bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Particle‐Controlled, High‐Performance, Gum‐Like Electrolyte for Safe and Flexible Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Schiff Tyler , Eyler Allen , Li Bin
Published: August 2014

Storing energy within flexible and safe materials is one of the most important goals for energy storage devices. To that end, high‐performance conformable electrolytes, which can transport ions quickly and safely, and can also effectively separate and bond strongly to the two electrodes, are of great importance. However, it is challenging to develop an electrolyte that can play these multiple roles simultaneously. Here, aiming to overcome this challenge, a particle‐based approach to the fabrication of a high‐performance, gum‐like electrolyte is described. The intriguing properties of the gum‐like electrolyte include high ionic conductivity, good mechanical properties, excellent adhesion properties, and, more importantly, thermal‐protection capability. It is shown that these significant properties are well‐controlled by the incorporation of wax particles with variable size, loading, and surface properties that can be designed through the use of an apporpriate surfactant. This provides a promising solution for high‐performance electrolytes and indicates a cost‐effective approach to fabricating multifunctional ion‐conducting materials.
Effect of calcium chloride on the surface properties of Kevlar fiber
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhen Qiang , Luo Zhu , Lu Shengjun
Published: August 2014

In this study, we present a new approach to modify the surface of Kevlar‐29 fiber by the complexation. The surface of Kevlar‐29 fiber was treated by calcium chloride (CaCl2) ethanol solution. The structure and morphology of the modified Kevlar‐29 fiber were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction instrument, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that CaCl2 treatment's method can cause changes of the chemical groups of Kevlar‐29 fiber. The amino‐groups of Kevlar‐29 fiber were freed and the contents of ‐C‐N‐ increased. The changes can improve the surface roughness of Kevlar‐29 fibers. This can increase the adhesive of Kevlar fiber/epoxy composites. From the ILSS and mechanical properties values, it can be concluded that treatment with 5 wt % CaCl2 for 5 h is the optimum complexation condition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41358.
Molecular pathways regulating the formation of brown‐like adipocytes in white adipose tissue
Authors: Fu Jianfei , Li Zhen , Zhang Huiqin , Mao Yushan , Wang Anshi , Wang Xin , Zou Zuquan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: August 2014

Adipose tissue is functionally composed of brown adipose tissue and white adipose tissue. The unique thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue results from expression of uncoupling protein 1 in the mitochondrial inner membrane. On the basis of recent findings that adult humans have functionally active brown adipose tissue, it is now recognized as playing a much more important role in human metabolism than was previously thought. More importantly, brown‐like adipocytes can be recruited in white adipose tissue upon environmental stimulation and pharmacologic treatment, and this change is associated with increased energy expenditure, contributing to a lean and healthy phenotype. Thus, the promotion of brown‐like adipocyte development in white adipose tissue offers novel possibilities for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat obesity and related metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the recruitment of brown‐like adipocyte in white adipose tissue. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Optimization of Simple One‐Step Methods for the Synthesis of 4‐Amino‐Substituted 1,8‐Naphthalimides
Authors: Kindahl Tomas , Chorell Elin , Chorell Erik
Published: August 2014

The 1,8‐naphthalimide central fragment can be found in a vast number of bioactive compounds and drugs in clinical trials, and can be recognized from their use as fluorescent probes. Of key importance for the fluorescent properties of the scaffold is the 4‐amino substituent, which has also proven to be critical in several other chemical and biological applications. Because of the great interest in 1,8‐naphthalimides in general, and 4‐amino‐substituted 1,8‐naphthalimides in particular, we have developed and optimized one‐step procedures with which to access these derivatives by using an experimental design approach. The multivariate studies of temperature, reaction time, and equivalents of substrates identified conditions with close to quantitative yields that could be applied to generate a range of 4‐amino‐substituted 1,8‐naphthalimides in high yields.
Emerging trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality
Authors: Njei Basile , Rotman Yaron , Ditah Ivo , Lim Joseph K.
Published: August 2014

The rise in incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States has been well documented. The purpose of this analysis was to examine temporal trends in HCC incidence, mortality, and survival within the U.S. population. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data were used to examine incidence and incidence‐based (IB) mortality in HCC from 1973 to 2011. Secular trends in age‐adjusted incidence and IB mortality by sex and cancer stage were characterized using the Joinpoint Regression program. In 1973, HCC incidence was 1.51 cases per 100,000, whereas in 2011, HCC incidence was 6.20 cases per 100,000. Although HCC incidence continues to increase, a slowing of the rate of increase occurs around 2006. In a sensitivity analysis, there was no significant increase in incidence and IB mortality from 2009 to 2011. There was a significant increase in overall median survival from the 1970s to 2000s (2 vs. 8 months; P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox's regression analysis, age, sex, race, tumor grade, stage at diagnosis, lymph/vascular invasion, number of primary tumors, tumor size, and liver transplant were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion: Our results indicate a deceleration in the incidence of HCC around 2006. Since 2009 and for the first time in four decades, there is no increase in IB mortality and incidence rates for HCC in the U.S. population. The nonsignificant increase in incidence and IB mortality in recent years suggest that the peak of the HCC epidemic may be near. A significant survival improvement in HCC was also noted from 1973 to 2010, which seems to be driven by earlier detection of HCC at a curative stage and greater utilization of curative modalities (especially transplant). (Hepatology 2015;61:191–199)
Electroconvulsive stimulation, but not chronic restraint stress, causes structural alterations in adult rat hippocampus—A stereological study
Authors: Olesen Mikkel V. , Wörtwein Gitta , Pakkenberg Bente
Published: August 2014

The neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression are not fully understood. Only a few previous studies have used validated stereological methods to test how stress and animal paradigms of depression affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis and whether antidepressant therapy can counteract possible changes in an animal model. Thus, in this study we applied methods that are state of the art in regard to stereological cell counting methods. Using a validated rat model of depression in combination with a clinically relevant schedule of electroconvulsive stimulation, we estimated the total number of newly formed neurons in the hippocampal subgranular zone. Also estimated were the total number of neurons and the volume of the granule cell layer in adult rats subjected to chronic restraint stress and electroconvulsive stimulation either alone or in combination. We found that chronic restraint stress induces depression‐like behavior, without significantly changing neurogenesis, the total number of neurons or the volume of the hippocampus. Further, electroconvulsive stimulation prevents stress‐induced depression‐like behavior and increases neurogenesis. The total number of neurons and the granule cell layer volume was not affected by electroconvulsive stimulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Which adenomas are detected by fecal occult blood testing? A state‐wide analysis from Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Brenner Hermann , Hoffmeister Michael , Birkner Berndt , Stock Christian
Published: August 2014

Guaiac‐based fecal occult blood tests (gFOBTs) are the most widely used noninvasive tests for colorectal cancer screening. While it is well known that they detect only a minority of colorectal adenomas, evidence for the characteristics of adenomas associated with detection is sparse. We derived estimates of the positive likelihood ratio (LR+), a summary measure of diagnostic performance, according to adenoma characteristics by comparing findings at colonoscopy among 19,208 and 181,128 participants who underwent colonoscopy to follow‐up a positive gFOBT and as a primary screening examination, respectively, in Bavaria, Germany, in 2007–2009. Age and sex‐adjusted estimates of LR+ (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI) ranged from 1.09 (1.05–1.13) for adenomas <1 cm to 2.52 (2.30–2.75) for adenomas >2 cm, and were much higher for pedunculated adenomas (1.96, 95% CI 1.85–2.08) than for flat or sessile adenomas (1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21 and 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.16, respectively). Villous or tubulovillous structure and dysplasia were likewise associated with a higher chance to be detected by gFOBT. Diagnostic performance was worse for proximal than for distal adenomas (age and sex adjusted LR+:1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.23 and 1.35, 95% CI 1.29–1.41, respectively) which was explained by the lower proportions of large, pedunculated and nontubular adenomas in the proximal colon. Size, pedunculated shape, and nontubular histology are the key determinants of detection which also explain lower detection rates of adenomas located in the proximal colon.
Learning To Fold Proteins Using Energy Landscape Theory
Authors: Schafer Nicholas P. , Kim Bobby L. , Zheng Weihua , Wolynes Peter G.
Published: August 2014

This review is a tutorial for scientists interested in the problem of protein structure prediction, particularly those interested in using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics models which are optimized using lessons learned from the energy landscape theory of protein folding. We also present a review of the results of the AMH/AMC/AMW/AWSEM family of coarse‐grained molecular dynamics protein folding models to illustrate the points covered in the first part of the article. Accurate coarse‐grained structure prediction models can be used to investigate a wide range of conceptual and mechanistic issues outside of protein structure prediction; specifically, the paper concludes by reviewing how AWSEM has, in recent years, been able to elucidate questions related to the unusual kinetic behavior of artificially designed proteins, multidomain protein misfolding, and the initial stages of protein aggregation.
ORIGINS OF THE FIELD‐DEPENDENT AND FIELD‐INDEPENDENT COGNITIVE STYLES
Authors: Goodenough Donald R. , Witkin Herman A.
Published: August 2014

The literature on sources of individual differences in field dependence‐independence is reviewed and findings on ontogenetic development and cross‐cultural differences are incorporated into the theory of psychological differentiation. During the growth years, individuals develop toward greater field independence. Hormonal and X‐linked genetic factors may influence development of specific cognitive components of the field‐dependence‐independence dimension. It is clear from a wide variety of data that the development of field independence is enhanced by appropriate training programs, child‐rearing practices which encourage separation from parental authority, and “loose” social structures which permit individual autonomy. Among subsistence‐level societies, members of nomadic hunting groups tend to be more field independent than members of sedentary farming groups. Viewed from an ecocultural perspective, this finding suggests a progression from relative field independence toward relative field dependence as cultural forms changed from early hunting to later agricultural economies. That developmental changes may proceed in opposite directions in the course of ontogeny and during cultural history is compatible with the bipolar conception of cognitive styles; the cognitive restructuring skills of field‐independent individuals and the social‐interpersonal competencies of field‐dependent individuals have adaptive value in different life circumstances.
MATERNAL TEACHING STRATEGIES AND FIELD DEPENDENT‐INDEPENDENT COGNITIVE STYLES IN CHICANO FAMILIES
Authors: Laosa Luis M.
Published: August 2014

