ( peak), the gas exchange threshold (GET), the respiratory compensation point (RCP), and serum concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and glucose in humans. Thirty‐four untrained to moderately trained men (mean ± SD; age = 21.5 ± 2.8 years; mass = 77.2 ± 9.5 kg) completed this double‐blind, placebo controlled study and were randomly assigned to either a CLA (Clarinol A‐80; n = 18) or placebo (PLA; sunflower oil; n = 16) group. Prior to and following 6 weeks of aerobic training (50 % peak for 30 min, twice per week) and supplementation (5.63 g of total CLA isomers [of which 2.67 g was c9, t11 and 2.67 g was t10, c12] or 7.35 g high oleic sunflower oil per day), each participant completed an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion to determine their peak, GET, and RCP and fasted blood draws were performed to measure serum concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and glucose. Serum triacylglycerol concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in the CLA than the PLA group. For peak and glucose, there were group × time interactions (p < 0.05), however, post hoc statistical tests did not reveal any differences (p > 0.05) between the CLA and PLA groups. GET and RCP increased (p < 0.05) from pre‐ to post‐training for both the CLA and PLA groups. Overall, these data suggested that CLA and aerobic exercise may have synergistic, blood triacylglycerol lowering effects, although CLA may be ineffective for enhancing aerobic exercise performance in conjunction with a 6‐week aerobic exercise training program in college‐age men.
Das methodische Potenzial der neuen Sequenziertechnologien jenseits der Mutationssuche
Authors: Kuss A.W.
Published: July 2014

In diesem Beitrag wird eine Reihe wichtiger Anwendungen der neuen Sequenziertechnologien bzw. des Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) vorgestellt. An ausgewählten Beispielen werden für jede Methode die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der humangenetischen Forschung dargestellt, jeweils das prinzipielle Vorgehen beschrieben und mögliche Quellen für ausführliche Arbeitsanweisungen vorgestellt. Die beschriebenen Techniken umfassen im Einzelnen: RNA-Sequenzierung mittels NGS („RNA-Seq“), Chromatinimmunpräzipitation in Kombination mit NGS („ChIP-Seq“), „ribosome profiling“, Immunpräzipitation methylierter DNA-Segmente in Kombination mit NGS („methylated DNA immunoprecipitation“ bzw. „MeDIP-Seq“) und die HiC-Technik, eine Weiterentwicklung der Chromosome-Conformation-Capture(3c)-Methode.
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation in young cancer patients for fertility preservation
Authors: Suzuki Nao
Published: July 2014

Several options are currently available to preserve fertility and give female cancer survivors a chance to have children at a later date, including the cryopreservation of embryos, oocytes, and ovarian tissue. Selection of the most suitable strategy to preserve fertility depends on the type and timing of anticancer therapy, the cancer, the patient's age, and the presence of the patient's partner. Several studies have shown that the ovarian tissue can be successfully frozen and later grafted in the human womb. To date, approximately 30 live births have been achieved after the transplantation of frozen‐thawed ovarian tissue. At present, the standard procedure for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is the slow‐cooling method. The slow‐cooling method uses an optimal cooling rate for the target cells, and relies on extracellular ice crystals to gradually dehydrate and equilibrate the tissue. Several groups reported that slow cooling is more efficient than vitrification for the cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue. However, vitrification can be performed under a variety of conditions, and therefore, the choice of methods is important. In addition, vitrification traps aqueous solutions in an amorphous, “vitreous” solid phase that prevents ice crystal formation in tissues. Vitrification methods that were developed using mice and monkey have recently been shown to improve the viability of vitrified ovarian tissues. In this review article, recent topics of ovarian tissue cryopreservation are described.
Bringing Biocuration to China
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Zhu Weimin , Luo Jingchu
Published: July 2014

Biocuration involves adding value to biomedical data by the processes of standardization, quality control and information transferring (also known as data annotation). It enhances data interoperability and consistency, and is critical in translating biomedical data into scientific discovery. Although China is becoming a leading scientific data producer, biocuration is still very new to the Chinese biomedical data community. In fact, there currently lacks an equivalent acknowledged word in Chinese for the word “curation”. Here we propose its Chinese translation as “审编” (Pinyin: shěn biān), based on its implied meanings taken by biomedical data community. The 8th International Biocuration Conference to be held in China (http://biocuration2015.tilsi.org) next year bears the potential to raise the general awareness in China of the significant role of biocuration in scientific discovery. However, challenges are ahead in its implementation.
Survivors’ understanding of vulnerability and resilience to maternal near‐miss obstetric events in Uganda
Authors: Kaye Dan K. , Kakaire Othman , Nakimuli Annettee , Mbalinda Scovia N. , Osinde Michael O. , Kakande Nelson
Published: July 2014

Objective

To gain an understanding of how obstetric complications affect the lives and livelihoods of survivors.

