bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The geodesic dynamic relaxation method for problems of equilibrium with equality constraint conditions
Authors: Miki Masaaki , Adriaenssens Sigrid , Igarashi Takeo , Kawaguchi Ken'ichi
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an extension to the existing dynamic relaxation method to include equality constraint conditions in the process. The existing dynamic relaxation method is presented as a general, gradient‐based, minimization technique. This representation allows for the introduction of the projected gradient, discrete parallel transportation and pull back operators that enable the formulation of the geodesic dynamic relaxation method, a method that accounts for equality constraint conditions. The characteristics of both the existing and geodesic dynamic relaxation methods are discussed in terms of the system's conservation of energy, damping (viscous, kinetic, and drift), and geometry generation. Particular attention is drawn to the introduction of a novel damping approach named drift damping. This technique is essentially a combination of viscous and kinetic damping. It allows for a smooth and fast convergence rate in both the existing and geodesic dynamic relaxation processes. The case study was performed on the form‐finding of an iconic, ridge‐and‐valley, pre‐stressed membrane system, which is supported by masts. The study shows the potential of the proposed method to account for specified (total) length requirements. The geodesic dynamic relaxation technique is widely applicable to the form‐finding of force‐modeled systems (including mechanically and pressurized pre‐stressed membranes) where equality constraint control is desired. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An explicit family of time marching procedures with adaptive dissipation control
Authors: Soares Delfim
Published: June 2014

In this work, an explicit family of time marching procedures with adaptive dissipation control is introduced. The proposed technique is conditionally stable, second‐order accurate, and has controllable algorithm dissipation, which adapts according to the properties of the governing system of equations. Thus, spurious modes can be more effectively dissipated and accuracy is improved. Because this is an explicit time integration technique, the new family is quite efficient, requiring no system of equations to be dealt with at each time step. Moreover, the technique is simple and very easy to implement. Numerical results are presented along the paper, illustrating the good performance of the proposed method, as well as its potentialities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical study of the SVD–MFS solution of inverse boundary value problems in two‐dimensional steady‐state linear thermoelasticity
Authors: Marin Liviu , Karageorghis Andreas , Lesnic Daniel
Published: June 2014

We study the reconstruction of the missing thermal and mechanical data on an inaccessible part of the boundary in the case of two‐dimensional linear isotropic thermoelastic materials from overprescribed noisy measurements taken on the remaining accessible boundary part. This inverse problem is solved by using the method of fundamental solutions together with the method of particular solutions. The stabilization of this inverse problem is achieved using several singular value decomposition (SVD)‐based regularization methods, such as the Tikhonov regularization method (Tikhonov and Arsenin, Methods for solving ill‐posed problems, Nauka, Moscow, 1986), the damped SVD and the truncated SVD (Hansen, Rank‐deficient and discrete ill‐posed problems: numerical aspects of linear inversion, SIAM, Philadelphia, 1998), whilst the optimal regularization parameter is selected according to the discrepancy principle (Morozov, Sov Math Doklady 7 (1966), 414–417), generalized cross‐validation criterion (Golub et al. Technometrics 22 (1979), 1–35) and Hansen's L‐curve method (Hansen and O'Leary, SIAM J Sci Comput 14 (1993), 1487–503). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 168–201, 2015
A Eulerian–Lagrangian control volume method for solute transport with anomalous diffusion
Authors: Cheng Aijie , Wang Hong , Wang Kaixin
Published: June 2014

Recent studies showed that time‐dependent conservative space‐fractional advection‐diffusion equations provide an adequate and accurate description of the solute movement in groundwater flowing through heterogeneous porous media in subsurface. However, space‐fractional diffusion equations introduce new mathematical and numerical difficulties that were not present in the context of canonical second‐order diffusion equations. For instance, because of the nonlocal property of fractional differential operators, the corresponding numerical methods generate full coefficient matrices which require storage of O(N2) and computational cost of O(N3) where N is the number of grid points. We develop a fast and faithful Eulerian–Lagrangian control volume method for the accurate and efficient numerical solution of time‐dependent conservative variable‐coefficient space‐fractional advection‐diffusion equations. The method requires only a memory of O(N) and a computational work count of
per iteration. Next, the method generates accurate numerical solutions even if coarse spatial meshes and large time steps are used. This further reduces the computational cost and memory requirement. In addition, the method applies directly to the governing equation that is in conservative form. Further, the method retains second‐order spatial accuracy without an extrapolation needed. Finally, the method conserves mass locally that is of vital importance in applications. Numerical experiments are presented to investigate the performance of the method and to show the strong potential of the method.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 253–267, 2015
Identification of the Archaeological ‘Invisible Elderly’: An Approach Illustrated with an Anglo‐Saxon Example
Authors: Cave C. , Oxenham M.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to present a method to facilitate age‐at‐death estimation of older individuals (generally those aged 50+ years) in a representative cemetery sample. The purpose of disaggregating catch‐all categories, such as 50+ years, is to enable the exploration of the elderly (those in their 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s) in the context of mortuary archaeology, bioarchaeology and/or palaeopathology. The methodological steps include the following: (1) assessment of occlusal tooth wear in an Anglo‐Saxon cemetery sample from Worthy Park, UK; (2) seriation of the sample, from youngest to oldest, based on the degree of tooth wear; (3) selection of an ethnographically derived model (known mortality profile) by which seriated individuals in the Worthy Park sample could be reallocated to more realistic or appropriate age classes; (4) reallocation of individuals in the seriated Worthy Park sample to the model age classes. A Hadza, Tanzania, hunter‐gatherer profile was chosen to model the Worthy Park sample, although others are available. By using this model, some 66% of the entire adult sample, originally allocated to the single final age category of 45+ years, was distributed across four new age categories from the mid‐40s to mid‐70s. Relatively straightforward, this approach provides a way to identify those individuals, 50+ years old, not normally sensitive to traditional age‐at‐death estimation methodologies currently available. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of Corsica in initiating nocturnal offshore convection
Authors: Barthlott Christian , Adler Bianca , Kalthoff Norbert , Handwerker Jan , Kohler Martin , Wieser Andreas
Published: June 2014