Hypotheses were derived from the most recent formulation of field‐dependence theory, and tested, concerning (a) the role that cognitive styles play in determining individual differences in maternal teaching strategies; (b) the role of maternal teaching strategies as mediators of children's development of cognitive style; (c) the emergence of field dependence‐independence as a coherent construct in young Chicano children; and (d) sex differences. Forty‐three Chicano mothers were observed, in their homes, teaching cognitive‐perceptual tasks to their own five‐year‐old children, and each mother and child was administered a battery of measures to assess field dependence‐independence. Results were generally in line with the theory.
A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SPEED AND POWER APTITUDE TEST SCORES, AND ETHNIC IDENTITY
Authors: Evans Franklin R.
Published: August 2014

This is the fourth report in a series of research studies to determine the effects of altering time‐per‐item as it relates to the test candidate's ethnic identity, residence (rural or urban), and sex. Four specially designed SAT‐like tests were administered to volunteer samples of black, Chicano, and white college‐bound juniors in twelve high schools in urban and rural settings. Within each high school, the volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three time‐limit conditions: speeded (20 minutes per section), normal (30 minutes per section), and unspeeded (40 minutes per section).

Results of several independent analyses of variance (ANOVA's) did not reveal any differential performance related to residency or sex. Significant effects were detected for test‐time limits and ethnic identity. No significant two‐way interactions involving any of the four factors (time, ethnic identity, residence, or sex) were detected.

Two significant findings were observed in the item analysis of the selected sections (verbal, math). There is some evidence that minority volunteers were employing less than optimal test‐taking strategies. The average section scores of the volunteers “still working” near the end of the test section were often lower than the average sections scores for all candidates. Secondly, when alternate form reliability estimates were compared for minorities, the estimates of reliabilities for wrong scores were higher than those for rights or formula scores. Possible explanations of these phenomena are that the tests were too difficult for the volunteers or that the volunteers who persisted were being attracted to incorrect options by way of misinformation.
Adamts1 Mediates Ethanol‐Induced Alterations in Collagen and Elastin via a FoxO1‐Sestrin3‐AMPK Signaling Cascade in Myocytes
Authors: Hong‐Brown Ly Q , Brown CRandell , Navaratnarajah Maithili , Lang Charles H
Published: August 2014

A variety of stressors including alcohol (EtOH) are known to induce collagen production and fibrotic diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in regulating fibrosis, but little is known regarding the relationship between EtOH and MMPs. In addition, the signaling cascades involved in this process have not been elucidated. We have identified the MMP Adamts1 as a target of EtOH regulation. To characterize the function of Adamts1, we examined EtOH‐induced alterations in collagen I and elastin protein levels in C2C12 myocytes. Incubation of myocytes with 100 mM EtOH decreased elastin and increased collagen content, respectively, and these changes were associated with increased O‐GLcNAc modification of Adamts1. Conversely, silencing of Adamts1 by siRNA blocked the adverse effects of EtOH on collagen and elastin levels. Similar results were obtained after treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of MMP. Changes in collagen were due, at least in part, to a decreased interaction of Adamts1 with its endogenous inhibitor TIMP3. The AMPK inhibitor compound C blocked the EtOH‐induced stimulation of collagen and O‐GLcNAc Adamts1 protein. Changes in AMPK appear linked to FoxO1, since inhibition of FoxO1 blocked the effects of EtOH on AMPK phosphorylation and O‐GLcNAc levels. These FoxO‐dependent modifications were associated with an upregulation of the FoxO1 transcription target sestrin 3, as well as increased binding of sestrin 3 with AMPK. Collectively, these data indicate that EtOH regulates the collagen I and elastin content in an Adamts1‐dependent manner in myocytes. Furthermore, Adamts1 appears to be controlled by the FoxO1‐sestrin 3‐AMPK signaling cascade. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 91–101, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrating database knowledge and epidemiological design to improve the implementation of data mining methods that evaluate vaccine safety in large healthcare databases
Authors: Nelson Jennifer C. , Shortreed Susan M. , Yu Onchee , Peterson Do , Baxter Roger , Fireman Bruce , Lewis Ned , McClure Dave , Weintraub Eric , Xu Stan , Jackson Lisa A. ,   on behalf of the Vaccine Safety Datalink project
Published: August 2014

