bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal dynamics of the knowledge‐mediated visual disambiguation process in humans: a magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Urakawa Tomokazu , Ogata Katsuya , Kimura Takahiro , Kume Yuko , Tobimatsu Shozo
Published: November 2014

Disambiguation of a noisy visual scene with prior knowledge is an indispensable task of the visual system. To adequately adapt to a dynamically changing visual environment full of noisy visual scenes, the implementation of knowledge‐mediated disambiguation in the brain is imperative and essential for proceeding as fast as possible under the limited capacity of visual image processing. However, the temporal profile of the disambiguation process has not yet been fully elucidated in the brain. The present study attempted to determine how quickly knowledge‐mediated disambiguation began to proceed along visual areas after the onset of a two‐tone ambiguous image using magnetoencephalography with high temporal resolution. Using the predictive coding framework, we focused on activity reduction for the two‐tone ambiguous image as an index of the implementation of disambiguation. Source analysis revealed that a significant activity reduction was observed in the lateral occipital area at approximately 120 ms after the onset of the ambiguous image, but not in preceding activity (about 115 ms) in the cuneus when participants perceptually disambiguated the ambiguous image with prior knowledge. These results suggested that knowledge‐mediated disambiguation may be implemented as early as approximately 120 ms following an ambiguous visual scene, at least in the lateral occipital area, and provided an insight into the temporal profile of the disambiguation process of a noisy visual scene with prior knowledge.
Can industrial by‐products enhance phosphorus retention within vegetated buffer strips?
Authors: Habibiandehkordi R. , Quinton J. N. , Surridge B. W. J.
Published: November 2014

Using industrial by‐products (IBPs) in conjunction with vegetated buffer strips (VBSs) has the potential to be a cost‐effective strategy for tackling phosphorus (P) export from agricultural land. Using an integrated mesocosm approach, we examined the effect of surface application of IBPs within VBSs on the removal of P fractions in surface and sub‐surface flow. Artificial run‐off was applied to VBSs (1.2 m long × 0.4 m wide, and 5% slope) that were amended with either 20 t ha−1 of Al‐based water treatment residual (Al‐WTR) or 20 t ha−1 of ochre, or remained as unamended controls. To explore the persistence of the effects of amendment over multiple run‐off events, two 30‐minute artificial run‐off events (3 litre minute−1) were applied to the mesocosms over a period of five days. When compared with inflow concentrations, the unamended VBSs reduced total P (37–54%) and particulate P (61–64%) concentrations in surface run‐off, but increased soluble reactive P (SRP) (5–9%) and total dissolved P concentrations (4–8%). Enhancing VBSs with IBPs improved retention of soluble P fractions in surface run‐off, for example, 61–62 and 15–19% of the SRP in the inflow was retained in VBSs amended with Al‐WTR and ochre, respectively. Surface application of either ochre or Al‐WTR also reduced the concentrations of soluble P fractions in sub‐surface flow. The magnitude of these effects depended on inflow P concentrations. Unlike Al‐WTR, the effectiveness of ochre gradually declined over the duration of each run‐off event because of erosion of ochre by run‐off.
Action tremor in Parkinson's disease: frequency and relationship to motor and non‐motor signs
Authors: Gigante A. F. , Bruno G. , Iliceto G. , Guido M. , Liuzzi D. , Mancino P. V. , De Caro M. F. , Livrea P. , Defazio G.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

Action tremor may occur in patients with Parkinson's disease and cause misdiagnosis with other movement disorders such as essential tremor and dystonia. Data on the frequency of action tremor in Parkinson's disease and on the relationships with other motor and non‐motor signs are limited.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 237 patients with Parkinson's disease staging 1–2 on the Hoehn−Yahr scale was conducted. Data on action tremor and other motor and non‐motor signs were collected using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale.

Results

Action tremor was found in 46% of patients and was associated with both severity of rest tremor (adjusted odds ratio 3.0, P < 0.001) and severity of rigidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, P = 0.004). No association was found between action tremor and severity of bradykinesia (adjusted odds ratio 0.97, P = 0.4) or axial symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 0.9, P = 0.3). Moreover, patients who had action tremor reported a significant lower mean number of non‐motor symptoms than those who had not (2.1 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Action tremor is a relatively frequent motor sign in patients with Parkinson's disease staging 1–2 on the Hoehn−Yahr scale. Action tremor correlates with rest tremor and rigidity and may be associated with a lower burden of non‐motor symptoms. These findings suggest a contribution of non‐dopaminergic mechanisms to action tremor pathophysiology.
Usefulness of Blocksom vesicostomy in elderly men with chronic urinary retention and severe dementia
Authors: Tobu Shohei , Noguchi Mitsuru , Kurata Saya , Kakinoki Hiroaki , Udo Kazuma , Tokuda Yuji , Uozumi Jiro
Published: November 2014

Aim

In the present article, we present the usefulness of Blocksom vesicostomy in elderly men with chronic urinary retention.