Methods

A phenomenological study was conducted between April and August 2013 at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews among 36 women admitted with obstetric near miss. The interviews investigated perceptions, lived experiences, and meanings attached to such experiences by survivors. More specifically, the questions explored: self‐rated health; anticipated social, sexual, and reproductive health challenges; and mitigating factors.

Results

The identified themes were prior expectations, vulnerability, body and social capital, and resilience. Women were found to approach childbirth with predetermined expectations that influenced their pregnancy and childbirth experience. Fatalism, expectations, and social insecurity markedly contributed to vulnerability. Resilience factors included ability to institute adaptations and to harness body and social capital.

Conclusion

Vulnerabilities and their determinants were found to be inter‐related. Individuals’ social capital fluctuates over the acute crisis, necessitating multiple adaptations and coping strategies to reduce vulnerability or increase resilience. Although social and body capital may be mobilized to mitigate the effects of the obstetric crisis, they can either worsen vulnerability or increase resilience.
Prevalence of vulvodynia and risk factors for the condition in Portugal
Authors: Vieira‐Baptista Pedro , Lima‐Silva Joana , Cavaco‐Gomes João , Beires Jorge
Published: July 2014

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of vulvodynia in Portugal and factors associated with this condition.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, an online survey was distributed by email and posted on a website and social networks. Women aged at least 18 years who were living in Portugal were eligible to complete the survey between June 1 and November 30, 2013. Participants had to have had symptoms for at least 6 months to be deemed to have vulvodynia.

Results

Overall, 1229 questionnaires were included in analyses. A total of 80 (6.5%) women had vulvodynia at the time of the survey, and 117 (9.5%) had had it previously; lifetime prevalence was 16.0%. Pregnancy and type of delivery were not associated with vulvodynia. Women who had ever taken oral contraceptives were significantly more likely to have ever had vulvodynia (P < 0.010). Candidiasis, genital herpes, urinary tract infections, depression, and premenstrual syndrome were associated with ever having had vulvodynia (P < 0.01). Pain syndromes were associated with ever having had vulvodynia, especially fibromyalgia and bladder pain syndrome (P < 0.001). Scoliosis and hysterectomy were also significantly associated (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The prevalence of vulvodynia in Portugal is similar to that elsewhere. Three main groups of factors might lead to vulvodynia: local inflammatory factors, general pain susceptibility, and pelvic nerve interference.
Reactivated herpes simplex infection increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lövheim Hugo , Gilthorpe Jonathan , Adolfsson Rolf , Nilsson Lars-Göran , Elgh Fredrik
Published: July 2014

Background

Previous studies have suggested a link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

The present analysis included 3432 persons (53.9% women, mean age at inclusion 62.7 ± 14.4 years) with a mean follow‐up time of 11.3 years. The number of incident AD cases was 245. Serum samples were analyzed for anti‐HSV antibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

The presence of anti‐HSV IgG antibodies was not associated with an increased risk for AD, controlled for age and sex (hazard ratio, HR, 0.993, P = .979). However, the presence of anti‐HSV IgM at baseline was associated with an increased risk of developing AD (HR 1.959, P = .012).