In the region of Corsica located in the western Mediterranean Sea, the mean daily lightning activity as an indicator for deep convection in late summer and autumn shows a distinct maximum in mid‐afternoon and a secondary maximum at night. During the night, most of the lightning activity is located offshore and near the island's coastline. Currently there are no observational data which could be used to explain this nocturnal offshore convection, but understanding its formation mechanism is important for accurately forecasting the regional weather. In this article, we explore two possible mechanisms initiating nocturnal offshore convection: (i) convergence with subsequent lifting due to the interaction between drainage winds and the synoptic flow over the sea and (ii) dynamically induced lee‐side convergence due to the island barrier effect. To this end, we perform numerical simulations with the Consortium for Small‐scale Modeling (COSMO) model at a convection‐permitting horizontal grid spacing of 2.8 km for two cases with different synoptic conditions and low‐level wind directions. The simulation results show that the island's drainage flow can either favour or hinder the development of deep convection. Furthermore, convective initiation is very sensitive to terrain elevation and model initialisation time and small changes of these parameters can determine whether deep convection can be successfully simulated.
Growth of protrusive graphene rings on Si‐terminated 6H–SiC (0001)
Authors: Ruammaitree A. , Nakahara H. , Saito Y.
Published: June 2014

Optical antennas are devices that efficiently convert the energy of free propagating radiation into localized energy and vice versa. The development of optical antennas can improve the efficiency of sensing, photodetection, light emission, and spectroscopy. Graphene rings are a promising material for advanced optical antennas because their plasmons are more electromagnetically confined than metallic plasmons. In this report, we describe the growth of embedded and protrusive graphene rings by annealing Si‐terminated 6H–SiC under Ar gas. We found that the growth of the graphene rings depends on both the annealing temperature and the ambient Ar pressure. A bottom–up fabrication method can preserve intact ring edges unlike electron‐beam lithographic methods. Moreover, the growth of protrusive graphene rings without bonding between the ring edge and the SiC substrate is emphasized because the ring edge structures are similar to those of free‐standing graphene rings, and this provides a new option for graphene applications on Si‐terminated SiC. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships Among Positive Emotions, Coping, Resilience and Mental Health
Authors: Gloria Christian T. , Steinhardt Mary A.
Published: June 2014

The broaden‐and‐build theory of positive emotions suggests that positive emotions can widen the range of potential coping strategies that come to mind and subsequently enhance one's resilience against stress. Studies have shown that high stress, especially chronic levels of stress, strongly contributes to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, researchers have also found that individuals who possess high levels of resilience are protected from stress and thus report lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Using a sample of 200 postdoctoral research fellows, the present study examined if (a) positive emotions were associated with greater resilience, (b) coping strategies mediated the link between positive emotions and resilience and (c) resilience moderated the influence of stress on trait anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results support the broaden‐and‐build theory in that positive emotions may enhance resilience directly as well as indirectly through the mediating role of coping strategies—particularly via adaptive coping. Resilience also moderated the association of stress with trait anxiety and depressive symptoms. Although stress is unavoidable and its influences on anxiety and depressive symptoms are undeniable, the likelihood of postdocs developing anxiety or depressive symptoms may be reduced by implementing programmes designed to increase positive emotions, adaptive coping strategies and resilience. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ag@Ni Core–Shell Nanowire Network for Robust Transparent Electrodes Against Oxidation and Sulfurization
Authors: Eom Hyeonjin , Lee Jaemin , Pichitpajongkit Aekachan , Amjadi Morteza , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Lee Eungsug , Lee Jung‐Yong , Park Inkyu
Published: June 2014

Silver nanowire (Ag NW) based transparent electrodes are inherently unstable to moist and chemically reactive environment. A remarkable stability improvement of the Ag NW network film against oxidizing and sulfurizing environment by local electrodeposition of Ni along Ag NWs is reported. The optical transmittance and electrical resistance of the Ni deposited Ag NW network film can be easily controlled by adjusting the morphology and thickness of the Ni shell layer. The electrical conductivity of the Ag NW network film is increased by the Ni coating via welding between Ag NWs as well as additional conductive area for the electron transport by electrodeposited Ni layer. Moreover, the chemical resistance of Ag NWs against oxidation and sulfurization can be dramatically enhanced by the Ni shell layer electrodeposited along the Ag NWs, which provides the physical barrier against chemical reaction and diffusion as well as the cathodic protection from galvanic corrosion.
Air Pollution Control in Fuel Coke Manufacturing in India: Assessment of Current Practices and Policy with Recommendations for Improving Air Emission Management
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Amitava
Published: June 2014

