bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electrochemical Cell with Improved Flow for Uniform Current Distribution and Plating Thickness
Authors: Garich Holly , Taylor E. J.
Published: October 2013

Many factors contribute to uniform electrochemical processing in industrial applications. The electrochemical cell provides the foundation for the process and as such an effective geometry is critical to obtain desired properties and to maximize process efficiency. Faraday Technology has engineered and developed a patented cell geometry that provides a uniform boundary layer thickness to dampen uneven localized current distributions and promote consequent plating uniformity for full size printed circuit board panels. While the technology has been validated for full-scale printed circuit boards, it is applicable to any electrochemical process. The cell has been extensively characterized in terms of boundary layer thickness and uniformity as well as plating thickness distribution and a number of processing cells have been developed based on this design for a variety of industrial applications. Characterization data is discussed along with scaling of the cell technology from an engineering perspective.
Zirconium Oxide-based Cathode Prepared by Partial Oxidation of Carbonitrides as Non-precious Metal Cathode for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Ota Ken-ichiro , Ohgi Yoshiro , Matsuzawa Koichi , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ishihara Akimitsu
Published: October 2013

Group 4 and 5 metal oxide-based compounds such as partially oxidized tantalum carbonitride, ZrO2-x, ZrOxNy, TiO2-x, and TaCxNy might be candidates for the new cathode material of polymer electrolyte fuel cells, if they have high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction. These materials are stable in acidic and oxidative atmosphere. A significant cost reduction of PEFCs might be possible using these materials. In this paper, we prepared partially oxidized zirconium carbonitrides (Zr-CNOs) at various heat treatment temperatures. The dependences of the heat treatment temperature on the crystalline structure and the ORR activity of the Zr-CNOs were investigated to obtain the principle of oxide-based catalyst design.
Simulation of Fick’s Second Law for Spatially Variant Diffusion Coefficients
Authors: Knoche Krysti L. , Moberg Paul D. , Hettige Chaminda , Leddy Johna
Published: October 2013

Simulations of cyclic voltammograms for a system with a spatially variant diffusion profile are presented. An expanded version of Fick’s Second Law is used to account for a diffusion coefficient that varies with x, distance normal to the electrode surface. Parameters to define the slope and magnitude of a linearly graded diffusion profile are described. A one dimensional explicit finite difference simulation method is used and parameters are made to be dimensionless. The simulation is vetted by comparison with Nicholson and Shain simulations and determination of the resolution limits. Morphological changes in cyclic voltammograms are observed that indicate an approach to steady state diffusion.
Ionic Transport Properties and Structural Stability of High-Capacity Silicate Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Longo Pazos Roberto , KC Santosh , Xiong Ka , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: October 2013

In this work, we performed ab initio calculations to study the structural and kinetic properties of silicate materials with the olivine morphology, that can be suitable for the cathode of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The effects of the different transition metals on the local structural and electronic properties and on the kinetic diffusion of Li ions are discussed, as a useful strategy to tailor the electrochemical properties of the silicate cathode materials, in order to enhance the capacity and rate capability of the Li-ion battery.
Numerical Modeling of Dendrite Growth in a Lithium Air Battery System
Authors: Tan Jinwang , Ryan Emily M
Published: October 2013

Dendrite formation is one challenge that causes performance and safety issues in current lithium batteries. The formation of dendrites changes the local transport properties and the scale of the critical physics of the anode. The study of dendrite growth can provide insight into the physics that cause the growth and possible methods for suppressing dendrite growth, which could lead to the development of a more reliable Li battery. In this study several simplified physical models of dendrite growth are developed to simulate growth during the charging process. Our uniform diffusion coefficient model shows good correlation to experimental data in low current cases; while simulation results of a step function diffusion model could help in understanding dense dendrite growth.
Pitting Potential of Zircaloy-2 in Artificial Seawater under Gamma-Ray Irradiation
Authors: Motooka Takafumi , Komatsu Atsushi , Tsukada Takashi , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: October 2013

Pitting potentials of zircaloy-2 in artificial seawater were measured as a function of chloride concentration or solution temperature with and without gamma-ray irradiation. The corrosion potentials of zircaloy-2 were also measured over 720 h. The pitting potential with gamma-ray irradiation was slightly greater than that without the irradiation. In both cases with and without the irradiation, the corrosion potentials of zircaloy-2 did not exceed the pitting potential. The pitting potential under irradiation was decreased with increasing chloride concentration and/or solution temperature.
Model Passivated Carbon Electrodes for Fluorine Generation in Molten KF-2HF Electrolyte
Authors: Seto Kelvin S.-H. , Ikeda Brian
Published: October 2013