Conclusion

Positivity for anti‐HSV IgM, a sign of reactivated infection, was found to almost double the risk for AD, whereas the presence of anti‐HSV IgG antibodies did not affect the risk.
Green Parties in Federal Systems: Resistant or Compliant to Centralizing Pressures?
Authors: Miragliotta Narelle , Jackson Stewart
Published: July 2014

Green parties promote decentralization as a functional organizing principle but also a normative goal. This has been most vividly realized through the creation of comparatively devolved party structures. In federations, this can assume a territorial dimension and may lead to the adoption of confederal or federal models of party organization. Surprisingly little work has been undertaken on these arrangements when they have been implemented by green parties. This article explores whether the normative commitment by green parties to decentralized party arrangements is sufficient to preserve the integrity of dispersed party structures. This is done by examining the Australian Greens. We find that there has been gradual growth of the party’s national stratum, even in spite of formal provisions which guarantee the autonomy of the state organizations. It is argued that one of the main agents driving this outcome has been the Greens’ expanding federal parliamentary wing.
Which Map? Which Government? Malapportionment and Gerrymandering, UK-Style
Authors: Johnston Ron
Published: July 2014

Commentators suggest that the UK is entering a period in which general election results are unlikely to produce a clear winner. In such a situation, how and where the constituency boundaries are drawn is crucial, as different configurations of seats in particular places could have a significant impact on an election outcome. Although those configurations are recommended to Parliament by non-partisan Boundary Commissions, research has shown that Labour has been significantly advantaged by their recent proposals because they incorporated the equivalents of two well-known American electoral abuses – malapportionment and gerrymandering. This article illustrates how and why they have operated and discusses how the Conservatives’ failed attempt to remove one of them (malapportionment) and influence the other (gerrymandering) might have impacted on its position prior to the 2015 general election.
The additivity of traces in monoidal derivators
Authors: Groth Moritz , Ponto Kate , Shulman Michael
Published: July 2014

Motivated by traces of matrices and Euler characteristics of topological spaces, we expect abstract traces in a symmetric monoidal category to be “additive”. When the category is “stable” in some sense, additivity along cofiber sequences is a question about the interaction of stability and the monoidal structure.

May proved such an additivity theorem when the stable structure is a triangulation, based on new axioms for monoidal triangulated categories. in this paper we use stable derivators instead, which are a different model for “stable homotopy theories”. We define and study monoidal structures on derivators, providing a context to describe the interplay between stability and monoidal structure using only ordinary category theory and universal properties. We can then perform May's proof of the additivity of traces in a closed monoidal stable derivator without needing extra axioms, as all the needed compatibility is automatic.
BEYOND INFORMATION: PHYSICAL PRIVACY IN ENGLISH LAW
Authors: Moreham N. A.
Published: July 2014

Although English privacy law has developed significantly over the past two decades, it continues to focus almost exclusively on the disclosure of private or confidential information. This article argues that if privacy is to be comprehensively protected, then the importance of physical privacy – which is breached when a person is looked at, listened to or recorded against his or her wishes – must also be recognised. After discussing what physical privacy is and why existing protections for it are inadequate, the author contends that a physical privacy action can, and should, be developed from within English common law.
Industries and Stock Return Reversals
Authors: Hameed Allaudeen , Mian G. Mujtaba
Published: July 2014

This paper documents pervasive evidence of intra-industry reversals in monthly returns. Unlike the conventional reversal strategy based on stock returns relative to the market portfolio, we document intra-industry return reversals that are larger in magnitude, consistently present over time, and prevalent across subgroups of stocks, including large and liquid stocks. These return reversals are driven by order imbalances and noninformational shocks. Consistent with reversals representing compensation for supplying liquidity, intra-industry reversals are stronger following aggregate market declines and volatile times, reflecting binding capital constraints and limited risk-bearing capacity of liquidity providers.
Measurement of the sound intensity during suction of middle-ear fluid following myringotomy
Authors: Wang J C , Allen S J , Rodriguez A I , Zahner C , Dissanaike S , Zupancic S , Marchbanks J
Published: July 2014

Objective:

To determine noise intensity during middle-ear aspiration in order to evaluate whether levels can be potentially harmful.

Methods:

In this prospective, observational study, middle-ear effusion was aspirated following myringotomy using a suction instrument with a probe tube microphone. Sound pressure levels and duration were measured, and frequency domain analysis was performed.