Large healthcare databases maintained by health plans have been widely used to conduct customized protocol‐based epidemiological safety studies as well as targeted routine sequential monitoring of suspected adverse events for newly licensed vaccines. These databases also offer a rich data source to discover vaccine‐related adverse events not known prior to licensure using data mining methods, but they remain relatively under‐utilized for this purpose. Initial safety applications of data mining methods using ‘big healthcare data’ are promising, but stronger integration of database expertize, epidemiological design, and statistical analysis strategies are needed to better leverage the available information, reduce bias, and improve reporting transparency. We enumerate major methodological challenges in mining large healthcare databases for vaccine safety research, describe existing strategies that have been used to address these issues, and identify opportunities for methodological advancements that emphasize the importance of adapting techniques used in customized protocol‐based vaccine safety assessments. Investment in such research methods and in the development of deeper collaborations between database safety experts and data mining methodologists has great potential to improve existing safety surveillance programs and further increase public confidence in the safety of newly licensed vaccines.
Suprapubic Cystostomy for the Management of Urethral Injuries During Penile Prosthesis Implantation
Authors: Anele Uzoma A. , Le Brian V. , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Urethral injury is an uncommon surgical complication of penile prosthesis (PP) surgery. Conventional dogma requires abortion of the procedure if the adjacent corporal body is involved or delayed implantation to avert device infection associated with urinary extravasation. Besides the setback of the aborted surgery, this management approach also presents the possible difficulty of encountering corporal fibrosis at the time of reoperation.

Aim

We report an approach using primary urethral repair and temporary suprapubic cystostomy for the management of incidental urethral injuries in a cohort of patients allowing for successful completion of unaborted PP implantation.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients receiving PPs from 1990 to 2014 in which incidental urethral injuries were repaired and PP implantation was completed with suprapubic cystostomy (suprapubic tube [SPT] insertion). After allowing for urethral healing and urinary diversion via SPT for 4–8 weeks, the PP was activated.

Main Outcome Measures

Successful management was determined by the absence of perioperative complications within 6 months of implantation.

Results

We identified four cases, all receiving inflatable PPs, managed with temporary suprapubic cystostomy. These patients sustained urethral injuries during corporal dissection (one patient), corporal dilation (one patient), and penile straightening (two patients). All patients were managed safely and successfully.

Conclusion

Primary urethral repair followed by temporary suprapubic cystostomy offers a surgical approach to complete PP implantation successfully in patients who sustain urethral injury complications, particularly for complex PP surgeries.
Analyzing complex mathematical model behavior by partial least squares regression‐based multivariate metamodeling
Authors: Tøndel Kristin , Martens Harald
Published: August 2014

The increasing complexity of mathematical models of complex systems like living cells has created a need for methods to reduce computational demand, maintain overview of the capabilities and feasibility of the models, compare alternative models, and obtain more reliable and effective fitting of models to experimental data. Metamodeling—statistical modeling of the behavior of complex mathematical models, also called ‘surrogate modeling’—is well established in many scientific disciplines, such as mechanical engineering and process simulation, and has recently also found use in computational biology, as well as other fields of bioscience. Many of these are based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) and various nonlinear and N‐way extensions of the PLSR. This is a versatile family of multivariate data modeling methods that combines a simple, flexible model structure (low‐rank bilinear subspace regression) and an intuitively attractive optimization criterion (maximized explained input–output covariance) to provide both predictive ability and graphical insight. This review summarizes the background for PLSR‐based metamodeling, and the use of PLSR and related methods in the main application areas of metamodeling: reduction of computational demand, sensitivity analysis, model comparison, and parameterization of models in relation to measured data. The methodology is generic, but here illustrated by examples from computational biology. The advantages and limitations of metamodeling for analyzing complex model behavior are discussed. WIREs Comput Stat 2014, 6:440–475. doi: 10.1002/wics.1325

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational and Molecular Biology

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods
Circulating Lp(a):LDL Complexes Contain LDL Molecules Proportionate to Lp(a) Size and Bind to Galectin‐1: A Possible Route for LDL Entry into Cells
Authors: Kalaivani Vasantha , Appukuttan Padinjaradath Sankunni
Published: August 2014

The molecular mechanism of vascular pathology mediated by circulating lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] remains unknown. We examined the role of two distinguishing features of Lp(a) viz non‐covalent complex formation with a low density lipoprotein (LDL) and heavy glycosylation as determinants of binding of this lipoprotein and its LDL complex to cell‐surface receptors. LDL isolated from the Lp(a):LDL complex, free LDL and oxidized LDL were equally efficient in forming a reconstituted complex with pure Lp(a). Complexed LDL in healthy individuals was equal in oxidation status to free LDL. The number of LDL molecules associated with each Lp(a) molecule (LDL index) in plasma samples increased steadily with Lp(a) size (correlation coefficient r = 0.834). Complex reconstituted from purified plasma Lp(a) and LDL maintained the same LDL index as plasma in accordance with Lp(a) size. Consequently, the percentage of complex‐free Lp(a) in the plasma decreased sharply with Lp(a) size (r = −0.887). Although O‐glycosylation measured in terms of lectin binding increased with Lp(a) size, the LDL index increased significantly faster than O‐glycosylation among Lp(a) phenotypes of different plasma samples. Complexes with varying stoichiometry existed in the same plasma. Extra LDL complex molecules were not recognized by LDL receptors on human macrophages or rat cardiac fibroblasts indicating attachment to Lp(a) involved LDL receptor‐binding sites. However, unlike free LDL complex LDL could attach through Lp(a) to immobilized form of galectin‐1, a lectin ubiquitous on mammalian cells. Results suggest that phenotype‐dependence of the physiological and pathological functions of Lp(a) may operate through differential LDL‐carrier activity.
Muslim and Hindu Women’s Public and Private Behaviors: Gender, Family, and Communalized Politics in India
Authors: Desai Sonalde , Temsah Gheda
Published: August 2014