Vulcan carbon electrodes of varying PTFE-content (20 w.% and 35 w.%) were synthesized using a sol-gel process. Electrochemical fluorination was carried out over a range of potentials for fluorine generation (4 to 8 V) in molten, KF·2HF electrolyte at ~90 °C. Electrochemical behaviour of PTFE-embedded carbon electrodes was compared to both passivated and non-passivated graphite and amorphous carbon electrodes. An attempt to correlate the amount of embedded PTFE with the degree of passivation on carbon electrodes was made. This was used to compare the non-wetting characteristics of an electrochemically passivated carbon electrode to those of an artificially “passivated” electrode. PTFE contents in the embedded electrodes were confirmed using TGA. The effects of surface and embedded C-F compounds on the electrical properties of the different electrodes were investigated using AC impedance.
Electrochemical Methane Activation and Conversion to Oxygenates at Room Temperature
Authors: Spinner Neil , Mustain William E
Published: October 2013

Methane was electrochemically activated at room temperature to oxygenates using CO3
2- as an oxygen-donating species over a NiO-ZrO2 bifunctional electrocatalyst. Products identified from this activation using Mass Spectrometry and 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy include CH3OH, HCHO, CO, HCOO-, C2H5OH, H3CCOO-, C3H8O, and C3H6O. In addition, O2 and OHOH CO2 were also observed as products resulting from carbonate electrolysis and/or the oxygen evolution reaction. Methane was adsorbed and activated by NiO while CO3
2- was adsorbed onto non-conducting ZrO2. Oxygen was then abstracted and donated from CO3
2- to electrocatalytically active sites to form new C-O or O-H bonds. Two- and three-carbon species were formed via a C=O bond resonance mechanism which facilitated new C-C bond formation.
Electrocatalytic Activity of Graphene-supported Pt-Cu Catalysts Prepared by an Impregnation Method for Methanol and Ethanol Oxidations
Authors: Lv Zhexin , Dong Hongzhou , Bai Jincheng , Dong Lifeng
Published: October 2013

In this study, platinum (Pt) and Pt-copper (Cu) nanoparticles were synthesized on graphene sheets by an impregnation method, and their electrocatalytic activity for methanol and ethanol oxidations was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison to graphene-supported Pt, graphene-supported Pt-Cu catalyst possesses enhanced efficiency for both methanol and ethanol electro-oxidations, which is reflected by a higher forward oxidation peak current density and a lower transfer resistance. This study indicates that Pt-Cu catalyst could be desirable catalyst candidates for both direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells.
Study of Cycle Performance of Li-Ion Capacitors
Authors: Cao Wanjun , Zheng Jim P.
Published: October 2013

Li-ion capacitors were assembled with an activated carbon cathode and hard carbon/stabilized lithium metal powder (SLMP) anode. The stabilities of cathode and anode were determined by different methods, including the half-cell and full-cell methods. It was found that the highest potential of the activated carbon electrode should be less than 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+ potential; while the lowest potential of hard carbon/SLMP electrode should be greater than 0.1 V vs. Li/Li+ potential. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the growth rate of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer increased rapidly when the lowest potential of hard carbon/SLMP electrode was less than 0.1 V vs. Li/Li+ potential.
Increased plasma corticosterone contributes to the development of alcoholic fatty liver in mice
Authors: Sun Xiuhua , Luo Weijun , Tan Xiaobing , Li Qiong , Zhao Yantao , Zhong Wei , Sun Xinguo , Brouwer Cory , Zhou Zhanxiang
Published: October 2013

Ethanol ingestion increases endogenous glucocorticoid levels in both humans and rodents. The present study aimed to define a mechanistic link between the increased glucocorticoids and alcoholic fatty liver in mice. Plasma corticosterone levels were not affected in mice on a 2-wk ethanol diet regimen but significantly increased upon 4 wk of ethanol ingestion. Accordingly, hepatic triglyceride levels were not altered after 2 wk of ethanol ingestion but were elevated at 4 wk. Based on the observation that 2 wk of ethanol ingestion did not significantly increase endogenous corticosterone levels, we administered exogenous glucocorticoids along with the 2-wk ethanol treatment to determine whether the elevated glucocorticoid contributes to the development of alcoholic fatty liver. Mice were subjected to ethanol feeding for 2 wk with or without dexamethasone administration. Hepatic triglyceride contents were not affected by either ethanol or dexamethasone alone but were significantly increased by administration of both. Microarray and protein level analyses revealed two distinct changes in hepatic lipid metabolism in mice administered with both ethanol and dexamethasone: accelerated triglyceride synthesis by diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 and suppressed fatty acid β-oxidation by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a, and acyl-CoA oxidase 1. A reduction of hepatic peroxisome proliferation activator receptor-α (PPAR-α) was associated with coadministration of ethanol and dexamethasone. These findings suggest that increased glucocorticoid levels may contribute to the development of alcoholic fatty liver, at least partially, through hepatic PPAR-α inactivation.
Determination of Morphine and Codeine in Human Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Mengchun , Cao Gaozhong , Hu Guoxin
Published: October 2013