Methods

We carried out Blocksom vesicostomy in four patients between January 2011 and September 2013. We followed up all patients over 6 months. We checked their general and urinary condition based on interviews with their family members.

Results

The etiology of urinary retention included prostate cancer and neurogenic bladder. All of the patients had severe dementia. We successfully managed the urinary treatment of all patients, although their general conditions gradually deteriorated.

Conclusions

In general, this type of vesicostomy is not a popular urinary treatment; however, Blocksom vesicostomy can be useful for treating elderly men with chronic urinary retention and severe dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 997–1000.
Some Challenges Posed by Coal Bed Methane Regional Assessment Modeling
Authors: Moore Catherine R. , Doherty John , Howell Stephen , Erriah Leon
Published: November 2014

Coal measures (coal bearing rock strata) can contain large reserves of methane. These reserves are being exploited at a rapidly increasing rate in many parts of the world. To extract coal seam gas, thousands of wells are drilled at relatively small spacing to depressurize coal seams to induce desorption and allow subsequent capture of the gas. To manage this process effectively, the effect of coal bed methane (CBM) extraction on regional aquifer systems must be properly understood and managed. Groundwater modeling is an integral part of this management process. However, modeling of CBM impacts presents some unique challenges, as processes that are operative at two very different scales must be adequately represented in the models. The impacts of large‐scale gas extraction may be felt over a large area, yet despite the significant upscaling that accompanies construction of a regional model, near‐well conditions and processes cannot be ignored. These include the highly heterogeneous nature of many coal measures, and the dual‐phase flow of water and gas that is induced by coal seam depressurization. To understand these challenges, a fine‐scale model was constructed incorporating a detailed representation of lithological heterogeneity to ensure that near‐well processes and conditions could be examined. The detail of this heterogeneity was at a level not previously employed in models built to assess groundwater impacts arising from CBM extraction. A dual‐phase reservoir simulator was used to examine depressurization and water desaturation processes in the vicinity of an extractive wellfield within this fine‐scale model. A single‐phase simulator was then employed so that depressurization errors incurred by neglecting near‐well, dual‐phase flow could be explored. Two models with fewer lithological details were then constructed in order to examine the nature of depressurization errors incurred by upscaling and to assess the interaction of the upscaling process with the requirement for adequate representation of near‐source, dual‐phase processes.
Making Sense of ‘Facebook Murder'? Social Networking Sites and Contemporary Homicide
Authors: Yardley Elizabeth , Wilson David
Published: November 2014

This article sets out to establish whether, and to what extent, homicides involving social networking sites (SNSs) are unique and to identify the ways in which perpetrators of homicide have used SNSs in their crimes. It does so by identifying and analysing relevant cases of homicide from around the world and comparing the characteristics of these cases with the general literature on homicide. We argue that the cases in our sample are largely typical of homicide in general and identify six ways in which homicide perpetrators have used SNSs – as reactors, informers, antagonists, predators, fantasists and imposters.
The effect of personal grooming on self‐perceived body image
Authors: van Paasschen J. , Walker S. C. , Phillips N. , Downing P. E. , Tipper S. P.
Published: November 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Grooming behaviours, including the application of fragranced products, are thought to reflect a means of managing social impressions and self‐image. Although application of deodorants has previously been shown to make individuals appear more confident to others, few studies have specifically examined the psychological effects of such rituals on the wearer. Here, we investigated how grooming behaviours affect self‐perceived body image, a central component of an individual's self‐image.

Methods

In two separate experiments, using a psychophysical forced choice task, male and female participants with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) indicated whether projected life‐size images of their own body were bigger or smaller than their actual size. In the experimental condition, participants applied a fragranced deodorant before performing the task, whereas in the control condition, no product was applied. Our dependent measures were the point of subjective equality (PSE), the size at which participants report their body is subjectively equal to their actual body size, and the difference limen (DL), the amount of change in body size distortion necessary for it to be reliably detected. These measurements provide an index of attitudinal and perceptual components of body image, respectively.

Results

Both male and female participants who, at baseline, overestimated their body size, made significantly more accurate judgments about their body size, as measured by the PSE, following application of a fragranced deodorant or antiperspirant than they did in the control condition. This effect was seen in the absence of differences in perceptual sensitivity to changes in body size (DL) across groups and conditions. People who underestimated their body size did not show this effect. Of note, both male and female overestimators had a significantly larger BMI than underestimators.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the attitudinal component of body image is malleable and can be influenced by everyday grooming routines, suggesting such behaviours have psychological benefits for both genders, beyond their basic hygiene function. However, there are individual differences in people's susceptibility to these effects, perhaps reflecting variability in self‐esteem.
Paediatric prescribing practice and opinions of paediatric prescribers on ePrescribing†
Authors: Burridge Alice Mary , Terry David , Wilson Keith
Published: November 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide an initial insight into current UK paediatric prescribing practice.