Proposed improvements in Coke Fuel production units' air emissions
Cytotoxicity of graphene: recent advances and future perspective
Authors: Zhou Ruhong , Gao Huajian
Published: June 2014

Graphene, a unique two‐dimensional single‐atom‐thin nanomaterial with exceptional structural, mechanical, and electronic properties, has spurred an enormous interest in many fields, including biomedical applications, which at the same time ignites a growing concern on its biosafety and potential cytotoxicity to human and animal cells. In this review, we present a summary of some very recent studies on this important subject with both experimental and theoretical approaches. The molecular interactions of graphene with proteins, DNAs, and cell membranes (both bacteria and mammalian cells) are discussed in detail. Severe distortions in structures and functions of these biomacromolecules by graphene are identified and characterized. For example, the graphene is shown to disrupt bacteria cell membranes by insertion/cutting as well as destructive extraction of lipid molecules directly. More interestingly, this cytotoxicity has been shown to have implications in de novo design of nanomedicine, such as graphene‐based band‐aid, a potential ‘green’ antibiotics due to its strong physical‐based (instead of chemical‐based) antibacterial capability. These studies have provided a better understanding of graphene nanotoxicity at both cellular and molecular levels, and also suggested therapeutic potential by using graphene's cytotoxicity against bacteria cells.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
A detailed analysis of methylmalonic acid kinetics during hemodialysis and after combined liver/kidney transplantation in a patient with mut0 methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Vernon Hilary J. , Sperati C. John , King Joshua D. , Poretti Andrea , Miller Neil R. , Sloan Jennifer L. , Cameron Andrew M. , Myers Donna , Venditti Charles P. , Valle David
Published: June 2014

End stage kidney disease is a well‐known complication of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), and can be treated by dialysis, kidney transplant, or combined kidney‐liver transplant. While liver and/or kidney transplantation in MMA may reduce the risk of metabolic crisis and end‐organ disease, it does not fully prevent disease‐related complications. We performed detailed metabolite and kinetic analyses in a 28‐year‐old patient with mut0 MMA who underwent hemodialysis for 6 months prior to receiving a combined liver/kidney transplant. A single hemodialysis session led to a 54 % reduction in plasma methylmalonic acid and yielded a plasma clearance of 103 ml/min and VD0.48 L/kg, which approximates the total body free water space. This was followed by rapid reaccumulation of methylmalonic acid over 24 h to the predialysis concentration in the plasma. Following combined liver/kidney transplantation, the plasma methylmalonic acid was reduced to 3 % of pre‐dialysis levels (6,965 ± 1,638 (SD) μmol/L and 234 ± 100 (SD) μmol/L) but remained >850× higher than the upper limit of normal (0.27 ± 0.08 (SD) μmol/L). Despite substantial post‐operative metabolic improvement, the patient developed significant neurologic complications including acute worsening of vision in the setting of pre‐existing bilateral optic neuropathy, generalized seizures, and a transient, focal leukoencephalopathy. Plasma methylmalonic acid was stable throughout the post‐operative course. The biochemical parameters exhibited by this patient further define the whole body metabolism of methylmalonic acid in the setting of dialysis and subsequent combined liver/kidney transplant.
Chlorinated and brominated organic pollutants in shellfish from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea
Authors: Yin Ge , Asplund Lillemor , Qiu Yanling , Zhou Yihui , Wang Hua , Yao Zongli , Jiang Jianbin , Bergman Åke
Published: June 2014

The global contamination with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), or compounds with similar characteristics, is well known. Still there are data gaps for POP concentrations from many areas in the world. The aim of the present study is to assess several legacies POPs and also hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) in shellfish from three locations in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. The sources of the contaminants are discussed. Pooled samples were treated by liquid-liquid extraction and acid and column cleanup prior to analysis by gas chromatogram equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The by far most abundant environmental contaminant originates from dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), independent of species analyzed or sampling site. The results indicate ongoing or at least recent discharges of DDT. The second highest concentrations were reported for HBCDD (21–40 ng/g fat) in the shellfish, independent of sampling sites. The two natural products, 6-MeO-BDE-47 and 2′-MeO-BDE-68, were also present in the shellfish (1.3–22 and 1–14 ng/g fat, respectively). The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener CB-153 (0.8–6.5 ng/g fat), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (1.1–3.6 ng/g fat), and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) (2.3–4.9 ng/g fat) were all higher than the concentrations of other HCH isomers, β-endosulfan, PBDE congeners, and mirex. Apart from the DDTs and HBCDDs, it is evident that the pollution of shellfish was similar to, or lower than, the contamination of shellfish in other parts of the world.
Conventional and Multiscale Modeling of Microstructure Evolution During Laminar Cooling of DP Steel Strips
Authors: Pietrzyk Maciej , Kusiak Jan , Kuziak Roman , Madej Łukasz , Szeliga Danuta , Gołąb Rafał
Published: June 2014