A sensitive and selective gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of morphine and codeine in human urine. The GC-MS conditions were developed. The analysis was carried out on a HP-1MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm) with temperature programming, and Helium was used as the carrier gas with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was used to quantify morphine and codeine. The derivation solvent, temperature, and time were optimized. A mixed solvent of propionic anhydride and pyridine (5 : 2) was finally used for the derivation at 80°C for 3 min. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 25–2000.0 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 25 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precision (RSD) values were below 13%, and the accuracy was in the range 87.2–108.5%. This developed method was successfully used for the determination of morphine and codeine in human urine for forensic identification study.
Proportional Derivative Control with Inverse Dead-Zone for Pendulum Systems
Authors: Rubio José de Jesús , Zamudio Zizilia , Pacheco Jaime , Mújica Vargas Dante
Published: October 2013

A proportional derivative controller with inverse dead-zone is proposed for the control of pendulum systems. The proposed method has the characteristic that the inverse dead-zone is cancelled with the pendulum dead-zone. Asymptotic stability of the proposed technique is guaranteed by the Lyapunov analysis. Simulations of two pendulum systems show the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
A Drug-Target Network-Based Approach to Evaluate the Efficacy of Medicinal Plants for Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gu Jiangyong , Chen Lirong , Yuan Gu , Xu Xiaojie
Published: October 2013

The use of plants as natural medicines in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has long been of special interest. In this work, we developed a docking score-weighted prediction model based on drug-target network to evaluate the efficacy of medicinal plants for T2DM. High throughput virtual screening from chemical library of natural products was adopted to calculate the binding affinity between natural products contained in medicinal plants and 33 T2DM-related proteins. The drug-target network was constructed according to the strength of the binding affinity if the molecular docking score satisfied the threshold. By linking the medicinal plant with T2DM through drug-target network, the model can predict the efficacy of natural products and medicinal plant for T2DM. Eighteen thousand nine hundred ninety-nine natural products and 1669 medicinal plants were predicted to be potentially bioactive.
Sonication: A Valuable Technique for Diagnosis and Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Evangelopoulos D. S. , Stathopoulos I. P. , Morassi G. P. , Koufos S. , Albarni A. , Karampinas P. K. , Stylianakis A. , Kohl S. , Pneumaticos S. , Vlamis J.
Published: October 2013

Background. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most severe complication, following joint arthroplasty. Identification of the causal microbial factor is of paramount importance for the successful treatment. Purpose. The aim of this study is to compare the sonication fluid cultures derived from joint prosthetic components with the respective periprosthetic tissue cultures. Methods. Explanted prosthesis components for suspected infection were placed into a tank containing sterile Ringer′s solution and sonicated for 1 minute at 40 kHz. Sonication fluid cultures were examined for 10 days, and the number and identity of any colony morphology was recorded. In addition, periprosthetic tissue specimens (>5) were collected and cultured according to standard practice. The duration of antimicrobial interruption interval before culture sampling was recorded. Results. Thirty‐four patients composed the study group. Sonication fluid cultures were positive in 24 patients (70.5%). Sixteen of thirty four periprosthetic tissue cultures (47.1%) were considered positive, all revealing the same microbial species with the respective sonication fluid cultures: 3 tissue samples showed polymicrobial infection. All tissue cultures were also found positive by the sonication fluid culture. Conclusions. Sonication fluid cultures represent a cheap, easy, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic modality demonstrating increased sensitivity compared to periprosthetic tissue cultures (70.5 versus 47.1%).
Optimization of Synthesis of Seleno‐Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch. Polysaccharide by Response Surface Methodology, Its Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ji Yu-Bin , Dong Fang , Yu Miao , Qin Long , Liu Dan
Published: October 2013

The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the synthesis conditions of seleno‐Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch. polysaccharide. Three independent variables (reaction time, reaction temperature, and ratio of Na2SeO3 to SFPSI) were tested. Furthermore, the characterization and antioxidant activity of Se‐SFPSI in vivo were investigated. The result showed that the actual experimental Se content of Se‐SFPSI was 3.352 mg/g at the optimum reaction conditions of reaction time 8 h, reaction temperature 71°C, and ratio of Na2SeO3 to SFPSIB 1.0 g/g. A series of experiments showed that the characterization of Se‐SFPSIB was significantly different from that of SFPSIB. Additionally, antioxidant activity assay indicated that the Se‐SFPSIB could increase catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity of mice bearing tumor S180 in blood, heart, and liver while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. It can be concluded that selenylation is a feasible approach to obtain seleno‐polysaccharide which was utilized as highly biological medicine or functional food.
Preservation of Seed Crystals in Feedstock Melting for Cast Quasi-Single Crystalline Silicon Ingots
Authors: Li Zaoyang , Liu Lijun , Zhang Yunfeng , Meng Qingchao , Hu Zhiyan , Zhou Genshu
Published: October 2013