Methods

In 2012 focus groups were conducted at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (UK specialist hospital) with both medical and non-medical prescribers and analysed using thematic analysis.

Key findings

Both sets of prescribers used a wide range of resources to support their prescribing decisions. Dosing information was most commonly checked, and a lack of specialist paediatric information was reported in existing resources. All groups had high expectations of the support functions that should be included in an electronic prescribing system and could see many potential benefits. Participants agreed that all staff should see the same drug alerts. The overwhelming concern was whether the current information technology infrastructure would support electronic prescribing.

Conclusions

Prescribers had high expectations of electronic prescribing, but lacked confidence in its delivery. Prescribers use a wide range of resources to support their decision making when prescribing in paediatrics.
Online reporting of pseudoephedrine pharmacy sales: does Australia require a mandatory system?
Authors: Devaney Madonna , Ferris Jason , Mazerolle Lorraine
Published: November 2014

Objective

The objective of our research was to compare the reported pharmacy sales of pseudoephedrine-based medication in state where the electronic recording of sales is mandatory, Queensland, with a state where recording is voluntary, Victoria.

Methods

Unidentified, unit-record, pseudoephedrine-based medication transaction data (known as ProjectSTOP), for both states, were made available by GuildLink Pty Ltd, the data custodians. Data provided dated from roll-out, 8 November 2005 (Queensland) and 10 August 2007 (Victoria) to 16 October 2012 (the last entry at the time of request). Data were stored on a secure, password-protected computer at the University of Queensland, Australia, where it was prepared and analysed.

Key findings

The rate of uptake of ProjectSTOP in Queensland compared with Victoria differed significantly; 1 year after roll-out, 72% of pharmacies in Queensland had used the system compared with 41% in Victoria. There were significant differences in transaction rates between Queensland and Victoria; the transaction rate in Queensland was four times greater than Victoria 1 year after roll-out. Our data show that Victoria captured fewer cases of multiple purchases using the same identification (i.e. suspected pseudo-runner activity) than in Queensland (112 compared with 517 cases in 2011).

Conclusions

Our findings show, not surprisingly, that by making the electronic recording of pseudoephedrine-based medication sales mandatory, there is increased uptake and use of the recording system ProjectSTOP. Importantly, by using ProjectSTOP comprehensively, the data can provide useful intelligence for the identification of trends and patterns of activity in relation to the diversion of pseudoephedrine-based medications.
An ethnographic study of diabetes health beliefs and practices in Sri Lankan adults
Authors: Amarasekara A.A.T.D. , Fongkaew W. , Turale S. , Wimalasekara S.W. , Chanprasit C.
Published: November 2014

Background

Globally, type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent; however, unique cultural contexts in each country might affect these diabetes control behaviours. Diabetes is a serious health issue in Sri Lanka and little is known about the impact of sociocultural context on diabetes health behaviours.

Aim

This first‐time qualitative Sri Lankan study explored the health beliefs and practices of adults with diabetes to enhance current nursing care and medical treatment.

Methods

An ethnographic approach was used to collect data through participant observations, in‐depth interviews with 14 key informants in their homes and field notes. Data were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

Findings revealed unique, informative insights into sociocultural worlds of the participants from three Sinhalese, Tamils and Moor ethnic groups. Findings are described under five themes: gaining religious support, changing food habits is a struggle, exercising is challenging, Western medicine causes long‐term consequences and Ayurveda/traditional treatments can cure.

Conclusion

In Sri Lankans, the impact of sociocultural context on glycaemic control behaviours is significant and should be taken in consideration when health professionals provide care, treatment and health education.

Limitations

Study informants were selected from three ethnic groups and just two communities. Further in‐depth research is required using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in individual groups.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Culturally relevant policies and protocols for community care and treatment of people with diabetes are urgently required in Sri Lanka to enhance cultural treatment and care and reduce the epidemic of diabetes. These policies need to take into account traditional beliefs and practices of various ethnic groups.
Fracture Toughness of Advanced Structural Ceramics: Applying ASTM C1421
Authors: Swab Jeffrey J. , Tice Jason , Wereszczak Andrew A. , Kraft Reuben H.
Published: November 2014

The three methods of determining the quasi‐static Mode I fracture toughness (KIc) (surface crack in flexure—SC, single‐edge precracked beam—PB, and chevron‐notched beam—VB) found in ASTM C1421 were applied to a variety of advanced ceramic materials. All three methods produced valid and comparable KIc values for the Al2O3, SiC, Si3N4, and SiAlON ceramics examined. However, not all methods could successfully be applied to B4C, ZrO2, and WC ceramics due to a variety of material factors. The coarse‐grained microstructure of one B4C hindered the ability to observe and measure the precracks generated in the SC and PB methods while the transformation toughening in the ZrO2 prevented the formation of the SC and PB precracks and thus made it impossible to use either method on this ceramic. The high strength and elastic modulus of the WC made it impossible to achieve stable crack growth using the VB method because the specimen stored a tremendous amount of energy prior to fracture. Even though these methods have passed the rigors of the standardization process there are still some issues to be resolved when the methods are applied to certain classes of ceramics. It is recommended that, when appropriate, at least two of these methods be employed to determine the KIc, especially when a new or unfamiliar ceramic is being evaluated.
Lithium Ion Diffusion Mechanism in Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Solid‐State Electrolytes from Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Chen Chao‐hsu , Du Jincheng
Published: November 2014