Results:

Forty-four ears were analysed, consisting of 20 with mucoid effusion, 11 with serous effusion and 13 with no effusion. Maximum peak sound intensity ranged from 84 to 157 dB. Half of the ears (50 per cent) were exposed to greater than 140 dB; of these, 82 per cent were exposed for longer than 0.2 ms (range, 0.05–14 ms). There was no significant difference in sound pressure level between ears with mucoid and serous effusion; however, ears with mucoid effusion required longer suction times (p < 0.0030). In addition, peak intensity was greater for ears with mucoid effusion versus those with serous or no effusion (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Middle-ear aspiration during myringotomy caused noise levels within a potentially harmful range.
On the reproduction of the Mediterranean keystone limpetPatella rustica: histological overview
Authors: Prusina Ivana , Ezgeta-Balić Daria , Ljubimir Stijepo , Dobroslavić Tatjana , Glamuzina Branko
Published: July 2014

The reproductive cycle of the high shore limpetPatella rusticais described based on histological analysis as the primary method of staging gonad development. Sex-ratios, shell length at sexual maturity, gonad developmental stages, mean gonad index and oocyte size were investigated. Males and females were found to differ in size distribution, with females becoming more prevalent from ~28 mm onwards. The estimated shell length at which 50% of males were sexually mature was 13.1 mm.Patella rusticahas only one reproductive cycle per year with a spawning peak between November and December for both sexes, and gonad redevelopment from January. First data on the size–frequency analysis of oocytes for this species are also presented, concurring with the qualitative analysis of the gonad developmental stages. This study presents updated information on the reproductive cycle of this keystone species and provides the first account of the reproductive biology ofP. rusticain the Adriatic Sea.
AssistOn-Finger: An under-actuated finger exoskeleton for robot-assisted tendon therapy
Authors: Ertas Ismail Hakan , Hocaoglu Elif , Patoglu Volkan
Published: July 2014

We present AssistOn-Finger, a novel under-actuated active exoskeleton for robot-assisted tendon therapy of human fingers. The primary use for the exoskeleton is to assist flexion/extension motions of a finger within its full range, while decreasing voluntary muscle contractions helping to keep the tendon tension levels to stay within acceptable limits, avoiding gap formation or rupture of the suture. The device can also be employed to administer range of motion (RoM)/strengthening exercises. AssistOn-Fingeris designed to be passively back-driveable, can cover the whole RoM of patients, and can do so in a natural and coordinated manner. In particular, the device employs human finger as an integral part of its kinematics and when coupled to a human operator, the parallel kinematic structure of exoskeleton supports three independent degrees of freedom, dictated by the kinematics of the human finger. Automatically aligning its joint axes to match finger joint axes, AssistOn-Fingercan guarantee ergonomy and comfort throughout the therapy. The self-aligning feature also significantly shortens the setup time required to attach the patient to the exoskeleton. We present the kinematic type selection for the exoskeleton to satisfy the design requirements for tendon therapy applications, detail optimal dimensional synthesis of the device considering trade-offs between multiple design criteria and discuss implementation details of the exoskeleton. We also present feasibility studies conducted on healthy volunteers and provide statistical evidence on the efficacy of exoskeleton driven exercises in keeping the average muscle recruitment and the maximum tendon tension levels as low as human guided therapies.
Stiffness and singularity analysis of foldable parallel mechanism for ship-based stabilized platform
Authors: Zhao Tie-shi , Wang Chang , Liu Xiao , Bian Hui , Zhao Yan-zhi
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates a 6-degree-of-freedom foldable parallel mechanism for the ship-based stabilized platform, which is driven by closed chain linkages. The velocity and acceleration mappings between the moving platform and inputs of the closed chain linkages are deduced in the form of the first- and second-order influence coefficient matrices. The continuous stiffness matrix is deduced; furthermore, the translation and rotational stiffness along any direction are also deduced. With directional stiffness, the singularity of the mechanism is analyzed, and the explanation of the singularity is given from the viewpoint of stiffness. The directions the platform cannot move or lose its constraints are got from directional stiffness.
Patient Informed Choice for Altruism
Authors: DOUKAS DAVID J. , HARDWIG JOHN
Published: July 2014

Respect for persons protects patients regarding their own healthcare decisions. Patient informed choice for altruism (PICA) is a proposed means for a fully autonomous patient with decisionmaking capacity to limit his or her own treatment for altruistic reasons. An altruistic decision could bond the patient with others at the end of life. We contend that PICA can also be an advance directive option. The proxy, family, and physicians must be reminded that a patient’s altruistic treatment refusal should be respected.
The winding-up of the Ayr Bank, 1772–1827
Authors: Kosmetatos Paul
Published: July 2014