The preservation of seed crystals is important for the casting of quasi-single crystalline (QSC) silicon ingots. We carried out transient global simulations of the feedstock melting process in an industrial-sized directional solidification (DS) furnace to investigate key factors influencing seed preservation. The power distribution between the top and side heaters is adjusted in the conventional furnace for multicrystalline silicon ingots and in the evolved furnace with a partition block for QSC silicon ingots. The evolution of the solid-liquid interface for melting and the temperature distribution in the furnace core area are analyzed. The power distribution can influence the temperature gradient in the silicon domain significantly. However, its effect on seed preservation is limited in both furnaces. Seed crystals can be preserved in the evolved furnace, as the partition block reduces the radiant heat flux from the insulation walls to the heat exchange block and prevents the heat flowing upwards under the crucible. Therefore, the key to seed preservation is to control radiant heat transfer in the DS furnace and guarantee downward heat flux under the crucible.
Polyethylene Glycol Mediated Kinetic Study of Nitro Decarboxylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Acids by Blau’s Fe(III) Phen Complex
Authors: Ramesh K. , Shylaja S. , Rajanna K. C. , Giridhar Reddy P. , Saiprakash P. K.
Published: October 2013

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediated kinetic study of nitro decarboxylation of α,β‐unsaturated acids (USA) has been taken up by Blau’s [Fe(III) nitrate‐Phen] yellow complex in acetonitrile medium. Kinetics of the reactions indicated Michaelis‐Menton type of mechanism and rate law. Reaction rates are significantly influenced by the structural variation and concentration of PEG. Catalysis of PEG was explained on the lines of nonionic micelles such as TX‐100 because of their structural resemblance and also due to a slight negative charge developed on polyoxyethylene and cationic form(s) of Fe(III) chelates in the intermediate stages.
Effect of Capacitive Radiofrequency on the Fibrosis of Patients with Cellulite
Authors: Valentim da Silva Rodrigo Marcel , Barichello Priscila Arend , Medeiros Melyssa Lima , Mendonça Waléria Cristina Miranda de , Dantas Jung Siung Camel , Ronzio Oscar Ariel , Froes Patricia Meyer , Galadari Hassan
Published: October 2013

Background. Cellulite is a type of lipodystrophy that develops primarily from an alteration in blood circulation or of the lymphatic system that causes structural changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, collagen, and adjacent proteoglycans. The radiofrequency devices used for cutaneous applications have shown different physiological treatment effects, but there is controversy about the suitable parameters for this type of treatment.Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-temperature radiofrequency to confirm the thinning of the collagen tissue and interlobular septa and consequent improvement of cellulite.Methods. A sample of eight women was used to collect ultrasonographic data with a 12 MHz probe that measured collagen fiber thickness. The Vip Electromedicina (Argentina) device, frequency of 0.55 MHz and active electrode 3.5 cm in diameter (area = 9.61 cm2), was applied to a 10 cm2region of the gluteal region for 2 minutes per area of active electrode, during 10 biweekly sessions.Results. The Wilcoxon matched paired test was applied using GraphPad InStat 3.01 for Win95-NT software. Pre- and posttreatment mean collagen fiber thickness showed a 24.66% reduction from 1.01 to 0.67 mm. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon matched paired test obtained a significant two-tailedPvalue of 0.0391.Conclusion. It was concluded that the use of more comfortable temperatures favored a reduction in fibrous septum thickness and consequent cellulite improvement, evidenced by the lower degree of severity and decrease in interlobular septal thickness.
Numerical Simulation of the Moving Induction Heating Process with Magnetic Flux Concentrator
Authors: Li Feng , Li Xuekun , Zhu Tianxing , Rong Yiming (Kevin)
Published: October 2013

The induction heating with ferromagnetic metal powder bonded magnetic flux concentrator (MPB-MFC) demonstrates more advantages in surface heating treatments of metal. However, the moving heating application is mostly applied in the industrial production. Therefore, the analytical understanding of the mechanism, efficiency, and controllability of the moving induction heating process becomes necessary for process design and optimization. This paper studies the mechanism of the moving induction heating with magnetic flux concentrator. The MPB-MFC assisted moving induction heating for Inconel 718 alloy is studied by establishing the finite element simulation model. The temperature field distribution is analyzed, and the factors influencing the temperature are studied. The conclusion demonstrates that the velocity of the workpiece should be controlled properly and the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) has little impact on the temperature development, compared with other input parameters. In addition, the validity of the static numerical model is verified by comparing the finite element simulation with experimental results on AISI 1045 steel. The numerical model established in this work can provide comprehensive understanding for the process control in production.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Santangeli Pasquale , Di Biase Luigi , Themistoclakis Sakis , Raviele Antonio , Schweikert Robert A. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Mohanty Prasant , Bai Rong , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Pump Agnes , Beheiry Salwa , Hongo Richard , Sanchez Javier E. , Gallinghouse G. Joseph , Horton Rodney , Russo Antonio Dello , Casella Michela , Fassini Gaetano , Elayi Claude S. , Burkhardt J. David , Tondo Claudio , Natale Andrea
Published: October 2013

Background—

Pulmonary vein (PV) antrum isolation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to have satisfactory results at the mid- and short-term follow-up. We determined the outcomes at the long-term follow-up of PV antrum isolation in these patients.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 43 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and AF (28% paroxysmal AF). PV antrum isolation (paroxysmal AF) and posterior wall isolation with complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation (persistent and longstanding persistent AF) were the end points at the time of the index procedure and for repeat procedures during the first year of follow-up. In case of recurrent arrhythmia >1 year, high-dose isoproterenol challenge was used to disclose non-PV trigger sites. During the first year, the success rate reached 91% (mean of 1.6 procedures). After a median follow-up of 42 months (range, 38–48 months), 49% of the patients remained free from AF/atrial tachycardia. All patients underwent an additional procedure. PV antrum and posterior wall remained isolated in 82% of the cases, and extra-PV triggers were documented in all patients and targeted for ablation. After a median follow-up of 15 months (range, 8–19 months) subsequent to the last procedure, 94% of the patients remained free from AF/atrial tachycardia off antiarrhythmic drugs.