Perovskite‐structured lithium lanthanum titanate (LLT, La2/3–xLi3xTiO3, 0 <  x < 0.16) is a promising solid electrolyte with high lithium ion conductivity and a good model system to understand lithium ion diffusion behaviors in solids. Molecular dynamics (MD) and related atomistic computer simulations were used to study the diffusion behavior and diffusion mechanism as a function of composition in LLT solid‐state electrolytes. The effect of defect concentration on the structure and lithium ion diffusion behaviors in LLT was systematically studied using MD simulations and molecular static calculations with the goal to obtain fundamental understanding of the diffusion mechanism of lithium ions in these materials. The simulation results show that there exists an optimal vacancy concentration at around x = 0.067 at which lithium ions have the highest diffusion coefficient and the lowest diffusion energy barrier. The lowest energy barrier from dynamics simulations was found to be around 0.22 eV, which compared favorably with 0.19 eV from static nudged elastic band calculations. It was also found that lithium ions diffuse through bottleneck structures made of oxygen ions, which expand in dimension by 8%–10% when lithium ions pass through. By designing perovskite structures with larger bottleneck sizes can be a means of further improving lithium ion conductivities in these materials.
Thermal Stability, Optical Transmittance, and Refractive Index Dispersion of La2O3–Nb2O5–Al2O3 Glasses
Authors: Yoshimoto Kohei , Masuno Atsunobu , Inoue Hiroyuki , Watanabe Yasuhiro
Published: November 2014

La2O3–Nb2O5–Al2O3 high‐refractive‐index glasses were fabricated by containerless processing, and the glass‐forming region was determined. The thermal stability, density, optical transmittance, and the refractive index dispersion of these glasses were investigated. All the glasses were colorless and transparent in the visible to near infrared (NIR) region and had high refractive index with low wavelength dispersion. Some of these glasses were found to have significantly high glass‐forming ability. These results indicate that the ternary glasses are suitable for optical applications in the visible to NIR region. The effects of the substitution of Al2O3 for Nb2O5 on optical properties were discussed on the basis of the Drude–Voigt equation. It was suggested that the substitution of Al2O3 for Nb2O5 increased the molecular density and suppressed a decrease in the refractive index, even when both the average oscillator strength and inherent absorption wavelength decreased in La2O3–Nb2O5–Al2O3 glasses. These results are helpful for designing new optical glasses controlled to have a higher refractive index and lower wavelength dispersion.
Novel Core–Shell Nanostructure in Percolative PZN−PZT/Ag Ferroelectric Composites
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Fan Xinwei , Zhu Mankang
Published: November 2014

Novel percolative PZN−PZT/Ag ferroelectric composites with intragranular structure were prepared with micro‐PZN−PZT and nano‐Ag particles. The typical core–shell nanostructures were systematically investigated by TEM, in which, the nanoscale shells act as interlayers between the Ag cores and the ceramic matrix. Excellent dielectric properties, such as high dielectric constant (εr ~16600) and low dielectric loss (< 0.056) were reported. The high dielectric constant originates from the coeffect of “microcapacitors” and Maxwell–Wager–Sillars (MWS) polarization. Especially, the core−shell structure may reinforce the MWS effect. Meanwhile, the insulating interlayers reduce the tunnel current between neighboring Ag cores by causing potential barriers, endowing the nanocomposites with low dielectric loss. This approach can be used to realize a novel material with high dielectric constant over a wide frequency and temperature range.
Preparation of Plate‐Like Sodium Niobate Particles by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Bai Shan , Lu Yao , Karaki Tomoaki
Published: November 2014

Sodium niobate NaNbO3 hydrate (NN‐hydrate) particles with a plate‐like morphology were prepared at 140°C for 2 h in 12 mol/L of NaOH by the hydrothermal method. Bar‐like Na8Nb6O19·13H2O particles were synthesized at as low as 100°C for 2 h. This work demonstrates that by carefully optimizing the reaction condition, we can selectively fabricate niobate structures, including the bar‐like, plate‐like, fibers and cube particles through a direct reaction between NaOH solution and Nb2O5. It was found that Nb6O198− formed was an important premise for formation of the NN‐hydrate, and lower [OH–] was not favorable in preparing the NN‐hydrate as there was an optimum [OH−]. Through researching effects of the reaction temperature, time, concentration of NaOH, and content of Nb2O5 on the NN‐hydrate structure and evolution, the formation mechanism from solid reactants to the intermediate were investigated. After calcining at 800°C, the synthesized NN‐hydrate particles made a phase almost transform to the perovskite NaNbO3, and the morphology of these calcined particles was still plate‐like.
Prevalence of hazardous drinking among nursing students
Authors: Rabanales Sotos Joseba , López Gonzalez Ángel , Párraga Martínez Ignacio , Campos Rosa Monchi , Simarro Herraez María José , López‐Torres Hidalgo Jesús
Published: November 2014

Aims

To estimate the frequency of alcohol consumption among nursing students and describe their behaviour patterns in relation to excessive consumption.