Physical and numerical simulations of the hot rolling and laminar cooling of DP steel strips are presented in the paper. The objectives of the paper were twofold. Physical simulations of hot plastic deformation were used to identify and validate numerical models. Validated models were applied to simulate the manufacturing of DP steel strips. Conventional flow stress model and microstructure evolution model were used in the hot deformation part. The approach to the complex systems analysis based on global thermodynamic characterization and detailed microstructure characterization was applied to determine equilibrium state at various temperatures. Finally, two numerical models were used to simulate kinetics of austenite decomposition at varying temperatures: the first, conventional model based on the Avrami equation, and the second, the discrete Cellular Automata approach. Plastometric tests and stress relaxation tests were used for identification of the hot rolling model for the DP steel. Dilatometric tests were performed to identify the phase transformation models. Verification confirmed good accuracy of all models. Validated models were applied to simulate the manufacturing of DP steel strips. Influence of technological parameters (e.g., strip thickness and velocity, active sections in the laminar cooling, and water flux in the sections) on the DP microstructure was analyzed. The cooling schedules, which give required microstructures were proposed. The numerical tool, which simulates manufacturing chain for DP steel strips is the main output of the paper.
Psychiatric disorders, suicidality, and personality among young men by sexual orientation
Authors: Wang J. , Dey M. , Soldati L. , Weiss M.G. , Gmel G. , Mohler-Kuo M.
Published: June 2014

Personality and its potential role in mediating risk of psychiatric disorders and suicidality are assessed by sexual orientation, using data collected among young Swiss men (n= 5875) recruited while presenting for mandatory military conscription. Mental health outcomes were analyzed by sexual attraction using logistic regression, controlling for five-factor model personality traits and socio-demographics. Homo/bisexual men demonstrated the highest scores for neuroticism-anxiety but the lowest for sociability and sensation seeking, with no differences for aggression-hostility. Among homo/bisexual men, 10.2% fulfilled diagnostic criteria for major depression in the past 2 weeks, 10.8% for ADHD in the past 12 months, 13.8% for lifetime anti-social personality disorder (ASPD), and 6.0% attempted suicide in the past 12 months. Upon adjusting (AOR) for personality traits, their odds ratios (OR) for major depression (OR = 4.78, 95% CI 2.81–8.14; AOR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.80–2.65) and ADHD (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.31–3.58; AOR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.58–1.75) lost statistical significance, and the odds ratio for suicide attempt was halved (OR = 5.10, 95% CI 2.57–10.1; AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.16–5.02). There are noteworthy differences in personality traits by sexual orientation, and much of the increased mental morbidity appears to be accounted for by such underlying differences, with important implications for etiology and treatment.
Galantamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reduces brain damage induced by hypoxia‐ischemia in newborn rats
Authors: Furukawa Seishi , Yang Li , Sameshima Hiroshi
Published: June 2014

Aim

Our aim is to elucidate whether galantamine, known as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reduces brain damage induced by hypoxia‐ischemia (HI).

Study design

7‐day‐old Wistar rats were used. Rats were subjected to left carotid artery ligation followed by 2 h of hypoxia (8% oxygen). We injected galantamine intraperitoneally just before hypoxia (5.0 mg/kg, n = 14; 2.5 mg/kg, n = 9; 1.0 mg/kg, n = 11) and after hypoxia (5.0 mg/kg, n = 7) to determine its neuroprotective effect. An equivalent volume of saline was administered as a control before (n = 31) and after hypoxic load (n = 7). We also examined the production of IL‐1β in the ligated hemisphere side after injection of galantamine (prior hypoxia; 5.0 mg/kg, n = 7) or saline (n = 8). Brains were analyzed 7 days after HI.

Results

Two of the 5.0 mg/kg galantamine pre‐treated rats and a post‐treated rat died during experiments. The remaining survived and 5.0 mg/kg galantamine pre‐treated rats showed a marked reduction of brain damage (p < 0.01) compared with the control. The other galantamine groups had severe brain damage similar to controls. Microglial accumulation was significantly reduced in rats pre‐treated with 5.0 mg/kg of galantamine compared to control rats on both the hippocampus (p = 0.02) and cortex (p < 0.01). In contrast, the other galantamine groups showed a lower suppressive effect on microglial accumulation compared to the control. Galantamine significantly reduced IL‐1β productions when compared to the control (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Pre‐treatment of galantamine reduced brain damage with a suppressive effect on microglial accumulation and IL‐1β production in a newborn rat model of HI.
Substrate‐based approach for ventricular tachycardia in structural heart disease: Tips for mapping and ablation
Authors: Komatsu Yuki
Published: June 2014