Conclusions—

PV isolation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is feasible and safe, although is not effective in preventing late (≥1 year) AF recurrences in ≈50% of patients. Non-PV triggers seem to be responsible of late recurrences, which supports the appropriateness of a more extensive ablation beyond PV isolation to improve the long-term arrhythmia-free survival.
Isolated X-Linked Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Caused by a Novel Mutation of the Four-and-a-Half LIM Domain 1 Gene
Authors: Hartmannova Hana , Kubanek Milos , Sramko Marek , Piherova Lenka , Noskova Lenka , Hodanova Katerina , Stranecky Viktor , Pristoupilova Anna , Sovova Jana , Marek Tomas , Maluskova Jana , Ridzon Petr , Kautzner Josef , Hulkova Helena , Kmoch Stanislav
Published: October 2013

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction has been associated with marked exercise intolerance and poor prognosis. However, molecular pathogenesis of this phenotype remains unexplained in a large proportion of cases.

Methods and Results—

We performed whole exome sequencing as an initial genetic test in a large Czech family with 3 males affected by nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in end-stage disease. A novel frameshift mutation of four-and-a-half LIM domain 1 gene (
FHL1
) (c.599_600insT; p.F200fs32X) was detected in these individuals. The mutation does not affect transcription, splicing, and stability of
FHL1
mRNA and results in production of truncated FHL1 protein, which is contrary to heart tissue homogenate not detectable in frozen tissue sections of myocardial biopsy of affected males. The identified mutation cosegregated also with abnormal ECG and with 1 case of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in heterozygous females. Although skeletal muscle involvement is a common finding in FHL1-related diseases, we could exclude myopathy in all mutation carriers.

Conclusions—

We identified a novel
FHL1
mutation causing isolated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with X-chromosomal inheritance.
Circulating Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Subclinical Brain Abnormalities on MRI in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Virtanen Jyrki K. , Siscovick David S. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Longstreth William T. , Spiegelman Donna , Rimm Eric B. , King Irena B. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: October 2013

Background

Consumption of tuna or other broiled or baked fish, but not fried fish, is associated with fewer subclinical brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (
MRI
). We investigated the association between plasma phospholipid omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (
PUFA
s), objective biomarkers of exposure, and subclinical brain abnormalities on
MRI
.

Methods and Results

In the community‐based
C
ardiovascular
H
ealth
S
tudy, 3660 participants aged ≥65 underwent brain
MRI
in 1992–1994, and 2313 were rescanned 5 years later.
MRI
s were centrally read by neuroradiologists in a standardized, blinded manner. Participants with recognized transient ischemic attacks or stroke were excluded. Phospholipid
PUFA
s were measured in stored plasma collected in 1992–1993 and related to cross‐sectional and longitudinal
MRI
findings. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratio for having a prevalent subclinical infarct was 0.60 (95%
CI
, 0.44 to 0.82;
P
for trend=0.001) in the highest versus lowest long‐chain omega‐3
PUFA
quartile. Higher long‐chain omega‐3
PUFA
content was also associated with better white matter grade, but not with sulcal or ventricular grades, markers of brain atrophy, or with incident subclinical infarcts. The phospholipid intermediate‐chain omega‐3
PUFA
alpha‐linolenic acid was associated only with modestly better sulcal and ventricular grades. However, this finding was not supported in the analyses with alpha‐linolenic acid intake.

Conclusions

Among older adults, higher phospholipid long‐chain omega‐3
PUFA
content was associated with lower prevalence of subclinical infarcts and better white matter grade on
MRI
. Our results support the beneficial effects of fish consumption, the major source of long‐chain omega‐3
PUFA
s, on brain health in later life. The role of plant‐derived alpha‐linolenic acid in brain health requires further investigation.
Effects of Literacy in Early Visual and Occipitotemporal Areas of Chinese and French Readers
Authors: Szwed Marcin , Qiao Emilie , Jobert Antoinette , Dehaene Stanislas , Cohen Laurent
Published: October 2013