Background

Most alcohol‐related problems appear in individuals who indulge in hazardous consumption, with hazardous drinkers constituting a priority in the field of preventive activities. According to previous studies, there is a high proportion of hazardous drinkers among university students.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Over the course of the 2012–2013 academic year, we assessed 1060 nursing degree students, ascertaining their socio‐demographic characteristics, lifestyle and alcohol consumption by means of the Systematic Alcohol Consumption Interview (Interrogatorio Sistematizado de Consumos Alcohólicos/ISCA) and Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory Test (AUDIT).

Results

Hazardous alcohol consumption was observed in 43·4% of students. Moreover, 14·9% of men and 18·7% of women met criteria for hazardous drinkers, without any statistically significant difference between the sexes. The frequency of hazardous drinkers was significantly higher among participants aged under 21 years, those living outside the family nucleus and smokers.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of students show evidence of hazardous alcohol consumption and, while there are no sex‐related differences, the proportion of hazardous drinkers tends to be higher among the youngest subjects, smokers and persons living outside the family nucleus. Alcohol‐prevention activities should envisage greater protection of university settings, particularly where future health professionals are involved.
Testosterone level in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic effects: A review of current evidence
Authors: Cheung Kitty Kit Ting , Luk Andrea On Yan , So Wing Yee , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Kong Alice Pik Shan , Chow Francis Chun Chung , Chan Juliana Chung Ngor
Published: November 2014

A significant proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a low testosterone level relative to reference ranges based on healthy young men. Only a small number of these patients suffer from classical hypogonadism as a result of recognizable hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis pathology. The cut‐off value of the serum testosterone level in men without obvious hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis pathology is controversial. It is unclear to what extent a low serum testosterone level causally leads to type 2 diabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome. From a theoretical standpoint, there can be complex interactions among the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, body composition and insulin resistance, which can be further influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors to give rise to metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, and low‐grade inflammation to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although a low serum testosterone level frequently coexists with cardiometabolic risk factors and might serve as a biomarker, more studies are required to clarify the causal, mediating or modifying roles of low serum testosterone level in the development of adverse clinical outcomes. Currently, there are insufficient randomized clinical trial data to evaluate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on meaningful clinical outcomes. The risk‐to‐benefit ratio of testosterone therapy in high‐risk subjects, such as those with type 2 diabetes, also requires elucidation. The present article aims to review the current evidence on low serum testosterone levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, and its implications on cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome and adverse clinical outcomes.
Effects of Coatings of Polyethyleneimine and Thyme Essential Oil Combined with Chitosan on Sliced Fresh Channa argus during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Yang Fuxin , Hu Shuaifeng , Lu Ye , Yang Hui , Zhao Yong , Li Li
Published: November 2014

The coating effects of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and thyme essential oil (T) combined with chitosan (Ch) on the quality of sliced fresh Channa argus during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 1C were investigated. Solutions of Ch, Ch + PEI (2% w/v Ch + 1% v/v PEI) and Ch + T (2% w/v Ch + 1% v/v T) were used as coatings. The treatments were compared by analyzing changes in sensory characteristics, total viable count and physicochemical parameters (texture, pH, thiobarbituric acid and total volatile basic nitrogen). The results indicated that all three treatments retarded the decay of the fish fillets and significantly extended the shelf life by approximately 4–5 days compared with control treatment (without treatment). Based on microbiological, physicochemical and sensory evaluations, the Ch/PEI treatment exhibited superior preservation ability in maintaining the quality of C. argus among the three treatments. And the preservation ability of the Ch/T treatment was better than that of the Ch treatment.