The collapse of the ambitious and experimental Ayr Bank (Douglas, Heron & Co.) was the central episode of the 1772–3 British credit crisis and served as a direct influence on Adam Smith's monetary analysis in theWealth of Nations. This article identifies the issuance of redeemable annuities in response to the bank's stop of payments in June 1772 and the distressed nature of its asset liquidations afterwards as the main reasons behind the size of its losses. It furthermore uses primary manuscript evidence to reconstruct and extend the existing narrative of this famous episode, from the planning stages in 1773 while the bank was still fighting for its survival, to the retirement of its banknotes by the Edinburgh public banks in 1773–4, the legal and political manoeuvring behind the redemption of the annuities by Act of Parliament in 1774, and the over 40 years of asset unwinding that followed.
Genetic diversity of old bread wheat germplasm from the Black Sea region evaluated by microsatellites and agronomic traits
Authors: Landjeva Svetlana , Ganeva Ganka , Korzun Viktor , Palejev Dean , Chebotar Sabina , Kudrjavtsev Alexander
Published: July 2014

Old germplasm is an important genetic resource for enhancing modern crops with new alleles. In the present study, the genetic diversity of 52 historic varieties and landraces of bread wheat originated from the Western (Bulgaria) and Northeastern (Ukraine, Russia and Georgia) regions of the Black Sea basin was assessed based on microsatellite markers and agronomic characteristics. A set of 24 markers detected a total of 263 alleles at 25 microsatellite loci, with an average number of 10.5 alleles per locus and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.74. A total of 63 alleles at 22 loci were unique, being specific to a particular accession. Half of the alleles (132) were regionally specific, and the rest were common between the Western and Northeastern accessions. The latter group was characterized with greater total and private allelic richness, a higher number of unique alleles and a higher average PIC. The population was found to be very heterogeneous (average heterogeneity 41%), with the Northeastern pool (52.8%) being more diverse than the Western pool (30.9%). Most of the accessions of the Western group clustered together, and the rest were distributed among the subclusters of the Northeastern germplasm. Large inter-group differences in the frequencies of alleles ranging from 3.1 atXgwm294-2A to 16.7 atXgwm333-7B were observed. This variation might partly account for the differences in certain yield-related traits. The Northeastern accessions had significantly longer spikes with more number of spikelets. Some issues related to germplasm preservation in seed genebanks are discussed herein. The large molecular variation observed could be utilized by breeders for the selection of diverse parents, or by researchers for the production of mapping populations.
The accurate comparison (or calibration) of solid-state noise sources made simple
Authors: Meys René P. , Boukerroum Fayçal
Published: July 2014

The accurate comparison (or calibration) of conventional solid-state noise sources is often thought to be a difficult process that only specialized laboratories can perform. In this paper, the uncertainties due to the impedance differences between the sources and their on and off states are emphasized and a simple formula is developed that makes them negligible. It requires an isolator being used in front of the receiver. In the experimental section, the errors associated with common practice are evidenced and compared to what can be achieved through the correction formula.
Estimation of signal attenuation in the 60 GHZ band with an analog BiCMOS passive filter
Authors: Lambrechts Johannes W. , Sinha Saurabh
Published: July 2014

Prediction of millimeter(mm)-wave radio signals can be beneficial in recreating and repeating atmospheric conditions in a controlled, laboratory environment. A path-loss model has been proposed that accounts for free-space losses, oxygen absorption, reflection and diffraction losses, and rain-rate attenuation at mm-wave frequencies. Two variable passive low-pass-integrated circuit filter structures for attenuation in the 57–64 GHz unlicensed frequency band have been proposed, designed, simulated, prototyped in a 130-nm SiGe bipolar complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process, and measured. The filters are based on the Butterworth and Chebyshev low-pass filter topologies and investigate the possibility of using the structures to perform amplitude attenuation of mm-wave frequencies over a short distance. Both filters are designed and matched for direct coupling with equivalent circuit models of dipole antennas operating in this frequency band. Full integration therefore allows prediction of atmospheric losses on an analog, real-time, basis without the requirement of down-converting (sampling) to analyze high-frequency signals through a digital architecture. On-wafer probe measurements were performed to limit parasitic interference from bonding wires and enclosed packaging.
Evaluating the Construct Validity of Objective Personality Tests Using a Multitrait-Multimethod-Multioccasion-(MTMM-MO)-Approach
Authors: Koch Tobias , Ortner T. M. , Eid M. , Caspers J. , Schmitt M.
Published: July 2014