Prior research on fundamentalist religious movements has focused attention on the complicated relationship among gender, family, and religion. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 30,000 Hindu and Muslim women, this study compares the daily public and private behaviors of women in India to examine how gender and family norms are shaped in the context of communalized identity politics. Building on the theoretical framework of “doing gender,” we argue that because communal identities are expressed through externally visible behaviors, greater religious differences are expected in external markers of gendered behaviors and family norms. Results indicate that Muslim women are more likely to engage in veiling and less likely to venture outside the home for recreation and employment. However, religious differences are absent when attention is directed at private behaviors, such as household decision-making power, gender segregation within households, and discrimination against daughters. Results underscore the multidimensionality of gender.
Happiness: Before and After the Kids
Authors: Myrskylä Mikko , Margolis Rachel
Published: August 2014

Understanding how having children influences parents’ subjective well-being (“happiness”) has great potential to explain fertility behavior. We study parental happiness trajectories before and after the birth of a child, using large British and German longitudinal data sets. We account for unobserved parental characteristics using fixed-effects models and study how sociodemographic factors modify the parental happiness trajectories. Consistent with existing work, we find that happiness increases in the years around the birth of a first child and then decreases to before-child levels. Moreover, happiness increases before birth, suggesting that the trajectories may capture not only the effect of the birth but also the broader process of childbearing, which may include partnership formation and quality. Sociodemographic factors strongly modify this pattern. Those who have children at older ages or who have more education have a particularly positive happiness response to a first birth; and although having the first two children increases happiness, having a third child does not. The results, which are similar in Britain and Germany, suggest that having up to two children increases happiness, and mostly for those who have postponed childbearing. This pattern is consistent with the fertility behavior that emerged during the second demographic transition and provides new insights into low and late fertility.
Temporal evolution of biomarkers and cognitive markers in the asymptomatic, MCI, and dementia stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bertens Daniela , Knol Dirk L. , Scheltens Philip , Visser Pieter Jelle ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2014

Background

We investigated the pattern of disease progression in the asymptomatic, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We selected 284 subjects with AD pathology, defined as abnormal levels of amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ1–42) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Disease outcome measures included six biomarkers and five cognitive markers. We compared differences in baseline measures and decline over 4 years between the AD stages and tested whether these changes differed from subjects, without AD pathology (N = 132).

Results

CSF Aβ1–42 reached the maximum abnormality level in the asymptomatic stage and tau in the MCI stage. The imaging and cognitive markers started to decline in the asymptomatic stage, and decline accelerated with advancing clinical stage.

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence for a temporal evolution of AD biomarkers. Our findings may be helpful to determine stage specific outcome measures for clinical trials.
Atherosclerotic calcification is related to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline
Authors: Bos Daniel , Vernooij Meike W. , de Bruijn Renée F.A.G. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Hofman Albert , Franco Oscar H. , van der Lugt Aad , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: August 2014

Background

Longitudinal data on the role of atherosclerosis in different vessel beds in the etiology of cognitive impairment and dementia are scarce and inconsistent.

Methods

Between 2003–2006, 2364 nondemented persons underwent computed tomography of the coronaries, aortic arch, extracranial, and intracranial carotid arteries to quantify atherosclerotic calcification. Participants were followed for incident dementia (n = 90) until April 2012. At baseline and follow‐up participants also underwent a cognitive test battery.

Results

Larger calcification volume in all vessels, except in the coronaries, was associated with a higher risk of dementia. After adjustment for relevant confounders, extracranial carotid artery calcification remained significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia [hazard ratio per standard deviation increase in calcification volume: 1.37 (1.05, 1.79)]. Additional analyses for Alzheimer's disease only or censoring for stroke showed similar results. Larger calcification volumes were also associated with cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Atherosclerosis, in particular in the extracranial carotid arteries, is related to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
On the realizability of pressure–strain closures
Authors: Mishra Aashwin A. , Girimaji Sharath S.
Published: August 2014