Practical Applications

In the recent years, people have paid more attention to health and food quality throughout the world. Bacterial contamination reduces the shelf life of fish products. In order to meet the consumers' demand, the antibacterial coating has been applied to the field of food. This paper gives a report on the changes of quality of Channa argus treated with coatings of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and thyme essential oil combined with chitosan. From the results obtained, C. argus without treatment deteriorates much quicker than samples treated with coatings because of antimicrobial action of coating solution, and PEI combined with chitosan has the best effect on maintaining the quality. The outcome demonstrates that the combination of PEI and chitosan is significantly effective in limiting microbial spoilage in sliced fresh C. argus and enhancing the shelf life. This work will provide useful information for fish preservation.
Physicothermal Properties of Aqueous Sodium Chloride Solutions
Authors: Carvalho G.R. , Chenlo F. , Moreira R. , Telis‐Romero J.
Published: November 2014

Physicothermal properties of sodium chloride solutions as complementary information to the existent in literature were experimentally measured under different conditions of mass concentration (in the range of 0.040 kg NaCl/kg solution to 0.240 kg NaCl/kg solution) and temperature (between 4 and 52 °C). Density, dynamic viscosity, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity were measured using a standard volumetric glass pycnometer, rheometer, differential scanning calorimeter and coaxial dual‐cylinder apparatus, respectively. Prandtl number was calculated with the measured properties. Statistical analyses were carried out to determine the effect of the salt concentration and temperature on the properties, and, subsequently, different correlations were proposed to estimate the experimental results with acceptable goodness of fit. Linear relationships were observed among tested properties and sodium chloride concentrations, whereas the temperature dependence was specific for each property.

Practical Applications

Experimental data about binary solutions, such as sodium chloride solutions, are insufficient, and much specific information is still unknown. The knowledge of this information is necessary in the effective designing of food processing equipment such as evaporators, pumps, heat exchangers, filters and mixers, as well as in the food process control. Additionally, the calculation of Prandtl number from experimental data plays an important role for understanding the physical mechanism of the fluid flow and heat transfer.
Immunohistochemical characterization of endometrial carcinomas: Endometrioid, serous and clear cell adenocarcinomas in association with genetic analysis
Authors: Yasuda Masanori
Published: November 2014

Developments in immunohistochemistry, which are closely linked with the advances in the analyses of genetic abnormalities and their associated molecular disorders as early and late histogenetic events, have contributed greatly to the improvement of pathological diagnostic confirmation and validation. Immunohistochemistry has also generated great benefit to the innovation of therapeutic strategies for various kinds of cancers. In this article, the three representative histological types of corpus cancer, namely, endometrioid adenocarcinoma, serous adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma, will be histologically approached in association with their immunohistochemical profiles as well as genetic disorders. First, the focus will be on ‘Conventional/prototypic features,’ followed by ‘Controversy over conventional histological subclassification,’ and subsequently ‘Tumorigenesis and re‐subclassification.’
Novel complex disease allele mutations in cleidocranial dysplasia patients
Authors: Anthonappa Robert P. , Yan‐Hui Fan , King Nigel M. , Rabie Abu Bakr M. , You‐Qiang Song
Published: November 2014

This study reports a novel identical complex disease allele harboring two non‐synonymous mutations that were identified in two southern Chinese individuals of the same family with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). Blood samples were obtained from the proband, his parents, plus 100 matched control subjects. Exons 0 to 7 of the RUNX2 gene were amplified using specific primers and sequenced. Multiple sequence alignment and protein structure modeling was performed using ClustalW2 and MODBASE software while PolyPhen‐2 and MutationTaster applications were employed to predict the disease‐causing potential of the identified mutations. A complex disease allele in two affected individuals harboring two non‐synonymous mutations in a cis‐position on exons 4 (D273N) and 5 (P299L) were identified. The identified mutations were in the conserved region and changed the protein structure.
An experimental investigation of chemical communication in the polar bear
Authors: Owen M. A. , Swaisgood R. R. , Slocomb C. , Amstrup S. C. , Durner G. M. , Simac K. , Pessier A. P.
Published: November 2014

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus), with its wide‐ranging movements, solitary existence and seasonal reproduction, is expected to favor chemosignaling over other communication modalities. However, the topography of its Arctic sea ice habitat is generally lacking in stationary vertical substrates routinely used for targeted scent marking in other bears. These environmental constraints may have shaped a marking strategy, unique to polar bears, for widely dispersed continuous dissemination of scent via foot pads. To investigate the role of chemical communication, pedal scents were collected from free‐ranging polar bears of different sex and reproductive classes captured on spring sea ice in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, and presented in a controlled fashion to 26 bears in zoos. Results from behavioral bioassays indicated that bears, especially females, were more likely to approach conspecific scent during the spring than the fall. Male flehmen behavior, indicative of chemosignal delivery to the vomeronasal organ, differentiated scent donor by sex and reproductive condition. Histologic examination of pedal skin collected from two females indicated prominent and profuse apocrine glands in association with large compound hair follicles, suggesting that they may produce scents that function as chemosignals. These results suggest that pedal scent, regardless of origin, conveys information to conspecifics that may facilitate social and reproductive behavior, and that chemical communication in this species has been adaptively shaped by environmental constraints of its habitat. However, continuously distributed scent signals necessary for breeding behavior may prove less effective if current and future environmental conditions cause disruption of scent trails due to increased fracturing of sea ice.
A Ramp Metering Strategy for Rapid Congestion Recovery
Authors: Jiang* Rui , Chung Edward
Published: November 2014