Although Objective Personality Tests (OPTs) have a long history in psychology and the field of psychological assessment, their validity, and reliability have not yet been sufficiently studied. In this study, we examined the convergent and discriminant validity of objective (personality) tests, Implicit Association Tests (IATs), and self-report measures for the assessment of conscientiousness and intelligence. Moreover, the convergent and discriminant validity of these measures was assessed on the trait (stable) and occasion specific (momentary) level by using the multimethod latent state-trait (MM-LST) model proposed by Courvoisier, Nussbeck, Eid, and Cole (2008) which allows for the decomposition of different sources of variance. Data from 367 students assessed on three different measurement occasions was incorporated. Results indicate generally low convergence of OPTs with data gained by other approaches. Additional analyses revealed that the OPTs used assess stable rather than momentary components of the constructs. Reliabilities of different tests ranged from .54 to .95. Furthermore, a substantial amount of trait method specificity revealed that different methods assess trait components that are not shared between OPTs and other measures. Data on the criterion validity of the objective conscientiousness test revealed that it is related to the punctuality of test takers in the laboratory.
Coherent Longitudinal Acoustic Phonon Approaching THz Frequency in Multilayer Molybdenum Disulphide
Authors: Ge Shaofeng , Liu Xuefeng , Qiao Xiaofen , Wang Qinsheng , Xu Zhen , Qiu Jun , Tan Ping-Heng , Zhao Jimin , Sun Dong
Published: July 2014

Coherent longitudinal acoustic phonon is generated and detected in multilayer Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) with number of layers ranging from 10 to over 1300 by femtosecond laser pulse. For thin MoS2, the excited phonon frequency exhibits a standing wave nature and shows linear dependence on the sample thickness. The frequency varies from 40 GHz to 0.2 THz (10 layers), which promises possible application in THz frequency mechanical resonators. This linear thickness dependence gradually disappears in thicker samples above about 150 layers and the oscillation period shows linear dependence on the probe wavelength. From both the oscillation period of the coherent phonon and the delay time of acoustic echo, we can deduce a consistent sound velocity of 7.11*103 m/s in MoS2. The generation mechanisms of the coherent acoustic phonon are also discussed through pump power dependent measurement.
Excited state electron transfer after visible light absorption by the Co(i) state of vitamin B12
Authors: Achey Darren , Brigham Erinn C. , DiMarco Brian N. , Meyer Gerald J.
Published: July 2014

The Co(i) form of vitamin B12 was found to undergo excitation wavelength-dependent excited state electron transfer to TiO2.
A chemical switch for controlling viral infectivity
Authors: Hörner Maximilian , Kaufmann Beate , Cotugno Gabriella , Wiedtke Ellen , Büning Hildegard , Grimm Dirk , Weber Wilfried
Published: July 2014

This study describes a chemically triggered switch for controlling the infectivity of viral vectors.
Mechanochemical C–H bond activation: rapid and regioselective double cyclopalladation monitored by in situ Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Juribašić Marina , Užarević Krunoslav , Gracin Davor , Ćurić Manda
Published: July 2014

The first solid-state C–H bond activation by palladium(ii) acetate resulting in efficient and regioselective cyclopalladation of asymmetrically substituted azobenzene was monitored by in situ solid-state Raman spectroscopy.
Iminosemiquinone radical ligands enable access to a well-defined redox-active CuII–CF3 complex
Authors: Jacquet Jérémy , Salanouve Elise , Orio Maylis , Vezin Hervé , Blanchard Sébastien , Derat Etienne , Desage-El Murr Marine , Fensterbank Louis
Published: July 2014

The reaction of a copper complex bearing iminosemiquinone ligands with a CF3+ source provides an unprecedented CuII–CF3 complex through ligand-based oxidation.
The synthesis of organic charge transfer hetero-microtubules by crack welding
Authors: Kim J. , Chung J. , Hyon J. , Kwon T. , Seo C. , Nam J. , Kang Y.
Published: July 2014