The realizability condition for statistical models of turbulence is augmented to ensure that not only is the Reynolds stress tensor positive semi-definite, but the process of its evolution is physically attainable as well. The mathematical constraints due to this process realizability requirement on the rapid pressure strain correlation are derived. The resulting constraints reveal important limits on the inter-component energy transfer and the consequent flow stability characteristics, as a function of the mean flow. For planar mean flows, the realizability constraints are most stringent for the case of purely sheared flows rather than elliptic flows. The relationship between the constraints and flow stability is explained. Process realizability leads to closure model guidance not only at the two-component (2C) limit of turbulence (as in the classical realizability approach) but throughout the anisotropy space. Consequently, the domain of validity and applicability of current models can be clearly identified for different mean flows. A simple framework for incorporating these process realizability constraints in model formulation is outlined.
Antiparasitic efficacy of Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin from Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz) Sm. against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: ZHENG WEI , YAN CHUN-MEI , ZHANG YA-BIN , LI ZE-HONG , LI ZHONGQIANG , LI XIU-YING , WANG ZHANG-WEI , WANG XIULAN , CHEN WEI-QIANG , YU XIN-HAI
Published: August 2014

The present study aims to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of active components from Costus speciosus against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Bioassay-guided fractionation was employed to identify active compounds from C. speciosus yielding 2 bioactive compounds: Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin. In-vitro assays revealed that Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin could be 100% effective against I. multifiliis at concentrations of 0·8 and 4·5 mg L−1, with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 0·53 and 3·2 mg L−1, respectively. All protomonts and encysted tomonts were killed when the concentrations of Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin were 1·0 and 5·0 mg L−1. In-vivo experiments demonstrated that fish treated with Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin at concentrations of 1·0 and 5·0 mg L−1 carried significantly fewer parasites than the control (P<0·05). Mortality of fish did not occur in the treatment group (Zingibernsis newsaponin at 5·0 mg L−1) during the trial, although 100% of untreated fish died. Acute toxicities (LD50) of Gracillin and Zingibernsis newsaponin for grass carp were 1·64 and 20·7 mg L−1, respectively. These results provided evidence that the 2 compounds can be selected as lead compounds for the development of new drugs against I. multifiliis.
Communication and Collective Actions: A Survey Experiment on Motivating Energy Conservation in the U.S.
Authors: Bolsen Toby , Druckman James N. , Cook Fay Lomax
Published: August 2014

When do citizens take action to benefit the public good, even when individual benefits are scant or non-existent? We address this question with a focus on an area of critical importance when it comes to environmental sustainability—specifically, we examine citizens' actions in the domain of energy conservation. We do so by using a survey experiment to evaluate the impact of exposure to communications posited to shape collective action behavior. We find that communications shape behavior depending on two primary factors not previously studied in concert: to whom responsibility is attributed for collective outcomes; and, what effects, or consequences, are associated with one's actions. We find that communications emphasizing individual responsibilityandcollective environmental benefits can stimulate collective action.
Cross-Sample Comparisons and External Validity
Authors: Krupnikov Yanna , Levine Adam Seth
Published: August 2014

Experimentation is an increasingly popular method among political scientists. While experiments are highly advantageous for creating internally valid conclusions, they are often criticized for being low on external validity. Critical to questions of external validity are the types of subjects who participate in a given experiment, with scholars typically arguing that samples of adults are more externally valid then student samples. Despite the vociferousness of such arguments, these claims have received little empirical treatment. In this paper we empirically test for key differences between student and adult samples by conducting four parallel experiments on each of the three samples commonly used by political scientists. We find that our student and diverse, national adult sample behave consistently and in line with theoretical predictions once relevant moderators are taken into account. The same is not true for our adult convenience sample.
Selective Oxidation of Biomass-Derived Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Simakova Olga A. , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: August 2014

Although various gold-catalysed oxidation reactions have been extensively studied and reported in the literature, transformations of biomass-derived compounds have been investigated to a lesser extent. This chapter describes the selective oxidation of the naturally occurring lignin, hydroxymatairesinol (HMR), to form another lignan oxomatairesinol (oxoMAT), which represents an example of the selective oxidation of biomass-derived secondary alcohols. The lignan oxoMAT has been shown to be beneficial for human health. But because it cannot be extracted directly from biomass in sufficient amounts, there is a need to synthesize it from the more abundant HMR. Gold catalysts demonstrate a complete selectivity in HMR oxidation to oxoMAT. The chapter describes the influence of the reaction conditions on product yield, catalyst deactivation, reaction structure sensitivity, reaction mechanism and reactions kinetics.
A simple microfluidic electrochemical HPLC detector for quantifying Fenton reactivity from welding fumes
Authors: Pluangklang Thanakorn , Wydallis John B. , Cate David M. , Nacapricha Duangjai , Henry Charles S.
Published: August 2014

Development and characterization of a simple microfluidic electrochemical flow cell that can be coupled with HPLC to enable dual absorbance/electrochemical detection is described.
A small molecule peptidomimetic of spider silk and webs
Authors: Maji Krishnendu , Sarkar Rajib , Bera Santu , Haldar Debasish
Published: August 2014

A peptidomimetic compound self-assembles to form spider silk-like soft fibers at 20 °C upon contact with air and the fibers can be used to mimic a spider web.
Room temperature hydrophosphination using a simple iron salen pre-catalyst
Authors: Gallagher K. J. , Webster R. L.
Published: August 2014