Recurrent congestion caused by high commuter traffic is an irritation to motorway users. Ramp metering (RM) is the most effective motorway control means for significantly reducing motorway congestion. However, given field constraints (e.g., limited ramp space and maximum ramp waiting time), RM cannot eliminate recurrent congestion during the increased long peak hours. This article, therefore, focuses on rapid congestion recovery to further improve RM systems: that is, to quickly clear congestion in recovery periods. The feasibility of using RM for recovery is analyzed, and a zone recovery strategy for RM is proposed. Note that this study assumes no incident and demand management involved, that is no rerouting behavior and strategy considered. This strategy is modeled, calibrated, and tested in the northbound model of the Pacific Motorway, Brisbane, Australia, in a microsimulation environment for recurrent congestion scenario, and evaluation results have justified its effectiveness.
Salicylic acid binding of mitochondrial alpha‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase E2 affects mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain components and plays a role in basal defense against tobacco mosaic virus in tomato
Authors: Liao Yangwenke , Tian Miaoying , Zhang Huan , Li Xin , Wang Yu , Xia Xiaojian , Zhou Jie , Zhou Yanhong , Yu Jingquan , Shi Kai , Klessig Daniel F.
Published: November 2014

Salicylic acid (SA) plays a critical role in plant defense against pathogen invasion. SA‐induced viral defense in plants is distinct from the pathways mediating bacterial and fungal defense and involves a specific pathway mediated by mitochondria; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.

The SA‐binding activity of the recombinant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) alpha‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (Slα‐kGDH) E2 subunit of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was characterized. The biological role of this binding in plant defenses against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was further investigated via Slα‐kGDH E2 silencing and transient overexpression in plants.

Slα‐kGDH E2 was found to bind SA in two independent assays. SA treatment, as well as Slα‐kGDH E2 silencing, increased resistance to TMV. SA did not further enhance TMV defense in Slα‐kGDH E2‐silenced tomato plants but did reduce TMV susceptibility in Nicotiana benthamiana plants transiently overexpressing Slα‐kGDH E2. Furthermore, Slα‐kGDH E2‐silencing‐induced TMV resistance was fully blocked by bongkrekic acid application and alternative oxidase 1a silencing.

These results indicated that binding by Slα‐kGDH E2 of SA acts upstream of and affects the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which plays an important role in basal defense against TMV. The findings of this study help to elucidate the mechanisms of SA‐induced viral defense.
Menthol‐induced action potentials in Conocephalum conicum as a result of unspecific interactions between menthol and the lipid phase of the plasma membrane
Authors: Kupisz Kamila , Trebacz Kazimierz , Gruszecki Wiesław I.
Published: November 2014

Our previous study has shown that the liverwort Conocephalum conicum generates action potentials (APs) in response to both temperature drop and menthol, which are also activators of the TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) receptor in animals. Not only similarities but also differences between electrical reactions to menthol and cooling observed in the liverwort aroused our interest in the action of menthol at the molecular level. Patch‐clamp investigations have shown that menthol causes a reduction of current flowing through slow vacuolar (SV) channels to 29 ± 10% of the initial value (n = 9); simultaneously, it does not influence magnitudes of currents passing through a single SV channel. This may point to an unspecific interaction between menthol and the lipid phase of the membrane. An influence of menthol on lipid organization in membranes was investigated in two‐component monomolecular layers formed with menthol and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) at the argon–water interface. Analyses of the mean molecular area parameters vs the molar fraction of the menthol component have shown over‐additivity (approximately 20 Å2) in the region of high molar fractions of menthol. Infrared absorption spectroscopy studies have shown that menthol, most probably, induces breaking of a hydrogen bond network formed by ester carbonyl groups and water bridges in the lipid membrane and binds to the polar head group region of DPPC. We conclude that the disruption in the lipid phase of the membrane influences ion channels and/or pumps and subsequently causes generation of APs in excitable plants such as C. conicum.
Associations between work family conflict, emotional exhaustion, musculoskeletal pain, and gastrointestinal problems in a sample of business travelers
Authors: Jensen Maria Therese , Rundmo Torbjørn
Published: November 2014

The aim of the study was to examine the associations among work‐family conflict (WFC), emotional exhaustion, musculoskeletal (MS) pain, and gastrointestinal problems on a sample of business travelers (n = 2,093). An additional aim was to examine differences in the mentioned relationships among three traveler groups: commuters, national travelers, and international travelers. The study was conducted in a large Norwegian oil and gas company, and the company's business travel database was utilized to examine business travel. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed significant relations between WFC and emotional exhaustion and between emotional exhaustion and health problems. Contrary to the expectations, no direct association was found between WFC and health problems. However, we found that emotional exhaustion mediated the relation between WFC and health outcomes. The results from multi‐group analysis revealed that associations among WFC, emotional exhaustion, and health‐outcomes showed a similar pattern for commuters, national travelers, and international travelers. However, the association between emotional exhaustion and MS pain proved to be significantly stronger for the commuter group compared to the national and international travel groups. Practical implications and the consequences of these findings for future research are discussed.
Trends in blood utilization in United States cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Robich Michael P. , Koch Colleen G. , Johnston Douglas R. , Schiltz Nicholas , Chandran Pillai Aiswarya , Hussain Syed T. , Soltesz Edward G.
Published: November 2014

Background

We sought to determine whether publication of blood conservation guidelines by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in 2007 influenced transfusion rates and to understand how patient‐ and hospital‐level factors influenced blood product usage.