The strain-induced cracks in organic microtubules composed of an organic charge transfer complex were selectively welded via the formation of secondary charge transfer complexes.
Synthesis, growth, defects and laser action of Yb:Y0.71Lu0.29VO4 crystals
Authors: Zhong Degao , Teng Bing , Cao Lifeng , Zhang Shiming , You Fei , Zhang Bingtao , Li Jianhong , Tian Xueping , Wang Chao , Li Yuyi , He Linxiang , Rupp Romano A.
Published: July 2014

A new promising mixed laser crystal of the composition Yb:Y0.79Lu0.21VO4 was grown and realized, achieving a continuous-wave laser output.
Topological analyses and small-world patterns of hydrogen bond networks in water + t-butanol, water + n-butanol and water + ammonia mixtures
Authors: da Silva Juliana Angeiras Batista , Moreira Francisco George Brady , dos Santos Vivianni Marques Leite , Longo Ricardo Luiz
Published: July 2014

H-bond networks in aqueous mixtures obtained by Monte Carlo simulations and analyzed by statistical mechanics based tools revealed small-word patterns.
Interface engineering of a highly sensitive solution processed organic photodiode
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Park Chan Eon , Chung Dae Sung
Published: July 2014

We report that tuning the interfacial properties of a solution processed organic photodiode by inserting a buffer layer can greatly affect trap distribution and thus transit-time spread.
Polymeric nanoporous materials fabricated with supercritical CO2 and CO2-expanded liquids
Authors: Zhang Aijuan , Zhang Qingkun , Bai Hua , Li Lei , Li Jun
Published: July 2014

This tutorial review focuses on the recent progress in nanoporous polymeric materials fabricated by newly developed supercritical techniques.
Recent progress in copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination
Authors: Yan Xiaoyu , Yang Xianghua , Xi Chanjuan
Published: July 2014

This perspective encompasses the recent trends and developments in copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination for the construction of various amines and their derivatives.
An insight into fluorescent transition metal complexes
Authors: Chia Y. Y. , Tay M. G.
Published: July 2014

Three types of fluorescent emissions were found in the transition metal complexes namely pure fluorescence, thermal activated delayed fluorescence and fluorescence-phosphorescence dual emissions. The characteristics of these fluorescent emissions are reviewed in this perspective.
Bioinspired nanoarchitectonics as emerging drug delivery systems
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Kawakami Kohsaku , Ebara Mitsuhiro , Kotsuchibashi Yohei , Ji Qingmin , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: July 2014

Bioinspired nanoarchitectonics opens a new era for designing drug delivery systems.
Titanium-mediated cross-coupling reactions of 1,3-butadiynes with α-iminonitriles to 3-aminopyrroles: observation of an imino aza-Nazarov cyclization
Authors: You Xu , Xie Xin , Sun Renhong , Chen Haoyi , Li Shi , Liu Yuanhong
Published: July 2014

Ti(OiPr)4/2nBuLi-mediated highly efficient cross-coupling reactions of 1,3-butadiynes with α-iminonitriles are described, which provide convenient access to functionalized 3-aminopyrroles.
Determination of melamine based on electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+ at chemically converted graphene-modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Liu Fengyu , Gao Yulong , Li Wei , Shao Jiantao
Published: July 2014

In this paper, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of Ru(bpy)32+ at chemically converted graphene (CCG)-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode has been employed for the determination of melamine in milk with a remarkable detection limit of 5.0 × 10−15 mol L−1.
Effects of atomic Ag on AgBr photocatalyst surfaces: a theoretical survey
Authors: Chi Yuhua , Zhao Lianming , Lu Xiaoqing , Guo Wenyue , Liu Yunqi , Lawrence Wu Chi-Man
Published: July 2014

The electronic states and optical properties of atomic Ag on AgBr photocatalyst surfaces have been investigated using density functional theory plus Hubbard U contributions.
Layer-by-layer deposition of antifouling coatings on stainless steel via catechol-amine reaction
Authors: Xu Li Qun , Pranantyo Dicky , Liu Jiankai Brent , Neoh Koon-Gee , Kang En-Tang , Ng Ying Xian , Lay-Ming Teo Serena , Fu Guo Dong
Published: July 2014

The PEI/P(DMA-co-PEGMEMA) multiple bilayer-coated surfaces can effectively reduce microfouling and macrofouling.