How does reading expertise change the visual system? Here, we explored whether the visual system could develop dedicated perceptual mechanisms in early and intermediate visual cortex under the pressure for fast processing that is particularly strong in reading. We compared fMRI activations in Chinese participants with limited knowledge of French and in French participants with no knowledge of Chinese, exploiting these doubly dissociated reading skills as a tool to study the neural correlates of visual expertise. All participants viewed the same stimuli: words in both languages and matched visual controls, presented at a fast rate comparable with fluent reading. In the Visual Word Form Area, all participants showed enhanced responses to their known scripts. However, group differences were found in occipital cortex. In French readers reading French, activations were enhanced in left-hemisphere visual area V1, with the strongest differences between French words and their controls found at the central and horizontal meridian representations. Chinese participants, who were not expert French readers, did not show these early visual activations. In contrast, Chinese readers reading Chinese showed enhanced activations in intermediate visual areas V3v/hV4, absent in French participants. Together with our previous findings [Szwed, M., Dehaene, S., Kleinschmidt, A., Eger, E., Valabregue, R., Amadon, A., et al. Specialization for written words over objects in the visual cortex. Neuroimage, 56, 330–344, 2011], our results suggest that the effects of extensive practice can be found at the lowest levels of the visual system. They also reveal their cross-script variability: Alphabetic reading involves enhanced engagement of central and right meridian V1 representations that are particularly used in left-to-right reading, whereas Chinese characters put greater emphasis on intermediate visual areas.
Infectivity and reproduction of Scutellonema bradys on weeds and cultivated plant species
Authors: do Carmo Darcilúcia Oliveira , Santos de Almeida Nailson , de Souza Jorge Teodoro
Published: October 2013

The nematode Scutellonema bradys is the main phytosanitary problem of yam (Dioscorea rotundata) in the Brazilian State of Bahia. Little is known about the host range of this nematode in Brazil, especially on weeds and plant species cultivated together with yam. This study aimed at evaluating different plant species to determine their host status to S. bradys and to study the relative infectivity of different stages of the nematode on selected host plants. Among the 48 evaluated plant species, 12 were infected by S. bradys. Yam was considered to be the only good host of the nematode, while Luffa algyptiaca, Momordica charantia, Heliotropium indicum, Vigna unguiculata, Cucurbita pepo, Abelmoschus esculentus, Sicana odorifera, Solanum lycopersicum and Ipomoea batatas were classified as bad hosts because of the relatively low reproduction factor as compared to yam. Crotalaria juncea and Cajanus cajan behaved as trap plants because large numbers of S. bradys penetrated their roots but populations decreased over time. Our results showed that juveniles are more infective than females and these are more infective than males on roots of five host plants. We also demonstrated that S. bradys prefers certain host plants as inferred by their lower reproduction on roots of these hosts. Penetration of juveniles tended to be spread over 16 days after inoculation, whereas for adults it was more concentrated at 8 days after inoculation. These results may be important to plan crop rotation schemes to control the yam nematode.
Nematicidal and ovicidal activities of Dryobalanops aromatica and Mentha haplocalyx var. piperascens-derived materials and their formulations against Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles and eggs
Authors: Kim Soon-Il , Lee Jae-Kook , Na Young-Eun , Yoon Seong Tak , Oh Young Ju
Published: October 2013

Nematicidal and hatching inhibition activities (HIA) of the methanol extracts from Dryobalanops aromatica (DA) and Mentha haplocalyx var. piperascens (MH), their constituents, and emulsified concentrate and granule formulations containing the methanol extracts as active ingredients, were compared with those of commercial nematicides, cadusafos and fosthiazate, against Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) and eggs using well plate, container and pot assays. In a well plate assay with J2, DA applied at 500, 250 and 125 ppm resulted in 100, 95 and 55% mortality, respectively, while MH showed 80% mortality even at the lower concentration of 63 ppm. MH gave stronger HIA than DA at 1000 and 500 ppm. In addition, α-pinene, camphor, borneol and p-menthole, which are the main components of DA and MH extracts, showed strong nematicidal properties and HIA. In particular, the nematicidal activity of p-menthole among them was the highest and its HIA was also stronger than that of cadusafos and fosthiazate. In a container test using emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and granule (G) formulations containing 50 and 30% DA and MH, respectively, EC of D. aromatica showed a stronger LC50 value (0.203 μl (g soil)−1) than G formulation (0.935 mg (g soil)−1). However, their effects were fewer than MH formulations. The lethality of EC and G formulations containing MH was comparable to that of fosthiazate soluble concentrate and granule formulations. In another test using pots containing soils naturally infected by M. incognita, these plant formulations significantly inhibited the nematode-population density judging from the number of galls that formed on tested tomato roots after 8 weeks. These results suggest that DA and MH methanol extracts, as well as their constituents, might be useful as management agents against M. incognita.
Typification of Quercus acuta Thunb. and Q. glauca Thunb. (Fagaceae)
Authors: DENG Min , LI Qiansheng , COOMBES Allen , XU Jin
Published: October 2013

The lectotypes of Quercus acuta Thunb. and Q. glauca Thunb. are designated. The fine details of leaf epidermal features of the two species are elaborated for future comparison with other closely related species.
The social sciences as an emerging global field
Authors: Heilbron Johan
Published: October 2013