Study Design and Methods

We identified 4,465,016 patients in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database who underwent cardiac operations between 1999 and 2010 (3,202,404 before the guidelines and 1,262,612 after). Hierarchical linear modeling was used to account for hospital‐ and patient‐level clustering.

Results

Transfusion rates of blood products increased from 13% in 1999 to a peak of 34% in 2010. Use of all blood components increased over the study period. Aortic aneurysm repair had the highest transfusion rate with 54% of patients receiving products in 2010. In coronary artery bypass grafting, the number of patients receiving blood products increased from 12% in 1999 to 32% in 2010. Patients undergoing valvular operations had a transfusion rate of 15% in 1999, increasing to 36% in 2010. Patients undergoing combined operations had an increase from 13% to 40% over 11 years. Risk factors for transfusion were anemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01‐2.09), coagulopathy (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.51‐1.57), diabetes (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.28‐1.36), renal failure (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.26‐1.32), and liver disease (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.31). Compared to the Northeast, the risk for transfusion was significantly lower in the Midwest; higher‐volume hospitals used fewer blood products than lower‐volume centers. Cell salvage usage remained below 5% across all years.

Conclusion

Independent of patient‐ and hospital‐level factors, blood product utilization continues to increase for all cardiac operations despite publication of blood conservation guidelines in 2007.
Low-Wear High-Friction Behavior of Copper Matrix Composites Dispersed With an In Situ Polymer Derived Ceramic
Authors: Castellan Enzo , Kailas Satish V. , Madayi Shimjith , Raj Rishi
Published: November 2014

We show that copper-matrix composites that contain 20 vol. % of an in situ processed, polymer-derived, ceramic phase constituted from Si-C-N have unusual friction-and-wear properties. They show negligible wear despite a coefficient of friction (COF) that approaches 0.7. This behavior is ascribed to the lamellar structure of the composite such that the interlamellar regions are infused with nanoscale dispersion of ceramic particles. There is significant hardening of the composite just adjacent to the wear surface by severe plastic deformation.
Mechanics Design for Stretchable, High Areal Coverage GaAs Solar Module on an Ultrathin Substrate
Authors: Shi Xiaoting , Xu Renxiao , Li Yuhang , Zhang Yihui , Ren Zhigang , Gu Jianfeng , Rogers John A. , Huang Yonggang
Published: November 2014

The trench design of substrate together with curvy interconnect formed from buckling provides a solution to stretchable electronics with high areal coverage on an ultrathin substrate, which are critically important for stretchable photovoltaics. In this paper, an improved trench design is proposed and verified by finite element analysis (FEA), through use of a heterogeneous design, to facilitate strain isolation and avoid possible fracture/delamination issue. A serpentine design of interconnect is also devised to offer ∼440% interconnect level stretchability, which is >3.5 times that of previous trench design, and could transform into 20% system-level stretchability, even for areal coverage as high as ∼90%.
Numerical Modeling of Regenerative Cooling System for Large Expansion Ratio Rocket Engines
Authors: Rajagopal Manikanda
Published: November 2014

In this study, the performance of regenerative cooling system for large expansion ratio rocket engines (Ae/At ∼ 100) is investigated numerically. During combustion and gas expansion, the walls of the combustion chamber and the rocket nozzle are exposed to high temperature gas (∼3500 K), which can ultimately lead to structural failure. Therefore, to protect the hardware from thermal failure, a regenerative cooling system for a cryogenic rocket engine that uses fuel (liquid hydrogen (LH)) or oxidizer (liquid oxygen (LOX)) as the cooling medium is considered. Three-dimensional simulations have been performed for both constant and variable fluid properties. The influence of the thermal properties of the material and thickness of the nozzle wall on conductive heat transfer has also been investigated. The effect of radiative heat transfer when there is no regenerative cooling system has been analyzed. In addition, heat transfer enhancement for different turbulence models and the influence of coolant used (both the fuel and oxidizer) is also investigated. It is evident from the results that a properly designed regenerative cooling system can maintain the hot side wall at a temperature well below the melting point of the wall material, which ensures the protection of nozzle hardware from thermal failure. Also, the predicted pressure drop is found to be 0.7 bar, which meets the design requirement. Numerical predictions are validated with the data available in literature.