A highly active iron(iii) complex for room temperature hydrophosphination is reported. The products of the hydrophosphination reaction are also useful ligands for iron catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling.
Selective adsorption ofl-serine functional groups on the anatase TiO2(101) surface in benthic microbial fuel cells
Authors: Zhao Yan-Ling , Wang Cui-Hong , Zhai Ying , Zhang Rui-Qin , Van Hove Michel A.
Published: August 2014

In unmediated benthic microbial fuel cells, the titania anode surface as a promising candidate can have effective interactions with the carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of bacteria or pili.
Relativistic DFT calculations of magnetic moments of pristine and thiolated Mn@Aux (x = 6, 12)
Authors: Raggi G. , Soto J. R.
Published: August 2014

In this work we present the results of relativistic DFT calculations of magnetic moments for manganese inserted into a gold ring (Mn@Au6) or a cage-like structure (Mn@Au12) both pristine and n-thiolated.
Investigation of Pd nanoparticles supported on zeolites for hydrogen production from formic acid dehydrogenation
Authors: Navlani-García M. , Martis M. , Lozano-Castelló D. , Cazorla-Amorós D. , Mori K. , Yamashita H.
Published: August 2014

Palladium nanoparticles supported on different BETA zeolites are promising catalysts for H2production from formic acid dehydrogenation.
Design and development of POCN-pincer palladium catalysts for C–H bond arylation of azoles with aryl iodides
Authors: Khake Shrikant M. , Soni Vineeta , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Punji Benudhar
Published: August 2014

Well-defined highly active pincer-ligated palladium complexes have been developed for the direct arylation of heteroarenes through C–H bond functionalization using aryl iodides as electrophiles with impressive reactivity.
Electrochemical oxidation of H2 catalyzed by ruthenium hydride complexes bearing P2N2 ligands with pendant amines as proton relays
Authors: Liu Tianbiao , DuBois Mary Rakowski , DuBois Daniel L. , Bullock R. Morris
Published: August 2014

A new class of Ru electrocatalysts containing P2N2 diphosphine ligands with pendant amines converts the chemical bond energy of H2 to electricity.
Hybrid capacitive deionization to enhance the desalination performance of capacitive techniques
Authors: Lee Jaehan , Kim Seoni , Kim Choonsoo , Yoon Jeyong
Published: August 2014

Based on a porous carbon electrode, capacitive deionization (CDI) is a promising desalination technology in which ions are harvested and stored in an electrical double layer.
A continuous-flow C. elegans sorting system with integrated optical fiber detection and laminar flow switching
Authors: Yan Yuanjun , Ng Li Fang , Ng Li Theng , Choi Kwan Bum , Gruber Jan , Bettiol Andrew A. , Thakor Nitish V.
Published: August 2014

We present a high-throughput continuous-flow C. elegans sorting device that works based on integrated optical fiber detection and laminar flow switching.
Low-cost and binder-free, paper-based cobalt electrode for sodium borohydride electro-oxidation
Authors: Zhang Dongming , Ye Ke , Yin Jinling , Cheng Kui , Cao Dianxue , Wang Guiling
Published: August 2014

A low-cost and binder-free cobalt electrode is prepared by the electrodeposition of Co nanoplates onto a flexible conductive substrate, which is prepared simply by scratching a piece of A4 paper with a common 8B pencil.
Diindenocarbazole-based large bandgap copolymers for high-performance organic solar cells with large open circuit voltages
Authors: Wang Lixin , Cai Dongdong , Yin Zhigang , Tang Changquan , Chen Shan-Ci , Zheng Qingdong
Published: August 2014

Diindenocarbazole-based large bandgap copolymers exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 7.26% with a high open-circuit voltage of 0.93 V.
New benzylidene oxazolone derived polymeric photoswitches for light-induced tunable thermoresponsive behaviors
Authors: Balamurugan A. , Lee Hyung-il
Published: August 2014

Thermoresponsive polymeric photoswitches containing benzylidene oxazolone moieties were successfully synthesized and characterized. The LCST of the polymeric photoswitches could be tuned by isomerization of the benzylidene oxazolone moieties, accomplished with photoirradiation.
Enantioselective Pd-catalyzed tandem allylic alkylation reaction using monodentate phosphoramidite ligands for the formal total synthesis of huperzine A
Authors: Lin Chi-Feng , Chien Chih-Wei , Ojima Iwao
Published: August 2014

Enantioselective synthesis of a key intermediate to (−)-huperzine A by Pd-catalyzed tandem allylic alkylation using a novel monodentate phosphoramidite ligand.
12.5 A/350 V AlGaN/GaN‐on‐Si MOS‐HEMT with low specific on‐resistance and minimal threshold hysteresis
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yu Guohao , Fu Kai , Tan Shuxin , Zhang Zhili , Zeng Chunhong , Hou Keyu , Huang Wei , Cai Yong , Zhang Baoshun , Yuan Jinshe
Published: August 2014