Exploring the ‘globalization’ of the social sciences, this article first presents an historical interpretation of how transnational exchange in the social sciences has evolved. Earlier forms of international circulation are distinct from the more global arrangements that have emerged since the late twentieth century. Considering this globalizing field in more detail, it is argued that its predominant characteristic is a core–periphery structure, with a duopolistic Euro-American core, multiple semi-peripheries and a wide range of peripheries. Focusing on the global level, much of the existing research, however, has neglected the emergence of transnational regional structures. The formation of a transnational European field of social science is taken as an example of this process of transnational regionalization. The social sciences worldwide can thus be seen as a four-level structure. In addition to the local and national level, transnational regional as well as global structures have gained increasing importance and a better understanding of ‘globalization’ requires more precise studies of both levels, in their own right as well as in their evolving interconnectedness.
Reexamining Kautilya and Machiavelli
Authors: Gray Stuart
Published: October 2013

Since the rediscovery of the ancient Indian political thinker Kautilya and his Arthaśāstra in the early twentieth century, scholars have argued for similarities between his political thinking and Machiavelli’s, especially on the topic of realism. Employing a new analytic approach to reexamine their political thought, I locate unidentified tensions and overlaps between Machiavelli’s secular ethic, which pulls towards autonomous standards, and Kautilya’s political-theological ethic, which follows traditional brahmanical beliefs. In the first part of the essay, I challenge existing interpretations of Kautilya’s thought and clarify a coherent political theology in the Arthaśāstra. The second part critically assesses their realist positions using the concepts of flexibility and legitimacy. While I explain how the Machiavellian position poses justifiable objections to the apparent repression and self-defeating nature of brahmanical realism, I also argue that the Kautilyan position raises important questions concerning both the flexibility and inflexibility of a secular realist position.
Coming to Get and Needing to Keep
Authors: Chioneso Nkechinyelum A. , Brookins Craig C.
Published: October 2013

Membership associations for African-centered scholars, activists, and practitioners are viewed as relational communities that respond to the dynamic interplay of the needs and talents of its members. In this case study, quantitative methods examined, at the individual level, the role of psychological sense of community (PSOC),worldview, professional self-growth potential (PsGP), and participation of members in one membership association that espouses African-centered values. Data were collected via online and paper-and-pencil surveys administered at the organization’s annual conference. Findings indicated that for the entire sample age, PSOC and PsGP were significantly correlated with membership participation. While membership participation was unrelated to a shared worldview, factors that predicted it varied by membership status (student and nonstudent) and gender. For the student sample, PsGP was predictive of membership participation, but gender differences were undetected. However, for the nonstudent sample, age and PSOC were predictive of membership participation; but for males, only age was a significant predictor. Findings are discussed in relation to those factors that contribute to fostering active participation within membership associations for African-centered scholars.
An Examination of Short-Selling Activity Surrounding Auditor Changes
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Brough Tyler J. , Smith Jason L. , Stephens Nathaniel M.
Published: October 2013

Using a combination of short-selling data made available by Regulation SHO and auditor change data disclosed in companies’ SEC filings, we examine whether short sellers (a) discern between “good news” and “bad news” auditor changes and (b) increase their revenue by trading around auditor change announcements. We find that short sellers systematically increase activity following certain auditor changes, which include auditor downgrades (i.e., change from Big 4 auditor to non-Big 4 auditor), auditor resignations, and auditor changes involving a disagreement between management and the departing auditor. Our results indicate that short sellers are able to generate significant returns by systematically taking short positions pursuant to specific types of “bad news” changes.
Earnings Management Around Debt-Covenant Violations – An Empirical Investigation Using a Large Sample of Quarterly Data
Authors: Jha Anand
Published: October 2013

I find that managers manage earnings upward in the quarters preceding a debt-covenant violation, but downward in the quarter a violation occurs. And they continue to manage earnings downward while the firm remains in violation. Because this scenario can play out within a year, the use of yearly data to examine the debt-covenant hypothesis can be problematic. Further analysis shows that the earnings management around the debt-covenant violation is also done to improve the manager’s bargaining power in the renegotiation that follows the violation. Furthermore, I find no evidence of excessive earnings management by high-debt firms to stave off a violation, but I do find evidence that the Sarbanes–Oxley Act restrains managers from using accruals to stave off a violation. These results are based on examining 193,803 firm-quarters, 8,804 firms, and 2,035 new covenant violations spanning 1996 to 2007.
Individuation, the Mass and Farm Animals
Authors: Buller Henry
Published: October 2013

The singular ‘farm’ is increasingly a place of ever-greater multitudes, a deceptive and porous whole that is, in so many ways, very much less than the sum of its constituent parts. What might stand as a seemingly fixed entity or unit is, in reality, a constant flow and passage of multiple life ( zoe) and individual lives ( bios). To borrow from Heraclitus’ attributed aphorism, you can never really go into the same farm twice. Yet farms are, arguably, amongst the most defining sites of contemporary human/animal relations. The vast majority of the 24 or so billion terrestrial farm animals that are kept and grown for human and other consumption at any one time do so on farms, with an increasing proportion of them on large scale, industrial farm units. Here is where kingdoms most emphatically meet, collide, intertwine, entangle, respond: the sovereign and the beast, the beast and the sovereign. Three questions: who meets who on the farm, what do they meet, and how does such meeting matter?
Pivotal role of tissue plasminogen activator in the mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Hoirisch-Clapauch Silvia , Mezzasalma Marco AU , Nardi Antonio E
Published: October 2013

Electroconvulsive therapy is an important treatment option for major depressive disorders, acute mania, mood disorders with psychotic features, and catatonia. Several hypotheses have been proposed as electroconvulsive therapy’s mechanism of action. Our hypothesis involves many converging pathways facilitated by increased synthesis and release of tissue-plasminogen activator.