Catheter ablation of scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT) often relies on substrate‐based approaches because of hemodynamic instability during VT, multiple VT morphologies, and poor reproducibility of VT‐inducibility, rendering the VT unmappable. As substrate‐guided ablation is performed in stable sinus rhythm, any VT can potentially be targeted regardless of its hemodynamic state. So‐called “late potentials,” conventionally defined as signals detected after the end of QRS, have been traditionally proposed as ablation targets. However, late potentials cannot be detected in up to 30% of patients with VT in the setting of ischemic and non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy. Recently, a substrate‐based approach that targets poorly coupled fibers surviving within the scar has been developed. These bundles generate local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVA) and are believed to be responsible for VT. Considering the limitations of late potential ablation, substrate homogenization with the aim of eliminating all identified LAVA appears to be an ideal procedural endpoint. This article reviews substrate‐based approaches and tips for mapping and ablation of VT substrate.
Removal of cadmium by Lactobacillus kefir as a protective tool against toxicity
Authors: Gerbino Esteban , Carasi Paula , Tymczyszyn E. Elizabeth , Gómez-Zavaglia Andrea
Published: June 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate the capacity of Lactobacillus kefir strains to remove cadmium cations and protect eukaryotic cells from cadmium toxicity. Lb. kefir CIDCA 8348 and JCM 5818 were grown in a 1/2 dilution of MRS broth supplemented with Cd(NO3)2 ranging 0 to 1 mM. Growth kinetics were followed during 76 h at 30 °C by registering optical density at 600 nm every 4–10 h. The accumulated concentration of cadmium was determined on cultures in the stationary phase by atomic absorption. The viability of a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) upon exposure to (a) free cadmium and (b) cadmium previously incubated with Lb. kefir strains was evaluated by determining the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Lb. kefir strains were able to grow and tolerate concentrations of cadmium cations up to 1 mM. The addition of cadmium to the culture medium increased the lag time in all the concentrations used. However, a decrease of the total biomass (maximum Absorbance) was observed only at concentrations above 0·0012 and 0·0011 mM for strains CIDCA 8348 and JCM 5818, respectively. Shorter and rounder lactobacilli were observed in both strains upon microscopic observations. Moreover, dark precipitates compatible with intracellular precipitation of cadmium were observed in the cytoplasm of both strains. The ability of Lb. kefir to protect eukaryotic cells cultures from cadmium toxicity was analysed using HepG2 cells lines. Concentrations of cadmium greater than 3×10−3 mM strongly decreased the viability of HepG2 cells. However, when the eukaryotic cells were exposed to cadmium pre-incubated 1 h with Lb. kefir the toxicity of cadmium was considerably lower, Lb. kefir JCM 5818 being more efficient. The high tolerance and binding capacity of Lb. kefir strains to cadmium concentrations largely exceeding the tolerated weekly intake (TWI) of cadmium for food (2.5 μg per kg of body weight) and water (3 μg/l) addressed to human consumption, is an important added value when thinking in health-related applications.
The incidence of tympanogenic labyrinthitis ossificans
Authors: Lin H-Y , Fan Y-K , Wu K-C , Shu M-T , Yang C-C , Lin H-C
Published: June 2014

Objective:

To estimate the incidence of tympanogenic labyrinthitis ossificans.

Methods:

The records of patients treated with mastoidectomy for various tympanogenic aetiologies from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients whose high-resolution computed tomography scans showed evidence of labyrinthine calcification of the temporal bone were enrolled. Patients with a history of head and neck cancer, meningitis, and otosclerosis, and patients with cochlear implants, were excluded from this study.

Results:

A total of 195 patients were enrolled in this study; 4 of the patients presented with calcification in the inner ear. Therefore, the incidence of tympanogenic labyrinthitis ossification was 2 per cent. The computed tomography findings revealed: (1) cochlear calcifications of the basal and middle turn in two patients; and (2) vestibular, superior semicircular canal, posterior semicircular canal and lateral semicircular canal calcification in one, four, three and two patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

The incidence of tympanogenic labyrinthitis ossification in patients who had undergone a mastoidectomy was 2 per cent.
The Cognition Battery of the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function: Validation in an Adult Sample
Authors: Weintraub Sandra , Dikmen Sureyya S. , Heaton Robert K. , Tulsky David S. , Zelazo Philip David , Slotkin Jerry , Carlozzi Noelle E. , Bauer Patricia J. , Wallner-Allen Kathleen , Fox Nathan , Havlik Richard , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Mungas Dan , Manly Jennifer J. , Moy Claudia , Conway Kevin , Edwards Emmeline , Nowinski Cindy J. , Gershon Richard
Published: June 2014

This study introduces a special series on validity studies of the Cognition Battery (CB) from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIHTB) (Gershon, Wagster et al., 2013) in an adult sample. This first study in the series describes the sample, each of the seven instruments in the NIHTB-CB briefly, and the general approach to data analysis. Data are provided on test–retest reliability and practice effects, and raw scores (mean, standard deviation, range) are presented for each instrument and the gold standard instruments used to measure construct validity. Accompanying papers provide details on each instrument, including information about instrument development, psychometric properties, age and education effects on performance, and convergent and discriminant construct validity. One study in the series is devoted to a factor analysis of the NIHTB-CB in adults and another describes the psychometric properties of three composite scores derived from the individual measures representing fluid and crystallized abilities and their combination. The NIHTB-CB is designed to provide a brief, comprehensive, common set of measures to allow comparisons among disparate studies and to improve scientific communication. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–12)
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB): List Sorting Test to Measure Working Memory
Authors: Tulsky David S. , Carlozzi Noelle , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Kisala Pamela A. , Mungas Dan , Conway Kevin , Gershon Richard
Published: June 2014