An AlGaN/GaN metal–oxide semiconductor (MOS) high‐electron mobility transistor (HEMT) on silicon substrate was obtained with 8 nm Al2O3 gate dielectric films grown using atomic layer deposition. The MOS‐HEMT shows a low specific on‐resistance of 0.57 Ω·mm2, a large maximum saturate drain current of 12.5 A and a minimal threshold hysteresis of 0.05 V. Low specific on‐resistance, large maximum saturate drain current and minimal threshold hysteresis show that the fabricated MOS‐HEMT is very suitable for power switching applications.
Design and iron loss analysis of sensorless‐controlled interior permanent magnet synchronous motors with concentrated winding
Authors: Lim Myung‐Seop , Chai Seung‐Hee , Hong Jung‐Pyo
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the influence of the stator configuration of low‐speed sensorless‐controlled interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) with concentrated winding on the sensorless drive feasibility and iron loss. To evaluate the sensorless controllability of the motors, a mathematical and simulation process of estimating the rotor position error is proposed. In addition, the harmonic iron loss under a load condition is analysed via two‐dimensional non‐linear finite element analysis. Considering both the sensorless drive feasibility and iron loss, the four different IPMSMs, which have different tooth tip configurations in the stator, are examined. It is shown that the machine with a relatively short and thin stator tooth tip has better sensorless drive controllability and lower harmonic iron loss than the others. Based on the analysis result, a final model applied with stator chamfer for electric vehicle traction is proposed and manufactured. The validity of the simulations and the design method are verified by the experiments.
Distributed order reaction-diffusion systems associated with Caputo derivatives
Authors: Saxena R. K. , Mathai A. M. , Haubold H. J.
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the investigation of the solution of an unified fractional reaction-diffusion equation of distributed order associated with the Caputo derivatives as the time-derivative and Riesz-Feller fractional derivative as the space-derivative. The solution is derived by the application of the joint Laplace and Fourier transforms in compact and closed form in terms of the H-function. The results derived are of general nature and include the results investigated earlier by other authors, notably by Mainardi et al. [“The fundamental solution of the space-time fractional diffusion equation,” Fractional Calculus Appl. Anal. 4, 153–202 (2001); Mainardi et al. “Fox H-functions in fractional diffusion,” J. Comput. Appl. Math. 178, 321–331 (2005)] for the fundamental solution of the space-time fractional equation, including Haubold et al. [“Solutions of reaction-diffusion equations in terms of the H-function,” Bull. Astron. Soc. India 35, 681–689 (2007)] and Saxena et al. [“Fractional reaction-diffusion equations,” Astrophys. Space Sci. 305, 289–296 (2006a)] for fractional reaction-diffusion equations. The advantage of using the Riesz-Feller derivative lies in the fact that the solution of the fractional reaction-diffusion equation, containing this derivative, includes the fundamental solution for space-time fractional diffusion, which itself is a generalization of fractional diffusion, space-time fraction diffusion, and time-fractional diffusion, see Schneider and Wyss [“Fractional diffusion and wave equations,” J. Math. Phys. 30, 134–144 (1989)]. These specialized types of diffusion can be interpreted as spatial probability density functions evolving in time and are expressible in terms of the H-function in compact forms. The convergence conditions for the double series occurring in the solutions are investigated. It is interesting to observe that the double series comes out to be a special case of the Srivastava-Daoust hypergeometric function of two variables given in Appendix B of this paper. Fractional reaction-diffusion equations are of specific interest in physics for non-Gaussian, non-Markovian, and non-Fickian phenomena.
Thomson scattering diagnostic system design for the Compact Toroidal Hybrid experiment
Authors: Traverso P. J. , Maurer D. A. , Ennis D. A. , Hartwell G. J. , Goforth M. M. , Loch S. D. , Pearce A. J. , Cianciosa M. R.
Published: August 2014

A new Thomson scattering system using standard commercially available components has been designed for the non-axisymmetric plasmas of the Compact Toroidal Hybrid (CTH). The beam, generated by a frequency doubled Continuum PL DLS 2 J Nd:YAG laser, is passed vertically through an entrance Brewster window and an aperturing baffle system to minimize the stray laser light that could enter the collection optics. The beam line has been designed with an 8 m propagation distance to the mid-plane of the CTH device with the beam diameter kept less than 3 mm inside the plasma volume. The beam exits the vacuum system through another Brewster window and enters a beam dump, again to minimize the stray light in the vacuum chamber. Light collection, spectral processing, and signal detection are accomplished with an \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$f/{\#} \sim$\end{document}f/#∼ 1 aspheric lens, a commercially available Holospec f/1.8 spectrometer, and an Andor iStar DH740-18U-C3 image intensified camera. Spectral rejection of stray laser light, if needed, can be performed with the use of an optional interference filter at the spectrometer input. The system has been developed for initial single point measurements of plasmas with core electron temperatures of approximately 20–300 eV and densities of 5 × 1018 to 5 × 1019 m−3 dependent upon operational scenario.