Human and animal experiments have shown that tissue-plasminogen activator participates in many mechanisms of action of electroconvulsive therapy or its animal variant, electroconvulsive stimulus, including improved N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated signaling, activation of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, increased bioavailability of zinc, purinergic release, and increased mobility of dendritic spines. As a result, tissue-plasminogen activator helps promote neurogenesis in limbic structures, modulates synaptic transmission and plasticity, improves cognitive function, and mediates antidepressant effects.

Notably, electroconvulsive therapy seems to influence tissue-plasminogen activator metabolism. For example, electroconvulsive stimulus increases the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 65 isoform in γ-aminobutyric acid–releasing neurons, which enhances the release of tissue-plasminogen activator, and the expression of p11, a protein involved in plasminogen and tissue-plasminogen activator assembling.

This paper reviews how electroconvulsive therapy correlates with tissue-plasminogen activator. We suggest that interventions aiming at increasing tissue-plasminogen activator levels or its bioavailability – such as daily aerobic exercises together with a carbohydrate-restricted diet, or normalization of homocysteine levels – be evaluated in controlled studies assessing response and remission duration in patients who undergo electroconvulsive therapy.
Graft Selection in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Smoking Patients
Authors: Kim Sung-Jae , Lee Su-Keon , Choi Chong Hyuk , Kim Sung-Hwan , Kim Seong-Hun , Jung Min
Published: October 2013

Background:

There has been no previous study regarding graft selection in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for smoking patients.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction between smokers and nonsmokers and to find an optimal graft in ACL reconstruction with regard to clinical outcomes for smoking patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 487 patients who underwent unilateral ACL reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Included patients were divided into 2 groups according to their history of smoking. Group 1 was composed of patients who had never smoked (n = 322), and group 2 consisted of patients who had reported smoking before ACL reconstruction and during rehabilitation (n = 165). Additionally, each group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the selected graft type (bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft, hamstring [semitendinosus-gracilis] tendon autograft, quadriceps tendon–bone autograft, or Achilles tendon–bone allograft). Patients were assessed for knee instability with the Lachman and pivot-shift tests as well as anterior translation measured by the KT-2000 arthrometer. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, and IKDC objective grade.

Results:

The minimum follow-up period was 24 months. At the final follow-up evaluation, there were significant mean between-group differences regarding the side-to-side difference in anterior translation (group 1, 2.15 ± 1.11 mm; group 2, 2.88 ± 1.38 mm; P < .001), Lysholm knee score (group 1, 90.25 ± 6.18; group 2, 84.79 ± 6.67; P < .001), IKDC subjective score (group 1, 89.16 ± 5.01; group 2, 83.60 ± 7.48; P < .001), and IKDC objective grade (group 1, grade A = 151, B = 130, C = 36, D = 5 patients; group 2, grade A = 48, B = 71, C = 37, D = 9 patients; P < .001). With regard to differences in outcomes between the selected grafts within each group, the Achilles tendon–bone allograft showed the worst outcomes, with statistically significant mean differences for smoking patients in the side-to-side difference in anterior translation (3.59 ± 1.26 mm), Lysholm knee score (81.05 ± 2.82), and IKDC subjective score (79.73 ± 4.29).

Conclusion:

Unsatisfactory outcomes with regard to stability and functional scores were shown in the smoking group compared with the nonsmoking group. In smokers, the patients receiving an Achilles tendon–bone allograft had poorer outcomes than those with autografts. The bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft is recommendable for ACL reconstruction in a smoking patient.
Evaluating the Evidence Base of Video Analysis
Authors: Nagro Sarah A. , Cornelius Kyena E.
Published: October 2013

Special education teacher development is continually studied to determine best practices for improving teacher quality and promoting student learning. Video analysis is commonly included in teacher development targeting both teacher thinking and practice intended to improve learning opportunities for students. Positive research findings support video analysis as a teacher development tool, but the practice has not been deemed evidence based. In this evaluation, quality indicators, adapted from special education research and government recommendations, were used to determine whether video analysis is an evidence-based practice for developing special education pre-service and in-service teachers. A systematic literature search resulted in 113 identified articles which were narrowed to seven experimental studies using screening criteria adapted from What Works Clearing House. Significant findings supported video analysis across all seven studies, and the overall quality of the published research suggests video analysis is a promising practice. Implications and recommendations for special education teacher development are discussed.