The List Sorting Working Memory Test was designed to assess working memory (WM) as part of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. List Sorting is a sequencing task requiring children and adults to sort and sequence stimuli that are presented visually and auditorily. Validation data are presented for 268 participants ages 20 to 85 years. A subset of participants (N=89) was retested 7 to 21 days later. As expected, the List Sorting Test had moderately high correlations with other measures of working memory and executive functioning (convergent validity) but a low correlation with a test of receptive vocabulary (discriminant validity). Furthermore, List Sorting demonstrates expected changes over the age span and has excellent test–retest reliability. Collectively, these results provide initial support for the construct validity of the List Sorting Working Memory Measure as a measure of working memory. However, the relationship between the List Sorting Test and general executive function has yet to be determined. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–12)
THE CAUSE OF HIGHER ECONOMIC GROWTH: ASSESSING THE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE
Authors: Tatahi Motasam , Cetin Emre Ipekci , Cetin M. Koray
Published: June 2014

This study examines the cause of higher (5% or more) economic growth rates in countries around the world over the past 35 years. It explores the long- and short-term relationships between GDP and government expenditures in these countries. A panel data set of 60 countries over the period from 1976 to 2010 is deployed to implement pooled mean group estimation. Countries are divided into three economic growth rate groups: high, middle, and low. Panel-based/error correction models are used to estimate long-term equilibrium relationships and short-term dynamics between government expenditures and GDP growth rates. Results indicate that the hypothesis of a common long-term elasticity and a short-term dynamic relationship between GDP growth rates and government expenditures cannot be rejected for high group countries, whereas for middle group countries this is true only for the long term, not for the short term. No long-term or short-term relationship between these two variables exists for low-growth-rate countries.
Enhanced Quantification for 3D Energy Dispersive Spectrometry: Going Beyond the Limitation of Large Volume of X-Ray Emission
Authors: Burdet Pierre , Hébert Cécile , Cantoni Marco
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a method developed to quantify three-dimensional energy dispersive spectrometry (3D EDS) data with voxel size smaller than the volume from which X-rays are emitted. The influence of the neighboring voxels is corrected by applying recursively a complex quantification, improving thereby the accuracy of the quantification of critically small features. The enhanced quantification method is applied to simulated and measured data. A systematic improvement is obtained compared with classical quantification, proving the concept and the prospect of this method.
Cellulose Films: Designing Template-Free Nanoporous Cellulose Films on Semiconducting Surfaces
Authors: Carapeto Ana P. , Ferraria Ana Maria , Brogueira Pedro , Boufi Sami , Rego Ana Maria B. Do
Published: June 2014

In this work, we report the preparation of ultrathin submicro- and nanoporous cellulose films onto Si (100). The effect of different experimental conditions of preparation on the film surface morphology was studied, namely the role of the film casting method (spin- versus dip-coating), solvent (toluene or tetrahydrofuran), substrate pretreatment (hydrophilicity degree), and regeneration procedure with HCl vapors (two consecutive dips followed by regeneration or regeneration after each dip). The surface morphological structures presented in this work were never obtained before without the use of templates. A rather regular two-dimensional pore network was obtained onto the less hydrophilic Si substrate (contact angle≅68°), after two consecutive dips (with an intercalary rotation of 180º) in trimethylsilyl cellulose diluted in toluene and regeneration at the end. All the surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy.
Who Violates The Principles of Political Liberalism?: Religion, Restraint, and the Decision to Reject Same-Sex Marriage
Authors: Beyerlein Kraig , Eberle Christopher J.
Published: June 2014

Recent debates in political theory have seen political liberals advocate and defend a doctrine of restraint, according to which citizens may not rely solely on religious reasons when supporting their favored public policies. This debate notwithstanding, very rarely have social scientists assessed the extent to which citizens actually violate this doctrine. This article evaluates the “political decision-making” model of political liberalism. Data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults are used to test this model for legalization of same-sex marriage. Our analyses show that while only a very small percentage of U.S. support this policy solely on the basis of their religious convictions, roughly a quarter oppose it for religious reasons alone. Furthermore, we find that higher levels of religious service attendance and importance of religious faith as well as affiliation with evangelical and black Protestantism significantly increase the likelihood of same-sex marriage opposition entirely on religious grounds.
Stereotype Content Associated with Immigrant Groups in Switzerland
Authors: Binggeli Steve , Krings Franciska , Sczesny Sabine
Published: June 2014

This research examines stereotypes associated with immigrant groups in Switzerland. In line with the stereotype content model, we expected immigrant groups to be perceived differentially on the dimensions of warmth and competence as a function of their national origin. Second, we expected the stereotype content to be predominantly mixed, that is, groups are either perceived as warmer than competent or as colder than competent. Third, we expected stereotype contents to correlate with their sociostructural precursors, namely, competition and status. The results supported our hypotheses: The nine most salient immigrant groups fell into five meaningful clusters, based on their perceived warmth and competence. Most stereotype contents were mixed. Moreover, we found that warmth perceptions were predicted by both competition and status, whereas competence perceptions were predicted by status only. This research emphasizes the importance of considering the diversity of the immigrant population when studying immigrant stereotypes.
Screeningfragebögen zu Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren für Traumafolgestörungen – Ein systematischer Review
Authors: Becker-Nehring Katharina , Becker Anne-Kathrin , Bengel Jürgen
Published: June 2014

Eine Herausforderung im Rahmen der frühen Versorgung nach traumatischen Ereignissen liegt in der Identifizierung derjenigen Betroffenen, die ohne professionelle Unterstützung psychische Störungen entwickeln und bei denen somit psychologische Frühinterventionen indiziert sind. Aufgrund geringer Prädiktivität bzw. Sensitivität ist die Diagnose einer akuten Belastungsstörung zur Vorhersage von Traumafolgestörungen nicht gut geeignet. Die Berücksichtigung von Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren verbessert die Vorhersage signifikant. Anhand eines systematischen Reviews gibt diese Arbeit einen Überblick über sieben Screeningfragebögen zu Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren für Traumafolgestörungen. Sowohl für Erwachsene als auch für Kinder liegen Instrumente vor, die eine deutlich höhere Sensitivität aufweisen als die akute Belastungsstörung und die somit für mehrstufige Screeningprogramme besser geeignet sind. Die Posttraumatic Adjustment Scale weist die besten Kennwerte auf und ist das einzige Instrument, das kreuzvalidiert ist und sich im Rahmen eines Screen-and-treat-Programms als praktikabel und effektiv erwiesen hat. In deutscher Sprache ist allerdings kein solches Instrument verfügbar.
Emotionen als Wirkfaktoren psychosozialer Interventionen bei Alzheimer-Demenz
Authors: Blessing Andreas , Forstmeier Simon , Eschen Anne
Published: June 2014

In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Befunde zu Kompetenzen im Bereich der emotionalen Verarbeitung bei Patienten mit Alzheimer-Demenz zusammengefasst und deren mögliche Nutzung für psychosoziale Interventionen diskutiert. Anschliessend werden Hypothesen zur Bedeutung emotionaler Kompetenzen für die Wirkung bereits bestehender erfolgreicher psychosozialer Interventionen dargestellt. Zudem werden Empfehlungen für die Forschung und Praxis aus den dargestellten Befunden und Überlegungen abgeleitet.
Exogenous and endogenous hyaluronic acid reduces HIV infection of CD4+ T cells
Authors: Li Peilin , Fujimoto Katsuya , Bourguingnon Lilly , Yukl Steven , Deeks Steven , Wong Joseph K
Published: June 2014

Preventing mucosal transmission of HIV is critical to halting the HIV epidemic. Novel approaches to preventing mucosal transmission are needed. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major extracellular component of mucosa and the primary ligand for the cell surface receptor CD44. CD44 enhances HIV infection of CD4+ T cells, but the role of HA in this process is not clear. To study this, virions were generated with CD44 (HIVCD44) or without CD44 (HIVmock). Exogenous HA reduced HIV infection of unstimulated CD4+ T cells in a CD44‐dependent manner. Conversely, hyaluronidase‐mediated reduction of endogenous HA on the cell surface enhanced HIV binding to and infection of unstimulated CD4+ T cells. Exogenous HA treatment reduced activation of protein kinase C alpha via CD44 on CD4+ T cells during infection with HIVCD44. These results reveal new roles for HA during the interaction of HIV with CD4+ T cells that may be relevant to mucosal HIV transmission and could be exploitable as a future strategy to prevent HIV infection.
PPARβ/δ activation of CD300a controls intestinal immunity
Authors: Tanaka Toshiya , Tahara-Hanaoka Satoko , Nabekura Tsukasa , Ikeda Kaori , Jiang Shuying , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Inagaki Takeshi , Magoori Kenta , Higurashi Takuma , Takahashi Hirokazu , Tachibana Keisuke , Tsurutani Yuya , Raza Sana , Anai Motonobu , Minami Takashi , Wada Youichiro , Yokote Koutaro , Doi Takefumi , Hamakubo Takao , Auwerx Johan , Gonzalez Frank J. , Nakajima Atsushi , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Naito Makoto , Shibuya Akira , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Sakai Juro
Published: June 2014

Macrophages are important for maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. Here, we show that PPARβ/δ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ) directly regulates CD300a in macrophages that express the immunoreceptor tyrosine based-inhibitory motif (ITIM)-containing receptor. In mice lacking CD300a, high-fat diet (HFD) causes chronic intestinal inflammation with low numbers of intestinal lymph capillaries and dramatically expanded mesenteric lymph nodes. As a result, these mice exhibit triglyceride malabsorption and reduced body weight gain on HFD. Peritoneal macrophages from Cd300a−/− mice on HFD are classically M1 activated. Activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MyD88 signaling by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in prolonged IL-6 secretion in Cd300a−/− macrophages. Bone marrow transplantation confirmed that the phenotype originates from CD300a deficiency in leucocytes. These results identify CD300a-mediated inhibitory signaling in macrophages as a critical regulator of intestinal immune homeostasis.
Two different approaches for pharmacokinetic modeling of exhaled drug concentrations
Authors: Kreuer S. , Hauschild A. , Fink T. , Baumbach J. I. , Maddula S. , Volk Th.
Published: June 2014

Online measurement of drug concentrations in patient's breath is a promising approach for individualized dosage. A direct transfer from breath- to blood-concentrations is not possible. Measured exhaled concentrations are following the blood-concentration with a delay in non-steady-state situations. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate the breath-concentration into a pharmacological model. Two different approaches for pharmacokinetic modelling are presented. Usually a 3-compartment model is used for pharmacokinetic calculations of blood concentrations. This 3-compartment model is extended with a 2-compartment model based on the first compartment of the 3-compartment model and a new lung compartment. The second approach is to calculate a time delay of changes in the concentration of the first compartment to describe the lung-concentration. Exemplarily both approaches are used for modelling of exhaled propofol. Based on time series of exhaled propofol measurements using an ion-mobility-spectrometer every minute for 346 min a correlation of calculated plasma and the breath concentration was used for modelling to deliver R2 = 0.99 interdependencies. Including the time delay modelling approach the new compartment coefficient ke0lung was calculated to ke0lung = 0.27 min−1 with R2 = 0.96. The described models are not limited to propofol. They could be used for any kind of drugs, which are measurable in patient's breath.
A combined “RAFT” and “Graft From” polymerization strategy for surface modification of mesoporous silica nanoparticles: towards enhanced tumor accumulation and cancer therapy efficacy
Authors: Ma Ming , Zheng Shuguang , Chen Hangrong , Yao Minghua , Zhang Kun , Jia Xiaoqing , Mou Juan , Xu Huixiong , Wu Rong , Shi Jianlin
Published: June 2014

A novel modification route integrating the copolymers of positive charged quaternary amines and polyethylene glycol units using a combination “Raft” and “Graft From” strategy.
Coumarin meets fluorescein: a Förster resonance energy transfer enhanced optical ammonia gas sensor
Authors: Widmer Susanne , Dorrestijn Marko , Camerlo Agathe , Urek Špela Korent , Lobnik Aleksandra , Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C. , Scherer Lukas J.
Published: June 2014

The incorporation of a FRET-based sensing system into an organic modified silica matrix resulted in a quantitative and reversible optical ammonia gas sensor with a linear response.
Multifunctional nanoprobes based on upconverting lanthanide doped CaF2: towards biocompatible materials for biomedical imaging
Authors: Cantarelli Irene Xochilt , Pedroni Marco , Piccinelli Fabio , Marzola Pasquina , Boschi Federico , Conti Giamaica , Sbarbati Andrea , Bernardi Paolo , Mosconi Elisa , Perbellini Luigi , Marongiu Laura , Donini Marta , Dusi Stefano , Sorace Lorenzo , Innocenti Claudia , Fantechi Elvira , Sangregorio Claudio , Speghini Adolfo
Published: June 2014

Lanthanide doped CaF2 nanoparticles are useful for in vivo optical and MR imaging and as nanothermometer probes, which do not induce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
Novel zeotype frameworks with soft cyclodiphosphazane linkers and soft Cu4X4 clusters as nodes
Authors: Siddiqui Mujahuddin M. , Mobin Shaikh M. , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: June 2014

Two novel zeolitic phosphane cluster frameworks have been synthesized by using ferrocenyl cyclodiphosphazanes [Fe(η5-C5H4)2{P(μ-NtBu)}2] as ditopic linkers and [Cu4X4] clusters as tetrahedral nodes.
Two-dimensional array of particles originating from dipole–dipole interaction as evidenced by potential curve measurements at vertical oil/water interfaces
Authors: Sakka Tetsuo , Kozawa Daichi , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Sugiman Nao , Øye Gisle , Fukami Kazuhiro , Nishi Naoya , Ogata Yukio H.
Published: June 2014

The interaction potential curve of the polystyrene spherical particles adsorbed at the decane/water interface. The dipole–dipole interaction dominating the repulsion between the particles is significantly weakened by the addition of a surfactant.
Comparative photo-release of nitric oxide from isomers of substituted terpyridinenitrosylruthenium(ii) complexes: experimental and computational investigations
Authors: Akl Joëlle , Sasaki Isabelle , Lacroix Pascal G. , Malfant Isabelle , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Vicendo Patricia , Farfán Norberto , Santillan Rosa
Published: June 2014

Efficient NO photorelease is observed in cis(Cl,Cl)-[RuII(FT)Cl2(NO)](PF6) and trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuII(FT)Cl2(NO)](PF6) with a quantum yield of 0.31 and 0.10 respectively.
Immobilization of Co-containing polyoxometalates in MIL-101(Cr): structural integrity versus chemical transformation
Authors: Salomon William , Yazigi François-Joseph , Roch-Marchal Catherine , Mialane Pierre , Horcajada Patricia , Serre Christian , Haouas Mohamed , Taulelle Francis , Dolbecq Anne
Published: June 2014

Complementary techniques evidenced the integrity or the evolution of polyoxometalates inside the nanocages of the metal organic framework MIL-101(Cr).
Kinetics and mechanistic investigation into the possible activation of imidazolium trans-[tetrachloridodimethylsulfoxideimidazoleruthenate(iii)], NAMI-A, by 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate
Authors: Adigun Risikat Ajibola , Martincigh Bice , O. Nyamori Vincent , Omondi Bernard , Masimirembwa Collen , Simoyi Reuben H.
Published: June 2014

NAMI-A is a promising antimetastatic prodrug with high specificity for metastatic cancer cells.